bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Nearly Mass Degenerate Higgs Bosons and Production of Black Hole Systems of Known Mass at a Muon Collider
Authors: Godang R. , Bracker S. , Cavaglià M. , Cremaldi L. , Summers D. , Cline D.
Published: August 2005

The direct s-channel coupling to Higgs bosons is 40000 times greater for muons than electrons; the coupling goes as mass squared. High precision scanning of the lighter h0 and the higher mass H0 and A0 is thus possible with a muon collider. The H0 and A0 are expected to be nearly mass degenerate and to be CP even and odd, respectively. A muon collider could resolve the mass degeneracy and make CP measurements. The origin of CP violation in the K0 and B0 meson systems might lie in the the H0/A0 Higgs bosons. If large extra dimensions exist, black holes with lifetimes of ~ 10-26 seconds could be created and observed via Hawking radiation at the LHC. Unlike proton or electron colliders, muon colliders can produce black hole systems of known mass. This opens the possibilities of measuring quantum remnants, gravitons as missing energy, and scanning production turn on. Proton colliders are hampered by parton distributions and CLIC by beamstrahlung. The ILC lacks the energy reach.
Measurement of CP-Violating Asymmetries in B0 → (ρπ)0 Using a Time-Dependent Dalitz Plot Analysis
Authors:   Representing the BaBar collaboration., MIHALYI ATTILA
Published: August 2005

We present the preliminary measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in B0 → (ρπ)0 → π+π-π0 decays using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis. The results are obtained from a data sample of 213 million [Formula: see text] decays, collected by the BaBar detector at the PEPII asymmetric-energy B -Factory at SLAC. We measure 16 coefficients of the bilinear form factor terms occurring in the time-dependent decay rate of the B0 meson with the use of a maximum-likelihood fit. The physically relevant CP parameters are derived from these coefficients.
THE INTERNAL SEQUENCE OF IS1STIMULATES RNA SYNTHESIS FROM THE IS1OWN AND EXOGENOUS PROMOTERS
Authors: MATSUTANI SACHIKO
Published: August 2005

The bacterial IS1 contains the genes insA and B′-insB encoding transposition related-proteins. The expression of these genes is driven by a promoter within the left end of IS1. Using IS1-lacZ constructs in which lacZs were fused in-frame at various sites of IS1 genes, it was found that the presence of the internal region of insA results in about a 100-fold increase in lacZ expression. The lacZ expression of the fusion constructs in which the IS1 own promoter was displaced by an exogenous promoter, was also stimulated by the presence of the IS1 internal region. Similarly, when lacZ was transcriptionally fused to the internal region of IS1, the lacZ expression from an exogenous promoter was stimulated. This result shows that the IS1 internal region acts as a cis-element to stimulate RNA synthesis from the upstream promoter. This was confirmed by Northern blot analyses. Furthermore, the gene which encodes the factor working with the IS1 internal sequence to stimulate transcription, was cloned. The gene was artA in the transfer region of the Escherichia coli F factor. Interestingly, the cis-element for transcription stimulation is found downstream, whereas many such elements are located upstream, of the promoter.
Uveitis and Pseudouveitis Presenting for the First Time in Japanese Elderly Patients
Authors: Ikeda Nariko , Hayasaka Seiji , Hayasaka Yoriko
Published: August 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of uveitis or pseudouveitis presenting de novo in Japanese elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively examined 296 patients with uveitis or pseudouveitis who were treated at Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital. Patients were followed up for 1 week to 5 years (mean, 11 months). Results: Of 296 patients, 82 (38 men and 44 women, 120 eyes) presented with their first episode of uveitis or pseudouveitis at the age of ≧60 years. Forty patients had anterior uveitis, 2 had intermediate uveitis and the other 40 had posterior and/or pan-uveitis. Of 82 patients, 53 (64.6%) had idiopathic uveitis. The prevalence of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome and Behçet disease in elderly patients was lower than that in younger patients. Complicated cataract was frequently seen in the eyes with uveitis. Most eyes with uveitis had poor visual acuity. Conclusions: The prevalence of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome and Behçet disease in elderly patients was lower than that in younger patients.
Neuron-Specific Enolase as a Marker for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anand Nishant , Stead Latha G.
Published: August 2005

Background: To date, most work delineating the usefulness of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a marker for acute ischemic stroke has been inconclusive. This study had the following objectives: (1) to determine whether serum concentrations of NSE correlate with time of onset of stroke symptoms, volume of infarcted tissue, stroke severity, functional outcome, or length of hospital stay; (2) to determine whether serial measurements of NSE levels are useful markers for ongoing brain ischemia, and (3) to determine whether NSE levels at various time intervals are significantly higher in patients with stroke than in controls. Methods: All abstracts and published full reports identified as potentially relevant by the literature search were independently assessed for inclusion in the review by each reviewer. Twelve studies (including 597 patients) satisfied the entry criteria for this qualitative analysis. Results: In 4 studies, time of onset of stroke symptoms was compared with time of first detectable NSE levels, which ranged from 4 to 8 h after stroke onset. In 7 studies, NSE levels increased with increased size of stroke, but in 2 studies there was no correlation. In the 2 studies that compared stroke severity with NSE levels, high NSE levels generally indicated worse outcome, but at low NSE levels the results were equivocal. In 7 studies, functional outcome at hospital dismissal and follow-up was compared with NSE levels; in 4, there was no correlation. Conclusions: The serum level of NSE does seem to be higher in stroke patients than in controls, and it does appear to correlate with volume of infarcted tissue. However, it does not appear to correlate with functional outcome, and its relationship to stroke severity is unclear. This may be explained at least in part by the disparity in sampling times because the NSE level has been shown to peak after 24 h in most studies. Hence, the more delayed the sampling, the greater the correlation with stroke severity.
Phase II Trial of Oxaliplatin and Tegafur/Uracil and Oral Folinic Acid for Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients
Authors: Rosati Gerardo , Cordio Stefano , Tucci Aniello , Blanco Giuseppina , Bordonaro Roberto , Reggiardo Giorgio , Manzione Luigi
Published: August 2005

