bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospinning of polystyrene/poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene) blends
Authors: Wutticharoenmongkol Patcharaporn , Supaphol Pitt , Srikhirin Toemsak , Kerdcharoen Teerakiat , Osotchan Tanakorn
Published: June 2005

Ultrafine polystyrene (PS)/poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene) (MEH‐PPV) fibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning of PS/MEH‐PPV solutions in chloroform, 1,2‐dichloroethane, and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Three concentrations of the solutions were prepared: 8.5, 16, and 23.5% (w/v), with the compositional weight ratios between PS and MEH‐PPV being 7.5:1, 15:1, and 22.5:1, respectively. Smooth fibers only observed from 23.5% (w/v) PS/MEH‐PPV solution in chloroform. Improvement in the electrospinnability of 8.5% (w/v) PS/MEH‐PPV solution in chloroform was achieved by addition of an organic salt, pyridinium formate (PF), or by addition of a minor solvent with a high dielectric constant value. The average diameters of the as‐spun PS/MEH‐PPV fibers were between 0.30 and 5.11 μm. Last, photoluminescence of 8.5% (w/v) solutions of PS/MEH‐PPV in a mixed solvent system of chloroform and 1,2‐dichloroethane of various volumetric compositions and the resulting as‐spun fibers was investigated and compared. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1881–1891, 2005
Polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites compatibilized with hydroxyl‐functional polypropylenes
Authors: Ristolainen Noora , Vainio Ulla , Paavola Santeri , Torkkeli Mika , Serimaa Ritva , Seppälä Jukka
Published: June 2005

The properties of polypropylene composites can be tailored through the use of nanoclay fillers. The effectiveness of a metallocene‐catalyzed hydroxyl‐functional polypropylene in the compatibilization of polypropylene layered nanosilicate composites was studied, and the results were compared with those for a commercial maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene. Polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending, and two polypropylene/compatibilizer/organoclay ratios, 90/5/5 and 70/20/10, were characterized. The organomodification of the clay was carried out with octadecylamine and N‐methylundecenylamine. The structure of the layered silicate was studied by transmission electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The fracture surfaces of the composites and thus the efficiency of the compatibilizers to penetrate the galleries of the organoclays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the melt viscosity was studied by stress‐controlled rotational rheometry. The nanostructure was observed with both alkyl amines used for intercalation. The fillers facilitated the processability of all the composites, consisting of equal amounts of compatibilizer and organoclay filler and, in some of the composites, containing twice as much compatibilizer as organoclay filler. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1892–1903, 2005
Effect of GnRH analogs on the expression of TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptors in primary cell cultures from human prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sánchez Catherine , Clementi Marisa , Benitez Dixan , Contreras Héctor , Huidobro Christian , Castellón Enrique
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

GnRH analogs have antiproliferative and/or apoptotic effects on prostate cancer cells. Also, neurotrophin receptors TrkA and p75 have been reported in normal prostate suggesting a role in the gland growth control. In prostate cancer, TrkA receptors seem to be overexpressed and p75 receptors show a decreased expression. These changes in neurotrophin receptors may be related with unbalanced growth in malignant cells. In the present study we investigate the effects of GnRH analogs (leuprolide and cetrorelix) on the expression of TrkA and p75 neurotrophin receptors in primary cultures of human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

Tissue was obtained from radical prostatectomies due to prostate adenocarcinoma. Cells were isolated after sequential enzyme digestion and cultured in defined media. Nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors in untreated cultures were estimated by immunofluorescence. Cultures were treated with leuprolide (agonist) or cetrorelix (antagonist) and expression of TrkA and p75 receptors were evaluated by semi quantitative RT‐PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and western blot. Cell proliferation was estimated by MTT method and apoptosis through COMET assay.

RESULTS

Both leuprolide and cetrorelix induced a significant increase in p75 receptor gene and protein expression at a concentration that induce apoptosis and decrease proliferation. TrkA receptors showed no changes in presence of GnRH analogs.

CONCLUSIONS

GnRH analogs, leuprolide, and cetrorelix, change the ratio between neurotrophin receptors TrkA and p75 by increasing gene and protein expression of p75 receptor. Considering that TrkA receptor is related with proliferation and p75 with apoptosis, we suggest that our findings may explain, in part, the effect of GnRH analogs on prostate cancer growth. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual inhibition of the epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor phosphorylation for antivascular therapy of human prostate cancer in the prostate of nude mice
Authors: Yazici S. , Kim S.J. , Busby J.E. , He J. , Thaker P. , Yokoi K. , Fan D. , Fidler I.J.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Androgen‐independent prostate cancer (PCa) may be susceptible to modulation of the tumor microenvironment. We determined whether a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor (AEE788) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF‐R) combined with chemotherapy can produce therapy of human PCa in nude mice.

