bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient free convection with mass transfer MHD micropolar fluid in a porous plate by the network method
Authors: Zueco Joaquín
Published: November 2007

The transient problem of coupled heat and mass transfer of a micropolar fluid in magneto‐hydrodynamic free convection from a vertical infinite porous plate with an exponentially decaying heat generating considering the viscous dissipation and ohmic heating effects is studied. Joule heating must be considered when the viscous dissipation and the Prandtl number are large. The non‐dimensional equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, energy and concentration are solved by means a numerical technique based on electric analogy (network simulation method). This method provides the numerical response of the system by running the network in circuit resolution software with the solution to both transient and steady‐state problems at the same time, and its programming does not require manipulation of the sophisticated mathematical software that is inherent in other numerical methods. The effects of the material parameters, viscous dissipation, internal generation and Joule heating on velocity, angular momentum and temperature fields across the boundary layer are investigated. In addition, the skin‐friction coefficient, couple stress coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are shown in tabular form. The numerical results for velocity and temperature distributions of micropolar fluids are compared with the corresponding flow problems for a Newtonian fluid. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lifestyle‐ and diet‐related factors in late‐life depression—a 5‐year follow‐up of elderly European men: the FINE study
Authors: Bots Sinikka , Tijhuis Marja , Giampaoli Simona , Kromhout Daan , Nissinen Aulikki
Published: November 2007

Objective

Late‐life depression is one of the main health problems among elderly populations and a key element of healthy ageing. Causal relationships of lifestyle‐ and diet‐related factors in late‐life depression are unclear. This study investigates prospective associations of lifestyle‐ and diet‐related factors with development of categorically defined late‐life depression in a well‐documented population of elderly European men.

Subjects and methods

Altogether 526 not‐demented and not‐depressed European men aged 70–89 at baseline were included in the analyses. The association of lifestyle‐related and dietary factors with development of categorically defined depression (> = 48/80 on the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale) was assessed in a follow‐up of 5 years.

Results

Eleven percent (n = 59) of the men developed depression during follow‐up. An independent association with development of depression was found for baseline depressive status [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.10–1.28, p < 0.001], a decline in serum total cholesterol level between study years (OR 1.76, 95%CI: 1.01–3.04, p = 0.045), physical activity (OR 0.97, 95%CI: 0.94–1.00, p = 0.022) and moderate alcohol intake (OR 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14–0.87, p = 0.023) but not for dietary factors.

Conclusions

This study of a well‐documented population of elderly European men confirms that physical activity and moderate alcohol consumption may protect against depression in the old‐old. Our results are the first to suggest that a decline in serum cholesterol level may predict development of late‐life depression. As the effects of age, medication and incipient cognitive decline could not be entirely ruled out; this finding must be interpreted with care. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial smoothing in fMRI using prolate spheroidal wave functions
Authors: Lindquist Martin A. , Wager Tor D.
Published: November 2007

The acquisition of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in a finite subset of k‐space produces ring‐artifacts and ‘side lobes’ that distort the image. In this article, we explore the consequences of this problem for functional imaging studies, which can be considerable, and propose a solution. The truncation of k‐space is mathematically equivalent to convolving the underlying “true” image with a sinc function whose width is inversely related to the amount of truncation. Spatial smoothing with a large enough kernel can eliminate these artifacts, but at a cost in image resolution. However, too little spatial smoothing leaves the ringing artifacts and side lobes caused by k‐space truncation intact, leading to a potential decrease in signal‐to‐noise ratio and statistical power. Thus, to make use of the high‐resolution afforded by MRI without introducing artifacts, new smoothing filters are needed that are optimized to correct k‐space truncation‐related artifacts. We develop a prolate spheroidal wave function (PSWF) filter designed to eliminate truncation artifacts and compare its performance to the standard Gaussian filter in simulations and analysis of fMRI data on a visual‐motor task. The PSWF filter effectively corrected truncation artifacts and resulted in more sensitive detection of visual‐motor activity in expected brain regions, demonstrating its efficacy. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain network dynamics during error commission
Authors: Stevens Michael C. , Kiehl Kent A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: November 2007

Previous studies suggest that the anterior cingulate and other prefrontal brain regions might form a functionally‐integrated error detection network in the human brain. This study examined whole brain functional connectivity to both correct and incorrect button presses using independent component analysis (ICA) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected from 25 adolescent and 25 adult healthy participants (ages 11–37) performing a visual Go/No‐Go task. Correct responses engaged a network comprising left lateral prefrontal cortex, left postcentral gyrus/inferior parietal lobule, striatum, and left cerebellum. In contrast, a similar network was uniquely engaged during errors, but this network was not integrated with activity in regions believed to be engaged for higher‐order cognitive control over behavior. A medial/dorsolateral prefrontal‐parietal neural network responded to all No‐Go stimuli, but with significantly greater activity to errors. ICA analyses also identified a third error‐related circuit comprised of anterior temporal lobe, limbic, and pregenual cingulate cortices, possibly representing an affective response to errors. There were developmental differences in error‐processing activity within many of these neural circuits, typically reflecting greater hemodynamic activation in adults. These findings characterize the spatial structure of neural networks underlying error commission and identify neurobiological differences between adolescents and adults. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cortical network dynamics during source memory retrieval: Current density imaging with individual MRI
Authors: Kim Young Youn , Roh Ah Young , Namgoong Yoon , Jo Hang Joon , Lee Jong‐Min , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: November 2007

