bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Externe Vorspannung einmal anders: Verstärkung von Hochofenfundamenten
Authors: Schimetta Gerald
Published: May 2004

Im Zuge eines Umbaus von Hochöfen ergaben sich unzulässige Beanspruchungen für die Fundamentkörper. Nachdem sich Unterfangungen bzw. Kraftableitungen mittels Pfählen als nicht zweckmäßig erwiesen hatten, wurde eine Verstärkung der Fundamente durch eine Umschnürung mittels externer Vorspannglieder durchgeführt. Dabei kam ein neuartiges Spannsystem, die „kompaktierte Litze”︁ vorteilhaft zur Anwendung.
A Template‐Assembled Synthetic Protein Surface Mimetic of the von Willebrand Factor A1 domain Inhibits Botrocetin‐Induced Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Hauert Jacques , Fernandez‐Carneado Jimena , Michielin Olivier , Mathieu Stéphane , Grell Daniel , Schapira Marc , Spertini Olivier , Mutter Manfred , Tuchscherer Gabriele , Kovacsovics Tibor
Published: May 2004

Platelet adhesion, the initial step of platelet activation, is mediated by the interaction of von Willebrand factor (VWF) with its platelet receptor, the GPIb–IX complex. The binding of VWF to GPIb–IX is induced either by increased shear stress or by exogenous modulators, such as botrocetin. At a molecular level, this interaction takes place between the A1 domain of VWF and the GPIbα chain of the GPIb–IX complex. We report here the design and functional characteristics of a VWF template‐assembled synthetic protein (TASP), a chimeric four‐helix‐bundle TASP scaffold mimicking the surface of the A1 domain. Twelve residues located on helices α3 and α4 in the native A1 domain were grafted onto a surface formed by two neighboring helices of the TASP. VWF TASP was found to inhibit specifically botrocetin‐induced platelet aggregation and to bind both botrocetin and GPIbα. However, in contrast to the native A1 domain, VWF TASP did not bind simultaneously to both ligands. Modeling studies revealed that the relative orientation of the α helices in VWF TASP led to a clash of bound botrocetin and GPIbα. These results demonstrate that a chimeric four‐helix‐bundle TASP as a scaffold offers a suitable surface for presenting crucial residues of the VWF A1 domain; the potential of the TASP approach for de novo protein design and mimicry is thereby illustrated.
Spin Frustration in 2D Kagomé Lattices: A Problem for Inorganic Synthetic Chemistry
Authors: Nocera Daniel G. , Bartlett Bart M. , Grohol Daniel , Papoutsakis Dimitris , Shores Matthew P.
Published: May 2004

A kagomé antiferromagnet presents an ideal construct for studying the unusual physics that result from the placement of magnetically frustrated spins on a low‐dimensional lattice. Jarosites are the prototype for a spin‐frustrated magnetic structure, because these materials are composed exclusively of kagomé layers. Notwithstanding, jarosite‐type materials have escaped precise magnetic characterization over the past three decades, because they are notoriously difficult to prepare in pure and single‐crystal forms. These hurdles have been overcome with the development of redox‐based hydrothermal methods. Armed with pure and crystalline materials, several perplexing issues surrounding the magnetic properties of the jarosites have been resolved, yielding a detailed and comprehensive picture of the ground‐state physics of this kagomé lattice.
A General Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis and Crystallographic Study of Transition‐Metal Sulfide One‐Dimensional Nanostructures
Authors: Ge Jian‐Ping , Wang Jin , Zhang Hao‐Xu , Li Ya‐Dong
Published: May 2004

A series of transition‐metal sulfide one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures have been synthesized by means of a general atmospheric pressure, chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) strategy. Vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) and vapour–solid (VS) mechanisms, along with the results of SEM and TEM observations, were used to explain the formation of these nanostructures. The regularity of the growth in the direction of the hexagonal nanowire is explored; we find that it prefers to grow along (1 0 0), (1 1 0), or (0 0 x) directions owing to particular crystal structures. The adopted synthetic route was expected to provide abundant useful 1D building blocks for the research of mesoscopic physics and fabrication of nanoscale devices.
Distinct expression of phosphorylated N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor NR1 subunits by projection neurons and interneurons in the striatum of normal and amphetamine‐treated rats
Authors: Liu Zhenguo , Mao Limin , Parelkar Nikhil K. , Tang Qingsong , Samdani Shazia , Wang John Q.
Published: May 2004

