bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland lesions
Authors: Christensen Rikke Kølby , Bjørndal Kristine , Godballe Christian , Krogdahl Annelise
Published: May 2009

Background.

The aim of this study was to assess the utility of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis and treatment planning of the lesions of the salivary gland.

Methods.

Eight hundred seventy‐nine aspiration biopsies of the lesion of the salivary gland over a 10‐year period, from 1997 to 2006, were reviewed with special reference to its value in the clinical treatment of patients.

Results.

Cytologic as well as histologic diagnoses of 382 patients were available. In these diagnoses, the sensitivity of malignancy was 83% and specificity was 99%. The positive predictive value was 98%, and the negative predictive value was 97%. The overall accuracy was 93%. The correct subtyping of the benign lesions was 97%, and the exact type‐specific concordance of the malignant lesions was 71%.

Conclusion.

Considerable benefit to the patient may result from the cautious use of FNAB of lesions of the salivary gland. The close co‐operation between pathologist and surgeon can improve individual treatment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Capital gains: expatriate adjustment and the psychological contract in international careers
Authors: Haslberger Arno , Brewster Chris
Published: May 2009

This paper argues that the notion of adjustment to careers involving international assignments needs to be developed further than the current literature reflects. An expatriate assignment is an expatriate's opportunity to build career capital and a company's opportunity to generate social and intellectual capital. The extent of the capital gains will depend considerably on the expatriate's adjustment during and after the assignment, which is influenced by the psychological contract. We argue that our understanding of the career impact of expatriation will be enhanced by a more refined picture of the adjustment that expatriates experience during the assignment and during repatriation. In particular, we examine adjustment as process rather than as event. We propose a broad conception of expatriate adjustment and its link to careers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dealing with rough times: a capabilities development approach to surviving and thriving
Authors: Mohrman Susan Albers , Worley Christopher G.
Published: May 2009

Leaders during a deep and prolonged downturn should introduce organizational practices that build capability in the organization, not only to withstand the uncertainties of rough times better, but also to emerge stronger for the future. We present a set of organization design changes that can create closer connections to the marketplace and better use knowledge in the organization to introduce new ways to deliver value while consuming fewer resources. During rapid change and extreme threats, steering the ship is not sufficient. Leaders must introduce approaches that tap employees' energies throughout the organization. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downregulation of p21‐activated kinase‐1 inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells involving cyclin B1
Authors: Liu Funan , Li Xiaodong , Wang Chunyu , Cai Xinze , Du Zhongmin , Xu Huimian , Li Feng
Published: May 2009

p21‐activated kinase 1 (Pak1), a serine/threonine kinase, has been implicated in cytoskeletal remodelling, cell motility, apoptosis and transformation. However, the role of Pak1 in gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we detected Pak1 expression in gastric cancer tissues from 40 patients by western blot. Overexpression of Pak1 was associated with progression, metastasis and prognosis of gastric cancer. In addition, we found that knockdown of Pak1 expression significantly inhibited anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent growth in gastric cancer cells, and markedly inhibited gastric cancer cell xenograft tumor growth. In further study, data showed that Pak1 could regulate the expression of cyclin B1 at the mRNA and protein levels, and impact the subcellular distribution and the promoter activity of cyclin B1. Results from deletion and mutant analysis supplied a new NF‐κB binding sites at position ‐321 of cyclin B1 promoter, and indicated that Pak1 regulated the transcription of cyclin B1 in gastric cancer through NF‐κB. In conclusion, Pak1 may be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer. © 2009 UICC
Quantitative expression and immunogenicity of MAGE‐3 and ‐6 in upper aerodigestive tract cancer
Authors: Filho Pedro A. Andrade , López‐Albaitero Andrés , Xi Liqiang , Gooding William , Godfrey Tony , Ferris Robert L.
Published: May 2009

The MAGE antigens are frequently expressed cancer vaccine targets. However, quantitative analysis of MAGE expression in upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumor cells and its association with T‐cell recognition has not been performed, hindering the selection of appropriate candidates for MAGE‐specific immunotherapy. Using quantitative RT‐PCR (QRT‐PCR), we evaluated the expression of MAGE‐3/6 in 65 UADT cancers, 48 normal samples from tumor matched sites and 7 HLA‐A*0201+ squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) cell lines. Expression results were confirmed using Western blot. HLA‐A*0201:MAGE‐3‐ (271–279) specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (MAGE‐CTL) from SCCHN patients and healthy donors showed that MAGE‐3/6 expression was highly associated with CTL recognition in vitro. On the basis of the MAGE‐3/6 expression, we could identify 31 (47%) of the 65 UADT tumors, which appeared to express MAGE‐3/6 at levels that correlated with efficient CTL recognition. To confirm that the level of MAGE‐3 expression was responsible for CTL recognition, 2 MAGE‐3/6 mRNAhigh SCCHN cell lines, PCI‐13 and PCI‐30, were subjected to MAGE‐3/6‐specific knockdown. RNAi‐transfected cells showed that MAGE expression and MAGE‐CTL recognition were significantly reduced. Furthermore, treatment of cells expressing low MAGE‐3/6 mRNA with a demethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC), increased the expression of MAGE‐3/6 and CTL recognition. Thus, using QRT‐PCR UADT cancers frequently express MAGE‐3/6 at levels sufficient for CTL recognition, supporting the use of a QRT‐PCR‐based assay for the selection of candidates likely to respond to MAGE‐3/6 immunotherapy. Demethylating agents could increase the number of patients amenable for targeting epigenetically modified tumor antigens in vaccine trials. © 2009 UICC
Artificial reaction coordinate “tunneling” in free‐energy calculations: The catalytic reaction of RNase H
Authors: Rosta Edina , Woodcock H. Lee , Brooks Bernard R. , Hummer Gerhard
Published: May 2009

