bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometric analysis of 7‐sulfoxymethyl‐12‐methylbenz[a]anthracene and related electrophilic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites
Authors: Lehner Andreas F. , Horn Jamie , Flesher James W.
Published: November 2004

The Meso‐region theory of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carcinogenesis predicts that the development of pronounced carcinogenicity depends on the introduction of a good leaving group on alkyl side‐chains attached to the exceptionally reactive meso‐anthracenic or L‐region positions of PAHs. Thus, the first step in carcinogenesis by methylated PAHs such as 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) would be the hydroxylation of the L‐region methyl groups, particularly the 7‐methyl group. The second would be the formation of a metabolite, e.g. a sulfate ester, which is expected to be a good leaving group capable of generating a highly reactive benzylic carbocation. 7‐Hydroxymethyl‐12‐methylbenz[a]anthracene (7‐HMBA) is a metabolite of DMBA, and sulfation of 7‐HMBA to a 7‐sulfoxymethyl metabolite (7‐SMBA) is a known Phase II metabolic process designed to facilitate excretion, but actually enabling more destructive side‐reactions. These side‐reactions occur with generation of an electrophilic 7‐methylene carbonium ion, and/or by in vivo halide exchange to provide neutral side‐products more capable of entering cells, especially those of DMBA target tissues. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) enabled us to visualize 7‐SMBA as an intact m/z 351 conjugate anion by negative mode, and as a released m/z 255 carbonium ion by positive mode. Upon prolonged refrigeration, 7‐SMBA accumulated an m/z 383 photooxide, which appeared capable of re‐evolving the starting material as visualized by tandem quadrupole MS, or MS/MS. The 7‐SMBA carbonium ion provided interpretable fragments when studied by fragment ion MS/MS, including those representing the loss of up to several protons. Subtle differences in this property were encountered upon perturbing 7‐SMBA, either by warming it at 37 °C for 2 h or by substituting the initial sulfoxy group with an iodo group. Side‐reactions accounting for such proton losses are proposed, and are of interest whether they occur in the mass spectrometer, in solution or both; these proposals include acidity at the 12‐methyl position and cyclization between the 12‐methyl group and the adjacent C‐1 position. It is also suggested that such side‐reactions may comprise one route to relieving steric strain arising between the 12‐methyl group and the angular benzo ring of 7‐SMBA. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parametrices of mixed elliptic problems
Authors: Harutjunjan G. , Schulze B.‐W.
Published: November 2004

Mixed elliptic problems for differential operatorsAin a domain Ω with smooth boundaryYare studied in theform

whereY±⊂Yare manifolds with a common boundaryZ, such thatY–∪Y+=YandY–∩Y+=Z, with boundary conditionsT±onY±(with smooth coefficients up toZfrom the respective side) satisfying the Shapiro–Lopatinskij condition. We consider such problems in standard Sobolev spaces and characterise natural extra conditions on the interfaceZwith an analogue of Shapiro–Lopatinskij ellipticity for an associated transmission problem on the boundary; then the extended operator is Fredholm. The transmission operators on the boundary with respect toZbelong to a complete pseudo‐differential calculus, a modification of the algebra of boundary value problems without the transmission property. We construct parametrices of elliptic elements in that calculus, and we obtain parametrices of the original mixed problems under additional conditions on the interface. We consider the Zaremba problem and other mixed problems for the Laplace operator, determine the number of extra conditions and calculate the index of associated Fredholm operators. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chiral recognition by mass‐resolved laser spectroscopy
Authors: Speranza Maurizio , Satta Mauro , Piccirillo Susanna , Rondino Flaminia , Paladini Alessandra , Giardini Anna , Filippi Antonello , Catone Daniele
Published: November 2004

Chiral recognition is a fundamental phenomenon in life sciences, based on the enantioselective complexation of a chiral molecule with a chiral selector. The diastereomeric aggregates, formed by complexation, are held together by a different combination of intermolecular forces and are therefore endowed with different stability and reactivity. Determination of these forces, which are normally affected in the condensed phase by solvent and supramolecular interactions, requires the generation of the diastereomeric complexes in the isolated state and their spectroscopic investigation. This review deals with chiral recognition in the gas phase through the application of laser‐resolved mass spectrometric techniques (R2PI‐TOF and RET‐MS). The measurement of the fragmentation thresholds of diastereomeric clusters by these techniques allows the determination of the nature of the intrinsic interactions, which control their formation and affect their stability and reactivity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 24:588–610, 2005
Fluorimetric detection of cyclodextrins via complexation with fluorescence probe in microcolumn liquid chromatography
Authors: Takeuchi Toyohide , Kitamaki Yuko , Miwa Tomoo
Published: November 2004

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are visualized by fluorimetric detection based on inclusion complexation with fluorescence probes in microcolumn liquid chromatography. Visualization of CDs is attributed to the fact that the fluorescence intensity of 2‐p‐toluidinylnaphthalene‐6‐sulfonate or other fluorescence probes increases when it is incorporated into the cavity of CDs. The present detection method can be applied to the determination of CDs contained in horseradish paste. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 19–23, 2001
Behavior problems in young children: An analysis of cross‐informant agreements and disagreements
Authors: Gross Deborah , Fogg Louis , Garvey Christine , Julion Wrenetha
Published: November 2004

