bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug‐releasing kinetics of MPEG/PLLA block copolymer micelles with different PLLA block lengths
Authors: Kim Sung Yeon , Kim Jee Heung , Kim Dukjoon , An Jung Ho , Lee Doo Sung , Kim Sung Chul
Published: August 2002

Copolymers of poly(L‐lactic acid) and methoxy end‐capped poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized, and their structure and physical properties were characterized. Micellar structures were formed in aqueous media because of the amphiphilic nature of the copolymers, and their sizes were measured with both dynamic light scattering equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Indomethacin was loaded into the copolymer micelles, and its releasing behavior was monitored. The drug‐releasing mechanism was determined from an investigation of the biodegradation kinetics of the copolymer micelles. The releasing mechanism was governed by diffusion rather than a biodegradation process. We adapted a model based on Fick's diffusion theory to describe the overall releasing behavior with the extraction of the diffusion coefficient. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 2599–2605, 2001
Analysis of the conducting airway system in the lung: A new method combining morphometry with mathematical modeling for airway classification
Authors: Lipsett Jill
Published: August 2002

Although the lung is structurally complex, it is suitable for morphometric analysis of the structural determinants of lung function in health and disease. Analysis of the organized branching airways has been problematic because of the need to identify and classify airways before structural characteristics of different‐order branches can be determined. Airway casts have been used to identify relationships between branches, measure some structural features, and develop mathematical models that describe simply the relationships between generations. However, cast preparation destroys surrounding tissue, including the airway wall, thus precluding analysis of these structural elements. We describe a new approach using tissue sections which combines the classification of airways into Strahler order (SO) with tissue structural analysis. Lung‐tissue sections are prepared, and outer (OD) and inner (ID) diameters are determined over a wide range of airways. The line equation relating log OD vs. SO is determined using measured values for SO1 (terminal bronchioles) and SO8 (first branch bronchi). Mean ODs can then be calculated for each of the other SO groups, and measurements can be classified. Calculations can be made for the mean number of branches and airway lengths (given the log linear relationship of these factors with SO and morphometrically determined volume densities for airway lumen), and for individual airway resistance and total resistances for each SO. For an example, mean data are presented for airways in the adult sheep (n = 13). The methodology presented allows identification of subtle alterations in airway structures which may be affecting selected orders of airways, with specific implications for changes in lung function. Anat Rec 266:51–57, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geophysical evidence for fires in antiquity: preliminary results from an experimental study. Paper given at the EGS XXIV General Assembly in The Hague, April 1999
Authors: Linford N. T. , Canti M. G.
Published: August 2002

The ubiquitous use of fire in antiquity has been identified as an important mechanism for the magnetic enhancement of archaeological sediments and their subsequent identification through the use of surface magnetometer or topsoil susceptibility surveys. However, despite a number of specific studies there remains little quantitative evidence to examine the effect of domestic fire on the magnetic properties of soils and estimate the degree of magnetic enhancement such processes may create. This study reports results from a series of experimental fires lit over a range of differing substrates to examine the geophysical response created by the fire and the magnetic enhancement of the underlying soil. In all cases, the temperature profile both in the air and soil was measured using an array of thermocouples and measurements of magnetic susceptibility demonstrate a varying degree of enhancement dependent upon the depth from the surface and underlying substrate. Initial results demonstrate the ‘softer’ (low coercivity) magnetic nature of the thermally enhanced soils owing to an increased concentration of very fine‐grained superparamagnetic material. It is hoped that more detailed magnetic measurements on both burnt and control samples collected before the fire was lit will reveal the critical temperatures required for significant magnetic enhancement to occur. Copyright © Crown Copyright 2001. Recorded with the the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspects of magnetic data processing
Authors: Ciminale M. , Loddo M.
Published: August 2002

The presence of noisy contributions such as spikes, stripes and zigzag effects in magnetic data visualization represents the most common flaw that may degrade the image, rendering the correct detection and identification of archaeological features very uncertain. In order to overcome this serious disadvantage, a software package has been developed by implementing very simple algorithms based on statistical criteria. Some applications to field data are shown and discussed in order to demonstrate the program's ability to remove or minimize these undesired contributions. The results are very satisfactory: high‐quality digital raster images may be produced. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of quantitative trait loci regulating severity of mycobacterial adjuvant‐induced arthritis in monocongenic and polycongenic rats: Identification of a new regulatory locus on rat chromosome 10 and evidence of overlap with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility loci
Authors: Joe Bina , Cannon Grant W. , Griffiths Marie M. , Dobbins David E. , Gulko Pércio S. , Wilder Ronald L. , Remmers Elaine F.
Published: August 2002

Objective

To evaluate the regulatory potential of genetic loci controlling Mycobacterium butyricum adjuvant‐induced arthritis (Mbt‐AIA) using mono‐ and polycongenic rats.

