bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and safety of the transradial approach for the intracoronary spasm provocation test
Authors: Lee Kyung Jin , Lee Sang Hoon , Hong Kyung Pyo , Park Jeong Euy , Seo Jung Don , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: April 2005

An angiography‐based spasm provocation test is an accurate diagnostic test of coronary vasospastic angina, but is associated with high patient morbidity, mainly because of the femoral approach and the need for a temporary pacemaker. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of a transradial ergonovine spasm provocation test. The test was performed prospectively in 174 consecutive patients who were under suspicion of coronary vasospasm at our institution from April 2002 to June 2003. Seventy‐eight out of 174 procedures (45%) were performed in an outpatient department. The procedural success rate was 168/174 (96%). All failures were because of access failures, and no major complications were noted. Minor complications were observed in nine patients (severe bradycardia in three, hypotension in two, both in two, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in two). The incidence of complications was higher in patients showing prolonged spasm in the right coronary artery. No major local complication was noted other than rebleeding in the puncture site during hemostasis in one patient. The transradial spasm provocation test performed without using a temporary pacemaker may be feasible and safe, with a high success rate and low complication rate as well as low patient morbidity. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lateral diffusion in membranes
Authors: Jacobson Ken
Published: April 2005

Lateral diffusion measurements, using the photobleaching techniques, have provided unique and quantitative data on the random translational motions of proteins and lipids of membranes. Proper interpretation of this body of data can yield new insight into the structure of biomembranes. A comparative review of the lateral diffusion of membrane components in artificial lipid bilayers and of the same components in natural membranes is presented to demonstrate the effects of protein concentration and peripheral constraints on lateral mobility. Recent data on the effects of cell‐substrate and cell‐cell contact on lateral diffusion are reviewed. Finally, some experimental perspectives are offered in terms of emerging biophysical and biological technology.
The dynamic interrelationships of actin and vinculin in cultured cells
Authors: Schlessinger Joseph , Geiger Benjamin
Published: April 2005

The dynamic state of cytoskeletal protiens actin and vinculin was studied in living cells using microinjection of fluorescently‐labeled proteins combined with fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR). It is shown that both proteins maintain a dynamic equilibrium between their diffusible pools in the cytoplasms and their “organized” cytoskeletal fraction. These interrelationships could be simulated in model systems consisting of isolated substrate attached membranes. It was demonstrated that fluorophore bound vinculin was incorporated into the exposed focal contacts and that this binding was largely actin independent. These results are in line with the hypothesis that local contacts induce binding of vinculin to the endofacial surface of the membranes and that this region serves as a nucleation center for the assembly of actin bundles.
A 200‐kd protein isolated from the fascia adherens membrane domains of chicken cardiac muscle cells is detected immunologically in fibroblast focal adhesions
Authors: Maher Pamela , Singer S. J.
Published: April 2005

On the premise that the fascia adherens of cardiac muscle cell intercalated disk membranes is a structure that is closely homologous to the focal adhesions formed by fibroblasts, a fascia adherens preparation was isolated from chicken cardiac muscle, and was analyzed for its protein composition. A prominent 200‐kilodalton (kd) protein was purified from the fascia preparation and shown to be antigenically unrelated to several previously characterized cytoskeletal proteins, including cardiac myosin and vinculin. With monospecific antibodies to the 200‐kd protein, an identical or closely similar intracellular protein was shown to be associated with the focal adhesion plaques of fibroblasts.
The geometry of actin filament‐membrane associations can modify adhesive strength of the myotendinous junction
Authors: Tidball James G.
Published: April 2005

Juctions between skeletal muscle cells and tendon collagen fibers transmit forces generated by muscle cells to the skeletal system. Since force trajectories across adhesive joints partly determine the stresses at the joint (eg, shear or tensile), the geometry of actin filament‐membrane‐collagen fiber associations has been modeled based on ultrastructural data, and force trajectories at the junction have thereby been established. Measurements show that in healthy twitch cells, actin filaments lie at a mean angle of 4.3° (standard deviation = 0.95°; 15 cells analyzed) to the plasma membrane. Calculations indicate that maximum isometric loading is seen by the junctional membrane almost entirely as a shear stress. In disuse‐atrophied muscle cells, the mean angle between actin filaments and the membrane is 9.1° (standard deviation = 3.3°; 11 cells analyzed). The shear component of loading for the junctions of atrophied cells is only 1% less than that in healthy cells. The tensile component of the stress at atrophied junctions is more than doubled, however. These data are used to interpret patterns of myotendinous junction mechanical failure in terms of adhesive joint mechanics. An increased occurrence of failure of the atrophied junction is observed at physiological loads and can be attributed to a reduction of adhesive strength under increased tensile load component.
Gamma actin, spectrin, and intermediate filament proteins colocalize with vinculin at costameres, myofibril‐to‐sarcolemma attachment sites
Authors: Craig Susan W. , Pardo José V.
Published: April 2005

