bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of orally administered recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing surface-bound HIV Env
Authors: Xin Ke-Qin , Hoshino Yuka , Toda Yoshihiko , Igimi Shizunobu , Kojima Yoshitsugu , Jounai Nao , Ohba Kenji , Kushiro Akira , Kiwaki Mayumi , Hamajima Kenji , Klinman Dennis , Okuda Kenji
Published: March 2003

This study investigates whether genetically modified orally administered Lactococcus lactis (L lactis) could be used as an HIV vaccine. L lactis is immunogenic and extremely safe when delivered orally. We created a recombinant L lactis vector expressing the envelope protein of HIV on its cell surface. Oral immunization with this vector induced high levels of HIV-specific serum IgG and fecal IgA antibodies. Cell-mediated immune responses also were generated in both the regional lymph nodes and the spleen. Dendritic cells are readily infected by L lactis and appear to play a potential role in mediating the development of these immune responses. The protective efficacy of this vaccine strategy was demonstrated by challenging mice intraperitoneally with an HIV Env–expressing vaccinia virus. Their viral loads were 350-fold lower than those of control mice. These findings support the further development of L lactis–based HIV vaccines. (Blood. 2003; 102:223-228)
Inhibition of Spontaneous and Androgen-Induced Prostate Growth by a Nonhypercalcemic Calcitriol Analog
Authors: Crescioli C. , Ferruzzi P. , Caporali A. , Mancina R. , Comerci A. , Muratori M. , Scaltriti M. , Vannelli G. B. , Smiroldo S. , Mariani R. , Villari D. , Bettuzzi S. , Serio M. , Adorini L. , Maggi M.
Published: March 2003

We have recently found that analog V (BXL-353, a calcitriol analog) inhibits growth factor (GF)-stimulated human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) cell proliferation by disrupting signal transduction, reducing Bcl-2 expression, and inducing apoptosis. We now report that BXL-353 blocks in vitro and in vivo testosterone (T) activity. BPH cells responded to T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with dose-dependent growth and reduced apoptosis. Exposure of BPH cells to BXL-353 significantly antagonized both T- and DHT-induced proliferation and induced apoptosis, even in the presence of T. To verify whether BXL-353 reduced prostate growth in vivo, we administered it orally to either intact or castrated rats, supplemented with T enanthate. Nonhypercalcemic doses of BXL-353 time- and dose-dependently reduced the androgen effect on ventral prostate weight, similarly to finasteride. Comparable results were obtained after chronic administration of BXL-353 to intact rats. Clusterin (an atrophy marker) gene and protein were up-regulated by BXL-353 in rat prostate, and nuclear fragmentation was widely present. The antiandrogenic properties of BXL-353 did not interfere with pituitary and testis function, as assessed by serum determination of rat LH and T. BXL-353 did not compete for androgen binding to BPH homogenates and failed to inhibit 5α-reductase type 1 and type 2 activities. In conclusion, BXL-353 blocks in vitro and in vivo androgen-stimulated prostate cell growth, probably acting downstream from the androgen receptor, without affecting calcemia or sex hormone secretion. BXL-353 and other vitamin D3 analogs might thus represent an interesting class of compounds for treating patients with BPH.
A Facile Method for Preparation of Optically Active Hydantoin
Authors: Yamaguchi Jun-ichi , Harada Masakazu , Kondo Takahito , Noda Takeshi , Suyama Takayuki
Published: March 2003

Treatment of N-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)amino acid amide, which was prepared from amino acid amide and 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate, under weakly basic conditions proceeded to afford the corresponding hydantoin. A direct conversion of amino acid amide into hydantoin without isolation of N-(4-nitophenoxycarbonyl)amino acid amide was also accomplished.
Regulation of Main-Chain Conformation of Permethyldecasilane by Complexation with γ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Sakamoto Kenkichi , Naruoka Takehiko , Kira Mitsuo
Published: March 2003

An absorption and emission spectroscopic study of an inclusion complex of permethyldecasilane (1) with γ-cyclodextrin in water has shown that the silicon main chain of 1 has an all-trans rod-like conformation in the hydrophobic cavities of γ-cyclodextrin at room temperature.
Controller falsification based on multiple models
Authors: Agnoloni Tommaso , Mosca Edoardo
Published: March 2003

The paper addresses the controller falsification problem in feedback‐control systems where the plant dynamics are uncertain and possibly time‐varying. The adopted approach considers a statistic (or residual) in the form of a ratio of closed‐loop variables. The test hinges upon a small‐gain stability lemma which ensures that, under divergence, the statistic certainly exceeds a precomputable bound. Use of multiple models appropriately distributed over the uncertainty region of the plant dynamics allows one to generate a multi‐statistic such that the denser the model distribution the larger the value taken on by the mentioned bounds. This allows one to arbitrarily widen the gap between the level that the statistic is guaranteed to stay below at stability and the one that will exceed at divergence, thus removing limitations on the applicability of the test based on a single model. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐associated post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder simultaneously affecting both B and T cells after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Chuhjo Tatsuya , Yachie Akihiro , Kanegane Hirokazu , Kimura Hiroshi , Shiobara Shintaro , Nakao Shinji
Published: March 2003

Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is usually an aberrant proliferation of EBV‐infected B cells. We report the case of a 31‐year‐old man with severe aplastic anemia who suffered PTLD 42 days post‐BMT from an unrelated donor. At the onset of PTLD, peripheral blood lymphocytes were comprised of 40% CD20+ cells, 3% CD4+ cells, and 56% CD8+ cells. A highly sensitive in situ hybridization (ISH) method was used to detect EBV‐encoded small non‐polyadenylated RNA 1 (EBER‐1) in 33.9% of sorted CD20+ cells, 4.4% of CD4+ cells, and 1.4% of CD8+ cells. Each T‐cell fraction contained less than 0.034% of contaminated EBV‐infected B cells. Clonal proliferation of both B and T cells was demonstrated by Southern blotting. The patient did not respond to donor leukocyte infusion and died due to deterioration of PTLD. At autopsy, examination of multiple organs revealed B‐cell (rather than T‐cell) infiltration. This case clearly indicates that EBV can simultaneously infect B and T cells and can induce clonal proliferation of both lymphocyte subsets in severely immunocompromised patients. Am. J. Hematol. 72:255–258, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with multiple myeloma: Correlation with markers of disease activity
Authors: Alexandrakis M.G. , Passam F.H. , Sfiridaki A. , Kandidaki E. , Roussou P. , Kyriakou D.S.
Published: March 2003

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to be involved in angiogenesis, epithelial cell proliferation, and osteoclast activation. HGF and its receptor are expressed on myeloma cell lines and could be involved in the pathogenesis of bone destruction in multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to examine serum levels of HGF in untreated MM patients and its correlation with bone turnover indices and markers of disease activity. Forty‐seven newly diagnosed MM patients and 25 controls were included: 12 patients were of stage I, 13 of stage II, and 22 of stage III (Durie–Salmon classification). Bone lesions were scored from 0 to 3, according to X‐ray findings. Serum osteocalcin (OC), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), TNF‐α, β2‐microglobulin (β2M), CRP, calcium, and 24‐hr urine N‐telopeptide cross‐links of collagen breakdown (NTx) were determined. HGF levels were significantly higher at stage III compared to stages II and I (medians: 1,990.4 vs. 1,743.8 and 1,432.4 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Similarly, NTx, IL‐6, TNF‐α, CRP, β2M, and calcium increased significantly with advancing stage (P < 0.01). OC was higher at stage I in comparison to stages II and III (P < 0.01). All parameters were significantly higher in patients than controls. HGF showed a strong correlation with IL‐6 and TNF‐α and less with β2M, CRP, NTx, and OC. We conclude that serum HGF levels are increased in advanced stages of MM disease and extended bone lesions. HGF correlates with IL‐6 and TNF‐α, which are cytokines involved in osteoclast stimulation in MM. However, an independent association of HGF with bone turnover markers was not shown in this study, thus its role in MM bone disease needs to be further clarified. Am. J. Hematol. 72:229–233, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in the fukutin‐related protein gene
Authors: Mercuri Eugenio , Brockington Martin , Straub Volker , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Yuva Yeliz , Herrmann Ralf , Brown Susan C. , Torelli Silvia , Dubowitz Victor , Blake Derek J. , Romero Norma B. , Estournet Brigitte , Sewry Caroline A. , Guicheney Pascale , Voit Thomas , Muntoni Francesco
Published: March 2003

We describe 22 patients with mutations in the fukutin‐related protein (FKPR) gene. Four patients had congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1C), with presentation at birth, severe weakness and inability to stand unsupported. The other 18 had limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD2I). Eleven showed a Duchenne‐like course with loss of ambulation in the early teens while 7 had a milder phenotype. Muscle biopsy invariably showed abnormal expression of a‐dystroglycan. MDC1C patients either carried 2 missense or 1 missense and 1 nonsense mutations. Patients with LGMD2I shared a common mutation (C826A,Leu276Ileu) and their phenotypic severity was correlated with the second allelic mutation. Ann Neurol 2003;53:537–542
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of {2‐[2‐(N, N‐disubstituted thiocarbamoyl‐sulfanyl)‐acylamino] thiazol‐4‐yl}acetic Acid Ethyl Esters
Authors: Ateş Öznur , Gürsoy Aysel , Altıntaş Handan , Ötük Gülten , Birteksöz Seher
Published: March 2003

{2‐[2‐(N, N‐Disubstituted thiocarbamoyl‐sulfanyl)acylamino ]thiazol‐4‐yl}acetic acid ethyl esters (3a—x) were synthesized by the reaction of potassium salts of N, N‐disubstituted dithiocarbamoic acids with [2‐(2‐chloroalkanoyl)amino‐thiazol‐4‐yl]acetic acid ethyl esters. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, UV, IR, 1H‐NMR, and EI mass spectral data. The antimicrobial activities of all the compounds were investigated by microbroth dilution technique using Mueller‐Hinton broth and Mueller‐Hinton agar. In this study, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352, Pseudomonas aeruginosa AT CC 1539, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 14153 and Candida albicans ATCC10231 were used as test microorganisms. Among the tested compounds 3a, d, e, f, h, k, w activity against S. epidermidis ATCC 12228 (MIC: 156 mg/L, 78 mg/L, 62.5 mg/L, 78 mg/L, 62.5 mg/L, 312 mg/L, 250 mg/L, respectively), compound 3d had some activity against S. aureus ATCC 6538 (MIC: 156 mg/L) and C. albicans ATCC 10231(MIC: 156 mg/L). Compounds 3l, 3x also evaluated for antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using the BACTEC 460 radiometric system and BACTEC 12B medium. The preliminary results indicated that all of the tested compounds were inactive against the test organism.
Brain Delivery of HIV Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Sheha Mahmoud M. , El‐Koussi Nawal A. , Farag Hassan H.
Published: March 2003