Methods

Of 4 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate Mbt‐AIA, F344 alleles at 3 of these loci, Aia1, Aia2, and Aia3, are associated with lower arthritis severity, whereas F344 alleles at Aia4 are associated with greater arthritis severity. In this study, we constructed congenic lines by transferring 1 or more of the F344 genomic segments containing Aia1, Aia2, and Aia3 onto the DA genome. We comparatively evaluated their responses to Mbt‐AIA with the responses of parental DA and F344 rats.

Results

Aia1, encompassing the rat major histocompatibility complex, reduced arthritis severity in monocongenic rats of both sexes. The arthritis‐lowering effects of Aia2 and Aia3 were sex‐influenced and were therefore observed in only males and only females, respectively. Polycongenic rats containing F344 genomic regions at Aia1, Aia2, and Aia3 developed Mbt‐AIA of relatively greater severity than did F344 rats, implying that in DA and F344 rats, there could be other Mbt‐AIA loci in addition to Aia1, Aia2, Aia3, and Aia4. To test the possibility that some of these Mbt‐AIA–regulatory loci may colocalize with other arthritis QTLs, we evaluated Mbt‐AIA in DA.F344 monocongenic rats containing collagen‐induced arthritis QTLs. Cia5 (the QTL region on chromosome 10), but not Cia5a, Cia4, or Cia6, also regulated Mbt‐AIA, and was named Aia5.

Conclusion

F344 genomic regions at Aia1, Aia2, and Aia3 and the newly identified Aia5 contain genes that reduce Mbt‐AIA severity in DA rats. These Mbt‐AIA–regulatory loci overlap rheumatoid arthritis–susceptibility loci in humans.
Health outcomes assessment in community pharmacy practices: A feasibility project
Authors: Osterhaus Jane T. , Dedhiya Seema D. , Ernst Michael E. , Osterhaus Matthew , Mehta Shilpa S. , Townsend Raymond J.
Published: August 2002

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and benefit of capturing outcomes data in community pharmacy settings, and to characterize the health status, resource use, and medication use of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

Patients (n = 460) with musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and low back pain from 12 community pharmacy sites responded to disease‐specific questions, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) health survey, demographics, and resource use using touch screen computer technology. Patients provided information and met with a community pharmacist for scheduled visits at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Pharmacists, with the aid of the patient‐reported information, documented medication use and identified and addressed drug therapy problems of the patients at each visit. Baseline results, based on descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

OA was reported by 71% of the patients, 55% reported low back pain, and 19% reported RA. Despite receiving a variety of analgesic medications, a majority of the patients reported experiencing moderate to severe pain. SF‐36 scores of the study population were significantly lower than age‐adjusted population norms, with arthritis patients reporting worse physical health than patients with low back pain. Drug therapy problems were identified in 58% of the population, with need for additional drug therapy (31%) and adverse drug reactions (18%) being the most common problems identified.

Conclusions

Results indicate that routine capture of patient‐reported health outcomes data is feasible in community pharmacy settings using touch screen technology.
Emerging information society and history of information science in Romania
Authors: Dragulanescu Nicolae
Published: August 2002

Information Science development in Romania provides a comprehensive, comparative study of the cultural influences that prevail in the acquisition, processing, and distribution of data, information, and knowledge in that nation. The chronology of most important events of history of Information Science in Romania and the historical context in which the present development of Information Society in Romania can be understood are presented.
A typed text retrieval query language for XML documents
Authors: Colazzo Dario , Sartiani Carlo , Albano Antonio , Manghi Paolo , Ghelli Giorgio , Lini Luca , Paoli Michele
Published: August 2002

XML is nowadays considered the standard meta‐language for document markup and data representation. XML is widely employed in Web‐related applications as well as in database applications, and there is also a growing interest for it by the literary community to develop tools for supporting document‐oriented retrieval operations. The purpose of this article is to show the basic new requirements of this kind of applications and to present the main features of a typed query language, called Tequyla‐TX, designed to support them.
Proposed test for detection of nonlinear responses in biological preparations exposed to RF energy
Authors: Balzano Quirino
Published: August 2002

Demodulation of amplitude modulated radio frequency (RF) energy has been proposed as a mechanism for the biological responses to these fields. The experiment proposed here tests whether the electric and magnetic structures of biological cells exhibit the nonlinear responses necessary for demodulation. A high Q cavity and very low noise amplification can be used to detect ultraweak nonlinear responses that appear as a second harmonic of a RF field incident on the sample. Nonlinear fields scattered from metabolically active biological cells grown in monolayer or suspended in medium can be distinguished from nonlinearities of the apparatus. Estimates for the theoretical signal sensitivity and analysis of system noise indicate the possibility of detecting a microwave signal at 1.8 GHz (2nd harmonic of 900 MHz) as weak as one microwave photon per cell per second. The practical limit, set by degradation of the cavity Q, is extremely low compared to the much brighter thermal background, which has its peak in the infrared at a wavelength of about 17 μm and radiates 1010 infrared photons per second per cell in the narrow frequency band within 0.5% of the peak. The system can be calibrated by introduction of known quantities of nonlinear material, e.g., a Schottky diode. For an input power of 160 μW at 900 MHz incident on such biological material, the apparatus is estimated to produce a robust output signal of 0.10 mV at 1.8 GHz if detected with a spectrum analyzer and a 30‐dB gain low noise amplifier. The experimental threshold for detection of nonlinear interaction phenomena is 1010 below the signal produced by a Schottky diode, giving an unprecedented sensitivity to the measurement of nonlinear energy conversion processes in living tissue. Bioelectromagnetics 23:278–287, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of short duration electromagnetic field exposures on rat mass
Authors: Sandrey Michelle A. , Vesper David N. , Johnson Mary T. , Nindl Gabi , Swez John A. , Chamberlain Jack , Balcavage Walter X.
Published: August 2002

