bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innervation of immune cells: Evidence for neuroimmunomodulation in the liver
Authors: Neuhuber Winfried L. , Tiegs Gisa
Published: August 2004

Recent studies have demonstrated a pronounced influence by the autonomic nervous system on immune‐mediated experimental hepatitis in the mouse. Adrenergic sympathetic neurons alleviate while capsaicin‐sensitive peptidergic primary afferent neurons aggravate liver injury. This was evidenced by recording morphological and functional parameters upon chemical sympathectomy and application of β‐adrenergic agonists, and capsaicin depletion of afferents, neurokinin receptor antagonists, and application of exogenous substance P, respectively. These phenomena are most likely based on close anatomical relationships between nerve fibers and various immune cells in the liver. Modulation of autonomic nervous system functions may open novel therapeutic strategies in immune and inflammatory liver diseases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognose der Dauerhaftigkeit mineralischer Außenputze mit Hilfe von beschleunigten Alterungstests
Authors: Bochen Jerzy , Nowak Henryk A.
Published: August 2004

Der Beitrag stellt eine Methode für beschleunigte Alterungstests von verschiedenen Putzen vor. Für die Beschreibung der Dauerhaftigkeit wurden zwei Modelle entwickelt. Die Modelle beschreiben Veränderungen ausgewählter Eigenschaften, die infolge von Frostschäden und Auslaugung auftreten. Das erste Modell basiert auf der Veränderung der Masse und das zweite auf der Veränderung der Festigkeit. In den Modellen werden die wesentlichen Eigenschaften berücksichtigt, die die Dauerhaftigkeit beeinflussen, wie z. B. Festigkeit, Porosität, Dichtigkeit, Haftzugfestigkeit und agressive Umwelteinwirkungen. Beide Modelle ermöglichen die Prognose der Dauerhaftigkeit von Außenputzen.
Der sommerliche Wärmeschutz eines sanierten Wohngebäudes aus den 1950er Jahren unter Berücksichtigung des Nutzerverhaltens
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine , Geyer Christoph , Kornadt Oliver
Published: August 2004

In der voraussichtlich ab Herbst 2004 in Kraft tretenden Änderungsnovelle der Energieeinsparverordnung wird in Zukunft der Nachweis des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes nach DIN 4108‐2: 2003‐7 gefordert, wodurch sich die Anforderungen an den sommerlichen Wärmeschutz von Wohngebäuden ändern. Am Beispiel eines sanierten Mehrfamilienhauses aus den 1950er Jahren werden die Auswirkungen untersucht, die sich auf die baulichen Anforderungen und das sich im Wohnraum einstellende Innenklima ergeben. Probleme des zusätzlichen Heizwärmebedarfs werden dabei ebenso berücksichtigt wie die Tageslichtverhältnisse im Raum. In einer thermischen Gebäudesimulation mit ESP‐r werden für verschiedene Nutzungsarten das Lüftungsverhalten und die sich ergebenden Überhitzungszeiten diskutiert.
Schallschutz mit schalldämmenden Lüftungsgittern
Authors: Eßer Georg , Sälzer Elmar
Published: August 2004

Schalldämmende Lüftungsgitter werden bei Zu‐ oder Abluftöffnungen von Gebäuden, bei natürlich belüfteten Parkhäusern und zum Sichtschutz an lärmemittierenden Anlagen, bei denen gleichzeitig für die Luftführung die Luftdurchströmung sichergestellt werden muß, benötigt. Im Labor wurden die Schalldämmungen von verschiedenen Lüftungsgittern meßtechnisch untersucht. Für typische Lüftungsgitter wurde ein Nomogramm in Abhängigkeit von der Spaltlänge und ‐breite entwickelt, um das bewertete Schalldämm‐Maß von schalldämmenden Lüftungsgittern prognostizieren zu können. Abschließend werden Anhaltswerte für die heranzuziehenden Spektrum‐Anpassungswerte in Bezug auf die bewerteten Schalldämm‐ Maße genannt.
Dose‐response for retinoic acid‐induced forelimb malformations and cleft palate: A comparison of computerized image analysis and visual inspection
Authors: Campbell Jerry L. , Smith Mary Alice , Fisher Jeffrey W. , Warren D. Alan
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to (1) compare two techniques (computerized image analysis and visual morphological evaluation) for the assessment of fetal forelimb malformations and (2) increase the robustness of the dose‐response curve for forelimb and cleft palate malformations resulting from all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) exposure in GD 11 mice. METHODS: Pregnant CD‐1 mice were administered a single oral dose of all‐trans RA (0, 2.5, 10, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg) on GD 11. GD 18 fetuses were examined for malformations using visual morphological scoring and computerized image analysis. RESULTS: Dose‐dependent changes occurred in the size and shape of the humerus, radius, and ulna based on both assessment methodologies. The most sensitive indicators for the lowest effect level (10 mg/kg) on forelimbs were roundness, a shape measurement determined by image analysis, and visual morphological scoring. For all other bone measurements (proximal and distal width, area, length, and perimeter), the lowest effect level was 30 mg/kg. The maximum effect for limb defects and total malformed fetuses was seen at 60 mg/kg and higher. Incidence of cleft palate increased over the entire range of administered doses reaching a maximum of 74% (100 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results indicate that computerized image analysis was no more sensitive in detecting changes in the humerus, radius, and ulna than gross visual examination. Dose‐response modeling of developmental endpoints yielded comparable benchmark dose levels for long bones and cleft palate that ranged from 0.24 to 7.6 mg/kg all‐trans RA. Birth Defects Res B 71:289–295, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein engineering of toluene 4‐monooxygenase of Pseudomonas mendocina KR1 for synthesizing 4‐nitrocatechol from nitrobenzene
Authors: Fishman Ayelet , Tao Ying , Bentley William E. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: August 2004

