bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel nonsteroidal antifibrotic oligo decoy containing the TGF‐β element found in the COL1A1 gene which regulates murine schistosomiasis liver fibrosis
Authors: Boros D.L. , Singh K.P. , Gerard H.C. , Hudson A.P. , White S.L. , Cutroneo K.R.
Published: May 2005

Schistosomiasis mansoni disseminated worm eggs in mice and humans induce granulomatous inflammations and cumulative fibrosis causing morbidity and possibly mortality. In this study, intrahepatic and I.V. injections of a double‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotide decoy containing the TGF‐β regulatory element found in the distal promoter of the COL1A1 gene into worm‐infected mice suppressed TGF‐β1, COL1A1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, and decreased COL3A1 mRNAs to a lesser extent. Sequence comparisons within the mouse genome found homologous sequences within the COL3A1, TGF‐β1, and TIMP‐1 5′ flanking regions. Cold competition gel mobility shift assays using these homologous sequences with 5′ and 3′ flanking regions found in the natural COL1A1 gene showed competition. Competitive gel mobility assays in a separate experiment showed no competition using a 5‐base mutated or scrambled sequence. Explanted liver granulomas from saline‐injected mice incorporated 10.45 ± 1.7% 3H‐proline into newly synthesized collagen, whereas decoy‐treated mice showed no collagen synthesis. Compared with the saline control schistosomiasis mice phosphorothioate double‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotide treatment decreased total liver collagen content (i.e. hydroxy‐4‐proline) by 34%. This novel molecular approach has the potential to be employed as a novel antifibrotic treatment modality. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalytic wet oxidation of phenol with homogeneous iron salts
Authors: Vicente Jesús , Rosal Roberto , Díaz Mario
Published: May 2005

The catalytic wet oxidation of phenol has been investigated in a 1 L semi‐batch reactor in the presence of both ferrous and ferric salts. Oxidation reactions follow first‐order kinetics with respect to phenol and half‐order kinetics with respect to dissolved oxygen. The activation energy for the reaction was 44.5 and 48.3 kJ mol−1 for runs employing Fe3+ and Fe2+, respectively. Rate constants and induction periods were also similar for both catalysts. This result could be explained by analysing the evolution of iron during the oxidation process. For pH > 2, Fe2+ was rapidly oxidized under reaction conditions to Fe3+, resulting in a unique catalytic redox system Fe2+/Fe3+. It was also shown that if pH < 2 the dissolved oxygen was unable to oxidize ferrous ion, resulting in a much slower oxidation rate of phenol. The absence of a redox pair resulted in a complete lack of catalytic activity of the dissolved iron salt. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Chitin production by Lactobacillus fermentation of shrimp biowaste in a drum reactor and its chemical conversion to chitosan
Authors: Rao Mukku Shrinivas , Stevens Willem F
Published: May 2005

Chitin was produced by fermenting shrimp heads and shells with Lactobacillus plantarum 541 in a drum reactor with an internal volume of 3 dm3. The crude chitin yield from heads and shells was 4.5 and 13% respectively, comparable to the values obtained by the chemical method. For shrimp heads 83% deproteination and 88% demineralisation and for shrimp shells 66% deproteination and 63% demineralisation were achieved. The liquor obtained in both cases was of good sensory quality with a high content of essential amino acids and therefore with potential to produce protein powder for human consumption. The crude chitin was refined and converted to chitosan using 12.5 M NaOH. The chitosan obtained had a residual ash and protein content below 1%, a solubility of more than 98%, a viscosity in the range 50–400 cP and a degree of deacetylation of 81–84%. The molecular weight was in the range (0.8–1.4) × 106 Da. IR analysis indicated that the chitosan obtained through fermentation was similar to that obtained by the chemical method. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of ethanol conversion for hydrogen fuel cells using computer simulations
Authors: Örücü Enis , Karakaya Mustafa , Avcı Ahmet K , Önsan Z İlsen
Published: May 2005

Ethanol conversion to hydrogen has been investigated by a series of thermodynamic analyses and computer simulations within the context of a cost‐effective fuel processor/fuel cell system where heat exchange is of great importance. Two different methods, multi‐reaction equilibria and Gibbs free energy minimisation, are used for the thermodynamic analyses. The computer simulations consider the catalytic conversion of ethanol to hydrogen on a bimetallic Pt–Ni catalyst by indirect partial oxidation (IPOX) which consists of total oxidation (TOX), steam reforming (SR) and water–gas shift (WGS) reactions. The results indicate that there is an optimal water:fuel ratio for maximum hydrogen production at each operating condition for hydrogen yields calculated as a percentage of the theoretical value. Mass‐based hydrogen yields are also presented considering fuel economy especially for vehicular applications. Finally, the benefits of using a secondary WGS reactor and the comparison of the results of the two thermodynamic methods are highlighted. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of optimal transduction of primary human skin keratinocytes by viral vectors
Authors: Gagnoux‐Palacios Laurent , Hervouet Catherine , Spirito Flavia , Roques Stephanie , Mezzina Mauro , Danos Olivier , Meneguzzi Guerrino
Published: May 2005

Background

Genetically modified keratinocytes generate transplantable self‐renewing epithelia suitable for delivery of therapeutic polypeptides. However, the variety of viral vectors and experimental conditions currently used make fragmented or contradictory the information on the transduction efficiency of the human primary keratinocytes. To compare the suitability of the most currently used viral vectors for efficient gene transfer to human keratinocytes, we have performed a comparative study using a panel of recombinant constructs.

