bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The excessive numbers of total nucleated cells does not affect the performance of the CliniMACS
Authors: Arpaci Fikret , Çetin Türker , Özet Ahmet , Oysul Kaan , Pekel Aysel , Ataergin Selmin , Kuzhan Okan , Kömürcü Şeref , Öztürk Bekir
Published: December 2004

This prospective study was carried out in healthy donors and patients. The performance of the CliniMACS was evaluated with the comparison of the numbers of total nucleated cell (TNC) within and over the capacity of the normal scale column. In addition, large vs. normal scale column and manual vs. automated washing systems were also compared. A total of 44 selections were done. Eighteen normal scale selections were done with initial TNC numbers over 6 × 1010 and 14 selections were performed below this number. None of the cases had CD34+ cell numbers over the capacity. Flow cytometry was used to check each separation performance for purity and recovery of CD34+ cells along with T‐ and B‐cell depletion level parameters. All healthy donors had significantly better mean purity and recovery of CD34+ cells, and T‐ and B‐cell depletion status than that of patients with values 95 vs. 85%, P: 0.006; 77 vs. 58%, P: 0.004; 4.55 log vs. 4.06 log, P: 0.004; 3.19 log vs. 2.63 log, P: 0.01, respectively. However, the performance of the system was not dependent on using the normal or large‐scale column; automated or manual washing systems; and initial TNC numbers above (>6 × 1010, range: 7.05–21.84 × 1010, mean: 12.32 × 1010 ) or within (<6 × 1010, range: 0.86–5.89 × 1010, mean: 4.15 × 1010) the column capacity. In conclusion, the performance of the CliniMACS is more efficient in healthy donors than in patients. However, the performance of the system did not change as long as the numbers of CD34+ cells (range: 0.34–5.87 × 108) were not exceeding the column capacity despite that more than 6 × 1010 TNCs were used. J. Clin. Apheresis 19:197–201, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulated protein kinase C phosphorylation of type VI adenylyl cyclase inhibits parathyroid hormone signal transduction in rat osteoblastic UMR 106‐01 cells
Authors: Cheung Ricky , Erclik Mary S. , Mitchell Jane
Published: December 2004

1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) treatment of osteoblastic cells was shown previously to attenuate Parathyroid hormone (PTH) response by inhibiting adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits AC in rat osteoblastic UMR 106‐01 cells. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment inhibited both PTH and forskolin‐stimulated AC activity by 25%–50% within 12 min in a concentration‐dependent manner suggesting a direct inhibition of the AC enzyme. Treatment with 25(OH)D3 had no effect on basal or stimulated AC activity. We determined the profile of AC subtypes expressed in UMR cells and found AC VI to be the dominant subtype accounting for 50% of AC mRNA. Since AC VI can be inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation, we examined 1,25(OH)2D3 activation of various PKC isoforms. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the membrane translocation of PKC‐βI, ‐δ, and ‐ζ with a concomitant increase in PKC activity. The translocation of PKC‐βI and ‐δ was blocked by the PLC inhibitor U73122 whereas that of PKC‐ζ was abolished by the PI‐3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin. The attenuation of cAMP production by 1,25(OH)2D3 was antagonized by the PKC inhibitors Gö6850, calphostin C, and wortmannin, but not by a calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 20 min increased AC VI phosphorylation by 10.8‐fold and this was blocked partially by Gö6850 and partially by wortmannin but was unaffected by CaMKII inhibitor. These results demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3 activation of PKC isoforms leads to phosphorylation of AC VI and inhibition of PTH‐activation of this pathway in osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 94: 1017–1027, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulations of the active transport of a neutral solute based on a kinase‐channel‐phosphatase topology
Authors: Fiaty K. , Charcosset C. , Perrin B. , Couturier R. , Maïsterrena B.
Published: December 2004

Simulations of coupled interactions involving two opposite enzymatic reactions, solute diffusions, and electrostatic interactions between membrane charges and charged solutes were conducted under a fixed kinase‐channel‐phosphatase (KCP) topology oriented from the outside to the inside of a porous membrane structure. Depending on the kinase and phosphatase locations, we recently demonstrated that an active transport of a phosphorylated substrate may occur via the opposite topology, that is, a PCK topology. The present analysis demonstrates that, under a KCP membrane topology, which also behaves as a specific ATP‐dependent transporter, the active transport of a neutral substrate may occur. This analogous active transport appears to be dependent on the phosphatase location and on the membrane surface potentials. A broad analysis of the role played by the main parameters taken into account in the model was conducted in order to define precisely the physico‐chemical conditions and the membrane topology needed for the highest active transports within the shortest time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 201–213, 2005
Theoretical calculations of homoconjugation equilibrium constants in systems modeling acid–base interactions in side chains of biomolecules using the potential of mean force
Authors: Makowska Joanna , Makowski Mariusz , Liwo Adam , Chmurzyński Lech
Published: December 2004

