bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A possible molecular mechanism of hanatoxin binding‐modified gating in voltage‐gated K+‐channels
Authors: Lou Kuo‐Long , Huang Po‐Tsang , Shiau Yu‐Shuan , Liaw Yen‐Chywan , Shiau Yuh‐Yuan , Liou Horng‐Huei 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWhile S4 is known as the voltage sensor in voltage‐gated potassium channels, the carboxyl terminus of S3 (S3C) is of particular interest concerning the site for gating modifier toxins like hanatoxin. The thus derived helical secondary structural arrangement for S3C, as well as its surrounding environment, has since been intensively and vigorously debated. Our previous structural analysis based on molecular simulation has provided sufficient information to describe reasonable docking conformation and further experimental designs (Lou et al., 2002. J. Mol. Recognit. 15: 175–179). However, if one only relies on such information, more advanced structure–functional interpretations for the roles S3C may play in the modification of gating behavior upon toxin binding will remain unknown. In order to have better understanding of the molecular details regarding this issue, we have performed the docking simulation with the S3C sequence from the hanatoxin‐insensitive K+‐channel, shaker, and analyzed the conformational changes resulting from such docking. Compared with other functional data from previous studies with respect to the proximity of the S3–S4 linker region, we suggested a significant movement of drk1 S3C, but not shaker S3C, in the direction presumably towards S4, which was comprehended as a possible factor interfering with S4 translocation during drk1 gating in the presence of toxin. In combination with the discussions for structural roles of the length of the S3–S4 linker, a possible molecular mechanism to illustrate the hanatoxin binding‐modified gating is proposed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulation by the copolymer glatiramer acetate
Authors: Arnon Ruth , Sela Michael 
Published: January 2004

AbstractGlatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone®, also known as Copolymer 1 or Cop‐1), a copolymer of amino acids, is very effective in the suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), the animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), in various species including primates. The immunological cross‐reaction between the myelin basic protein and GA serves as the basis for the suppressive activity of GA in EAE, by the induction of antigen‐specific suppressor cells. The mode of action of GA is by initial strong promiscuous binding to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules and competition with MBP and other myelin proteins for such binding and presentation to T cells. Suppressor T cells induced by GA are of the Th2 type, migrate to the brain and lead to in situ bystander suppression. Clinical trials with GA, both phase II and phase III, were performed in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients, and demonstrated efficacy in reducing the relapse rate, decreasing MRI‐assessed disease activity and burden and slowing progression of disability. GA is generally well tolerated and is not associated with influenza‐like symptoms and formation of neutralizing antibodies seen with β‐interferons. It exerts its suppressive effect primarily by immunomodulation, and has recently shown ameliorating effect in a few additional autoimmune disorders as well as in graft rejection. At present GA is considered a valuable first‐line treatment option for patients with RRMS. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study on the formation mechanism of iso‐CH2I‐Cl
Authors: Yang Guanghui , Meng Qingtian , Zhang Xin , Han Keli 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe dissociation and isomerization reaction mechanism on the ground‐state potential energy surface for CH2ClI are investigated by ab initio calculations. It is found that the isomer iso‐CH2I‐Cl can be produced from either the recombination of the photodissociation fragments or the isomerization reaction of CH2ClI, rather than from isomerization reaction of iso‐CH2Cl‐I. Further explanations of experimental results are also presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Ground‐state electronic energies and densities of atomic systems in strong magnetic fields through a time‐dependent hydrodynamical equation
