bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape‐Selective Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles Stabilized by Highly Branched Amphiphilic Polymers
Authors: Schlotterbeck U. , Aymonier C. , Thomann R. , Hofmeister H. , Tromp M. , Richtering W. , Mecking S.
Published: October 2004

Despite the current broad interest in such materials, the synthesis of defined structures in the size range of 10 nm to ca. 1 μm (“mesoscopic”) is challenging. Few routes shape‐selectively afford geometrically regular structures, other than the typical spherical metal particles of 1 to 10 nm. Moreover, these few routes are largely restricted to aqueous systems, however, for catalysis and other applications dispersions in organic solvents are desirable. Carbon monoxide reduction of a palladium(II) compound in combination with stabilization by (readily available) amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers surprisingly affords dispersions of hexagonal platelets selectively with average sizes of thirty to several hundred nanometers in toluene. The size can be controlled by the polymer composition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy demonstrate these palladium(0) platelets to be extremely thin (1–2 nm). Despite this high aspect ratio, the platelets prove quite shear resistant.
A Highly Active 4‐Siloxyproline Catalyst for Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Yamaguchi Junichiro , Hibino Kazuhiko , Sumiya Tatsunobu , Urushima Tatsuya , Shoji Mitsuru , Hashizume Daisuke , Koshino Hiroyuki
Published: October 2004

trans‐4‐tert‐Butyldimethylsiloxy‐L‐proline displays a greater catalytic activity than the parent proline without compromising the enantioselectivity, which widens the substrate scope in the α‐aminoxylation of carbonyl compounds, as well as O‐nitroso‐aldol/Michael, and Mannich reactions.
Carbon/carbon composites derived from poly(ethylene oxide)‐modified novolac‐type phenolic resin: Microstructure and physical, and morphological properties
Authors: Hung Albert Y. C. , Wang Feng‐Yih , Yeh Shang‐Ru , Chen Wei‐Jen , Ma Chen‐Chi M.
Published: October 2004

A poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) novolac‐type phenolic resin blend was prepared by the physical blending method. The modified novolac‐type phenolic resin with various PEO contents was used as a matrix precursor to fabricate carbon/carbon composites. The effect of the PEO/phenolic resin mixing ratio on the change of the density and of the porosity was studied. The flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the PEO/phenolic resin blend‐derived carbon/carbon composites were also investigated. The results show that the density of the PEO/phenolic resin blend‐derived carbon/carbon composites decreases with the PEO content. The X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra studies showed that the carbon fiber in the samples will affect the growth of the ordered carbon structure. From SEM morphological observation, it is shown that the fracture surface of specimens is smooth. Also, there is less fiber pull‐out and fiber breakage on the fracture surface. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 1609–1619, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10407
Improvement of physical properties of crosslinked alginate and carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan blend films
Authors: Xiao Chaobo , Weng Lihui , Zhang Lina
Published: October 2004

Blend films from carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan and sodium alginate in different ratios were prepared by blending 4 wt % sodium alginate aqueous solution with 2 wt % konjac glucomannan aqueous solution. After crosslinking with 5 wt % calcium chloride aqueous solution, the blend films formed a structure of semi‐interpenetrating networks. The structure and physical properties of both uncrosslinked and crosslinked films were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectra (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile tests. The results indicated that the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the films were improved by blending sodium alginate with carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between sodium alginate and carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan. The crosslinked blend films with Ca2+, compared with uncrosslinked blend films, exhibited further improved physical properties due to the formation of a semi‐IPN structure. Furthermore, the degree of swelling of the crosslinked films was also investigated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2554–2560, 2002
Comparative anatomy of the buccinator muscle in cat (Felis domestica)
Authors: Tomo Soichiro , Tomo Ikuko , Nakajima Koh , Townsend Grant C. , Hirata Kazuaki
Published: October 2004

Published descriptions of the buccinator muscle of the cat (Felis domestica) differ from those for the same muscle in other mammals. Only an oral component of the muscle has been described in cats, not a buccal part. The purpose of this study was to identify the buccinator muscle in the cat and report on its anatomical features in detail. Dissections of the facial muscles were carried out on 12 specimens of adult cats (6 males and 6 females) that had been fixed with 10% formalin. We then observed the facial muscles and traced their innervations, arteries, and veins under a binocular microscope. The buccinator muscle in the cat was identified underneath an orbicularis oris, arising from the lower buccal membrane and from the molar region of the alveolar border of the mandible. It was about 3 mm wide at its origin, 4 mm wide at its insertion, and about 11 mm in length from origin to insertion. This contrasts with humans, in whom the muscle arises not only from the mandible, but also from the maxilla. Apart from this difference, this muscle in cats displays the following similarities to the buccinator muscle of other mammals: 1) it is innervated by the facial nerve; 2) it supports the buccal membrane; 3) it seems to insert into the modiolus; 4) its bundles run antero‐posteriorly; 5) the posterior part of the muscle is located medially to the masseter muscle; 6) the parotid duct, facial nerve, artery, and vein run lateral to the muscle; 7) it is located deeper than other facial muscles; and 8) the buccal nerve runs on its surface. These relationships are spatially similar to those of the buccinator muscle in mammals. This muscle may aid in mastication, including suckling, and in expelling air forcibly, like the buccinator in humans. Anat Rec 267:78–86, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of the gubernacular bulb in cremaster muscle development of the rat
Authors: Hrabovszky Zoltan , Pilla Naja Di , Yap Tiffany , Farmer Pamela J. , Hutson John M. , Carlin John B.
Published: October 2004

