bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing profile of couples seeking genetic counseling for consanguinity in Australia
Authors: Port Katrina E. , Mountain Helen , Nelson John , Bittles Alan H.
Published: November 2004

Consanguineous marriage is rare in most Western countries and, for example, in the USA it may be subject to regulation by both civil legislation and religious proscription. This is not the case in many regions of Asia and Africa where marriage within the family is strongly favored. Since the 1970s there has been widespread migration to North America, Western Europe, and Australasia from communities which encourage consanguineous marriage. To assess the effect of this trend on a genetic counseling program, the records of 302 couples referred to Genetic Services of Western Australia for consanguinity counseling were abstracted for the period 1975–2001. Overall, a family history of genetic disease or a previously affected child was reported in 28.8% of cases. Premarital or prepregnancy counseling on grounds of consanguinity was sought by 41.0% of couples, and a further 18.2% of consanguineous couples had been referred because of a consanguineous pregnancy. In 7.6% of cases a relationship closer than first cousin was involved. Through time there was a significant increase in the numbers of consanguineous consultands, and their patterns of religious affiliation and ethnic origin widened markedly. Although effectively excluded from entry to Australia prior to 1975, couples of Asian origin accounted for 25.5% of all consanguineous consultands. With ongoing migration, changes in the ethnic profiles and the specific counseling requirements of consanguineous couples can be expected to continue and probably accelerate. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood expression profiles for tuberous sclerosis complex 2, neurofibromatosis type 1, and down's syndrome
Authors: Tang Yang , Schapiro Mark B. , Franz David N. , Patterson Bonnie J. , Hickey Francis J. , Schorry Elizabeth K. , Hopkin Robert J. , Wylie Matthew , Narayan Tina , Glauser Tracy A. , Gilbert Donald L. , Hershey Andrew D. , Sharp Frank R.
Published: November 2004

Blood gene expression profiling has been applied to a variety of hematological malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. This study applies this approach to genetic diseases without obvious blood phenotypes. Three genetic diseases including tuberous sclerosis complex 2, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Down's syndrome were compared with a group of healthy controls. RNA from whole blood was surveyed using Affymetrix U133A arrays. Each disease was associated with a unique gene expression pattern in blood that can be accurately distinguished by a classifier. Genes on chromosome 21 were overexpressed in Down's syndrome, and genes controlling cell cycle and proliferation were associated with tuberous sclerosis complex type 2 or neurofibromatosis type 1. A subset of genes involved in cardiac development or remodeling were overexpressed in patients with Down's syndrome and congenital heart defects. These findings suggest that blood gene expression profiling on a broader basis might be useful for genetic disease screening/diagnosis and might help elucidate mechanisms and pathways that lead to genotype–phenotype differences. Ann Neurol 2004
Reorganization in congenital hemiparesis acquired at different gestational ages
Authors: Staudt Martin , Gerloff Christian , Grodd Wolfgang , Holthausen Hans , Niemann Gerhard , Krägeloh‐Mann Ingeborg
Published: November 2004

It is well established that the reorganizational potential of the developing human brain is superior to that of the adult brain, but whether age‐dependent differences exist already in the prenatal and perinatal period is not known. We have studied sensorimotor reorganization in 34 patients with congenital hemiparesis (age range, 5–27 years), using transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging during simple hand movements. Underlying pathologies were brain malformations (first and second trimester lesions; n = 10), periventricular brain lesions (early third trimester lesions; n = 12), and middle cerebral artery infarctions (late third trimester lesions; n = 12). Of this cohort, eight patients with malformations and all patients with periventricular lesions have been published previously. In all three groups of pathologies, transcranial magnetic stimulation identified patients in whom the paretic hand was controlled via ipsilateral corticospinal projections from the contralesional hemisphere (n = 16). In these patients, the motor dysfunction of the paretic hand correlated significantly with the timing period of the underlying brain lesion. This demonstrates that the efficacy of reorganization with ipsilateral corticospinal tracts indeed decreases during pregnancy. Ann Neurol 2004
Separation of organic compounds binding trace elements in seeds of Leuzea carthamoides (Willd.) DC
Authors: Pavliková Daniela , Pavlík Milan , Vašičková Soňa , Száková Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel , Vokáč Karel , Balík Jiří
Published: November 2004

The distribution of trace elements into important groups of compounds in seeds was investigated using a seven‐step sequential extraction of seed biomass (solvents used: petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, butanol, methanol, methanol + H2O (1 + 1; v/v), H2O, methanol + H2O + HCl (49.3 + 49.3 + 1.4; v/v/v)). Isolated fractions were partially characterized using IR spectroscopy. Results of sequential analysis showed different portions of the elements investigated in individual fractions. The dominant portions of cadmium (60.6% of total content), lead (41%), zinc (77.8%) and copper (33.9%) were found in the methanol + H2O + HCl fractions (compounds isolated from cell walls and cytoskeleton after hydrolysis—phytic acid and its salts, proteins). The second most significant fractions for cadmium, zinc and lead were in the water fractions (pectin, phytin) and for copper in the methanol fraction (acids of citric cycle). The ethyl acetate fraction, mainly containing lignans and phospholipids, had the highest portion of arsenic (34.2%). Lignans are common compounds for seeds of Leuzea carthamoides. Therapeutic compounds of L. carthamoides (20‐hydroxyecdysone, N‐feruloylserotonin isomers) were confirmed in the first four fractions by thin‐layer chromatography. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations into the role of methylcobalamin and glutathione for the methylation of antimony using isotopically enriched antimony(V)
Authors: Wehmeier Silvia , Raab Andrea , Feldmann Jörg
Published: November 2004

Glutathione (γ‐GluCysGly, GSH) and methylcobalamin (CH3‐B12) may play a role in the biomethylation process of antimony. To understand better the transformation of antimony in biological systems, we studied abiotic and biomethylation processes and the influence of GSH in the methylation.