We describe a method for the systematic improvement of reaction coordinates in quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations of reaction free‐energy profiles. In umbrella‐sampling free‐energy calculations, a biasing potential acting on a chosen reaction coordinate is used to sample the system in reactant, product, and transition states. Sharp, nearly discontinuous changes along the resulting reaction path are used to identify coordinates that are relevant for the reaction but not properly sampled. These degrees of freedom are then included in an extended reaction coordinate. The general formalism is illustrated for the catalytic cleavage of the RNA backbone of an RNA/DNA hybrid duplex by the RNase H enzyme ofBacillus halodurans. We find that in the initial attack of the phosphate diester by water, the oxygen‐phosphorus distances alone are not sufficient as reaction coordinates, resulting in substantial hysteresis in the proton degrees of freedom and a barrier that is too low (∼10 kcal/mol). If the proton degrees of freedom are included in an extended reaction coordinate, we obtain a barrier of 21.6 kcal/mol consistent with the experimental rates. As the barrier is approached, the attacking water molecule transfers one of its protons to the O1P oxygen of the phosphate group. At the barrier top, the resulting hydroxide ion forms a penta‐coordinated phosphate intermediate. The method used to identify important degrees of freedom, and the procedure to optimize the reaction coordinate are general and should be useful both in classical and in QM/MM free‐energy calculations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Simultaneous inhibition of anti‐coagulation and inflammation: crystal structure of phospholipase A2 complexed with indomethacin at 1.4 Å resolution reveals the presence of the new common ligand‐binding site
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Kumar Ramasamy Prem , Kumar Sanjit , Sharma Sujata , Mir Rafia , Kaur Punit , Srinivasan Alagiri , Singh Tej P.
Published: May 2009

A novel ligand‐binding site with functional implications has been identified in phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The binding of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agent indomethacin at this site blocks both catalytic and anti‐coagulant actions of PLA2. A group IIA PLA2 has been isolated from Daboia russelli pulchella (Russell's viper) which is enzymatically active as well as induces a strong anti‐coagulant action. The binding studies have shown that indomethacin reduces the effects of both anti‐coagulant and pro‐inflammatory actions of PLA2. A group IIA PLA2 was co‐crystallized with indomethacin and the structure of the complex has been determined at 1.4 Å resolution. The structure determination has revealed the presence of an indomethacin molecule in the structure of PLA2 at a site which is distinct from the conventional substrate‐binding site. One of the carboxylic group oxygen atoms of indomethacin interacts with Asp 49 and His 48 through the catalytically important water molecule OW 18 while the second carboxylic oxygen atom forms an ionic interaction with the side chain of Lys 69. It is well known that the residues, His 48 and Asp 49 are essential for catalysis while Lys 69 is a part of the anti‐coagulant loop (residues, 54–77). Indomethacin binds in such a manner that it blocks the access to both, it works as a dual inhibitor for catalytic and anti‐coagulant actions of PLA2. This new binding site in PLA2 has been observed for the first time and indomethacin is the first compound that has been shown to bind at this novel site resulting in the prevention of anti‐coagulation and inflammation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low dose metal particles can induce monocyte/macrophage survival
Authors: Lacey Derek C. , De Kok Bernard , Clanchy Felix I. , Bailey Mark J. , Speed Kathy , Haynes David , Graves Stephen E. , Hamilton John A.
Published: May 2009

