bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 gene expression by E2F4 in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Parakati Rajini , DiMario Joseph X.
Published: December 2004

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene expression is positively and negatively regulated during muscle differentiation. We recently reported that FGFR1 gene expression was up‐regulated by Sp transcription factors in proliferating myoblasts. However, the mechanism of down‐regulation of this gene during differentiation is unknown. We have identified the transcription factor E2F4 as a negative regulator of FGFR1 gene expression. Immunodetection studies revealed that endogenous E2F1 and E2F2 proteins were cytoplasmic in myoblasts and myotubes, whereas E2F4 was abundant in the nuclei of both. Upon overexpression, E2F4 repressed FGFR1 promoter activity in a dose‐dependent manner in myoblasts and Drosophila SL2 cells, and mutation of the E2F4 binding site increased FGFR1 promoter activity and reduced E2F4‐mediated repression. Gel shift assays detected E2F4 binding to a synthetic FGFR1 E2F4 binding site and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays detected E2F4 binding to the endogenous FGFR1 promoter in proliferating myoblasts and myotubes. The results indicate that FGFR1 promoter activity in skeletal muscle cells is repressed by E2F4. Developmental Dynamics 232:119–130, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Telomerase activity and differential expression of telomerase genes and c‐myc in chicken cells in vitro
Authors: Swanberg Susan E. , Payne William S. , Hunt Henry D. , Dodgson Jerry B. , Delany Mary E.
Published: December 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Developmental Dynamics 231:14–21Developmental Dynamics (2004) 231(1) 14–21
Matrix metalloproteinase genes in Xenopus development
Authors: Harrison Michael , Abu‐Elmagd Muhammad , Grocott Timothy , Yates Clara , Gavrilovic Jelena , Wheeler Grant N.
Published: December 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Developmental Dynamics 231:214–220 Developmental Dynamics(2004) 231(1) 214–220
Adenosine and cAMP are potent inhibitors of the NF‐κB pathway downstream of immunoreceptors
Authors: Minguet Susana , Huber Michael , Rosenkranz Lisa , Schamel Wolfgang W. A. , Reth Michael , Brummer Tilman
Published: December 2004

Anergic B lymphocytes exert compromised signal transduction towards the activation of NF‐κB in response to B cell antigen receptor (BCR) triggering, whereas activation of the ERK pathway appears normal. How this differential down‐regulation of the NF‐κB pathway is regulated remains still elusive. Here, we demonstrate that stimuli known to enhance 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) are capable of selectively suppressing the activation both of NF‐κB downstream of the BCR and Toll‐like receptor 4 in splenic B lymphocytes and of the high‐affinity receptor for IgE in BM‐derived mast cells. This suppression is accomplished by blocking phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of the inhibitor of NF‐κB. A cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor reverses this suppressive effect, indicating that PKA is a downstream effector of cAMP in this process. Importantly, not only drugs that artificially elevate intracellular cAMP levels, but also the nucleoside adenosine, which is known to be a mediator of cellular distress, inhibit the NF‐κB pathway. This suggests that adenosine‐mediated signals represent an important step in the molecular decision process controlling inflammation versus anergic immune responses.

See accompanying Commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425738
New insights into adenosine‐receptor‐mediated immunosuppression and the role of adenosine in causing the immunodeficiency associated with adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Hershfield Michael S.
Published: December 2004

There is growing interest in manipulating adenosine (Ado) signal transduction to control inflammation and autoimmunity. This concept probably originated with the discovery of severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in infants with inherited deficiency of adenosine deaminase (ADA). However, the basis for immunosuppression by Ado has not been well defined, and effects of 2′‐deoxyadenosine (dAdo), which does not activate Ado receptors, have also been implicated in causing SCID. Here I discuss recent evidence that Ado, acting through its A2A receptor, interferes with NF‐κB activation in antigen‐receptor‐stimulated B and T lymphocytes. I also assess the relative contributions of Ado and dAdo to the pathogenesis of ADA‐deficient SCID.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425524
CD8+ T cells from most HIV‐1‐infected patients, even when challenged with mature dendritic cells, lack functional recall memory to HIV gag but not other viruses
Authors: Arrode Geraldine , Finke Jennifer S. , Zebroski Henry , Siegal Frederick P. , Steinman Ralph M.
Published: December 2004

Chronically HIV‐1‐infected patients fail to contain their viremia despite high frequencies of HIV‐1‐specific, IFN‐γ‐producing CD8+ T cells. However, these cells are known to exhibit both phenotypic and functional defects. We tested if mature dendritic cells (DC) could correct defective HIV‐1 gag‐specific T cell responses and if responses to other viral antigens were comparably affected. The circulating gag‐specific CD8+ T cells in fresh blood reliably produced IFN‐γ but lacked IL‐2 and high perforin levels and failed to expand significantly during culture with mature DC presenting HIV‐1 gag peptides. In contrast, CD8+ T cells from long‐term nonprogressors contained gag‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐2 double producers, and the numbers of IFN‐γ producers expanded ∼15‐fold during culture with DC. DC from chronically infected patients could expand IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐2‐producing cells specific for influenza, cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus, and the expansions were comparable to those in healthy donors. When the proliferative capacity of CD8+ T cells from progressor patients was assessed by CFSE dilution, proliferation to other viral antigens was more vigorous than to HIV‐1 gag. Therefore, monocyte‐derived DC from HIV patients present viral antigens effectively, but there is a selective inability to expand CD8+ IFN‐γ‐producing and IFN‐γ and IL‐2 double‐producing T cells when challenged with HIV‐1 gag.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Functionalized with Pd and W Complexes of a Catecholphosphane Ligand
Authors: Lucas Nigel T. , Hook James M. , McDonagh Andrew M. , Colbran Stephen B.
Published: December 2004