Methods

For each vector, the transduction efficiency and the persistence of the transgene expression were quantified by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis of the infected cells.

Results

We show that: (1) canine and human adenoviral vectors achieve a highly efficient but transient transduction of both primary and immortalized keratinocytes; (2) the adenovirus‐associated virus (AAV) vectors transduce immortalized keratinocytes, albeit with a short‐lived gene expression (<4 days), but fail to infect primary keratinocytes; and (3) under appropriate conditions, the oncoretroviral and lentiviral vectors can permanently transduce up to 100% of primary keratinocytes, but the highly clonogenic keratinocytes are more efficiently targeted by lentiviral vectors.

Conclusions

Therefore, AAV vectors are unsuitable to transduce primary keratinocytes, while human and canine adenoviral vectors appears to be appropriate to achieve short‐term delivery of therapeutic products. Recombinant retroviruses provide sustained expression of the transgene, but the lentiviral vectors are the most suitable for ex vivo gene therapy because of their ability to transduce clonogenic primary keratinocytes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pontine‐wave generator activation‐dependent memory processing of avoidance learning involves the dorsal hippocampus in the rat
Authors: Datta Subimal , Saha Subhash , Prutzman Sarah L. , Mullins Olivia J. , Mavanji Vijayakumar
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the dorsal hippocampus plays a critical role in pontine‐wave (P‐wave) generator activation‐dependent memory processing of two‐way active avoidance (TWAA) learning. To achieve this objective, rats were given small bilateral lesions in the CA1, dentate gyrus (DG), or CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus by microinjecting ibotenic acid. After recovery, lesioned and sham‐lesioned rats were trained on a TWAA learning paradigm, allowed a 6‐hr period of undisturbed sleep, and then were tested on the same TWAA paradigm. It was found that lesions in the CA3 region impaired retention of avoidance learning. Conversely, lesions in the CA1 and DG regions had no effect on TWAA learning retention. None of the groups showed any changes in the baseline sleep–wake cycle or in the acquisition of TWAA learning. All rats showed increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increased REM sleep P‐wave density during the subsequent 6‐hr recording period. Impaired retention in the CA3 group occurred despite an increase in REM sleep and P‐wave density, suggesting that during REM sleep, the P‐wave generator interacts with the CA3 region of the dorsal hippocampus to aid in consolidation of TWAA learning. The results of the present study thus demonstrate that P‐wave generator activation‐dependent consolidation of memory requires an intact CA3 subfield of the dorsal hippocampus. The results also provide evidence that under mnemonic pressure, the dorsal hippocampus may not be involved directly in regulating the sleep–wake cycle. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of Poly(lactic acid) Diacrylate Nanospheres with Double Bonds
Authors: Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Chu Chih‐Chang
Published: May 2005

Summary: In this paper, unsaturated groups were introduced into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) for fabricating PLA‐based nanospheres with carbon‐carbon double bonds as functional groups. The morphology dependencies on fabrication conditions, including the fabrication time as well as the stirring rate, were also investigated.

SEM‐EDX image of poly(lactic acid) diacrylate nanospheres after exposure to osmium tetroxide vapor for 14 h.

magnified image

SEM‐EDX image of poly(lactic acid) diacrylate nanospheres after exposure to osmium tetroxide vapor for 14 h.
Quantitative analysis of the “warm‐up” phenomenon in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Logigian E. L. , Blood C. L. , Dilek N. , Martens W. B. , Moxley R. T. , Wiegner A. W. , Thornton C. A. , Moxley R. T.
Published: May 2005

To quantitate improvement in hand‐grip myotonia and muscle strength (i.e., the “warm‐up” phenomenon) in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), six successive, standardized maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) were recorded on 2 separate days using a computerized isometric hand‐grip myometer in 25 genetically confirmed DM1 patients and in 17 normal controls. An automated computer program placed cursors along the declining (relaxation) phase of the MVICs at 90%, 50%, and 5% of peak force (PF) and calculated relaxation times (RTs) between these points. Mean 90% to 5% RT (a measure of myotonia) rapidly declined from 2.5 s in MVIC 1 to 0.8 s in MVIC 6 (warm‐up = 1.7 s) in DM1; in controls, it remained 0.4 s for all six MVICs (warm‐up = 0). In DM1, 70% of warm‐up occurred between MVIC 1 and 2, almost exclusively in the terminal 50% to 5% phase of muscle relaxation. Day 1 warm‐up was highly correlated with the severity of myotonia, and with day 2 warm‐up. Improvement in myotonia was not accompanied by either transient paresis or improvement in PF. We conclude that, with this testing paradigm: warm‐up of myotonia in DM1 can be reliably measured; is proportional to severity of myotonia; occurs rapidly, being most prominent between the first and second grips; mainly results from shortening of the terminal phase of muscle relaxation; and is not accompanied by significant warm‐up in force output. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity and the development of neuropathy
Authors: Krishnan Arun V. , Goldstein David , Friedlander Michael , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: May 2005

