bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological and environmental instream flow requirements for the Wei River—the largest tributary of the Yellow River
Authors: Song J. X. , Xu Z. X. , Liu C. M. , Li H. E.
Published: January 2007

Instream flows are essential determinants of channel morphology, riparian and aquatic flora and fauna, water quality estuarine inflow and stream load transport. The ecological and environmental instream flow requirements (EEIFR) should be estimated to make the exploitation and utilization of water resources in a highly efficient and sustainable way and maintain the river ecosystem good health. As the largest tributary of the Yellow River, the Wei River is the ‘Mother River’ of Guanzhong region in Shaanxi province. It plays a great role in the development of West China and the health of the ecosystem of the Yellow River. The objective of this study is to estimate the EEIFR for improving the Wei River's ecological and environmental condition and develop the river healthily. Concerning the main ecological and environmental functions of the Wei River in Shaanxi Province, the EEIFR for each section of the Wei River including minimum instream flow requirements (IFR) for aquicolous biotopes maintenance, IFR for channel seepage, channel evaporation, stream self‐purification and sediment transportation were estimated in this paper. The methods to estimate the instream flow requirements for stream self‐purification and instream flow requirements for sediment transportation were proposed. The temporal scale of typical years include the year with the probability 25% of occurrence (high‐flow year), the year with the probability 50% (normal‐flow year) and the year with the probability 75% (low‐flow year). The results show that the EEIFR for the Wei River mainly include instream flow requirements for self‐purification and sediment transportation in each typical year. From high‐flow year to low‐flow year, the annual EEIFR for each reach decrease, except those for the reach from Linjiacun to Weijiabao, and from Linjiacun at the upper reaches to Huaxian at the lower reaches, and the annual reach EEIFR decrease in a sequence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser surface treatment of hydroxyapatite for enhanced tissue integration: Surface characterization and osteoblastic interaction studies
Authors: Teixeira S. , Monteiro F. J. , Ferraz M. P. , Vilar R. , Eugénio S.
Published: January 2007

Biocompatibility has long been associated with surface microtopography, microtexture, and microchemistry. The surface topography eventually affects the nature and the intensity of the interactions that occur at biomaterial–biological interface (cell adhesion, mobility, spreading, and proliferation). Therefore, it is necessary to produce and work with controlled microtopographical surfaces that present reproducible microdomains of a dimension similar to that of the biological elements of interest (in this case, osteoblasts). There are a number of substrates that already have been studied in terms of surface topography; however, few studies are related to hydroxyapatite (HA) substrates. As it is well established, HA is a well‐known ceramic that is extremely used in medical applications, namely implants and coatings. In this work, the surface topography of dense HA substrates was altered by using KFr excimer laser. The surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements, while the cell distribution and morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results revealed that the surface is characterized by a homogeneous columnar structure with high specific area. Moreover, cells were able to attach and spread on the surface of the samples, and gradually grow into nearly confluent monolayers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
In vitro platelet adhesion on polymeric surfaces with varying fluxes of continuous nitric oxide release
Authors: Wu Yiduo , Zhou Zhengrong , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: January 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) is released by endothelial cells that line the inner walls of healthy blood vessels at fluxes ranging from 0.5 × 10−10 to 4.0 × 10−10 mol cm−2 min−1, and this continuous NO release contributes to the extraordinary thromboresistance of the intact endothelium. To improve the biocompatibility of blood‐contacting devices, a biomimetic approach to release/generate NO at polymer/blood interfaces has been pursued recently (with NO donors or NO generating catalysts doped within polymeric coatings) and this concept has been shown to be effective in preventing platelet adhesion/activation via several in vivo animal studies. However, there are no reports to date describing any quantitative in vitro assay to evaluate the blood compatibilities of such NO release/generating polymers with controlled NO fluxes. Such a methodology is desired to provide a preliminary assessment of any new NO‐releasing material, in terms of the effectiveness of given NO fluxes and NO donor amounts on platelet activity before the more complex and costly in vivo testing is carried out. In this article, we report the use of a lactate dehydrogenase assay to study in vitro platelet adhesion on such NO‐releasing polymer surfaces with varying NO fluxes. Reduced platelet adhesion was found to correlate with increasing NO fluxes. The highest NO flux tested, 7.05 (±0.25) × 10−10 mol cm−2 min−1, effectively reduced platelet adhesion to nearly 20% of its original level (from 14.0 (±2.1) × 105 cells cm−2 to 2.96 (±0.18) × 105 cells cm−2) compared to the control polymer coating without NO release capability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
In vivo evaluation of a porous hydroxyapatite/poly‐DL‐lactide composite for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Hasegawa Shin , Neo Masashi , Tamura Jiro , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Takemoto Mitsuru , Shikinami Yasuo , Okazaki Kenshi , Nakamura Takashi
Published: January 2007