We investigated the neural correlates of source memory retrieval using low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) with 64 channels EEG and individual MRI as a realistic head model. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while 13 healthy subjects performed the source memory task for the voice of the speaker in spoken words. The source correct condition of old words elicited more positive‐going potentials than the correct rejection condition of new words at 400–700 ms post‐stimulus and the old/new effects also appeared in the right anterior region between 1,000 and 1,200 ms. We conducted source reconstruction at mean latencies of 311, 604, 793, and 1,100 ms and used statistical parametric mapping for the statistical analysis. The results of source analysis suggest that the activation of the right inferior parietal region may reflect retrieval of source information. The source elicited by the difference ERPs between the source correct and source incorrect conditions exhibited dynamic change of current density activation in the overall cortices with time during source memory retrieval. These results indicate that multiple neural systems may underlie the ability to recollect context. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental design and interpretation of functional neuroimaging studies of cognitive processes
Authors: Caplan David
Published: November 2007

This article discusses how the relation between experimental and baseline conditions in functional neuroimaging studies affects the conclusions that can be drawn from a study about the neural correlates of components of the cognitive system and about the nature and organization of those components. I argue that certain designs in common use—in particular the contrast of qualitatively different representations that are processed at parallel stages of a functional architecture—can never identify the neural basis of a cognitive operation and have limited use in providing information about the nature of cognitive systems. Other types of designs—such as ones that contrast representations that are computed in immediately sequential processing steps and ones that contrast qualitatively similar representations that are parametrically related within a single processing stage—are more easily interpreted. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New P‐ligands: 3‐(ethyl‐phenylphosphinato‐) 1,2,3,6‐tetrahydro‐ and 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexahydrophosphinine derivatives
Authors: Sipos Melinda , Körtvélyesi Tamás , Ujj Viktória , Ludányi Krisztina , Vékey Károly , Tóke László , Keglevich György
Published: November 2007

The trimethylaluminum‐mediated Michael addition of ethyl phenyl‐H‐phosphinate to 1,2‐dihydrophosphinine oxides (1A) yielded 3‐(EtOPhP(O))‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophosphinine oxides (4) in a selective manner, as a mixture of only two diastereomers. In the above type of reactions (e.g., in that of 1Aa and Ph2P(O)H), Me3Al could not be substituted by microwave irradiation due to low efficiency. Catalytic hydrogenation of the Michael adducts (4) led to 3‐(EtOPhP(O)‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexahydrophosphinine oxides 5, in the case of P‐phenyl substituent (5a), as a mixture of only two diastereomers, while in the instance of the P‐ethoxy derivative (5b), as a mixture of four isomers. Stereostructure of the products (5) was substantiated on the basis of analogies and stereospecific NMR couplings. The predominant conformations of compounds 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b‐1 were determined by HF/6‐31G* calculations. Reduction of P(1)–Ph heterocycles 4a and 5a by phenylsilane resulted in monodeoxygenation to afford P‐ligands 6 and 8, respectively, that were protected as the corresponding phosphine boranes (7 and 9, respectively). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:747–753, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20365
Gracilis free muscle transfer for morpho‐functional reconstruction of the lower lip
Authors: Cordova Adriana , D'Arpa Salvatore , Moschella Francesco
Published: November 2007

Background.

Large full‐thickness defects of the lower lip need free tissue transfer. The free forearm flap is the more widespread technique for free flap lower lip reconstruction, but it results in a static lip. The authors describe a technique of morphodynamic sensate reconstruction of the lower lip with a free gracilis flap and a musculomucosal flap.

Methods.

Three patients underwent reconstruction with an innervated free muscular gracilis flap, an innervated musculo‐mucosal flap for the vermillion (2 cases), and a full‐thickness skin graft.

Results.

No significant complications were observed. Static function and vermillion sensitivity were immediately restored. The skin color match was excellent. After 9 months, contraction of the transferred muscle was evident.

Conclusion.