After discovering that toluene 4‐monooxygenase (T4MO) of Pseudomonas mendocina KR1 oxidizes nitrobenzene to 4‐nitrocatechol, albeit at a very low rate, this reaction was improved using directed evolution and saturation mutagenesis. Screening 550 colonies from a random mutagenesis library generated by error‐prone PCR of tmoAB using Escherichia coli TG1/pBS(Kan)T4MO on agar plates containing nitrobenzene led to the discovery of nitrocatechol‐producing mutants. One mutant, NB1, contained six amino acid substitutions (TmoA Y22N, I84Y, S95T, I100S, S400C; TmoB D79N). It was believed that position I100 of the α subunit of the hydroxylase (TmoA) is the most significant for the change in substrate reactivity due to previous results in our lab with a similar enzyme, toluene ortho‐monooxygenase of Burkholderia cepacia G4. Saturation mutagenesis at this position resulted in the generation of two more nitrocatechol mutants, I100A and I100S; the rate of 4‐nitrocatechol formation by I100A was more than 16 times higher than that of wild‐type T4MO at 200 μM nitrobenzene (0.13 ± 0.01 vs. 0.008 ± 0.001 nmol/min·mg protein). HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that variants NB1, I100A, and I100S produce 4‐nitrocatechol via m‐nitrophenol, while the wild‐type produces primarily p‐nitrophenol and negligible amounts of nitrocatechol. Relative to wild‐type T4MO, whole cells expressing variant I100A convert nitrobenzene into m‐nitrophenol with a Vmax of 0.61 ± 0.037 vs. 0.16 ± 0.071 nmol/min·mg protein and convert m‐nitrophenol into nitrocatechol with a Vmax of 3.93 ± 0.26 vs. 0.58 ± 0.033 nmol/min·mg protein. Hence, the regiospecificity of nitrobenzene oxidation was changed by the random mutagenesis, and this led to a significant increase in 4‐nitrocatechol production. The regiospecificity of toluene oxidation was also altered, and all of the mutants produced 20% m‐cresol and 80% p‐cresol, while the wild‐type produces 96% p‐cresol. Interestingly, the rate of toluene oxidation (the natural substrate of the enzyme) by I100A was also higher by 65% (7.2 ± 1.2 vs. 4.4 ± 0.3 nmol/min mg protein). Homology‐based modeling of TmoA suggests reducing the size of the side chain of I100 leads to an increase in the width of the active site channel, which facilitates access of substrates and promotes more flexible orientations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic resolution of (R,S)‐sec‐butylamine using omega‐transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis JS17 under reduced pressure
Authors: Yun Hyungdon , Cho Byung‐Kwan , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: August 2004

The kinetic resolution of (R,S) sec‐butylamine with the ω‐transaminase (TA) from Vibrio fluvialis JS17 was performed under reduced pressure (e.g., 150 torr) to selectively remove an inhibitory product (2‐butanone). The evaporation kinetics of 2‐butanone at 150 torr in the buffer solution followed the first‐order rate law, and the evaporation rate constant was 2.19 1/h, and independent of pH, while the evaporation kinetics of sec‐butylamine is dependent on pH. A simple mathematical model of the evaporation of sec‐butylamine allowing the estimation of its concentration in the reaction media was developed. The evaporation rate constant of its free amine form and the protonated amine form were 1.00 1/h, and nearly zero, respectively. Although the optimum pH of the ω‐TA activity for sec‐butylamine is 9.0, the optimal pH of the enzyme reaction under reduced pressure was pH 7.0, due to the higher evaporation rate of sec‐butylamine at higher pH above 7.0. Using the recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 overexpressing ω‐TA, 400 mM racemic sec‐butylamine was resolved successfully to 98% ee of (R)‐sec‐butylamine with 53% conversion at 150 torr and pH 7.0. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerating whole‐cell biocatalysis by reducing outer membrane permeability barrier
Authors: Ni Ye , Chen Rachel R.
Published: August 2004

