bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral reading in the school literacy curriculum
Authors: RASINSKI TIMOTHY V. , HOFFMAN JAMES V.
Published: June 2004

The report of the U.S. National Reading Panel identified oral reading as a method for developing reading skills and improving achievement. The authors explore the role of oral reading in instructional practice, primarily among young children who struggle in reading. They examine current research and theory in oral reading, and comment on implications for classroom practice.
Dialogue online: Prospective teachers' discourse strategies in computer‐mediated discussions
Authors: WADE SUZANNE E. , FAUSKE JANICE R.
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTS

Early views considered computer‐mediated discussions (CMDs) to be ideal forums for fostering dialogue because women and other marginalized groups could be equal participants. However, such optimistic views have been tempered by research that found CMD to be dominated by a few individuals, often men, and discourse that is sometimes abusive. The purpose of the present study was to examine the range of discourse strategies and genres of dialogue that male and female prospective teachers used in CMD to align themselves with comembers, to establish their identities as teachers, to socialize other participants into the Discourse of being a teacher, and to exclude members who did not conform to group norms. Unlike many of the studies that examined online discourse in terms of gender, this study found that both men and women used a range and a mix of discourse strategies and genres of dialogue. With a few exceptions, both men and women were inclusive, supportive, personalizing, receptive to others' ideas, and attenuating. They were also willing to be critical and to challenge others' assumptions, images, beliefs, and positions. However, this did not necessarily mean that they changed their views when alternative ideas conflicted with strongly held beliefs. In addition, both men and women were equally likely to mock and exclude those who did not abide by the conventions of the group norms, although such comments were uncommon. Implications for teacher education and future research are discussed.
Modeling the effects of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, amount of reading, and past reading achievement on text comprehension between U.S. and Chinese students
Authors: WANG JUDY HUEI‐YU , GUTHRIE JOHN T.
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTS

This study examined the extent that motivational processes facilitate the comprehension of texts and the extent of culture's role in children's motivational processes of text comprehension. Relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the amount of reading, past reading achievement, and text comprehension were examined by utilizing structural equation modeling. Fourth‐grade students (187 U.S. and 197 Chinese) were administered a reading test and two questionnaires regarding reading motivation and reading amount. A final model fit the data well, showing that intrinsic motivation predicted text comprehension for both student groups after controlling for all other variables. Extrinsic motivation negatively predicted text comprehension except when associated with intrinsic motivation. Reading amount did not predict text comprehension after controlling for motivational variables. The structural relationships were statistically equivalent across the U.S. and Chinese groups. Cultural influences on reading motivation, reading amount, and comprehension were discussed.
Developmental‐spelling research: A systematic imperative
Authors: INVERNIZZI MARCIA , HAYES LATISHA
Published: June 2004

A team of first‐grade teachers began to question their literacy/phonics program, which used a whole‐class format for instruction. The teachers felt that teaching the whole class did not allow them to meet the diverse needs of all their students. One of the teachers introduced the rest of the team to developmental‐spelling research (i.e., research on the development of spelling proficiency that builds on linguistic interpretations of students' unconventional spellings as they change over time) and, specifically, to an approach to phonics and spelling instruction called word study. By using developmental‐spelling assessments, the teachers believed they could better meet their students' needs through differentiated word study in small groups. The new school year began with qualitative spelling assessments and subsequent grouping plans. Many issues arose quickly. When teachers placed their students along a developmental continuum of spelling features, they saw that many students could bypass earlier features that, according to assessment results, they had already learned. The idea of having a group of students skip over easier features made them anxious about meeting the Reading First criteria for systematic phonics instruction. In their previous whole‐class teaching, everyone started in the same place and proceeded systematically through the curriculum. Now the teachers were uncertain about choosing different spelling features for different groups. They found themselves spending more time preparing when they were used to depending upon an already prepared program. Management issues associated with differentiated groupings proved to be challenging. They wondered how teachers could take developmental‐spelling research and make it practical for the classroom.
Literacy(ies), culture(s), and development(s): The ethnographic challenge
Authors: WAGNER DANIEL A.
Published: June 2004

Book reviewed in this article:

Illegal Alphabets and Adult Biliteracy: Latino Migrants Crossing the Linguistic Border. Tomas Mario Kalmar. 2001.

Literacy and Development: Ethnographic Perspectives. Edited by Brian Street. 2001.

Local Literacies: Reading and Writing in One Community. David Barton and Mary Hamilton. 1998.

The Making of Literate Societies. Edited by David R. Olson and Nancy Torrance. 2001.

