bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angelman syndrome associated with oculocutaneous albinism due to an intragenic deletion of the P gene
Authors: Fridman C. , Hosomi N. , Varela M.C. , Souza A.H. , Fukai K. , Koiffmann C.P.
Published: May 2003

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mental retardation, speech impairment, ataxia, and happy disposition with frequent smiling. AS results from the loss of expression of a maternal imprinted gene, UBE3A, mapped within 15q11‐q13 region, due to different mechanisms: maternal deletion, paternal UPD, imprinting center mutation, and UBE3A mutation. Deletion AS patients may exhibit hypopigmentation of skin, eye, and hair correlating with deletion of P gene localized in the distal part of Prader‐Willi (PWS)/AS region. Our patient presented developmental delay, severe mental retardation, absence of speech, outbursts of laughter, microcephaly, ataxia, hyperactivity, seizures, white skin, no retinal pigmentation, and gold yellow hair. His parents were of African ancestry. The SNURF‐SNRPN methylation analysis confirmed AS diagnosis and microsatellite studies disclosed deletion with breakpoints in BP2 and BP3. All of the 25 exons and flanking introns of the P gene of the patient, his father, and mother were investigated. The patient is hemizygous for the deleted exon 7 of the P gene derived from his father who is a carrier of the deleted allele. Our patient manifests OCA2 associated with AS due to the loss of the maternal chromosome 15 with the normal P allele, and the paternal deletion in the P gene. As various degrees of hipopygmentation are associated with PWS and AS patients, the study of the P gene in a hemizygous state could contribute to the understanding of its effect on human pigmentation during development and to disclose the presence of modifier pigmentation gene(s) in the PWS/AS region. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Common variant in betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and risk for spina bifida
Authors: Morin Isabelle , Platt Robert , Weisberg Ilan , Sabbaghian Nelly , Wu Qing , Garrow Timothy A. , Rozen Rima
Published: May 2003

Neural tube defects (NTD) are common malformations resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube in the first month after conception. Since genetic deficiencies in folate‐dependent homocysteine metabolism have been identified in NTD families, we investigated a common variant in betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), 742G→A (R239Q), as a genetic modifier of NTD risk. Genotypes, nutrient levels, and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) were assessed in 54 patients with spina bifida, 57 mothers of patients, 93 control children, and 86 mothers of controls. The QQ genotype (present in 17% and 7% of the control and case mothers, respectively, and in 12% and 6% of the control and case children, respectively) was associated with a decreased risk of NTD (odds ratios of 0.52 (95% CI 0.13–2.05) for children and 0.37 (95% CI 0.11–1.22) for mothers). The small sample size limited the statistical power of the analyses, but these decreases, although not statistically significant, are compatible with a protective effect. We did not observe statistically‐significant genotype‐dependent differences in plasma homocysteine, although women with the QQ genotype did have lower homocysteine; in children, the mean homocysteine level was higher in the QQ group. This inconsistency could be explained by the fact that age is a strong determinant of homocysteine in children and the QQ group was on average older than the other genotype groups. Our study suggests that the Q allele of the R239Q mutation may decrease risk of the condition. This warrants further investigation of its relationship with the development of NTD. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nevi flammei affecting two contralateral quadrants and nevus depigmentosus: A new type of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis?
Authors: Dippel E. , Utikal J. , Feller G. , Fackel N. , Klemke C.D. , Happle R. , Goerdt S.
Published: May 2003

Here, we report on a 64‐year‐old‐woman with nevi flammei affecting two contralateral quadrants, venous insufficiency of the right leg, and asymmetry of the arms, in association with a linear nevus depigmentosus. This combination of vascular and pigmentary abnormalities may represent a novel type of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis caused by non‐allelic twin‐spotting. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low penetrance of the 14484 LHON mutation when it arises in a non‐haplogroup J mtDNA background
Authors: Howell Neil , Herrnstadt Corinna , Shults Cliff , Mackey David A.
Published: May 2003

The penetrance in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) pedigrees is determined primarily by a mutation in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), but secondary factors are also necessary for manifestation of the disorder. It has been proposed that mtDNA polymorphisms affect penetrance in LHON pedigrees. In particular, it has been postulated that one or more polymorphisms associated with European haplogroup J mtDNAs substantially increase the penetrance of the primary LHON mutation at nucleotide 14484. We report here a haplogroup H matrilineal pedigree (VIC14) in which the single affected member carries the 14484 LHON mutation, but who manifested a milder and atypical optic nerve disorder. In addition, during a population screen, we identified an individual who carried the 14484 mutation but who had normal vision. Finally, the 14484 mutation is under‐represented among haplogroup H mtDNAs that carry a LHON mutation. These results, in conjunction with other studies that are reviewed, indicate that 14484 LHON mutations have a low penetrance when they arise in a haplogroup H mtDNA background. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of the novel ionic liquid [N‐pentylpyridinium]+ [closo‐CB11H12]− and its usage as a reaction medium in catalytic dehalogenation of aromatic halides
Authors: Zhu Yinghuai , Ching Chibun , Carpenter Keith , Xu Rong , Selvaratnam Selvasothi , Hosmane Narayan S. , Maguire John A.
Published: May 2003