Palladium and tungsten complexes containing the bifunctional ligand 4‐diphenylphosphanylcatechol (L1) have been synthesized. The catecholate functionality strongly binds to titanium dioxide nanoparticles, effectively anchoring the complexes to the TiO2 surface. Solid‐state 31P NMR spectroscopy was used to probe the surface‐bound compounds. Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy also provided data on surface‐bound tungsten carbonyl complexes. Preliminary experiments show that the palladium phosphane complex [PdBr2(L1)2] supported on TiO2 catalyzes the Sonogashira coupling of phenylacetylene with 4‐iodonitrobenzene. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Anionic Phosphane − A New Ligand with a Phosphane and a Weakly Coordinating Heteroborate Moiety
Authors: Ronig Benno , Schulze Herbert , Pantenburg Ingo , Wesemann Lars
Published: December 2004

Reaction of chloropropyl‐substituted stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate [Cl(CH2)3SnB11H11]− with the nucleophile Li[CH2PPh2] provided a straightforward synthesis of an anionic phosphane [Ph2PCH2SnB11H11]−. Derivatization of the phosphane was carried out in reaction with sulfur and hydrochloric acid to give [Bu3MeN][Ph2P(S)CH2SnB11H11] and the zwitterion [Ph2P(H)CH2SnB11H11]. In reaction with various transition metal electrophiles, complexation reactions were accomplished resulting in the isolation of trans‐substituted palladium and platinum complexes [Bu3MeN]2[trans‐(Ph2PCH2SnB11H11)2MCl2] (M = Pd, Pt), a neutral silver adduct [(acetone)Ag(Ph2PCH2SnB11H11)], and a linearly coordinated bisphosphane of gold [Bu3MeN][Au(Ph2PCH2SnB11H11)2]. The solid state structures of the ligand salt, the palladium and gold coordination compounds were determined and discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Low Reynolds number k–ε model for near‐wall flow
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Siikonen T.
Published: December 2004

A wall‐distance free k–ε turbulence model is developed that accounts for the near‐wall and low Reynolds number effects emanating from the physical requirements. The model coefficients/functions depend non‐linearly on both the strain rate and vorticity invariants. Included diffusion terms and modified Cε(1,2) coefficients amplify the level of dissipation in non‐equilibrium flow regions, thus reducing the kinetic energy and length scale magnitudes to improve prediction of adverse pressure gradient flows, involving flow separation and reattachment. The model is validated against a few flow cases, yielding predictions in good agreement with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and experimental data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microextraction in packed syringe (MEPS) for liquid and gas chromatographic applications. Part II—Determination of ropivacaine and its metabolites in human plasma samples using MEPS with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Abdel‐Rehim Mohamed , Altun Zeki , Blomberg Lars
Published: December 2004

A new technique for sample preparation on‐line with liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) assay was developed. Microextraction in a packed syringe (MEPS) is a new miniaturized, solid‐phase extraction technique that can be connected on‐line to gas or liquid chromatography without any modifications. In MEPS ∼1 mg of the solid packing material is inserted into a syringe (100–250 µl) as a plug. Sample preparation takes place on the packed bed. The bed can be coated to provide selective and suitable sampling conditions. The new method is very promising, very easy to use, fully automated, of low cost and rapid in comparison with previously used methods. This paper presents the development and validation of a method for MEPS on‐line with LC/MS/MS. Ropivacaine and its metabolites (PPX and 3‐OH‐ropivacaine) in human plasma samples were used as model substances. The method was validated and the calibration curves were evaluated by means of quadratic regression and weighted by the inverse of the concentration, 1/x, for the calibration range 2–2000 nM. The applied polymer could be used more than 100 times before the syringe was discarded. The extraction recovery was between 40 and 60%. The results showed high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.999) for all analytes in the calibration range studied. The accuracy, expressed as a percentage variation from the nominal concentration values, ranged from 0 to 6%. The precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, at three different concentrations (quality control samples) was consistently about 2–10%. The limit of quantification was 2 nM. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and sensitive assay for the quantitative analysis of paclitaxel in human and mouse plasma and brain tumor tissue using coupled liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Stokvis E. , Ouwehand M. , Nan L. G. A. H. , Kemper E. M. , van Tellingen O. , Rosing H. , Beijnen J. H.
Published: December 2004

The development and validation of an assay for the determination of paclitaxel in human plasma, human brain tumor tissue, mouse plasma and mouse brain tumor tissue is described. Paclitaxel was extracted from the matrices using liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether, followed by chromatographic analysis using an alkaline eluent. Positive ionization electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was performed for selective and sensitive detection. The method was validated according to the FDA guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. Validation results indicate that calibration standards in human plasma can be used to quantify paclitaxel in all tested matrices. In human samples, the validated range for paclitaxel was from 0.25–1000 ng ml−1 using 200 µl plasma aliquots and from 5 to 5000 ng g−1 using 50 µl tumor homogenate aliquots (0.2 g tissue ml−1 control human plasma). In mice, the ranges were 1–1000 ng ml−1 and 5–5000 ng g−1 using 50 µl of mouse plasma and 50 µl of tumor homogenate aliquots (0.2 g tissue ml−1 control human plasma), respectively. The method can be applied to studies generating only small sample volumes (e.g. mouse plasma and tumor tissue), but also to studies in human plasma requiring a lower limit of quantitation. The assay was applied successfully to several studies with both human and mouse samples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the reaction products of flavonols with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl using liquid chromatography coupled with negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hvattum Erlend , Stenstrøm Yngve , Ekeberg Dag
Published: December 2004

