bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Atmospheric Pressure Carbon Dioxide Using Exceptionally Active Aluminium(salen) Complexes as Catalysts
Authors: Meléndez Jaisiel , North Michael , Pasquale Riccardo
Published: June 2007

Dimetallic aluminium(salen) complexes show exceptionally high catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from terminal epoxides at ambient temperature and pressure. The process has the potential to contribute towards decreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Electrons as a Reagent in Solid‐Phase Organic Synthesis
Authors: Mentel Matthias , Breinbauer Rolf
Published: June 2007

Solid‐Phase Organic Synthesis (SPOS) has become an important tool for the high‐throughput synthesis of bioactive molecules or new catalysts. The main advantage of this approach is the covalent attachment of the substrate to an insoluble support, enabling reaction workup through simple filtration. However, the heterogeneous nature of SPOS imposes limitations on the organic reactions applicable on solid phase. Electron‐transfer reactions and electroorganic synthesis are reaction types that have not yet received much attention in this context. In this review the current status of electron‐transfer reactions carried out on solid phase is described and future developments are discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Induction of V(D)J‐mediated recombination of an extrachromosomal substrate following exposure to DNA‐damaging agents
Authors: Pinsonneault Robert L. , Vacek Pamela M. , O'Neill J. Patrick , Finette Barry A.
Published: June 2007

V(D)J recombinase normally mediates recombination signal sequence (RSS) directed rearrangements of variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) germline gene segments that lead to the generation of diversified T cell receptor or immunoglobulin proteins in lymphoid cells. Of significant clinical importance is that V(D)J‐recombinase‐mediated rearrangements at immune RSS and nonimmune cryptic RSS (cRSS) have been implicated in the genomic alterations observed in lymphoid malignancies. There is growing evidence that exposure to DNA‐damaging agents can increase the frequency of V(D)J‐recombinase‐mediated rearrangements in vivo in humans. In this study, we investigated the frequency of V(D)J‐recombinase‐mediated rearrangements of an extrachromosomal V(D)J plasmid substrate following exposure to alkylating agents and ionizing radiation. We observed significant dose‐ and time‐dependent increases in V(D)J recombination frequency (V(D)J RF) following exposure to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) but not a nonreactive analogue, methylsulfone (MeSulf). We also observed a dose‐dependent increase in V(D)J RF when cells were exposed to gamma radiation. The induction of V(D)J rearrangements following exposure to DNA‐damaging agents was not associated with an increase in the expression of RAG 1/2 mRNA compared to unexposed controls or an increase in expression of the DNA repair Ku70, Ku80 or Artemis proteins of the nonhomologous end joining pathway. These studies demonstrate that genotoxic alkylating agents and ionizing radiation can induce V(D)J rearrangements through a cellular response that appears to be independent of differential expression of proteins involved with V(D)J recombination. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased mutant frequency by carbon black, but not quartz, in the lacZ and cII transgenes of muta™mouse lung epithelial cells
Authors: Jacobsen Nicklas Raun , Saber Anne Thoustrup , White Paul , Møller Peter , Pojana Giulio , Vogel Ulla , Loft Steffen , Gingerich John , Soper Lynda , Douglas George R. , Wallin Håkan
Published: June 2007

Carbon black and quartz are relatively inert solid particulate materials that are carcinogenic in laboratory animals. Quartz is a human carcinogen, whereas data on carbon black are contradictory, and there are few data on mammalian mutagenesis. We determined the mutant frequency following eight repeated 72‐hr incubations with 75 μg/ml carbon black (Printex 90) or 100 μg/ml quartz (SRM1878a) particles in the FE1 Muta™Mouse lung epithelial cell line. For carbon black exposed cells, the mutant frequency was 1.40‐fold (95% CI: 1.22–1.58) for cII and 1.23‐fold (95% CI: 1.10–1.37) for lacZ compared with identically passaged untreated cells. Quartz did not significantly affect the mutant frequency. Carbon black also induced DNA strand breaks (P = 0.02) and oxidized purines (P = 0.008), as measured by the Comet assay. Quartz induced marginally more oxidized purines, but no change in strand breaks. We detected five (phenanthrene, flouranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, and chrysene) of the 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an extract of carbon black. The detected PAHs are only weakly mutagenic compared with benzo[a]pyrene, and were present in very low amounts. In conclusion, carbon black was weakly mutagenic in vitro at the cII and lacZ loci. It also induced DNA strand breaks and oxidized DNA bases. More studies are essential for understanding the biological significance of these findings, and clearly documenting DNA sequence changes. The results do not necessarily imply that other carbonaceous nano materials are genotoxic. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrations in chromosomes associated with lymphoma and therapy‐related leukemia in benzene‐exposed workers
Authors: Zhang Luoping , Rothman Nathaniel , Li Guilan , Guo Weihong , Yang Wei , Hubbard Alan E. , Hayes Richard B. , Yin Songnian , Lu Wei , Smith Martyn T.
Published: June 2007

