bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the developmental Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway is up‐regulated in chronic lung fibrosis and the Shh receptor patched 1 is present in circulating T lymphocytes
Authors: Stewart Gareth A , Hoyne Gerard F , Ahmad Sharon A , Jarman Elizabeth , Wallace William AH , Harrison David J , Haslett Christopher , Lamb Jonathan R , Howie Sarah EM
Published: March 2003

During pulmonary development, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) signalling both contribute to branching morphogenesis. In interstitial lung disease, the complex alveolar structure of the lung is disrupted and remodelled, which leads to fibrosis, loss of respiratory surface, morbidity, and mortality. It is well documented that TGF‐β1 is involved in fibrosis. However, little is known about Shh signalling in damaged epithelia. This study examined whether or not components of the Shh signalling pathway, as well as TGF‐β1, are expressed in human fibrotic lung disease (cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and bronchiectasis) and in murine experimental models of fibrotic and non‐fibrotic chronic pulmonary inflammation. Using immunohistochemistry, it was observed that Shh, like TGF‐β1, is up‐regulated in epithelial cells at sites of fibrotic disease but not non‐fibrotic inflammation. The Shh receptor patched was detected in infiltrating mononuclear cells and alveolar macrophages, as well as normal resting peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Neither Shh nor patched is expressed by hyperproliferative goblet cells in inflammatory epithelium. This study demonstrates that patched is present in human peripheral CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes at both protein and mRNA levels. Taken together, these results suggest that components of the highly conserved Shh signalling pathway may play a role in the remodelling of damaged pulmonary epithelium and that damaged epithelium and cells of the immune system may communicate via this pathway. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maspin expression in invasive breast cancer: association with other prognostic factors
Authors: Mohsin Syed K , Zhang Ming , Clark Gary M , Craig Allred D
Published: March 2003

Maspin is a unique serine protease inhibitor with a molecular weight of 42 kDa. It has been shown to inhibit tumour cell motility and invasion in cell culture, and tumour growth and metastasis in animal models. There is very limited data on the prognostic utility of maspin in human breast cancer. We performed a preliminary study to assess the associations of maspin with other established prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer (IBC). 1068 paraffin‐embedded IBCs were immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal antibody to maspin. A nuclear signal was present in 96% and a cytoplasmic signal in 35% of the cases. Nuclear staining was related to oestrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positivity (p < 0.0001), but not to S‐phase fraction (SPF) or ploidy. Cytoplasmic staining was related to ER and PR negativity (p < 0.0001), high SPF (p < 0.0001), and aneuploidy (p = 0.003). Thus, maspin nuclear staining was significantly associated with good prognostic factors, while cytoplasmic staining was associated with poor prognostic markers. These findings suggest that the presence of maspin in two different compartments of the cell may have different biological and clinical implications. Additional studies are needed to evaluate further this expression profile of maspin in breast cancer. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mucolipidosis III type C: first‐trimester biochemical and molecular prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Falik‐Zaccai T. C. , Zeigler M. , Bargal R. , Bach G. , Borochowitz Z. , Raas‐Rothschild A.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

Mucolipidosis IIIC (MLIIIC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease resulting from defective mannose 6‐phosphate‐dependent lysosomal enzyme trafficking; mutations of the γ subunit of N‐acetylglucosamine‐1 phosphotransferase (GINAcPT) were recently found to cause its pathogenesis. We report here for the first time prenatal diagnosis (PND) for MLIIIC by means of chorionic villous sampling (CVS).

Methods and Results

A fetus in a large Bedouin‐Moslem family was found to be homozygous for the founder haplotype and the mutational SSCP pattern of MLIIIC. The diagnosis was confirmed by markedly reduced lysosomal enzyme activities in cultured chorionic villi. The molecular identification of the disease‐causing mutation in this large Bedouin‐Moslem kindred permitted, for the first time, identification of carriers and couples at risk.

Conclusions

The feasibility of early PND for a progressive disabling disease is important for its prevention. Nevertheless, the feasibility of PND raises a serious dilemma since affected individuals might have a variable phenotype and the disease is progressive and non‐lethal. In addition, religious and social constraints are important factors to be taken into consideration in the genetic counseling of couples at risk. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Huntington disease–unaffected fetus diagnosed from maternal plasma using QF‐PCR
Authors: González‐González M. C. , Trujillo M. J. , Rodríguez de Alba M. , García‐Hoyos M. , Lorda‐Sánchez I. , Díaz‐Recasens J. , Ayuso C. , Ramos C.
Published: March 2003

The discovery of fetal DNA in maternal plasma from early pregnancies has led to new opportunities for clinical application. In the last few years there have been numerous reported applications, mainly fetal gender and RhD genotyping. The prenatal diagnosis of some inherited genetic diseases such as Huntington disease is also very frequently required in the prenatal diagnosis routine. We have successfully diagnosed, with a non‐invasive procedure, an unaffected HD fetus at the 13th week of gestation using fetal DNA from maternal plasma and the quantitative fluorescent PCR method, which is one of the most sensitive ways to detect fetal DNA in maternal plasma at such an early time of gestation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐producing philanthropic knowledge in African American communities
Authors: Rogers Pier C.
Published: March 2003