The pathophysiology of oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity remains unclear, although in vitro studies suggest involvement of voltage‐gated Na+ channels. In the present study, clinical assessment was combined with nerve conduction studies (NCS) and nerve excitability studies in 16 patients after completion of oxaliplatin therapy. Chronic neuropathic symptoms persisted in 50% of patients. NCS confirmed abnormalities in symptomatic patients: sensory potentials were significantly low, whereas motor studies remained essentially normal. At 12‐month follow‐up of symptomatic patients, positive sensory symptoms improved but NCS abnormalities persisted. Cumulative oxaliplatin dose was a predictor of neuropathy, and long‐term effects appeared to be minimized by low single‐infusion dosages. Nerve excitability measures in symptomatic patients established that axons were of high threshold. Refractoriness was significantly greater in patients (symptomatic group, 56.3 ± 24.9%; entire patient group, 46.3 ± 12.5%; controls, 27.1 ± 1.9%; P < 0.05). Thus, although positive sensory symptoms of oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy improved, negative sensory symptoms and abnormalities of sensory nerve conduction persisted. Differences in nerve excitability measures, particularly refractoriness, support in vitro studies indicating involvement of voltage‐gated transient Na+‐channel dysfunction in the development of oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity. Muscle Nerve, 2005
A novel approach to protein expression profiling using antibody microarrays combined with surface plasmon resonance technology
Authors: Usui‐Aoki Kazue , Shimada Kiyo , Nagano Mihoko , Kawai Makoto , Koga Hisashi
Published: May 2005

We have previously described our systems for the high‐throughput production of antibodies against mouse KIAA proteins and their validation (Proteomics 2004, 4, 1412–1416). Using our “libraries” of antibodies, we established a novel antibody microarray system in which surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology is utilized for signal detection. Up to 400 real‐time antibody‐target bindings could be measured simultaneously within a single hour. This rapid detection was achieved by direct readout of the bindings using SPR technology. To evaluate our system, we assessed the reproducibility on crude protein samples and obtained satisfactorily reproducible results, exhibiting correlation values >0.92. Using this SPR‐based antibody microarray system, we examined mKIAA protein expression in five different adult mouse tissues and identified the specific tissue expression patterns of several mKIAA proteins.
MSight: An image analysis software for liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Palagi Patricia M. , Walther Daniel , Quadroni Manfredo , Catherinet Sébastien , Burgess Jennifer , Zimmermann‐Ivol Catherine G. , Sanchez Jean‐Charles , Binz Pierre‐Alain , Hochstrasser Denis F. , Appel Ron D.
Published: May 2005

Images obtained from high‐throughput mass spectrometry (MS) contain information that remains hidden when looking at a single spectrum at a time. Image processing of liquid chromatography‐MS datasets can be extremely useful for quality control, experimental monitoring and knowledge extraction. The importance of imaging in differential analysis of proteomic experiments has already been established through two‐dimensional gels and can now be foreseen with MS images. We present MSight, a new software designed to construct and manipulate MS images, as well as to facilitate their analysis and comparison.
Spot overlapping in two‐dimensional maps: A serious problem ignored for much too long
Authors: Campostrini Natascia , Areces Liliana B. , Rappsilber Juri , Pietrogrande Maria Chiara , Dondi Francesco , Pastorino Fabio , Ponzoni Mirco , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: May 2005

In the analysis of a neuroblastoma xenograft implanted in mice using two‐dimensional maps, some 85 proteins were found to be up‐ or down‐regulated (out of a total of 264 detected by a medium‐sensitivity colloidal Coomassie stain). When these spots were eluted and analysed by mass spectrometry in a quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer, a number of spots were found to be envelopes of different polypeptide chains. Out of a total of 74 proteins identified, 52 (71%) were found to be singlets, 14 (19%) were doublets, 6 (8%) were triplets, 1 was a quadruplet and 1 a quintuplet. Analysis of the ΔpIand ΔMrof all species contained in a single gel segment eluted helped point out potential errors in protein identification. This was a unique case, in that very minute bioptic sample loads were applied to the gel. In normal cases, where sample loads ofca.1 mg of total protein are applied and typically at least 1000 spots are visualised, the singlets will be the minority, rarely exceeding 30% of all spots analysed. The experimental data on the abundance of overlapping spots were in excellent agreement with theoretical data calculated on the basis of the statistical theory of spot overlapping, originally proposed by Davis and further developed by some of the authors. Ways and means for minimizing spot overlap and visualising a greater number of spots in a two‐dimensional map are discussed.
Kinetic characterization of sequencing grade modified trypsin
Authors: Finehout Erin J. , Cantor Jason R. , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: May 2005

