bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of yeast gene families involved in metabolism of vitamins B1 and B6
Authors: Rodríguez‐Navarro Susana , Llorente Bertrand , Rodríguez‐Manzaneque María Teresa , Ramne Anna , Uber Genoveva , Marchesan Denis , Dujon Bernard , Herrero Enrique , Sunnerhagen Per , Pérez‐Ortín José E.
Published: October 2002

In order to clarify their physiological functions, we have undertaken a characterization of the three‐membered gene families SNZ1–3 and SNO1–3. In media lacking vitamin B6, SNZ1 and SNO1 were both required for growth in certain conditions, but neither SNZ2, SNZ3, SNO2 nor SNO3 were required. Copies 2 and 3 of the gene products have, in spite of their extremely close sequence similarity, slightly different functions in the cell. We have also found that copies 2 and 3 are activated by the lack of thiamine and that the Snz proteins physically interact with the thiamine biosynthesis Thi5 protein family. Whereas copy 1 is required for conditions in which B6 is essential for growth, copies 2 and 3 seem more related with B1 biosynthesis during the exponential phase. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase specific T cells in primary biliary cirrhosis show restricted antigen recognition sites
Authors: Pingel Sabine , Arenz Monika , Meyer zum Büschenfelde Karl‐Hermann , Löhr Hanns F.
Published: October 2002

Abstract:  Background/Aims: The aim was to characterise the antigen recognition sites of the variable T cell receptor α‐chain (TCRAV) and β‐chain (TCRBV) of T cells specific to the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDC) in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Methods: In 21 PDC‐specific T cell clones isolated from five patients we analysed TCRAV and TCRBV usage by RT‐PCR and sequenced the CDR3 regions.

Results: Preferential expression of the TCR elements BV6 (6 clones), BV12 (4 clones) and BV1 (3 clones), and frequent usage of the joining elements JB2.3 and JB2.1 were seen. Analysis of the α chain revealed rearrangement of AV2 in 7 clones (35%) and AV7 in 3 clones, however, distribution of the joining elements was heterogenous and no common sequence motifs were detected. Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the β‐chain demonstrated a positive charge at position P4 in several clones of two patients and a hydrophobic residue at position P5 in two different patients. Further, a conserved glycine at position P7 and neutral residues at positions P6 and P8 were frequently detected.

Conclusions: Our data define TCR variable region restriction and preferred CDR3 features of PDC‐specific T cells and support the notion that few relevant epitopes on the PDC complex are recognised by selected T cells.
Collagen sandwich culture affects intracellular polyamine levels of human hepatocytes
Authors: Weiss T. S. , Jahn B. , Cetto M. , Jauch K.‐W. , Thasler W. E.
Published: October 2002

Abstract. Extracellular matrices, like collagen layers, play an important role in preventing dedifferentiation of hepatocytes in long‐term culture experiments. It has also been shown that polyamines are crucial for cell growth and liver differentiation – regeneration. Primary cultured hepatocytes with their low mitotic activity might be a valuable tool in studying the role of polyamines in differentiation. Here, our goal was to investigate whether an extracellular cell culture matrix can influence intracellular polyamine levels in human hepatocytes during long‐term culture. Primary human hepatocytes were isolated from surgical tissue resections and were maintained either in single collagen (SG) or double collagen gel (DG) layer (sandwich) culture systems. Cell viability and function were examined and intracellular polyamine levels were measured using a highly sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Hepatocytes showed high viability in both culture systems used, but albumin secretion was diminished in SG cultured hepatocytes after 14 days. In general, total intracellular polyamine levels of hepatocytes decreased markedly in both SG and DG within the first days of culture, but remained constant until day 21 with a SG/DG ratio of about 1.4. Individual polyamines levels were dependent on the culture time and system, where spermine decreased and putrescine increased in both SG and DG over time (day 14), but spermidine increased only in DG. Our results suggest that polyamine levels, in particular putrescine, might be important regulators of hepatocyte specific function in vitro and therefore serve as a marker of differentiation for cultivated human hepatocytes.
Total and allergen‐specific immunoglobulin A levels in saliva in relation to the development of allergy in infants up to 2 years of age
Authors: Böttcher M. F. , Häggström P. , Björkstén B. , Jenmalm M. C.
Published: October 2002

Background The association between salivary IgA levels and development of allergy is controversial and the employed methodology has been questioned.

Objective The aim of the study was to relate the levels of total IgA, SIgA and allergen‐specific IgA antibodies in saliva to the development of allergy in infants during the first 2 years of life.

Methods Saliva samples from 80 infants participating in a prospective study regarding the development of allergy were collected at 3 or 6, and 12 and 24 months of age. Total IgA, SIgA and Fel d 1 and β‐lactoglobulin specific IgA levels were analysed with ELISA.

