bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in the Brain
Authors: HOLMES MEGAN C. , YAU JOYCE L.W. , KOTELEVTSEV YURI , MULLINS JOHN J. , SECKL JONATHAN R.
Published: March 2004

Abstract: Glucocorticoids affect a wide range of processes in the brain, altering neurotransmission, electrophysiological activity, metabolism, cell division, and death. These actions are mediated by corticosteroid receptors (glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid) that modify transcriptional activity of target genes. The amount of steroid available to activate these receptors is not only dependent on the circulating levels but also on pre‐receptor metabolism of glucocorticoids occurring intracellularly. This metabolism is carried out by the enzymes 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β‐HSDs). There are two distinct isozymes, the products of distantly related genes. 11β‐HSD type 2 inactivates glucocorticoids to its inert 11‐keto derivative, while 11α‐HSD type 1 elevates intracellular glucocorticoid levels by regenerating active glucocorticoids from circulating 11‐dehydrocorticosterone or cortisone. This review highlights the important and very different roles the two enzymes play in the brain, outlining recent results obtained from studying mice with a targeted gene deletion in the 11β‐HSD1 or 11β‐HSD2 genes.
Hippocampal and Hypothalamic Function after Chronic Stress
Authors: JOËLS M , VERKUYL J M. , VAN RIEL E
Published: March 2004

Abstract: Hyperactivity of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is often observed in association with and even prior to the onset of major depression. It is presently unclear (1) which molecular and cellular processes contribute to hyperactivity of parvocellular hypothalamic neurons (key regulators of the HPA system) and (2) how HPA axis hyperactivity can lead to attenuation of central serotonergic transmission, a crucial factor in the onset of clinical symptoms. In an attempt to address these issues in an experimental model we used rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stressors, a paradigm causing prolonged HPA‐axis hyperactivity. In the first study spontaneous and evoked GABA‐mediated input to parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus was recorded with the whole cell patch‐clamp technique. The frequency, but not other properties, of spontaneous GABA‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents was reduced after chronic stress, resulting in a reduced amplitude of the evoked GABA current. This potentially would disinhibit parvocellular neurons, provided that other inputs are unchanged. In the second study, responses of CA1 hippocampal neurons to serotonin were recorded with microelectrodes. It appeared that the membrane hyperpolarization caused by activation of serotonin‐1A receptors is attenuated in tissue from chronically stressed rats. However, no apparent changes in expression of the serotonin‐1A or corticosteroid receptors were observed. This supports the notion that chronic stress eventually results in attenuation of serotonergic responsiveness by a mechanism not involving transcriptional regulation of the receptor. Follow‐up studies will need to examine whether treatment with corticosteroid receptor antagonists can normalize the attenuated transmission after chronic stress.
Efficient Amounts of Additives for Peptide Coupling Mediated by a Water-Soluble Carbodiimide in Aqueous Media
Authors: Nozaki Sukekatsu
Published: March 2004

The optimal amounts of HOBt, HOSu, and HONb for enhancement of peptide coupling mediated by EDC in aqueous media were found to be less then equimolar against the C-component or the carbodiimide. A combination of EDC and 0.1 equimolar amount of HOBt was shown to be an effective coupling reagent under aqueous conditions.
Synthesis and Properties of 1,1-Diferrocenylethylenes and Their Mono- and Dications
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Okabe Toshitaka , Kondo Terumasa , Sasaki Shigeru , Matsuyama Haruo , Kuwatani Yoshiyuki , Katada Motomi
Published: March 2004

1,1-Diferrocenylethylenes have been synthesized efficiently by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. The interaction of the two ferrocene units has been investigated in the neutral, monocationic and dicationic states using spectroscopic analyses.
Enzymatic Preparation of an Optically Active Precursor of the CC-1065/Duocarmycin Pharmacophore
Authors: Chênevert Robert , Courchesne Gabriel
Published: March 2004

Acetylation of 2-[4-(benzyloxy)-2-nitrophenyl]propane-1,3-diol with vinyl acetate in the presence of porcine pancreatic lipase gave the (R)-mono-acetate (ee = 92%). The (S)-mono-acetate was obtained via acetylation of the diol followed by transesterification in ethanol in the presence of the same enzyme. Incorporation of these optically active mono-acetates into the established synthetic routes provided access to both enantiomers of the common pharmacophore of CC-1065/duocarmycin.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Novel Structural Mimics of Sulphidoleukotrienes
Authors: Ovaska Timo V , Voynov George H , McNeil Nicole , Hokkanen Joel A
Published: March 2004

An asymmetric synthetic route toward a new class of structural mimics of the sulphidoleukotrienes has been developed. The key steps in the overall synthetic sequence include Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation followed by stereo- and regioselective opening of the epoxide ring.
Deactivation Mechanism of Triplet Exciplexes between Benzophenone and Sensitized-Triplet Naphthalene Derivatives
Authors: Yamaji Minoru , Tanaka Takuya , Shizuka Haruo
Published: March 2004

The decay process of the triplet exciplexes formed between triplet naphthalene derivatives and benzophenone was found to be promoted by their charge transfer character since the rate constant of the nonradiative deactivation process increased with decreasing of the oxidation potentials of naphthalene derivatives.
Alternate Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Organic Dyes and Proteins is Facilitated by Pre-mixing with Linear Polyions
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Onda Mitsuhiko , Lvov Yuri , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: March 2004