The novel, low‐melting‐point (19 °C) salt [N‐pentylpyridinium]+ [closo‐CB11H12]− (2) was synthesized in 93% yield and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and 1H, 13C, and 11B NMR spectroscopy. The salt was used as a solvent in several dehalogenation reactions of mono‐ and poly‐chlorides and ‐bromides, catalyzed by the palladium complexes PdCl2(PPh3)2, PdCl2(dppe), and PdCl2(dppf). Complete debromination of C6Br6, 1,2,4,5‐tetrabromobenzene, C60Br8, and C60Br24 was accomplished quite rapidly, whereas dechlorination of 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene proceeded more slowly, but with excellent products selectivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and structure of an amidoimido titanium cage complex [(Me2N)6Ti4(µ‐NPh)5]
Authors: Fan Maomin , Duesler Eileen N. , Paine Robert T.
Published: May 2003

The combination of PhNH2 and (Me2N)4Ti in toluene at 23 °C leads to the formation of a red–orange crystalline compound that displays unexpectedly complex 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Subsequent single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound is not an anticipated mononuclear transamination product (Me2N)3Ti[N(H)Ph], but instead it is a bicyclic cage compound with a (Ti4N5) core with bridging phenylimido groups and terminal dimethylamino groups. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substitution chemistry of sterically demanding boryl ligands
Authors: Coombs Deborah L. , Aldridge Simon , Jones Cameron
Published: May 2003

The synthetic and reaction chemistry of the asymmetric aryl(bromo)boryl complexes (η5‐C5H5)Fe(CO)2B(Ar)Br [Ar = 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, Mes (3); 2,6‐(2,4,6‐iPr3C6H2)C6H3, 2,6‐Trip2C6H3 (4)] are reported. In particular, the scope for substitution at boron by main‐group nucleophiles is probed. The synthesis and characterization of (η5‐C5H5)Fe(CO)2B(Mes)ERn [ERn = OtBu, (5); ERn = SPh (6)] confirm that substitution at boron can be accomplished with retention of the FeB bond. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical applications of topology and group theory: 37. Pentalene as a ligand in transition metal sandwich complexes
Authors: King R. B.
Published: May 2003

The η8‐C8H62− pentalene ligands in the recently discovered sandwich compounds (η8‐C8H6)2M (M = Ti, Zr) can be derived either by transannular ‘pinching’ of the cyclooctatetraene dianion, C8H82−, or by edge‐sharing fusion of two cyclopentadienyl ligands C5H5−. This paper depicts the relationship between the molecular orbitals in C8H62−, C8H82−, and 2C5H5−. In addition, this paper shows that the d orbital of the central metal atom is of suitable symmetry for δ bonding in the D2h complexes (η8‐C8H6)2M (M = Ti, Zr) unlike in the D8h complexes (η8‐C8H8)2M derived from cyclooctatetraene. This can account for the fact that the cyclooctatetraene sandwich compounds of stoichiometry (C8H8)2M have unsymmetrical (η8‐C8H8)(η4‐C8H8)M structures in the case of the d‐block metals titanium and zirconium in contrast to perhapto structures (η8‐C8H8)2An in the case of the actinides (An = Th, Pa, U, Np, Pu) where metal f orbitals are available for metal–ring bonding. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and crystal structure of silver and argentate complexes of mixed halocarborane anions, (C5H5N)2Ag(1‐HCB11Br5I6)(C5H5N) and [{(CH3CN)4Ag3}{Ag(CB11I5Br6)2}]n
Authors: Tsang Chi‐Wing , Yang Qingchuan , Mak Thomas C. W. , Xie Zuowei
Published: May 2003

The first argentate salt of carborane anion, [{(CH3CN)4Ag3}{Ag(CB11I5Br6)2}]n, was prepared from K2[CB11I5Br6] and AgNO3 followed by recrystallization from acetonitrile. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses indicate that the CB11I5Br62− dianion has a significantly different coordination motif from that of the CB11Br5I6− monoanion. This result suggests that the polarity of the CB11 cage can be changed after deprotonation of the cage CH proton. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of tricobalt methylidyne clusters: X‐ray crystal structures of [Co3(CO)9(µ3‐CR)] (R = CH2CH3, CH2C(O)NH2, CH2C(O)CH3) and [Co3(CO)7(µ‐P,P‐PPh2CH2PPh2) (µ3‐CCH2C6H4NH2)]
Authors: Hong Fung‐E , Huang Yi‐Luen , Chang Yu‐Chang , Chu Kang‐Ming , Tsai Yu‐Tain
Published: May 2003

