bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age differences in muscarinic cholinergic receptors assayed with (+)N‐[11C]methyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate in the brains of conscious monkeys
Authors: Tsukada Hideo , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Nishiyama Shingo , Ohba Hiroyuki , Sato Kengo , Harada Norihiro , Takahashi Kazuhiro
Published: August 2002

Age‐related changes in muscarinic cholinergic receptors were evaluated with the novel ligand (+)N‐[11C]methyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate ((+)3‐MPB) in the living brains of young (5.9 ± 1.8 years old) and aged (19.0 ± 3.3 years old) monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in the conscious state using high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET). For quantitative analysis of receptor binding in vivo, metabolite‐corrected arterial plasma radioactivity curves were obtained as an input function into the brain, and kinetic analyses using the three‐compartment model and graphical Logan plot analysis were applied. Kinetic analyses of [11C](+)3‐MPB indicated a regionally specific decrease in the receptor binding in vivo determined as binding potential (BP) = k3/k4 in aged animals compared with young animals. Thus, the frontal and temporal cortices as well as the striatum showed age‐related reduction of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in vivo, reflecting the reduced receptor density (Bmax) determined by Scatchard plot analysis in vivo. In the hippocampus, although BP of [11C](+)3‐MPB indicated no significant age‐related changes, it showed an inverse correlation with individual cortisol levels in plasma. When the graphical Logan plot analysis was applied, all regions assayed showed significant age‐related decrease of [11C](+)3‐MPB binding. These results demonstrate the usefulness of kinetic three‐compartment model analysis of [11C](+)3‐MPB with metabolite‐corrected arterial plasma input as an indicator for the aging process of the cortical muscarinic cholinergic receptors in vivo as measured by PET. Synapse 41:248–257, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Release of enzyme strain during catalysis reduces the activation energy barrier
Authors: Kagamiyama Hiroyuki , Hayashi Hideyuki
Published: August 2002

Several mechanisms have been considered as principal factors in enhancing the catalytic reaction velocity of enzymes: approximation, covalent catalysis, general acid‐based catalysis, and strain. Among them, the strain on the substrate and/or the enzyme is often found to be brought about on association of the substrate and the enzyme. If this strain is released in the transition state, it contributes to enhancing the kcat value, although it does not change the kcat/Km value. In aspartate aminotransferase, however, we found by analysis of the Schiff base pKa values that the unliganded enzyme carries a strain in the protonated Schiff base formed between the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate and a lysine residue. This bond is cleaved in most of the reaction intermediates, including the transition state. As a result, the activation energy between the free enzyme plus substrate and the transition state is decreased by 16 kJ/mol, equal to the value of the strain energy. The net effect of this strain is enhancement (103‐fold) of the catalytic efficiency in terms of kcat/Km, the more important indicator of the catalytic efficiency at low concentration of the substrate. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1: 385–394, 2001
Exencephaly in a subset of animals heterozygous for AP‐2α mutation
Authors: Kohlbecker Andreas , Lee Anna E. , Schorle Hubert
Published: August 2002

Background

Transcription factor AP‐2α has been implicated as a cell‐type‐specific regulator of gene expression during vertebrate embryogenesis based on its expression pattern in neural crest cells, ectoderm, and the nervous system in mouse, chick, and frog embryos. AP‐2α is prominently expressed in cranial neural crest cells, a population of cells migrating from the lateral margins of the neural folds during closure of the neural tube in E (embryonic day of development) 8–9 mouse embryos. Homozygous AP‐2α mutant mice die perinatally with cranio‐abdominoschisis, full facial clefting, and defects in cranial ganglia and sensory organs.

Methods

Mice heterozygous for the AP‐2α mutation on a 129/Sv strain were crossed with wildtype mice from the strain 129/Ola. The resulting embryos were genotyped, examined and used for histological analysis.

Results

A subset of animals heterozygous for the AP‐2α mutation develop a midbrain exencephaly after the mutation was crossed for one generation in the 129/Ola mouse strain. Up to 14% of the animals show a failure of the cranial neural folds to close resulting in a partial exencephaly, all of them being heterozygous for the mutation. The affected animals show reduced rostrocaudal dimensions of the skull and malformations of the bones of the cranial vault. The neural tube defects vary from pure midbrain exencephaly to a forebrain/midbrain exencephaly where the proliferating neural tissue covers the eyes completely.

Conclusions

The results support a role of AP‐2α in the etiology of exencephalic disorders. The phenotype observed might be due to a downregulation of the remaining allele suggesting the presence of an upstream modifier gene. Teratology 65:213–218, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure–disease continuum for 2‐chloro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine, a prototype ocular teratogen. 1. Dose‐response analysis
Authors: Wubah Judith A. , Setzer R. Woodrow , Lau Christopher , Charlap Jeffrey H. , Knudsen Thomas B.
Published: August 2002

Background

Treatment of pregnant mice with 2‐chloro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (2CdA) on day 8 of gestation induces microphthalmia through a mechanism coupled to the p53 tumor suppressor gene. The present study defines 2CdA dosimetry with respect to exposure (pharmacokinetics), p53 protein induction, and disease (microphthalmia).

