bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conductivity and characterization of polyurea electrolytes with carboxylic acid
Authors: Lee Shao‐Ming , Chen Chuh‐Yung , Wang Cheng‐Chien
Published: November 2003

Polyurea, which was synthesized from 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, Jeffamine‐ED2001 (weight‐average molecular weight: 2000), and 3,5‐diaminobanzoic acid (DABA) were doped with lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) as the polyelectrolyte. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and 7Li magic‐angle spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR were used to monitor changes in the morphology of polyurea electrolytes corresponding to the concentration of LiClO4 dopants. DSC showed the glass‐transition temperature of the hard and soft segments increases with salt concentration. FTIR indicated the carboxylic group of DABA coordinates with the Li+ ion, and the ordered hydrogen‐bonded urea carbonyl groups are destroyed when the salt concentration exceeds 0.5 mmole of LiClO4 (gPUrea)−1. The 7Li MAS solid‐state NMR investigation of the polyurea electrolytes revealed the presence of two Li+ environments at lower temperature. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the conductivity behavior followed the Arrhenius equation, and the maximum conductivity occurred when the crystalline structure of polyurea was disrupted. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 4007–4016, 2003
Synthesis and properties of functional aliphatic polycarbonates
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Lan , Zhou Yu , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: November 2003

Two, functional, cyclic carbonate monomers, 5‐methyl‐5‐methoxycarbonyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one and 5‐methyl‐5‐ethoxy carbonyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one, were synthesized starting from 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid. The ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic carbonate monomers in bulk with stannous 2‐ethylhexanoate as a catalyst under different conditions was examined. The results showed that the yield and molecular weight of polycarbonates were significantly influenced by the reaction conditions. The polycarbonates obtained were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry. Their molecular weight was measured by gel permeation chromatography. The in vitro biodegradation and controlled drug‐release properties of the polycarbonates were also investigated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 4001–4006, 2003
Impact of HIV on childhood respiratory illness: Differences between developing and developed countries
Authors: Graham S.M.
Published: November 2003

The main differences of the impact of HIV on childhood respiratory illness between developed and developing countries, and particularly some countries in Africa, are the scale of the problem and the lack of resources to address problems of prevention, diagnosis, and management. Recent data from HIV‐infected African children are reviewed and show that the pattern of respiratory disease in these children is not markedly different to the pattern that was reported from the USA and Europe prior to the use of antiretroviral therapy and routine Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis for HIV‐exposed infants. Bacterial pneumonia is very common in all age groups. PCP and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are especially common in infants, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) is common in older children. One difference is that pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is relatively more common in HIV‐infected African children. This is likely to reflect the higher prevalence of smear‐positive PTB in the region and therefore of exposure/infection compared to developed countries. Autopsy studies have provided a lot of useful data, but more prospective clinical and intervention studies from different parts of the region are needed in order to improve clinical diagnosis and management. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:462–468. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acinar arterial changes with chronic lung disease of prematurity in the surfactant era
Authors: Thibeault Donald W. , Truog William E. , Ekekezie Ikechukwu I.
Published: November 2003

Because echocardiographic studies on infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) suggest that pulmonary hypertension (PH) may contribute to its severity, we studied acinar arterial walls in the following surfactant‐era infants: controls (n = 38): 22–41 weeks of gestational age (GA), exposed briefly to oxygen and positive pressure ventilation, died within 48 hr of birth; prolonged rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) (n = 17); and SCORE (integrated area under curve of average daily FiO2 × average daily MAP) groups (<20, 20–69, and 70–500; mild, moderate, and severe clinical lung disease, respectively, n = 35): 23–30 weeks GA, lived 7–79 days. Lungs were stained for elastic tissue and smooth muscle actin. Vessels were assessed for percent of vessel circumference with smooth muscle, extent of elastic laminae in the walls, and percent arterial wall thickness (%AWT) at three levels: terminal to respiratory bronchiole transition (TRB), alveolar duct, and saccule. At the alveolar ductal and saccular levels, percent arterial wall thickness (%AWT) in mild CLD (SCORE < 20) was less than controls (P < 0.05) and those with more severe CLD (SCORE 70–500), indicating that normal postnatal arterial wall thinning may be delayed, or there is remodeling associated with increased %AWT. Severe CLD infants also had a significantly higher percent of circumferential actin than those with milder disease (SCORE ≤ 69) and controls. In moderate and severe CLD, there was an increase in extent of the elastic laminae compared to controls and mild CLD. These changes were also significantly greater in PROM and PPHN infants compared to even severe CLD. We conclude that PH is a real possibility in severe CLD infants after discharge at 36 weeks. Grading the severity of CLD at discharge, and echocardiographic studies, may guide subsequent oxygen therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:482–489. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body‐mass index as a predictor of incident asthma in a prospective cohort of children
Authors: Gold Diane R. , Damokosh Andrew I. , Dockery Douglas W. , Berkey Catherine S.
Published: November 2003

