bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine Transcriptome in Genetic Hypertension
Authors: Fries Ryan S. , Mahboubi Payam , Mahapatra Nitish R. , Mahata Sushil K. , Schork Nicholas J. , Schmid-Schoenbein Geert W. , O’Connor Daniel T.
Published: April 2004

The genetic basis of hypertension in the genetically/hereditary hypertensive (BPH/2) mouse strain is incompletely understood, although a recent genome scan uncovered evidence for several susceptibility loci. To probe the neuroendocrine transcriptome in this disease model, 12 488 probe set microarray experiments were performed on mRNA transcripts from adrenal glands of juvenile (prehypertensive) and adult BPH/2 (hypertensive), as well as the genetically/hereditary low-blood pressure (BPL/1), strains at both time points. To determine the impact of strain (BPH/2 versus BPL/1), age (juvenile versus adult), and the interaction of strain and age on gene expression levels, we performed standard 2-factor ANOVA and computed a concordance coefficient to assess the reproducibility of gene expression measurements among replicates. Of genes with significant (
P
<0.05) differential expression, 2647 showed strain differences, 982 showed age differences, and 757 exhibited strain-by-age interaction. Fold-changes in gene expression assayed by microarray were confirmed in a subset by real-time polymerase chain reaction (
R
=0.739,
P
=0.0094). We used a systems biology approach to evaluate alterations in contributing biochemical pathways and we statistically quantified these global pathway disturbances using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test. We found widespread, indeed global, alterations in patterns of gene expression in diverse systems of BPH/2: in sympathochromaffin transcripts suggesting increased sympathetic stimulation; in vasoconstrictor/vasodilator systems; global reductions in carbohydrate intermediary metabolism; and increases in oxidative stress, with changes in oxygen radical forming and disposition enzymes. These analyses highlight widespread derangements in diverse physiological pathways, providing multiple avenues for further investigation into the pathogenesis of genetic hypertension.
Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Miskovsky Shana , Kaeding Christopher , Weis Lawrence , Pedroza Angela
Published: April 2004

Objective

Proximal tibiofibular joint proximal tibiofibular joint cysts are rare entities that can cause disability. Excision remains the traditional surgical treatment. Cyst recurrence has been a problem. This study reviews one of the largest series of patients with proximal tibiofibular joint cysts and evaluates the role of a new surgical option, proximal tibiofibular joint fusion.

Methods

Thirteen patients were admitted to the institution between 1987 and 1999. Diagnoses were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and histological examination. A database was compiled after medical record review. Patients completed a phone survey describing activity levels, symptom severity, recurrence history, and additional surgery. Average postoperative follow-up and average time to date of survey were 1.7 and 6.3 years, respectively.

Results

Patient complaints included lateral knee “fullness” (75%) and peroneal nerve dysesthesias (54%). Twelve patients opted for surgery: cyst excision (8) and cyst excision with proximal tibiofibular joint fusion (4). A recurrence rate of 13% (1 of 8) following primary excision was observed. A 100% (3 of 3) repeat recurrence rate was noted in second resections. Four patients underwent proximal tibiofibular joint fusion: 2 with a recurrence history and 2 for primary treatment. At follow-up, all fusion patients were without cyst recurrence or activity limitations. Procedure morbidity was minimal.

Conclusions

Proximal tibiofibular joint cysts can recur after simple excision. Repeat resection after a recurrence is often not effective. Proximal tibiofibular joint arthrodesis appears to be a more effective surgical option after a recurrence.
Surgical Correction of Internal Coxa Saltans
Authors: Hoskins Jeffrey S. , Burd Timothy A. , Allen William C.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To report the complications associated with surgical correction of internal snapping hip.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A review of 92 cases of internal coxa saltans (12 bilateral) from 1982 to 2002 was performed to identify complications following primary surgical correction. An inguinal approach was used for iliopsoas tendon fractional lengthening. The average follow-up time per patient was 5.4 years.

Results

A total of 40 complications occurred in 32 patients. Complications included persistent hip pain (n = 6), sensory deficit (n = 8), and hip flexor weakness persisting longer than 1 month (n = 3). Additionally, painful bursa formation (n = 1), hematoma requiring reexploration (n = 1), and superficial infection (n = 1) were noted. Some patients developed recurrent snapping after a 3-month snapping-free interval (n = 9), and some patients never had complete resolution of snapping and were considered failures (n = 11). Of these failures/recurrences, 8 patients had a second tenotomy with 4 failures. Two had a third tenotomy, with 1 failure.

Conclusions

In this series, primary iliopsoas tendon lengthening in patients with internal coxa saltans was without any complication in only 60% of patients; however, overall patient satisfaction was 89%.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of Transcondylar Femoral Fixation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts
Authors: Camillieri Gianluca , McFarland Edward G. , Jasper Louis E. , Belkoff Stephen M. , Kim Tae Kyun , Rauh Peter B. , Mariani Pier Paolo
Published: April 2004

Background

Interference screw fixation of the graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is considered the gold standard, but limited clinical experience suggests that transcondylar fixation is equally effective.