As reported previously, a porous composite of uncalcined hydroxyapatite (u‐HA) and poly‐DL‐lactide (PDLLA) showed excellent osteoconductivity and biodegradability as a bone substitute in rabbit model. In this study, to investigate the usefulness of this composite as a scaffold loaded with cells, we estimated whether this material showed osteogenesis on implantation to extraosseous site. On loading with syngeneic bone marrow cells and implantation into rat dorsal subcutaneous tissue, osteogenesis with enchondral ossification was seen both on and in the material at 3 weeks after implantation. The osteogenesis in the u‐HA/PDLLA had progressed, and newly formed bone tissue was found in the material by 6 weeks. To investigate the osteoinductive properties of the material, we implanted this porous composite material into extraosseous canine dorsal muscle. At 8 weeks, osteogenesis was seen in the pores of the material. Newly formed bone could be observed adjacent to the material. In addition, cuboidal osteoblasts adjacent to the newly formed bone were evident. Neither cartilage nor chondrocytes were found. These results might indicate that the material induced osteogenesis by intramembranous ossification. Conversely, similar porous PDLLA did not induce osteogenesis during the observation period. Therefore, porous HA/PDLLA, which has osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, might be a useful material for use as a bone substitute and cellular scaffold. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Mechanical properties of open‐pore titanium foam
Authors: Imwinkelried Thomas
Published: January 2007

Open‐pore titanium foams are produced using the so‐called space holder method. The mechanical properties of titanium foams with porosities of 50–80% are studied. The stiffness and yield strength of the foams are found to encompass the property range between cancellous bone and cortical bone. The analyzed foams are found to be anisotropic due to the use of nonspherical space holder particles which rearrange during the compaction of the powder mixture. The titanium foams are stronger perpendicular to the compaction direction and weaker along the compaction axis. In view of the application as an implant material in the lumbar spine, an intermediate porosity of 60–65% is analyzed more in detail. The typical yield strength of titanium foam with 62.5% porosity is above 60MPa in compression, bending, and tension. Stiffness values vary with the testing method from 7–14 GPa. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
The impact of polyglycolide membrane on a tendon after surgical rejoining. A histological and histomorphometric analysis in rabbits
Authors: Pihlajamäki Harri , Tynninen Olli , Karjalainen Pertti , Rokkanen Pentti
Published: January 2007

Tissue response to self‐reinforced polyglycolide (SR‐PGA) membranes surrounding rejoined rabbit tendons was compared with tissue response to nonenveloped rejoined tendons, with special focus on scar formation and SR‐PGA membrane biodegradation process. Both hind legs of 20 skeletally mature rabbits were operated on by transecting the plantaris longus tendons and rejoining the ends with sutures. The right side seams were enveloped with bioabsorbable SR‐PGA membranes, while the left sides served as noncovered controls. The follow‐up times were 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Scar formation and tissue response to membranes were studied by histological and histomorphometric analysis. Tendon regeneration was most active at 3 weeks. Capillary formation was more prominent in specimens with shorter follow‐up times. Membrane degradation induced an inflammatory reaction observed at all follow‐up time points. Under polarizing microscopy, birefringent SR‐PGA material was seen to vanish almost completely by 24 weeks. SR‐PGA membranes had no specific effect on scar formation and there were no differences in the reunion process of the transected tendon ends between the SR‐PGA membrane groups and the controls. Inflammatory cells in the SR‐PGA membrane groups reflected a tissue reaction to the membrane. When placed in soft tissues, SR‐PGA membranes degraded almost completely within 24 weeks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Simvastatin and atorvastatin enhance gene expression of collagen type 1 and osteocalcin in primary human osteoblasts and MG‐63 cultures
Authors: Ruiz‐Gaspa Silvia , Nogues Xavier , Enjuanes Anna , Monllau Joan C. , Blanch Josep , Carreras Ramon , Mellibovsky Leonardo , Grinberg Daniel , Balcells Susana , Díez‐Perez Adolfo , Pedro‐Botet Juan
Published: January 2007

To clarify the mechanism of the stimulatory effect of statins on bone formation, we have assessed the effect of simvastatin and atorvastatin on osteoblast activity by analysing cell proliferation, as well as collagen, osteocalcin, and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) gene expression in primary human osteoblast (hOB) and MG‐63 cell line cultures. Explants of bone from patients without any metabolic disease under orthopedic hip procedures were used to obtain hOB. Cell cultures were established, synchronized, and different concentrations of simvastatin or atorvastatin were added (10−9 M, 10−8 M, 10−7 M, 10−6 M) during the experiment. Cell proliferation was analyzed after 24 h. Collagen polypeptide α1 type 1 (COL1A1) gene expression, osteocalcin, and BMP2 expression levels were quantified by real‐time PCR after 24 h incubation with statins. There was a statistically significant decrease in cell proliferation related to simvastatin or atorvastatin addition at all concentrations in primary hOB compared with those not treated. A significant increase in COL1A1, osteocalcin, and BMP2 gene expression was detected when hOB cultures were treated with simvastatin or atorvastatin at different concentrations. Similar but less significant effects were found on MG‐63 cells. After statin treatment we observed both an arrest of proliferation in hOB cells and an increase in collagen, osteocalcin, and BMP2 gene expression, consistent with a stimulatory effect towards mature osteoblast differentiation. These findings support the bone‐forming effect of statins, probably through the BMP2 pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1430–1438, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Binding of 5‐phospho‐D‐arabinonohydroxamate and 5‐phospho‐D‐arabinonate inhibitors to zinc phosphomannose isomerase from Candida albicans studied by polarizable molecular mechanics and quantum mechanics
Authors: Roux Celine , Gresh Nohad , Perera Lalith E. , Piquemal Jean‐Philip , Salmon Laurent
Published: January 2007

