bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an instrument to measure disability in parenting activity among women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia P. , Pasch Lauri A. , Wong Belinda
Published: April 2003

Objective

To develop a method of assessing and summarizing parenting function and disability, and to use that method to describe parenting disability among a group of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The study group comprised 231 women with RA who are members of the University of California, San Francisco RA Panel Study. Parenting disability scales were developed by first asking open‐ended questions and then, based on the responses, constructing closed‐ended questions. Separate sets of questions were asked concerning young (ages 0–5 years) and older (ages 6–18 years) children. Parenting disability indices (PDIs), scored in a manner similar to that for the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (range 0–3), were developed (total, and for young and older children). Associations of PDIs with demographic, health, and symptom measures were assessed.

Results

Substantial proportions of women with RA experienced disability in parenting activities. Greater disability was reported for activities related to parenting young children. Doing less of parenting functions because of RA was commonly reported. The mean total PDI of women who currently had children under age 18 years, taking into account “doing less” of activities because of RA, was 0.76 (range 0–2.08). Greater parenting disability was associated with poorer general function (HAQ; P < 0.0001), more severe pain (P = 0.002), greater fatigue (P = 0.0005), greater parenting stress (P = 0.005), and greater psychological distress (depressive symptoms; P < 0.0001).

Discussion

The PDI appears to be valid. This method can provide the means of assessing parenting disability, its risk factors, and its effects, which may assist in identifying ways of helping individuals with RA cope more effectively with parenting.
Prevalence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients with various pulmonary diseases or multiorgan dysfunction
Authors: Vassilopoulos Dimitrios , Niles John L. , Villa‐Forte Alexandra , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Sullivan Eugene J. , Merkel Peter A. , Hoffman Gary S.
Published: April 2003

Objective

To determine the prevalence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in patients with diseases that may mimic systemic vasculitides, such as severe multiorgan dysfunction (MOD) and parenchymal pulmonary disorders.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of patients with MOD admitted to the medical intensive care unit and patients with various lung diseases seen at the outpatient pulmonary clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Patients with a documented diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) served as positive controls. ANCA were determined in serum samples from each patient by a combination of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for antibodies to proteinase‐3 and myeloperoxidase (anti‐MPO).

Results

Ninety‐nine patients with MOD, 29 outpatients with various lung disorders, and 18 patients with WG were included in the study. ANCA were detected by IIF alone in 16% (15/96) of patients with nonvasculitic MOD and 17% (5/29) of outpatients with various pulmonary disorders. The majority of the positive IIF specimens from each group displayed an atypical IIF pattern (73% and 80%, respectively). Only 1 specimen from patients with nonvasculitic disorders was positive for anti‐MPO. ANCA by both IIF and ELISA were detected in 78% (12/14) of control patients with WG.

Conclusion

Detection of ANCA by the combination of IIF and antigen‐specific assays for proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase in diseases that mimic systemic vasculitides is highly specific for WG, microscopic polyangiitis, and Churg‐Strauss syndrome.
Human immunodeficiency virus–associated polymyositis: A longitudinal study of outcome
Authors: Johnson Randall W. , Williams Francis M. , Kazi Salahuddin , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Reveille John D.
Published: April 2003

Objective

To determine the clinical course and optimum treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated myositis.

Methods

Sixty‐four patients attending a county outpatient HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome facility were referred for the presence of elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels or muscle weakness. Patients underwent neurologic and rheumatologic evaluation, electromyography, and muscle biopsy after exclusion for recreational drug or alcohol use, metabolic/endocrine disorders, zidovudine therapy, and other infections.

Results

Thirteen patients (20%) had biopsy‐proven myositis. The median duration of HIV infection prior to diagnosis of myositis was 4.3 years (range 0–11 years). Six patients had concomitant diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome. There was no correlation of severity of weakness, stage of HIV infection, or retroviral treatment with the CK level at diagnosis. Eight patients received prednisone (60 mg/day) with 5 attaining complete resolution of myositis. The remaining 3 patients received immunosuppressive therapy (azathioprine or methotrexate and intravenous immunoglobulin) and had normalization of strength and CK. Four patients had spontaneous resolution of their myositis without treatment.

Conclusion

HIV‐associated myositis occurs at any stage of HIV infection, has a relatively good prognosis, responds well to immunosuppressive therapy, and has little evidence of adverse outcome on the HIV infection.
Study on the sorption properties of α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP)‐based stationary phase modified by organic solvents
Authors: Gyimesi‐Forrás Krisztina , Szász György , Báthory Gábor , Mészáros György , Gergely András
Published: April 2003