Localization of vinculin at the sarcolemma of striated muscle fibers defines an orthogonal lattice. The costameres of the lattice are the riblike bands of vinculin that run perpendicular to the long axis of the fiber, repeat in register with I bands of the subjacent myofibrils, and seem to couple the myofibril to the sarcolemma [Pardo et al 1982, 1983a]. The colocalization studies presented in this paper show that gamma actin, spectrin, and intermediate filament antigens are additional components of this lattice of costameres. In addition, the results show that gamma actin and spectrin are also components of the internal network of collars, first visualized with antibody to desmin [Granger and Lazarides, 1978], that connects the myofibrils to each other at the level of the Z line.
Movement of myosin‐coated structures on actin cables
Authors: Sheetz Michael P. , Spudich James A.
Published: April 2005

Myosin‐coated spheres from 0.6 to 120 μm in diameter move in vitro on a substratum of polar arrays of actin cables derived from the alga Nitella. The force for this movement is provided by skeletal muscle myosin since it is ATP‐dependent, and N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) inactivation of the myosin blocks movement. These observations demonstrate that attachment of myosin in a random orientation to structures will enable those structures to move along polar arrays of actin filaments.
Correlation between distribution of cytoskeletal proteins and release of alkaline phosphatase‐rich vesicles by epiphyseal chondrocytes in primary culture
Authors: Hale John E. , Chin Jia E. , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Paradiso Peter R. , Wuthier Roy E.
Published: April 2005

Matrix vesicles, extracellular microstructures known to eb involved in endochondral calcification, are rich in alkaline phosphatase and have been shown to contain actin. The mechanism of matrix vesicle formation in chondrocytes in not well understood. Chondrocytes from the epiphyseal growth plate, when grown in primary culture, elaborate alkaline phosphatase‐rich vesciles. We examined the distribution of the cytoskeletal proteins actin, myosin, tubulin, and vinculin at various time‐points during culture using indirect immunofluorescent labeling. Concomitantly, the production of alkaline phosphatase‐containing matrix vesicles was also followed. Cell morphology changed noticeably at two distinct stages during the 22‐day culture period: Immediately after release from the growth plate the cells were founded, but after 4 days of cultre they began to spread out and acquire irregular shapes with distinct filopodia. By 13 datsm as tge cekks attaubed confluency, they reacquired a rounded, polygonal appearance. At all time‐point, tubulin was seen as a dense network of microtubules radiating from the perinuclear region throughout the cytoplasm toward the cell periphery. Initially actin was seen in filamentous from, but displayed a punctate distribution focused at contact points during the cell‐spreading stage of culture. After confluency, actin was concentrated at cell‐cell junctions. Initially, vinculin was diffusely distributed, but became focused in multiple adhesion plaques and at the termini of filpodia during the cell‐spreading stage of culture. Following confluency vinculin became concentrated at cell‐cell junctions. Myosin was observed at all time‐points in small, intensely localized focal points in the cytoplasmic region of the cells and was consistently absent from the nuclear and peripheral regions. The amount of myosin in the cells increased steadily with time in culture. Elaboration of alkaline phosphatase‐rich vesicles, which corresponded closely with the rounded morphology of early and late stages of culture, may be correlated with contact inhibition.
Actin‐mediated surface motility during sea urchin fertilization
Authors: Cline Christi A. , Schatten Heide , Balczon Ron , Schatten Gerald
Published: April 2005

The sea urchin egg at fertilization is an ideal model in which to study actin‐mediated surface activity. Electron microscopy of unfertilized eggs demonstrates the presence of thousands of well‐arrayed short microvilli, which appear supported by cytochalasin‐sensitive actin oligomers as detected with rhodamine‐labeled phalloidin staining of permeabilized eggs. At insemination, the previously short microvilli elongate and cluster around the successful sperm during incorporation. Phalloidin staining demonstrates a tremendous recruitement of polymerized actin into the site of sperm incorporation, resulting in the formation of the fertilization cone. Fertilization of cytochalasin‐treated eggs results in the normal activation of the metabolic and bioeletric events, but sperm incorporation does not occur since the localized actin assembly required for fertilization cone formation is precluded. After sperm incorporation, the entire fertilized surface is restructured, as a result of a massive polymerization of actin to produce a burst in microvillar elongation. Addition of cytochalasin to eggs immediately following sperm incorporation demonstrates the recruitment of actin assembly for the proper progression through the first cell cycle. During normal cell divison, the egg surface retains the long microvilli. The furrow which forms at cytokinesis does not appear as a unique new structure, but rather as a reorganization of the cortical microfilaments. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy argues against an increase in microfilaments during early cytokinesis. At the latest stages of cytokinesis, a thickening of the cortical actin is noted, which could possibly be interpreted as a contractile ring. A minor basal level of actin assembly with numerous nucleation sites in unfertilized eggs and a tremendous but localized assembly of microfilaments surrounding the sperm during incorporation, followed by a massive global microfilament assembly event to elongate the fertilized egg microvilli resulting later in the reorganization of these microfilaments to produce the forces necessary for cytokinesis, highlight the utility of the study of sea urchin eggs at fertilization for understanding actin‐membrane interactions.
Striated paracrystals that contain HMWP, the homolog of actin‐binding protein and filamin from HeLa cells
Authors: Weihing Robert R. , Franklin Jayne S.
Published: April 2005