The co‐production of knowledge model elucidates unexplored issues in African American philanthropy and proposes strategies for incorporating diverse philanthropic traditions into the overall practice of giving in African American philanthropy.
Philanthropy and American Indians: Ancient traditions meet modern giving
Authors: Peck Kay C.
Published: March 2003

The concept of philanthropy is as ancient to American Indians as the caring cultures that enabled this continent's native populations to survive and thrive for millennia before the arrival of Europeans.
Short‐circuit current of solar cells under artificial light
Authors: Ortega Pablo , Silvestre Santiago , Castañer Luis
Published: March 2003

A model to estimate the short‐circuit current of a solar cell under artificial light from the short‐circuit current of the same solar cell under AM1.5 1 kW/m2is described. The results may help designers of solar‐powered portable equipment and consumer products working indoors or under a mixture of artificial and sunlight. It is concluded that the ratio of the short‐circuit currents of the same solar cell generated under fluorescent light of 1 lux illuminance divided by the short‐circuit current generated under standard 1 Sun AM1.5 conditions is around 3 × 10−6for typical crystalline silicon and CIS solar cells. This value is one order of magnitude greater if the light source considered is an incandescent lamp. In the case of amorphous silicon solar cells the value of the ratio is close to 8 × 10−6either for fluorescent or incandescent lamps. CdTe solar cells are also considered, and this factor is about 4 × 10−6under fluorescent light, and four times bigger when an incandescent lamp is used. Some measurements performed validate the figures obtained. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)–vermiculite nanocomposites
Authors: Xu J. , Meng Y. Z. , Li R. K. Y. , Xu Y. , Rajulu A. V.
Published: March 2003

A vermiculite (VMT) dispersion in water was blended with aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The properties of the PVA–VMT nanocomposites greatly depended on the preparation procedure because of the chemical reactions and physical interactions involved. The samples were prepared in two steps to investigate the properties of the PVA–VMT nanocomposites. The VMT was first pretreated and delaminated with hydrochloric acid. The delaminated VMT was then added to the PVA solution with various mixing times. The structure and properties of the films were investigated. From X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the VMT layers were found to be well dispersed individually in the PVA–VMT blends. The effect of the VMT content on the thermal behavior of the PVA–VMT blends was also studied with differential scanning calorimetry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 749–755, 2003
Patient barriers to optimal cancer pain control
Authors: Potter Victoria T. , Wiseman C. Elke , Dunn Stewart M. , Boyle Frances M.
Published: March 2003

Poorly controlled pain is a significant problem for cancer patients. Contributing factors may include concerns about analgesics and fears about the implications of pain, which may hinder open communication. We surveyed the prevalence of these concerns in Australian oncology patients and investigated associations with inadequate pain control. Ninety‐three adult patients with cancer, undergoing treatment at a teaching hospital, completed the patient barriers questionnaire (BQ) and a self‐report questionnaire to determine pain severity, interference with daily activities, use of analgesics and alternative therapies, and hesitation to report pain. Overall, there was a high prevalence of agreement with the BQ scales assessing concerns about communication and analgesic use. One‐third of patients had clinically significant pain, which interfered with daily activities, despite use of analgesics. They were more likely to use alternative therapies for pain control, to hesitate to discuss their pain, and had significantly greater concerns about side effects of analgesics and injections. Our study confirms that patient barriers exist in this Australian population and are associated with inadequate pain control. Oncology staff need to actively screen for pain, particularly targeting patients using alternative therapies and experiencing side effects, develop communication and prescribing skills, and diversify pain management approaches beyond analgesics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial and demographic predictors of quality of life in a large sample of cancer patients
Authors: Parker Patricia A. , Baile Walter F. , Moor Carl de , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: March 2003

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on understanding how the cancer experience affects individuals' quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to assess the QOL and to identify psychosocial predictors of QOL among a large sample of patients with a variety of cancers. Specifically, we assessed the unique contribution of demographic variables, medical variables, and social support on patients' QOL and psychological adjustment. Three hundred and fifty‐one participants completed measures of social support, depression, anxiety, and QOL at their follow‐up medical visits. Analyses indicated that patients who were older and had better social support reported less anxiety (p<0.001), and patients who were older, married or who had more social support reported less depressive symptoms (p<0.01). Men, individuals whose cancer had not recurred, and those not undergoing active treatment reported better QOL in the physical health domain (p<0.05). Patients who were older, married, with more formal education, less advanced disease, and better social support reported better QOL in the mental health domain (p<0.05). Demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, education) were generally associated with measures of adjustment and QOL whereas medical variables (time since diagnosis, recurrence status, treatment variables, stage of disease) were not. Patients with more support reported less anxiety and depression and better QOL in the mental health domain, independent of demographic and medical variables. Assessing patients' level of social support may help to identify patients at risk for distress. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and use of sputum induction in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Suri Ranjan , Marshall Lindsay J. , Wallis Colin , Metcalfe Christopher , Shute Janis K. , Bush Andrew
Published: March 2003

