bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) LMP2A induces alterations in gene transcription similar to those observed in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Portis Toni , Dyck Patricia , Longnecker Richard
Published: August 2003

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the development of a variety of malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma. One of the few viral transcripts expressed in EBV-positive Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells of Hodgkin lymphoma is latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A). This viral protein blocks B-cell receptor (BCR)-signaling in vitro. Furthermore, expression of LMP2A in developing B cells in vivo induces a global down-regulation of genes necessary for proper B-cell development. In this study we have analyzed gene transcription in primary B cells from LMP2A transgenic mice, LMP2A-expressing human B-cell lines, and LMP2A-positive and -negative EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). We demonstrate that LMP2A increases the expression of genes associated with cell cycle induction and inhibition of apoptosis, alters the expression of genes involved in DNA and RNA metabolism, and decreases the expression of B-cell-specific factors and genes associated with immunity. Furthermore, many alterations in gene expression induced by LMP2A are similar to those recently described in HRS cells of Hodgkin lymphoma and activated, proliferating germinal center centroblasts/centrocytes. These correlations suggest that LMP2A expression in EBV-infected B cells may lead to the induction and maintenance of an activated, proliferative state that could ultimately result in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma. (Blood. 2003;102: 4166-4178)
Notch signaling is necessary but not sufficient for differentiation of dendritic cells
Authors: Cheng Pingyan , Nefedova Yulia , Miele Lucio , Osborne Barbara A. , Gabrilovich Dmitry
Published: August 2003

The Notch family of receptors plays an important role in regulation of cell differentiation via direct contact between hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and bone marrow stroma (BMS). However the precise contribution of Notch in dendritic cell (DC) differentiation is controversial. In 2 different experimental systems using Notch-1–null embryonic stem cells and Notch-1–deficient HPCs we have found that Notch-1 is necessary for DC differentiation. However, activation of Notch-1 and Notch-2 with cell-bound Notch ligand did not result in differentiation of mature DCs or macrophages. Instead, it caused accumulation of immature myeloid cells. Removal of feeder cells resulted in rapid differentiation of DCs and macrophages. Addition of interleukin 4 (IL-4) into the culture dramatically increased accumulation of functionally potent DCs. Lipopolysaccharide was not able to reproduce this effect. Thus, these data indicate that Notch signaling prevents differentiation of mature myeloid cells. Instead, it results in accumulation of precursors readily able to differentiate into mature DCs once the Notch signal is stopped (eg, after cell emigration from bone marrow) and in the presence of other additional differentiation signals provided by IL-4. Thus, Notch is required but not sufficient for DC differentiation.
Cloning of the t(1;5)(q23;q33) in a myeloproliferative disorder associated with eosinophilia: involvement of PDGFRB and response to imatinib
Authors: Wilkinson Kathryn , Velloso Elvira R. P. , Lopes Luiz Fernando , Lee Charles , Aster Jon C. , Shipp Margaret A. , Aguiar Ricardo C. T.
Published: August 2003

Eosinophilia is common in myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) with abnormalities of chromosome band 5q31-33, including those that present with t(1;5)(q23;q33). With the development of rational drug therapy, characterization of the molecular targets for these translocations could guide treatment and affect patient survival. We cloned the t(1;5)(q23;q33) and showed that it fuses platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) to the coiled-coil domains of a novel partner protein, myomegalin. Using two-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we also demonstrated that the eosinophils are clonal in these disorders. Imatinib mesylate has recently been shown to be efficacious in MPDs with PDGFR activation. Therefore, following our molecular studies, we were able to redirect this patient's treatment. Although she had refractory and progressive disease, once imatinib was started, complete clinical and hematologic remission, as well as major cytogenetic response, was achieved. Given the therapeutic implications, our findings stress the need to aggressively investigate the molecular basis of these diseases, with emphasis on the PDGFR family. (Blood. 2003;102: 4187-4190)
Mixture distribution analysis of phenotypic markers reflecting HFE gene mutations
Authors: McLaren Christine E. , Li Kuo-Tung , Garner Chad P. , Beutler Ernest , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: August 2003

The goal of this study was to determine whether statistical modeling of population data for a phenotypic marker could reflect a major locus gene defect. Identifying mutations in the HFE gene makes it possible to assess the association between transferrin saturation (TS) subpopulations and HFE mutations. Data were analyzed from 27 895 white patients who attended a health appraisal clinic and who had TS and common mutations of HFE determined. Mixture distribution modeling of TS was performed, and the proportion of HFE mutations in TS subpopulations was assessed on a probability basis. Three subpopulations of TS were identified, consistent with Hardy-Weinberg conditions for major locus effects. For men, 72% of the subpopulation with the highest mean TS had HFE gene mutations; they were primarily homozygotes or compound heterozygotes. Seventy-three percent of the subpopulation with moderate mean TS also had HFE gene mutations; they were predominantly simple heterozygotes. Sixty-seven percent of the subpopulation with the lowest mean TS were wild-type homozygotes. Similar results were observed for women. These results suggest that statistical modeling of population clinical laboratory test data can reveal the influence of a major locus gene defect and perhaps can be applied to other aspects of body metabolism than iron. (Blood. 2003;102:4563-4566)
α5β1 integrin as a cellular coreceptor for human parvovirus B19: requirement of functional activation of β1 integrin for viral entry
Authors: Weigel-Kelley Kirsten A. , Yoder Mervin C. , Srivastava Arun
Published: August 2003