An α1‐acid glycoprotein, immobilized on silica (Chiral‐AGP) is one of the most widely used chiral stationary phases for the enantiomeric separation of a wide variety of chiral drugs with several applications in the biological and clinical field. The aim of this work was to study the sorption properties of the AGP‐based stationary phase, which may have crucial importance for enantioselectivity. New binding data to the mechanism of the chromatographic separation are presented. The sorption of both organic solvents, i.e., acetonitrile and dioxane, shows remarkable pH dependency. A fluorescence quenching study was carried out to elucidate structural changes of AGP in the presence of acetonitrile using 2,2,2‐trichloroethanol as fluorescence quencher. Chirality 15:377–381, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral phospholene and phospholane chalcogenides: Stereochemistry and chiral recognition by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy of their Rh2[(R)‐MTPA]4 adducts
Authors: Magiera Damian , Moeller Stefan , Drzazga Zbigniew , Pakulski Zbigniew , Pietrusiewicz K. Michal , Duddeck Helmut
Published: April 2003

Full NMR spectral assignments of the phospholene chalcogenides 1–12 are presented and their stereochemistry proven. The enantiomeric ratio of any of these compounds can be monitored easily by adding one mole equivalent of the chiral auxiliary Rh2[(R)‐MTPA]4 (MTPA‐H ≡ Mosher's acid) and subsequent NMR inspection. Some surprisingly large diastereomeric signal dispersion is observed in the 1H NMR spectra of the adducts, leading to the conclusion that intramolecular anisotropy interaction between groups inside the ligand molecules exists. The dependence of dispersion effects on the nature of the chalcogenide atom is investigated. Chirality 15:391–399, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the development of the stratification of the inner plexiform layer in the chick retina
Authors: Drenhaus Ulrich , Morino Patrizia , Veh Rüdiger W.
Published: April 2003

This study investigated the development of the subdivision of the chick inner plexiform layer (IPL). The approach included an immunohistological analysis of the temporal and spatial expressions of choline acetyltransferase, of the neural–glial‐related and neural–glial cell adhesion molecules (NrCAM and NgCAM, respectively) and axonin‐1, and of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels in 5‐ to 19‐day‐old (E5–E19) embryos. Ultrastructural investigations evaluated whether synaptogenesis accompanies the onset of differentiation of the IPL. We found that the differentiation of the IPL started at E9. Distinct cholinergic strata appeared, NrCAM immunoreactivity showed a poorly defined stratification, and Kir3.2 was expressed in the IPL and in the inner nuclear layer. From E10 until late E14, NgCAM‐ and axonin‐1–immunoreactive strata emerged in an alternating sequence from the outer to the inner IPL. During this period, the NrCAM pattern sharpened, and eventually five bands of weaker and stronger immunoreactivity were found. Conventional synapses formed at the beginning of E9, and stratification of the IPL also began on the same day at the same location. Synaptogenesis and stratification followed a gradient from the central to the peripheral retina. The topographic course of differentiation of the IPL generally corresponded to the course of maturation of ganglion and amacrine cells. Synaptogenesis and the expression of G‐protein–gated Kir3.2 channels accompanied the onset of stratification. These events coincide with the occurrence of robust and rhythmic spontaneous neuronal activity. The subsequent differentiation of the IPL seemed to be orchestrated by several mechanisms. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:1–12, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical anatomy of the human ventral striatum and adjacent basal forebrain structures
Authors: Prensa Lucía , Richard Sandra , Parent André
Published: April 2003

Calbindin D‐28k (CB), calretinin (CR), substance P (SP), limbic system‐associated membrane protein (LAMP), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were used as chemical markers to investigate the organization of the ventral striatum (VST) and adjacent structures in healthy human individuals. No clear boundary could be established between the dorsal striatum and the VST, and the core/shell subdivisions of nucleus accumbens (Acb) could be distinguished only at the midrostrocaudal level of the VST. The CB‐poor shell displayed intense immunostaining for SP and CR but only weak staining for LAMP. By contrast, the core was weakly stained for SP and CR and moderately stained for LAMP and CB. There was no difference between shell and core with regard to the cholinergic markers. The Acb harbored numerous ChAT‐ and CR‐immunoreactive cell bodies, the latter being distributed according to a marked, mediolaterally increasing gradient. The size of the ChAT‐ and CR‐immunoreactive perikarya in the Acb varied according to their location in the core and shell. The VST was surrounded by a chemically heterogeneous group of cell clusters referred to as interface islands. The CR‐rich caudal portion of the VST merged with the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis dorsally and the diagonal band of Broca ventromedially, the latter two structures displaying complex immunostaining patterns. The claustrum was markedly enriched in LAMP and harbored different types of CR‐ and CB‐immunopositive neurons. These results demonstrate that the neurochemical organization of the human VST is strikingly complex and exhibits a greater heterogeneity than the dorsal striatum. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:345–367, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential distribution and developmental expression of synaptic vesicle protein 2 isoforms in the mouse retina
Authors: Wang Meng M. , Janz Roger , Belizaire Roger , Frishman Laura J. , Sherry David M.
Published: April 2003

Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2), a ubiquitous synaptic vesicle protein, is known to participate in the regulation of Ca2+‐mediated synaptic transmission, although its precise function has not been established. Three SV2 isoforms (SV2A, SV2B, SV2C) have been identified recently, each of which has a unique distribution in brain, suggesting synapse‐specific functions. To determine if SV2A, ‐B, and ‐C are differentially distributed among synapses in the retina and the sequence of their development, we examined their distribution and expression patterns immunocytochemically in adult and developing mouse retina. The three SV2 isoforms were differentially distributed in the synapses of the two plexiform layers in the adult retina. SV2A was present in cone, but not rod, terminals in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and in many synaptic terminals in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). SV2B was present only in the ribbon synapse‐containing terminals of rod and cone photoreceptors and bipolar cells. SV2C was present in starburst amacrine cells, other conventional synapses in the IPL of unknown origin, and in presumptive interplexiform cell terminals in the INL and OPL. Each SV2 isoform was expressed in its distinct presynaptic terminals early and throughout postnatal development. In addition, SV2A was transiently expressed by developing horizontal cells. The unique distribution of each isoform suggests potentially distinct functions at different types of synapses, with SV2B having ribbon synapse‐specific functions, and SV2C being important for the functions of starburst amacrine cells. Rod and cone terminals contain different complements of SV2 isoforms, indicating that ribbon synapses are not all identical. The early expression of SV2 isoforms prior to initiation of synapse formation suggests that they may have important synapse‐specific roles during synaptogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:106–122, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomic organization of the ascending branch of the milk‐ejection reflex in sheep: Primary afferent neurons
Authors: Tsingotjidou Anastasia S. , Papadopoulos Georgios C.
Published: April 2003

The present study examines the anatomic characteristics of the primary afferent neurons that innervate the nipples and pseudonipples of ewes and the nipples of lambs. For this purpose, horseradish‐peroxidase coupled to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA‐HRP) was injected intradermally into the whole extent, the tip, or the base of the nipples and pseudonipples, as well as into a region of the posterior surface of the udder. After survival periods of 72–96 hours, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), segments of the spinal cord and medulla oblongata were sectioned and reacted histochemically with tetramethylbenzidine to reveal the transganglionically transported tracer. Injections of WGA‐HRP in the nipples and pseudonipples of the ewe resulted in labeled cells in the second to fifth ipsilateral lumbar spinal ganglia (L2–L5) and third and fourth (L3 and L4) lumbar spinal ganglia, respectively. Labeled cells after WGA‐HRP injections in the nipples of the lamb were found in the ipsilateral L3–L5 spinal ganglia. Central projections of the DRG‐labeled cells were found in the medial part of laminae I–III of the ipsilateral L3 and L4 spinal segments (ewe and lamb) and in the ipsilateral dorsal column nuclei (ewe). Central projections of the DRG‐labeled cells after injections in the pseudonipples of the ewe were located in the medial part of laminae I–III of the ipsilateral L3 spinal segment. The results of this study demonstrate that, whereas the innervation of the nipples of the ewe originates from four successive lumbar spinal ganglia (L2–L5), the innervation of the nipples of the lamb and the pseudonipples of the ewe originates from three (L3–L5) and two (L3 and L4) successive ganglia, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:66–79, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malformation of the radial glial scaffold in the dentate gyrus of reeler mice, scrambler mice, and ApoER2/VLDLR‐deficient mice
Authors: Weiss Karl Heinz , Johanssen Celine , Tielsch Albrecht , Herz Joachim , Deller Thomas , Frotscher Michael , Förster Eckart
Published: April 2003

We studied the postnatal development of the radial glial scaffold in the dentate gyrus of reeler mice, lacking the extracellular matrix protein Reelin, in scrambler mice, deficient in the intracellular adaptor protein disabled1 (Dab1), which is required for the transmission of the Reelin signal into the cell, and in mutant mice lacking the Reelin receptors apolipoprotein receptor 2 (ApoER2) and/or the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), known to transmit the Reelin signal via Dab1. By immunolabeling for the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), we show that a regular dentate radial glial scaffold fails to form in mutants deficient of Reelin, Dab1, and VLDLR and ApoER2. Mutant mice lacking only one of the Reelin receptors, VLDLR or ApoER2, display a gradual expression of the radial glial defects seen in mutants that lack both receptors. Our results suggest that Reelin signaling via ApoER2, VLDLR, and Dab1 is required for the formation of a regular radial glial scaffold in the dentate gyrus. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:56–65, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine structural features of the acetylcholine innervation in the developing neostriatum of rat
Authors: Aznavour Nicolas , Mechawar Naguib , Watkins Kenneth C. , Descarries Laurent
Published: April 2003

The acetylcholine (ACh) innervation in the developing neostriatum of rat was examined by means of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with a highly sensitive antibody against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). ChAT‐immunoreactive cell bodies and their emerging processes, located at birth in the lateral part of neostriatum, progressively pervaded the whole region, to give rise to an extremely dense axonal network. As visualized and measured in single thin sections, at postnatal (P) ages P8, P16, and P32, the intrinsic and relational features of ChAT‐immunostained profiles of axon varicosities in the lateral and medial parts of neostriatum were similar to those previously described in the adult. At the three postnatal ages, the immunoreactive profiles were comparable in shape, size, and vesicular content, and displayed one or more mitochondria with increasing frequency (from 10% at P8 to 29% at P32). The proportion which showed a synaptic junction was low at the three ages (8–16%), indicating an average synaptic incidence of 22% for whole varicosities after stereological extrapolation. The observed junctions were relatively small, mostly symmetrical, and made with dendritic spines or branches. The frequency of synapses on spines versus branches increased with age, from 20% at P8 to almost 60% at P32. Thus, the relational features of the neostriatal ACh innervation were similar to adult as soon as it appeared, as previously observed to be the case in the developing cerebral cortex. The diffuse mode of transmission may therefore be characteristic of both ACh interneurons (neostriatum) and projection neurons (cerebral cortex) in the CNS, and could be determining their functional properties during development as well as at maturity. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:280–291, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iterative modal perturbation and reanalysis of eigenvalue problem
Authors: Liu X. L. , Oliveira C. S.
Published: April 2003