We assessed the safety and use of induced sputum (IS) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Forty‐eight children (19 males) with CF, mean age 12.6 (range, 7.3–17.0) years and median forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 48% (range, 14–77%) predicted were recruited. Patients spontaneously expectorated sputum and then performed sputum induction by inhalation of nebulized 7% hypertonic saline. Samples were sent for bacteriological culture, and for measurement of the following inflammatory mediators: interleukin‐8, myeloperoxidase, eosinophil cationic protein, and neutrophil elastase activity. FEV1 was performed before and after inhalation of hypertonic saline. There was no increase in mediator levels in IS compared to expectorated sputum (ES) samples. Only 3 patients demonstrated significant bronchoconstriction following inhalation of hypertonic saline, by the method used. From the ES samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 13 patients, Staphylococcus aureus in 7 patients, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in 1 patient, and both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in 5 patients. All these organisms were found in the IS samples. However, in 2 patients whose ES grew no organisms, one patient's IS grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the other patient's IS grew Staphylococcus aureus. In our study, sputum induction was safe, with no proinflammatory effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:309–313. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Charge transport and metal–insulator transition in correlated and disordered systems
Authors: Michalik M. , Wysokiński K. I.
Published: March 2003

The metal–insulator transition induced by sufficiently strong short range repulsive electron–electron interaction U is called Mott–Hubbard transition. In this work we study the effect of disorder on the critical value of the repulsion Uc. The Hubbard model with random site energies to describe the correlated and disordered system has been used. The Kotliar–Ruckenstein slave‐boson technique to treat correlations and coherent potential approximation (CPA) to deal with disorder have been applied. We have found that the low temperature conductivity is an increasing or decreasing function of U depending on the carrier concentration. The critical value Uc for metal–insulator transition is decreasing function of the disorder strength.
Phase transitions in Sm1–xSrxMnO3 single crystals (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8)
Authors: Ivanov V. Yu. , Mukhin A. A. , Prokhorov A. S. , Balbashov A. M.
Published: March 2003

Magnetic and electrical properties of Sm1–xSrxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) single crystals have been studied and the T – x phase diagram has been revised. The compensation points of spontaneous weak ferromagnetic moment have been observed for pure SmMnO3 and for low doped compositions (0 ≤ x < 0.05). For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.475 the ferromagnetic ordering occurs as a first‐order phase transition. It is shown that in a magnetic field the temperature of this transition increases and the transition becomes broader, which results in the appearance of a critical point (Tcr ∼ 193 K, Hcr ∼ 68 kOe for x = 0.45). Another transition, accompanied by a reduction of magnetization and noticeable anisotropy of magnetization curves, has been observed at low temperature Ts ∼ 40 K. Below the Neel temperature, a pure antiferromagnetic state without spontaneous magnetization has been observed for 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.575, while for 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.675 an additional low‐temperature transition to a new phase with a non‐zero weak‐ferromagnetic moment has been found.
One‐carbon unit transfer quantum study of 1,10‐CH+‐tetrahydroquinoxaline analog
Authors: Chuan‐Song Qi , Da‐Cheng Feng , Cong‐Min Kang , Zheng‐Ting Cai
Published: March 2003

Quantum mechanics is used in this article to study one‐carbon unit's transfer from 1,10‐tetrahydroquinoxaline analog to methylamine. The computation result shows this reaction can be completed via two paths. Each path experiences two processes of proton transferring and bond rupturing. The structures and energies of all possible stationary points have been calculated by different methods. By analyzing the result, we can find that along the reaction route the proton transfer reaction has the highest energy barrier, which indicates that a general‐acid catalysis exists in this reaction. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
High‐throughput cytochrome P450 inhibition assays by ultrafast gradient liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using monolithic columns
Authors: Peng Sean X. , Barbone Arminda G. , Ritchie David M.
Published: March 2003

A generic method employing ultrafast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was developed and employed for routine screening of drug candidates for inhibition of five major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2. The method utilized a monolithic silica rod column to allow fast flow rates to significantly reduce chromatographic run time. The major metabolites of six CYP‐specific probe substrates for the five P450 isoforms were monitored and quantified to determine IC50 values of five drug compounds against each P450 isozyme. Human liver microsomal incubation samples at each test compound concentration were combined and analyzed simultaneously by the LC/MS/MS method. Each pooled sample containing six substrates and an internal standard was separated and detected in only 24 seconds. The combination of ultrafast chromatography and sample pooling techniques has significantly increased sample throughput and shortened assay turnaround time, allowing a large number of compounds to be screened rapidly for potential P450 inhibitory activity, to aid in compound selection and optimization in drug discovery. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐column infusion study of the ‘dosing vehicle effect’ in the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric analysis of discovery pharmacokinetic samples
Authors: Shou Wilson Z. , Naidong Weng
Published: March 2003