Purpose

To compare transcondylar and interference screw fixation.

Study Design

Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Methods

Twenty pairs of unembalmed knees underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autografts. In 1 knee of each pair, the bone plug was stabilized in the femoral tunnel with standard interference screws; in the other knee, transcondylar screws were used. Testing to failure occurred immediately or after 1000 cycles of sinusoidal loading (30 to 150 N) (20 paired reconstructions each). Fixation stiffness, strength, graft creep, displacement amplitude, and change in amplitude were measured and compared (repeated measures anaylsis of variance with Tukey test; P < .05).

Results

There was no significant difference in acute strength, maximum load within 3 mm, or stiffness between transcondylar fixation (410 ± 164 N, 183 ± 93 N, and 49.6 ± 28 N/mm, respectively) and interference fixation (497 ± 216 N, 206 ± 115 N, and 61 ± 37.8 N/mm, respectively). Similarly, there was no significant difference in cyclic strength, maximum load within 3 mm, or stiffness between transcondylar fixation (496 ± 214 N, 357 ± 82.9 N, and 110 ± 27.4 N/mm, respectively) and interference fixation (552 ± 233 N, 357 ± 76.2 N, and 112 ± 26.8 N/mm, respectively). Predominant modes of failure were bone plug pullout (transcondylar fixation) and tendon failure or bone plug fracture (interference fixation).

Conclusions

Transcondylar screw fixation of the patellar tendon autograft into the femoral tunnel performed mechanically as well as interference screw fixation.

Clinical Relevance

The results suggest that transcondylar and interference screws provide similar fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Development of a New Activity Score for the Evaluation of Ankle Instability
Authors: Halasi Tamás , Kynsburg Ákos , Tállay András , Berkes István
Published: April 2004

Background

Tegner and Lysholm described their generally acknowledged activity score in 1985. It was originally tested for knee ligament injuries, but for the past 17 years it has been used for other joint evaluations as well. The development of already existing and new kinds of sports, differences between knee and ankle loading, and different injury rates provided reasons for developing an ankle-specific activity score.

Hypothesis

The new score should have a higher reliability, validity, and sensitivity than the Tegner score when evaluating ankle-related activity changes.

Study Design

Methodological study.

Methods

Fifty-three sports, 3 working activities, and 4 general activities were inserted into a 0-to-10 category system based on the rankings of a 7 × 2-point pre-evaluation system, followed by a direct comparison with the Tegner score and reliability, validity, and sensitivity testing on 2 different patient populations.

Results

In direct comparison, there is a strong overall correlation of the 2 activity-scoring systems (r = 0.7565), but the ankle activity score proved to be different from the Tegner score in the higher categories, especially in the top 4 ankle score categories (r = 0.1450). Further tests demonstrated the high reliability (1.00) of the new score. Analysis of variance proved that activity changes measured by the ankle score correspond well to the difference between the patients’ subjective results and their Karlsson functional scores (P = .0119). This is not the case when we measure ankle activity changes using the knee-specific Tegner score (P = .0987). Furthermore, ankle score differences spread over a wider range (-1.18 ± 2.12) than did Tegner score differences (-0.68 ± 1.29), which demonstrates the higher sensitivity of the new score.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the new ankle activity score could be a better complement in the complex evaluation of ankle instability.
Comparative analysis detects dependencies among the 5′ splice-site positions
Authors: CARMEL IDO , TAL SAAR , VIG IDA , AST GIL
Published: April 2004

Human–mouse comparative genomics is an informative tool to assess sequence functionality as inferred from its conservation level. We used this approach to examine dependency among different positions of the 5′ splice site. We compiled a data set of 50,493 homologous human–mouse internal exons and analyzed the frequency of changes among different positions of homologous human–mouse 5′ splice-site pairs. We found mutual relationships between positions +4 and +5, +5 and +6, −2 and +5, and −1 and +5. We also demonstrated the association between the exonic and the intronic positions of the 5′ splice site, in which a stronger interaction of U1 snRNA and the intronic portion of the 5′ splice site compensates for weak interaction of U1 snRNA and the exonic portion of the 5′ splice site, and vice versa. By using an ex vivo system that mimics the effect of mutation in the 5′ splice site leading to familial dysautonomia, we demonstrated that U1 snRNA base-pairing with positions +6 and −1 is the only functional requirement for mRNA splicing of this 5′ splice site. Our findings indicate the importance of U1 snRNA base-pairing to the exonic portion of the 5′ splice site.
Aminoacylation properties of pathology-related human mitochondrial tRNALysvariants
Authors: SISSLER MARIE , HELM MARK , FRUGIER MAGALI , GIEGÉ RICHARD , FLORENTZ CATHERINE
Published: April 2004