Whole‐cell biocatalysts are preferred in many biocatalysis applications. However, due to permeability barriers imposed by cell envelopes, whole‐cell catalyzed reactions are reportedly 10–100‐fold slower than reactions catalyzed by free enzymes. In this study, we accelerated whole‐cell biocatalysis by reducing the membrane permeability barrier using molecular engineering approaches. Escherichia coli cells with genetically altered outer membrane structures were used. Specifically, a lipopolysaccarides mutant SM101 and a Braun's lipoprotein mutant E609L were used along with two model substrates that differ substantially in size and hydrophobicity, nitrocefin, and a tetrapeptide N‐succinyl‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe‐p‐nitroanilide. The reduction of the outer membrane permeability by genetic methods led to significant increases (up to 380%) in reaction rates of whole‐cell catalyzed reactions. The magnitude of increase in biocatalysis rates was dependent on the substrates and on the nature of mutations introduced in the outer membrane structure. Notably, mutations in outer membrane can render the outer membrane completely permeable to one substrate, a barrierless condition that maximizes the reaction rate. The impact of the mutations introduced on the permeability barrier of the membranes was compared to the impact of polymixin B nonapeptide, a known potent permeabilizer acting on lipopolysaccharides. Our results suggest that genetic modifications to enhance the permeability of hydrophilic molecules should target the Lipid A region. However, strategies other than reduction of Lipid A synthesis should be considered. As we have demonstrated with tetrapeptide, membrane engineering can be much more effective in reducing a permeability barrier than are exogenous permeabilizers. This work, to our knowledge, is the first use of a molecular membrane engineering approach to address substrate permeability limitations encountered in biocatalysis applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photosynthetically oxygenated salicylate biodegradation in a continuous stirred tank photobioreactor
Authors: Muñoz Raul , Köllner Claudia , Guieysse Benoit , Mattiasson Bo
Published: August 2004

A consortium consisting of a Chlorella sorokiniana strain and a Ralstonia basilensis strain was able to carry out sodium salicylate biodegradation in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) using exclusively photosynthetic oxygenation. Salicylate biodegradation depended on algal activity, which itself was a function of microalgal concentration, light intensity, and temperature. Biomass recirculation improved the photobioreactor performance by up to 44% but the results showed the existence of an optimal biomass concentration above which dark respiration started to occur and the process efficiency started to decline. The salicylate removal efficiency increased by a factor of 3 when illumination was increased from 50–300 μE/m2·s. In addition, the removal rate of sodium salicylate was shown to be temperature‐dependent, increasing from 14 to 27 mg/l·h when the temperature was raised from 26.5 to 31.5°C. Under optimized conditions (300 μE/m2·s, 30°C, 1 g sodium salicylate/l in the feed and biomass recirculation) sodium salicylate was removed at a maximum constant rate of 87 mg/l·h, corresponding to an estimated oxygenation capacity of 77 mg O2/l·h (based on a BOD value of 0.88 g O2/g sodium salicylate for the tested bacterium), which is in the range of the oxygen transfer capacity of large‐scale mechanical surface aerators. Thus, although higher degradation rates were attained in the control reactor, the photobioreactor is a cost‐efficient process which reduces the cost of aeration and prevents volatilization problems associated with the degradation of toxic volatile organic compounds under aerobic conditions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioprocess‐centered molecular design (BMD) for the efficient production of an interfacially active peptide
Authors: Morreale Giacomo , Gyo Lee Eun , Jones Daniel B. , Middelberg Anton P.J.
Published: August 2004

The efficient expression and purification of an interfacially active peptide (mLac21) was achieved by using bioprocess‐centered molecular design (BMD), wherein key bioprocess considerations are addressed during the initial molecular biology work. The 21 amino acid mLac21 peptide sequence is derived from the lac repressor protein and is shown to have high affinity for the oil–water interface, causing a substantial reduction in interfacial tension following adsorption. The DNA coding for the peptide sequence was cloned into a modified pET‐31(b) vector to permit the expression of mLac21 as a fusion to ketosteroid isomerase (KSI). Rational iterative molecular design, taking into account the need for a scaleable bioprocess flowsheet, led to a simple and efficient bioprocess yielding mLac21 at 86% purity following ion exchange chromatography (and >98% following chromatographic polishing). This case study demonstrates that it is possible to produce acceptably pure peptide for potential commodity applications using common scaleable bioprocess unit operations. Moreover, it is shown that BMD is a powerful strategy that can be deployed to reduce bioseparation complexity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NAD‐sensitive hydrogel for the release of macromolecules
Authors: Tang M. , Zhang R. , Bowyer A. , Eisenthal R. , Hubble J.
Published: August 2004

A hydrogel membrane containing immobilized ligands and receptors was synthesized and investigated for the controlled diffusion of test proteins (cytochrome C and hemoglobin). Both Cibacron blue (ligand) and lysozyme (receptor) were covalently linked to dextran molecules that were subsequently crosslinked to form a gel. The resulting stable hydrogels contained both covalent and affinity crosslinks such that their intrinsic porosities were sensitive to competitive displacers of the affinity interaction between lysozyme and Cibacron blue. Transport experiments in a twin chamber diffusion cell showed that as NAD was added to the donor side, the dissociation of the binding sites between the Cibacron blue and the lysozyme led to an increase in protein diffusion through the hydrogel. The results showed that addition of NAD caused a saturable concentration‐dependent increase in the transport of both cytochrome C and hemoglobin. This effect was shown to be both specific and reversible. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stimulation of growth factor synthesis in skin wounds using tissue extract (G‐90) from the earthworm Eissenia foetida
Authors: Grdiša M. , Popović M. , Hrženjak T.
Published: August 2004