Replication of the pathogenic human parvovirus B19 is restricted to erythroid progenitor cells. Although blood group P antigen has been reported to be the cell surface receptor for parvovirus B19, a number of nonerythroid cells, which express P antigen, are not permissive for parvovirus B19 infection. We have documented that P antigen is necessary for parvovirus B19 binding but not sufficient for virus entry into cells. To test whether parvovirus B19 utilizes a cell surface coreceptor for entry, we used human erythroleukemia cells (K562), which allow parvovirus B19 binding but not entry. We report here that upon treatment with phorbol esters, K562 cells become adherent and permissive for parvovirus B19 entry, which is mediated by α5β1 integrins, but only in their high-affinity conformation. Mature human red blood cells (RBCs), which express high levels of P antigen, but not α5β1 integrins, bind parvovirus B19 but do not allow viral entry. In contrast, primary human erythroid progenitor cells express high levels of both P antigen and α5β1 integrins and allow β1 integrin–mediated entry of parvovirus B19. Thus, in a natural course of infection, RBCs are likely exploited for a highly efficient systemic dissemination of parvovirus B19.
Heparin-induced substrate behavior of antithrombin Cambridge II
Authors: Mushunje Alec , Zhou Aiwu , Carrell Robin W. , Huntington James A.
Published: August 2003

Cambridge II (A384S) is a highly prevalent antithrombin variant in the British population (1.14 per 1000) and predisposes carriers to a mild but significant increased risk of thrombosis. To determine if the association of Cambridge II with thrombophilia is due to a perturbation of the antithrombin inhibitory mechanism, we expressed and characterized the variant. Antithrombin Cambridge II was found to be normal in its affinity for heparin, its ability to form sodium dodecyl sulfate-stable complexes with factor Xa and thrombin, and its uncatalyzed stoichiometries and rates of inhibition. However, in the presence of full-length heparin there was a 3- and 7-fold increase in stoichiometry of inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin. The stoichiometries were not affected by pentasaccharides, indicating that the inhibitory mechanism of antithrombin Cambridge II is perturbed only in the presence of a bridging glycosaminoglycan. Thus, the vascular localization of antithrombin Cambridge II would render the carrier slightly thrombophilic. The high occurrence of this mutation and its possible propagation from a few founders suggests an evolutionary advantage, perhaps in decreasing postpartum bleeding. (Blood. 2003;102:4028-4034)
Diagnostic ability of hand-held echocardiography in ventilated critically ill patients
Authors: Vignon Philippe , Chastagner Catherine , François Bruno , Martaillé Jean-François , Normand Sandrine , Bonnivard Michel , Gastinne Hervé
Published: August 2003

Study objectives

To compare the diagnostic capability of recently available hand-held echocardiography (HHE) and of conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) used as a gold standard in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation.

Design

A prospective and descriptive study.

Setting

The general intensive care unit of a teaching hospital.

Patients

All mechanically ventilated patients requiring a TTE study with a full-feature echocardiographic platform (Sonos 5500®; Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA) also underwent an echocardiographic examination using a small battery-operated device (33 × 23 cm2, 3.5 kg) (Optigo®; Philips Medical Systems).

Interventions

Each examination was performed independently by two intensivists experienced in echocardiography and was interpreted online. For each patient, the TTE videotape was reviewed by a cardiologist experienced in echocardiography and the final interpretation was used as a reference diagnosis.

Results

During the study period, 106 TTE procedures were performed in 103 consecutive patients (age, 59 ± 18 years; Simplified Acute Physiology Score, 46 ± 14; body mass index, 26 ± 9 kg/m2; positive end-expiratory pressure, 8 ± 4 cmH2O). The number of acoustic windows was comparable using HHE and TTE (233/318 versus 238/318, P = 0.72). HHE had a lower overall diagnostic capacity than TTE (199/251 versus 223/251 clinical questions solved, P = 0.005), mainly due to its lack of spectral Doppler capability. In contrast, diagnostic capacity based on two-dimensional imaging was comparable for both approaches (129/155 versus 135/155 clinical questions solved, P = 0.4). In addition, HHE and TTE had a similar therapeutic impact in 45 and 47 patients, respectively (44% versus 46%, P = 0.9).

Conclusions

HHE appears to have a narrower diagnostic field when compared with conventional TTE, but promises to accurately identify diagnoses based on two-dimensional imaging in ventilated critically ill patients.
Involved-Field Radiotherapy Is Equally Effective and Less Toxic Compared With Extended-Field Radiotherapy After Four Cycles of Chemotherapy in Patients With Early-Stage Unfavorable Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Results of the HD8 Trial of the German Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Engert Andreas , Schiller Petra , Josting Andreas , Herrmann Richard , Koch Peter , Sieber Markus , Boissevain Friederike , de Wit Maike , Mezger Jörg , Dühmke Eckhart , Willich Normann , Müller Rolf-Peter , Schmidt Bernhard F. , Renner Helmut , Müller-Hermelink Hans Konrad , Pfistner Beate , Wolf Jürgen , Hasenclever Dirk , Löffler Markus , Diehl Volker
Published: August 2003

Purpose: To investigate whether radiotherapy can be reduced without loss of efficacy from extended field (EF) to involved field (IF) after four cycles of chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods: Between 1993 and 1998, patients with newly diagnosed early-stage unfavorable HD were enrolled onto this multicenter study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (COPP) + doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) for two cycles followed by radiotherapy of 30 Gy EF + 10 Gy to bulky disease (arm A) or 30 Gy IF + 10 Gy to bulky disease (arm B).