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are heteromeric assemblies of subunits (NR1 and NR2A–D), and are enriched in the striatum. Receptor phosphorylation has recently been demonstrated on the NR1 subunit at three serine residues, 897, 896, and 890, which appear to correspond to the level of receptor activity. In this study, expression of phospho‐specific NR1 subunits at serine 897 (pNR1S897), serine 896 (pNR1S896), or serine 890 (pNR1S890) in neurochemically identified neurons of the adult rat striatum was detected by using double‐immunofluorescent labeling or combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In both the dorsal and ventral striatum, pNR1S897 was expressed at high levels in projection neurons containing >55% dynorphin (striatonigral) and >90% enkephalin (striatopallidal) and in interneurons that were 100% positive for choline, >90% positive for parvalbumin, and >45% positive for somatostatin (co‐containing neuropeptide Y and neuronal nitric oxide synthase). Low levels of pNR1S896 were present in a small portion of projection neurons (<15% for both populations of projection neurons) and were almost lacking in the three types of interneurons. Interestingly, pNR1S890 was exclusively expressed in most parvalbumin‐containing interneurons (70–80%). Acute administration of a psychostimulant, amphetamine, increased the number of dynorphin‐containing projection neurons and parvalbumin interneurons showing detectable levels of pNR1S896 and pNR1S890, respectively. These results demonstrate the distinct expression of phospho‐NR1 subunits in different populations of striatal projection neurons and interneurons at variable levels in normal rats; they also demonstrate that phosphorylation of NR1, at least on serine 896 and 890 sites, is sensitive to drug exposure. J. Comp. Neurol. 474:393–406, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits in rat globus pallidus
Authors: Chen Lei , Boyes Justin , Yung Wing‐Ho , Bolam J. Paul
Published: May 2004

The inhibitory amino acid γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major neurotransmitter in the globus pallidus. Although electrophysiological studies have indicated that functional GABAB receptors exist in rat globus pallidus, the subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits and their spatial relationship to glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses are unknown. Here, we use pre‐embedding immunogold labeling to study the subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits, GABAB1 and GABAB2, in globus pallidus neurons and identified populations of afferent terminals. Immunolabeling for GABAB1 and GABAB2 was observed throughout the globus pallidus, with GABAB1 more strongly expressed in perikarya and GABAB2 mainly expressed in the neuropil. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the majority of GABAB1 labeling was localized within the cytoplasm, whereas most of GABAB2 labeling was associated with the plasma membrane. At the subcellular level, both the GABAB1 and GABAB2 immunogold labeling was localized at pre‐ and postsynaptic sites. At asymmetric, putative excitatory, synapses, GABAB1 and GABAB2 immunogold labeling was found at perisynaptic sites of both pre‐ and postsynaptic specializations. Double immunolabeling, using the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), revealed the glutamatergic nature of most immunogold‐labeled asymmetric synapses. At symmetric, putative GABAergic, synapses, including those formed by anterogradely labeled striatopallidal terminals, GABAB1 and GABAB2 immunogold labeling was found in the main body of both pre‐ and postsynaptic specializations. These results demonstrate the existence of presynaptic GABAB auto‐ and heteroreceptors and postsynaptic GABAB receptors, which may be involved in modulating synaptic transmission in the globus pallidus. J. Comp. Neurol. 474:340–352, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vanilloid receptor like 1 (VRL1) immunoreactivity in mammalian retina: Colocalization with somatostatin and purinergic P2X1 receptors
Authors: Yazulla Stephen , Studholme Keith M.
Published: May 2004

The distribution of vanilloid receptor like1 immunoreactivity (VRL1‐IR) in the retinas of rat, cat, and monkey was studied by single‐ and double‐labeling immunocytochemistry. The patterns were similar for all three species in that VRL1‐IR was most prominent in the inner plexiform layer, with scattered compact projections to the outer plexiform layer (OPL). VRL1‐immunoreactive cell bodies were present throughout the rat retina, represented by amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer (GCL). In cat and monkey retinas, VRL1‐immunoreactive cell bodies were restricted to the GCL in the inferior retina. Occasional cell bodies were associated with retinal blood vessels, but their identity as pericytes, glia, or neurons is uncertain. All VRL1‐immunoreactive cells and processes colocalized with somatostatin and purinergic P2X1 receptor‐IR but not with tyrosine hydroxylase‐IR. VRL1‐immunoreactive processes in the OPL did not label with antisera against synaptic vesicle 2 (SV2), suggesting that they were dendritic and did not derive from interplexiform cells. However, VRL1‐immunoreactive processes in the far periphery toward the pars plana labeled for SV2, suggesting that these processes were presynaptic. The VRL1‐immunoreactive cell bodies in the monkey GCL were not calbindin‐immunoreactive, demonstrating that they were not displaced H2 horizontal cells. The VRL1‐immunoreactive cells in cat and monkey could represent biplexiform and/or associational ganglion cells that receive input in the OPL throughout the retina and direct output to the far periphery. The presence of P2X1 receptors and vanilloid receptor like 1 protein on somatostatin‐containing neurons in mammalian retina adds to the growing complexity regarding the chemical control of retinal function that is likely to include the microcirculation. J. Comp. Neurol. 474:407–418, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory receptor gene expression in tiger salamander olfactory epithelium
Authors: Marchand James E. , Yang Xinhai , Chikaraishi Dona , Krieger Jurgen , Breer Heinz , Kauer John S.
Published: May 2004