Results The levels of total IgA and SIgA increased with age. The number of samples with detectable IgA to Fel d 1 tended to increase with age, whereas the opposite was observed for IgA to β‐lactoglobulin. Infants who developed allergy tended to have higher levels of total IgA, and allergen‐specific IgA was more commonly detected than in non‐allergic children. In contrast, non‐allergic children tended to have higher levels of SIgA. Furthermore, the levels of SIgA were higher in sensitized infants with no allergic symptoms than in sensitized children with symptoms. Infants with allergic parents had lower SIgA levels than infants without. Direct exposure to cat and cow's milk did not influence the levels of allergen‐specific IgA levels, nor was there any association between breast‐feeding and IgA production.

Conclusion The kinetics of food and inhalant allergen‐specific IgA in saliva during the first 2 years of life is similar to what has earlier been shown for IgG in serum. Development of allergy tended to be associated with high levels of total and allergen‐specific IgA antibodies, but low levels of SIgA. Furthermore, high levels of SIgA seemed to protect sensitized children from developing allergic symptoms during the first 2 years of life, supporting a possible protective role of SIgA against development of allergy.
Clinical and immunologic factors associated with the presence or absence of airways hyper‐responsiveness in childhood asthma
Authors: Visser M. J. , Brand P. L. P. , Boezen H. M. , Van Aalderen W. M. C. , Kauffman H. F. , Postma D. S.
Published: October 2002

Background During the baseline period of a clinical trial comparing different dosage schedules of inhaled steroids, asthmatic children (aged 6–10 years) were expected to meet the inclusion criterion of airways hyper‐responsiveness (PD20 methacholine < 80 µg) after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids for 2–8 weeks. However, many children failed to do so.

Objective It has been shown that young wheezing children may outgrow their symptoms. We investigated if differences between children with and without airways hyper‐responsiveness after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids were compatible with differences between transient and persistent wheezers found in other studies.

Methods Seventy‐eight children entered the study, of which 41 developed airways hyper‐ responsiveness after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids, and 37 did not. These two groups of children were compared with respect to differences in demographic, clinical, and immunological features (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ produced by Con A stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum IL‐4, IL‐5 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1)).

Results Hyper‐responsive children had more atopic features (positive RAST, high IgE, eczema), lower levels of FEV1 and lower concentrations of sICAM‐1 than non‐hyper‐responsive children. Apart from a borderline significantly higher IL‐4 production in the hyper‐responsive group, other immunologic parameters were comparable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high serum IgE, low FEV1, and low sICAM‐1 levels were independently associated with the presence of airways hyper‐responsiveness after stopping inhaled corticosteroids. Atopy was associated with higher concentrations of IL‐4 in the hyper‐responsive group.

Conclusion After withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids many children previously diagnosed with asthma did not develop airways hyper‐responsiveness. We conclude that hyper‐responsive children share features with persistent wheezers as found in previous studies, whereas the non‐hyper‐ responsive children may represent transient wheezers.
Feline Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Due to Cladophyalophora Bantiana
Authors: Abramo F , Bastelli F , Nardoni S , Mancianti F
Published: October 2002

A case of feline cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophyalophora bantiana is described. The cat was presented with breathing difficulty and a swollen, ulcerated nodule on the dorsal nose and left nostril. Histological examination of the nodule revealed a cystic granulomatous dermatitis characterised by neutrophils, macrophages and giant cells. Pigmented, yeast-like fungus cells and hyphal elements were easily identified in haematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections. Cladophyalophora bantiana was isolated from a tissue specimen. This organism, primarily known to cause cerebral infection in humans and cats, only rarely causes cutaneous infection. Despite anti-fungal chemotherapy two relapses occurred. The cat was feline immunodeficiency virus - and feline leukemia virus-negative and even if the owner was unaware of trauma, the hypothesis of wound contamination is the most likely.
Renal and vascular effects of S21402, a dual inhibitor of angiotensin‐converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase, in healthy subjects with hypovolemia
Authors: Chodjania Yasmina , Tharaux Pierre‐Louis , Ragueneau Isabelle , Dussaule Jean‐Claude , Picker Jean‐Luc , Funck‐Brentano Christian , Jaillon Patrice
Published: October 2002

Objective

To examine the mechanism of action of dual inhibitors of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase, also called vasopeptidase inhibitors, we compared the effects of S21402 [(2S)‐2‐{(2S,3R)‐2‐thiomethyl‐3‐phenylbutanamido}propionic acid], which belongs to this pharmacologic class, with those of captopril, an ACE inhibitor, on blood pressure, endocrine parameters, and renal in healthy subjects with hypovolemia.

Methods

Ten subjects participated to this double‐blind, 2‐period, randomized, crossover study. Hypovolemia was induced in these subjects with a 7‐day treatment of hydrochlorothiazide. They received a single oral dose of 50 mg captopril or 250 mg S21402 on the last day of diuretic treatment. Blood pressure was measured, and urine and blood samples were collected before and during a 12‐hour period after drug administration.