Authors: Vikas  , Deb B. M. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThrough a single time‐dependent (TD) quantum fluid dynamical equation of motion, ground‐state electronic densities and energies in strong magnetic fields (up to 4.7 × 1011 G) are calculated for H, H−, He, Ne, and Ar atomic systems, by employing an imaginary‐time evolution technique akin to quantum diffusion Monte Carlo method. The equation, based on TD density functional theory and quantum fluid dynamics, yields TD electron densities of a many‐electron system in a real‐time solution. It reduces to the TD Schrödinger equation for the H atom. For H−, He, Ne, and Ar atoms, a local Wigner‐type correlation functional is employed along with an improved local exchange functional. For Ne and Ar, a nonclassical correction term Tcorr[ρ] is added to Weizsäcker's kinetic energy to obtain the correct kinetic energy and atomic shell structure. The results for the spin‐free ground states are presented and compared with previous works wherever possible. At high fields, it is Tcorr[ρ] that decides the actual state of the atom, instead of exchange and/or correlation functional, although the exchange effects dominate over the correlation effects. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Density functional study of XH4 (XSi and Ge) reactivity upon dissociative adsorption onto the Si(100) surface
Authors: Lin Jyh Shing , Lee Lien‐Feng 
Published: January 2004

AbstractTotal energy calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and ultrasoft pseudopotential approximation and an analysis tool of atom‐resolved density of states (ADOS) have been used to investigate (1) the energetic profiles for the possible initial dissociative adsorption of XH4 (XSi and Ge) onto the Si(100)(2 × 2) surface to evaluate their reactivity and (2) the effect of surface electronic states of Si(100)(2 × 2) on gaseous molecular precursors XH4 (XSi and Ge) during initial dissociative adsorption to understand the factors governing their reactivity. Our calculated lower‐energy barrier for initial dissociative adsorption of GeH4 is due to the forming of stronger bond of SiH between H within GeH4 and buckled‐down Si atom on the Si(100)(2 × 2) surface accompanying the larger extent of unbuckling of the buckled SiSi dimer on the Si(100)(2 × 2) surface at the transition state. Our evaluated better reactivity for GeH4 than SiH4 (a factor of around 14.6) is slightly larger than observed higher reactivity for GeH4 than SiH4 (a factor of between 2 and 5 depending on the incident kinetic energy) employed supersonic molecular bean techniques. Finally, our calculated ADOS indicate that the surface electronic states of buckled SiSi dimer on the Si(100)(2 × 2) surface energetically favorably participate in the transition state during GeH4 initial dissociative adsorption to reduce the energy barrier, i.e., enhance its reactivity, in comparison with SiH4 initial dissociative adsorption onto the Si(100)(2 × 2) surface under the same reaction conditions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Brief report: Initial psychometric properties of the everyday discrimination scale in black adolescents☆
Authors: Clark Rodney , Coleman Apollonia P , Novak Jeremy D 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThis study explored select psychometric properties of the Everyday Discrimination Scale in 120 Black adolescents (65 males and 55 females). Youth completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale and the Child Behaviour Checklist‐Youth Self‐Report Form. A t‐test analysis revealed that Everyday Discrimination Scale scores were not significantly different for males and females (p>0.18). The alpha reliability coefficient was 0.87, with item‐total correlations that ranged from 0.50 to 0.70 (mean=0.61). The split‐half reliability was 0.83 (p<0.0001). A principal component analysis yielded one factor, which accounted for approximately 49% of the standardized variance. Correlation analyses indicated that the Everyday Discrimination Scale score was significantly related to internalizing and externalizing symptoms (ps<0.0002).
Brief report: Social and neighbourhood correlates of adolescent drunkenness: a pilot study in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Parry Charles D.H , Morojele Neo K , Saban Amina , Flisher Alan J 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAimTo identify social and neighbourhood correlates of drunkenness among adolescents.DesignA cross‐sectional, community study.ParticipantsA multi‐stage cluster sampling strategy was used to select 90 adolescents aged 11–17 years from nine distinct communities in Cape Town, South Africa. The sample was stratified by race, income, and gender. Randomly selected adolescents from each household were interviewed by trained interviewers.InstrumentA questionnaire that included questions on substance use behaviour, peers, neighbourhood factors and recreational activities.ResultsA third of the sample indicated having been drunk at least once in their lifetime. Older adolescents and adolescents whose friends drink were significantly more likely to have been drunk. The risk of having been drunk was also associated with being white and with being exposed to public drunkenness on a daily or at least weekly basis. Gender was not associated with reporting of lifetime drunkenness. Attendance at religious services (at least weekly) was found to be a significant protective factor against drunkenness.ConclusionThe study highlights a number of environmental factors that should be considered in tackling adolescent drunkenness.