Epidemiological studies show that benzene exposure is associated with an increased incidence of leukemia and perhaps lymphoma. Chromosomal rearrangements are common in these hematopoietic diseases. Translocation t(14;18), the long‐arm deletion of chromosome 6 [del(6q)], and trisomy 12 are frequently observed in lymphoma patients. Rearrangements of the MLL gene located on chromosome 11q23, such as t(4;11) and t(6;11), are common in therapy‐related leukemias resulting from treatment with topoisomerase II inhibiting drugs. To examine numerical and structural changes in these chromosomes (2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 14, and 18), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed on metaphase spreads from workers exposed to benzene (n = 43) and matched controls (n = 44) from Shanghai, China. Aneuploidy (both monosomy and trisomy) of all seven chromosomes was increased by benzene exposure. Benzene also induced del(6q) in a dose‐dependent manner (Ptrend = 0.0002). Interestingly, translocations between chromosomes 14 and 18, t(14;18), known to be associated with follicular non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, were increased in the highly exposed workers (P < 0.001). On the other hand, translocations between chromosome 11 and other partner chromosomes that are found in therapy‐induced leukemias were not increased. These data add weight to the notion that benzene can induce t(14;18) and del(6q) found in lymphoma, but do not support the idea that benzene induces t(4;11) or t(6;11). However, they do not rule out the possibility that other rearrangements of the MLL gene at chromosome 11q23 may be induced by benzene. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of simple approaches in mitigating residual deformations in buildings
Authors: Pettinga Didier , Christopoulos Constantin , Pampanin Stefano , Priestley Nigel
Published: June 2007

Developments in performance‐based seismic design and assessment approaches have emphasized the importance of considering residual deformations. Recent investigations have also led to a proposed direct displacement‐based design (DDBD) approach which includes an explicit consideration of the expected residual deformations as an integral part of the design process. Having estimated the expected residual deformations in a structure,
engineers are faced with the problem of reducing them to meet the targeted performance levels under pre‐defined seismic hazard levels. Previous studies have identified the post‐yield stiffness as a primary factor influencing the magnitude of residual deformations in single degree of freedom and multiple degree of freedom structures. In this paper, a series of simple approaches to increase the post‐yield stiffness of traditional framed and braced systems for the purpose of reducing residual deformations are investigated. These methods do not utilize recentring post‐tensioned technology. This contribution addresses the feasibility of altering the lateral post‐yield stiffness of structural systems by: (i) using different reinforcement materials with beneficial features in their stress–strain behaviour; (ii) re‐designing the section geometry and properties of primary seismic‐resisting elements; and (iii) introducing a secondary elastic frame to act in parallel with the primary system. The efficiency of each of these techniques is investigated through monotonic and cyclic moment‐curvature and non‐linear time‐history analyses. Of these approaches the design and introduction of an elastic secondary system was found to be most effective and consistent in reducing residual deformations. A simplified design approach for achieving the desired increase of a system's post‐yield stiffness is also presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of seismic drift and ductility demands in planar regular X‐braced steel frames
Authors: Karavasilis Theodore L. , Bazeos Nikitas , Beskos Dimitri E.
Published: June 2007

This paper summarizes the results of an extensive study on the inelastic seismic response of X‐braced steel buildings. More than 100 regular multi‐storey tension‐compression X‐braced steel frames are subjected to an ensemble of 30 ordinary (i.e. without near fault effects) ground motions. The records are scaled to different intensities in order to drive the structures to different levels of inelastic deformation. The statistical analysis of the created response databank indicates that the number of stories, period of vibration, brace slenderness ratio and column stiffness strongly influence the amplitude and heightwise distribution of inelastic deformation. Nonlinear regression analysis is employed in order to derive simple formulae which reflect the aforementioned influences and offer a direct estimation of drift and ductility demands. The uncertainty of this estimation due to the record‐to‐record variability is discussed in detail. More specifically, given the strength (or behaviour) reduction factor, the proposed formulae provide reliable estimates of the maximum roof displacement, the maximum interstorey drift ratio and the maximum cyclic ductility of the diagonals along the height of the structure. The strength reduction factor refers to the point of the first buckling of the diagonals in the building and thus, pushover analysis and estimation of the overstrength factor are not required. This design‐oriented feature enables both the rapid seismic assessment of existing structures and the direct deformation‐controlled seismic design of new ones. A comparison of the proposed method with the procedures adopted in current seismic design codes reveals the accuracy and efficiency of the former. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common chromosomal abnormalities in mycosis fungoides transformation
Authors: Prochazkova Martina , Chevret Edith , Mainhaguiet Guillaume , Sobotka Jiri , Vergier Béatrice , Belaud‐Rotureau Marc‐Antoine , Beylot‐Barry Marie , Merlio Jean‐Philippe
Published: June 2007