Results: Of 1,204 patients randomly assigned to treatment, 1,064 patients were informative and eligible for the arm comparison (532 patients in arm A; 532 patients in arm B). The median observation time was 54 months. Five years after random assignment, the overall survival (OSran) for all eligible patients was 91% and freedom from treatment failure (FFTFran) was 83%. Survival rates at 5 years after start of radiotherapy revealed no differences for arms A and B, respectively, in terms of FFTF (85.8% and 84.2%) and OS at 5 years (90.8% and 92.4%). There also were no differences between arms A and B, respectively, in terms of complete remission (98.5% and 97.2%), progressive disease (0.8% and 1.9%), relapse (6.4% and 7.7%), death (8.1% and 6.4%), and secondary neoplasia (4.5% and 2.8%). In contrast, acute side effects including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, gastrointestinal toxicity, and pharyngeal toxicity were more frequent in the EF arm.

Conclusion: Radiotherapy volume size reduction from EF to IF after COPP + ABVD chemotherapy for two cycles produces similar results and less toxicity in patients with early-stage unfavorable HD.
Lack of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Exaggerates the Effect of Calcium Deficiency on Bone Accretion in Mice
Authors: Kasukawa Yuji , Baylink David J. , Wergedal Jon E. , Amaar Yousef , Srivastava Apurva K. , Guo Rongqing , Mohan Subburaman
Published: August 2003

Recent studies provide evidence that the GH/IGF-I axis plays a critical role in the regulation of bone accretion that occurs during puberty and that the peak bone mineral density (BMD) is dependent on the amount of dietary calcium intake during the active growth phases. To evaluate whether IGF-I deficiency exaggerates the effect of calcium deficiency on bone accretion during active growth phases, IGF-I knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with low calcium (0.01%) or normal calcium (0.6%) for 2 wk during the pubertal growth phase and were labeled with tetracycline. The low calcium diet caused significant decreases in endosteal bone formation parameters and a much greater increase in the resorbing surface of both the endosteum and periosteum of the tibia of IGF-I KO mice compared with WT mice. Accordingly, femur BMD measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry or peripheral quantitative computed tomography increased significantly in IGF-I WT mice fed the low calcium diet, but not in IGF-I KO mice. IGF-I-deficient mice fed the normal calcium diet showed elevated PTH levels, decreased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and serum calcium levels at baseline. Serum calcium changes due to calcium deficiency were greater in IGF-I KO mice compared with WT mice. PTH levels were 7-fold higher in IGF-I KO mice fed normal calcium compared with WT mice, which was further elevated in mice fed the low calcium diet. Treatment of IGF-I-deficient lit/lit mice with GH decreased the serum PTH level by 70% (P < 0.01). Based on these and past findings, we conclude that: 1) IGF-I deficiency exaggerates the negative effects of calcium deficiency on bone accretion; and 2) IGF-I deficiency may lead to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency and elevated PTH levels even under normal calcium diet.
Postendocytotic Trafficking of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)-FSH Receptor Complex
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hanumanthappa , Kishi Hiroshi , Shi Mei , Galet Colette , Bhaskaran Ravi Sankar , Hirakawa Takashi , Ascoli Mario
Published: August 2003

Although the fates of the internalized hormone-receptor complexes formed by the lutropin/choriogonadotropin and the TSH receptors have been examined in some detail, much less is known about the fate of the internalized FSH-FSH receptor (FSHR) complex.

Using biochemical and imaging approaches we show here that the majority of the internalized FSH-FSHR complex accumulates in endosomes and subsequently recycles back to the cell surface where the bound, intact hormone dissociates back into the medium. Only small amounts of FSH and the FSHR are routed to a lysosomal degradation pathway, and the extent of FSH-induced down-regulation of the cell surface and total FSHR is minimal. This pathway was detected in heterologous (human kidney 293T) cells transfected with the rat (r) or human (h) FSHR as well as in a mouse Sertoli cell line (MSC-1) or a mouse granulosa cell line (KK-1) transfected with the rFSHR.

Additional experiments using a series of C-terminal deletions of the rFSHR and the hFSHR showed that the recycling of the internalized FSH-FSHR complex and the extent of hFSH-induced down-regulation is dictated by a short stretch of amino acids present at the extreme C-terminal end of the receptor.