Physiological studies of odor‐elicited responses from the olfactory epithelium and bulb in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, have elucidated a number of features of olfactory coding that appear to be conserved across several vertebrate species. This animal model has provided an accessible in vivo system for observing individual and ensemble olfactory responses to odorant stimulation using biochemical, neurophysiological, and behavioral assays. In this paper we have complemented these studies by characterizing 35 candidate odorant receptor genes. These receptor sequences are similar to those of the large families of olfactory receptors found in mammals and fish. In situ hybridization, using RNA probes to 20 of these sequences, demonstrates differential distributions of labeled cells across the extent and within the depth of the olfactory epithelium. The distributions of cells labeled with probes to different receptors show spatially restricted patterns that are generally localized to different degrees in medial‐lateral and anterior‐posterior directions. The patterns of receptor expression in the ventral olfactory epithelium (OE) are mirrored in the dorsal OE. We present a hypothesis as to how the sensory neuron populations expressing different receptor types responding to a particular odorant may relate to the distribution patterns of epithelial and bulbar responses previously characterized using single‐unit and voltage‐sensitive dye recording methods. J. Comp. Neurol. 474:453–467, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recognized visual space of illumination: A new account of center‐surround simultaneous color contrast
Authors: Cunthasaksiri Prasit , Shinoda Hiroyuki , Ikeda Mitsuo
Published: May 2004

Appearances of an object color in a space are determined by a cortical representation of illuminant for a space or the recognized visual space of illumination (RVSI). The simultaneous color contrast phenomenon on a simple center‐surround configuration can be explained by RVSI. It is hypothesized that our visual system constructs an RVSI on the surround and then that RVSI determines color appearance of the center test. If this is correct, the color contrast can be quite strong when the surround is enlarged to be an enclosed space. To support the hypothesis, color appearance of a physical gray test was measured in a green surround of various sizes. Observers were asked to do elementary color naming in the first experiment. The results showed same tendency for all observers: once the surround was extended to walls, a ceiling, and a floor of a box, perceived chromaticness abruptly increased. In other words, three‐dimensional surround evoked strong simultaneous color contrast. In the second experiment the matching method was employed with the green and other three surround colors: red, blue, and yellow. The results were consistent with the first experiment. The well‐known color contrast is thought to be a weak version of this color change. It suggested that RVSI plays an important role in the well‐known color contrast demonstration on two‐dimensional planes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 29, 255–260, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20019
Evidence given for delusions during cognitive behaviour therapy
Authors: Rhodes J.E. , Jakes S.
Published: May 2004

In cognitive behaviour therapy for delusions it is recommended that in some cases it is useful to examine evidence given by participants to support their beliefs. We wished to examine the nature and range of evidence from the participant's perspective without prior assumptions about its nature.
The evidence given by 23 participants in therapy was collected, and 9 participants were given an additional interview. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. We found 10 types of evidence. The most common included the perception of ‘things’, perception of real people and a form of ‘accounting’ using ideas already assumed by the participant. In addition to specific evidence types, we also noted how participants made comments about their relationships to evidence, for example, by emphasizing how claims are based on the ‘real’.
The use of evidence reported tended to be compatible with Maher's theory that participants seek to explain unusual experiences but does not lend support to a picture of neutral ‘data’ as separate from ‘theorizing’ by participants. Our findings also gave some indirect support to cognitive theories of delusions in terms of the derivation of content, but also suggested certain insufficiencies and neglected topics in these theories. We emphasize the importance of fully understanding the perceptions of participants for therapy, research and everyday transactions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aversion to risk and guilt
Authors: Mancini Francesco , Gangemi Amelia
Published: May 2004

Much research has shown that cognitive processes are largely guided by individuals' states of mind (Mancini & Gangemi, 2002a, in press; Smeets, de Jong, & Mayer, 2000). In this paper, we specifically consider a state of mind characterized by guilt for having acted irresponsibly. This state is currently considered the breeding ground for the obsessive–compulsive disorder (Rachman, 2002; Salkovskis & Forrester, 2002). Our aim is to examine the impact of this state of mind on decision under risk. We hypothesize that individuals' choices (risk seeking/risk aversion) depend on how they evaluate themselves, as guilty or as victims of a wrong, and thus on moral values. People who evaluate them‐selves as guilty are expected to show a risk‐averse preference. People who evaluate themselves as victims are expected to show a risk‐seeking preference. In two different experiments, we demonstrated that non‐clinical participants' aversion to risky choices and preference for risky choices vary as a function of their moral role (guilty/victim). As predicted, in both the experiments, participants experienced intolerance for risk, making more riskless choices, in the context of guilt. Thus, aversion to risk‐taking is actually affected by a mental state of guilt. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow cytometric enrichment for respiratory epithelial cells in sputum
Authors: Kraemer Petra S. , Sanchez Carissa A. , Goodman Gary E. , Jett James , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Reid Brian J.
Published: May 2004

Background

Induced sputum, in contrast to bronchoscopic biopsies and lavages, is an easily obtained source of biological specimens. However, obtaining abnormal exfoliated cells for detailed molecular studies is limited because respiratory epithelial cells comprise only about 1% of sputum cell populations.

Methods

We developed a multiparameter flow sorting strategy to purify epithelial cells from nonepithelial sputum cells, using anti‐cytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3 to recognize human epithelial cells and DAPI to stain DNA. We excluded cells with a high degree of side‐scatter, which were composed predominantly of squamous cells and contaminating macrophages. The remaining cytokeratin‐positive respiratory epithelial cells were then sorted based on anti‐cytokeratin (PE) vs DNA (DAPI) parameters.

Results

In this proof of principle study, the AE1AE3 cytokeratin/DNA flow sorting strategy enriched rare diploid respiratory epithelial cells from an average of 1.1% of cells in unsorted induced sputum samples to average purities of 42%. Thus, AE1AE3 flow‐sorting results in a 38‐fold enrichment of these cells.