The lip is a dynamic unit. The innervated gracilis muscle seems ideal for lip reconstruction in that it correctly replaces all the lip layers and compensates for the lost function much better than a static technique. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Modeling the role of working memory and episodic memory in behavioral tasks
Authors: Zilli Eric A. , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: November 2007

The mechanisms of goal‐directed behavior have been studied using reinforcement learning theory, but these theoretical techniques have not often been used to address the role of memory systems in performing behavioral tasks. This work addresses this shortcoming by providing a way in which working memory (WM) and episodic memory may be included in the reinforcement learning framework, then simulating the successful acquisition and performance of six behavioral tasks, drawn from or inspired by the rat experimental literature, that require WM or episodic memory for correct performance. With no delay imposed during the tasks, simulations with WM can solve all of the tasks at above the chance level. When a delay is imposed, simulations with both episodic memory and WM can solve all of the tasks except a disambiguation of odor sequences task. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The potential of different ANN techniques in evapotranspiration modelling
Authors: Kisi Ozgur
Published: November 2007

The potential of three different artificial neural network (ANN) techniques, the multi‐layer perceptrons (MLPs), radial basis neural networks (RBNNs) and generalized regression neural networks (GRNNs), in modelling of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is investigated in this paper. Various daily climatic data, that is, solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed from two stations, Pomona and Santa Monica, in Los Angeles, USA, are used as inputs to the ANN techniques so as to estimate ET0 obtained using the FAO‐56 Penman–Monteith (PM) equation. In the first part of the study, a comparison is made between the estimates provided by the MLP, RBNN and GRNN and those of the following empirical models: The California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Penman (1985), Hargreaves (1985) and Ritchie (1990). In this part of the study, the empirical models are calibrated using the standard FAO‐56 PM ET0 values. The estimates of the ANN techniques are also compared with those of the calibrated empirical models. Mean square errors, mean absolute errors and determination coefficient statistics are used as comparing criteria for the evaluation of the models' performances. Based on the comparisons, it is found that the MLP and RBNN techniques could be employed successfully in modelling the ET0 process. In the second part of the study, the potential of ANN techniques and the empirical methods in ET0 estimation using nearby station data is investigated. Among the models, the calibrated Hargreaves model is found to perform better than the others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and determination of coumateralyl and coumafuryl in animal tissues by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jin Mi‐cong , Xu Guo‐zhang , Ren Yi‐ping , Chen Xiao‐hong , Xu Xiao‐ming
Published: November 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC‐MS‐MS) method was developed and validated to determine simultaneously coumafuryl and coumateralyl in animal tissues using warfarin as an internal standard (IS). Animal tissue samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and cleaned by Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. After pretreatment, the separation was performed on a XDB C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase of acetic acid–ammonium acetate (5 mmol l−1, pH = 4.5)/methanol (30:70, v/v). Detection was carried out on a mass spectrometer by negative electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.998) in the concentration range 0.75–100.0 ng g−1 with a lower limit of quantification of 0.75 ng g−1 for coumafuryl, and 0.5 ng g−1 for coumateralyl in liver and kidney samples. Intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 8.6% and 10.9%, respectively. Recoveries of coumafuryl and coumateralyl were in the range 81.5–89.5%. The developed assay has been applied to the determination of trace residues of coumafuryl and coumateralyl in animal tissues to investigate suspected poisoning of human and animals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and drug release properties of thermoresponsive hydrogel copolymers designed for medical device applications
Authors: Jones David S. , Lorimer Colin P. , McCoy Colin P. , Gorman Sean P.
Published: November 2007

In this study, a series of hydrogels was synthesized by free radical polymerization, namely poly(2‐(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate) (pHEMA), poly(4‐(hydroxybutyl)methacrylate) (pHBMA), poly(6‐(hydroxyhexyl)methacrylate) (pHHMA), and copolymers composed of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAA), methacrylic acid (MA), NIPAA, and the above monomers. The surface, mechanical, and swelling properties (at 20 and 37°C, pH 6) of the polymers were determined using dynamic contact angle analysis, tensile analysis, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The Tg and lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) were determined using modulated DSC and oscillatory rheometry, respectively. Drug loading of the hydrogels with chlorhexidine diacetate was performed by immersion in a drug solution at 20°C (<LCST) and subsequent characterization of the drug release and antimicrobial properties performed at 20 and 37°C. The composition of the hydrogels directly affected the advancing contact angle, mechanical properties, and swelling. Thermoresponsive behavior was only observed with hydrogels composed of HEMA, NIPAA, MA, and NIPAA in which pulsatile drug release was obtained by elevating the temperature from below to above the LCST. A greater mass and enhanced pulsatile release of drug, with the associated greater antimicrobial properties (an 108 reduction in viability of Staphylococcus epidermidis in 15 min), was associated with poly(NIPAA‐co‐HEMA, 1:1). It is suggested that the pulsatile drug release and favorable antimicrobial and mechanical properties of candidate hydrogels, particularly poly(HEMA‐co‐NIPAA), offer promise as thermoresponsive, antimicrobial biomaterials that may be used as wound dressings, medical implants, or coatings of medical devices. Furthermore, it is suggested that drug loading may be effectively performed in situ by lowering the temperature of the device/dressing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
N‐acetylcysteine stimulates osteoblastic differentiation of mouse calvarial cells
Authors: Jun Ji Hae , Lee Sun‐Hwan , Kwak Han Bok , Lee Zang Hee , Seo Sang‐Beum , Woo Kyung Mi , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo , Kim Gwan‐Shik , Baek Jeong‐Hwa
Published: November 2007