An epidemic rise in asthma has occurred concurrently with a rise in overweight among United States children, but it is unclear whether body weight affects the risk of incident childhood asthma. We studied the prospective relation of body‐mass index (BMI) to incident asthma in a longitudinal study of 9,828 children aged 6–14 years, examined annually over a median follow‐up time of 5 years in six US cities. An increased risk of a new asthma diagnosis in girls was associated with higher BMI at entry into the study (P = 0.009) and greater increase in BMI during follow‐up (P = 0.0003). Compared with girls in the leanest quintile of BMI at entry (age taken into account), girls in the top quintile of adiposity had 2.2 times greater risk of incident asthma with any wheeze in subsequent years. Girls with the largest annual rate of increase in BMI (top compared to bottom quintile, age taken into account) had 1.5 times the risk of asthma with any wheeze, and 2.2 times the risk of asthma with persistent wheeze. Boys with the largest and smallest annual changes in BMI also had an increased risk of asthma. For girls, overweight contributes to development of asthma. For boys and girls, extremes of annual BMI growth rates increase the risk of asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:514–521. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeatability of bronchial responsiveness to mannitol dry powder in children with asthma
Authors: Barben Juerg , Roberts Mary , Chew Nora , Carlin John B. , Robertson Colin F.
Published: November 2003

Our objective was to determine the repeatability of bronchial responsiveness to mannitol dry powder (MDP) as an objective marker of asthma in children. MDP challenge was performed in children with stable asthma at the same time of the day on two separate occasions within a week. The test was terminated after a 15% fall of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and the provocative dose to produce a 15% fall in FEV1 (PD15) were calculated. Seventeen children (aged 9–16 years) on inhaled corticosteroids (200–1,500 mcg) were studied. Mean baseline FEV1 before the challenges were 95% (81–119) and 96% (74–121), respectively, with a standard deviation of differences of 5.2%. PD15 values ranged from 7–387 mg, with a geometric mean of 38 mg for the first and 49 mg for the second test. Of the 17, all but two pairs of tests achieved a PD15 within one dose of capsules. Four children had a negative challenge on two occasions. A high relative reliability was reflected by a concordance coefficient of 0.86. In conclusion, MDP is a convenient challenge which is easy to administer and is well‐tolerated by children. It is a highly reproducible test of airway responsiveness in children with moderate to severe persistent asthma on inhaled corticosteroids within 7 days under laboratory conditions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:490–494. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of respiratory timing and cheek support on resistance measurements, before and after bronchodilation in asthmatic children using the interrupter technique
Authors: Hadjikoumi Irene , Hassan Akbar , Milner Anthony D.
Published: November 2003

The interrupter technique (Rint) is a noninvasive method for assessing respiratory resistance. The aims of this study were to assess whether upper airway support affects the measurement of Rint, if inspiratory or expiratory Rint were most reproducible, and which method of assessing Rint correlated best with spirometry results and was the most sensitive for identifying bronchodilator response. Twenty‐four asthmatic children with a mean age of 10.3 years (range, 7–16 years) were included in the study. Rint measurements were obtained in inspiration and expiration with cheeks supported and unsupported. Spirometry was then performed. Rint and spirometry measurements were repeated after the inhalation of 600 mcg of salbutamol. The mean Rint supported inspiratory (0.708 KPa/l/sec) and expiratory (0.729 KPa/l/sec) values were significantly higher than the unsupported values (inspiratory, 0.622 KPa/l/sec; expiratory, 0.584 KPa/l/sec), P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively. The reproducibility of Rint was not different whether cheeks were supported or not, or whether the measurements were carried out during inspiration or expiration. Cheek support improved the correlation with all the lung function results, both in inspiratory and expiratory measurements. The best correlations, however, were found for the inspiratory supported Rint results. The most sensitive method to ascertain bronchodilator response (BD) was the inspiratory supported Rint measurement, as 83.3% of children were identified as having a positive response to bronchodilator therapy as defined by a reduction of twice the coefficient of variation of the measurement. In conclusion, cheek support increases Rint but does not impact on reproducibility, though it improves the correlation with spirometric indices. Rint with cheek support on inspiration correlates best with spirometric indices and appears to be the most sensitive measure of response to bronchodilators. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:495–501. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute respiratory distress associated with external jugular vein catheterization in the newborn
Authors: Bitar Fadi F. , Obeid Mounir , Dabbous Ibrahim , Hayek Paula , Akel Samir , Mroueh Salman
Published: November 2003

We report on the acute onset of respiratory distress secondary to fluid accumulation in the chest within hours of placement of an external jugular venous line in a newborn. External jugular venous catheterization in the newborn is a procedure with potentially serious complications, and should be avoided unless the patient is monitored closely. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:549–550. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noninvasive ventilatory strategies in the management of a newborn infant and three children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Tibballs James , Henning Robert D.
Published: November 2003