This paper presents an examination of the methods for the iterative modal perturbation and the application of these methods to the reanalysis of the eigenvalue problem. The iteration is based on the first‐order modal perturbation. In two examples, it is shown that the iterative analysis has the advantage of accuracy over the addition of higher‐order perturbations and it is an appropriate approach for the reanalysis of the eigenvalue problem in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On higher‐order mixed FEM for low Mach number flows: application to a natural convection benchmark problem
Authors: Heuveline V.
Published: April 2003

We consider higher‐order mixed finite elements with continuous pressures for the computation of stationary compressible flows at low Mach number. The proposed approach is based on a fully coupled treatment of the governing equations and therefore, for steady‐state calculations, does not rely on time‐stepping techniques. The non‐linear problem is solved by means of a quasi‐Newton iteration. The strongly coupled system resulting from higher‐order discretization of the linearized equations requires adequate solvers. We propose a new scheme based on multigrid methods with varying FEM ansatz orders on the grid hierarchy as well as multiplicative smoothers based on blocking techniques. Computational results are described for a benchmark configuration including a flow with heat transfer in the low Mach number regime. Furthermore, the issue of anisotropic grids is addressed in that context. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple method to analyze SNP‐based association studies using DNA pools
Authors: Visscher Peter M. , Hellard Stéphanie Le
Published: April 2003

Association studies using DNA pools are in principle powerful and efficient to detect association between a marker allele and disease status, e.g., in a case‐control design. A common observation with the use of DNA pools is that the two alleles at a polymorphic SNP locus are not amplified in equal amounts in heterozygous individuals. In addition, there are pool‐specific experimental errors so that there is variation in the estimates of allele frequencies from different pools that are from the same individuals. As a result of these additional sources of variation, the outcome of an experiment is an estimated count of alleles rather than the usual outcome in terms of observed counts. In this study, we show analytically and by computer simulation that unequal amplification should be taken into account when testing for differences in allele frequencies between pools, and suggest a simple modification of the standard χ2 test to control the type I error rate in the presence of experimental error variation. The impact of experimental errors on the power of association studies is shown. Genet Epidemiol 24:291–296, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A note on genetic variance components in mixed models
Authors: Hazelton Martin L. , Gurrin Lyle C.
Published: April 2003

Burton et al. ([1999] Genet. Epidemiol. 17:118–140) proposed a series of generalized linear mixed models for pedigree data that account for residual correlation between related individuals. These models may be fitted using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, but the posterior mean for small variance components can exhibit marked positive bias. Burton et al. ([1999] Genet. Epidemiol. 17:118–140) suggested that this problem could be overcome by allowing the variance components to take negative values. We examine this idea in depth, and show that it can be interpreted as a computational device for locating the posterior mode without necessarily implying that the original random effects structure is incorrect. We illustrate the application of this technique to mixed models for familial data. Genet Epidemiol 24:297–301, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subcritical crack growth behavior of Al2O3‐glass dental composites
Authors: Zhu Qingshan , With Gijsbertus de , Dortmans Leonardus J. M. G. , Feenstra Frits
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study is to investigate the subcritical crack growth (SCG) behavior of alumina‐glass dental composites. Alumina‐glass composites were fabricated by infiltrating molten glass to porous alumina preforms. Rectangular bars of the composite were subject to dynamic loading in air, with stressing rates ranging from 0.01 MPa/s to 2 MPa/s. The SCG parameter n was determined to be 22.1 for the composite, which is substantially lower than those of high‐purity dense alumina. Investigations showed that glass phases are responsible for the low n value as cracks propagate preferentially within glass phases or along the interface between glass phases and alumina phases, due to the fact that glasses are more vulnerable to chemical attacks by water molecules under stress corrosion conditions. The SCG behavior of the infiltration glass was also investigated and the SCG parameter n was determined to be 18.7. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 233–238, 2003
PMMA‐based bioactive cement: Effect of CaF2 on osteoconductivity and histological change with time
Authors: Shinzato Shuichi , Nakamura Takashi , Kawanabe Keiichi , Kokubo Tadashi
Published: April 2003

