bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dystroglycan is involved in laminin‐1‐stimulated motility of Müller glial cells: Combined velocity and directionality analysis
Authors: Méhes Elöd , Czirók András , Hegedüs Balázs , Szabó Bálint , Vicsek Tamás , Satz Jakob , Campbell Kevin , Jancsik Veronika
Published: December 2004

We investigate the role of dystroglycan, a major laminin‐1 receptor and central member of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex, in the laminin‐1 induced motility of cultured Müller glial cells. Binding of laminin‐1 to dystroglycan was prevented by IIH6, a function‐blocking monoclonal antibody against α‐dystroglycan. As an alternative means of inhibition, we used heparin to mask the dystroglycan binding site of the laminin‐1, known to overlap with heparin binding sites. Cell motility was characterized in a two‐dimensional motility assay based on computer‐controlled videomicroscopy and statistical analysis of cellular trajectories. We obtained data on both the cell velocity and the diffusion index, a measure of direction‐changing frequency. Both means of inhibition of dystroglycan function led to a significant decrease in the ability of laminin‐1 to stimulate cell migration. At the same time, dystroglycan function does not appear to be involved in laminin‐1‐dependent increase in process dynamism and direction‐changing activity. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glial glutamate transporter expression patterns in brains from multiple mammalian species
Authors: Williams Susan M. , Sullivan Robert K.P. , Scott Heather L. , Finkelstein David I. , Colditz Paul B. , Lingwood Barbara E. , Dodd Peter R. , Pow David V.
Published: December 2004

It is generally assumed that rodent brains can be used as representative models of neurochemical function in other species, such as humans. We have compared the distributions of the predominant glial glutamate transporters in rodents, rabbits, cats, pigs, monkeys, and humans. We identify similarities but also significant differences between species. GLT‐1v, which is abundantly expressed by rodent astrocytes, is expressed only in a rare subset of astrocytes of cats and humans, and appears to be absent from brains of rabbits and monkeys. Conversely, in the pig brain GLT‐1v is expressed only by oligodendrocytes. GLAST and GLT‐1α expression differed significantly between species; while rodents and rabbits exhibited uniform expression patterns in cortex, higher species, including cats, pigs, monkeys, and humans, exhibited heterogeneities in cortical and hippocampal expression. Patches devoid of labeling intermingling with patches of strong labeling were evident in areas such as temporal cortex and frontal cortex. In addition, we noted that in human motor cortex, there were inconsistencies in labeling for the C‐terminal of GLT‐1α and common domains of GLT‐1, suggesting that the C‐terminal region may be missing or that an unidentified splicing is present in many human astrocytes. Collectively our data suggest that assumptions as to the roles of glutamate transporters in any species may need to be tested empirically. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family history of cancer and the risk of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Negri Eva , Pelucchi Claudio , Talamini Renato , Montella Maurizio , Gallus Silvano , Bosetti Cristina , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: December 2004

We analysed the relation between family history of cancer in first‐degree relatives and risk of prostate cancer (PC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using data from a multicentric case‐control study conducted in Italy from 1991 to 2002 on 1,294 cases of incident, histologically confirmed PC, 1,369 cases of BPH and 1,451 men admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, nonneoplastic conditions. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of PC and BPH, adjusted for age and other confounders. Men with a family history of PC had an OR of PC of 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5–6.5), and the risk was higher when the proband was younger, when 2 or more relatives were affected or when the affected relative was a brother. The risk of PC was also increased in men with a family history of cancer of the ovary (OR = 6.2, 95% CI 1.2–32), bladder (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.6–7.4) and kidney (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–8.5). An involvement of breast/ovarian cancer predisposition genes in a small proportion of PCs was suggested by the cluster of these cancers in female relatives of a few PC cases. The risk of BPH was increased in men with a family history of bladder cancer (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–5.0) but not PC (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.7–2.2). Our study adds further information on the association of family history of cancer and risk of PC and is, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive epidemiologic information on family history of cancer and risk of BPH. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence for a link between silica dust and esophageal cancer
Authors: Yu Ignatius Tak Sun , Tse Lap Ah , Wong Tze Wai , Leung Chi Chiu , Tam Cheuk Ming , Chan Alan CK
Published: December 2004

Our objective was to examine the relationship between silicosis and esophageal cancer in Hong Kong. The mortality of esophageal cancer was investigated among caisson and non‐caisson workers in a cohort of 2,789 male silicotic workers in Hong Kong during the period 1981–99. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated using the Hong Kong general population rates as reference. The indirect method proposed by Axelson was used to adjust for the confounding effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. The SMR of esophageal cancer in the entire cohort was 2.22 (95% CI 1.36–3.43, based on 20 deaths) and was 4.21 (95% CI 1.81–8.30, based on 8 deaths) in the subgroup of caisson workers who had a higher exposure to silica dust. The relative risk of esophageal cancer for caisson silicotics was reduced to 2.34 after adjusting for the effects of smoking and alcohol drinking. No more excess risk of esophageal cancer was observed among non‐caisson silicotic workers after the adjustments. This historical cohort study revealed that there was an increased mortality risk of esophageal cancer among silicotics who had worked in underground caissons in Hong Kong after adjusting for cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. We believe that the excess risk of esophageal cancer mortality among caisson workers with silicosis could best be explained by the very heavy exposure to free silica dust in their working environment. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NBS1 657del5 mutation may contribute only to a limited fraction of breast cancer cases in Russia
Authors: Buslov Konstantin G. , Iyevleva Aglaya G. , Chekmariova Elena V. , Suspitsin Evgeny N. , Togo Alexandr V. , Kuligina Ekatherina Sh. , Sokolenko Anna P. , Matsko Dmitry E. , Turkevich Elena A. , Lazareva Yulia R. , Chagunava Oleg L. , Bit‐Sava Elena M. , Semiglazov Vladimir F. , Devilee Peter , Cornelisse Cees , Hanson Kaido P. , Imyanitov Evgeny N.
Published: December 2004