A small quantity of the tricobalt methylidyne cluster [Co3(CO)9(µ3‐CCH2CH3)] (2) was obtained, along with the major product, [{[Co2(CO)6(µ‐HCC)]CH2NH}2CO] (1), from the reaction of HCCCH2NH2 with Co2(CO)8 in tetrahydrofuran at 45 °C for 5 h. The crystal structure of 2 showed that the amino group was unexpectedly detached from the propargylamine. The reactions of two related amines, HCCC6H4NH2 and HCCC(O)NH2, with Co2(CO)8 gave two tricobalt methylidyne clusters, [Co3(CO)9(µ3‐CCH2C6H4NH2)] (5) and [Co3(CO)9(µ3‐CCH2C(O)NH2)] (7), respectively. Further reaction of 5 with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (DPPM) resulted in the formation of the DPPM‐bridged tricobalt methylidyne cluster [Co3(CO)7(µ‐P,P‐PPh2CH2PPh2)(µ3‐CCH2C6H4NH2)] (6). Similar procedures were followed for the reaction of HCCC(O)CH3 with Co2(CO)8; two compounds, [Co3(CO)9(µ3‐CCH2C(O)CH3)] (8) and [Co2(CO)6(µ2‐η2‐HCCC(O)CH3)] (9), were obtained. All these compounds were characterized by spectroscopic means; the crystal structures of 2, 5, 6, and 7 were also determined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coordination of the nido‐carboranyldiphosphine ligand to ruthenium(II): the first example of the tricoordinating capacity of the 7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10 moiety
Authors: Núñez Rosario , Viñas Clara , Teixidor Francesc , Abad Ma Mar
Published: May 2003

Reaction of [RuH(AcO)(PPh3)3] and [NMe4][7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10] in methanol yields [RuH(7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10)(PPh3)2] (1). The reaction of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and [NMe4][7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10] in a 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 ratio in methanol yields [RuX(7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10)(PPh3)2] (X = Cl, H) (2). NMR spectroscopic analyses of 1 and 2 indicate that the centers have an octahedral geometry and the carborane acts as a tricoordinating ligand to ruthenium(II) by means of PRu, B(11)H→Ru and B(2)H→Ru agostic bonds. A chloride or hydride and two PPh3 ligands complete the coordination sphere of the metal. The formation of two BH→Ru agostic bonds rather than a second PRu bond appears to be due to steric factors. Reaction of [NMe4][7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H10] with [RuCl2(PMePh2)4] in ratios of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 in methanol yields complexes [Ru(7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H11)2] (3) and [RuH(7,8‐(PPh2)2‐7,8‐C2B9H11)2] (4) respectively, which incorporate two nido‐carboranylphosphine ligands. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and crystal structure of an assembly of three ortho‐carborane cages linked via para‐phenylene units: effect of aryl orientation on cage CC bond lengths in C‐aryl‐ortho‐carboranes
Authors: Alekseyeva Elena S. , Fox Mark A. , Howard Judith A. K. , Hugh MacBride J. A. , Wade Kenneth
Published: May 2003

The synthesis and crystal and molecular structure are described of (C2B10H11)C6H4(C2B10H10)C6H4(C2B10H11) (4), an acyclic assembly of three ortho‐carborane units connected through their carbon atoms by two para‐phenylene units. For this compound, and published structures of other aryl‐ortho‐carboranes, correlations are noted between the orientations of aryl substituents and cage carbon–carbon distances (C1C2). Ab initio RHF/6‐31G* and MP2/6‐31G* studies on 1‐phenyl‐ortho‐carborane, PhC2B10H11, and other model systems have been used to explore the variations in their energies, C1C2 bond lengths, and C2C1Caryl bond angles with the orientation of their aryl groups, variations believed to reflect weak interactions between the aryl substituents' π systems and the carborane cages. The synthesis of a pentafluorophenyl derivative of 4, (C2B10H11)C6H4(C2B10H10)C6H4(C2B10H10)C6F5, is also described. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of a trilinear–trilinear approximation for the Stokes equations
Authors: Nafa Kamel , Touafek Nouressadat
Published: May 2003

The choice of mixed finite element approximations for fluid flow problems is a compromise between accuracy and computational efficiency. Although a number of finite elements are found in the literature only few low‐order approximations are stable. This is particularly true for three‐dimensional flow problems. These elements are attractive because of their simplicity and efficiency, but can suffer though poor rate of convergence. In this paper the stability of a continuous trilinear–trilinear approximation is being analysed for general geometries. Using the macroelement technique, we prove the stability of the approximation. As a result, optimal rates of convergence are obtained for both the velocity and pressure approximations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Findings from the International Adult Literacy Survey on the incidence and correlates of learning disabilities in New Zealand: Is something rotten in the state of New Zealand?
Authors: Chapman James W. , Tunmer William E. , Allen Raewyn
Published: May 2003

New Zealand data from the International Adult Literacy Survey were analysed to examine the incidence and correlates of self‐reported specific reading learning disability (SRLD). The results showed that 7.7% of New Zealand adults reported having had a learning disability. The ratio of males to females with SRLD was 3:2. Between 40% and 50% of New Zealand adults performed below the minimum level of proficiency required for meeting the complex demands of everyday life in knowledge‐based societies. For adults with SRLD, around 80% performed below the minimum level, and the literacy proficiency of adults with SRLD in younger age bands appears to have declined since the early 1960s. Almost 100% of adults with SRLD in the 16–20 years age range performed below the minimum level for document and quantitative literacy and 92% for prose literacy. Compared to non‐SRLD adults, those with SRLD were found to leave school earlier, engage more often in manual occupations, are more frequently unemployed, and rely on more state assistance to bring their income levels closer to the levels enjoyed by non‐SRLD adults. The results are discussed in terms of SRLD not being officially recognised or provided for in New Zealand, the lack of appropriate remedial provisions for children who experience difficulties with reading, and the effects of a strong whole language orientated approach to literacy instruction in schools that has been in place since 1963. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The International Adult Literacy Survey in Britain: Impact on policy and practice
Authors: Fawcett Angela J.
Published: May 2003