Daily preexposure and postexposure mass measurements of 65 rats (young males and females, old males) a proprietary pulsed wound healing field, pulsed electromagnetic field, (PEMF), or their control fields for 4 h/day for 21 days. Statistical analysis of mass changes over time showed that young rats exposed to PEMF lost more mass and recovered it more slowly compared to controls (2–4% more loss) than did older PEMF exposed rats or any 60 Hz exposed rats. We conclude that daily preexposure and postexposure mass measurements are needed to adequately assess the effects of electromagnetic fields on body mass. Bioelectromagnetics 23:2–6, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The JAK/STAT pathway and Drosophila development
Authors: Luo Hong , Dearolf Charles R.
Published: August 2002

The JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway plays a critical role in mammalian cells, particularly in hematopoiesis and immune responses. Several components of this pathway have been identified and characterized in Drosophila. Mutational analyses of these components have revealed a number of interesting developmental roles, and provide a mechanism to identify other interacting molecules and pathways. Hence, the JAK/STAT pathway in Drosophila serves as an attractive model for in vivo functional analyses of JAK/STAT signaling. BioEssays 23:1138–1147, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Paradigm shifts in malaria parasite biochemistry and anti‐malarial chemotherapy
Authors: Surolia Namita , RamachandraRao Satish P. , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: August 2002

A fatty acid synthesis (FAS) pathway was recently discovered and established in the obligate human parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Its inhibition by triclosan (2,4,4′‐trichloro‐2′‐hydroxydiphenyl ether) leads to its classification as a type II FAS. Humans, the vertebrate host for the malarial parasite utilize type I FAS, which is not inhibited by triclosan. This discovery thus paves the way for novel approaches to the treatment of malaria. In direct contrast to the delayed‐death phenotype associated with poisoning of the apicoplast using certain other drugs, the rapid and striking action of triclosan suggests the possibility of developing new drug(s) for the treatment of malaria. BioEssays 24:192–196, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneous urinary chemiluminescence and diet. An intervention study in humans
Authors: Pizarro M. , Lissi E.A. , Marshall G. , Martín A. San , Leighton F.
Published: August 2002

Spontaneous urinary visible chemiluminiscence has been measured in samples from a diet intervention study in humans. For a month, two groups, each of 21 male volunteers, received either a Mediterranean‐type diet or an occidental (high‐fat) diet. Urinary chemiluminescence levels (in 103 cpm) were 8.5 ± 3.1 and 6.0 ± 2.0 for the high‐fat and Mediterranean‐type diets, respectively. The differences obtained were statistically significant. These results reflect differences in the oxidative stress associate to both diets and support the proposal that spontaneous urinary chemiluminiscence constitutes a complementary index of systemic oxidative stress. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging of hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide‐scavenging substances by photon emission
Authors: Yoshiki Yumiko , Iida Tetsuo , Akiyama Yoshinobu , Okubo Kazuyoshi , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Sato Michikatsu
Published: August 2002

An imaging system for the hydroperoxide and hydrogen donor was developed by photon emission from the reactive oxygen species–hydrogen donor–KHCO3–MeCHO system. Photon intensity (luminance, cd/m2) showed a linear correlation with the concentration of some hydroperoxides [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide] and that of hydrogen donors (catechins and anthocyanins). The linear relationship between photon intensity and concentration was observed in polyphenol‐rich samples, such as teas, berries and currants. Photon intensity from the H2O2/polyphenol‐rich sample–KHCO3–MeCHO system corresponded with H2O2‐scavenging activity, rather than with polyphenol contents. It is possible to classify hydrogen donor species according to absorption features using spectral analysis (gallic acid, Emax 645 nm, catechins, Emax 610 nm; anthocyanins, Emax 690–700 nm). This method is a simple and sensitive detection system for hydroperoxide‐ and H2O2‐scavenging substances. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of bovine serum albumin aggregation during ultrafiltration
Authors: Maruyama Tatsuo , Katoh Shinji , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Nabetani Hiroshi
Published: August 2002