Methods

Pregnant CD‐1 mice dosed with 0.5–10.0 mg/kg 2CdA on day 8 provided fetuses for teratological evaluation; 2CdA was measured by HPLC in the antimesometrium through 180 min postexposure, and p53 was assessed with immunostaining of the embryo through 270 min. 5′‐/3′‐RACE was used to sequence the candidate gene for 2CdA bioactivation from target cells.

Results

Microphthalmia appeared first in the dose‐response curve. The highest 2CdA dose having no observable adverse effect (NOAEL) was 1.5 mg/kg; the benchmark dose that produced an extra 5% risk of microphthalmia (BMD5) was 2.5 mg/kg, and the lower confidence limit (BMDL) was 2.0 mg/kg. Pharmacokinetic parameters for doses encompassing the threshold (1.5–2.5 mg/kg) were modeled at 1.0–1.8 μM (Cmax) and 30–80 μM‐min (AUC). The p53 response was not detected below the BMDL; however, a low‐grade response appeared 4.5 hr after a teratogenic dose (5.0 mg/kg), and high‐grade induction followed an embryolethal dose (10.0 mg/kg). RACE identified a novel splice variant of mitochondrial deoxyguanosine kinase, dGK‐3, as the likely candidate for 2CdA bioactivation in the embryo.

Conclusions

Microphthalmia represented the critical effect malformation of 2CdA. The findings suggest a mitochondrial mechanism for 2CdA bioactivation, leading to an embryonic p53 response only after 2CdA elimination and implying pharmacodynamic coupling to the exposure–disease continuum. Teratology 64:154–169, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rare earth experimental L x‐ray fluorescence cross‐sections at 13 and 14 keV with synchrotron radiation
Authors: Barrea Raúl A. , Bonzi Edgardo V.
Published: August 2002

Experimental determinations of L x‐ray fluorescence cross‐sections for elements with 64 ≤ Z ≤ 70 at 13 and 14 keV were carried out with synchrotron radiation. The experimental set‐up provided a linearly polarized monoenergetic photon beam producing a very low background, which improved the signal‐to‐noise ratio and reduced the experimental uncertainties. Results of the experimental cross‐sections obtained for the L lines were grouped considering the transitions scheme, the energies of the emission lines and the detector's resolution. The data obtained were compared with theoretical data using two different data tables. Very good agreement was found between our experimental values and the theoretical values calculated using Puri et al.'s data. A new set of ω1, f12 and f13 coefficients for Gd were also used to calculate theoretical cross‐sections and the experimental values were in excellent agreement. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EPMA line analysis of chemical states of chromium
Authors: Hashimoto Satoshi , Fujiwara Yukihiko , Kitahara Yasuko , Tsuchiya Yasuo , Nishimura Toshiyasu
Published: August 2002

A novel technique for determining the chemical states of elements with a heterogeneous distribution in samples involving EPMA line analysis is proposed. LLS (linear least squares) calculation was applied to a set of reduced spectra measured in the line analysis. The reduced spectra which have several energy points (including two points for backgrounds) were measured in order to save measuring time. The LLS calculation gives the mole fraction of each chemical state. We applied this method to the analysis of corrosion products formed on Cr‐containing steel after corrosion tests. EPMA mapping revealed that Cr is enriched only in the inner layer of the corrosion products. From the results of the LLS calculation, it was determined that Cr in the corrosion products exists in the trivalent Cr state whereas in the steel Cr is in the metallic state. This result corresponds to the spectra of characteristic x‐rays from the corroded steel. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Background spectrum of synchrotron radiation‐excited total reflection x‐ray fluorescence for Si wafer analysis
Authors: Shin N. S. , Chang C. H. , Koo Y. M. , Padmore H.
Published: August 2002

In the synchrotron radiation‐excited total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (SR‐TXRF) determination of surface contaminants on Si wafers, the minimum detection limit is intrinsically determined by the background spectrum. The absolute counts of background spectra for the whole energy range concerned was calculated under the usual SR‐TXRF experimental conditions and was compared with measurements. The detection limits for contaminants near the surface of Si wafers within a few atomic layers were evaluated from the calculated background spectrum and the fluorescence signal under given experimental conditions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional analysis of six ORFs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome IV: two‐spored asci produced by disruptant of YDR027c and strain‐dependent DNA heterogeneity around YDR036c
Authors: Aittamaa Marja , Turakainen Hilkka , Korhola Matti
Published: August 2002