The role of the gubernaculum during the inguino‐scrotal phase of testicular descent remains controversial. Some authors propose involution and eversion while others suggest active migration, although the site of growth is unknown. We aimed to determine whether the gubernacular bulb is actively proliferating or regressing during inguino‐scrotal testicular descent in the rat. Gubernacula were removed from Sprague‐Dawley rats and congenitally‐cryptorchid TS mutant rats. Animals (0, 3, 7, 10, and 11 days of age) were treated with bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) 2 hr before they were killed. BUdR incorporation into newly synthesized DNA served as a marker of cell division. The gubernacula were histologically processed for hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) and immunoperoxidase staining. Four different areas within the gubernaculum were examined for BUdR‐positive cells: area 1: plica gubernaculi (cord); area 2: pars infravaginalis gubernaculi (bulb); area 3: distal part of the cremaster muscle; and area 4: proximal part of the cremaster muscle. The rate of cell division for each of these areas was determined by counting the number of BUdR‐positive cells per 100 cells. The highest rate of BUdR labeling in both types of rats was in area 2, which is the tip of the gubernacular bulb, and this was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) than in the gubernacular cord or developing cremaster muscle. The mitotic activity was also noted to be significantly greater (P < 0.0001) at the distal end of the cremaster muscle than at the proximal end. The amount of mitosis decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in areas 2 and 4 of the gubernaculum in Sprague‐Dawley rats across the period studied. This trend was not observed in TS rats. Our results suggest that the bulb actively proliferates after birth, with possible differentiation into new cremaster muscle cells. We propose that the bulb is the growing end of the elongating gubernaculum, analogous to the growth of a limb bud. Anat Rec 267:159–165, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histological definition of the vomeronasal organ in humans and chimpanzees, with a comparison to other primates
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Bhatnagar Kunwar P. , Shimp Kristin L. , Kinzinger Jonathan H. , Bonar Christopher J. , Burrows Annie M. , Mooney Mark P. , Siegel Michael I.
Published: October 2004

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure that has morphological indications of functionality in strepsirhine and New World primates examined to date. In these species, it is thought to mediate certain socio‐sexual behaviors. The functionality and even existence of the VNO in Old World primates has been debated. Most modern texts state that the VNO is absent in Old World monkeys, apes, and humans. A recent study on the VNO in the chimpanzee (Smith et al., 2001b) challenged this notion, demonstrating the need for further comparative studies of primates. In particular, there is a need to establish how the human/chimpanzee VNO differs from that of other primates and even nonhomologous mucosal ducts. Histochemical and microscopic morphological characteristics of the VNO and nasopalatine duct (NPD) were examined in 51 peri‐ and postnatal primates, including humans, chimpanzees, five species of New World monkeys, and seven strepsirhine species. The nasal septum was removed from each primate and histologically processed for coronal sectioning. Selected anteroposterior intervals of the VNO were variously stained with alcian blue (AB)‐periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS), PAS only, Gomori trichrome, or hematoxylin‐eosin procedures. All strepsirhine species had well developed VNOs, with a prominent neuroepithelium and vomeronasal cartilages that nearly surrounded the VNO. New World monkeys had variable amounts of neuroepithelia, whereas Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens had no recognizable neuroepithelium or vomeronasal nerves (VNNs). Certain unidentified cell types of the human/chimpanzee VNO require further examination (immunohistochemical and electron microscopic). The VNOs of P. troglodytes, H. sapiens, and New World monkeys exhibited different histochemistry of mucins compared to strepsirhine species. The nasopalatine region showed great variation among species. It is a blind‐ended pit in P. troglodytes, a glandular recess in H. sapiens, a mucous‐producing duct in Otolemur crassicaudatus, and a stratified squamous passageway in all other species. This study also revealed remarkable morphological/histochemical variability in the VNO and nasopalatine regions among the primate species examined. The VNOs of humans and chimpanzees had some structural similarities to nonhomologous ciliated gland ducts seen in other primates. However, certain distinctions from the VNOs of other primates or nonhomologous epithelial structures characterize the human/chimpanzee VNO: 1) bilateral epithelial tubes; 2) a superiorly displaced position in the same plane as the paraseptal cartilages; 3) a homogeneous, pseudostratified columnar morphology with ciliated regions; and 4) mucous‐producing structures in the epithelium itself. Anat Rec 267:166–176, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rationally designed fluorescently labeled sulfate‐binding protein mutants: Evaluation in the development of a sensing system for sulfate
Authors: Shrestha Suresh , Salins Lyndon L. E. , Mark Ensor C. , Daunert Sylvia
Published: October 2004

