bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of mediastinal lymph node metastasis in medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Machens A , Holzhausen H-J , Dralle H
Published: April 2004

Background

Mediastinal lymph node metastases can be life threatening owing to their proximity to vital organs. Reliable identification of mediastinal metastasis is of utmost importance for timely mediastinal lymph node dissection, although suitable clinicopathological variables for their detection in patients with thyroid cancer have yet to be identified.

Methods

This was an analysis of 83 consecutive patients with radiological suspicion of mediastinal metastasis who underwent trans-sternal mediastinal lymph node dissection for node-positive medullary thyroid carcinoma between November 1994 and March 2003.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that extrathyroidal extension (P < 0·001), distant metastasis (P = 0·001), the preoperative serum calcitonin level (P = 0·001), operation type (P = 0·004), contralateral cervicolateral metastasis (P = 0·016) and bilateral nodal metastasis (P = 0·031) were significantly associated with mediastinal involvement. Only extrathyroidal extension remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression analysis of mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Prediction of mediastinal metastasis by extrathyroidal extension was best at reoperation, with a specificity of 97 per cent and a positive predictive value of 88 per cent.

Conclusion

Mediastinal lymph node dissection should be considered in patients undergoing reoperation for node-positive medullary thyroid carcinoma who have extrathyroidal extension and cervical lymph node metastases.
Use of donor aorta for arterial reconstruction in paediatric liver and multivisceral transplantation
Authors: Nishida S , Vaidya A , Kato T , Nakamura N , Madariaga J , Tzakis A
Published: April 2004

Background

Arterial reconstruction remains the most important technical issue in paediatric transplantation. The arteries of paediatric donors as well as recipients are small and friable. The aim of this study was to assess the use of the donor aorta as a conduit for arterial reconstruction in paediatric liver and multivisceral transplantation.

Methods

Between June 1994 and January 2002, 284 paediatric transplants, including 197 cadaveric liver and multivisceral transplants, were performed in children at this centre. Of these, 41 (20·8 per cent), including nine cadaveric liver transplants and 32 multivisceral transplants, were revascularized by donor aortic reconstruction. Patient demographics, types of donor arterial reconstruction, technical complications and incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis were reviewed.

Results

None of the 41 donor aortic reconstructions used in revascularization of paediatric liver and multivisceral transplants thrombosed. There were no bleeding complications and no pseudoaneurysms developed.

Conclusion

Arterial reconstruction using donor aorta is a useful option with a low incidence of thrombosis in paediatric transplantation.
Measurement of right ventricular volume from biplane contrast ventriculograms: Validation by cast and three‐dimensional echo
Authors: Sheehan Florence H. , Bolson Edward L.
Published: April 2004

We compared six models for measuring right ventricular (RV) volume from biplane ventriculograms in the 30° right anterior oblique and 60° left anterior oblique projections in adult and dilated RVs. We used 27 casts of normal RVs plus 37 three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiographic RV reconstructions that we rotated to the oblique projections for contour extraction. Biplane volumes were computed using published formulas. RV volumes ranged from 18.9 to 322.4 ml. Both sets of volumes correlated similarly to true volume and were combined. Simpson's method with 50 slices yielded the lowest absolute error (19.5 ± 28.9 ml); Simpson's with 20 slices yielded the lowest bias (1.3 ± 35.7 ml). The prism and area‐length models performed within this range. The Simpson's method provides the most accurate measurement of RV volume from biplane contrast ventriculograms recorded in oblique projections. Volume validation can be performed using 3D echo data. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:46–51. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary angioplasty on an impassable calcified stenosis using a buddy balloon technique
Authors: Li Steven Siu‐Lung , Cheng Cheung‐Wah
Published: April 2004

We report our experience in coronary angioplasty on a calcified lesion that was not passable with balloon catheters despite an adequate preangioplasty lumen size on angiogram and intravascular ultrasonography study. The angioplasty was successfully performed with a simple and inexpensive buddy balloon technique. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:35–37. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug‐eluting stent task force: Final report and recommendations of the working committees on cost‐effectiveness/economics, access to care, and medicolegal issues
Authors: Hodgson John McB. , Bottner Randy K. , Klein Lloyd W. , Walpole Howard T. , Cohen David J. , Cutlip Donald E. , Fenninger Randolph B. , Firth Brian G. , Greenberg Dan , Kalisky Ilona , Meskan Thomas , Powell Wayne , Stone Gregg W. , Zito James P. , Clark Mary Ann
Published: April 2004