The gene for Nijmegen chromosomal breakage syndrome (NBS1) plays a role in a variety of processes protecting chromosomal stability. Recently, it was suggested in a Polish case‐control study that the founder hypomorphic mutation in NBS1, 657del5, which occurs in approximately 0.5% of Slavic subjects, may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (BC). We attempted to validate these findings in Russian subjects, who are also of Slavic descent. Heterozygous carriers for the 657del5 mutation were detected in 2 of 173 (1.16%) bilateral breast cancer cases, 5 of 700 (0.71%) unilateral breast cancer patients, 2 of 348 (0.57%) healthy middle‐aged females and in 0 of 344 elderly tumor‐free women. The difference between the “extreme” cohorts, i.e., biBC patients vs. elderly controls, approached the formal limit of statistic significance (p = 0.046). LOH at NBS1 was detected in only 3 of 5 available breast tumors from NBS1 657del5‐carriers. In 2 of these tumors, the loss involved the mutant NBS1‐allele. Overall, our data suggest that the NBS1 657del5 allele may contribute only to a limited fraction of breast cancer cases in Russia. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53‐R175H mutant gains new function in regulation of doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Tsang Wing‐pui , Ho Franz Y.F. , Fung Kwok‐pui , Kong Siu‐kai , Kwok Tim‐tak
Published: December 2004

Mutation of tumor suppressor p53 gene gains new function in regulation of DNA damage‐induced apoptotic response in tumor cells, which may lead to a poor response in cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Transfection of mutant p53 (R175H) to p53‐null osteosarcoma Saos‐2 cells suppressed apoptosis induced by doxorubicin (DOX), cisplatin and gamma radiation. Downregulation of caspase‐3 but not ‐8 or ‐9 basal protein levels was also observed in Saos‐2 cells transfected with p53‐R175H. After 48 hr of DOX treatment, the rate of procasapse‐3 activation into 17 kDa active form was about 3‐fold higher in the control cells than that in the p53‐R175H counterpart. Gene silencing of p53‐R175H expression by p53 siRNA upregulate the procaspase‐3 protein level and restored DOX‐induced apoptosis in p53‐R175H cells. Our results suggest that p53‐R175H mutation may gain new function in decreasing DOX‐induced apoptotic response through suppression of caspase‐3 level and its activation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminin–apatite composite coating to enhance cell adhesion to ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer
Authors: Oyane Ayako , Uchida Masaki , Ito Atsuo
Published: December 2004

A laminin–apatite composite layer with enhanced cell adhesive properties was successfully formed on the surface of an ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) by a liquid phase coating process. The coating process was carried out with the following procedure. First, an EVOH plate was alternately dipped in 200 mM calcium and 200 mM phosphate solutions to introduce nuclei or precursors of apatite to its surface. Second, the surface‐modified EVOH was immersed in a calcium phosphate solution, which was supersaturated with respect to apatite and containing laminin. As a result of this procedure, a laminin–apatite composite layer with a thickness of 2.5–3.0 μm was formed on the EVOH surface. Epithelial‐like cells (BSCC93) adhered to the laminin–apatite composite layer showed enhanced cell spreading, which was due to the biological effect of laminin. The number of cells adhered to the laminin–apatite composite layer on EVOH was approximately 10 times as large as that adhered to the surface of the untreated, laminin‐adsorbed, or apatite‐coated EVOH. Therefore, this type of composite material consisting of a synthetic polymer, apatite, and laminin has great potential as a skin terminal, with improved adhesiveness to skin tissue, as well as good biocompatibility. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 168–174, 2005
In vitro evaluation of antibiotic release from and bacteria growth inhibition by antibiotic‐loaded acrylic bone cement spacers
Authors: Anagnostakos Konstantinos , Kelm Jens , Regitz Thilo , Schmitt Eduard , Jung Werner
Published: December 2004