HMWP (high molecular weight protein), a high molecular weight actin binding protein, was previously isolated from HeLa cells; its physical properties, amino acid composition, and intracellular localization indicated its homology with actinbinding protein and filamin [Weihing, 1982, 1983]. We now report the identification of HMWP in striated paracrystals. Purified HMWP is incubated at 25° C and subjected to negative staining with uranyl acetate. Examination by electron microscopy reveals long, striated paracrystals formed from filaments a few nanometers in diameter that lie parallel to the long axis of the paracrystal. At intervals of about 200 nm, the filaments are crossed by granular aggregates, accounting for the striated appearance. Treatment of the paracrystals with an affinity‐purified antibody to HMWP decorates the filaments; such decorations are not observed if nonimmune goat IgG or phosphate‐buffered saline are substituted for the antibody. Electron microscopic and electrophoretic analysis of paracrystals sedimented onto grids by centrifugation at 864 g reveals that the grids are covered with paracrystals and the major polypeptide present on grids centrifuged in parallel is HMWP. Taken together, these data indicate that the filaments of the paracrystals contain elongated molecules of HMWP. Additional experiments are needed to decide if the paracrystals from by self‐association between HMWP molecules or by association with one or more of the minor polypeptides that remain in the purified HMWP.
Cell surface and cytoskeletal interactions in a temperature‐sensitive strain of SV40‐transformed mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Ulrich Roger G. , Quinlan Dennis C.
Published: April 2005

In order to assess the role of cytoskeletal structure in modulating cell surface topography during cell transformation, cytoskeletal organization of 3T3 mouse cells transformed with a tsA mutant of simian virus 40 (SV40) was studied in detail by correlative light and electron microscopy. Detergent‐extracted, criticalpoint dried whole cells observed in the electron microscope were seen to contain well‐organized microfilament bundles (stress fibers) traversing the longitudinal axis of cells grown at the restrictive temperature (39°C). When grown at the permissive temperature (32°C), cells prepared in this manner were not observed to contain such structures. However, when semithin sections (0.5 μm) were viewed by transmission electron microscopy at 120 kV, short microfilament bundles were seen in 32°C‐grown cells. There was an alteration in the morphology of these structures at sites of attachment to the substratum (focal contacts), and they were shorter in length than microfilament bundles of 39°C‐grown cells. A difference was also observed between the two phenotypes in the layer of microfilaments associated with the dorsal cell surface. Since it is this layer that directly determines cell surface architecture, it is proposed that changes in microfilament bundle‐generated surface tension are responsible for alterations of this layer, leading to an altered cell surface morphology. Tension may be modified by disturbances in focal contacts (or adjacent regions) or altered actin‐associated protein(s).
Spectrin and ankyrin in brain
Authors: Benett Vann , Davis Jonathan
Published: April 2005

Further similarity between mammalian erythrocyte spectrin and pig brain spectrin has been demonstrated by (a) formation of hybrid molecules with brain α‐chains and erythrocyte β‐chains and by (b) identification of an ankyrin protein in brain membranes. Hybrid spectrin molecules prepared from brain α‐chains and erythrocyte β‐chains were visualized by low‐angle rotary shadowing as double‐stranded rods (dimers) 100 nM in length. 125I‐labeled brain α‐chain that was hybridized with erythrocyte β‐subunit acquired ability to bind to ankyrin sites on erythrocyte membranes. 125I‐labeled brain α‐chain bound only to β‐subunits of erythrocyte and brain spectrin following transfer of these polypeptides to nitrocellulose paper from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels. Thus brain spectrin and mammalian erythrocyte spectrin have shared functional sites involved in association of their subunits. Additional evidence for similarity of brain and erythrocyte membranes is the finding of a 210,000 Mr membrane protein in brain that cross‐reacts with erythrocyte ankyrin and has a water‐soluble domain of 72,000 Mr that is produced by protease digestion. The 72,000 Mr domain of brain ankyrin has been isolated by affinity chromatography on erythrocyte spectrin‐Sepharose, and was demonstrated to bind directly to erythrocyte and brain spectrin. The brain 72,000 Mr fragment has distinct peptide maps from the erythrocyte 72,000 Mr ankyrin fragment and thus is not a result of erythrocyte contamination.
A spectrin‐like protein from mouse brain membranes: Immunological and structural correlations with erythrocyte spectrin
Authors: Goodman Steven R. , Zagon Ian S. , Whitfield Carol F. , Casoria Linda A. , McLaughlin Patricia J. , Laskiewicz Theresa L.
Published: April 2005