Growth factors are biologically‐active mediators that bind to specific receptors on target cells and regulate genes involved in cell growth, wound healing and regeneration. In the case of wound healing, a proper wound dressing is needed to cover the wound area, protect the damaged tissue, and if possible to activate cell proliferation and stimulate the healing process. In this study we examined the efficacy of a glycolipoprotein tissue homogenate extract from Eisenia foetida (G‐90) to activate signal transduction pathways, leading to wound healing. We measured the activation of EGF and FGF in healthy skin, in wounds with physiological healing and in wounds treated with G‐90. The activation of EGF and FGF was measured during the first 24 h of wound healing under both physiological conditions and treatment with G‐90. In both cases an increased concentration of EGF and FGF was observed 6 h after wounding. In comparison with healthy skin, the concentration of EGF increased 10‐fold and FGF five‐fold in wounds treated with G‐90 (10 ng ml−1). Healing in physiological conditions resulted in a two‐fold increase of EGF and 1.5‐fold of FGF. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonclassical Titanocene Silyl Hydrides
Authors: Ignatov Stanislav K. , Rees Nicholas H. , Tyrrell Ben R. , Dubberley Stuart R. , Razuvaev Alexei G. , Mountford Philip , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: August 2004

The titanocene silyl hydride complexes [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)(H)(SiR3)] [SiR3=SiMePhCl (6), SiPh2Cl (7), SiMeCl2(8), SiCl3(9)] were prepared by HSiR3addition to [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)2] and were studied by NMR and IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (for6,8, and9), and DFT calculations. Spectroscopic and structural data established that these complexes exhibit nonclassical Ti‐H‐Si‐Cl interligand hypervalent interactions. In particular, the observation of silicon–hydride coupling constantsJ(Si,H) in6–9in the range 22–40 Hz, the signs of which we found to be negative for8and9, is conclusive evidence of the presence of a direct SiH bond. The analogous reaction of [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)2] with HSi(OEt)3does not afford the expected classical silyl hydride complex [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)(H){Si(OEt)3}], and instead NMR‐silent titanium (apparently TiIII) complex(es) and the silane redistribution product Si(OEt)4are formed. The structural data and DFT calculations for the compounds [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)(H)(SiR3)] show that the strength of interligand hypervalent interactions in the chlorosilyl complexes decreases as the number of chloro groups on silicon increases. However, in the absence of an Si‐bound electron‐withdrawing grouptransto the SiH moiety, a silane σ complex is formed, characterized by a long TiSi bond of 2.658 Å and short SiH contact of 1.840 Å in the model complex [Ti(Cp)2(PMe3)(H)(SiMe3)]. Both the silane σ complexes and silyl hydride complexes with interligand hypervalent interactions exhibit bond paths between the silicon and hydride atoms in Atoms in Molecules (AIM) studies. To date a classical titanocene phosphane silyl hydride complex without any SiH interaction has not been observed, and therefore titanocene silyl hydrides are, depending on the nature of the R groups on Si, either silane σ complexes or compounds with an interligand hypervalent interaction.
A Novel Hybrid Inorganic–Metalorganic Compound Based on a Polymeric Polyoxometalate and a Copper Complex: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Topological Studies
Authors: San Felices Leire , Vitoria Pablo , Gutiérrez‐Zorrilla Juan M. , Reinoso Santiago , Etxebarria Juan , Lezama Luis
Published: August 2004

Reaction of monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) and [Cu(ac)(pmdien)]+ generated in situ led to the formation of the hybrid metal organic–inorganic compound K5[Cu(ac)(pmdien)][SiW11CuO39]⋅12 H2O; its crystal structure and magnetic properties have also been determined. The packing of this compound can be viewed as a stacking of hydrogen‐bonded chiral double chains, with the cationic complexes located between the two‐dimensional arrangement of POM double chains. DFT calculations performed on [Cu(ac)(pmdien)]+ suggest that the distortion presented in this cationic copper complex is due to electronic effects. An AIM stability study of the cationic copper complex, in order to determine the relationship between the bond angle Cu‐O‐C and the denticity of the acetate ligand, has been carried out. Topological analyses over the polyhedral distortion, both of the monosubstituted polyanion and copper complexes, have been performed by means of continuous shape measures (CSM).
Cover Picture: The Induced Magnetic Field in Cyclic Molecules (Chem. Eur. J. 17/2004)
Authors: Merino Gabriel , Heine Thomas , Seifert Gotthard
Published: August 2004

The cover picture shows a plot of the 5 ppm isosurface of the z component of the induced magnetic field of benzene, with the protons inside the shielding region (red). Contour lines of the z component of the induced magnetic field through the molecular center are plotted at the faces of the box. The magnetic response of several cyclic organic rings towards an external magnetic field perpendicular to their molecular plane has been studied. The benzene ring shows a long‐ranged magnetic response towards a magnetic field perpendicular to the molecular ring, and the induced field of aromatic molecules shields the external field perpendicular to the ring over a large area. For more details see the paper by T. Heine et al. on p. 4367 ff.
Mac‐2‐binding protein is a diagnostic marker for biliary tract carcinoma
Authors: Koopmann Jens , Thuluvath Paul J. , Zahurak Marianna L. , Kristiansen Troels Z. , Pandey Akhilesh , Schulick Richard , Argani Pedram , Hidalgo Manuel , Iacobelli Stefano , Goggins Michael , Maitra Anirban
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract carcinoma is a deadly disease, accounting for nearly 4500 malignancy‐related deaths each year in the United States. Early detection has the potential to improve survival for patients with biliary tract malignancies, enabling curative surgical resection. Early detection approaches would benefit from an accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic test. To identify novel diagnostic markers, the authors recently completed a comprehensive proteomic study of bile samples from patients with biliary carcinoma. One of the proteins identified by tandem mass spectrometry was Mac‐2‐binding protein (Mac‐2BP). The authors evaluated the performance of Mac‐2BP and its ligand, galectin‐3, as diagnostic markers for patients with biliary carcinoma.