METHODS

PC‐3MM2 human PCa cells were injected into the prostate of nude mice. Three days later, the mice were randomized into four groups: saline control, paclitaxel, AEE788, and AEE788 and paclitaxel. The mice were treated for 5 weeks and necropsied. Tumor incidence, weight, and incidence of lymph node metastasis were recorded. Tumor tissue was analyzed immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Treatment of mice with AEE788 or AEE788 plus paclitaxel significantly decreased tumor incidence, total tumor weight, and incidence of lymph node metastasis. AEE788 treatment alone or in combination with paclitaxel inhibited the phosphorylation of EGF‐R and VEGF‐R on tumor cells and tumor‐associated endothelial cells. Therapeutic efficacy correlated with an increase in apoptosis of tumor cells and tumor‐associated endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Blockade of EGF‐R and VEGF‐R signaling pathways coupled with chemotherapy suppressed the progressive growth and metastasis of human PCa cells growing orthotopically in nude mice. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of intra‐individual variation in prostate‐specific antigen levels in a biennial randomized prostate cancer screening program in Sweden
Authors: Bruun Laila , Becker Charlotte , Hugosson Jonas , Lilja Hans , Christensson Anders
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

The degree of variability in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) measurements is important for interpreting test results in screening programs, and particularly for interpreting the significance of changes between repeated tests. This study aimed to determine the long‐term intra‐individual variation for PSA in healthy men.

METHODS

A randomly selected cohort of men in a biennial prostate cancer screening program (ERSPC) conducted in Sweden from 1995–1996 to 2001–2002. We studied men who had total PSA (tPSA) levels < 2.0 ng/ml in 2001–2002. This included 791 men with tPSA ≤ 0.61 ng/ml (group A), 1,542 men with tPSA ≤ 0.99 ng/ml (group B), and 1,029 men with tPSA 1.00–1.99 ng/ml (group C). The intra‐individual variability of free PSA (fPSA) and tPSA was assessed by calculating coefficients of variation (CV) for each individual's PSA measurements from the first and second round of screening (1995–1996 and 1997–1998).

RESULTS

Intra‐individual CV (geometric means) for tPSA were 13.7%, 12.7%, and 11.5% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Corresponding CVs for fPSA were significantly lower, ranging from 12.1% to 10.4%. The estimated biological variation of tPSA and fPSA in groups A to C were 12.5%, 11.4%, 10.0% and 9.7%, 7.8%, 7.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy men with PSA levels less than 2 ng/ml, the natural long‐term variability for tPSA was less than 14%, and with 95% probability, a change in tPSA greater than 30% indicates a change beyond normal random variation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphatic vessel density and lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Zeng Yiping , Opeskin Kenneth , Horvath Lisa G. , Sutherland Robert L. , Williams Elizabeth D.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Few data are available examining the significance of prostatic lymphatic vessel density (LVD) to lymph node metastasis in patients with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of lymphatic vessels in non‐carcinomatous prostate tissue, and investigate the relationship between LVD and lymph node status in prostate cancer.

METHODS

LVD, identified by D2‐40 immunostaining, was evaluated in non‐carcinomatous prostates (n = 7) and prostate cancer (n = 37). The staining pattern of D2‐40 was compared with that of another lymphatic vessel marker, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor‐3, and a blood vessel endothelial marker, CD34, in adjacent sections.

RESULTS

The D2‐40 antigen, podoplanin, was expressed exclusively in lymphatic vessels within tumor and normal tissue in all specimens. There was no overlap between cell staining for D2‐40 and CD34. Peritumoral LVD and peritumoral lymphatic invasion were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. VEGF receptor‐3 was expressed in a subset of D2‐40+ lymphatic vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that peritumoral lymphatic vessels are likely to serve as major conduits for nodal metastasis in prostate cancer using D2‐40 to decorate lymphatic endothelium marker podoplanin. Lack of coexpression of podoplanin and VEGF receptor‐3 in some lymphatic vessels suggests the heterogeneity of lymphatic endothelial cells in prostate tissue. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A role for surfactant protein D in innate immunity of the human prostate
Authors: Oberley Rebecca E. , Goss Kelli L. , Dahmoush Laila , Ault Kevin A. , Crouch Erika C. , Snyder Jeanne M.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVES

Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is a member of the collectin family of proteins, which are involved in host defense mechanisms in the lung. In the present study, we found that SP‐D is produced in the human prostate where it may play a role in innate immunity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using reverse‐transcriptase PCR and Western blot analysis, we demonstrate that SP‐D mRNA and protein are present in human prostate tissue. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that SP‐D mRNA and protein are localized in epithelial cells of prostate glands. Prostate glands that are surrounded by inflammatory cells produce increased amounts of SP‐D protein. We also show that SP‐D inhibits the infection of LNCaP and P69SV40T prostate epithelial cells by Chlamydia trachomatis in an in vitro infection assay. Furthermore, using truncated human SP‐D mutants, we demonstrate that SP‐D binds to Chlamydia trachomatis via its carboxy‐terminal lectin domains.