Periplasmic binding proteins from E. coli undergo large conformational changes upon binding their respective ligands. By attaching a fluorescent probe at rationally selected unique sites on the protein, these conformational changes in the protein can be monitored by measuring the changes in fluorescence intensity of the probe which allow the development of reagentless sensing systems for their corresponding ligands. In this work, we evaluated several sites on bacterial periplasmic sulfate‐binding protein (SBP) for attachment of a fluorescent probe and rationally designed a reagentless sensing system for sulfate. Eight different mutants of SBP were prepared by employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to introduce a unique cysteine residue at a specific location on the protein. The sites Gly55, Ser90, Ser129, Ala140, Leu145, Ser171, Val181, and Gly186 were chosen for mutagenesis by studying the three‐dimensional X‐ray crystal structure of SBP. An environment‐sensitive fluorescent probe (MDCC) was then attached site‐specifically to the protein through the sulfhydryl group of the unique cysteine residue introduced. Each fluorescent probe‐conjugated SBP mutant was characterized in terms of its fluorescence properties and Ser171 was determined to be the best site for the attachment of the fluorescent probe that would allow for the development of a reagentless sensing system for sulfate. Three different environment‐sensitive fluorescent probes (1,5‐IAEDANS, MDCC, and acylodan) were studied with the SBP171 mutant protein. A calibration curve for sulfate was constructed using the labeled protein and relating the change in the fluorescence intensity with the amount of sulfate present in the sample. The detection limit for sulfate was found to be in the submicromolar range using this system. The selectivity of the sensing system was demonstrated by evaluating its response to other anions. A fast and selective sensing system with detection limits for sulfate in the submicromolar range was developed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 517–526, 2002.
Monitoring of complex industrial bioprocesses for metabolite concentrations using modern spectroscopies and machine learning: Application to gibberellic acid production
Authors: McGovern Aoife C. , Broadhurst David , Taylor Janet , Kaderbhai Naheed , Winson Michael K. , Small David A. , Rowland Jem J. , Kell Douglas B. , Goodacre Royston
Published: October 2004

Two rapid vibrational spectroscopic approaches (diffuse reflectance–absorbance Fourier transform infrared [FT‐IR] and dispersive Raman spectroscopy), and one mass spectrometric method based on in vacuo Curie‐point pyrolysis (PyMS), were investigated in this study. A diverse range of unprocessed, industrial fed‐batch fermentation broths containing the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi producing the natural product gibberellic acid, were analyzed directly without a priori chromatographic separation. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied to all of the information‐rich spectra obtained by each of the methods to obtain quantitative information on the gibberellic acid titer. These estimates were of good precision, and the typical root‐mean‐square error for predictions of concentrations in an independent test set was <10% over a very wide titer range from 0 to 4925 ppm. However, although PLSR and ANNs are very powerful techniques they are often described as “black box” methods because the information they use to construct the calibration model is largely inaccessible. Therefore, a variety of novel evolutionary computation‐based methods, including genetic algorithms and genetic programming, were used to produce models that allowed the determination of those input variables that contributed most to the models formed, and to observe that these models were predominantly based on the concentration of gibberellic acid itself. This is the first time that these three modern analytical spectroscopies, in combination with advanced chemometric data analysis, have been compared for their ability to analyze a real commercial bioprocess. The results demonstrate unequivocally that all methods provide very rapid and accurate estimates of the progress of industrial fermentations, and indicate that, of the three methods studied, Raman spectroscopy is the ideal bioprocess monitoring method because it can be adapted for on‐line analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 527–538, 2002.
Coil‐like structure of the inner core of chordae tendineae
Authors: Sato Iwao
Published: October 2004

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the chordae tendineae in young (∼20 years old) and old (∼85 years old) cadavers. A network of collagen fibrils was observed in both the outer and intersurface layers of the chordae tendineae. In young subjects, a regularly arranged series of disconnected collagenous ring‐like structures surrounded the longitudinal collagen bundles forming the inner core of the chordae tendineae. In old subjects, the ring‐like structures of the chordae tendineae were few or absent. The ring‐like structures may be related to reducing mechanical stress during the tightening, twisting, and slackening of the chordae tendineae. Clin. Anat. Month:196–198, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital undescended scapula (Sprengel deformity): A case study
Authors: Boon J.M. , Potgieter D. , Van Jaarsveld Z. , Frantzen D.J.M.
Published: October 2004

This study describes a congenital deformity of the shoulder joint in a 5‐year‐old female, associated with an undescended scapula and the presence of an omovertebral bone. Dissections on 16 cadavers were done to identify structures in danger of injure before operating on the patient. Surgeons need to take specific note of the dorsal scapular nerve. Clin. Anat. 15:139–142, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in the origin of the inferior alveolar nerve
Authors: Roy T.S. , Sarkar A.K. , Panicker H.K.
Published: October 2004