Protein fouling is a critical problem for ultrafiltration. In this study, we adopted bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein and polysulfone membrane as a typical ultrafiltration membrane. We then investigated the factors of the protein denaturation and aggregation, such as stirring shear stress and intermolecular exchange of disulfide during ultrafiltration, and discussed the BSA fouling mechanism. Fourier transform‐infrared analysis revealed that magnetic stirring did not cause any difference in the secondary structural change of BSA gel‐like deposits on the ultrafiltration membrane. BSA aggregates were collected from BSA gel‐like deposits on the ultrafiltration membrane by centrifugation. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in SDS analysis of BSA aggregates proved that the major binding of the BSA aggregates involved intermolecular disulfhydryl binding and that capping the free thiol group in BSA molecules with cysteine induced a remarkable decrease in the amount of the BSA aggregates during ultrafiltration. We concluded that one of the main factors in the BSA aggregation during ultrafiltration is the intermolecular exchange of disulfide through cysteinyl residue. We also found that the BSA aggregation caused a decrease in α‐helix from 66% to 50% and an increase in β‐sheet from 20% to 36%, which was presumably because the cysteine residues associated with the intermolecular disulfide bonds had been located in α‐helices. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75: 233–238, 2001.
A comparison of lipase‐catalysed ester and lactone synthesis in low‐water systems: Analysis of optimum water activity
Authors: Alston Mark J. , Freedman Robert B.
Published: August 2002

We investigated the effects of the lyophilisation medium (enzyme plus buffer salt and additives) and of water activity (aw) on the catalytic properties of lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum (lipase CV) in organic solvents; catalysis of ester and lactone synthesis were compared and, despite the similarities of the reactive groups involved in these reactions, some interesting differences were observed. Including 2‐[N‐morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer in the lyophilisation medium of lipase CV increased its catalytic activity in transesterification and lactonisation, although the buffer salt requirement for maximal activity differed between the two reactions. Sorbitol, glucose, lactose, 18‐crown‐6 (crown ether 18‐C‐6), β‐cyclodextrin and bovine serum albumin were employed as alternative additives in the transesterification reaction, but were not as effective as MES buffer. Salt hydrates were used to investigate the effect of aw on esterification and lactonisation reactions catalysed by lipase CV. The maximum rate of hexadecanolide synthesis in toluene occurred at aw = 0.48. The optimum aw for the transesterification reaction in heptane/alcohol mixtures depended on the alcohol substrate employed (1‐heptanol, 2‐heptanol, or 3‐methyl‐3‐hexanol) but not on the acyl donor (p‐NP acetate or caprylate). The optimum aw values for both reactions were unchanged when a common solvent system (toluene/1‐heptanol) was employed, indicating that the dependence of enzyme activity on aw is an intrinsic property of the enzyme‐catalysed reaction and not a function of the solvent or other additives. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 641–650, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bit.10102
Continuous isolation of plasmid DNA by annular chromatography
Authors: Giovannini R. , Freitag R.
Published: August 2002

Continuous chromatographic separations, especially of multicomponent mixtures, constitute interesting options for biotechnological downstream processing. Taking the separation of plasmid DNA from clearified lysates on hydroxyapatite as a pertinent example, we discuss the potential of continuous annular chromatography (CAC) in comparison with conventional (preparative) batch chromatography. In CAC the column is realized in the form of a thin (5 mm, height 210 mm) slowly rotating annulus. The performance of such a CAC column is compared to that of an (“analytical”) batch column of similar thickness (diameter) and length (4 × 250 mm) and that of a (“preparative”) batch column of similar cross‐sectional surface area and height (50 × 210 mm). The quality of the obtained plasmid as defined by the appearance of the corresponding agarose gels (native and linearized plasmid), the 260/280 ratio and the biological activity (transient transfection of HEK 293 cells) was found to be identical in all three cases. The yields are also shown to be equivalent. The loading factor is found to be the most decisive parameter for the transfer of a given separation method between the continuous and the batch columns. Under nonoptimized conditions, plate numbers tended to be lower in the continuous compared to the batch columns. This is shown to be largely due to an artifact created by the CAC design (collection of averaged fractions at the outlets) and can be overcome by optimizing the rotation speed. Surprisingly the large batch column consistently gave better plate numbers than either the small batch or the CAC column. Compared to the preparative batch column, wall effects are more pronounced in the CAC (respectively the small diameter batch column), which may translate into better bed stability but conceivably also contributes to an increase in plate height, due to the reduction in bed density usually observed in the proximity of the wall. The CAC is shown to be a powerful approach to continuous chromatography, which allows a direct and straightforward upscale of chromatographic bioseparation methods. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 445–454, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bit.10149
Microengineering neocartilage scaffolds
Authors: Petersen Erik F. , Spencer Richard G. S. , McFarland Eric W.
Published: August 2002