The antibiotic release from and the bacteria growth inhibition by antibiotic‐loaded acrylic bone cement hip spacers were studied. The cement used was Palacos R, and it was loaded with either one antibiotic powder (gentamicin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, or synercid) [monoantibiotic case] or two antibiotic powders (gentamicin + vancomycin or gentamicin + teicoplanin) [biantibiotic case] and then tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic elution and bacteria growth were measured every 24 h simultaneously by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and photometrically, respectively. The gentamicin + vancomycin combination achieved the longest growth inhibition on S. epidermidis and MRSA (mean of 20 and 14 days, respectively). Gentamicin + teicoplanin–loaded spacers were capable of inhibiting growth on E. faecalis and S. aureus for the longest period (11 and 16 days, respectively). The highest concentrations of gentamicin and vancomycin could be assayed during the first 4 days. Teicoplanin concentrations could be detected only during the first 72 h, synercid was not detected at all, possibly because of the limitation of the detection technique used. A greater percentage of the gentamicin was released than of the vancomycin. The aminoglycosid–glycopeptid combination showed a synergistic effect on the release of gentamicin, but not on vancomycin or teicoplanin. Biantibiotic‐impregnated hip spacers proved to be superior to monoantibiotic ones. Because of important differences between the conditions used for the present tests and the in vivo environment, any recommendation with regard to the use of monoantibiotic‐ and biantibiotic‐loaded acrylic bone cement spacers must await the results of further investigations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 72B: 373–378, 2005
Late or emergency (salvage) cerclage of a dilated cervix after tissue support with Pelvicol™ implant: A case
Authors: Tsapanos Vassilios S. , Decavalas George O. , Adonakis George L. , Kourounis George S.
Published: December 2004

Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a late or emergency (salvage) cerclage after tissue reinforcement with Pelvicol™ natural implant, in preventing premature rupture of the fetal membranes and advancing pregnancy prolongation. A flat sheet of Pelvicol™, a sterile acellular natural (porcine) implant was used in an emergency cerclage to reinforce the thin tissues of a widely dilated cervix in a 24weeks' twin gestation with prolapsed unruptured membranes, without contractions, placental abruption, or intrauterine infection. The gestation was extended to 38 weeks without any complications. Two live healthy newborns were delivered by elective cesarean section due to a nonvertex/vertex presentation. The implant was found to be attached almost unaltered firmly on the outer surface of the membrane sac just opposite to the internal os. It seems that Pelvicol™ is safe and apparently protects by clothing the thinned, soft, and weak wall of a significantly dilated uterine cervix and the bulging or protruding gestational membranes. It also reinforces and strengthens the tissue thickness and resistance, rendering more accurate and safe the otherwise delicate and risky late cerclage. The technique gives hopes that it can help in pregnancy prolongation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 72B: 368–372, 2005
Source terms in Eulerian–Lagrangian contaminant transport simulation
Authors: Croucher Adrian E. , O'Sullivan Michael J.
Published: December 2004

Standard Eulerian treatment of source terms in Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical simulations results in poor performance at higher Courant numbers. To regain the customary high accuracy of Eulerian–Lagrangian methods under these conditions, a Lagrangian treatment of source terms is needed. It is also important to include the effects of fluid sources as well as contaminant sources. A new Lagrangian source formulation is presented, which has been implemented in a finite element simulator for contaminant transport in rivers and estuaries. Test problems demonstrate the high accuracy of the technique under a range of conditions, and its applicability to general multi‐dimensional problems and unstructured grids. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite element solution of acoustic propagation in rigid porous media
Authors: Bermúdez A. , Ferrín J. L. , Prieto A.
Published: December 2004

This paper deals with the acoustical behaviour of a rigid porous material. A finite element method to compute both the response to an harmonic excitation and the free vibrations of a three‐dimensional finite multilayer system consisting of a free fluid and a rigid porous material is considered. The finite element used is the lowest order face element introduced by Raviart and Thomas, that eliminates the spurious or circulation modes with no physical meaning. For the porous medium a Darcy's like model and the Allard–Champoux model are taken into account. The numerical results show that the finite element method allows us to compute the response curve for the coupled system and the complex eigenfrequencies. Some of them have a small imaginary part but there are also overdamped modes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A micromechanical model for single‐crystal shape‐memory‐alloys
Authors: Bartel Thorsten , Hackl Klaus
Published: December 2004

This work is dealing with solid to solid phase transformations in shape‐memory‐alloys and the simulation of the corresponding characteristic phenomena, e.g. pseudoelasticity and the shape‐memory‐effect. In particular it focuses on the micromechanical behaviour of the material and the appearance of microstructures. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Eine algebraische und geometrische Mehrgitterstrategie für heterogene Materialien mit homogenisierungsbasierten Transferoperatoren
Authors: Bayreuther C. G. , Miehe C.
Published: December 2004

Mehrgitterverfahren eignen sich ideal zur Lösung großer dünnbesetzter Gleichungssysteme, wie sie bei FE‐Diskretisierungen komplexer Randwertprobleme auftreten können. Im Kontext heterogener Materialien wird eine Vorgehensweise vorgeschlagen, in der Zugänge der materialtheoretischen Mehrskalenbildung und Mehrgittermethoden zusammengeführt werden. Das neue Mehrgitterkonzept hat sowohl algebraische als auch geometrische Grundstruktur. Die Effizienz des neuen Konzepts wird am Beispiel des geometrischen Mehrgitters anhand repräsentativer Modellprobleme mit bekannten Verfahren verglichen. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Zur Erfassung der transversalen Normalspannungen in Schalen
Authors: Fiolka M. , Matzenmiller A.
Published: December 2004

Für ein Schalenelement der oberflächenorientierten Schalentheorie werden die Versteifungseffekte durch Kombination der Assumed Strain Methode und der Enhanced Assumed Strain Methode beseitigt. Die Multidirektorkinematik ermöglicht die genaue Erfassung der transversalen Normalspannungen in Schalen unter äußeren Querlasten. Das Element eignet sich zur Beschreibung dünnwandiger Faserverbundstrukturen und ist für grosse Rotationen und kleine Verzerrungen entwickelt worden. Anhand von zwei Beispielen wird das Elementverhalten demonstriert. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Different weak FE‐formulations for 2‐D frictionless Large Deformation Contact based on the Mortar Method
Authors: Fischer Kathrin A. , Wriggers Peter
Published: December 2004