METHODS

Levels of Mac‐2BP, galectin‐3, and CA19‐9 were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in bile samples from patients with biliary tract carcinoma (n = 26), benign biliary conditions (n = 32), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 20). Serum levels of Mac‐2BP and galectin‐3 also were determined using ELISA. Mac‐2BP tissue expression was investigated by immunohistochemical methods using a biliary carcinoma tissue microarray.

RESULTS

Biliary Mac‐2BP levels were elevated by a factor of ∼3 in the biliary carcinoma group compared with the group of patients who had PSC or another type of nonneoplastic biliary disease. In contrast, Mac‐2BP levels were not elevated in serum samples from patients with biliary carcinoma. According to the immunohistochemical analysis, Mac‐2BP was expressed in 34 of 36 patients (94.4%) with biliary tract carcinoma. As a diagnostic marker for biliary carcinoma, Mac‐2BP levels were as accurate as biliary CA19‐9 levels, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70 on receiver operator characteristic analysis. The use of both of these bile markers in combination, however, led to significantly better diagnostic accuracy compared with the accuracy achieved using CA19‐9 alone (AUC, 0.75; P < 0.001). Serum and biliary galectin‐3 levels did not differ in the biliary carcinoma group relative to the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary Mac‐2BP levels, especially when used in conjunction with biliary CA19‐9 levels, showed promise as a novel diagnostic marker for biliary tract carcinoma. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Leukemogenic effect of chemotherapy in patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: Ibrahim Nuhad K.
Published: August 2004

The data presented by Kaplan and colleagues in the current issue of Cancer do not appear to be sufficiently mature to suggest the absence of an association between agents used in the treatment of breast carcinoma and the development of secondary leukemia. The updating of these data over an adequate follow‐up period may prove critical to the conclusions that are drawn. In addition, stratification of data according to accepted risk factors for secondary leukemia is warranted.

See pages 1529–36.
The cumulative risk of a false‐positive recall in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Hofvind Solveig , Thoresen Steinar , Tretli Steinar
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Biennial breast cancer screening for women ages 50–69 years is recommended by the World Health Organization. It has been claimed that the cumulative risk of a false‐positive recall is a significant disadvantage in breast cancer screening programs. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the cumulative risk of a false‐positive recall during a screening period of 20 years in women ages 50–51 years who are screened biennially in a population‐based screening program. A secondary objective was to estimate the cumulative risk of undergoing fine‐needle aspiration cytology, core needle biopsy, and open biopsy with benign morphology in the same group of women.

METHODS

The Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program invites all women ages 50–69 years who reside in the country to a 2‐view mammography biennially. A nationwide data base that covers all of the invited women includes individual information about all screening activity. Results from three screening rounds in four counties were the basis for this study. False‐positive recalls due to abnormal mammograms among 83,416 women who participated all the 3 screening rounds were the basis for the estimations.

RESULTS

It was calculated that women ages 50–51 years who participate in biennial screening run a cumulative risk of 20.8% for a false‐positive recall during a screening period of 2 decades. The cumulative risk of undergoing fine‐needle aspiration cytology was estimated at 3.9%, and the risk of undergoing core needle biopsy or open biopsy with benign morphology was 1.5% and 0.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

False‐positive recalls are a disadvantage in a breast cancer screening programs, but the cumulative risk seemed to be acceptable in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program. It is important to communicate the existence and extent of this risk to the target group. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The effect of ethnicity on immediate reconstruction rates after mastectomy for breast cancer
Authors: Tseng Jennifer F. , Kronowitz Steven J. , Sun Charlotte C. , Perry Allison C. , Hunt Kelly K. , Babiera Gildy V. , Newman Lisa A. , Singletary S. Eva , Mirza Nadeem Q. , Ames Frederick C. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Ross Merrick I. , Feig Barry W. , Robb Geoffrey L. , Kuerer Henry M.
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Multiple factors may influence whether patients undergo immediate breast reconstruction along with mastectomy for breast cancer. The authors investigated whether ethnicity was an independent predictor of immediate breast reconstruction.

METHODS

The authors identified 1004 patients who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer during the period 2001–2002. The rates of immediate reconstruction among different ethnicities were evaluated using the chi‐square test. Logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates, including age and disease stage. Medical records were analyzed to identify factors that influenced each patient's decision for or against immediate breast reconstruction.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy‐six women (37.5%) underwent immediate breast reconstruction: This included 20.2% of African‐American women, compared with 40.0% of white women, 42.0% of Hispanic women, 42.2% of Asian women, and 10.0% of Middle Eastern women (P < 0.001). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for immediate reconstruction for African‐Americans versus whites was 0.38 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.23–0.63; P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, this disparity persisted, with an adjusted OR of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.18–0.62; P = 0.001). Asian women had lower rates of immediate reconstruction compared with white women (adjusted OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.24–1.04; P = 0.06). Hispanic women did not have immediate reconstruction rates that differed significantly from white women. Middle Eastern women had lower rates of immediate reconstruction compared with white women (adjusted OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02–0.38; P = 0.002), but they had a corresponding increase in the rate of delayed reconstruction. In a stepwise analysis of the decision pathway to immediate reconstruction, it was found that African‐American women were less likely to be offered referrals for reconstruction, were less likely to accept offered referrals, were less likely to be offered reconstruction, and were less likely to elect reconstruction if it was offered.