Estrogen deficiency causes osteoporosis via increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thus, antioxidants may prove to be the effective therapeutic candidates. We examined the effects of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on osteoblastic differentiation in mouse calvarial cells. NAC (10–30 mM) enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, mRNA expression of osteoblast differentiation‐associated genes and mineralized nodule formation. It also increased expression of bone morphogenetic proteins‐2, ‐4, and ‐7. The osteogenic activity of NAC was partially reduced by inhibition of glutathione synthesis. Since caffeic acid phenethyl ester did not stimulate osteoblast differentiation, it is unlikely that ROS scavenging activity of NAC is sufficient for osteogenic activity. We observed that NAC suppressed small GTPase RhoA activity and activation of RhoA by Pasteurella multocida toxin suppressed the osteogenic activity of NAC. These results suggest that NAC might exert its osteogenic activity via increased glutathione synthesis and inhibition of RhoA activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1246–1255, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B‐Myb regulates the A2B adenosine receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: St. Hilaire Cynthia , Yang Dan , Schreiber Barbara M. , Ravid Katya
Published: November 2007

The A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) has been described to control various vascular functions, including inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Here, we sought to understand the regulation of A2BAR gene expression in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), with a focus on the proliferation phase. Assays with A2BAR‐β‐gal aortic VSMCs, in which the endogenous A2BAR gene promoter drives the expression of prokaryotic β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) instead of the endogenous A2BAR gene, show that β‐gal expression is upregulated when the cells are induced to exit from cell cycle arrest. Similarly, the level of A2BAR mRNA is upregulated in proliferating primary aortic VSMCs. In search of related mechanisms, it was noted that the A2BAR gene promoter contains several putative binding sites for the proliferation‐inducing transcription factor, B‐Myb. Using a clone of the 5′ region upstream of the mouse A2BAR gene linked to a reporter gene, B‐Myb site deletion mutants were generated. It was determined that B‐Myb upregulates the A2BAR gene promoter, and specific promoter binding sites were identified as functional. In accordance, B‐Myb also elevates endogenous A2BAR mRNA and receptor activity, and this activity decreases cell proliferation. Our data are novel in that they show that this proliferation‐inhibiting A2BAR is itself an inducible receptor regulated by B‐Myb. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1962–1974, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hesperetin, a bioflavonoid, inhibits rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by arresting cell cycle
Authors: Jin Yong‐Ri , Han Xiang‐Hua , Zhang Yong‐He , Lee Jung‐Jin , Lim Yong , Kim Tack‐Joong , Yoo Hwan‐Soo , Yun Yeo‐Pyo
Published: November 2007

Diet can be one of the most important factors that influence risks for cardiovascular diseases. Hesperetin, a flavonoid present in grapefruits and oranges, is one candidate that may benefit the cardiovascular system. In this study, we have investigated the effect of hesperetin on the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐induced proliferation of primary cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Hesperetin significantly inhibited 50 ng/ml PDGF‐BB‐induced rat aortic VSMCs proliferation and [3H]‐thymidine incorporation into DNA at concentrations of 5, 25, 50, and 100 µM. In accordance with these findings, hesperetin revealed blocking of the PDGF‐BB‐inducible progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle in synchronized cells. Western blot showed that hesperetin inhibited not only phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and expressions of cyclin A, cyclin D, cyclin E, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) as well as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein, but also downregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p27kip1, while did not affect CKI p21cip1, p16INK4, p53, and CDK4 expressions as well as early signaling transductions such as PDGF beta‐receptor, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, Akt, p38, and JNK phosphorylation. These results suggest that hesperetin inhibits PDGF‐BB‐induced rat aortic VSMCs proliferation via G0/G1 arrest in association with modulation of the expression or activation of cell‐cycle regulatory proteins, which may contribute to the beneficial effect of grapefruits and oranges on cardiovascular system. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1–14, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β‐catenin mediates alteration in cell proliferation, motility and invasion of prostate cancer cells by differential expression of E‐cadherin and protein kinase D1
Authors: Syed Viqar , Mak Paul , Du Cheng , Balaji K.C.
Published: November 2007