Four children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) treated with noninvasive techniques of ventilation are presented. Two infants (one in the newborn period) were treated with nasal mask bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and then both were transitioned to negative pressure chamber ventilation at several years of age because of possible midface hypoplasia. Tracheostomies were not performed. Two older children were transitioned from mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy to nasal mask BiPAP, and then in one case to negative pressure chamber ventilation, and in the other to phrenic nerve pacing. Their tracheostomies were removed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:544–548. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life in adolescents with mild asthma
Authors: Hallstrand Teal S. , Curtis J. Randall , Aitken Moira L. , Sullivan Sean D.
Published: November 2003

The majority of individuals with asthma have mild disease, often in conjunction with allergic rhinitis and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Although health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) is reduced in moderate to severe asthma and allergic rhinitis, little is known about the effect of mild asthma, mild allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mild asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL. A cross‐sectional study was conducted of 160 adolescent athletes participating in a screening program to detect EIB. Generic HRQoL was assessed with the teen version of the pediatric quality‐of‐life inventory (PedsQL™). Prior diagnoses of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB, and current symptoms of dyspnea during exercise and asthma, were recorded. Lung function and the presence of EIB were determined by spirometry before and after an exercise challenge test. Adolescent athletes with a prior physician diagnosis of asthma had a lower HRQoL scale summary score (P < 0.01) and lower physical functioning, emotional functioning, and school functioning domain scores (P values, 0.01–0.02) in comparison to adolescent athletes with no prior diagnosis of these disorders. Athletes with a prior diagnosis of asthma reported dyspnea during exercise more frequently than did those without asthma (P < 0.001). Adolescent athletes with dyspnea during exercise had a lower scale summary score, and lower physical functioning, general well‐being, and emotional functioning domain scores (P values, 0.02–0.03). These data show that mild asthma and dyspnea without asthma significantly affect HRQoL. Symptoms of dyspnea during exercise are common in asthma and are associated with lower HRQoL. The clinical significance of these differences in HRQoL is unclear. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:536–543. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a software tool to improve performance of packaging operations through short interval scheduling
Authors: Ramírez‐Valdivia Martha T. , Christian Peter H. , Frederick Patricia , Aksoy Burcin , Zimmers Emory W.
Published: November 2003

A manufacturer of precision extruded aluminum parts needed to improve productivity and scheduling in its packaging department. Because of the non‐standard, irregular nature of the department's work, this market leader chose short interval scheduling (SIS) as the solution. However, in order for SIS to be effective, the company needed to create labour and material standards for the packaging process. Personnel from the Enterprise Systems Center (ESC) at Lehigh University collaborated with the company and, using a standard methodology for process analysis and change, created those standards. Information derived from the implementation of those standards permitted ESC personnel to develop a decision support tool that could more accurately calculate the cost of the packaging and shipping operation. This tool also provided the information necessary to effectively implement SIS. The theory of SIS is described, along with a brief summary of the pertinent literature. The current system is analysed and the desired performance improvements are identified. The development of the decision support tool, the results achieved through its usage, and final conclusions are reviewed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is x‐height a better indicator of legibility than type size for drug labels?
Authors: Bix Laura , Lockhart Hugh , Selke Susan , Cardoso Fernando , Olejnik Michele
Published: November 2003

In 1999 the US Food and Drug Administration published a regulation in an attempt to ensure the legibility of OTC drugs, specifying, among other things, a minimum type size of 6 points. This is problematic because different typefaces of the same size vary widely in type heights and, presumably, legibility. We hypothesized that specifying a minimum x‐height, the height of the lowercase x, would produce more consistent legibility than the minimum type size specified within the regulation.

Twenty‐six subjects viewed two groups of typefaces using the Lockhart Legibility Instrument to quantify legibility. The first group contained typefaces that were all 6 points, but, by nature of their design, varied greatly in their x‐heights. The second group was made from the same set of typefaces, but these were manipulated so that their x‐heights were equal to the average x‐height of group 1. A likelihood ratio test indicated that the group that varied in x‐height, group 1, produced significantly more variable results than the group with equal x‐heights, group 2. This indicates that specifying a minimum type size may not be the best approach for producing consistent legibility. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and quality of plastic food contact materials. Optimization of extraction time and extraction yield, based on arithmetic rules derived from mathematical description of diffusion. Application to control strategies
Authors: Scholler D. , Vergnaud J. M. , Bouquant J. , Vergallen H. , Feigenbaum A.
Published: November 2003

Migration of packaging constituents into food may raise concerns about food safety. This paper describes the conclusions of a EU research project (AIR 941025), aiming to facilitate the introduction of migration control into good manufacturing practice and into enforcement policies. The first part describes a re‐evaluation of analytical approaches to extract and identify potential migrants released by plastic materials, viz. comparison of analytical methods, choice of extraction solvents and of fat simulants. Here we focus on the extraction time needed to achieve a given extraction yield. By correlating these parameters with simple and practical equations, it is possible to design alternative tests for control of compliance of packaging plastics. Using a reference experiment (where there is good agreement between experimental and calculated kinetic curves), it is possible to calculate the percentage of extraction which can be achieved in a given time, or the time necessary to reach a target extraction level for other polymer/solvent combinations. A global control scheme is proposed, which indicates whether and when calculation and testing should be applied. Guidelines are proposed, and can be adapted to both industrial control and to enforcement laboratories. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speeding up the FMMR perfect sampling algorithm: A case study revisited
Authors: Dobrow Robert P. , Fill James Allen
Published: November 2003