CONCLUSIONS

African‐American women underwent immediate breast reconstruction at significantly lower rates compared with white women, Hispanic women, and Asian women. After adjusting for covariates, including age and disease stage, African‐American women and Asian women had lower rates of reconstruction compared with white women. The factors that contribute to these differences warrant further study. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Death during induction therapy and first remission of acute leukemia in childhood
Authors: Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Lensing Shelly , Zhou Yinmei , Sandlund John T. , Razzouk Bassem I. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Pui Ching‐Hon
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in supportive care, death due to treatment toxicity remains a significant problem for children treated for acute leukemia.

METHODS

To determine the causes of and risk factors for death unrelated to refractory leukemia, to disease recurrence, or to second malignancy, the authors reviewed the records of 1011 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 260 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated between 1984 and 1999 and between 1983 and 2002, respectively, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN). Data for patients who underwent stem cell transplantation were censored at the time of transplantation.

RESULTS

For patients with ALL, the estimated 10‐year cumulative incidence of death was 2.9% ± 5.3%. Age was the only predictor of death. Patients with ALL 1–9 years old had a significantly lower risk of death than did younger or older patients (P = 0.002). For patients with AML, the estimated 5‐year cumulative incidence of death was 7.6% ± 1.9%. Increasing age and increasing leukocyte count were significantly associated with increased risk of death. For patients with ALL and with AML, the incidence of death remained relatively constant during the time periods studied. Infection was the most common cause of death.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, the authors determined that children ≥ 10 years of age are at increased risk of death during therapy for ALL and AML. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Expression of syndecan‐1 and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor are associated with survival in patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Shah Lori , Walter Kristin L. , Borczuk Alain C. , Kawut Steven M. , Sonett Joshua R. , Gorenstein Lyall A. , Ginsburg Mark E. , Steinglass Kenneth M. , Powell Charles A.
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Recently, the authors identified molecular signatures and pathways associated with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma histology and lung development. They hypothesized that genetic classifiers of histology would provide insight into lung tumorigenesis and would be associated with clinical outcome when evaluated in a broader set of specimens.

METHODS

Associations between patient survival and immunostaining for 11 representative histologic classifiers (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], CDK4, syndecan‐1, singed‐like, TTF‐1, keratin 5, HDAC2, docking protein 1, integrin α3, P63, and cyclin D1) were examined using a tissue microarray constructed from nonsmall cell lung carcinoma specimens.

RESULTS

Sixty‐three tumors were examined, including 43 adenocarcinomas, 11 large cell carcinomas, and 9 squamous cell carcinomas. Sixty‐three percent of tumors were clinical Stage I lesions, and 37% were Stage II–III lesions. In a multivariate analysis that controlled for age, gender, and race, syndecan‐1 expression was found to be associated with a significant reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.31 [95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.87];P< 0.05). Multivariate analysis also indicated that EGFR expression was associated with a significant reduced risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors demonstrated that expression of either of the nonsmall cell lung carcinoma subtype classifiers syndecan‐1 and EGFR was associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of death, with this reduction being independent of histology and other confounders. The results of the current study suggest that loss of expression of these histologic classifiers is associated with biologic aggressiveness in lung tumors and with poor outcome for patients with such tumors. If their significance can be validated prospectively, these biomarkers may be used to guide therapeutic planning for patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Hachem Ray Y. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Boktour Maha R. , Afif Claude , Cooksley Catherine , Bodey Gerald P. , Chatzinikolaou Ioannis , Perego Cheryl , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Raad Issam I.
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has emerged as a common cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX), Aspergillus terreus is second to A. fumigatus as the most common cause of IA. In the current study, the authors compared the risk factors and outcomes associated with IA caused by A. terreus and IA caused by A. fumigatus.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 300 patients who received care at our institution between 1995 and 2001 and who had cultures that were positive for Aspergillus infection, including 90 patients whose cultures were positive for A. fumigatus and 70 patients whose cultures were positive for A. terreus.