Conclusions

Our in vitro studies suggest that SP‐D protects the prostate from infection by pathogens. SP‐D protein levels are increased at sites of inflammation in the prostate, suggesting SP‐D may also contribute more generally to inflammatory regulation in the prostate. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protamine: a unique and potent inhibitor of oligopeptidase B
Authors: Tsuji Akihiko , Yoshimoto Tadashi , Yuasa Keizo , Matsuda Yoshiko
Published: June 2005

Oligopeptidase B is a serine endopeptidase found in prokaryotes, unicellular eukaryotes and higher plants. The enzyme has been shown recently to play a central role in the pathogenesis of several parasitic diseases such as African trypanosomiasis, and to be a potential therapeutic target. This study reports that protamine, a basic peptide rich in arginine, is a potent inhibitor at the nanomolar level of oligopeptidase B from E. coli and wheat. Protamines 1B, 2C, 3A and TP17 displayed similar inhibitory activities and were capable of binding strongly to oligopeptidase B without proteolytic cleavage. The concentration of protamine needed for 50% inhibition (IC50) of oligopeptidase B was 104‐fold lower than the IC50 of trypsin. Oligopeptidase B was highly sensitive to inhibition by protamines even in the presence of serum (IC50, 1 µM). These data indicate that protamines might provide information useful for the design of more specific synthetic oligopeptidase B inhibitors. Copyright © 2005 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and secondary structure in membranes of the Bcl‐2 anti‐apoptotic domain BH4
Authors: Khemtémourian Lucie , Sani Marc‐Antoine , Bathany Katell , Gröbner Gerhard , Dufourc Erick J.
Published: June 2005

Solid phase synthesis of BH4, the 26 amino‐acid domain (6RTGYDNREIVMKYIHYKLSQRGYEWD31) of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein has been accomplished using Fmoc chemistry. The use of peculiar cleavage conditions provided high yields after purification such that tens to hundreds of mg could be obtained. A 15N‐labelled version of the peptide could also be synthesized for NMR studies in membranes. The peptide purity was not lower than 98% as controlled by UV and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The secondary structure was determined in water, trifluoroethanol (TFE) and in lipid membrane using UV circular dichroism. The peptide shows dominant β‐sheeted structures in water that convert progressively into α‐helical features upon addition of TFE or membrane. The amphipathic character of the helix suggests that the peptide might have a structure akin to those of antimicrobial peptides upon interaction with membranes. Copyright © 2005 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of lanthanum doping on the dielectric, piezoelectric properties and defect mechanism of PZN–PZT ceramics prepared by hot pressing
Authors: Zeng X. , Ding A. L. , Deng G. C. , Liu T. , Zheng X. S.
Published: June 2005

The structure and electrical properties of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.3(Zr0.55Ti0.45)0.7O3–xLa ceramics system by hot pressing with the composition near to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were investigated as a function of La doping content. PZN–PZT specimens shifted from rhombohedral phase towards tetragonal phase with increasing La doping. Dielectric spectroscopy showed that La doping decreased dielectric permittivity maximum remarkably, and increased the degree of diffuse phase transition (DPT) with lower ferroelectric phase transition temperature. The growth of 1:1 chemically ordered domains through La doping was considered the cause of the dielectric dispersion. The high piezoelectric coefficient, d33 (716 pC/N), and electromechanical coupling factor, kp (0.62) were obtained in spite of existence of the pyrochlore phase. Oxygen vacancy conduction was the dominant mechanism. La doping reduced the concentration of oxygen vacancies, thus increased the electrical resistivity. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of the diffusion length of gettered multicrystalline silicon using solar cells–cross‐sectional LBIC scan
Authors: Bouaïcha M. , Dimassi W. , Nouri H. , Bessaïs B. , Bennaceur R.
Published: June 2005

The effective bulk diffusion length (L) in multicrystalline silicon was evaluated using the light‐beam‐induced‐current (LBIC) technique using a geometrical configuration in which the front and back metallic contacts cover the entire front surfaces. The latter technique was performed on solar cells in cross section. We employed this particular configuration in order to evaluate the diffusion length independently of the recombination velocity at the front surface. For this purpose, we propose a new theoretical expression of the LBIC current. The diffusion length was found to be enhanced from 33 µm to 65 µm after gettering of undesired impurities from the bulk of the multicrystalline silicon. The gettering procedure used in this work is based on the formation of sacrificial porous silicon (PS) layers on both sides of the samples and heat treatments at different temperatures. This gettering method seems to concentrate some of the unwanted impurities close to the PS regions and to remove them by dissolving the PS layers. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Double‐peak‐structured photoluminescence mechanisms of porous silicon
Authors: Fang X. H. , Liao M. X. , Gu Y. , Wu X. L.
Published: June 2005