To overcome the problems of peptidomimetic drug delivery to the specific organs, the use of dihydropyridine ↔ pyridinium chemical delivery systems to deliver peptides to the brain is considered in this work. An HIV protease inhibitor lead compound; KNI 279 was selected for the study. The N‐alkylated dihydroisoquinoline derivatives of KNI‐279 were synthesized and tested for their ability to be oxidized by brain homogenate and showed good results with reasonable half‐life times specially for the N‐alkoxycarbonyl‐methyl derivative 8. The in‐vivo distribution of compound 8 proved the brain delivery and locked in property of HIV PR inhibitors in the brain. All the prepared compounds (both quaternary and dihydro derivatives) showed between 51 and 86 % HIV PR inhibitory activity compared to the parent compound.
Synthesis of 5‐Substituted 2‐Methylbenzimidazoles with Anticancer Activity
Authors: El‐Naem Sh. I. , El‐Nzhawy A. O. , El‐Diwani H. I. , Abdel Hamid A. O.
Published: March 2003

A series of compounds comprising the thiocarboximidopyrazolyl 5, the phenylpyrazolyl 6, the dimethylpyrazolyl 7, the nitrophenylpyrazolyl 8, the dimethyloxazolyl 9, the benzoxazepinyl 10, and pyrimidyl 11 a—c derivatives of 3‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐5‐ylazo)pentane‐2, 4‐dione was synthesized. Moreover, 5‐amino‐2‐methylbenzimidazole (3) was reacted with phthalic anhydride or maleic anhydride in acetic acid or in toluene to produce 12—15. Treating 5, 6‐diamino‐2‐methylbenzimidazole (16) with ethyl cyanoacetate or diethyl malonate or acetyl acetone leads to the formation of the benzodiazepine derivatives 17—20. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds 2, 7, 9, 10, and 11 was tested against 60 types of human cancer cell lines. Compounds 7 and 9 were found to be the most potent.
A mand analysis and levels treatment in an outpatient clinic
Authors: O'Connor Julia T. , Sorensen‐Burnworth Rena J. , Rush Karena S. , Eidman Shannon L.
Published: March 2003

An adolescent with severe mental retardation and fragile X syndrome who displayed destructive behavior maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of adult compliance with mands was assessed and treated in an outpatient setting. A levels system treatment was assessed, consisting of a continuum of attention and reinforcement ranging from access to the functional reinforcer in level 3 contingent upon appropriate behavior to a 10 min room time‐out for level 1 contingent upon aggressive and dangerous behavior. While the efficacy of this treatment has been demonstrated in an inpatient setting (Hagopian et al., 2002), this application extended the findings to outpatient and community settings. The levels system treatment resulted in a 98.1% reduction in destructive behavior from baseline levels. Treatment was successfully transferred to the home and school and reductions were maintained at 6 and 9 months. Treatment acceptability ratings were high across both home and school staff. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of stimulus preference assessment methods in adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Wilder David A. , Ellsworth Carrie , White Holly , Schock Keven
Published: March 2003

Three methods of assessing preference for stimuli were compared in four adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. During phase 1, a survey method, a verbal stimulus choice method, and a pictorial stimulus choice method of assessing preference for four categories of stimuli were administered. During phase 2, a coupon system was used to determine which categories of stimuli actually functioned as reinforcers for each participant. Comparisons between the three preference assessment methods were then conducted based on the results of the reinforcer assessment. Results showed that, overall, there were few differences in total accuracy among the preference assessment procedures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining descriptive and functional analyses to assess and treat screaming
Authors: Tracey Galiatsatos G. , Graff Richard B.
Published: March 2003

This study systematically examined the functional relation between screaming and environmental events in a 13‐year‐old boy diagnosed with autism and PDD‐NOS. A functional analysis of screaming was conducted in study 1, with six conditions (attention, demand, play, alone, tangible—toy, and tangible—edible). Highest rates of screaming were observed during the tangible—toy and tangible—edible conditions. The analog assessment was followed by a descriptive assessment, which revealed the participant was most likely to scream when teacher attention was diverted to other students. Additionally, items found to maintain screaming during the analog assessment were never delivered contingent upon screaming in the participant's natural environment. The results of the descriptive assessment suggested that the analog assessment might have produced a false‐positive outcome. A treatment based upon the results of the combined assessments led to a 50% reduction in screaming within four weeks. Two‐year follow‐up data indicated that screaming occurred at near‐zero rates. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total synthesis of (+)‐macrosphelides a, c, e, f, and g based on enzymatic function
Authors: Akita Hiroyuki , Nakamura Hiroshi , Ono Machiko
Published: March 2003