RESULTS

Thirty‐two patients with IA caused by A. terreus and 33 patients with IA caused by A. fumigatus were evaluated. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, and underlying disease. Leukemia was the most common underlying malignancy (84%). More than 40% of patients in each group had undergone bone marrow transplantation. There was a trend toward a higher frequency of neutropenia among patients with IA caused by A. terreus (P = 0.12). IA caused by A. terreus was considered to be nosocomial in origin significantly more frequently compared with IA caused by A. fumigatus (P = 0.03). In vitro, A. terreus was found to be more resistant to amphotericin B (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC90], 4.0 μg/mL) than to antifungal therapy (MIC90, 1.0 Hg/mL) in the isolates that were tested (< 50% of all isolates). The overall rate of response to antifungal therapy was 39% for patients with A. fumigatus infection, compared with 28% for patients with A. terreus infection (P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the decreased in vitro susceptibility of A. terreus (relative to A. fumigatus) to amphotericin B, the two groups within the current patient population had comparably poor responses to amphotericin B preparation and somewhat improved responses to posaconazole. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Biweekly paclitaxel, cisplatin, tegafur, and leucovorin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Wang Hung‐Ming , Liao Chun‐Ta , Chang Tung‐Chieh Joseph , Chen Jen‐Shi , Liaw Cuang‐Chi , Chen I‐How , Tsang Ngan‐Ming
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel, cisplatin (P), tegafur (T), and leucovorin (L) as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for patients with advanced, unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

METHODS

From November 1999 to January 2001, 21 consecutive patients (Stage IV, 100%; T4, 86%; and N3, 41%) were treated with paclitaxel‐PTL (Day 1: paclitaxel, 120 mg/m2 intravenous infusion for 3 hours; Day 1: P, 50 mg/m2; T, 800 mg; and L, 60 mg orally daily over a 14‐day cycle). Evaluation after three cycles led to CT termination if primary tumor responses were less than partial responses. Otherwise, paclitaxel‐PTL was continued for up to six cycles before commencement of locoregional therapy.

RESULTS

CT responses were analyzed on an intent‐to‐treat basis. Response rates (RR) for the primary tumors were 81% (17 of 21), with 28.6% (6 of 21) showing a complete response (CR). RR and CR rates for the neck lymph nodes were 85.3% (15 of 18) and 22% (4 of 18), respectively. The combined RR for primary tumors and neck lymph nodes was 81% (95% confidence interval, 62.9–99.3%) with a CR rate of 19%. Grade 3/4 toxicities according to World Health Organization criteria included leukopenia, 19.0%; emesis, 9.5%; asthenia, 9.5%; mucositis, 4.8%; and neuropathy, 4.8%. Both the overall and disease‐free survival rates were 14.3% (3 of 21), with a median follow‐up of 41 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively low toxicities and encouraging response rates demonstrated in the current study suggested that paclitaxel‐PTL merits future trials in the setting of resectable tumors with more favorable characteristics. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
On the choice of local element frame for corotational triangular shell elements
Authors: Battini Jean‐Marc , Pacoste Costin
Published: August 2004

In the context of corotational triangular shell elements, the objective of this paper is to show that for certain stability problems it is interesting to choose a local element frame invariant to the element node ordering. Two methods of obtaining such a local frame are presented. These two methods, already proposed by other authors, are reformulated. For the first one, based on the minimisation of local nodal displacements, it is shown that the iterative process can be avoided. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur traditionellen Technik des freihändigen Gewölbebaus
Authors: Wendland David
Published: August 2004

Die Kunst, Gewölbekappen freihändig, also ohne Schalung, zu errichten, wird heutzutage nur noch von wenigen Spezialisten beherrscht und ist bei Architekten weitgehend unbekannt. Aus der historischen technischen Literatur lassen sich jedoch Informationen darüber gewinnen, die durch eine kritische Analyse zugänglich werden. Am Lehrstuhl Tragwerksplanung der Technischen Universität Dresden wurde zum besseren Verständnis ein Versuchsbau errichtet.
Ein neues Materialgesetz zur wirklichkeitsnahen Beschreibung des Baustoffverhaltens von Mauerwerk
Authors: Jäger Wolfram , Vassilev Todor , Pflücke Torsten
Published: August 2004

Auf Grund einer Vielzahl an möglichen Stein‐Mörtel‐Kombinationen scheint es leicht verständlich, daß im Mauerwerksbau zum Teil erhebliche Unterschiede in den Verläufen entsprechender Materialkennlinien existieren. Für die Berechnung von Traglasten, die möglichst den tatsächlichen Tragwiderstand widerspiegeln sollen, ist eine adäquate mathematische Beschreibung der Arbeitslinien für Mauerwerk erforderlich. Ein passendes Materialgesetz sollte dabei die tatsächlichen Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Verläufe abbilden können und zum anderen mathematisch geschlossen differenzierbar und integrierbar sein. Das in diesem Beitrag vorgestellte neue Materialgesetz erfüllt beide Anforderungen. Es zeichnet sich durch eine sehr gute Anpassungsfähigkeit an die im Versuch ermittelten Materialkennlinien und eine hohe Flexibilität im Grad der Nichtlinearität aus. Des Weiteren ist es analytisch explizit integrierbar und damit ohne Probleme zur Bestimmung von Traglasten verwendbar. Die Vorgehensweise kann mit der Bestimmung entsprechender Parameter auf Basis von Versuchsergebnissen, der Beschreibung des vollständigen Verlaufs der Materialkennlinien sowie der analytischen Bestimmung der Querschnittstragfähigkeit von Mauerwerk als geschlossen bezeichnet werden.
Kalkausscheidungen an Sichtmauerwerk aus Beton‐Vormauersteinen Ein bekanntes Phänomen, in der Praxis noch nicht optimal gelöst
Authors: Quitmann Horst‐Dietrich , Schumann Irene
Published: August 2004