We have fabricated porous silicon films with photoluminescence (PL) peak wavelengths in the range of 560–710 nm. It was found that a double‐peak‐structured PL band frequently appears in such porous silicon films with central PL peak positions in the range of 590–660 nm. When their PL excitation spectra show a redshift with increasing monitored emission wavelength, these PL spectra generally have broader linewidths than those with PL peak positions beyond 590–660 nm. Based on the result of the self‐consistent effective‐mass calculation, we have attributed the two PL peaks in the double‐peak structure to band‐to‐band recombination in the quantum‐confined Si nanocrystals and optical transitions in the Si=O binding states at the surfaces of Si nanocrystals, respectively. This work improves the understanding of the double‐peak‐structured PL origin in porous silicon. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Band‐gap modification and tunable blue luminescence of wurtzite MgxZn1–xO thin films
Authors: Ogawa Yusuke , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: June 2005

We have demonstrated that sol–gel‐derived wurtzite‐type MgxZn1–xO films can exhibit reproducible blue emissions after heat treatments in a reducing atmosphere. Furthermore, the emission colors could be finely tuned by changing the Mg content x and band‐gap values. In contrast, the films showed orange emissions when they were heated in an oxidizing atmosphere. Our results then provided new insight into the mechanism of the visible emissions of ZnO. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical elastic properties of single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Alford J. T. , Landis B. A. , Mintmire J. W.
Published: June 2005

Carbon fiber nanotubes are a relatively new material with amazing physical and electrical properties. We report the results of the first‐principles calculations for the elastic properties of several single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with diameters of 4–17 Å. We show that the torsional and axial strain potential energy curves can be well described in terms of the experimental elastic constants of bulk graphite. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Determination of glufosfamide in rat plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Sun Yuming , Cao Xueqin , Jin Fengdan , Zhong Dafang
Published: June 2005

A sensitive and selective high‐performance analytical method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS) was developed for the quantification of glufosfamide in rat plasma. Zidovudine was employed as internal standard. Glufosfamide was determined after methanol‐mediated plasma protein precipitation using LC/MS/MS with an electrospray ionization interface in negative ion mode. Two sets of standard curves were developed, from 0.005 to 1.0 µg/mL and from 1.0 to 50.0 µg/mL. The assay was accurate (% deviations from nominal concentrations < 5%), precise and reproducible (intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation < 10%). Glufosfamide in rat plasma was stable over three freeze/thaw cycles, and at ambient temperatures, for at least 2 h. The validated method was successfully applied to the determination of glufosfamide plasma concentrations in rats for 24 h following an intravenous administration of 25 mg/kg. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of proteotypic peptide libraries for protein identification
Authors: Craig Robertson , Cortens John P. , Beavis Ronald C.
Published: June 2005

This paper describes an algorithm to apply proteotypic peptide sequence libraries to protein identifications performed using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Proteotypic peptides are those peptides in a protein sequence that are most likely to be confidently observed by current MS‐based proteomics methods. Libraries of proteotypic peptide sequences were compiled from the Global Proteome Machine Database for Homo sapiens and Saccharomyces cerevisiae model species proteomes. These libraries were used to scan through collections of tandem mass spectra to discover which proteins were represented by the data sets, followed by detailed analysis of the spectra with the full protein sequences corresponding to the discovered proteotypic peptides. This algorithm (Proteotypic Peptide Profiling, or P3) resulted in sequence‐to‐spectrum matches comparable to those obtained by conventional protein identification algorithms using only full protein sequences, with a 20‐fold reduction in the time required to perform the identification calculations. The proteotypic peptide libraries, the open source code for the implementation of the search algorithm and a website for using the software have been made freely available. Approximately 4% of the residues in the H. sapiens proteome were required in the proteotypic peptide library to successfully identify proteins. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Aun cluster probe in secondary ion mass spectrometry: influence of the projectile size and energy on the desorption/ionization rate from biomolecular solids
Authors: Novikov Alexey , Caroff Martine , Della‐Negra Serge , Depauw Joël , Fallavier Mireille , Le Beyec Yvon , Pautrat Michèle , Schultz J. Albert , Tempez Agnès , Woods Amina S.
Published: June 2005

A Au‐Si liquid metal ion source which produces Aun clusters over a large range of sizes was used to study the dependence of both the molecular ion desorption yield and the damage cross‐section on the size (n = 1 to 400) and on the kinetic energy (E = 10 to 500 keV) of the clusters used to bombard bioorganic surfaces. Three pure peptides with molecular masses between 750 and 1200 Da were used without matrix. [M+H]+ and [M+cation]+ ion emission yields were enhanced by as much as three orders of magnitude when bombarding with Au instead of monatomic Au+, yet very little damage was induced in the samples. A 100‐fold increase in the molecular ion yield was observed when the incident energy of Au was varied from 10 to 180 keV. Values of emission yields and damage cross‐sections are presented as a function of cluster size and energy. The possibility to adjust both cluster size and energy, depending on the application, makes the analysis of biomolecules by secondary ion mass spectrometry an extremely powerful and flexible technique, particularly when combined with orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry that then allows fast measurements using small primary ion beam currents. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The high‐mass component (>m/z 10 000) of coal tar pitch by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry and size‐exclusion chromatography
Authors: Millan Marcos , Morgan Trevor J. , Behrouzi Mahtab , Karaca Fatma , Galmes Carolina , Herod Alan A. , Kandiyoti Rafael
Published: June 2005