CH3‐B12, acting as a possible methylating agent for antimony, was studied with GSH and in the absence of GSH. The most abundant product of this reaction was monomethylantimony, with a small concentration of the dimethylantimony species, as identified by hydride generation cryotrapping gas chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HG‐CT‐GC‐ICP‐MS). In the same experiments we found that tris(γ‐GluCysGly)trithioantimonite [Sb(GS)3] and di(γ‐GluCysGly)methyldithioantimonite [(CH3)Sb(GS)2] complexes were present using flow‐injection electrospray ionization MS. Both complexes were also identified in a fermented sewage sample, suggesting that these complexes may play a role as intermediates in the biomethylation of antimony.

However, CH3‐B12 is not the sole methylation agent, since it does not produce any trimethylantimony species as identified in anaerobic sewage sludge cultures inoculated with enriched 123Sb(V). Species‐specific 123/121Sb isotope ratio measurements of the different methylantimony species suggest a stepwise methylation of antimony according to the Challenger mechanism. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water absorption and mechanical properties of electrospun structured hydrogels
Authors: Hansen Laura M. , Smith Daniel J. , Reneker Darrell H. , Kataphinan Woraphon
Published: November 2004

Electrospun nanofibers are made when electrostatic forces overcome the surface tension of a polymer solution, causing an electrically charged jet to be ejected; as the jet travels through the air, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind an electrically charged fiber, which can be collected in the form of a nonwoven sheet. A superabsorbent was added to a polymer solution containing an elastomer (concentrations = 0–85%). The mixture was electrospun, producing nanofibers in which the superabsorbent particles were held in place with nanoscale elastic fibers. The nanofibers were tested for absorbency in water and synthetic urine. Fluid absorption by the nanofibers led to the formation of structured hydrogels. Increases in the weight gain from water absorption ranged from 400 to 5000%. The linear dimensions of samples cut from the nonwoven sheet were measured; wetting the superabsorbent increased the thickness dimension of the sheet dramatically and produced a smaller change in the plane of the sheet. The rate of water absorption was calculated; the samples containing 0–70% superabsorbent reached essentially their maximum absorbency within 5 s. The excellent strength and elasticity of the wet samples make these structured hydrogels ideal for many uses, including wound care, drug delivery, and sanitary goods. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 427–434, 2005
Photocuring of a thiol‐ene system based on an unsaturated polyester
Authors: Kim Y. B. , Kim H. K. , Choi H. C. , Hong J. W.
Published: November 2004

To produce a photocurable thiol‐ene system, unsaturated polyester was prepared from the condensation reaction of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and fumaric acid. Diallyl groups were introduced into the ends of the unsaturated polyester by a sequential condensation reaction. The coating formulation studied contained an equimolar ratio of thiol and vinyl groups of the prepared unsaturated polyester, including 1 wt % Irgacure 184. The curing behaviors of the unsaturated polyester with multifunctional thiols were investigated using real‐time FTIR spectroscopy. The rates of disappearance of thiol and vinyl groups of the unsaturated polyester were similar, demonstrating that there was little free‐radical homopolymerization of the internal fumaric group or the end‐capped vinyl ether group during the photocuring process and that the thiol‐ene reaction is the dominant process. The kinetics of the model compounds demonstrated that the reaction of the terminal allyl double bond with the thiyl radical is faster than that of the internal fumaric double bond in the UV curing of the unsaturated polyester. The storage stability of the thiol‐ene system based on unsaturated polyester was effectively increased by the addition of N‐PAL. The Raman spectra revealed that the presence of a multifunctional thiol (penta 3‐MP4) in the coating formulation increased the degree of surface curing due to the chain‐transfer ability of the thiyl radical. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 342–350, 2005
Controlled radical polymerization of styrene initiated by diethyldithiocarbamate‐mediated iniferters
Authors: Ishizu Koji , Katsuhara Hideya , Kawauchi Susumu , Furo Masahito
Published: November 2004

We demonstrated that density functional theory calculations provide a prediction of the trends in C‐S bond dissociation energies and atomic spin densities for radicals using two model compounds as diethyldithiocarbamate (DC)‐mediated iniferters. On the basis of this information, we synthesized 2‐(N,N‐diethyldithiocarbamyl)isobutylic acid (DTCA) and (4‐cyano‐4‐diethyldithiocarbamyl)pentanoic acid (CDPA) as DC‐mediated iniferters. Free‐radical polymerizations of styrene (St) were carried out in benzene initiated by DTCA or CDPA under UV irradiation. The first‐order time‐conversion plots showed the straight line for the UV irradiation system initiated by CDPA indicating the first order in monomer. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the polystyrene (PSt) increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion. The molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of the PSt was in the range of 1.3–1.7. It was concluded this polymerization system proceeded with a controlled radical mechanism. However, photopolymerization of styrene initiated by DTCA showed nonliving polymerization consistent with UV initiation. Theoretical predictions supported these experimental results. Methacrylic acid (MA) could also be polymerized in a living fashion with such a PSt precursor as a macroinitiator because PSt exhibited a DC group at its terminal end. This system could be applied to the architecture of block copolymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 413–418, 2005
Die Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum – Eine Industriehalle wird zum Konzerthaus
Authors: Weischede Dietger , Herrmann Andreas , Held Karsten , Müller Thomas
Published: November 2004