Mesothelial primary cilia of peritoneal and other serosal surfaces
Authors: Bird Stephen D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe conspicuous presence of primary cilia, a small immotile cilium present on most cell types, left researchers with little doubt of their functional relevance. Recently mechanosensitive functional significance was established and a link with the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease. Together these discoveries have raised the profile of this, previously considered “vestigial”, organelle. Primary cilia are expressed on the apical surface of serosal mesothelium and display regional variation but are more abundant on biosynthetically active cells. Adult mesothelial cells are highly biosynthetic producing a phospholipid rich surfactant that lubricates and protects the visceral organs. The mesothelium is utilized as a semipermeable membrane during peritoneal dialysis for patients with end stage renal failure. However, little is known about the functional role of primary cilia on this highly specialized cell type. The present review, examines the significance of the primary cilium in serosal mesothelial cell biology with an emphasis on ciliary location, structure, form and function. Future research is identified and discussed in view of the emerging role cilia have in other cells and the established function of the serosal mesothelium in development, normal function, peritoneal dialysis and pathology of the serosal membranes.
Inducible expression of Bcl‐XLinhibits sodium butyrate‐induced apoptosis in hybridoma, resulting in enhanced antibody production
Authors: Wang Xian‐hui , Xu Jing , Zhang Yang , Li Ling , Feng Qiang , Mi Li , Chen Zhi‐nan 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSodium butyrate (NaBu) can increase the specific Mab production rate of hybridomas by enhancing histone hyperacetylation and influencing the cell cycle, but it can also inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis. Thus, the beneficial effect of NaBu on Mab secretion is compromised by its cytotoxic effect. In the present study, expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein human Bcl‐XLwas made inducible in hybridoma H18 to overcome the cytotoxic effect of NaBu, circumventing the detrimental effects of constitutive high‐level expression. We constructed an expression vector in which the promoter of a mammalian metallothionein (MT) gene drove the expression of bcl‐XLin response to metal exposure. The vector was then used to exogenously control the expression of bcl‐XLin H18 hybridoma cells. Our data showed that stably transfected H18.D4 cells expressed high levels of Bcl‐XL, which was induced within 24 h of addition of ZnSO4. NaBu (0.4 mM) increased antibody production by more than 3‐fold in H18.D4. This effect resulted from the suppression of NaBu‐induced apoptosis, allowing the H18.D4 cells to grow at higher viability and extending culture longevity by >3 days.
Predicting work status following interdisciplinary treatment for chronic pain
Authors: Vowles Kevin E , Gross Richard T , Sorrell John T 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe effectiveness of interdisciplinary treatments for chronic pain is well established. In general, these treatments decrease psychosocial distress and increase physical abilities. Further, return to work rates following interdisciplinary treatment tend to be quite high. Previous studies have highlighted a number of factors that individually influence return to work rates; however, there is a need for more comprehensive and unified models that allow an evaluation of the inter‐relations among these factors. The present investigation examined how demographic and treatment outcome variables interacted to influence post‐treatment return to work rates in a sample of individuals with chronic pain following interdisciplinary treatment. Results indicated that patient age, lifting ability, pain duration, depression level, and reported disability were individually related to return to work; however, when these variables were evaluated relative to one another, level of depression and patient age had the best ability to predict post‐treatment work status. These results add to the literature by specifically highlighting post‐treatment factors that best discriminate patients who had returned to work from those that had not. Furthermore, they provide evidence that general emotional distress is perhaps the most important predictor of work status following treatment.