Conclusions

We report a multiparameter flow cytometric assay to detect and enrich rare respiratory epithelial cells from induced sputum samples to average purities of 42%. With further development, this methodology may be useful as part of a molecular screening approach of populations at high risk for lung cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and validation method for determination of Paroxetine and its metabolites by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis in human urine. Experimental design for evaluating the ruggedness of the method (vol. 25, issue 3, pp. 454‐462)
Authors: Rodríguez Flores Juana , Barzas Nevado Juan J. , Contento Salcedo Ana M. , Cabello Díaz Maria P.
Published: May 2004

No abstracts.

See original http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elps.200305686
Enantioselective gas chromatographic analysis of monoterpenes in essential oils of the family Myrtaceae
Authors: Shellie Robert , Mondello Luigi , Dugo Giovanni , Marriott Philip
Published: May 2004

The elution proﬁles of several essential oils of the Myrtaceae family were acquired using a single enantioselective stationary phase column. These chromatograms were compared with those obtained by using a two‐column coupled system, which comprised a low‐polarity stationary phase column connected to the terminal end of the enantioselective column. The enantiomeric distributions of β‐pinene, sabinene, α‐phellandrene, limonene, trans‐ and cis‐sabinene hydrate, linalool, terpinen‐4‐ol and α‐terpineol were determined. The use of a two‐column coupled system is demonstrated to be useful for improving the resolution of target (chiral) compounds from otherwise interfering matrix components. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pressure correction methods based on Krylov subspace conception for solving incompressible Navier–Stokes problems
Authors: Liu Weiming , Ashworth Mike , Emerson David
Published: May 2004

Pressure correction concept is widely used to solve incompressible Navier–Stokes problems numerically. Based on Krylov subspace methods, we introduce several new pressure correction algorithms. Compared with the traditional pressure correction methods, they do not need to solve the pressure Poisson equation, which appears to reduce the computational cost. The preconditioning technique links the pressure correction methods based on Krylov iterations and with the pressure Poisson equation. In order to investigate the convergence performance of the new methods, we carried out various numerical experiments. Moreover we also discuss some ways on computational cost. Finally, these pressure correction methods are applied to solve the three‐dimensional lid‐driven cavity flows. © Crown Copyright 2004. Reproduced with permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of octacalcium phosphate and Type‐B carbonated apatites deposited on the surface of explanted acrylic hydrogel intraocular lens
Authors: Lin Shan‐Yang , Chen Ko‐Hua , Li May‐Jane , Cheng Wen‐Ting , Wang Shun‐Li
Published: May 2004

Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy combining with attenuated total reflection (ATR) microsampling technique and micro‐Raman spectrophotometer were used to detect the deposited materials on the surface of acrylic hydrogel intraocular lens (IOL) with or without ocular implantation. Surface morphology and the interface of this IOL were further examined by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The brand‐new IOL exhibited a very smooth, transparent and featureless surface, but the explanted IOL had an irregular cerebriform‐like opaque appearance. Both FTIR/ATR and Raman microspectroscopic analyses showed the deposits on the surface of acrylic hydrogel IOL after ocular implantation to consist of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and Type B carbonated apatites, leading to the opalescence of acrylic hydrogel IOL. Both vibrational microspectroscopic examinations also confirmed the mineralization still in progress on the surface of acrylic hydrogel IOL after ocular implantation for 2 years. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 203–208, 2004
Resistance to TGF‐β‐induced apoptosis in regenerating hepatocytes
Authors: Herrera Blanca , Álvarez Alberto M. , Beltrán Jesús , Valdés Francisco , Fabregat Isabel , Fernández Margarita
Published: May 2004

Treatment with transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) of hepatocytes from two different proliferative conditions, such as fetal development and adult liver regeneration, shows that regenerating cells respond to this cytokine in terms of growth inhibition, but are less sensitive than the fetal ones to the apoptosis induced by this factor. Regenerating TGF‐β treated cells show higher cell viability and lower percentage of apoptotic cells than the fetal treated ones. Furthermore, TGF‐β treated regenerating hepatocytes maintain a well‐preserved parenchyma‐like organization. Treatment with TGF‐β induces the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential in fetal but not in regenerating hepatocytes and activation of caspase‐3 is lower in regenerating than in fetal cells. Regenerating hepatocytes show higher intracellular levels of some antiapoptotic proteins, such as Bcl‐xL and c‐IAP‐1 and, interestingly, they present higher intracellular glutathione levels, which might provide of mechanisms to avoid potential dangerous effects of the oxidative stress‐mediated apoptosis induced by TGF‐β. In fact, treatment with BSO (a glutathione synthesis inhibitor) restores the response of regenerating hepatocytes to TGF‐β in terms of cell death. In conclusion, increased levels of Bcl‐xL and cIAP‐1 and higher intracellular glutathione levels could confer resistance to the apoptosis induced by TGF‐β during liver regeneration. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histone deacetylase inhibition‐mediated post‐translational elevation of p27KIP1 protein levels is required for G1 arrest in fibroblasts
Authors: Chen James S. , Faller Douglas V.
Published: May 2004