The size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) of acetone‐soluble, pyridine‐soluble and pyridine‐insoluble fractions of a coal tar pitch indicates a bimodal distribution in each fraction. The proportion of high‐mass material excluded from the SEC column porosity increases with solvent polarity. The polymer calibration of SEC shows the mass range of the small molecules to be from ∼100 u to ∼6000 u, with the mass range of the large excluded molecules above 200 000 u and up to several million u. In contrast, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) shows a similar low‐mass range of ion abundances (< m/z 6000), but with a smaller range of high‐mass ion abundances, from ∼m/z 10 000 to 100 000. The large molecules may have three‐dimensional structures to allow molecules of relatively low mass to behave as if they are of large size in SEC. Laser desorption mass spectrometry of the acetone‐ and pyridine‐soluble fractions produced molecular ions of polycyclic aromatics that can be related to the known compositions from gas chromatography (GC) mass spectrometry. The experimental conditions used to generate the bimodal distribution by MALDI‐MS involve reducing the ion signal intensities to avoid overload of the detector and enable detection of the high‐mass ions, by reducing the high‐mass detector voltage (i.e. sensitivity) and increasing the laser power. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry procedure for the quantification of adefovir in human plasma
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Dan , Zhu Lin , Zhong Dafang
Published: June 2005

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of adefovir as an anti‐hepatitis B virus drug, a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. After a simple protein precipitation using methanol, the post‐treatment samples were analyzed on a C18 column interfaced with a triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using positive electrospray ionization. A structural analogue, PMPA, was used as the internal standard. The method was linear in the concentration range 0.25–100 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 0.25 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviation over the entire concentration range was 5.7% or less. The accuracy determined at three concentrations (0.75, 10 and 80 ng/mL for adefovir) was within ±2.5% relative error. The method described here was successfully applied for the evaluation of pharmacokinetic profiles of adefovir after single oral administration doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg adefovir dipivoxil to ten healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning and memory after neonatal exposure to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) in rats: Interaction with exposure in adulthood
Authors: Cohen Martha A. , Skelton Matthew R. , Schaefer Tori L. , Gudelsky Gary A. , Vorhees Charles V. , Williams Michael T.
Published: June 2005

This study determined whether developmental and adult 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) exposures in rats have interactive effects on body temperature, learning, other behaviors, and monoamine concentrations in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum. Learning was assessed in the Cincinnati water maze (CWM), Morris water maze (MWM), and novel object recognition (NOR). On acquisition trials in the MWM, significant differences from developmental MDMA exposure were found on latency, cumulative distance, path length, and angle of first bearing to the goal, but the early and adult MDMA exposure group performed no worse than the developmental‐only MDMA group. In the reversal trials, however, an interaction was seen: latency to the goal, cumulative distance, and angle of first bearing were increased in animals treated both developmentally and in adulthood with MDMA compared with those treated only developmentally. Other tests (elevated zero maze, CWM, NOR, and open‐field activity) did not show an interaction, nor did hippocampal concentrations of serotonin or dopamine. However, several behavioral tests showed neonatal MDMA effects, including increased errors in the CWM, reduced time spent with a new object in the NOR test, and reduced locomotor activity in the open‐field. By contrast, adult MDMA decreased the number of entries into open quadrants of the elevated zero maze. Litter effects were controlled by treating litter as the experimental unit and using mixed models repeated measures analyses. Correlational analyses suggested that the MWM reversal interaction involves multiple monoamine changes. The results indicate that developmental MDMA exposure can interact with adult exposure to interfere with some aspects of learning. Synapse 57:148–159, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persistent upregulation of μ‐opioid, but not adenosine, receptors in brains of long‐term withdrawn escalating dose “binge” cocaine‐treated rats
Authors: Bailey Alexis , Gianotti Robert , Ho Ann , Kreek Mary Jeanne
Published: June 2005

There is evidence showing that the opioid and adenosine systems play an important role in cocaine addiction; fewer studies have examined their roles in cocaine withdrawal. To determine whether cocaine and/or chronic withdrawal from cocaine alters the specific components of the opioid and adenosine systems, we carried out quantitative autoradiographic mapping of μ‐opioid, A1 and A2A adenosine receptors in the brains of rats treated with an escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm and of rats chronically withdrawn from cocaine. Male Fischer rats were injected with saline or cocaine (15 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 20 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 25 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days and 30 × 3 mg/kg/day for 2 days) at 1‐h intervals for 14 days. Similarly treated rats were withdrawn from that paradigm for 14 days. A significant increase in [3H]DAMGO binding to μ‐receptors was detected in the frontal and cingulate cortex, as well as in the caudate putamen, of long‐term withdrawn rats after an escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm and in chronic cocaine‐treated rats. No significant cocaine‐induced change was found in A1 or A2A receptor binding in any region analyzed. These results reconfirm that μ‐opioid (MOP) receptors undergo upregulation in response to chronic escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration. This upregulation was shown for the first time to persist at least 14 days into withdrawal after escalating “binge” cocaine. Synapse 57:160–166, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced dopamine uptake in the striatum following repeatedrestraint stress
Authors: Copeland Benjamin J. , Neff Norton H. , Hadjiconstantinou Maria
Published: June 2005