Aseptic loosening results in pain, loss of function, and ultimately prosthetic joint failure and revision surgery. The generation of wear particles from the prosthesis is a major factor in local osteolysis. We investigated the effects of such wear particles on the survival of monocytes and macrophages, populations implicated in wear particle‐driven pathology. Particles from titanium aluminum vanadium (TiAlV) and cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloys were generated in‐house and were equivalent in size (0.5–3 µm) to those seen in patients. Human CD14+ monocytes and murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMM) were treated with TiAlV and CoCr particles in vitro, and cell survival was assayed. Both particles increased monocyte and macrophage survival in a dose‐dependent manner, with an optimal concentration of around 107 particles/mL. Conditioned media from particle‐treated BMM also increased macrophage survival. Studies with antibody blockade and gene‐deficient mice suggest that particle‐induced BMM survival is independent of endogenous CSF‐1 (M‐CSF), GM‐CSF, and TNFα. These data indicate that wear particles can promote monocyte/macrophage survival in vitro possibly via an endogenous mediator. If this phenomenon occurs in vivo, it could mean that increased numbers of macrophages (and osteoclasts) would be found at a site of joint implant failure, which could contribute to the local inflammatory reaction and osteolysis. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1481–1486, 2009
War trauma, child labor, and family violence: Life adversities and PTSD in a sample of school children in Kabul
Authors: Catani Claudia , Schauer Elisabeth , Elbert Thomas , Missmahl Inge , Bette Jean‐Paul , Neuner Frank
Published: May 2009

The extent of cumulative adverse childhood experiences such as war, family violence, child labor, and poverty were assessed in a sample of school children (122 girls, 165 boys) in Kabul, Afghanistan. Strong gender differences were found with respect to both the frequency of such experiences and the association of different types of stressors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Boys reported higher overall amounts of traumatic events, specifically experiences of violence at home. This was reflected in a 26% prevalence of probable PTSD in boys compared to 14% in girls. Child labor emerged as a common phenomenon in the examined sample and was furthermore associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing family violence for girls. The results suggest that the interplay of multilevel stressors in Afghan children contributes to a higher vulnerability for the development of PTSD.
Left invariant metrics and curvatures on simply connected three‐dimensional Lie groups
Authors: Ha Ku Yong , Lee Jong Bum
Published: May 2009

For each simply connected three‐dimensional Lie group we determine the automorphism group, classify the left invariant Riemannian metrics up to automorphism, and study the extent to which curvature can be altered by a change of metric. Thereby we obtain the principal Ricci curvatures, the scalar curvature and the sectional curvatures as functions of left invariant metrics on the three‐dimensional Lie groups. Our results improve a bit of Milnor's results of [7] in the three‐dimensional case, and Kowalski and Nikv́cević's results [6, Theorems 3.1 and 4.1] (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of the dynamic blanking process
Authors: Bohdal Lukasz , Kukielka Leon
Published: May 2009

In this paper an optimization of the dynamic blanking process with using E‐PLANNER, ANSYS and MATLAB programmes was presented. The main aim of this work was to obtain the high quality of the cut surface in function of: the size of clearance between punch and die, value of fillet radius of the punch edge and the speed of blanking. Numerical analyses were conducted in Ansys LS‐Dyna programme, with use of the explicit method and the experiment plan had been done before. Five levels rotary plan, was used. Unknown coefficients in mathematical model in the shape of quadratic equation with interactions were obtained. Obtained regression function was optimized in MATLAB programme, and determined optimal conditions of the process parameters. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On some generalizations of the classical Riemann problem
Authors: Dmitrieva I.
Published: May 2009

The special class of the homogeneous vector boundary Riemann problems on the finite sequence of algebraic surfaces is investigated completely. Its coefficients are the noncommutative permutative matrices of the arbitrary but not prime order, and boundary conditions are given on the system of open contours. The constructive solution procedure and definite structure of the canonical solution matrix are obtained and present some generalizations of the classical Riemann problem. Simultaneously the corresponding class of algebraic equations for the appropriate covering surfaces is formed explicitly too. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical analysis of micro‐stress evolution in dual phase polycrystals
Authors: Očenášek Jan , Krempaszky Christian , Repper Julia , Werner Ewald
Published: May 2009

Diffraction methods gain much attention in nondestructive residual stress analysis. While the determination of macroscopic residual stresses is of main interest, the presence of microscopic residual stresses arising from microstructural characteristics of the material can influence the analysis of the acquired data. The residual stress measurements by neutron diffraction on IN718 pancake forgings are analyzed in this work. We present a simple mechanical model supporting the hypothesis that the phase average of the microscopic residual stress accumulated during the forging process is anisotropic causing anisotropy of the macro stress free reference lattice parameter. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Numerical solution to the linear and nonlinear Fredholm integral equations using Legendre wavelet functions
Authors: Rahbar S.
Published: May 2009

Two methods for solving the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind in linear case, i.e. f (x) – λ ∫ab K (x,y)f (y)dy = g (x), and nonlinear case, i.e., f (x) = g (x) + λ ∫ab K (x,y)F (f (y))dy, are proposed. In order to solve the linear equation, the kernel K (x,y) as well as the functions f and g are initially approximated through Legendre wavelet functions. This leads to a system of linear equations its solution culminates in a solution to the Fredholm integral equation. In nonlinear case only K (x,y) is approximated by Legendre wavelet base functions. This leads to a separable kernel and makes it possible to employ a number of earlier methods in solving nonlinear Fredholm integral equation with separable kernels. Another feature of the proposed method is that it finds the solution as a function instead of specific solution points, what is done by the majority of the existing methods. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Boundary value problems of the theory of heat propagation in a binary mixture
Authors: Svanadze Maia
Published: May 2009