In a previous paper by the second author, two Markov chain Monte Carlo perfect sampling algorithms—one called coupling from the past (CFTP) and the other (FMMR) based on rejection sampling—are compared using as a case study the move‐to‐front (MTF) self‐organizing list chain. Here we revisit that case study and, in particular, exploit the dependence of FMMR on the user‐chosen initial state. We give a stochastic monotonicity result for the running time of FMMR applied to MTF and thus identify the initial state that gives the stochastically smallest running time; by contrast, the initial state used in the previous study gives the stochastically largest running time. By changing from worst choice to best choice of initial state we achieve remarkable speedup of FMMR for MTF; for example, we reduce the running time (as measured in Markov chain steps) from exponential in the length n of the list nearly down to n when the items in the list are requested according to a geometric distribution. For this same example, the running time for CFTP grows exponentially in n. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2003
Properly colored subgraphs and rainbow subgraphs in edge‐colorings with local constraints
Authors: Alon Noga , Jiang Tao , Miller Zevi , Pritikin Dan
Published: November 2003

We consider a canonical Ramsey type problem. An edge‐coloring of a graph is called m‐good if each color appears at most m times at each vertex. Fixing a graph G and a positive integer m, let f(m, G) denote the smallest n such that every m‐good edge‐coloring of Kn yields a properly edge‐colored copy of G, and let g(m, G) denote the smallest n such that every m‐good edge‐coloring of Kn yields a rainbow copy of G. We give bounds on f(m, G) and g(m, G). For complete graphs G = Kt, we have c1mt2/ln t ≤ f(m, Kt) ≤ c2mt2, and cmt3/ln t ≤ g(m, Kt) ≤ cmt3/ln t, where c1, c2, c, c are absolute constants. We also give bounds on f(m, G) and g(m, G) for general graphs G in terms of degrees in G. In particular, we show that for fixed m and d, and all sufficiently large n compared to m and d, f(m, G) = n for all graphs G with n vertices and maximum degree at most d. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2003
Tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture attenuates amphetamine‐induced displacement of [11C]raclopride in striatum in vivo: A rat PET study
Authors: Le Masurier Marisa , Houston Gavin , Cowen Philip , Grasby Paul , Sharp Trevor , Hume Susan
Published: November 2003

Previous neurochemical and behavioural studies show that tyrosine depletion using a nutritionally balanced tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture attenuates the dopamine‐releasing and psychostimulant properties of amphetamine. Here we investigate the effect of a tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture on striatal binding of [11C]raclopride, and amphetamine‐induced [11C]raclopride displacement, using positron emission tomography in the rat. Rats were scanned for 60 min after an i.v. injection of ∼11 MBq [11C]raclopride using a quad‐HIDAC system. Amphetamine (2 mg/kg i.p., 30 min prior to scan) caused a 12% reduction in [11C]raclopride distribution volume ratio (DVR) compared to saline‐injected controls. The tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture (1 g/kg i.p.) caused a small (+7%) but statistically insignificant increase in [11C]raclopride DVR and attenuated, although it did not fully block, the amphetamine‐induced reduction. These data are in keeping with previous neurochemical, immunocytochemical, and behavioural studies showing that tyrosine‐free amino acid mixtures reduce dopamine function and offer promise for future PET studies testing the effect of tyrosine‐depleting paradigms on dopamine release in humans. Synapse 51:151–157, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catechol‐o‐methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) mRNAs in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression
Authors: Tunbridge Elizabeth , Burnet Philip W.J. , Sodhi Monsheel S. , Harrison Paul J.
Published: November 2003

Catechol‐o‐methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) may both be susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. As part of the evaluation of their roles in psychosis, we used reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction to measure COMT and PRODH mRNAs in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and normal controls (n = 15 subjects in each group). We also genotyped two common COMT polymorphisms (–287A/G and 158Val/Met) which might affect its expression. Neither COMT nor PRODH mRNA abundance differed between diagnostic groups, nor when controls were compared with all psychotic patients. COMT mRNA levels were unrelated to COMT genotypes. We conclude that any involvement of COMT and PRODH genes in schizophrenia is not accompanied by significant alterations in their overall mRNA expression, at least in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. As COMT and PRODH are both located on chromosome 22q11, the results also argue against the hypothesis that schizophrenia is associated with a decrease in expression of all 22q11 genes, as had been suggested by the high prevalence of psychosis in people with hemizygous 22q11 deletions. Synapse 51:112–118, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5‐ht5B Receptor mRNA in the raphe nuclei: Coexpression with serotonin transporter
Authors: Serrats Jordi , Raurich Andreu , Vilaró M. Teresa , Mengod Guadalupe , Cortés Roser
Published: November 2003