A new bioactive bone cement (designated GBC), which is a polymethyl methacrylate‐ (PMMA‐) based composite consisting of bioactive glass beads as an inorganic filler and high‐molecular‐weight PMMA (hPMMA) as an organic matrix, has been developed. The bioactive glass beads consist of MgO‐CaO‐SiO2‐P2O5‐CaF2 glass. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CaF2 on osteoconductivity and to evaluate the degree of cement degradation with time. Three different types of cement were prepared. GBC(F +), which has been previously described, consisted of CaF2‐containing bioactive glass beads and hPMMA. GBC(F −) consisted of CaF2‐free bioactive glass beads and hPMMA. The third cement was hPMMA itself (as a reference material). These three types of cement were packed into the intramedullary canals of rat tibiae to evaluate osteoconductivity, as determined by an affinity index calculated as the length of bone in direct contact with the cement surface expressed as a percentage of the total length of the cement surface. Rats were killed at 4, 8, 25, and 52 weeks after implantation, and the affinity index was calculated for each type of cement at each time point. Histologically, new bone had formed along the surface of both GBC(F +) and GBC(F −) within 4 weeks, whereas hPMMA had little contact with bone, and an intervening soft tissue layer between bone and cement was detected. No significant difference in affinity index was found between GBC(F +) and GBC(F −) at any of the time points studied, although GBC(F −) showed higher affinity indices than GBC(F +) at 8, 25, and 52 weeks. The affinity indices for GBC(F +) and GBC(F −) were significantly higher than those for hPMMA at all time points. With GBC(F +) and GBC(F −), significant increases in the affinity indices were found as the implantation period increased, and the affinity index values at 52 weeks reached more than 70%. In hPMMA, no significant increase in affinity index was observed up to 52 weeks, and the value at 52 weeks was less than 30%. Although no significant difference in affinity index was found between GBC(F +) and GBC(F −), GBC(F −) is conclusively better than GBC(F +) because diseases such as chronic fluorosis might be caused by CaF2‐containing glass beads. Regarding the cement degradation of both GBC(F +) and GBC(F −), the degree of the degradation at 25 weeks was the same as that at 52 weeks. Therefore, the cement degradation does not appear to proceed rapidly. Further studies are needed to better understand the degradation process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 262–271, 2003
Development of a new poly(dimethylsiloxane) maxillofacial prosthetic material
Authors: Aziz Tariq , Waters Mark , Jagger Robert
Published: April 2003

Maxillofacial prosthetic materials are used to rehabilitate patients suffering from acquired or congenital facial disfigurement. Silicone rubber materials [poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubbers] are the materials of choice. However, current formulations have inadequate mechanical properties, in particular, tear strength. The purpose of this study was to formulate a new poly(dimethylsiloxane) material with improved mechanical properties in comparison to commercially available materials. The formulations developed were based on condensation chemistry containing a hydroxy–end‐blocked poly(dimethylsiloxane), hydrophobic silica filler, silane cross‐linking agents, and a tin catalyst. The following parameters were varied in order to formulate improved materials: (a) bimodal polymeric mix (i.e., ratio of high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight polymers); (b) silica filler type and quantity. By varying these parameters a formulation was developed with a base polymer mix of 80%:20% high‐ to low‐molecular‐weight polymers into which 20% w/w filler was added. This formulation had a tear strength of 22.23 ± 1.6 m N/mm compared to the commercial materials having tear strengths in the range 4.53–17.63 N/mm. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 252–261, 2003
Wear of dental resin composites: Insights into underlying processes and assessment methods—A review
Authors: Turssi Cecilia Pedroso , de Moraes Purquerio Benedito , Serra Mônica Campos
Published: April 2003

Given the increased aesthetic demands of patients, along with improvements in the formulation of resin composites, the ability of these materials to bond to tooth structures, and concerns about dental amalgam fillings, the applicability of resin composites in dentistry has become increasingly widespread. As resistance to wear represents an important factor in determining the clinical success of resin composite restoratives, the aim of this article was to define what constitutes wear; the major underlying phenomena involved in this process—adhesion, abrasion, fatigue, and corrosion—being described. Discussions were also focused on factors that contribute both to the magnitude and minimization of resin composite wear. Finally, insights were included on both in vivo and laboratory studies used to determine wear resistance. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 280–285, 2003
Synthesis of [18F]FETO, a novel potential 11‐β hydroxylase inhibitor
Authors: Wadsak Wolfgang , Mitterhauser Markus
Published: April 2003

Recent publications reported high uptake of the carbon‐11 labelled 11β‐hydroxylase inhibitors (R)–[O–methyl‐11C]metomidate ([11C]MTO) and (R)–[O–ethyl‐11C]etomidate ([11C]ETO) in adrenocortical incidentalomas with excellent selectivity for positron emission tomography (PET). In our studies [18F]FETO, (the [18F]fluoroethyl ester of etomidate, (R)‐1‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid, 2′‐[18F]fluoroethyl ester), an analogue of [11C]MTO and [11C]ETO was chosen due to the suspected similarity of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and was prepared in the following two step procedure: First, [18F]fluoride was reacted with 2‐bromoethyl triflate using the kryptofix/acetonitrile method to yield 2–bromo‐[18F]fluoroethane ([18F]BFE). In the second step, [18F]BFE was reacted with the tetrabutylammonium salt of (R)‐1‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid to yield [18F]FETO, a novel inhibitor of the 11β‐hydroxylase. The proposed synthesis of [18F]FETO allows the production of sufficient amounts of this new PET‐tracer to serve 1–2 patients with an overall synthesis time of less than 80 min. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverted‐L slot antenna for WLAN operation
Authors: Su Chih‐Ming , Chen Hong‐Twu , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: April 2003