This study examined (a) convergence between parents' and day care teachers' ratings of children's behavior problems, and (b) whether agreements and disagreements were associated with characteristics of the informant, context, or measures. Parents of 241, 2–4‐year old children in day care centers serving low‐income families completed measures of child behavior problems, parenting style, stress, depression, and self‐efficacy. Teachers completed a measure of classroom behavior problems. There was a low correlation between parents' and teachers' ratings of child behavior (r = .17), and few children (2.5%) received high behavior problem scores from both parents and teachers. Cross‐informant agreement on high behavior problem children was related to characteristics of the informants and home context. Implications for identifying children at risk are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:413–425, 2004
Physical activity, self‐efficacy, and perceived exertion among adolescents
Authors: Robbins Lorraine B. , Pender Nola J. , Ronis David L. , Kazanis Anamaria S. , Pis Monika B.
Published: November 2004

The relationship of self‐efficacy, a sense of confidence in personal physical activity (PA) skills, to perceived exertion during activity was explored among 168 African American and European American boys and girls between 9 and 17 years of age. Participants walked/ran on a treadmill at a speed equivalent to 60% of their peak VO2 for 20 minutes and provided ratings of exertion every 4 minutes. Pre‐activity self‐efficacy predicted perceived exertion for boys only. Girls were lower than boys in pre‐activity self‐efficacy and subsequently reported greater perceived exertion. For both genders, lower perceived exertion during PA resulted in higher post‐activity self‐efficacy. Uncomfortable perceptions of exertion during initial efforts to increase PA are likely to discourage future activity. Interventions that can lower perceptions of exertion may enhance self‐efficacy and promote a sense of competence in PA skills. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:435–446, 2004
Poly(ether imide)s derived from phthalazinone‐containing dianhydrides
Authors: Wang Jin Yan , Liao Gong Xiong , Liu Cheng , Jian Xi Gao
Published: November 2004

An unsymmetrical and noncoplanar heterocyclic dianhydride was synthesized from a bisphenol‐like phthalazinone, 4‐(4‐hydroxylphenyl)‐2,3‐phthalazin‐1‐one, and a series of novel poly(ether imide)s based on it, with intrinsic viscosities of 0.67–1.42 dL/g, were obtained by one‐step solution polymerization in m‐cresol at 200 °C for 20 h. The polymers were readily soluble in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone and m‐cresol. The poly(ether imide)s derived from 4,4′‐oxydianiline and 4,4′‐methylenedianiline were also very soluble in chloroform, 1,1′,2,2′‐tetrachloroethane, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The glass‐transition temperatures were 289–326 °C, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. All the degradation temperatures for 5% weight loss occurred above 482 °C in nitrogen. The tensile strength of thin films of some of the polymers varied from 103.1 to 121.4 MPa. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6089–6097, 2004
Preparation and characterization of core–shell polymer particles with protonizable shells prepared by oxyanionic polymerization
Authors: Jin Lan , Deng Yonghui , Hu Jianhua , Wang Changchun
Published: November 2004

A series of polystyrene (PS)/poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) crosslinked particles (240, 210, or 90 nm) with different concentrations of PS (75, 50, or 25 wt %) were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization. Based on the crosslinked polymer particles, three series of monodisperse core–shell particles with pH‐sensitive poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) shells were synthesized by oxyanionic polymerization. During the oxyanionic polymerization, the acetate groups of PVAc were hydrolyzed, and the hydroxyl groups that formed on the surfaces of the particles, acting as initiators, were transferred to O−K+ by DMSO−K+ (where DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide) at the same time; then, O−K+ initiated the polymerization of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate. 1H NMR and Fourier transform infrared studies confirmed the existence of PDMAEMA shells, and the contents of PDMAEMA were measured by elemental analysis. Because the PDMAEMA chain could be protonated at a low pH, these core–shell particles could adsorb negatively charged modified magnetite particles, and at higher pHs, the magnetite particles could be released again; this process was reversible. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6081–6088, 2004
Effects of DL‐methionine on hatching and activity of Meloidogyne incognita eggs and juveniles
Authors: Talavera Miguel , Mizukubo Takayuki
Published: November 2004

Several concentrations of DL‐methionine were tested in the laboratory for their effects on Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood egg hatching and juvenile activity in aqueous suspensions and infested soil. After 7 days in methionine solutions, the proportions of hatched eggs were reduced by 23.3% at 0.25 mg litre−1 methionine and by 76.4% at 25 g litre−1 when compared with controls in tap water. An effect of methionine solutions on juvenile activity was also apparent after 24 h in the 25 g litre−1 treatment, where the percentage of active M incognita juveniles was reduced by 16.3%. Further reductions in nematode mobility were observed as the time of exposure increased, and at lower methionine concentrations over longer exposure times. When methionine solutions were applied to soil infested with M incognita, reductions in egg hatching and juvenile activity were observed at 0.1 and 1 mg methionine g−1 soil in both sand and clay–loam soils. The percentage of hatched eggs one week after methionine application at rates of 1 mg g−1 was lower in sand (5.6%) and clay–loam soil (20.8%) than in controls where egg hatch was 52.0% and 48.0% in sand and soil, respectively. Non‐active juveniles were found at 1 mg methionine g−1 soil one week after its application to soil. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Superconductive excitations and the infrared vibronic spectra of BSCCO
Authors: Phillips J. C.
Published: November 2004