The products obtained after the reaction between flavonols and the stable free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) in both methanol and acetonitrile were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) and NMR spectroscopy. The flavonols studied were quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin. In methanol, two reaction products of oxidized quercetin were identified using LC/ESI‐MS/MS and NMR. Quercetin was oxidized through a transfer of two H‐atoms to DPPH• and subsequently incorporated either two CH3OH molecules or one CH3OH‐ and one H2O molecule giving the products 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐3,5,7‐trihydroxy‐2,3‐dimethoxy‐2,3‐dihydrochromen‐4‐one and 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐3,3,5,7‐tetrahydroxy‐2‐methoxy‐2,3‐dihydrochromen‐4‐one, respectively. LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis revealed that in methanol, kaempferol and myricetin also gave rise to methoxylated oxidation products similar to that identified for quercetin. Kaempferol, in addition, also exhibited products where a kaempferol radical, obtained by a transfer of one H‐atom to DPPH•, reacted with CH3OH through the addition of CH3O•, yielding two isomeric products. When the reaction took place in acetonitrile, LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis showed that both quercetin and myricetin formed stable isomeric quinone products obtained by a transfer of two H‐atoms to DPPH•. In contrast, kaempferol formed two isomeric products where a kaempferol radical reacted with H2O through the addition of OH•, i.e. similar to the reaction of kaempferol radicals with CH3OH. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donor–acceptor properties of isonitriles studied by photoelectron spectroscopy and electron transmission spectroscopy
Authors: Csonka István Pál , Szepes László , Modelli Alberto
Published: December 2004

Some alkyl and aryl isonitriles, considered as CO analogue σ‐donor and π‐acceptor ligands in transition metal chemistry, were studied by means of HeI photoelectron spectroscopy and electron transmission spectroscopy, in order to evaluate their donor–acceptor properties from the measured ionization energies (IE) and vertical electron attachment energies (VAE). The investigated molecules were 2‐propyl, 1‐butyl, tert‐butyl, 1‐pentyl, cyclohexyl, 2,6‐dimethylphenyl, 4‐methoxyphenyl and 4‐chorophenyl isonitrile. By interpreting the spectra on the basis of literature data and quantum chemical calculations, the spectral features associated with the molecular orbitals mainly involved in coordination and back‐donation were identified. The results show that the IE (10.62–10.95 eV) of the σ electron pair (nc) responsible for the σ‐donor capability is substantially lower than that of CO. The VAEs of the empty π* orbitals involved in the d/π* back‐donation indicate that aryl isonitriles are better acceptors (VAE <0.3 eV) than their aliphatic counterparts (VAE >2.7 eV). In the case of aryl derivatives, the π‐donor ability could also play some role in metal–ligand bonding (IE 8.74–9.34 eV). Isonitrile coordination characteristics are also compared with those of CO, N2 and CH3CN. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal to interannual variations of soil moisture measured in Oklahoma
Authors: Illston Bradley G. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Crawford Kenneth C.
Published: December 2004

Agriculture is a $2 billion component of the state economy in Oklahoma. As a result, meteorological, climatological, and agricultural communities should benefit from an improved understanding of soil moisture conditions and how those conditions vary spatially and temporally. The Oklahoma Mesonet is an automated observing network that provides real‐time hydrometeorological observations at 115 stations across Oklahoma. In 1996, sensors were installed at 60 Mesonet sites to provide near‐real‐time observations of soil moisture.

This study focuses on 6 years of soil moisture data collected between 1997 and 2002 to analyse the annual cycle and temporal characteristics of soil moisture across Oklahoma. The statewide analysis of the annual cycle of soil moisture revealed four distinct soil moisture phases. In addition, the four statewide phases were also observed in each of the nine climate divisions across Oklahoma, although the temporal characteristics of each phase were unique for each division. Further analysis demonstrated that, at shallow soil depths (5 and 25 cm), the spatial variability of soil moisture across Oklahoma was most homogeneous during the winter and spring periods and most heterogeneous during the summer and autumn periods. Conversely, at greater depths (60 and 75 cm), soil moisture was most heterogeneous during the winter period and the most homogeneous during the late spring. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Temperature trends in South Africa: 1960–2003
Authors: Kruger A. C. , Shongwe S.
Published: December 2004