An inverted‐L slot antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) operation in the 2.4‐GHz band (2400–2484 MHz) is presented. The inverted‐L slot antenna is obtained by transforming a linear slot into an inverted‐L shaped, which makes it very suitable to be placed at the corners of the display panel of a notebook computer. A prototype has been constructed and tested, and good antenna gain and dual‐polarization radiation characteristics for WLAN operations are observed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 315–316, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10905
A study of optical pulse characters extracted from supercontinuum by filters
Authors: Wang Jianping , Wu Yue , Lou Caiyun , Gao Yizhi
Published: April 2003

Supercontinuum (SC) pumped by a 10‐GHz active mode‐locked Er3+‐doped fiber‐ring laser (AML‐EDFL) has been gained and the characteristics of the optical pulses extracted from SC have been studied. The central wavelength, bandwidth, and shape of the filters will have important effects on the optical pulses' output. Some conclusions about the filters are drawn from using SC as the optical source for a wavelength‐division multiplexing over optical‐time‐division multiplexing (WDM/OTDM) transmission system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 387–390, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10926
Gliclazide‐induced hepatitis
Authors: Subramanian G , Walmsley D , Blewitt RW
Published: April 2003

A 64‐year‐old man presented with tiredness, and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was made based on two raised random blood glucose values. He was commenced on gliclazide. Three months later, blood investigations revealed elevated liver enzymes (hepatitic pattern). Further investigations revealed no obvious cause for his abnormal liver function tests. Gliclazide was discontinued and a subsequent liver biopsy revealed features consistent with an acute hepatitis. His liver function tests returned to normal three months after discontinuation of gliclazide. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized controlled trial of three different doses of aerosol beclomethasone versus systemic dexamethasone to promote extubation in ventilated premature infants
Authors: Rozycki Henry J. , Byron Peter R. , Elliott Greg R. , Carroll Timothy , Gutcher Gary R.
Published: April 2003

Our objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of aerosol beclomethasone vs. systemic dexamethasone for extubation in premature infants at high risk for chronic lung disease (CLD). Intubated preterm infants who were identified as being at high risk for moderate‐severe CLD on day 14 of life were randomized to one of four groups. The control group received systemic dexamethasone and aerosol placebo, while the other three groups received either high (2.40–3.69 μg/kg/day delivered to lungs), medium (1.0–1.85 μg/kg/day), or low (0.48–0.74 μg/kg/day) dose aerosol beclomethasone and systemic placebo. Those receiving aerosol steroids who remained ventilator‐dependent after 7 days were switched to standard 42‐day tapering doses of systemic dexamethasone. The primary outcome was extubation within 1 week of starting steroids, using predefined criteria. Secondary variables included changes in lung function, rates of side effects, and tracheal aspirate white blood cell counts. Sixty‐one infants with birth weights of 761 ± 18 g (mean ± SEM) and gestational ages of 25.7 ± 0.2 weeks were randomized to one of the four groups. Seven of 15 infants in the control systemic dexamethasone group were successfully extubated compared with 3/16 in the high‐dose beclomethasone group, 1/15 in the medium‐dose group, and 2/15 in the low‐dose group (P < 0.01). Only dexamethasone subjects demonstrated improvements in lung function over the study period. These infants also had significant increases in blood pressure and blood glucose levels, as well as a decline in their tracheal aspirate white blood cell count. In conclusion, aerosol beclomethasone at the very low doses used in this study did not facilitate extubation in intubated premature infants at high risk for moderate‐severe CLD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:375–383. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different effect of age on dopamine transporters in the dorsal and ventral striatum of controls and alcoholics
Authors: Tupala Erkki , Hall Håkan , Bergström Kim , Mantere Tuija , Räsänen Pirkko , Särkioja Terttu , Hiltunen Jukka , Tiihonen Jari
Published: April 2003

It is generally agreed that there is a deterioration in brain dopamine (DA) system with aging. The role of the mesolimbic DA in brain ethanol reinforcement is well established, with nucleus accumbens (NAC) serving as a major terminal area of this system, whereas dorsal striatum is more associated with motor control. The aim of this study was to compare putative age‐related alterations of dopamine transporters (DAT) in dorsal and ventral striatum of healthy controls and alcoholics. We studied the effect of age on DAT in caudate (NC), putamen (Pu), and nucleus accumbens (NAC) of eight type 1 and 2 alcoholics and 10 healthy controls by using [125I]PE2I as a radioligand for postmortem human whole hemisphere autoradiography. In the type 1 alcoholic group age and DAT density did not correlate significantly with any of the structures studied. The mean densities of DAT declined significantly with age in controls and type 2 alcoholics in dorsal striatum (NC, Pu) (range of correlation coefficient from −0.49 to −0.94), but not statistically significantly in NAC. In type 1 alcoholics the lack of correlation between DAT density and age may indicate a preexisting dopaminergic deficit in this patient group, whereas age‐related decline among type 2 alcoholics resembled that of healthy controls. Furthermore, dorsal striatal DAT may be more vulnerable to age‐related decline than DAT in NAC. This is supported by the notion that DAT in NAC and dorsal striatum have different molecular weights. Synapse 48:205–211, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related loss of synapses in the frontal cortex of SAMP10 mouse: A model of cerebral degeneration
Authors: Shimada Atsuyoshi , Keino Hiromi , Satoh Mamoru , Kishikawa Masao , Hosokawa Masanori
Published: April 2003