Butyrate, a non‐toxic short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) and inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC), has potential as an anti‐tumor agent because it imposes a reversible G1 block in normal cells yet induces apoptosis in tumor lines. As a potent reactivator of fetal globin transcription, butyrate is used clinically in the treatment of hemoglobinopathies. The anti‐proliferative effect of butyrate and its derivatives on in vivo erythroid cell maturation, however, has limited their utility. The molecular mechanisms underlying the G1 arrest induced by butyrate and related SCFAs remain unclear. One model, drawing on tumor cell data, proposes that HDAC inhibition and subsequent transcriptional induction of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p21CIP are required. However, because of potentially confounding genetic mutations present in tumor models, we examined SCFA effects on CKIs in a non‐transformed growth control model. Using murine 3T3 fibroblasts, we find p27KIP1 is also strongly induced. Unlike previously described effects of butyrate and HDAC inhibition on p21CIP, p27KIP1 induction did not occur at the transcriptional level; instead, the stability of the p27KIP1 protein increased. Other structurally unrelated HDAC inhibitors, including trichostatin A (TSA), induced p27KIP1 similarly. p27KIP1 was found in cyclin E/Cdk2 complexes, concomitant with suppression of cdk2 activity. Elevation of p27KIP1 is required for the observed G1 blockade, as p27KIP1‐deficient fibroblasts were resistant to HDAC inhibition‐induced arrest. These data suggest a novel activity for HDAC inhibitors and demonstrate a critical role for p27KIP1 in mediating G1 arrest in response to these drugs. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide 1989–2004—an overview
Authors: Edelstein Michael L. , Abedi Mohammad R. , Wixon Jo , Edelstein Richard M.
Published: May 2004

In 1989, Rosenberg et al. performed the first human gene therapy trial when they used a retrovirus to introduce the gene coding for resistance to neomycin into human tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes before infusing them into five patients with advanced melanoma. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using retroviral gene transduction in humans and set the stage for further studies. Since then, over 900 clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. These trials have been designed to establish feasibility and safety, to demonstrate the reality of expression of therapeutic protein(s) in vivo by the genes transferred and, in some cases, to show therapeutic benefit.

There is no single source of information that presents an overview of all the clinical trials undertaken worldwide. In 1997 we set up a database to bring all the information on clinical trials together as comprehensively and as globally as possible. The data were compiled and are regularly updated from official agency sources, the published literature, presentations at conferences and from information kindly provided by investigators or trial sponsors themselves. As of January 31, 2004, we have identified 918 trials in 24 countries. The USA accounts for two‐thirds of these trials. Cancer is by far the most common disease indication, followed by inherited monogenic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Viral vectors have been the most frequently used vehicles for transferring genes into human cells, with retroviruses and adenoviruses representing the vast majority. Plasmid (naked) DNA and other non‐viral vectors have been used in one‐quarter of the trials. Over 100 distinct genes have been transferred. This article aims to provide a descriptive overview of the clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. Details of the data presented, including an interactive, searchable database that currently holds information on 918 trials, can be found on The Journal of Gene Medicine clinical trials website 1. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contralateral axillary sentinel lymph node drainage in breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Barranger Emmanuel , Montravers Françoise , Kerrou Khaldoun , Marpeau Olivier , Raileanu Irena , Antoine Martine , Noel Talbot Jean , Uzan Serge
Published: May 2004

Background

Since the introduction of sentinel node (SN) mapping in breast cancer, extra‐axillary lymph node sites of breast tumor drainage are discovered in about one‐quarter of cases, especially after intraparenchymal injection. In most such cases, an ipsilateral axillary SN is associated with an extra‐axillary SN. Non visualization of ipsilateral axillary SN and extra‐axillary SN drainage are often associated with an increased risk of axillary involvement.

Case

We report a case of contralateral axillary SN drainage on lymphoscintigraphy in a breast cancer patient with a history of bilateral reduction mammoplasty and no ipsilateral axillary lymph node involvement. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:167–169. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of mutations in the epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene in patients with different subtypes of primary dystonias
Authors: Grundmann Kathrin , Laubis‐Herrmann Ulrike , Dressler Dirk , Vollmer‐Haase Juliane , Bauer Peter , Stuhrmann Manfred , Schulte Thorsten , Schöls Ludger , Topka Helge , Riess Olaf
Published: May 2004

Primary dystonias represent a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of movement disorders. Mutations in the ϵ‐sarcoglycan (SGCE) gene have been found recently to cause myoclonus–dystonia (MD). Considerable clinical variation of SGCE mutation carriers leads to the hypothesis that mutations in the SGCE gene might also be relevant for other subtypes of dystonias. To determine the contribution of mutations in the SGCE gene in patients with different subtypes of dystonias, we analyzed the coding sequence of the SGCE gene in a group of 296 patients with a clinical phenotype of primary dystonia and in 2 patients with a clinical phenotype of myoclonus–dystonia. Patients with mutations in the DYT1 gene were excluded. We could not detect a mutation in the SGCE gene in any of the 298 patients. Our results suggest that mutations in the SGCE gene cannot be held responsible for other subtypes of primary dystonia. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Dystonia in the Mohr–Tranebjaerg syndrome responds to GABAergic substances
Authors: Kreisel Stefan H. , Binder Johannes , Wöhrle Johannes C. , Krauss Joachim K. , Hofmann Sabine , Bauer Matthias F. , Hennerici Michael G. , Bäzner Hansjörg
Published: May 2004