The application of the mortar method in contact mechanics is motivated by the limited use of well known elements, for example the node‐to‐segment (NTS) element, see [1]. The NTS element contains a strong projection of the displacements from one contacting body to the next. Coupling of this element type with higher order shape functions leads to a loss of accuracy of contact stresses. In contrast to this, the mortar element has the advantage of a weak projection. Therefore, consistent coupling with continuum elements of higher order is possible. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical integrators for constrained dynamics of geometrically exact beams
Authors: Leyendecker S. , Betsch P. , Steinmann P.
Published: December 2004

The finite element formulation for nonlinear beams in terms of directors, providing a framework for the objective description of their dynamics, is considered. Geometrically exact beams are analyzed as Hamiltonian systems subject to holonomic constraints with a Hamiltonian being invariant under the action of SO(3). The formulation of the Hamiltonian systems in terms of the invariants of SO(3) is perfectly suited for a temporal discretization which leads to energy‐momentum conserving integration. In this connection the influence of alternative procedures for the treatment of the constraints is investigated for the example of a beam with concentrated masses. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A numerical approach for the simulation of ductile fracture with embedded discontinuities
Authors: Löblein Joachim , Schröder Jörg
Published: December 2004

In the present study, a computational approach for the numerical simulation of ductile fracture within the framework of the finite element method is proposed. In the developed macroscopic formulation, the inelastic behavior in the bulk of the material is described by the finite elasto‐plastic material model proposed in [4]. The failure process is modeled by introducing discontinuities when a special local fracture criterion is satisfied. The discontinuities are incorporated via special triangular finite elements with embedded interfaces following the line of [2]. Finally, the numerical procedure is evaluated for a twodimensional representative test problem. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation of the sinus floor elevation
Authors: Rues Stefan , Lenz Jürgen , Schierle Hannes P. , Schindler Hans J. , Schweizerhof Karl
Published: December 2004

In order to anchor implants in the severely atrophic maxilla, the method of sinus floor elevation has been introduced about ten years ago. For this purpose the bony support is extended into the sinus floor by filling it up with bone graft. It was not clear yet which degree of maturation the augmented bone must reach to distinctly reduce stress peaks in the bony structures. The results of this FE‐study show that it seems to be essential for the bone graft to attain at least the stiffness of cancellous bone. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Schwingungsformwechsel bei Regen‐Wind induzierten Schwingungen
Authors: Seidel Christian , Dinkler Dieter
Published: December 2004

Das Phänomen der Regen‐Wind induzierten Schwingungen ist durch zwei unterschiedliche kritische Windgeschwindigkeitsbereiche gekennzeichnet, in denen die Schwingungen auftreten können. Bei dem Übergang von den Schwingungen im niederen Windgeschwindigkeitsbereich zu den Schwingungen im höheren Windgeschwindigkeitsbereich kommt es zu einem Wechsel der Schwingungsform, dessen mögliche strömungsmechanische Ursachen hier gezeigt werden. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polyimides derived from novel asymmetric ether diamine
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Lin Ke‐Han
Published: December 2004

A new aromatic asymmetrical ether diamine, 5‐(4‐aminophenoxy)‐1‐naphthylamine, was synthesized through the nucleophilic displacement of 4‐chloronitrobenzene with the potassium phenolate of 5‐amino‐1‐naphthol in dimethylformamide, followed by hydrazine palladium‐catalyzed reduction. A series of novel aromatic polyimides containing asymmetrical diaryl ether segments were prepared from the diamine with various aromatic dianhydrides via a conventional two‐step thermal or chemical imidization method. The poly(amic acid) precursors had inherent viscosities of 1.21–1.99 dL/g, and all of them could be cast and thermally converted into transparent, flexible, and tough polyimide films. The polyimides derived from less stiff dianhydrides generally displayed higher solubility. The glass‐transition temperatures of these polyimides were recorded between 307 and 336 °C by differential scanning calorimetry, and the softening temperatures of the polymer films were 299–344 °C according to thermomechanical analysis. The polyimides showed insignificant decomposition before 520 °C in air or nitrogen. For a comparative study, two series of analogous polyimides based on symmetrical diamines such as 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene and 1,5‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)naphthalene were also prepared and characterized. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 331–341, 2005
Anisotropic mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers in situ reinforced with thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polymer fibers revealed by biaxial deformations
Authors: Saikrasun S. , Bualek‐Limcharoen S. , Kohjiya S. , Urayama K.
Published: December 2004