We used double‐label in situ hybridization to examine the cellular localization of 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA in relation to serotonin transporter mRNA in the rat dorsal raphe (DR) and central superior nucleus (CS, median raphe nucleus). 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA hybridization signal was often found on serotonin transporter mRNA‐positive neuron profiles. The degree of cellular colocalization of these mRNAs notably varied among the different regions of the raphe nuclei. In the DR, cell bodies showing 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA expression were abundant in the medial portions of the nucleus, all of them being also labeled for serotonin transporter mRNA. In contrast, in the ventrolateral regions (lateral wings) of the DR, we observed serotonin transporter mRNA‐positive cells, but they were devoid of 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA signal. In the CS, the level of coexpression of 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA with serotonin transporter mRNA was high in the intermediate portions of the nucleus; however, we were unable to detect specific 5‐ht5B receptor mRNA hybridization signal in its caudal extent. Our results support the presence of 5‐ht5B receptor in serotonergic neurons in the DR and CS, suggesting an autoreceptor role for this receptor subtype. Synapse 51:102–111, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms underlying the effects of amphetamine on particulate PKC activity
Authors: Giambalvo Cecilia T.
Published: November 2003

Amphetamine stimulates particulate protein kinase C (PKC) activity that is associated with the outward‐transport of dopamine (DA) (Giambalvo [2003] Synapse 49:125–133). This stimulatory effect requires intracellular calcium ([Ca]i) and endogenous DA and when DA release is diminished, the inward‐transport of amphetamine inhibits PKC activity. This study examines the mechanisms involved. It was found that synaptoneurosomes incubated with amphetamine showed a dose‐dependent increase in phospholipase C and A2 activities. Furthermore, pretreatments with the phospholipase C inhibitor D609 or the phospholipase A2 inhibitors quinacrine or p‐bromophenacylbromide attenuated the amphetamine‐induced increase in PKC activity. This suggests that both phospholipases were essential for the amphetamine‐induced increase in PKC activity. The Na/Ca antiporter was also involved, since pretreatment with amiloride or benzamil attenuated the amphetamine‐induced increase in PKC activity. Since these drugs by themselves increased PKC activity, the return to basal activity after addition of amphetamine suggests that, in the absence of Na/Ca exchange, amphetamine had an inhibitory effect on PKC activity. This inhibitory effect might be due to the activation of phospholipase A2 through an increase in intracellular pH induced by amphetamine. This was supported by the finding that pretreatment with dimethylamiloride, an inhibitor of the Na/H antiporter that increases intracellular [H+], attenuated the effects of amphetamine on PKC activity. Other drugs that decrease intracellular [H+] (ammonia, monensin) also inhibited PKC activity without Ca. In contrast to amphetamine, monensin had no effect on PKC activity with Ca. This could be related to its large differential effects on phospholipase A2 vs. phospholipase C activity. Thus, the monensin‐mediated decrease in PKC activity seen without Ca was partially attenuated by pretreatment with quinacrine. Furthermore, when Na/Ca antiporter was inhibited with benzamil, monensin inhibited PKC activity. These results suggest that amphetamine, as well as monensin, may have dual effects on PKC activity, a Ca‐dependent stimulatory effect via phospholipase C, and an inhibitory effect via phospholipase A2. Synapse 51:128–139, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphine inhibits glutamate exocytosis from rat cerebral cortex nerve terminals (synaptosomes) by reducing Ca2+ influx
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Tsair , Hung Chi‐Feng , Lee Yih‐Jing , Su Ming‐Jai , Wang Su‐Jane
Published: November 2003

Morphine, a μ‐opioid agonist, suppressed the Ca2+‐dependent release of glutamate that was evoked by exposing cerebrocortical synaptosomes to the potassium channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine. The presynaptic inhibition produced by morphine was concentration‐dependent and blocked by the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. As determined by examining the mechanism of μ‐opioid receptor‐mediated inhibition of glutamate release, morphine caused a significant reduction in 4‐aminopyridine‐evoked increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), but failed to alter both 4‐aminopyridine‐evoked depolarization of the synaptosomal plasma membrane potential and Ca2+ ionophore (ionomycin)‐induced glutamate release. In addition, morphine was not capable of producing further inhibition on 4AP‐evoked glutamate release in synaptosomes pretreated with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55212‐2, which has been shown to depress glutamate release through a suppression of presynaptic voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel activity. These data suggest that morphine exerts its inhibitory effect presynaptically, likely through the reduction of Ca2+ influx into nerve terminals, and thereby inhibits the release of glutamate in the cerebral cortex. This may therefore indicate that μ‐opioid receptor agonists have neuroprotective properties, especially in the excessive glutamate release that occurs under certain pathological conditions. Synapse 51:83–90, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: color Doppler findings
Authors: Deval B. , Rafii A. , Darai E. , Hugol D. , Buy J. N.
Published: November 2003

The sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) of the ovary is a distinct benign neoplasm that differs from fibromas, thecomas, luteinized tumors and lipoid cell tumors. It accounts for 6% of ovarian stromal tumors and tends to occur at an earlier age. On gray‐scale ultrasound examination, SSTs of the ovary are solid or cystic and multilocular. We describe here, we believe for the first time, the findings on color Doppler imaging of an SST of the ovary. A 29‐year‐old woman presented with an organic ovarian mass. She underwent a transvaginal ultrasound examination that revealed an echogenic cyst with acoustic shadowing. Color Doppler demonstrated marked peripheral vascularization. Findings on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging strongly suggested the preoperative diagnosis of SST of the ovary, which was confirmed at pathology. Association of an echogenic ovarian mass with acoustic shadowing and a high degree of peripheral vascularization may strongly suggest the diagnosis of SST of the ovary. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of perifollicular blood flow of the dominant preovulatory follicle using three‐dimensional power Doppler
Authors: Vlaisavljević V. , Reljič M. , Gavrić Lovrec V. , Zazula D. , Sergent N.
Published: November 2003

Objective

To establish whether we might predict the outcome of unstimulated in‐vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles with quantitative indices of perifollicular blood flow assessed with three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of power Doppler images.

Methods

This prospective study included an analysis of 52 unstimulated cycles. Color and power Doppler ultrasound examinations of a single dominant preovulatory follicle were performed on the day of oocyte pick‐up. With 3D reconstruction and processing, quantitative indices were obtained i.e. the percentage of volume showing a flow signal (VFS) inside a 5‐mm capsule of perifollicular tissue and the percentage of VFS of each of the three largest vessels in this capsule. These indices as well as pulsed Doppler indices were compared between the groups of cycles with different outcomes using a one‐way ANOVA test.

Results

In nine cycles no oocyte was retrieved (Group A), in seven cycles no fertilization occurred (Group B) and in 30 cycles no implantation occurred (Group C). Six cycles resulted in pregnancy (Group D). There were no statistically significant differences in pulsed and power Doppler indices between these groups. However, the percentage of VFS in the capsule was higher than average in cycles with implantation (19.22 ± 16.82 vs. 12.42 ± 8.89, NS) and the percentage of VFS in the main vessel exhibited lower than average values in cycles with implantation (20.66 ± 10.05 vs. 39.84 ± 20.15), but only reached borderline statistical significance (F = 2.457, P = 0.074).

Conclusion

It can be hypothesized that the follicles containing oocytes able to produce a pregnancy have a distinctive and more uniform perifollicular vascular network. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasound findings in complete trisomy 9
Authors: Sepulveda W. , Wimalasundera R. C. , Taylor M. J. O. , Blunt S. , Be C. , De La fuente S.
Published: November 2003

Objective

To report on the prenatal ultrasound findings associated with complete trisomy 9.

Methods

Cases of complete trisomy 9 diagnosed prenatally were identified by reviewing the reports from two large cytogenetics laboratories serving tertiary referral centers for prenatal diagnosis. Information on prenatal ultrasound findings and outcome was obtained in all cases.

Results

Nine cases of complete trisomy 9 were identified. The diagnosis was made in the first trimester in four cases, in the second trimester in three and in the third trimester in two. Two fetuses underwent first‐trimester ultrasound screening for aneuploidy and the nuchal translucency thickness was increased in both. All five fetuses detected in the second and third trimesters had several fetal anomalies including Dandy–Walker malformation in four cases, facial dysmorphism in four, genitourinary anomalies in three, congenital heart defects in three, ventriculomegaly in three, abnormal hands in two and megacisterna magna in one. Four fetuses were growth‐restricted at the time of ultrasound evaluation. However, the two cases diagnosed in the third trimester had routine second‐trimester anomaly scans reported as normal. There were no survivors in this series.

Conclusion

Fetuses with complete trisomy 9 have multiple anomalies that can be readily detected prenatally by ultrasound. These mainly include, but are not restricted to, craniofacial, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and genitourinary malformations. However, findings can be subtle and therefore missed at the routine second‐trimester scan. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic free‐hand three‐dimensional fetal echocardiography gated by cardiotocography
Authors: Herberg U. , Goldberg H. , Breuer J.
Published: November 2003

Objective

To evaluate the clinical feasibility of conventional cardiotocography (CTG) as a cardiac cycle triggering signal for three‐dimensional (3D) fetal echocardiography.

Method

Free‐hand 3D echocardiography was performed on a total of 25 fetuses with and without congenital heart disease at various gestational ages (mean, 29 weeks; range, 19–35 weeks). Simultaneously, online CTG was used for time gating. Gray‐scale and color Doppler dynamic 3D displays, as well as multiplanar views, were assessed for their ability to depict the cardiac morphology and correct cardiac gating.