Advances in micropatterning methodologies have made it possible to create structures with precise architecture on the surface of cell culture substrata. We applied these techniques to fabricate microfeatures (15–65 μm wide; 40 μm deep) on the surface of a flexible, biocompatible polysaccharide gel. The micropatterned polymer gels were subsequently applied as scaffolds for chondrocyte culture and proved effective in maintaining key aspects of the chondrogenic phenotype. These were rounded cell morphology and a positive and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) immunofluorescence assay for the production of type II collagen throughout the maximum culture time of 10 days after cell seeding. Further, cells housed within individual surface features were observed to proliferate, while serial application of chondrocytes resulted in the formation of cellular aggregates. These methods represent a novel approach to the problem of engineering reparative cartilage in vitro. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 802–805, 2002.
Stable sol‐gel microstructured and microfluidic networks for protein patterning
Authors: Kim Young‐Duk , Park Chan B. , Clark Douglas S.
Published: August 2002

We demonstrate the formation of micropatterned sol‐gel structures containing active proteins by patterning with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels. To transport sol solution efficiently into the hydrophobic PDMS microchannels, a hydrophilic–hydrophobic block copolymer was used to impart hydrophilicity to the PDMS microchannels. Poor adhesion of the micropatterned gel structure onto glass slides was improved by treating the glass surface with a polymeric substrate. To minimize cracks in the gel microstructure, hybrid matrices of interpenetrating organic and inorganic networks were prepared containing the reactive organic moieties polyvinylalcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Retention of biochemical activity within the micropatterned gel was demonstrated by performing immunobinding assays with immobilized immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. The potential application of microfluidics technology to immobilized‐enzyme biocatalysis was demonstrated using PDMS‐patterned microchannels filled with trypsin‐containing sol‐gels. This work provides a foundation for the microfabrication of functional protein chips using sol‐gel processes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 331–337, 2001.
High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection for the simultaneous determination of sympathomimetic amines using 4‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazole‐2‐yl)benzoyl chloride as a label
Authors: Kaddoumi Amal , Kubota Ai , Nakashima Mihoko N. , Takahashi Masakatsu , Nakashima Kenichiro
Published: August 2002

A high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of (±) fenfluramine (Fen) and phentermine (Phen) in addition to three other sympathomimetic amines—ephedrine (E), norephedrine (NE) and 2‐phenylethylamine (2‐PEA), using cyclohexylamine (CX) as an internal standard in plasma. The compounds were derivatized with 4‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazole‐2‐yl)benzoyl chloride (DIB‐Cl) to give the DIB‐derivatives. The derivatives were then separated using an isocratic HPLC system with UV detection. The limits of detection for Fen, Phen, E, NE and 2‐PEA in plasma ranged from 0.32 to 22.9 pmol on column at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. The recoveries following alkaline extraction from plasma samples of known concentrations were found to be more than 94% for the studied compounds. This method might be useful for the screening of the studied sympathomimetic amines in human plasma samples in forensic as well as toxicological studies. Furthermore, the developed method was modified for the simultaneous determination of Fen and Phen in human and rat plasma using fluoxetine as an internal standard. The methods are reproducible and precise. Finally, the two drugs were administered intraperitonealy to rats in combination, and their plasma levels over the investigated time course were successfully determined. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abbreviations used:

CX

cyclohexylamine

DIB‐Cl

4‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazole‐2‐yl)benzoyl chloride

E

ephedrine

Fen

fenfluramine

FLX

fluoxetine

NE

norephedrine

NorFen

norfen fluramine

2‐PEA

2‐phenylethylamine

Phen

phentermine.
The influence of blood sample storage time on the propofol concentration in plasma and solid blood elements
Authors: Dawidowicz A. L. , Fijalkowska A. , Nestorowicz A. , Fornal E.
Published: August 2002

In order to describe the changes of propofol concentration in whole blood and in its components during the blood storage we examined venous blood samples collected from patients anaesthetized either with or without propofol. Blood samples from patients anaesthetized without propofol were spike with propofol 45 min before analysis. Propofol concentration was examined in whole blood, plasma, rinsed formed elements and rinsed and lysed formed blood elements by means of HPLC after 1, 4, 7, 13, 21, 25 and 28 days of storage. There was significant decrease in plasma concentration of propofol during the first few days of sample storage followed by its increase during subsequent days. The opposite phenomenon was observed for formed blood elements. The findings support the hypothesis that propofol distribution between blood components changes in time. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abbreviations used:

TMAH

tetramethylammonium hydroxide
People with intellectual disabilities on probation: an initial study
Authors: Mason Jonathan , Murphy Glynis H.
Published: August 2002

The two studies in this paper aim to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities in the probation service in England. Study one screened the abilities of a sample of 70 probationers in one single probation service. Study two compares a sub‐set of these to an equal number of control participants in order to further investigate the characteristics of those with intellectual disability on probation. Nearly 6% of service users appeared to have an intellectual disability, and 11% fell into the bottom 5% of the general population in terms of their intellectual and social functioning. We conclude that a significant minority of those in the probation service have an intellectual disability or similar needs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and angiographic determinants of adverse cardiac events in patients with stent restenosis
Authors: Chen Lung‐Ching , Chen Ying‐Hwa , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chan Wan‐Leong , Hsu Nai‐Wei , Pan Ju‐Pin , Charng Min‐Ji , Wang Shi‐Pu , Ding Philip Yu‐An , Chang Mau‐Song
Published: August 2002