Time series of South African temperatures were investigated for temporal and spatial trends for the period 1960 to 2003. For this purpose a total of 26 climate stations were utilized, with each having sufficient data available and not having undergone major moves or changes in exposure that would influence the homogeneity of their data series. The vast majority, a total of 23 stations, showed positive trends in their annual mean maximum temperature series, 13 of them significant, with trends higher for central stations than those closer to the coast. Annual mean minimum temperatures showed 21 stations having positive trends, with 18 significant. Stations not showing significantly positive trends in annual mean minimum temperatures were mostly situated in the central interior. The annual average temperature data series of 24 of the stations showed positive trends, with 18 of them significant. Trends of mean seasonal temperature showed that temperature trends are not consistent throughout the year, with the average trend for autumn showing a maximum and spring a minimum. Monthly trends of average annual temperatures showed large differences in trend between stations, and for each station between months, but similar tendencies in trend between months were found to exist for stations close by and also for groups of stations on a regional basis. Trends in diurnal temperature range are almost equally divided between positive and negative, with the positive trends in the central interior mainly being caused by large positive trends in maximum temperature. It is also shown that, in general, days and nights with relatively high temperatures have increased, while days and nights with relatively low temperatures have decreased. The effects of urbanization on temperature trends are investigated, and the conclusion is that most stations regarded as urban stations are still useful for trend analysis; being situated on the outskirts of cities they are, therefore, not substantially influenced by the urban heat island. El Niño and La Niña events do not seem to play a significant role in the increasing temperatures observed. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Trends in precipitation on the wettest days of the year across the contiguous USA
Authors: Michaels Patrick J. , Knappenberger Paul C. , Frauenfeld Oliver W. , Davis Robert E.
Published: December 2004

Over the course of the 20th century, average annual precipitation for the contiguous USA has increased by nearly 10%. This increase has been described as being dominated by ‘disproportionate’ increases in extreme precipitation events. However, methodological constraints have confounded detailed interpretation of such results. Here, we briefly describe those limitations and re‐evaluate the nature of the observed precipitation changes using a method that allows for a more accurate examination of changes in the proportion of precipitation delivered in extreme daily events. We focus our analysis only on the trends in precipitation on the 10 wettest days of the year and compare the trends observed on those days with the trend in overall precipitation. When averaged across the USA, we find that the precipitation trends on the 10 wettest days of the year are not significantly different from the trend in total overall precipitation. On a regional level, in the northeast and southeast there is some evidence that the rate of precipitation increase on the wettest days exceeds that of total precipitation, whereas in the rest of the country the precipitation on the wettest days is increasing at a rate less than the increase in total precipitation. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Characterizing regional‐scale variations in monthly and seasonal surface air temperature over Mexico
Authors: Englehart Phil J. , Douglas Arthur V.
Published: December 2004

Monthly and seasonal variations in surface air temperature (SAT) over Mexico have not received much research attention, a situation partly reflecting the lack of a coherent historical data set. As a step toward rectifying the data gap, this study outlines the development of a gridded monthly (2.5° × 2.5°lat.–long.) SAT data set (1940–2001) for Mexico. Using the data set, we investigate several basic dimensions of SAT variability. Our analysis demonstrates that much of the variability can be compactly expressed in terms of four regions which are physically plausible with respect to the country's climatology. Not surprisingly, persistence is an important component of regional SAT variability. Evaluated month to month, persistence tends to be greatest during the warm season, whereas across seasons there is evidence for persistence of warm season anomalies into the following cool season, behaviour that is consistent with positive feedback relationships between SAT, rainfall and land surface conditions. The regional time series display longer period variability that is partially linked to the state of the large‐scale, slowly evolving climate modes of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation and the Pacific decadal oscillation. Analyses are also presented to describe teleconnections between SAT and the El Niño–southern oscillation phenomena, and SAT and other large‐scale atmospheric modes, such as the Pacific North American pattern and the North Atlantic oscillation. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Honey‐bee products in prevention and/or therapy of murine transplantable tumours
Authors: Oršolić Nada , Terzić Svjetlana , Šver Lidija , Bašić Ivan
Published: December 2004

We investigated the effects of water‐soluble derivative of propolis (WSDP), caffeic acid, honey, royal jelly and bee venom on tumour development and metastasis in murine tumour models. Transplantable murine tumours were used: a spontaneous mammary carcinoma (MCa) and a methylcholanthrene–induced fibrosarcoma (FS) of CBA mouse. Metastases in the lung were generated by injecting 105 or 2 × 105 viable tumour cells intravenously. Tumours in the hind leg were generated by subcutaneous injection of 104 or 105 mammary carcinoma cells. Oral application of WSDP or caffeic acid significantly reduced subcutaneous tumour growth and prolonged survival of mice. Honey also exerted a pronounced antimetastatic effect (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) when applied before tumour cell inoculation (2 g kg−1 orally once a day for 10 consecutive days). Royal jelly did not affect the formation of metastases when given intraperitoneally or subcutaneously. However, synchronous application of tumour cells and royal jelly intravenously significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the formation of metastases. When bee venom was injected intratumourally, tumours decreased in size. These findings demonstrated that honey‐bee products given orally or systemically may have an important role controlling tumour growth and metastasis. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A note on equity ownership and corporate value in Greece
Authors: Karathanassis G.A. , Drakos A.A.
Published: December 2004

This study attempts to investigate whether corporate performance is affected by the ownership structure, using data from companies quoted on the Athens Stock Exchange for the period 1996–1998. Given such an objective, the basic hypothesis examined, is that corporate performance as measured by Tobin's Q ratio is a function of ownership and other control variables. Our econometric approach relies on the use of a combination of time series and cross section data (panel‐data analysis), a procedure that avoids many statistical problems. After examining the role of each identifiable shareholder, we find a positive relationship between institutional investors and corporate performance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Falls and injuries resulting from falls among patients with Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Wielinski Catherine L. , Erickson‐Davis Cordelia , Wichmann Rose , Walde‐Douglas Maria , Parashos Sotirios A.
Published: December 2004