There is increasing concern for the skills of the workforce in the UK and elsewhere, but despite this concern until recently there has been little information available which objectively measures basic skills in adults. In this paper, evidence derived from the prose scale of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS, 1996) is outlined, with emphasis on the performance of adults at the lowest levels, 1 and 2 in the United Kingdom. A new analysis based on the 183 adults who self‐reported learning disabilities demonstrates that over 50% of this group perform at level 1 on the prose scale. Over 60% report that these disabilities persist into adult life, although this number falls to 50% in the youngest age group, reflecting changes in recognition of learning disabilities within the education system. The paper concludes with a case study of the redefinition of basic skill levels in Britain based on the IALS levels. The impact of the IALS findings on policy and practice, and in particular through the recommendations of the Moser report, are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale characterization of genes specific to the larval nervous system in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Mochizuki Yasuaki , Satou Yutaka , Satoh Nori
Published: May 2003

Summary: The central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS) of the ascidian tadpole larva are comparatively simple, consisting of only about 350 cells. However, studies of the expression of neural patterning genes have demonstrated overall similarity between the ascidian CNS and the vertebrate CNS, suggesting that the ascidian CNS is sufficiently complex to be relevant to those of vertebrates. Recent progress in the Ciona intestinalis genome project and cDNA project together with considerable EST information has made Ciona an ideal model for investigating molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the chordate nervous system. Here, we characterized 56 genes specific to the nervous system by determining their full‐length cDNA sequences and confirming their spatial expression patterns. These genes included those that function in the nervous systems of other animals, especially those involved in photoreceptor‐mediated signaling and neurotransmitter release. Thus, the nervous system‐specific genes in Ciona larvae will provide not only probes for determining their function but also clues for exploring the complex network of nervous system‐specific genes. genesis 36:62–71, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in NOS protein expression and activity in the rat hippocampus, entorhinal and postrhinal cortices after unilateral electrolytic perirhinal cortex lesions
Authors: Liu Ping , Zheng Yiwen , Smith Paul F. , Bilkey David K.
Published: May 2003

The integrity of the perirhinal cortex is critical for certain types of learning and memory. One important issue relating to the function of this region is its interaction with other brain areas that play a role in memory processing. This study investigates the time course of changes in activity and protein expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which transforms L‐arginine into nitric oxide (NO) and citrulline, in the hippocampus and the entorhinal and postrhinal cortices after unilateral electrolytic lesions of the perirhinal cortex. Electrolytic lesions of the perirhinal cortex resulted in long lasting changes in NOS activity and protein expression in the entorhinal and postrhinal cortices (≤2 weeks post‐lesion). In contrast, there was a small and transient decrease in nNOS expression (with no change in NOS activity) in the dorsal portion of the hippocampus. iNOS was not expressed in any region examined at any time point. These findings provide the first evidence that electrolytic lesions of the perirhinal cortex can result in long‐term neurochemical changes in its anatomically related structures. Given that NO has been implicated in neuroplasticity processes, the interpretation of memory impairments induced by electrolytic lesions of the perirhinal cortex (and possibly, therefore, other brain regions) need to be considered with regard to these findings. Hippocampus 2003;13:561–571. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid method for culturing embryonic neuron–glial cell cocultures
Authors: Svenningsen Åsa Fex , Shan Wei‐Song , Colman David R. , Pedraza Liliana
Published: May 2003

A streamlined, simple technique for primary cell culture from E17 rat tissue is presented. In an attempt to standardize culturing methods for all neuronal cell types in the embryo, we evaluated a commercial medium without serum and used similar times for trypsinization and tested different surfaces for plating. In 1 day, using one method and a single medium, it is possible to produce robust E17 cultures of dorsal root ganglia (DRG), cerebellum, and enteric plexi. Allowing the endogenous glial cells to repopulate the cultures saves time compared with existing techniques, in which glial cells are added to cultures first treated with antimitotic agents. It also ensures that all the cells present in vivo will be present in the culture. Myelination commences after approximately 2 weeks in culture for dissociated DRG and 3–4 weeks in cerebellar cultures. In enteric cultures, glial wrapping of the enteric neurons is seen after 3 weeks (2 weeks in ascorbic acid), suggesting that basal lamina production is important even for glial ensheathment in the enteric nervous system. No overgrowth of fibroblasts or other nonneuronal cells was noted in any cultures, and myelination of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system cultures was very robust. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide promote survival of adult rat myenteric neurons in culture
Authors: Sandgren Katarina , Lin Zhong , Svenningsen Åsa Fex , Ekblad Eva
Published: May 2003