Results

Valid CTG‐based trigger signals could be obtained in 24 of the 25 fetuses. Correct cardiac gating was achieved in 101 of the 111 (91%) 3D datasets. Color Doppler imaging of blood flow in four dimensions was possible in 34 of 36 (94%) datasets. Reconstructed 3D and multiplanar views provided additional views not available in two‐dimensional (2D) imaging. Acoustic interference between the CTG transducer and echotransducer could be reduced by the use of a high‐frequency echotransducer, second‐harmonic frequency imaging and appropriate positioning of the two transducers. Imaging quality was highly dependent on the quality of 2D images and random motion artifacts.

Conclusions

CTG can be used as an online gating source for dynamic 3D fetal echocardiography. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of cardiosplenic syndromes: a 10‐year experience
Authors: Berg C. , Geipel A. , Smrcek J. , Krapp M. , Germer U. , Kohl T. , Gembruch U. , Baschat A. A.
Published: November 2003

Objective

To assess the accuracy of fetal echocardiography in the prenatal diagnosis of cardiosplenic syndromes and the spectrum of associated anomalies.

Methods

This was a retrospective survey of fetuses in our databases over a period of 10 years with postnatally confirmed prenatal diagnosis of cardiosplenic syndromes.

Results

In 32 of 35 fetuses the prenatal diagnosis of cardiosplenic syndromes was confirmed postpartum. Twenty‐two fetuses had left isomerism. Their main prenatal ultrasound features were interrupted inferior vena cava (n = 21), complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 15), viscerocardiac heterotaxy (n = 15), persistent bradyarrhythmia (n = 12) and fetal hydrops or nuchal edema (n = 12). Twelve pregnancies were terminated, two fetuses were stillborn and eight infants survived. Ten fetuses had right isomerism. Their main sonographic features were juxtaposition of the descending aorta and inferior vena cava (n = 7), complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 7), left persistent superior vena cava (n = 6) and viscerocardiac heterotaxy (n = 6). In this group there was one stillbirth, five infant deaths and four survivors. The overall survival rate and spectrum of other cardiac malformations were similar between the two groups. Prenatal diagnosis of other visceral features of cardiosplenic syndromes was inconsistent.

Conclusion

Cardiosplenic syndromes can be diagnosed with high accuracy by prenatal sonography. A diagnosis of left isomerism should be strongly suggested in the presence of a combination of at least two of the following: (1) complete atrioventricular septal defect or other structural heart disease; (2) interruption of inferior vena cava with azygos continuation; (3) early fetal heart block; (4) viscerocardiac heterotaxy. Right isomerism should be suspected in the presence of a combination of at least two of the following: (1) structural heart disease, namely complete atrioventricular septal defect; (2) juxtaposition of inferior vena cava and descending aorta; (3) viscerocardiac heterotaxy. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional cardiac abnormalities identified prior to 16 weeks' gestation in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Lopes L. M. , Brizot M. L. , Lopes M. A. B. , Ayello V. D. , Schultz R. , Zugaib M.
Published: November 2003

Objective

To determine the accuracy and practicality of fetal echocardiography in the identification of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities prior to 16 weeks' gestation in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT).

Methods

Between January 1996 and June 2002 early fetal echocardiography using the transvaginal route was performed at 12–16 weeks' gestation on 275 fetuses with increased NT. The abnormal cardiac findings were classified as either structural (congenital heart defects) or functional, defined as transient phenomena which might later disappear, such as isolated tricuspid regurgitation and an enlarged ascending aorta. The abnormal findings were related to pregnancy outcome, including autopsy results, karyotyping results, and late fetal and neonatal echocardiography.

Results

Cardiac abnormalities were present in 61 fetuses overall (22.2%); including structural cardiac defects in 37 fetuses (13.5%) and functional abnormalities in 24 fetuses (8.7%). Structural cardiac abnormalities were associated with abnormal karyotype in 24 fetuses and normal karyotype in 13 fetuses. Of the 24 fetuses with functional cardiac abnormalities, 2 (8.3%) had isolated tricuspid regurgitation and 22 (91.7%) had enlarged ascending aorta. Abnormal karyotype was present in this group in 4 cases (16.7%).