The oxygen dopant concentration dependence of the “quasiparticle” feature at 600–750 cm–1 of the infrared spectrum of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO), lying near but above the top of the host phonon spectrum at 600 cm–1, is strongly correlated with superconductivity. Using parameter‐free topological methods, theory assigns this feature to split apical oxygen interstitials. It explains both the qualitative similarities and the quantitative differences between “quasiparticle” features identified in infrared and photoemission data, as well as identifying new features in the infrared spectra. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phonons, electronic charge response and electron–phonon interaction in the high‐temperature superconductors
Authors: Falter Claus
Published: November 2004

We investigate the complete phonon dispersion, the phonon induced electronic charge response and the corresponding self‐consistent change of the crystal potential an electron feels as a direct measure of the electron–phonon interaction in the high‐temperature superconductors within a microscopic model in the framework of linear response theory. Moreover, dielectric and infrared properties are calculated. The experimentally observed strong renormalization of the in‐plane oxygen bond‐stretching modes which appears upon doping in the high‐temperature superconductors is discussed. It is shown that the characteristic softening, indicating a strong nonlocal electron–phonon interaction, is most likely a generic effect of the CuO plane and is driven by a nonlocal coupling of the displaced ions to the localized charge‐fluctuations at the Cu and the Oxy ions. At hand of the oxygen bond‐stretching modes it is illustrated how lattice‐, charge‐ and spin‐degrees of freedom may act synergetically for anisotropic pairing in the high‐temperature superconductors. The different behaviour of these modes during the insulator‐metal transition via the underdoped phase is calculated and from a comparison of these generic modes in the different phases conclusions about the electronic state are drawn. For the non‐cuprate potassium doped high‐temperature superconductor Ba–Bi–O also a very strong and anisotropic renormalization of the oxygen bond‐stretching modes is predicted. In another investigation c‐axis polarized infrared‐ and Raman‐active modes of the HTSC's are calculated in terms of charge fluctuations and anisotropic dipole‐fluctuations. Mode assignments discussed controversially in the literature are proposed. Finally, interlayer phonons propagating along the c‐axis and their accompanying charge response are investigated. Depending on the strength of the interlayer coupling calculations are performed ranging from the static, adiabatic response regime to the non‐adiabatic regime where dynamical screening of the bare Coulomb interaction and phonon–plasmon coupling becomes relevant within a certain region around the direction of the c‐axis. A comparison with the experimental situation is given. Both, the oxygen bond‐stretching modes calculated in adiabatic approximation and the non‐adiabatic coupled c‐axis phonon–plasmon modes are found to be important for pairing via lattice‐ and charge‐degrees of freedom. Favouring aspects to achieve high‐temperature superconductivity are also discussed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical examination of substituent effects on the stabilization of a SnY (Y = Sb and Bi) multiple bond
Authors: Hu Ya‐Hui , Su Ming‐Der
Published: November 2004

The potential energy surface for the unimolecular rearrangement XSnY → TS → SnYX (Y = Sb, Bi) was investigated using the B3LYP and QCISD methods. To explore electronic effects on the relative stability of XSnY and SnYX, the first‐row substituents (X = H, Li, BeH, BH2, CH3, NH2, OH, F) have been used. Our theoretical findings suggest that the doubly bonded SnYX species are always both kinetically and thermodynamically more stable than their corresponding triply bonded isomers, XSnY, regardless of the electronegativity of the substituent X. Nevertheless, our model calculations indicate that an aryl group can, if sufficiently bulky, stabilize triply bonded XSnY molecules with respect to both isomerization and polymerization. That is to say, it is not electronic but steric effects that play a dominant role in stabilizing both SnSb and SnBi triple bonds. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Testing the equality of two Poisson means using the rate ratio
Authors: Ng Hon Keung Tony , Tang Man‐Lai
Published: November 2004

In this article, we investigate procedures for comparing two independent Poisson variates that are observed over unequal sampling frames (i.e. time intervals, populations, areas or any combination thereof). We consider two statistics (with and without the logarithmic transformation) for testing the equality of two Poisson rates. Two methods for implementing these statistics are reviewed. They are (1) the sample‐based method, and (2) the constrained maximum likelihood estimation (CMLE) method. We conduct an empirical study to evaluate the performance of different statistics and methods. Generally, we find that the CMLE method works satisfactorily only for the statistic without the logarithmic transformation (denoted as W2) while sample‐based method performs better for the statistic using the logarithmic transformation (denoted as W3). It is noteworthy that both statistics perform well for moderate to large Poisson rates (e.g. ⩾10). For small Poisson rates (e.g. <10), W2 can be liberal (e.g. actual type I error rate/nominal level ⩾1.2) while W3 can be conservative (e.g. actual type I error rate/nominal level ⩽0.8). The corresponding sample size formulae are provided and valid in the sense that the simulated powers associated with the approximate sample size formulae are generally close to the pre‐chosen power level. We illustrate our methodologies with a real example from a breast cancer study. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Evaluation of Color Doppler Imaging for the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Follicular Lesions
Authors: Fukunari Nobuhiro , Nagahama Mitsuji , Sugino Kiminori , Mimura Takashi , Ito Koichi , Ito Kunihiko
Published: November 2004