The potentials of mean force (PMFs) were determined for systems forming cationic and anionic homocomplexes composed of acetic acid, phenol, isopropylamine, n‐butylamine, imidazole, and 4(5)‐methylimidazole, and their conjugated bases or acids, respectively, in three solvents with different polarity and hydrogen‐bonding propensity: acetonitrile (AN), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and water (H2O). For each pair and each solvent a series of umbrella‐sampling molecular dynamics simulations with the AMBER force field, explicit solvent, and counterions added to maintain a zero net charge of a system were carried out and the PMF was calculated by using the Weighted Histogram Analysis Method (WHAM). Subsequently, homoconjugation‐equilibrium constants were calculated by numerical integration of the respective PMF profiles. In all cases but imidazole stable homocomplexes were found to form in solution, which was manifested as the presence of contact minima corresponding to hydrogen‐bonded species in the PMF curves. The calculated homoconjugation constants were found to be greater for complexes with the OHO bridge (acetic acid and phenol) than with the NHN bridge and they were found to decrease with increasing polarity and hydrogen‐bonding propensity of the solvent (i.e., in the series AN > DMSO > H2O), both facts being in agreement with the available experimental data. It was also found that interactions with counterions are manifested as the broadening of the contact minimum or appearance of additional minima in the PMF profiles of the acetic acid‐acetate, phenol/phenolate system in acetonitrile, and the 4(5)‐methylimidazole/4(5)‐methylimidzole cation conjugated base system in dimethyl sulfoxide. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 235–242, 2005
Blocking sets of nonsecant lines to a conic in PG(2,q), q odd
Authors: Aguglia Angela , Korchmáros Gábor
Published: December 2004

In a previous paper 1, all point sets of minimum size in PG(2,q), blocking all external lines to a given irreducible conic ${\cal C}$, have been determined for every odd q. Here we obtain a similar classification for those point sets of minimum size, which meet every external and tangent line to ${\cal C}$. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constructing cyclic PBIBD(2)s through an optimization approach: Thirty‐two new cyclic designs
Authors: Morales Luis B.
Published: December 2004

We formulate the construction of cyclic partially balanced incomplete block designs with two associate classes (PBIBD(2)s) as a combinatorial optimization problem. We propose an algorithm based on tabu search to tackle the problem. Our algorithm constructed 32 new cyclic PBIBD(2)s. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of soil type and storage conditions on sensory qualities of fresh‐cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Bett‐Garber Karen L , Lamikanra Olusola , Lester Gene E , Ingram Daphne A , Watson Michael A
Published: December 2004

On‐farm cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) production as well as fresh‐cut storage duration can affect postharvest fruit sensory attributes. Both effects of soil type during production of cantaloupe fruits and storage temperature after fresh‐cut processing on sensory flavour and texture attributes were determined. Melons grown in sandy loam vs heavy clay soil were lower in sweet aromatic and sweet taste and higher in moisture release and fermented flavour. Fruity/melon, sweet aromatic, surface wetness, hardness and moisture release attributes decreased while fermented and sour flavour increased during storage regardless of soil type. During storage an increase in peroxidase activity occurred in fruits produced in sandy loam soil but decreased in fruits produced in clay soil. Clay soil appeared to have some advantages over sandy loam soil in producing cantaloupe fruits with better sensory quality attributes. Storage temperature conditions in this experiment (4 °C for 10 days or 4 °C for 4 days plus 10 °C for 6 days) did not have a statistically significant effect on these sensory attributes. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of various processing techniques and different levels of antioxidant on stability of rice bran during storage
Authors: Mujahid Ahmad , Ikram ul Haq  , Asif Musaddiq , Gilani Abrar H
Published: December 2004

Rice bran is a major cereal by‐product available for animal feeding in many parts of the world. It has a good balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The greatest restriction to the use of rice bran is its instability during storage, leading to rancidity and the presence of heat‐labile antinutritional factors. Rice bran was treated to stabilize it by extrusion cooking, roasting, pelleting and adding antioxidant (125, 250 and 375 ppm). The rice bran so treated was stored for 345 days and analyzed every 15 days for free fatty acid, peroxide and iodine values. Heat treatments were effective in stabilizing rice bran by reducing the rancidity and increasing the storage life. Roasting was effective in stabilizing rice bran for only 180 days of storage. Raw and pelleted rice bran behaved similarly with regard to stability during storage for 345 days. Addition of antioxidant in rice bran was not effective for stabilizing FFA, peroxide and iodine values. There was no difference in dose rates of antioxidant of 125, 250 and 375 ppm. Extrusion cooking proved to be the most effective process for stabilizing rice bran for prolonged storage, and roasting would be the next choice. Addition of antioxidant in rice bran was not effective for stabilizing rice bran during storage. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of pressure on inclusion complexation of methylene blue with water‐soluble p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes
Authors: Sueishi Yoshimi , Inazumi Naoya , Hanaya Tadashi
Published: December 2004

The effects of pressure were examined for the inclusion complexation of water‐soluble p‐sulfonated calix[n]arenes (Calix‐Sn: n = 4, Calix‐S4; n = 6, Calix‐S6; n = 8, Calix‐S8) with methylene blue (MB). A differential pressure effect was found in the inclusion equilibria of Calix‐Sn. As the external pressure increases, the inclusion equilibrium of MB with Calix‐S4 and Calix‐S6 shifts to the dissociation side. However, with Calix‐S8, the inclusion equilibrium shifts to the association side with increased pressure. From the pressure dependence of the inclusion equilibria of Calix‐Sn, the reaction volumes, which are changes in volume accompanied by inclusion, were estimated as 32.1 cm3 mol−1 for Calix‐S4, 30.1 cm3 mol−1 for Calix‐S6 and −13.8 cm3 mol−1 for Calix‐S8. In addition, the structures of the inclusion complexes of Calix‐Sn with MB have been established by 1H NMR measurements. Based on the results, the behavior of inclusion complexation with Calix‐Sn is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing Eastern tent caterpillars Malacosoma americanum (F) on horse farms to reduce risk of mare reproductive loss syndrome
Authors: Potter Daniel A , Foss Leslie , Baumler Rebecca E , Held David W
Published: December 2004