It has become increasingly popular in drug development to conduct discovery pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in order to evaluate important PK parameters of new chemical entities (NCEs) early in the discovery process. In these studies, dosing vehicles are typically employed in high concentrations to dissolve the test compounds in dose formulations. This can pose significant problems for the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analysis of incurred samples due to potential signal suppression of the analytes caused by the vehicles. In this paper, model test compounds in rat plasma were analyzed using a generic fast gradient LC/MS/MS method. Commonly used dosing vehicles, including poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400), polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide, were fortified into rat plasma at 5 mg/mL before extraction. Their effects on the sample analysis results were evaluated by the method of post‐column infusion. Results thus obtained indicated that polymeric vehicles such as PEG 400 and Tween 80 caused significant suppression (> 50%, compared with results obtained from plasma samples free from vehicles) to certain analytes, when minimum sample cleanup was used and the analytes happened to co‐elute with the vehicles. Effective means to minimize this ‘dosing vehicle effect’ included better chromatographic separations, better sample cleanup, and alternative ionization methods. Finally, a real‐world example is given to illustrate the suppression problem posed by high levels of PEG 400 in sample analysis, and to discuss steps taken in overcoming the problem. A simple but effective means of identifying a ‘dosing vehicle effect’ is also proposed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation, growth mechanism and packing sequences of binary alloy cluster anions from laser ablation of mixtures of lead and transition metals
Authors: Zhang Xia , Tang Zichao , Gao Zhen
Published: March 2003

By using laser ablation of the mixtures of a transition metal (M: Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag) plus lead, M/Pb binary cluster anions were observed except for Zn, and the number of transition metal atoms contained in the binary clusters is at most 4. This behavior is different from that reported previously for M/Ge binary clusters. The experiments indicate that it is also very difficult to form Al/Pb clusters. The distribution patterns of M/Pb binary alloy cluster anions are remarkably similar to those of pure Pb clusters, consistent with a formation mechanism in which transition metal atoms are sequentially attached to [Mx−1Pby]− clusters and thus form [MxPby]− clusters by a simple condensation process. As the number of transition metal atoms increases, the intensities of binary clusters gradually decrease. It is proposed that [MPb4]− and [MPb5]− cluster anions might be the unit building blocks of M/Pb binary cluster anions, and the layer packing sequences for magic clusters are predicted on this basis. The [MxPby]− binary clusters containing 13 atoms (x + y = 13; x ≠ 0) are proposed to have an icosahedral structure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying association rules to information navigation
Authors: Oyama Satoshi , Ishida Toru
Published: March 2003

In this paper, an information navigation agent is proposed as a new interface for obtaining Web information in a mobile environment. A central task of information retrieval systems developed up to now has been to narrow down a great deal of information by displaying search results to a user, followed by refinement of queries on the basis of these results. These have been methods suitable for use in a desktop environment. In contrast, the authors' agent can navigate toward incrementally better information by generating approximating solutions based on constraints on the attributes of the search object and obtaining further information by dialogue with the user. A scheme in which the agent resolves search conditions by using association rules between keywords and adds new search conditions has been proposed. In addition, since a navigation failure occurs if the association rules are used inappropriately, refining the association rules by using statistical tests and graphic analyses has been proposed and its effectiveness has been verified. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(4): 12–20, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10120
Lung area extraction from 3D chest X‐ray CT images using a shape model generated by a variable Bézier surface
Authors: Kitasaka Takayuki , Mori Kensaku , Hasegawa Jun‐ichi , Toriwaki Jun‐ichiro
Published: March 2003

The lung area extraction from 3D chest X‐ray CT images is an important function in performing computer diagnosis of lung cancer, etc. using CT images. In the conventional lung area extraction methods, when the lesions contact with the chest wall and mediastinum, there is a problem that defects will occur in the extracted lung area. In this paper, to deal with this problem, we will describe a lung area extraction method using a shape model. Concretely, the contour shape is modeled by using a Bézier surface and is made to fit for the contour surface of the individual input images by deformation manipulation based on the affine transformation and active contour model. Using this model, the aforementioned defects of the lung area due to lesions contacting with the wall should be corrected satisfactorily. In the experiments, we show, by applying the proposed technique to 3D chest X‐ray CT images, that the lung area can be extracted satisfactorily in cases in which the aforementioned lesions exist. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(4): 60–71, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1201
Review: Automatic Model Reduction for Transient Simulation of MEMS‐based Devices
Authors: Rudnyi Evgenii B. , Korvink Jan G.
Published: March 2003