Mutations in the X‐linked deafness–dystonia peptide 1 (DDP1) gene cause Mohr–Tranebjaerg syndrome (MTS), a rare form of deafness associated with dystonia. In the patient presented here, improvement of dystonic symptoms upon treatment with alcohol and GABAergic substances is demonstrated for the first time. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical and genetic description of a family with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1B from a transmembrane MPZ mutation
Authors: Eggers Scott D. Z. , Keswani Sanjay C. , Melli Giorgia , Cornblath David R.
Published: May 2004

Mutations in the myelin protein zero gene (MPZ) are associated with certain demyelinating neuropathies, and in particular with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1B (CMT1B), Dejerine–Sottas syndrome, and congenital hypomyelination. MPZ mutations affecting the protein's transmembrane domain are generally associated with more severe phenotypes. We describe a family with mild CMT1B associated with a transmembrane MPZ mutation. Sequence analysis identified a G‐to‐C transversion at nucleotide 1064, predicting a glycine‐to‐arginine substitution in codon 163 (G163R) of MPZ. This report furthers the understanding of the clinical and electrophysiological manifestations of MPZ mutations. Muscle Nerve 29: 867–869, 2004
Cutaneous silent period in hand muscle is evoked by laser stimulation of the palm, but not the hand dorsum
Authors: Romaniello A. , Truini A. , Galeotti F. , De Lena C. , Willer J. C. , Cruccu G.
Published: May 2004

Painful electrical stimulation of the fingers evokes an inhibitory response in hand muscles (cutaneous silent period, CSP). The aim of this study was to determine whether purely nociceptive thermal stimuli applied to the hand evoke a CSP. High‐intensity laser pulses (205 ± 44 mJ) were delivered to the dorsum and palm of the hand in five volunteers. Electromyographic signals were recorded from the ipsilateral first dorsal interosseous muscle. We then compared the laser‐evoked CSP with the CSP induced by electrical stimulation. A clear laser CSP (latency 90 ± 7 ms) was evoked in all subjects when laser pulses were applied to the palm of the hand, whereas no response was recorded after stimulation of the dorsum. Electrical stimulation of both the dorsum and the palm evoked a CSP (latency 65 ± 5 ms), although the reflex threshold was significantly lower after stimulation of the palm. This study confirms that the CSP is a nociceptive response specific to limbs that grasp. In humans, palm nociceptors are probably more functionally effective than dorsal nociceptors in inducing the hand‐muscle inhibition that interrupts hand prehension (so that a potentially noxious source is dropped) before proximal muscles withdraw the limb. Muscle Nerve 29: 870–872, 2004
Detection of regional changes in protein levels in the in vivo canine model of acute heart failure following ischemia‐reperfusion injury: Functional proteomics studies
Authors: Sawicki Grzegorz , Jugdutt Bodh I.
Published: May 2004

In this study, we demonstrate the use of proteomics to detect regional differences in protein levels between the reperfused ischemic zone (IZ) and the nonischemic zone (NIZ) of dog hearts which were subjected to in vivo ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Using the two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) technique, we identified five proteins that were differentially expressed in the IZ versus NIZ: (1) the α subunit of ATP synthase isoform precursor was decreased 1.71‐fold; (2) creatine kinase M chain was decreased 1.72‐fold; (3) NAD+‐isocitrate dehydrogenase, α subunit was increased 8.34‐fold; (4) ATP synthase D chain, mitochondrial was increased 3.02‐fold; (5) ventricular myosin light chain‐1 was decreased 2.02‐fold. Additionally, we found that the level of actin was decreased 2.6‐times in the IZ compared to the NIZ on Western blot analysis but was unchanged on 2‐DE.
Ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization with tetramethyldisiloxane‐bridged bis(indenyl) metallocenes
Authors: Reybuck Sarah E. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: May 2004

Ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerizations with disiloxane‐bridged metallocenes, rac‐ and meso‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxanediyl‐bis(1‐indenyl)zirconium dichloride (rac‐1, meso‐1) activated by modified methylaluminoxane were performed to investigate the influence of conformational dynamics on comonomer selectivity. Although 1H NOESY (nuclear Overhauser and exchange spectroscopy) analysis indicated that the most stable conformation for the meso isomer in solution was that in which both indenes project over the metal coordination site, this isomer showed higher 1‐hexene selectivity in copolymerization (re = 140 ± 30, rh = 0.024 ± 0.004) than the rac isomer with only one indene over the coordination site (re = 240 ± 20, rh = 0.005 ± 0.001). The meso isomer showed high 1‐hexene selectivity, a high product of reactivity ratios (rerh = 3.3 ± 0.5) and produced copolymers that could be separated into fractions with different ethylene content suggesting that the active species exhibited multisite behavior and populated conformations with different comonomer selectivities during the copolymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3323–3331, 2004
Nitroxide‐mediated living free‐radical polymerization of styrene: A systematic study of the variation of the alkoxyamine concentration
Authors: Schulte Tobias , Knoop Christoph Alexander , Studer Armido
Published: May 2004