We sought to ascertain frequency, type, risk factors of falling, and resulting injuries among parkinsonian patients. A survey was mailed to all patients treated at our center between 1/1/2000 and 4/30/2002 (N = 1,417). Information was collected on falls within the past 2 years, related injuries, and use of health care services. A total of 1,131 responses (response rate, 79.8%) were received. After the exclusion of nonparkinsonian disorders, statistics for the remaining group (n = 1,092) and predictive statistics for those diagnosed before 1/1/2000 (n = 1,013) were calculated. Outcomes included falls, fractures, injuries, surgery, and related use of health care services. Explanatory variables included sex, age, age at diagnosis, disease duration, atypical parkinsonism, and dementia. Most patients (55.9%) were men; 12.2% had atypical parkinsonism; 12.5% had dementia; median age was 74.7 years; median disease duration was 7 years; 55.9% had at least one fall in the past 2 years; 65.0% of them sustained an injury; 33.0% sustained a fracture; 75.5% of injuries required health care services; 40.6% of fractures required surgery. Older age, atypical parkinsonism, longer disease duration, and dementia were risk factors for falling; female sex and older age were predictors of fractures. Need for health care services after an injury was higher among older patients. Further prospective studies will be necessary to elucidate the specific prognostic outcomes of injuries due to falls among parkinsonian patients, and the impact of these injuries on disease progression and quality of life. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Reply: Sudden failure of dual‐channel pulse generators
Authors: Deyo Don
Published: December 2004

The original article to which this Editor‐Solicited Manufacturer Statement refers has been published in Movement Disorders Alesch F., Mov Disord 2004;DOI 10.1002/mds.20354.
Methadone for refractory restless legs syndrome
Authors: Ondo William G.
Published: December 2004

Most cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS) initially respond well to dopaminergic agonists. However, an unknown percentage of patients is intolerant of dopaminergic adverse events, initially or subsequently refractory, or develops limiting augmentation. We administered methadone 5 to 40 mg/day (final dose, 15.6 ± 7.7) to 29 RLS patients who failed dopaminergics. They were currently taking or had previously tried 5.9 ± 1.7 (range, 3–9) different medications for RLS and 2.9 ± 0.8 (range, 2–4) different dopaminergics. Of the 27 patients who met inclusion criteria, 17 have remained on methadone for 23 ± 12 months (range, 4–44 months) at a dose of 15.5 ± 7.7 mg/day; 2 dialysis RLS patients died while on methadone, and 8 stopped the treatment (5 for adverse events, 2 for lack of efficacy, and 1 for logistical reasons). All patients who remain on methadone report at least a 75% reduction in symptoms, and none have developed augmentation. Methadone should be considered in RLS patients with an unsatisfactory dopaminergic response. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Challenging conventional wisdom: The etiologic role of dopamine oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ahlskog J. Eric
Published: December 2004

Oxidative stress is well documented in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been attributed to dopamine oxidative metabolism. However, evidence of oxidative stress is found in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting that more general factors are responsible or that cytodestructive processes secondarily generate oxyradical products. Increasing evidence points away from dopamine metabolism as an important contributor to PD neurodegeneration. Predictions from the dopamine oxidative stress hypothesis of PD reveal multiple inconsistencies. Although the clinical and therapeutic importance of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system is undeniable, PD neuropathology is much more widespread. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Functional impairment as a risk factor for urinary incontinence among older Americans
Authors: Jenkins Kristi Rahrig , Fultz Nancy H.
Published: December 2004

Aims

Using a large nationally representative sample of older Americans we investigate four domains of functional impairment as possible risk factors for the subsequent development of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms.

Methods

Data from three waves (1993, 1995, 1998) of the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey were used to model the effects of functional impairment on the onset of UI symptoms.

Results

A greater number of serious chronic conditions and functional impairment in the lower body mobility domain increased the odds of the onset of mild UI (vs. remaining continent). Factors that contributed to greater odds of the onset of severe UI (vs. remaining continent) were older age, being represented by a proxy respondent, and functional impairment in the strength domain.

Conclusions

Understanding the possible relationship between functional impairment and UI is an important step toward developing appropriate interventions for the prevention, treatment, or management of urine loss. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and photoinduced transformation of helical aromatic polyamides containing atropisomeric biphenylene units and azobenzene segments in the main chain
Authors: Agata Yuya , Kobayashi Motoyasu , Kimura Hiroshi , Takeishi Makoto
Published: December 2004

Optically active helical polyamides were synthesized by condensation of axially dissymmetric (R)‐ or (S)‐6,6′‐diamino‐2,2′‐dimethylbiphenyl with aromatic dicarbonyl chlorides. The wholly aromatic polyamides obtained were soluble in various low‐polarity organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and chloroform, as well as in polar N,N‐dimethylacetamide. Excellent thermal stability of the helical structure was observed for the polyamide obtained with 4,4′‐dicarbonylbiphenyl chloride in refluxing N,N‐dimethylacetamide. Chiroptical data obtained from the circular dichroism spectra showed that the helical conformation of the polyamide containing azobenzene segments in the main chain can be transformed reversibly on irradiation with UV–visible light because of the trans–cis isomerization of the segments. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
NMR imaging of the diffusion of water at 310 K into poly[(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐co‐(tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate)] containing vitamin B12 or aspirin
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad A , Hill David JT , Whittaker Andrew K
Published: December 2004