Six S. cerevisiae FY1679 heterozygous deletion mutants were made by replacing six open reading frames (ORFs) of the chromosome IV right arm with kanMX4 selection marker. Haploid and homozygous diploid deletion mutants were obtained from sporulation, dissection and mating experiments. No essential genes were found. The basic phenotypic analysis showed that the haploid and homozygous deletants for the ORF YDR027c (LUV1, VSP54 or RKI1) grew slowly. The diploid homozygous deletants for this ORF had a low frequency of sporulation. They produced asci with no more than one or two haploid spores and the majority of these spores formed were not viable. The deletion of the other ORFs, YDR022c (CIS1), YDR030c (RAD28), YDR032c (PST2), YDR033w (MRH1) and YDR036c, did not change the phenotypes tested in strain FY1679 or the first four ORFs in strain CEN.PK2. This work showed some differences in the DNA sequences between FY1679 and CEN.PK2: the regions immediately 1 kb upstream from YDR036c in these two strains are too different to hybridize properly, preventing deletion of YDR036c in the CEN.PK2 background by recombination with a disruption cassette designed for FY1679. In addition, there are different sets of transposable elements on the other side of the ORF, the differences starting at about 3.5 kb downstream from YDR036c. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular cloning of the RPS0 gene from Candida tropicalis
Authors: Baquero Claudia , Montero Mercedes , Sentandreu Rafael , Valentin Eulogio
Published: August 2002

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPS0 A and B genes encode proteins essential for maturation of the 40S ribosomal subunit precursors. We have isolated a homologue of the RPS0 gene from Candida tropicalis, which we named CtRPS0. The C. tropicalis RPS0 encodes a protein of 261 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 28.65 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.79. CtRps0p displays significant amino acid sequence homology with Rps0p from C. albicans, S. cerevisiae, Neurospora crassa, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Pneumocystis carinii and higher organisms, such as human, mouse and rat. CtRPS0 on a high copy number vector can complement the lethal phenotype linked to the disruption of both RPS0 genes in S. cerevisiae. Southern blot analysis suggests that CtRPS0 is present at a single locus within the C. tropicalis genome. The nucleotide sequence of the CtRPS0 has been deposited at the EMBL data library under Accession No AJ278686. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparisons among selected neonatal biomedical parameters of four species of semi‐free ranging Hippotragini: Addax (Addax nasomaculatus), scimitar‐horned oryx (Oryx dammah), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger)
Authors: Ferrell Shannon T. , Radcliffe Robin W. , Marsh Rodney , Thurman Cathy B. , Cartwright Christine M. , De Maar Thomas W.J. , Blumer Evan S , Spevak Ed , Osofsky Steven A.
Published: August 2002

Basic biomedical data from 164 neonates of four species of the tribe Hippotragini, addax (Addax nasomaculatus), scimitar‐horned oryx (Oryx dammah), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), were compared at one zoological institution over a 9‐year period. Measured biomedical parameters included body weight, temperature, pulse and respiratory rates, packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein, glucose, IgG assessment via zinc sulfate turbidity, and white blood cell count with differential. All species were maintained in a semi‐free ranging setting with the same diet, available shelter, and opportunity for social interaction. Based on clinical and field observations, all neonates used in the study were believed to be at least 24 hr old, to have bonded with the dam, and to have no obvious physical abnormalities. Median body weights were similar only in the addax and Arabian oryx with sable antelope having the largest median body weight. No significant differences in rectal temperatures or pulse rates were found among species. Median respiratory rates were similar between certain groups. Arabian oryx and scimitar‐horned oryx shared the highest packed cell volumes while the sable antelope had the lowest. Sable antelope had the highest median total plasma protein with no significant differences among the other species. Sable were also significantly lower in median blood glucose than the three other Hippotraginae. Zinc sulfate turbidities in all species were similar. Addax had higher median total white blood cell counts than sable. No significant differences in the median numbers of segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, and eosinophils were detected among species. Basophils were only found in the scimitar‐horned oryx in one animal. Addax had higher median lymphocyte counts than sable and Arabian oryx as well as higher median monocyte counts than sable. All four species exhibited higher median counts of neutrophils compared with lymphocytes. The biomedical differences observed highlight the importance of having an accurate database of clinical normal values against which to evaluate neonatal health. Zoo Biol 20:47–54, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Surgery for Gallbladder Carcinoma with Special Reference to Lymph Node Metastasis and Stage Using Western and Japanese Classification Systems
Authors: Chijiiwa Kazuo , Noshiro Hirokazu , Nakano Kenji , Okido Masayuki , Sugitani Atsushi , Yamaguchi Koji , Tanaka Masao
Published: August 2002