To identify cytogenetic features of large cell transformation in mycosis fungoides (T‐MF), we selected in 11 patients, 16 samples either from skin tumors (13), lymph node (1), or peripheral blood cells (2) collected at the time of the transformation. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), G‐banding, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), multicolour FISH (mFISH), and DNA content analysis were used. Fifteen samples displayed unbalanced CGH profiles, with gains more frequently observed than losses. Recurrent chromosomal alterations were observed for chromosomes 1, 2, 7, 9, 17, and 19. The most common imbalances were gain of chromosome regions 1p36, 7, 9q34, 17q24‐qter, 19, and loss of 2q36‐qter, 9p21, and 17p. In six samples 1p36‐pter gain was associated with 9q34‐qter gain and whole chromosome 19 gain. In five of these samples whole or partial gain of chromosome 17 was also observed. No specific pattern was seen with regard to the expression of the CD30 antigen by tumor cells. Cytogenetics and/or DNA content analysis of skin tumor cells revealed an abnormal chromosome number in all tested cases (n = 7) with DNA ploidy ranging from hyperdiploid (2.78) to hypotetraploid (3.69) (mean 3.14+/−0.38). Thus, T‐MF displayed frequent chromosomal imbalances associated with hypotetraploidy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of quality indicators for memory clinics
Authors: Drašković Irena , Vernooij‐Dassen Myrra , Verhey Frans , Scheltens Philip , Rikkert Marcel Olde
Published: June 2007

Objective

To develop and validate a set of relevant, feasible, and reliable quality indicators (QIs) for the Memory Clinics (MCs).

Background

MCs are important care providers for people with dementia and their caregivers. A set of valid QIs is needed to incorporate evidence‐based guidelines into MC clinical practice, and measure adherence to guidelines.

Methods

A total of 17 MC specialists, 12 primary care physicians; and seven informal caregivers participated in several Delphi rounds to select and validate QIs. Ten MCs participated in the indicator compliance study involving the analysis of data extracted from 100 medical records.

Results

The initial set of 56 single QIs was reduced to a final set of 14 indicators measuring the quality of processes, structures, and outcomes of care. The panels of representatives of MCs, primary care physicians, and informal caregivers judged overall face validity to be high. The differences in compliance rates between the three indicator types were significant (p < 0.001) as were the differences between the MCs (p < 0.005). The compliance measures were highest for the process indicators and lowest for the outcome indicators.

Conclusion

The final set of 14 QIs that met the psychometric requirements can be used to facilitate the implementation of guidelines and the assessment of the quality of care offered by MCs. The QIs are acceptable for a broad range of users (specialists, referring physicians, and informal caregivers), and are capable of discriminating between MCs in terms of quality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suicide after hospitalization in the elderly: a population based study of suicides in Northern Finland between 1988–2003
Authors: Karvonen Kaisa , Räsänen Pirkko , Hakko Helinä , Timonen Markku , Meyer‐Rochow V. Benno , Särkioja Terttu , Koponen Hannu J.
Published: June 2007

Objective

Elderly people commit suicide more often than people under the age of 65. An elevated risk is also attached to depression and other axis I psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the preferred suicide method, effect of primary psychiatric diagnosis, and length of time between discharge from psychiatric hospitalization and suicide. The lack of information is most apparent in the oldest old (individuals over 75 years).

Methods

On the basis of forensic examinations, data on suicide rates were separately examined for the 50–64, 65–74 and over 75 year‐olds (Total n = 564) with regard to suicide method, history of psychiatric hospitalization and primary diagnoses gathered from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Study population consisted of all suicides committed between 1988 and 2003 in the province of Oulu in Northern Finland.

Results

Of the oldest old, females had more frequent hospitalizations than males in connection with psychiatric disorders (61% vs 23%), of which depression was the most common (39% vs 14%). In this age group, 42% committed suicide within 3 months after being discharged from hospital and 83% used a violent method. Both elderly males and females were less often under the influence of alcohol, but used more often violent methods than middle‐aged persons.

Conclusions

Suicide rates within the first 3 months following discharge from hospital in the 65–74 and the over 75 year olds were substantial and should influence post‐hospitalization treatment strategies. To reduce the risk of suicides in elderly patients discharged from hospital, close post‐hospitalization supervision combined with proper psychoactive medication and psychotherapy, are possible interventions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual presentation of oropharyngeal Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Choussy Olivier , Haverbeke Christophe Van , Babin Emmanuel , Francois Arnaud , Duval‐Modeste Anne Bénédicte , Dehesdin Daniele
Published: June 2007

Background.

The aim of this article is to focus ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practitioners on a pathology rarely seen within the head and neck mucosa.

Methods.

A 62‐year‐old black African man was referred to our ENT department for dysphagia and hoarseness. Physical ENT examination revealed a smooth normal mucosal mass on the left lateral pharyngeal wall, which masked the inlet of the larynx, and bilateral cervical lymph nodes but no other mucosal lesions. Anti–human immunodeficiency virus antibodies were found to be negative. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelet count were normal. Serum protein electrophoresis was also normal. A CT scan confirmed the lesion and lymph node involvement. Treatment consisted of a transoral endoscopic resection with ligature of the pedicle, with the patient under general anesthesia. The patient's improved medical condition permitted 11 cycles of bleomycin (15 mg/3 weeks).