Eine denkmalgeschützte Industriehalle, die Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum, wurde nach einem gewonnenen Gutachterwettbewerb von den Architekten Petzinka Pink Architekten, Düsseldorf, zu einem hochwertigen Konzerthaus umgebaut. Das engagierte Planungsteam konnte die hohen Erwartungen an Architektur, Technik und Funktion in besonderer Weise erfüllen.
Simultaneous determination of phytoestrogens in different medicinal parts of Sophora japonica L. by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection
Authors: Chu Qingcui , Fu Liang , Wu Ting , Ye Jiannong
Published: November 2004

A high‐performance capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (CE‐ED) method has been developed for the determination of phytoestrogens from the pericarps and seeds of Sophora japonica L. in this work. Genistin, genistein, rutin, kaempferol and quercetin are important bioactive constituents in these plants. The effects of several factors such as the acidity and concentration of running buffer, the separation voltage, the applied potential and the injection time on the CE‐ED procedure were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the ﬁve analytes could be well separated within 18 min in a 75 cm length capillary (i.d. 25 µm) at the separation voltage of 16 kV in a 50 mmol L−1 borax running buffer (pH 9.0). A 300 µm diameter carbon disk electrode was used as the working electrode positioned carefully opposite the outlet of the capillary in a wall‐jet conﬁguration at the potential of +950 mV (vs SCE). Detection limits (S/N = 3) ranged from 1.1 × 10−7 to 2.8 × 10−7 g mL−1 for all ﬁve analytes. This method was successfully used to analyse dried Flos sophorae immaturus, pericarps and seeds of dried Fructus sophorae after a relatively simple extraction procedure, and the assay results were satisfactory. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 7‐Oxasphingosine and ‐ceramide Analogues and Their Evaluation in a Model for Apoptosis
Authors: Rajan Roshini , Wallimann Kurt , Vasella Andrea , Pace Deborah , Genazzani Armando A. , Canonico Pier Luigi , Condorelli Fabrizio
Published: November 2004