Coronary artery disease remains a major health problem worldwide. Since introduction of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stents, much progress has been made. Percutaneous coronary intervention, however, has been limited by restenosis (repeat obstruction of arteries that have been previously treated. Introduction of drug‐eluting stents (DESs) in April 2003 was a major breakthrough in preventing restenosis. In March 2003, The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) published a position statement on the clinical implications of DESs, recommending an evidence‐based adoption strategy. Subsequently, in May 2003, SCAI formed a multidisciplinary Drug Eluting Stent (DES) Task Force to address the significant nonclinical ramifications posed by DESs: medicolegal, financial, and access to care. The Task Force included representatives from physician societies, industry, academia, the reimbursement community, and health policy organizations. The resultant report presents analyses, options, and recommendations regarding those nonclinical issues based on the collective experience and knowledge of the Task Force members. The Task Force trusts that this report will be of value to the diverse constituencies involved with introduction of this important new technology. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62: 1–17. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐Photon Absorption in Quadrupolar π‐Conjugated Molecules: Influence of the Nature of the Conjugated Bridge and the Donor–Acceptor Separation
Authors: Zojer Egbert , Beljonne David , Pacher Peter , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2004

Quadrupolar‐type substitution of π‐conjugated chromophores with donor and acceptor groups has been shown to increase their two‐photon absorption (TPA) response by up to two orders of magnitude. Here, we apply highly correlated quantum‐chemical calculations to evaluate the impact of the nature of conjugated bridge and the charge‐transfer distance on that enhancement. We compare chromophores with phenylenevinylene‐, thienylenevinylene‐, polyene‐, and indenofluorene‐type backbones substituted by dimethylamino and cyano groups. In all compounds, we find a strongly TPA‐active Ag state (either 2Ag or 3Ag) in the low‐energy region, as well as a higher lying TPA‐active state (mAg) at close to twice the energy of the lowest lying one‐photon allowed state; the smaller energy detuning in the mAg states results in very large TPA cross sections δ. We also investigate the influence of the degree of ground‐state polarization on TPA. Independent of the nature of the backbone and the donor–acceptor separation, δ displays the same qualitative evolution with a maximum before the cyanine‐like limit; the highest TPA cross sections are calculated for distirylbenzene‐ and polyene‐based systems.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal intraoperative chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery for the treatment of abdominal sarcomatosis
Authors: Rossi Carlo Riccardo , Deraco Marcello , De Simone Michele , Mocellin Simone , Pilati Pierluigi , Foletto Mirto , Cavaliere Francesco , Kusamura Shigeki , Gronchi Alessandro , Lise Mario
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Abdominal sarcomatosis is a rare nosologic entity with a poor prognosis. After a Phase I study on cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal intraoperative chemotherapy (HIIC), the authors reported the results of the treatment of 60 patients using this novel multimodal approach.

METHODS

Twenty‐nine patients had multifocal primary disease and 31 patients had recurrent abdominal sarcoma. Tumor histology was represented by visceral (n = 26 [43%]) and retroperitoneal (n = 34 [57%]) sarcoma. All patients underwent cytoreductive surgery (with no or minimal residual disease) and 90‐minute HIIC with doxorubicin (15.25 mg/L of perfusate) and cisplatin (43 mg/L). The clinical outcome and the prognostic value of 11 clinicopathologic variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

No postoperative deaths occurred. The morbidity rate was 33% and the moderate to severe locoregional toxicity rate was 15%. The median time to local disease progression and the median overall survival were 22 months and 34 months, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, histologic grading and completeness of surgical cytoreduction predicted patient prognosis, indicating that both local progression‐free and overall survival were affected significantly by tumor aggressiveness and local disease control.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these results were encouraging, there was no definitive conclusion reached regarding the therapeutic activity of this locoregional treatment. In addition, the toxicity rate was substantial. In the absence of effective systemic agents, the therapeutic potential of cytoreductive surgery plus HIIC should be explored further in comparative trials. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Quantitative morphometry of hippocampal pyramidal cells: Differences between anatomical classes and reconstructing laboratories
Authors: Scorcioni Ruggero , Lazarewicz Maciej T. , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: April 2004

The dendritic trees of hippocampal pyramidal cells play important roles in the establishment and regulation of network connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and firing dynamics. Several laboratories routinely reconstruct CA3 and CA1 dendrites to correlate their three‐dimensional structure with biophysical, electrophysiological, and anatomical observables. To integrate and assess the consistency of the quantitative data available to the scientific community, we exhaustively analyzed 143 completely reconstructed neurons intracellularly filled and digitized in five different laboratories from 10 experimental conditions. Thirty morphometric parameters, including the most common neuroanatomical measurements, were extracted from all neurons. A consistent fraction of parameters (11 of 30) was significantly different between CA3 and CA1 cells. A considerably large number of parameters was also found that discriminated among neurons within the same morphological class, but reconstructed in different laboratories. These interlaboratory differences (8 of 30 parameters) far outweighed the differences between experimental conditions within a single lab, such as aging or preparation method (at most two significant parameters). The set of morphometrics separating anatomical regions and that separating reconstructing laboratories were almost entirely nonoverlapping. CA3 and CA1 neurons could be distinguished by global quantities such as branch order and Sholl distance. Differences among laboratories were largely due to local variables such as branch diameter and local bifurcation angles. Only one parameter (a ratio of branch diameters) separated both morphological classes and reconstructing laboratories. Compartmental simulations of electrophysiological activity showed that both differences between anatomical classes and reconstructing laboratories could dramatically affect the firing rate of these neurons under different experimental conditions. J. Comp. Neurol. 473:177–193, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metastasis‐associated S100A4 (Mts1) protein is expressed in subpopulations of sensory and autonomic neurons and in Schwann cells of the adult rat
Authors: Sandelin Martin , Zabihi Sheller , Liu Li , Wicher Grzegorz , Kozlova Elena N.
Published: April 2004