Multilingual Literacies: Reading and Writing in Different Worlds. Marilyn Martin‐Jones and Kathryn Jones. 2000.
Children report suggested events even when interviewed in a non‐suggestive manner: what are its implications for credibility assessment?
Authors: Erdmann Katja , Volbert Renate , Böhm Claudia
Published: June 2004

An important question in the legal context is how suggested statements about fictitious events develop over a course of various interviews. Sixty‐seven first‐graders were interviewed four times about one real and one fictitious event, applying various suggestive techniques. A fifth, non‐suggestive, interview was conducted by blind experts. Over the course of the interviews there was a considerable increase in assents to the fictitious events. Moreover, few significant differences in criteria‐based content analysis‐criteria were revealed between true and fictitious statements in the fifth interview. Accordingly, experts had difficulties in discriminating between true and suggested accounts. Furthermore, several children were convinced of the truth of their reports, even after having been partially debriefed in a sixth interview. Implications for statement validity assessment are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of image analysis techniques as a tool to detect and quantify morphological changes in anaerobic sludge: I. Application to a granulation process
Authors: Araya‐Kroff P. , Amaral A.L. , Neves L. , Ferreira E.C. , Pons M.‐N. , Mota M. , Alves M.M.
Published: June 2004

Image analysis techniques were developed and applied to quantify the process of anaerobic granulation in an expanded granular sludge blanket reactor (EGSB) fed with a synthetic substrate based on glucose [60–30% COD (chemical oxygen demand)] and volatile fatty acids (40–70% COD) over 376 days. In a first operation period that lasted 177 days, the aggregation of dispersed sludge was quantitatively monitored through the recognition and quantification of aggregates and filaments. A parameter defined as the ratio between the filaments' length and the aggregates projected area (LfA) has proven to be sensitive to detect changes in the aggregation status of the anaerobic sludge. The aggregation time—defined as the moment when a balance between filaments' length and aggregates' size was established—was recognized through the LfA. The percentage of projected area of aggregates within three size ranges (0.01–0.1 mm, 0.1–1 mm, and >1 mm, equivalent diameter) reflected the granular size spectrum during the aggregation process. When sudden increases on the upflow velocity and on the organic loading rate were applied to the previously formed granules, the developed image analysis techniques revealed to be good indicators of granular sludge stability, since they were sensitive to detected filaments release, fragmentation, and erosion that usually leads to washout. The specific methanogenic activities in the presence of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and H2/CO2 increased along the operation, particularly relevant was the sudden increase in the specific hydrogenophilic activity, immediately after the moment recognized as aggregation time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The emotional abuse of elite child athletes by their coaches
Authors: Gervis Misia , Dunn Nicola
Published: June 2004

This study investigates the prevalence of emotional abuse of elite child athletes by their coaches in the UK. Previous research has focused primarily on the parent–child relationship, with little attention given to date on the sports environment. Participants were 12 former elite child athletes who competed as internationals in their respective age groups. All participants had been identiﬁed as elite athletes between the ages of 8 and 16 years (M = 13.1 yr, SD = 2.4 yr) and had competitive careers of between 6 and 10 years. Participants were from the sports of diving (N = 2), football (N = 3), gymnastics (N = 4), hockey, netball and track and ﬁeld athletics (N = 1 each). The study was a retrospective analysis of their experiences as elite child athletes. (Age at interview: M = 22.9 yr, SD = 0.9 yr. male = 4, female = 8.) Thus, participants were reﬂecting on experiences from about 10 years previously, so their responses represented the residual impact of their experiences that had survived over this period. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and response‐coding techniques. Abusive behaviours were categorized under eight headings: belittling, humiliating, shouting, scapegoating, rejecting, isolating, threatening and ignoring. Results showed that all (N = 12) of the participants reported experiencing belittling and shouting by their coach, nine athletes reported frequent threatening behaviour, nine reported frequent humiliation, seven reported scapegoating, six reported rejection or being ignored and four reported being isolated when they were elite child athletes. All participants reported that the behaviour of their coaches changed and became more negative after they were identiﬁed as elite performers. Participants reported feeling stupid, worthless, upset, less conﬁdent, humiliated, depressed, fearful and angry as a result of the behaviour of their coaches. The results provide tentative evidence that the behaviour of some coaches is a threat to the psychological well‐being of elite child athletes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Non‐Alkaloidal Natural Compounds as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Brühlmann Corinne , Marston Andrew , Hostettmann Kurt , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Testa Bernard
Published: June 2004

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are currently the only approved therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, only a limited number of drugs are commercially available. A library of non‐alkaloidal natural compounds was investigated. To this end, a convenient microtitre plate method for assaying AChE inhibition, which allows a complete kinetic analysis of AChE inhibitors, was developed. Seven active compounds with Ki values in the micromolar range were identified, six of which were xanthones. This is the first report that a promising potential for AChE inhibition exists in such non‐nitrogenous natural compounds. Furthermore, four xanthones among these xanthones had already been described as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, making then dual AChE/MAO inhibitors of great interest.
Proposal of a New Hydrogen‐Bonding Form to Maintain Curdlan Triple Helix
Authors: Miyoshi Kentaro , Uezu Kazuya , Sakurai Kazuo , Shinkai Seiji
Published: June 2004