Membrane‐associated mouse brain spectrin is a 972,000 Mr, 10.5S, (αβ)2 tetramer containing two ∼ 240,000 Mr subunits and two ∼ 235,000 Mr subunits. Two‐dimensional [125I]tryptic peptide mapping indicates that these subunits share only limited and equivalent overlap with the α‐ and β‐subunits of red blood cell (RBC) spectrin. Both the 220,000 Mr β‐subunit of RBC spectrin and the 235,000 Mr β‐subunit of brain spectrin are phosphorylated in the intact mouse. In vitro analysis suggests that both are phosphorylated by a cAMP‐independent protein kinase. Antibodies against pure native mouse red blood cell spectrin cross‐react with brain spectrin, and antibodies against pure brain spectrin cross‐react with both the α‐and β‐subunits of mouse RBC spectrin. Both antibodies have been utilized to localize brain spectrin within distinct cellular entities of the mouse cerebellum. Granule cell neurons of the internal granule layer and Purkinje cell neurons demonstrated intense fluorscence of the cortical cytoplasm immediately adjacent to the plasma membrane and unstained nuclei, when either RBC or brain spectrin antibodies were utilized for staining. The molecular layer of the cerebellum stained only lightly, and oligodendrocytes and astrocytes appeared to have little fluorescence. Therefore, while brain is a tissue rich in nonerythroid spectrin, the concentration of these immunoreactive analogues is quite variable within distinct cellular entities of the cerebellum.
The efficacy of epirubicin, cisplatin, uracil/tegafur, and leucovorin in patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma
Authors: Park Kyong‐Hwa , Choi In‐Keun , Kim Seok‐Jin , Oh Sang‐Chul , Seo Jae‐Hong , Choi Chul‐Won , Kim Byung‐Soo , Shin Sang‐Won , Kim Yeul‐Hong , Kim Jun‐Suk
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Advanced biliary tract carcinoma is among the most prevalent fatal diseases in Korea. However, to our knowledge, to date no effective therapeutic modality has been shown to prolong the survival of patients in the inoperable stages of this disease.

METHODS

This Phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy and toxicity of a combined regimen of epirubicin, cisplatin, and uracil/tegafur (UFT) modulated by leucovorin in patients with advanced or recurrent biliary tract carcinoma.

RESULTS

Eleven of 40 patients (27.5%) had gallbladder carcinoma, and the remaining patients had tumors arising from other sites in the biliary tract. All patients were treated with intravenous epirubicin (50 mg/m2 on Day 1), intravenous cisplatin (60 mg/m2 on Day 1), oral UFT (300 mg/m2 per day on Days 1–21), and oral leucovorin (75 mg per day on Days 1–21). Nine patients exhibited a partial response, representing 22.5% of the possible response rate (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 12.8–32.2%) based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. The median survival was 34 weeks (95% CI, 20–48 weeks), and the median time to disease progression was 16 weeks (95% CI, 7–25 weeks). Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia comprised dose‐limiting toxicity conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of epirubicin, cisplatin, and UFT modulated by leucovorin was active marginally in patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma and was capable of stabilizing the disease effectively. Because it was a safe and convenient treatment modality, it may be used in outpatient care with only minor toxicity in patients with advanced malignancies of the biliary tract. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Relation between smoking cessation and receiving results from three annual spiral chest computed tomography scans for lung carcinoma screening
Authors: Townsend Cynthia O. , Clark Matthew M. , Jett James R. , Patten Christi A. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Nirelli Liza M. , Swensen Stephen J. , Hurt Richard D.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

The relation between undergoing a single computed tomography (CT) screening for lung carcinoma and the potential long‐term impact on smoking status has been equivocal. Perhaps, recommendations from multiple cancer screenings may promote smoking abstinence among individuals at high risk for lung carcinoma.

METHODS

The current longitudinal study comprised 926 current smokers and 594 former smokers who participated in 3 annual follow‐up low‐dose, fast spiral chest CT scan screenings for lung carcinoma. Baseline demographic, pulmonary function, smoking history variables, and previous abnormal findings were evaluated as predictors of self‐reported point prevalence smoking abstinence.

RESULTS

Among current smokers at baseline, abstinence from smoking during the 3‐year follow‐up was associated with older age, worse baseline pulmonary function, and abnormal CT finding the previous year requiring interim follow‐up. Of participants who received abnormal screens each of the previous 3 years, 41.9% reported smoking abstinence compared with 28.0% with 2 abnormal screens, 24.2% with 1 abnormal screen, and 19.8% with no abnormal screens. Among former smokers, abstinence from smoking was associated with a longer duration of abstinence before the baseline visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers with abnormal CT findings from multiple CT screens were more likely to be abstinent from smoking at the 3‐year follow‐up. Multiple low‐dose, fast spiral chest CT scan screenings for lung carcinoma may represent teachable moments and opportunities to enhance motivation for smoking abstinence. Further research is needed to continue to investigate how annual screening may enhance motivation for health behavior change. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Impedance spectroscopy flow cytometry: On‐chip label‐free cell differentiation
Authors: Cheung Karen , Gawad Shady , Renaud Philippe
Published: April 2005

Background

The microfabricated impedance spectroscopy flow cytometer used in this study permits rapid dielectric characterization of a cell population with a simple microfluidic channel. Impedance measurements over a wide frequency range provide information on cell size, membrane capacitance, and cytoplasm conductivity as a function of frequency. The amplitude, opacity, and phase information can be used for discrimination between different cell populations without the use of cell markers.

Methods

Polystyrene beads, red blood cells (RBCs), ghosts, and RBCs fixed in glutaraldehyde were passed through a microfabricated flow cytometer and measured individually by using two simultaneously applied discrete frequencies. The cells were characterized at 1,000 per minute in the frequency range of 350 kHz to 20 MHz.