S100A4 (Mts1) is a member of a family of calcium‐binding proteins of the EF‐hand type, which are widely expressed in the nervous system, where they appear to be involved in the regulation of neuron survival, plasticity, and response to injury or disease. S100A4 has previously been demonstrated in astrocytes of the white matter and rostral migratory stream of the adult rat. After injury, S100A4 is markedly up‐regulated in affected central nervous white matter areas as well as in the periventricular area and rostral migratory stream. Here, we show that S100A4 is expressed in a subpopulation of dorsal root, trigeminal, geniculate, and nodose ganglion cells; in a subpopulation of postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons; in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla; and in satellite and Schwann cells. In dorsal root ganglia, S100A4‐positive cells appear to constitute a subpopulation of small ganglion neurons, a few of which coexpressed calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin (GSA) isolectin B4 (B4). S100A4 protein appears to be transported from dorsal root ganglia to the spinal cord, where it is deposited in the tract of Lissauer. After peripheral nerve or dorsal root injury, a few S100A4‐positive cells coexpress CGRP, GSA, or galanin. Peripheral nerve or dorsal root injury induces a marked up‐regulation of S100A4 expression in satellite cells in the ganglion and in Schwann cells at the injury site and in the distal stump. This pattern of distribution partially overlaps that of the previously studied S100B and S100A6 proteins, indicating a possible functional cooperation between these proteins. The presence of S100A4 in sensory neurons, including their processes in the central nervous system, suggests that S100A4 is involved in propagation of sensory impulses in specific fiber types. J. Comp. Neurol. 473:233–243, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mean curvature flows and isotopy of maps between spheres
Authors: Tsui Mao‐Pei , Wang Mu‐Tao
Published: April 2004

Let f be a smooth map between unit spheres of possibly different dimensions. We prove the global existence and convergence of the mean curvature flow of the graph of f under various conditions. A corollary is that any area‐decreasing map between unit spheres (of possibly different dimensions) is isotopic to a constant map. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concatenation of space‐time block codes and turbo trellis coded modulation (ST‐TTCM) over Rician fading channels with imperfect phase
Authors: N. Ucan Osman , Osman Onur
Published: April 2004

In this paper, the performance of space time‐turbo trellis coded modulation (ST‐TTCM) is evaluated over Rician and Rayleigh fading channels with imperfect phase. We modify Baum–Welch (BW) algorithm to estimate the fading and phase jitter parameters for multi‐antenna configurations. Thus, we assume that the channel parameters change slower than carrier frequency. We know that, at high data rate transmissions over wireless fading channels, space–time block codes (STBC) provide the maximal possible diversity advantage. Here, the combined effects of the amplitude and the phase of the received signal are considered, each one modelled by Rician and Tikhonov distributions, respectively. We investigate space time‐turbo trellis coded modulation (ST‐TTCM) for 8‐PSK for several Rician factorKand phase distortion factorη. Thus, our results reflect the degradations both due to the effects of the fading on the amplitude and phase noise of the received signal while the channel parameters are estimated by BW algorithm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing of oxidative stress from mitochondria in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Nakanishi Shuhei , Suzuki Gen , Kusunoki Yoichiro , Yamane Kiminori , Egusa Genshi , Kohno Nobuoki
Published: April 2004

Background

Recent evidence increasingly indicates that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Mitochondria has received much attention as an important organ in the generation of oxidative stress. However, the importance of oxidative stress among diabetic patients without vascular complications is unclear.

Methods

We compared oxidative stress produced from mitochondria of the mononuclear cells in peripheral blood obtained from 26 diabetic subjects without clinical vascular complications and 52 healthy age‐matched subjects using a flow cytometer. Oxidative stress from the mononuclear cells was evaluated by measuring fluorescence of oxidized production from dihydrorhodamine‐123, which is a pro‐fluorescent compound that selectively accumulates in the mitochondria of living cells. Stimulation of the cells was carried out with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator. We then calculated the relative fluorescence variation (RFV) that indicated an increasing rate of oxidative stress levels by stimulation with PMA against the levels obtained at baseline. Additionally, we measured the urinary stress markers, 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and 8‐epi‐prostaglandin F2α (isoprostane).

Results

Compared to healthy subjects, diabetic subjects did not exhibit significantly elevated oxidative stress levels at baseline, but did have significantly elevated basal urinary 8OHdG, urinary isoprostane and oxidative stress levels after PMA stimulation as well as RFV.