We conclude that most of the internalized FSH-FSHR complex is recycled back to the cell surface, that this recycling pathway is highly dependent on amino acid residues present near the C terminus of the FSHR, and that it is an important determinant of the extent of down-regulation of the FSHR.
Mechanisms in LPA-induced tumor cell migration: critical role of phosphorylated ERK
Authors: Stähle Martina , Veit Christine , Bachfischer Ulla , Schierling Karina , Skripczynski Bettina , Hall Alan , Gierschik Peter , Giehl Klaudia
Published: August 2003

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a serum-borne phospholipid with hormone and growth factor-like properties. LPA has been shown to modulate tumor cell invasion and malignant cell growth. Here, we report that two human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, PANC-1 and BxPC-3, express functionally active LPA receptors coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o-proteins. In contrast to other cell types, LPA does not act as a mitogen, but is an efficacious stimulator of cell migration of these tumor cells. LPA-induced chemotaxis is markedly dependent on activation of PTX-sensitive heterotrimeric G-proteins, on activation of the small GTPases Ras, Rac and RhoA, and on GTPase-dependent activation of ERK. LPA-induced ERK activation results in a transient translocation of the phosphorylated ERK to newly forming focal contact sites at the leading edge of the migrating cells. Inhibition of ERK activation and its subsequent translocation impaired LPA-induced chemotaxis and LPA-induced actin reorganization. Thus, pancreatic tumor cell migration in response to LPA is essentially controlled by activation of a Gi/o-ERK pathway and requires the LPA-induced activation of Ras, Rac1 and RhoA.
Loss of responsiveness to chemotactic factors by deletion of the C-terminal protein interaction site of angiomotin
Authors: Levchenko Tetyana , Aase Karin , Troyanovsky Boris , Bratt Anders , Holmgren Lars
Published: August 2003

We have recently identified a novel protein, named angiomotin, by its ability to bind the angiogenesis inhibitor angiostatin in the yeast two-hybrid system. Angiomotin belongs to a family with two other members, AmotL-1 and -2 characterized by coiled-coil and C-terminal PDZ binding domains. Here we show that the putative PDZ binding motif of angiomotin serves as a protein recognition site and that deletion of three amino acids in this site results in inhibition of chemotaxis. Furthermore, endothelial cells expressing mutant angiomotin failed to migrate and form tubes in an in vitro tube formation assay. To study the effect of angiomotin on embryonic angiogenesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing wild-type angiomotin and the C-terminal deletion mutant driven by the endothelial cell-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (TIE) promoter. Expression of mutant angiomotin in endothelial cells inhibited migration into the neuroectoderm and intersomitic regions resulting in death at embryonic day 9.5. In contrast, mice expressing wild-type angiomotin developed normally and were fertile. These results suggest that the putative PDZ binding motif of angiomotin plays a critical role in regulating the responsiveness of endothelial cells to chemotactic cues.
Chlamydia trachomatis uses host cell dynein to traffic to the microtubule-organizing center in a p50 dynamitin-independent process
Authors: Grieshaber Scott S. , Grieshaber Nicole A. , Hackstadt Ted
Published: August 2003

Chlamydiae are pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria with a biphasic developmental cycle that involves cell types adapted for extracellular survival (elementary bodies, EBs) and intracellular multiplication (reticulate bodies, RBs). The intracellular development of chlamydiae occurs entirely within a membrane-bound vacuole termed an inclusion. Within 2 hours after entry into host cells, Chlamydia trachomatis EBs are trafficked to the perinuclear region of the host cell and remain in close proximity to the Golgi apparatus, where they begin to fuse with a subset of host vesicles containing sphingomyelin. Here, we provide evidence that chlamydial migration from the cell periphery to the peri-Golgi region resembles host cell vesicular trafficking. Chlamydiae move towards the minus end of microtubules and aggregate at the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). In mammalian cells the most important minus-end-directed microtubule motor is cytoplasmic dynein. Microinjection of antibodies to a subunit of cytoplasmic dynein inhibited movement of chlamydiae to the MTOC, whereas microinjection of antibodies to the plus-directed microtubule motor, kinesin, had no effect. Surprisingly, overexpression of the protein p50 dynamitin, a subunit of the dynactin complex that links vesicular cargo to the dynein motor in minus directed vesicle trafficking, did not abrogate chlamydial migration even though host vesicle transport was inhibited. Nascent chlamydial inclusions did, however, colocalize with the p150(Glued) dynactin subunit, which suggests that p150(Glued) may be required for dynein activation or processivity but that the cargo-binding activity of dynactin, supplied by p50 dynamitin subunits and possibly other subunits, is not. Because chlamydial transcription and translation were required for this intracellular trafficking, chlamydial proteins modifying the cytoplasmic face of the inclusion membrane are probable candidates for proteins fulfilling this function.
Structure and Magnetic Property of the Organic Triradical with Triazine Skeleton; 2,4,6-Tris{p-(N-oxy-N-tert-butylamino)phenyl}triazine
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Inoue Katsuya
Published: August 2003

1,3,5-tris{p-(N-oxy-N-tert-butylamino)phenyl}benzene (2) is known as a persistent triradical with a quartet ground state. A new triradical with a triazine skeleton was synthesized and characterized. The nitroxide triradical with triazine derivative 2,4,6-tris{p-(N-oxy-N-tert-butylamino)phenyl}-1,3,5-triazine (1) exhibited stronger intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction than that with benzene derivative 2, the magnitude of the interactions depending on the planarity of the structures and/or on the spin density of the center skeletons. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility values were observed for crystalline 1 in the range of 1.8-350 K. The simulation of an isosceles-triangular exchange coupling model gave 15.3 ± 0.8 K, γ = 0.77 ± 0.1.
Synthesis and Optical Resolution of Novel Chiral Silanols
Authors: Mori Atsunori , Toriyama Fumihiko , Kajiro Hiroshi , Hirabayashi Kazunori , Nishihara Yasushi , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: August 2003