In vitro transcription has proven to be a successful tool for preparation of functional RNAs, especially in the tRNA field, in which, despite the absence of post-transcriptional modifications, transcripts are correctly folded and functionally active. Human mitochondrial (mt) tRNALysdeviates from this principle and folds into various inactive conformations, due to the absence of the post-transcriptional modification m1A9 which hinders base-pairing with U64 in the native tRNA. Unavailability of a functional transcript is a serious drawback for structure/function investigations as well as in deciphering the molecular mechanisms by which point mutations in the mt tRNALysgene cause severe human disorders. Here, we show that an engineered in vitro transcribed “pseudo-WT“ tRNALysvariant is efficiently recognized by lysyl-tRNA synthetase and can substitute for the WT tRNA as a valuable reference molecule. This has been exploited in a systematic analysis of the effects on aminoacylation of nine pathology-related mutations described so far. The sole mutation located in a loop of the tRNA secondary structure, A8344G, does not affect aminoacylation efficiency. Out of eight mutations located in helical domains converting canonical Watson–Crick pairs into G–U pairs or C•A mismatches, six have no effect on aminoacylation (A8296G, U8316C, G8342A, U8356C, U8362G, G8363A), and two lead to drastic decreases (5000- to 7000-fold) in lysylation efficiencies (G8313A and G8328A). This screening, allowing for analysis of the primary impact level of all mutations affecting one tRNA under comparable conditions, indicates distinct molecular origins for different disorders.
Crank Prophet Bestride America, Grinning: The Case of David Thomas
Authors: MARCUS GREIL
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT This essay is an investigation of how the leader of Pere Ubu, a punk band founded in Cleveland in 1975, taps into subterranean traditions of American speech.
Natural history of twin disruption sequence
Authors: Zankl Andreas , Brooks Daniela , Boltshauser Eugen , Largo Remo , Schinzel Albert
Published: April 2004

Intrauterine death of one fetus in a monochorionic twin pregnancy is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the surviving cotwin. Thromoboplastic material from the dead twin may pass to the circulation of the living twin via placental anastomoses and cause tissue necrosis by direct embolization or by activating intravascular coagulation. Alternatively, acute blood loss into the dying twin through placental anastomoses may result in hypotension and hypoxic‐ischemic damage to cerebral and visceral tissue in the surviving twin. The resulting clinical picture is referred to as twin disruption sequence. Affected twins have rarely been followed beyond the neonatal period and the long‐term development of such children is unknown. Here, we present a natural history and neurological assessment of 18 patients with twin disruption sequence, whom we have followed over several months to years. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomalous origin and cervical course of the vertebral artery in the presence of a retroesophageal right subclavian artery
Authors: Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli , Caetano Abadio Gonçalves , Filho Omar Andrade Rodrigues
Published: April 2004

The vertebral artery is usually described as the first branch of the subclavian artery, originating medial to the scalenus anterior muscle. During its cervical course, the vertebral artery presents a prevertebral segment and then enters the foramen transversarium of the sixth cervical vertebra. We describe a case of an unusual origin and course of the right vertebral artery in a cadaver specimen wherein the right vertebral artery originates from the right common carotid artery at the inferior border of the thyroid gland. In its cervical course the vertebral artery ascends outside and anteriorly to the foramen transversarium of vertebrae C VI to C III, and enters the foramen transversarium of the axis. In the same specimen, a retroesophageal right subclavian artery is also present. These vascular abnormalities are presented for physicians to keep in mind such variations during diagnostic investigation and surgical procedures of the neck. Clin. Anat. 17:354–357, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with malignant astrocytomas
Authors: Chen Benjamin , Ahmed Tauseef , Mannancheril Anney , Gruber Michael , Benzil Deborah L.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Malignant astrocytomas are among the most resistant tumors to curative treatments. Mean survival without treatment is measured in weeks, and even with maximal surgery and radiation, the mean reported survival is < 1 year. The advent of supportive treatments and newer agents has resulted in benefits for many patients with cancer. The authors investigated the safety and effect on survival of a high‐dose thiotepa and carboplatin regimen with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with malignant astrocytomas who were enrolled in a prospective trial approved by an institutional review board (IRB).

METHODS

Twenty‐one patients were enrolled in an IRB‐approved, prospective trial. After baseline testing was completed, patients underwent peripheral stem cell mobilization with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) and etoposide (450 mg/m2) followed by granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (10 μg/kg). Peripheral stem cells were harvested when leukocyte counts recovered. Patients received 2 cycles of thiotepa (750 mg/m2) and carboplatin (1600 mg/m2) followed by infusion of the preserved stem cells. The cycles were administered 6–10 weeks apart. Primary outcome measures were patient survival (Kaplan–Meier analysis) and treatment toxicity (using National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria).

RESULTS

Autologous stem cells were harvested effectively and transfused in all patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated a survival time of 34.3 ± 5.5 months (range, 9–94 months). Despite significant myelosuppression, only three patients experienced Grade 4 complications and eight experienced Grade 3 complications.

CONCLUSIONS

High‐dose chemotherapy with thiotepa and carboplatin with concomitant ASCT was used safely to treat patients with malignant astrocytomas and may provide a survival advantage. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Patterns and predictors of colorectal cancer test use in the adult U.S. population
Authors: Seeff Laura C. , Nadel Marion R. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Thompson Trevor , Shapiro Jean A. , Vernon Sally W. , Coates Ralph J.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Screening is effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Rates of colorectal cancer test use continue to be low.