The rapid development of MEMS‐based devices requires 3D time‐dependent simulations for coupled physical domains (thermal, mechanical, electrical, etc.). This in turn requires the solution of high‐dimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that result from space discretization of the device. However, instead of a “brute force” approach to integrate a large system of ODEs, one can use modern mathematical methods to reduce the system's dimension. The goal of the present paper is to review them from an engineering perspective. It is shown that in many cases important for practice the order of ODEs can be reduced by several orders of magnitude almost without sacrificing precision.
A Bayesian analysis of pharmacoeconomic data from a clinical trial on schizophrenia
Authors: Petit Claude , Maccario Jean
Published: March 2003

Pharmacoeconomic studies are performed in a higher frequency to assess the economic interest of new drugs. However, a standard methodology does not still completely exist. We present here the principles and results of a cost‐effectiveness Bayesian analysis on data from 146 patients (interim analysis) collected during a clinical trial. This trial was originally planned to enrol 245 patients with predominantly negative schizophrenia symptoms and involved four treatment groups (a new treatment given at low dose and high dose, a comparator and a placebo). First, some prior distributions of the cost‐effectiveness ratio were numerically deduced from the effectiveness parameter clinical priors (based on investigators' opinions and questionnaires before going to blind breaking) and from cost function priors. The costs taken into account were hospitalizations, sick leave days, treatments, visits to the doctor, laboratory exams and suicide attempts. The effectiveness parameter was the change from baseline on SANS (scale for the assessment of negative symptoms). Posterior distributions were elaborated for the cost‐effectiveness ratio by combining the cost‐effectiveness ratio priors and likelihood together using the Bayes theorem. Results lead to a conclusion in favour of the new treatment given at high dose. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of systems research and operational research in community involvement: a case study of a health action zone
Authors: White Leroy
Published: March 2003

In recent years community involvement and increasingly local partnerships with community groups have become central themes in debates and policies surrounding urban regeneration. The paper attempts to explore the contribution that operational research and systems research could make to these debates. The potential contribution will be illustrated by a case study on developing community involvement in the context of a local area health initiative, namely the Health Action Zone Programme. The case study describes work undertaken over a period of two years, ending in April 2001, and reflects on how community involvement as a strategy was formed through paying attention to local relationships, and institutions. A range of participatory techniques was used as well as methods from operational research and the systems field. A framework for community involvement was developed from the work and will be presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line fault/damage detection schemes for mechanical and structural systems
Authors: Demetriou Michael A. , Hou Zhikun
Published: March 2003

On‐line monitoring has become an attractive approach to detecting faults in a system during its service time. Once a fault is detected, necessary measures can be employed to ensure satisfactory system performance and to prevent drastic economic loss that may be caused by the fault. This paper presents a performance study of two fault detection/diagnosis approaches, namely the wavelet‐based and the neural‐network‐based on‐line schemes. A brief summary of the wavelet‐based approach and two theorems on the neural‐network‐based on‐line approximation scheme are given. The schemes are illustrated for a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) oscillator and a three‐degree‐of‐freedom mechanical system with damageable springs. Only harmonic excitations and abrupt changes in the system stiffness due to breakage of springs caused by the first passage of a threshold value are considered. Extensive numerical studies show that both approaches may be successfully implemented on‐line to detect the times when faults occurred and to locate regions where faults occurred. In addition, the on‐line neural network scheme is able to provide diagnosis of the fault by correctly identifying the stiffness change. In contrast to the neural‐network‐based on‐line approximation, where information on the healthy system and both displacement and velocity response measurements are required, the wavelet approach seems less model‐dependent and only the acceleration measurement is required. This study demonstrates the great promise of these schemes for on‐line structural health monitoring. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘virtual’ cervical internal os: diagnosis during the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Shalev J. , Mashiach R. , Bar‐Chava I. , Kaplan B. , Bar J. , Orvieto R. , Meizner I.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the appropriate time during gestation for assessing the cervix for possible incompetence by ascertaining the gestational week at which the sac reaches the level of the internal os.

Methods

Three hundred and eighteen women with an intact singleton pregnancy at 5 to 15 weeks' gestation underwent endovaginal sonographic examination to measure the distance between the gestational sac and the cervical internal os. The change in location of the gestational sac in the endometrial cavity over time, and the earliest gestational week at which the gestational sac reached the level of the internal os, were calculated and analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

The distance between the gestational sac and the ‘virtual’ cervical internal os decreased from a mean of 4.72 cm at 5 weeks to 1.71 cm at 13 weeks. This distance decreased significantly during the early first trimester (weeks 5 to 7) (P = 0.004), but remained almost unchanged from 12 to 15 weeks. Only at 12 weeks' gestation could the entire cervical length be determined and the configuration of the cervical internal os assessed for incompetence.