Type I phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) is a Zn‐dependent metalloenzyme involved in the isomerization of D‐fructose 6‐phosphate to D‐mannose 6‐phosphate. One of our laboratories has recently designed and synthesized 5‐phospho‐D‐arabinonohydroxamate (5PAH), an inhibitor endowed with a nanomolar affinity for PMI (Roux et al., Biochemistry 2004, 43, 2926). By contrast, the 5‐phospho‐D‐arabinonate (5PAA), in which the hydroxamate moiety is replaced by a carboxylate one, is devoid of inhibitory potency. Subsequent biochemical studies showed that in its PMI complex, 5PAH binds Zn(II) through its hydroxamate moiety rather than through its phosphate. These results have stimulated the present theoretical investigation in which we resort to the SIBFA polarizable molecular mechanics procedure to unravel the structural and energetical aspects of 5PAH and 5PAA binding to a 164‐residue model of PMI. Consistent with the experimental results, our theoretical studies indicate that the complexation of PMI by 5PAH is much more favorable than by 5PAA, and that in the 5PAH complex, Zn(II) ligation by hydroxamate is much more favorable than by phosphate. Validations by parallel quantum‐chemical computations on model of the recognition site extracted from the PMI‐inhibitor complexes, and totaling up to 140 atoms, showed the values of the SIBFA intermolecular interaction energies in such models to be able to reproduce the quantum‐chemistry ones with relative errors < 3%. On the basis of the PMI–5PAH SIBFA energy‐minimized structure, we report the first hypothesis of a detailed view of the active site of the zinc PMI complexed to the high‐energy intermediate analogue inhibitor, which allows us to identify active site residues likely involved in the proton transfer between the two adjacent carbons of the substrates. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates fibronectin expression through phospholipase C γ, protein kinase C α, c‐Src, NF‐κB, and p300 pathway in osteoblasts
Authors: Tang Chih‐Hsin , Yang Rong‐Sen , Chen Yuh‐Fung , Fu Wen‐Mei
Published: January 2007

Fibronectin (Fn) is involved in early stages of bone formation and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an important factor regulating osteogenesis. bFGF increased Fn expression, which was attenuated by phosphatidylinositol phospholipase inhibitor (U73122), protein kinase C inhibitor (GF109203X), Src inhibitor (PP2), NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC), IκBα phosphorylation inhibitor (Bay 117082), or IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK). bFGF‐induced increase of Fn‐luciferase activity was antagonized by cells transfected with Fn construct without NF‐κB regulatory site. Stimulation of osteoblasts with bFGF activated IκB kinase α/β (IKK α/β) and increased IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 and p50 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, the formation of an NF‐κB‐specific DNA‐protein complex and κB‐luciferase activity. bFGF‐mediated an increase of IKKα/β activity and DNA‐binding activity was inhibited by U73122, GF109203X, or PP2. The binding of p65 to the NF‐κB element, as well as the recruitment of p300 and the enhancement of p50 acetylation on the Fn promoter was enhanced by bFGF. Overexpression of constitutively active FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) increased Fn‐luciferase activity, which was inhibited by co‐transfection with dominant negative (DN) mutants of PLCγ2, PKCα, c‐Src, IKKα, or IKKβ. Our results suggest that bFGF increased Fn expression in rat osteoblasts via the FGFR2/PLCγ2/PKCα/c‐Src/NF‐κB signaling pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 45–55, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contract or war? On the rules of the game in civil wars
Authors: Korf Benedikt
Published: January 2007

Economists have developed a number of theories based on warlord or bandit models to explain intra‐state conflict or civil war. Ethnographic studies from civil wars, however, suggest that livelihoods and institutions in the context of a war economy are very complex, more complex than those models suggest. This paper reviews concepts that are discussed in the literature on institutions and applies these to an analysis of the emergence and logic of the rules of the game in the political economy of civil wars. The analysis indicates that contracting in civil wars, whether complete or incomplete—and the opportunity to grab (Skaperdas), to loot (Collier) and to exploit others (Hirshleifer)—takes place on many different scales and between different agents, not only among combatants. This creates a complex, dynamic and hybrid institutional amalgam of coercively imposed rules, traditional norms and co‐existing formal institutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis of optical feedback phenomenon and intensity noise of fibre‐grating semiconductor lasers
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Mahmoud Safwat W. Z. , Yamada Minoru
Published: January 2007