Patients with angiographically proven stent restenoses do not necessarily develop adverse cardiac events. Which clinical, procedural, or angiographic parameters relate to the development of adverse cardiac events among these patients has not been determined. This study included 155 patients (167 stented lesions) with angiographically proven restenosis (≥ 50% diameter stenosis) within the stent or at its margins in routine follow‐up angiograms that was obtained at 6.5 ± 3.6 months after successful stenting. Thirty‐six patients (22%) had adverse cardiac events (including unstable angina necessitating target lesion revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, or cardiac death) during follow‐up and 119 patients (78%) were event‐free. These two groups of patients were compared to determine the parameters related to adverse cardiac events. Univariate determinants of adverse events included hypertension (P = 0.023), unstable angina at initial presentation (P = 0.002), target lesion in proximal left anterior descending artery (P = 0.041), TIMI grade 0–2 flow in follow‐up angiograms (p < 0.001), impaired left ventricular function at follow‐up (P = 0.002), follow‐up minimal lumen diameter ≤ 0.6 mm (P = 0.003), follow‐up diameter stenosis > 75% (P = 0.005), late loss > 2 mm (P = 0.01), and loss index > 1.127 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated hypertension (odds ratio, OR, = 3.6; P = 0.019), unstable angina at initial presentation (OR = 2.6; P = 0.007), TIMI grade 0–2 flow at follow‐up (OR = 2.8; P = 0.05), impaired LV function at follow‐up (OR = 4.2; P = 0.004), and loss index > 1.127 (OR = 3.6; P = 0.017) as independent risk factors for adverse cardiac events. Classification and regression tree analysis identified loss index > 1.127 and impaired LV function as the two strongest determinant of adverse cardiac event. Therefore, hypertensive patients whose initial clinical presentation were unstable angina should be managed carefully to optimize the angiographic results and, most importantly, followed up more closely for development of impaired LV function after coronary stenting in order to prevent the occurrence of adverse cardiac event at follow‐up. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:331–337. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of post–myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect with Amplatzer septal occluder
Authors: Mullasari Ajit S. , Umesan Chirammal Valappil , Krishnan Usha , Srinivasan Shardha , Ravikumar Murugesan , Raghuraman Hemalatha
Published: August 2002

Rupture of the interventricular septum is an uncommon but often fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction. Transcatheter closure is an established method of treating selected congenital defects but clinical experience on transcatheter closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is minimal. We report a case of successful transcatheter closure of postinfarction VSD using the Amplatzer septal occluder. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:484–487. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paraplegia following percutaneous balloon angioplasty of aortic coarctation: A case report
Authors: Ussia Gian Paolo , Marasini Maurizio , Pongiglione Giacomo
Published: August 2002

Balloon angioplasty of recurrent coarctation of the aorta is considered a low‐risk procedure with high success rate. In the literature, the major complications are death, rupture of the aorta, recoarctation, aneurysm formation, cerebrovascular accident, and femoral artery thrombosis. Spinal cord ischemia as an unusual complication of balloon angioplasty is reported. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:510–513. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ab initio prediction of optical rotation: Comparison of density functional theory and Hartree‐Fock methods for three 2,7,8‐trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes
Authors: Stephens P.J. , Devlin F.J. , Cheeseman J.R. , Frisch M.J.
Published: August 2002

We report ab initio calculations of the frequency‐dependent electric dipole‐magnetic dipole polarizabilities, β(ν), at the sodium D line frequency and, thence, of the specific rotations, [α]D, of 2,7,8‐trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 1, and its 1‐methyl derivative, 2, using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Hartree‐Fock/Self‐Consistent Field (HF/SCF) methodologies. Gauge‐invariant (including) atomic orbitals (GIAOs) are used to ensure origin‐independent [α]D values. Using large basis sets which include diffuse functions DFT [α]D values are in good agreement with experimental values (175.8° and 139.2° for (1S,5R)‐1 and ‐2, respectively); errors are in the range 25–35°. HF/SCF [α]D values, in contrast, are much less accurate; errors are in the range 75–95°. The use of small basis sets which do not include diffuse functions substantially lowers the accuracy of predicted [α]D values, as does the use of the static limit approximation: β(ν) ≈ β(o). The use of magnetic‐field‐independent atomic orbitals, FIAOs, instead of GIAOs, leads to origin‐dependent, and therefore nonphysical, [α]D values. We also report DFT calculations of [α]D for the 1‐phenyl derivative of 1, 3. DFT calculations find two stable conformations, differing in the orientation of the phenyl group, of very similar energy, and separated by low barriers. Values of [α]D predicted using two different algorithms for averaging over phenyl group orientations are in good agreement with experiment. In principle, the absolute configuration (AC) of a chiral molecule can be assigned by comparison of the optical rotation predicted ab initio to the experimental value. Our results demonstrate the critical importance of the choice of ab initio methodology in obtaining reliable optical rotations and, hence, ACs, and show that, at the present time, DFT constitutes the method of choice. Chirality 14:288–296, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of absolute configuration using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy: The chiral sulfoxide 1‐thiochromanone S‐oxide
Authors: Devlin F.J. , Stephens P.J. , Scafato P. , Superchi S. , Rosini C.
Published: August 2002