Conclusions

Transvaginal sonography is a good method for evaluating the cervix during pregnancy. The location of the ‘virtual’ internal os can be determined in the first trimester using the urinary bladder as a reference point. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BaC4O44 — Ein kristallwasserfreies Erdalkaliquadratat mit dreidimensionaler Gerüststruktur und schichtartiger Trennung von Kationen und Anionen
Authors: Köferstein Roberto , Robl Christian
Published: March 2003

BaC4O44 — An Alkaline‐Earth Squarate Free from Water of Crystallization with Three‐dimensional Framework Structure Featuring a Layer‐like Separation of Cations and Anions

Colourless single crystals of BaC4O4 have been obtained from aqueous solution at 80 °C. BaC4O4 is stable in air up to 490 °C. BaCO3 is formed by further increase of temperature. BaC4O4 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm (nr. 140) with a=635.95(5), c=1240.77(13) pm, Z=4. Ba2+ is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms of the squarate dianions; Ba—O 276.1(1) pm. The coordination polyhedron is a distorted, square anti‐prism. The squarate dianions occupy crystallographic mirror planes and posses approximately 4/mmm symmetry; C—C 145.7(5) and 146.5(5) pm, C—O 125.9(3) pm. A layer‐like separation between the cations and anions exists with respect to the [001] direction.
Die Kristallstrukturen der Hexachlorometallate NH4[SbCl6], NH4[WCl6], [K(18‐Krone‐6)(CH2Cl2)]2[WCl6]·6CH2Cl2 und (PPh4)2[WCl6]·4CH3CN
Authors: Lau C. , Dietrich A. , Plate M. , Dierkes P. , Neumüller B. , Wocadlo S. , Massa W. , Harms K. , Dehnicke K.
Published: March 2003

Die Kristallstrukturen der Titelverbindungen werden mit Hilfe von Röntgen‐Einkristall‐Strukturanalysen ermittelt. NH4[SbCl6] und NH4[WCl6] kristallisieren isotyp miteinander in der Raumgruppe C2/c mit vier Formeleinheiten pro Elementarzelle. Die NH4+‐Ionen liegen auf einer zweizähligen Drehachse, die Metallatome der [MCl6]—‐Ionen besetzen ein Inversionszentrum. Es bestehen schwache interionische Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen.

[K(18‐Krone‐6)(CH2Cl2)]2[WCl6]·6CH2Cl2 kristallisiert orthorhombisch in der Raumgruppe R3¯/m mit Z = 3. Die Verbindung bildet zentrosymmetrische Ionentripel, in denen die Kaliumionen mit je einer WCl3‐Fläche koordinieren. In trans‐Position hierzu koordiniert das Cl‐Atom eines CH2Cl2‐Moleküls, so daß zusammen mit den O‐Atomen des Kronenethers Koordinationszahl 10 resultiert.

(PPh4)2[WCl6]·4CH3CN kristallisiert monoklin in der Raumgruppe P21/c mit Z = 4. Auch diese Verbindung bildet zentrosymmetrische Ionentripel, in denen zusätzlich die Acetonitrilmoleküle über schwache C—H···Cl‐Kontakte mit dem [WCl6]2—‐Ion verbunden sind.
Die Zahl der Substitutions‐ und Leerstellenvarianten des NaCl‐Typs bei verdoppelter Elementarzelle (a, b, 2c)
Authors: Sens Irina , Müller Ulrich
Published: March 2003

Mit Hilfe eines Bärnighausen‐Stammbaums von kristallographischen Gruppe‐Untergruppe‐Beziehungen wurden alle Raumgruppen hergeleitet, die auftreten können, wenn im NaCl‐Typ Atome partiell substituiert oder entfernt werden und die Elementarzelle auf a, b, 2c verdoppelt wird. Für jede Raumgruppe wurde berechnet, wie viele verschiedene Strukturtypen für verschiedene chemische Zusammensetzungen auftreten können. Die Zahl der Möglichkeiten nimmt stark zu, je geringer die Raumgruppensymmetrie und je größer die Zahl der symmetrieunabhängigen Lagen der Kationen‐ und Anionenplätze ist. Die Gegenüberstellung mit bekannten Strukturen läßt die herausragende Bedeutung des Symmetrieprinzips in der Kristallchemie erkennen. Vor allem sind solche Strukturen bevorzugt, bei denen Atome einer Sorte möglichst wenig inäquivalente Lagen einnehmen. Dazu gehören Anatas, α‐LiFeO2, SnF4, SrSnP, BaNiSn3, BaCl(OH)(OH2), GdCoC, KNb4O6, LaxNb2O6; mit einiger Verzerrung auch ThCr2Si2, LaNiB2C und LiNCN. Es gibt Strukturmöglichkeiten, für die trotz hoher Symmetrie noch keine Vertreter bekannt sind. Für Verbindungen wie PdAg2O2 oder PdHgO2 werden in Betracht kommende Strukturen vorhergesagt.
Neue Alkalimetall‐halogenopalladate(II) mit Iodeinlagerung — Kristallstrukturen, Phasenübergänge und Spektroskopie
Authors: Heines Peter , Keller Hans‐Lothar , Bouvier Pierre , Hanfland Michael
Published: March 2003