In the preparation of ultrathin films by alternate assembly, prior mixing with linear polyions facilitates stable adsorption of small-molecule dyes and direct assembly of globular proteins and micro-plates.
Effects of Water Vapor upon Partial Oxidation of Mathane over Highly-dispersed MoO3/SiO2
Authors: Ohmae Makoto , Miyaji Katsuyoshi , Azuma Naoto , Takeishi Kaoru , Morioka Yoshio , Ueno Akifumi , Ohfune Hitoshi , Hayashi Hisashi , Udagawa Yasuo
Published: March 2004

Effects of water vapor upon the partial oxidation of methane on silica-supported molybdenum oxide catalyst strongly depend upon the dispersion states of Mo ions, and highly dispersed Mo ions depress the production of CO2 by an addition of water vapor into the feed gas.
Citreopyrones, New Metabolites of Two Hybrid Strains, KO 0092 and KO 0141, Derived from the Penicillium Species
Authors: Kosemura Seiji , Kojima Shin-ichi , Yamamura Shosuke
Published: March 2004

Six new metabolites, citreopyrones A-C and D-F, have been isolated from the mycelium of a hybrid strain KO 0092 derived from P. citreo-viride B. IFO 4692 and 6200, and KO 0141 derived from P. citreo-viride B. IFO 4692 and P. pedemontanum IFO 9583. Their structures have also been elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and some chemical evidence. Citreopyrones A, B, and C inhibited the growth of hypocotyls of lettuce seedlings.
Synthesis of Novel Polynuclear Iron Carbonyl Complexes Using the Reactions of Methylidenecarbenes with Fe3(CO)12
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Yada Tamiko , Tashiro Shin-ichiro , Maeda Hironori , Yoshida Masato , Kuwatani Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2004

The reaction of 1-chloro-1-tributylstannylethylenes with Fe3(CO)12 produces the dinuclear and trinuclear ferraindene complexes with the methylenediferracyclopropane derivatives. The structures of the ferraindene complexes were determined by X-ray analysis.
Study on Dynamic Behavior of Diethyl Carbonate Electrolyte on Lithium Metal Surface Using In Situ FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kanamura Kiyoshi , Takezawa Hideharu , Shiraishi Soshi , Takehara Zen-ichiro
Published: March 2004

A dynamic behavior of diethyl carbonate Electrolyte on lithium with a surface film, such as a solvent penetration into the surface film and a chemical reaction with lithium, was firstly detected by using in situ FTIR spectroscopy.
Electrical Switching in Amorphous (NCTA)2Ni(DMIT)2 Thin Films
Authors: Han M Y , Huang W , Zhang D , Li T J
Published: March 2004

Uniform amorphous thin films of molecular semiconductor (NCTA)2Ni(DMIT)2 were electrodeposited onto ITO glass. A reversible and reproducible bistable electrical memory switching was observed in an asymmetrical sandwich-type device upon applying a small voltage. More than 106 cycles were repeated without failure.
Novel Spinel Oxide Li4/3Ti5/3O4 as Electrochemical Insertion Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Kanamura Kiyoshi , Naito Hidetoshi , Takehara Zen-ichiro
Published: March 2004

We firstly claim that the unique performance of Li4/3Ti5/3O4 as electrochemical materials in terms of a flat potential and an infinitesimal structural change is caused by a cation ordering of Li+ and Ti4+ at 16d sites in the spinel superstructure.
Electrochemical Control of Hydrogenase Action of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough)
Authors: Ikeda Tokuji , Takagi Kazuyoshi , Tatsumi Hirosuke , Kano Kenji
Published: March 2004

A carbon electrode modified with immobilized whole cells of Desulfovibrio vulgaris was found to be able to electrochemically drive the reaction: H2↔2H++2e− very effectively in both forward and reverse directions by the use of methyl viologen and vitamin K3 as a mediator, respectively. Similarly, the reduction of dioxygen was electrochemically driven by the use of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans as a biocatalyst and hexacyanoferrate (II) as a mediator.
Enzyme-Catalyzed P-F Bond Hydrolysis of Monofluorophosphate as a Simple Model of Sarin Detoxification
Authors: Yoza Norimasa , Nakashima Sachiko , Nakazato Tetsuya
Published: March 2004

The catalytic ability of alkaline phosphatase (EC3.1.3.1) to promote P-F bond hydrolysis was examined with a simple nontoxic P-F compound, monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F), to obtain an insight into the enzymatic degradation of Sarin, a toxic P-F compound. The enzyme recognized inorganic monofluorophosphate as a substrate and accelerated its hydrolytic conversion to orthophosphate and fluoride ions at pH 7.2 - 9.0 and 30 °C by a factor of ten billion (1010).
Novel Early-late Transition Metal Complexes. The First Thiolato Bridged Titanium-Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Fujita Ken-ichi , Ikeda Masakazu , Kondo Teruyuki , Mitsudo Take-aki
Published: March 2004

A series of novel thiolato-bridged titanium-ruthenium mixed metal complexes, Cp2Ti(μ-SPh)2RuClCp*, Cp2Ti(μ-SPh)2RuHCp* and [Cp2Ti(μ-SPh)2Ru(L)Cp*][PF6] (L = CH3CN, t-BuCN) are prepared.
Benzoquinone-Linked Fullerenes with a Pyrrolidine Spacer
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Sultana Fatema , Kato Ai , Yoshida Masato , Kuwatani Yoshiyuki , Komatsu Mitsuo , Nagase Shigeru
Published: March 2004