The 7‐oxasphingosine (1), 7‐oxaceramide (2), the thio‐oxaceramide 3, and N‐methyloxaceramide 4 were synthesised from D‐galactose via the building block 9. The apoptosis‐inducing properties of 1–4 were compared to those of sphingosine (Sph) and ceramide (Cer) using a human neuroblastoma (SK‐N‐BE) and a murine‐promyelocyte‐derived (32d) cell line. There were no differences between 2–4 and Cer in terms of their effects on the viability of cells and their ability to trigger cell proliferation. However, in the presence of N,N‐dimethylsphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase (SPHK), Cer was more potent than thio‐ceramide 3 in 32d cells, while thio‐ceramide 3 was more potent and efficacious in SK‐N‐BE cells, where it showed an IC50 value of 3 nM compared to 100 nM for Cer. In both SK‐N‐BE and 32d cells, 7‐oxasphingosine (1) and Sph were equally toxic, even in the presence of N,N‐dimethylsphingosine.
Oxide Ion Conductivity and Chemical Stability of Lanthanum Fluorides Doped with Oxygen, La(Sr,Na)F3‐2xOx.
Authors: Ando Masaki , Enoki Makiko , Nishiguchi Hiroyasu , Ishihara Tatsumi , Takita Yusaku
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Processing‐Dependent CMR Properties of Ca(Cu,Mn)7O12 Manganites.
Authors: Itkis Daniil M. , Goodilin Eugene A. , Pomerantseva Ekaterina A. , Lobanov Maxim V. , Greenblatt Martha , Sivov Roman , Noudem Jacques G. , Tretyakov Yuri D.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Giant Dielectric Constant of Hexagonal BaTiO3 Crystal Grown by Containerless Processing.
Authors: Yu Jianding , Paradis Paul‐Francois , Ishikawa Takehiko , Yoda Shinichi , Saita Yutaka , Itoh Mitsuru , Kano Fumihisa
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Preparation of H2Ti4O9 with High Specific Surface Area.
Authors: Wang Jinshu , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Ni‐Catalyzed, ZnCl2‐Assisted Domino Coupling of Enones, Alkynes, and Alkenes.
Authors: Ikeda Shin‐ichi , Sanuki Reiko , Miyachi Hiroko , Miyashita Hitoshi , Taniguchi Masami , Odashima Kazunori
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Novel and Facile Synthesis of Thiophene, Thiazole, 2H‐Pyran‐2‐one Benzimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine and Pyridine Derivatives Containing Antipyrine Moiety.
Authors: El‐Taweel F. M. A.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Ytterbium Triflate Promoted Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives.
Authors: Curini Massimo , Epifano Francesco , Montanari Francesca , Rosati Ornelio , Taccone Sara
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis of Functionalized 1‐Azaspirocyclic Cyclopentanones Using Broensted Acid or N‐Bromosuccinimide Promoted Ring Expansions.
Authors: Dake Gregory R. , Fenster Michael D. B. , Hurley Paul B. , Patrick Brian O.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Design, Synthesis and Antimalarial Activity of a Glyoxylylhydrazone Library.
Authors: Ryckebusch A. , Fruchart J.‐S. , Cattiaux L. , Rousselot‐Paillet P. , Leroux V. , Melnyk O. , Grellier P. , Mouray E. , Sergheraert C. , Melnyk P.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis of Substituted 3‐(5‐Amino‐[1,3,4]thiadiazol‐2‐yl)‐2H‐pyrano[2,3‐c]pyridin‐2‐ones.
Authors: Zhuravel Irina O. , Kovalenko Sergiy M , Ivachtchenko Alexandre V. , Chernykh Valentin P. , Shinkarenko Pavlo E.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Unusual Condensation of 6,7‐Dimethoxy‐1,3,3‐trimethyl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline with 4‐Antipyrylidenebarbituric Acid.
Authors: Shklyaev Yu. V.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Novel Synthesis of [1,2‐a]Benzimidazolo‐1,3,5,2‐triazaphosphorines and [1,2‐a]Benzimidazolo‐1,3,5,2‐triazaphosphorine‐2‐thiones.
Authors: Raouafi Noureddine , Boujlel Khaled , BenKhoud Mohamed Lamine
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Indium(I) Iodide‐Promoted Cleavage of Diaryl Diselenides and Disulfides and Subsequent Condensation with Alkyl or Acyl Halides. One‐Pot Efficient Synthesis of Diorganyl Selenides, Sulfides, Selenoesters, and Thioesters.
Authors: Ranu Brindaban C. , Mandal Tanmay
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Cell‐Free Conversion of Castasterone in Cultured Cells of Phaseolus vulgaris and Marchantia polymorpha.
Authors: Kim Tae‐Wuk , Park Hyun‐Hee , Kim Seong‐Ki
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Analysis of Acidic Properties of Zeolitic and Non‐Zeolitic Solid Acid Catalysts Using Temperature‐Programmed Desorption of Ammonia
Authors: Katada Naonobu , Niwa Miki
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Microwave‐Supported Syntheses. Applications. Part 26.
Authors: Keller Walter E.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Establishing the Molecular Basis for Molecular Electronics
Authors: Wassel Ronald A. , Gorman Christopher B.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Alternative Polymer Systems for Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs)
Authors: Hickner Michael A. , Ghassemi Hossein , Kim Yu Seung , Einsla Brian R. , McGrath James E.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Current Theoretical Methods to Study Oxane Derivatives
Authors: Castro Eduardo A. , Jorge Nelly L.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Hydrogen Bonding Interactions Between Ions: A Powerful Tool in Molecular Crystal Engineering
Authors: Braga Dario , Maini Lucia , Polito Marco , Grepioni Fabrizia
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
High‐Resolution NMR of Quadrupolar Nuclei in Solids: The Satellite‐Transition Magic Angle Spinning (STMAS) Experiment
Authors: Ashbrook Sharon E. , Wimperis Stephen
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Novel Topotactic Conversion of an Organically Templated Vanadyl Phosphate Framework into Layered Structures
Authors: Asnani Minakshi , Sharma Sanjeev , Lofland Samuel E. , Ramanujachary Kandalam V. , Buffat Philippe A. , Ramanan Arunachalam
Published: November 2004

This paper reports a novel topotactic exchange reaction of the ethylenediammonium intercalated mixed‐valent vanadyl phosphate, (H3NCH2CH2NH3)0.5[V4+0.45V5+0.55O2PO4{P(OH)2}0.483], with monovalent cations at room temperature. Alkali metal ions and other monovalent cations (e.g. K+, Rb+, Tl+, NH4+) behave similarly, leading to intercalated layered vanadyl phosphates (basal spacing about 6.3−6.5Å). The amount of cations incorporated between the layers is essentially dictated by the charge present on the layers (equivalent to the amount of V4+ present). The present approach has enabled us to obtain a new phase, Tl0.45VOPO4·0.33H2O, under ambient conditions. All the layered solids show low‐temperature magnetic behaviour similar to hydrothermally synthesised products. Treatment with silver ions resulted in a new silver vanadium(V) phosphate Ag3.5VP1.5O8 [monoclinic; a = 22.557(4), b = 7.973(3), c = 12.430(3) Å and β = 112.26(2)°] coated with silver metal nanospheres (ca. 15 nm) which, on heating above 400 °C, yielded a 2:1 mixture of two thermodynamically stable phases, Ag2VO2PO4 and Ag3PO4. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Transcription Factor Hnf–6/Oc–1 Inhibits the Stimulation of the Hnf–3 /Foxa1 Gene by Tgf–B in Mouse Liver
Authors: Plumb–Rudewiez Nicolas , Clotman Frédéric , Strick–Marchand Hélène , Pierreux Christophe E. , Weiss Mary C. , Rousseau Guy G. , Lemaigre Frédéric P.
Published: November 2004

A network of liver–enriched transcription factors controls differentiation and morphogenesis of the liver. These factors interact via direct, feedback, and autoregulatory loops. Previous work has suggested that hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)–6/OC–1 and HNF–3α/FoxA1 participate coordinately in this hepatic network. We investigated how HNF–6 controls the expression of