Curdlan and other β‐1,3‐D‐glucans form right‐handed triple helices, and it has been believed that the intermolecular H‐bond is present at the center of the helix to maintain the structure. In this H‐bond model, three secondary OH groups form an inequilateral hexagonal shape perpendicular to the helix axis. This hexagonal form seems to be characteristic for β‐1,3‐D‐glucans and is widely accepted. We carried out MOPAC and ab initio calculations for the curdlan helix, and we propose a new intermolecular H‐bonding model. In our model, the H‐bonds are formed between the O(2)‐atoms on different x‐y planes along the curdlan helix, hence the H‐bonds are not perpendicular to the helix axis. The new H‐bonds are connected along the helix, traversing three curdlan chains to make a left‐handed helix. Therefore, the H‐bonding array leads to a reverse helix of the main chain. According to our MOPAC calculation, this model is more stable than the previous one. We believe that the continuous H‐bonding array is stabilized by cooperative phenomena in the polymeric system.
Donor–Acceptor Polymers: A Conjugated Oligo(p‐Phenylene Vinylene) Main Chain with Dangling Perylene Bisimides
Authors: Neuteboom Edda E. , van Hal Paul A. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: June 2004

Two new donor–acceptor copolymers that consist of an enantiomerically pure oligo(p‐phenylene vinylene) main chain with dangling perylene bisimides have been synthesized by using a Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization. Absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that the transition dipole moments of the donor in the main chain and the dangling acceptor moieties of the copolymers are coupled and in a helical orientation in solution, even at elevated temperatures. A strong fluorescence quenching of both chromophores indicates an efficient photoinduced charge transfer after photoexcitation of either donor or acceptor. The formation and recombination kinetics of the charge‐separated state were investigated in detail with femtosecond and near‐steady‐state photoinduced absorption spectroscopy. The charge‐separated state forms within 1 ps after excitation, and recombination occurs with a time constant of 45–60 ps, both in solution and in the solid state. These optical characteristics indicate a short distance and appreciable interaction between the electron‐rich donor chain and the dangling electron‐poor acceptor chromophores.
Interferon‐α‐2a with or without 13‐cis retinoic acid in patients with progressive, measurable metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fosså Sophie D. , Mickisch Gerald H. J. , De Mulder Pieter H. M. , Horenblas Simon , van Oosterom Allan T. , van Poppel Hein , Fey Martin , Croles Jelle J. , de Prijck Linda , Van Glabbeke Martine
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC), interferon‐α (IFN) monotherapy leads to response rates of 5–15%, dependent on the selection of patients. In 1995, preclinical and clinical data indicated an improvement of these results if IFN was combined with 13‐cis retinoic acid (CRA).

METHODS

In a randomized Phase II study, patients with measurable MRCC received either subcutaneous IFN (9 MU daily; Arm A) or the same daily subcutaneous dose of IFN plus oral CRA (1 mg/kg; Arm B). A central expert panel reviewed the X‐ray documentation of objective responses.

RESULTS

In the 50 eligible patients from Arm A, the objective, expert‐reviewed response rate was 6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.3–16.6%; 2 complete responses [CRs] and 1 partial response [PR]). A 19% response rate (95% CI, 9.4–32.0%) was stated for 53 eligible patients from Arm B (2 CRs and 8 PRs). Only one of the four CRs claimed by the clinical investigator was confirmed by the central review committee. Conversely, the expert committee deemed that 3 of 12 investigator‐stated PRs were CRs. Constitutional toxicity (flu‐like symptoms) and/or side effects from skin, mucosa, or eyes led to discontinuation of treatment in 22% of nonprogressing patients, more often in Arm B than in Arm A.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this randomized Phase II study support expansion of the trial into a Phase III study to evaluate the effect of IFN‐CRA combination therapy on the survival of patients who undergo nephrectomy prior to IFN‐based immunotherapy. The considerable interobserver variability of response evaluation (individual investigator vs. expert panel) indicates the necessity of a central review of claimed responses in future Phase II studies involving patients with MRCC. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer survivorship in a multiethnic sample
Authors: Ashing‐Giwa Kimlin T. , Padilla Geraldine V. , Tejero Judith S. , Kim Jinsook
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

The inclusion of ethnic minorities in cancer‐related studies continues to be an important concern for researchers. In this article, the authors present 1) a brief discussion of recruitment and measurement challenges in conducting multiethnic survivorship research, and 2) recruitment outcomes and sample characteristics for a health‐related quality‐of‐life study with a multiethnic sample of breast cancer survivors (BCS).

METHODS

A case–control, cross‐sectional design with mixed sampling methods was used. The Contextual Model for Recruitment and Enrollment of Diverse Samples was used to guide the protocol. BCS were recruited from the California Cancer Surveillance Program, from hospital registries, and from community agencies. Participation rates, demographic factors, and medical factors were compared. The reliability of standard measures by ethnicity was assessed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred three women participated, including 135 African‐American women (19%), 206 Asian‐American women (29%), 183 Latina‐American women (26%), and 179 European‐American women (26%). Participation was influenced by ethnicity, age, and site of recruitment. Overall, African Americans were least likely to participate, and European Americans most likely to participate. African Americans and Asian Americans were more likely to refuse, European Americans and Latina Americans were more likely to agree to participate, and European Americans and Asian Americans were most likely to complete the survey after consenting. Measures possessed moderate to excellent reliability (0.64–0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite important recruitment and measurement challenges, this study obtained acceptable participation rates and good internal consistency of the measures. The results demonstrate the utility of a culturally responsive approach to health disparities research. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Complex of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator with its type 1 inhibitor predicts poor outcome in 576 patients with lymph node–negative breast carcinoma
Authors: Manders Peggy , Tjan‐Heijnen Vivianne C. G. , Span Paul N. , Grebenchtchikov Nicolai , Geurts‐Moespot Anneke , van Tienoven Doorlène T. H. , Beex Louk V. A. M. , Sweep Fred C. G. J.
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