The total synthesis of (+)‐macrosphelide A (1) (18.5% overall yield in 11 steps), (+)‐macrosphelide C (2) (25% overall yield in 9 steps), (+)‐macrosphelide E (3) (23.9% overall yield in 11 steps), (+)‐macrosphelide F (4) (20% overall yield in 9 steps), and (+)‐macrosphelide G (5) (22% overall yield in 9 steps) was achieved from a chemoenzymatic reaction product (4R,5S)‐4‐benzyloxy‐5‐hydroxy‐2(E)‐hexenoate 10. Chirality 15:352–359, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circular dichroism and the interactions of water soluble porphyrins with DNA—A minireview
Authors: Pasternack Robert F.
Published: March 2003

The size, sign, and profile of induced circular dichroism (CD) features in the Soret region are reliable indicators of the binding modes of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins to DNA. Porphyrins shown (using such CD criteria) to be intercalators in monodispersed DNA duplexes prove extremely useful for the detection and characterization of organized, condensed forms of nucleic acids (ψ‐condensates). In addition, certain select porphyrin derivatives can form extended assemblies on nonaggregated DNA templates. A combination of CD and resonance light scattering (RLS) measurements allows for sensitive detection and characterization of these porphyrin arrays. Chirality 15:329–332, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Probenecid‐induced changes in the clearance of pranoprofen enantiomers
Authors: Imai Teruko , Nomura Tadayuki , Otagiri Masaki
Published: March 2003

Probenecid is known to inhibit the elimination of several acidic drugs. Its influence on the pharmacokinetics of pranoprofen was investigated in rabbit after a single intravenous injection of racemic mixture (5 mg/kg). Levels of (–)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐pranoprofen and their glucuronide (after hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide) were determined in plasma, urine, and several tissues. The plasma concentration of the (+)‐(S)‐isomer was higher than that of the (–)‐(R)‐form. Oral coadministered probenecid (100 mg/kg) resulted in an increased plasma concentration of both enantiomers. Probenecid reduced the apparent total clearance and excretion of pranoprofen enantiomers in urine. It had a slight effect on the tissue distribution of pranoprofen at the dose used, but significantly reduced the formation of glucuronide for both enantiomers to the same extent in kidney microsomes. The differences caused by probenecid were significant with respect to its ability to inhibit glucuronidation in the kidney and subsequent excretion into urine, but enantioselective effects were negligible. Chirality 15:318–323, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
"Molecular chirality and the fundamental symmetries of physics: Influence of parity violation on rovibrational frequencies and thermodynamic properties," Chirality (2001) 13(10) 745–753
Authors: Quack Martin , Stohner Jürgen
Published: March 2003

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Chirality (2001) 13(10) 745–753
Heterodimetallic Chalcogen‐Bridged Cubane‐Type Clusters of Molybdenum and Tungsten Containing First‐Row Transition Metals
Authors: Llusar Rosa , Uriel Santiago
Published: March 2003

Transition metal cluster chalcogenides with cubane‐type structures are relevant to our understanding of several industrial and biological catalytic processes. Recent advances in cluster chemistry owe much to the development of rational synthetic approaches, an aspect that is emphasised in this review which focuses on cuboidal clusters of molybdenum and tungsten (M) with M2M′2S4 and M3M′Q4 (Q = S, Se) central units that incorporate a first‐row transition metal atom (M′). Special attention has been paid to the non‐aqueous chemistry of these compounds. The structural features of these complexes are discussed in relation to their electronic structures within the framework of molecular orbital theory, spectroscopic, magnetic and electrochemical experimental data. Finally, the importance of these clusters in catalysis, nonlinear optics and in the formation of supramolecular adducts is discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Preferential Siting of Iron Atoms in an MFI‐type Ferrisilicate Zeolite Framework: An Attempt to Explain Experimental Data with TPA‐Silicate Solution Chemistry
Authors: Theunissen Elisabeth , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Kremer Sebastien P. B. , Habermacher David D. , Martens Johan A.
Published: March 2003

In this paper an attempt is made to explain the experimentally observed iron siting in ferrisilicate MFI‐type zeolites based on TPA‐silicate solution chemistry. A critical molecular step in the formation of Silicalite‐1 zeolite is the formation of the precursor, counting 36 T‐atoms, by condensation of three pentacyclic dodecamers around a TPA molecule. Incorporation of a tetracyclic undecamer instead of a pentacyclic dodecamer results in a precursor with a missing Si atom at a position that becomes a T9 or T10 site of the orthorhombic unit cell of the MFI‐type zeolite. The incorporation of iron at these empty positions of the precursor explains the experimentally observed preferred iron positions. Close examination of the precursor formation mechanism reveals that the iron is incorporated at the same T‐atom positions, viz. T9 and T10, when the precursor is formed from an iron‐containing pentacyclic dodecamer. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
A Novel Open‐Framework Gallium Phosphate Containing Two Different Building Units
Authors: Sun Daofeng , Cao Rong , Sun Yanqiong , Bi Wenhua , Hong Maochun
Published: March 2003