METHODS

The authors analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey concerning the use of the home‐administered fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy/proctoscopy to estimate current rates of colorectal cancer test use and to identify factors associated with the use or nonuse of tests.

RESULTS

In 2000, 17.1% of respondents reported undergoing a home FOBT within the past year, 33.9% reported undergoing an endoscopy within the previous 10 years, and 42.5% reported undergoing either test within the recommended time intervals. The use of colorectal cancer tests varied by gender, race, ethnicity, age, education, income, health care coverage, and having a usual source of care. Having seen a physician within the past year had the strongest association with test use. Lack of awareness and lack of physician recommendation were the most commonly reported barriers to undergoing such tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of the U.S. population age ≥ 50 years underwent colorectal cancer tests within the recommended time intervals. Educational initiatives for patients and providers regarding the importance of colorectal cancer screening, efforts to reduce disparities in test use, and ensuring that all persons have access to routine primary care may help increase screening rates. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The somatic generation of immune recognition
Authors: Jerne Niels Kaj
Published: April 2004

Antibody specificity is determined by structural v‐genes that code for the amino acid sequences of the variable regions of antibody polypeptide chains. The present hypothesis proposes that the germ‐cells of an animal carry a set of v‐genes determining the combining sites of antibodies directed against a complete set of certain class of histocompatibility antigens of the species to which this animal belongs. The evolutionary development of this set of v‐genes in phylogeny is traced back to the requirements for cell to cell recognition in all metazoa. The hypothesis leads to a distinction between two populations of antigen‐sensitive cells. One population consists of cells forming antibodies against foreign antigens; these lymphocytes have arisen as mutants in clones descending from lymphocytic stem cells which expressed v‐genes belonging to the subset (subset S) coding for antibody against histocompatibility antigens that the individual happens to possess. The other population consists of allograft rejecting lymphocytes that express v‐genes of the remaining subset (subset A) coding for antibody against histocompatibility antigens of the species that the individual does not possess. The primary lymphoid organs are viewed as mutant‐breeding organs. In these organs (e.g. in the thymus), the proliferation of lymphocytes expressing the v‐genes of subset S and the subsequent suppression of the cells of these "forbidden" clones, leads to the selection of mutants cells expressing v‐genes that have been modified by spontaneous random somatic mutation. This process generates self‐tolerance as well as a diverse population of antigen‐sensitive cells that reflects antibody diversity. The proliferation in the primary lymphoid organs of lymphocytes expressing v‐genes of subset A generates the antigen‐sensitive cell population that is responsible for allo‐aggression.

The theory explains how a functional immune system can develop through a selection pressure exerted by self‐antigens, starting during a period in early ontogeny that precedes clonal selection by foreign antigens. The hypothesis provides explanations for the variability of the N‐terminal regions of antibody polypeptide chains, for the dominant genetic control of specific immune responsiveness by histocompatibility alleles, for the relative preponderance of antigen‐sensitive cells directed against allogeneic histocompatibility antigens, for antibody‐idiotypes, for allelic exclusion, for the precommitment of any given antigen‐sensitive lymphocyte to form antibodies of only one molecular species and for the cellular dynamics in the primary lymphoid tissues.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425000
Nickel(II) Complexes Incorporating Pyridyl, Imine and Amino Chelate Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, Isomer Preference, Structural Transformation and Reactivity Towards Nickel(III) Derivatives
Authors: Banerjee Suparna , Gangopadhyay Jaydip , Lu Can‐Zhong , Chen Jiu‐Tong , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: April 2004

Facile condensation of 2‐acetylpyridine with ethylenediamine in a 1:1 or 2:1 molar ratio yielded two neutral ligands with different denticity: 1‐amino‐4‐(2‐pyridyl)‐3‐azapent‐3‐ene (tridentate, L1) and 2,7‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐3,6‐diazaocta‐2,6‐diene (tetradentate, L3), respectively. Replacing the ketone with 2‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde gave a similar set of condensates (L2 and L4). The tridentate mono‐Schiff bases (L1 and L2) react smoothly with Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O furnishing the brown bis‐chelate complexes (1a and 1b) with an NiN6 coordination sphere, while the tetradentate bis‐Schiff bases (L3 and L4) form green pseudo‐octahedral complexes (2a and 2b) in which NiII is present in an N4O2 coordination environment. The isomer specificity for both types of complexes is conspicuous from the representative X‐ray structures of 1a and 2a. cis‐trans‐cis and cis‐cis‐trans isomers are found exclusively for 1 and 2, respectively. The crystal structure of 2a reveals O−H···O hydrogen bond interactions assembling alternating cations and anions in an infinite chain‐like array. Cyclic voltammetric measurements of 1 and 2 in MeCN solution show a quasi‐reversible one‐electron oxidation near 0.95 and 0.87 V (vs. SCE), respectively, attributed to a NiIII‐NiII redox couple. Another irreversible NiIV‐NiIII redox response was observed at higher potential near 1.70 and 1.80 V (vs. SCE) for 1 and 2, respectively. Complexes 1 and 2 display a weak, broad d‐d transition band along with a charge‐transfer transition. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (at 298 K) confirmed that the spin states of the NiII centres in 1 and 2 are same, S = 1, in agreement with an octahedral configuration. Complexes 1 form stable reddish‐brown NiIII complexes (3) under exhaustive constant‐potential electrolysis treatment. The NiIII complexes display axial EPR spectra both at 298 K and 77 K with g⊥ > g|| indicating the presence of an unpaired electron primarily on the metal centre. Complexes of type 1 and 3 exhibit virtually superimposable cyclic voltammograms in a reverse electrode scan study which confirms no change in the coordination sphere on going from 1 to 3. The effective magnetic moment values (ca. 2.10 μB) of 3 suggest a significant orbital contribution to the paramagnetism, consistent with a tetragonally distorted low spin 3d7 system. A colour change phenomenon has been observed for type 2 complexes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of Calcium Difluoranthenide, [Ca(THF)6][C16H10]2·2C16H10
Authors: Fedushkin Igor L. , Lukoyanov Anton N. , Dechert Sebastian , Schumann Herbert
Published: April 2004