Results.

A 5‐month fibroscopic follow‐up control showed no recurrence, and total clinical regression was observed after 1 year. Three years later, all ENT lesions had disappeared, with no adenopathy or mucosal lesions.

Conclusion.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a pathology that the ENT practitioner must keep in mind when patients present with a laryngopharyngeal mass. The symptomatic cases were all surgically treated; however, death subsequently occurred. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Numerical simulation of drop deformation and breakup in shear flow
Authors: Chang‐Zhi Lin , Lie‐Jin Guo
Published: June 2007

Three‐dimensional numerical simulation of the deformation and breakup of an isolated liquid drop suspended in immiscible viscous fluid under shear flow was performed with diffuse interface method. The governing equations of the model were described by Navier– Stokes– Cahn– Hilliard equations. The surface tension was treated as a modified stress. In this paper, a uniform staggered Cartesian grid was used. The transient Navier– Stokes equations were solved by an approximation projection method based on pressure increment formulation, while the Cahn– Hilliard equations were solved by a nonlinear full approximation multigrid method. The numerical results of the drop deformation and breakup were in good agreement with the experimental measurements. Therefore, the present model could be perfectly applied to study the mechanism of drop deformation and breakup. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 36(5): 286– 294, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20160
Shape of isolated bubble in intermittent flows in a horizontal pipe
Authors: Hanyang Gu , Liejin Guo , Ximing Zhang , Zhiwei Wang
Published: June 2007

An experimental study on the shape of a single bubble similar to those observed in a horizontal plug/slug flow was performed using visual observation and conductance probes. The results indicated that the shapes of the bubble nose and the bubble body depend on the Froude number defined by gas/liquid mixture velocity, whereas the shape of the back region of the bubble depends on both the Froude number and bubble length. The photographic images showed that the structural feature of the bubble head is related to the motion characteristics of the bubble. The transition from plug flow to slug flow occurs when the tail of the bubble changes from a staircase to hydraulic jump pattern with the increasing of the Froude number and bubble length. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 36(5): 276– 285, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20161
Episodic memory development: theory of mind is part of re‐experiencing experienced events
Authors: Perner Josef , Kloo Daniela , Gornik Edith
Published: June 2007

Two experiments with 3½‐ to 6½‐year‐old children showed that theory‐of‐mind development is associated with the growth of episodic memory. Episodic memory was assessed by manipulating informational conditions such that they permit or prevent the formation of episodic memories in terms of re‐experiencing the recalled event. Only experienced events, e.g. seeing how one puts a picture of a frog into a box, can be remembered by re‐experience. Events known through indirect information cannot be re‐experienced, e.g. putting pictures into the box when blindfolded and being later shown on video what was on these cards. Children were also tested on a battery of theory‐of‐mind tasks assessing their understanding of the origins of knowledge. There was a significant interaction in both experiments showing that recall of directly experienced items improved in relation to indirectly presented items the higher children's theory‐of‐mind scores. The discussion suggests that episodic memory development is specifically linked to the growing ability to introspect an ongoing experience and interpret it as representing an actual past event. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trustworthiness, friendships and self‐control: factors that contribute to young children's school adjustment
Authors: Betts Lucy R. , Rotenberg Ken J.
Published: June 2007

The aim of present study was to examine the relationship between young children's peer‐reported trustworthiness and their school adjustment. Two hundred and eleven (103 male and 108 female) children in the United Kingdom (mean age = 6 years 2 months) took part in this study. Measures of peer‐reported trustworthiness, child‐rated school adjustment, and teacher‐rated school adjustment were administered twice across a one‐year period. Also, children's number of friendships, peer acceptance, and self‐control were assessed at Time 2. Multisample path analyses were conducted separately by sex. For both samples there were direct longitudinal paths between peer‐reported trustworthiness and changes in teacher‐rated school adjustment. For boys, the longitudinal path between peer‐reported trustworthiness and changes in child‐rated loneliness was mediated by peer acceptance, and peer‐reported trustworthiness mediated the relationship between self‐control and teacher‐rated school adjustment. Sex differences in peer‐reported trustworthiness also emerged: girls were rated as more trustworthy by their peers than were boys. The findings support the hypothesis that young children's trustworthiness contributes to school adjustment, which is due in part to peer acceptance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing α(1,2)‐linked fucose into hepatocarcinoma cells inhibits vasculogenesis and tumor growth
Authors: Mathieu Sylvie , Gerolami René , Luis José , Carmona Sylvie , Kol Ossarath , Crescence Lydie , Garcia Stéphane , Borentain Patrick , El‐Battari Assou
Published: June 2007