The effect of the variation of the alkoxyamine concentration on the conversion and polydispersity of the nitroxide‐mediated living free‐radical polymerization of styrene is discussed. Four different alkoxyamines (1–4) have been used for these studies. For an alkoxyamine with a small equilibrium rate constant (K), such as styryl–TEMPO 2, the conversion is governed by the autopolymerization of styrene. For efficient alkoxyamines 1, 3, and 4, the conversion at high alkoxyamine concentrations is higher than the conversion obtained by autopolymerization. At high alkoxyamine concentrations, the conversions vary to a small extent for all the alkoxyamines studied. As long as the conversion remains high, the polydispersity index is small. In addition, simulations of polymerizations with a program for modeling nonlinear dynamics are discussed. Polymerizations with efficient alkoxyamines at high alkoxyamine concentrations are well described by the kinetic scheme applied. K for alkoxyamines 1 and 4 has been estimated with the simulations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3342–3351, 2004
New 7‐membered diazepanone alkoxyamines for nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization
Authors: Nesvadba Peter , Bugnon Lucienne , Sift Rosemarie
Published: May 2004

The synthesis of new 7‐membered diazepanone alkoxyamines [2,2,7,7‐tetramethyl‐1‐(1‐phenyl‐ethoxy)‐[1,4]diazepan‐5‐one (3) and 2,7‐diethyl‐2,3,7‐trimethyl‐1‐(1‐phenyl‐ethoxy)‐[1,4]diazepan‐5‐one (8)] through the Beckmann rearrangement of piperidin‐4‐one alkoxyamines was developed. Both 3 and 8 were evaluated as initiators and regulators for the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene and n‐butyl acrylate. 8, a sterically highly hindered alkoxyamine readily available as a crystalline solid, allowed the fast and controlled polymerization and preparation of polymers with low polydispersity indices (1.2–1.4) up to a degree of polymerization of about 100. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3332–3341, 2004
Posttraumatic growth in chinese cancer survivors
Authors: Ho Samuel M.Y. , Chan Cecilia L.W. , Ho Rainbow T.H.
Published: May 2004

To investigate the dimensions and determinants of posttraumatic growth among Chinese cancer survivors, 188 participants were asked to complete a Chinese posttraumatic growth inventory, translated from the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; J Trauma Stress 1996; 9: 455–471), together with the Chinese versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, the Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a different factor structure than the original English‐language version of the PTGI. The dimensions of growth could also be broadly dichotomized into an Interpersonal and an Intrapersonal dimension in our Chinese sample. Multiple regression analysis showed that positive coping was the most important determinant of posttraumatic growth when compared with negative coping and psychological symptoms. A Chinese Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was developed to facilitate future research. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic properties of Nigella sativa
Authors: Nazrul Islam SK. , Begum Parveen , Ahsan Touhida , Huque Saiful , Ahsan Monira
Published: May 2004

In this study the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds (NSVO) was investigated for its immunomodulating and cytotoxic properties. A rat model was designed to examine the effect of NSVO on selected immune components. Long‐Evans rats were challenged with a speciﬁc antigen (typhoid TH) and treated with NSVO; and the changes produced in their serum antibody titre along with the splenocytes and peripheral immune cells were analysed. Antibody titre for the experimental animal was found to be 1280 as compared to the 2560 in the control rats. There was a signiﬁcant (p < 0.05) decrease in splenocytes and neutrophils counts, but a rise in peripheral lymphocytes and monocytes in the experimental animals. To test the cytotoxicity of NSVO, a panel of ﬁve human cancer cell lines and a ﬁbroblast line was used. The MTT assay was employed to estimate the cell mortality. Vinblastine sulphate and mitomycin C were used as the positive control. LC50 values for NSVO were 155.02 ± 10.4, 185.77 ± 2.9, 120.40 ± 20.5, 384.53 ± 12.1 and 286.83 ± 23.3 µg/ml respectively against the SCL, SCL‐6, SCL‐37′6, NUGC‐4 cancer lines and 3T6 ﬁbroblast line. Results indicate that the NSVO could be considered as a potential immunosuppressive cytotoxic agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Hypericum perforatum on marble‐burying by mice
Authors: Skalisz L. L. , Beijamini V. , Andreatini R.
Published: May 2004

The effect of Hypericum perforatum extract (LI 160) at a dose that exerts an antidepressive‐like effect was studied in mice in the marble‐burying test. Acute Hypericum perforatum (150, 300 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test. The number of marbles buried, but not locomotor activity, was reduced by acute treatment with Hypericum perforatum (150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.). However, this effect was not seen after chronic treatment (21 days) with Hypericum perforatum (300 mg/kg, p.o.). Thus, Hypericum perforatum extract, at antidepressant dose, exerts an acute anxiolytic drug effect on the marble‐burying test, which could indicate a potential anti‐obsessive effect, although the development of tolerance could be an important drawback. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying several biased coins encountered by a hidden random walk
Authors: Levin David A. , Peres Yuval
Published: May 2004