Results

Cell size was easily measured with submicron accuracy. Polystyrene beads and RBCs were differentiated using opacity. RBCs and ghosts were differentiated using phase information, whereas RBCs and fixed RBCs were differentiated using opacity. RBCs fixed using increasing concentrations of glutaraldehyde showed increasing opacity. This increased opacity was linked to decreased cytoplasm conductivity and decreased membrane capacitance, both resulting from protein cross‐linking.

Conclusions

This work presents label‐free differentiation of cells in an on‐chip flow cytometer based on impedance spectroscopy, which will be a powerful tool for cell characterization. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selecting the right fluorophores and flow cytometer for fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements
Authors: Horváth Gábor , Petrás Miklós , Szentesi Gergely , Fábián Ákos , Park John W. , Vereb György , Szöllősi János
Published: April 2005

Background

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer applied in flow cytometry (FCET) is an excellent tool for determining supramolecular organization of biomolecules at the cell surface or inside the cell. Availability of new fluorophores and cytometers requires the establishment of fluorophore dye pairs most suitable for FCET measurements.

Methods

A gastric tumor cell line (N87) was labeled for major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chain and β2‐microglobulin with antibodies conjugated with fluorescein‐ and indocarbocyanine‐like fluorophores and analyzed in FCET measurements on a cell‐by‐cell basis using three flow cytometers: FACSCalibur, FACSDiVa, and FACSArray.

Results

Normalized fluorescence intensity values were measured and normalized energy transfer efficiencies, spectral overlap integrals, and crucial dye‐ and instrument‐dependent parameters were calculated for all matching pairs of seven fluorophores on the three commercial cytometers. The most crucial parameter in determining the applicability of the donor‐acceptor pairs was the normalized fluorescence intensity and the least important one was the spectral overlap.

Conclusions

On the basis of available laser lines, the optimal dye pair for all three cytometers is the Alexa546‐Alexa647 pair, which produces high energy transfer efficiency values and has the best spectral characteristics with regard to laser excitation, detection of emission, and spectral overlap. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electro‐Conducting Properties of Charge‐Transfer Salts Based on Cationic and Anionic Platinum Dithiolenes — Crystal Structure of [Pt(Me2pipdt)2][Pt(dtcr)2]
Authors: Deplano Paola , Mercuri Maria Laura , Marchiò Luciano , Pilia Luca , Salidu Marco , Serpe Angela , Congiu Francesco , Sanna Samuele
Published: April 2005

The structure/property relationship of the following CT salts, [M(R2pipdt)2][M(mnt)2] (where R2pipdt = N,N'‐dialkylpiperazine‐2,3‐dithione; mnt = maleonitrile‐2,3‐dithiolate), [R = Me, M = Pd (1a) and Pt (2a); R = Et, M = Pt (2b)],which were previously characterised, and [Pt(R2pipdt)2][Pt(dtcr)2] [R = Me, (3a); R = Et, (3b); dtcr = 4,5‐disulfanylcyclopent‐4‐ene‐1,2,3‐trionate, known as dithiocroconate] are investigated here. These salts show strong near IR CT bands and semiconducting behaviour. The structural features of 3a are similar to those found for 2a: approximately square planar [Pt(Me2‐pipdt)2] dications and regular square planar [Pt(dtcr)2] dianions form an infinite anion–cation one‐dimensional stack along the c axis with a Pt···Pt c/2 distance of 3.408 (1) Å. In 3a, a net of weak interactions between the N and O atoms of the cation and of the anion contributes to the alignment of 3a in the stack. However, these interactions do not overcome the less favourable redox properties of the components, that is, promoting CT interactions with respect to the corresponding mnt salts. The specific electrical conductivity of pressed powder pellets ranges from 10–11 to 10–5 Ω–1 cm–1 at room temperature, follows the Arrhenius law with activation energies in the range of 0.2–0.6 eV, and is related to the driving force of the electron transfer. Preliminary photoconductivity measurements performed on the two relatively more conducting samples, 2a and 2b, show a gain in current during illumination, similarly to that observed in organic–inorganic photoconductor CT salts C[ML2] (C2+ is 2,2' or 4,4'‐bipyridinium or similar derivatives, L2– = dithiolato), which have been extensively investigated by the Kisch group. Crystal data for 3a: triclinic, P$\bar {1}$; Z = 2; T = 293(2) K; a = 8.683(2) Å, b = 14.009(5) Å, c = 6.815(2) Å; α = 100.58(4)°, β = 98.99(3)°, γ = 100.69(3)°. R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0516, wR2 = 0.1412. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
A life cycle assessment of mechanical and feedstock recycling options for management of plastic packaging wastes
Authors: Perugini Floriana , Mastellone Maria Laura , Arena Umberto
Published: April 2005

Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is generally considered one of the best environmental management tools that can be used to compare alternative eco‐performances of recycling or disposal systems. It considers the environment as a whole, including indirect releases, energy and material consumption, emissions in the environment, and waste disposal and follows each activity from the extraction of raw materials to the return of wastes to the ground (cradle‐to‐grave approach). The study refers to the whole Italian system for recycling of household plastic packaging wastes. The aim was to quantify the overall environmental performances of mechanical recycling of plastic containers in Italy and to compare them with those of conventional options of landfilling or incineration and of a couple of innovative processes of feedstock recycling, low‐temperature fluidized bed pyrolysis, and high‐pressure hydrogenation. The results confirm that recycling scenarios are always preferable to those of nonrecycling. They also highlight the good environmental performance of new plastic waste management schemes that couple feedstock and mechanical recycling processes. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Amore protocol in pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: Descriptive analysis of failure patterns
Authors: Buwalda Joeri , Freling Nicole J. , Blank Leo E. C. M. , Balm Alfons J. M. , Bras Johannes , Voûte Paul A. , Caron Huib N. , Schouwenburg Paul F. , Merks Johannes H. M.
Published: April 2005

Background.