In this paper we study the problems of heat propagation in a binary mixture. The fundamental solution of system of equations of steady vibrations is constructed in terms of elementary functions. The uniqueness and existence theorems of classical solution of the interior and exterior boundary value problems by means of the boundary integral method are proved. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transcription factor Nfat1 deficiency causes osteoarthritis through dysfunction of adult articular chondrocytes
Authors: Wang Jinxi , Gardner Brian M , Lu Qinghua , Rodova Marianna , Woodbury Brent G , Yost John G , Roby Katherine F , Pinson David M , Tawfik Ossama , Anderson Harrison C
Published: May 2009

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease in middle‐aged and older individuals. Previous studies have shown that over‐expression of matrix‐degrading proteinases and proinflammatory cytokines is associated with osteoarthritic cartilage degradation. However, it remains unclear which transcription factors regulate the expression of these cartilage‐degrading molecules in articular chondrocytes. This study demonstrated that mice lacking Nfat1, a member of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors, exhibited normal skeletal development but displayed loss of type II collagen (collagen‐2) and aggrecan with over‐expression of specific matrix‐degrading proteinases and proinflammatory cytokines in young adult articular cartilage of load‐bearing joints. These initial changes are followed by articular chondrocyte proliferation/clustering, progressive articular surface destruction, periarticular chondro‐osteophyte formation and exposure of thickened subchondral bone, all of which resemble human OA. Forced expression of Nfat1 delivered with lentiviral vectors in cultured 3 month‐old primary Nfat1 knockout (Nfat1−/−) articular chondrocytes partially or completely rescued the abnormal catabolic and anabolic activities of Nfat1−/− articular chondrocytes. These new findings revealed a previously unrecognized critical role of Nfat1 in maintaining the physiological function of differentiated adult articular chondrocytes through regulating the expression of specific matrix‐degrading proteinases and proinflammatory cytokines. Nfat1 deficiency causes OA due to an imbalance between the catabolic and anabolic activities of adult articular chondrocytes, leading to articular cartilage degradation and failed repair activities in and around articular cartilage. These results may provide new insights into the aetiology, pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progranulin expression correlates with dense‐core amyloid plaque burden in Alzheimer disease mouse models
Authors: Pereson Sandra , Wils Hans , Kleinberger Gernot , McGowan Eileen , Vandewoestyne Mado , Van Broeck Bianca , Joris Geert , Cuijt Ivy , Deforce Dieter , Hutton Michael , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Kumar‐Singh Samir
Published: May 2009

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD). In addition, innate inflammatory responses, such as those mediated by microglia, are integral to the pathogenesis of AD. Interestingly, only dense‐core plaques and not diffuse plaques are associated with neuritic and inflammatory pathology in AD patients as well as in mouse AD models. However, the precise neuropathological changes that occur in the brain in response to amyloid deposition are largely unknown. To study the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for Aβ‐mediated neuropathology, we performed a gene expression analysis on laser‐microdissected brain tissue of Tg2576 and APPPS1 mice that are characterized by different types of amyloid plaques and genetic backgrounds. Data were validated by image and biochemical analyses on different ages of Tg2576, APPPS1, and Aβ42‐depositing BRI‐Aβ42 mice. Consistent with an important role of inflammatory responses in AD, we identified progranulin (mouse Grn; human GRN) as one of the top ten up‐regulated molecules in Tg2576 (≈8‐fold increased) and APPPS1 (≈2‐fold increased) mice compared to littermate controls, and among the eight significantly up‐regulated molecules common to both mouse models. In addition, Grn levels correlated significantly with amyloid load, especially the dense‐core plaque pathology (p < 0.001). We further showed that Grn is up‐regulated in microglia and neurons and neurites around dense‐core plaques, but not in astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, as has been shown in AD patients. Our data therefore support the ongoing use of these mouse models in drug trials, especially those with anti‐inflammatory compounds. Moreover, the correlation of Grn with increasing disease severity in AD mouse models prompts human studies exploring the viability of GRN as a disease biomarker. Because loss of GRN has recently been shown to cause frontotemporal dementia and serves as a risk factor for AD, the strong GRN reactivity around dense‐core plaques is consistent with an important role of this factor in AD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needleless electrospinning of nanofibers with a conical wire coil
Authors: Wang Xin , Niu Haitao , Lin Tong , Wang Xungai
Published: May 2009