Conclusions

Among diabetic subjects without clinical vascular complications, there was a possibility that mitochondrial oxidative stress balance between generation and scavenging against the additive PKC stimulation was thought to have already been lost. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on energy intake and food choice at a subsequent test meal
Authors: Dewan Shivani , Gillett Angela , Mugarza Julie A. , Dovey Terence M. , Halford Jason C. G. , Wilding John P. H.
Published: April 2004

Background and aims

Hypoglycaemia is assumed to increase food intake, but there is little data on the magnitude or qualitative nature of this effect. We have therefore investigated the effects of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on food intake at a test meal.

Methods

Sixteen healthy men (age 29.8 ± 11 years; mean ± SD) were studied; either insulin (0.05 units/kg) or saline was given intravenously in a double‐blind crossover design. Blood glucose was monitored at regular intervals. Participants were given an ad libitum breakfast 20 min after injections and food intake and appetite scores were recorded.

Results

Blood glucose was unchanged following saline (4.3 ± 0.4 to 4.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L). There was a transient decline in blood glucose after insulin with a nadir at 20 min (4.31 ± 0.34 to 2.41 ± 0.45 mmol/L, p < 0.0001), which returned to baseline at 40 min. Total energy intake was 17% higher (1701.1 ± 895.3 kcal vs 1427.7 ± 815 kcal, p = 0.026) following insulin administration compared to that following saline. Macronutrient analysis revealed a significant increase in high‐fat foods (muffins) (69.2 ± 54.1 vs 29 ± 42.3 g, p = 0.009) after insulin. Appetite scores were similar after saline and insulin despite these changes in food intake.

Conclusions

Transient insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia increases energy intake. Participants consumed more fat after insulin compared to that after saline. High‐fat foods can lead to passive overconsumption and have a low glycaemic index, which may prolong hypoglycaemia. Both factors could ultimately promote weight gain in individuals with recurrent hypoglycaemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A preliminary investigation into the feasibility and efficacy of a CD‐ROM–based cognitive‐behavioral self‐help intervention for bulimia nervosa
Authors: Bara‐Carril Nuria , Williams Christopher J. , Pombo‐Carril Maria G. , Reid Yael , Murray Kathryn , Aubin Susan , Harkin Patrick J.R. , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: April 2004

Objective

Many patients with bulimia nervosa find it hard to access evidence‐based treatment such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel CD‐ROM–based cognitive‐behavioral multimedia self‐help intervention for the treatment of bulimia nervosa.

Method

Patients with bulimia nervosa referred to a catchment area‐based eating disorder service were offered eight sessions of a novel CD‐ROM cognitive‐behavioral self‐help treatment without any added therapist input. We report here the take‐up and drop‐out rates and efficacy of this intervention.

Results

Of 60 participants who were offered the intervention, 47 took it up. At follow‐up, there were significant reductions in binging and compensatory behaviors, most clearly in self‐induced vomiting.

Discussion

This intervention has potential as a first step in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and for dissemination to nonspecialist settings. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 538–548, 2004.
The development of eating pathology in Chinese‐Australian women: Acculturation versus culture clash
Authors: Humphry Tamara A. , Ricciardelli Lina A.
Published: April 2004

Objective

Recent research suggests there has been an increase in the incidence of eating pathology among Asian women residing in the West. Two alternate explanations for the development of this eating pathology have been proposed; acculturation versus culture clash. The current study was designed to further examine the influence of acculturation versus culture clash on the development of eating pathology in Chinese‐Australian women.

Method

Eighty‐one Chinese‐Australian women completed a questionnaire investigating their level of eating pathology, perceived sociocultural influences to lose weight, parental overprotection and care, self‐perceptions of physical appearance, sociability and global self‐worth, and the strength of their ethnic identity.

Results

It was found that, overall, low levels of satisfaction with physical appearance, high levels of parental overprotection, and high levels of perceived pressure from best female friends to lose weight predicted greater eating pathology in both acculturated and traditional women. However, acculturated women who perceived higher levels of pressure from their fathers and best male friends to lose weight and traditional women who experienced higher levels of parental care reported the greatest eating pathology.

Discussion

The findings suggest that there are both similarities and differences between the risk factors that correlate with eating pathology between acculturated and traditional women. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 579–588, 2004.
Differences between women with anorexia nervosa and restrained eaters on shape and weight concerns, self‐esteem, and depression
Authors: Wilksch Simon , Wade Tracey D.
Published: April 2004

Objective

The current study examined the relation among shape and weight concerns, domain‐specific self‐esteem, dietary restraint, and depression.

Method

Women with anorexia nervosa (AN; n = 19), restrained eaters (n = 20), and unrestrained eaters (n = 21) completed measures of shape and weight concerns, depression, and self‐esteem.

Results

Women with AN had significantly higher shape and weight concerns and lower self‐esteem than restrained eaters. However, once depression was controlled, these significant differences disappeared on all but the morality self‐esteem subscale. Unrestrained eaters had significantly lower shape and weight concerns and higher self‐esteem than restrained participants both before and after depression was controlled.