A novel open‐framework fluorinated gallium phosphate has been prepared hydrothermally. X‐ray diffraction shows each double four‐ring (D4R) links four 1D gallium phosphate chains made up of single four‐rings (S4R) to form a 3D framework with eight‐ring channels where potassium ions reside. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
The Coordination Chemistry of the Pentadentate 2,2,6,6‐Tetrakis(aminomethyl)‐4‐azaheptane (ditame)
Authors: Hegetschweiler Kaspar , Maas Oliver , Zimmer Anja , Geue Rodney J. , Sargeson Alan M. , Harmer Jeffrey , Schweiger Arthur , Buder Irmgard , Schwitzgebel Günter , Reiland Vera , Frank Walter
Published: March 2003

The protonation and metal complex formation of the branched pentaamine ligand 2,2,6,6‐tetrakis(aminomethyl)‐4‐azaheptane (ditame, L) with CoII, CoIII, NiII, CuII, ZnII, and CdIIhave been studied. The crystal structures of [Ni(ditame)(EtOH)]Br2, [Co2(ditame)2(O2)]Cl4·4H2O, and [Co2(ditame)2(O2)]Cl2[ZnCl4][ZnCl3(H2O)]·H2O were determined by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The metal complexes showed octahedral coordination geometries with exclusive formation of six‐membered chelate rings, the four primary amino groups being in equatorial positions and the secondary amino group (Nsec) apical. This geometry enforces a relatively short M−Nsecbond. Complex formation in aqueous solution was evaluated by potentiometric titration. The ditame ligand forms a surprisingly stable NiIIcomplex with logKNiL= 17.8 (25 °C, 0.1MKNO3), and formation of protonated species [Ni(Hnditame)](n+2)+(n= 1, 2) is not significant. Different behavior is evident for ZnIIand CdII, with which protonated species are extensively formed, while the stability of [ML]2+is relatively low. Complex formation between ditame and CuIIin the range 3 < pH < 7 resulted in the formation of [Cu(H2ditame)]4+. In slightly alkaline solution, the dinuclear [Cu2(ditame)2]4+appears to be formed. The structural assignment of this dimer is based on its UV/Vis and EPR characteristics, with the EPR data indicating a CuII···CuIIseparation of about 5.9 Å. The redox behavior of the Ni and Co complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The mononuclear species showed quasi‐reversible electron transfer for the NiII/IIIand CoII/IIIcouples. For the dinuclear peroxo/ superoxo‐bridged CoIIIcomplexes, quasi‐reversible electron transfer corresponding to oxidation/reduction of the O22−/O2−bridge was observed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Studies of Pyridinyl‐Containing 14‐Membered Macrocyclic Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Autzen Sabrina , Korth Hans‐Gert , Boese Roland , Groot Herbert de , Sustmann Reiner
Published: March 2003

Six copper(II) complexes of tetracoordinating, pyridinyl‐containing 14‐membered macrocycles with varying ratios of nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms were prepared and characterized by IR, UV/Vis, and EPR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. A distorted tetragonal coordination of the copper center in the solid‐state was established by X‐ray crystallography for the tetraazamacrocyclic complex Cu‐3 carrying a methoxybenzyl pendent arm and the trioxaaza complex Cu‐6. The superoxide dismutase‐like activity of the CuII complexes was investigated by inhibition of NADH oxidation. Although the UV/Vis and EPR spectra of the complexes were strongly affected when the coordinating nitrogen atoms were successively replaced by oxygen atoms, no significant change in their reactivity towards superoxide was observed. In all cases a 1:1 or 1:2 stoichiometry for the reaction with superoxide was found, with the exception of the methoxybenzyl‐substituted tetraaza complex, which showed a low catalytic activity with a turnover number of about 10. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Structural Manipulation of Hydrogen Bond Networks Using Sulfonated Phosphane Ligands and Their Complexes: Competition and Interplay Between Strong and Weak Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Burrows Andrew D. , Harrington Ross W. , Mahon Mary F. , Teat Simon J.
Published: March 2003

Using the sulfonated phosphane [PPh2(C6H4‐m‐SO3)]−, L−, we have demonstrated that metal centres can readily be incorporated into guanidinium sulfonate (GS) hydrogen‐bonded networks, and that the increase in steric bulk on going from [C(NH2)3][L] (1) to [C(NH2)3][AuCl(L)] (2) leads to a flattening of the GS sheets. The crystal structures of [C(NH2)3][LS] 3 and [C(NH2)3][LSe] 4 (LS− = [SPPh2(C6H4‐m‐SO3)]−, LSe− = [SePPh2(C6H4‐m‐SO3)]−) reveal disorder in both the sulfonate groups and the guanidinium cations, which is a consequence of pseudo‐sixfold phenyl embraces between the anions. These interactions, identical to those observed in Ph3PS and Ph3PSe, position the sulfonate groups too close together for regular quasihexagonal hydrogen bonding motifs to be formed. The regular GS hydrogen bonding patterns can also be disrupted by using an anion containing two sulfonate groups such as that in [C(NH2)3]2{cis‐[PdCl2(L)2]} (5). In this case the incorporation of two sulfonate groups from each anion into the same hydrogen‐bonded sheet also serves to constrain the distance between the sulfur atoms to a value incommensurate with that enabling a guanidinium cation to hydrogen bond to both groups. In this case irregular GS sheets are formed involving fewer N−H···O hydrogen bonds than in 1 and 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Phosphorus‐Selenium Heterocycles from the Tetraphospholane (PhP)4CH2
Authors: Kilian Petr , Bhattacharyya Pravat , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins J. Derek
Published: March 2003