The treatment of CaI2(THF)2 with potassium and fluoranthene (mole ratio 1:2:2) in THF affords [Ca(THF)6][C16H10]2·2C16H10 (1). The X‐ray structure analysis of 1 shows that the compound consists of separate [Ca(THF)6]2+ cations, [C16H10]·− radical anions and neutral fluoranthene molecules. The neutral and radical‐anionic fluoranthene species can be distinguished by the differences in the skeleton C−C bond lengths. The presence of fluoranthene radical anions in THF solutions of 1 is proved by ESR spectroscopy and is further supported by the 1H NMR spectrum of 1, which does not give any indication of radical coupling. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Cover Picture: Funnel Complexes with CoII and NiII: New Probes into the Biomimetic Coordination Ability of the Calix[6]arene‐Based Tris(imidazole) System (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 9/2004)
Authors: Sénèque Olivier , Campion Morgane , Giorgi Michel , Le Mest Yves , Reinaud Olivia
Published: April 2004

The cover picture shows the calix[6]arene‐based tris(imidazole) ligand coordinated to divalent metal ions. These supramolecular edifices mimic enzyme environments. These funnel complexes present an exchangeable coordination site located in the heart of the hydrophobic cavity of the calixarene. The interplay between the strength of the host−guest noncovalent interactions and the flexibility of the system allows a variety of geometries for the metal complexes, either tetrahedral, tri‐ gonal‐bipyramidal or square‐pyramidal. Details are discussed in the article by O. Reinaud et al. on p. 1817 ff.
Redox Properties of Linear and Cyclic Scaffolds Based on Di‐ and Tetraethynylethene
Authors: Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Moonen Nicolle N. P. , Boudon Corinne , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted , Diederich François , Gross Maurice
Published: April 2004

A large selection of linear and cyclic acetylenic scaffolds based on functionalized di‐ and tetraethynylethenes (DEEs, TEEs) have been prepared during the past ten years, such as poly(triacetylene)s (PTAs), expanded dendralenes, or perethynylated expanded radialenes and dehydroannulenes. These carbon‐rich oligoenynes are interesting for their electronic and advanced materials properties. In this account, we highlight their redox properties. Moreover, the electrochemistry of cyanoethynylethenes (CEEs), a class of powerful electron acceptors that have recently attracted our attention, since they combine the scaffolding potential of TEEs with the superior acceptor strength of tetracyanoethene (TCNE), will also be discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Prediction of TCLP leachates of electric arc furnace dust/cement products using neural network analysis
Authors: Irabien Angel , Olmo I. Fernandez , Andrés A. , Sebastiá M.
Published: April 2004

Solidified/stabilized products containing steel foundry dust from production of two different kinds of steel (specialty and common), three different types of cement (Portland‐slag cement II‐S/35A, blastfurnace cement III‐1/35A, and ordinary Portland cement I/45A), and two types of lime, CaO and Ca(OH)2 were studied. The heavy metals Cd, Cr, and Pb were significant toxic elements in the wastes. Neural network analysis was used to model the nonlinear dependency of leachate pH and metal concentrations on the product formulation. The models can be used to predict the TCLP concentrations for new products designed using these mix components, for comparison with the regulatory limits.
Selection of refractory for thermal oxidizers on gas streams containing fluorine
Authors: Che Stanley C. , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Olivieri Lino
Published: April 2004

Thermal oxidizers for destruction of fluorine‐containing chemicals are typically operated between 1,100° to 1,400° C. Fluorine is converted to hydrogen fluoride (HF) during the combustion process. At high temperatures, HF will react with almost all materials. Proper selection of the refractory material used by the thermal oxidizer is essential for long‐term use, and to protect the metal shell from corrosion. Selection criteria should include analysis of chemical composition, physical properties, morphology, and bonding phases. A high alumina brick from a thermal oxidizer was analyzed after it had been in service for one year. The brick surface underwent significant changes of its chemical and micro‐structural compositions. Silica in the mullite phase had reacted with HF, leaving only corundum. In the inner part of the brick, both mullite and corundum crystals still existed. Refractory selection guidelines are suggested.
Do bio‐based products move us toward sustainability? A look at three USEPA case studies
Authors: Curran Mary Ann
Published: April 2004

The movement to buy “environmentally‐friendly” products was recently reinvigorated by the signing of the 2002 Farm Act that requires all federal agencies to give preference to products made, in whole or significant part, from biobased material. This paper addresses the reality behind widely held beliefs regarding “green” issues, and shows how complex it can be to choose among alternative products. Examples are presented in which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) used diff e rent approaches, all based on life cycle assessment (LCA), to evaluate the environmental trade ‐offs of bio‐based alternatives. These examples incorporate various combinations of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA).