Silanols bearing an asymmetric center on silicon, methyl(2-phenylethenyl)(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silanol and methyl(phenyl)(vinyl)silanol are synthesized by alkylative cleavages of cyclic siloxanes with an organolithium. Optical resolution of their enantiomers is performed by HPLC with a chiral stationary phase column. Optical characters of thus separated enantiomers are also examined.
Luminol Enhanced Chemiluminescent Assay of Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Authors: Kamidate Tamio , Andou Hideo
Published: August 2003

Chemiluminescence (CL) from horseradish peroxidase catalyzed aerobic oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased markedly in the presence of luminol. The luminol enhanced CL was applied to the determination of IAA. The detection limit of IAA was 6.0 × 10−6 M in the presence of luminol, and was improved a factor of ten times compared to that in conventional spectrophotometric method.
Fabrication of PLGA-Collagen Hybrid Sponge
Authors: Chen Guoping , Ushida Takashi , Tateishi Tetsuya
Published: August 2003

A hybrid sponge of biodegradable poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and collagen was fabricated by forming microsponges of collagen in the pores of PLGA sponge. Observation of the hybrid sponge by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that microsponges of collagen with interconnected pore structures were formed. The hybrid structure was further confirmed by detecting elemental nitrogen using scanning electron microscopy-electron probe microanalysis (SEM-EPMA). Elemental nitrogen was detected in the microsponges of collagen and on the pore surfaces of PLGA, but not in the cross-sections of PLGA regions. These results indicate that microsponges of collagen were formed in the pores of the PLGA sponge and that the pore surfaces were also coated with collagen.
Formation and Reactions of Stabilized [2,4-Di-t-butyl-6-(methylthiomethyl)phenyl]thioxophosphine
Authors: Kamijo Kazunori , Toyota Kozo , Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: August 2003

A stabilized thioxophosphine bearing the 2,4-di-t-butyl-6-(methylthiomethyl)phenyl group was generated either by reaction of the corresponding phosphonous dichloride with bis(trimethylsilyl) sulfide or by desulfurization reaction of the corresponding dithioxophosphorane using tris(dimethylamino)phosphine. The thioxophosphine, thus generated was trimerized to trithiatriphosphinane.
Linear Relationship of the Rate of Isobutene Formation from CO and H2 on ZrO2 to the Monoclinic Phase Fraction
Authors: Maruya Ken-ichi , Komiya Teruaki , Okumura Koichiro , Yashima Masatomo
Published: August 2003

The rate of formation of isobutene from CO and H2 over ZrO2 is proportional to the volume fraction of the monoclinic phase. The active site was explained by both vacant site and stronger bascity due to the shorter Zr–O bond in the monoclinic structure.
Sodium Triethanolamine Complex With Extend 3-D Network Structure
Authors: Chen Yihui , Zhu Hongping , Liu Qiutian , Chen Changneng
Published: August 2003

Reaction of (NH4)3VS4 with triethanolamine in the presence of NH2Na has given novel metal TEA complex {[NaN(CH2CH2OH)3]2S6}∞ which has unlimited coordination chains {[Na(TEA)]+}x together with S62− linkage forming 3-D network by the O–H···S hydrogen bond.
A Convenient Method for the Preparation of 3-Azetidinylidene Acetic Acid
Authors: Vuilhorgne Marc , Commerçon Alain , Mignani Serge
Published: August 2003

A facile route to novel 3-azetidinylidene acetic acid from commercially available epichlorohydrin is described.
Formation of Novel Tetradentate Phosphine Ligand o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2 by Coupling of Two Diphosphine Ligands Bound to Low-Valent Mo or W Center. Synthesis and Structure of [M{o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPh2)2}(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)] (M = Mo, W)
Authors: Arita Chirima , Seino Hidetake , Mizobe Yasushi , Hidai Masanobu
Published: August 2003

A mixture of trans-[M(N2)2(dppe)2] (M = Mo or W; dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) and dppe was heated to reflux in benzene or toluene to give the M(0) complex [M(P4)(dppe)], which contains the novel tetradentate phosphine o-C6H4(PPhCH2CH2PPhg2)2 (P4) arising from the coupling of two dppe ligands. The reaction of [Mo(P4)(dppe)] with CO afforded the carbonyl complex [Mo(CO)2(P4)].
α–β Structural Transition of Short Oligopeptides by Water/Organic Solvent Titration
Authors: Sugimoto Naoki , Zou Jin , Kazuta Hideki , Miyoshi Daisuke
Published: August 2003

Designed two peptides, Ac-Trp-Lys-Ala13-Lys-NH2 and Ac-Trp-Lys-Ala15-Lys-NH2 were synthesized by utilizing natural L-amino acids and were capable of performing a structural transition from β-sheet to α-helix. The α–β transition of the designed peptides was induced by interstrand hydrophobic interaction. This shows that our designed peptides may be an model system for the elucidation of misfolding and transformation mechanism of pathogenic proteins.
Successive Occurrence of Biaxial Reorientation of Azobenzene Chromophores of a Liquid Crystalline Polymer Induced by Linearly Polarized Light
Authors: Han Mina , Morino Shin’ya , Ichimura Kunihiro
Published: August 2003

Unequivocal observation was made on the in-plane reorientation of azobenzene side chains tethered to liquid crystalline polymer backbones, followed by the out-of-plane reorientation upon irradiation with linearly polarized 436 nm light.
A Convenient Ultraviolet Irradiation Technique for Fabrication of Silver-polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Yong , Yu Shuhong , Wang Cuiying , Zhu Yurui , Chen Zuyao
Published: August 2003