We have previously demonstrated that Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1) interacts with E‐cadherin and is associated with altered cell aggregation and motility in prostate cancer (PC). Because both PKD1 and E‐cadherin are known to be dysregulated in PC, in this study we investigated the functional consequences of combined dysregulation of PKD1 and E‐cadherin using a panel of human PC cell lines. Gain and loss of function studies were carried out by either transfecting PC cells with full‐length E‐cadherin and/or PKD1 cDNA or by protein silencing by siRNAs, respectively. We studied major malignant phenotypic characteristics including cell proliferation, motility, and invasion at the cellular level, which were corroborated with appropriate changes in representative molecular markers. Down regulation or ectopic expression of either E‐cadherin or PKD1 significantly increased or decreased cell proliferation, motility, and invasion, respectively, and combined down regulation cumulatively influenced the effects. Loss of PKD1 or E‐cadherin expression was associated with increased expression of the pro‐survival molecular markers survivin, β‐catenin, cyclin‐D, and c‐myc, whereas overexpression of PKD1 and/or E‐cadherin resulted in an increase of caspases. The inhibitory effect of PKD1 and E‐cadherin on cell proliferation was rescued by coexpression with β‐catenin, suggesting that β‐catenin mediates the effect of proliferation by PKD1 and E‐cadherin. This study establishes the functional significance of combined dysregulation of PKD1 and E‐cadherin in PC and that their effect on cell growth is mediated by β‐catenin. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 82–95, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extrinsic regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Chen Kang , Wu Liqun , Wang Zack Z.
Published: November 2007

Cardiovascular disease is one of leading causes of death throughout the U.S. and the world. The damage of cardiomyocytes resulting from ischemic injury is irreversible and leads to the development of progressive heart failure, which is characterized by the loss of functional cardiomyocytes. Because cardiomyocytes are unable to regenerate in the adult heart, cell‐based therapy of transplantation provides a potential alternative approach to replace damaged myocardial tissue and restore cardiac function. A major roadblock toward this goal is the lack of donor cells; therefore, it is urgent to identify the cardiovascular cells that are necessary for achieving cardiac muscle regeneration. Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells have enormous potential as a source of therapeutic tissues, including cardiovascular cells; however, the regulatory elements mediating ES cell differentiation to cardiomyocytes are largely unknown. In this review, we will focus on extrinsic factors that play a role in regulating different stages of cardiomyocyte differentiation of ES cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 119–128, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From G0 to S phase: A view of the roles played by the retinoblastoma (Rb) family members in the Rb‐E2F pathway
Authors: Sun Ang , Bagella Luigi , Tutton Steven , Romano Gaetano , Giordano Antonio
Published: November 2007

Tumor suppressor pRb/p105, pRb/p107, and pRb2/p130 genes belong to the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene family. The members of the Rb gene family and the transcription factor E2F play an essential role in regulating cell cycle and, consequently, cell proliferation. This mini‐review describes the mechanisms by which Rb family members and E2F regulate cell cycle progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1400–1404, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zinc depletion efficiently inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth by increasing the ratio of antiproliferative/proliferative genes
Authors: Donadelli M. , Dalla Pozza E. , Costanzo C. , Scupoli M.T. , Scarpa A. , Palmieri M.
Published: November 2007

We investigated the ability of the zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) to reduce pancreatic cancer cell viability. TPEN was much more efficient to inhibit pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell growth than a panel of anti‐cancer drugs, including 5‐fluorouracil, irinotecan, cisplatin, edelfosine, trichostatin A, mitomycin C, and gemcitabine, the gold standard chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, TPEN showed a dose‐ and time‐dependent anti‐proliferative effect significantly higher on pancreatic cancer cells than on normal primary fibroblasts. This effect may be explained by a significantly higher zinc depletion by TPEN in pancreatic cancer cells as compared to fibroblasts. Cell viability reduction by TPEN was associated to both G1‐phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and to the increased ratio of the expression level of cyclin‐Cdk inhibitor versus cyclin genes and apoptotic versus anti‐apoptotic genes. Finally, we show that apoptotic cell death induced by TPEN involved mitochondrial injury and caspase 3 and caspase 8 activation. In this study, we suggest that zinc depletion may be an efficient strategy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer because of its reduced antiproliferative effect on normal cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 202–212, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A survey on the existence ofG‐Designs
Authors: Adams Peter , Bryant Darryn , Buchanan Melinda
Published: November 2007

AG‐design of ordernis a decomposition of the complete graph onnvertices into edge‐disjoint subgraphs isomorphic toG. We survey the current state of knowledge on the existence problem forG‐designs. This includes references to all the necessary designs and constructions, as well as a few new designs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 373–410, 2008
Aqueous two‐phase extraction using thermoseparating copolymer: a new system for phenolic compounds removal from hemicelullosic hydrolysate
Authors: Hasmann Francislene A , Santos Valéria C , Gurpilhares Daniela B , Pessoa‐Junior Adalberto , Roberto Inês C
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: The hydrolysis of hemicellulosic material can provide liquor with high xylose concentration (which can be used as a fermentation medium) and phenolic compounds (Phs), potentially immunostimulating compounds. However, these hydrolysates must be detoxified in order to remove the Phs that can act as inhibitors in bioconversions.