The ingress of water into copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (THFMA) loaded with either one of two model drugs, ie vitamin B12 or aspirin, was studied at 310 K using three‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (3D NMR) imaging. The poly(HEMA) was loaded with 5 wt% of the drugs. From the imaging profiles it was observed that incorporation of vitamin B12 into the polymers rich in HEMA resulted in crack formation at the interface between the rubbery region and the glassy core on sorption of water, although these cracks were ‘healed’ behind the diffusion front. However, for the copolymers with low HEMA contents and for those containing aspirin, no evidence for similar crack formation was found. For the copolymers loaded with 5 wt% of aspirin or vitamin B12 the values of the water diffusion coefficients, determined by curve‐fitting the relative water concentration profiles from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, were found to be smaller than those obtained from a mass uptake study. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Complex formation of montmorillonite clay with polymers. Part 2: The use of montmorillonite clay–vinyl monomer complex as a comonomer in the copolymerization reaction of styrene–acrylonitrile monomers
Authors: Khalil Hanaa , Mahajan Devinder , Rafailovich Mariam
Published: December 2004

The bulk copolymerization of styrene–acrylonitrile monomers using styrene‐N+–montmorillonite complex as a comonomer in the polymerization was studied. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that part of the styrene‐N+–montmorillonite complex remained non‐dispersed (immiscible) and the copolymer was excluded from the interlayer of the immiscible part of the clay. The successive chemical extraction process revealed that a reasonable amount of the styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer was directly attached to the styrene‐N+–montmorillonite complex and enveloped the clay. Highly exfoliated clay lamella and nanospheres (3–5 nm) were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The montmorillonite clay assume two different morphologies, immiscible and exfoliated, on the basis of the XRD and TEM data. A simple method of calculation of the ratio of the exfoliated/immiscible amounts of the clay indicated that the amount of the styrene‐N+–montmorillonite complex exfoliated into separate lamella was 40 % (w/w) of the amount of the clay samples containing 2 % of the (styrene‐N+–montmorillonite complex) clay. This amount of exfoliated clay decreases with the increase of the concentration of the clay. The presence of the styrene‐N+–montmorillonite clay in the copolymerization reaction had a minor effect on both the copolymer composition and the molecular weight. Modification of the clay with the derivatized styrene monomer can achieve a nanocomposite using a percentage no more than 4 % (w/w) of complex in the copolymer. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
New Binuclear Copper Complexes [(9S3)Cu(CN)Cu(9S3)]Xn (X=BF4, n=1; X=TCNQ, n=2) (9S3=1, 4, 7‐trithiacyclononane): Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Naito T. , Nishibe K. , Inabe T.
Published: December 2004

The binuclear Cu complex salts of 1, 4, 7‐trithiacyclononane (9S3) with an inorganic anion (BF4)‐ and with an organic radical anion TCNQ‐ (7, 7′, 8, 8′‐tetracyanoquinodimethanide) were synthesized and their molecular and crystal structures were examined in connection with the magnetic properties. The new complex cation [Cu(9S3)CN(9S3)Cu]+ varies its charges and magnetic properties depending on the counter anions; [Cu(9S3)CN(9S3)Cu](BF4) (1) was obtained as diamagnetic colorless crystals, while [Cu(9S3)CN(9S3)Cu](TCNQ)2 (2) was obtained as dark blue crystals with antiferromagnetic properties. Complex 1 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 26.863(2), b = 7.0878(5), c = 13.4864(8) Å, β = 116.318(2)°. Complex 2 crystallized in the triclinic space group P1¯ with a = 12.521(1), b = 20.2698(8), c = 8.0205(4) Å, α = 100.688(4), β = 93.846(5), γ = 94.953(4)°. Both complexes are comprised of cyano‐bridged two Cu(9S3) ions with tetrahedral coordination. The X‐ray structural study revealed that 1 has two crystallographically equivalent copper(I) atoms, while 2 has two crystallographically independent CuI/II sites. The two CuI/II sites could not be distinguished from the X‐ray structural study. For 2 the IR spectra show that both crystallographically independent TCNQ species were monoanions and are strongly dimerized due to π‐stacking, which well explains their diamagnetic contribution to the magnetic susceptibility and the highly insulating property of this salt. The temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility of 2 showed a deviation from the Curie‐Weiss behaviour around 60 K, which indicates a strong antiferromagnetic intermolecular interaction between the copper complexes and that such intermolecular interaction should partly occur via the TCNQ radical anion dimer.
Donorstabilisierte Galliumdihalogenide Ga2X4·2D (X = Cl, Br; D = Donormolekül): Ein experimenteller Beitrag zu den Variationsmöglichkeiten der Ga‐Ga‐Einfachbindung
Authors: Duan Taike , Schnöckel Hansgeorg
Published: December 2004