Prior to analysis by mass spectrometry, protein samples are often digested. Maximizing the peptide yield from digestion can increase the number of peptides detected and the confidence in protein identification. To determine the optimal conditions for digestion, the Michaelis‐Menten kinetic parameters for Promega sequencing grade modified trypsin were measured over a range of temperatures and pHs. The results indicate that an increase in digestion temperature above 37°C, the temperature traditionally used in digestion methods, could offer an increase in peptides detected.
Ultra‐high sensitivity multi‐photon detection imaging in proteomics analyses
Authors: Kleiner Oliver , Price David A. , Ossetrova Natasha , Osetrov Sergei , Volkovitsky Peter , Drukier Andrzej K. , Godovac‐Zimmermann Jasminka
Published: May 2005

We report on the use of 125I and 131I labeling and of new, multicolor, multi‐photon detection (MPD) methods to routinely and quantitatively detect protein spots on two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis plates in the zeptomole to attomole range. We demonstrate that the MPD methodology can be used to detect radioactive labels on two‐dimensional gels and has several characteristics that are advantageous for functional proteomics. First, by using single particle detectors, the sensitivity for detection of radiolabels can be improved dramatically. Second, because single particle detectors can differentiate the particle energies produced by different decay processes, it is possible to choose combinations of radioisotopes that can be detected and quantified individually on the same 2‐D gel. Third, the MPD technology is essentially linear over six to seven orders of magnitude, i.e., it is possible to accurately quantify radiolabeled proteins over a range from at least 60 zeptomoles to 60 femtomoles. Finally for radionuclides that decay by electron capture, e.g., with emission of both beta and gamma rays, co‐incident detection of two particles/photons can be used to detect such radionuclides well below background radiation levels. These methods are used to monitor acidic/phosphorylated proteins in as little as 60 ng of HeLa cells proteins.
Panorama™ Ab Microarray Cell Signaling kit: A unique tool for protein expression analysis
Authors: Kopf Eliezer , Shnitzer Dalia , Zharhary Dorit
Published: May 2005

Antibody arrays are a promising new tool for mass analysis of protein level changes in cells responding to different stimuli. Here we describe a novel antibody array system called Panorama™ Ab Microarray Cell Signaling, that contains 224 antibodies spotted on FAST™ nitrocellulose‐coated slides that can detect protein levels as low as a few nanograms per mL. The antibodies spotted are specific for proteins important in various areas of cell signaling such as phosphorylation, cell cycle, apoptosis, nuclear signaling and cytoskeleton proteins. Furthermore, for some of the protein targes, the Panorama™ Ab Microarray can detect phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of the traget protein. We found that treatment of the slides post‐spotting is important for the array performance (ratio of signal to background) and its stability. Panorama™ Ab Microarray was used to analyze changes in protein expression in F9 embryonic carcinoma cells stimulated to differentiate by all‐trans retinoic acid. We found that the level of several proteins, among them cell cycle regulators and kineases, was either up‐ or down‐regulated. For more than ten protein targets, the results obtained by the Panorama™ Ab Microarray were confirmed by immunoblotting.
Structural defects in poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Starnes William H.
Published: May 2005

This article describes, in narrative style, the research of the author and his associates, performed over a period of 30 years, that led to the identification and quantification of the anomalous structures in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and to detailed descriptions of their mechanisms of formation. Also examined here are the implications of this work for the thermal stability of PVC, for the overall chemical mechanism of vinyl chloride polymerization, and for other relevant aspects of the chemistry and technology of vinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2451–2467, 2005
Coping among older‐adult, long‐term cancer survivors
Authors: Deimling Gary T. , Wagner Louis J. , Bowman Karen F. , Sterns Samantha , Kercher Kyle , Kahana Boaz
Published: May 2005

This research focuses on the coping behavior of older adult, long‐term cancer survivors. Specifically, it identifies the personal (including race and gender) and illness/treatment characteristics of survivors that are significantly associated with the use of specific coping styles: planning, acceptance, venting, denial and seeking social support. It also examines the mediating role that these forms of coping play in terms of psychological distress: anxiety, depression and cancer‐related worries. Multivariate analysis of data from a random sample of 321 long‐term survivors in a major cancer center tumor registry is used to address the above issues. The most prominent forms of coping used by long‐term survivors were planning and acceptance; least used were venting and denial. Increased age was associated with lower use of all forms of coping, but cancer type was not. Denial as a form of coping was associated with higher anxiety, depression and cancer‐related worries. While race was not found to be a significant predictor of coping style, it was a significant predictor of three dimensions of psychological distress, anxiety, depression and cancer‐related worries, with African Americans exhibiting lower levels of distress than Whites. The relevance of these findings for health and social service practitioners is discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with wheezing‐associated respiratory infection
Authors: Futrakul Sitthivuddhi , Deerojanawong Jitladda , Prapphal Nuanchan
Published: May 2005