RESULTS: Aqueous two‐phase systems composed of thermoseparating copolymers were used for rice straw hydrolysate detoxification. The hydrolysis process was able to promote chemical breakdown of 85% of the total hemicellulose content, 14% of the cellulose, and 2% of the lignin. The hydrolysate obtained contained 19.7 g L−1 of xylose and several phenolic compounds, such as vanillin, vanillic acid, ferullic acid, etc. The phenolics extraction was studied as a function of copolymer molar mass (1100 g mol−1, 2000 g mol−1 and 2800 g mol−1), their percentages (from 5% to 50%) and Phs initial concentration. Phenolic compounds extraction of around 80% was obtained under the following conditions: 20% (w/w) and 35% (w/w) copolymer 1100 g mol−1, 35% (w/w) copolymer 2000 g mol−1 and 35% (w/w) copolymer 2800 g mol−1 at 25 °C.

CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the viability of this method for the removal of Phs from rice straw hydrolysate, which has potential uses in bioconversion processes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
A temperature‐gradient sensor for determining the activity of activated sludge
Authors: Park Soon‐Ung , Hur Won
Published: November 2007

Efficient wastewater treatment requires monitoring of the biological activity of activated sludge. Its metabolic heat can be a critical indicator. Thus, a new method, measuring the temperature gradient between sludge sediment and the supernatant, is proposed for analyzing sludge. A prototype of the device was developed using an insulated cylinder with a series of thermistor sensors attached in parallel. Sedimentation of sludge in the lower part of the cylinder concentrated microorganisms, which produced more metabolic heat than the supernatant. The heat produced correlated well with the sludge concentration. The temperature profiles of each probe also enable real‐time monitoring of sludge settling. Extended operation of the sensor evaluates the sludge quality, such as metabolic sustainability and the time required for the sludge to float under anaerobic conditions. A temperature‐gradient sensor was implemented and its utility was confirmed by measuring the heat produced in sludge from a local wastewater plant. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidation of a laccase mediator ABTS as studied by ESI‐FTICR mass spectrometry
Authors: Marjasvaara Asse , Jänis Janne , Vainiotalo Pirjo
Published: November 2007

The oxidation reaction of a laccase mediator ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) was studied by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FTICRMS). Oxidation products of ABTS were measured after reaction times that varied from a few minutes up to several days and both positive and negative ionization modes were employed. Exact mass measurements and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments were used to characterize the structures of the ions formed. After reacting with Trametes versicolor laccase (TvL), the radical cation form of ABTS was the main product observed by the positive ionization mode. Negative ionization mode experiments revealed that a degradation product from ABTS was formed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic significance of the ratio between metastatic and dissected lymph nodes (n ratio) in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Fukumoto Yoji , Osaki Tomohiro , Yamada Yoshinori , Fukuda Kenji , Tatebe Shigeru , Tsujitani Shunichi , Ikeguchi Masahide
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives

To determine the prognostic significance of the ratio between metastatic and dissected lymph nodes (n ratio) in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 777 advanced gastric cancer patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy at our hospital.

Results

The n ratio was significantly greater in cases with a large tumor, undifferentiated tumor, lymphatic vessel invasion, or blood vessel invasion. Furthermore, the n ratio was significantly correlated with the depth of invasion, level of lymph node metastasis, and number of lymph node metastases. The prognosis for gastric cancer patients correlated well with the n ratio. Multivariate analysis indicated that the n ratio, but not the number of lymph node metastases, was an independent prognostic indicator. Moreover, the n ratio was an independent prognostic factor in N1, N2, and N3 patients defined by the Japanese Classification of Gastric Cancer (JCGC).

Conclusions

The n ratio is useful for evaluating the status of lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. Therefore, the addition of the n ratio to the N (nodal) category defined by the JCGC may be a useful strategy in the N‐staging classification of gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:132–135. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Racial disparities in surgical treatment and survival of epithelial ovarian cancer in United States
Authors: Chan John K. , Zhang Mallory , Hu Jessica M. , Shin Jacob Y. , Osann Kathryn , Kapp Daniel S.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To compare the racial differences in treatment and survival of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program between 1988 and 2001 and analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Of the 24,038 women, 22,407 (93.2%) were non‐Hispanic White, and 1,631 (6.8%) were African‐American. Median age of Whites versus African‐Americans was 65 versus 63 years, respectively (P < 0.001). Of the patients with early‐stage (I–II) disease, 38.8% of Whites underwent lymphadenectomy with their primary surgery compared to only 32.8% of African‐Americans (P = 0.005). In the overall study group, the 5‐year disease‐specific survival of Whites was significantly higher compared to the African‐Americans (44.1% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, age, race, stage, cell type, and grade of disease were all independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that race is an independent prognostic factor for survival in epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, African‐Americans with early‐stage cancer were less likely to undergo lymphadenectomy with their staging procedure. Furthermore, patient/physician education is needed to increase the number of patients undergoing surgical staging procedures for epithelial ovarian cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:103–107. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Travel motivations of Japanese senior travellers to Thailand
Authors: Sangpikul Aswin
Published: November 2007