The anisotropic mechanical properties of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in situ reinforced with thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polymer (TLCP) fibers were investigated by uniaxial, strip‐biaxial, and equibiaxial tensile measurements. The in situ composite sheets were prepared from an immiscible blend of a TLCP, Rodrun LC3000, and a TPE, styrene‐(ethylene butylene)‐styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer, by a melt extrusion process. The uniaxial orientation of the TLCP fibers in the TPE matrix generated during processing yielded a significant mechanical anisotropy in the composites. The biaxial tensile measurements clearly demonstrated the anisotropic mechanical properties of the composites: The modulus in the direction parallel to the machine direction (MD) was considerably higher than that in the transverse direction (TD), even at large deformations; in equibiaxial stretching, the yield strain in the MD was smaller than that in the TD; the composite containing 10 wt % of TLCP exhibited the highest mechanical anisotropy among the composites, with 0–30 wt % TLCP. The latter result was in accord with the SEM observation that the composite with 10 wt % of TLCP possessed the best fibrillar morphology and the highest degree of uniaxial orientation of the TLCP fibers. The yield strains in uni‐ and biaxial elongation for the composite containing 10 wt % of TLCP were almost the same as those for the neat styrene‐ethylene butylene‐styrene. The TLCP phase with good fibrillation did not appreciably alter the original yielding characteristics of the elastomer matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 135–144, 2005
Topological phase transitions in Calabi‐Yau compactifications of M‐theory
Authors: Saueressig F.
Published: December 2004

In this thesis we construct five‐dimensional gauged supergravity actions which describe flop and conifold transitions in M‐theory compactified on Calabi‐Yau threefolds. While the vector multiplet sector is determined exactly, we use the Wolf spaces $X(1+N) = {{U(1+N,2)}\over{U(1+N) \times U(2)}}$ to model the universal hypermultiplet together with N charged hypermultiplets corresponding to winding states of M2‐branes. After specifying the hypermultiplet sector the actions are uniquely determined by M‐theory. As an application we consider five‐dimensional Kasner cosmologies. Including the dynamics of the winding modes, we find smooth cosmological solutions which undergo flop and conifold transitions. Instead of the usual runaway behavior the scalar fields of these solutions generically stabilize in the transition region where they oscillate around the transition locus. The scalar potential thereby induces short episodes of accelerated expansion in the space‐time.
A study of the processing characteristics and mechanical properties of multiple recycled rigid PVC
Authors: Ditta A. S. , Wilkinson A. J. , McNally G. M. , Murphy W. R.
Published: December 2004

This study focuses on the ability of U‐PVC to be processed a number of times. Three different types of U‐PVC were investigated: virgin lead‐stabilized material; virgin calcium/zinc‐stabilized material; and reground, 20‐year‐old, post‐consumer windows. Each material was extruded four times, without any addition of any stabilizers. Samples were taken at each stage for rheological and mechanical analysis. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:174–178, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Aryl phosphate ester fire‐retardant additive for low‐smoke vinyl applications
Authors: Moy Paul
Published: December 2004

Additives that act as flame retardants can contribute significantly to smoke generation because they decrease the efficiency of the fuel source and, as a result, create a sooty combustion. Work on a new phosphate ester material has shown interesting results and synergies that complement both flame retardancy and low smoke generation in flexible vinyl compositions. This new proprietary aryl phosphate was examined in both neat and blended systems and compared to other typical phosphate ester fire‐retardant (FR) compounds for vinyl. Additionally, the flammability and smoke effects were measured with and without other common vinyl FR additives (zinc borate and ammonium octamolybdate). J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:187–192, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Ceroid, lipofuscin and the ceroid‐lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)
Authors: Jolly R. D. , Dalefield R. R. , Palmer D. N.
Published: December 2004

Conclusion

The similar histochemical, fluorescent and ultrastructural appearance of some lipofuscins and the pigment of Batten disease imply some underlying common chemical feature. The similar chloroform—methanol solubility of the protein subunit c in Batten disease and the specific proteins accumulated in thyroid lipofuscin imply that disordered or delayed catabolism of hydrophobic protein may be that common feature.
Refined assignment of the infantile neuronal ceroid‐lipofuscinosis (INCL) locus at 1p32 and the current status of prenatal and carrier diagnostics
Authors: Hellsten E. , Vesa J. , Järvelä I. , Mäkelä T. P. , Santavuori P. , Peltonen L.
Published: December 2004

Conclusions

The refined assignment of the INCL locus and the observed strong linkage disequilibrium with one highly informative tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism at 1p32 has created reliable tools for DNA‐based prenatal and carrier diagnosis of INCL in the majority of the families. The observed tendency for homozygosity of one rare allele in Finnish INCL patients suggests a very close physical distance to the INCL gene and provides an excellent starting point for the molecular cloning of the gene. Identification of the gene defect causing this fatal brain disease will reveal the molecular pathogenesis of the disease but also will provide new information of a factor essential for normal postnatal development of cortical neurons.
Refined genetic mapping of juvenile‐onset neuronal ceroid‐lipofuscinosis on chromosome 16
Authors: Mitchison H. M. , Williams R. E. , McKay T. R. , Callen D. F. , Thompson A. D. , Mulley J. C. , Stallings R. L. , Hildebrand C. E. , Moyzis R. K. , Järvelä I. , Peltonen L. , Haines J. , Sutherland G. R. , Gardiner R. M.
Published: December 2004

Conclusion

We propose that the most likely location for CLN3 is within the interval between loci D16S297 and D16S57 on the proximal portion of the short arm of chromosome 16. The position of the CLN3 gene could be further refined by the use of new polymorphic markers isolated within this interval.