SAMP10 mouse is a model of brain aging in which senescence is characterized by cerebral atrophy most prominent in the frontal cortex, deterioration in performance of learning and memory tasks, and alterations of the central dopaminergic system. The present study investigates age‐related changes in the expression of synapse‐related proteins to determine whether the number of synapses is decreased in SAMP10 mice. We quantified expression levels of synaptophysin, a presynaptic protein, and of PSD‐95, a postsynaptic protein in various brain regions by immunoblotting. Both synapse‐related proteins (52% of synaptophysin and 55% of PSD‐95) were lost from the anterior cerebral cortex in SAMP10 mice at age 10–12 months compared with those in mice at age 3 months. Synaptophysin was lost by 30% from the posterior cerebral cortex of SAMP10 mice at age 15–16 months. The level of synaptophysin, but not of PSD‐95 decreased by about 25% in the brain stem of SAMP10 mice aged 7 and 10–12 months. A loss of synapse‐related proteins was not significant in other brain regions. Age‐related loss of synaptophysin or PSD‐95 was not evident in normal aging control SAMR1 mice that do not develop brain atrophy. In summary, synapses were lost with aging in SAMP10 mice and the synaptic loss was most prominent in the anterior cerebral neocortex. Since a loss of neocortical synapses is the primary correlate with the intellectual decline in human neurodegenerative diseases, SAMP10 mouse is a useful model with which to study the mechanisms underlying synaptic loss in human neurodegenerative dementias. Synapse 48:198–204, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution to the welfare of captive wolves (Canis lupus lupus): A behavioral comparison of six wolf packs
Authors: Frézard Anne , Pape Gilles Le
Published: April 2003

An interesting way to understand and eventually improve the well‐being of captive animals is to compare different living and social conditions, in order to analyze the behavioral differences between animals living in very restrictive conditions and animals enjoying more permissive ones. In the present study we performed 10 observations of six wolf enclosures with quite different living and social conditions. The rest/activity balance, behavioral diversity, and use of available space were used as welfare criteria. Results show that the proportion of time resting was higher in large, comfortable enclosures. In each park, animals used only a part of the available space, the proportion being lower in large enclosures. The behavioral diversity was little affected by the size of the enclosure, but highly related to the composition of the pack. The results underline the importance of spatial choice and social group management. Zoo Biol 22:33–44, 2003 © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum Retinol, alpha‐tocopherol, and lipids in four species of adult captive pinnipeds
Authors: Mazzaro Lisa M. , Lawrence Dunn J. , Furr Harold C. , Clark Richard M.
Published: April 2003

The sera of adult aquarium‐held pinnipeds from four species (family Phocidae: harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus); family Otariidae: northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)) were analyzed for vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α‐tocopherol), total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and fatty acids. Each subject animal was healthy at the time of blood collection, was fasted for at least 12 hr prior to sampling, and was maintained on a constant diet and supplement regime throughout the study. Retinol values for the four species ranged from 0.16 to 0.92 μg/mL, with the lowest concentrations seen in the harbor seals and the highest in the northern fur seals. Vitamin E values ranged from 10.55 to 43.58 μg/mL, with northern fur seals showing the highest and gray seals the lowest levels. Vitamin E/lipid ratios (cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, and total lipids) were also examined. A significant correlation was seen between vitamin E and total lipids (P<0.05) and phospholipid (P<0.01). Statistical analysis of the retinol, tocopherol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels showed significant differences between phocid and otariid seals. Otariids had significantly lower tocopherol and phospholipid values (19.36 μg/mL, 4.29 mg/mL) and the phocids had significantly lower retinol and triglyceride levels (0.29 μg/mL, 124 mg/dL). There was no significant difference in serum cholesterol. Zoo Biol 22:83–96, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Annual reproductive activity of Caiman crocodilus fuscus in captivity
Authors: Guerrero Sandra M. , Calderón Martha L. , de Pérez Gloria R. , Ramírez‐Pinilla M. Patricia
Published: April 2003

We describe the gonadal and abdominal fat storage cycles for a population of Caiman crocodilus fuscus kept in captivity at a breeding farm. The reproductive cycles of males and females are clearly seasonal. Vitellogenic follicles were observed in females year‐round; however, the follicular growth that produces the preovulatory follicles for the breeding season occurs in November–May (most of the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season). These months correspond with the presence of physiologically reproductive males. Oviposition takes place during the wet season (April–August) and the births occur at the end of this season (September–November). Fat storage was not related to reproductive activity, and did not vary by month or between sexes. Although environmental and hormonal conditions have been improved for these captive animals, they maintain a strongly seasonal reproductive cycle, historically fixed to oviposit in the most favorable period for nest construction and hatching during the rainy season. Zoo Biol 22:121–133, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel strategy to design binding molecules harnessing the modular nature of repeat proteins
Authors: Forrer Patrik , Stumpp Michael T. , Binz H.Kaspar , Plückthun Andreas
Published: April 2003