Two new heterocyclic and one acyclic species were prepared by reduction/deselenation of the five‐membered heterocycle PhP(Se)CH2PhP(Se)Se2 (containing a PCPSe2 ring sequence). Deselenation with Me3SiCN led to the four‐membered heterocycle PhP(Se)CH2PPh(Se)Se (containing a PCPSe ring sequence), whereas reaction with Bu3P afforded the five‐membered heterocycle PhP(Se)CH2PhP(Se)SePPh (ring sequence PCPSeP) and reduction with K metal afforded the dipotassium salt of methylene‐bis(diselenophenylphosphinic) acid [K2(PhPSe2)2CH2]. The new compounds were characterised by a combination of NMR, MS and FT IR spectroscopic techniques; their structures were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray analyses. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
A box‐counting‐based algorithm for computing Shannon entropy in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lorenzo Luis , Mosquera Ricardo A.
Published: March 2003

A box‐counting‐based algorithm (SEBC) has been developed for the numerical computation of the Shannon entropy from samples of continuous functions. Its performance was tested by applying it to several samples of known continuous distribution functions. The results obtained with SEBC reproduced those obtained by analytical or numerical integration. SEBC was also employed for computing the Shannon entropies of the steric energy, Sh(ES), of several amino acids from their in vacuo NVE molecular dynamics simulations using the AMBER‐4 force field. The results obtained correlate linearly with the experimental standard thermodynamic entropies of these compounds. This work points to the possibility of introducing straightforward and reliable calculations of thermodynamic entropies from empirical linear relationships with Sh(ES) obtained from MD simulations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 707–713, 2003
Binding of proteins to the minor groove of DNA: What are the structural and energetic determinants for kinking a basepair step?
Authors: Bosch David , Campillo Mercedes , Pardo Leonardo
Published: March 2003

The structural and energetic determinants for kinking a basepair step by minor groove–insertion of the protein side chains of PurR, LacI, LEF–1, IHF, Sac7d, and Sso7d, have been calculated by molecular dynamics/potential of mean force simulations. The structural determinants of the kinked structures are: two contiguous furanose rings achieve different conformations, in the region of C3′endo (A–DNA) and C2′endo (B–DNA); the χ torsion angle always takes values characteristic of the C2′endo conformation of B–DNA, independently of sugar puckering; and protein side chain insertion increases slide (from negative to positive values), rise, and roll, and decreases twist. The energetic determinants of DNA kinking are: the conformational transition of the sugar–phosphate backbone is not energetically demanding; the relative importance of the interbase parameters in the free energy penalty is slide, followed by twist and rise, and concluding with shift and roll; and the characteristic increase of roll and decrease of twist, upon side chain insertion, tends to stabilize the process of DNA kinking. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 682–691, 2003
Radial quadrature for multiexponential integrands
Authors: Gill Peter M. W. , Chien Siu‐Hung
Published: March 2003

We introduce a Gaussian quadrature, based on the polynomials that are orthogonal with respect to the weight function ln2x on the interval [0, 1], which is suitable for the evaluation of radial integrals. The quadrature is exact if the non‐Jacobian part of the integrand is a linear combination of a geometric sequence of exponential functions. We find that the new scheme is a useful alternative to existing approaches, particularly for integrands that exhibit multiexponential behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 732–740, 2003
Small‐worlds: A review of recent books
Authors: Frommer I. , Pundoor G.
Published: March 2003

Small‐worlds research and related fields study a set of network structures with well‐defined properties. This new area has been gaining momentum lately. Theoretical studies have advanced our understanding of such networks while empirical studies have shown these networks to be ubiquitous in both nature and society. In particular, systems that appear to be well modeled by such networks include World Wide Web documents, Internet routers, the cellular metabolic network, ecological food webs, social networks, and many others. The two main structures being investigated are small‐world networks and scale‐free networks. Three recent books, including two just published this summer, describe the research being undertaken in this burgeoning field. We survey and review these books through a discussion of the field of small‐worlds research with numerous examples and considerations of the future of the field. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unequally spaced non‐periodic B‐spline finite strip method
Authors: Choi Chang‐Koon , Hong Hyun‐Seok , Kim Kyeong‐Ho
Published: March 2003

The unequally spaced non‐periodic B‐spline finite strip method (FSM) is presented. The motivation to investigate the irregularly spaced interior nodes in the longitudinal direction of strip is to generalize the concept of non‐periodic B‐spline FSM and to improve the general accuracy of the stress evaluation in the region of high stress gradients. In the present paper, the unequally spaced non‐periodic B3‐spline series with multiple knots at the boundary are introduced for the interpolation of displacement and description of geometry in the formulation of isoparametric spline FSM. The use of multiple knots at the boundary makes the shape function satisfy the Kronecker delta properties at the boundary. The unequally spaced B‐spline FSM is applied to the stress‐reduced shell problem with six degrees of freedom per node. The main purpose of this study is to find a way of ensuring that the geometry of strip is appropriately approximated when the interior nodes of the strip are not regularly spaced along the longitudinal direction. Some numerical results have been compared with those of the previous studies to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of this method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spanning boundaries and building bridges
Authors: Hedgepeth Royster C.
Published: March 2003