Cs2[PdBr4]I2, Cs2[PdCl4]I2 und Rb2[PdBr4]I2 wurden solvothermal bei 423 K aus verdünnten Halogenwasserstoffsäuren in Form dunkelroter bis schwarzer Kristalle erhalten, die im Raumgruppentyp I4/mmm mit Z = 2 kristallisieren. Die Elementarzellenparameter für Cs2[PdBr4]I2 betragen a = 848, 96(1) pm und c = 908, 53(2) pm, für Cs2[PdCl4]I2 a = 814, 65(2) pm und c = 899, 10(1) pm, und für Rb2[PdBr4]I2 a = 840, 9(1) pm und c = 902, 3(1) pm. Die Verbindungen enthalten isolierte [PdX4]‐Baugruppen (X = Cl, Br), die von eingelagerten Iodmolekülen überkappt werden. Cs2[PdBr4]I2 und Cs2[PdCl4]I2 zeigen druckinduzierte reversible Phasenübergänge oberhalb 78 kbar bzw. 199 kbar.
Tamoxifen and Gallstone Formation in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Akin Mehmet L. , Uluutku Haldun , Erenoglu Cengiz , Karadag Ahmet , Gulluoglu Bahadır M. , Sakar Burak , Celenk Tuncay
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Tamoxifen is being used successfully in breast cancer patients as adjuvant hormonal therapy. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the impact of tamoxifen on gallstone formation in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. A total of 3165 patients who were treated for invasive breast cancer between 1990 and 1997 were reviewed. The data were collected from four university hospitals in a population‐based registry. Among these patients, 2462 were excluded from the study owing to improper follow‐up and other reasons. Premenopausal patients were also excluded. Of the 703 patients included in the study, 457 had received adjuvant therapy including tamoxifen, and the other 246 had not. Gallstone formation was assessed by annual abdominal ultrasonography. The mean follow‐up period was 4.6 years (range 1–7 years). There were no significant differences between the groups of breast cancer patients treated with or without tamoxifen regarding the age of the patients at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, the age at menopause, the duration between the onset of menopause and the time the breast cancer was diagnosed, the presence of diabetes, and the body mass index. At the end of 5 years the incidence of gallstone formation in tamoxifen‐treated patients was 37.4%, whereas it was 2.0% in patients who did not receive tamoxifen (p < 0.0001). The incidences of gallstones being detected in 171 tamoxifen‐treated patients were 0.4%, 3.7%, 24.4%, 33.1%, and 37.4% cumulatively during the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth years, respectively. Hence adjuvant tamoxifen therapy leads to gallstone formation in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and is most apparent after 3 years of treatment.
Non‐heart‐beating Donors: Renewed Source of Organs for Renal Transplantation during the Twenty‐first Century
Authors: Gerstenkorn Clemens
Published: March 2003

Abstract

The growing demand of organs for renal transplantation makes it necessary to explore alternative routes for kidney donation. Non‐heart‐beating donors (NHBDs) are a valuable source of cadaveric organs and have been the subject of renewed interest in recent years. In addition to difficulties with legal and ethical acceptability, there are concerns regarding medical safety. The current NHBD program at St. George’s Hospital in London was started in March 1995. A total of 41 kidneys from category I to III donors (according to the Maastricht classification) were retrieved from the Accident and Emergency Department and several intensive care units and were subsequently transplanted. Cold in situ perfusion was commenced via femoral access or rapid aortic cannulation in most donors. Of these transplanted kidneys, 35 started functioning within 4 weeks. The permanent nonfunction (PNF) rate was 14.6% (6/41) and the estimated 1‐year graft survival 82.9% (34/41). The delayed graft function (DGF) rate (defined as recipients requiring posttransplant dialysis for 3 days or longer) was 80.0% (28/35). The median serum creatinine concentration in patients with a functioning graft at 1 year was 165 μmol/L. NHBD kidneys have contributed about 15% to the regional transplant activity over the last 6 years, even though not all potential NHBDs were used. It was possible to lower the PNF rate with strict donor selection criteria and more recently with pulsatile machine perfusion. NHBDs represent a valuable source for kidneys and can extend the donor pool. More experience is currently needed to continue to lower PNF rates reliably before promoting more widespread use of NHBDs for renal transplantation.
Treatment of Human Pancreatic Cancer in Mice with Angiogenic Inhibitors
Authors: Prox Daniela , Becker Christian , Pirie‐Shepherd Steven R. , Celik Ilhan , Folkman Judah , Kisker Oliver
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Tumor growth is dependent on the balance of positive and negative regulators of angiogenesis. Antiangiogenic compounds inhibit endothelial cell biology in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. Therefore antiangiogenic therapy presumes to be an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer. We wanted to determine the effect of antiangiogenic therapy on the growth of human pancreatic cancer in a mouse model. The angiogenesis inhibitors TNP‐470 and antiangiogenic antithrombin III (aaATIII) were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. These inhibitors, along with the known antiangiogenic molecule endostatin, were then employed to treat two different primary human pancreatic cancers implanted subcutaneously into the dorsa of immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Treated tumors were examined histologically for microvessel density, apoptosis, and proliferation. All three inhibitors suppressed the growth of pancreatic tumors in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased degrees of apoptosis and reduced microvessel density in treated tumors compared to untreated tumors, although tumor cell proliferation was the same in both groups. None of the inhibitors tested significantly inhibited proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells, although both TNP‐470 and aaATIII were able to inhibit the proliferation of endothelial cells. The observed tumor suppression may be due to increased tumor cell apoptosis as a result of capillary dropout. These studies show that after the angiogenic switch in a human tumor, there is residual production of angiogenesis inhibitors.
Dynamic structure of pharaonis phoborhodopsin (sensory rhodopsin II) and complex with a cognate truncated transducer as revealed by site‐directed 13C solid‐state NMR
Authors: Arakawa Tadashi , Shimono Kazumi , Yamaguchi Satoru , Tuzi Satoru , Sudo Yuki , Kamo Naoki , Saitô Hazime
Published: March 2003