Repeat proteins, such as ankyrin or leucine‐rich repeat proteins, are ubiquitous binding molecules, which occur, unlike antibodies, intra‐ and extracellularly. Their unique modular architecture features repeating structural units (repeats), which stack together to form elongated repeat domains displaying variable and modular target‐binding surfaces. Based on this modularity, we developed a novel strategy to generate combinatorial libraries of polypeptides with highly diversified binding specificities. This strategy includes the consensus design of self‐compatible repeats displaying variable surface residues and their random assembly into repeat domains. We envision that such repeat protein libraries will be highly valuable sources for novel binding molecules especially suitable for intracellular applications.
Selection based on the folding properties of proteins with ribosome display
Authors: Matsuura Tomoaki , Plückthun Andreas
Published: April 2003

Ribosome display is a powerful tool for selecting and evolving protein functions through ligand‐binding. Here, this in vitro system was used to perform selection based on the folding properties of proteins, independent of specific ligand‐binding. The selection is based on two properties of misfolded proteins: (1) increased sensitivity to proteolysis and (2) greater exposure of hydrophobic area. By targeting these properties, we show that compactly folded and soluble proteins can be enriched over insoluble and random coil proteins. This approach may be especially useful for selection and evolution of folded proteins from random sequence libraries.
C‐terminal 15 kDa fragment of cytoskeletal actin is posttranslationally N‐myristoylated upon caspase‐mediated cleavage and targeted to mitochondria
Authors: Utsumi Toshihiko , Sakurai Nagisa , Nakano Kengo , Ishisaka Rumi
Published: April 2003

To detect the posttranslational N‐myristoylation of caspase substrates, the susceptibility of the newly exposed N‐terminus of known caspase substrates to protein N‐myristoylation was evaluated by in vivo metabolic labeling with [3H]myristic acid in transfected cells using a fusion protein in which the query sequence was fused to a model protein. As a result, it was found that the N‐terminal nine residues of the newly exposed N‐terminus of the caspase‐cleavage product of cytoskeletal actin efficiently direct the protein N‐myristoylation. Metabolic labeling of COS‐1 cells transiently transfected with cDNA coding for full‐length truncated actin (tActin) revealed the efficient incorporation of [3H]myristic acid into this molecule. When COS‐1 cells transiently transfected with cDNA coding for full‐length actin were treated with staurosporine, an apoptosis‐inducing agent, an N‐myristoylated tActin was generated. Immunofluorescence staining coupled with MitoTracker or fluorescence tagged‐phalloidin staining revealed that exogenously expressed tActin colocalized with mitochondria without affecting cellular and actin morphology. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the C‐terminal 15 kDa fragment of cytoskeletal actin is posttranslationally N‐myristoylated upon caspase‐mediated cleavage during apoptosis and targeted to mitochondria.
Thiamine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: isolation and initial characterisation of the ThiGH complex
Authors: Leonardi Roberta , Fairhurst Shirley A , Kriek Marco , Lowe David J , Roach Peter L
Published: April 2003

In Escherichia coli, two of the proteins required for the biosynthesis of the thiazole moiety of thiamine (vitamin B1) are ThiG and ThiH, encoded as part of the thiCEFSGH operon. In this study, a C‐terminally hexahistidine‐tagged ThiH (ThiH‐His) was expressed in E. coli as a soluble protein from thiGH‐His‐tag and thiFSGH‐His‐tag‐bearing plasmids. When isolated under anaerobic conditions, ThiG and ThiH‐His co‐purify as a large multimeric non‐covalent complex. Electron paramagnetic resonance and UV–visible spectroscopy together with iron and sulfide analyses revealed the presence of an iron–sulfur cluster within this complex.
Voltammetry of a ‘protein on a rope’
Authors: Baymann Frauke , Barlow Nicola L , Aubert Corinne , Schoepp-Cothenet Barbara , Leroy Gisele , Armstrong Fraser A
Published: April 2003

A periplasmic electron‐transfer protein, cytochrome c
555
m from Aquifex aeolicus contains a 62‐residue N‐terminal extension by which it is anchored to the membrane – most probably via a thioester bond to its N‐terminal cysteine. This linker can act as a ‘rope’ to tether the protein close to its reaction partners. Mimicking this principle, a recombinant cytochrome c
555
m, expressed in Escherichia coli, has been attached covalently to a gold electrode modified with 6‐mercaptohexan‐1‐ol. The ‘tethered’ cytochrome c
555
m displays remarkably fast electron‐transfer kinetics, with an electrochemical exchange rate constant k
0 of 1.4×104 s−1. The results show that fast electron transfer is associated with weak interactions: importantly, the tethered cytochrome can explore many different orientations without escaping into solution.