The inferior alveolar nerve and maxillary artery were studied in 40 human heads through infratemporal dissection; in one specimen, a unusual variation in the origin of the inferior alveolar nerve and its relationship with the surrounding structures was observed. The inferior alveolar nerve originated from the mandibular nerve by two roots and the second part of the maxillary artery was incorporated between them. An embryologic origin of this variation and its clinical implications is discussed. Because the maxillary artery ran between the two roots of the inferior alveolar nerve, and the nerve was fixed between the foramen ovale and mandibular foramen, tension and compression of the nerve from arterial pulsation could cause mandibular neuralgia. Clin. Anat. 15:143–147, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loop Flexibility and Solvent Dynamics as Determinants for the Selective Inhibition of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 4: Comparative Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of CDK2 and CDK4
Authors: Park Hwangseo , Yeom Min Sun , Lee Sangyoub
Published: October 2004

The design and discovery of selective cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitors have been actively pursued in order to develop therapeutic cancer treatments. By means of a consecutive computational protocol involving homology modeling, docking experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations, we examine the characteristic structural and dynamic properties that distinguish CDK4 from CDK2 in its complexation with selective inhibitors. The results for all three CDK4‐selective inhibitors under investigation show that the large‐amplitude motion of a disordered loop of CDK4 is damped out in the presence of the inhibitors whereas their binding in the CDK2 active site has little effect on the loop flexibility. It is also found that the binding preference of CDK4‐ selective inhibitors for CDK4 over CDK2 stems from the reduced solvent accessibility in the active site of the former due to the formation of a stable hydrogen‐bond triad by the Asp99, Arg101, and Thr102 side chains at the top of the active‐site gorge. Besides the differences in loop flexibility and solvent accessibility, the dynamic stabilities of the hydrogen bonds between the inhibitors and the side chain of the lysine residue at the bottom of the active site also correlate well with the relative binding affinities of the inhibitors for the two CDKs. These results highlight the usefulness of this computational approach in evaluating the selectivity of a CDK inhibitor, and demonstrate the necessity of considering protein flexibility and solvent effects in designing new selective CDK4‐selective inhibitors.
Flat‐panel detectors in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: Revolution or evolution—what are the issues?
Authors: Holmes David R. , Laskey Warren K. , Wondrow Merrill A. , Cusma Jack T.
Published: October 2004

Continuous developments in digital imaging technology have contributed to the vital role held today by digital X‐ray imaging in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Foremost among these developments is the replacement of cine film with digital data equivalents as the procedure record. Other improvements include software innovations and processing algorithms, along with new types of hardware capable of delivering required functionality more rapidly. A significant recent development is that of the flat‐panel X‐ray detector as a replacement for the image intensifier, which has served the needs of the cardiac catheterization laboratory for nearly 5 decades. Clinical users must evaluate the respective technologies and determine whether one or the other meets the needs of their own laboratories. In this review, the two competing detector technologies are reviewed and a summary of general advantages and disadvantages of each is provided. A qualitative description is provided of parameters that can be used to assess quantitatively the performance of detectors and imaging systems. Using such objective measurements, together with standard techniques for evaluating imaging systems, angiographers and managers can better arrive at informed decisions for their own situation. Cathet Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:324–330. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved performance of a new thrombus aspiration catheter: Outcomes from in vitro experiments and a case presentation
Authors: Sakurada Masami , Ikari Yuji , Isshiki Takaaki
Published: October 2004

Thrombus vacuum catheter (TVAC) is a new thrombus aspiration catheter. The catheter has a beak‐shaped distal tip and a shaft with spring support. Based on in vitro tests, these design features showed improved ability to pass through a simulated coronary artery model with a bend and to aspirate gel. TVAC has an outer diameter of 4.5 Fr and is available with a 7 Fr guide. We report a case of acute myocardial infarction that was successfully treated with TVAC after use of other aspiration devices failed in its treatment. Since protection of microcirculation in coronary reperfusion may be essential in acute myocardial infarction, TVAC is a promising device to help achieve this goal. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:299–306. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noncardiac surgery following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Mendoza Cesar E. , Virani Salim S. , Shah Neerav , Ferreira Alexandre C. , de Marchena Eduardo
Published: October 2004

Patient with Coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing major noncardiac surgery (NCS) are at increased risk of serious perioperative cardiac complications. At the same time, safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before noncardiac surgery has been questioned. This paper reviews the available literature regarding the safety of PCI before NCS. At the same time, cardiac evaluation before NCS, perioperative medical management of patients undergoing NCS, and percutaneous coronary intervention and timing of NCS is also discussed. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:267–273. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Abraham Jame , Bakke Susan , Rutt Ann , Meadows Beverly , Merino Maria , Alexander Richard , Schrump David , Bartlett David , Choyke Peter , Robey Rob , Hung Elizabeth , Steinberg Seth M. , Bates Susan , Fojo Tito
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare, nearly always fatal, and to the authors' knowledge has few nonsurgical treatment options. Based on in vitro studies demonstrating the efficacy of mitotane as a P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) antagonist, and expression of high levels of Pgp in ACC, the authors conducted a study of infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide with oral mitotane ± surgical resection in patients with metastatic ACC.