The first example presents results of a USEPA Office of Research & Development (ORD) project called the Framework for Responsible Environmental Decision‐Making (FRED). The FRED framework uses a set of impact categories in an LCIA. Motor oil, wall insulation, and asphalt coating alternatives were all studied using FRED. The second example is a pilot study in the USEPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program. Using a mix of LCI and LCIA, transformer oil and hard surface cleaner alternatives were evaluated. Finally, the paper presents preliminary LCI results of another ORD effort comparing fuel additives ethanol and MTBE. These examples demonstrate that the move to bio‐based products is not an across ‐ the ‐ board “win” for the environment. While LCAs cannot, at this time, provide a definitive answer as to the preferability of bio‐based products, it is the best tool to identify environmental tradeoffs, thereby providing additional information to support decision‐making.
Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis recovery after liver transplantation: A preliminary prospective study
Authors: Bassanello Marco , De Palo Elio Franco , Lancerin Federica , Vitale Alessandro , Gatti Rosalba , Montin Umberto , Ciarleglio Francesco Antonio , Senzolo Marco , Burra Patrizia , Brolese Alberto , Zanus Giacomo , D’Amico Davide Francesco , Cillo Umberto
Published: April 2004

Many studies on cirrhotic patients have shown that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plasma levels are related to the severity of liver dysfunction. This result suggests that IGF-1 is probably useful for monitoring liver function in the perioperative course of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Growth hormone (GH), IGF-1 plasma levels, and routine liver function tests were measured in 15 adult cirrhotic patients undergoing OLT. Measurements were made at the beginning of the operation; during OLT; 24 hours after reperfusion; and in the morning on days 7, 30, and 90. Twenty age-matched healthy volunteers with normal liver function served as controls. The study group had significantly higher GH levels and lower IGF-1 levels in the preoperative period compared with the controls. All patients achieved a complete functional hepatic recovery 1 month after OLT, although in 6 of them, the graft had an initial poor function (Group-IPF). GH and IGF-1 levels achieved near normal range within 1 week after OLT, and they had no significant correlations with other routine biochemistry tests in this period. IGF-1 levels in Group-IPF rose more slowly than in the group with a normal recovery of graft function. Surprisingly, 24 hours after reperfusion, IGF-1 levels were higher in Group-IPF than in the group with normal graft function. In conclusion, the severe GH/IGF-1 axis impairment found in patients with end-stage cirrhosis reverted very rapidly in the first days after successful OLT. Such a quick, postoperative modulation of IGF-1 plasma level by the graft suggests that this hormone has the potential to become one of the early indicators of post-OLT liver function recovery. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:692-698.)
Direct bile duct visualization during the preparation of split livers
Authors: Balzan Silvio , Farges Olivier , Sommacale Daniele , Dondero Federica , Plasse Maryléne , Belghiti Jacques
Published: April 2004

The split-liver technique is an important means to alleviating donor shortage. Its development is, at least in part, hindered by the risk of biliary complications, particularly when splitting is performed ex situ. We present a simple technique aimed at improving the identification of the biliary anatomy at the hilar level and the safety of the procedure. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:703-705.)
The development of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in patients on a liver transplant list: Frequency, size, and assessment of current screening methods
Authors: Van Thiel David H. , Yong Sherri , Li David S. , Kennedy Marc , Brems John
Published: April 2004

Chronic end stage liver disease is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation. Individuals with end stage cirrhosis, and therefore individuals on liver transplant lists, are at increased risk of developing a hepatic cancer. Those individuals on liver transplant lists also may represent the best group available for evaluating the current methods for screening and surveillance for the development of hepatic cancer as an examination of the explant liver provides a gold standard for tumor assessment. Assuming that only tumor free individuals were screened at the onset of this study, the data obtained enables one to determine the frequency of new hepatic cancers since listing and evaluate the positive and negative predictive values of each assessment method over the surveillance interval. All patients listed for liver transplantation with end stage chronic liver disease, who did not have a hepatoma at the time of transplant listing, were followed and assessed for the development of a hepatic cancer while on the waiting list. The screening techniques utilized included quarterly α fetoprotein (αFP) determinations and ultrasound (US) studies as well as semi-annual triple phase computed tomography (CT) scans of the liver. αFP failed to identify any cases of de novo hepatic cancer in patients waiting for a liver transplant. In contrast, US and especially CT scanning with intravenous contrast identified new hepatic masses. The later method, which identified early enhancing mass lesions, was the more valuable method at identifying masses that subsequently were shown by pathologic examination of the explant liver to be hepatic cancers. However, only 14 of 20 individuals found to have a de novo tumor were identified by this method. Once identified however, the treatments utilized for hepatic tumor ablation while waiting for a transplant appear to be effective with a mean of 57.8±8.3% necrosis of the treated masses being identified at the time of explant examination. In conclusion these data suggest that:
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Lessons from the first year under the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) organ allocation policy
Authors: Yao Francis Y. , Bass Nathan M. , Ascher Nancy L. , Roberts John P.
Published: April 2004