This study applies the conceptual framework of push and pull motivations to investigate travel motivations of Japanese senior travellers to Thailand. Using factor analysis, three push and four pull factor dimensions are identified. The three push factors are labelled ‘novelty and knowledge‐seeking’, ‘rest and relaxation’ and ‘ego‐enhancement’, while the four pull factors are ‘cultural and historical attractions’, ‘travel arrangements and facilities’, ‘shopping and leisure activities’ and ‘safety and cleanliness’. Among them, ‘novelty and knowledge‐seeking’ and ‘cultural and historical attractions’ are regarded as the most important push and pull factors respectively. The results of multiple regression analysis indicate that psychological well‐being (i.e. positive affect) and education are the two factors influencing travel motivations of Japanese senior travellers to Thailand. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role stress, burnout and their effects on frontline hotel employees' job performance: evidence from Northern Cyprus
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Uludag Orhan
Published: November 2007

Based on data obtained from frontline hotel employees in Northern Cyprus, this study investigated the effects of role stress and burnout on job performance. It was found that role ambiguity decreased job performance while role conflict enhanced job performance. The results indicated that diminished personal accomplishment exerted a significant negative influence on job performance whereas the rest of the burnout dimensions did not. The results further showed that both role conflict and ambiguity exacerbated emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Role ambiguity was found to have a significant positive relationship with diminished personal accomplishment whereas role conflict was not. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Industrie für Strahlquellen und optische Komponenten
Authors: Giesekus Joachim
Published: November 2007

Mit einem Wert von 8,0 Milliarden Euro konnten die deutschen Hersteller von Strahlquellen und optischen Komponenten ihren Gesamtumsatz im vergangenen Jahr um 21 Prozent steigern. Der positiven Gesamtentwicklung entsprechend lag auch die Beschäftigtenzahl in den rund 350 Betrieben mit etwa 45.000 Mitarbeitern um 3 Prozent über dem Wert des Jahres 2005.
Laserdioden: mehr Brillanz ist der Schlüssel
Authors: Naumer Christian , Manz Yvonne
Published: November 2007

Mit zunehmender Leistungsfähigkeit und Brillanz der Hochleistungslaserdioden lassen sich Applikationen adressieren die bisher CO2‐ und Festkörperlasern vorbehalten waren. Um dies zu befördern fokussiert Bookham seine Entwicklungsanstrengungen nicht nur auf die Erhöhung der Ausgangsleistung sondern speziell auf die Steigerung der Brillanz unter Beibehaltung strenger Zuverlässigkeitsanforderungen.
Direct Diode Lasers Conquer New Markets
Authors: Haake John , Venkat Sri
Published: November 2007

Higher power is being followed by increased brightness as diodes penetrate wider metal‐processing applications currently using other lasers and even non‐laser technology. Dramatic increases in the power and brightness of high power direct diode lasers (HPDDLs) now enable them to perform a number of metal processing tasks. This article examines new techniques for further increasing HPDDL brightness and reviews the key applications they currently service.
Quantum Well Intermixing Revolutionizes High Power Laser Diodes
Authors: Marsh John H.
Published: November 2007

Quantum well intermixing (QWI), an innovative monolithic integration platform, is changing the way diode lasers solve evolving optoelectronic needs – from high density, individually addressable laser arrays to high power laser products. QWI‐enabled lasers deliver superior performance in terms of power, brightness, reliability, and yield, and are driving a revolution across market sectors including digital printing, defense, industrial, and medical imaging.
Zuverlässigkeit mit Faserkopplung
Authors: Neukum Jörg
Published: November 2007

Laserdioden unterliegen heute härtesten (Qualitäts‐)Anforderungen. Egal ob es um die konsistente Produktion von Standard‐Hochleistungs‐Laserdioden für Stab‐ und Scheibenlaser geht, oder um ein 264 Kilo‐Watt‐Pumpmodul mit 2200 Laserdiodenbarren für Fusionslaser. Egal ob die Hochleistungs‐Laserdioden für 24/7‐Anwendungen in Produktionsanlagen integriert sind oder unter härtesten Schock‐ und Vibrationsbedingungen in der Militär‐und Luftfahrtindustrie. In jedem Fall ist die Qualität der Komponenten und ihrer Integration von entscheidender Bedeutung.
Schweißnahtprüfung in 3D
Authors: Maurer Markus
Published: November 2007

Die Automatisierung des Schweißens in der industriellen Produktion ist heute Stand der Technik. Die Ergebnisse prüfen Mitarbeiter jedoch oft noch mit dem Auge. Moderne Bildverarbeitung ermöglicht es inzwischen, Nähte vollautomatisch zu prüfen. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt, wie sich mit Hilfe eines integrierten Prüfsystems Qualitätskontrollen automatisieren lassen. Damit werden qualitative Aussagen zur Güte der Naht möglich und Schweißprozesse lassen sich gezielt optimieren.
Laserenergieanalyse bei 40 kHz – in Echtzeit
Authors: Wright Steve , Neumann Bernhard
Published: November 2007