METHODS

Thirty‐six patients with metastatic ACC received daily oral mitotane (mean, 4.6 g/day) and 96‐hour infusional doxorubicin (10 mg/m2/day), etoposide (75 mg/m2/day), and vincristine (0.4 mg/m2/day). Four responding patients (11%) underwent surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty‐five patients were evaluable; all had metastatic disease. Eleven patients had not undergone resection of the primary tumor. Approximately 53% of patients had functional tumors. A total of 190 cycles were administered to 36 patients. Responses were observed in 8 patients (22%): 1 complete, 4 partial, and 3 minor responses. The mean duration of response was 12.4 months. Using a landmark method, the median survival of patients who did not respond to chemotherapy was 11.6 months from a point 4 months after the initiation of therapy, whereas that of 8 patients who demonstrated a response to chemotherapy was 34.3 months from that same landmark. High levels of Pgp expression were documented in nine of nine tumors. Mitotane levels > 10 μg/mL, previously shown to antagonize Pgp in vitro, were achieved in 25 of 36 patients (69%). However, rhodamine efflux from CD56‐positive cells was not impaired, suggesting poor in vivo Pgp inhibition. The predominant Grade 3/4 toxicity (according to the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute) was neutropenia in 66% of cycles; however, fever occurred in only 3% of cycles. Daily mitotane was associated with Grade 1/2 nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric changes in 31 of 36 patients (86%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a combination regimen of daily mitotane with infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide in patients with metastatic ACC, responses were observed in 22% of patients. The superiority of this combination over single‐agent mitotane is uncertain. The side effects of mitotane made treatment difficult. More effective Pgp antagonists are needed. Cancer 2002;94:2333–43. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10487
Saddle solutions of the balanced bistable diffusion equation
Authors: Shi Junping
Published: October 2004

We prove that Δu + f(u) = 0 has a unique entire solution u(x, y) on ℝ2 which has the same sign as the function xy, where f is a balanced bistable function like f(u) = u − u3. But we neither assume f is odd nor assume the monotonicity properties of f(u)/u. Our result generalizes a previous result by Dang, Fife, and Peletier [12]. Our approach combines bifurcation methods and recent results on the qualitative properties for elliptic equations in unbounded domains by Berestycki, Caffarelli and Nirenberg [5, 6]. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of axillary lymph nodes
Authors: Jaffer Shabnam , Zakowski Maureen
Published: October 2004

To assess the efficacy of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of axillary lymph nodes (ALN), we retrospectively analyzed 140 FNAB of ALN at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center, examining technique and cytologic‐histologic correlation. Of the 140 FNAB, 124 were performed by the conventional method and 16 by ultrasound guidance (USG). The diagnoses included: unsatisfactory, 20; negative, 38; positive, 72; suspicious, 6; and indeterminate, 4. Positive diagnoses included: carcinoma, 44.4%; melanoma, 43.0%; lymphoma, 5.6%; sarcoma, 5.6%; and mesothelioma, 1.4%; one of which was false‐positive, attributed to misinterpretation. All indeterminate and most false‐negative cases were due to lymphoproliferative conditions. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAB of ALN were 94.7% and 97.1% and the adequacy rate was 85.7%. The sensitivity, specificity, and adequacy rates of USG FNAB were 100%. Our study shows that FNAB of ALN is an excellent method for diagnosing reactive conditions as well as neoplasms. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;26:69–74; DOI 10.1002/dc.10051 © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atypical squamous metaplasia of seromas in breast needle aspirates from irradiated lumpectomy sites: A potential pitfall for false‐positive diagnoses of carcinoma
Authors: Saad Reda S. , Silverman Jan F. , Julian Thomas , Clary Karen M. , Sturgis Charles D.
Published: October 2004

The presence of squamous metaplasic cells is an uncommon finding in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of the breast. We report that FNA smears containing atypical squamous metaplastic cells derived from the lining of seroma‐type cavities following lumpectomy and irradiation in patients with breast cancer can be a potential pitfall for a false‐positive diagnosis of recurrent malignancy. Four fine‐needle breast aspirates from two adult patients with previous histories of invasive breast carcinoma were retrieved. One specimen was from a 56‐yr‐old female, while the remaining three FNAs aspirates were from a 75‐yr‐old female. Both patients presented with indurated cystic lesions arising at irradiated lumpectomy sites. The cytospins from the 56‐yr‐old patient showed markedly atypical cells having enlarged, degenerating, hyperchromatic nuclei and surrounding dense cytoplasm with sharp borders that were suspicious for carcinoma. A mastectomy revealed irradiation changes and atypical squamous metaplastic cells lining a cystic cavity consistent with a seroma, but there was no evidence of residual cancer. After three aspirations yielded “atypical” diagnoses, the second patient underwent core needle biopsies that also revealed changes consistent with a seroma cavity lined by atypical squamous metaplastic cells. We believe this is the first report of squamous metaplasia occurring in a seroma cavity following lumpectomy and irradiation of the breast. The squamous metaplastic cells in aspirates of these cystic lesions may display significant cellular atypia that can potentially result in a false‐positive diagnosis of malignancy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;26:104–108; DOI 10.1002/dc.10054 © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psammoma bodies in cervicovaginal smears: Incidence and significance
Authors: Parkash Vinita , Chacho Mary S.
Published: October 2004