We reexamined the absolute configuration (AC) of the chiral sulfoxide 1‐thiochromanone S‐oxide (1) using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The VCD spectrum of 1 was analyzed using density functional theory (DFT). DFT predicts two stable conformations of 1, separated by <1 kcal/mole. Their VCD spectra were calculated using the DFT/GIAO methodology. The VCD spectrum predicted for the equilibrium mixture of the two conformations of (S)‐1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum of (+)‐1. The AC of 1 is therefore definitively R(−)/S(+). Chirality 14:400–406, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intestinal absorption and metabolism of chlorpheniramine enantiomers in rat
Authors: Hiep Bui Tung , Fernandez Christine , Tod Michel , Banide Hélène , Thuillier Alain , Lacour Bernard , Farinotti Robert , Gimenez François
Published: August 2002

Chlorpheniramine (CPAM) is a chiral antihistaminic drug commercialized as a racemic mixture. The intestinal absorption and metabolism of CPAM have been investigated in rat using in vivo (oral and IV administration), in situ (intestinal loop model), and in vitro (everted sac model) experiments. Oral and IV administrations of 20 mg/kg of the racemic mixture show that the pharmacokinetics of CPAM are stereoselective, with higher AUCs for the (+)‐S‐enantiomer compared to its antipode. The monodesmethyl metabolite (DCPM) was quantifiable in blood and its pharmacokinetics are stereoselective after oral but not after IV administration. Experiments using intestinal loops and everted sacs showed that the absorption is not stereoselective and that in vivo stereoselective formation of DCPM is presumably due to stereoselective hepatic metabolism. Moreover, the in vitro and in situ absorption of CPAM are not modified by modulators of P‐glycoprotein and cytochromes P450 (cyclosporin A, ketoconazole). Chirality 13:207–213, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echogenicity of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma is an independent prognostic factor in patients treated with regional chemotherapy
Authors: Gruenberger Thomas , Zhao Jing , King Julie , Chung TengTeng , Clingan Phil R. , Morris David L.
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

Echogenicity of liver metastases was found to be a predictive biologic factor influencing long‐term outcome after curative liver resection. The current analysis focuses on the influence of echogenicity on survival in patients treated with intraarterial chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal carcinoma liver metastases.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at the Department of Surgery at the University of New South Wales‐affiliated St. George Hospital was performed. Two hundred twelve consecutive patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma treated between May 1992 and September 2000 were analyzed. Echogenicity of metastases was measured intraoperatively using a 5 MHz probe. Overall survival difference was compared between hyper‐ and hypoechoic metastases on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

RESULTS

At a median followup of 15.1 months, 47 patients (22%) were alive and 165 (78%) had died. A significant survival benefit was observed in patients having hyperechoic lesions (median survival 16.2 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9–18.5) compared to hypoechoic lesions (median survival 11.6 months, 95% CI 8–15.2), P < 0.01. Other prognostic factors were differentiation of the primary tumor (P < 0.02), percentage hepatic replacement (P < 0.05) and carcinoembryonic antigen decrease (P < 0.03). Echogenicity was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (P < 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Echogenicity is an important prognostic survival parameter. Cancer 2002;94:1753–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10386
Compartmentation of the rabbit cerebellar cortex
Authors: Sanchez Miguel , Sillitoe Roy V. , Attwell Philip J.E. , Ivarsson Magnus , Rahman Shbana , Yeo Christopher H. , Hawkes Richard
Published: August 2002

The cytoarchitecture of the adult rabbit cerebellum is revealed by using zebrin II/aldolase c immunocytochemistry in both wholemount and sectioned material. Zebrin II is expressed by approximately half of the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. In most regions these form a symmetrical array of zebrin II‐positive and ‐negative parasagittal bands. Four transverse expression domains are identified in the vermis: (1) an anterior zone, comprising four narrow bands, one at the midline and three laterally to either side, extending throughout the anterior lobe to the primary fissure; (2) a central zone with broad immunoreactive bands separated by narrow zebrin II‐negative bands that disappear caudally to leave no apparent compartmentation; (3) a posterior zone with prominent alternating zebrin II‐positive and ‐negative bands; and (4) a nodular zone in which all Purkinje cells express zebrin II. In the hemispheres a striped topography is found in lobules HVI, HVII, and crus I, and all Purkinje cells are zebrin II+ in the flocculus and paraflocculus. Because of its importance for the classical conditioning of the eyeblink response, we made a detailed analysis of lobule HVI of the hemisphere. The immunocytochemical data show a complex substructure within HVI with three prominent zebrin II‐positive bands (probably homologous with P4a+, P4b+, and P5+ of rodents) separated by two zebrin II‐negative regions (P4− and P4b−). Thus, the organization of the rabbit cerebellum is consistent with the patterns described previously for rat, mouse, and opossum and suggests that there may be a common ground plan for the mammalian cerebellum. J. Comp. Neurol. 444:159–173, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metallothionein 1+2 protect the CNS during neuroglial degeneration induced by 6‐aminonicotinamide
Authors: Penkowa Milena , Giralt Mercedes , Camats Jordi , Hidalgo Juan
Published: August 2002