Discussion

Shape and weight concerns and low self‐esteem are associated with dietary restriction. However, results from the current study suggest these two variables may not be the primary driving forces behind extreme dietary restriction. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 571–578, 2004.
Guided self‐help versus cognitive‐behavioral group therapy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa
Authors: Bailer Ursula , de Zwaan Martina , Leisch Friedrich , Strnad Alexandra , Lennkh‐Wolfsberg Claudia , El‐Giamal Nadia , Hornik Kurt , Kasper Siegfried
Published: April 2004

Objective

The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether guided self‐help was effective in the short and long term in the treatment of bulimia nervosa.

Method

Eighty‐one patients with bulimia nervosa were randomly assigned to either a self‐help manual with a maximum of 18 short weekly visits (guided self‐help) or to 18 weekly 1.5‐h sessions of cognitive‐behavioral group therapy (CBT). The primary outcome variables were monthly frequencies of self‐reported binge eating and vomiting episodes. Secondary outcome variables were eating disorder‐related psychopathology (assessed with the Eating Disorders Inventory [EDI]) and depression (assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]). Patients were followed up 1 year after the end of treatment.

Results

A mixed‐effects linear regression analysis indicated that subjects in both treatment conditions showed a significant decrease over time in binge eating and vomiting frequencies, in the scores of the EDI subscales, and in the BDI. Both treatment modalities led to a sustained improvement at follow‐up. A separate analysis of the completer sample showed significantly higher remission rates in the self‐help condition (74%) compared with the CBT condition (44%) at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Guided self‐help incorporating the use of a self‐help manual offers an approach that can be effective in the short and long‐term treatment of bulimia nervosa. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 522–537, 2004.
Pathologic fear conditioning and anorexia nervosa: On the search for novel paradigms
Authors: Strober Michael
Published: April 2004

Although eating disorders have been the focus of an unprecedented explosion of clinical interest in recent years, the etiology of anorexia nervosa remains elusive. It is hypothesized that an underlying causative mechanism involves a propensity to extreme fear conditioning and greater than normal resistance to its extinction. Knowledge accrued from recent behavioral, genetic, and neuroanatomic research on anxiety may yield further insight into the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa, which can be subjected to experimental validation using objective measures of classical fear conditioning and functional neuroimaging of brain structures mediating fear behavior. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 504–508, 2004.
Bedload transport resistance in rough open‐channel flows
Authors: Gao Peng , Abrahams Athol D.
Published: April 2004

During bedload movement by saltation, streamwise momentum is transferred from the ﬂow to the saltating grains. When the grains collide with other grains on the bed or in the ﬂow, streamwise momentum is reduced, and there is a decrease in streamwise ﬂow velocity and an increase in ﬂow resistance, herein termed bedload transport resistance fbt. Based on experiments in two ﬂumes with ﬁxed and mobile plane beds and previously published data, an equation is developed that may be used to predict fbt for both capacity and non‐capacity ﬂows. The variables in this equation are identiﬁed by dimensional analysis and the coefﬁcients are determined by non‐linear regression. This equation applies to rough turbulent open‐channel ﬂows, where the relative submergence is between 1 and 20 and the entire sediment load moves by saltation. An investigation of the relative magnitudes of fbt and grain resistance fc suggests that where dimensionless shear stress θ is less than 1 and saltation is the dominant mode of bedload transport, fbt/fc increases with θ but never exceeds 1. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrological connectivity of soil pipes determined by ground‐penetrating radar tracer detection
Authors: Holden Joseph
Published: April 2004

Soil pipes are common and important features of many catchments, particularly in semi‐arid and humid areas, and can contribute a large proportion of runoff to river systems. They may also signiﬁcantly inﬂuence catchment sediment and solute yield. However, there are often problems in ﬁnding and deﬁning soil pipe networks which are located deep below the surface. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) has been used for non‐destructive identiﬁcation and mapping of soil pipes in blanket peat catchments. While GPR can identify subsurface cavities, it cannot alone determine hydrological connectivity between one cavity and another. This paper presents results from an experiment to test the ability of GPR to establish hydrological connectivity between pipes through use of a tracer solution. Sodium chloride was injected into pipe cavities previously detected by the radar. The GPR was placed downslope of the injection points and positioned on the ground directly above detected soil pipes. The resultant radargrams showed signiﬁcant changes in reﬂectance from some cavities and no change from others. Pipe waters were sampled in order to check the radar results. Changes in electrical conductivity of the pipe water could be detected by the GPR, without data post‐processing, when background levels were increased by more than approximately twofold. It was thus possible to rapidly determine hydrological connectivity of soil pipes within dense pipe networks across hillslopes without ground disturbance. It was also possible to remotely measure travel times through pipe systems; the passing of the salt wave below the GPR produced an easily detectable signal on the radargram which required no post‐processing. The technique should allow remote sensing of water sources and sinks for soil pipes below the surface. The improved understanding of ﬂowpath connectivity will be important for understanding water delivery, solutional and particulate denudation, and hydrological and geomorphological model development. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tortoises and hares: dissolution, erosion and isostasy in landscape evolution
Authors: Simms Michael J.
Published: April 2004