The role of radical resection in the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma was examined with special reference to lymph node metastasis using two classifications: one proposed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the other by the Japanese Society of Biliary Surgery (JSBS). Histologic evaluations for the depth of tumor invasion (T), lymph node metastasis (N), stage, and follow‐up for a mean period of 38 months (range 4–185 months) were completed in 52 patients with gallbladder carcinoma who underwent surgical resection from 1982 to 1997. The definition of T was similar in the two classifications. The extent of nodal involvement (N, AJCC; n, JSBS), stage, and survival were examined. In the absence of lymph node metastasis, the 5‐year survival rate reached 71%. The 5‐year survival rate in patients with involved nodes confined to the hepatoduodenal ligament, posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal region, or along the common hepatic artery (N1 and part of N2 by AJCC; n1 and n2 by JSBS) approximated 28%. In contrast, postoperative survival was poor in the presence of more extensive nodal involvement (rest of N2 by AJCC; n3 and n4 by JSBS), with no 2‐year survivors. The definition of stage I was the same in both classifications, and all patients in this stage are alive. The 5‐year survival rates in stages II and III by the AJCC were 70.7% and 22.4%, respectively, and those by JSBS 61.9% and 23.1%, respectively. Thus the survival rates in stages I to III were essentially similar irrespective of the staging system. Stage IV showed significantly worse survival than stage III by the JSBS classification. In contrast, the differentiation of stage IV from III by the AJCC was not significant because of the better survival in stage IV that contained any T with nodal involvement in the posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal region and along the common hepatic artery. Radical resection should be considered for patients with stage I to III disease defined by either classification and applied to the tumor invasion up to T3 with nodal involvement confined to the hepatoduodenal ligament, posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal region, and along the common hepatic artery. The role of radical surgery seems to be limited in patients with more extensive tumor invasion or lymph node metastasis.
Results of Liver Transplantation for Gastroenteropancreatic Tumor Metastases
Authors: Anthuber Matthias , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Briegel Josef , Groh Jochen , Schildberg Friedrich W.
Published: August 2002

During the early 1980s liver transplantation (LTx) was expected to be a promising therapeutic option for patients with primary or secondary tumors confined to the liver. Because of disappointing results owing to death from early recurrence, LTx is currently restricted to well selected patients with small primary tumors and, in the case of liver metastases, to those with metastases of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tumor origin only. In our series of 300 liver transplantations four patients with GEP tumor metastases underwent LTx. The primary tumors were one neuroendocrine kidney tumor, one glucagonoma of the pancreas, and two cases of carcinoids of the pancreas. Because of local metastatic lymph node involvement upper gastrointestinal exenteration followed by LTx was performed in two patients. No patient survived beyond 33 months after LTx. Three patients died from tumor recurrence. In one patient who died from fungal sepsis autopsy revealed spine metastases that had been missed before LTx. Our dismal results do not compare well with promising data published previously by others for this particular patient group. Under the pressure of an increasing donor organ shortage, patients with GEP tumor metastases should be selected carefully for LTx.
Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of the Pancreas: When Should It Be Performed?
Authors: Tillou Areti , Schwartz Mary R. , Jordan Paul H.
Published: August 2002

Is it appropriate for a good risk patient with a clinical history or imaging studies suggestive of an operable pancreatic neoplasm to undergo a percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) prior to operation? A group of 118 patients who underwent percutaneous FNAB of the pancreas between 1987 and 1993 were evaluated retrospectively. The initial readings of the biopsies were positive for neoplasm in 78 patients and negative in 32. Four suspicious biopsies were included with the positive biopsies for analysis, and four unsatisfactory biopsies were added to the negative biopsies. Operation was performed on 57 of the 118 patients; 39 of these patients had a positive and 18 a negative FNAB. Of the 18 patients with a negative biopsy, 12 were proved to have neoplasia at operation. No operation was performed on 61 patients; 43 of these patients had a positive and 18 a negative FNAB. Three patients with a negative biopsy were treated with chemotherapy, and three subsequently died of pancreatic cancer. It was concluded that because the sensitivity of percutaneous FNAB is only 84% the procedure should be limited to patients suspected of having pancreatic cancer deemed technically inoperable or medically unsuitable for operation.
General Pattern of Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Namieno Tsutomu , Koito Kazumitsu , Higashi Tsunemi , Sato Naoki , Uchino Jun‐ichi
Published: August 2002

A reliable method for recognizing lymph node metastasis is indispensable for the attending physician to recommend less extensive treatment for early gastric carcinoma. Here we review 1137 consecutive patients with a single primary lesion, and the incidence and distribution of nodal involvement were investigated for correlations with pathologic findings. The overall incidence of metastasis was 9.5%: 2.6% for mucosal and 16.5% for submucosal carcinomas, a significant difference. The occurrence of metastasis was highest for lesions of the macroscopically mixed type, microscopically diffuse type, and large size. The involved nodes were most frequently found in the perigastric nodes along the lesser and greater curvatures, and it was well correlated with the tumor location, macroscopically depressed/mixed type, cancer depth, and histology. The diffuse‐type carcinomas were most likely to metastasize to distant nodes. The distribution of involved nodes for early gastric carcinoma was similar to that for advanced carcinoma, as previously been reported. The submucosal carcinomas in this series had no indications for less extensive treatment, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic limited surgery. These carcinomas should be subject to standard surgery with gastrectomy and combined dissection of lymph nodes, especially node stations 1 and 3 to 8. The mucosal carcinomas sometimes involved the perigastric nodes, and such cases underwent gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy of node stations 1 and 3 to 7. Mucosal carcinomas 10 mm or less in size were negative for lymph node metastasis and were considered appropriate for less extensive treatment.
Influence of Associated Viral Hepatitis Status on Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy
Authors: Ko Saiho , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Kanehiro Hiromichi , Kin Tatsuya , Aomatsu Yukio , Yoshimura Atsushi , Taki Junichiro , Yagura Kazuaki , Ohashi Kazuo , Nakano Hiroshige
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the histologic status of underlying chronic liver disease from a viewpoint of multicentric hepatocarcinogenesis. Sixty‐eight patients who underwent curative resection of HCC and have been followed for more than 2 years are reported. Based on the microscopic findings of the noncancerous part of the liver, the patients were divided into normal liver (N,n= 2), chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH,n= 6), chronic aggressive hepatitis (CAH,n= 31), and liver cirrhosis (LC,n= 29) according to a classification by the European Association for the Study of the Liver. Background data for the groups showed no significant differences. Recurrence was observed in none of the patients in the N and CPH groups, 26 (83.9%) of the patients in the CAH group, and 12 (41.4%) of the patients in the LC group. The cumulative disease‐free survival rate of the CAH group was significantly lower than that of the CPH group (p< 0.05) and LC group (p< 0.01). This study revealed that the histologic status of the underlying chronic liver disease influenced the recurrence rate in patients with HCC. CAH was considered to be a risk factor for recurrence after resection of HCC.
Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Isacoff William H. , Borud Katrina
Published: August 2002