Objectives: Colorectal cancer is usually diagnosed in elderly patients. Since there is clear evidence that such patients are under-treated and under-represented or even excluded from clinical studies and there are no reliable and prospective data on the feasibility and efficacy of an oxaliplatin (L-OHP)-based chemotherapy in this setting, we have tested the L-OHP plus oral uracil/tegafur (UFT) and oral folinic acid (FA) combination as first-line therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) aged 70 or older. Patients and Methods: Forty-seven patients with advanced or MCRC, aged over 70, were treated with L-OHP 65 mg/m2 as an intravenous 3-hour infusion on day 1 and 8 plus UFT 300 mg/m2 and FA 90 mg in 3 divided doses given orally on days 1–14 for each 3-week cycle. Patients were followed by a geriatric and a quality of life (QoL) assessment with specific scales and EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results: All patients were assessable for toxicity and 45 for response to treatment. Complete response was achieved in 2 patients (4%) and partial response in 22 (47%) [overall response rate, 51%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 40.7–61.2%]; 18 patients (38%) had stable disease, and 5 (11%) had disease progression. The median duration of response was 8 months (range, 3–19+ months). After a minimum follow-up of 17 months, the median time to disease progression and the median overall survival were 8.0 (95% CI: 6.7–9.3%) and 14.1 (95% CI: 11.0–17.1%) months, respectively. Regimen safety was manageable. Most adverse events were mild to moderate, and this did not result in QoL impairment. The most common grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (17%), neutro- and thrombocytopenia (2%), laryngeal spasm (2%), and peripheral neuropathy (12.7%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: These results confirmed that this tested chemotherapy combination is active with acceptable tolerability and QoL maintenance in elderly patients with advanced or MCRC.
A Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine, 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin in Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan-Meadows Sherry , Mulkerin Daniel , Berlin Jordan D. , Kim KyungMann , Bailey Howard , Saphner Thomas , Jumonville Alcee , Hansen Richard , Ahuja Harish , McFarland Thomas , Thomas James P.
Published: August 2005

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall response rate, toxicity and overall survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer treated with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. Patients and Methods: Patients with either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus could enroll; however, patients could not have received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Treatment cycles consisted of infusions of all three agents at days 1, 8 and 15, repeated every 28 days. Patients received gemcitabine 1,000, leucovorin 25 and 5-FU 600 mg/m2. Tumor assessment was performed every 2 cycles. Responses were assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group solid tumor response criteria. Results: Thirty-five patients with metastatic or locally advanced esophageal cancer enrolled. One complete response and ten partial responses were observed for an overall response rate of 31.4%. An additional 11 patients had stable disease as their best response. The median survival was 9.8 months with a 1-year survival rate of 37.1%. Toxicity was predominately hematologic, with 58% of patients experiencing grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Conclusion: The combination of gemcitabine, 5-FU and leucovorin had activity in advanced esophageal cancer. Patients tolerated the regimen well, with myelosuppression occurring most commonly. The combination merits further investigation as a treatment for esophageal cancer.
Evaluation of the true precocious puberty rats induced by neonatal administration of Danazol: Therapeutic effects of nourishing "Yin"- removing "Fire" Chinese herb mixture
Authors: Tian Zhanzhuang , Zhao Hong , Sun Yan , Cai Depei , Chen Boying
Published: August 2005

Background

Nourishing "Yin"-Removing "Fire" Chinese Herb Mixture, a traditional herb-based formulation, has been successfully used for the management of idiopathic true precocious puberty (IPP) for more than thirty years. Precocious puberty rat model by neonatal administration of Danazol was used to investigate the effects of the herb mixture on the advanced sexual development of the rats, and the expression of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is the important regulator for the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, particularly at puberty.

Methods

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: intact normal (N), IPP model (M), vehicle with no IPP (V), IPP model exposed to herb mixture (HM) and IPP model exposed to saline (S). Rats at 5 days of age were given a single subcutaneous injection of 300 microgram of Danazol dissolved in 25 microliter vehicle of propylene glycol-ethanol (1:1, v/v), to establish the precocious puberty model. From the day 15, rats in HM and S groups were continuously fed with either Nourishing "Yin"-Removing "Fire" Chinese Herb Mixture 2 ml or saline 2 ml, until 3 consecutive regular estrous cycles were established. The day of vaginal opening and the day of setup regular estrous cycle of the rats were observed. Blood concentration of estrogen was determined by radioimmunoassay. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis were used to explore the expression of GnRH.