The AMORE protocol is a local treatment for patients with nonorbital pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS). The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the adequacy of the concept, and (2) to identify factors associated with relapse.

Methods.

We performed a retrospective multidisciplinary review of 22 children primarily treated according to the AMORE protocol, excluding two children with inadequate imaging data.

Results.

Seven patients had a local relapse, six within and one outside the residual tumor area. Five of the six patients with relapse in the residual area had gross total or debulking (incomplete) surgery, suboptimal position of the mold for brachytherapy, or both. In the 15 nonrecurrent cases, four patients had either incomplete surgery or suboptimal mold position. Both surgical and brachytherapeutic factors seem to be associated with relapse.

Conclusions.

AMORE is an adequate concept. More rigid preoperative imaging and intraoperative verification of the brachytherapy mold position might lead to a reduction in the number of local failures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 27: XXX–XXX, 2005
SPOC1, a novel PHD‐finger protein: Association with residual disease and survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Mohrmann Gerrit , Hengstler Jan G. , Hofmann Thomas G. , Endele Sabine U. , Lee Brendan , Stelzer Christiane , Zabel Bernhard , Brieger Juergen , Hasenclever Dirk , Tanner Berno , Sagemueller Jens , Sehouli Jalid , Will Hans , Winterpacht Andreas
Published: April 2005

We report the identification of a novel human gene (SPOC1) which encodes a protein with a PHD‐finger domain. The gene is located in chromosomal region 1p36.23, a region implicated in tumor development and progression. RNA in situ hybridization experiments showed strong SPOC1 expression in some rapidly proliferating cell types, such as spermatogonia, but not in nonpro‐liferating mature spermatocytes. In addition, high SPOC1 mRNA expression was observed in several ovarian cancer cell lines. This prompted us to systematically examine SPOC1 expression in ovarian cancer in relation to prognosis. SPOC1 mRNA expression was quantified in tumor tissue of 103 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Interestingly, SPOC1 was associated with residual disease, whereby patients with unresectable tumors showed higher levels compared to patients without residual tumor tissue after surgery (p = 0.029). The univariable proportional hazards model showed an association between SPOC1 expression and survival (p = 0.043, relative risk = 1.535). Median survival time was 1,596 days for patients with low SPOC1 expression vs. only 347 days for patients with high expression, using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. However, SPOC1 was not associated with survival when multivariable analysis was adjusted for residual disease. This can be explained by the correlation between residual disease and SPOC1 expression. In conclusion, SPOC1 is a novel PHD‐finger protein showing strong expression in spermatogonia and ovarian cancer cells. SPOC1 overexpression was associated with unresectable carcinomas and shorter survival in ovarian cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Penile cancer: Importance of circumcision, human papillomavirus and smoking in in situ and invasive disease
Authors: Daling Janet R. , Madeleine Margaret M. , Johnson Lisa G. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Shera Katherine A. , Wurscher Michelle A. , Carter Joseph J. , Porter Peggy L. , Galloway Denise A. , McDougall James K. , Krieger John N.
Published: April 2005

Few population‐based case‐control studies have assessed etiologic factors for penile cancer. Past infection with high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for penile cancer; however, few previous studies have related the HPV DNA status of the tumor to potential demographic and behavioral risk factors for the disease or evaluated whether in situ and invasive penile cancer share risk factors. Little information is available on the role and timing of circumcision in the etiology of penile cancer. We conducted a population‐based case‐control study in western Washington state that included 137 men diagnosed with in situ (n = 75) or invasive (n = 62) penile cancer between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1998, and 671 control men identified through random digit dialing. Cases and controls were interviewed in person and provided peripheral blood samples. Case and control blood samples were tested for antibodies to HPV16 and HSV‐2, and tumor specimens from cases were tested for HPV DNA. Men not circumcised during childhood were at increased risk of invasive (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.1) but not in situ (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–1.8) penile cancer. Approximately 35% of men with penile cancer who had not been circumcised in childhood reported a history of phimosis compared to 7.6% of controls (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 3.7–15.0). Penile conditions such as tear, rash and injury were associated with increased risk of disease. Among men not circumcised in childhood, phimosis was strongly associated with development of invasive penile cancer (OR = 11.4, 95% CI 5.0–25.9). When we restricted our analysis to men who did not have phimosis, the risk of invasive penile cancer associated with not having been circumcised in childhood was not elevated (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.1–2.5). Cigarette smoking was associated with a 4.5‐fold risk (95% CI 2.0–10.1) of invasive penile cancer. HPV DNA was detected in 79.8% of tumor specimens, and 69.1% of tumors were HPV16‐positive. The proportion of HPV DNA‐positive tumors did not vary by any risk factors evaluated. Many risk factors were common for both in situ and invasive disease. However, 3 factors that did not increase the risk for in situ cancer proved significant risk factors for invasive penile cancer: lack of circumcision during childhood, phimosis and cigarette smoking. The high percentage of HPV DNA‐positive tumors in our study is consistent with a strong association between HPV infection and the development of penile cancer regardless of circumcision status. Circumcision in early childhood may help prevent penile cancer by eliminating phimosis, a significant risk factor for the disease. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic gains on chromosome 1q in retinoblastoma: Consequences on gene expression and association with clinical manifestation
Authors: Gratias Sandrine , Schüler Andreas , Hitpass Ludger Klein , Stephan Harald , Rieder Harald , Schneider Stephanie , Horsthemke Bernhard , Lohmann Dietmar R.
Published: April 2005