The synthesis of 1,4-benzoquinone-linked fullerenes (1 and 2) and an attempted synthesis of 1,2-benzoquinone-linked fullerenes (9 and 10) are described with the interesting redox behavior of these benzoquinone-linked fullerenes.
Hydrophobilization of Lysozyme by Genetic Combination with Polyproline at the Carboxyl Terminal
Authors: Ito Yoshihiro , Hamamatsu Norio , Kwon Oh Hyeong , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Tanaka Atsuo , Imanishi Yukio
Published: March 2004

Polyproline, which is an amphiphilic polypeptide, was incorporated into lysozyme by the recombinant DNA technique. The hydrophobicity of lysozyme increased with the incorporation of a longer polyproline. The bactericidal activity of lysozyme against Gram-negative bacteria increased with the hydrophobicity of the enzyme.
Improved Second Harmonic Generation from Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayers of an Ionically Combined Bis-chromophore Zinc Complex
Authors: Zhou Dejian , Ashwell Geoffrey J , Huang Chunhui
Published: March 2004

Strong second harmonic generation (SHG) from LB monolayers of a new ionically combined nonlinear optical bis-chromophore zinc complex, bis(E)-N-octadecyl-4-[2-(4-dibutylaminophenyl)ethenyl] pyridinium bis (2-thione-1,3-dithiol-4,5-dimercapto) zinc (1), was observed even when the film was transferred at 5 mN/m. The second-order susceptibility (χ(2)ZZZ) is evaluated to be about 140 pmV−1, which is 2.8 times that of the corresponding dye iodide.
DMPO Spin Trapping of Superoxide Anion in Strong Alkaline DMSO Solution
Authors: Hashimoto Mitsuo , Nakai Yumi , Kohno Masahiro , Tajima Kunihiko , Kanaori Kenji , Endo Nobuyuki , Makino Keisuke
Published: March 2004

Superoxide anion (O2•−), generated in a strong alkaline DMSO solution and detected by direct 77 K EPR, was trapped with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) and the resultant nitroxide radical, DMPO/O2•−, has been found to be sufficiently stable for the subsequent EPR detection.
A Facile Transgalactosylation catalyzed by a Lipid-Coated β-
D
-Galactosidase in the Water-Organic Two Phases
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Fujita Sanae , Okahata Yoshio
Published: March 2004

A lipid-coated β-D-galactosidase could act as an efficient catalyst for transgalactosylation in the water-organic two phases: both the hydrophobic lipid-coated enzyme and alcohols were solubilized in isopropyl ether and mixed with an aqueous solution of lactose (a galactosyl donor). When a native β-D-galactosidase was employed for the same reaction, neither the transgalactosylation nor the hydrolysis reaction proceeded due to the deactivation of the enzyme at the interface.
Bifunctional Receptors. Rate Accelerations of Oxidative Decarboxylation of Pyruvate by Thymine-Thiazolium in the Presence of a Melamine Derivative Bearing a Guanidinium Ion
Authors: Takaki Akiko , Utsumi Katsuhiro , Kajiki Takeshi , Kuroi Tadashi , Nabeshima Tatsuya , Yano Yumihiko
Published: March 2004

It was found that melamine derivatives bearing a guanidinium ion assemble a thymine-thiazolium ion and pyruvate in close proximity via hydrogen bonds to enhance the rate of the oxidative decarboxylation in CHCl3-MeCN (9 : 1 v/v), where the guanidinium ion not only binds pyruvate but also activates it.
Detection of O(3P2) by Vacuum Ultraviolet Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Chowdhury A M Sarwaruddin , Matsumi Yutaka , Kawasaki Masahiro
Published: March 2004

O atoms in the 3P2 state were detected by vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence (VUV LIF) technique. The O(3P2) atoms were produced by the collision between the O atoms in the 1D excited state and collision partner N2. O atoms in the 1D excited state were obtained by photodissociation of N2O at 193 nm laser light. As O(3P2) species has their first transition in the VUV region, the probe laser was used to excite O(2p3Pj) atoms to the O(3s3So) state at 130.212 nm. A four wave difference frequency mixing (2ω1−ω2) process using Kr as nonlinear media was employed to generate 130.212 nm probe laser light.
Energy Transfer from [Ru(bpy)3]2+ to [Cr(ox)3]3− in a Crystal of Double Complex Salt: Na[Ru(bpy)3][Cr(ox)3]
Authors: Otsuka Takuhiro , Kaizu Youkoh
Published: March 2004

In a crystal of double complex salt Na[Ru(bpy)3][Cr(ox)3] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, ox2− = C2O42−) obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of Na3[Cr(ox)3]•5H2O and [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2•6H2O, both luminescence from 3CT (metal-to-ligand charge-transfer) state of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and 2Eg state of [Cr(ox)3]3− could be observed at 77 K, although the luminescence from 3CT was extremely small. Lifetime of the luminescence from 3CT becomes far shorter than that of single complex salts [Ru(bpy)3]X•nH2O (X = 2Cl−, SO42−). The large lifetime reduction of 3CT state indicates that the excitation energy transfer occurs via 3CT state of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ moiety in the double complex salt.
Transition Structures of [2,3]-Wittig Rearrangement of 2-Oxa-5-methylhexene-1-carboxylic Acid
Authors: Okajima Toshiya , Fukazawa Yoshimasa
Published: March 2004