Results

The plasma angiotensin II/angiotensin I ratio and aldosterone concentration decreased to the same degree with both drugs, 3 hours after dosing. Compared with captopril, S21402 increased levels of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (P < .05) and urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate (P < .001); these increases were the result of inhibition of neutral endopeptidase activity (P < .001). The increase in plasma renin concentration related to ACE inhibition was less marked (P < .001) after S21402 than after captopril. S21402, but not captopril, increased urinary sodium excretion (P < .05), without modifying blood pressure and creatinine clearance, whereas blood pressure transiently fell after ceptopril administration (P < .05).

Conclusions

In healthy hypovolemic subjects, the vasopeptidase inhibitor S21402 exhibits a natriuretic effect and does not affect blood pressure or glomerular filtration rate. In these conditions, the acute endocrine, vascular, and renal effects of vasopeptidase inhibition differ from those of ACE inhibition.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 71, 468–478; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.124521
Angiotensin II attenuates the vasodilating effect of a nitric oxide donor, glyceryl trinitrate: Roles of superoxide and angiotensin II type 1 receptors
Authors: Wada Atsushi , Ueda Shinichiro , Masumori‐Maemoto Satoko , Kuji Naomitsu , Sugimoto Koh‐ichi , Umemura Satoshi
Published: October 2002

Objective

The development of tolerance to organic nitrates limits their usefulness in the treatment of heart disease. Activation of the renin‐angiotensin system by heart failure itself and by nitrate therapy may be one possible mechanism underlying nitrate tolerance. We investigated the effect of subpressor doses of angiotensin II on the vasodilating effect of glyceryl trinitrate in human forearm resistance vessels of healthy male subjects by using venous occlusion strain‐gauge plethysmography.

Methods

Glyceryl trinitrate was infused intra‐arterially with angiotensin II or vehicle. The effect of blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors by candesartan or an antioxidant, vitamin C, on the interaction between angiotensin II and glyceryl trinitrate was also investigated.

Results

Angiotensin II infused at 5 pmol/min significantly attenuated the vasodilating effect of glyceryl trinitrate (mean ± standard deviation [SD] of percentage change in forearm blood flow [FBF]: 28% ± 20%, 79% ± 59%, and 208% ± 72% at 100, 250, and 1000 ng/min of glyceryl trinitrate with placebo; 8% ± 18%, 47% ± 41%, and 173% ± 98% with angiotensin II at 1 pmol/min; and 2% ± 27%, 39% ± 40%, and 132% ± 74% with angiotension II at 5 pmo;/min; P = .0259). Either a single dose of candesartan or coinfusion with vitamin C abolished the angiotensin II‐induced attenuation of vasodilation of glyceryl trinitrate.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that angiotensin II may attenuate the arterial vasodilating effect of glyceryl trinitrate through angiotensin type 1 receptors and presumably through receptor‐mediated superoxide production, which may be relevant to the development of nitrate tolerance.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 71, 440–447; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.125293
Missing links: the quest for better search tools
Authors: Kline Vickie
Published: October 2002

Current search tools exhibit a number of significant weaknesses. Users have difficulty constructing the sophisticated queries needed for effective retrieval. Massive retrievals make it difficult to arrange results in meaningful ways. Specific types of documents are difficult to isolate. User interfaces are often less than intuitive. This article looks at a selection of innovative search tools that attempt to solve specific problems in searching.
Croissance, activité peroxydasique et modifications ultrastructurales induites par le cadmium dans la racine de tomate
Authors: Djebali Wahbi , Chaïbi Wided , Ghorbel Mohamed Habib
Published: October 2002

Accumulation of Cd in the organs of young tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum var. Ibiza F1), as well as its effects on growth, peroxidasic activity, and root ultrastructure were evaluated. Plants previously cultivated in a basic nutrient solution and then treated for 10 days with different concentrations of CdCl2(0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 μM) accumulated high quantities of cadmium in their root tissues and showed reduced growth. Increased peroxidasic activity observed at this level reflects a state of oxidative stress induced by cadmium. An ultrastructural study of the root apex showed a strong vacuolization in the meristematic cells as well as deposition of electron-dense material in vacuoles and plastids. On either side of the cell wall, a medullated-like and (or) vesicular membrane system developed over a significant periplasmic space. Results suggest an endocellular metal accumulation leading to a disorganization of membrane systems, probably related to the onset of an oxidative state of stress.Key words: cadmium, tomato, peroxidases, ultrastructure, root.[Translated by editorial staff]
The role of epicormic shoot production in maintaining foliage in old Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) trees II. Basal reiteration from older branch axes
Authors: Ishii Hiroaki , Ford E David , Dinnie C Elaine
Published: October 2002