We have recorded 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of [3‐13C]Ala, [1‐13C]Val‐labeled pharaonis phoborhodopsin (ppR or sensory rhodopsin II) incorporated into egg PC (phosphatidylcholine) bilayer, by means of site‐directed high‐resolution solid‐state NMR techniques. Seven 13C NMR signals from transmembrane α‐helices were resolved for [3‐13C]Ala‐ppR at almost the same positions as those of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), except for the suppressed peaks in the loop regions in spite of the presence of at least three Ala residues. In contrast, 13C NMR signals from the loops were visible from [1‐13C]Val‐ppR but their peak positions of the transmembrane α‐helices are not always the same between ppR and bR. The motional frequency of the loop regions in ppR was estimated as 105 Hz in view of the suppressed peaks from [3‐13C]Ala‐ppR due to interference with proton decoupling frequency. We found that conformation and dynamics of ppR were appreciably altered by complex formation with a cognate truncated transducer pHtr II (1–159). In particular, the C‐terminal α‐helix protruding from the membrane surface is involved in the complex formation and subsequent fluctuation frequency is reduced by one order of magnitude.
Gliding resistance versus work of flexion—two methods to assess flexor tendon repair
Authors: Tanaka Tatsuro , Amadio Peter C. , Zhao Chunfeng , Zobitz Mark E. , An Kai‐Nan
Published: March 2003

Two methods for measuring the ability of the flexor tendon to glide following repair are commonly cited in the literature; gliding resistance (GR) at the tendon–pulley interface and work of flexion. The GR measures the friction force at the tendon–pulley interface, while the work of flexion characterizes whole finger function during flexion. Since a portion of the total work of flexion (TWOF), termed the internal work of flexion (IWOF), is expended due to the tendon–pulley interaction, a relationship between the work of flexion and GR should be present. The purpose of this study was to quantify this correlation. Forty‐eight flexor digitorum profundus tendons in 48 mongrel dogs were transected and repaired with a modified Kessler technique and an epitenon running suture. Post‐operatively, the operated paw was immobilized in a cast. Dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5 or 7 days after surgery. In each repaired digit work of flexion and GR were measured. While the GR was not significantly different over the time points, the TWOF decreased at 5 days after surgery and then increased at 7 days (p < 0.05). There was little correlation between TWOF and GR (r = 0.25, p = 0.07). However, there was a strong correlation between IWOF and GR (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) suggesting that measurement of GR could be used as a predictor of IWOF within the short term after tendon repair. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hyalgan® has a dose‐dependent differential effect on macrophage proliferation and cell death
Authors: Sheehan Kyle M. , Delott Lindsey B. , Day Susan M. , Deheer David H.
Published: March 2003

The intra‐articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) has been reported to be an effective treatment for pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. However, the mechanism by which HA exerts its effect is unknown. To explore HA's influence on the growth of U937 human macrophages, cells were incubated for 168 h with three concentrations, 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL, of Hyalgan®, a high molecular weight HA preparation. At 24‐h increments, the cells were examined for proliferation, cell cycle distribution as well as the number of apoptotic and dead cells. Exposing macrophages to 1 mg/mL Hyalgan® significantly reduced the rate of cellular proliferation and altered the cell cycle distribution to yield decreased proportions of G0/G1 cells but increased S and G2/M cells. Concomitantly, a 10‐fold increase in apoptotic cells and a 12‐fold increase in dead cells were observed. The population doubling time (PDT) for cells treated with 1.0 mg/mL Hyalgan® increased from 23.6 to 52.9 h. By contrast, the two lower Hyalgan® concentrations significantly promoted macrophage proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. They also increased the proportion of G2/M cells, but had no effect on the number of apoptotic or dead cells. The PDTs of 21.5 and 22.2 h were less than the control time of 23.6 h. These results demonstrate that Hyalgan® concentrations have a differential effect on macrophage growth dynamics and suggest an anti‐inflammatory effect at high HA concentrations. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.