Several motility disorders originate in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Our knowledge of factors governing survival of the ENS is poor. Changes in the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in enteric neurons occur after neuronal injury and in intestinal adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether VIP and nitric oxide (NO) influence survival of cultured, dissociated myenteric neurons. Neuronal survival was evaluated after 0, 4, and 8 days in culture. Influence of VIP and NO on neuronal survival was examined after culturing in the presence of VIP, NO donor, VIP antiserum, or NOS inhibitor. A marked loss of neurons was noted during culturing. VIP and NO significantly promoted neuronal survival. Corroborating this was the finding of an enhanced neuronal cell loss when cultures were grown in the presence of VIP antiserum or NOS inhibitor. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in subcellular distribution of protocadherin gamma proteins accompany maturation of spinal neurons
Authors: Kallenbach Sacha , Khantane Sabrina , Carroll Patrick , Gayet Odile , Alonso Serge , Henderson Christopher E. , Dudley Keith
Published: May 2003

Protocadherins gamma (Pcdhγ) are a family of transmembrane proteins in which variable extracellular domains are associated with an invariant cytoplasmic domain, potentially allowing these proteins to trigger common cellular responses through diverse extracellular signals. We studied the expression of the family by in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry for the conserved portion of the mRNA or protein. During mouse development, Pcdhγ expression is highest in neural tissues, but is also present in some nonneural tissues. In the adult, Pcdhγ expression is maintained at high levels in brain, in particular in hippocampus and in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, whereas it is downregulated in spinal cord. Using antibodies against the conserved cytoplasmic domain, we show that in cultured embryonic spinal cord neurons, Pcdhγ protein is present initially in both axonal and dendritic growth cones. At later stages of differentiation in vitro, Pcdhγ distribution becomes polarised to the somatodendritic compartment. We propose that members of the Pcdhγ family may play roles in neuronal growth and maturation. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered CTX‐catalyzed and endogenous [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of stimulatory G protein αs isoforms in postmortem bipolar affective disorder temporal cortex
Authors: Andreopoulos Stavroula , Li Peter P. , Siu Kin Po , Kish Stephen J. , Warsh Jerry J.
Published: May 2003

Reports of elevated Gs α subunit (αs) immunolabeling and cAMP‐mediated hyper‐functionality in autopsied cerebral cortical brain regions from bipolar affective disorder (BD) patients suggest signal transduction abnormalities occur in this disorder. Because covalent modification of αs can affect its turnover and levels, we determined whether CTX‐catalyzed and endogenous [32P] adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosylation of αs isoforms are altered in temporal and occipital cortical regions, which show elevated αs levels in BD as compared to nonpsychiatric subjects. Reduced CTX‐catalyzed [32P]ADP‐ribosylated αs‐S and endogenous [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of a 39‐kDa αs‐like protein were found in BD temporal cortex compared to controls. These findings suggest that clearance of these αs isoforms through ADP‐ribosylation may be decreased in BD temporal cortex. Although no differences were observed in mean levels of endogenous and CTX‐catalyzed [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of αs‐L in BD temporal cortex, αs‐L immunolabeling was elevated significantly and correlated inversely with the degree of endogenous [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of this subunit. In addition, endogenous [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of an exogenous substrate, myelin basic protein, was similar in BD and comparison subject temporal cortex. Taken together, these observations suggest that elevations of αs in BD brain are more likely related to factors affecting the disposition or availability of αs to this posttranslational enzymatic modification. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FM signal multipath reduction using multiplier‐less digital adaptive filters
Authors: El‐Eraki S. M. , Batchelor J. C. , Lee P. , Langley R. J.
Published: May 2003

Multipath interference can be removed from constant envelope signals using adaptive channel equalization based on the constant modulus algorithm (CMA). To be useful in a vehicular mobile radio system, adaptation must occur rapidly by using uncomplicated and cost‐effective hardware. This paper will present a new multiplier‐less filter structure based on logarithmic algebra with anticipated savings in computational complexity. This paper will discuss the filter application for analogue FM multipath reduction. The simulated distortion is observed to be consistent with that of published measurements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 1–3, 2003
A dual‐frequency dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Nannini C. , Ribero J. M. , Dauvignac J. Y. , Pichot Ch.
Published: May 2003

A dual‐frequency cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna is presented. This paper proposes a configuration in which the shape and volume of the radiating structure remain unchanged. The behaviour of this antenna after altering some of its attributes is investigated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 9–10, 2003
Applications of transformed‐space non‐uniform PSTD (TSNU‐PSTD) in scattering analysis without the use of the non‐uniform FFT
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Chen Yinchao
Published: May 2003

In this work, we extend the transformed‐space, non‐uniform pseudo‐spectral time domain (TSNU‐PSTD) Maxwell solver for a 2D scattering analysis. Prior to implementing the PSTD in this analysis, we first transform the non‐uniform grids {xi} and {yj} sampled in the real space for describing complex geometries to uniform ones {ui} and {vj}, in order to fit the dimensions of practical structures and utilize the standard fast Fourier transform (FFT). Next, we use a uniform‐sampled, standard FFT to represent spatial derivatives in the space domain of (u, v). It is found that this scheme is as efficient as the conventional uniform PSTD with the computational complexity of O(N log N), since the difference is only the factors of du/dx and dv/dy between the conventional PSTD and the TSNU‐PSTD technique. Additionally, we apply an anisotropic version of the Berenger's perfectly matched layers (APML) to suppress the wraparound effect at the open boundaries of the computational domain, which is caused by the periodicity of the FFT. We also employ the pure scattered‐field formulation and develop a near‐to‐far‐zone field transformation in order to calculate scattered far fields. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 16–21, 2003
A feeding scheme for enhancing the impedance bandwidth of a suspended plate antenna
Authors: Ning Chen Zhi , Chia M. Y. W.
Published: May 2003