In mice administered chronic stress—repeated overnight restraint stress for 7 days—there was a prolonged enhancement of dopamine (DA) uptake into synaptosomes. The mRNA for the DA transporter (DAT) was found to be concomitantly increased in the midbrain, as was the binding of the transporter ligand mazindol to DAT in the nucleus accumbens and caudate‐putamen. Kinetic analysis showed an increase in Vmax for DA, with little change in Km. No changes in tyrosine hydroxylase activity and tissue DA or 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) content were observed. However, homovanillic acid (HVA) was found to be increased in the striatum of the stressed animals. Enhanced DAT activity attributable to chronic stress was still observed in animals treated with the DA D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol or the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone. Modulation of DAT activity may be a physiological mechanism for regulating the concentration of DA that reaches receptors, following periods of stress. Synapse 57:167–174, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychometric Modeling of Response Speed and Accuracy with Mixed and Conditional Regression
Authors: Van Breukelen Gerard J. P.
Published: June 2005

Human performance in cognitive testing and experimental psychology is expressed in terms of response speed and accuracy. Data analysis is often limited to either speed or accuracy, and/or to crude summary measures like mean response time (RT) or the percentage correct responses. This paper proposes the use of mixed regression for the psychometric modeling of response speed and accuracy in testing and experiments. Mixed logistic regression of response accuracy extends logistic item response theory modeling to multidimensional models with covariates and interactions. Mixed linear regression of response time extends mixed ANOVA to unbalanced designs with covariates and heterogeneity of variance. Related to mixed regression is conditional regression, which requires no normality assumption, but is limited to unidimensional models. Mixed and conditional methods are both applied to an experimental study of mental rotation. Univariate and bivariate analyzes show how within-subject correlation between response and RT can be distinguished from between-subject correlation, and how latent traits can be detected, given careful item design or content analysis. It is concluded that both response and RT must be recorded in cognitive testing, and that mixed regression is a versatile method for analyzing test data.
Blood schizontocidal activity of azithromycin and its combination with α/β arteether against multi-drug resistantPlasmodium yoelii nigeriensis, a novel MDR parasite model for antimalarial screening
Authors: TRIPATHI R. , DHAWAN S. , DUTTA G. P.
Published: June 2005

Many different drug-resistant lines of rodent malaria are available as screening models. It is obligatory to screen new compounds for antimalarial activity against a series of resistant lines in order to identify a compound with potential for the treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) malaria infections. Instead of using a battery of resistant lines, a single MDRPlasmodium yoelii nigeriensisstrain that shows a wide spectrum of drug resistance to high doses of chloroquine, mepacrine, amodiaquine, mefloquine, quinine, quinidine, halofantrine as well as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolines and erythromycin, was used to assess the blood schizontocidal efficacy of a new macrolide azithromycin and other antibiotics. The present study shows that only azithromycin has the potential to control an MDRP. y. nigeriensisinfection in Swiss mice, provided the treatment with a dose of 50–100 mg/kg/day by oral route is continued for a period of 7 days. Tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycyline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, although activein vitro, failed to protect the mice. Tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin combinations with chloroquine did not control the infection. Additionally, the antimalarial efficacy of azithromycin can be potentiated with the addition of arteether, which is an ethyl ether derivative of artemisinin. A total (100%) curative effect has been obtained with a shorter regimen of 4 days only.
Note from the Editors
Authors: RINGEN CATHERINE , VIKNER STEN
Published: June 2005

This is the first issue of volume 28 of the Nordic Journal of Linguistics. The NJL is the journal of the Nordic Association of Linguists. Individuals may subscribe to the Nordic Journal of Linguistics by joining the Nordic Association of Linguists. The NAL membership form can be found on the Cambridge University Press web site of the NJL, , as well as on the NAL web site, .
How well can Norwegians identify their dialects?
Authors: Gooskens Charlotte
Published: June 2005

The aim of the present study is twofold. First, it addresses the question of how well Norwegians are able to identify Norwegian dialects. Second, it investigates the role which intonation plays in the identification of Norwegian dialects. In a number of listening experiments, 15 groups of young Norwegians from different parts of Norway were asked to identify 15 different dialects. The dialects were presented in the original form as well as in a version that was manipulated by computer in such a way that the intonation was removed. In this way it was possible to see how important intonation is for the identification of the dialects. The results are put into perspective by comparing them to results of similar experiments with Dutch dialects. Norwegians turned out to be less good at recognizing Norwegian dialects than Dutchmen. Linguistic and extra-linguistic explanations are given. Furthermore the results show that intonation is more important for the identification of Norwegian dialects than for the identification of Dutch dialects.
Lexical specification of tone in North Germanic
Authors: Lahiri Aditi , Wetterlin Allison , Jönsson-Steiner Elisabet
Published: June 2005