This paper demonstrates numerical analysis of the dynamics and intensity noise of fibre‐grating semiconductor lasers (FGSLs). The induced phenomenon of strong optical feedback (OFB) is analysed. The simulations are based on an improved time‐delay rate equations model of a single‐mode laser that takes into account the multiple round‐trips of the lasing field in the fibre cavity. The analyses are performed in terms of the temporal trajectory of the laser intensity, bifurcation diagram and relative intensity noise (RIN). We explore influence of the fibre‐cavity length on the dynamics and RIN. The results show that when the fibre cavity is short, the regime of strong OFB is characterized by either continuous‐wave (CW) operation or periodic pulsation. The pulsation frequency is locked at the frequency separation of either the compound‐cavity modes or the external fibre‐cavity modes. The corresponding RIN level is close to or higher than the level of the solitary laser depending on pulse symmetry. When the fibre cavity is long, the laser exhibits unstable dynamics over wider range of OFB. Moreover, the strong‐OFB pulsation becomes beating quasi‐periodic at the relaxation oscillation frequency and the fibre‐cavity mode‐separation frequency. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid tree growth with respect to the last 400 years in response to climate warming, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gou Xiaohua , Chen Fahu , Jacoby Gordon , Cook Edward , Yang Meixue , Peng Jianfeng , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2007

Although global warming over the past century has been confirmed, the response of different regions to it is still uncertain. We developed a tree‐ring width chronology based on tree‐ring samples from juniper trees from the Xiqing Mountains in the northeast Tibetan Plateau, the central headwater area of the Yellow River. Using this tree‐ring chronology, the minimum winter half‐year (October–April) temperature for the research area was reconstructed for the past 425 years. The reconstruction shows that temperature variability was minimal over past four centuries prior to the warming that began in 1941. During the 50 years from 1941 to 1990, the minimum temperature of the winter half‐year increased 2.5 °C. This degree of warming relative to the past 400 years suggests that the eastern Tibetan Plateau is highly sensitive to global warming. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Prognostic significance of perinodal extension in gastric cancer
Authors: Choi Won Hyuk , Kim Sungsoo , Shen Jiayun , Cheong Jae Ho , Hyung Woo Jin , Kim Yong Il , Choi Seung Ho , Noh Sung Hoon , Park Chan Il
Published: January 2007

Background

The grouping of patients who have a poor prognosis is important in determining a treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features and prognosis in patients with perinodal extension, with a focus on the difference of survival between homogenous groups.

Methods

This study included a total of 1,092 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma from 1997 to 2004 at the Department of Surgery, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine.

Results

One hundred sixty‐one patients had perinodal extension. The incidence of perinodal extension was positively correlated for T and N stages. Perinodal extension was identified as an independent prognostic factor and had more influence on survival than T and N stages. Patients who had nodal metastasis without serosal exposure and who had serosal exposure without nodal metastasis were selected as homogenous groups, and there was no difference of survival between these groups. However, when the nodal metastasis group was subdivided according to the perinodal extension, perinodal extension subgroup had significant poorer prognosis than no perinodal extension subgroup.

Conclusions

The perinodal extension was the most important independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer, and should be included in the TNM gastric cancer staging system. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:540–545. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different criteria for radioactive sentinel lymph nodes has different impact on sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Song Xiang‐Yang , Yuan Xiao‐Ming , Chen Wen‐Jun , Pan Tao , Xie Shu‐Duo , Qin Chuan , Lou Chen , Jin Mei , Wang Lin‐Bo , Wu Jin‐Min
Published: January 2007

Background and Objectives

This study set out to determine the impact of different criteria for radioactive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and the optimal criteria for radioactive SLNs.

Methods

Eighty‐four breast cancer patients with cT1‐2N0M0 were studied prospectively. Filtered technetium 99 m sulfur colloid was injected in peritumor parenchyma. Three different definitions of SLNs were adopted in each patient: (1) the lymph node with the highest radioactivity. (2) Any lymph node with an in vivo hot spot‐to‐background activity ratio of at least 3:1 or an ex vivo SLN‐to‐non‐SLN ratio of at least 10:1. (3) All radioactive hot nodes.

Results

With three different definitions, the success rate of sentinel node biopsy were all 96.4%, the sensitivity was 78.9%, 92.1%, 97.4% respectively; false negative rate 21.1%, 7.9%, 2.6% respectively; predicting accuracy 90.1%, 96.3%, 98.8% respectively (P < 0.05). The first, the first two, the first three, and the first four highest radioactive sentinel nodes identified 81.1%, 89.2%, 94.6%, 100% of the positive‐SLN patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The different criteria for radioactive SLNs had different impact on the accuracy, sensitivity, and false negative rate, but not on the success rate, during sentinel node biopsy using radioactive sulfur colloid in breast cancer patients. The first four highest radioactive sentinel nodes could accurately predict the status of axillary metastases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:635–639. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ICTs adoption and knowledge management: the case of an e‐procurement system
Authors: Massa Silvia , Testa Stefania
Published: January 2007

The purpose of the research is to articulate a framework for analysing the effects of e‐procurement adoption in terms of knowledge management.