Results

The day of vaginal opening and first estrous showed significant advancement in M compared with N and V (p < 0.05, respectively). The blood estrogen level increased significantly in M compared with those in other groups (about 28 days of age, at the time of vaginal opening in M rats) (p < 0.05, respectively). GnRH cells in rostral medial septum (MS), Broca diagonal band nucleus (DBB) and the medial preoptic area (MPOA), were calculated. The number in M was less than those in N and V (p < 0.05, respectively). The number was significantly higher in HM than that in M (p < 0.05). The GnRH mRNA expression increased significantly in M compared with that in N and V (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The true precocious puberty model by neonatal administration of Danazol in female rats showed augmented expression of hypothalamic GnRH; the Nourishing "Yin"-Removing "Fire" Chinese Herb Mixture down-regulated the increased GnRH expression, and significantly delayed the sexual development of the precocious puberty rat.
Morphological and Phase Changes in Calcium Oxalate Crystals Induced by Sulfated Polysaccharide Extracted from Algae Eucheuma striatum
Authors: Ouyang Jian-Ming , Wu Xiu-Mei
Published: August 2005

The sulfated polysaccharide (SPS) isolated from marine algae Eucheuma striatum can inhibit the growth of calcium oxalate (CaOxa) crystal, prevent the aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), and induce the formation of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals. All these factors can prevent the formation of CaOxa urinary stones. It indicated SPS may be a potential green drug to CaOxa urinary stones.
Subthalamic Neurons Coordinate Basal Ganglia Function through Differential Neural Pathways
Authors: Yasoshima Yasunobu , Kai Nobuyuki , Yoshida Shigetaka , Shiosaka Sadao , Koyama Yoshimasa , Kayama Yukihiko , Kobayashi Kazuto
Published: August 2005

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key component of basal ganglia circuitry that mediates a variety of motor functions. The STN neurons send glutamatergic projections to the output structures of basal ganglia, including the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and the entopeduncular nucleus, and also innervate the globus pallidus (GP). However, the mechanism by which the STN regulates motor functions in the neural circuitry is not fully understood. Here we performed conditional ablation of the STN neurons by using immunotoxin-mediated cell targeting. We then analyzed dopamine (DA)-mediated motor behavior and firing activity of the SNr and GP neurons. Ablation of the STN neurons increased spontaneous movement and reduced hyperactivity in response to DA stimulation. Ablation of these neurons modulated the pattern and rate of spontaneous firing of the SNr neurons, although it did not substantially affect spontaneous firing of the GP neurons. The ablation attenuated DA-induced suppression of the firing rate of the SNr neurons and inhibited DA-induced elevation of the rate of the GP neurons. In addition, pharmacological blockade of GP activation in response to DA stimulation inhibited the suppression of SNr activity and the resultant motor activation. These results suggest that the STN neurons suppress spontaneous behavior through their direct projection to the output neurons and that, in response to DA, they contribute to expression of behavior by acting on the output neurons mainly through the GP-mediated pathways. We conclude that the STN coordinates motor behavior through differential neural pathways depending on the state of DA transmission.
Soziale Identität als Motor der Technologieaneignung in virtuellen Gemeinschaften (Social Identity as an Agent of Technology-Use Mediation in Virtual Communities)
Authors: Janneck Monique , Finck Matthias , Oberquelle Horst
Published: August 2005

Prozesse der Technologieaneignung wurden bislang vor allem im Rahmen traditioneller Organisationen untersucht. In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir die Aneignung und Nutzung einer Web-Plattform in zwei selbstorganisierten Gemeinschaften. Dabei handelt es sich zum einen um eine Studiengemeinschaft, zum anderen um ein Netzwerk selbstständiger IT-Fachleute. Die Technologieaneignung wird dabei von zumeist freiwilligen, eigenständigen Initiativen einzelner Mitglieder bestimmt. Um diese Prozesse zu analysieren, ziehen wir die ‚klassische‘ sozialpsychologische Theorie der Sozialen Identität als Perspektive auf Web-basierte Gemeinschaften heran, die bislang in Arbeiten zu virtuellen Gemeinschaften und CSCW erst wenig Beachtung gefunden hat. Als zentrales Bestimmungsstück der Technologieaneignung in selbstorganisierten Gemeinschaften arbeiten wir die Entwicklung einer gemeinsamen Identität heraus. Abschließend geben wir Hinweise zur Moderation selbstorganisierter Web-basierter Gemeinschaften, die sich aus unseren Fallstudien ableiten lassen.
IT-gestützte Modellierung und Analyse elektronischer Expertengemeinschaften (Modeling and Evaluation of Electronic Expert Communities)
Authors: Trier Matthias
Published: August 2005

