bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a major gene influencing risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Klein Alison P. , Beaty Terri H. , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Brune Kieran A. , Hruban Ralph H. , Petersen Gloria M.
Published: October 2002

Family history of pancreatic cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, confers a 1.5–13‐fold higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is associated with several genetic syndromes, including hereditary breast cancer (BRCA2), familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome, hereditary pancreatitis, and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). However, these syndromes explain little of the observed familial aggregation of pancreatic cancer. We performed complex segregation analysis on 287 families ascertained through an index case diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1999. We tested for the presence of a major gene controlling either the “age‐at‐onset of pancreatic cancer” of “susceptibility to pancreatic cancer,” and incorporated smoking data on kindred members as a covariate. We found evidence for involvement of a major gene in the etiology of pancreatic cancer. Whether inheritance was modeled as “age‐at‐onset” or “susceptibility,” nongenetic transmission models were strongly rejected. However, modeling “age‐at‐onset” provided a better fit to the observed data than did modeling “susceptibility.” The most parsimonious models included autosomal‐dominant inheritance of a rare allele. Under the age‐at‐onset model, approximately 0.7% of the population appears to be at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer due to this putative gene, whereas 0.4% of the population is at high risk under the susceptibility model. Inclusion of smoking as a covariate did not significantly improve the fit of these models. This hospital‐based segregation analysis of pancreatic cancer found evidence supporting the role of a rare major gene influencing risk of pancreatic cancer. Genet. Epidemiol. 23:133–149, 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of intrafamilial phenotypic variation in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)
Authors: Szudek J. , Joe H. , Friedman J.M.
Published: October 2002

The relationship of genetic factors to variable expressivity in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is poorly understood. We examined familial aggregation of NF1 features among different classes of affected relatives. Clinical information was obtained from the National NF Foundation International Database on 904 affected individuals in 373 families with 2 or more members with NF1. We used multivariate probit regression to measure the associations between various classes of relatives for each of 10 clinical features of NF1, while simultaneously adjusting for covariates including related features, age, and gender. Two distinct patterns were observed when we compared associations between first‐ and second‐degree relatives, sibs, and parent‐child pairs: Lisch nodules and café‐au‐lait spots had greater associations between first‐degree relatives than between second‐degree relatives, while subcutaneous neurofibromas, plexiform neurofibromas, café‐au‐lait spots, and intertriginous freckling had greater associations between sibs than between parents and children. In addition, Lisch nodules, subcutaneous neurofibromas, and cutaneous neurofibromas had greater associations between affected fathers and children than between affected mothers and children. These familial patterns suggest that unlinked modifying genes and the normal NF1 allele may both be involved in the development of particular clinical features of NF1, but that the relative contributions vary for different features. Genet. Epidemiol. 23:150–164, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Out of sight out of mind? Support and information given to distant and near relatives of those with dementia
Authors: Thompsell Amanda , Lovestone Simon
Published: October 2002

Objectives

Increasing attention has been paid to the needs of family members caring for a person with dementia but little has been written about the impact on the wider family. This paper was intended to see whether the need for information would stretch to those relatives living far from the patient.

Method

A case‐control study comparing two sets of relatives of community‐dwelling probands in contact with secondary services and having a clinical diagnosis of dementia: one set of relatives living less than an hour away and another set living further away.

The reported need for and source of information obtained by relatives was questioned using a specially designed questionnaire. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Ratings Scale were used with probands.

Results

Relatives living distantly from the person with dementia reported similar rates of subjective distress but were more often dissatisfied with information received. Distant relatives were also less likely to access information from books or lay societies.

Conclusion

The impact of having a relative with dementia does not lessen with distance. The wider family need support and information as well as ‘primary carers’. If the whole family is to be supported in their caring role, then clinicians and the lay societies need to widen their supportive net. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of simian virus 40 in human brain tumors from northern India
Authors: Engels Eric A. , Sarkar Chitra , Daniel Richard W. , Gravitt Patti E. , Verma Kusum , Quezado Martha , Shah Keerti V.
Published: October 2002

Simian virus 40 (SV40), a monkey polyomavirus, was a contaminant of early poliovirus vaccines administered to millions of individuals in the 1950s and early 1960s. SV40 causes brain tumors in laboratory animals, and SV40 DNA sequences have been variably identified in human choroid plexus tumors and ependymomas. We studied the possible association between SV40 and human brain tumors in northern India, where humans have frequent contact with SV40‐infected rhesus macaques. DNA from pathologic specimens from 33 ependymomas, 14 choroid plexus tumors and 18 control brain tissues (contused brain, brain metastases) was extracted and analyzed under masked conditions. We used real‐time PCR to detect and quantify SV40 (T antigen) and human (GAPDH) DNA sequences. The SV40 PCR assay detected as few as 10 copies of SV40 DNA and had a linear range from 1 × 102 to 1 × 106 copies. SV40 DNA was detected in 1 specimen (an ependymoma). However, few SV40 DNA copies were detected in this sample (<10 copies, equivalent to <1 copy/350 cells, based on simultaneous GAPDH quantification), and SV40 was not detected when this sample was retested. Our findings do not support a role for SV40 in choroid plexus tumors or ependymomas from northern India. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circadian efferent input to Limulus eyes: Anatomy, circuitry, and impact
Authors: Battelle Barbara‐Anne
Published: October 2002