Starting from this position, a case study in a leader firm in electronics devices was developed and a consolidated knowledge perspective was adopted.

Empirical evidence confirms that it is not information and communication technology itself that can provide positive or negative effects on organizations but how the technology is used in conjunction with complementary human resources. In fact, according to the case study, two different phases emerged in the e‐procurement (EP) adoption. Both are characterized by the same technology but different behaviours that determined very different results.

While the framework can be applied to read EP development in several contexts, it would be a mistake to generalize the results from this example. While multiple informants from different hierarchical levels, triangulation using different types of data sources and a systematic data analysis serve to attenuate many of the problems with reliability, generalizability remains more of an issue.

Finally, it is worth noting that studying adoption of inter‐organizational systems‐like EP systems are, has proved to be, difficult because such systems span the company boundaries. Consequently, future developments will aim at broadening the research along the entire supply chain.

The proposed framework could be a useful tool to check an EP project in progress and to motivate the involved actors by suggesting a means to interpret how the project is impacting on organization, keeping in mind that effects on KM anticipate improvements in traditional procurement performances. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vehicles for innovation and learning: the case of a neglected concept car project
Authors: Elmquist Maria
Published: January 2007

In the competitive automotive industry product development processes are increasingly structured, leaving little room for learning and hence developing the knowledge needed for creating the innovative new products that are essential in order for automotive companies to remain competitive in the long run. Previous studies underline the importance of explicitly managing innovation and knowledge creation in order to successfully develop innovative products. It is our contention that the concept car constitutes an important arena for learning and creating useful knowledge in the automotive industry. This paper presents a detailed analysis of a concept car project at Volvo Cars (the YCC project), tracing how it was used from a learning perspective. Based on this longitudinal study, this paper argues that there is a need to manage more explicitly the learning opportunities provided by concept car projects in order to leverage on the knowledge created. It also discusses some of the barriers to learning that are illustrated by the case study. Finally the paper suggests further research directed towards innovative activities, such as concept cars in order to better understand the nature of their interface with established NPD processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparative study of intense pulsed light alone and its combination with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of facial acne in Asian skin
Authors: Yeung Chi K. , Shek Samantha Y. , Bjerring Peter , Yu Carol S. , Kono Taro , Chan Henry H.
Published: January 2007

Background and Objectives

The reaction to intense pulsed light (IPL) on Asian skin often differs from that on Caucasian skin. The study reported herein evaluated the effect on acne vulgaris of IPL alone and when IPL was combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) in Asians.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Thirty Chinese subjects with phototypes IV or V and moderate acne were enrolled for a randomized, half‐facial treatment study with IPL alone, IPL with PDT, or as controls. Sixteen percent MAL cream was applied to half of the face 30 minutes before treatment in the PDT group. The IPL was provided by the Ellipse Flex system (Danish Dermatologic Development, Denmark), which emitted wavelengths of 530 to 750 nm. The subjects were treated four times at 3‐week intervals. Single passes of double pulses with a 10 milliseconds delay and a pulse duration of 2.5 milliseconds were used. The assessment of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions by two blinded investigators was based on standardized photographs that were taken before each treatment, and at 4 and 12 weeks after the final treatment.

Results

Twenty‐three patients completed the study. The mean reduction of the inflammatory lesion count was 53% in the PDT group, 22% in the IPL group, and 72% in the control group at 4 weeks, and 65% in the PDT group, 23% in the IPL group, and 88% in control group at 12 weeks. The mean clearance of non‐inflammatory lesions was 52% in the PDT group, 15% in the IPL group, and 14% in the control group at 4 weeks, and 38% in the PDT group and 44% in the IPL group at 12 weeks, when and an increase of 15% was noted in the control group. Most patients experienced a reduction of inflammatory lesions that was not statistically significant on the PDT‐treated side (P = 0.06) or the IPL‐treated side (P = 0.82) at 12 weeks after treatment. Pretreatment with MAL resulted in a better clearance of inflammatory acne than IPL alone. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention groups and the control group in the mean reduction of inflammatory lesions. Significant reductions of non‐inflammatory lesions were observed in the MAL‐PDT group (38%, P = 0.05) and IPL groups (43%, P = 0.00) 12 weeks after treatment. Twenty‐five percent of the subjects in the PDT group withdrew because of intolerance to procedure‐related discomfort.