We have preliminary data indicating strong linkage disequilibrium with the disease for two markers, D16S298 and D16S299, and we find no recombination between these loci in the CEPH pedigrees (Thompson, Callen, Mitchison and Gardiner, unpublished). We therefore have a good indication that within our expected interval CLN3 is within close proximity of the locus D16S298/299.
Lactic acidosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in two children with peroxisomal disorders
Authors: Holmes R. D. , Moore K. H. , Ofenstein J. P. , Tsatsos P. , Kiechle F. L.
Published: December 2004

Mitochondrial myopathies and defects in oxidative phosphorylation have been described in some patients with peroxisomal disorders. Although peroxisomes and mitochondria play a role in the β‐oxidation of fatty acids, the metabolic interactions between the two are not well defined. Defects in peroxisomal β‐oxidation are associated with extracellular accumulation of very long‐chain fatty acids and may be accompanied by alterations in the intracellular pool of fatty acyl‐CoAs, which are known to alter mitochondrial function. This study was initiated to examine alterations in the intracellular pool of acyl‐CoAs and mitochondrial function in two children with generalized disorders of peroxisomal function and clinical lactic/pyruvic acidaemia. Fibroblasts were cultured from skin biopsies obtained from one child with neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (NALD) and another with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP). Fibroblast lactate oxidation was significantly inhibited in NALD by 76% and RCDP by 92% compared to control values of 1.9±0.1 nmol/min per mg protein. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) (mean±SEM; activity nmol/min per mg protein) was: NALD 0.55±0.02 (p<0.01), RCDP 0.44±0.02 (p<0.01), and controls 0.83±0.02. The acid‐insoluble (long‐chain and very long‐chain) acyl‐CoA levels (mean±SEM; pmol/mg protein) were: NALD 129±69 (p<0.01), RCDP 65±15 (p<0.05), and control 45±7. These two patients with generalized peroxisomal disorders exhibited an increase in intracellular acyl‐CoA species accompanied by decreased PDH activity and clinical lactic/pyruvic acidaemia.
The deficient degradation of synthetic 2‐ and 3‐methyl‐branched fatty acids in fibroblasts from patients with peroxisomal disorders
Authors: Van Veldhoven P. P. , Huang S. , Eyssen H. J. , Mannaerts G. P.
Published: December 2004

The oxidation of pristanic and phytanic acids by human skin fibroblasts was compared to that of their synthetic analogues, 2‐methylpalmitic and 3‐methylmargaric acids. The synthetic compounds and natural substrates were degraded at comparable rates in control and X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy fibroblasts. The α‐decarboxylation of 3‐methylmargaric acid, similarly to that of phytanic acid, was affected in Refsum disease and Zellweger syndrome, but not in X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The β‐oxidation of 2‐methylpalmitic acid, similarly to that of pristanic acid, was deficient in fibroblasts derived from patients suffering from Zellweger syndrome, confirming the importance of peroxisomes in the breakdown of 2‐methyl‐branched fatty acids. No deficiency was observed in fibroblasts from X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients. The 1‐14C‐labelled 2‐ and 3‐methyl‐branched fatty acids, which are easier to synthesize that the natural analogues, are therefore valuable tools for the diagnosis of human peroxisomal disorders.
Cerebral metabolic change after treatment in biotinidase deficiency
Authors: Lott I. T. , Lottenberg S. , Nyhan W. L. , Buchsbaum M. J.
Published: December 2004

A 13.5‐year‐old boy with biotinidase deficiency was studied 8 days before and 5 months after biotin treatment by positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized electroencephalographic topography (CET). With biotin treatment there was a marked improvement in the presenting symptom of loss of visual acuity and a more modest recovery in spastic quadraparesis. By PET scanning, the relative metabolic rate for glucose was more than 2 standard deviations lower in the temporal and occipital cortices than in adult or age‐matched controls. With biotin treatment, these values rose to normal limits for both control groups. By CET, normalized EEG equivalent to the relative glucose metabolic rate showed asymmetric slowing in the left temporal and frontal regions before treatment, whereas none of the 32 leads exceeded normal limits of delta, theta, alpha or beta after treatment. These results suggest a strong correlation between clinical, metabolic and electrical measures of brain function as related to biotin treatment in biotinidase deficiency.
Decreased blood coagulation activities in carbohydrate‐deficient glycoprotein syndrome
Authors: Okamoto N. , Wada Y. , Kobayashi M. , Otani K. , Tagawa T. , Futagi Y. , Imayoshi Y. , Hayashi A. , Shimizu A. , Kato Y.
Published: December 2004

The carbohydrate‐deficient glycoprotein (CDG) syndromes are a newly recognized group of inherited metabolic diseases. We report a Japanese brother and sister with a CDG syndrome. Both patients showed decreased activities of blood coagulation Factor XI and of the coagulation inhibitor protein C. In one of them there was also a somewhat decreased activity of Factor IX and of antithrombin III. Isoelectric focusing of antithrombin III revealed a decrease of negatively charged fractions and an increase of more cathodal bands. Furthermore, there was a discrepancy between activity and antigen level of Factor VIII and protein C. The patients had an incidental deficiency of factor XII. This is the first detailed report on blood coagulation systems in the CDG syndromes. These blood coagulation abnormalities may explain at least in part the thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications of the CDG syndromes.
Osteoporosis in lysinuric protein intolerance
Authors: Parto K. , Penttinen R. , Paronen I. , Pelliniemi L. , Simell O.
Published: December 2004

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by defective transport of cationic amino acids. Patients have an increased incidence of fractures and their skeletal radiographs show osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to characterize the osteopenia in LPI.