Much is known about the anatomy of Limulus retinal efferent neurons and the structural and functional consequences of their activation. Retinal efferent axons arise from cell bodies located in the cheliceral ganglia of the brain, and they project out all of the optic nerves. Their unique neurosecretory‐like terminals contact all cell types in lateral eye ommatidia, the retinular cells of the median eye, and the internal rhabdom of ventral photoreceptors. Lateral and median rudimentary photoreceptors are also innervated. The activity of the efferents is circadian. They are active during the subjective night and inactive during the subjective day. Activation of the efferents drives dramatic and diverse changes in the structure and function of Limulus eyes and causes the sensitivity and responsiveness of the eyes to light to increase at night. Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that produce these structural and functional changes, but one efferent‐activated biochemical cascade has been identified. The biogenic amine octopamine is released from efferent terminals, and an octopamine‐stimulated rise in cAMP in photoreceptors, with a subsequent activation of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, mediates many of the known effects of efferent input. A photoreceptor‐specific protein, myosin III, is phosphorylated in response to efferent input; this protein may play a role in the efferent stimulated changes in photoreceptor structure and function. Anatomical, biophysical, biochemical, and molecular approaches are now being effectively combined in studies of Limulus eyes; thus, this preparation should be particularly useful for further detailed investigations of mechanisms underlying the modulation of primary sensory cells by efferent input. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:345–355, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus genotype 3 among autochthonous Venezuelan populations
Authors: Loureiro Carmen L. , Alonso Roberto , Pacheco Belkis A. , Uzcátegui María G. , Villegas L. , León Graciela , de Saéz Arlette , Liprandi Ferdinando , López José L. , Pujol Flor H.
Published: October 2002

GB virus C or hepatitis G virus (GBV‐C/HGV) is highly prevalent among population groups at risk of parenterally transmitted viral agents, but it has also a worldwide distribution in other non‐risk population groups. GBV‐C/HGV RNA and antibodies against its envelope protein (anti‐E2 Abs) were found in 3/86 (3%) and 7/89 (8%) of biomedical science personnel (BSP), in 31/453 (7%) and 37/200 (19%) of blood donors (BD), and in 6/64 (9%) and 26/59 (44%) of hemodialysis patients (HD) from Caracas, Venezuela. A significant gradient of GBV‐C/HGV exposure (anti‐E2 Abs and/or GBV‐C/HGV RNA) was found between BSP (lowest prevalence), BD, and HD (P < 0.001). GBV‐C/HGV RNA and anti‐E2 Abs were also found in 2/69 (2.9%) and 2/44 (4.5%) of individuals from a rural community, in 9/162 (5.5%) and 2/40 (5%) of West Amerindians, and in 14/56 (25%) and 4/53 (7.5%) of South Amerindians. Socioeconomic and cultural factors may have contributed to the relatively high risk of exposure to GBV‐C/HGV in BD and Amerindians. Whereas GBV‐C/HGV genotypes 1 (n = 1), 2 (n = 6), and 3 (n = 22) were present in Venezuela, only the Asiatic genotype 3 was found infecting Amerindians and rural populations (n = 16). Genotype assignment based on the 5′ noncoding region of the GBV‐ C/HGV genome was corroborated in some isolates by genetic analysis of the E2 region. This report confirms the circulation of the Asiatic genotype of GBV‐C/HGV among Amerindians, suggesting an old origin of GBV‐C/HGV. This might be associated with the apparently low pathogenesis of this virus. J. Med. Virol. 68:357–362, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated gastric carcinoma in southern India: A comparison with a large‐scale Japanese series
Authors: Kattoor Jayasree , Koriyama Chihaya , Akiba Suminori , Itoh Tetsuhiko , Ding Shan , Eizuru Yoshito , Abraham Elizabeth K. , Chandralekha B. , Amma N.S. , Nair M. Krishnan
Published: October 2002