Denudation mechanisms differ fundamentally between limestone and silicate rock types, which are subject to very different rate thresholds and enhancers/inhibitors. Silicates are removed largely by erosion, the mechanical entrainment and transport of particles. This is a relatively high energy, and highly episodic, process which occurs only when a minimum threshold ﬂow velocity is exceeded; it is inhibited by vegetation cover and favoured by strongly seasonal runoff. Limestone is removed largely by chemical dissolution at a rate directly proportional to runoff. Dissolution is a relatively low energy process that can occur at any ﬂow velocity or in static water; in general it is enhanced by vegetation cover and non‐seasonality of runoff. These contrasting factors in the denudation of silicates versus limestone can produce strikingly uneven rates of surface lowering across a landscape, sometimes akin to the well known ‘tortoise and hare race’, where the slow and steady denudation of limestones may in the long term exceed the sometimes rapid, but often localized and episodic, erosion of silicates. Prolonged exposure of limestone to a humid temperate climate in a tectonically stable environment produces low‐relief corrosion plains in which limestone uplands are anomalous and, in most instances, due to recent unrooﬁng from beneath a siliciclastic cover. In a highly seasonal or semi‐arid climate almost the exact inverse may develop, with ‘ﬂashy’ runoff and sparse vegetation favouring erosion rather than dissolution. Even under a constant humid climate progressive unrooﬁng of a thick limestone unit within folded siliciclastics may lead to a topographic inversion over time, with the limestone outcrop always forming a topographic low ﬂanked by siliciclastic uplands. Valleys will be initiated on anticlinal crests, where the limestone is ﬁrst unroofed, but progressive lowering of the limestone causes these valleys to migrate to their ﬁnal position in the synclinal troughs. In humid climates isostatic compensation in response to slow, but continuous, denudation of extensive limestone outcrops may be a signiﬁcant factor in the development of relief on adjacent, more slowly eroding, silicate outcrops. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vector smooth transition regression models for US GDP and the composite index of leading indicators
Authors: Camacho Maximo
Published: April 2004

In this paper, I extend to a multiple‐equation context the linearity, model selection and model adequacy tests recently proposed for univariate smooth transition regression models. Using this result, I examine the nonlinear forecasting power of the Conference Board composite index of leading indicators to predict both output growth and the business‐cycle phases of the US economy in real time. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Müller cell response to laser‐induced increase in intraocular pressure in rats
Authors: Woldemussie Elizabeth , Wijono Mercy , Ruiz Guadalupe
Published: April 2004

The goal of this study was to investigate the reaction of the Müller cells to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is one of the risk factors in glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Müller cells play an important role in retinal homeostasis. The reaction of Müller cells was examined by evaluating temporal changes in glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST), glutamine synthase (GS), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the B‐cell lymphoma (Bcl‐2) using immunoblotting and immunohistochemical techniques. After IOP was elevated for 4–60 days, there was a time‐related decrease in RGC ranging from 6% to 44%. There was also a time‐related increase in GLAST protein reaching maximum after 3 weeks of elevated IOP. On the other hand, there was very little change in the expression of GS during the first 2 weeks followed by some increase between 21 and 60 days. An increase in Bcl‐2 was biphasic with maximum increase after 4 days followed by decline after 15 and 21 days. GFAP, which is usually not expressed in normal Müller cells, was present at all time points. In all cases, the increase was most intense in the vicinity of the ganglion cells where the astrocytes and endfeet of the Müller cells are located. These results indicate that Müller cells react to the insult of elevated IOP by expressing GFAP and Bcl‐2, proteins that are expressed in reactive gliosis and other pathological conditions. The increase in GLAST along with minimum change in GS indicates a disturbance in glutamate homeostasis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro myelination by oligodendrocyte precursor cells transfected with the neurotrophin‐3 gene
Authors: Rubio Nazario , Rodriguez Rodrigo , Arevalo Maria Angeles
Published: April 2004

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells require exogenous neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) for differentiation into oligodendrocytes. We transfected precursor cells with the gene for NT‐3 and looked for changes in their development into myelin‐forming cells. The expression of NT‐3 in transfected cells was demonstrated by reverse transcription followed by PCR as well as by Northern blots. Direct synthesis of the neurotrophin product and its release to the culture supernatants were also shown by specific ELISA. Transfection converts precursor cells into actively dividing cells that can incorporate 3H‐thymidine into DNA. In the absence of growth factors, a parallel increase in the survival of the transfected cultures was also demonstrated by the MTT test. The final demonstration of biological changes in transfected versus untreated cells was a 10‐fold increase in myelin basic protein production observed in Western blots and the direct observation by phase‐contrast and electron microscopy of myelin membranes in cocultures with hippocampal neurons. We discuss the future use of this transfected cells in regeneration and functional recovery in experimental models of multiple sclerosis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New method for the preparation of dibenzo[b, f][1,4]thiazepines
Authors: Fujii Takayoshi , Hao Wei , Yoshimura Toshiaki
Published: April 2004