Accent 1 is very much accepted in the literature as the default tonal marker in Scandinavian languages. Consequently, stems and affixes are almost always specified for accent 2. Only rarely in some analyses is accent 1 specified for affixes, but never for stems. We believe that under these conditions, the resulting morphology/phonology interaction is rather complex, having to include special rules of accent marking, floating tones, deaccenting together with inexplicable exceptions. In our analysis of the tonal systems of Swedish and Norwegian, accent 1 is the lexically specified accent and accent 2 is postlexically assigned. Words and affixes may be lexically specified for accent 1, which inevitably dominates. Consequently, if a morphologically complex word includes a lexically specified affix or stem, the entire word will bear accent 1, giving us patterns of alternations like beskriva1, skriva2. This analysis enables us to account for all the facts almost exceptionlessly, with no special tonal rules, constraints or templates.
Verb-first constructions as a syntactic and functional resource in (spoken) Swedish
Authors: Lindström Jan , Karlsson Susanna
Published: June 2005

This paper explores different syntactic variations and functional properties of clausal units that are initiated by the finite verb in Swedish. We focus on V1 constructions that are basically declarative in function, thus excluding interrogative, conditional and directive uses. Because V1 constructions, and particularly certain variants of them, are typical of spoken Swedish, our examples and analyses focus primarily on the usage in speaking. The V1 constructions studied include whole-utterance constructions in conversational sequences, utterance-internal extensions, and utterance-internal reshapings, such as syntactic blends. We will offer an analysis of (declarative) V1 constructions, which in some respects differs from analyses proposed by generative syntacticians or traditional grammarians. Our analysis of the constructional resource is discourse oriented. In this perspective, V1 constructions are analyzable as sequentially dependent, second, or ‘subsequent’ moves, viz. units that can scarcely initiate a communicative project but which instead continue, extend or comment on an already initiated project. Thus, rather than analyzing V1 constructions as one type of ellipsis they could be seen as full-fledged clausal units whose existence is conditioned by their position in a discourse or utterance context. From a theoretical perspective, this paper is a contribution to an emerging dialogical or interactional model of (Swedish) grammar.
Modeling collective learning in design
Authors: WU ZHICHAO , DUFFY ALEX H.B.
Published: June 2005

In this paper, a model of collective learning in design is developed in the context of team design. It explains that a team design activity uses input knowledge, environmental information, and design goals to produce output knowledge. A collective learning activity uses input knowledge from different agents and produces learned knowledge with the process of knowledge acquisition and transformation between different agents, which may be triggered by learning goals and rationale triggers. Different forms of collective learning were observed with respect to agent interactions, goal(s) of learning, and involvement of an agent. Three types of links between team design and collective learning were identified, namely teleological, rationale, and epistemic. Hypotheses of collective learning are made based upon existing theories and models in design and learning, which were tested using a protocol analysis approach. The model of collective learning in design is derived from the test results. The proposed model can be used as a basis to develop agent-based learning systems in design. In the future, collective learning between design teams, the links between collective learning and creativity, and computational support for collective learning can be investigated.
Learning while designing
Authors: NATH GOURABMOY , GERO JOHN S.
Published: June 2005

This paper describes how a computational system for designing can
learn useful, reusable, generalized search strategy rules from its own
experience of designing. It can then apply this experience to transform
the design process from search based (knowledge lean) to knowledge based
(knowledge rich). The domain of application is the design of spatial
layouts for architectural design. The processes of designing and learning
are tightly coupled.
An approach to the analysis of design concepts using the rough set
theory
Authors: ALISANTOSO D. , KHOO L.P. , LEE I.B.H.
Published: June 2005

This paper describes an approach to the analysis of design concepts
(DCs) using the rough set theory. The proposed approach attempts to
extract design knowledge from past designs, and used the knowledge
obtained to perform DC–capability mapping in a dynamic design
evolution environment. The mapping enables designers to estimate the
feasibility of a DC to meet stipulated design specifications. The proposed
approach encompasses two algorithms, namely, the dissimilar objects
algorithm and the attribute decomposition algorithm, to deal with an
information system with unavailable information and multidecision
attributes, respectively. The details of these algorithms are presented. A
case study on the design of vacuum cleaners is used to illustrate the
capability of the proposed approach.
Wagner's last chorus: Consecrating space and spectatorship in Parsifal
Authors: MINOR RYAN
Published: June 2005