Foxa1

. We observed that

Foxa1

expression was upregulated in the liver of

Hnf6

-/- mouse embryos and in bipotential mouse embryonic liver (BMEL) cell lines derived from embryonic

Hnf6

-/- liver, suggesting that HNF–6 inhibits the expression of

Foxa1

. Because no evidence for a direct repression of

Foxa1

by HNF–6 was found, we postulated the existence of an indirect mechanism. We found that the expression of a mediator and targets of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF–β) signaling was increased both in

Hnf6

-/- liver and in

Hnf6

-/- BMEL cell lines. Using these cell lines, we demonstrated that TGF–β signaling was increased in the absence of HNF–6, and that this resulted from upregulation of TGF–β receptor II expression. We also found that TGF–β can stimulate the expression of

Foxa1

in

Hnf6

+/+ cells and that inhibition of TGF–β signaling in

Hnf6

-/- cells down–regulates the expression of

Foxa1

.

In conclusion

, we propose that

Foxa1

upregulation in the absence of HNF–6 results from increased TGF–β signaling via increased expression of the TGF–β receptor II. We further conclude that HNF–6 inhibits

Foxa1

by inhibiting the activity of the TGF–β signaling pathway. This identifies a new mechanism of interaction between liver–enriched transcription factors whereby one factor indirectly controls another by modulating the activity of a signaling pathway. (Hepatology 2004;40:1266-1274.)
Oligonucleosides with a Nucleobase‐Including Backbone. Part 11
Authors: Eppacher Simon , Solladié Nathalie , Vasella Andrea
Published: November 2004

A linear and a convergent synthesis of uridine‐derived backbone‐base‐dedifferentiated (backbone including) oligonucleotide analogues were compared. The Sonogashira cross‐coupling of the alkyne 1 and the iodide 2 gave the dimer 4 that was C‐desilylated and again coupled with 2 to give the trimer 6 (Scheme 1). Repeating this linear sequence led to the pentamer 10. Coupling yields were satisfactory up to formation of the trimer 6, but decreased for the coupling to higher oligomers. Similarly, coupling of the alkynes 5, 7, and 9 with the iodouridine 3 gave, in decreasing yields, the trimer 12, tetramer 13, and pentamer 14, respectively. The dimeric iodouracil 20 was synthesized by coupling the alkyne 17 with the iodide 16 to the dimer 18, followed by iodination at C(6/I) to 19 and O‐silylation (Scheme 2). The iodinated dimer 23 was prepared by iodinating and O‐silylating the known dimer 21. Coupling of 20 and 23 with the dimer 5, trimer 7, and tetramer 9 gave the tetramers 8 and 13, the pentamers 10 and 14, and the hexamer 15, respectively (Scheme 3). The oligomers up to the pentamer 14 were deprotected to provide the trimer 24, tetramer 25, and pentamer 26 (Scheme 4). There was no evidence for the heteropairing of the pentamer 26 and rA7 , nor for the pairing of rU5 and rA7, while a UV melting experiment showed the beginning of a sigmoid curve for the interaction of rU7 with rA7. Therefore, the pentamer 26 does not pair more strongly with rA7 than rU5.
Changes in Nutrient and Fibre Content of DecomposingPhragmites australisLitter
Authors: Dinka Mária , Ágoston‐Szabó Edit , Tóth István
Published: November 2004

A litter bag experiment was performed in a healthy and a die‐back reed stand of Lake Fertő/ Neusiedler See. Mass loss, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, C, N, S and P concentrations ofPhragmites australisleaves and culms were determined. Leaves decomposed faster than culms at both sites. After 33 months 82–90% of the leaf and 39–43% of the culm mass was lost, corresponding to a fibre loss of 82–90% and 32–35%, respectively. The N, C and S concentrations increased as decomposition proceeded, while the P concentrations decreased. The decaying coefficient model gave the best fit of the mathematical models tested (single exponential, decaying coefficient and composite exponential model). No significant differences in decomposition rates were detected between the two sites. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Relationship of the Processes in the Rhizosphere of Common Reed Phragmites australis, (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel to Water Fluctuation
Authors: Urbanc‐Berćić Olga , Gaberśćik Alenka
Published: November 2004

Intermittent Lake Cerknica is characterised by extreme water level fluctuations. It is neither a lake, nor a terrestrial ecosystem. The decomposition processes in the rhizosphere of extended reed stands are essential for the entire ecosystem. The influence of intermittent water regime on the microbial activity and availability of nutrients in the rhizosphere in a terrestrial reed stand was investigated. The measurements revealed a relatively high soil water content, that was not related to underground water table. Mineralization processes in a soil profile were estimated by measuring microbial activity as electron transport system (ETS) activity and by nutrients in soil water. The microbial activity was determined in the whole depth profile. The highest ETS activity of a soil was 0.23 mg O2 g DW–1 h–1, while the average value was 0.05 mg O2 g DW–1 h–1. The values were not related to underground water table. All forms of nutrients were constantly present, showing no correlation with the soil water content. ANOVA revealed significant decrease of nitrate with depth, but not for nitrite, ammonium and ortho‐phosphate. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Olfaction and the homing ability of pigeons raised in a tropical area in Brazil
Authors: Benvenuti Silvano , Ranvaud Ronald
Published: November 2004

