bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel synthetic route for the preparation of hydrolytically degradable synthetic hydrogels
Authors: Cho Eunhee , Kutty Jaishankar K. , Datar Kedar , Soo Lee Jeoung , Vyavahare Naren R. , Webb Ken
Published: July 2008

A variety of approaches have been described for the modification of synthetic, water soluble polymers with hydrolytically degradable bonds and terminal vinyl groups that can be crosslinked in situ by photo‐ or redox‐initiated free radical polymerization. However, changes in macromer concentration, functionality, and molecular weight commonly used to achieve variable degradation rates simultaneously alter hydrogel mechanical properties. Herein, we describe a novel, two‐step synthetic route for the preparation of hydrolytically degradable, crosslinkable PEG‐based macromers based on chemical intermediaries that form ester linkages with variable alkyl chain length. Changes in the concentration of a single macromer were shown to provide effective variation of degradation, but with corresponding significant changes in tensile properties. Through variation in the alkyl chain length of the chemical intermediary, variable degradation times ranging from weeks to months are achieved, without significantly affecting initial gelation efficiency, swelling, or tensile properties. When modified with adhesive ligands, hydrogels supported viability of encapsulated and adherent cells. Controlled release of a model protein (Immunoglobulin G) was attained as a function of hydrogel degradation rate. Independent control of hydrogel degradation and mechanical properties will offer improved flexibility for studying the effect of these material characteristics on cellular function and may be useful in the design of matrices for tissue engineering and controlled release of bioactive molecules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
A reappraisal of the biological effects of hyaluronan on human dermal fibroblast
Authors: Huang Lin , Gu Hua , Burd Andrew
Published: July 2008

Hyaluronan (HA) is a fundamental component of many biomaterials. Reports on the biological effects of HA are, however, both inconsistent and contradictory. This particularly refers to fibroblast contraction in the presence of high concentrations of HA. In this study we used a broad range of molecular weight (MW) and concentrations of HA to assay its influence on human dermal fibroblasts in both two and three‐dimensional culture models. High‐MW HA in high concentrations demonstrated inhibitory effects on both cell attachment and proliferation. HA‐coated surfaces appeared less adhesive to fibroblasts than collagen‐coated surfaces. In the fibroblast‐populated collagen lattice, HA supplementation dose‐dependently retarded gel contraction, which was associated with reduced cell division and spreading. Although gene transcripts of collagen type I and III were not significantly upregulated in the monolayer culture as determined by real‐time PCR analysis, more type III collagen was present in HA‐incorporated collagen gels by Sirius red staining. Type III collagen was homogeneously distributed and well organized in the presence of HA. Our data indicates that HA has both a qualitative and quantitative effect on cell–matrix interactions. Optimum parameters in terms of MW and concentration need to be determined when HA‐based biomaterials are being prepared for tissue‐repair purposes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vivo evaluation of injectable thermosensitive polymer with time‐dependent LCST
Authors: Henderson Eric , Lee Bae Hoon , Cui Zhanwu , McLemore Ryan , Brandon Tedd A. , Vernon Brent L.
Published: July 2008

The focus of this study was to examine the biocompatibility, time‐dependent LCST, and bioerodable properties of a copolymer system composed of NIPAAm, dimethyl‐γ‐butyrolactone (DMBL), and acrylic acid (AAc). Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with 25 wt % solutions of poly(NIPAAm‐co‐DMBL‐co‐AAc). At predetermined times, animals were sacrificed and polymer implants were recovered for characterization via 1H‐NMR. In addition, polymer‐contacting tissue sections were harvested and processed for histology. The biocompatibility of the implants was assessed by counting the number of fibroblasts and leukocytes present at the tissue‐implant interface. The LCST data obtained from the in vivo implants was shown to agree with that of in vitro findings. Implant mass was shown to decrease after 4 days, indicating accelerated diffusion rates with increased implant swelling, hydrolytic degradation was confirmed with 1H‐NMR measurements. The cellular presence at the copolymer implant‐tissue interface was shown to return to that of normal tissue 30 days postimplantation, which suggests a normal wound healing response. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Characterization, biodegradability and blood compatibility of poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] based poly(ester‐urethane)s
Authors: Liu Qiaoyan , Cheng Shaoting , Li Zibiao , Xu Kaitian , Chen Guo‐Qiang
Published: July 2008