Ultrasonography (US) of the thyroid gland has recently proved to be a useful clinical diagnostic method, and the newly developed high‐resolution US with a color Doppler flow mapping function can reveal fine details of the thyroid gland and the hemodynamic features of a thyroid neoplasm. US can yield a diagnostic accuracy of more than 90% for thyroid carcinoma, especially papillary carcinoma. However, neither conventional B‐mode US imaging nor aspiration biopsy cytology has delivered satisfactory results for follicular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of color Doppler imaging for the differential diagnosis of thyroid follicular lesions. A color Doppler scan was performed in 310 patients with a solitary cold nodule, and a combination of B‐mode US and color Doppler findings, including tumor vascularity and results of a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis were used to create the following diagnostic grading system for differential diagnosis of follicular lesions: grade 1, benign follicular lesion [no color flow mapping (CFM) inside the nodule]; grade 2, benign peripheral type [CFM only in peripheral area, pulsatility index (PI) < 1.0]; grade 3, suspected follicular carcinoma (penetrating CFM, vascularity moderate); grade 4, follicular carcinoma (high‐velocity penetrating CFM, PI = 1.0). All patients were subjected to surgical resection, and histologic examination was used to confirm the diagnosis. The grades of the177 adenomatous nodules were as follows: grade 1, 46.9%; grade 2, 48.0%; grade 3, 5.1%; grade 4, 0%. The corresponding percentages for the 89 follicular adenomas were 16.9%, 49.4%, 30.3%, and 3.4%; and for the 44 follicular carcinomas they were 0%, 13.6%, 45.5%, and 40.9%. On the assumption that grade 1 and 2 lesions are benign and grade 3 and 4 lesions are malignant, 38 of the 44 follicular carcinomas and 227 of the 266 benign tumors had been accurately diagnosed, yielding a sensitivity of 88.9%, a specificity of 74.2%, and an accuracy of 81.0% for the grading system. Color Doppler imaging of 310 follicular tumors has revealed that high‐velocity pulsatile blood flow penetrating the tumor is a characteristic finding of follicular carcinoma and is a new diagnostic criterion for performing color Doppler imaging. The differential diagnostic grading scores for color Doppler examinations and the results of FFT analysis demonstrate that US with the color Doppler function can play an important role in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors.
Current Strategies for Surgical Management and Adjuvant Treatment of Childhood Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Thompson Geoffrey B. , Hay Ian D.
Published: November 2004

Childhood papillary thyroid carcinoma is associated with more locally aggressive and more frequent distant disease than its adult counterpart. Recurrence rates tend to be higher in children, but cause‐specific mortality remains low. Optimal initial treatment of childhood papillary thyroid carcinoma should include total or near‐total thyroidectomy and central compartment node clearance. Modified neck dissections should be performed for biopsy‐proven lateral neck disease. Every effort should be made to maintain parathyroid and laryngeal nerve function. Radical neck dissections are to be avoided. Radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA), appropriate thyroid hormone suppressive therapy (THST), and judicious use of therapeutic doses of 131I are applied to achieve a disease‐free status, which is most often confirmed by negative neck ultrasonography, negative whole‐body scan (either withdrawal or recombinant human thyroid‐stimulating hormone‐stimulated), and extremely low levels of serum thyroglobulin. Appropriate utilization of 131I, THST, repeat surgery, external beam radiotherapy, and rarely chemotherapy may provide long‐term palliation and some cures in patients with recurrent/persistent disease. Follow‐up should be lifelong, and the care of children after age 17 should subsequently be transferred to adult‐care endocrinologists with expertise in managing thyroid neoplasia. Optimal surgical management can be achieved if adequate operations are routinely carried out by “high‐volume” thyroid surgeons with expertise in the care of children. Nowhere is a multidisciplinary approach (endocrinologists, surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians, pediatricians, pathologists, oncologists) more critical than in the long‐term management of papillary thyroid carcinoma that presents during childhood.
Surgery of Resectable Nonfunctioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Dralle Henning , Krohn Sabine L. , Karges Wolfram , Boehm Bernhard O. , Brauckhoff Michael , Gimm Oliver
Published: November 2004