Epidemiological and clinicopathological features of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) associated gastric carcinoma was compared in India and Japan, two countries differing markedly in gastric cancer incidence. Using in situ hybridization assay, the presence of EBV‐encoded small RNA (EBER) was examined in 215, and 2,011 gastric cancer cases in Kerala, India, and Japan, respectively. Ten cases (5%), all males, in the Indian series were EBER‐positive. This frequency was similar to that in the Japanese series (6.2%). As was the case with Japanese series, the EBV‐associated gastric carcinoma in the Indian series was observed most frequently in the middle part of the stomach (1 in antrum, 4 in middle part, 2 in cardia, and 3 unknown), and, histologically, the diffuse type Lauren's classification (8 cases) was more common than the intestinal type (2 cases). Virus subtyping by PCR‐RFLP revealed that all of the 10 EBV strains isolated from the EBER‐positive Indian cases were subtype A, and wild‐type F for Bam HI F region. In Bam HI I region, 8 cases were type C and the remaining 2 cases were type D. In either series, there was no significant difference in the frequency of tumors with p53 overexpression between EBER‐positive and ‐negative cases. However, the proportion of cells with p53 overexpression in EBER‐negative tumors was significantly higher than that in EBER‐positive tumors regardless of histological type in both series. In conclusion, the frequency and major clinicopathological features of EBV‐associated gastric carcinoma in south India were similar to those observed in Japanese series although gastric cancer incidence in these two countries differs markedly. J. Med. Virol. 68:384–389, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic analysis of measles viruses isolated in Morocco
Authors: Alla Amal , Liffick Stephanie L. , Newton Bruce R. , Elaouad Rajae , Rota Paul A. , Bellini William J.
Published: October 2002

Sequence analysis was conducted on the hemagglutinin (H) and nucleoprotein (N) genes from nine wild‐type measles viruses (MV) isolated during an outbreak that occurred in Morocco during 1998 and 1999. The sequence data showed that all the viruses were closely related to each other and were members of genotype C2. Genotype C2 has been shown to be circulating in Europe, and the sequences of the Moroccan isolates were most closely related to the sequences of recent viral isolates from western Europe. This report presents the first molecular epidemiological study of circulating wild‐type measles viruses in Morocco. Knowledge of the indigenous strain of measles virus circulating in Morocco will help to describe viral transmission pathways and should contribute to efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of future vaccination campaigns. J. Med. Virol. 68:441–444, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curing kinetics of boron‐containing phenol–formaldehyde resin formed from paraformaldehyde
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Gao Jungang
Published: October 2002

A boron‐containing phenol–formaldehyde resin (BPFR) was synthesized from boric acid, phenol, and paraformaldehyde. The curing reaction of BPFR was studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry. According to the heat evolution behavior during the curing process, several influencing factors on isothermal curing reaction were evaluated. The results show that the isothermal kinetic reaction of BPFR follows autocatalytic kinetics mechanism, and kinetic parameters m, n, k1, and k2, were derived, respectively. In the latter reaction stage, the curing reaction becomes controlled mainly by diffusion. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 638–644, 2002
Nd:YAG laser therapy for palliation of recurrent squamous cell carcinomas in the oral cavity
Authors: Paiva Marcos B. , Blackwell Keith E. , Saxton Romaine E. , Bublik Michael , Liu Carson D. , Paolini Ana Amélia P. Paiva , Calcaterra Thomas C. , Castro Dan J.
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of laser photo‐thermoablation for palliation of recurrent squamous cell tumors of the oral cavity.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Seventeen patients were treated with the Nd:YAG laser (power output was 50 W) delivered through a curved oral handpiece.

Results

Ten patients are alive, 7 with tumor remission, and 3 with persistent disease with an average follow‐up of 16 months (range = 2–36). A total of 29 tumor sites received laser treatment with 17 (58%) completely ablated. Stratified by tumor site Nd:YAG treatment led to complete local response in 8/10 buccal mucosa, 2/5 retromolar trigone, 2/2 tongue, 2/5 gingiva, 1/2 floor of mouth, 2/4 hard palate.

Conclusions

Nd:YAG laser treatment of recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma can be performed safely and repeated as needed to achieve tumor palliation. However, extended follow‐up may be needed before convincing evidence of long‐term therapeutic benefits is obtained. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:64–69, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of branching and molecular weight on the viscoelastic properties of poly(butyl acrylate)
Authors: Former Carsten , Castro Jeffrey , Fellows Christopher M. , Tanner Roger I. , Gilbert Robert G.
Published: October 2002

A series of poly(butyl acrylate) samples were prepared by emulsion polymerization with a range of molecular weights and degrees of chain branching. Characterization was performed with NMR (giving the fraction of branching, ranging from approximately 0 to 7%), gel permeation chromatography, viscometry, and determination of the gel fraction. The dynamic mechanical response, that is, the frequency dependence of the storage and loss moduli G′(ω) and G″(ω) was measured from 0.02 to 200 Hz. The occurrence of a significant insoluble fraction in the sample meant that full characterization of the molecular weight distribution was not possible, and so an unambiguous separation of the dependencies of the mechanical response on the degree of long‐chain branching (LCB) and short‐chain branching (SCB) and the molecular weight could not be made; however, trends dependent on the molecular weight alone were insufficient to model the results. At high frequencies, all trends in G′(ω) and G″(ω) could be ascribed to molecular weight dependencies; at low frequencies, the effects of both the molecular weight and total degree of branching could be inferred, with more highly branched samples showing lower storage and loss moduli. Although the relative amounts of SCB and LCB could not be determined, no dynamic features attributable to LCB were observed. The low‐frequency trends could be semiquantitatively fitted with reptation and retraction theory if it was assumed that an increased degree of SCB led to an increased tube size. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3335–3349, 2002
Synthesis of new amphiphilic diblock copolymers containing poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(α‐olefin)
Authors: Lu Yingying , Hu Youliang , Wang Z. M. , Manias E. , Chung T. C.
Published: October 2002