An equine disease now known as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) struck the Ohio Valley in 2001–2002 causing thousands of foal abortions and enormous economic loss. Evidence that pregnant mares' exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars Malacosoma americanum (F) induces MRLS created an urgent call for control measures suitable for use on horse farms. We surveyed egg mass distribution and monitored emergence in wild cherry trees, and evaluated reduced‐risk treatment strategies including foliage sprays, trunk injections, winter egg mass treatments and barrier sprays to intercept larvae entering pastures. Egg masses were concentrated in the lower canopy, on exposed sides of trees. Larval emergence began in mid‐March. Emergence was prolonged (3–4 weeks) in 2002, a typically cool spring, but more synchronized in warmer 2003. Winter treatment of egg masses with bifenthrin or permethrin in a penetrating solvent prevented emergence, but 3% horticultural oil was ineffective for that purpose. Insecticidal soap or oil sprayed directly on neonates gave relatively poor control. Bifenthrin and spinosad were effective as foliage sprays against all instars, their field‐weathered residues active for at least 7 days. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var kurstaki controlled neonates within 3 days but was less active against late instars, with shorter residual action than bifenthrin or spinosad. Larvae did not avoid insecticide‐treated leaves. Trunk microinjection of cherry trees with dicrotophos was effective against all instars, whereas microinjection with milbemectin or abamectin gave poor or inconsistent control. Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate also was effective. Dry permethrin residues controlled late instars crawling in pasture grass for at least 7 days. Factors complicating M americanum management on horse farms are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The antidiarrhoeal activity of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract
Authors: Agbor Gabriel A. , Léopold Talla , Jeanne Ngogang Y.
Published: December 2004

Diarrhoea is a public health problem in developing countries. It is therefore important and useful to identify plants with antidiarrhoeal activity. Alchornea cordifolia is quoted by many traditional healers as a plant with this activity. The antidiarrhoeal activity of its leaf extract was investigated against castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice, using morphine as the standard reference drug. A signiﬁcant (p < 0.01) dose related (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg) antidiarrhoeal activity of A. cordifolia leaf ethanol extract was observed with 800 mg/kg extract being the most effective. It delayed mouse intestinal transit accelerated by castor oil, inhibited the production of diarrhoeal faeces and modiﬁed the ﬂuid and electrolyte transport across the colonic mucosa when administered intraluminally. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins and ﬂavonoids which may account for the increased colonic water and electrolyte reabsorption, a mechanism suggested for the antidiarrhoeal activity of A. cordifolia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological effects of fermented red pepper
Authors: Choi Y. M. , Suh H. J.
Published: December 2004

The pharmacological effects were investigated of fermented red pepper (HF‐S), which consisted of 14.7% carbohydrate, 1.5% lipid, 4.9% protein, 0.3% ash, 78.2% moisture content, with 0.15% capsaicin and 0.06% dihydrocapsaicin. Oral administration of 0.25 mL HF‐S for 3 weeks produced signiﬁcant changes of the perirenal fat pad weight compared with the HF‐control group, suggesting a suppressive effect on lipid accumulation and a signiﬁcant decrease in the risk of arteriosclerosis. The HF‐S (0.25 mL) group also showed a lower plasma TG, TC level and atherogenic index than that of the HF‐control. In addition, the HF‐S (0.25 mL) group showed a marked increase in the production of glutathione, which is the major endogenous antioxidant, and a decrease in the production of lipid peroxide as the product of chemical damage by oxygen free radicals. It is assumed that the effect of HF‐S might relate to high glutathione production on the suppression of lipid peroxidation. HF‐S stimulated not only the proliferation of macrophages (as high as the positive control, LPS at 1000 µg/mL) but also mitogenic activity (1.2‐fold of LPS at 100 µg/mL). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tannins and catechin gallate mediate the vasorelaxant effect of Arbutus unedo on the rat isolated aorta
Authors: Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Mekhﬁ Hassane , Bnouham Mohamed , Herrenknecht Christine , Roumy Vincent , Fourneau Christophe , Laurens Alain , Hoerter Jacqueline , Fischmeister Rodolphe
Published: December 2004

This study examined the vascular effect of Arbutus leaves (aqueous extract) and described the isolation of several fractions responsible for their vasorelaxant activity. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was tested on rat aortic rings precontracted with 0.1 µm noradrenaline. At 10−2 g/L, AE produced an endothelium dependent relaxation of 66% ± 5%, (n = 8). The leaves of Arbutus were then extracted successively with different solvents and the methanol extract was the most active. When tannins (primarily condensed tannins) were precipitated from the methanol extract, they showed a strong vasorelaxant activity (87% ± 4%, n = 5), whereas the elimination of tannins in the methanol extract reduced signiﬁcantly its vasorelaxant activity (42% ± 8%, n = 8, p < 0.005). The methanol extract was further separated semi‐preparatively by reversed‐phase HPLC. Four fractions (Fr2, Fr3, Fr4 and Fr6) were the most active and produced 88% ± 2% (n = 5), 75% ± 6% (n = 5), 76% ± 3% (n = 7) and 77% ± 3% (n = 10) relaxation, respectively. These four fractions mainly correspond to polyphenol compounds. Analysis of Fr6 indicated that this fraction contained catechin gallate. In conclusion, the vasorelaxant activity of Arbutus is likely to be due to polyphenol compounds, primarily condensed tannins and catechin gallate. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of Pycnogenol on DNA damage in vitro and expression of superoxide dismutase and HP1 in Escherichia coli SOD and catalase deﬁcient mutant cells
Authors: Kim Young Gon , Park Hyeon Yong
Published: December 2004