Die gegenwärtige Softwareunterstützung für Communities of Practice bietet ihren Mitgliedern eine Vielzahl von Funktionalitäten zur Inhaltserstellung und Kommunikation. Die insbesondere im Unternehmenseinsatz relevante Zielgruppe der Community Koordinatoren wird jedoch bisher nicht ausreichend berücksichtigt. Für sie sind zur Entwicklung ihres Netzwerkes Analysen und Bewertungen der Struktur, des Wissenstransfers und des Wachstums des Wissensnetzwerkes hilfreich. Um diesem Bedarf Rechnung zu tragen, stellt der Artikel ein Softwareprojekt vor, welches eine Auswertung und Bewertung von virtuellen Wissensgemeinschaften ermöglicht. Hierzu werden automatisch verfügbare elektronische Daten verschiedener Kommunikationsnetzwerke wie z.B. E-Mail, Diskussionsforen oder Instant Messaging extrahiert und mit Hilfe eines speziellen Ansatzes zur Messung und Bewertung der Netzwerke über quantitative Messzahlen und Indikatoren systematisch ausgewertet. Des Weiteren entstehenden strukturelle Visualisierungen, welche Social Network Intelligence Verfahren mit Keywordanalysen verbinden. Mit diesem Ansatz kann der professionelle Einsatz von Communities of Practice im Rahmen eines betrieblichen Wissensmanagements erleichtert werden, indem z.B. die Identifikation von wichtigen Teilnehmern, Wissensbereichen oder Expertengruppen im Netzwerk, aber auch die Beobachtung der Entwicklung der Community im Zeitablauf ermöglicht wird.
Extent and Consistency Across Generations of Linkage Disequilibrium in Commercial Layer Chicken Breeding Populations
Authors: Heifetz E M , Fulton J E , O'Sullivan N , Zhao H , Dekkers J C M , Soller M
Published: August 2005

Recent studies report a surprisingly high degree of marker-to-marker linkage disequilibrium (LD) in ruminant livestock populations. This has important implications for QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection. This study evaluated LD between microsatellite markers in a number of breeding populations of layer chickens using the standardized chi-square (χ2′) measure. The results show appreciable LD among markers separated by up to 5 cM, decreasing rapidly with increased separation between markers. The LD within 5 cM was strongly conserved across generations and differed among chromosomal regions. Using marker-to-marker LD as an indication for marker-QTL LD, a genome scan of markers spaced 2 cM apart at moderate power would have good chances of uncovering most QTL segregating in these populations. However, of markers showing significant trait associations, only 57% are expected to be within 5 cM of the responsible QTL, and the remainder will be up to 20 cM away. Thus, high-resolution LD mapping of QTL will require dense marker genotyping across the region of interest to allow for interval mapping of the QTL.
Mapping With a Few Plants: Using Selective Mapping for Microsatellite Saturation of the Prunus Reference Map
Authors: Howad Werner , Yamamoto Toshiya , Dirlewanger Elisabeth , Testolin Raffaele , Cosson Patrick , Cipriani Guido , Monforte Antonio J , Georgi Laura , Abbott Albert G , Arús Pere
Published: August 2005

The concept of selective (or bin) mapping is used here for the first time, using as an example the Prunus reference map constructed with an almond × peach F2 population. On the basis of this map, a set of six plants that jointly defined 65 possible different genotypes for the codominant markers mapped on it was selected. Sixty-three of these joint genotypes corresponded to a single chromosomal region (a bin) of the Prunus genome, and the two remaining corresponded to two bins each. The 67 bins defined by these six plants had a 7.8-cM average length and a maximum individual length of 24.7 cM. Using a unit of analysis composed of these six plants, their F1 hybrid parent, and one of the parents of the hybrid, we mapped 264 microsatellite (or simple-sequence repeat, SSR) markers from 401 different microsatellite primer pairs. Bin mapping proved to be a fast and economic strategy that could be used for further map saturation, the addition of valuable markers (such as those based on microsatellites or ESTs), and giving a wider scope to, and a more efficient use of, reference mapping populations.
Targeted ultrasound contrast agents: In vitro assessment of endothelial dysfunction and multi‐targeting to ICAM‐1 and sialyl Lewisx
Authors: Weller Gregory E.R. , Villanueva Flordeliza S. , Tom Eric M. , Wagner William R.
Published: August 2005

An ultrasound‐based molecular imaging technique capable of detecting endothelial cell markers of inflammation may allow early, non‐invasive assessment of vascular disease. Clinical application of targeted, acoustically‐active microbubbles requires optimization of microbubble‐endothelial adhesion strength to maximize image signal‐to‐noise ratio, as well as the ability to discern the degree of inflammation along a continuum of dysfunction. Accordingly, we hypothesized that adhesion of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)‐targeted microbubbles is dependent on the degree of endothelial inflammation, and that microbubbles multi‐targeted to both ICAM‐1 (via anti‐ICAM‐1 antibodies) and selectins (via sialyl Lewisx) demonstrate greater adhesion strength than microbubbles targeted to either inflammatory marker alone. In a radial flow chamber, microbubbles were perfused across endothelial cells activated with interleukin‐1β to four different levels of inflammation, as assessed by quantitative ICAM‐1 expression. ICAM‐1‐targeted microbubble adhesion strength increased with increasing degree of inflammation, with a relationship that was both positive and linear (r > 0.99). Microbubble adhesion strength was significantly higher for the multi‐targeted microbubbles than either of the single‐targeted microbubbles. These data thus demonstrate that multi‐targeting of contrast microbubbles may offer improved adhesion characteristics, allowing for greater sensitivity to inflammation. Furthermore, the adhesion strength of targeted microbubbles is linearly dependent on the degree of inflammation, suggesting that targeted ultrasound imaging may offer differentiation between various degrees of endothelial dysfunction, and thus detect not only the presence, but also the severity of inflammatory disease processes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Jasplakinolide Analogues Containing a Novel ω‐Amino Acid
Authors: Marimganti Srinivasa , Yasmeen Shazia , Fischer Daniela , Maier Martin E.
Published: August 2005