The objectives of this study were to identify possible risk factors of bronchial hyperesponsiveness (BHR) in children up to 5 years of age with wheezing‐associated respiratory infection (WARI), and to study the prevalence of BHR. Children up to 5 years of age with WARI were enrolled in the study. The parents or caregivers of children were asked about their demographic data and clinical histories. Physical examination and clinical score assessment were performed. Pulmonary function tests, i.e., tidal breathing flow volume (TBFV), were performed to measure tidal breathing parameters before and after salbutamol nebulization. If volume at peak tidal expiratory flow/expiratory tidal volume and time to peak expiratory flow/total expiratory time increased ≥20%, or tidal expiratory flow at 25% of tidal volume/peak tidal expiratory flow increased ≥20% after nebulization therapy, BHR was diagnosed. The number in the positive BHR group was used to calculate the prevalence of BHR, and clinical features were compared with those of the negative BHR group. Categorical data were analyzed for statistical significance (P < 0.05) by chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test, or Student's t‐test, as appropriate. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for those with statistical significance. One hundred and six wheezing children underwent pulmonary function tests before and after salbutamol nebulization. With the aforementioned criteria, 41 cases (38.7%) were diagnosed with BHR. History of reactive airway disease, (OR, 6.31; 95% CI, 1.68–25), maternal history of asthma (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.34–9), breastfeeding less than 3 months (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.26–8.12), and passive smoking (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.15–7.62) were significant risk factors of BHR. The eosinophil count was significantly higher in the BHR (+) group particularly, in children 1–5 years of age (P ≤ 0.01). Patchy infiltrates were more commonly found in patients with negative BHR but not statistically significant. In conclusion, a history of reactive airway disease, maternal history, breastfeeding less than 3 months, and passive smoking were significant risk factors for BHR. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sildenafil and an early stage of chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn piglets
Authors: Binns‐Loveman Karen M. , Kaplowitz Mark R. , Fike Candice D.
Published: May 2005

Devising therapies that might prevent the onset or progression of pulmonary hypertension in newborns has received little attention. Our major objective was to determine whether sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, prevents the development of an early stage of chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn pigs. Another objective was to determine whether sildenafil causes pulmonary vasodilation without systemic vasodilation in piglets with chronic pulmonary hypertension. Piglets were raised in room air (control, n = 5) or 10–11% O2 (hypoxic, n = 17) for 3 days. Some piglets (n = 4) received oral sildenafil, 12 mg/kg/day, throughout exposure to hypoxia. All piglets were anesthetized and catheterized, and pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa), pulmonary wedge pressure (Pw), aortic pressure (Ao), and cardiac output (CO) were measured. Then for some piglets raised in hypoxia for 3 days, a single oral sildenafil dose (3 mg/kg, n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) was given, and hemodynamic measurements were repeated. For piglets raised in hypoxia for 3 days, mean Ppa and calculated PVR were elevated above respective values in control piglets. Mean Ppa and PVR did not differ between piglets that received sildenafil throughout exposure to hypoxia and those that did not. For piglets with chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension that received a single oral dose of sildenafil, mean Ppa and PVR decreased, while mean Pw, CO, mean Ao, and systemic vascular resistance remained the same. All hemodynamic measurements were unchanged after placebo. Oral sildenafil did not influence the early stage of chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn piglets. However, a single oral dose of sildenafil caused pulmonary vasodilation, without systemic vasodilation, in piglets with chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension, which may have therapeutic implications. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV) thin film spin‐coated on porous n‐type GaAs
Authors: Beji L. , Ben Jomaa T. , Ltaeif A. , Bouazizi A.
Published: May 2005

Poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV) was grown on porous GaAs (π‐GaAs) by spin coating and studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and room temperature photoluminescence (PL). The SEM investigation revealed that MEH‐PPV was grown deeply in the porous structure and had a filament‐like shape. The PL result showed that a strong quenching effect occurred when using π‐GaAs. This effect was suggested to be due to photoinduced charge transfer at the MEH‐PPV/GaAs nanocrystallite interface. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of the ac magnetic field dependence of the first and the third harmonics of the ac susceptibility in a granular Bi‐2223 sample
Authors: Ozogul O.
Published: May 2005

The field and temperature dependencies of the first and third harmonics of the ac magnetic susceptibilities of a granular Bi‐2223 superconductor have been investigated. Model calculations have been performed on the basis of a theoretical model that incorporates collective creep concepts in a critical‐state equation by considering the temperature‐dependent effective volume fraction. The predictions of the model for the field and temperature dependencies of the first and third harmonics were found to be in good agreement with experimental data. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Humidity and temperature dependences of oxide lines fabricated by atomic force microscopy based nanolithography
Authors: Ai F. , Wang J. C. , Luo L. , Liu Y. , Zhou Y. F. , Pan Z. L.
Published: May 2005