Health care utilisation among individuals reporting long‐term pain: an epidemiological study based on Danish National Health Surveys
Authors: Eriksen Jørgen , Sjøgren Per , Ekholm Ola , Rasmussen Niels K. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIndividuals reporting long‐term pain in the 1994 and 2000 Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys, which included random samples of 6000 and 16,684 persons respectively, were investigated concerning their use of the health care systems. A considerably higher use was observed in the pain population in the primary as well as the secondary health care sector, compared with a no pain control group. In 1994, individuals reporting long‐term pain had on average 12.8 contacts per year to the primary health care sector compared with 7.3 for the control group. Use of secondary health care sector as estimated by hospital admission frequency and number of in‐hospital days was not only significantly higher for the pain group but showed also an increasing tendency during the periods investigated (1991–1997). Women used the health care system significantly more than men, whereas age did not seem to influence.In conclusion, individuals reporting long‐term/chronic pain have a significantly higher use of the health care system than individuals without long‐term/chronic pain complaints. Reasons may be ascribed to within‐patient factors, factors within the health care system (insufficient knowledge on chronic pain resulting in the seeking after a somatic diagnosis, and difficulties in recognizing the endpoint of reasonable treatment attempts), and societal factors (legislation on disability and compensation).
The relation between social behavior and negative affect in psychosis-prone individuals: an experience sampling investigation
Authors: Husky Mathilde M. , Grondin Olivier S. , Swendsen Joel D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractDaily social behavior and negative affect were examined in a sample of individuals with a wide spectrum of psychosis-proneness scores. Using the experience sampling method, participants were signaled five times per day for a 1-week period to provide naturalistic reports of location, activity, and social behavior. Little evidence was found for a direct association between psychosis-proneness and specific behavioral profiles, but individuals with higher scores of psychosis-proneness reported spending more time doing nothing or waiting. However, the levels of anxious and depressed moods experienced in certain social and environmental contexts were also predicted by psychosis-proneness scores. The present results indicate that psychosis-proneness was associated with an increase in anxiety when individuals were with friends and an increase in depressed mood in daily task situations such as working or studying. By contrast, psychosis-proneness predicted a decrease in depressed and anxious moods in other situations when the individual was not likely to be confronted by social contact with less known individuals, and lower anxious and depressed moods when in secure environments (in one's own home, home of family or friends). The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of understanding the expression of psychosis vulnerability and the potential reinforcement of maladaptive social behavior through operant conditioning mechanisms.
The deficit syndrome in schizophrenia: implications for the treatment of negative symptoms
Authors: Arango Celso , Buchanan Robert W. , Kirkpatrick Brian , Carpenter William T. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSchizophrenia psychopathology clusters around several symptom domains. One of these domains is negative symptomatology. We have defined the deficit syndrome as a disease entity characterized by the presence of primary enduring negative symptoms. A focus on primary negative symptoms demonstrates that deficit and nondeficit schizophrenia subgroups differ on clinical features, associated neuroimaging findings, neuropsychological and neurological measures, pattern of risk factors, and pharmacological response profiles. In the present article we focus on the importance of the distinction between primary and secondary negative symptoms for pathophysiology research. The development and mechanistic understanding of anti-negative symptom drugs may be informative regarding pathophysiology of primary negative symptoms. Although new antipsychotics are effective for secondary negative symptoms they have shown no efficacy for the deficit syndrome and new mechanisms of drug action appear to be required to address this aspect of the disease syndrome. The loss of precious human experiences and the association with poor long-term functional outcome justifies a focused and dedicated effort to discover the causes and treatments of this distinctive aspect of schizophrenia.
A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial of the Intra-Operative Use of 5-Fluorouracil on the Outcome of Dupuytren’s Disease
Authors: BULSTRODE N. W. , BISSON M. , JEMEC B. , PRATT A. L. , MCGROUTHER D. A. , GROBBELAAR A. O. 