The synthesis of the ω‐amino acid 4 is described utilizing a two‐dimensional synthesis strategy combined with an enzymatic differentiation of homotopic ester groups. The amino acid 4 features two non‐bonded interactions that result in conformational constraints on a cyclic construct. This amino acid was incorporated into the four macrolactams 17, 22, 31, and 37. The ring in 17 and 22 is 18‐membered, whereas 31 and 37 have a 19‐membered ring. The pairs with the same ring size differ in a N‐methyl group. For the larger macrolactams (31 and 37) conformational analysis showed that the macrocyclic rings are somewhat more rigid than in the natural lead, the depsipeptide jasplakinolide. Nevertheless, their conformations are comparable to the natural product. There are no intramolecular hydrogen bonds, neither is the cis‐rotamer populated in the N‐methyl compound 37. Due to the increased flexibility of the smaller macrolactams 17 and 22 and signal overlap, a distinct solution structure could not be obtained for these compounds. The amino acid 4 should be useful for restricting the conformation of other small peptides.
An Access to 3,4‐(Aminomethano)proline in Racemic and Enantiomerically Pure Form
Authors: Brackmann Farina , Schill Heiko , de Meijere Armin
Published: August 2005

Protected racemic and enantiomerically pure 3,4‐(aminomethano)prolines rac‐9 and (2S,2′R,3R,4R)‐9 have been prepared applying a titanium‐mediated reductive cyclopropanation as a key step. Thus, cyclopropanations of N,N‐dibenzylformamide with titanacyclopropanes generated in situ from racemic or enantiomerically pure tert‐butyl N‐Boc‐3,4‐dehydroprolinates rac‐8 or (S)‐8 proceed diastereoselectively, and furnish the protected racemic and enantiomerically pure diamino acid 9. The latter was incorporated into three tripeptides containing glycyl, alanyl and phenylalanyl moieties.
Bladder carcinoma: Where are the patient advocates?
Authors: Soloway Mark S.
Published: August 2005

Although bladder carcinoma is the fourth most common malignancy diagnosed in men and the eighth most common in women, little public information currently is available regarding this neoplasm. It appears that few clinicians are aware that because of the lifelong need to monitor for recurrence using cystoscopy, as well as the treatment of recurrent tumors, the cost per bladder carcinoma patient from the time of diagnosis to death is the highest among all malignancies in the U.S. In their study, Prout et al. suggest that patients with muscle‐invasive bladder carcinoma, in particular those in the older age groups, may not be receiving optimal treatment. Factors that may be responsible for this are discussed.

See also pages 1563–6 and 1638–47.
Indium(I) Hexafluoropnictates (InPnF6; Pn = P, As, Sb)
Authors: Mazej Zoran
Published: August 2005

The colourless compounds InPnF6 (Pn = P, As, Sb), with InI in a solely fluorine environment, were prepared by reacting In metal with PnF5 (Pn = P) and displacement of the weaker Lewis acid BF3 from InBF4 by a stronger one, PnF5 (Pn = As, Sb), in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF). The X‐ray powder diffraction analyses show that InPF6 crystallises in cubic unit cell with a = 8.07(2) Å, while InAsF6 crystallises in a rhombohedral unit cell with a = 7.58(2) and c = 7.90(1) Å. The Raman spectra of InPnF6 (Pn = P, As, Sb) confirm the formation of PnF6– salts. An attempt to prepare InF and In2F4(InIInIIIF4) by reaction of CsF with InSbF6 in aHF or by metathetical reaction of InSbF6 with CsInF4 in aHF, respectively, failed. Instead of InF and In2F4, respectively, a mixture of In and InF3 was obtained. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
The fine structures of three Latin squares
Authors: Chang Yanxun , Lo Faro Giovanni , Nordo Giorgio
Published: August 2005

Denote by Fin(υ) the set of all integral pairs (t,s) for which there exist three Latin squares of order υ on the same set having fine structure (t,s). We determine the set Fin(υ) for any integer v ≥ 9. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 14: 85–110, 2006
A resected case of advanced duodenal carcinoma with occlusion of the celiac artery
Authors: Hayashibe Akira , Sakamoto Kazuki , Shinbo Masaya , Makimoto Shinitiro , Nakamoto Takeshi , Higashiue Shinichi , Toyonaga Takashi
Published: August 2005

A 75‐year‐old woman with vomiting, admitted on March 7 2002, was diagnosed with advanced duodenal carcinoma based on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance cholangio‐ancreatography (MRCP), percutaneus transhepatic cholangiography. Angiography showed the celiac artery to be occluded. The common hepatic artery was demonstrated via the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). We conducted a probe laparotomy and resected connective tissue with the celiac ganglion and lymph nodes surrounding the celiac artery. The frozen specimen showed no malignancy. Then the celiac artery was exposed and celiac axis compression syndrome was not seen. A portion of the greater saphenous vein was taken from the patient's right thigh and grafted between the common hepatic artery and the supraceliac portion of the aorta. One end of the saphenous vein was anastomosed to the side of the common hepatic artery. The other end of the saphenous vein was anstomosed to the aorta in an end to side fashion. After the reconstruction of celiac circulation, we performed radical pancreaticoduodenectomy. The postoperative course was not eventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital 5 weeks after surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:270–272. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The application of 2‐D dual nanoscale liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap system for the identification of proteins
Authors: Tschäppät Viviane , Varesio Emmanuel , Signor Luca , Hopfgartner Gérard
Published: August 2005