Nonfunctioning neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NFNEPTs) comprise about one‐third of pancreatic endocrine tumors. Based on immunohistochemistry, nonfunctioning tumors are difficult to distinguish from functioning ones; therefore the final diagnosis is basically the result of a synopsis of pathology and clinical data. Owing to their incapacity to produce hormone‐dependent symptoms, NFNEPTs are detected incidentally or because of uncharacteristic symptoms resulting from local or distant growth. About two‐thirds of NFNEPTs are located in the pancreatic head, so jaundice may be a late symptom of this tumor. Modern diagnostic procedures are best applied by a stepwise approach: first endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging followed by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (or both). Due to significant false‐positive and false‐negative findings, for decision‐making the latter should be confirmed by a second imaging modality. Regarding indications for surgery and the surgical approach to the pancreas, three pancreatic manifestations of NFNEPTs can be distinguished: (1) solitary benign non‐multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (non‐MEN‐1); (2) multiple benign MEN‐1; and (3) malignant NFNEPTs. Reviewing the literature and including our experience with 18 NFNEPTs (8 benign, 10 malignant) reported here, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Solitary benign non‐MEN‐1 NFNEPTs can be removed by enucleation or by pancreas‐, spleen‐, and duodenum‐preserving techniques in most cases. The choice of surgical technique depends on the location and site of the tumor and its anatomic relation to the pancreatic duct. (2) With multiple benign MEN‐1 NFNEPTs, because of the characteristics of the underlying disease a preferred, more conservative concept (removal of only macrolesions) competes with a more radical procedure (left pancreatic resection with enucleation of head macrolesions). Further studies are necessary to clarify the best way to balance quality of life (by preserving organ function) with growth control of potentially malignant tumors in the pancreas. (3) Malignant NFNEPTs comprise more than half of all NFNEPTs. Few studies have analyzed treatment strategies for localized or metastatic tumors. Whereas radical (including multivisceral) resection of tumors without distant metastases is widely accepted, the indication for radical surgery on metastasizing tumors has been questioned, as radical removal of the primary tumor may fail to increase survival. Adjuvant regimens in these tumor stages are mandatory and should be further optimized.
Expression of Laminin and Fibronectin in Renal Dysplasia
Authors: Menon Santosh , Kakkar Nandita , Radotra B. D.
Published: November 2004

The pathogenesis of renal dysplasia is a matter of debate. Recent theories have conceptualized the role of extracellular matrix proteins in the genesis of renal dysplasia. During normal nephrogenesis, collagen type I and III and fibronectins are lost and laminin and syndecan appear once proper induction has occurred. Any deviation from the normal pattern is said to lead to dysplasia. In this study, the expressions of adhesive glycoproteins, laminin, and fibronectin were studied immunohistochemically in 25 autopsy cases of renal dysplasia and normal age-matched control cases. These cases of renal dysplasia were categorized into 3 groups based on the period of gestation: 20 to 26 weeks, 27 to 33 weeks, and 34 to 40 weeks. The immunohistochemical findings were graded from 0 to 4+ based on the visual intensity. Chi-square analysis was used to calculate the difference in expressions of laminin and fibronectin in cases and controls as a whole and within and between age groups. Immunostaining for laminin in all age groups showed a significant difference in expression between dysplastic kidneys (less expression) and normal controls (greater expression). In the case of fibronectin expression, all but 1 group showed a significant difference, with dysplastic kidneys showing more and normal controls showing less expression. The inference derived is that laminin expression decreases and fibronectin expression increases in renal dysplasia compared with normal nephrogenesis.
The direct effect of leptin on skeletal muscle thermogenesis is mediated by substrate cycling between de novo lipogenesis and lipid oxidation
Authors: Solinas Giovanni , Summermatter Serge , Mainieri Davide , Gubler Marcel , Pirola Luciano , Wymann Matthias P. , Rusconi Sandro , Montani Jean-Pierre , Seydoux Josiane , Dulloo Abdul G.
Published: November 2004

We report here studies that integrate data of respiration rate from mouse skeletal muscle in response to leptin and pharmacological interference with intermediary metabolism, together with assays for phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our results suggest that the direct effect of leptin in stimulating thermogenesis in skeletal muscle is mediated by substrate cycling between de novo lipogenesis and lipid oxidation, and that this cycle requires both PI3K and AMPK signaling. This substrate cycling linking glucose and lipid metabolism to thermogenesis provides a novel thermogenic mechanism by which leptin protects skeletal muscle from excessive fat storage and lipotoxicity.
Institutions with responsibility for human rights protection under the African Union
Authors: Lloyd Amanda , Murray Rachel
Published: November 2004

The transformation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) into the African Union (AU) has been the subject of some, albeit limited, debate. The role that the promotion and protection of human rights will play in the AU appears, on the face of the various documents, to be an important consideration, yet which organs will have responsibility in ensuring their implementation is still not clear. This article aims to discuss the framework of and relationship between the institutions established under the auspices of the OAU and how these have changed since the transformation to the AU. It argues that insufficient attention has been paid to ensuring a coherent and integrated approach to human rights across the Union. Organs such as the African Commission and the new African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights, however, have huge potential to influence the way forward.
Outbreak of Salmonella Livingstone infection in Norway and Sweden due to contaminated processed fish products
Authors: GUERIN P. J. , DE JONG B. , HEIR E. , HASSELTVEDT V. , KAPPERUD G. , STYRMO K. , GONDROSEN B. , LASSEN J. , ANDERSSON Y. , AAVITSLAND P.
Published: November 2004

In Europe, the number of reported sporadic human cases of Salmonella Livingstone infection is low, and outbreaks are rare. We report the largest S. Livingstone outbreak described in the literature having an identified source of infection. In February 2001, an increased incidence of infection caused by S. Livingstone was observed in Norway and Sweden. By July 2001, 44 cases were notified in Norway and 16 in Sweden. The median age was 63 years, and 40 were women. There were three deaths, and 22 patients were hospitalized. Based on standardized questionnaires and retrospective studies of S. Livingstone strains in Norway and Sweden, food items with egg powder were suspected, and S. Livingstone was subsequently recovered from a processed fish product at the retail level. Analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis documented that isolates from the fish product belonged to the same clone as the outbreak strain.
Risk factors for transmission of foodborne illness in restaurants and street vendors in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: VOLLAARD A. M. , ALI S. , VAN ASTEN H. A. G. H. , SUHARIAH ISMID I. , WIDJAJA S. , VISSER L. G. , SURJADI Ch. , VAN DISSEL J. T.
Published: November 2004