Basal reiteration (epicormic shoot production from older branch axes) occurred continuously and repeatedly in branches of 450-year-old Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii (coastal Douglas-fir) trees reproducing sections of branches comprising less than 100 to as many as 10 000 foliated shoots. Basal reiteration occurred mostly from primary and secondary branch axes but also occurred from higher-order axes if lower-order axes had died back. Basal reiteration occurred in distal sections of upper-crown branches, while it occurred in more proximal sections of middle- and lower-crown branches, indicating that basal reiteration works to distribute foliage more uniformly within branches that have reached maximum size. Basal reiteration occurred repeatedly producing two to six generations of reiterated axes within branches. Less than 22.5% of foliated shoots on branches were produced by sequential branching of the primary axis. Basal reiteration also maintained a constant rate of new shoot production within the branch. Growth-ring analysis showed that basal reiteration occurred over a wide range of axis ages (558 years). In conjunction with previous studies, we showed that adaptive reiteration of various architectural units by epicormic shoot production is an inherent process that maintains foliage in the crown of old P. menziesii trees.Key words: branch growth, branching pattern, crown maintenance, longevity.
RELATIONAL DEDUCTIVE OBJECT-ORIENTED MODELING (RDOOM) APPROACH FOR FINDING, REPRESENTING AND INTEGRATING APPLICATION-SPECIFIC CONCEPTS
Authors: NIEMI TIMO , JUNKKARI MARKO , JÄRVELIN KALERVO
Published: October 2002

Next generation information systems (NGISs) have to support the manipulation of data-oriented, behavioral and deductive aspects of application domains. Many modeling methods, e.g. UML and other object-oriented modeling methods offer primitives for modeling data-oriented and behavioral aspects but they do not support the modeling of deductive aspects. In addition, NGISs may be implemented by several separate software/database systems that are based on different paradigms. Therefore it is not appropriate to use such a modeling method which is based on one paradigm. In NGISs it is essential to integrate the value-oriented approach with the object-oriented approach. We develop a relational deductive object-oriented modeling (RDOOM) approach for NGISs. Our goal is to combine into one modeling method, the navigation power of the relational model, the modeling power of the object-orientation and the inference power of the deductive (logical) framework. It is obvious that in NGISs complex and large specifications have to be embedded in application-specific concepts and structures that are defined beforehand for users to facilitate their query formulation. The detection and specification of application-specific concepts and structures means a new challenge for analysis methods. We show that on the basis of the primitives of RDOOM it is possible to represent this kind of application-specific information in a natural way. It is also necessary that the appropriateness and adequacy of application-specific concepts and structures can be tested before their expensive design and implementation phases. For the definition of these concepts and structures a diagrammatic representation typical of many modeling methods is not sufficient. Rather, a precise and executable representation is needed. Especially the complex and large derivation rules behind deductive concepts cannot be expressed precisely with diagrammatic representations. We develop set-theoretical representations for our primitives. The precise representation of the result of systems analysis also gives a more substantial starting point for the design and implementation of NGISs.
ON THE HOMOTOPY COFIBRE SPECTRUM OF K(R) → G(R)
Authors: GARKUSHA GRIGORY
Published: October 2002

The natural map of K-spectra K(R) → G(R) fits into a homotopy cofibre sequence [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the Waldhausen category of bounded chain complexes over the category of finitely presented modules, with weak equivalences being stable quasi-isomorphisms.
Plastic energy dissipation during compressive deformation of individual polymer pellets and polymer particulate assemblies
Authors: Gogos Costas G. , Qian Bainian
Published: October 2002

Plastic energy dissipation (PED) of individual polymer pellets as well as of densified polymer particulate assemblies may be the dominant heating/melting mechanisms in intermeshing corotating twin‐screw extruders (Co‐TSEs). In the present paper, the amount of PED is evaluated by conducting the uniaxial unconfined compression experiments on both molded cylindrical polymer samples and polymer particulate assemblies. The compression experiments were extended to a much higher deformation (strain) range. The results of this work clearly demonstrate the significant contribution to melting from even a single deformation of individual pellets. One severe deformation of PP pellets can provide almost one sixth of the energy required for their melting. For PS pellets, one severe deformation alone can provide sufficient energy to heat up the pellets to above their glass‐transition temperature. On the other hand, the mechanical energy input during the compressive deformation of particulate assemblies is much lower than that of solid polymer samples, depending, to a great extent, on the degree of the particulate densification/void ratio of the particulate system. There are two types of PED in the melting section of Co‐TSEs, localized PED of individual pellets in the partially filled kneading section and global PED of consolidated particulate assemblies in the fully filled section. The mandatory deformation of solid particulates, caused by the interaction of kneading paddle pairs, and the associated PED for both individual pellets and consolidated particulate assemblies, provides very efficient heating/melting of polymer feedstock in Co‐TSEs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 287–298, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10033
Pigmentary mosaicism of the hyperpigmented type in two half‐brothers
Authors: Horn Denise , Happle Rudolf , Neitzel Heidemarie , Kunze Jürgen
Published: October 2002