2‐D nanoscale LC combined with a triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer was applied to the analysis of a complex peptide mixture. A 2‐D dual nanoscale LC‐MS/MS system was compared to a conventional one. Peptides were separated with a strong cation exchange (SCX) microcolumn in the first dimension and two C18nanocolumns were used as second dimension. MS experiments were performed using information‐dependent data acquisition, where two precursor ions were selected from an enhanced MS (EMS) or an enhanced multicharged ion (EMC) as survey scan. The major benefit of EMC instead of EMS was a two‐fold reduction of the data file and a 15% increase of characterized proteins. The advantage of the 2‐D dual nanoscale LC‐MS/MS systemversusthe conventional 2‐D nanoscale LC‐MS/MS system was reflected in the significant increase of peptides which were successfully identified within the same time frame. The first factor contributing to this increase was that the mass spectrometer was collecting twice the number of relevant MS/MS data. The second factor is the use of twice the number of SCX salt fractions in the first dimension, allowing a better sample fractionation, thereby reducing the number of peptides transferred to the second chromatographic dimensionpersalt fraction.
Co‐occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder with positive psychotic symptoms in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Sareen Jitender , Cox Brian J. , Goodwin Renee D. , J.G. Asmundson Gordon
Published: August 2005

The association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and positive psychotic symptoms was examined in the National Comorbidity Survey (N = 5877). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to make DSM‐III‐R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) diagnoses. Posttraumatic stress disorder was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of endorsing one or more psychotic symptoms after adjusting for sociodemographics, psychiatric and medical comorbidity (odds ratios (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43–2.45; p < .001). The co‐occurrence of PTSD with psychotic symptoms was marked by greater levels of severity (higher total number of PTSD symptoms, greater levels of comorbidity, and high distress) compared with PTSD alone. This is the first population‐based study to investigate PTSD in relation to endorsement of positive psychotic symptoms, and a strong association was obtained.
Laser and ultrasound selective preparation of hard dental tissues
Authors: Jelínková H , Dostálová T , Němec M , Koranda P , Šimůnek P , Miyagi M , Shi Y-W , Matsuura Y
Published: August 2005

For the purpose of dentin micro-selective treatment the
thermal ablation and photoablation accomplished by Er:YAG laser
radiation, and preparation of tissue by ultrasonic round ball tip,
and also by the classical dental drilling machine using diamond
round bur, were executed. The laser energy used in the experiment
was 75 mJ, and 40 mJ yielding in the interaction radiation
intensity 97.5 kW/cm2 and 130 MW/cm2, for laser working in
free-running (FR) and Q-switched mode (Q), respectively. The
lengths of the interacting pulses were 200 μs (FR) and 80 ns
(Q) for these two regimes. Four various cavities prepared by these
methods differs in shape, roughness of inner surface, and by the
smear layer removal.
New synthetic methods for the formation of basic, polyvalent, hyperbranched grafts
Authors: Bergbreiter David E. , Simanek Eric E. , Owsik Izabela
Published: August 2005

A practical synthetic route to polybasic, polyamine, hyperbranched grafts using commercially available polyethyleneimine (PEI) and cyanuric chloride as a coupling agent is described. The grafting process was followed by XPS spectroscopy, TGA analysis, ATR‐IR spectroscopy, acid–base titration, and by 13C CP‐MAS NMR spectroscopy. In the case of silica gel, thermal gravimetric analyses showed that a 35 wt % loading of graft could be obtained. Acid–base titration of hyperbranched PEI grafts on silica gel and oxidized polyethylene powder showed the ion‐exchange capacities of these PEI‐grafted substrates were 1.00 and 0.17 mmol of base/g of solid, respectively. Although the focus of the paper is on grafting on silica gel, the influence of the kind of support and solvent on the grafting process and the ion‐exchange capacity was examined. Water was a good solvent for PEI grafting onto silica gel, but a more hydrophobic polyethylene support required the use of dichloromethane as a solvent for PEI graft synthesis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4654–4665. 2005
Aquaporin‐1 in the peritoneal membrane: implications for peritoneal dialysis and endothelial cell function
Authors: Devuyst Olivier , Ni Jie , Verbavatz Jean‐Marc
Published: August 2005

PD (peritoneal dialysis) is an established mode of renal replacement therapy, based on the exchange of fluid and solutes between blood in peritoneal capillaries and a dialysate that has been introduced into the peritoneal cavity. The dialysis process involves diffusive and convective transports and osmosis through the PM (peritoneal membrane). Computer simulations predicted that the PM contains ultrasmall pores (radius <3 Å, 1 Å=10−10 m), responsible for up to 50% of UF (ultrafiltration), i.e. the osmotically driven water movement during PD. Several lines of evidence suggest that AQP1 (aquaporin‐1) is the ultrasmall pore responsible for transcellular water permeability during PD. Treatment with corticosteroids induces the expression of AQP1 in the PM and improves water permeability and UF in rats without affecting the osmotic gradient and permeability for small solutes. Studies in knockout mice provided further evidence that osmotically driven water transport across the PM is mediated by AQP1. AQP1 and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) show a distinct regulation within the endothelium lining the peritoneal capillaries. In acute peritonitis, the up‐regulation of eNOS and increased release of nitric oxide dissipate the osmotic gradient and prevent UF, whereas AQP1 expression is unchanged. These results illustrate the usefulness of the PM to investigate the role and regulation of AQP1 in the endothelium. The results also emphasize the critical role of AQP1 during PD and suggest that manipulation of AQP1 expression may be used to increase water permeability across the PM.
Organic heterojunction and its application for double channel field-effect transistors
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Haibo , Yan Xuanjun , Huang Haichao , Yan Donghang
Published: August 2005