In a previous risk factor study in Jakarta we identified purchasing street food as an independent risk factor for paratyphoid. Eating from restaurants, however, was not associated with disease. To explain these findings we compared 128 street food-vendors with 74 food handlers from restaurants in a cross-sectional study in the same study area. Poor hand-washing hygiene and direct hand contact with foods, male sex and low educational level were independent characteristics of street vendors in a logistic regression analysis. Faecal contamination of drinking water (in 65% of samples), dishwater (in 91%) and ice cubes (in 100%) was frequent. Directly transmittable pathogens including S. typhi (n=1) and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (n=6) were isolated in faecal samples in 13 (7%) vendors; the groups did not differ, however, in contamination rates of drinking water and Salmonella isolation rates in stools. Poor hygiene of street vendors compared to restaurant vendors, in combination with faecal carriage of enteric pathogens including S. typhi, may help explain the association found between purchasing street food and foodborne illness, in particular Salmonella infections. Public health interventions to reduce transmission of foodborne illness should focus on general hygienic measures in street food trade, i.e. hand washing with soap, adequate food-handling hygiene, and frequent renewal of dishwater.
A syphilis outbreak in remote Australia: epidemiology and strategies for control
Authors: MAK D. B. , JOHNSON G. H. , PLANT A. J.
Published: November 2004

This paper describes the epidemiology of a syphilis outbreak in remote Australia, and explores contributing factors and control strategies. Between 1 August 2000 and 31 January 2002, 74 cases of early syphilis (42 female, 32 male) were identified in 73 Kimberley residents. Syphilis rates in age groups 10–19 and 20–29 years were 583 and 439 per 100000 person years respectively. Factors contributing to the outbreak included incompleteness of sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinical management, untimely contact tracing, staffing and management issues, and poor community knowledge about STIs. Outbreak control strategies addressed factors that could be influenced by changes in health service delivery, and focused on providing education and support to health staff, and efforts to increase community knowledge about sexual health. Although some improvements have occurred, the outbreak is still continuing. Until open and honest discussion and a collaborative approach is taken toward STI problems affecting Indigenous Australians, outbreaks such as this will continue to occur.
Novelties of conception in insectivorous mammals (Lipotyphla), particularly shrews
Authors: Bedford J. Michael , Mock Orin B. , Goodman Steven M.
Published: November 2004

In the order Lipotyphla (Insectivora), certain reproductive features differ quite distinctly from the eutherian norms, and are of interest with regard to the evolution of mammalian gamete function and perhaps for questions of lipotyphlan phylogeny. As seen in one or more members of five lipotyphlan families (shrews, moles, hedgehogs, golden moles, tenrecs), these features can involve the configuration of the male tract including the penis, the morphology of the sperm head, the anatomy of the oviduct and the patterns of sperm transport within it, the character of the cumulus oophorus, and the way in which fertilising spermatozoa interact with the eggs. However, the picture is by no means uniform within the order. Reproductive idiosyncrasies occur variously in the different lipotyphlan families, and appear consistently and strikingly in shrews ‐ the group studied most extensively. Compared to the patterns in most Eutheria, the most interesting anomalies in soricids include (a) the regulation of sperm transport to the site of fertilisation by oviduct crypts, whose arrangement can vary even according to species, (b) a circumscribed matrix‐free cumulus oophorus that appears essential for fertilisation as the inducer of the acrosome reaction, (c) barbs on the acrosome‐reacted sperm head by which it may attach to the zona pellucida.

With regard to the bearing such reproductive traits might have on lipotyphlan systematics, the African mouse shrew (Myosorex varius) displays a mix of traits that characterize either crocidurine or soricine shrews, consistent with the proposal that it belongs in a more primitive tribe, Myosoricinae, or subfamily, the Crocidosoricinae, from which the crocidurine and soricine lines probably evolved. Moreover, although elephant shrews are assigned now to a separate order (Macroscelidea), they display several of the unusual reproductive features seen in lipotyphlans, particularly in chrysochlorids and tenrecs. On the other hand, if used as a phylogenetic yardstick, none of the reproductive features described serves to define the Lipotyphla as classically constituted within one order, nor necessarily all the relationships suggested by recent sequencing studies of nuclear and mitochondrial genes.
Anisotropic structure under a back arc spreading region, the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand
Authors: Audoine Etienne , Savage Martha K. , Gledhill Ken
Published: November 2004