Approximately 50% of patients with colorectal cancer develop locally recurrent or distant metastatic disease during the course of their illness and eventually die. Since the 1950s the mainstay of treatment for patients in need of palliative therapy has been and continues to be the fluoropyrimidines. When
5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was first introduced into the clinic it was used as a single agent given by rapid intravenous injection. Results with this drug have been disappointing, with response rates consistently low, usually of brief duration, and with little or no impact on survival. During the 1970s and 1980s, multidrug regimens were evaluated with little or no improvement in outcome. More recently, our understanding of the metabolism, pharmacology, and the mechanisms of action as well as the potential mechanisms of resistance to 5‐FU has led to its more rational use. This knowledge has resulted in the design of treatment programs with improved therapeutic effects by changing its route of administration, combining it with biochemical modulators and using it in conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents. These strategies have created new optimism for improved results with less toxicity. More potent inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS) such as tomudex and trimetrexate have been developed and are currently being evaluated in the clinic either alone or in combination with 5‐FU. Semisynthetic topoisomerase inhibitors such as irinotecan have shown encouraging results as first‐line therapy, in combination with 5‐FU or as salvage therapy.
Effect of Hepatic Invasion on the Choice of Hepatic Resection for Advanced Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: Histologic Analysis of 32 Surgical Cases
Authors: Ogura Yoshifumi , Tabata Masami , Kawarada Yoshifumi , Mizumoto Ryuji
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to assess the patterns of hepatic invasion in advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder by histologically examining surgical specimens obtained in 32 cases of hepatectomy for that carcinoma. Two modes of microscopic tumor extension were observed. The expansive pattern was restricted to liver‐bed carcinomas, in which the tumor extends into the liver, primarily from the liver bed. Most of the infiltrating patterns were found with hepatic‐hilar carcinomas, in which the tumor invades the hepatic hilum along Glisson’s sheath, especially tumors exhibiting a discontinuous front of tumor invasion. The average width for wedge resection of the liver bed was 15.6 ± 2.9 mm, in contrast to 25.6 ± 8.1 mm for resection of segments IVa and V and 44.1 ± 10.3 mm for extensive hepatic resection (both
p < 0.01). When the hepatic invasion distance is more than 20 mm, the tumor should be selectively managed by extensive hepatic resection, such as extended right hepatic lobectomy or central bisegmentectomy. The results suggest that wedge resection of the liver bed and resection of segments IVa and V are advisable for carcinoma localized to the gallbladder alone and for liver‐bed carcinoma with slight hepatic invasion and an expansive tumor growth pattern. Extensive hepatic resection, however, is recommended for carcinoma of the invasive liver‐bed type and carcinoma of the hepatic‐hilar type.
Retroperitoneal Adrenalectomy: Open or Endoscopic?
Authors: Bonjer H. Jaap , van der Harst Erwin , Steyerberg Ewout W. , de Herder Wouter W. , Kazemier Geert , Mohammedamin Robert S.A. , Bruining Hajo A.
Published: August 2002

Conventional adrenalectomy requires relatively large incisions. To assess the value of retroperitoneal endoscopic adrenalectomy, a case–control study was performed comparing the endoscopic technique to conventional posterior adrenalectomy. All patients had adrenal tumors less than 7 cm in diameter. Endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy required more operative time (90 vs. 60 minutes,
p < 0.0001) than the open approach but was associated with less blood loss (20 vs. 125 ml, p < 0.0001). Endoscopic adrenalectomy caused less pain postoperatively (p= 0.0005) and was associated with fewer complications (p= 0.035). The hospital stay was shorter after endoscopic adrenalectomy than after open adrenalectomy (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we advocate endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy in patients with small adrenal tumors.
Effect of avian predation on survival of leaf‐rolling lepidopterous larvae
Authors: Murakami Masashi
Published: August 2002