Twenty‐nine Finnish LPI patients (age range 3.7–44.4 years) were screened for parameters of bone metabolism. Morphometric analysis of bone was carried out in specimens of 9 patients. Collagen synthesis was studied with cultured skin fibroblasts (4 patients) and collagen fibril sizes (3 patients) were measured using electron microscopy.

Most histological bone specimens (8/9) showed osteoporosis. Osteomalacia was excluded. Routine clinical laboratory tests were unrevealing. The concentrations of free hydroxyproline and type III procollagen N‐propeptide in serum and the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline were increased in almost all patients during their growth and in about half of adult patients. Collagen synthesis in LPI fibroblast cultures was significantly decreased compared with that in age‐matched controls at 5 (p<0.01), 14 (p<0.01) and still at 30 years (p<0.01), whereas no difference was observed at the age of 44 years (p=N.S.).

Osteoporosis in LPI might reflect defective matrix protein synthesis caused by protein deprivation and deficiency of cationic amino acids. Increased collagen turnover can also contribute to the osteoporosis.
Decreased hyperammonaemia and orotic aciduria due to inactivation of ornithine aminotransferase in mice with a hereditary abnormal ornithine carbamoyltransferase
Authors: Seiler N. , Grauffel C. , Daune‐Anglard G. , Sarhan S. , Knödgen B.
Published: December 2004

Mice with the X‐chromosomal sparse‐fur (spf) mutation are an animal model of some hereditary deficiencies of ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT) in man. Orotic aciduria and hyperammonaemia are the most conspicuous metabolic changes in these diseases. Selective inactivation of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) by 5‐fluoromethylornithine raises endogenous ornithine concentrations so that citrulline formation is effectively catalysed by the aberrant OCT, in spite of its low affinity for ornithine. As a consequence, blood and tissue ammonia concentrations and orotic acid excretion are reduced near to normal values, and the abnormal amino acid patterns in blood, brain and liver are normalized. Selective inactivation of OAT seems a promising therapeutic approach in some hereditary OCT deficiencies, and a tool that may allow us to clarify the role of ammonia and orotic acid in the development of nanism and abnormal behaviour in spf mutant mice.
Pre‐ and postnatal diagnosis of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency using enzyme and metabolite assays
Authors: Gibson K. M. , Baumann C. , Ogier H. , Rossier E. , Vollmer B. , Jakobs C.
Published: December 2004

We Report our cumulative experience for the prenatal diagnosis of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency in seven ‘at‐risk’ pregnancies from four unrelated families. Prenatal diagnosis was performed by determination of 4‐hydroxybutyric acid (4‐HBA) concentration in amniotic fluid using isotope‐dilution gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in conjunction with assay of SSADH activity in biopsied chorionic villus and/or cultured amniocytes. In three of four pregnancies predicted as affected, confirmation was obtained by demonstration of deficient SSADH activity in fetal tissues. Our results suggest that determination of 4‐HBA concentration in amniotic fluid combined with enzyme determination in cultured or biopsied tissue represents a reliable method for the prenatal diagnosis of SSADH deficiency.
Identification of the stereoisomeric configurations of methylcitric acid produced bysi‐citrate synthase and methylcitrate synthase using capillary gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: van Rooyen J. P. G. , Mienie L. J. , Erasmus E. , de Wet W. J. , Ketting D. , Duran M. , Wadman S. K.
Published: December 2004

The absolute separation of the four stereoisomeric configurations of methylcitric acid can be achieved on a nonchiral stationary phase SE30 capillary column using the correspondingO‐acetylated (tri‐(−)‐2‐butyl ester derivatives. Identification of the separated isomers was done using methylcitric acid produced bysi‐citrate synthase and methylcitrate synthase ofCandida lipolitica. si‐Citrate synthase produces the (2S,3S)‐, (2S,3R)‐ and a small amount of the (2R,3S)‐isomers. Methylcitrate synthase produces the (2R,3S)‐isomer, indicating that this enzyme is more stereospecific than the animal citrate synthase enzyme. The (2R,3R)‐isomer may act as an inhibitor of aconitase.
Greatlakean Substage: A Replacement for Valderan Substage in the Lake Michigan Basin
Authors: Evenson Edward B. , Farrand William R. , Eschman Donald F. , Mickelson David M. , Maher Louis J.
Published: December 2004