The procyanidin‐rich French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol (PYC) is believed to be an antioxidant. To access whether PYC protects DNA against Fenton reaction radicals, pUC 19 plasmid DNA was damaged by OH− radicals generated from Fe(II) plus H2O2 in the presence and absence of PYC. DNA damage was quantiﬁed by measuring decreases in supercoiled DNA (SC‐DNA) using agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that PYC (50 µg/mL) did not inhibit DNA damage from Fenton reaction‐generated oxyradicals, when the Fenton reaction was allowed to proceed. However, PYC did protect against DNA damage when added prior to the initiation of the Fenton reaction, suggesting that protection resulted from chelation of Fe rather than from the scavenging of radicals. Moreover, we unexpectedly observed PYC‐associated DNA breakage, which was dose‐ and time‐ dependent. Other antioxidants such as desferrioxamine (DFO) including butylated hydroxyltoluene (BHT), curcumin and α‐tocopherol exhibited protective effects against DNA damage caused by the Fenton reaction. Subsequently, we assessed the possible pro‐oxidant function of PYC on DNA damage in E. coli SOD deﬁcient mutants under oxidative stress, after observing that PYC can induce SOD under oxidative stress. Although, PYC did not enhance DNA damage, it likewise did not protect against oxidative stress‐mediated DNA damage. All together, our data indicate that PYC under some circumstances can enhance oxidative stress‐mediated DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Momordica charantia on lipid proﬁle and oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats
Authors: Chaturvedi P. , George S. , Milinganyo M. , Tripathi Y. B.
Published: December 2004

In this study, the methanol extract of Momordica charantia fruit extract was administered to diabetic rats to assess the long term effect of the extract on the lipid proﬁle and the oral glucose tolerance test. Treatment for 30 days showed a signiﬁcant decrease in triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and a signiﬁcant increase in high density lipoprotein level. A signiﬁcant effect on oral glucose tolerance was also noted. Chronic administration showed an improvement in the oral glucose tolerance curve. The effect was more pronounced when the test was done in rats fed the extract on the day of the test compared with tests done in rats which were not fed the extract on the same day. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Influence of Sulfate‐Doping on the Nature of V Sites in VOx/TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Brückner Angelika , Bentrup Ursula , Stelzer Jean‐Boris
Published: December 2004

EPR, UV/Vis and FTIR spectroscopy as well as thermal analysis (TA/MS) were applied to study the influence of sulfate species present in the anatase support on the specific nature of VOx species in supported VOx/TiO2 catalysts. Those sulfate species modify the local structure of the supported vanadyl species and lead to the formation of two types of VO2+ sites instead of only one type being formed on sulfate‐free anatase. EPR and FTIR spectroscopic measurements revealed that a part of the VO2+ species are directly bound to the surface sulfate species. By TA/MS it was found that SO2 is released at lower temperature from VOx/TiO2 in comparison to the vanadium‐free support. The direct bonding between sulfate and VOx species stabilizes the latter on the surface of VOx/TiO2 resulting in three effects: 1) a higher V site dispersion in comparison to sulfate‐free TiO2, 2) a better resistance of surface vanadyls against diffusion into the bulk of the support and 3) a much faster reoxidation of reduced V sites than observed on sulfate‐free TiO2.
2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐dien‐ und 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienyl‐Komplexe des Rhodiums und Iridiums
Authors: Müller Jörn , Schiller Carsten , Escarpa Gaede Petra , Kempf Martin
Published: December 2004

Die Komplexe [(η4‐C7H12)RhCl]2 (1) (C7H12 = 2, 4‐Dimethylpenta‐1, 3‐dien) und [(η4‐C7H12)2IrCl] (2) wurden durch Reaktion von [(η2‐C2H4)2RhCl]2 bzw. von [(η2‐Cycloocten)2IrCl]2 mit C7H12 erhalten. Die Umsetzung von 1 oder 2 mit CpTl (Cp = η5‐C5H5) liefert die Verbindungen [CpM(η4‐C7H12)] (3a: M = Rh; 3b: M = Ir). Die Hydridabstraktion am Pentadien‐Liganden von 3a, b mit Ph3CBF4 verläuft in Abhängigkeit vom Solvens unterschiedlich. In Aceton oder THF erhält man ausschließlich die “halboffenen” Metallocenium‐Komplexe [CpM(η5‐C7H11)]BF4 (4a: M = Rh; 4b: M = Ir). In Dichlormethan werden Gemische gebildet, die zusätzlich auch die durch elektrophile Substitution am Cp‐Ring entstandenen Spezies [(η5‐C7H11)M(η5‐C5H4CPh3)]BF4 (5a: M = Rh; 5b: M = Ir) sowie die η3‐2, 4‐Dimethylpentenyl‐Verbindung [(η3‐C7H13)Rh{η5‐C5H3(CPh3)2}]BF4 (6) enthalten. Durch Einwirkung von 2, 4‐Dimethylpentadienylkalium auf 1 bzw. 2 werden die Komplexe [(η4‐C7H12)M(η5‐C7H11)] (7a: M = Rh; 7b: M = Ir) gebildet, die in Lösung dynamisches Verhalten zeigen; Versuche zur Synthese der “offenen” Metallocenium‐Kationen [(η5‐C7H11)2M]+ durch Hydridabstraktion von 7a, b scheiterten jedoch. Die neuen Verbindungen wurden elementaranalytisch und spektroskopisch charakterisiert, 4b und 5a auch durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse.
Amino‐ und halogenfunktionelle Siloxititane
Authors: Kliem Susanne , Klingebiel Uwe , Noltemeyer Mathias
Published: December 2004