Die Überwachung eines Lasers kann man mit einem Tachometer im Automobil vergleichen. Während einer Fahrt müssen wir überwachen, ob wir zu schnell oder zu langsam fahren. Durch eine Rückkoppelung mittels unseres zentralen Datenprozessors (Gehirn) sind wir in der Lage den Aktuator (Gaspedal) in seinem Zustand entsprechend anzupassen. Ebenso, müssen wir während eines Bearbeitungsprozesses, etwa beim Bohren von Microvias zum Beispiel, den Bearbeitungslaser ständig überwachen.
Macromol. Biosci. 11/2007
Authors: Vyazovkin Sergey , Vincent Luc , Sbirrazzuoli Nicolas
Published: November 2007

Cover: The application of an isoconversional method to DSC data on collagen denaturation demonstrates that the activation energy decreases throughout the process. The effect is consistent with the Lumry‐Eyring model that involves a reversible transition from the native to unfolded form followed by an irreversible conversion to the denatured form. Further details can be found in the article by S. Vyazovkin,* L. Vincent, and N. Sbirrazzuoli on page 1181.
Conductive Polymer Electrolytes Derived from Poly(norbornene)s with Pendant Ionic Imidazolium Moieties
Authors: Vygodskii Yakov S. , Shaplov Alexander S. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Golovanov Denis G. , Malyshkina Inna A. , Gavrilova Nadejda D. , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: November 2007

Poly(norbornene)s with pendant imidazolium moieties and three different counter anions, i.e. poly[exo,endo‐5‐norbornene‐2‐yl‐carboxyethyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl‐sulfonyl)imide], poly(exo,endo‐5‐norbornene‐2‐yl‐carboxyethyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate), and poly(exo,endo‐5‐norbornene‐2‐yl‐carboxyethyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) were prepared via ROMP using ionic liquids as the reaction medium. The ionic polymers possessed $\overline M _{\rm w}$ in the range 8.1–44 × 103 and ionic conductivity up to 1.13 × 10−5 and 1.44 × 10−4 S · cm−1 at 20 and 50 °C, respectively. The solubility of the new polymeric ionic liquids, their thermal stability and their glass transition temperatures were investigated in detail. Ionic conductivities were found to depend on the nature of the counter‐anion and on the polymers' glass transition temperature rather than its molecular weight.

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Preparation of Nanostructured Polyaniline and its Super‐Amphiphilic Behavior
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Wang Jixiao , Zhou Zhibin , Wang Zhi , Zhang Fengbao , Wang Shichang
Published: November 2007

PANI nanofibers are prepared electrochemically by template‐free method on a stainless steel electrode. Both the hydrophilicity and the lipophilicity of the modified SS surface are enhanced by the nanostructured PANI, and a super‐amphiphilic surface is obtained in this way. The influence of polymerization conditions, such as polymerization potentials, polymerization time, the acidity, and the dopants on the super‐amphiphilic property, has been systematically investigated. In addition, the mechanisms of obtaining a super‐amphiphilic surface are briefly discussed.

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A New Route for the Modification of Halogen End Groups to Amino End‐Functionalized Poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)s
Authors: Monge Sophie , Giani Olivia , Ruiz Elodie , Cavalier Manon , Robin Jean‐Jacques
Published: November 2007

The synthesis of primary amine end‐functional poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)s has been achieved by using the Gabriel reaction. Polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate was first achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization using ethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate or paramethoxyphenyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate as initiator. Both resulting polymers, with a bromide‐end atom, were converted into phthalimido intermediates which then were successfully hydrolyzed using potassium hydroxide in tert‐butyl alcohol to result in poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)s terminated by a primary amine function. End group interconversions were followed by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, and MALDI‐TOF MS measurements. All the results proved that quantitative transformations were achieved at each step. Moreover, the method developed is very easy to carry out.

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High‐Performance Exfoliated Poly(propylene)/Clay Nanocomposites by In Situ Polymerization with a Novel Z–N/Clay Compound Catalyst
Authors: Du Kai , He Aihua H. , Liu Xin , Han Charles C.
Published: November 2007

Highly exfoliated poly(propylene) (PP)/clay nanocomposites with obvious improvements in both the tensile strength and toughness have been prepared by a novel TiCl4/MgCl2/imidazolium‐modified montmorillonite (IOHMMT) compound catalysts. Through this approach, in situ propylene polymerization can actually take place between the silicate layers and lead not only to PP with a high isotacticity and molecular weight, but also to a highly exfoliated structure even at high clay content levels (as high as 19 wt.‐%).

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 22/2007
Authors: Chen Feng , Akasaka Satoshi , Inoue Tomohiro , Takenaka Mikihito , Hasegawa Hirokazu , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

Cover: It was found that binary blending of block copolymers could make the cylindrical domains align perpendicular to a non‐neutral substrate. In combination with the graphoepitaxy technique, an array of highly ordered perpendicular cylinders with a domain spacing of less than 25 nm was produced. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by F. Chen, S. Akasaka, T. Inoue, M. Takenaka, H. Hasegawa,* and H. Yoshida on page 2137.