Many retinoblastomas (Rbs) show genomic alterations in addition to mutational loss of both normal RB1 alleles. The most frequent of these changes are gains on chromosomes 1q and 6p and losses on 16q. To identify the genes targeted by gains on chromosome 1q, we used quantitative‐multiplex PCR to determine DNA copy number changes in 76 primary tumors and 6 Rb cell lines. In addition, in 21 of these tumors, gene expression was analyzed by cDNA microarray hybridization. Increased copy numbers of loci on chromosome 1q were present in 34 (45%) primary tumors and in all 6 cell lines. Two regions of gain emerged, one in 1q32 and another in 1q21. Tumors with 1q gains showed higher RNA expression of several genes in these 2 regions. The clinical manifestation of tumors with and without gains was similar with regard to many aspects, including size, necrosis and calcification. However, the distribution of age at diagnosis was remarkably distinct, with earlier diagnosis in tumors without gains. This suggests that these tumors either are initiated earlier or grow faster than tumors with gains. This association with clinical manifestation indicates that gains on 1q are significant for the biology of Rb. The genes on 1q with copy number gains and overexpression are candidates that need to be tested for their individual contribution to the progression of Rb. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intratumoral injection of immature dendritic cells enhances antitumor effect of hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Tanaka Kouji , Ito Akira , Kobayashi Takeshi , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi , Shimada Shinji , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Saida Toshiaki , Honda Hiroyuki
Published: April 2005

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen‐presenting cells that play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses in cancer and have recently been shown to be activated by heat shock proteins (HSPs). We previously reported that HSP70 expression after hyperthermia induces antitumor immunity. Our hyperthermia system using magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs) induced necrotic cell death that was correlated with HSP70 release. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of DC therapy combined with MCL‐induced hyperthermia on mouse melanoma. In an in vitro study, when immature DCs were pulsed with mouse B16 melanoma cells heated at 43°C, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I/II, costimulatory molecules CD80/CD86 and CCR7 in the DCs were upregulated, thus resulting in DC maturation. C57BL/6 mice bearing a melanoma nodule were subjected to combination therapy using hyperthermia and DC immunotherapy in vivo by means of tumor‐specific hyperthermia using MCLs and directly injected immature DCs. Mice were divided into 4 groups: group I (control), group II (hyperthermia), group III (DC therapy) and group IV (hyperthermia + DC therapy). Complete regression of tumors was observed in 60% of mice in group IV, while no tumor regression was seen among mice in the other groups. Increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) activity was observed on in vitro cytotoxicity assay using splenocytes in the cured mice treated with combination therapy, and the cured mice rejected a second challenge of B16 melanoma cells. This study has important implications for the application of MCL‐induced hyperthermia plus DC therapy in patients with advanced malignancies as a novel cancer therapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Walker Melanie , Aronson Kristan J. , King Will , Wilson James W.L. , Fan Wenli , Heaton Jeremy P.W. , MacNeily Andrew , Nickel J. Curtis , Morales Alvaro
Published: April 2005

Dietary patterns reflect combinations of dietary exposures, and here we examine these in relation to prostate cancer risk. In a case‐control study, 80 incident primary prostate cancer cases and 334 urology clinic controls were enrolled from 1997 through 1999 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Food‐frequency questionnaires were completed prior to diagnosis and assessed intake in the 1‐year period 2–3 years prior to enrollment. Among controls, dietary intake was used in principal components analyses to identify patterns that were then evaluated with all subjects in relation to prostate cancer risk using unconditional logistic regression, controlling for age. Four dietary patterns were identified: Healthy Living, Traditional Western, Processed and Beverages. Increased prostate cancer risk is apparent in relation to the Processed pattern, composed of processed meats, red meats, organ meats, refined grains, white bread, onions and tomatoes, vegetable oil and juice, soft drinks and bottled water. The OR for the highest tertile compared to baseline is 2.75 (95% CI 1.40–5.39), with a dose–response pattern (trend test p < 0.0035). Our results suggest that a dietary pattern including refined grain products, processed meats and red and organ meats contributes to increased prostate cancer risk. Since dietary information was collected before subjects knew their diagnosis, recall bias was avoided. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship between adsorption energies of methyl on metals and the metallic electronic properties: A first‐principles DFT study
Authors: Wang Gui‐Chang , Li Jun , Xu Xiu‐Fang , Li Rui‐Fang , Nakamura Junji
Published: April 2005