Amino‐di‐tert‐butylsilanol reagiert mit Tetrabutoxititan im molaren Verhältnis 2:1 zum Di‐n‐butoxi(bis(di‐tert‐butyl‐n‐butoxi)siloxi)titan, (H9C4OSi(CMe3)2‐O)2Ti(OC4H9)2 (1) und Lithium‐di‐tert‐butylchlorsilanolat im molaren Verhältnis 3:1 zum n‐Butoxi(tris(di‐tert‐butyl‐n‐butoxi)siloxi)titan, (H9C4OSi(CMe3)2‐O)3TiOC4H9 (2). Das Amino‐di‐tert‐butylsilanol substituiert mit Triethylamin als HCl‐Akzeptor die vier Chloratome des TiCl4 unter Bildung von Tetrakis(amino‐di‐tert‐butyl)siloxititan (3). Das Lithiumsalz des Di‐tert‐butylfluorsilanols reagiert mit TiCl4 im molaren Verhältnis 2:1 zum 1, 1, 3, 3‐Tetra‐tert‐butyl‐1‐fluor‐3‐trichlortitoxi‐1, 3‐disiloxan FSi(CMe3)2‐O‐Si(CMe3)2‐O‐TiCl3 (4). In der Reaktion des Di‐tert‐butylchlorsilanols mit TiCl4 entsteht bei Anwesenheit von Diethylether als HCl‐Akzeptor das Anion [Chlorsiloxi‐octa(tri‐μ2‐chlor)chlor‐dititanat]— (5) mit protoniertem Diethylether als Gegenion. Tetrachlorzirkon reagiert mit Di‐tert‐butylchlorsilanol zum Dichlor‐bis(di‐tert‐butylchlor)siloxizirkon (6). Die Kristallstrukturanalysen von 3 und 5 werden vorgestellt.
Ein‐ und zweikernige Übergangsmetallkomplexe mit Methylcycloarsoxan
Authors: Müller Iris M. , Oczko Sylvia
Published: December 2004

Es werden zunächst zwei homonucleare, zweikernige Komplexe mit hexamerem Methylcycloarsoxan als Liganden vorgestellt. Die Umsetzung von (MeAsO)n mit RhCl3 führt zu dem Komplex [(RhCl3)2{cyclo‐(MeAsO)6}] (1), die Umsetzung mit RhBr3 zu dem Komplex [(RhBr3)2{cyclo‐(MeAsO)6}] (2). Durch Änderungen der Reaktionstemperatur kann auch der entsprechende einkernige Komplex [RhBr3{cyclo‐(MeAsO)6}] (3) in hohen Ausbeuten gezielt dargestellt werden. Erstmalig ist es mit der Verbindung [(RuCl3)(PdCl2){cyclo‐(Me6As6O7)}] (4a) bzw. [(RhCl3)(PdCl2){cyclo‐(MeAsO)6}] (4b) gelungen, einen entsprechenden heteronuclearen, zweikernigen Komplex zu synthetisieren und charakterisieren, welcher zwei unterschiedliche Übergangsmetallatome mit unterschiedlichen Koordinationen enthält.
Substituted Cyclooctatetraene Complexes of Yttrium and Erbium with Bis(phosphinimino)methanides — Synthesis and Structure
Authors: Panda Tarun K. , Benndorf Paul , Roesky Peter W.
Published: December 2004

A one pot reaction of Li2{1, 4‐(Me3Si)2C8H6}, LnCl3, and K{CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2} leads to the 1, 4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclooctatetraene bis(phosphinimino)methanide complexes of yttrium and erbium, [{CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2}Ln(η8‐{1, 4‐(Me3Si)2C8H6})] (Ln = Y, Er). Both complexes have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The solid state structures show that the two bulky ligands cause a steric crowding around the lanthanide atom. As a result of this steric crowding both ligands are asymmetrically attached to the lanthanide atom.
Struktur‐ und magnetochemische Untersuchungen an KCuGaF6
Authors: Dahlke P. , Pebler J. , Babel D.
Published: December 2004

Die Kristallstruktur von KCuGaF6 wurde auf der Basis röntgenographischer Einkristalldaten bestimmt (wR2 = 0, 084 für 2476 unabhängige Reflexe). Die Verbindung kristallisiert mit a = 728, 56(4), b = 989, 51(6), c = 676, 27(3) pm, β = 93, 120(5)°, Z = 4 in der Raumgruppe P21/c des pyrochlor‐verwandten KCuCrF6‐Typs. Die oktaedrischen [GaF6]‐ und [CuF6]‐Koordinationen sind schwach bzw. stark verzerrt (Mittelwerte Ga‐F: 188, 2 pm bzw. Cu‐F: 188, 2/200, 1/227, 6 pm). Die längsten Abstände Ga‐F und die kürzesten Cu‐F zeigen sich in längs [100] bzw. [001] verlaufenden Oktaederketten der beiden Atomsorten, die auch untereinander verbrückt sind (M‐F‐M zwischen 114 und 145°). Die am Pulver und einem Einkristall gemessenen magnetischen Molsuszeptibilitäten lassen sich mit dem isotropen Heisenberg‐Modell für S = 1/2 beschreiben, wenn man Kettenabbruchseffekte in Form eines paramagnetischen Anteils berücksichtigt. Hinweise auf eine dreidimensionale magnetische Ordnung konnten bis zu T = 2 K herab und auch bei schwachem Magnetfeld H < 100 G nicht beobachtet werden. Dadurch unterscheidet sich KCuGaF6 (J/k = —71 K für das Pulver) von den gleichfalls magnetisch untersuchten Kettenverbindungen KCuAlF6 und Na2CuScF7 (J/k = —76 bzw. —59 K), für die sich ähnliche antiferromagnetische Austauschkonstanten J/k ergeben.
Morphologic Analysis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases in Patients after Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Takahashi Tsunehiro , Yoshida Masashi , Kubota Tetsuro , Otani Yoshihide , Saikawa Yoshiro , Ishikawa Hideki , Suganuma Kazuhiro , Akatsu Yukako , Kumai Koichiro , Kitajima Masaki
Published: December 2004