The ability of a solid tumor to grow and metastasize has a significant dependence on protease systems, such as the plasminogen activation system. The plasminogen activation system includes the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1), among other molecules. Both uPA and PAI‐1 are established prognostic factors for patients with breast carcinoma. In the current study, the authors investigated whether the complex of uPA with PAI‐1 is also associated with the natural course of this malignancy.

METHODS

Cytosolic levels of uPA, PAI‐1, and the uPA:PAI‐1 complex were measured in tumor tissue from 576 patients with lymph node–negative invasive breast carcinoma using quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Patients did not receive adjuvant systemic therapy, and the median follow‐up duration was 61 months (range, 2–187 months) after primary diagnosis. Correlations with well known clinicopathologic factors were assessed, and univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels were positively associated with adverse histologic grade and inversely correlated with estrogen and progesterone receptor status. On univariate analysis, increased levels of the uPA:PAI‐1 complex were found to be associated with reduced recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates. On multivariate analysis, uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels were found to be an independent predictor of OS (P= 0.039), but not RFS (P= 0.240). When uPA and PAI‐1 levels were not included in the multivariate analysis, uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels became a significant predictor of both RFS and OS (P= 0.029 andP= 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels have prognostic value on univariate analysis. In addition, increased uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels were significantly associated with poor OS on multivariate analysis. Increased uPA:PAI‐1 complex levels were also significantly associated with reduced RFS rates after the exclusion of uPA and PAI‐1 levels from the multivariate analysis model. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Assessment of humoral immunity to poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, rubella, and mumps in children after chemotherapy
Authors: Zignol Matteo , Peracchi Marta , Tridello Gloria , Pillon Marta , Fregonese Federica , D'Elia Ruggiero , Zanesco Luigi , Cesaro Simone
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on humoral immunity to vaccine‐preventable disease, the authors investigated the persistence of protective antibody titers in a group of patients who were alive and well after they were treated for pediatric malignancies.

METHODS

Serum antibody levels were evaluated for polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, rubella, mumps, and measles in 192 children. The terms lack of immunity and loss of immunity, respectively, were used to describe the absence of immunity in patients who were tested only after chemotherapy and in patients who were tested both before and after chemotherapy and determined to have immunity before chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Overall, the absence of a protective serum antibody titer for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and polio was detected in 46%, 25%, 26%, 24%, 14%, and 7% of patients, respectively. On univariate analysis, loss of antibodies against rubella, mumps, and tetanus was associated significantly with younger age (P < 0.001, P = 0.02, and P = 0.001, respectively), and loss of antibodies against measles was significantly associated with younger age and female gender (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.008, respectively). The administration of 59 booster vaccinations to 51 patients who had lost ≥ 1 protective antibody titer resulted in an overall response rate of 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy induced different rates of loss of protective antibody titers depending on the type of vaccination administered. This finding may be responsible for the failure of vaccination programs for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. The administration of a booster dose after the completion of chemotherapy is a simple and cost‐effective way to restore humoral immunity against most vaccine‐preventable diseases. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The risk of central nervous system metastases after trastuzumab therapy in patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: Lai Rose , Dang Chau T. , Malkin Mark G. , Abrey Lauren E.
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab, which is a large monoclonal antibody that is efficacious in the treatment of patients with HER‐2/neu‐overexpressing, metastatic breast carcinoma, does not penetrate the blood‐brain barrier and, thus, may allow the brain to become a sanctuary site for micrometastases. Few studies have compared the risk of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in patients treated with or without trastuzumab.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study that compared 264 patients who did not receive trastuzumab therapy with 79 patients who received trastuzumab therapy. The study was powered to detect an effect size of 0.3, which was deemed clinically significant to change future management.