The glycoantigen sialyl‐Lewis x (sLex) and its isomer sialy‐Lewis a (sLea) are frequently associated with advanced states of cancer and metastasis. In a previous work, we have shown that hepatocarcinoma cells (HCC) HepG2 interact with the endothelial E‐selectin exclusively through sLex oligosaccharides, the synthesis of which could be completely prevented by the α(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase‐I (FUT1), thus resulting in a strong inhibition of adhesion and rolling on activated endothelial cells. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of inhibiting sLex synthesis and the subsequent E‐selectin adhesion, on HCC tumor growth in nude mice. Four weeks after subcutaneous transplantation of cells, no FUT1‐derived tumor could be detected, whereas 75% of control animals developed large size tumor nodules. Between the 4th and the 8th week postinoculation, 33% tumors arose from FUT1‐transduced cells but showed a slow growth (nodule volumes less than 500 mm3), while more than 50% of control tumors reached volumes between 1,500 and 3,000 mm3. Several parameters were examined, including cell division and proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion to extracellular matrix components and angiogenesis/vasculogenesis. We provide evidence that among all, vasculogenesis was the most clearly affected by FUT1 expression, suggesting that tumor angiomorphogenesis may, at least partly, depend on E‐selectin‐mediated interaction between HCC and endothelial cells, the inhibition of which remarkably retards tumor growth. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential involvement of destrin and cofilin‐1 in the control of invasive properties of Isreco1 human colon cancer cells
Authors: Estornes Yann , Gay Fabien , Gevrey Jean‐Claude , Navoizat Séverine , Nejjari Mimoun , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Chayvialle Jean‐Alain , Saurin Jean‐Christophe , Abello Jacques
Published: June 2007

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family proteins are key regulators of actin filament turnover and cytoskeleton reorganization. The role of cofilin‐1 in cell motility has been demonstrated in several cell types but remained poorly documented in the case of colon cancer. In addition, the putative function of destrin (also known as ADF) had not been explored in this context despite the fact that it is expressed in all colon cancer cell lines examined. We were therefore prompted to evaluate the respective contributions of these proteins to the invasive properties of the human colon cancer Isreco1 cell line, which expresses a comparatively high destrin/cofilin ratio. Reduction of cofilin‐1 or destrin expression in Isreco1 cells using RNA interference led to an increase of the number of multinucleated cells and altered polarized lamellipodium protrusion and distribution of paxillin‐containing adhesions. Both cofilin‐1 and destrin silencing enhanced cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components. However, only destrin appeared to be required for cell migration on collagen I and for cell invasion through Matrigel in response to the proinvasive neuroendocrine peptide bombesin. This differential functional involvement was supported by a destrin‐dependent, cofilin‐independent phosphorylation of p130Crk‐associated substrate (p130Cas) upon cell adhesion to collagen I or Matrigel. Taken together, our results suggest that destrin is a significant regulator of various processes important for invasive phenotype of human colon cancer Isreco1 cells whereas cofilin‐1 may be involved in only a subset of them. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ascertainment and diagnostic accuracy for hematopoietic lymphoproliferative malignancies in Sweden 1964–2003
Authors: Turesson Ingemar , Linet Martha S. , Björkholm Magnus , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Goldin Lynn R. , Caporaso Neil E. , Landgren Ola
Published: June 2007

Population‐based cancer registries are widely used to provide key information about cancer incidence, survival, determinants of progression and clues about pathogenesis. To substantially expand the limited data on diagnostic accuracy and completeness for lymphoproliferative (LP) tumors in such databases, we conducted a retrospective investigation of close to 1,000 cases diagnosed during 4 decades in Sweden. We identified and reviewed medical records for 494 LP tumor patients reported to the population‐based Swedish Cancer registry and 503 LP tumor patients identified from hospitals in Sweden among patients with LP tumors diagnosed during 1964–2003. The stratified samples were randomly selected from patients according to LP subtype, over 4 equal calendar periods, and among 6 selected hospitals of diverse size and from different geographic regions. We found 97.9% of reported LP tumor cases to fulfill current diagnostic criteria for having an LP tumor and observed 89.7% to have accurate LP tumor subtype. The overall completeness of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma cases in the Cancer registry was 95–99% but was lower for the more indolent tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (87.9%) and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (68.1%). We observed increased overall under‐ascertainment for patients diagnosed above age 80 (27%) and among individuals diagnosed before 1973 (12%). In conclusion the diagnostic accuracy and completeness for classically defined LP tumor entities in the Swedish Cancer registry is high. However, we found under‐ascertainment of patients with indolent LP tumors, particularly among patients diagnosed at older ages, with early‐stage disease and diagnosed in earlier years. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The cannabinoid δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits RAS‐MAPK and PI3K‐AKT survival signalling and induces BAD‐mediated apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Greenhough Alexander , Patsos Helena A. , Williams Ann C. , Paraskeva Christos
Published: June 2007