In this article, we have demonstrated a novel needleless electrospinning of PVA nanofibers by using a conical metal wire‐coil as spinneret. Multiple polymer jets were observed to generate on the coil surface. Up to 70 kV electric voltage can be applied to this needleless electrospinning nozzle without causing “corona discharge.” Compared with conventional needle electrospinning, this needleless electrospinning system produced finer nanofibers on a much larger scale, and the fiber processing ability showed a much greater dependence on the applied voltage. Finite element calculation indicates that the electric field intensity profiles for the two systems are also quite different. This novel concept of using wire coil as the electrospinning nozzle will contribute to the further development of new large‐scale needleless electrospinning system for nanofiber production. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological and molecular properties of organic peroxide induced long chain branching of recycled and virgin high density polyethylene resin
Authors: Parmar H.B. , Gupta Rahul K. , Bhattacharya S.N.
Published: May 2009

Commercial blow molding grade recycled high density polyethylene (R‐HDPE) and blow molding grade virgin high density polyethylene (V‐HDPE) were reactively extruded with various compositions (0.00–0.15% wt/wt) of different peroxides in a twin screw extruder. The aim was to produce the extended chain mechanism of a blow molding grade HDPE photopolymer—a polymer resin comprising a significant part of the post consumer recycled plastic stream in Australia. In shear rheological tests, the modified material exhibited an increase in viscoelastic properties and complex viscosity compared to unmodified counterparts. Higher extent of viscoelastic properties enhancement was observed with 1, 3 1, 4 BIS (tert‐butylperoxyisopropyl) Benzene (OP2). This could be attributed to the higher degree of branching. The weight average molecular weight of the all modified materials and its molecular weight distribution (MWD) widened with peroxide modification. These results also support that formation of branching dominates the modification process at molecular level. Increase in branching index (g′) with increase in peroxide composition also confirmed higher degree of branching. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Design of controlled releasing system: Synthesis of an amphiphilic copolymer endowed with acid‐labile side chains based on quaternarization of amine‐containing prepolymer with benzyl halide having acetal moiety
Authors: Morinaga Hisatoyo , Morikawa Hiroshi , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: May 2009

A methacrylate having a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) chain and 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate were radically copolymerized to obtain a statistical hydrophilic copolymer having tertiary amino groups in the side chains. The obtained polymeric amine was quantitatively quaternarized by a benzyl chloride‐type molecule having an acetal moiety derived from geraniol, which is a hydrophobic alcohol widely used as a fragrance ingredient. The resulting copolymer, which had PEG chain and the quaternary ammonium moieties as hydrophiles and the acetal moieties as hydrophobes, exhibited amphiphilicity to form stable associates in water. The acetal moieties were stable for 30 days at pH 9, while they were gradually hydrolyzed at pH 4 to release geraniol continuously at least for 30 days, confirming the potential applicability of the copolymer to a controlled releasing system of functional molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3241–3247, 2009
Preparation, characterization, and properties of fluorinated polyurethanes
Authors: Jiang Guichang , Tuo Xinlin , Wang Dongrui , Li Qiang
Published: May 2009

Novel fluorinated polyurethanes (FPUs) were prepared by living radical polymerization of polyurethanes and hexafluorobutyl acrylate. The structures of the FPUs were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, GPC, DSC, and XPS. The fluorinated polyurethane polymerization was investigated and showed monomer conversion, and molecular weight increased with increasing reaction time. In this way, the fluorine content in polyurethane could be easily adjusted by controlling the content of the fluorinated acrylate monomer. The mechanical evaluation shows that FPUs exhibit good mechanical properties. Morphology of FPU films was observed by scanning electron spectroscopy. The effects of the fluorine content on the surface properties and oxidative stability of FPUs were investigated. FPUs films were devoid of significant surface degradation after immersion in 20% H2O2 and 0.1 M CoCl2 at 37 °C for 5 weeks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3248–3256, 2009
Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres via atom transfer radical precipitation polymerization
Authors: Zu Baiyi , Pan Guoqing , Guo Xianzhi , Zhang Ying , Zhang Huiqi
Published: May 2009

The first combined use of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and precipitation polymerization in the molecular imprinting field is described. The utilized polymerization technique, namely atom transfer radical precipitation polymerization (ATRPP), provides MIP microspheres with obvious molecular imprinting effects towards the template, fast template binding kinetics and an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. The living chain propagation mechanism in ATRPP results in MIP spherical particles with diameters (number‐average diameter Dn ≈ 3 μm) much larger than those prepared via traditional radical precipitation polymerization (TRPP). In addition, the MIP microspheres prepared via ATRPP have also proven to show significantly higher high‐affinity binding site densities on their surfaces than the MIP generated via TRPP, while the binding association constants Ka and apparent maximum numbers Nmax of the high‐affinity sites as well as the specific template bindings are almost the same in the two cases. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3257–3270, 2009
AlR2Cl/MgR2 combinations as universal cocatalysts for Ziegler–Natta, metallocene, and post‐metallocene catalysts
Authors: Kissin Yury V. , Mink Robert I. , Brandolini Anita J. , Nowlin Thomas E.
Published: May 2009