Suppose that attached to each site z ∈ ℤ is a coin with bias θ(z), and only finitely many of these coins have nonzero bias. Allow a simple random walker to generate observations by tossing, at each move, the coin attached to its current position. Then we can determine the biases {θ(z)}z∈ℤ, using only the outcomes of these coin tosses and no information about the path of the random walker, up to a shift and reflection of ℤ. This generalizes a result of Harris and Keane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2004
Data structures for maintaining set partitions
Authors: Bender Michael A. , Sethia Saurabh , Skiena Steven S.
Published: May 2004

Efficiently maintaining the partition induced by a set of features is an important problem in building decision‐tree classifiers. In order to identify a small set of discriminating features, we need the capability of efficiently adding and removing specific features and determining the effect of these changes on the induced classification or partition. In this paper we introduce a variety of randomized and deterministic data structures to support these operations on both general and geometrically induced set partitions. We give both Monte Carlo and Las Vegas data structures that realize near‐optimal time bounds and are practical to implement. We then provide a faster solution to this problem in the geometric setting. Finally, we present a data structure that efficiently estimates the number of partitions separating elements. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2004
All five digits of the hands of fetuses with Down syndrome are short
Authors: Maymon R. , Tovbin Y. , Dreazen E. , Weinraub Z. , Herman A.
Published: May 2004

Objective

To compare mid‐gestation sonographic measurements of all five digits of the hands of fetuses with Down syndrome with those of normal controls.

Methods

Twenty‐nine fetuses between 17 and 26 weeks' gestation which had been confirmed by karyotyping to have Down syndrome were included in this prospective study. Each fetus was scanned once and the digits of only one hand were measured. Measurements were compared with those of 302 previously reported normal controls matched for gestational age. All measurements were expressed in multiples of the gestation‐specific normal median (MoM) for each digit.

Results

Compared to 1 MoM for the length of Digits 1 to 5 from the normal population, the respective values in the Down syndrome digits were: 0.94, 0.85, 0.92, 0.88 and 0.85 MoM, representing values significantly lower than normal (P < 0.05; t‐test).

Conclusions

All five digits of the hands of fetuses with Down syndrome are shorter than are those of euploid fetuses. Integration of fetal digit measurement into the antenatal assessment of selected high‐risk cases may be of value although confirmation of our findings should be obtained before this measurement is incorporated into Down syndrome screening in the general population. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maxillary length at 11–14 weeks of gestation in fetuses with trisomy 21
Authors: Cicero S. , Curcio P. , Rembouskos G. , Sonek J. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: May 2004

Objective

To determine the value of measuring maxillary length at 11–14 weeks of gestation in screening for trisomy 21.

Methods

In 970 fetuses ultrasound examination was carried out for measurement of crown–rump length (CRL), nuchal translucency and maxillary length, and to determine if the nasal bone was present or absent, immediately before chorionic villus sampling for karyotyping at 11–14 weeks of gestation. In 60 cases the maxillary length was measured twice by the same operator to calculate the intraobserver variation in measurements.

Results

The median gestation was 12 (range, 11–14) weeks. The maxilla was successfully examined in all cases. The mean difference between paired measurements of maxillary length was −0.012 mm and the 95% limits of agreement were −0.42 (95% CI, −0.47 to −0.37) to 0.40 (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.44) mm. The fetal karyotype was normal in 839 pregnancies and abnormal in 131, including 88 cases of trisomy 21. In the chromosomally normal group the maxillary length increased significantly with CRL from a mean of 4.8 mm at a CRL of 45 mm to 8.3 mm at a CRL of 84 mm. In the trisomy 21 fetuses the maxillary length was significantly shorter than normal by 0.7 mm and in the trisomy 21 fetuses with absent nasal bone the maxilla was shorter than in those with present nasal bone by 0.5 mm. In fetuses with other chromosomal defects there were no significant differences from normal in the maxillary length.

Conclusion

At 11–14 weeks of gestation, maxillary length in trisomy 21 fetuses is significantly shorter than in normal fetuses. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doppler blood flow velocity waveforms in the fetal renal arteries: variability at proximal and distal sites in the right and left arteries
Authors: Haugen G. , Godfrey K. , Crozier S. , Hanson M.
Published: May 2004

Objective

To investigate variability in pulsatility/resistance indices and absolute velocities of blood flow in fetal renal arteries dependent on side and sampling site within each vessel.

Methods

Doppler blood flow measurements of pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) were performed in the renal arteries of 27 fetuses between 236 and 247 days of gestation. Velocity waveforms were sampled in both the right and left renal arteries at two different sites: proximally, close to the aorta, and distally, before any major visible bifurcation of the vessels. The intraobserver variation was measured in 15 additional fetuses.

Results

Mean values of PI and RI were similar in the right and left renal arteries and at the proximal and distal sampling sites of these arteries. Mean PSV and EDV were higher at the proximal compared to the distal site on both sides. For all parameters the 95% limits of agreement between measurements made in the right and left arteries and at proximal and distal sites were wide but tended to be narrower for the left renal artery and at the distal site. Intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver variability were 0.88, 0.89, 0.83 and 0.81 for PI, RI, PSV and EDV, respectively.

Conclusions

It is important to standardize the precise site at which Doppler blood flow velocity waveform measurements are made in the renal arteries of the fetus. On the basis of our observations, we suggest that the left renal artery is the preferred vessel for sampling and that measurements should be made in the renal arterial trunk away from the aorta and before any visible branches. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.