New evidence from recent field and seismic investigations in the Lake Michigan basin and in the type areas of the Valders, Two Creeks and Two Rivers deposits necessitates revision of late-glacial ice-front positions, rock- and time-stratigraphic nomenclature and climatic interpretations and deglaciation patterns for the period ca. 14,000–7,000 radiocarbon years B.P. The previously reported and long accepted pattern of deglaciation for the Lake Michigan basin started with a regular retreat from the Lake Border Morainic System, with a minor oscillation marked by the Port Huron moraine(s) and then an extensive Twocreekan deglaciation followed by a major (320 km) post-Twocreekan advance (Valders). However, we now record a major retreat between the times of the Lake Border and Port Huron moraines, followed by a gradual retreat from the Port Huron limit and interrupted by a minor standstill (deposition of Manitowoc Till), a retreat (Twocreekan) and a readvance (Two Rivers Till). No Woodfordian or younger readvance was as extensive as had been the preceding one. This sequence argues for a normal, climatically controlled, progressive deglaciation rather than one interrupted by a major post-Twocreekan (formerly Valderan) surge. This revision appears finally to harmonize the geologic evidence and the palynological record for the Great Lakes region. Our investigations show that Valders Till from which the Valderan Substage was named is late-Woodfordian in age. We propose the term “Greatlakean” as a replacement for the now misleading time-stratigraphic term “Valderan”. The type section and the definition of the upper and lower boundaries of the Greatlakean Substage remain the same as those originally proposed for the Valderan Substage but the name is changed.
Comparison of the Quaternary Stratigraphy of the Alps and Rocky Mountains ,
Authors: Richmond Gerald M.
Published: December 2004

Comparison of the glacial and periglacial deposits and soils of the Alps and Rocky Mountains suggests the following correlations. The Donau, Günz, and Mindel are correlated with the Washakie Point (Nebraskan), Cedar Ridge (Kansan), and Sacagawea Ridge (Illinoian). These glaciations are separated and followed by interglacials represented by thick deeply weathered soils, the last being the Mindel/Riss, or Sacagawea Ridge/Bull Lake (Sangamon). The Riss I (Paar) and Riss II (type Riss) Glaciations are correlated with the early and late advances of the Bull Lake Glaciation (early Altonian), and are believed to be different glaciations separated and followed by short interglacials represented by soils of intermediate development at these latitudes. The Alt-Würm period of restricted ice in the Alps is represented only by local unnamed deposits in the Rocky Mountains. In the Alps, at least three interstadial soils occur between the Riss/Würm soil and the oldest Main Würm end moraine. These coincide in time respectively with the beginning and end of the Port Talbot II interstadial and with Plum Point interstadial. The three major end moraines of the Main Würm are correlated with three or locally more end moraines of the early and middle stades of the Pinedale (Woodfordian). Moraines of the late stade of the Pinedale are equivalent to the late glacial and early postglacial moraines of post-Würm but pre-Atlantic age in the Alps.

K-Ar dating and tephrochronology in the Rockies suggest that the Washakie Point ended about 1.2 m.y. B.P., the Cedar Ridge about 700,000 B.P., the Sacagawea Ridge about 180,000 B.P., the last great interglacial about 130,000 B.P., and the interglacial separating early and late Bull Lake about 80,000 B.P. Radiocarbon dates from the Alps suggest that the Riss/Würm was about 70,000–60,000 B.P., and that Alt-Würm interstadials occurred at >50,000, 45,000–40,000, 34,000–32,000, and 28,000 B.P. Radiocarbon dates from rock shelter deposits in France indicate minor interstadials in the Main Würm at 21,000–20,000 B.P. and about 17,000 B.P. Both the Main Würm and Pinedale ended about 11,800 B.P.
Climatic Change and Early Population Dynamics in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Irwin-Williams Cynthia , Haynes C. Vance
Published: December 2004

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the pattern of early human occupation of the Southwestern United States was strongly influenced by the major paleoclimatic events of the period 9500 B.C. to A.D. 700. The size of human populations and the distribution of human settlement at both the regional-topographic and large-scale areal level, known from archaeological research, are directly correlated to climatic change documented by the evidence of geology and palynology.

The effect of climatic change is felt through the actions and reactions of the economic subsystem and its linkages with other subsystems. These reactions reflect not only the character of the climatic stimulus but also the existing state of the cultural system. Alternate reactions include direct systemic readaptation to the changed environment (through changed technologies, methods of population control, etc.); or small scale or large scale relocation of populations in different local niches, regions, or areas whose character most closely approximates the conditions to which the cultural system was initially adapted.
Paleosols and the Forest Border in Keewatin, N.W.T.
Authors: Sorenson Curtis J. , Knox James C. , Larsen James A. , Bryson Reid A.
Published: December 2004

The morphology of paleosols and radiocarbon-dated charcoal from buried surface horizons of soils provide evidence to suggest that between periods of northward forest encroachment tundra climate has dominated areas at least 50 km south of the present forest/tundra border in southwest Keewatin. The present forest/tundra border climate is nearly as severe as any climate that has prevailed in the area since deglaciation.
Potential of Opal Phytoliths for use in Paleoecological Reconstruction
Authors: Rovner Irwin
Published: December 2004

Opal phytoliths, inorganic biogenetic plant particles of microscopic size, were investigated to determine the level at which their varied morphology is taxonomically significant. Extraction methods for the isolation of these particles from living plants and from soils were developed to provide maximum preservation of morphological features while remaining simple, rapid, and inexpensive. Extracts were made and microscopically viewed from 30 live specimens, of which 16 were systematically typed in order to develop taxonomic guidelines for their identification in soils. Clear taxonomic differentiation was noted between and within major plant groups with considerable indication that more detailed investigation will yield finer subdivisions. Since opal phytoliths are reported to be a particularly durable fossil found in deposits as far back as Tertiary Age, it appears that opal phytolith analysis can provide paleobotanical information comparable to palynological data in many areas where pollen is absent. When used in conjunction with pollen where present, they should serve to confirm pollen data as well as provide additional botanical data not available in pollen studies.