RESULTS

CNS metastases developed in 48.1% of patients on trastuzumab‐based therapy and in 46.6% of patients on nontrastuzumab‐based therapy. The association between trastuzumab therapy and subsequent CNS metastases (either brain or leptomeningeal) was not significant, with a multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.64–1.88; P = 0.79). Similarly, there was no evidence of an association between trastuzumab and brain metastases alone (P = 0.67) or leptomeningeal metastases alone (P = 0.14). The median overall survival after the diagnosis of all CNS metastases was 26.3 months for patients who did not receive trastuzumab and 24.9 months for patients who received trastuzumab (P = 0.7). A multivariate logistic regression model found that patient age at diagnosis (P < 0.05), positive lymph node status at presentation (P < 0.01), and liver metastases (P < 0.01) were significant predictors of CNS metastases. Lung metastases showed a borderline significant P value (0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the impression of many oncologists, the results of this study did not support an association between trastuzumab therapy and an increased risk of CNS metastases. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Embryonic GABAergic spinal commissural neurons project rostrally to mesencephalic targets
Authors: Tran Tracy S. , Cohen‐Cory Susana , Phelps Patricia E.
Published: June 2004

Although spinal commissural neurons serve as a model system for studying the mechanisms that underlie axonal pathfinding during development, little is known about their synaptic targets. Previously we identified a group of ventromedially located commissural neurons in rat spinal cord that are γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic and express L1 CAM on their axons. In this study, serial sagittal sections of embryos (E12–15) were processed for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)‐65 and L1 immunocytochemistry and showed labeled commissural axons coursing rostrally within the ventral marginal zone. Both GAD65‐ and L1‐positive axons extended rostrally out of the spinal cord into the central part of the medulla and then into the midbrain. GAD65‐positive axons branched and ended abruptly within the lateral midbrain. To determine the targets of these ventral commissural neurons, embryos (E13–15) were injected with DiI into the ventromedial spinal cord. At all three ages, DiI‐labeled axons projected rostrally in the contralateral ventral marginal zone, turned into the central medulla, and then traveled to the midbrain. DiI‐labeled axons appeared to terminate in the lateral midbrain by branching into small, punctate structures. In reciprocal experiments, DiI injected into the lateral midbrain identified an axon pathway that coursed through the brainstem, into the spinal cord ventral marginal zone, and then filled cell bodies in the contralateral ventromedial spinal cord. A spatial and temporal coincidence was apparent between the GAD65/L1‐ and the DiI‐labeled pathways. Together these findings suggest that some GABAergic commissural neurons are early projection neurons to midbrain targets and most likely represent a spinomesencephalic pathway to the midbrain reticular formation. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:327–339, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superior olivary contributions to auditory system plasticity: Medial but not lateral olivocochlear neurons are the source of cochleotomy‐induced GAP‐43 expression in the ventral cochlear nucleus
Authors: Kraus Kari Suzanne , Illing Robert‐Benjamin
Published: June 2004

A unilateral cochlear lesion induces expression of the growth and plasticity‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43) in fibers and their varicosities on specific types of postsynaptic profiles in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), suggesting the induction of synaptic remodeling. One candidate population from which GAP‐43 might emerge was neurons of the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) system residing in the lateral superior olive (LSO). Upon cochleotomy, these neurons express GAP‐43 mRNA and GAP‐43 protein. However, retrograde axonal tracing with Fast Blue or biotinylated dextran amine from VCN revealed that the number of 6.8 ± 1.3 neurons in the whole ipsilateral LSO labeled in normal adult rats was distinctly small and did not rise after cochleotomy. Concluding that LOC neurons cannot be the source of GAP‐43 in the VCN, we reinvestigated the pattern of GAP‐43 in situ hybridization and found that, after cochleotomy, shell neurons in the regions surrounding the LSO and medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body up‐regulated GAP‐43 mRNA. We then lesioned these regions by means of stereotaxic injections of kainic acid. Destruction of shell neurons preceding an ipsilateral cochleotomy did not change the emergence of GAP‐43 immunoreactivity in the VCN. However, if the contralateral MOC system was lesioned, the rise of GAP‐43 immunoreactivity in VCN on the side of the cochleotomy was significantly reduced. We conclude that, after cochlear dysfunction, MOC neurons are the major (if not exclusive) source of synaptic reorganization in the VCN that could possibly entail compensatory activation of the affected ascending auditory pathway. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:374–390, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fiber connections of the hippocampal formation and septum and subdivisions of the hippocampal formation in the pigeon as revealed by tract tracing and kainic acid lesions
Authors: Atoji Yasuro , Wild J. Martin
Published: June 2004

The organization of the pigeon hippocampal formation was examined by tract tracing by using biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) and cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) and by injections of kainic acid to produce excitotoxic lesions. The hippocampal formation was divided into seven subdivisions based on Nissl staining and intrinsic and septal connections: dorsomedial (DM), dorsolateral (DL), triangular (Tr), V‐shaped layer, magnocellular (Ma), parvocellular, and cell‐poor regions. DL was composed of dorsal and ventral portions and sent associational fibers to DM, the V‐shaped layer, and Tr. DL had strong reciprocal connections with the densocellular part of the hyperpallium (HD) and projected to the dorsolateral corticoid area. DM had reciprocal fiber connections with the V‐shaped layer, Ma, and DL as well as with several subdivisions of the arcopallium. DL and DM, but not the V‐shaped layer, projected fibers to the septum where those from DM exceeded in number those from DL. These projections further extended to the hypothalamus, particularly the lateral hypothalamic area. The lateral and medial septal nuclei projected back a very small number of ascending fibers to the hippocampal formation. Intraventricular injections of kainic acid induced neuronal loss widely in the hippocampal formation and subsequently produced gliosis in DM. These results indicate that DL receives its main afferents from HD and in turn sends inputs to an intrinsic circuit composed of hippocampal subdivisions DM, Ma, Tr, and the V‐shaped layer; and also that DM is the main exit to the septum and hypothalamus. It is suggested that neurons in the V‐shaped layer are intrinsic. Together, the results suggest that the V‐shaped layer is comparable to the dentate gyrus of the mammalian hippocampal formation and that DM incorporates components comparable to both Ammon's horn and the subiculum. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:426–461, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Platinum(II) Complexes of Diethyl [(Methylsulfinyl)methyl]phosphonate: Potential Drugs against Bone Tumors
Authors: Laforgia Mariarita , Cerasino Leonardo , Margiotta Nicola , Capozzi Maria A. M. , Cardellicchio Cosimo , Naso Francesco , Natile Giovanni
Published: June 2004