Poly(ester‐urethane)s (PUs) were synthesized using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) or toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to join short chains (Mn = 2000) of poly(R‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) diols and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) diols with different feed ratios under different reaction conditions. The multiblock copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD spectra and second DSC heat thermograms of the multiblock copolymers revealed that the crystallization of both PHB and PCL segments was mutually restricted, and, especially, the PCL segment limited the cold crystallization of the PHB segment. The SEM of platelet adhesion experiments showed that the hemocompatibility was affected to some extent by the chain flexibility of the polymers. Hydrolysis studies demonstrated that the hydrolytic degradation of PUs was generated from the scission of their ester bonds or/and urethane bonds. Simultaneously, the rate of ester bond scission was determined to some extent by the crystallization degree, which was further affected by the configuration of polymer chains. These highly elastic multiblock copolymers combining hemocompatibility and biodegradability may be developed into blood contact implant materials for biomedical applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Effect of initiator on photopolymerization of acidic, aqueous dental model adhesives
Authors: Guo Xinglin , Peng Zhonghua , Spencer Paulette , Wang Yong
Published: July 2008

This study evaluated different initiator systems in self‐etching model adhesives, in which camphorquinone (CQ) or [3‐(3,4‐dimethyl‐9‐oxo‐9H‐thioxanthen‐2‐yloxy)‐2‐hydroxylpropy] trimethylammonium chloride (QTX) was employed as a photoinitiator (dye). N‐phenylglycine (NPG), ethyl 4‐dimethylaminobenzoate (4E) or 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was used as the coinitiator (CI). The role of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPIHP) in the polymerization process was also studied. The concentrations of dye, CI, and DPIHP in model adhesives were all maintained at 0.022 mmol per gram monomer. The model adhesive contained two monomers: (bis[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate) (2MP) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) whose mass ratio was 1:1, thus representing an acidic and hydrophilic formulation. The polymerization rate and the degree of conversion (DC) of the model adhesives with 5, 15, or 25% water content were determined using FTIR/ATR with a time‐based spectrum analysis. The results indicated that with CQ as the photoinitiator, 4E appeared to be the most efficient CI, whereas the CQ‐DMAEMA combination led to very low radical generation efficiency (DC < 5%). DPIHP exhibited little effect on the polymerization process. With QTX as the photoinitiator, however, DPIHP played an essential role. Without DPIHP, all three QTX‐CI systems failed to initiate polymerization (DC < 5%). The QTX‐DPIHP combination, on the other hand, was found to be a viable initiator system. The above results provide the critical information for the development of self‐etching adhesive systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vitro effects of nanophase hydroxyapatite particles on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu YuKan , Wang GuangChuan , Cai YuRong , Ji HuiJiao , Zhou GuoShun , Zhao XiaoLi , Tang RuiKang , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2008