Deregulation of cell survival pathways and resistance to apoptosis are widely accepted to be fundamental aspects of tumorigenesis. As in many tumours, the aberrant growth and survival of colorectal tumour cells is dependent upon a small number of highly activated signalling pathways, the inhibition of which elicits potent growth inhibitory or apoptotic responses in tumour cells. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in therapeutics that can modulate survival signalling pathways and target cancer cells for death. There is emerging evidence that cannabinoids, especially Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may represent novel anticancer agents, due to their ability to regulate signalling pathways critical for cell growth and survival. Here, we report that CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are expressed in human colorectal adenoma and carcinoma cells, and show for the first time that THC induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. THC‐induced apoptosis was rescued by pharmacological blockade of the CB1, but not CB2, cannabinoid receptor. Importantly, THC treatment resulted in CB1‐mediated inhibition of both RAS‐MAPK/ERK and PI3K‐AKT survival signalling cascades; two key cell survival pathways frequently deregulated in colorectal tumours. The inhibition of ERK and AKT activity by THC was accompanied by activation of the proapoptotic BCL‐2 family member BAD. Reduction of BAD protein expression by RNA interference rescued colorectal cancer cells from THC‐induced apoptosis. These data suggest an important role for CB1 receptors and BAD in the regulation of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. The use of THC, or selective targeting of the CB1 receptor, may represent a novel strategy for colorectal cancer therapy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of using subsurface drip irrigation and ET‐HS model to increase WUE in irrigation of some crops
Authors: Najafi P. , Tabatabaei S. H.
Published: June 2007

Increasing water use efficiency (WUE) is a fundamental remedy for food production under conditions of water scarcity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for water saving and yield improvements with use of the ET‐HS model and subsurface drip irrigation. For this purpose, four irrigation treatments were installed in a silty loam soil at an experimental farm near the city of Isfahan in Iran in 2000 and 2001. The treatments included: surface drip irrigation (DI), subsurface drip irrigation at 15 cm depth (SDI15), subsurface drip irrigation at 30 cm depth (SDI30), and furrow irrigation (FI). These treatments were repeated for two genera of potato, Marfona and Navita (traditional genus of potato in Isfahan region), tomato and eggplant. In this research, a completely randomized block design with three replications was applied to each crop. Also, in all of these treatments, crop water requirement and irrigation schedules were determined by the ET‐HS model. For this purpose, maximum and minimum temperature were measured daily and filled in the model. Based on the results, SDI15 has the most efficient use of water in production and is substantially different from other treatments, which measured 7.84, 3.84, 13.15 and 11.64 kg m−3 in Marfona, Navita, tomato and eggplant, respectively. The results show that the maximum crop yield occurred in SDI15 in Marfona, Navita and eggplant and in DI and SDI15 in tomato. A part of this increase in yield in SDI15 related to better soil moisture in the root zone, less water runoff, and less surface evaporation. Additionally, the results show considerable reduction of surface evaporation in SDI treatments. Finally, it can be concluded that subsurface drip irrigation, with drippers installed at a depth of 15 cm, and implementation of the ET‐HS model for estimating irrigation scheduling, is the best irrigation method for Marfona, Navita, tomato and eggplant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient irrigation; inefficient communication; flawed recommendations
Authors: Perry Chris
Published: June 2007

Concerns about scarcity of water have focused attention on irrigation, the largest water‐using sector worldwide, which is widely seen as a low‐value, wasteful and “inefficient” use for water. The terminology for this debate is, however, poorly defined – often failing even to distinguish between consumptive and non‐consumptive uses. In consequence, technical interventions have not always led to the expected, desirable outcomes, and the recommendations in many reports and papers are at best dubious, at worst simply wrong. The history of the analysis of “irrigation efficiency” is traced, and compared with the science of hydrology, which offers consistent terminology for various scales of analysis from field through irrigation scheme to region and basin. Based on the work of various previous writers, an analytical framework and associated terms are proposed to better serve the needs of technical specialists from all water‐using sectors, policymakers and planners in achieving more productive use of water and tracing the implications of interventions on other uses and users. ICID recommends that this terminology be used in the analysis of water resources management at all scales, and form the basis for its research papers and other published outputs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revisiting currently applied pipe drain depths for waterlogging and salinity control of irrigated land in the (semi) arid zone
Authors: Smedema Lambert K.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the validity of the widely prevailing view that the deep drain depths used for irrigated land in some countries are unnecessary for salinity control and potentially environmentally harmful. The paper reviews the applied design practices and drain depth considerations and evaluates the adverse impacts of deep drains and the evidence of the adequacy of shallower drains. It is concluded that there is indeed reason for questioning the appropriateness of some of the currently applied drain depths. A number of suggestions have been made for new considerations to be taken into account and for improved design procedures to be followed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permanent and transitory wages of British men, 1975–2001: year, age and cohort effects
Authors: Kalwij Adriaan S. , Alessie Rob
Published: June 2007

We examine the mean and variance–covariance structure of log‐wages over calendar time and the life cycle of British men, hereby controlling for birth cohort effects. We attribute the strong increase in mean log‐wage during the 1980s and 1990s to a rise in mean log‐wage with the year of birth. This rise is diminishing with the year of birth, which implies lower wage inequality between cohorts with the year of birth. Wage inequality has increased during the 1980s and early 1990s and remained fairly stable in the second half of the 1990s. The year effects, however, show increasing wage inequality up to 2001, mainly due to a strong rise in transitory wage inequality. Transitory wages are strongly correlated over time and an increase in transitory wage inequality therefore has highly persistent inequality consequences. The stable wage inequality in the second half of the 1990s is attributed to lower within‐cohort wage inequality for the younger cohorts. The age effects show that permanent wage inequality increases with age, in particular up to age 30 and over age 50. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An extortionary guerrilla movement
Authors: Offstein Norman
Published: June 2007