Pigmentary mosaicism is a heterogeneous cutaneous phenotype that is often associated with extracutaneous anomalies. It is widely accepted that these phenotypes arise de novo as a result of a postzygotic mutation, leading to a mosaic status of the embryo. In the vast majority of cases, the occurrence of pigmentary mosaicism is sporadic. We report two paternal half‐brothers affected with pigmentary mosaicism of the hyperpigmented type. The hyperpigmentation in both patients is distributed along the lines of Blaschko. In addition, mental retardation, facial asymmetry, short stature, scoliosis, and short fingers with clinodactyly of the 5th digit were noted in one of them. Chromosome analysis in this 15‐year‐old patient demonstrated a mosaic 46,XY,dup(3)(p21.3;pter)/46,XY with 12% aberrant cells in lymphocytes and 2% in skin fibroblasts derived from a hyperpigmented area. His nine‐year‐old half‐brother had similar systematized hyperpigmented skin lesions, macrocephaly, facial asymmetry, and clinodactyly of the 5th digit. Chromosome analysis of peripheral lymphocytes showed a normal karyotype 46,XY. A skin biopsy could not be obtained. So far, some familial cases of hypopigmentation along the lines of Blaschko have been reported, but familial occurrence of the hyperpigmented type of pigmentary mosaicism appears to be extremely unusual. It is difficult to establish a causal relationship with the chromosomal mosaicism as observed in patient 1. Paradominant transmission seems unlikely because this would likewise imply that the chromosomal mosaicism is an incidental finding. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progressive vertebral fusion of unknown etiology: A case report
Authors: Farrior Jennifer H. , Weaver David D. , Kling Thomas F. , Klatte Eugene
Published: October 2002

We report a 16‐year‐old male with progressive vertebral fusion of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae; irregular vertebral body surfaces; coronal clefting of the vertebral bodies of the thoracic and lumbar spine; absence of one cervical vertebra; and a few other minor, nonspinous abnormalities. All laboratory findings have been within normal limits. To our knowledge, the particular findings in this patient have not been reported previously. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal growth deficiency with narrowness of the cervical spine, subglottic stenosis, hip dislocation, and severe delayed bone ossification: A new skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Mégarbané André , Ghanem Ismat , Rizk Tony , Jabbour Pascal
Published: October 2002

A boy with a severe prenatal onset dysplasia, prominent occiput, hypertelorism, epicanthus inversus, low‐set ears, flat nasal bridge, small nares, cleft palate, subglottic stenosis, narrow cervical canal, undermodeled bones, cortical thinning of the diaphyses, hip dislocation, severely delayed bone ossification, and apparently normal intellectual development is described. Osseous histopathological studies were unremarkable. The boy's parents are first cousins, suggesting recessive inheritance. To the best of our knowledge, this association has not been reported before, and may be considered a novel syndrome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polydactyly: How many disorders and how many genes?
Authors: Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: October 2002

Disorders that include polydactyly as a manifestation are diverse and numerous. Cataloging these disorders by phenotype and genotype demonstrates numerous overlapping phenotypes, genetic heterogeneity of phenotypes, and distinct phenotypes generated from mutations in single genes. To assess these issues, a list of disorders with polydactyly has been compiled from several sources. Among 119 disorders, 39 disorders are associated with mutations in genes, and among these, genotypic and phenotypic overlap is demonstrated. These issues highlight the need for a diagnostic system that catalogs both genotype and phenotype. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interictal high‐frequency oscillations (80–500Hz) in the human epileptic brain: Entorhinal cortex
Authors: Bragin Anatol , Wilson Charles L. , Staba Richard J. , Reddick Mark , Fried Itzhak , Engel Jerome
Published: October 2002

Unique high‐frequency oscillations of 250 to 500Hz, termed fast ripples, have been identified in seizure‐generating limbic areas in rats made epileptic by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid, and in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. In the rat, fast ripples clearly are generated by a different neuronal population than normally occurring endogenous ripple oscillations (100–200Hz), but this distinction has not been previously evaluated in humans. The characteristics of oscillations in the ripple and fast ripple frequency bands were compared in the entorhinal cortex of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy using local field potential and unit recordings from chronically implanted bundles of eight microelectrodes with tips spaced 500μm apart. The results showed that ripple oscillations possessed different voltage versus depth profiles compared with fast ripple oscillations. Fast ripple oscillations usually demonstrated a reversal of polarity in the middle layers of entorhinal cortex, whereas ripple oscillations rarely showed reversals across entorhinal cortex layers. There was no significant difference in the amplitude distributions of ripple and fast ripple oscillations. Furthermore, multiunit synchronization was significantly increased during fast ripple oscillations compared with ripple oscillations (p < 0.001). These data recorded from the mesial temporal lobe of epileptic patients suggest that the cellular networks underlying fast ripple generation are more localized than those involved in the generation of normally occurring ripple oscillations. Results from this study are consistent with previous studies in the intrahippocampal kainic acid rat model of chronic epilepsy that provide evidence supporting the view that fast ripples in the human brain reflect localized pathological events related to epileptogenesis.
Transient central nervous system white matter abnormality in X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Paulson Henry L. , Garbern James Y. , Hoban Timothy F. , Krajewski Karen M. , Lewis Richard A. , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Grossman Robert I. , Lenkinski Robert , Kamholz John A. , Shy Michael E.
Published: October 2002