In Opera and Drama Richard Wagner promised to abolish the opera chorus. Although the chorus's continued appearance in Wagner's later works seems to belie this pledge, this essay argues that Wagner symbolically made good on his promise in his treatment of the knights in Parsifal. For most of the drama, the knights serve as active, even demanding, participants. Yet as the work closes, the knights simply join the off-stage treble voices to reflect on the action. Their reverent spectatorship now parallels that of the intended audience of Bayreuth itself, the theatrical space that Parsifal– Wagner's Bühnenweihfestspiel– was written to consecrate. This dramaturgical transformation is matched by a musical one, in which the intense chromaticism marking much of the knights' earlier music is abandoned for a mediated yet insistent diatonicism far removed from the chromatic space of the principals. By eliminating the chorus from the active sphere of the drama, Wagner counteracted a Nietzschean ideal of communal authorship ‘from below’ that had previously dominated German theorising of the chorus.
Training to be a Barrister: the Bar Vocational Course
Authors: Clinch Peter
Published: June 2005

Peter Clinch, Information Specialist – Law, Cardiff University describes the nature of the BVC and the important role played by law librarians in the training of young barristers.
Introducing Quizzes and Discussion Boards on the Bar Vocational Course
Authors: Chapman Michael
Published: June 2005

Michael Chapman, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Inns of Court School of Law, writes about how the BVC is delivered to over 500 full-time students each year, using state of the art technology and e-learning methods which are a far cry from traditional teaching methods. This article is a companion to Peter Clinch's article on the BVC which also appears in this issue.
Implementing the Freedom Of Information Act in the Inland Revenue
Authors: Wyer Michelle
Published: June 2005

Michelle Wyer, who works in the Information Resources team of the Inland Revenue, describes the current and future structure of the Department and explains how the system for complying with requests for information under the new Act has been set up and how staff have been educated in its use.
Early Experiences of Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act: a View from the Wales Office of the Information Commissioner
Authors: Jones Anne
Published: June 2005

Anne Jones, Assistant Commissioner for Wales, reports on how the Act has been implemented in Wales, discusses some of the issues that have arisen as a result, and outlines the Information Commissioner's approach to its regulation.
The Use of Acrobat PDF for Documents
Authors: Williams Tim
Published: June 2005

Tim Williams explains that the use of modern digital data formats such as Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) and the Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) enables the on-line searching and publishing of data held in data repositories where the ownership rights over the intellectual property are controlled. Understanding the security and quality of the content of the documents emanating from such data repositories is vital for good business strategies to be defined. As the larger publishers move increasingly towards global trading, they will control and distribute their assets globally via the internet.
Digital Identifiers: Neutral Connectivity across Legal and Official Information
Authors: Naylor Andrea
Published: June 2005

Andrea Naylor supplies an explanation behind the row of figures which the sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed now appear above each article in the Journal.
Long- and Short-Term Risk Factors in the Prediction of Inpatient Suicide
Authors: Cassells Clare , Paterson Brodie , Dowding Dawn , Morrison Rhona
Published: June 2005

Abstract. The prediction of suicide remains a major challenge for health care professionals in inpatient settings. A clearer identification of factors specific to inpatient suicide is required to improve both practice and research within this area. This paper provides an overview of the inpatient suicide literature to date focusing on two particularly salient themes: Long term and short term prediction of suicide. Since the concept of short-term suicide risk dominates clinical practice, issues in relation to dynamic risk factors are emphasized.
Preliminary Findings of Noncompliance with Psychotropic Medication and Prevalence of Methamphetamine Intoxication Associated with Suicide Completion
Authors: Callor William B. , Petersen Everett , Gray Douglas , Grey Todd , Lamoreaux Terry , Bennett Pamela J.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. Objective: A study of medical examiner records from suicide completers was designed to identify potential precipitating factors in the decision to commit suicide. Methods: Forensic data has been collected for a subset of suicide victims in Utah who completed suicide between 1996 and 2002. Results: Youth suicide completers appear to be undiagnosed for mental illness, or to be noncompliant with psychotropic medications. Along with treatment issues, alcohol and methamphetamine were the most common substances found in the blood and/or urine of suicide completers. Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis of mental illness, and improved compliance with psychotropic medications may play a critical role in suicide prevention. The prevalence of methamphetamine in suicide completers is unexpectedly high and requires further investigation.
Socioeconomic Change and Suicide
Authors: Lucey Siobhán , Corcoran Paul , Keeley Helen S , Brophy Justin , Arensman Ella , Perry Ivan J
Published: June 2005

Abstract. This ecological study examined the association between seven socioeconomic indicators (GDP, unemployment rate, female labor force participation rate, alcohol expenditure, marriage rate, percentage of births outside of marriage, and indictable crime rate) and total, male, and female rates of suicide and suicide plus undetermined death in Ireland during the period 1968-2000. Analysis of the data expressed as absolute values showed highly significant associations between the socioeconomic indicators and the total, male, and female suicide rates. However, these associations were explained by the strongly trended data. The trended nature of the data was removed by using year-to-year differences. Analysis of the first-differenced data showed that none of the socioeconomic indicators was associated with the total, male, or female suicide rates with the exception of indictable crime, which had a significant independent effect on the female suicide rate (coefficient = 2.0, p < .01) but not on suicide plus undetermined death. This study highlights the need to use econometric methods in time-trend analyses, the lack of age-sex specific exposure data in this area, and the challenge of understanding trends in suicide in their socioeconomic context.