6‐Aminonicotinamide (6‐AN) is a niacin antagonist, which leads to degeneration of gray matter astrocytes. Metallothionein 1+2 (MT‐1+2) are neuroprotective factors in the central nervous system (CNS), and to determine the roles for MT after 6‐AN, we have examined transgenic mice overexpressing MT‐1 (TgMTI* mice) after an i.p. injection with 6‐AN. In control mice injected with 6‐AN, astrocytes in specific gray matter areas of the brainstem showed degeneration. Reactive astrocytes surrounded the degenerated areas, which were heavily infiltrated by macrophages and T lymphocytes. MT‐1+2 expression was significantly decreased in the damaged brainstem areas, but it increased in reactive astrocytes surrounding these areas and also in infiltrating macrophages. The levels of oxidative stress, as determined by immunoreactivity for inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrotyrosine (NITT), and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase [TdT]‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate [dUTP]‐digoxigenin nick end labeling–positive (TUNEL+), caspase‐3+ apoptotic cells were significantly increased in the brainstem of normal mice after 6‐AN. In the TgMTI* mice, the 6‐AN–induced tissue damage was decreased in comparison to control mice, and they showed significantly reduced numbers of recruited macrophages and T lymphocytes, and a drastic reduction of oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. In addition, the accompanying reactive astrogliosis was increased in the transgenic mice. To further study the potential protective role of MT, we administered intraperitoneally Zn‐MT‐2 to 6‐AN–injected normal mice and found essentially the same results as those obtained in TgMTI* mice. Thus, we hereby report that endogenous MT‐1 overexpression and exogenous MT‐2 treatment have significant neuroprotective roles during CNS pathological conditions. J. Comp. Neurol. 444:174–189, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some further properties of the superconvergent flux projection
Authors: Carey Graham F.
Published: August 2002

Some properties of the integral superconvergent flux (post‐processing) projection formula are investigated: (1) A Green–Gauss formula together with the partition of unity property of the finite element basis imply global and local conservation properties and a local flux or stress recovery strategy; (2) The equivalence to a Lagrange multiplier mixed formulation is used to interpret the associated consistency requirement on the flux expansion via an inf–sup or LBB condition and (3) The resulting conditions on the flux basis are examined and the presence of oscillatory modes demonstrated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Francis Glisson's color specification system of 1677
Authors: Kuehni Rolf G. , Stanziola Ralph
Published: August 2002

What is perhaps the first color specification system, developed in 1677 by the eminent English physician Francis Glisson, is described. Two of the scales for which Glisson provided quantitative data Glisson have been reconstructed: the gray scale in virtual form and the red scale in real form. Reflectance calculations or measurements and calculations of CIELAB L*a*b* values indicate that the two scales have a significant degree of uniformity despite the simple method used by Glisson to construct them. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 27, 15–19, 2002
Obsessive compulsive (OC) symptoms and subjective severity, probability, and coping ability estimations of future negative events
Authors: Woods Carol M. , Frost Randy O. , Steketee Gail
Published: August 2002

This paper describes two studies in which 18 participants with OCD (Study 1) and 73 students (Study 2) rated the subjective probability and severity of future negative events, as well as their anticipated coping ability. The negative events were idiographic in that participants wrote and rated events that were particularly salient to them personally. In both samples, results indicated that, as OC symptoms increased, severity estimation increased and coping ability decreased. However, probability estimation increased with OC symptoms in the student sample, but not in the OCD sample. Results also suggested that OC symptoms may relate to the product of probability and severity, divided by coping ability. Regression results indicated that higher probability estimation for students, and worse predicted coping ability for OCD patients, was the most predictive of OC symptoms. Findings are discussed in the context of cognitive theory of OCD. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new coefficient estimation method for autoregressive systems using cumulants
Authors: Al‐Smadi Adnan
Published: August 2002

Autoregressive (AR) system identification with only output measurements is a well‐known problem in various science and engineering areas such as spectral estimation and speech processing. This paper addresses the problem of estimating the coefficients of an AR model from third‐order cumulants of the noisy observations of the system output. The system is driven by a zero‐mean independent and identically distributed (i.i.d) non‐Gaussian sequence. The input sequence is not observed. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the performance of the new approach and compare it with a recently developed technique. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.