A theoretical study of CH3 adsorbed on the (111) surface of some transition and noble metal surfaces M (M = Cu, Ni, Rh, Pt, Pd, Ag, Au) and on the Fe(100) is presented. We find that the hollow site is preferred more than the top one for Fe, Ni, Rh, and Cu, but it is the other way for Pt, Pd, Au, and Ag. In addition, a good linear relationship was observed between the chemisorption energy and d‐band center for Group VIII metals or the square of the coupling matrix element for Group IB metals at the hollow site. Interestingly, with a detailed comparison of the adsorption energies at the top and hollow sites, we find that the adsorption energies among each group are very similar on the top site, which supports the theoretical model of Hammer and Nørskov that the coupling between the HOMO of adsorbate and sp states of the metal is dominant and almost equal, and that the second coupling to the d‐band contributes less but reflects the change of the adsorption energy. It confirms that the coupling to the d band comprises two opposite factors, that is, the d‐band center was attractive and the square of the coupling matrix element was repulsive, such that the contributions from the two factors can counteract each other at the top site. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 871–878, 2005
Ultrastructure of human retroviruses
Authors: Palmer Erskine , Goldsmith Cynthia S.
Published: April 2005

We compared the ultrastructure of the human retroviruses by thin‐section electron microscopy of infected lymphocytes. Virus particles form at the plasma membrane without involvement of a cytoplasmic precursor. Budding forms of human T‐cell leukemia virus types I and II (HTLV‐I and ‐II) consist of a crescent‐shaped nulceoid separated from the envelope by an intermediate layer. Mature forms of these viruses are about 100 nm in diameter. The nucleoid is electron lucent and almost completely fills the virion. There is about a 10‐nm space between the envelope and nucleoid. The envelope has fuzzy surface projections. HTLV‐I and ‐II resemble other type C retroviruses in morphology. Budding forms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, LAV, HTLV‐III) also have a crescent‐shaped nucleoid but not an intermediate layer between the core and envelope. The envelope has rod‐shaped surface projections. Mature forms of HIV have an electron‐dense nucleoid that is eccentric and bar‐ or cone‐shaped. Particles have the same ultrastructure as retroviruses of the Lentivirus genus. HIV is readily distinguishable from HTLV‐I and ‐II by thin‐section electron microscopy. HIV is usually found in extracellular spaces by transmission electron microscopy of thin sections, and scanning electron microscopy of HIV‐infected T4 lymphocytes also shows many particles on the surface of these cells. Lymphadenopathy‐associated virus type II (LAV‐II) has the same internal ultrastructure as HIV, but its surface projections are more prominent, being about three times the length of those of HIV. Human T lymphotropic virus type IV (HTLV‐IV) has the same morphology as LAV‐II.
Mycobacterium Avium‐intracellulare complex infections in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Perfect John R.
Published: April 2005

This reviw examines an important bacterial infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite occasional infections with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella, and Nocardia in patients with AIDS, the primary problems of AIDS and invading bacterial infections center around mycobacteropsos. A unique feature of AIDS has been the common identification of disseminated infections with Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare. The following discussion examines our present understading of this group of organisms and how they interact with the compromised host.
Interpretation of electron diffraction data from organic microcrystals: A theoretical perspective
Authors: Moss Barbara
Published: April 2005

The current framework for the quantitative analysis of transmission electron diffraction data from organic microcrystals is discussed. The appropriate formulation depends upon the crystal perfection: solution‐grown material tends to be nearly perfect with regular elastic bends whilst the epitaxial samples are usually considerably less perfect with highly irregular bends. It is possible to obtain Bragg intensity data which are near‐kinematical and thus amenable to ab initio structure analysis. Thereafter, the further refinement of the model proceeds with a consideration of dynamical and crystal bending effects. If both of these are small it is a good approximation to analyse them independently rather than use the correct description of dynamical scattering from a deformed foil. The analysis of three‐dimensional data sets from tilt series is considered. Although the technique has been successfully demonstrated in several instances there are still details of the analysis that need further clarification.
Electron diffraction of synthetic polymers: The model compound approach to polymer structure
Authors: Brisse F.
Published: April 2005

X‐ray fiber diffraction is a technique most often used to establish the structure of chemically regular crystalline polymers. However, this technique has many shortcomings. Some of them are: ambiguities regarding the choice of the space group, limited intensity data, often large diffraction spots, and overlapping intensities. Microsingle crystals of synthetic polymers, when they can be produced, happen to have dimensions that are well suited to being studied by electron diffraction. Electron diffraction data from microsingle crystals often complement the X‐ray fiber data.

Strictly speaking, one does not solve the crystal structure of a polymer in the conventional way but rather one chooses from among many potentially acceptable models the one which fits the X‐ray and/or the electron diffraction data best. The various steps of model building, its placing within the unit cell, and structure refinement will be discussed.