Combinations of dialkylaluminum chlorides and dialkylmagnesium compounds, when used at molar [AlR2Cl]:[MgR2] ratios ≥ 2, act as universal cocatalysts for all three presently known types of alkene polymerization catalysts—Ziegler–Natta, metallocene, and post‐metallocene. When these cocatalysts are used with supported Ti‐based Ziegler–Natta catalysts, they produce catalyst systems which are 1.5–2 times more active than the systems utilizing AlR3 compounds as cocatalysts. Combinations of AlR2Cl/MgR2 cocatalysts and various metallocene complexes produce single‐center catalyst systems similar to those formed in the presence of MAO. The same cocatalysts activate numerous post‐metallocene Ti complexes containing bidentate ligands of a different nature and produce multicenter systems of very high activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3271–3285, 2009
Prostate stem cell antigen mRNA expression in preoperatively negative biopsy specimens predicts subsequent cancer after transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Liu Jieming , Li Su , Shen Wenlu
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND

Recent data showed that prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA expression in transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)‐resected tissues predicted the subsequent prostate cancer after TURP in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with both PSA < 4.0 ng/ml and normal DRE findings. This study was to determine whether PSCA mRNA positivity in preoperatively negative prostatic biopsy samples from BPH men with PSA > 4.0 ng/ml and/or suspicious DRE findings had predictive performance following TURP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PSCA in situ hybridization was performed on negative prostatic biopsies taken before TURP from 166 enrolled symptomatic BPH patients, who were continuously followed for 5 years postoperatively. Predictive performance of PSCA mRNA for subsequent cancer onset was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models with bootstrapping and concordance indices.

RESULTS

PSCA mRNA was detected in 42/166 (25.3%) of the preoperatively negative biopsy specimens, with a mean positive‐labeling cells of 31.6%, in which 31 patients were identified as having subsequent PCa on follow‐up. Of 124 patients with negative expression for PSCA mRNA none were subsequently diagnosed with PCa. The examination of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed that PSCA mRNA expression levels were positively and statistically correlated with higher Gleason score (r = 0.88, P < 0.001) and clinical T stage (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). A final multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that only PSCA mRNA expression in negative prostatic biopsies was predictive of the subsequent cancer development after TURP (hazard ratio = 3.49; 95% CI: 2.02–4.75; P < 0.001), with the concordance index of 0.893.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study identifies PSCA mRNA in preoperatively negative prostatic biopsies as a significant predictor of subsequent cancer after TURP. Prostate 69:1292–1302, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for field cancerization of the prostate
Authors: Nonn Larisa , Ananthanarayanan Vijayalakshmi , Gann Peter H.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND

Field cancerization, which is not yet well‐characterized in the prostate, occurs when large areas of an organ or tissue surface are affected by a carcinogenic insult, resulting in the development of multi‐focal independent premalignant foci and molecular lesions that precede histological change.

METHODS

Herein, we review the cumulative body of evidence concerning field effects in the prostate and critically evaluate the methods available for the identification and validation of field effect biomarkers. Validated biomarkers for field effects have an important role to play as surrogate endpoint biomarkers in Phase II prevention trials and as clinical predictors of cancer in men with negative biopsies.

RESULTS

Thus far, field effects have been identified involving nuclear morphometric changes, gene expression, protein expression, gene promoter methylation, DNA damage and angiogenesis. In addition to comparing cancer‐adjacent benign tissue to more distant areas or to “supernormal” tissue from cancer‐free organs, investigators can use a nested case–control design for negative biopsies that offers a number of unique advantages.

CONCLUSIONS

True carcinogenic field effects should be distinguished from secondary responses of the microenvironment to a developing tumor, although the latter may still lead to useful clinical prediction tools. Prostate 69: 1470–1479, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1200 V SiC vertical‐channel‐JFETs and cascode switches
Authors: Veliadis Victor
Published: May 2009

Wide band gap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) are currently being developed for high power/temperature applications. Silicon carbide is ideally suited for power switching due to its high saturated drift velocity, its high critical field strength, its excellent thermal conductivity, and its mechanical strength. For power devices, the tenfold increase in critical field strength of SiC relative to Si allows high voltage blocking layers to be fabricated significantly thinner than those of comparable Si devices. This reduces device on‐state resistance and the associated conduction and switching losses, while maintaining the same high voltage blocking capability. The specific on‐state resistance of 4H‐SiC is approximately 400 times lower than that of Si at a given breakdown voltage. This allows for high current operation at relatively low forward voltage drop. In addition, the wide band gap of SiC allows operation at high temperatures where conventional Si devices fail. In this article, we will review Northrop Grumman's single‐implant no‐epitaxial‐regrowth vertical‐channel JFET. The feasibility of efficient 1200 V normally‐off VJFET operation will be investigated. The all‐SiC VJFET based cascode switch will be introduced and aspects of its operation evaluated. High temperature DC characteristics of VJFETs and 1200 V normally‐off cascode switches will be discussed. Finally, the development of large‐area high‐current 1200 V VJFETs and their edge termination performance will be presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification and carrier dynamics of the dominant lifetime limiting defect in n– 4H‐SiC epitaxial layers
Authors: Klein P. B.
Published: May 2009