Local nano‐oxidation has been used to write oxide lines on hydrogen‐passivated silicon surfaces by atomic force microscopy. The experimental results suggest that the temperature and humidity have considerable influence on the dimension of as‐grown oxide lines. It is concluded that the size of oxide lines (width and height) increase following the increase of relative humidity or the decrease of temperature of substrate, these can be explained by the variation of the amount of absorbed water layer on the sample surface under different parameters. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complementary investigations using the MCDF and RQDO methods
Authors: Charro E. , Martín I.
Published: May 2005

Theoretical oscillator strengths for fine‐structure lines of electric dipole (E1) allowed transitions for a number of ions belonging to the Be, As, and Ge sequences, are reported. Both ab initio (multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock) and model potential (relativistic quantum defect orbital) techniques have been used. A comparative analysis of the two sets of f‐values, as well as with other data found in the literature, has been carried out. For most of the studied ions and transitions, the results achieved with the two methodologies are, overall, in rather good agreement. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Surgical lessons from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) pertaining to extremity tumors
Authors: Lawrence Walter , Hays Daniel M. , Heyn Ruth , Beltangady Mohan , Maurer Harold M. ,   Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Committee
Published: May 2005

The large number of patients entered into the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) has allowed a study of prognostic factors and clinical management decisions for a specific primary site‐the extremities. A retrospective review of IRS I (1972–1978) and IRS II (1978–1984) included 217 patients with sarcomas of the extremities of 1,415 patients without distant metastases. Disease‐free survival and survival data from this subgroup of patients demonstrated that: (a) the UICC clinical staging system has clear‐cut validity, (b) total gross resection of sarcomas of the extremities is an optimal therapeutic approach in spite of proven benefits from nonoperative therapies, (c) results of treatment are improved by reexcision of the initial resection site if the histologic margin is involvedor the initial resection was an unplanned procedure for diagnosis, (d) regional lymph node biopsy or dissection is an important procedure for planning and conduct of the treatment program, and (e) vigorous and thorough surgical procedures are required for optimal end results of treatment of extremity sarcomas despite the proven value of nonoperative therapies.
Immediate definitive surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer does not increase operative mortality: A prospective controlled trial
Authors: Hay Jean ‐Marie , Lacaine François , Kohlmann Gérard , Fingerhut Abe ,   Association for Surgical Research
Published: May 2005

One hundred and sixty‐two patients with nonsealed perforated duodenal ulcer have been studied prospectively. These patients were randomized to undergo simple closure (83 patients) or closure and vagotomy (79 patients); the vagotomy was either a truncal vagotomy (71 patients) or a proximal gastric vagotomy (8 patients). One operative death was recorded in the simple closure group, that of a 92‐year‐old woman operated 36 hours after the onset of perforation, who died on the seventh postoperative day of infectious pulmonary complications. There were no deaths in the vagotomy group. The mortality in the 2 groups, simple closure and vagotomy, can be assumed to be similar according to a decision‐making rule based on confidence interval limits (p<0.05). Complications and postoperative course were similar in both groups except for wound infection, which was more frequent in the vagotomy group than in the simple closure group (p<0.05). Two previous prospective clinical trials have shown that relief of symptoms was better in the group treated by definitive surgery than in the control group treated by simple closure. Demonstration of similar mortality rates in simple closure and vagotomy groups failed in these 2 trials because of a high type II error. We conclude therefore, that because of equal postoperative mortality (p<0.05) and better long‐term results, definitive surgery is better than simple closure in the treatment of nonsealed perforated duodenal ulcer.
Lymphography of the breast as an accessory in the early diagnosis and detection of carcinoma of the breast: Lymphography as a prognostic tool
Authors: Rosenblum Izhak , Wischnitzer Theodor , Stadier Jona A. , Bar‐On M. Jack
Published: May 2005

Radionuclide lymphography of the internal mammary and axillary lymph nodes performed on 63 patients with suspected carcinoma of the breast showed good correlation with the histological findings. Twenty‐seven of these patients proved to have carcinoma, 14 with lymph node involvement and 13 without. The remaining 36 had benign lesions.

Radionuclide lymphography was accurate in 60 of the 63 cases (95%), giving a sensitivity of 13/14(93%) and a specificity of 47/49(96%). Thus, the technique appears to be sufficiently accurate to suggest its use as a routine noninvasive preoperative examination, enabling the surgeon to reach a decision on patient management, type of operation or radiation therapy. Important additional factors influencing this decision are the possibility of crossover in lymphatic drainage from one breast to the other or a possible malignant lesion on the breast that was not biopsied and would thus go undetected had lymphography not been performed.
Eland, Hunters and Concepts of ‘Sympathetic Control’: Expressed in Southern African Rock Art
Authors: Thackeray J. Francis
Published: May 2005

Depictions of wounded or dying eland, juxtaposed with images of human or therianthropic figures ‘dying’ in trance or symbolically ‘wounded’, are discussed in the context of ‘sympathetic control’ expressed in southern African rock art. It is suggested that the development of concepts of control included the use of skin costumes in hunting contexts and in ritual, linked to concepts associated with trance.
PROTEINURIA IN PREGNANCY – JUST WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT?
Authors: MAYBURY HELENA , WAUGH JASON
Published: May 2005