Die vorgestellten Ergebnisse einer schadensfallorientierten Untersuchung zeigen, daß die Hauptquelle für Kalkausscheidungen an neu hergestelltem Sichtmauerwerk aus Beton‐ Vormauersteinen beim Mauermörtel zu suchen ist. Der Mauerstein kann zwar als Herkunft des Ca(OH)2 nicht vollkommen ausgeschlossen werden, der hier lösbare Anteil ist aber der Studie nach vergleichsweise unbedeutend. Die Menge an kurzfristig mobilisierbarem Calciumhydroxid wird in erster Linie durch das Alter des Mauermörtels bestimmt: Je jünger der Mörtel bei Fremdwasserzutritt ist, umso größer ist das Risiko von Kalkausscheidungen. Das Fazit der Untersuchungen ist, daß frisch erstelltes Sichtmauerwerk aus Beton‐Vormauersteinen nach der Herstellung mindestens zwei Tage sicher vor Fremdwasserzutritt geschützt werden muß.
Obesity, bariatric surgery and type 2 diabetes—a systematic review
Authors: Ferchak Cynthia V. , Meneghini Luigi F.
Published: August 2004

Obesity is endemic in the United States and is closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Likewise, both conditions are resistant to treatment. Recent studies have evaluated prevention of type 2 diabetes through intensive lifestyle intervention, while others are examining the impact of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes. This article presents an overview of the impact of bariatric surgical and lifestyle interventions on the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although studies using a variety of bariatric surgical techniques are included, the focus is on two interventions in particular: the Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and the laparoscopic silicone gastric banding procedure. Outcomes of these procedures are further contrasted with recent lifestyle intervention studies, in particular, the Diabetes Prevention Program study. Gastric bypass studies have been associated with a 99 to 100% prevention of diabetes in patients with IGT and an 80 to 90% clinical resolution of diagnosed early type 2 diabetes. Gastric banding procedures are associated with a lower median (50–60%) clinical remission of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle intervention studies of obese and glucose‐intolerant patients have achieved a 50% reduction in the progression of IGT to diabetes over the short term, with no reported resolution of the disease. Weight loss by any means in the obese patient appears to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes, at least in the short term. Furthermore, sustained weight loss through bariatric surgical intervention is associated both with prevention of progression of IGT and with clinical remission of early type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approach to complex system on emergence and propagation characteristics of acoustic domain in a piezoelectric semiconducting n‐CdS
Authors: Tokunaga Yoshiaki
Published: August 2004

This paper reports the results of measurement of phonon fluxes in an acoustic domain generated in a piezoelectric semiconductor n‐CdS by the Brillouin scattering method. The propagation velocity of the phonon fluxes with an acoustic domain configuration of 0.4 to 3.2 GHz is analyzed. It is found that the velocity is greater than the sound velocity although the difference depends on the frequency. The spatial distributions of the phonon fluxes within the acoustic domain are analyzed. It is experimentally shown that the velocity differs depending on the frequency. In addition, it is shown that the profile of the 2.8‐GHz phonon flux within the acoustic domain agrees well with the simulation results calculated from the KdV equation. Finally, the peak of the 2.8‐GHz phonon flux and the time variations of the rise and fall of the profile are quantitatively described. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 87(9): 22–29, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20065
Multi‐phase‐level electro‐optical beam deflector in combined periodic polarization‐reversed structures with different thickness
Authors: Koyanagi Kojiro
Published: August 2004

We propose an electro‐optical beam deflector vertically connecting polarization‐reversed structures having different periods and thicknesses. This device is an optical deflector that uses a diffraction grating blazed with multiple‐phase levels created by the Pockels effect of the applied electric field. The deflection with respect to the applied electric field that considers the polarization and wavelength of the input light is theoretically analyzed for the LiNbO3 crystal as the specific medium. We also examine the deflection characteristics due to two stages that connect multi‐phase‐level diffraction gratings having different periods. Consequently, by setting appropriate values for the applied electric field and the medium thickness, we demonstrated the ease in obtaining the wide angle, high diffraction efficiency, low crosstalk, fast response light deflection, polarized light beam splitting, and wavelength demultiplexing. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 87(9): 12–21, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20079
On the design of a coupled line filter with a slightly mismatched load and its analysis by the Eigen Mode Expansion method
Authors: Takeda Shigeki
Published: August 2004

Usually, filter design is carried out by first setting network functions for a matched condition between the signal source and the load. Next, a filter circuit is synthesized. In this process, errors entering the parameters in the process of deriving the network functions cause the characteristics to deviate, and often destroy the unitary condition so that synthesis of the circuit becomes impossible. This problem can be avoided by intentionally allowing mismatch between the signal source and the load in the design of the network functions. Although such an effect is present, the design procedure becomes complex and hence such a technique is rarely studied. In the present research, this concept is applied in order to recover network functions with the unitary condition destroyed due to the errors, so that a prototype low‐pass filter can be synthesized. Next, in order to confirm the effectiveness of this procedure, a coupled line filter at microwave frequencies is designed by using such network functions. Further, a Foster‐type equivalent circuit is derived for the coupled line filter by the Eigen Mode Expansion method. Along with confirming the characteristics of the network functions, the correspondence and discrepancy between the network functions and the coupled line filter are quantified. Through this series of circuit design and analysis, the effect of this design procedure and the applications to actual filter design are validated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 87(9): 1–11, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20080