We examined the impact of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) organ allocation scheme on 44 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) between February 2002 and January 2003, and compared the outcome with 58 patients listed in the 4 years before MELD implementation. Patients undergoing living-donor liver transplantation were excluded. The Kaplan-Meier probabilities for OLT at 3, 6, and up to 8.5 months were 22.5%, 64.0%, and 88.0%, respectively, under MELD versus 17.2%, 24.7%, and 35.8% at 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively, in the pre-MELD group (P = .0006). In Cox regression analysis, non-O blood group (hazard ratio 2.5; P = .047 versus blood group O) and 3 tumor nodules (hazard ratio 5.5; P = .005) were associated with a significantly higher probability for OLT under MELD. The probabilities of dropout were 5.6% at 6 and 8.5 months under MELD versus 7.2% and 37.8% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, in the pre-MELD group (P = .74). The lack of a significant difference in dropout may be due to low dropout rates in the first 6 months in either group. No HCC was found in the explant in 1 patient from each group. In conclusion, the HCC-adjusted MELD system significantly improved the probability of timely OLT, albeit a significant disadvantage for blood group O was evident. Compared with preliminary UNOS data, in which 90% of patients with HCC have received OLT within 3 months, our results reflect the wide regional variation in the impact of MELD. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:621-630)
Mapping of bovine skeletal muscle proteins using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry
Authors: Bouley Julien , Chambon Christophe , Picard Brigitte
Published: April 2004

The large individual variation in meat quality seen both within and between animals is not fully understood. Consequently, our long‐term goal is to identify reliable proteins which control or determine bovine meat quality. Using a proteomic approach, bovine skeletal muscle samples were analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) using an immobilized pH 4–7 gradient in the first dimension and mass spectrometry. We first tested the reproducibility of the method. These experiments showed slightly greater intersample than intrasample variability. In order to evaluate the type of visualized proteins in 2‐DE, we initiated the construction of a protein reference map of bovine Semitendinosus muscle. In total, 129 protein spots corresponding to 75 different gene products were identified. Of these proteins, the largest portion is involved in metabolism (25.5%), cell structure (17%), cell defense (16%) and contractile apparatus (14.5%). One quarter of the identified proteins are represented by two or several protein spots and multiple isoforms of troponin T are present. Peptide mass fingerprint results indicate that these isoforms are partly generated by alternative splicing. The data presented here are an important step for further proteome analyses on bovine muscle. This may lead to progress in understanding the mechanisms controlling postmortem muscle metabolism and meat quality.
Proteomic analysis of adipocyte differentiation: Evidence that α2 macroglobulin is involved in the adipose conversion of 3T3 L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Choi Kai‐Luk , Wang Yu , Tse Cynthia A. , Lam Karen S. L. , Cooper Garth J. S. , Xu Aimin
Published: April 2004

Adipogenesis is an important aspect of energy homeostasis. Here we have used a differential proteome mapping strategy to identify intracellular proteins that are differentially expressed during adipose conversion of 3T3 L1 preadipocytes. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis identified 8 proteins that are induced following hormone‐evoked differentiation. In addition, we found that a α2 macroglobulin fragment was abundantly present in 3T3 L1 preadipocytes, but was virtually undetectable in fully differentiated adipocytes. Metabolic radiolabeling with (35S)methionine and Northern blot analysis indicated that the intracellular α2 macroglobulin fragment in preadipocytes was derived from the extracellular culture medium, not de novo synthesis. Incubation of preadipocytes with an antiα2 macroglobulin polyclonal antibody caused depletion of the intracellular α2 macroglobulin fragments, and also enhanced spontaneous adipose conversion. These results suggest that intracellular α2 macroglobulin fragment inhibits adipocyte differentiation, and that hormone treatment induces differentiation at least in part by suppression of intracellular α2 macroglobulin activity in 3T3 L1 preadipocytes.
Persistent current oscillations in a series‐coupled double quantum dot embedded in a mesoscopic ring
Authors: Wu Shaoquan , Sun Weili , Wang Shunjin , Yu Wanlun
Published: April 2004

The properties of the ground state of a series‐coupled double quantum dot embedded in a mesoscopic ring in the Kondo regime are studied theoretically by means of a two‐impurity Anderson Hamiltonian. The Hamiltonian is solved by means of the slave‐boson mean‐field theory. It is shown that two dots can be coupled coherently, which is reflected in the appearance of parity effects and the complex current–phase relation in this system. So this system might be a possible candidate for future device applications. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probabilistic model‐set identification not assuming plant linearity
Authors: Oishi Yasuaki , Kimura Hidenori
Published: April 2004