X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMTX) is a hereditary demyelinating neuropathy caused by mutations in the connexin 32 (Cx32) gene. Cx32 is widely expressed in brain and peripheral nerve, yet clinical manifestations of CMTX mainly arise from peripheral neuropathy. We have evaluated two male patients with CMTX who on separate occasions developed transient ataxia, dysarthria, and weakness within 3 days of returning from ski trips at altitudes above 8,000 feet. Magnetic resonance imaging studies in both patients showed nonenhancing, confluent, and symmetrical white matter abnormalities that were more pronounced posteriorly and that resolved over several months. Magnetic transfer images in one patient demonstrated increased magnetization transfer ratios distinct from that seen in demyelination or edema. Both patients returned to their normal baseline within 2 to 3 weeks. These cases suggest that CMTX patients are at risk for developing an acute, transient, neurological syndrome when they travel to places at high altitudes and return to sea level. Cx32 mutations may cause central nervous system dysfunction by reducing the number of functioning gap junctions between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, making both cells more susceptible to abnormalities of intercellular exchange of ions and small molecules in situations of metabolic stress.
Application of low‐resolution Raman spectroscopy to online monitoring of miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: McCaffery Timothy R. , Durant Yvon G.
Published: October 2002

Raman spectroscopy has become a preferred technique for online monitoring of dispersion polymerization. Raman spectroscopy offers two specific advantages for these systems. First, it is insensitive to the presence of water, and the total amount of water in the emulsion has little to no influence. Second, it can use standard glass fiber conduits combined with a visible light excitation laser to allow use of a flexible remote sensor. A low‐cost low‐resolution Raman spectrometer (LRRS) was used to monitor emulsion polymerization, specifically batch miniemulsion polymerization. Styrene was used as an internal reference to compensate for the effect of laser intensity fluctuation. A linear correlation between peak intensity ratio and monomer concentration was found. Probe fouling was controlled by using a protective film with minimal impact on measurement quality. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1507–1515, 2002
Electrochemical copolymerization of pyrrole and thiophene nanofibrils using template‐synthesis method
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Lu Mei , Li Hulin
Published: October 2002

Copolymer nanofibrils composed of pyrrole and thiophene were prepared by synthesizing the desired polymer within the pores of microporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template membranes. The copolymer nanofibrils were photographed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructure analyses. The results of the SEM and TEM revealed that the copolymer nanofibrils obtained had uniform and well‐aligned arrays and their diameter and length could be controlled by changing the aspect ratios of the AAO membrane. The results of cyclic voltammetry and IR spectrometry indicated that polypyrrole and polythiophene were both involved in the copolymer. The nanofibrils that were obtained were identified as copolymers rather than composites. The influence of the applied polymerization potential on the synthesis of copolymer nanofibrils was investigated. The higher potential favored the incorporation of thiophene units into the copolymer nanofibrils. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2403–2407, 2002
Solution copolycondensation of isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 4,4′‐dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, and bisphenols with a tosyl chloride/dimethylformamide/pyridine condensing agent
Authors: Higashi Fukuji , Hayashi Ryousuke , Yamazaki Tadashi
Published: October 2002

The solution polycondensation of a mixture of various parts of isophthalic acid (IPA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) with 4,4′‐dihydroxydiphenylsulfone (BPS) with tosyl chloride/dimethylformamide/pyridine as a condensing agent was studied. To elucidate how the reaction should be done to obtain copolymers of high molecular weights, we examined the two‐stage copolycondensation with BPS and 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanes (BPAs) by changing the content of IPA/TPA and the amount of BPS or BPA used in the initial reaction. Controlling the reaction at an earlier stage could facilitate the copolycondensation. The polyesters of IPA/TPA and BPS of moderate inherent viscosity values up to 1.0 were obtained by the two‐stage reaction with optimal amounts of BPS first and then additional BPS. Satisfactory results were also obtained by the dropwise addition of BPS over 10–20 min in the preparation of the IPA/TPA–BPS polymers containing less than 50 mol % TPA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2607–2610, 2002
Preparation and characterization of dihydroxyl mesocyclic diamine derivative of chitosan
Authors: Yang Zhikuan , Li Jian
Published: October 2002