Bei der Disproportionierung metastabiler GaX‐Lösungen (X = Cl, Br) werden im Bereich der Oxidationsprodukte u.a. donorstabilisierte Galliumdihalogenide gebildet. Sie haben nach Röntgenstrukturanalysen eine dimere Form DX2Ga‐GaX2D (D = THF, NHEt2, NEt3, 4‐tButylpyridin oder Br‐), d.h. diese Verbindungen sind zu Ethan isoelektronisch, d.h. sie sind in einer schematischen Betrachtung als Vertreter kettenförmiger, alkanartiger Galliumsubhalogenide zu bezeichnen: Gan(X, D)2n+2. Die Ga‐Ga‐Bindungen dieser Halogenide sind kürzer als in Organometallverbindungen vom Typ R2Ga‐GaR2. Der Vergleich der Bindungsparameter, besonders der Ga‐Ga‐Bindungen in diesen Dihalogeniden, erlaubt Rückschlüsse auf den strukturellen Einfluss sowohl der Donormoleküle als auch der Halogenidliganden.
1‐Azonia‐2‐boratanaphthalenes
Authors: Paetzold Peter , Stanescu Claudia , Stubenrauch Jörg Rainer , Bienmüller Matthias , Englert Ulli
Published: December 2004

The 1‐azonia‐2‐boratanaphthalenes (NH)(BX)C8H6 can be synthesized from 2‐aminostyrene and the dihaloboranes XBHal2 (1‐4: X = Cl, Br, iPr, tBu). Further derivatives (NH)(BX)C8H6 are obtained from 1 by replacing Cl by alkoxy or alkyl groups [5‐8: X = OMe, OtBu, Me, (CH2)3NMe2]. The hydrolysis of 1 gives a mixture of the bis(azoniaboratanaphthyl) oxide [(NH)BC8H6]2O (9) and the hydroxy derivative (NH)[B(OH)]C8H6 (10). The diboryl oxide 9 crystallizes in the space group C2/c. The lithiation of 4 at the nitrogen atom gives [NLi(tmen)](BtBu)C8H6 (11), which upon reaction with the diborane(4) B2Cl2(NMe2)2 yields the 1, 2‐bis(azoniaboratanaphthyl)diborane B2[N(BtBu)C8H6]2(NMe2)2 (12). The 2‐chloro‐1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl derivative (NMe)(BCl)C8H5Ph (13) of the parent (NH)(BH)C8H6 can be synthesized from the aminoborane BCl2(NMePh) and phenylethyne. Substitution of Cl in 13 gives the derivatives (NMe)(BX)C8H5Ph [14‐20: X = N(SiMe3)2, Me, Et, iBu, tBu, CH2SiMe3, Ph] and the reaction of 13 with Li2O affords the bis(azoniaboratanaphthyl) oxide [(NMe)BC8H5Ph]2O (21). The reaction of 16 or 19 with [(MeCN)3Cr(CO)3] yields the complexes [{(NMe)(BX)C8H5Ph}Cr(CO)3] (22, 23: X = Et, CH2SiMe3), in which the chromium atom is hexahapto bound to the homoarene part of 16 or 19, respectively. The complex 23 crystallizes in the space group P21/c. Upon reaction of the phenols para‐C6H4R(OH) with the aryldichloroboranes ArBCl2 and subsequent condensation of the products with phenylethyne, the 1‐oxonia‐2‐boratanaphthalenes O(BAr)C8H4RPh with R in position 6 and Ph in position 4 are formed (24‐26: Ar = Ph, R = H, Me, OMe; 27‐29: Ar = C6F5, R = H, Me, OMe). The azoniaboratanaphthalenes 1‐23 were characterized by NMR methods.
Existiert eine Wurtzit‐Modifikation von Lithiumbromid? — Untersuchungen im System LiBr/LiI —
Authors: Fischer Dieter , Müller Adolf , Jansen Martin
Published: December 2004

Gasphasenabscheidungen inniger Gemenge von LiBr/LiI (Mischungsverhältnis: LiBr/LiI = 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) sowie von reinem LiI bzw. LiBr auf einem Saphirsubstrat bei ‐196 °C in einer Hochvakuumkammer wurden röntgenographisch in Abhängigkeit der Temperatur untersucht. Unterhalb von 0 °C liegt LiI in der hexagonalen Wurtzit‐Modifikation (β‐LiI) mit a = 451.4(1) und c = 731.1(2) pm vor, die sich beim weiteren Erwärmen bis Raumtemperatur in die kubische Kochsalz‐Modifikation (α‐LiI, a = 602.57(3) pm) umwandelt. Aus den Koabscheidungen von LiBr/LiI entstehen feste Lösungen LiBr1‐xIx, die ebenfalls unterhalb von Raumtemperatur in einer Wurtzit‐Modifikation kristallisieren. Diese sind beständiger als β‐LiI und wandeln sich erst bei 80 °C endgültig in die kubischen Phasen um. Die Gitterkonstanten betragen für LiBr1‐xIx mit x ≈ 0.7 a = 445.48(7), c = 719.1(1) pm und für x ≈ 0.4 a = 431.50(5), c = 691.7(1) pm. Es liegt eine lückenlose Mischkristallreihe für die hexagonale Phase LiBr1‐xIx mit 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 vor. Beide kubische Phasen, α‐LiI und LiBr, bilden feste Lösungen, in denen bis zu etwa 10 % der jeweils anderen Verbindung gelöst sind. Für reines LiBr wurde im gesamten Temperaturbereich (‐196 °C bis 25 °C) ausschließlich die kubische Modifikation (a = 551.54(2) pm, 25 °C) beobachtet.
Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen der chalkogenidoverbrückten Nickelclusterverbindungen [Ni5Se4Cl2(PPhEt2)6], [Ni12Se12(PnPr3)6] und [Ni18S18(PiPr3)6]
Authors: Koenig Sven , Fenske Dieter
Published: December 2004