Apart from the measurement of blood pressure, dipstick analysis of urine for protein is the most commonly performed antenatal screening test. The presence of proteinuria is seen as a possible indication of many complications in pregnancy, from urinary tract infection to chronic renal disease and it remains central to the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in a hypertensive pregnancy. It has both diagnostic and prognostic implications when it is found though the optimal methods for detection and quantification in primary and secondary care remain controversial.
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE: A REVIEW DESCRIBING THE APPLICATION OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM WORKING IN THIS CONDITION BASED UPON THE EXPERIENCES OF A REGIONAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE CENTRE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Authors: HODGKINSON PETER D , BROWN SUSAN , DUNCAN DOROTHY , GRANT CHRISTINE , McNAUGHTON AMY , THOMAS POLLY , MATTICK C RYE
Published: May 2005

The management of children with cleft lip and palate presents many challenges but also many rewards. Our involvement with these children and their families often begins before birth and can extend into late adulthood. Affected individuals present a multiplicity of problems and effective management involves a wide range of specialists.
Modeling the effects of two different land cover change data sets on the carbon stocks of plants and soils in concert with CO2 and climate change
Authors: Jain Atul K. , Yang Xiaojuan
Published: May 2005

A geographically explicit terrestrial carbon cycle component of the Integrated Science Assessment Model (ISAM) is used to examine the response of plant and soil carbon stocks to historical changes in cropland land cover, atmospheric CO2, and climate. The ISAM model is forced with two different land cover change data sets for cropland: one spatially resolved set based on cropland statistics (Ramankutty and Foley, 1998, 1999) and another regionally specific set based on deforestation rates (Houghton and Hackler, 1999, 2001; Houghton, 1999, 2000, 2003). To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to incorporate Houghton's regionally specific land cover change data into a spatially resolved terrestrial model. Our model results indicate that globally aggregated land use emissions are not sensitive to the spatially explicit location of the natural vegetation converted for croplands within a region. The ISAM estimated land use emissions based on Houghton's data were substantially higher during the 1980s than those based on Ramankutty and Foley's data. Although our results are consistent with previous model results, they do not support the ideas that the differences between the two land use emissions for cropland changes can either be related to modeling framework or global land use practices. This study suggests that differences between the two sets of land use fluxes are primarily due to the differences in the rates of changes in land area amount for croplands. The ISAM model estimates a larger contribution to net CO2 uptake from CO2 fertilization (−2.0 GtC/yr), and a smaller contribution from biospheric CO2 release due to the climate effect (0.7 GtC/yr) during the 1980s. The negative CO2 fertilization feedback is most pronounced in the tropics and midlatitudes, whereas the positive temperature effect on CO2 uptake is most pronounced in the high‐latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The ISAM estimated land use emissions due to land cover changes for croplands and pasturelands during the 1980s vary between 1.60 and 2.06 GtC/yr. Most importantly, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates based on the CO2 and O2 data indicate that terrestrial ecosystems become a sink for atmospheric CO2 in the 1980s (−0.2 ± 0.7 GtC/yr), whereas they remain a source in simulations based on the ISAM (0.63 ± 0.20 GtC/yr). Our results leave open the possibility that the discrepancy in the magnitudes of the modeled and data‐based net terrestrial uptakes for the 1980s decade reflect weaknesses in the terrestrial biosphere model and/or uncertainties in the land cover, O2 data, or data‐based estimates.
Localized versus distributed shear in transform plate boundary zones: The case of the Dead Sea Transform in the Jericho Valley
Authors: Shamir G. , Eyal Y. , Bruner I.
Published: May 2005

Continental transform plate boundaries are typically either localized along a single, usually segmented, major fault or distributed over a broad deformation zone. In the latter, shear is partitioned between major strike slip faults and intervening, often rotating, fault systems. Analog and numerical simulations suggest that such internal fault systems evolve and may be localized or delocalized depending on strain and fault zone strength. This paper examines the degree and evolution of shear localization in the Jericho Valley section of the Dead Sea Transform (DST), which is part of the Africa/Arabia plate boundary. In this section, the current breadth of the transform valley and its penetrative strain field are difficult to reconcile with localized shear. We integrate newly acquired high‐resolution reflection data, reprocessed exploration reflection data (both focused to 2.5–3.5 km depth), relatively relocated earthquake epicenters, and fault plane solutions based on P wave first arrivals and suggest reinterpretations for previously published structural and seismic data in the Jericho Valley and the northern Dead Sea basin. It is found that shear in this section of the DST evolved from an early, probably Miocene‐Pliocene, stage of localized strike slip motion primarily along the Jericho fault to a late stage (Pliocene‐Recent) when shear has been distributed over internal fault sets that apparently lean against a major eastern DST segment. In the early stage the Jericho fault formed the western boundary of a deep, narrow, probably pull‐apart basin filled by fluvial clastics and evaporites. This is overlain by the late stage broad basin, characterized by low‐energy deposition of lacustrine and fluvial sediments. Pliocene rock salt has apparently utilized the Jericho fault zone as a conduit for diapirism, causing the uplift, normal faulting, and surface deformation of Late Pleistocene and Holocene sediments currently observed along the ∼15 km long Jericho Lineament. On the basis of the currently observed dextral‐normal motion across the internal NNE‐NE trending fault system, counterclockwise rotation is expected to have occurred within the transform zone. These tectonic and depositional changes were probably associated with onset of transtension across the DST, related to the previously postulated shift of the Africa/Arabia Euler pole of rotation in the Pliocene.
High frequency atmospheric gravity‐wave properties using Fe‐lidar and OH‐imager observations
Authors: Diettrich J. C. , Nott G. J. , Espy P. J. , Swenson G. R. , Chu X. , Taylor M. J. , Riggin D. M. , Fritts D. C.
Published: May 2005