The identity and characteristics of the lifetime limiting defects in n‐type 4H‐SiC epitaxial layers are of particular current interest, due to the suitability of this material for high‐power, solid‐state switching devices. Much work has been done in the past decade to identify the spectral signature and the local atomic structure of the defect that controls the lifetime in this material. Until recently, it was concluded that two dominant electron traps, Z1/2 and EH6/7, both associated with a carbon vacancy, were controlling the lifetime. DLTS and optical studies show, however, that EH6/7 is not an important minority carrier trap, due to its small capture cross section for holes. Thus, Z1/2 acts alone as the lifetime limiting defect. The details of recombination at this trap have been studied through the injection level and temperature dependence of the carrier lifetime and through carrier dynamics simulations that take into account the complex nature of the defect. The simulations shed light on the processes that dominate the recombination at Z1/2 over a large range of injection level and temperature. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanism of protective action of mangiferin on suppression of inflammatory response and lysosomal instability in rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Prabhu S. , Narayan Shoba , Devi C. S. Shyamala
Published: May 2009

Lysosomal instability has been suggested as a major factor in the development of cellular injury during myocardial necrosis through the formation of inflammatory mediators. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of mangiferin on lysosomal hydrolases and TNF‐α production during isoproterenol (ISPH) induced myocardial necrosis in rats. The rats given ISPH (200 mg/kg body weight twice, subcutaneous) for 2 days showed a significant increase in plasma TNF‐α production, serum and heart lysosomal hydrolases activity. ISPH administration to rats resulted in decreased stability of the membranes, which was reflected by the lowered activity of cathepsin‐D and β‐glucuronidase in mitochondrial, nuclear, lysosomal and microsomal fractions. Pretreatment with mangiferin (100 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) for 28 days, significantly prevented the alterations and restored the enzyme activities to near‐normal status. These findings demonstrate that mangiferin could preserve lysosomal integrity through decrease in the inflammatory process and hence establish the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and identification of hemostatic ingredients from lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) kudo
Authors: Li Maoxing , Zhang Ruxue , Jia Zhengping , Sheng Jie , Qiu Jianguo , Wang Juan
Published: May 2009

Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (LR) is a traditional drug used by Chinese minorities such as Tibetans, Mongolians and Na Xi with the beneficial effects of hemostasis and alleviating pain. Flavonoids ingredients (P1), iridoid glycosides ingredients (P2) and maximus polarity components ingredients (P3) were isolated from the aqueous extract of LR (AELR) with polyamide and macroporous adsorptive resins chromatographic columns. The hemostatic activity of these ingredients was estimated by the changes in bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT) and blood coagulation parameters in mice or rats. RP‐HPLC was used to analyze the chemical composition of P2. As a result, AELR and P2 significantly shortened BT, CT and thrombin time (TT), and increased fibrinogen (FIB), but P1 and P3 showed no hemostatic effect during the experiment. Moreover, P2 showed satisfactory hemostatic effect with dose‐effect relationship and low toxicity in mice. 8‐Dehydroxy shanzhiside, phloyoside II, shanzhiside methylester, loganin, and 8‐O‐acetylshanzhiside methylester were detected as the main iridoid glycosides in P2 by RP‐HPLC. Our results suggest that iridoid glycosides may be the hemostatic activity ingredients of L. rotata and are a potential hemostatic medicine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the deuterium/hydrogen ratio of endogenous urinary steroids for doping control purposes
Authors: Piper Thomas , Thevis Mario , Flenker Ulrich , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: May 2009