Conclusions

MAL‐PDT using IPL and MAL in Asians did not lead to significant improvement of moderate inflammatory acne compared with the control group. However, there was a delayed effect on non‐inflammatory lesions, with significant reductions in both the PDT and IPL groups. A proportion of patients could not tolerate the discomfort that was related to PDT despite the short MAL incubation. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:1–6, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation of Honeycomb Structures and Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Casting a Block Copolymer from Selective Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Tung Pao‐Hsiang , Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Huang Chih‐Feng , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: January 2007

Poly(vinyl phenol)‐block‐polystyrene (PVPh‐b‐PS) diblock copolymers are synthesized by sequential anionic polymerization with sec‐butyl lithium as the initiator. The PVPh‐b‐PS diblock copolymer is cast (on a substrate) from several solvent mixtures that contain tetrahydrofuran/toluene ratios of 1:0.1, 1:1, and 1:2. After solvent evaporation the resulting films are characterized by SEM, TEM, and contact angle measurements. A honeycomb structure is fabricated from the vesicle structure at relatively low toluene contents. On the contrary, at relatively higher toluene contents, a micelle structure with porous microspheres is formed, which possesses higher surface roughness and results in film surface superhydrophobicity. The simple method described here that uses common/selective mixed solvents may be easily extended to prepare honeycomb structures and superhydrophobic surfaces simultaneously from a wide variety of block copolymers by carefully controlling the weight composition of the block copolymer and the selective solvent content.

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Pulsed‐dosing with oral sodium phenylbutyrate increases hemoglobin F in a patient with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Hines Patrick , Dover George J. , Resar Linda M.S.
Published: January 2007

Increasing hemoglobin F (HbF) appears to be beneficial for patients with sickle cell anemia. We previously demonstrated that daily, oral sodium phenylbutyrate (OSPB) induces HbF synthesis in pediatric and adult patients with hemoglobin SS (HbSS). The high doses and need for daily therapy, however, have limited its use. Here, we report a patient treated with pulsed‐dosing of OSPB for over 3 years. This patient developed a modest, but sustained elevation in HbF over the course of therapy without side effects. Although larger studies are needed, this case demonstrates that pulsed‐dosing with OSPB enhances HbF synthesis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:357–359. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response to N7 induction chemotherapy in children more than one year of age diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma treated in UKCCSG centers
Authors: Kohler J.A. , Ellershaw C. , Machin D.
Published: January 2007

Background

The highest reported metastatic response rate to induction chemotherapy in patients with neuroblastoma has been achieved by Kushner et al. [Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 12:2607–2613,1994; Cheung et al.: Med Pediatr Oncol 36: 227–230, 2001; Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 22:4888‐4892, 2004] using their N6 and subsequently N7 protocols. This N7 induction was adopted by UKCCSG for new patients in 1999.

Methods

Forty‐seven children with metastatic neuroblastoma were recruited between 1999 and 2002. They received the N7 intensive chemotherapy protocol, after full staging including evaluation by I123mIBG imaging where possible.

Results

Thirty patients with positive mIBG scans were evaluable for response, and complete resolution of metastatic disease was obtained in 16 (53.3%). Fourteen patients without positive mIBG scans were evaluated for response according to bone marrow and bone scan data and 11 (78.6%) cleared metastatic disease. The toxicity of this induction therapy was similar to that seen in previous UK protocols, although 14 patients had Brock grade 3 or 4 ototoxicity. Thirty‐three patients proceeded to high‐dose therapy with no unanticipated toxicities. For the whole group of 44 evaluable patients, the 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 38.3 and 46.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Although feasible in terms of delivery, when used in the UKCCSG centers, this protocol achieved a much lower response rate than in the previously published series in the US [Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 12:2607–2613,1994; Cheung et al.: Med Pediatr Oncol 36: 227–230, 2001; Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 22:4888‐4892, 2004]. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:234–239. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of hepatitis‐associated aplastic anemia with high‐dose cyclophosphamide
Authors: Savage William J. , DeRusso Patricia A. , Resar Linda M. , Chen Allen R. , Higman Meghan A. , Loeb David M. , Jones Richard J. , Brodsky Robert A.
Published: January 2007

Objective

Demonstrate that high‐dose cyclophosphamide (CY) is effective therapy for hepatitis‐associated aplastic anemia (HAA).

Background

HAA is a sequence of seronegative hepatitis followed by aplastic anemia. Optimal treatment is matched‐sibling allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The combination of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine (CSA) has also been studied, but there are scarce data regarding treatment of HAA.

Procedure

Five patients (median age 14 years; range 6–17 years) with HAA and without an HLA‐matched sibling were treated with high‐dose CY (50 mg/kg/day IV × 4 days) followed by granulocyte‐colony stimulation factor (G‐CSF).

Results

After at least 1 year of follow‐up, four of five patients are in remission without further immune suppression beyond high‐dose CY. Of the 4 responders, median time to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >500 µl−1 was 51 days (range 44–369). Median time to transfusion independence for erythrocytes and platelets was 109 (range 57–679) and 160 (range 48–679) days, respectively. The fifth patient did not respond and proceeded to an unrelated donor transplant. One patient met criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in addition to HAA. In this case, high‐dose CY successfully induced remission of both diseases.