Heterojunction organic field-effect transistor (OFET) based on p-type copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and n-type hexadecafluorophthalocyaninatocopper (F16CuPc) was demonstrated. The heterojunction OFETs can be operated in normally-on (depletion-accumulation) mode, which attributes to the existence of a new conductive channel at the interface of heterojunction. The new channel is originated from accumulation of electrons and holes induced by the interface dipole. Compared with the device with CuPc single layer, the double channel transistor displays improved field-effect mobility from 0.017to0.042cm2∕Vs, and threshold voltage shifts from −17to+19V. In addition, ambipolar electric characteristics have been observed from the heterojunction OFETs.
Photoluminescence from exciton-exciton scattering in a lightly alloyed InGaN thin film under intense excitation conditions
Authors: Nakayama M. , Kitano R. , Ando M. , Uemura T.
Published: August 2005

We have investigated the photoluminescence properties of a lightly alloyed In0.02Ga0.98N thin film at 10 K under intense excitation conditions. A photoluminescence band (P band) peculiar to the intense excitation condition has been clearly observed. The excitation-power dependence of the P-band intensity exhibits an almost quadratic behavior, accompanied by a threshold-like appearance. The threshold-excitation power for the P band is very low: ∼3kW∕cm2. At the threshold excitation power, the energy of the P band is lower than the energy of the n=1 A free exciton by the energy difference between the n=1 and n=2 exciton states. The results described above indicate that the P band originates from exciton-exciton scattering. Furthermore, we have confirmed the existence of optical gain leading to stimulated emission in the energy region of the P band by using transmission-type pump-probe spectroscopy.
Resources in Economic Geography: From Substantive Concepts towards a Relational Perspective
Authors: Bathelt Harald , Glückler Johannes
Published: August 2005

Resources are crucial for the technological and economic development of firms in spatial perspective. In this paper we contrast two ways of conceptualizing resources, and argue that a conventional, substantive understanding implies a number of shortcomings which can be overcome through the application of a relational conception of resources. In examining four types of resources—material resources, knowledge, power, and social capital—our argument is that resources are constituted in a relational way in two aspects. First, resources are relational in that their generation, interpretation, and use are contingent. This depends on the particular institutional structures and social relations, as well as on the knowledge contexts and mental models of the agents involved. Second, some types of resources, such as power and social capital, are also relational because they cannot be possessed or controlled by individual agents. They are built and mobilized through day-to-day social practices. Individuals or groups of agents may appropriate the returns, but not the resources themselves. We conclude that a relational concept reflects the contextual and interactive nature of the selection, use, and formation of resources. This offers new insights into the explanation of heterogeneity in firm strategies and trajectories, as well as regional differences in the development of localized industry configurations, such as clusters.
Clusters of mutations from transient hypermutability
Authors: Drake John W. , Bebenek Anna , Kissling Grace E. , Peddada Shyamal
Published: August 2005

Collections of mutants usually contain more mutants bearing multiple mutations than expected from the mutant frequency and a random distribution of mutations. This excess is seen in a variety of organisms and also after DNA synthesisin vitro. The excess is unlikely to originate in mutator mutants but rather from transient hypermutability resulting from a perturbation of one of the many transactions that maintain genetic fidelity. The multiple mutations are sometimes clustered and sometimes randomly distributed. We model some spectra as populations comprising a majority with a low mutation frequency and a minority with a high mutation frequency. In the case of mutants producedin vitroby a bacteriophage RB69 mutator DNA polymerase, mutants with two mutations are in ≈10-fold excess and mutants with three mutations are in even greater excess. However, phenotypically undetectable mutations seen only as hitchhikers with detectable mutations are ≈5-fold more frequent than mutants bearing detectable mutations, indicating that they arose in a subpopulation with a higher mutation frequency. Excess multiple mutations may contribute critically to carcinogenesis and to adaptive mutation, including the adaptations of pathogens as they move from host to host. In the case of the rapidly mutating riboviruses, the viral population appears to be composed of a majority with a mutation frequency substantially lower than the average and a minority with a huge mutational load.
Cloning of a human parvovirus by molecular screening of respiratory tract samples
Authors: Allander Tobias , Tammi Martti T. , Eriksson Margareta , Bjerkner Annelie , Tiveljung-Lindell Annika , Andersson Björn
Published: August 2005

The identification of new virus species is a key issue for the study of infectious disease but is technically very difficult. We developed a system for large-scale molecular virus screening of clinical samples based on host DNA depletion, random PCR amplification, large-scale sequencing, and bioinformatics. The technology was applied to pooled human respiratory tract samples. The first experiments detected seven human virus species without the use of any specific reagent. Among the detected viruses were one coronavirus and one parvovirus, both of which were at that time uncharacterized. The parvovirus, provisionally named human bocavirus, was in a retrospective clinical study detected in 17 additional patients and associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children. The molecular virus screening procedure provides a general culture-independent solution to the problem of detecting unknown virus species in single or pooled samples. We suggest that a systematic exploration of the viruses that infect humans, “the human virome,” can be initiated.
DNA microarray data imputation and significance analysis of differential expression
Authors: Jörnsten Rebecka , Wang Hui-Yu , Welsh William J. , Ouyang Ming
Published: August 2005

Motivation: Significance analysis of differential expression in DNA microarray data is an important task. Much of the current research is focused on developing improved tests and software tools. The task is difficult not only owing to the high dimensionality of the data (number of genes), but also because of the often non-negligible presence of missing values. There is thus a great need to reliably impute these missing values prior to the statistical analyses. Many imputation methods have been developed for DNA microarray data, but their impact on statistical analyses has not been well studied. In this work we examine how missing values and their imputation affect significance analysis of differential expression.