This paper presents a new feeding structure for increasing the impedance bandwidth of a suspended plate antenna. A vertical probe‐fed conducting sheet is used to feed the radiating plate instead of a thin probe. The measurements of the impedance and radiation characteristics of the proposed suspended plate antenna are carried out. A 2:1 VSWR impedance bandwidth of 60% is achieved. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 21–25, 2003
A fast analysis of electromagnetic scattering by arbitrarily shaped homogeneous dielectric objects
Authors: Nie Xiao Chun , Li Le Wei , Yuan Ning , Yeo Tat Soon , Gan Yeow Beng
Published: May 2003

In this paper, we present a fast analysis of electromagnetic scattering by arbitrarily shaped 3D homogeneous dielectric objects. The solution is based on the PMCHW integral equation formulation. The method of moments (MoM) is used to solve the integral equations and the precorrected fast Fourier transform (P‐FFT) method is used to eliminate the need to generate and store the square impedance matrix and to speed up the matrix–vector product. Several numerical examples are included, which illustrate the accuracy and capability of the present method. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 30–35, 2003
Dual‐band planar inverted‐F antenna
Authors: Villeger S. , Le Thuc P. , Staraj R. , Kossiavas G.
Published: May 2003

A new kind of planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) is presented. To reduce the size of the structure, the resonator has been curled under itself. A capacitive load is added to decrease the frequencies of higher resonances. The result is the achievement of a dual‐band antenna. Theoretical results are computed by the software design package IE3D. The effects of various physical parameters are presented and discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 40–42, 2003
A dual‐band rectangular patch antenna stacked with parasitic gridded patch
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Ai Ching‐Yuan
Published: May 2003

This paper describes a new aperture‐coupled microstrip patch antenna with H‐shaped slots for dual‐band and dual‐polarized operations. Two orthogonal modes are excited in a single long rectangular patch to achieve the two resonant frequencies with a separation of more than 2:1. By using five parasitic conducting strips stacked on the driven patch, the impedance bandwidths can be increased and isolation of more than 34 dB between the two ports is obtained. Moreover, the cross‐polarization levels for the two polarizations are found to be better than 25 dB. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 44–46, 2003
Efficient analysis of integrated optical circuits by the spectral index method
Authors: Greedy S. , Sewell P. , Vukovic A. , Benson T. M.
Published: May 2003

The ability to optimise the performance of today's opto‐electronic circuits over a range of operational parameters and fabrication tolerances is foremost in the designer's mind. The ability to investigate the effects of tolerancing and integration upon device performance over a range of wavelengths is highly desirable for their successful exploitation. The spectral index (SI) method is a well‐established method traditionally used for the analysis of the modal properties of semiconductor rib waveguides. In this paper the efficiency and accuracy of the SI method is exploited for the first time in a scattering‐matrix approach to the analysis of complex integrated optical circuits. The SI approach yields highly accurate results with minimal computational effort. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 68–73, 2003
Centre‐specific ultrasound nuchal translucency medians needed for Down syndrome screening
Authors: Logghe H. , Cuckle H. , Sehmi I.
Published: May 2003

Nuchal translucency (NT) measurements were compared between 13 centres participating in a multi‐marker Down syndrome screening program. Results from 4765 women were analysed, and there were highly statistically significant between‐centre differences after allowing for gestation (P < 0.0001). Examination of maternal serum marker levels, expressed in multiples of the median (MoM) for gestation, showed that this was not due to gestational errors. Regression analysis was carried out to derive an equation with a centre‐specific component that could be used to express NT in MoMs. Use of this equation reduced the variance of logNT by 15% compared to a published equation. The equation can be readily modified for use in other centres. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal detection of fetal hemoglobin E gene from maternal plasma
Authors: Fucharoen Goonnapa , Tungwiwat Warunee , Ratanasiri Thawalwong , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Fucharoen Supan
Published: May 2003

In order to provide a noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of the hemoglobin E (Hb E) related disorder, we have evaluated the possibility of identifying the fetal βE‐globin gene in maternal plasma. The analysis was performed during 8 to 18 weeks of gestation using DNA extracted from 200 µL of plasma from pregnant women whose husbands carried Hb E. The βE‐globin mutation in maternal plasma was detected by a nested PCR amplification followed by the Mnl I restriction analysis. The result was compared with that of routine analysis of the CVS specimens. Among the five pregnant women examined, the fetal βE‐globin gene was identified in maternal plasma in three of them and the result was completely concordant with the conventional CVS analysis. This simple noninvasive prenatal detection of the fetal βE‐globin gene should prove useful in a prevention and control program of Hb E/β‐thalassemia in countries where the βE‐globin gene is prevalent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chaotic and periodic analysis of fetal magnetocardiogram recordings in growth restriction
Authors: Anastasiadis P. G. , Kotini A. , Anninos P. , Adamopoulos A. , Sigalas J. , Koutlaki N.
Published: May 2003

Objective

We studied how chaotic and periodic heart rate dynamics differ between normal fetuses (n = 19) and intrauterine growth restricted fetuses (n = 11) at 34 to 37 weeks of gestation. We quantified the chaotic dynamics of each heart rate time series obtained by fetal magnetocardiography (FMCG) using correlation dimension.