Manipulative field experiments were performed in a northern Japanese deciduous forest to determine the role of avian predation in the survival of three leaf‐rolling lepidopterous larvae (Homonopsis foedenratana, Archips viola, and Zeiraphera corpulentana) on Japanese lilac (Syringa reticulata) trees. When all leaf rolls on the lilacs were experimentally removed, the visitation rate of birds declined, indicating that the leaf rolls served as a visual cue for the birds. In a second experiment in which birds were excluded from the lilac trees, the survival of H. foedenratana larvae was improved, whereas the mortality of the other two Lepidoptera stayed the same. This is probably the result of differences in the shape of leaf rolls; larvae of H. foedenratana alter the leaf form to a greater extent, which may facilitate the detection of the rolls by birds. The high predation rate on the tight leaf rolls of H. foedenratana may be offset by enhanced resistance against other predators and better food quality for the enclosed larvae.
Multiple Modes of Transcriptional Regulation by the HIV‐1 Tat Transactivator
Authors: Marcello Alessandro , Zoppé Monica , Giacca Mauro
Published: August 2002

Regulation of HIV‐1 gene expression by the viral Tat trans ‐activator is a critical step in the viral life cycle. Tat acts as a highly unusual transcription factor that interacts with a stem‐loop RNA structure (TAR) found at the 5 end of all viral transcripts. There, it induces a modification of chromatin at the HIV‐1 long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter and stimulates the recruitment of elongationcompetent RNA polymerase II complexes capable of processive transcription. Increase of transcriptional elongation is the consequence of the interaction of Tat with cyclin T1, the cyclin component of CDK9, which phosphorylates the carboxy‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to enhance its processivity. Tat‐induced transcriptional activation of the LTR promoter is concomitant with recruitment of the transcriptional coactivators p300 and the highly homologue cAMP‐responsive transcription factor binding protein (CBP). These large proteins act at the level of transcriptional initiation by bridging the basal transcription machinery with specific transcriptional activators. Furthermore, p300/CBP are histone acetyl‐transferases capable of modulating the interaction of nucleosomes with DNA and with chromatin remodeling complexes. Besides histones, Tat itself is a substrate for the enzymatic activity of p300/CBP and of the associated factor P/CAF, suggesting a regulatory role of acetylation on the protein itself. Devising a unifying model for LTR activation that includes activities of Tat at the levels of both transcriptional initiation and transcriptional elongation is a challenging task at this moment. Nevertheless, protein localization studies indicate that both cyclin T1 and p300/CBP co‐localize in specific subnuclear compartments, thus suggesting participation of both proteins in the formation of multimolecular complexes governing coordinated steps of transcriptional activation.
History of Infertility and Midlife Cardiovascular Health in Female Individuals
Authors: Nichols Amy R. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Switkowski Karen M. , Zhang Mingyu , Young Jessica G. , Hivert Marie-France , Chavarro Jorge E. , Oken Emily
Published: January 2024

Importance

Fertility status is a marker for future health, and infertility has been associated with risk for later cancer and diabetes, but associations with midlife cardiovascular health (CVH) in female individuals remain understudied.

Objective

To evaluate the association of infertility history with CVH at midlife (approximately age 50 years) among parous individuals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Project Viva is a prospective cohort study of pregnant participants enrolled between 1999 and 2002 who delivered a singleton live birth in the greater Boston, Massachusetts, area. Infertility history was collected at a midlife visit between 2017 and 2021, approximately 18 years after enrollment. Data analysis was performed from January to June 2023.

Exposures

The primary exposure was any lifetime history of infertility identified by self-report, medical record, diagnosis, or claims for infertility treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) is a construct for ranking CVH that includes scores from 0 to 100 (higher scores denote better health status) in 4 behavioral (diet, physical activity, sleep, and smoking status) and 4 biomedical (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glycemia) domains to form an overall assessment of CVH. Associations of a history of infertility (yes or no) with mean LE8 total, behavioral, biomedical, and blood biomarker (lipids and glycemia) scores were examined, adjusting for age at outcome (midlife visit), race and ethnicity, education, household income, age at menarche, and perceived body size at age 10 years.

Results

Of 468 included participants (mean [SD] age at the midlife visit, 50.6 [5.3] years) with exposure and outcome data, 160 (34.2%) experienced any infertility. Mean (SD) LE8 scores were 76.3 (12.2) overall, 76.5 (13.4) for the behavioral domain, 76.0 (17.5) for the biomedical domain, and 78.9 (19.2) for the blood biomarkers subdomain. In adjusted models, the estimated overall LE8 score at midlife was 2.94 points lower (95% CI, −5.13 to −0.74 points), the biomedical score was 4.07 points lower (95% CI, −7.33 to −0.78 points), and the blood subdomain score was 5.98 points lower (95% CI, −9.71 to −2.26 points) among those with vs without history of infertility. The point estimate also was lower for the behavioral domain score (β = −1.81; 95% CI, −4.28 to 0.66), although the result was not statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of parous individuals found evidence for an association between a history of infertility and lower overall and biomedical CVH scores. Future study of enhanced cardiovascular preventive strategies among those who experience infertility is warranted.
Reporting Requirements, Confidentiality, and Legal Immunity for Physicians Who Report Medically Impaired Drivers
Authors: Tran Elaine M. , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Physicians play an important role in assessing patients’ ability to drive. There is a dearth of peer-reviewed information on policies regarding physician reporting of medically impaired drivers.