Transition structures for [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement of dilithium salts of 2-oxa-4-(Z and E)-methylhexene-1-carboxylic acid (1 and 2, respectively) have been located with ab initio molecular orbital calculation at the level of 6-31G* basis set. The origin of the observed stereoselectivity of [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement of 1 and 2 was clarified.
A Clay Self-Assembled on a Gold Surface
Authors: Hotta Yuji , Inukai Keiichi , Taniguchi Masahiro , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: March 2004

A smectite-type clay having alkanethiol groups on a basal plane has been synthesized. The clay has been revealed to be self-assembled on a gold surface by applying the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods.
Synthesis and Redox Property of Polypeptides Containing l-Ferrocenylalanine
Authors: Kira Michie , Matsubara Teruhiko , Shinohara Hiroaki , Sisido Masahiko
Published: March 2004

An optically-active redox amino acid, l-ferrocenylalanine was synthesized. The amino acid was incorporated into polypeptides in the form of a single l-ferrocenylalanine unit or a l-ferrocenylalanyl-l-ferrocenylalanine unit. Those polypeptides showed reversible redox property on the cyclic voltammetry.
Synthesis of a Peptidomimetic Analog of the Binding Domain of Rapamycin
Authors: Chakraborty Tushar K , Hussain Khaja Azhar
Published: March 2004

Stereoselective synthesis of a peptidomimetic analog of the binding domain of rapamycin starting from N,N-dibenzyl-R-alaninal is described.
An in situ FT-IR Study on Photocatalytic Reaction at Semiconductor-Aqueous Solution Interface — Mechanism of Photocatalytic N-Cyclization of (S)-Lysine
Authors: Ohtani Bunsho , Yako Takayuki , Samukawa Yoriaki , Nishimoto Sei-ichi , Kanamura Kiyoshi
Published: March 2004

Photoinduced reaction occurring at an aqueous solution-semiconductor interface was analyzed in situ by reflection FT-IR spectroscopy. The photoinduced reflection spectral change, ΔR (= (R−R0)/R0), was recorded by using an IR cell consisting of a semiconductor (TiO2 or CdS) thin film electrode, a thin layer of aqueous (S)-lysine solution, and a calcium fluoride window. Structure of adsorbed substrate and mechanism of photoinduced reaction were discussed.
Monitoring of Atmospheric Concentration of Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22) by Automated GC/O2-doped-ECD
Authors: Toyoda Sakae , Tominaga Takeshi , Makide Yoshihiro
Published: March 2004

An automated gas chromatograph/electron capture detector (GC/ECD) system was developed to monitor the concentration of HCFC-22 in the urban atmosphere at intervals of 90 min. By using two columns in series we avoided the use of cryogen and dryer for preconcentration or sample drying. Oxygen was doped into the N2 carrier gas to sensitize the ECD. Serial measurements of atmospheric HCFC-22 concentration were attempted in the central area of Tokyo.
cis-2-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-indanol: Application as a Highly Efficient Chiral Auxiliary for the Diels-Alder Reaction
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Saigo Kazuhiko
Published: March 2004

The chiral oxazolidinone, derived from cis-2-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-indanol, was found to be an efficient chiral auxiliary in the asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction.
Acid-Catalyzed Photoreaction of 6-Chloro-1,3-dimethyluracil in Frozen Benzene: Formation of Novel Cycloadducts, Tetrahydropentaleno[1,2-e]pyrimidine-2,4-dione Derivatives
Authors: Ohkura Kazue , Noguchi Yukari , Seki Koh-ichi
Published: March 2004

Contrasting to the photoreaction of 6-chloro-1,3-dimethyluracil in benzene at ambient temperature in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, whereby 1,3-dimethylcyclooctapyrimidine was produced as a sole cycloadduct, the similar photoreaction in frozen benzene at −15 ∼ −20 °C proceeded quite differently to give three novel photocycloadducts, 7-chloro-1,3-dimethyl-4b,5,7a,8-tetrahydropentaleno[1,2-e]pyrimidine-2,4-dione, 5-chloro-1,3-dimethyl-4b,7,7a,8-tetrahydropentaleno[1,2-e]pyrimidine-2,4-dione, and 6-chloro-10,12-diazapentacyclo[6.4.0.01,3.02,5.04,8]dodecane-9,11-dione.
Rapid Equilibrium between Trigonal-bipyramidal and Square-pyramidal Geometries of 1-Popanethiolato Platinum(II) Complex with Tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine
Authors: Aizawa Sen-ichi , Kobayashi Tadashi
Published: March 2004

The rapid equilibrium between five-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal [Pt(pt)(pp3)]+ (pt = 1-propanethiolate, pp3 = tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine) and square-pyramidal [PtI(pt)(pp3)] with an axially coordinated I− and dissociated terminal phosphino group was clearly observed in the presence of a large excess of I− at low temperatures. Such a square-pyramidal intermediate is expected to be formed in the course of substitution reactions of trigonal-bipyramidal Pt(II) complexes.
“Race” Speech—“Culture” Speech—“Soul” Speech: The Brief Career of Social-Science Language in American Religion during the Fascist Era
Authors: Rose Anne C.
Published: March 2004