The synthesis of a new dihydroxyl mesocyclic diamine grafting chitosan is presented. This derivative is formed by reaction of dihydroxyl azacrown ether with expoxy‐activated chitosan. The obtained copolymer contains amino functional groups in its skeleton and the secondary amine, and more polar hydroxyl groups. Elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared analysis, as well as solid‐state carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance analysis were used to characterize chemical modifications of the chitosan. The adsorption properties of the dihydroxyl mesocyclic diamine grafted chitosan for Ag+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cr3+ were studied. The experimented results showed that the novel chitosan derivative has good adsorption capacity and high selectivity for Ag+ in the presence of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cr3+, and its adsorption selectivity is better than that of chitosan. The selectivity coefficients were K = 12.25, K = 6.12, and K = 0.52, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2677–2681, 2002
Complicated resistivity‐temperature behavior in polymer composites
Authors: Li Rong‐Qun , Dou Da‐Ying , Miao Jin‐Ling , Wang Wen‐Feng , Yao Si‐De , Zeng Han‐Min
Published: October 2002

The resistivity of different polymer composites is investigated in different temperature‐changing processes, which demonstrates more complicated changing behaviors than that usually reported in literatures. The complicated resistivity‐temperature (R‐T) behaviors cannot be explained by current theories, and the contradictions of them with current theories are presented in this article. With the experiments, a new viewpoint on the R‐T behaviors of polymer composites is proposed, i.e., the resistivity changes are attributed to internal stress generated when the morphology and structure of the composites undergo great changes. Based on this speculation, the complicated R‐T behaviors of polymer composites can be well explained. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2217–2221, 2002
Improvement of the compatibility of natural rubber/ethylene–propylene diene monomer rubber blends via natural rubber epoxidation
Authors: El Sayed A. Mounir , Afifi H.
Published: October 2002

The longitudinal ultrasonic velocity, longitudinal ultrasonic absorption (attenuation coefficient), glass‐transition temperature, and Mooney viscosity for epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene–propylene diene monomer blends were measured. The variation of the longitudinal ultrasonic velocity with the blend ratios was linear, indicating a compatible system in comparison with the same system without epoxidation (natural rubber/ethylene–propylene diene monomer), which was incompatible. Also, the behavior was confirmed by heat of mixing calculations as well as Mooney viscosity measurements. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2816–2819, 2002
Frequency of infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with controls: A population‐based study
Authors: Doran Michele F. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Pond Gregory R. , O'Fallon W. Michael , Gabriel Sherine E.
Published: October 2002

Objective

A high frequency of infections complicating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been described in reports of case series. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study was undertaken to compare the frequency of infections in a population‐based incidence cohort of RA patients with that in a group of individuals without RA from the same population.

Methods

RA patients included all members of an incidence cohort of Rochester, Minnesota residents ages ≥18 years who were first diagnosed as having RA between 1955 and 1994. One age‐ and sex‐matched subject without RA was selected for each patient with RA. Study subjects were followed up by review of their entire medical record until death, migration from the area, or study end (January 1, 2000), and details of all documented infections, along with information on potential risk factors for infection, were recorded. Hazard ratios for infections were estimated using stratified Andersen‐Gill proportional hazards models, with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

The 609 RA patients and 609 non‐RA study subjects (mean age 58.0 years; 73.1% female) were followed up for a mean of 12.7 years and 15.0 years, respectively, reflecting higher mortality among the group with RA. Hazards ratios for objectively confirmed infections, infections requiring hospitalization, and any documented infection in patients with RA were 1.70 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.42–2.03), 1.83 (95% CI 1.52–2.21), and 1.45 (95% CI 1.29–1.64), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, leukopenia, corticosteroid use, and diabetes mellitus. Sites of infection with the highest risk ratios were bone, joints, skin, soft tissues, and the respiratory tract.

Conclusion

In this study, patients with RA were at increased risk of developing infections compared with non‐RA subjects. This may be due to immunomodulatory effects of RA, or to agents with immunosuppressive effects used in its treatment.
Central New York psychiatric center: an approach to the treatment of co‐occurring disorders in the New York State correctional mental health system
Authors: Smith Hal , Sawyer Donald A. , Way Bruce B.
Published: October 2002

Central New York Psychiatric Center operates a maximum security inpatient treatment hospital and outpatient mental health services for all of the 72 New York State prisons. In this article prevalence data, patient characteristics, and interventions offered to inmates diagnosed with co‐occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders in the New York State prison system are reviewed and discussed. Available interventions have resulted from the close collaboration of the State Department of Correctional Services and State Office of Mental Health. Aspects of current programs and plans for future service developments are discussed along with implications for the treatment of an offender population diagnosed with a co‐occurring disorder. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serious and fatal injuries to infants with discrepant parental explanations: some assessment and case management issues
Authors: Dale Peter , Green Richard , Fellows Ron
Published: October 2002