Conclusions

High‐dose CY induces durable remissions in HAA and may be an effective treatment for AIH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:947–951. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immortal time bias in observational studies of drug effects
Authors: Suissa Samy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Recent observational studies suggest that various drugs are remarkably effective at reducing morbidity and mortality. These cohort studies used a flawed approach to design and data analysis which can lead to immortal time bias. We describe the bias from 20 of these studies and illustrate it by showing that unrelated drugs can be made to appear effective at treating cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

The illustration used a cohort of 3315 patients, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), identified from the Saskatchewan Health databases, hospitalised for CVD and followed for up to a year. We used the biased approach to assess the effect of two medications, namely gastrointestinal drugs (GID) and inhaled beta‐agonists (IBA), both unknown to be effective in CVD, on the risk of all‐cause mortality. We also estimated these effects using the proper person‐time approach.

Results

Using the inappropriate approach, the rates ratios of all‐cause death were 0.73 (95%CI: 0.57–0.93), with IBA and 0.78 (95%CI: 0.61–0.99), with GID. These rate ratios became 0.98 (95%CI: 0.77–1.25) and 0.94 (95%CI: 0.73–1.20), respectively, with the proper person‐time analysis.

Conclusions

Several recent observational studies used a flawed approach to design and data analysis, leading to immortal time bias, which can generate an illusion of treatment effectiveness. Observational studies, with surprising beneficial drug effects should be re‐assessed to account for this source of bias. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Videoconferencing for delivery of breast cancer support groups to women living in rural communities: a pilot study
Authors: Collie Kate , Kreshka Mary Anne , Ferrier Susan , Parsons Rebecca , Graddy Kathy , Avram Speranza , Mannell Patty , Chen Xin‐Hua , Perkins James , Koopman Cheryl
Published: January 2007

Women with breast cancer in rural areas are likely to exhaust their usual sources of psychosocial support while still facing challenges posed by breast cancer, but are unlikely to have access to professionally led support groups. In this community‐based project, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of providing support groups to women with breast cancer in a large rural area using videoconferencing and a workbook journal, and we assessed the intervention's potential to reduce distress and increase emotional expression and self‐efficacy for coping with cancer. Twenty‐seven women in the Intermountain Region of northeastern California participated in eight‐session support groups led by an oncology social worker by going to nearby videoconferencing sites. Feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated. Older as well as younger women were comfortable using videoconferencing and said the groups were valuable because they promoted information sharing and emotional bonds with other women with breast cancer. They emphasized the importance of a professional facilitator and identified advantages of using videoconferencing for support groups. Pretest and posttest comparisons showed significant decreases in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The results suggest that the intervention has the potential to provide a valuable service that is not readily available in rural communities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor enhances castration‐induced prostate involution and reduces testosterone‐stimulated prostate growth in adult rats
Authors: Hammarsten Peter , Rudolfsson Stina Häggström , Henriksson Roger , Wikström Pernilla , Bergh Anders
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mediates regulatory signals in the normal prostate, but the functional importance of this is unclear.

METHODS

Adult male rats were castrated, or castrated + treated with gefitinib (Iressa®, ZD1839), an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for 3 days. Seven‐day castrated rats were treated with testosterone, or testosterone + gefitinib, for 3 days.

RESULTS

Both castration alone and testosterone treatment in castrated animals increased the mRNA and protein levels of EGFR and phospho‐EGFR in the ventral prostate. Inhibition of EGFR during castration and during testosterone‐stimulated prostate growth resulted in a decrease in total epithelial weight, epithelial cell proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and increased epithelial cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that increased EGFR signaling during castration mediates stimulatory effects balancing castration‐induced prostate regression, and that EGFR signaling is a necessary component in testosterone‐stimulated prostate growth. Prostate 67: 573–581, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EZH2 promotes proliferation and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Bryant R.J. , Cross N.A. , Eaton C.L. , Hamdy F.C. , Cunliffe V.T.
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

The transcriptional repressor EZH2 is implicated in control of cell proliferation in embryonic, immortalized and transformed cells. EZH2 expression in prostate cancer correlates with progression to hormone‐refractory and metastatic disease, but it is unknown whether EZH2 plays a specific role in the acquisition of an advanced prostate cancer phenotype.

METHODS

Using siRNA knockdown, we investigated the role of EZH2 in maintenance of prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Using LNCaP cells with inducible EZH2 overexpression, we investigated whether EZH2 upregulation promotes an aggressive phenotype.