This article discusses an effective route to prepare amphiphilic diblock copolymers containing a poly(ethylene oxide) block and a polyolefin block that includes semicrystalline thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and syndiotactic polystyrene (s‐PS), and elastomers, such as poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) and poly(ethylene‐co‐styrene) random copolymers. The broad choice of polyolefin blocks provides the amphiphilic copolymers with a wide range of thermal properties from high melting temperature ∼270 °C to low glass‐transition temperature ∼−60 °C. The chemistry involves two reaction steps, including the preparation of a borane group‐terminated polyolefin by the combination of a metallocene catalyst and a borane chain‐transfer agent as well as the interconversion of a borane terminal group to an anionic (O−K+) terminal group for the subsequent ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene oxide. The overall reaction process resembles a transformation from the metallocene polymerization of α‐olefins to the ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene oxide. The well‐defined reaction mechanisms in both steps provide the diblock copolymer with controlled molecular structure in terms of composition, molecular weight, moderate molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn < 2.5), and absence of homopolymer. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3416–3425, 2002
Electron capture negative ion mass spectra of some typical matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization matrices
Authors: Asfandiarov N. L. , Pshenichnyuk S. A. , Fokin A. I. , Lukin V. G. , Fal'ko V. S.
Published: October 2002

A series of seven typical matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrices has been investigated by means of electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry (ECNI‐MS). It has been shown that the most effective matrices form deprotonated negative ions predominantly in the low‐energy region. Relative dissociative cross sections have been measured for all molecules under investigation. The relative integrated abundance of [M − H]− ion formation in the series changes by four orders of magnitude. It has been shown that 2,5‐DHB (gentisic acid), one of the most effective MALDI matrices, has maximal relative intensity of [M − H]− formation at the energy ∼0.8 eV. This result is in accordance with a finding of Frankevich and Zenobi [Book of Abstracts, Workshop‐school “Mass spectrometry in chemical physics, bio‐physics and environmental sciences”, Zvenigorod, Russia, April, 25–26, 2002, p. 40] that a probable origin of negative ions in MALDI is the process of low‐energy (0.5–1 eV) dissociative electron capture by matrix molecules. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Varicella‐zoster virus latency in human ganglia
Authors: Kennedy Peter G.E.
Published: October 2002

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) is a human herpesvirus which causes varicella (chickenpox) as a primary infection, and, following a variable period during which it remains in latent form in trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, reactivates in later life to cause herpes zoster (shingles). VZV is a significant cause of neurological disease including post‐herpetic neuralgia which may be persistent and highly resistant to treatment, and small and large vessel encephalitis. VZV infections are more frequent with advancing age and in immunocompromised individuals. An understanding of the mechanisms of latency is crucial in developing effective therapies for VZV infections of the nervous system. Such studies have been hampered by the difficulties in working with the virus and also the lack of a good animal model of VZV latency. It is known that the ganglionic VZV burden during latency is low. Two of the key questions that have been addressed are the cellular site of latent VZV and the identity of the viral genes which are transcribed during latency. There is now a consensus that latent VZV resides predominantly in ganglionic neurons with less frequent infection of non‐neuronal satellite cells. There is considerable evidence to show that at least five viral genes are transcribed during latency. Unlike herpes simplex virus‐1 latency, viral protein expression has been demonstrated during VZV latency. A precise knowledge of which viral genes are expressed is crucial in devising novel antiviral therapy using expressed genes as therapeutic targets. Whether gene expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels is more extensive than currently reported will require much more work and probably new molecular technology. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PSAMS: a communication protocol specification assessment and measurement system
Authors: Huang Sun‐Jen , Lai Richard
Published: October 2002

An obstacle to the uses of software metrics and size models, which we have developed for measuring the complexity and maintainability of a communication protocol specified in Estelle and for estimating the size of its specification and implementation, is the time‐consuming effort in collecting the metrics. To address this problem, a software system called PSAMS (protocol specification assessment and measurement system) for automatically calculating the metrics and sizes of specification and implementation has been developed. This paper describes the design of PSAMS, which provides five functionalities for a communication protocol Estelle specification: exploring its specification, measuring its complexity, assessing its maintainability, estimating its specification size and estimating its implementation size. To demonstrate the usefulness of PSAMS, we have applied it to measure the complexity and maintainability of 10 communication protocol Estelle specifications; the measurement results and decision support information provided by each functionality are presented in this paper. With PSAMS, communication protocol designers and developers are able to assess the complexity of a communication protocol early in the specification stage and have information which helps them manage a communication software project better. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Food restriction modulates amphetamine‐conditioned place preference and nucleus accumbens dopamine release in the rat
Authors: Stuber Garret D. , Evans Scott B. , Higgins Michael S. , Pu Yanping , Figlewicz Dianne P.
Published: October 2002