Durch die Reaktion von silylierten Chalkogenverbindungen (R)ESiMe3 (R = SiMe3, Mes = C9H11; E = S, Se) mit [NiCl2(PPhEt2)2] und[NiCl2(PR3)2] (R = nPr, iPr) in THF können chalkogenidoverbrückte Nickelcluster dargestellt werden. In dieser Arbeit werden die Verbindungen [Ni5Se4Cl2(PPhEt2)6]·2THF (1), [Ni12Se12(PnPr3)6]·2THF (2) und [Ni18S18(PiPr3)6]·2THF (3) beschrieben, deren Strukturen mit Hilfe der Röntgenstrukturanalyse aufgeklärt werden konnten.
Cytosolic compartmentalization of hepatic alanine: Glyoxylate aminotransferase in patients with aberrant peroxisomal biogenesis and its effect on oxalate metabolism
Authors: Danpure C. J. , Fryer P. , Griffiths S. , Guttridge K. M. , Jennings P. R. , Allsop J. , Moser A. B. , Naidu S. , Moser H. W. , MacCollin M. , DeVivo D. C.
Published: December 2004

Two patients with atypical manifestations of aberrant peroxisomal biogenesis are described. Contrary to previous studies, which had shown that Zellweger syndrome patients usually have normal levels of urinary oxalate excretion, the patients in the present study had evidence of abnormal oxalate metabolism in the form of hyperoxaluria and, in one of the patients, calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Activity of the liver‐specific peroxisomal enzyme alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT), which is a major determinant of the level of endogenous oxalate synthesis in humans, was normal in one patient and markedly supranormal in the other. Using the technique of post‐embedding protein A‐colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy, AGT was found to be mainly cytosolic in the livers of both patients, with significant amounts also localized in the nuclei. In a small minority of the hepatocytes of one patient, who was homozygous for the more common (major) AGT allele, large numbers of unidentified fibrillar arrays were found in the cytosol, which labelled heavily for immunoreactive AGT. The background cytosolic AGT labelling was markedly reduced in such cells when compared to the majority of cells that did not contain fibrils. In the other patient, who was heterozygous for the major and minor AGT alleles, there appeared to be low levels of mitochondrial AGT labelling. In the light of these data, the possible metabolic function of cytosolic AGT in the livers of panperoxisomal disease patients is discussed.
6‐Methyluracil excretion in 2‐methylacetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase deficiency and in two children with an unexplained recurrent ketoacidaemia
Authors: Cromby C. H. , Manning N. J. , Pollitt R. J. , Powell S. , Bennett M. J.
Published: December 2004

6‐Methyluracil (6MU) has been identified in urine collected during acute illness in two children with β‐ketothiolase deficiency (approximately 1 mmol/L) and in two children with recurrent infection‐related ketoacidaemia of unknown aetiology (levels of 6.3 and 7.1 mmol/mmol creatinine). Significant amounts of 6MU were not detected in children with fasting ketosis in whom a metabolic disorder was excluded (normal levels less than 25 µmol/mmol creatinine). We propose that the production of 6MU may be related to the accumulation of acetoacetyl‐CoA and thus be a marker for disorders where this occurs.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome): Characterization of the iduronate‐2‐sulphatase in MPS II skin fibroblasts
Authors: Petruschka L. , Zschiesche M. , Bielicki J. , Seidlitz G. , Machill G. , Hopwood J. J. , Herrmann F. H.
Published: December 2004

Iduronate‐2‐sulphatase was characterized kinetically in MPS II fibroblasts.
World Health and the Oxford International Biomedical Centre
Authors: Pasternak Charles A.
Published: December 2004

Some of the problems associated with World Health are considered. The Oxford International Biomedical Centre (OIBC) was launched in 1992 to respond to those challenges. Its mission and goals, track record, and new programmes are described.
Holocene Glacier Fluctuations in the Middle Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Luckman B. H. , Osborn G. D.
Published: December 2004

Holocene glacial advances in the Banff–Jasper–Yoho area of the Canadian Rocky Mountains have been extremely limited in extent. Limiting 14C dates from two sites within 1 km of contemporary glaciers of fresh terminal moraines indicate that the late Wisconsin Ice Sheet and valley glaciers disappeared prior to 9660 yr B.P. Two subsequent glacial advances are recognized. The earlier Crowfoot Advance is represented by moraines and rock-glacier deposits overlain by Mazama ash (6600 yr B.P.) and is therefore early Holocene or possibly late Wisconsin in age. The late Neoglacial Cavell Advance of the last few centuries is dated by dendrochronology and lichenometry. In addition, there is fragmentary, undated evidence of intermediate-age advance(s), mainly from rock-glacier deposits. All these advances were of limited extent (1–2 km beyond present ice margins) and the Cavell Advance was usually the most extensive. Major exceptions to this pattern occur only where rock glaciers or extensive ice-cored moraines developed during the earlier advance(s?). These deposits were not overrun by glaciers during the Cavell Advance because of their relatively greater downvalley extent and the physical barrier they presented to subsequent glacial advances. Earlier work which postulated more extensive early Holocene advances in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is shown to have inadequate dating control: Many of the features previously attributed to older Holocene events are late Wisconsin in age.