Simultaneous iron resonance lidar density profiles, OH intensity images and MF‐radar wind measurements have been used to determine the horizontal and vertical components of high‐frequency (<=∼1 hour) atmospheric gravity waves (AGW). Previous investigations predicted that AGW information from lidars and imagers could only be combined over a limited range. Here, a novel approach to increasing the utility of the simultaneous lidar and OH imager measurement are presented. By temporally high‐pass filtering each altitude‐bin of the lidar profiles, the vertical wavelengths of AGW typically observed with the OH imager become apparent. Measured OH imager horizontal wavelengths were converted into vertical wavelengths using the dispersion relationship and background winds, showing that the instruments were able to observe the same waves. Hence, the lidar‐imager combination is able to access the intrinsic wave components to allow investigation of AGW propagation and an assessment of the chemical waves effects on minor species chemistry.
Retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties using surface MultiFilter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) data: Modeling and observations
Authors: Kassianov Evgueni I. , Barnard James C. , Ackerman Thomas P.
Published: May 2005

MultiFilter Rotating Shadowband Radiometers (MFRSRs) are widely deployed over the world. These radiometers measure the total, direct, and diffuse components of shortwave, narrowband irradiance at six wavelengths. For five of these wavelengths, aerosol optical depths and single scattering albedos can be retrieved. We describe here a simple retrieval technique that can significantly extend the capability of the MFRSR to study atmospheric aerosols and can provide a means for simultaneous retrieval of the mean particle radius, total number of particles (for an assumed size distribution), and the imaginary refractive index. This technique is based on measurements of the direct irradiances at two wavelengths (0.415 μm and 0.870 μm) and the diffuse irradiance at 0.415 μm. Our technique requires assumptions regarding the shape of the aerosol size distribution, and the real part of the refractive index, as well as an estimate of the surface albedo at 0.415 μm. Given plausible values of these quantities, sensitivity tests show that successful retrievals of aerosol characteristics can be achieved. However, the retrieval does not work when the aerosol is dominated by coarse mode particles such as dust, because of the weak dependence of aerosol optical thickness on wavelength. The technique has been applied to derive time series of aerosol microphysical properties from MFRSR measurements taken during a single day, 27 April 2003, of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area field campaign. Additionally, MFRSR‐derived aerosol properties are in good agreement with Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals made also in Mexico City.
Relationship Between Successful Ablation Sites and the Scar Border Zone Defined by Substrate Mapping for Ventricular Tachycardia Post‐Myocardial Infarction
Authors: VERMA ATUL , MARROUCHE NASSIR F , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT A. , SALIBA WALID , WAZNI OUSSAMA , CUMMINGS JENNIFER , ABDUL‐KARIM AHMAD , BHARGAVA MANDEEP , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , KILICASLAN FETHI , MARTIN DAVID O. , NATALE ANDREA
Published: May 2005

Introduction: It is unknown if identification of scar border zones by electroanatomical mapping correlates with successful ablation sites determined from mapping during ventricular tachycardia (VT) post‐myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to assess the relationship between successful ablation sites of hemodynamically stable post‐MI VTs determined by mapping during VT with the scar border zone defined in sinus rhythm.

Methods and Results: Forty‐six patients presenting with hemodynamically stable, mappable monomorphic VT post‐MI and who had at least one such VT successfully ablated were prospectively included in the study. In each patient, VT was ablated by targeting regions during VT that exhibited early activation, ± isolated mid‐diastolic potentials, and concealed entrainment suggesting a critical isthmus site. Prior to ablation, a detailed sinus‐rhythm CARTO voltage map of the left ventricle was obtained. A voltage <0.5 mV defined dense scar. Successful VT ablation sites were registered on the sinus voltage map to assess their relationship to the scar border zone. Of the 86 VTs, 68% were successfully ablated at sites in the endocardial border zone. The remaining VTs had ablation sites within the scar in (18%), in normal myocardium (4%), and on the epicardial surface (10%). There were no significant differences in VT recurrence amongst the different groups.

Conclusion: Successful ablation sites of hemodynamically stable, monomorphic VTs post‐MI are often located in the scar border zone as defined by substrate voltage mapping. However, in a sizable minority, ablation sites are located within endocardial scar, epicardially, and even in normal myocardium.