Food restriction has been shown to increase self‐administration of psychostimulants, including cocaine and amphetamine (AMPH). Consistent with this, food‐restricted rats are more sensitized to the rewarding effects of cocaine as measured by conditioned place preference (CPP). This study investigated whether moderate food restriction in rats (15 g/day) results in an increased CPP, relative to ad libitum‐fed controls, to a second psychostimulant, AMPH. Conditioning trials consisted of six alternating injections of i.p. AMPH (0.425–6.8 mg/kg) and i.p. saline, paired with distinct environments. On Day 7, a drug‐free 20‐min choice test for environment was carried out to assess CPP. 0.85 mg/kg AMPH significantly increased CPP in food‐restricted vs. ad libitum‐fed rats. At 1.7 and 3.4 mg/kg AMPH, food‐restricted rats showed decreased CPP, but increased locomotor activity, relative to ad libitum fed controls. To evaluate whether an alteration in extracellular fluid DA levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core could account for these behavioral alterations, DA release was measured by microdialysis. DA release to a single acute i.p. injection of either 0.85 or 1.7 mg/kg AMPH was comparable in food‐restricted and ad libitum fed rats. However, ad libitum fed rats demonstrated conditioned DA release after an AMPH conditioning paradigm analogous to the CPP paradigm, whereas food‐restricted rats demonstrated no conditioned DA release. In conclusion, altered DA release in the nucleus accumbens core is not a primary effect of moderate food restriction and cannot completely account for either the altered CPP behavior or enhanced locomotor activity observed in this study. Synapse 46:83–90, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GBR‐12909 effect on dopamine outflow depends on phosphorylation in the caudate nucleus of the rat
Authors: Thümen A. , Qadri F. , Sarkar R. , Moser A.
Published: October 2002

Modulation of the dopamine (DA) transporter inhibitor GBR‐12909 effect on DA release by protein kinases and protein phosphatases was studied in slices of the rat caudate nucleus measuring DA outflow in the superfusate of static chambers. Activation of protein kinase A and C markedly enhanced the effect of GBR‐12909, whereas protein kinase inhibition by H7 reduced the GBR‐12909 effect. Inhibition of protein phosphatases (PPP) 1 and 2A by okadaic acid did not modify basal outflow of DA. However, after the addition of okadaic acid a dramatic and biphasic effect was found when DA outflow was enhanced by GBR‐12909. Inhibition of PPP 2A enhanced extracellular DA levels, while inhibition of PPP 1 and 2A completely abolished the effect of GBR‐12909. In contrast to tetrodotoxin, the voltage‐activated calcium channel blocker ω‐conotoxin MVIIC inhibited GBR‐12909 effects on DA outflow. Additionally, in aCSF devoid of calcium GBR‐12909 did not increase DA liberation. These results suggest a complex and strong influence of phosphorylation on GBR‐12909 effects on calcium channel‐dependent DA outflow at low‐affinity piperazine binding sites in slices of the rat caudate nucleus in vitro. Synapse 46:72–78, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5‐HT1A receptor imaging in the human brain: Effect of tryptophan depletion and infusion on [18F]MPPF binding
Authors: De Haes Joanna I. Udo , Bosker Fokko J. , Van Waarde Aren , Pruim Jan , Willemsen Antoon T.M. , Vaalburg Willem , Den Boer Johan A.
Published: October 2002

The 5‐HT1A receptor has been implicated in a variety of physiological processes, psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. [18F]MPPF is a useful radioligand for quantitative imaging of 5‐HT1A receptors in human subjects. Previous studies have shown that the binding of some radioligands is sensitive to changes in neurotransmitter concentration, whereas in other cases, binding is not affected. In the present study we investigated if [18F]MPPF binding to the 5‐HT1A receptor is sensitive to changes in 5‐HT. Changes in 5‐HT levels were achieved by influencing its synthesis through tryptophan depletion, including a tryptophan‐free amino acid drink 4.5 h prior to the PET scan and tryptophan infusion (10 mg/ml, 50 mg/kg, 30 min, starting 60 min prior to the PET scan). Binding of [18F]MPPF in the brain of six healthy, male volunteers was compared in these two conditions. Mean binding potentials in the medial temporal cortex, cortical regions, and raphe nucleus did not significantly differ between the two conditions. The results of the study show that, under the experimental conditions used, [18F]MPPF binding was not affected. It is hypothesized that the increases in 5‐HT levels needed to produce a measurable effect on [18F]MPPF binding would be significantly greater than that possible with tryptophan manipulation. Therefore, in pathological conditions, where such large increases in 5‐HT levels are not expected, [18F]MPPF seems a useful ligand to measure 5‐HT1A receptor distribution without the interference of endogenous 5‐HT. Synapse 46:108–115, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Porina Fortunata, a New Species from the Canary Islands
Authors: McCarthy P. M. , Etayo J.
Published: October 2002