Conclusion

Increased NT can be used to define a high‐risk group that should receive specialized early fetal echocardiography. This is a reliable technique with great potential for the diagnosis of both structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA sequence of the mat2,3 region of Schizosaccharomyces kambucha shares high homology with the corresponding sequence from Sz. pombe
Authors: Singh Gurjeet , Klar Amar J. S.
Published: November 2003

To define conserved sequences for mat1 imprinting and silencing of the mat2,3 region of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we determined the DNA sequence of the cognate region (mat2,3 region) of another fission yeast, Sz. kambucha, a yeast species isolated from Kambucha tea mix. The entire mat2,3 region shows more than 98% identity between the two species. Sequence similarity is even higher (99.3%) for mating‐type cassettes; deduced amino acid sequences of three of the four Mat peptides (Pi, Pc and Mi) are identical between the two species, while the fourth (Mc) has a single amino acid polymorphism. Comparison of the sequence motif of the imprint site essential for mat1 switching shows that mat‐P of Sz. kambucha has a sequence identical to the conserved motif present in Sz. pombe. However, this sequence motif of nine bases differs by one base for mat‐M of Sz. kambucha. The sequence of the K region shows about 98% identity between the two species, with the cenH region showing 98.3% homology. Thus, the arrangement of the mat2,3 region in both yeasts is conserved and shows 1–2% nucleotide sequence variation throughout the region. The DNA sequence of the mat2,3 region from Sz. kambucha has been submitted to GenBank under Accession No. AY271822. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and disruption of the PpURA5 gene and construction of a set of integration vectors for the stable genetic modification of Pichia pastoris
Authors: Nett Juergen H. , Gerngross Tillman U.
Published: November 2003

A pair of degenerate primers was used for amplification and cloning of a DNA fragment containing parts of the P. pastoris URA5 and SEC65 genes. Using additional information from a partial genomic sequence of P. pastoris, we cloned and sequenced a 1.9 kb chromosomal fragment containing the complete orotate‐phosphoribosyltransferase‐encoding URA5 gene. A disruption cassette was constructed by replacing a small part of the open reading frame with a kanamycin‐resistance gene. The P. pastoris wild‐type strain NRRL Y‐11430 was transformed with the disruption cassette and an ura5 auxotrophic strain was identified. To generate marker constructs that can be reused in successive transformations of a single strain, we constructed two lacZ–PpURA3–lacZ and lacZ–PpURA5–lacZ cassettes and used them to disrupt PpOCH1. The PpURA3 and PpURA5 genes in the disruptants were then successfully recycled by selecting for resistance to 5′‐fluoro‐orotic acid. We also assembled a set of modular plasmids that can be used for the stable genetic modification of P. pastoris via a double cross‐over event. The sequence presented here has been submitted to the EMBL data library under Accession No. AY303544. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative roles of mutation and recombination in generating allelic polymorphism at an MHC class II locus in Peromyscus maniculatus
Authors: RICHMAN ADAM D. , HERRERA L. GERARDO , NASH DEANNA , SCHIERUP MIKKEL H.
Published: November 2003

The MHC class II loci encoding cell surface antigens exhibit extremely high allelic polymorphism. There is considerable uncertainty in the literature over the relative roles of recombination and de novo mutation in generating this diversity. We studied class II sequence diversity and allelic polymorphism in two populations of Peromyscus maniculatus, which are among the most widespread and abundant mammals of North America. We find that intragenic recombination (or gene conversion) has been the predominant mode for the generation of allelic polymorphism in this species, with the amount of population recombination per base pair exceeding mutation by at least an order of magnitude during the history of the sample. Despite this, patchwork motifs of sites with high linkage disequilibrium are observed. This does not appear to be consistent with the much larger amount of recombination versus mutation in the history of the sample, unless the recombination rate is highly non-uniform over the sequence or selection maintains certain sites in linkage disequilibrium. We conclude that selection is most likely to be responsible for preserving sequence motifs in the presence of abundant recombination.
Target sequences of Tc1, Tc3 and Tc5 transposons of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: PRÉCLIN VIVIAN , MARTIN EDWIGE , SÉGALAT LAURENT
Published: November 2003

We report here the consensus target sequence of transposons Tc1, Tc3 and Tc5 of Caenorhabditis elegans. These sequences were obtained by molecular analysis of 1008 random new insertions which have not been exposed to natural selection. This analysis reveals consensus target sites slightly different from those previously reported, and confirms that the mariner elements Tc1 and Tc3 insert in sites which are not preferentially palindromic.
Unusual pattern of single nucleotide polymorphism at the exuperantia2 locus of Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: YI SOOJIN , CHARLESWORTH BRIAN
Published: November 2003

We have investigated the pattern of DNA sequence variation at the exuperantia2 locus in Drosophila pseudoobscura. This adds to the increasing dataset of genetic variation in D. pseudoobscura, a useful model species for evolutionary genetic studies. The level of silent site nucleotide diversity and the divergence from an outgroup Drosophila miranda are comparable with those for other X-linked loci. One peculiar pattern at the exu2 locus of D. pseudoobscura is a complete linkage disequilibrium between two SNPs, one of which is a replacement site. As a result, there are two distinct haplotype groups in our dataset. Based upon the comparisons with the outgroup sequences from D. miranda and Drosophila persimilis, we show that the newly derived haplotype group has lower diversity than the ancestral haplotype group. The pattern of protein evolution at exu2 shows some deviation from the neutral model. Together, these and other characteristics of the exu2 locus suggest the action of selection on the pattern of SNP variation, consistent with a partial selective sweep associated with the newly derived haplotype.