Results: We develop a new imputation method (LinCmb) that is superior to the widely used methods in terms of normalized root mean squared error. Its estimates are the convex combinations of the estimates of existing methods. We find that LinCmb adapts to the structure of the data: If the data are heterogeneous or if there are few missing values, LinCmb puts more weight on local imputation methods; if the data are homogeneous or if there are many missing values, LinCmb puts more weight on global imputation methods. Thus, LinCmb is a useful tool to understand the merits of different imputation methods. We also demonstrate that missing values affect significance analysis. Two datasets, different amounts of missing values, different imputation methods, the standard t-test and the regularized t-test and ANOVA are employed in the simulations. We conclude that good imputation alleviates the impact of missing values and should be an integral part of microarray data analysis. The most competitive methods are LinCmb, GMC and BPCA. Popular imputation schemes such as SVD, row mean, and KNN all exhibit high variance and poor performance. The regularized t-test is less affected by missing values than the standard t-test.

Availability: Matlab code is available on request from the authors.

Contact:  rebecka@stat.rutgers.edu; ouyangmi@umdnj.edu
INVOLVEMENT OF ENDOTHELIAL CYCLO‐OXYGENASE METABOLITES IN NORADRENALINE‐INDUCED CONTRACTION OF RAT CORONARY ARTERY
Authors: Wang Aimin , Nishihashi Tsuyoshi , Trandafir Cristina C , Murakami Shizuka , Ji Xu , Shimizu Yoshiharu , Kurahashi Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2005

1. Noradrenaline (NA; 0.3 µmol/L) caused a contraction of the rat coronary artery that markedly increased in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 100 µmol/L) and arachidonic acid (1 µmol/L; P < 0.05).

2. The present experiments attempted to elucidate the endothelium dependency of the contraction and to pharmacologically characterize the factors involved in the contraction induced by NA (0.3 µmol/L) in the presence of l‐NAME and arachidonic acid in ring preparations of the rat coronary artery.

3. The NA (0.3 µmol/L)‐induced contraction was attenuated by a chemical remover of the endothelium (saponin at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/mL) in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).

4. The cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐1 inhibitor flurbiprofen (0.01–1 µmol/L) and the COX‐2 inhibitor nimesulide (0.01–1 µmol/L) attenuated the NA‐induced contraction in a concentration‐dependent manner and the inhibitory effect of flurbiprofen was significantly more potent than that of nimesulide (P < 0.05). The 5‐lipoxigenase inhibitor ZM‐230487 (1 µmol/L) did not affect the NA‐induced contraction.

5. The thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibitor OKY‐046 (30 µmol/L) and the TXA2 antagonist S‐1452 (0.1–10 µmol/L) did not attenuate the NA‐induced contraction.

6. These results indicate that the contraction induced by NA in the rat coronary artery in the presence of l‐NAME and arachidonic acid is endothelium dependent and is due to endothelial COX metabolites of arachidonic acid.
Incidence of Childhood Cancer in Osaka, Japan, 1971–1988: Reclassification of Registered Cases by Birch's Scheme Using Information on Clinical Diagnosis, Histology and Primary Site
Authors: Ajiki Wakiko , Hanai Aya , Tsukuma Hideaki , Hiyama Tomohiko , Fujimoto Isaburo
Published: August 2005

In 1971–1988, 4,021 malignant tumors occurring among children under 15 years of age were registered in the Osaka Cancer Registry, a population‐based registry which covers Osaka Prefecture, Japan. These patients were reclassified into 12 diagnostic groups by Birch's scheme using information on clinical diagnosis, histology and primary site. The annual age‐standardized incidence rate for childhood cancer per million children was 130.3 for males and 104.9 for females in 1971–88. Comparing the incidence rates for both sexes in 1981–88 with those in 1971–80 in Osaka, we observed a significant decrease of acute non‐lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and a significant increase of all cancers, acute lymphocytic leukemia, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, sympathetic nervous system tumors, soft‐tissue sarcomas, and gonadal and germ‐cell tumors. Age‐standardized incidence rates in around 1971–80 of the above‐mentioned diagnostic groups were compared among 4 population‐based registries; Osaka, Miyagi (Japan), SEER (U.S.), and the National Registry of Childhood Tumors (England and Wales). Rates for ANLL and gonadal and germ‐cell tumors were higher and those for other diagnostic groups were lower in Osaka, especially for Hodgkin's disease. Thus, in 1980–88 in Osaka, rates for Hodgkin's disease remained low and rates for gonadal and germ‐cell tumors increased, though rates for other cancers appeared to resemble the levels in caucasian populations. The incidence of childhood cancer in Japan was estimated according to the diagnostic groups in Birch's scheme.