The precise mechanisms that cause gastroesophageal reflux after distal gastrectomy remain unclear. We analyzed the endoscopic findings of the cardia and the position of the remnant stomach, which are related to gastroesophageal reflux. We retrospectively examined the records of 45 patients with Billroth I (B‐I) and 39 patients with Roux‐en‐Y (R‐Y) procedure for gastric cancer. Esophagitis was evaluated by the Los Angeles (LA) classification. The endoscopic findings of hiatus hernia were classified according to the criteria of the Keio Cancer Detection Center form (K‐form). The valvular appearance of the cardia was classified according to V‐grades. The height of the remnant stomach was measured on computed tomography scans. The postoperative findings of esophagitis in the B‐I group were significantly worse than the preoperative findings, but no significant change was observed in the R‐Y group. The postoperative V‐grades and K‐forrn findings in the B‐I group were worse than their preoperative findings. In the R‐Y group, however, there was no significant change in the V‐grades or K‐form findings. In addition, the height of the remnant stomach was significantly higher in the B‐I group than in the R‐Y group. This study suggested that an aggravated cardia is associated with the B‐I procedure and that the position of the remnant stomach may therefore play an important role in the occurrence of postoperative reflux esophagitis. In contrast, the R‐Y operation was shown to preserve the cardia and the position of the remnant stomach better. As a result, R‐Y might help prevent not only duodenogastric reflux but also gastroesophageal reflux.
An Analysis of Rare Carcinoid Tumors: Clarifying These Clinical Conundrums
Authors: Modlin Irvin M. , Shapiro Michael D. , Kidd Mark
Published: December 2004

Carcinoid tumors are distinct neuroendocrine neoplasms with characteristic histological, clinical, and biological properties. Though commonly associated with the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system, a substantial number of these tumors originate in less common anatomical sites and can range from indolent, unrecognized entities to highly active, metastatic secretory tumors. Their presentation within unfamiliar locations often results in clinical confusion, and they persist as unrecognized lesions, subjecting patients to delayed, inappropriate, or ineffective treatment. The authors reviewed 13,715 carcinoid tumors identified by three consecutive registries of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 1950 to 1999, focusing on the anatomic sites accounting for less than one percent of all carcinoids. In addition, data from the world’s literature published on carcinoid tumors within these particular anatomic locations were then analyzed with respect to incidence, clinical presentation, symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, treatment strategies, and prognosis. The primary organs in which carcinoids are most commonly mistaken for some of the more conspicuous endemic tumors include the esophagus, pancreas, liver, biliary tract, gallbladder, and Meckel’s diverticulum, as well as within the pelvic and otolaryngeal organs and the breast. In general, the highest proportion of “rare” carcinoids was identified in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with the ovary as the single most affected extra‐GI site. Tumors with the worst prognosis were those that involved the pancreas (37.5%: 5‐year survival) and those in the cervix (12‐33%: 3‐year survival). While gastrointestinal carcinoids have become a more recognized entity and thus more amenable to identification, similar lesions are often not considered in other sites and have often either been overlooked or misdiagnosed. Widespread reports of their occurrence in rare locations warrants attention. The diminution of the likelihood of inadvertently neglecting these often benign, indolent neoplasms that are well known to metastasize if unaddressed would represent an important advance. Familiarity with such unusual sites of origin will facilitate appropriate recognition and characterization of such tumors, allowing for timely intervention.
Gallbladder Carcinoma with Biliary Invasion: Clinical Analysis of the Differences from Nonbiliary Invasion
Authors: Chan Kun‐Ming , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Yu Ming‐Chin , Jan Yi‐Yin , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: December 2004

Gallbladder carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Because of a lack of specific presentations, this condition frequently is diagnosed only at an advanced stage. The clinical difference between gallbladder carcinoma with and without biliary involvement remains uncertain. This study recruited all patients with gallbladder carcinoma treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taoyuan, Taiwan) from 1987 to 2002. The sample included 120 patients aged 28 to 91 years (mean 65.5 ± 12.3 years) (39 men, 81 women), whose medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Based on the 2002 newly revised TNM classification, 25, 38, 28, and 29 patients had stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively. After we excluded patients with stage I, the other patients were classified into two groups as follows: group I, gallbladder carcinoma with biliary invasion (n = 41); group II, carcinoma without biliary involvement (n = 54). The clinical presentations, laboratory data, operative methods, and outcome of these two groups were compared. The two groups did not differ in terms of age, sex distribution, cholelithiasis, and most clinical presentations. Chemistry laboratory data also identified patients in group I with significantly elevated liver function tests. Group II had a borderline tendency toward better curative resectability than group I (p = 0.09). Survival was significantly better for group I patients who underwent curative resection (n = 5) via cholecystectomy, partial hepatectomy, and bile duct resection than for those with noncurative resection (p < 0.05). However, long‐term survival demonstrated that gallbladder carcinoma had the same poor prognosis in the two groups. In conclusion, gallbladder carcinoma with biliary invasion has been found to a more overt clinical presentation and abnormal laboratory data, which might alert clinicians to consider gallbladder carcinoma at an advanced stage or biliary invasion and examine the underlying disease. Generally, the outcome of gallbladder carcinoma is dismal, and radical curative resection the combined with cholecystectomy, partial hepatectomy, and bile duct resection perhaps may offer good benefits for advanced gallbladder carcinoma. Furthermore, surgical resection should be performed whenever possible in patients with gallbladder carcinoma to increase life expectancy.
Dutch Surgery in Japan
Authors: van Gulik Thomas M. , Nimura Yuji
Published: December 2004