Silver-polyacrylamide(Ag/PAM) nanocomposites and silver-polymethylmethacrylate(Ag/PMMA) nanocomposites with well homogeneously dispersed silver nanoparticles in polymer matrices were prepared by a novel ultraviolet irradiation technique at room temperature.
A Novel, Facile and Diastereoselective Synthesis of (3S,4S) and (3R,4S)-N-Me-AHPPA
Authors: Reddy G Vidyasagar , Rao G Venkat , Iyengar D S
Published: August 2003

Diastereoselective syntheses of (3S,4S) and (3R,4S)-N-methyl-AHPPA are achieved via a novel Wittig reaction of an oxazolidinone followed by reduction.
Alkoxylation of Ring-Methyl Group in Pentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium Complexes. A Facile Synthesis of (C5Me4CH2OR)IrL2 (R = Et, Me, and iPr)
Authors: Fujita Ken-ichi , Yamaguchi Ryohei
Published: August 2003

Treatment of Cp*IrIII complexes with two equivalents of sodium alkoxides brings about alkoxylation of the ring-methyl to give (C5Me4CH2OR)IrIL2 [R = Et, Me, iPr, L = phosphorus ligands].
α-Fe2O3 Nanowires. Confined Synthesis and Catalytic Hydroxylation of Phenol
Authors: Jiao Feng , Yue Bin , Zhu Kake , Zhao Dongyuan , He Heyong
Published: August 2003

α-Fe2O3 nanowires were prepared using mesoporous silica SBA-15 as a template and showed a remarkable catalytic activity for the hydroxylation of phenol with 30% H2O2 in aqueous solution at 343 K.
Carbon-doped Anatase TiO2 Powders as a Visible-light Sensitive Photocatalyst
Authors: Irie Hiroshi , Watanabe Yuka , Hashimoto Kazuhito
Published: August 2003

Carbon-doped TiO2 powders in an anatase phase colored yellow were fabricated by oxidative annealing of TiC. Carbons were located at oxygen sites. The carbon substitution caused the absorbance edge of TiO2 to be shifted to the higher wavelength region. Carbon-doped TiO2 showed photocatalytic activities for the decomposition of IPA to CO2 via acetone under visible light (400–530 nm) irradiation.
Novel Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Gallium Nitride Powder from Gallium(III)-Urea Complex
Authors: Qiu Yu , Gao Lian
Published: August 2003

A novel method is reported for the preparation of wurtzite gallium nitride (GaN) powder with a controlled particle size from nanometer to micron scale, using gallium(III)-urea complex as the precursor. The GaN powders as synthesized at various temperatures showed strong and distinct photoluminescence characteristics. The method developed here may provide a simple, potentially economical way to form other nitride materials with desired performances.
Preparation and Structural Properties of Novel Fluorenophanes
Authors: Tsuge Akihiko , Nishimoto Hideaki , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Sakata Kazunori
Published: August 2003

All kinds of fluorenophanes with bridging at 1,7-, 1,8-, and 2,7-positions of each fluorene unit have been successfully prepared. Dynamic structural properties clearly depend on the positions of the bridges. It has been found out that one (2,7)-bridged fluorene ring in the [2.2](1,8)(2,7)fluorenophane is bent to result in formation of the π-cavity.
Novel Intramolecular Electron-transfer Equilibrium in a Spatially Interaction Binary System of a Metal-free Porphyrin and a Ruthenium Trichloro Terpyridyl Complex
Authors: Mizuno Katsuya , Kurihara Masato , Takagi Shigeru , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: August 2003

Temperature-dependent reversible intramolecular electron transfer between a Ru(III)–porphyrin and a Ru(II)–porphyrin π-cation radical was observed in a novel binary π-system of a porphyrin and a ruthenium trichloro terpyridyl complex.
Probing the Locations of Ag+ and Hydroxy Groups in AgA Zeolites by in situ FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Ping , Yang Shuwu , Kondo Junko N , Domen Kazunari , Baba Toshihide
Published: August 2003

Hydroxy groups formed on AgA zeolites upon H2 (D2) adsorption exhibited infrared bands at different frequencies depending on the degree of Ag+ exchange. The hydroxy groups formed by H2 adsorption were found to occur mainly inside the β-cages of AgA-30, as evidenced by the inaccessibility of CO.
{[In3(pzdc)6]3−}∞: A Metal–Organic Framework of Distorted NbO-like Net (pzdc = Pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylato)
Authors: Tian Yun-Qi , Cai Chen-Xin , Yuan Xue-Jun , Li Yi-Zhi , Wang Tian-Wei , You Xiao-Zeng
Published: August 2003

Molecular spontaneous assembly of In(III) and bidentate ditopic ligand (pzdc) gives a novel compound with four-connected 3D framework which demonstrates a NbO-like net.
Formation of Silicate-mediated CaCO3 Films
Authors: Kotachi Akiko , Miura Takashi , Imai Hiroaki
Published: August 2003