Cisplatin is the most important metal‐based drug used in tumor therapy; however, it suffers from severe side effects and a limited spectrum of activity. Since phosphonates are known to have a selective tropism for bones and calcified tissues, we have carried on the synthesis of different platinum complexes with a phosphonate ligand. The ligand used is diethyl [(methylsulfinyl)methyl]phosphonate (SMP), which can act as an O,S‐donor towards Pt. Moreover, since the sulfur atom is a stable stereogenic center, the ligand is obtained in two enantiomeric forms. The synthesised complexes have the general formula [PtL2(SMP)], in which L2 stands for a bidentate (dimethylmalonate, 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane, ethylenediamine) or two monodentate (chloride) ligands. The formation of a five‐membered chelate ring contributes to the chemical stability of complexes with SMP, and 2D NMR experiments have allowed determination of the ring puckering, which is dependent upon the chirality of the sulfur stereocenter. For the (S) configuration at the sulfur center (free ligand), the δ puckering of the chelate ring is favoured. Preliminary studies have shown that these compounds are stable under physiological conditions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Long‐term effects of amygdala GABA receptor blockade on specific subpopulations of hippocampal interneurons
Authors: Berretta Sabina , Lange Nicholas , Bhattacharyya Sujoy , Sebro Ronnie , Garces Jessica , Benes Francine M.
Published: June 2004

Growing evidence indicates that the amygdala modulates hippocampal functions. To test the hypothesis that this modulation may involve long‐lasting effects on interneuronal networks in the hippocampus, changes in the expression of neurochemical markers specific for different interneuronal subpopulations were assessed in adult rats 96 h following acute infusion of low doses of the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin into the amygdala. The numerical density (Nd) of somata showing immunoreactivity (IR) for parvalbumin (PVB) was decreased in dentate gyrus (DG) and the CA4–2 region, while that of calretinin (CR)‐IR was decreased in DG and CA2. The Nd of calbindin D28k (CB)‐IR somata was decreased in CA3–2. The densities of axon terminals arising from PVB‐IR and cholecystokinin (CCK)‐IR basket neurons were also altered, with those of CCK‐IR terminals increased across all sectors, while PVB‐IR terminals were decreased only in the CA region. Increases in CCK‐IR terminals were paralleled by increases of terminals with IR for the 65‐kD isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65). Mixed‐effects statistical models, adapted specifically for these analyses, indicated that perturbations of amygdalar inputs to the hippocampus significantly alter the drive that hippocampal PVB‐, CR‐, and CB‐IR neurons within the dentate gyrus/CA4 region exercise on CCK‐IR terminals within the same region as well as in CA3–1. These results suggest that amygdalar modulation of specific neuronal subpopulations may induce lasting and far‐reaching changes in the hippocampus during normal functioning, as well as in diseases involving a disruption of amygdalar activity. In particular, changes in specific interneuronal markers within selective hippocampal sectors detected in the present results are strikingly similar to those reported in this region in schizophrenia. These similarities suggest that, in this disease, a disruption of GABAergic transmission within the amygdala may play a significant role in the induction of abnormalities in the hippocampus. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two New Spermidine Alkaloids from Chisocheton weinlandii
Authors: Tzouros Manuel , Bigler Laurent , Bienz Stefan , Hesse Manfred , Inada Akira , Murata Hiroko , Inatomi Yuka , Nakanishi Tsutomu , Darnaedi Dedy
Published: June 2004

The investigation of the MeOH extract of the leaves of Chisocheton weinlandii Harms (Meliaceae) revealed two new open‐chain spermidine alkaloids, chisitine 1 (1) and chisitine 2 (2). Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, tandem‐mass spectrometry, and independant syntheses (Scheme 3). Detailed MS/MS fragmentation pathways are discussed for both compounds based on H/D exchange and 18O‐labeling experiments (Schemes 1 and 2).
Paxillamide: a Novel Phytosphingosine Derivative from the Fruiting Bodies of Paxillus panuoides
Authors: Gao Jin‐Ming , Zhang An‐Ling , Zhang Cun‐Li , Liu Ji‐kai
Published: June 2004