An isolation policy was adopted in feudal Japan from 1639 to 1853 owing to the fear of foreign influence. During those 200 years of isolation, all foreigners were withheld from the country with the exception of the Dutch, who were permitted to establish a trading post on a small island in the Bay of Nagasaki, called Decima. Western culture and science reached the Japanese exclusively through the Dutch on Decima. Health care on Decima was provided by Dutch barber‐surgeons, who introduced Western surgical practice in Japan. Official interpreters were the only Japanese allowed on Decima. It was from among these interpreters that the first Japanese surgeons arose who, having mastered the Dutch language, translated several Dutch anatomic and surgical texts. Genpaku Sugita translated a Dutch anatomy textbook into Japanese, which was completed in 1774. This book, entitledKaitai Shinsho[New Book on Anatomy], was the first Western scientific monograph to be translated entirely into Japanese. Several Dutch surgical schools were founded through which Dutch surgery, known in Japan as “surgery of the red‐haired” was propagated. According to the custom of the surgical guilds in Holland, certificates were granted to Japanese apprentices who had completed their training in Dutch surgery. About 60 Dutch surgeons had served on Decima up to 1850, providing the basis for surgery to develop in Japan. Among them, Philipp Franz von Siebold was an exceptional scholar who also had a great impact in making Japanese culture known to the Western world.
Esophagectomy: Is It Necessary after Chemoradiotherapy for a Locally Advanced T4 Esophageal Cancer? Prospective Nonrandomized Trial Comparing Chemoradiotherapy with Surgery versus without Surgery
Authors: Fujita Hiromasa , Sueyoshi Susumu , Tanaka Toshiaki , Tanaka Yuichi , Matono Satoru , Mori Naoki , Shirouzu Kazuo , Yamana Hideaki , Suzuki Gen , Hayabuchi Naofumi , Matsui Masasuke
Published: December 2004

The need for surgery after chemoradiotherapy for a T4N0‐1M0 squamous cell carcinoma in the thoracic esophagus was evaluated. A series of 53 patients were enrolled in this prospective nonrandomized trial from among 124 patients with an esophageal cancer assessed as T4 in Kurume University Hospital from 1994 to 2002. After the first chemoradiotherapy cycle, which consisted of radiotherapy in a total dosage of 36 Gy and chemotherapy using cisplatin (CDDP) and 5‐fluorouracil (5FU), the patients each decided, after being informed of the efficacy of the chemoradiotherapy, whether to undergo surgery. All patients, including those who had undergone surgery and those who had not, later underwent a second chemoradiotherapy cycle consisting of radiotherapy in a total dosage of 24 Gy and chemotherapy using CDDP and 5FU, as far as practicable. Among the responders to the first chemoradiotherapy cycle, there was no significant difference in the long‐term (5‐year) survival rate between the 18 patients who underwent esophageal surgery and the 13 patients who did not (23% vs. 23%). Among the nonresponders, the 11 patients who underwent surgery showed a tendency toward longer survival than the five patients who had had no surgery. The nonresponders had 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates of 64% and 33%, respectively. The corresponding rates for the 5 nonsurgical patients who completed the two chemoradiotherapy cycle were 20% ands 20%, respectively. For a T4N0‐1M0 squamous cell carcinoma in the thoracic esophagus, full‐dosage chemoradiotherapy (definitive chemoradiotherapy) is preferred for responders to a half‐dose of chemoradiotherapy as much as esophagectomy, whereas esophagectomy may be preferred for nonresponders.
From proteomic inventory to architecture
Authors: Baumeister Wolfgang
Published: December 2004

Electron tomography can provide three‐dimensional reconstructions of large pleomorphic structures at molecular resolution. While the principles of electron tomography have been known for decades, its use has gathered momentum only in recent years. Technological advances have made it possible to apply it to ice‐embedded biological material (cryotomography), thereby ensuring a close‐to‐life preservation of the samples. In combination with advanced computational methods, such as molecular identification based on pattern recognition, it is a promising approach to comprehensively map macromolecular architecture inside organelles and cells and to visualize macromolecules at work in their natural environment.
Towards therapeutic applications of engineered zinc finger proteins
Authors: Klug A.
Published: December 2004