Social and cultural trends and their impact on the future of philanthropy are explored in terms of the changing role of fundraising and fundraisers.
Questions about Hispanics and fundraising
Authors: Cortés Mike
Published: March 2003

To understand Latino traditions of philanthropy better, the fundraising profession should consider asking some new questions.
The Plasticisation Effect of Glycerol and Water on the Gelatinisation of Wheat Starch
Authors: Nashed Gena , Rutgers Rulande P. G. , Sopade Peter A.
Published: March 2003

In the extrusion manufacture of starch‐based thermoplastics, such as biodegradable packaging materials, glycerol is an effective additive as a plasticiser, that is, to diminish the brittle nature of the product and provide the desired extent of flexibility. However, the addition of glycerol may also affect the gelatinisation behaviour of the starchwater mixture, and hence the required processing conditions for producing a homogeneously gelatinised starch‐based material. The effect of glycerol on the gelatinisation of wheat starch was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mixtures of starch, water and glycerol were investigated with a water content ranging from 12 — 40% and a glycerol concentration up to 75%. Dependent on composition, the enthalpy of gelatinisation ranged from 1.7 — 12.6 J/g (on a dry starch basis), while the onset and peak temperatures varied from 54 to 86 °C and 60 to 90 °C, respectively. As expected, water acted as a plasticiser in that the onset temperature for gelatinisation (T0) decreased with increasing moisture content. Glycerol, however, increased T0. It is shown that the T0 of starch‐glycerol‐water mixtures may be predicted on the basis of the effective moisture content of the starch fraction of these mixtures resulting from the relative speed of moisture absorption by glycerol and starch, respectively. Moisture sorption kinetics of wheat starch and glycerol in 100% relative humidity were determined and used to predict the preferential water absorption by glycerol in starch‐glycerol‐water mixtures and hence the resulting T0 of the system.
Multiple pathways to adulthood: Expanding the learning options for urban youth
Authors: Steinberg Adria , Almeida Cheryl , Allen Lili
Published: March 2003

Some learning environments show particular promise of creating pathways to postsecondary education, careers, and engaged citizenship for urban young adults from ages fifteen to twenty‐four.
Blurring boundaries: The promise and challenge of a district‐community action plan for systemic high school change in Worcester, Massachusetts
Authors: Del Prete Thomas , Ross Laurie
Published: March 2003

The Worcester, Massachusetts, district‐community plan for reinventing high schools shows how learning can be enhanced and transformed through intentional connections to community.
Community as text: Using the community as a resource for learning in community schools
Authors: Blank Martin J. , Johnson Sheri DeBoe , Shah Bela P.
Published: March 2003

The community can serve as a resource to help students become more engaged in learning and strengthen connections between schools and community.
Moderate‐to‐large injection and suction driven channel flows with expanding or contracting walls
Authors: Majdalani J. , Zhou C.
Published: March 2003

We consider in this paper the incompressible laminar flow in a porous channel with expanding or contracting walls. While the head‐end is closed by a compliant membrane, the downstream end is left unobstructed. For symmetric injection or suction along the uniformly expanding porous walls, the Navier‐Stokes equations are reduced to a single, nonlinear, ordinary differential equation. The latter is obtained via similarity transformations in both time and space. The resulting equation is then solved both numerically and asymptotically, using perturbations in the crossflow Reynolds number R. Two separate approaches are presented for each of the injection and suction cases, respectively. For the large injection case, the governing equation is first integrated and the resulting third‐order differential equation is solved using the method of variation of parameters. For the large suction case, the governing equation is first simplified near the wall and then solved using successive approximations. Results are then correlated and compared for variations in R and the dimensionless wall expansion rate α. For injection‐induced flow, the asymptotic solution becomes more accurate when R/α is increased. Its deviation from the classic sinusoidal profile arising in nonexpanding channels becomes less significant with successive increases in R. For suction‐induced flows, faster wall contractions increase the effective Reynolds number ‐(α+R), thus leading to more precise approximations. For the same absolute value of R, the suction‐flow approximation tends to be the most accurate of the two and the least sensitive to variations in α. As ‐(α+R) is increased, the suction profile approaches the linear form anticipated in nonexpanding channels. By comparison with the injection‐induced flow, suction is characterized by improved accuracy, sharper flow turning, and larger shear.
Appropriate Surgical Management of Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Kubo Shoji , Taukamoto Tadashi , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Tanaka Hiromu , Shuto Taichi , Takemura Shigekazu , Kawai Shuichi , Wakasa Kenichi , Kinoshita Hiroaki
Published: March 2003