Psammoma bodies (PB) are seen in a wide variety of gynecologic conditions. However, only a few reports address the incidence or significance of PB in cervicovaginal smears (CVS). Twenty patients with PBs in CVS were identified over a 5‐yr period during which time 82,840 CVS were screened. Nine cases were associated with malignancy: six uterine serous/clear cell carcinoma, two serous ovarian carcinoma, and one fallopian tube carcinoma. The remaining 11 were benign: one had an ovarian cystadenofibroma and one had PB associated with benign endometrium and endosalpingiosis. In the remaining nine cases, PB were not found on additional studies, although four gave a history of oral contraception and one each had chronic endometritis and IUD in place. The presence of atypical glandular cells diagnostic of carcinoma was the only single feature that predicted carcinoma (7/7). A combination of clinicopathologic features were helpful predictors of malignancy: postmenopausal bleeding (8/9 cases), age over 45 (9/9 cases), and abnormal clinical examination (5/9 cases). Conversely, benignancy was associated with postmenopausal bleeding in 1/11 cases, age over 45 in 3/11 cases and abnormal clinical examination in 2/11 cases. The incidence of PB in our series consecutively screened smears is 8 per 82,840 smears (0.009%). Unlike prior reports, we found that the presence of PB on CVS is not as ominous a finding as previously indicated, as only 12.5% (1/8) of patients with PB on their CVS harbor carcinoma. PB in a CVS in a young patient merits a thorough examination, but not surgical exploration in the absence of additional clinical findings or atypical cells on the CVS. Older patients (>45 yr) have a higher incidence of malignancy, even in the absence of clinical findings or atypical cells on CVS, and may warrant a surgical exploration. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;26:81–86; DOI 10.1002/dc.10058 © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D‐HDTV digital coding scheme conforming to MPEG‐2 with full use of disparity compensation
Authors: Naito Sei , Matsumoto Shuichi
Published: October 2004

3D‐HDTV is regarded as the high‐definition image application to succeed HDTV. Narrowband real‐time transmission of 3D‐HDTV is expected to be implemented by highly efficient compression techniques that utilize the features of a stereoscopic moving image. In this paper, the principal objectives are to reduce the image quality differences between the channels and to develop more advanced element technologies based on disparity compensation. Within the MPEG‐2 multiview profile framework, which is the international standard for stereoscopic coding, a 3D‐HDTV moving image coding scheme was investigated and its performance evaluated based on simulation test results. First, in addition to introducing common buffer control given the objective of reducing the image quality difference between the channels, the optimum GOP setting for 3D‐HDTV coding is explained. Furthermore, advanced techniques for motion estimation and rate control implemented based on disparity compensation are proposed and shown to be effective in implementing highly efficient 3D‐HDTV coding. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 85(2): 51–60, 2002
Characterization of contact resistance of low‐value resistor by transmission line model (TLM) method
Authors: Kamimura Kiichi , Okada Shinsuke , Nakao Masato , Onuma Yoshiharu , Yamashita Shozo
Published: October 2004

By means of the TLM (Transmission Line Model), the electrode contact resistance is measured and evaluated separately from the total resistance. Ni‐Cr alloy or Cu‐Ni alloy is used in the resistor. The samples for measurement have electrodes formed by electroplating of copper. In addition to deriving the theoretical values by the TLM taking account of the resistance of the electrode metal, the computed values of the resistance are compared with the measured results. When the surface resistance is neglected, the contact resistance per unit area is approximately 2 → 3 × 10−9 Ω m2 between Cu and Ni‐Cr alloy and 2 × 10−10 Ω m2 between Cu and Cu‐Ni alloy. From studies including the temperature characteristics, it is found that the performance of the electrodes dominates the characteristics in a low‐resistance high‐precision resistor. © 2002 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(3): 16–22, 2002
Environmental low‐frequency magnetic field due to direct‐current electric railcars
Authors: Yamazaki Keita , Kato Kazuo , Kobayashi Koichiro , Kawamata Ken , Saga Akiyoshi , Goto Noboru , Minegishi Shigeki , Haga Akira
Published: October 2004