This paper models an extortionary relationship between a pipeline operator and a guerrilla movement. Payment and attack decisions are modeled as an infinite‐horizon Markov decision process, where each period the oil company chooses to pay or not pay an extortion demand and the movement decides to attack or not. Decisions depend on the level of single‐period payoff and discounted expected future payoffs. We estimate the model with pipeline attack data and compare parameters when the discount factor is changed. We reject a zero discount factor hypothesis, demonstrating that the movement's observed attack pattern is compatible with extortionary behavior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International welfare comparisons and nonparametric testing of multivariate stochastic dominance
Authors: McCaig Brian , Yatchew Adonis
Published: June 2007

This paper outlines a class of statistical procedures that permit testing of a broad range of multidimensional stochastic dominance hypotheses and, more generally, welfare hypotheses that rely upon multiple stochastic dominance conditions. We apply the procedures to data on income and leisure hours for individuals in Germany, the UK, and the USA. We find that no country first‐order stochastically dominates the others in both dimensions for all years of comparison. Furthermore, while in general the USA stochastically dominates Germany and the UK with respect to income, in most periods Germany stochastically dominates with respect to leisure hours. Finally, we find evidence that bivariate poverty (which refers, for example, to the working poor, that is, those who have little leisure and low income) is lower in Germany than in either the UK or the USA. On the other hand, poverty comparisons between the UK and the USA are sensitive to the subpopulation of individuals considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced osteoblast‐like cell adhesion and proliferation using sulfonate‐bearing polymeric scaffolds
Authors: Chaterji Somali , Gemeinhart Richard A.
Published: June 2007

Orthopedic malfunction, degeneration, or damage remains a serious healthcare issue despite advances in medical technology. Proactive extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mimetic scaffolds are being researched to orchestrate the activation of diverse osteogenic signaling cascades, facilitating osteointegration. We hypothesized that sulfonated functionalities incorporated into synthetic hydrogels would simulate anionic, sulfate‐bearing proteoglycans, abundant in the ECM. Using this rationale, we successfully developed differentially sulfonated hydrogels, polymerizing a range of sulfopropyl acrylate potassium‐acrylamide (SPAK‐AM) mole ratios as monomer feeds under room temperature conditions. For anchorage‐dependent cells, such as osteoblasts, adhesion is a critical prerequisite for subsequent osteointegration and cell specialization. The introduction of the sulfonated monomer, SPAK, resulted in favorable uptake of serum proteins with proportional increase in adhesion and proliferation rates of model cell lines, which included NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, MG‐63 osteoblasts, and MC3T3‐E1 subclone 4 preosteoblasts. In fact, higher proportions of sulfonate content (pSPAK75, pSPAK100) exhibited comparable or even higher degrees of adhesion and proliferation, relative to commercial grade tissue culture polystyrene in vitro. These results indicate promising potentials of sulfonated ECM‐mimetic hydrogels as potential osteogenic tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Self‐assembled thermosensitive micelles based on poly(L‐lactide‐star block‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) for drug delivery
Authors: Wei Hua , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Chen Wen‐Qin , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: June 2007

A novel seven‐arm star block copolymer poly(L‐lactide‐star block‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PLLA‐sb‐PNIPAAm), comprised of a hydrophobic poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) arm and an average of six hydrophilic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) arms, was designed and synthesized. The amphiphilic PLLA‐sb‐PNIPAAm copolymer was capable of self‐assembling into nano‐sized micelle in water, which was confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that these nano‐sized micelles were regularly spherical in shape. Micelle size determined by size analysis was around 100 nm in diameter. The micelles showed reversible dispersion/aggregation in response to temperature changes through an outer polymer shell of PNIPAAm at around 31°C, observed by optical absorbance measurements. The anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) as model drug was loaded in the polymeric nano‐sized micelles. In vitro release behavior of MTX was investigated, which showed a drastic thermoresponsive fast/slow switching behavior according to the temperature‐responsive structural changes of a micellar shell structure. The reversible and sensitive thermoresponse of this micelle might provide opportunities to construct a novel drug delivery system in conjunction with localized hyperthermia. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
The effect of varying Al2O3 percentage in hydroxyapatite/Al2O3 composite materials: Morphological, chemical and cytotoxic evaluation
Authors: Epure L.M. , Dimitrievska S. , Merhi Y. , Yahia L.'H.
Published: June 2007

Hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA‐alumina (HA/Al2O3) composites, with Al2O3 contents of 5, 10, 20, and 30%, were synthesized using a wet precipitation method and sintered at 900 and 1300°C. We investigated the effect of sintering temperature and relative concentration of HA and Al2O3 on the chemical composition, surface morphology, and cytotoxicity of the composite powders. The XRD results show that in the 1300°C composites, HA partially decomposed into CaO which combined with Al2O3 to form different calcium aluminates. For the 900°C composites the CaO phase was not detected, though a Ca/P ratio larger than 1.67 measured by XPS suggests that CaO was present in trace amounts. SEM‐EDX analysis indicated that the HA microstructure was affected by the sintering temperature, and this HA is present on the surface of Al2O3 particles. The cytotoxicity of the composites was assessed indirectly using the MTT assay. The short‐term effect of leachables was quantified by exposing a L929 mouse fibroblast cell line to the degradation products released by the composites after immersion in the cell culture medium. Degradation products were less toxic to L‐929 at lower extract concentrations (10, 50%) than at 100% concentration. Cell viability was also influenced by leachable size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Poly(glycerol sebacate) supports the proliferation and phenotypic protein expression of primary baboon vascular cells
Authors: Gao Jin , Ensley Ann E. , Nerem Robert M. , Wang Yadong
Published: June 2007

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable and biocompatible elastomer specifically developed for soft tissue engineering. Vascular cells adhered to an elastomer may exhibit more physiological behavior because the substrate's mechanical properties more closely match those of the tissue. To investigate the feasibility of using PGS as a scaffold material for vascular tissue engineering, the authors examined the adhesion, proliferation, and phenotypic and morphologic properties of primary baboon endothelial progenitor cells (BaEPCs) and baboon smooth muscle cells (BaSMCs) cultured on PGS films and scaffolds. Tissue culture‐treated polystyrene plates were used as controls. Phase contrast microscopy indicated that both types of cells showed normal morphology on PGS films. Immuofluorescent staining revealed that von Willebrand factor and α‐smooth muscle actin were expressed by BaEPCs and BaSMCs, respectively. Both types of cells proliferated well on PGS surfaces. When cultured in PGS scaffolds, BaSMCs were distributed throughout the scaffolds and synthesized extracellular matrix, as indicated by histological evaluations. The distribution of the BaSMCs in the constructs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining of cocultured constructs indicated that the BaSMC‐seeded constructs provided suitable surfaces for BaEPC adhesion, and both types of cells maintained their specific phenotypes. These results suggest that PGS is an appropriate scaffold material for blood vessel tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Diffusion of camptothecin immobilized with cationic surfactant into agarose hydrogel containing anionic carrageenan
Authors: Liu Jianhong , Li Lin
Published: June 2007

Camptothecin (CPT) is a hydrophobic antitumor drug. Controlled release of CPT from hydrogel has not been satisfactorily achieved because of its poor compatibility and weak interaction with a hydrophilic hydrogel matrix. A new approach has been attempted in this work to solve these problems. In our approach, CPT was first solubilized in a micellar solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant. It was found that the solubility of CPT could be enhanced by CTAB (10 mM) to 0.17 mg/mL, which is 127 times higher than that in pure water, providing a great feasibility of drug loading. The micellar drug solution of CTAB‐CPT was subsequently used to prepare agarose hydrogels containing a small content (≤ 0.3 wt %) of κ‐carrageenan, an anionic water‐soluble polysaccharide. The release of CPT from so fabricated hydrogel‐surfactant systems has been investigated by varying the content of κ‐carrageenan in the hydrogel. It was observed that the presence of κ‐carrageenan in the hydrogel system resulted in a significant decrease in the release rate of the drug. This effect was ascribed to the ionic interaction between the positively charged surfactant micelles and the negatively charged κ‐carrageenan. The release profiles were fitted to two mathematic models of diffusion and the diffusion coefficients of the drug were obtained as a function of κ‐carrageenan content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of nanostructured TiO2 film on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Karpagavalli Ramji , Zhou Anhong , Chellamuthu Prithiviraj , Nguyen Kytai
Published: June 2007

The corrosion behavior and cell adhesion property of nanostructured TiO2 films deposited electrolytically on Ti6Al4V were examined in the present in vitro study. The nanostructured TiO2 film deposition on Ti6Al4V was achieved via peroxoprecursors. SEM micrographs exhibit the formation of amorphous and crystallite TiO2 nanoparticles on Ti6Al4V before and after being annealed at 500°C. Corrosion behavior of TiO2‐deposited and uncoated Ti6Al4V was evaluated in freely aerated Hank's solution at 37°C by the measurement and analysis of open‐circuit potential variation with time, Tafel plots, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical results indicated that nano‐TiO2 coated Ti6Al4V showed a better corrosion resistance in simulated biofluid than uncoated Ti6Al4V. Rat bone cells and human aortic smooth muscle cells were grown on these substrates to study the cellular responses in vitro. The SEM images revealed enhanced cell adhesion, cell spreading, and proliferation on nano‐TiO2 coated Ti6Al4V compared to those grown on uncoated substrates for both cell lines. These results suggested that nanotopography produced by deposition of nanostructured TiO2 onto Ti alloy surfaces might enhance corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and cell integration for implants made of Ti alloys. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007