We successfully obtained silicate-mediated CaCO3 films on a chitosan surface in an aqueous solution system. The presence of silicate anions induced the miniaturization of the carbonate crystals and two-dimensional growth with the arrangement of the miniaturized subunits on the functional surface. The mortar-like effects of silicate anions on the morphological evolution were quite similar to those of organic polyelectrolytes having carboxy groups, such as poly(acrylic acid).
Rapid One-pot Solid-phase Synthesis of 1,2,4-Oxadiazolines
Authors: Lin Xu-Feng , Cui Sun-Liang , Wang Yan-Guang
Published: August 2003

The first solid phase synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazolines via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxide generated in situ on solid support with a variety of imines is described. The synthetic sequences were performed in parallel one-pot fashion. Cleavage from the support under two different mild conditions afforded a library of 1,2,4-oxadiazolines in good yields and purity.
Organization of Care: Problems in Developing Countries–The Asian Continent
Authors: Shera A. Samad
Published: August 2003

The developing countries are facing a high risk of increasing incidence of diabetes. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2025, more than 109 million people in India, Pakistan, and China will have diabetes. Of the expected 300 million diabetic patients in the world by this time, 75% will belong to the developing countries. To combat this situation, Asian countries will have to develop a strategy to meet the requirements of better diabetes care delivery. This would be based on the technical knowledge, the limited resources, and the epidemiology of each country. Diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing countries.Type 2 diabetes occurs at a relatively younger age, below 40 years, in the Indo‐Pakistan subcontinent. In Pakistan 98% of the diabetic population comprises people with type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan and India is 12% and approximately 10% in the Middle Eastern countries. The health care structure in these countries deals with acute and episodic illnesses. It is not designed to manage a complex, multisystem chronic disease like diabetes. There is limited availability of trained diabetes health care personnel. The other barriers standing in the way are economic problems, lack of education leading to lack of awareness about diabetes, emotional and social barriers, and lack of political will.

Steps have to be taken to overcome these obstacles, which should begin by increasing awareness on diabetes and its magnitude among policymakers, health care providers, and the general public.

Cost reduction will have to be looked into, by encouraging the manufacture of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents locally, and research on all aspects of diabetes will have to be encouraged. Education of people with diabetes, the general public, and the health care personnel will have to be improvised effectively.
The Economics of Diabetes Care: Europe
Authors: Siddiqi Kamran , Williams Rhys
Published: August 2003

Europe, in addition to its country‐specific studies of the cost of diabetes care, now has one source of data—the CODE‐2 Study—by means of which between‐country comparisons can be made in the knowledge that the same method of study has been advocated throughout. This information, however, is applicable only to the established market‐economy countries that took part. The economic impact of diabetes and its related conditions in eastern European and the former Soviet Union countries is virtually undocumented. In all continents there is still a long way to go before we have reasonably robust, comparable data on these issues. However, it is clear from the data we do have to hand that diabetes and, in particular, its complications have a large economic impact both directly and indirectly. This impact falls on individuals, families, the health care sector, and society in general. It is also clear that some methods for the delivery of diabetes health care are more cost‐effective than others, but it is also likely (though as yet untested) that the most cost‐effective approach of all is the primary prevention of the condition.
Natural Remediation of TNT‐Contaminated Water and Soil
Authors: Gerth A. , Hebner A. , Thomas H.
Published: August 2003

Contamination of soil and water with explosives, especially TNT, is a widespread problem on military sites, explosives producing plants and ammunition factories. Because the contaminated areas are often very large, off‐site soil treatment technologies are prohibitively costly. Groundwater decontamination has to deal with large quantities of water, so pump‐and‐treat remediation has to be operated for decades. Since there is a need for cost‐effective new technologies for cleaning up soil and groundwater, biological technologies for the remediation of TNT in both media have been developed and tested. In this article, an overview of the results of container experiments and a pilot scale in‐situ remediation of TNT‐contaminated soil, as well as the results of 1 m3 constructed wetlands for the cleaning of TNT contaminated water is presented. The biological removal of TNT was observed with autochthonous microorganisms; their degradation efficiencies differed depending on the carbon source added. Molasses was found to be a superior carbon source for the TNT cometabolism, compared to wood chips. In constructed wetlands with a hydraulic retention time of 24 h, a reduction in TNT levels of more than 99% was shown.
Remediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) through Landfarming with Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation
Authors: Straube W. L. , Nestler C. C. , Hansen L. D. , Ringleberg D. , Pritchard P. H. , Jones‐Meehan J.
Published: August 2003