Biomagnetic signals are very weak compared with those of the environmental magnetic field due to trains and motorcars. Trains, especially direct‐current electric railcars, seem to be one of the main urban magnetic noise sources of low frequency in Japan, as indicated by comparing the fluctuation of the magnetic field during the day when there are many trains with that at night when there are no trains. In this paper, the relationship between the environmental magnetic field and the electric current of the direct‐current electric railcar of the personal track is discussed. Next, the fluctuation of the magnetic field is calculated from that of the unbalanced electric current between feeder line and railroad, which could be obtained as the leakage electric current to the ground. The validity of the calculation is verified by comparison with measurements. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 137(3): 10–21, 2001
3D imaging of lightning channel and leader progression velocity
Authors: Yoshihashi Sachiko , Kawasaki Ichiro , Matsuura Kenji , Isoda Hitoshi , Sonoi Yasuo
Published: October 2004

Three‐dimensional imaging of lightning channels by means of UHF interferometers is performed. To realize this, a field campaign was conducted with two observation sites in Darwin, Australia. The distance between the two sites is about 14 km, and the triangulation scheme is applied to estimate locations of UHF radiation sources. Since the UHF radiation is more likely during the leader progression than in the return stroke phase, imaging of lightning channels is obtained mainly for downward leaders. Velocities of downward leaders are estimated and statistics are presented for first and subsequent strokes. The result is consistent with those of former investigations obtained by optical observations. The statistics for the velocity of leader propagation inside thunderclouds are presented herein. Using optical measurement, velocity estimation of leader progressions inside thunderclouds is impossible, and the presented results are concluded to be the first results of their kind. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 137(3): 22–28, 2001
Modulating skeletal muscle mass by postnatal, muscle‐specific inactivation of the myostatin gene
Authors: Grobet Luc , Pirottin Dimitri , Farnir Frédéric , Poncelet Dominique , Royo Luis Jose , Brouwers Benoît , Christians Elisabeth , Desmecht Daniel , Coignoul Freddy , Kahn Ronald , Georges Michel
Published: October 2004

By using a conditional gene targeting approach exploiting the cre‐lox system, we show that postnatal inactivation of the myostatin gene in striated muscle is sufficient to cause a generalized muscular hypertrophy of the same magnitude as that observed for constitutive myostatin knockout mice. This formally demonstrates that striated muscle is the production site of functional myostatin and that this member of the TGFβ family of growth and differentiation factors regulates muscle mass not only during early embryogenesis but throughout development. It indicates that myostatin antagonist could be used to treat muscle wasting and to promote muscle growth in man and animals. genesis 35:227–238, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of Ci‐Brachyury‐GFP stable transgenic lines in the ascidian Ciona savignyi
Authors: Deschet Karine , Nakatani Yuki , Smith William C.
Published: October 2004

Summary: We report generation of stable transgenic lines of the ascidian Ciona savignyi carrying a Ciona intestinalis‐Brachyury‐promoter/Green Fluorescent Protein‐reporter (Ci‐Bra‐GFP) construct. The transgenic lines were made using a technique in which the endonuclease I‐SceI was coinjected into fertilized eggs with a transgene construct containing flanking recognition sites for I‐SceI. Two founder animals, out of 12 F0 adults tested, were found to transmit the transgene to their offspring (F1s) at frequencies of 42% and 23%. The transgene was further inherited by the F2 in a Mendelian fashion and displayed nonmosaic expression, indicating integration into the genome. The Mendelian inheritance and the absence of mosaicism persisted through the F3 and F4 generations. Southern blot analyses showed that the transgene was organized in tandem arrays of no more than 10 copies. Using these Ci‐Bra‐GFP transgenics, we describe cellular movements and shape changes involved in notochord morphogenesis in both wildtype and mutant embryos. genesis 35:248–259, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Waiting time and doctor shopping in a mixed medical economy
Authors: Yeung Raymond Y.T. , Leung Gabriel M. , McGhee Sarah M. , Johnston Janice M.
Published: October 2004

Waiting time generally acts as a rationing mechanism in the public health care system. In theory, patients who have a higher valuation of time are more likely to seek alternative care (i.e. doctor shopping) if there is a parallel private sector than those who have weaker time preference. However, the existing settings of many health care systems do not allow patients to reveal their preference of such. The data presented in this study suggest a positive association between patients' expressed value of time and doctor shopping behaviour in Hong Kong. Patients who were assigned longer waiting times relative to their expected horizon were more likely to seek private alternative care. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat and mass transfer of seed drying in a two‐pass infrared radiation vibrated bed
Authors: Zhu Kai , Zou Jin , Chu Zhide , Li Xun
Published: October 2004