The S‐amination of 9H‐thioxanthen‐9‐ol (2a) and 9‐substituted derivatives 2b–e (Me (b), Et (c), iPr (d), Ph (e)) with O‐mesitylenesulfonylhydroxylamine (MSH) was carried out. The expected product, 10‐amino‐9‐hydroxy‐9‐isopropyl‐9H‐thioxanthenium mesitylenesulfonate (3d), was obtained in 78(%) yield from the corresponding thioxanthen(9)‐ol 2d. However, in the case of 2a–c and 2e the reaction led instead to dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepines 6a–c and 6e in moderate yields. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:246–250, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20010
Medial temporal lobe activation during encoding and retrieval of novel face‐name pairs
Authors: Kirwan C. Brock , Stark Craig E.L.
Published: April 2004

The human medial temporal lobe (MTL) is known to be involved in declarative memory, yet the exact contributions of the various MTL structures are not well understood. In particular, the data as to whether the hippocampal region is preferentially involved in the encoding and/or retrieval of associative memory have not allowed for a consensus concerning its specific role. To investigate the role of the hippocampal region and the nearby MTL cortical areas in encoding and retrieval of associative versus non‐associative memories, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity during learning and later recognition testing of novel face‐name pairs. We show that there is greater activity for successful encoding of associative information than for non‐associative information in the right hippocampal region, as well as in the left amygdala and right parahippocampal cortex. Activity for retrieval of associative information was greater than for non‐associative information in the right hippocampal region also, as well as in the left perirhinal cortex, right entorhinal cortex, and right parahippocampal cortex. The implications of these data for a clear functional distinction between the hippocampal region and the MTL cortical structures are discussed. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting an extracellular epitope of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) in malignant cells with a novel recombinant single chain Fv antibody
Authors: Binyamin Liat , Assaraf Yehuda G. , Haus‐Cohen Maya , Stark Michal , Reiter Yoram
Published: April 2004

Inherent and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) is characterized by a simultaneous resistance to diverse anticancer drugs and is a major impediment towards curative chemotherapy of cancer. Hence one important goal is to develop strategies aimed at specific targeting of major anticancer drug efflux transporters of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) superfamily including multidrug resistance protein 1 ‐MRP1 (ABCC1). To date, no monoclonal antibody has been isolated that can target an extracellular MRP1 epitope. Using a phage display approach, we have isolated a recombinant single‐chain Fv (scFv) antibody that specifically reacts with the extracellular N‐terminus of the human MRP1. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that this scFv fragment binds specifically to various viable human tumor cells that display variable MRP1 expression levels but not to MRP1 null cells. Furthermore, this scFv antibody failed to react with tumor cells that overexpress other members of the MRP family that have an extracellular N‐terminus (MRP2 and MRP3) as well as with MRP4, MRP5, and breast cancer resistance protein. Flow cytometric analysis also showed a good correlation between the fluorescence intensity of the anti‐MRP1 scFv antibody and MRP1 levels in viable tumor cells. These findings constitute the first successful isolation of a small recombinant scFv antibody directed to an extracellular epitope of the MRP1 in viable malignant cells. These novel small Fv‐based recombinant antibodies that possess superior tumor penetration capabilities may possibly be used to selectively target drugs or tumor cells that express MRP‐1. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary seed oil rich in conjugated linolenic acid from bitter melon inhibits azoxymethane‐induced rat colon carcinogenesis through elevation of colonic PPARγ expression and alteration of lipid composition
Authors: Kohno Hiroyuki , Yasui Yumiko , Suzuki Rikako , Hosokawa Masashi , Miyashita Kazuo , Tanaka Takuji
Published: April 2004

Our previous short‐term experiment demonstrated that seed oil from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) (BMO), which is rich in cis(c)9, trans(t)11, t13‐conjugated linolenic acid (CLN), inhibited the development of azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). In our study, the possible inhibitory effect of dietary administration of BMO on the development of colonic neoplasms was investigated using an animal colon carcinogenesis model initiated with a colon carcinogen AOM. Male F344 rats were given subcutaneous injections of AOM (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 2 weeks to induce colon neoplasms. They also received diets containing 0.01%, 0.1% or 1% BMO for 32 weeks, starting 1 week before the first dosing of AOM. At the termination of the study (32 weeks), AOM induced 83% incidence (15/18 rats) of colonic adenocarcinoma. Dietary supplementation with 0.01% and 0.1% BMO caused significant reduction in the incidence (47% inhibition by 0.01% BMO, p<0.02; 40% inhibition by 0.1% BMO, p<0.05; and 17% inhibition by 1% BMO) and the multiplicity (64% inhibition by 0.01% BMO, p<0.005; 58% inhibition by 0.1% BMO, p<0.02; and 48% inhibition by 1% BMO, p<0.05) of colonic adenocarcinoma, though a clear dose response was not observed. Such inhibition was associated with the increased content of CLA (c9,t11‐18:2) in the lipid composition in colonic mucosa and liver. Also, BMO administration in diet enhanced expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ protein in the nonlesional colonic mucosa. These findings suggest that BMO rich in CLN can suppress AOM‐induced colon carcinogenesis and the inhibition might be caused, in part, by modification of lipid composition in the colon and liver and/or increased expression of PPARγ protein level in the colon mucosa. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathways of urothelial cancer progression suggested by Bayesian network analysis of allelotyping data
Authors: Bulashevska Svetlana , Szakacs Orsolya , Brors Benedikt , Eils Roland , Kovacs Gyula
Published: April 2004