Porina fortunata P. M. McCarthy & Etayo sp. nov. (Trichotheliaceae) is described from shaded basalt in Gomera, Canary Islands. It is characterized by a richly rimose to areolate thallus, small, prominent and outwardly blackish perithecia that are internally orange-brown and narrow and elongate, 3(-7)-septate ascospores.
Buellia Laurocanariensis, a New Species from the Canary Islands
Authors: Giralt Mireia , Etayo Javier , Boom Pieter van den
Published: October 2002

A new corticolous species of Buellia is described from La Palma and La Gomera (Canary Islands). It is mainly characterized by its strongly ornamented, (l-2)-3-septate ascospores with apical and septa thickenings, which follow an ascospore-ontogeny of type B, and its chemistry. The new species is compared with the related Buellia lauricassiae (Fée) Mü. Arg. and B. lauricassiaeoides Aptroot. Illustrations of the ascospores of B. laurocanariensis and B. lauricassiaeoides are presented. A habit photograph of the new species is also provided.
Explaining Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Detzel F. Larry , Weigand Robert A.
Published: October 2002

This study investigates the determinants of persistence in mutual fund performance. Previous research that uses factor-mimicking portfolios and characteristic benchmarks to modelfund performancefails to explain all the persistence infund returns. This study employs a model that directly relates mutual fund returns to the characteristics of the stocks hem by funds. Adjusting fund returns for the size of the stocks in which funds invest andfinancial ratios intended to capturefund manager investment styles explains all the persistence in mutual fund returns from 1976-1985, the period in which persistence is most prevalent.
Experiences gained manufacturing high density interconnect (HDI) printed wiring boards (PWBs)
Authors: Rapala‐Virtanen Tarja
Published: October 2002

Higher packaging densities for the next generation of electronic devices require utilization of the inner space of a PWB for component placement. This will shift some added value assembly processes from the assembly houses backwards to the PWB fabricator. (Regardless of whether it is liked or disliked by the PWB fabricators). ASPOCOMP, as a leader in advanced PWB technology, is developing these technologies to meet the needs of key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The paper describes the present experiences with this new technology and details where there are technology limits. Material suppliers will be challenged to provide better solutions than exist today. Sequential versus parallel PWB manufacturing processes will be reviewed and the requirements to meet the manufacturing and cost targets for the next generation of PWBs will be discussed.
Dynamic intellectual capital in global rapidly changing industries
Authors: Ståhle Pirjo , Hong Jianzhong
Published: October 2002

This paper introduces a newly developed knowledge management concept, dynamic intellectual capital (IC), which refers to a company’s ability for self‐renewal. The paper presents how dynamic IC is created in three different knowledge environments – mechanistic, organic and dynamic – and brings out relevant empirical evidence from three case studies of multinational and Chinese firms. The paper concludes that knowledge‐intensive organizations need to master all the three knowledge environments regardless of their different strategic focus. Failures on any environment might form a hindrance for market efficiency. The development of dynamic IC is subject to the firm’s ability to balance both current arena (e.g. realized IC) and potential force (e.g. potential IC). The development of dynamic IC is strongly based on multi‐way communication, which must include both top‐down and bottom‐up as well as cross functional communication. The analysis of tensions, problems and challenges can be a critical step toward a self‐renewing organization in managing such complexity of dynamic IC.
SCALING LAWS IN MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE
Authors: FENG QING-ZENG
Published: October 2002

Based on the criticism of existing models of intermittency in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence,2,4,5 a new model for the description of intermittency corrections in MHD turbulence is presented and compared with the other models, and is consistent with observational data in the solar wind.
HYDRODYNAMICAL STUDY OF ADVECTIVE ACCRETION FLOW AROUND NEUTRON STARS
Authors: MUKHOPADHYAY BANIBRATA
Published: October 2002

Here we study the accretion process around neutron stars, especially for the cases where shock does form in the accretion disk. In case of accretion flows around a black hole, close to the horizon the matter is supersonic. On the other hand for the case of neutron stars and white dwarfs, matter must be subsonic close to the inner boundary. So the nature of the inflowing matter around neutron stars and white dwarfs are strictly different from that around black holes in the inner region of the disk. Here we discuss a few phenomena and the corresponding solutions of hydrodynamic equations of matter in an accretion disk around slowly rotating neutron stars without magnetic field.
COVARIANT FEATURE OF THE MIXMASTER MODEL INVARIANT MEASURE
Authors: IMPONENTE GIOVANNI , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: October 2002