Methods

The FMCG was recorded digitally by a single‐channel biomagnetometer in an electrically shielded room of low magnetic noise. The position of the fetal heart was determined using ultrasonography.

Results

The correlation dimension was significantly lower in IUGR than in normal fetuses (p < 0.001, t‐test). The periodic dynamics were also obtained by FMCG and measured by power spectrum. The low‐frequency components and therefore the periodicity of the low‐frequency range were significantly higher in IUGR than in normal fetuses (p < 0.001, t‐test).

Conclusions

The analysis of FMCG recordings may offer important perspectives to understand significant features of the heart function of the fetuses. This technique improves the recognition of IUGR fetuses over healthy ones and may help improve perinatal morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties and characterization of slowly cooled isotactic polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene blends
Authors: Finlay J. , Hill M. J. , Barham P. J. , Byrne K. , Woogara A.
Published: May 2003

In previous studies, we found that Young's moduli of quenched isotactic polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene (iPP/HDPE) exceeded the upper bound, calculated from the Voigt model, with the moduli of the quenched homopolymers as those of the two components. We suggested that this might be due to crystallization, as the components crystallized at higher temperatures in the blend than on their own. We repeated the same set of measurements, this time on iPP/HDPE blends that were cooled slowly. We also examined crystallization at various rates of cooling with differential scanning calorimetry. At slow cooling rates, the HDPE and iPP components in the blends crystallize at lower temperatures than in the pure homopolymers, suggesting that the presence of one component inhibits rather than promotes the crystallization of the other. Electron microscopy of slowly cooled blends revealed very different interfacial morphologies depending on whether the HDPE or the iPP crystallizes first. Young's moduli of most of the blends lie on the upper bound; however, some blends with co‐continuous morphologies fall well below the lower bound. The mechanical properties are discussed in terms of the interfacial morphology, the crystallization behavior, and the large‐scale phase separation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1384–1392, 2003
Anisotropic friction model of DNA electrophoresis in polymer solutions: Comparison with direct observations
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi , Ueda Masanori , Baba Yoshinobu , Takasu Masako
Published: May 2003

The electrophoresis of DNA chains in uncrosslinked polymer solutions with a Brownian dynamics simulation with an anisotropic friction tensor was analyzed. According to the degree of anisotropy, three types of migration behavior are obtained: fluctuation without or with periodicity between U‐shaped and compact conformations, or migration with linear conformation. We found good agreement between our simulation results and the direct observations of DNA by fluorescence microscopy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1316–1322, 2003
Small‐angle X‐ray scattering study of a weak polyelectrolyte in water
Authors: Taylor Timothy J. , Stivala Salvatore S.
Published: May 2003

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was used to obtain solution parameters of a weak polyelectrolyte in water in the absence of any additives, such as neutralizing agents or salt. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was used as a weak polyelectrolyte from which SAXS data were obtained in the dilute region of 1–10 mg cm−3. An intrinsic viscosity of 15.7 dL g−1was obtained from a plot of reciprocal reduced viscosities versus the concentration. The application of the SAXS data, that is, the contour length (L= 1.97 × 104Å), the persistence length (a* = 58.5 Å), and the molecular weight (M= 5.9 × 105Da), to the Yamakawa–Fujii equation suggested that PAA in water at 25 °C could be described as a wormlike chain having a cylindrical body ofd= 6 Å. An end‐to‐end distance (r= 1.6 × 103Å) was calculated fromr= 2a*L− 2(a*)2. The nonisotropic expansion factor (α = 2.9) was calculated for PAA expanding from the random coil in dioxane at 30 °C (Θ temperature) to the wormlike chain in water at 25 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1263–1272, 2003
Molecular characterization of a hyperbranched polyester. II. Small‐angle neutron scattering
Authors: De Luca Edoardo , Richards Randal W. , Grillo I. , King S. M.
Published: May 2003

A series of fractions of a hyperbranched polyester in deutero tetrahydrofuran solution were investigated by small‐angle neutron scattering. Concentrations of polymer from 2 to 5% w/v were used, and the molecular parameters were obtained from Zimm plots of the data. Second virial coefficients were positive, and these values were confirmed by dilute‐solution light scattering on a small number of fractions with deutero tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. The small‐angle neutron scattering data exhibited the general features predicted for the particle scattering functions of nonrandomly branched polymers, but an exact fit of the theoretical equation to the data could not be obtained for all fractions of the hyperbranched polymer, particularly those of high molecular weight. Excluded volume effects were cited as a possible cause for this disagreement. A fractal dimension of ∼2.5 was obtained from the scattering vector dependence of the differential scattering cross section of the polymer in deutero tetrahydrofuran solution, which agreed with the scaling exponent for the dependence of the radius of gyration on weight‐average molecular weight. Hydrogenous tetrahydrofuran solutions of the hyperbranched polymer exhibited negative second virial coefficients that were attributed to isotopic influences on the thermodynamic properties of the polymer–solvent combination. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1352–1361, 2003
Miscibility of polysulfone blends with poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐styrene) copolymers and their interaction energies
Authors: Kim J. H. , Kim Y. , Kim C. K. , Lee J. W. , Seo S. B.
Published: May 2003