Abstract

We investigated the incidence of recurrence after resection of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) to determine the appropriate surgical management of these patients. Sixty‐one patients with anti‐HCV antibody who underwent curative liver resection for small HCC (≦ 2.0 cm in greatest diameter) were categorized into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 27 patients with serum concentrations of type IV collagen 7S domain (7S collagen), a marker for hepatic fibrosis, < 8 ng/ml. Group 2 consisted of 34 patients with serum concentrations of 7S collagen ≧ 8 ng/ml. Serum concentration of 7S collagen correlated with the severity of active hepatitis and the degree of fibrosis in the noncancerous hepatic tissue, both of which are related to risk potential of hepatocarcinogenesis. Serum concentration of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase activity, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes, the proportion of patients who were Child‐Pugh class B, and the proportion of patients with severe active hepatitis or cirrhosis (determined by histologic examination) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Platelet count was significantly lower in group 2. Tumor‐free survival rates were not different between the groups. In group 1, nonanatomic resection was a risk factor for recurrence by univariate and multivariate analyses (odds ratio = 3.45, p = 0.040). In group 2, nonanatomic resection was not a risk factor for recurrence. In patients with small HCV‐related HCC, anatomic resection is recommended when the serum concentration of 7S collagen is low (< 8 ng/ml) because the potential of hepatocarcinogenesis may be low even after the operation.
Distribution of Lymph Node Metastasis Including Micrometastasis in Gastric Cancer with Submucosal Invasion
Authors: Higashi Hiroshi , Natsugoe Shoji , Ishigami Sumiya , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Matsumoto Masataka , Nakajo Akihiro , Miyazono Futoshi , Hokita Shuichi , Takao Sonshin , Aikou Takashi
Published: March 2003

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the distribution of lymph node metastases, including micrometastases, according to the location of the gastric cancer with submucosal invasion. A total of 118 patients with submucosal gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. The distribution of lymph node metastases was examined according to tumor location. Immunohistochemical examination using anti‐cytokeratin antibody was performed to examine nodal micrometastases in 118 patients. Lymph node metastasis was found in 19.5% (23/118) of the patients. Significant differences were found for tumor size and depth, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion for patients with and without nodal metastasis. The distribution of lymph node metastasis for tumors at upper or middle portions of the stomach was mainly found along the left gastric artery. The distribution of lymph node metastasis for tumors in the lower and lesser curvature varied. Immunohistochemical analysis found that 15 of 23 patients with lymph node metastasis found by histologic examination had micrometastases. The presence of two or more lymph node micrometastases was found in these 15 patients, and they were distributed in another stations, including distant nodes. The incidence of micrometastasis was 24.2% (23/95) in pN0 patients. Lymph node micrometastases were confined to regional nodes near the primary tumor. When planning minimally invasive treatment for submucosal gastric cancer, it is important to understand the distribution of lymph node metastasis, including micrometastasis, according to tumor location.
Long Saphenous Vein Stripping Reduces Local Level of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites in Patients with Varicose Disease of the Lower Limbs
Authors: Flore Roberto , Santoliquido Angelo , Antonio Dal Lago , Pola Enrico , Flex Andrea , Pola Roberto , Muzi Marco Gallinella , Farinon Attilio , Rulli Francesco , Gaetani Eleonora , Tondi Paolo , Gerardino Laura , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Long saphenous vein (LSV) stripping is the most common surgical procedure in patients affected by varicose disease of the lower limbs. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) generation plays a crucial role in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether ROM generation is increased in patients affected by varicose disease versus healthy controls and whether LSV stripping has a positive effect on the local production of ROM. The local production of ROM was assessed measuring hydroperoxides in the blood collected from the leg of 30 patients consecutively undergoing LSV stripping and 30 controls. In both the patient group and the control group, the test was repeated 30 days later. We found that ROM levels before surgery are higher in varicose vein patients than in controls (p <. 0001) and that ROM are significantly reduced 30 days after LSV stripping (p <. 0001). At that time point, no significant differences between patients and controls was found. We also found that sex and age do not affect ROM concentration in patients and controls, either before or after surgery. In conclusion, our data indicate that CVI is characterized by significant oxidative stress and that LSV stripping is able to normalize local production of ROM in patients with varicose disease of the lower limbs. We suggest that measurement of ROM might be useful to test the positive effects of LSV stripping in these patients.
Most Informative Projection for Portography: Quantitative Analysis of 47 Percutaneous Transhepatic Portograms
Authors: Nishio Hideki , Nagino Masato , Kamiya Junichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Oda Koji , Sano Tsuyoshi , Kanai Michio , Nimura Yuji
Published: March 2003

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine which projection for percutaneous transhepatic portography best depicts the anatomy of the proximal portal vein. Portograms (n = 47) obtained in the anteroposterior, right anterior oblique, and right anterior caudal oblique projections were analyzed retrospectively. Lengths of the right portal trunk, the transverse portion of the left portal vein, and the right anterior and posterior portal branches, as well as angles between the right portal trunk and the transverse portion of the left portal vein and between the right anterior and posterior portal branches were measured in the various projections. Differences were evaluated using analysis of variance with Scheffe’s method. The transverse portion of the left portal vein and the right anterior and posterior portal branches appeared longer on the right anterior caudal oblique views than on the anteroposterior (p < 0.0001, < 0.0001, < 0.0001) or right anterior oblique (p < 0.0001, = 0.001, < 0.0001) views. The angle between the right portal trunk and the transverse portion of the left portal vein was wider on the right anterior oblique views than on the anteroposterior (p < 0.0001) or right anterior caudal oblique (p = 0.007) views. The angle between the right anterior and posterior portal branches was wider on the right anterior caudal oblique views than on the anteroposterior (p < 0.0001) or right anterior oblique (p = 0.030) views. The right anterior caudal oblique projection provides the best image of the proximal portal vein, and therefore should be obtained whenever possible in preoperative staging of hepatobiliary cancer.