The objective of this study was to examine the challenges faced by child protection systems in assessment and case management where babies and infants have received serious and fatal physical injuries in the context of discrepant parent/carer explanations. Thirty‐eight case files or review records of children under the age of 2 with serious or fatal physical injuries were examined. Qualitative methods were employed to identify issues relating to types of parent/carer explanations, factors of concern in addition to the injuries and child protection system responses to the families. Findings indicate that the initial safety response by child protection systems to babies with serious injuries with discrepant explanations can be inadequate. Assessment of further risks could be inconsistent, especially in cases where there are few other factors of concern apart from the injury. There is a need for the development in the UK of more systematic decision‐making processes to achieve more consistent standards of assessment and case management of high‐risk infants and to minimize false‐negative and false‐positive predictions of further risk. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of risk and protective factors on burnout experienced by those who work with maltreated children
Authors: Stevens Michelle , Higgins Daryl J.
Published: October 2002

The aim of the study was to explore the degree (and type) of burnout and trauma symptoms, personal histories and coping strategies retrospectively reported by those who work with maltreated children and their families. A self‐selected sample of workers (N = 44) completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing childhood maltreatment, family background characteristics, current adjustment, coping strategies and burnout. Workers reported high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and a low to moderate sense of personal accomplishment. Family background characteristics predicted the occurrence of maltreatment and current adjustment, and a personal history of maltreatment predicted current trauma symptoms, but not burnout. Workers most frequently used problem‐focused coping strategies and sought social support; however, coping strategies were not associated with the level of either trauma symptoms or burnout. Despite employing positive coping strategies, their efficacy may be affected by other interpersonal, intra‐individual and job resource issues. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Argatroban anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lewis Bruce E. , Matthai William H. , Cohen Marc , Moses Jeffrey W. , Hursting Marcie J. , Leya Fred
Published: October 2002

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune‐mediated syndrome associated with thrombosis. Alternative anticoagulation to heparin is needed for HIT patients during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for anticoagulation in this setting. Ninety‐one HIT patients underwent 112 PCIs while on intravenous argatroban (25 μg/kg/min [350 μg/kg initial bolus], adjusted to achieve an activated clotting time of 300–450 sec). Primary efficacy endpoints were subjective assessments of the satisfactory outcome of the procedure and adequate anticoagulation during PCI. Among patients undergoing initial PCIs with argatroban (n = 91), 94.5% had a satisfactory outcome of the procedure and 97.8% achieved adequate anticoagulation. Death (zero patients), myocardial infarction (four patients), or revascularization (four patients) at 24 hr after PCI occurred in seven (7.7%) patients overall. One patient (1.1%) experienced periprocedural major bleeding. For patients who had subsequent hospitalizations (mean separation of 150 days) for repeat PCI using argatroban anticoagulation (n = 21), there were no unsatisfactory outcomes. Overall, outcomes were comparable with those historically reported for heparin. Argatroban therefore is a reasonable anticoagulant option in this setting, where current options are limited. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:177–184. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase II trial of irinotecan, paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with previously untreated Stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Socinski Mark A. , Sandler Alan B. , Israel Valerie K. , Gillenwater Heidi H. , Miller Langdon L. , Locker Paula K. , Antonellini Alessandro , Elfring Gary L. , Natale Ronald B.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

This Phase II multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a three‐drug combination of irinotecan (CPT‐11), paclitaxel, and carboplatin in advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients received repeated 21‐day cycles at starting doses of paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 administered over 3 hours, followed by carboplatin AUC of 5 over 30 minutes and CPT‐11 at a starting dose level of 100 mg/m2 over 90 minutes, all given on the first day of each cycle. Patients were evaluated for objective tumor response, time to tumor progression (TTP), survival, and safety.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled. Baseline patient characteristics included: median age 58 years (range, 32–79); 23 males and 17 females; performance status of 0 (21 patients), 1 (18 patients), or 2 (1 patient); and Stage IIIB (10 patients) and Stage IV (30 patients) disease. A median of six cycles (range, one to eight) were administered. Grade 3–4 toxicities observed in ≥ 10% of the patients included neutropenia (78%), asthenia (20%), diarrhea (20%), nausea (18%), vomiting (13%), anemia (10%), and dyspnea (10%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in eight patients (20%), with one death due to neutropenic sepsis. Twelve of 38 evaluable patients had confirmed tumor responses (32%), while 21 (55%) had stable disease (including 12 patients [32%] with minor responses). Only 13% had disease progression at their initial tumor assessment. The median TTP and survival were 5.3 months (range, 0.03–6.2 months) and 12.5 months (range 0.3–28.6+ months), respectively. The one and two year survival probabilities were 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–0.73) and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.0–0.67), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CPT‐11, paclitaxel, and carboplatin can be safely administered and is active in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Based on the favorable survival outcome, this regimen is undergoing evaluation in prospective randomized trials. Cancer 2002;95:1520–7. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10852