Beginning in the 1920s, American religious liberals borrowed language from the social sciences to describe the social experience of religion. Wishing to foster tolerance at a time when ethnic hatreds increasingly controlled world politics, they tried to drop the word “race” as the equivalent for a religious community and instead depict religions as cultural units by substituting terms like “group.” This was part of a broad intellectual transition in the free West. Long-standing biological models of society, assuming racial differences, gave way to explanations of human behavior emphasizing acquired traits. In this way, democratic cultures, confronting fascism, reaffirmed the malleability and equality of peoples and rejected determinism and hierarchy. American religious liberals of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish backgrounds, committed to ecumenism and attentive to secular ideas, readily appropriated the new idiom. By the 1940s, talk of Nordic, Celtic, and Jewish races, among others, was rare, and the three mainstream religions, pictured as bearers of values, were praised as democracy's building blocks. Yet, because religion serves private needs and transcendent aspirations as well as society, this romance with social-science functionalism was short-lived. It was a small step from lauding religions as comparable and compromising to missing their distinctiveness, and a mood of traditionalism, expressed in humanistic, often biblically informed words, gained ground after World War II. This was not a simple speech revolution, however. Rhetoric that cast religions as social equivalents had enhanced the climate of freedom, to the point that religious minorities re-explored their heritages with unprecedented confidence. Social-science words set stage for their own subversion. This account of linguistic borrowing suggests the utility of considering religion as one language system among others in a complex culture. In this view, religious rhetoric is a public embodiment of values situated to interact with secular speech, making word use a sensitive meter of religious transformation.
A high‐stability fluxgate magnetic gradiometer for shallow geophysical survey applications
Authors: Bartington G. , Chapman C. E.
Published: March 2004

The detection of induced and remanent magnetization of subsurface features provides a rapid survey technique. Rejection of the unwanted geomagnetic field and its diurnal variations is accomplished by adopting a gradient magnetometer arrangement in which only the difference signal from two magnetometers, separated by a short distance, is recorded. Nuclear resonance scalar magnetometers offer high sensitivity but have higher power requirements and therefore suffer a weight penalty relative to fluxgate types. Fluxgate magnetometers are vector sensing and their sensitivity is limited, mainly by thermally induced mechanical and electronic drift. This paper describes the development of a 1‐m separation, vertical component, fluxgate magnetometer that alleviates these problems. Single and multiple array gradiometer configurations are presented, together with a description of data logging software developed to enhance survey efficiency. Survey data acquired during trials and testing are presented. The ergonomics of portable instrument surveying is also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilized Escherichia coli BL21 as a Catalyst for the Synthesis of Adenine and Hypoxanthine Nucleosides
Authors: Trelles Jorge A. , Bentancor Leticia , Schoijet Alejandra , Porro Silvia , Lewkowicz Elizabeth S. , Sinisterra José V. , Iribarren Adolfo M.
Published: March 2004

Different supports, such as alginate, agar, agarose, and polyacrylamide, were used to immobilize Escherichia coli BL 21 by entrapment techniques. The transglycosylation reaction involved in the synthesis of adenosine from uridine and adenine was chosen as a model system to study the characteristics of these biocatalysts. Whole cells immobilized on agarose proved to be optimal and could be used up to 30 times without significant loss of activity. This biocatalyst was further employed to test its ability in the synthesis of other adenine and hypoxanthine nucleosides. Ribo‐, 2′‐deoxyribo‐, and arabinonucleosides could be prepared in high yields starting from the corresponding pyrimidine nucleosides and purine bases. Similar product yields were obtained with both free and immobilized cells, though, in the latter case, a longer reaction time was necessary.
Early acquisition of typical metabolic features upon differentiation of mouse neural stem cells into astrocytes
Authors: Brunet J.F. , Grollimund L. , Chatton J‐Y. , Lengacher S. , Magistretti P.J. , Villemure J.G. , Pellerin L.
Published: March 2004

Specific metabolic features, such as glutamate reuptake, have been associated with normal functions of mature astrocytes. In this study, we examined whether these characteristics are acquired together with classical phenotypic markers of differentiated astrocytes. Differentiation of E14 mouse neurospheres into astrocytes was induced by the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Degree of differentiation was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence for both GFAP and nestin. Neural stem cells expressed nestin but not GFAP, while differentiated astrocytes were immunopositive for GFAP but displayed low levels of nestin expression. A strong increase in the expression of the glutamate transporter GLAST and the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 accompanied phenotypic changes. In addition, active glutamate transport appeared in differentiated astrocytes, as well as their capacity to increase aerobic glycolysis in response to glutamate. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor, but not interleukin‐6, triggered the expression of phenotypic and morphological characteristics of astrocytes. In addition, exposure to LIF led to the appearance of metabolic features typically associated with astrocytes. Altogether, our results show that acquisition of some specific metabolic features by astrocytes occurs early in their differentiation process and that LIF represents a candidate signal to induce their expression. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional expression of constitutive nitric oxide synthases regulated by voltage‐gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels in cultured human astrocytes
Authors: Oka Michiko , Wada Miyuki , Yamamoto Akira , Itoh Yoshinori , Fujita Takuya
Published: March 2004