We investigate anisotropy surrounding a continental back arc spreading region, the Central Volcanic Region (CVR), in the North Island of New Zealand and present a simple method for spatial averaging to examine heterogeneous anisotropy. S phases from local earthquakes yield consistent trench‐parallel fast directions (ϕ) in the southern, compressional region but varied directions in the northern, extensional region. In the forearc east of the CVR, ϕ is nearly trench‐parallel, suggesting shear in the mantle or trench‐parallel flow. In the western CVR, local phases from 50 to 80 km depth give ϕ parallel to extension (120°), and phases from 150 to 220 km depth yield similar ϕ (150°). These results suggest asthenospheric flow with olivine a axes oriented in the extension direction down to 100–150 km depth. In the eastern CVR, local phases show mixed ϕ, suggesting that it is a transition between the western CVR and the forearc. Trench‐parallel ϕ for shallow local events within the CVR may be caused by fluid‐filled cracks. Trench‐parallel ϕ for deeper local events and for SKS phases can be explained by standard olivine fabrics developed by lithospheric shearing, by trench‐parallel flow, and by fossil anisotropy in the subducting oceanic lithosphere. Alternatively, in the CVR they could be caused in part by hydrous minerals at the slab‐mantle upper interface, which could cause olivine a axes to orient parallel to the trench due to a maximum shear stress oriented perpendicular to the trench along the slab. We suggest that trench‐perpendicular flow in the extensional region helps to drive fluids away from the slab, while in the compressional region, trench‐parallel flow fails to distribute the fluids, explaining the location of changes in geophysical properties.
Intraseasonal oscillations of the zonal wind near the mesopause observed with medium‐frequency and meteor radars in the tropics
Authors: Isoda Fusako , Tsuda Toshitaka , Nakamura Takuji , Vincent R. A. , Reid I. M. , Achmad Effendy , Sadewo Adi , Nuryanto Agus
Published: November 2004

We studied the behavior of intraseasonal oscillations (ISO) of the zonal wind velocity in the equatorial mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) using simultaneous observations during 500 days from 1 January 1996 with a meteor radar at Jakarta (6°S, 107°E) and two medium‐frequency radars at Pontianak (0°N, 109°E) and Christmas Island (2°N, 157°W). Cross‐correlation analysis of the ISO at 88 km indicated that the phase difference of the ISO between Pontianak and Christmas Island is, on average, small in spite of the longitudinal difference of ∼90°. Therefore the ISO in the equatorial MLT region seems to be a variation of zonal mean flow. At Jakarta the amplitude of the ISO of the zonal wind at 88 km was somewhat smaller than that observed at the other two equatorial sites. The peak of the ISO amplitude appears at ∼88 km at both Pontianak and Christmas Island, but the peak seemed to be slightly lower at Jakarta. We also investigated long‐term variation of the ISO of the zonal wind at 84 km using Jakarta meteor radar data observed from January 1993 to October 1999. Biennial variations are dominant in the ISO amplitude of the mesospheric zonal winds and the zonal amplitude variations of the diurnal tide. A relation between the ISO of the zonal wind and tidal amplitude is suggested. However, gravity wave activity in the MLT region did not correlate with the ISO in the zonal wind. We employed the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) in the tropical troposphere as an index for excitation intensity of the atmospheric waves. The long‐term variations of the ISO components in the OLR over the western Pacific were characterized by the tropospheric biennial oscillations, which seems to correlate with the ISO of the mean zonal winds and diurnal tides in the mesosphere.
Strain localization on an oceanic detachment fault system, Atlantis Massif, 30°N, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Schroeder Timothy , John Barbara E.
Published: November 2004

Microstructural observations, mineral chemistry, and the spatial distribution of deformation fabrics recorded in outcrop samples collected from Atlantis Massif, the active inside corner high at 30°N, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, suggest that strain is localized near the subhorizontal domal surface hypothesized to be an exposed detachment fault. Deformation textures in peridotite and gabbro indicate that high‐temperature (>500°C) strain occurred via crystal‐plastic flow and diffusive mass transfer. Low‐temperature (<400°C) shear zones containing brittle and semibrittle microboudinage textures in which tremolite, chlorite, and/or talc replace fractured serpentine or hornblende cut earlier formed high‐temperature deformation fabrics in peridotite. Textures indicate strain was localized by cataclasis and reaction softening into zones of intense greenschist and subgreenschist grade metamorphism. Gabbro is only weakly deformed below amphibolite facies (<500°C), indicating that strain was partitioned into altered peridotite at low temperature. There is a clear relationship between deformation intensity and structural depth beneath the subhorizontal surface of the Massif. Discontinuous high‐intensity crystal‐plastic deformation fabrics are found at all structural depths (0–520 m) beneath the surface, indicating that high‐temperature, granulite‐ and amphibolite‐grade deformation was not localized in a single shear zone. In contrast, semibrittle and brittle low‐temperature shear zones are concentrated less than 90 m structurally beneath the surface, and the most intensely brittlely deformed samples concentrated in the upper 10 m. Localization of brittle deformation fabrics near the upper surface of the massif supports the hypothesis that it is the exposed footwall of a detachment fault. The structural evolution of Atlantis Massif is therefore analogous to a continental metamorphic core complex. Strain was localized onto the fault by reaction‐softening and fluid‐assisted fracturing during greenschist‐ and subgreenschist‐grade hydrothermal alteration of olivine, clinopyroxene, serpentine, and hornblende to tremolite, chlorite, and/or talc.
Trade wind cumuli statistics in clean and polluted air over the Indian Ocean from in situ and remote sensing measurements
Authors: McFarquhar Greg M. , Platnick Steven , Di Girolamo Larry , Wang Hailong , Wind Gala , Zhao Guangyu
Published: November 2004