The miscibility of polysulfone (PSf) with various hydrophilic copolymers was explored. Among these blends, PSf gave homogeneous mixtures with poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐styrene) [P(VP–S)] copolymers when these copolymers contained 68–88 wt % 1‐vinylpyrrolidone (VP). Miscible PSf blends with P(VP–S) copolymers underwent phase separation on heating caused by lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase behavior. The phase behavior depended on the copolymer composition. Changes in the VP content of P(VP–S) copolymers from 65 to 68 wt % shifted the phase behavior from immiscibility to miscibility and the LCST behavior. The phase‐separation temperatures of the miscible blends first increased gradually with the VP content, then went through a broad maximum centered at about 80 wt % VP, and finally decreased just before the limiting content of VP for miscibility with PSf. The interaction energies of binary pairs involved in PSf/P(VP–S) blends were evaluated from the phase‐separation temperatures of PSf/P(VP–S) blends with lattice‐fluid theory combined with a binary interaction model. The decrease in the contact angle between water and the membrane surface with increasing VP content in P(VP–S) copolymers indicated that the hydrophobic properties of PSf could be improved via blending with hydrophilic P(VP–S) copolymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1401–1411, 2003
Doctors and their patients: A context for understanding the wish to hasten death
Authors: Kelly Brian , Burnett Paul , Badger Shirlene , Pelusi Dan , Varghese Francis T. , Robertson Marguerite
Published: May 2003

There is a paucity of research that has directly examined the role of the health professional in dealing with a terminally ill patient's wish to hasten death (WTHD) and the implications of this for the support and services needed in the care for a dying patient. Themes to emerge from a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted on doctors (n=24) involved in the treatment and care of terminally ill patients were (i) the doctors' experiences in caring for their patients (including themes of emotional demands/expectations, the duration of illness, and the availability of palliative care services); (ii) the doctors' perception of the care provided to their respective patients (comprising themes concerning satisfaction with the care for physical symptoms, for emotional symptoms, or overall care); (iii) the doctors' attitudes to euthanasia and (iv) the doctors' perception of their patients' views/beliefs regarding euthanasia and hastened death. When responses were categorised according to the patients' level of a WTHD, the theme concerning the prolonged nature of the patients' illnesses was prominent in the doctor group who had patients with the highest WTHD, whereas there was only a minority of responses concerning support from palliative care services and satisfaction with the level of emotional care in this group.

This exploratory study presents a set of descriptive findings identifying themes among a small group of doctors who have been involved in the care of terminally ill cancer patients, to investigate factors that may be associated with the WTHD among these patients. The pattern of findings suggest that research investigating the doctor–patient interaction in this setting may add to our understanding of the problems (for patients and their doctors) that underpins the wish to hasten death in the terminally ill. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alteration of lethal effects of gamma rays in Swiss albino mice by Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Pahadiya Subhash , Sharma Jaimala
Published: May 2003

Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines. It is known for its immunomodulatory, antihepatotoxic, antistress and antioxidant properties. It has been used in combination with other plant products to prepare a number of Ayurvedic preparations. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the radioprotective effect of an aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) against 60Co gamma radiation. Oral administration of TC 5 mg/kg body wt to Swiss albino mice 1 h and 15 days prior to whole body radiation exposure (8 Gy) produced a signiﬁcant protection in terms of survival percentage. After oral administration of TC 10 mg/kg body wt/day to mice 7 days prior to whole body irradiation (8 Gy) there was no mortality until day 13 and 50% of the animals survived until day 30. Mice exposed to radiation (8 Gy) without TC pretreatment exhibited signs of radiation sickness such as anorexia, lethargy, rufﬂed hair, diarrhoea and these animals died within 14 days of irradiation. The results from the present study suggest that Tinospora cordifolia has a radioprotective effect in Swiss albino mice, thereby enhancing the survival of mice against a sublethal dose of gamma radiation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two isoﬂavones and bioactivity spectrum of the crude extracts of Iris germanica rhizomes
Authors: Orhan Ilkay , Nasim Shama , Tener Bilge , Ayanoglu Filiz , Özgüven Mensure , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Atta‐ur‐Rahman
Published: May 2003

In vitro biological activities including bactericidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activities as well as phytotoxicity and brine shrimp toxicity of the petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Iris germanica L. were determined. The bactericidal activity of the extracts was assayed by the agar well diffusion test. In the fungicidal test, the agar tube dilution method was used. The insecticidal activity was determined by the exposure method. The toxicity of the extracts was evaluated by the phytotoxicity test as well as the brine shrimp toxicity test. The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of I. germanica rhizomes exhibited bactericidal activity, while the petroleum ether extract did not exhibit any bactericidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activities. It was also inactive in the brine shrimp toxicity test, whereas it showed signiﬁcant phytotoxicity against the plant Lemna aequinoctialis Welv. Two known isoﬂavones were isolated from the chloroform extract of the plant. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.