We provide a Hamiltonian analysis of the Mixmaster Universe dynamics showing the covariant nature of its chaotic behavior with respect to any choice of time variable. Asymptotically to the cosmological singularity, we construct the appropriate invariant measure for the system (which relies on the appearance of an "energy-like" constant of motion) in such a way that its existence is independent of fixing the time gauge, i.e. the corresponding lapse function. The key point in our analysis consists of introducing generic Misner–Chitré-like variables containing an arbitrary function, whose specification allows us to set up the same statistical scheme in any time gauge.
Liquid-phase Hydrodechlorination of CCl4 with Co-production of Diethylcarbonate and Acetal
Authors: Bae Jong Wook , Lee Jae Sung , Lee Kyung Hee , Jang Eun Joo
Published: October 2002

Liquid-phase hydrodechlorination of CCl4 over supported Pd or Pt catalysts in the presence of C2H5OH gave not only the selective synthesis of CHCl3, but also conversion of C2H5OH to diethyl carbonate (DEC) and 1,1-diethoxyethane (acetal; DEE).
Magneto-optical Properties of Two-dimensional Cyanide-Bridged MIIINiII Bimetallic Assemblies (M=Fe, Co)
Authors: Ohba Masaaki , Iwamoto Takashi , Okawa Hisashi
Published: October 2002

Two-dimensional cyanide-bridged MIIINiII bimetallic assembies, [Ni(1,1-dmen)2]2[M(CN)6]tfs·3.5H2O (M=Fe (1), Co (2); 1,1-dmen = 1,1-dimethylethylenediamine, tfs− = trifluoromethanesulfonate ion), have been prepared. Each compound forms a 2-D grid structure extended by the M-CN-Ni linkages. Compound 1 shows a ferromagnetic ordering below Tc of 8.9 K based on a ferromagnetic interaction between low-spin FeIII and high-spin NiII. MCD spectra for 1 show a strong Faraday ellipticity at ∼470 nm associated with the LMCT band of the Fe–CN bond. Its intensity increases with lowering temperature due to ferromagnetic ordering over the lattice. Compound 2 is paramagnetic and shows no remarkable Faraday effect.
Ticlopidine‐induced aplastic anemia: Two new case reports, review, and meta‐analysis of 55 additional cases
Authors: Symeonidis A. , Kouraklis‐Symeonidis A. , Seimeni U. , Galani A. , Giannakoulas N. , Fragopanagou E. , Tiniakou M. , Matsouka P. , Zoumbos N.
Published: October 2002

Ticlopidine‐induced aplastic anemia (TIAA) is considered very uncommon. We present two new cases, and we review 55 additional cases from the literature. The first case concerns a 70‐year‐old man who developed severe aplastic anemia 7 weeks after treatment with 500 mg of ticlopidine daily. The patient sustained a severe septic episode, was treated with antibiotics and GM‐CSF, and recovered the 14th day after ticlopidine withdrawal. The second was an 82‐year‐old man receiving ticlopidine for 2 years when, during a febrile episode, he was found neutropenic with marrow aplasia. Ticlopidine withdrawal and treatment with antibiotics, transfusions, and G‐CSF helped him to recover. When the data of the 57 patients are evaluated, a reversible direct cytotoxic effect of ticlopidine on the pluripotent/bipotent hematopoietic progenitor stem cell is proposed. It is estimated that the real incidence if TIAA is higher, and many cases, initially presented as agranulocytosis ± thrombocytopenia, might be true aplastic anemias, not proven by marrow aspiration or trephine biopsy. There is no effective monitoring to prevent this side effect. Recombinant growth factors appear not to help in shortening the neutropenic period. Am. J. Hematol. 71:24–32, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of a tissue and sediment threshold for tributyltin to protect prey species of juvenile salmonids listed under the US Endangered Species Act
Authors: Meador James P. , Collier Tracy K. , Stein John E.
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this report is to determine the concentrations of tributyltin in sediments that would be protective against adverse effects on prey species of salmonids listed under the US Endangered Species Act.

Two approaches for determining adverse sediment concentrations due to tributyltin (TBT) contamination are presented here. The first is the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) approach, which relies on a sediment‐water partition coefficient and toxicological data for water exposures. The EqP approach utilizes the large water quality database that has been generated over the last two decades for TBT and provides strong evidence for adverse effects at low exposure concentrations.

The second approach involves determination of a TBT tissue residue that is considered harmful for most species, which is then used to predict the sediment concentration that would likely produce this adverse tissue concentration.

Both approaches are presented here because they generally support each other but based on the information presented below, and the inherent difficulty in measuring porewater concentrations, the tissue residue approach is the recommended method for determining adverse sediment concentrations.

Using this analysis, the protective sediment concentration for TBT proposed here is 6000 ng g−1organic carbon. Direct effects are not expected on salmonids at this sediment concentration because of their relatively short residence time in the estuary, general lack of interaction with sediment, and relatively high metabolic capacity. This concentration may ensure adequate abundance of salmonid prey species; however, it may not be low enough for the protection of sensitive benthic species.

Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a time varying strong magnetic field on release of cytosolic free Ca2+ from intracellular stores in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Ikehara Toshitaka , Park Ki Ho , Yamaguchi Hisao , Hosokawa Keiko , Houchi Hitoshi , Azuma Mami , Minakuchi Kazuo , Kashimoto Hideki , Kitamura Mitsuo , Kinouchi Yohsuke , Yoshizaki Kazuo , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: October 2002

This study was made to explain the mechanisms for the effects of exposure to a time varying 1.51 T magnetic field on the intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway. The exposure inhibited an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in bovine chromaffin cells induced by addition of bradykinin (BK) to a Ca2+ free medium. The exposure did not change BK induced production of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3). [Ca2+]i was markedly increased in IP3 loaded cells, and this increase was inhibited by the magnetic field exposure. A similar increase in [Ca2+]i by other drugs, which stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, was again inhibited by the same exposure. However, transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes caused in the presence of thapsigargin were not inhibited by the magnetic field exposure in a Ca2+ containing medium. Inhibition of the BK induced increase in [Ca2+]i by the exposure for 30 min was mostly recovered 1 h after exposure ended. Our results reveal that the magnetic field exposure inhibits Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, but that BK bindings to BK receptors of the cell membrane and intracellular inositol IP3 production are not influenced. Bioelectromagnetics 23:505–515, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recombinant aprotinin produced in transgenic corn seed: Extraction and purification studies
Authors: Azzoni Adriano R. , Kusnadi Ann R. , Miranda Everson A. , Nikolov Zivko L.
Published: October 2002

Expression in transgenic plants is potentially one of the most economical systems for large‐scale production of valuable peptide and protein products. However, the downstream processing of recombinant proteins produced in plants has not been extensively studied. In this work, we studied the extraction and purification of recombinant aprotinin, a protease inhibitor used as a therapeutic compound, produced in transgenic corn seed. Conditions for extraction from transgenic corn meal that maximize aprotinin concentration and its fraction of the total soluble protein in the extract were found: pH 3.0 and 200 mM NaCl. Aprotinin, together with a native corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI), was captured using a tryspin–agarose column. These two inhibitors were separated using an agarose‐IDA‐Cu2+ column that proved to efficiently absorb the CTI while the recombinant aprotinin was collected in the flowthrough with purity of at least 79%. The high purity of the recombinant aprotinin was verified by SDS‐PAGE and N‐terminal sequencing. The overall recombinant aprotinin recovery yield and purification factor were 49% and 280, respectively. Because CTI was also purified, the recovery and purification process studied has the advantage of possible CTI co‐production. Finally, the work presented here introduces additional information on the recovery and purification of recombinant proteins produced in plants and corroborates with past research on the potential use of plants as biorreactors. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 268–276, 2002.
Chronic neuroblastoma
Authors: Kushner Brian H. , Kramer Kim , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

An indolent course is associated with neuroblastoma (NB) in adolescents and adults. In the current study, the authors analyzed this phenomenon in a large series of children with metastatic NB.

METHODS

The authors studied 38 patients who were diagnosed with NB in the first decade of life and had metastatic disease 5 years or more from diagnosis.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 3 years 10 months. MYCN was amplified in 2 of 28 patients tested. Of 30 patients with classic Stage 4 NB, 9 had a late first recurrence of disease (4.3–13 years from diagnosis). Of eight patients who had atypical cases at diagnosis (one isolated mandibular lesion, two Stage 4‐N, five non‐Stage 4), six had a late first distant recurrence of disease (4 years 11 months–38 years 8 months). Nineteen patients were off therapy continuously for 3 years or more before disease recurred a first or second time. Myeloablative therapy was used to consolidate a first or second response in 27 patients. High‐dose conventional therapy helped to achieve a second remission of disease in 9 of 20 patients assessable for response of first recurrence but achieved no major responses of second or third relapse in 10 of 11 patients. The combination of anti‐GD2 immunotherapy and/or cis‐retinoic acid, targeted radiotherapy, and multiple cycles of chemotherapy with modest toxicity helped prolong survival. Twelve patients survive at 5 years 6 months+ to 19 years 4 months+ from diagnosis (median, 6 years 10 months+), including four with complete remission of disease; 10 received anti‐GD2 immunotherapy after recurrence. The other 26 patients died of disease (n = 22) or toxicity (n = 4) at 5 years–41 years 5 months from diagnosis (median, 6 years 5 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of indolent or smoldering NB should not be limited to adolescents/adults. The expanding repertoire of anti‐NB treatments, including biologic therapies and chemotherapy regimens of modest toxicity, can convert childhood NB into a chronic disease with prolonged survival after recurrence. Cancer 2002;95:1366–75. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10800