RESULTS

Knockdown of endogenous EZH2 reduced proliferation of androgen‐responsive and androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells. EZH2 knockdown also inhibited prostate cancer cell invasion. However, overexpression of EZH2 in androgen‐responsive cancer cells did not appreciably affect either proliferation or invasiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

EZH2 promotes proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, which can account for the correlation between EZH2 expression levels and an adverse prostate cancer prognosis. Prostate 67: 547–556, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of cushioning materials on the firmness of Huanghua pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Huanghua) during distribution and storage
Authors: Zhou Ran , Su Shuqiang , Li Yunfei
Published: January 2007

The type and quality of cushioning materials could significantly affect the vibration intensity and physical quality of fruits during transport. In the current paper, we evaluated the different cushioning materials (paper‐wrap materials, foam‐net packages) for their protective effect on the vibration levels, number of bruises and mechanical damage to Huanghua pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Huanghua) during transport. Changes in pear firmness, hydrolase activity and cell wall constituents were examined in fruits stored for up to 36 days after transport. Our data suggested that the choice of cushioning material significantly reduced the vibration intensity in transit, affecting the physical quality of fruits and their subsequent commercialization, and that foam‐net packages provided a greater protective effect than paper‐wrap packages. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical Bayesian based approach to delay time inspection model parameters estimation using both subjective and objective data
Authors: Wang W. , Jia X.
Published: January 2007

This paper presents a model on the estimation of delay time inspection model parameters using both subjective and objective data. Delay time based inspection modelling has been increasingly reported in the literature. This has primarily concerned the modelling of inspection intervals, while estimating model parameters is an important task. When either subjective data such as expert judgements or objective data of failure and maintenance interventions are available, approaches to estimate the parameters associated in the delay time inspection model are available to each of the data types. If, however, we have subjective data in the first instance and then objective data become available later, a method using both available information sources is required. This paper reports on a new development of such an approach using a standard hierarchical Bayesian method. The approach starts with subjective data first, and then updates the estimates when objective data become available. The initial estimates are made using the empirical Bayesian method matching with few subjective summary statistics provided by the experts, which differs from previously reported subjective approaches in delay time modelling. Then the updating mechanism enters the process, which requires a repeated evaluation of the likelihood function. Examples based on real and simulated data are presented and findings are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimal burn‐in preventive‐replacement model associated with a mixture distribution
Authors: Jiang R. , Jardine A. K. S.
Published: January 2007

A mixture arises in a number of situations. A typical situation is that a population is heterogeneous and consists of several sub‐populations, which represent mutually exclusive failure modes (usually early failures where the mean time to failure (MTTF) is ‘short’ and wear‐out failures where the MTTF is ‘long’ and the hazard rate is increasing). When the time to failure of an item follows a mixture distribution, it is difficult to determine an appropriate operational or/and maintenance policy to reduce the early‐phase failures and field operational cost. This paper examines the effectiveness of jointly applying a burn‐in procedure and preventive replacement policy to such items, and discusses implementation‐related issues associated with the combined policy. A numerical example is also included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Carroll–Hung method for component reliability mapping in aircraft maintenance
Authors: Leung Tim , Carroll Tom , Hung May , Tsang Albert , Chung Walter
Published: January 2007

Mean time between unscheduled removal (MTBUR) measurement is a baseline technique for condition monitoring (CM) in aircraft reliability programmes. Many airlines, component suppliers and airframe manufacturers apply MTBUR analysis because of its simplicity and industry‐wide acceptance for contractual, performance and technical evaluation purposes. Owing to its aggregated nature, MTBUR alone has little to offer for showing the significant changes within a repairable component population. This paper introduces the Carroll–Hung (CH) method, an innovative approach for bridging the industrial practice of CM alerts and the process of identifying candidates for reliability improvement. Through systematic mapping of modulated time‐to‐failure patterns onto finger‐print charts, trained engineers are able to scrutinize life characteristics and then detect inherent issues by making reference to a CH pattern guidebook. Applications at two airlines have proved the method to be simple and effective because the CH algorithm and its unique failure pattern examination technique involve aircraft system knowledge and logistics factors in developing component improvement plans. Possible refinement of the CH methodology using a non‐parametric approach and pattern recognition is planned for future research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process and equipment monitoring methodologies applied to sensor calibration monitoring
Authors: Hines J. Wesley , Garvey Dustin
Published: January 2007

Traditionally, the calibration of safety critical nuclear instrumentation has been performed at each refueling cycle. However, many nuclear plants have moved toward condition‐directed rather than time‐directed calibration. This condition‐directed calibration is accomplished through the use of on‐line monitoring. On‐line monitoring (OLM) uses an autoassociative empirical modeling architecture to assess instrument channel performance. An autoassociative architecture predicts a group of correct sensor values when supplied a group of sensor values that is usually corrupted with process and instrument noise, and could also contain faults such as sensor drift or complete failure. The Process and Equipment Monitoring (PEM) Toolbox, which was developed at The University of Tennessee, is a set of MATLAB based tools, which have been developed to support the design of process and equipment condition monitoring systems. Its purpose is to provide the necessary functionality so that different empirical modeling and uncertainty estimation methods may be investigated and compared. This paper discusses the purpose and architecture of the PEM Toolbox, as well as presenting an example application to power plant sensor calibration monitoring using actual plant data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.