The new phytosphingosine‐type ceramide 1, named paxillamide (=2,3‐dihydroxy‐N‐[(1S,2S,3R)‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐1‐(hydroxymethyl)heptadecyl]tetracosanamide), was isolated from the CHCl3/MeOH extract of the fruiting bodies of the Basidiomycete Paxillus panuoides, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Non‐iterative Asymmetric Synthesis of C15 Polyketide Spiroketals
Authors: Meilert Kai , Pettit George R. , Vogel Pierre
Published: June 2004

The 2,2′‐methylenebis[furan] (1) was converted to 1‐{(4R,6S))‐6‐[(2R)‐2,4‐dihydroxybutyl]‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐4‐yl}‐3‐[(2R,4R)‐tetrahydro‐4,6‐dihydroxy‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl)propan‐2‐one ((+)‐18) and its (4S)‐epimer (−)‐19 with high stereo‐ and enantioselectivity (Schemes 1–3). Under acidic methanolysis, (+)‐18 yielded a single spiroketal, (3R)‐4‐{(1R,3S,4′R,5R,6′S,7R)‐3′,4′,5′,6′‐tetrahydro‐4′‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyspiro[2,6‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐3,2′‐[2H]pyran]‐6′‐yl}butane‐1,3‐diol ((−)‐20), in which both O‐atoms at the spiro center reside in equatorial positions, this being due to the tricyclic nature of (−)‐20 (methyl pyranoside formation). Compound (−)‐19 was converted similarly into the (4′S)‐epimeric tricyclic spiroketal (−)‐21 that also adopts a similar (3S)‐configuration and conformation. Spiroketals (−)‐20, (−)‐21 and analog (−)‐23, i.e., (1R,3S,4′R,5R,6′R)‐3′,4′,5′,6′‐tetrahydro‐6′‐[(2S)‐2‐hydroxybut‐3‐enyl]‐7‐methoxyspiro[2,6‐dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐3,2′‐[2H]pyran]‐4′‐ol, derived from (−)‐20, were assayed for their cytotoxicity toward murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia and six human cancer cell lines. Only racemic (±)‐21 showed evidence of cancer‐cell‐growth inhibition (P388, ED50: 6.9 μg/ml).
Windows woes? You may be ready for Linux
Authors: Bean LuAnn , Barlow Judith , Hott David D.
Published: June 2004

They seem to find new security flaws in Microsoft Windows every day. System administrators spend a lot of time downloading and installing software “patches” to fix these problems. Do you have Windows woes? Then you may be ready for a free alternative: the Linux operating system. And it may become popular. Hewlett‐Packard, the number‐one personal computer maker, will begin selling Linux‐based PCs globally. But what are the pros and cons? © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvation model induced structural changes in peptides. A quantum chemical study on Ramachandran surfaces and conformers of alanine diamide using the polarizable continuum model
Authors: Hudáky Ilona , Hudáky Péter , Perczel András
Published: June 2004

Potential energy surfaces of the model peptide HCO‐L‐Ala‐NH2 were calculated using polarizable continuum model (PCM) for the description of aqueous solution at RHF/3‐21G, RHF/6‐31+G(d), and B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) levels of theory. Energy minima were optimized at all three levels as well as at B3LYP/PCM/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. Results were correlated to experimental data of protein structures retrieved from PDB SELECT. It is concluded that alanine residues of proteins are modeled better by PCM results than by gas‐phase calculations on the alanine diamide model (frequently called alanine dipeptide model). The currently available version of the PCM model implemented in Gaussian 03 provides a reasonable alternative to anticipate solvation effects without the computational costs of introducing explicit solvent molecules into the model system. Frequencies calculated at RHF/PCM/6‐31+G(d) and B3LYP/PCM/6‐31+G(d) levels of theory show high correlation; thus, RHF results have their own merit. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1522–1531, 2004
Cell‐cycle control and the cartilage growth plate
Authors: Beier Frank
Published: June 2004

The longitudinal growth of endochondral bones is governed by proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes. Numerous growth factors and hormones have been implicated in the regulation of these processes, but the intracellular mechanisms involved remain much less understood. We had suggested a role of cell‐cycle genes in the integration of these diverse extracellular signals and their translation into coordinated proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. Numerous recent studies have provided support for such a scenario and provide novel insights into the regulation and function of cell‐cycle genes in chondrocytes. This review article summarizes recent progress in the field. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of spatial and temporal visceral arch muscle development in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Ericsson Rolf , Olsson Lennart
Published: June 2004