We report the functional characterization of constitutive nitric oxide synthase(s) (NOS) such as neuronal and endothelial NOS in cultured human astrocytes. Exposure of cultured human astrocytes to 1 μM veratridine or 50 mM KCl produced a pronounced increase in a calmodulin‐dependent NOS activity estimated from cGMP formation. The functional expression of voltage‐gated Na+ channel, which is estimated by the response to veratridine, appeared to be earlier (at second day in culture) than that of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels, which are estimated by the response to the KCl stimulation (at fourth day in culture). The KCl‐evoked NO synthesis was totally reversed by L‐type Ca2+ channel blockers such as nifedipine and verapamil, but not by ω‐conotoxin GVIA, an N‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, or ω‐agatoxin IVA, a P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel blocker. In addition, verapamil abolished the KCl‐induced increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that mRNA for neuronal and endothelial NOS was expressed in human astrocytes. In addition, Western blot analysis and double labeling of NOS and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) showed that cultured human astrocytes expressed neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS as well as the α1 subunit of Ca2+ channel. These results suggest that human astrocytes express constitutive NOS that are regulated by voltage‐gated L‐type Ca2+ channel as well as Na+ channel. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postoperative complications after chemoradiation for advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Proctor Eva , Robbins K. Thomas , Vieira Francisco , Hanchett Catherine , Sommes Grant
Published: March 2004

Background.

To compare the rate of postoperative complications of patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with the chemoradiation protocol “RADPLAT” with that of a similar cohort of patients treated with primary surgery.

Methods.

We retrospectively analyzed 50 patients treated with RADPLAT and 50 patients treated with primary surgery.

Results.

The rates of complications for local wound problems were 54% and 42%, respectively, for the RADPLAT cohort and the primary surgery cohort. However, the rate of local complications for the subset of RADPLAT patients undergoing clean‐contaminated surgery was 69% (p = .305). The rates of complications for medical (systemic) problems were 10% and 12%, respectively, for RADPLAT versus primary surgery patients. There was no significant difference in hospitalization time between the groups.

Conclusions.

Among patients with advanced head and neck cancer, surgical complications are high but not significantly different between patients undergoing the chemoradiation protocol “RADPLAT” and those undergoing primary surgery. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 272–277, 2004
Vision enhancement system for detection of oral cavity neoplasia based on autofluorescence
Authors: Svistun Ekaterina , Alizadeh‐Naderi Reza , El‐Naggar Adel , Jacob Rhonda , Gillenwater Ann , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca
Published: March 2004

Background.

Early detection of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the oral cavity can improve survival. It is often difficult to distinguish neoplastic and benign lesions with standard white light illumination. We evaluated whether a technique that capitalizes on an alternative source of contrast, tissue autofluorescence, improves visual examination.

Methods.

Autofluorescence of freshly resected oral tissue was observed visually and photographed at specific excitation/emission wavelength combinations optimized for response of the human visual system and tissue fluorescence properties. Perceived tumor margins were indicated for each wavelength combination. Punch biopsies were obtained from several sites from each specimen. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by correlating histopathologic diagnosis with visual impression.

Results.

Best results were achieved with illumination at 400 nm and observation at 530 nm. Here, sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 86% in discrimination of normal tissue from neoplasia. This compares favorably with white light examination, in which sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 43%.

Conclusions.

Oral cavity autofluorescence can be easily viewed by the human eye in real time. Visual examination of autofluorescence enhances perceived contrast between normal and neoplastic oral mucosa in fresh tissue resections. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 205–215, 2004
Gene expression pattern in hepatic stem/progenitor cells during rat fetal development using complementary DNA microarrays
Authors: Petkov Petko M. , Zavadil Jiri , Goetz David , Chu Tearina , Carver Robert , Rogler Charles E. , Bottinger Erwin P. , Shafritz David A. , Dabeva Mariana D.
Published: March 2004

To identify new and differentially expressed genes in rat fetal liver epithelial stem/progenitor cells during their proliferation, lineage commitment, and differentiation, we used a high throughput method—mouse complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays—for analysis of gene expression. The gene expression pattern of rat hepatic cells was studied during their differentiation in vivo: from embryonic day (ED) 13 until adulthood. The differentially regulated genes were grouped into two clusters: a cluster of up-regulated genes comprised of 281 clones and a cluster of down-regulated genes comprised of 230 members. The expression of the latter increased abruptly between ED 16 and ED 17. Many of the overexpressed genes from the first cluster fall into distinct, differentially expressed functional groups: genes related to development, morphogenesis, and differentiation; calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins and signal transducers; and cell adhesion, migration, and matrix proteins. Several other functional groups of genes that are initially down-regulated, then increase during development, also emerged: genes related to inflammation, blood coagulation, detoxification, serum proteins, amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrate metabolism. Twenty-eight genes overexpressed in fetal liver that were not detected in adult liver are suggested as potential markers for identification of liver progenitor cells. In conclusion, our data show that the gene expression program of fetal hepatoblasts differs profoundly from that of adult hepatocytes and that it is regulated in a specific manner with a major switch at ED 16 to 17, marking a dramatic change in the gene expression program during the transition of fetal liver progenitor cells from an undifferentiated to a differentiated state. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website (http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html). (Hepatology 2004;39:617-627.)
Changing epidemiology of hepatitis B in a U.S. community
Authors: Kim Ray W. , Benson Joanne T. , Therneau Terry M. , Torgerson Heidi A. , Yawn Barbara P. , Melton Joseph L.
Published: March 2004