Published: January 2004

5-Fluorouracil reduces proliferation rates of fibroblasts, myofibroblast differentiation and contractility of ocular fibroblasts in vitro. This double-blind randomized clinical trial assesses whether intra-operative topical treatment with 5-fluorouracil reduces the recurrence rate after limited excision of Dupuytren’s tissue. Patients with two-digit disease were randomized to having 5-fluorouracil (25 mg/ml) treatment for 5 minutes on one digit and placebo on the other. Fifteen patients were enrolled with 18 months follow-up. There were no peri-operative complications. Wound healing was not delayed and there was no deterioration in the flexion deformity of the 5-fluorouracil treated digits. Patients were subsequently assessed by joint angle measurement at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. There was no significant difference between control and 5-fluorouracil treated digits.
Solitary Enchondroma at the Hand. Long-Term Follow-Up Study after Operative Treatment⋆
Authors: GAULKE R. , SUPPELNA G. 
Published: January 2004

Twenty-one patients (17 women and four men) who underwent operative treatment for a solitary enchondroma of the hand were examined at a follow-up of between 2 and 18 years (mean, 9 years). Radiographs showed normal cancellous bone at the site of surgery in 11 cases, three had recurrent enchondroma and seven had bone defects so that recurrence could not be excluded. Two of the three recurrences underwent reoperation. Previous studies have regarded persistent bony defects as evidence of complete excision without recurrence. However, in view of the slow asymptomatic growth of this tumour this opinion is incorrect. As shown in this study, recurrences may occur in these defects many years after excision surgery and go undetected until they cause widening or cortical erosion. We recommend periodical radiological re-examination for asymptomatic recurrences before weakness of bone leads to pathological fracture.
Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Release in Dupuytren’s Disease of the Little Finger
Authors: RITCHIE J. F. S. , VENU K. M. , PILLAI K. , YANNI D. H. 
Published: January 2004

We present a prospective study, with 3-year follow-up, of the role and outcome of fasciectomy plus sequential surgical release of structures of the proximal interphalangeal joint in Dupuytren’s contracture of the little finger. Our treatment programme involves fasciectomy for all patients followed by sequential release of the accessory collateral ligament and volar plate as necessary. Of the 19 fingers in the study, eight achieved a full correction by fasciectomy alone, and in these cases there was a fixed flexion deformity of 6° at 3 months and 8° at 3 years. The remaining 11 fingers (initial mean deformity 70° flexion) were left with a fixed flexion deformity of 42° after fasciectomy which reduced to 7° with capsuloligamentous release. This increased to 26° at 3 months but then remained relatively stable, increasing only to 29° at 3 years. In our experience sequential proximal interphalangeal joint release has led to consistently good results with few complications in the correction of severe Dupuytren’s disease of the little finger.
Supplier evaluations: communication strategies to improve supplier performance
Authors: Prahinski Carol , Benton W.C 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAs firms increasingly emphasize cooperative relationships with critical suppliers, executives of buyer firms are using supplier evaluations to ensure that their performance objectives are met. Supplier evaluations, one type of supplier development program (SDP), are an attempt to meet current and future business needs by improving supplier performance and capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine how suppliers perceive the buying firm’s supplier evaluation communication process and its impact on suppliers’ performance. Three communication strategies (indirect influence strategy, formality and feedback) were tested separately and one in unison (collaborative).Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and data collected from 139 first‐tier North American automotive suppliers, the results of this research have shown that, contrary to the SDP literature from the buying firm’s perspective, the supplier’s perceptions of the buying firm’s communication does not directly influence suppliers’ performance. Specifically, the supplier evaluation communication process does not ensure improved supplier performance unless the supplier is committed to the buying firm. Buying firms can influence the supplier’s commitment through increased efforts of cooperation and commitment. The results also indicate that when a buying firm utilizes collaborative communication, the supplier perceives a positive influence on the buyer–supplier relationship.