Urothelial cancers of the bladder (UC) comprise biologically heterogeneous group of tumors and display complex genetic alterations. Several genetic changes have been analyzed in detail and some of them are associated with the development and progression of UCs. Only a few studies, however, are focused on identifying the order in which the aberrations may appear during UC tumorigenesis. We have analyzed 123 papillary UCs of the bladder by microsatellites for each of the chromosomal regions that have been suggested to be specifically involved in this type of tumor. We used Bayesian network modeling that enables to uncover multivariate probabilistic dependencies between variables. This methodology applied to LOH data allowed us to discover patterns of losses in UCs. Exploiting the mechanism of probabilistic reasoning in Bayesian networks we suggest primary and secondary events in tumor pathogenesis and reconstruct the possible flow of progression of allelic changes. Losses of chromosome 9p and 9q were found to be the primary events. Losses of 8p and 17p are important events leading to progression of tumor cell clones. The loss of 17p occurs when both abnormalities of chromosome 9 and 8p are already present. There are chromosomal losses related to 8p (1q, 18q, 10q) and some losses like 5q/5p were associated with 17p, leading to the hypothesis of different genetic pathways of UC progression. The abnormalities of chromosome regions 13q, 16q, 6q, 14q, 3p are suggested to be late events being accumulated during the progression of cancer. Although some genetic changes were associated only with the 8p pathway, most secondary genetic changes appear in both pathways. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the International Journal of Cancer website at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0020‐7136/suppmat/index.html. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV‐18 E6*I modulates HPV‐18 full‐length E6 functions in a cell cycle dependent manner
Authors: Guccione Ernesto , Pim David , Banks Lawrence
Published: April 2004

The E6 ORFs of the high‐risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types 16 and 18 have been shown to encode (besides the full‐length product) several truncated forms, termed E6*. We have reported previously that the HPV‐18 E6*I protein interacts with the full‐length E6 protein as well as with the ubiquitin ligase E6‐AP and, as a result of this, E6* can inhibit E6‐mediated degradation of p53. Moreover, ectopic expression of the HPV‐18 E6*I protein has an antiproliferative effect in cervical cancer‐derived cell lines. These results led us to investigate further the modulatory functions of E6*I on E6. Using epitope tagged versions of the 2 proteins we have analyzed the sub‐cellular distribution of the full‐length HPV18 E6 and HPV18 E6*I, as well as their respective cellular abundance during the cell cycle, and show specific upregulation of E6*I during G2/M. We also investigated the effect of E6*I overexpression in cell lines derived from cervical tumors, with respect to the expression levels of E6 target proteins, such as p53, hDlg and Scribble and find a corresponding increase in p53 expression also during G2/M. In addition we show that the overexpression of E6*I reduces the amount of E6 in the insoluble nuclear and membrane fractions of the cell. E6 levels can, however, be restored by the addition of a specific proteasome inhibitor, suggesting that the interaction between E6 and E6*I leads to the destabilization of a subset of the E6 protein. These results suggest that the E6*I protein can function as a fine regulator of the full‐length E6 protein by direct interaction that leads both to changes in its cellular abundance as well as its distribution during particular phases of the cell cycle. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progression to androgen‐independent LNCaP human prostate tumors: Cellular and molecular alterations
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Rong , Yu Lunyin , Zerbini Luiz F. , Libermann Towia A. , Blackburn George L.
Published: April 2004

Lethal phenotypes of human prostate cancer are characterized by progression to androgen‐independence and metastasis. For want of a clinically relevant animal model, mechanisms behind this progression remain unclear. Our study used an in vivo model of androgen‐sensitive LNCaP human prostate cancer cell xenografts in male SCID mice to study the cellular and molecular biology of tumor progression. Primary tumors were established orthotopically, and the mice were then surgically castrated to withdraw androgens. Five generations of androgen‐independent tumors were developed using castrated host mice. Tumor samples were used to determine expressions of cellular and molecular markers. Androgen‐independent tumors had increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared to androgen‐sensitive tumors, outcomes associated with elevated expression of p53, p21/waf1, bcl‐2, bax and the bcl‐2/bax ratio. Blood vessel growth in androgen‐independent tumor was associated with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Overexpression of androgen receptor mRNA and reduced expression of androgen receptor protein in androgen‐independent tumors suggest that the androgen receptor signaling pathway may play an important role in the progression of human prostate cancer to androgen‐independence. The in vivo orthotopic LNCaP tumor model described in our study mimics the clinical course of human prostate cancer progression. As such, it can be used as a model for defining the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression to androgen‐independence and for evaluating the effect of preventive or therapeutic regimens for androgen‐independent human prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.