Several workers have investigated the effect of anosmia on pigeon navigation in different geographical locations because it has been suggested that homing behavior is based on different cues, such as olfactory cues, the Earth's magnetic field or infrasound, and that in the absence of one cue another would be used. In this situation, no cue is universally indispensable, including olfactory ones. In order to extend such observations to a novel biome, we observed the behaviour of 192 young inexperienced birds raised in southeastern Brazil, a tropical area where olfactory tests had never been run before. The birds were released from eight symmetrically distributed sites 17 to 44 km from the loft. Half of these birds (experimentals) had been made temporarily anosmic by washing their olfactory mucosae with 4% solution of ZnSO4 the day before release, while controls were treated with Ringer solution. The results of release tests showed that anosmia totally impaired the navigational performance of experimental birds, which were unable to home from sites at relatively short distances from home (34–44km) and whose pooled initial bearings produced a (negative) homeward component not significantly different from 0. Homing performance of controls was significantly better, and their pooled vanishing bearings had a significant homeward component, in spite of much scatter in individual releases. We conclude that pigeon homing in the study area depends on olfactory information, even though local environmental conditions in the interior of the State of São Paulo, as in several other parts of the world, do not appear to be as favorable as Italy for the development of efficient olfactory navigation. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:961–967, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Futile cycling of lactate through the plasma membrane of C6 glioma cells as detected by (13C, 2H) NMR
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago B. , Gray Heather L. , Benito Marina , Garrido Susana , Sierra Alejandra , Geraldes Carlos F. , Ballesteros Paloma , Cerdán Sebastián
Published: November 2004

We report a novel (13C, 2H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) procedure to investigate lactate recycling through the monocarboxylate transporter of the plasma membrane of cells in culture. C6 glioma cells were incubated with [3‐13C]lactate in Krebs‐Henseleit Buffer containing 50% 2H2O (vol/vol) for up to 30 hr. 13C NMR analysis of aliquots progressively taken from the medium, showed: (1) a linearly decreasing singlet at ∼20.85 parts per million (ppm; −0.119 μmol/mg protein/hr) derived from the methyl carbon of [3‐13C]lactate; and (2) an exponentially increasing shifted singlet at ∼20.74 ppm (0.227 μmol/ mg protein/hr) from the methyl carbon of [3‐13C, 2‐2H]lactate. The shifted singlet appears because during its transit through the cytosol, [3‐13C]lactate generates [3‐13C, 2‐2H]lactate in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) equilibrium, which may return to the incubation medium through the reversible monocarboxylate carrier. The methyl group of [3‐13C, 2‐2H]lactate is shifted −0.11 ppm with respect to that of [3‐13C]lactate, making it possible to distinguish between both molecules by 13C NMR. During incubations with 2.5 mM [1‐13C]glucose and 3.98 mM [U‐13C3]lactate or with 2.5 mM [1‐13C]glucose and 3.93 mM [2‐13C]pyruvate, C2‐deuterated lactate was produced only from [1‐13C]glucose or [U‐13C3]lactate, revealing that this deuteration process is redox sensitive. When [1‐13C]glucose and [U‐13C3]lactate were used as substrates, no significant [3‐13C]lactate production from [1‐13C]glucose was detected, suggesting that glycolytic lactate production may be stopped under the high lactate concentrations prevailing under mild hypoxic or ischemic episodes or during cerebral activation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The psychology of error in relation to medical practice
Authors: Pani John R. , Chariker Julia H.
Published: November 2004

There is a broad effort underway to reduce the frequency of medical error. This effort will be facilitated by understanding the causes of human error and the methods that serve to reduce it in settings comparable to medical practice. To serve this end, this article is a review of cognitive psychology as it relates to the origins of human error and an application of that material to issues that arise in medical practice. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;88:130–142. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Buffer excitation of squeezed light
Authors: Bykov V P
Published: November 2004

The main features of squeezed light are described.
Specifically, we reveal that the evolution of the squeezed light
excited in the degenerate regime of parametric oscillation
considerably differs from that of the light excited in the
nondegenerate regime. It is demonstrated that in the nondegenerate
regime (which is the actual regime of parametric oscillation) the
minimum variance of the quantum state decreases only at the
initial stage of excitation; afterwards the minimum variance
starts to rise (as the maximum variance), thus obstructing the
increase in the squeezing coefficient. The difference between the
excitation regime of a typical laser and that of a parametric
oscillator is discussed. We show that in a parametric oscillator
the competition between central and side frequencies of the cavity
spectrum is practically absent due to the smallness of
nonlinearity factor, and, as a consequence, the width of the
generated spectrum line does not narrow. In order to increase the
competition between the frequency components, a buffer regime of
the parametric-oscillating excitation is suggested. With the help
of numerical simulations we show that this competition is really
increased in the buffer regime.
Harmonic phase MR tagging for direct quantification of lagrangian strain in rat hearts after myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Junjie , Ji Songbai , Allen J. Stacy , Bayly Philip V. , Wickline Samuel A. , Yu Xin
Published: November 2004