Relationships between trade wind cumuli coverage and aerosol concentration Na, and between cloud optical thickness τc and Na are examined using in situ and remote sensing observations acquired on 4 days within and downwind of the Indo‐Asian haze. Cloud top height and cloud coverage decrease as Na increases, whereas τc increases, which could be due to aerosol or meteorological effects. Clouds with horizontal sizes less than 2 km, neglected in prior studies, contribute up to 40% to cloud area, and must be considered in studies of aerosol indirect and semi‐direct effects. When radiative transfer models are applied to the observations, a regional change in top of the atmosphere TOA (surface) 0.64 μm radiative forcing of approximately +6 (+7) W m−2 μm−1 associated with changes in cloud properties is found. To the degree that synoptic‐scale forcings do not vary systematically as air flows south, the results may be interpreted as the dominance of semi‐direct over indirect forcing within the Indo‐Asian haze for the times sampled.
The putative R1 protein of Streptococcus agalactiae as serotype marker and target of protective antibodies
Authors: MOYO SYLVESTER R. , MAELAND JOHAN A. , LYNG RANDI V.
Published: November 2004

The streptococcal R1 protein was studied by means of anti‐R1 antibodies prepared by appropriate cross‐absorption of rabbit antiserum raised against the group B streptococcal (GBS) strain ATCC 12403 (D136C), serotype III/R1. The protein was a ladder‐forming antigen according to banding patterns in immunoblotting, similar to several other GBS proteins, and was susceptible to digestion by both pepsin and trypsin. Antibody‐based testing revealed that 10% of Norwegian GBS isolates expressed the R1 protein, most frequently capsular antigen type V strains (72%) and less frequently type III strains (3%). None of 132 GBS strains from Zimbabwe, including 39 type V strains, expressed the R1 protein. R1‐specific rabbit antibodies showed protective activity in mice challenged with a GBS type V/R1 strain. The results show that the R1 protein is an important GBS serotype marker in strains from certain geographical areas, notably for the subtyping of capsular type V strains, and that this protein is a target of protective antibodies.
Human lung microvascular endothelial cells activate allogeneic T cells through an LFA‐3‐dependent, but CD86‐independent mechanism
Authors: HANSEN ALASTAIR B. , BOUCHELOUCHE KIRSTEN , OLESEN JETTE D.
Published: November 2004

To date, immunosuppressive therapy for allograft rejection is based on a generalized inhibition of the recipient's T cells, rendering the individual less resistant to infections and malignancies. In order to change this therapeutic approach towards the induction of specific transplant tolerance, it is essential to identify the cells and molecular pathways involved in direct allorecognition. An in vitro model with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐gamma)‐stimulated human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐L) as targets and allogenic T cells as responders was used to identify donor cells for recipient cellular immunorecognition. HMVEC‐L activated purified allogenic T cells in cocultures. This activation was partly mediated by lymphocyte function antigen‐3 (LFA‐3), but not CD86, as shown by monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibition. This finding was supported by the expression of LFA‐3 antigen, but not CD86, on IFN‐gamma‐stimulated HMVEC‐L. Surprisingly, even in the absence of T‐cell proliferation, T cells were capable of enhancing LFA‐3 antigen, but not CD86 expression on HMVEC‐L. In conclusion, HMVEC‐L are capable of direct allostimulation of human T cells, partly through an LFA‐3‐dependent costimulatory pathway. Since ICAM‐1 expression on HMVEC is greatly enhanced by IFN‐gamma and T cell coculturing, this molecule may serve as an additional costimulator. A reciprocal HMVEC‐L stimulation by allogenic T‐cells occurs, even without T‐cell proliferation, possibly representing a preproliferative phase. Since this study included a single target as well as responder cell donor, further studies with multiple donors are needed to evaluate possible variations.
Proliferative activity in human glioblastomas assessed by various techniques
Authors: TORP SVERRE HELGE , GRANLI UNN SOPHIE
Published: November 2004

Determination of proliferative activity in tumours may be valuable in diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, commonly used proliferation markers were investigated and compared in 12 cases of human glioblastoma. Paraffin sections were incubated with four commercial Ki67‐equivalent antibodies, anti‐PCNA, and anti‐bcl‐2. S‐phase fraction and mitotic activity were determined as well.

The different Ki67 antibodies gave satisfactory immunostainings, though they provided a wide range of proliferation indices (PI) intra‐ and intertumorally. Correlations between the Ki67 antibodies and the other proliferation markers were, broadly speaking, poor. PCNA immunostaining was hampered by disturbing background staining. Few bcl‐2‐immunoreactive cells were observed, mainly gemistocytes. Flow cytometric analyses provided reliable S‐phase fraction values, and two aneuploid tumours were detected. The mitotic activity was generally high. Thus, mitotic counting remains a convenient method for assessing proliferative activity in astrocytic tumours. Ki67 antibodies are important alternatives, for instance in stereotactic brain biopsies. Under all circumstances, proliferation markers should be used in combination with established histopathological criteria for malignancy in these tumours.