A model‐set identification algorithm is proposed in a probabilistic framework with its performance guarantee based on a leave‐one‐out technique. This algorithm provides a nominal model and a bound of its uncertainty for a provided plant assuming that the effect of past inputs decays with a known bound. Because it does not require further assumptions such as plant linearity and Gaussian noise, a risk to make inappropriate assumptions is small. The number of assumptions is shown to be minimum in the sense that identification is impossible after removing the assumption made here. Extension of the result is discussed in several directions. A simple plant is identified with the proposed algorithm for illustration. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Paradox of “Warlord” Democracy: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: LEONARD WANTCHEKON
Published: April 2004

Political theorists from Machiavelli to Huntington have denied the possibility of popular government arising out of the chaos of civil war, instead prescribing an intermediate stage of one-man rule by a Prince, Leviathan, or a military dictator. Based on recent empirical evidence of post-civil war democratization in El Salvador, Mozambique, and elsewhere, I show that democracy can arise directly from anarchy. Predatory warring factions choose the citizenry and democratic procedures over a Leviathan when (1) their economic interests depend on productive investment by the citizens, (2) citizens' political preferences ensure that power allocation will be less biased under democracy than under a Leviathan, and (3) there is an external agency (e.g., the United Nations) that mediates and supervises joint disarmament and state-building. Ultimately, I discuss the implications of this argument for the basic intuitions of classical political theory and contemporary social theory regarding democratization and authoritarianism.
Citizens, Slaves, and Foreigners: Aristotle on Human Nature
Authors: FRANK JILL
Published: April 2004

To most readers, Aristotle's many references to nature throughout the first book of thePoliticsimply a foundational role for nature outside and prior to politics. Aristotle, they claim, pairs nature with necessity and, thus, sets nature as a standard that fixes the boundaries of inclusion and exclusion in political life. Through readings of Aristotle on the nature of citizens, slaves, and foreigners in thePolitics, this essay argues, in contrast, that, to Aristotle, nature, especially human nature, is changeable and shaped by politics. Through an analysis of Aristotle's philosophical and scientific treatments of nature in theMetaphysicsandPhysics, this essay demonstrates that in order to preserve what he takes to be characteristic and also constitutive of a distinctively human way of living—prohaireticactivity—Aristotle is especially keen to guard against any assimilation of nature to necessity.
Bring ART into the ACT
Authors: Grossberg Stephen
Published: April 2004

ACT is compared with a particular type of connectionist model that cannot handle symbols and use nonbiological operations which do not learn in real time. This focus continues an unfortunate trend of straw man debates in cognitive science. Adaptive Resonance Theory, or ART-neural models of cognition can handle both symbols and subsymbolic representations, and meet the Newell criteria at least as well as connectionist models.
Real-world behavior as a constraint on the cognitive architecture: Comparing ACT-R and DAC in the Newell Test
Authors: Verschure Paul F. M. J.
Published: April 2004

The Newell Test is an important step in advancing our understanding of cognition. One critical constraint is missing from this test: A cognitive architecture must be self-contained. ACT-R and connectionism fail on this account. I present an alternative proposal, called Distributed Adaptive Control (DAC), and expose it to the Newell Test with the goal of achieving a clearer specification of the different constraints and their relationships, as proposed by Anderson & Lebiere (A&L).
Comparison of caudal vs intravenous tramadol administered either preoperatively or postoperatively for pain relief in boys
Authors: Güneş Yasemin , Gündüz Murat , Ünlügenç Hakki , Özalevli Mehmet , Özcengiz Dilek
Published: April 2004

Background : In this study we compared caudal with intravenous (i.v.) tramadol given pre‐ or postoperatively for pain relief in boys having hypospadias repair.

Methods : The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and informed written consent was obtained from the parents of each patient. Patients (n = 134), aged 1–3 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, scheduled for hypospadias surgery were recruited. The patients were randomly allocated to one of the four groups: group I (n = 33), received 2 mg·kg−1 (0.5 ml·kg−1) of caudal tramadol after the surgical procedure was completed, group II (n = 33) received 2 mg·kg−1 (0.5 ml·kg−1) of caudal tramadol before incision, group III (n = 34) received 2 mg·kg−1 tramadol intravenously, after surgery and group IV (n = 34) received 2 mg·kg−1 tramadol intravenously, after anaesthesia induction. When the patients were fully awake in the recovery area, heart rate, arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pain and sedation scores were recorded at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 min, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively and side‐effects were noted. Pain was assessed using an objective pain score (OPS).

Results : The OPS were lower in caudal tramadol groups than in i.v. tramadol groups only at 3 h (P < 0.05). The duration of postoperative analgesia was longer in the caudal groups than in the i.v. groups (P = 0.001). However, the duration of postoperative analgesia was unaffected by the timing of administration.

Conclusions : Caudal tramadol provides better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia than i.v. tramadol. These results also suggest that preoperative caudal tramadol did not provide any clinically perceptible benefits compared with postoperative caudal tramadol.