Many soils contaminated with high molecular weight hydrocarbons (HMW PAHs) contain PAH‐degrading microorganisms. These microbes are often limited in their degradation capability because of some limiting environmental factors (i.e., low aqueous solubility of PAHs, low bioavailability of PAHs, nitrogen or other nutrient limitation, high co‐contamination levels such as pentachlorophenol [PCP] that can inhibit PAH biodegradation, etc.). Microcosm studies were done using biostimulation (addition of ground rice hulls as a bulking agent and dried blood as a slow‐release nitrogen source) and/or bioaugmentation (addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 64, a biosurfactant‐producer on a vermiculite carrier). Soil from the POPILE, Inc. Superfund site (PAHs at 13,000 mg/kg, average and PCP at 1,500 mg/kg, average) was used. After 11 months, control microcosms (no treatment) showed a 23% decrease in total PAHs and a 48% decrease in total BaP toxic equivalents. The biostimulated microcosms showed a 34% decrease in total PAHs and a 57% decrease in total BaP toxic equivalents, while the biostimulated and bioaugmented microcosms revealed an 87% decrease in total PAHs and a 67% decrease in total BaP toxic equivalents. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 64 is not a PAH‐degrader, t herefore, this reduction in PAHs was due to stimulated deg rada tion by the autochthonous microbial community. Pan studies were designed t o tes t the imp roved bioremediation of HMW PAHs using biostimulation and/or bioaugmentation on a larger scale. Drywells were used to monitor soil microbial respiration, soil moisture was maintained at 50–80% of the soil field moisture capacity (FMC), cultivation was carried out weekly with rototillers, and microbial biomass and community composition (indigenous microbiota and augmented soil) were determined by PLFA profiles. An initial rapid decrease in PAH concentration was observed in the pan receiving both bioaugmentation and biostimulation (50% degradation at six months). The pan that was biostimulated only achieved the 50% level at seven months. After 16 months, the control pan showed a 12% decrease in PAHs, while biostimulated only and both biostimulated and bioaugmented pans showed an 86 and 87% removal, respectively. These two pans developed similar microbial communities, and these communities were different from that in the control pan 1. Supplementing autochthonous bacterial communities, using slow‐release nitrogen fertiliser and bulking agent has great potential for improving landfarming of PAH‐contaminated soils.
Kinetic Model for Selective Cultivation of Microfungi in a Microscreen Process for Food Processing Wastewater Treatment and Biomass Production
Authors: van Leeuwen J. H. , Hu Z. , Yi T. , Pometto A. L. III , Jin B.
Published: August 2003

The research was aimed at developing a technology to combine the production of useful microfungi with the treatment of wastewater from food processing. A recycle bioreactor equipped with a microscreen was developed as a wastewater treatment system on a laboratory scale to contain a Rhizopus culture and maintain its dominance under non‐aseptic conditions. Competitive growth of bacteria was observed, but this was minimised by manipulation of the solids retention time and the hydraulic retention time. Removal of about 90% of the waste organic material (as BOD) from the wastewater was achieved simultaneously. Since essentially all fungi are retained behind the 100 μm aperture screen, the solids retention time could be controlled by the rate of harvesting. The hydraulic retention time was employed to control the bacterial growth as the bacteria were washed through the screen at a short HRT. A steady state model was developed to determine these two parameters. This model predicts the effluent quality. Experimental work is still needed to determine the growth characteristics of the selected fungal species under optimum conditions (pH and temperature).
Use of a multiplex PCR/sequencing strategy to detect both connexin 30 (GJB6) 342 kb deletion and connexin 26 (GJB2) mutations in cases of childhood deafness
Authors: Wu Bai‐Lin , Kenna Margaret , Lip Va , Irons Mira , Platt Orah
Published: August 2003

Hearing loss is a common congenital disorder that is frequently associated with mutations in the Cx26 gene (GJB2). Three recent reports that found a large deletion in another DFNB1 gene, Cx30 (GJB6), suggest that this defect may cause nonsyndromic recessive hearing loss through either a homozygous deletion of Cx30, or digenic inheritance of a Cx30 deletion and a Cx26 mutation in trans. We designed a simple diagnostic strategy with multiplex PCR followed by direct sequencing to allow for the simultaneous detection of Cx26 mutations and Cx30 deletions, and evaluated its effectiveness as a clinical genetic test by examining 200 DNA samples. In the 108 samples from deaf subjects, two digenic mutations were identified in Cx26 and Cx30 (E47X/342 kb deletion and 167delT/342 kb deletion); 69 had only Cx26 mutations (29 biallelic, 40 singleton), including two novel frameshift mutations 511–512insAACG and 358–360delAG; and 37 had no detectable mutation in either Cx26 or Cx30. Our deletion mapping suggested that the proximal breakpoint of all reported Cx30 large deletions are between the nucleotide 444 and 627 at the Cx30 coding region within a maximal interval of 78 or 184 bp. This simultaneous examination of Cx26 and Cx30 is a practical and efficient diagnostic approach for patients with nonsyndromic congenital deafness. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of reproductive biology and proximate factors regulating seasonal breeding in captive golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Authors: De Vleeschouwer Kristel , Leus Kristin , Van Elsacker Linda
Published: August 2003

Reproduction is highly demanding in terms of energy expenditure, and the costs and benefits associated with postponing or investing in a reproductive effort are crucial determinants of an individual's fitness. Understanding the reproductive potential of a species under varying ecological conditions offers important insights into the dynamics of its social system. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the reproductive potential of wild‐ and captive‐born golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) under captive conditions, based on studbook data compiled during 1984–2000. Litters produced by wild‐born females breeding in captivity are similar in size to litters observed in the wild, but smaller than litters of captive‐born females. The more stringent ecological conditions experienced by wild‐born females during maturation may result in a lifelong effect on litter size. However, interbirth intervals are shorter for wild‐born than captive‐born females. The relatively smaller burden of infant care that results from having smaller litters may allow wild‐born females to sustain the next pregnancy sooner. Reproduction in the Brazilian captive population is highly seasonal for both wild‐born females and females born in captivity in Brazil. Changes in photoperiod over a year provide a proximate explanation for changes in the proportion of conceptions and births per month. Outside Brazil, breeding occurs year‐round, and no clear birth peak is apparent. Information from field reports that could be used to relate this finding to ecological factors, such as resource availability, is unavailable. Am. J. Primatol. 60:123–137, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.