Objective

To investigate state reporting requirements and the availability of confidentiality and legal immunity for physicians who report medically impaired drivers.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to 30, 2022, in 3 rounds. First, all 50 US states’ Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) websites were systematically reviewed. Second, DMV staff from each state were surveyed via telephone. Third, each state’s legal codes for driver licensing were reviewed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcome measures included the percentage of states with mandatory and voluntary reporting policies, reporting instructions on DMV websites, anonymous reporting options, and legal immunity for reporting physicians, in addition to characteristics of states’ mandatory reporting policies (ie, types of medical conditions that require reporting) and policies surrounding the confidentiality of reports. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

One-third of state DMV websites (17 [34%]) lacked instructions regarding physician reporting. Six states had mandatory reporting requirements; 4 of these states only required reporting of conditions characterized by lapses of consciousness. Only 3 states (6%) accepted anonymous reports, and 7 states (14%) deemed physician reports of medically impaired drivers confidential without exception. Nearly one-third of states (15 [30%]) deemed reports by physicians confidential, with the exception that reported drivers could find out who reported them if they asked for a copy of the reporting form. Most states (37 [74%]) had statutes that protected physicians from liability related to reporting medically impaired drivers.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study of state reporting requirements regarding medically impaired drivers found many differences in state policies regarding mandatory reporting and the conditions that require reporting. There was also limited availability of online reporting instructions, anonymous reporting options, and legal protections for reporting physicians.
Investigation of low‐disturbance seismic retrofit method for steel column bases using curved members
Authors: Lin Kun‐Sian , Kurata Masahiro , Kawasaki Yutaro , Kitatani Yoshio
Published: January 2024

Seismic retrofit has always been a very important subject in recent years. However, typical retrofit techniques such as load‐resisting systems, damper devices, and seismic isolation systems will cause considerable disturbances to the structural system, such as increased force demand, and the building's occupants will need to be temporarily relocated during the construction. A design of the low‐disturbance retrofit method for steel column bases that uses the advantages of the curved member has been proposed in the study to improve seismic performance and reduce the mentioned demerits above. The basic mechanism of the curved member retrofit system was first analytically evaluated by preliminary modeling, followed by a parametric study to verify the effective shape. Four curved member specimens were tested with variations in fabrication processes and boundary conditions. Several aspects, including overall behavior, strength backbones, and deformation shapes of the specimens, were examined upon measured responses. The hysteretic performance of the curved member retrofit system is verified to achieve a stable cyclic behavior with limited strength degradation. A set of physical equations for estimating the lateral loads were established and verified by developing numerical models with a good agreement that enabled them to accurately represent the measured responses in the test.
Buried‐Contact Organic Field‐Effect Transistor: The Way of Alleviating Drawbacks from Interfacial Charge Transfer
Authors: Hwang Taehoon , Seo Jungyoon , Tsogbayar Dashdendev , Ko Eun , Park Jisu , Jeong Yujeong , Han Songyeon , Kim Hongdeok , Choi Joonmyung , Ahn Hyungju , Lee Jihoon , Choi Hyun Ho , Lee Hwa Sung
Published: January 2024

Facile charge transfer between source/drain (S/D) electrodes and organic semiconductor (OSC) channel is crucial for high‐mobility organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Herein, a novel OFET geometry is developed by modifying a top‐contact bottom‐gate device structure, termed a buried‐contact OFET, enabling close proximity between the S/D‐OSC interface and conducting channel, consequently decreasing the access contact resistance (RC,acc) and overall contact resistance (RC). Conventional post‐thermal annealing is combined with a burying pressure (pressure‐thermal annealing (PTA)). The synergistic effect of thermal and pressure annealings leads to the softened OSC layer enabling metal electrodes to bury inward by applied pressure. This process induces structural transitions from a top‐contact to buried‐contact configuration, as verified by atomic force microscopy and finite element simulations. Transfer line method and 4‐probe measurements revealed that PTA reduces the contact by 1/3 (65 kΩ cm) and the source‐to‐drain voltage waste due to charge injection from 52% to 31%. Consequently, the field‐effect mobility is four times higher than that of a conventional thermally annealed top‐contact OFET. The density of deep traps (Ntr) is mainly distributed in the OSC bulk responsible for charge injection. Remarkably, the Ntr decreased 30‐fold using PTA, resulting in a shallow sub‐threshold region and a threshold voltage close to zero.
Digital Multiphase Composites via Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Smith Lawrence T. , MacCurdy Robert B.
Published: January 2024