The development and application of a combined gas chromatography/thermal conversion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/TC/IRMS) method for D/H ratio determination of endogenous urinary steroids are presented. The key element in sample preparation was the consecutive cleanup with high‐performance liquid chromatography of initially native and subsequently acetylated steroids. This strategy enabled sufficient cleanup off all target analytes for determination of their respective D/H values. Ten steroids (11β‐hydroxyandrosterone, 5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3α‐ol, pregnanediol, androsterone, etiocholanolone, testosterone, epitestosterone, 5α‐androstan‐3α,17β‐diol, 5β‐androstan‐3α,17β‐diol and dehydroepiandrosterone) were measured from a single urine specimen. Depending on the biological background, the determination limit for all steroids ranged from 10 to 15 ng/mL for a 20 mL specimen. The method was validated by application of linear mixing models on each steroid and covered repeatability and reproducibility. The specificity of the procedure was ensured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the sample using equivalent chromatographic conditions to those employed in the GC/TC/IRMS measurement. Within the sample preparation, no isotopic fractionation was observed, and no amount‐dependent shift of the D/H ratios during the measurement was noticed. Possible memory effects occurring during IRMS measurements were corrected by applying a simple rule of proportion. In order to determine the naturally occurring D/H ratios of all implemented steroids, a population of 18 male subjects was analyzed. Relevant mean Δ values among selected steroids were calculated which allowed us to study the metabolic pathways and production sites of all the implemented steroids with additional consideration of the corresponding 13C/12C ratios. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of average treatment effect with incompletely observed longitudinal data: Application to a smoking cessation study
Authors: Chen Hua Yun , Gao Shasha
Published: May 2009

We study the problem of estimation and inference on the average treatment effect in a smoking cessation trial where an outcome and some auxiliary information were measured longitudinally, and both were subject to missing values. Dynamic generalized linear mixed effects models linking the outcome, the auxiliary information, and the covariates are proposed. The maximum likelihood approach is applied to the estimation and inference on the model parameters. The average treatment effect is estimated by the G‐computation approach, and the sensitivity of the treatment effect estimate to the nonignorable missing data mechanisms is investigated through the local sensitivity analysis approach. The proposed approach can handle missing data that form arbitrary missing patterns over time. We applied the proposed method to the analysis of the smoking cessation trial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of agile principles on market‐driven software product development
Authors: Dzamashvili Fogelström Nina , Gorschek Tony , Svahnberg Mikael , Olsson Peo
Published: May 2009

Agile development methods such as extreme programming (XP), SCRUM, Lean Software Development (Lean SD) and others have gained much popularity during the last years. Agile methodologies promise faster time‐to‐market, satisfied customers and high quality software. While these prospects are appealing, the suitability of agile practices to different domains and business contexts still remains unclear. In this article we investigate the applicability of agile principles in the context of market‐driven software product development (MDPD), focusing on pre‐project activities. This article presents results of a comparison between typical properties of agile methods to the needs of MDPD, as well as findings of a case study conducted at Ericsson, an early adopter of agile product development. The results show misalignment between the agile principles and needs of pre‐project activities in market‐driven development. This misalignment threatens to subtract from the positive aspects of agile development, but maybe more importantly, threaten the overall product development by disabling effective product management. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring Organizational Culture Difference in Relationship Dyads
Authors: Plewa Carolin
Published: May 2009

This exploratory study develops relationship marketing theory by analysing the effect of organizational culture difference on business-to-business relationships. The dyadic data demonstrate three influential dimensions of organizational culture difference in the context of university–industry relationships: Differences in both time orientation and corporate flexibility impact commitment negatively, whereas market orientation difference negatively affects intention to renew. This study also confirms a positive effect of trust, commitment and integration on university–industry relationship success based on a dyadic data set. While trust appears highly influential in relationships with an uncertain future, commitment appears to be of stronger consequence in certain relationships.
Internships in Marketing: Goals, Structures and Assessment – Student, Company and Academic Perspectives
Authors: Alpert Frank , Heaney Joo-Gim , Kuhn Kerri-Ann L.
Published: May 2009

Work-integrated learning in the form of internships is increasingly important for universities as they seek to compete for students, and seek links with industries. Yet, there is surprisingly little empirical research on the details of internships: (1) What they should accomplish? How they should be structured? (3) How student performance should be assessed? There is also surprisingly little conceptual analysis of these key issues, either for business internships in general, or for marketing internships in particular. Furthermore, the “answers” on these issues may differ depending upon the perspective of the three stakeholders: students, business managers and university academics. There is no study in the marketing literature which surveys all three groups on these important aspects of internships. To fill these gaps, this paper discusses and analyses internship goals, internship structure, and internship assessment for undergraduate marketing internships, and then reports on a survey of the views of all three stakeholder groups on these issues. There are a considerable variety of approaches for internships, but generally there is consensus among the stakeholder groups, with some notable differences. Managerial implications include recognition of the importance of having an academic aspect in internships; mutual understanding concerning needs and constraints; and the requirement that companies, students, and academics take a long-term view of internship programs to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Virally Inspired: A Review of the Theory of Viral Stealth Marketing
Authors: Swanepoel Celeste , Lye Ashley , Rugimbana Robert
Published: May 2009

Viral stealth marketing is a contemporary marketing technique, which has evolved in reaction to the increasingly competitive marketing environment. This paper notes that despite its huge potential, very little research is being targeted towards understanding the utility of viral stealth marketing, particularly in the context of Generation Y, whose behavioural characteristics are particularly suited to this form of marketing. This paper explores the nature of viral stealth marketing and its ethical implications; then formulates an agenda for future research that has a potential to add significant value to organisations.