Vertebrate head development is a classical topic that has received renewed attention during the last decade. Most reports use one of a few model organisms (chicken, mouse, zebrafish) and have focused on molecular mechanisms and the role of the neural crest, while cranial muscle development has received less attention. Here we describe cranial muscle differentiation and morphogenesis in the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. To determine the onset of differentiation we use antibodies against desmin and optical sectioning using confocal laser scanning microscopy on whole‐mount immunostained embryos. This technique makes it possible to document the cranial muscle in three dimensions while keeping the specimens intact. Desmin expression starts almost simultaneously in the first, second, and third visceral arch muscles (as in other amphibians studied). Muscle anlagen divide up early into the different elements which constitute the larval cranial musculature. We extend and refine earlier findings, e.g., by documenting a clear division between interhyoideus and interhyoideus posterior. The timing of cranial muscle differentiation differs among vertebrate groups, but seems to be constant within each group. This study provides a morphological foundation for further studies of muscle cell fate and early differentiation. J. Morphol. 261:131–140, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the nasal chemosensory organs in two terrestrial anurans: The directly developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui (Anura: Leptodactylidae), and the metamorphosing toad, Bufo americanus (Anura: Bufonidae)
Authors: Jermakowicz Walter J. , Dorsey David A. , Brown Amy L. , Wojciechowski Karen , Giscombe Claudette L. , Graves Brent M. , Summers Cliff H. , Ten Eyck Gary R.
Published: June 2004

Nearly all vertebrates possess an olfactory organ but the vomeronasal organ is a synapomorphy for tetrapods. Nevertheless, it has been lost in several groups of tetrapods, including aquatic and marine animals. The present study examines the development of the olfactory and vomeronasal organs in two terrestrial anurans that exhibit different developmental modes. This study compares the development of the olfactory and vomeronasal organs in metamorphic anurans that exhibit an aquatic larva (Bufo americanus) and directly developing anurans that have eliminated the tadpole (Eleutherodactylus coqui). The olfactory epithelium in larval B. americanus is divided into dorsal and ventral branches in the rostral and mid‐nasal regions. The larval olfactory pattern in E. coqui has been eliminated. Ontogeny of the olfactory system in E. coqui embryos starts to vary substantially from the larval pattern around the time of operculum development, the temporal period when the larval stage is hypothesized to have been eliminated. The nasal anatomy of the two frogs does not appear morphologically similar until the late stages of embryogenesis in E. coqui and the terminal portion of metamorphosis in B. americanus. Both species and their respective developing offspring, aquatic tadpoles and terrestrial egg/embryos, possess a vomeronasal organ. The vomeronasal organ develops at mid‐embryogenesis in E. coqui and during the middle of the larval period in B. americanus, which is relatively late for neobatrachians. Development of the vomeronasal organ in both frogs is linked to the developmental pattern of the olfactory system. This study supports the hypothesis that the most recent common ancestor of tetrapods possessed a vomeronasal organ and was aquatic, and that the vomeronasal organ was retained in the Amphibia, but lost in some other groups of tetrapods, including aquatic and marine animals. J Morphol. 261:225–248, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of HIV replication in lymphocytes and the efficacy of protease inhibitors
Authors: Bermejo Mercedes , Sánchez‐Palomino Sonsoles , Usán Luis , Alcamí José
Published: June 2004

Using a system that allows transfection of resting peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) two questions were addressed: the kinetics of HIV replication from the state of proviral latency, and the impact of different parameters on the efficacy of protease inhibitors to control HIV replication. PBLs were transfected with an infectious full length HIV‐DNA harboring a luciferase reporter gene and activated thereafter. Ritonavir was added at different times at doses ranging from to 0.06 to 1 μM. Viral expression was assessed by quantifying luciferase activity in cell extracts and levels of p24 HIV antigen in culture supernatants. After transfection and cell activation, intracellular expression of HIV proteins, as assessed by luciferase detection, occurred within 2 hr. HIV‐gag p24 antigen was detected in culture supernatants between 6 and 8 hr post‐activation. Ritonavir was effective in blocking viral replication when given within 4 hr following HIV reactivation, but a delay in ritonavir administration or breaches in ritonavir levels after 6 hr from transfection resulted in viral escape. HIV reactivation from proviral latency in PBLs is an extremely rapid process, faster than estimated from previous models. These data stress the need for maintaining effective antiretroviral concentrations to block completely viral replication. J. Med. Virol. 73:502–507, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning and expression of surface antigens from occult chronic hepatitis B virus infections and their recognition by commercial detection assays
Authors: Jeantet Damien , Chemin Isabelle , Mandrand Bernard , Tran Albert , Zoulim Fabien , Merle Philippe , Trepo Christian , Kay Alan
Published: June 2004

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections show little or no serological markers of viral infection, including the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) which is the main marker of ongoing HBV infection. Such infections can be important in the context of blood and/or organ donations. To study whether mutations contribute to HBsAg seronegativity, S gene sequences from such patients were amplified and cloned. Sequencing revealed 12 clones from seven different patients which contained potentially important mutations. The sequences were subcloned into an expression vector and mutant HBsAgs were expressed in cell culture. The capacity of three HBsAg detection assays to recognise the mutant HBsAgs was studied. Three categories were found: mutant HBsAgs that are not recognised by the assays, those that are recognised as well as wild‐type (WT) antigen and an intermediate category where detection of the mutant HBsAgs is reduced with respect to WT. Most of the isolates fall into the second category. Mutations can therefore contribute to HBsAg seronegativity in occult HBV infections, but in most cases the explanation is probably the low level of viral replication. J. Med. Virol. 73:508–515, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.