The utility of harmonic phase (HARP) analysis was recently demonstrated in humans and large animals as a technique for rapid and automatic analysis of tagged magnetic resonance images. In the current study, the applicability and accuracy of HARP analysis for automatic strain quantification in small animals were investigated. A validation study was performed on seven postinfarct rats and seven age‐matched controls. A method for direct computation of 2D Lagrangian strain fields from spatial derivatives of HARP images was also developed in this paper. The results of HARP analysis were evaluated by comparison with those of homogeneous strain analysis employing finite element method and manual tag tracking. Both methods were validated with simulated digital images. Compared to conventional homogeneous strain analysis, HARP analysis yielded similar results in the assessment of regional strain patterns in both control and infarct rats. Both methods detected a reduction in maximal stretch and shortening in infarct rats. Our results suggest that HARP analysis can also be applied to quantify alterations in regional myocardial wall motion in small animals. Magn Reson Med 52:1282–1290, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exogenous contrast agent improves sensitivity of gradient‐echo functional magnetic resonance imaging at 9.4 T
Authors: Mandeville Joseph B. , Jenkins Bruce G. , Chen Yin‐Ching I. , Choi Ji‐Kyung , Kim Young R. , Belen Deniz , Liu Christina , Kosofsky Barry E. , Marota John J. A.
Published: November 2004

Relative to common clinical magnetic field strengths, higher fields benefit functional brain imaging both by providing additional signal for high‐resolution applications and by improving the sensitivity of endogenous contrast due to the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) mechanism, which has limited detection power at low magnetic fields relative to the use of exogenous contrast agent. This study evaluates the utility of iron oxide contrast agent for gradient echo functional MRI at 9.4 T in rodents using cocaine and methylphenidate as stimuli. Relative to the BOLD method, the use of high iron doses and short echo times provided a roughly twofold global increase in functional sensitivity, while also suppressing large vessel signal and reducing susceptibility artifacts. Furthermore, MRI measurements of the functional percentage change in cerebral blood volume (CBV) showed excellent agreement with results obtained at much lower magnetic field strengths, demonstrating that MRI estimates of this quantity are roughly independent of magnetic field when appropriate techniques are employed. The derived field dependencies for relative sensitivity and MRI estimates of the percentage change in CBV suggest that the benefits provided by exogenous agents will persist even at much higher magnetic fields than 9.4 T. Magn Reson Med 52:1272–1281, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative “magnetic resonance immunohistochemistry” with ligand‐targeted 19F nanoparticles
Authors: Morawski Anne M. , Winter Patrick M. , Yu Xin , Fuhrhop Ralph W. , Scott Michael J. , Hockett Franklin , Robertson J. David , Gaffney Patrick J. , Lanza Gregory M. , Wickline Samuel A.
Published: November 2004

Unstable atherosclerotic plaques exhibit microdeposits of fibrin that may indicate the potential for a future rupture. However, current methods for evaluating the stage of an atherosclerotic lesion only involve characterizing the level of vessel stenosis, without delineating which lesions are beginning to rupture. Previous work has shown that fibrin‐targeted, liquid perfluorocarbon nanoparticles, which carry a high payload of gadolinium, have a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting fibrin with clinical 1H MRI. In this work, the perfluorocarbon content of the targeted nanoparticles is exploited for the purposes of 19F imaging and spectroscopy to demonstrate a method for quantifiable molecular imaging of fibrin in vitro at 4.7 T. Additionally, the quantity of bound nanoparticles formulated with different perfluorocarbon species was calculated using spectroscopy. Results indicate that the high degree of nanoparticle binding to fibrin clots and the lack of background 19F signal allow accurate quantification using spectroscopy at 4.7 T, as corroborated with proton relaxation rate measurements at 1.5 T and trace element (gadolinium) analysis. Finally, the extension of these techniques to a clinically relevant application, the evaluation of the fibrin burden within an ex vivo human carotid endarterectomy sample, demonstrates the potential use of these particles for uniquely identifying unstable atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. Magn Reson Med 52:1255–1262, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐navigated interleaved spiral (SNAILS): Application to high‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Bammer Roland , Kim Dong‐hyun , Moseley Michael E.
Published: November 2004

A fat‐saturated twice‐refocused spin echo sequence was implemented on a GE Signa 1.5‐T whole‐body system for diffusion‐weighted imaging. Data were acquired using an analytically designed interleaved variable‐density (VD) spiral readout trajectory. This flexible design algorithm allowed real‐time prescription on the scanner. Each interleaf of the VD spiral oversampled the center of k‐space. The oversampling provided an inherent motion compensation capability. The resultant diffusion‐weighted images showed good quality without any retrospective motion correction. An iterated motion correction algorithm was developed to further reduce the signal cancellation artifact caused by motion‐induced phase error. In this algorithm, a low‐resolution phase map was estimated using the oversampled data in the center of k‐space in order to correct for phase error in image space.

In vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies were performed on the brains of healthy volunteers. High‐quality isotropic diffusion‐weighted images, trace maps, and FA maps from axial, sagittal, and coronal slices were obtained using a VD spiral readout trajectory with matrix size 256 × 256. To our knowledge, this was also the first time in vivo 512 × 512 DTI results were reported. Magn Reson Med 52:1388–1396, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imaging therapeutic response in human bone marrow using rapid whole‐body MRI
Authors: Ballon Douglas , Watts Richard , Dyke Jonathan P. , Lis Eric , Morris Michael J. , Scher Howard I. , Uluğ Aziz M. , Jakubowski Ann A.
Published: November 2004

Whole‐body imaging of therapeutic response in human bone marrow was achieved without introduced contrast agents using diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar magnetic resonance imaging of physiologic water. Bone marrow disease was identified relative to the strong overlying signals from water and lipids in other anatomy through selective excitation of the water resonance and generation of image contrast that was dependent upon differential nuclear relaxation times and self‐diffusion coefficients. Three‐dimensional displays were generated to aid image interpretation. The geometric distortion inherent in echo‐planar imaging techniques was minimized through the acquisition of multiple axial slices at up to 12 anatomic stations over the entire body. Examples presented include the evaluation of therapeutic response in bone marrow during cytotoxic therapy for leukemia and metastatic prostate cancer and during cytokine administration for marrow mobilization prior to stem cell harvest. Magn Reson Med 52:1234–1238, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI measurement of hepatic magnetic susceptibility—Phantom validation and normal subject studies
Authors: Chu Zili , Cohen Alan R. , Muthupillai Raja , Chung Taylor , Wang Zhiyue J.
Published: November 2004

A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method with the potential for assessing hepatic iron overload from measurements of hepatic magnetic susceptibility in vivo is described. Using the blood in the portal and hepatic veins as an internal reference, this technique uses the orientation dependence of signal phase to measure the susceptibility of the liver parenchyma. Computer simulations were done to investigate the requirements on spatial resolution and contrast ratio between the vessels and the background liver tissue for data acquisition. Validation studies were conducted using tube‐embedded gel phantoms doped with iron‐dextran from 0 to 10 mg Fe/mL to mimic healthy and iron‐overloaded livers. The phantom measurements were conducted without motion and flow, under respiration‐like oscillatory motion, and with flow. Studies on six normal human subjects demonstrated excellent reproducibility and precision. All images were collected at 1.5 T using a 3D T1‐weighted turbo field echo sequence for inflow MR angiographies with full flow compensation and capable of cardiac synchronization, navigator gating, and motion correction. Magn Reson Med 52:1318–1327, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zur Dynamik von stark nichtlinearen parametererregten Getriebesystemen
Authors: Hortel M. , Škuderová A.
Published: November 2004

Die derzeitige Entwicklung von hochbeanspruchten hochtourigen und leicht ausgebauten Getriebesystemen von minimalen Dimensionen, wie sie z.B. im Flugzeug‐ und Automobilbau auf einer Seite und bei schweren Geländefahrzeugen mit begrenztem Antriebkonstruktionsraum auf der anderen Seite vorkommen, führt auf Getriebesysteme mit geteiltem Leistungsfluß in der Gestalt von Planetengetrieben. Maßgebend sind hierbei u.a. Stoßeffekte unter Last ‐ Vorspannung einzelner Planeten mit ihren Gegenrädern infolge der Existenz von Zahnflankenspielen. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of Damping of Vibrations in a System With Two‐Disc Inseparable Clutch
Authors: Andrzej Kosior
Published: November 2004

This paper presents the results of tests on free and forced harmonic torsional vibrations in a system with a two‐disc inseparable clutch, with structural friction taken into account. Nonlinear histeresis loop describing the frictional‐elastic properties of the system was introduced into the model. The mathematical model of the vibrating system containing two disks inseparable clutch was built. During free vibrations of the system, its damping characteristics were tested by a digital simulation method. The vibration damping decrement as a function of amplitude torsional displacement was determined. When vibrations were harmonically forced, the amplitude ‐ frequency characteristics of the system were determined numerically. The system was used as a nonlinear torsional vibration damper in a linear system with a harmonic force. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Verzweigungen in einem kontinuierlichen dynamischen System mit flächenhaftem, dissipativem Stoßkontakt
Authors: Müller I. , Schmieg H. , Vielsack P.
Published: November 2004

Zwangserregte Schwingungen kontinuierlicher Systeme mit flächenhaftem, dissipativem Stoßkontakt zeigen eine große Vielfalt möglicher Bewegungstypen. Neben nahezu harmonischen Systemantworten existieren weite Frequenzbereiche mit einperiodischen Antworten sowie verzweigten Bewegungsformen. Für die Kontaktbeschreibung bei der numerische Simulation erweist sich ein Projektionsverfahren als effiziente Alternative zur üblicherweise verwendeten Penalty‐Regularisierung. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On applying the Laplace transform method to an equation describing an axially moving string
Authors: Ponomareva S. , van Horssen W. T.
Published: November 2004

In this paper an initial‐boundary value problem for a linear, nonhomogeneous axially moving string equation will be considered. The velocity of the string is assumed to be constant, and the nonhomogeneous terms in the string equation are due to external forces acting on the string. The Laplace transform method will be used to construct the solution of the problem. It will turn out that the method has considerable, computational advantages compared to the usually applied method of modal analysis based on eigenfunction expansions. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vibration Damping in a Power Transmission System Containing a Friction Clutch
Authors: Skup Zbigniew
Published: November 2004

This paper presents a theoretical study of the process of damping of non‐linear vibrations in a three‐mass model of power transmission system with a friction clutch. Both simultaneous structural friction phenomenon (passive damping) and piezoelectric effect (active damping) have been taken into account. The aim of the analysis is to assess the influence of geometric parameters of the system, its external load, unit pressure, viscotic damping coefficient and gain factor on the resonance curves of the steady‐state vibrations. The equations of motion of the examined system were solved by means of the Van der Pol method and digital simulation. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)