It has long been the goal of molecular biologists to design DNA‐binding proteins for the specific control of gene expression. The zinc finger design is ideally suited for such purposes, discriminating between closely related sequences both in vitro and in vivo. Whereas other DNA‐binding proteins generally make use of the 2‐fold symmetry of the double helix, zinc fingers do not and so can be linked linearly in tandem to recognize DNA sequences of different lengths, with high fidelity. This modular design offers a large number of combinatorial possibilities for the specific recognition of DNA. By fusing zinc finger peptides to repression or activation domains, genes can be selectively targeted and switched off and on. Several recent applications of such engineered zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are described, including the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a human cell line and an animal model. Clinical trials have recently begun on using VEGF‐activating ZFPs to treat human peripheral arterial disease, by stimulating vascular growth. Also in progress are pre‐clinical studies using ZFPs to target the defective genes in two monogenic disorders, SCID and SCA. The aim is to replace them in each case by a correct copy from an extrachromosomal DNA donor by means of homologous recombination. Promising results are reported.
An Experiment Planner for Parallel Multidirectional Searches Using an Automated Chemistry Workstation
Authors: Dixon James M. , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: December 2004

Automated chemical workstations capable of parallel, adaptive experimentation are well suited for performing reaction optimization. A new method for simplex-based optimization has been developed that enables multiple multidirectional search (MDS) procedures to be implemented in parallel. The MDS method employs a simplex with n + 1 points, where n is the number of dimensions or variables of the optimization. After the initial simplex is evaluated, a new simplex is generated by reflection about the one best point, where n new points are projected and all but the one best point are discarded. The MDS movements continue in the same fashion until a termination criterion is satisfied. The parallel version (PMDS') enables multiple, distinct optimizations in parallel in a single search space to find the global optimum, or individual optimizations in parallel of multiple independent search spaces. The PMDS' method is complementary to the parallel Simplex search method, in which only one new point is projected to generate a new simplex in each cycle of experimentation.
Laboratory Informatics: Origin, Scope, and its Place in Higher Education
Authors: Perry Douglas
Published: December 2004

Laboratory informatics is defined as the specialized application of information technology to optimize and extend laboratory operations. Rising with the tide of informatics in general, laboratory informatics is one of the fastest growing areas of laboratory-related technology. However, this technological growth has outstripped the expertise of the ones who stand to gain most from it: scientists and other end users in the laboratory. This gap could be bridged by specialists in laboratory informatics who are well grounded in the scientific basis of lab operations, yet also trained in informatics and its particular applications in the lab. However, formal educational programs in laboratory informatics are lacking. To set an educational agenda, laboratory informatics must be delineated as a field, and based on that delineation, a curriculum must be developed that meets the standards of higher education. To address these issues, this paper gives an overview of informatics, describes the context of laboratory informatics in this setting, explains the emergence of laboratory informatics as a distinct field, sets the place for laboratory informatics in higher education by suggesting the nature and scope of the curriculum, and briefly describes the laboratory informatics initiative at Indiana University.
Evaluation of the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA) for the determination of malaria transmission-reducing activity using empirical data
Authors: VAN DER KOLK M. , DE VLAS S. J. , SAUL A. , VAN DE VEGTE-BOLMER M. , ELING W. M. , SAUERWEIN W.
Published: December 2004

Host responses to the transmittable stages of the malaria parasite may reduce transmission effectively. Transmission-reducing activity (TRA) of human serum can be determined as a percentage, using the Standard Membrane Feeding Assay (SMFA). This laboratory assay was evaluated using the results of 121 experiments with malaria-endemic sera among which many repeated measurements were obtained. The assay consists of the feeding ofAnopheles stephensimosquitoes with culturedPlasmodium falciparumgametocytes, mixed with human red blood cells, and control and experimental sera. The TRA of individual sera was determined by the comparison of oocyst densities between these sera. Bootstrap data on oocyst densities in individual mosquitoes in control feeds were used to construct confidence limits for TRA percentages of serum feeds. Low (<20%) and high TRA (>90%) values for individual sera were usually reproduced in a second experiment, whereas this was more difficult for values between 20% and 90%. The observed variability of TRA values is explained in part by the variability in oocyst density per mosquito. Oocyst densities in control feeds varied more between experiments than within experiments and showed a slight decline over the 3 years of experiments. Reproducibility of TRA of field sera was low (20%) between experiments, but much higher (61%) within experiments. A minimum of 35 oocysts per mosquito in control feeds gave optimal reproducibility (44%) between experiments. We recommend that (1) sera are compared within an experiment, or (2) assays are only analysed where controls have at least 35 oocysts per mosquito. The SMFA is under the recommended conditions appropriate for the study of factors that may influence TRA, e.g. transmission blocking vaccines.
Sex ratio variation in gastrointestinal nematodes of Svalbard reindeer; density dependence and implications for estimates of species composition
Authors: STIEN A. , DALLIMER M. , IRVINE R. J. , HALVORSEN O. , LANGVATN R. , ALBON S. D. , DALLAS J. F.
Published: December 2004

Estimates of the intensity and abundance of species provide essential data for ecological, evolutionary and epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal nematode communities. These estimates are typically derived from the species composition of adult males when only males have readily scorable species-specific morphological traits. Such estimation assumes that all species in the community have the same adult sex ratio. We evaluated this assumption for the trichostrongyle nematodesOstertagia gruehneriandMarshallagia marshalliin infracommunities in Svalbard reindeer by identifying to species adult females using a polymerase chain reaction assay. The proportion of males was found to be slightly higher inO. gruehnerithan inM. marshalli. Evidence for seasonal variation and density dependence in the adult sex ratio was only found forO. gruehneri. Possible demographic mechanisms for such sex ratio variation are discussed, and stochastic models that generate density-dependent sex ratios proposed. Sex ratio variation caused substantial bias in some male-based estimates of intensity of infection, while substantial and consistent bias in estimates of abundances was only evident in late winter samples. Our results suggest that estimating sex ratios can be particularly important in individual host level studies of nematode species of low abundance.