Mechanical properties of traditional engineering materials are typically coupled to each other, presenting a challenge to practitioners with multi‐dimensional material property requirements. In this work, continuous, independent control over multiple mechanical properties is demonstrated in composite materials realized using additive manufacturing. For the first time, composites additively manufactured from rigid plastic, soft elastomer, and liquid constituents are experimentally characterized, demonstrating materials which span four orders of magnitude in modulus and two orders of magnitude in toughness. By forming analytical mappings between relative concentrations of constituents at the microscale and resulting macroscale material properties, inverse material design is enabled; the method is showcased by printing artifacts with prescribed toughness and elasticity distributions. The properties of these composites are placed in the context of biological tissues, showing they have promise as mechanically plausible tissue mimics.
Polymer Molecules Adsorption‐Induced Zincophilic‐Hydrophobic Protective Layer Enables Highly Stable Zn Metal Anodes
Authors: Deng Qiang , You Shunzhang , Min Wenxue , Xu Yunkai , Lin Wei , Lu Jun , Yang Chenghao
Published: January 2024

Zn metal, as one of the most promising anode materials for aqueous batteries, suffers from uncontrollable dendrite growth and water‐induced parasitic reactions, which drastically compromise its cycle life and Coulombic efficiency (CE). Herein, a nonionic amphipathic additive Tween‐20 (TW20) is proposed that bears both zincophilic and hydrophobic units. The zincophilic segment of TW20 preferentially adsorbs on the Zn anode, while the hydrophobic segment is exposed on the electrolyte side, forming an electrolyte‐facing hydrophobic layer that shields the anode from active water molecules. Moreover, theoretical calculation and experimental results reveal that the TW20 additive can induce the preferential growth of (002) plane by adsorbing on other facets, enabling dendrite‐free Zn anodes. Benefitting from these advantages, the stability and reversibility of Zn anodes are substantially improved, reflected by stable cycling for over 2500 h at 1.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2 and 500 h at 5 mA cm−2/5 mAh cm−2 as well as an average CE of 99.4% at 1.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2. The full cells paired with MnO2 demonstrate a long lifespan for more than 700 cycles at 500 mA g−1. This work is expected to provide a new approach to modulate Zn electrode interface chemistry for highly stable Zn anodes.
The origins of musicality in the motion of primates
Authors: Schruth David M. , Templeton Christopher N. , Holman Darryl J. , Smith Eric A.
Published: January 2024

Animals communicate acoustically to report location, identity, and emotive state to conspecifics. Acoustic signals can also function as displays to potential mates and as territorial advertisement. Music and song are terms often reserved only for humans and birds, but elements of both forms of acoustic display are also found in non‐human primates. While culture, bonding, and side‐effects all factor into the emergence of musicality, biophysical insights into what might be signaled by specific acoustic features are less well understood.

Objectives

Here we probe the origins of musicality by evaluating the links between musical features (structural complexity, rhythm, interval, and tone) and a variety of potential ecological drivers of its evolution across primate species. Alongside other hypothesized causes (e.g. territoriality, sexual selection), we evaluated the hypothesis that perilous arboreal locomotion might favor musical calling in primates as a signal of capacities underlying spatio‐temporal precision in motor tasks.

Materials and Methods

We used musical features found in spectrographs of vocalizations of 58 primate species and corresponding measures of locomotion, diet, ranging, and mating. Leveraging phylogenetic information helped us impute missing data and control for relatedness of species while selecting among candidate multivariate regression models.

Results

Results indicated that rapid inter‐substrate arboreal locomotion is highly correlated with several metrics of music‐like signaling. Diet, alongside mate‐choice and range size, emerged as factors that also correlated with complex calling patterns.

Discussion

These results support the hypothesis that musical calling may function as a signal, to neighbors or potential mates, of accuracy in landing on relatively narrow targets.
Stereoselective Ring‐opening Polymerization of S‐Carboxyanhydrides Using Salen Aluminum Catalysts: A Route to High‐Isotactic Functionalized Polythioesters
Authors: Zhu Yinuo , Tao Youhua
Published: January 2024

Polythioesters are important sustainable polymers with broad applications. The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of S‐Carboxyanhydrides (SCAs) can afford polythioesters with functional groups that are typically difficult to prepare by ROP of thiolactones. Typical methods involving organocatalysts, like dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and triethylamine (Et3N), have been plagued by uncontrolled polymerization, including epimerization for most SCAs resulting in the loss of isotacticity. Here, we report the use of salen aluminum catalysts for the selective ROP of various SCAs without epimerization, affording functionalized polythioester with high molecular weight up to 37.6 kDa and the highest Pm value up to 0.99. Notably, the ROP of TlaSCA (SCA prepared from thiolactic acid) generates the first example of a isotactic crystalline poly(thiolactic acid), which exhibited a distinct Tm value of 152.6 °C. Effective ligand tailoring governs the binding affinity between the sulfide chain‐end and the metal center, thereby maintaining the activity of organometallic catalysts and reducing the occurrence of epimerization reactions.