Based on the investigation of drying of seeds by one‐pass infrared radiation vibration, the present study developed a two‐pass infrared radiation vibrated dryer. One of its characteristics was that during the drying process both seeds and the inlet hot air went through outer and inner cylinders (two‐pass) so that the drying travel distance of seeds was extended by 20%. Unsteady drying dynamic experiments showed that by increasing the inner travel distance, the seed dehydration rate increased by 87%, the total drying period was 1/1.8 times that of the one‐pass dryer, and the seed temperature was 0.82 times that of the one‐pass dryer. With the constant‐drying‐rate period prolonged and the drying rate increased due to the addition of the inner cylinder, the whole drying process was better adaptable to the physiology and biology of seeds and thus kept the seeds viable and enhanced heat and mass transfer. Against the drying rate equation, the paper experimentally studied the effects of radiation, convection, and conduction on the seed drying process. The study provided theoretical and technical bases for the drying of various vegetable seeds. © 2002 Scripta Technica, Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(2): 141–147, 2002; DOI 10.1002/htj.10024
Bacterial adhesion onto azidated poly(vinyl chloride) surfaces
Authors: Lakshmi S. , Kumar S. S. Pradeep , Jayakrishnan A.
Published: October 2004

A plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) surface was modified by azidation using sodium azide in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst in aqueous media. Subsequent to azidation, the surface was crosslinked using ultraviolet radiation. Contact angle measurements showed that the surface became hydrophilic on azidation whereas photoirradiation did not have any further effect on the hydrophilicity of the azidated surface. Control, azidated, and photocrosslinked surfaces were exposed to two strains of bacteria commonly implicated in device infection such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Whereas the control and photocrosslinked surfaces showed no significant difference in bacterial adhesion, the azidated surface showed significantly reduced adhesion to both strains. Data obtained indicate that the presence of an intact azide function on the polymer surface is responsible for the reduced bacterial adherence and the surface hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity did not exert any effect in the present case. Although azides are known to be effective only against Gram‐negative species, surprising was the observation that the azidated polymer surface was equally effective against a Gram‐positive species such as S. aureus. Because sodium azide is routinely used as a preservative to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in many microbiology reagents and diagnostic kits, covalent binding of the azide onto a polymer surface or synthesizing azide containing polymers may be an interesting method to investigate in tackling the problem of bacterial adhesion and colonization of medical devices. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 26–32, 2002
Three‐dimensional macroporous calcium phosphate bioceramics with nested chitosan sponges for load‐bearing bone implants
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Miqin
Published: October 2004

Three‐dimensional macroporous calcium phosphate bioceramics embedded with porous chitosan sponges were synthesized to produce composite scaffolds with high mechanical strength and a large surface/volume ratio for load‐bearing bone repairing and substitutes. The macroporous calcium phosphate bioceramics with pore diameters of 300 μm to 600 μm were developed using a porogen burnout technique, and the chitosan sponges were formed inside the pores of the bioceramics by first introducing chiosan solution into the pores followed by a freeze‐drying process. Our scanning electron microscopy results showed that the pore size of chitosan sponges formed inside the macroporous structure of bioceramics was approximately 100 μm, a structure favorable for bone tissue in‐growth. The compressive modulus and yield stress of the composite scaffolds were both greatly improved in comparison with that of HA/β‐TCP scaffolds. The simulated body fluid (SBF) and cell culture experiments were conducted to assess the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the scaffolds. In the SBF tests, a layer of randomly oriented needle‐like apatite crystals formed on the scaffold surface after sample immersion in SBF, which suggested that the composite material has good bioactivity. The cell culture experiments showed that MG63 osteoblast cells attached to the composite scaffolds, proliferated on the scaffold surface, and migrated onto the pore walls, indicating good cell biocompatibility of the scaffold. The cell differentiation on the composite scaffolds was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. Compared with the control in tissue culture dishes, the cells had almost the same ALP activity on the composite scaffolds during the first 11 days of culture. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61:1–8, 2002
Inhibition of human squalene monooxygenase by selenium compounds
Authors: Gupta Nisha , Porter Todd D.
Published: October 2004

Selenosis in animals is characterized by a variety of neurological abnormalities, but the chemical species of selenium and the molecular targets that mediate this neurotoxicity are unknown. We have previously shown that selenite is a potent inhibitor of squalene monooxygenase, the second enzyme in the committed pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis; inhibition of this enzyme by dimethyltellurium leads to a peripheral demyelinating neuropathy similar to that seen in selenosis. To evaluate the role methylation plays in selenium toxicity, we examined the ability of three methylselenium compounds, methylselenol, dimethylselenide, and trimethylselenonium iodide, to inhibit purified recombinant human squalene monooxygenase. IC50values for methylselenol (95 μM) and dimethylselenide (680 μM) were greater than that previously obtained for selenite (37 μM), and inhibition by trimethylselenonium iodide was evident only at concentrations above 3 mM. Inhibition by methylselenol as well as by selenite was slow and irreversible, suggestive of covalent binding to the enzyme, and thiol‐containing compounds could prevent and reverse this inhibition, indicating that these compounds were reacting with sulfhydryl groups on the protein. Monothiols such as glutathione and β‐mercaptoethanol provided better protection than did dithiols, suggesting that these selenium compounds bind to only one of the two proposed vicinal cysteines on squalene monooxygenase. Unexpectedly, the inhibition by selenite was significantly enhanced by dithiols, indicating that a more toxic species, possibly selenide, was formed in the presence of these dithiol reductants. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 16:18–23, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jbt.10014