Despite a reduction in newly acquired hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections since the mid-1980s, HBV remains an important cause of liver disease in the U.S. We report the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in a U.S. community and describe demographic and clinical characteristics. The Rochester Epidemiology Project records healthcare encounters of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. For all cases with a potential diagnosis of hepatitis B in this database, complete medical records were reviewed to identify subjects who met the inclusion criteria, i.e., a clinician diagnosis of chronic HBV infection and a laboratory record of positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). There were 191 residents with chronic HBV infection in the community, consisting of 53% Asian, 29% African, 13% Caucasian, and 5% other or unknown race. The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of HBV in this community was 0.15% in 2000. The race-specific prevalence was highest among Asians (2.1%), followed by African Americans (1.9%). The prevalence among Caucasians was 0.02%. Overall, 86% were born outside the U.S., 98% of whom were non-Caucasian. A total of 131 residents were tested for HBV replicative status, of whom 27% had viral replication. Of those tested for aminotransferases (n = 184), 28% had an abnormal value at least once. In a multivariable regression analysis, replicative status was the most influential (odds ratio [OR] = 5.98, P < .01) factor associated with abnormal aminotransferase values, followed by male gender (OR = 3.69) and age greater than 40 years (OR = 2.32 per decade). In conclusion, in this Midwestern community, chronic HBV infection was predominantly seen in immigrants from endemic parts of the world. (Hepatology 2004;39;811-816.)
Long-term follow-up of alpha-interferon treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: van Zonneveld Monika , Honkoop Pieter , Hansen Bettina E. , Niesters Hubertus G.M. , Murad Sarwa Darwish , de Man Robert A. , Schalm Solko W. , Janssen Harry L.A.
Published: March 2004

Data on the long-term effects of interferon alfa (IFN) treatment on disease progression and mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are limited. To evaluate factors that influence clinical outcome and survival, we performed a follow-up study on 165 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive CHB patients treated with IFN between 1978 and 2002. The median IFN dose was 30 megaunits (MU)/week (range, 2-70 MU/week), and the median duration of therapy was 16 weeks (range, 1-92 weeks). Response to treatment was defined as HBeAg loss within 12 months after the end of IFN therapy. Median follow-up was 8.8 years (range, 0.3-24 years). Fifty-four patients (33%) responded to IFN treatment. Relapse (HBeAg reactivation) occurred in 7 of the 54 (13%) responders. Fifty-two percent of the responders lost hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as compared with 9% of the nonresponders (P < .001). Liver histology showed a decreased necroinflammatory activity and less progression of fibrosis in responders. Twenty-six patients died during follow-up. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found in 8 patients, 6 of whom were nonresponders. Of the two responders who developed HCC, one patient had relapsed after discontinuation of therapy. Multivariate analysis showed significantly improved survival (relative risk (RR) of death 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.78) and reduced risk of developing HCC (RR 0.084, 95% CI 0.09-0.75) in responders. In conclusion, response to IFN therapy results in a prolonged clinical remission with an increased rate of HBsAg seroconversion and improved liver histology. Our results indicate that after correction for baseline factors, response to IFN therapy increases survival and reduces the risk of developing HCC. (Hepatology 2004;39:804-810.)
A longitudinal quasi‐experiment on the effects of posttraining transfer interventions
Authors: Gaudine Alice P. , Saks Alan M.
Published: March 2004

A longitudinal quasi experiment tested the effects of a relapse prevention and transfer enhancement posttraining
intervention on the self‐efficacy, transfer behavior, and performance of a sample of nurses who attended a
two‐day training program on the McGill Model of Nursing. ANCOVA results failed to support the effectiveness
of the intervention; in fact, participants in the transfer enhancement condition had the lowest transfer
behavior and performance except when it was combined with relapse prevention. However, all trainees showed
significant increase in self‐efficacy, behavior, and performance. Results are explained based on training
program effectiveness, organizational context, and transfer system. A positive transfer climate and factors in the
transfer system likely contributed. Implications discussed include the need to conduct a transfer of training needs
analysis (TTNA) and a contingency approach to posttraining transfer interventions.
The impact of utilizing a flexible work schedule on the perceived career advancement potential of women
Authors: Rogier Sara A. , Padgett Margaret Y.
Published: March 2004

This study examined whether a woman working a flexible schedule would be perceived as having less career
advancement potential than a woman on a regular schedule. Participants reviewed a packet of materials
simulating the personnel file of a female employee in an accounting firm who was seeking promotion from manager
to senior manager. Results indicated that participants perceived the female employee on the flexible schedule
as having less job‐career dedication and less advancement motivation; there was no difference in
perceived capability. Implications of these results for implementation of alternative work arrangements are
discussed.
Unisex research
Authors: Swanson Richard A.
Published: March 2004

The purpose of this treatise is to recognize the inherent bias of feminist research and to propose that it
move on to unisex research. Unisex research is proposed to be an overarching value on top of mature research
methods to ensure that those methods are not distinguished or distinguishable on the basis of sex.
Immunohistochemical analysis of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase in human superficial bladder tumours: Relationship between tumour enzymology and clinical outcome following intravesical mitomycin C therapy
Authors: Basu Saurajyoti , Brown John E. , Flannigan G. Michael , Gill Jason H. , Loadman Paul M. , Martin Sandie W. , Naylor Brian , Scally Andrew J. , Seargent Jill M. , Shah Tariq , Puri Rajiv , Phillips Roger M.
Published: March 2004

A central theme within the concept of enzyme‐directed bioreductive drug development is the potential to predict tumour response based on the profiling of enzymes involved in the bioreductive activation process. Mitomycin C (MMC) is the prototypical bioreductive drug that is reduced to active intermediates by several reductases including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R). The purpose of our study was to determine whether NQO1 and P450R protein expression in a panel of low‐grade, human superficial bladder tumours correlates with clinical response to MMC. A retrospective clinical study was conducted in which the response to MMC of 92 bladder cancer patients was compared to the immunohistochemical expression of NQO1 and P450R protein in archived paraffin‐embedded bladder tumour specimens. A broad spectrum of NQO1 protein levels exists in bladder tumours between individual patients, ranging from intense to no immunohistochemical staining. In contrast, levels of P450R were similar with most tumours having moderate to high levels. All patients were chemotherapy naïve prior to receiving MMC and clinical response was defined as the time to first recurrence. A poor correlation exists between clinical response and NQO1, P450R or the expression patterns of various combinations of the 2 proteins. The results of our study demonstrate that the clinical response of superficial bladder cancers to MMC cannot be predicted on the basis of NQO1 and/or P450R protein expression and suggest that other factors (other reductases or post DNA damage events) have a significant bearing on tumour response. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteolytic imbalance is reversed after therapeutic surgery in breast cancer patients
Authors: Giannelli Gianluigi , Erriquez Roberta , Fransvea Emilia , Daniele Antonella , Trerotoli Paolo , Schittulli Francesco , Grano Maria , Quaranta Michele , Antonaci Salvatore
Published: March 2004

The occurrence of metastasis severely affects prognosis and survival of breast cancer patients. In order to metastasize, breast cancer cells need to cross the basement membrane (BM) tissue boundaries. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes with proteolytic activity towards extracellular matrix components (ECM) of the BM, that are blocked by physiological tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Cancer metastasis occurs as a result of an imbalance between MMPs, in particular MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, and TIMPs, in particular TIMP‐2 and TIMP‐1. This is the first study to report that pro‐MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 serum concentrations are inversely correlated in breast cancer patients. In the same patients, we determined the pro‐MMP‐9, the TIMP‐1, the pro‐MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 before and after surgical eradication of the breast cancer. Our results show that after surgery, when the breast cancer tissue was removed, pro‐MMP‐9 concentrations dramatically decreased and TIMP‐1 concentrations strongly increased, with statistically significant differences, so that a new balance was established. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding pro‐MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2. Also, no correlation was found between pro‐MMP‐2, pro‐MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 and a number of clinical and pathological parameters. In conclusion, our study suggests that pro‐MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 could be used as markers of disease during the follow‐up of breast cancer patients and possibly as prognostic markers, although more studies are needed to address this issue. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary acrylamide and risk of renal cell cancer
Authors: Mucci Lorelei A. , Lindblad Per , Steineck Gunnar , Adami Hans‐Olov
Published: March 2004

The detection of acrylamide, classified as a probable human carcinogen, in commonly consumed foods created public health alarm. Thus far, only 2 epidemiologic studies have examined the effect of dietary acrylamide on cancer risk. Presently, we reanalyzed data from a large population‐based Swedish case‐control study of renal cell cancer. Food frequency data were linked with national food databases on acrylamide content, and daily acrylamide intake was estimated for participants. The risk of renal cell cancer was evaluated for intake of food items with elevated acrylamide levels and for total daily acrylamide dose. Adjusting for potential confounders, there was no evidence that food items with elevated acrylamide, including coffee (ORhighest vs. lowest quartile = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.4–1.1), crisp breads (ORhighest vs. lowest quartile = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.6–1.6) and fried potatoes (ORhighest vs. lowest quartile = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.7–1.7), were associated with a higher risk of renal cell cancer risk. Furthermore, there was no association between estimated daily acrylamide intake through diet and cancer risk (ORhighest vs. lowest quartile = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.7–1.8; p for trend = 0.8). The results of this study are in line with the 2 previous studies examining dietary acrylamide and suggest there is no association between dietary acrylamide and risk of renal cell cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carrier cell‐mediated delivery of oncolytic parvoviruses for targeting metastases
Authors: Raykov Zahari , Balboni Ginette , Aprahamian Marc , Rommelaere Jean
Published: March 2004

Over the last few years, naturally occurring or genetically manipulated oncolytic viruses gained increasing attention as novel therapeutics for cancer treatment. The present work provides proof of principle that an organotropic cell‐based carrier system is suitable to deliver oncolytic parvoviruses to a tissue known to be a target for the formation of metastases. Carrier cells were inactivated by γ‐irradiation after infection, which was found not to affect the production and release of parvoviruses that were capable of lysing cocultured target neoplastic cells. Although systemically administered parvovirus H‐1 showed a pronounced therapeutic effect against the development of established Morris hepatoma (MH3924A) lung metastases, the carrier cell strategy offered a number of advantages. Infected carriers were able to sustain H‐1 virus expression for 6 days in the lungs of rats affected by metastatic disease and to reduce the spreading of the virus to peripheral organs. Compared to direct virus injection, the carrier cell protocol led to an improved therapeutic effect (metastases suppression) and a lesser generation of virus‐neutralizing antibodies. These data support the use of carrier cells to deliver oncolytic viruses and/or viral vectors locally in tumors and, more particularly, metastases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.