Coculturing scaffolds with seeded cells in vitro is an indispensable process for construction of engineered tissues. It is essential to understand effects of the constituent particles of scaffold on seeded cells. In this study, we investigated the influence of nano‐sized hydroxyapatite (nHAP) particles on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). nHAP particles were cocultured with MSCs separated from rabbit. Cellular effects of particles were determined by cell counts, Vonkossa stains, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) examinations. Results showed that nHAP particles could promote the MSCs growth when particle concentrations were lower than 20 μg/104 cells. This effect disappeared when the particles and the cells were cocultured in serum‐free media. Higher particle concentrations could significantly inhibit the cell growth. Under the standard culture condition, the only effect of nHAP particles on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was to enhance the expression of collagen I. Under the osteogenic‐inductive culture condition, nHAP particles could inhibit mineralization of cells but promote their osteogenic differentiation. These cellular effects of particles still existed when the particles and the cells were cultured in indirect coculture system. nHAP particles could decrease calcium and phosphate concentrations of culture media, which possibly contributed to the cellular effects of nHAP particles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Established and emerging atmospheric pressure surface sampling/ionization techniques for mass spectrometry
Authors: Van Berkel Gary J. , Pasilis Sofie P. , Ovchinnikova Olga
Published: July 2008

The number and type of atmospheric pressure techniques suitable for sampling analytes from surfaces, forming ions from these analytes, and subsequently transporting these ions into vacuum for interrogation by MS have rapidly expanded over the last several years. Moreover, the literature in this area is complicated by an explosion in acronyms for these techniques, many of which provide no information relating to the chemical or physical processes involved. In this tutorial article, we sort this vast array of techniques into relatively few categories on the basis of the approaches used for surface sampling and ionization. For each technique, we explain, as best known, many of the underlying principles of operation, describe representative applications, and in some cases, discuss needed research or advancements and attempt to forecast their future analytical utility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morpho‐sedimentary records at the Brahmaputra River exit, NE Himalaya: climate–tectonic interplay during the Late Pleistocene–Holocene
Authors: Srivastava Pradeep , Bhakuni Surendra S. , Luirei Khayingshing , Misra Dileep K.
Published: July 2008

Morphological and sedimentary records at the exit of Brahmaputra River at Pasighat in the NE Himalaya inform about the climate–tectonic interplay during the past ca. 15 ka. The geomorphology of the area comprises (1) fan terrace T3, (2) a high‐angle fan (3) terrace T2, (4) terrace T1 and (5) a low‐angle fan. Geomorphic consideration suggests that the fan terrace T3 and high‐angle fans are the oldest units and were coeval. The low‐angle fan is the youngest geomorphic unit. Sedimentological studies and optically stimulated luminescence chronology suggest that (i) fan terrace T3 formed between 13 and 10.5 ka and comprised multiple events of debris flows separated by the aggradation as channel bars in a braided river environment; (ii) the high‐angle fan formed during 15–10 ka and comprises channel bar aggradation in braided river conditions; (iii) terrace T2 formed during 10–8 ka due to aggradation in a braided channel environment with lesser events of debris flows; (iv) terrace T1 formed during <7 and 3 ka took place as bars of the braided river. Sudden coarsening of the sediment indicated a tectonic rejuvenation in the provenance region between 7 and 3 ka; and (v) the low‐angle fans dated to <3 ka formed due to aggradation in a small tributary joining the Brahmaputra River. This implies a phase when the main channel of the Brahmaputra did not flood regularly and the tributaries were actively aggrading. The sedimentation style and incision of these geomorphic units responded to contemporary climatic changes and uplift in the Siwalik range along the Himalayan Frontal Fault. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of both Mos and Cdc25 is required for G2‐M transition in perch oocyte
Authors: Priyadarshini Anamika , Basu Dipanjan , Navneet A.K. , Bhattacharya Anirban , Bhattacharya Shelley , Maitra Sudipta , Bhattacharya Samir
Published: July 2008

Resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest during the first meiotic prophase in vertebrate oocytes is universally controlled by MPF, a heterodimer of Cdk1 and cyclin B. Activation of MPF depends on the withdrawal of Cdk1 inhibition by Wee1/Myt1 kinase on the one hand and the activation of Cdk1 by Cdc25 phosphatase on the other. It is relevant to know whether both these pathways are necessary to rescue diplotene arrest or if either one of them is sufficient. In MIH (17α, 20β dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one) incubated perch (Anabas testudineus) oocytes we have examined these possibilities. Perch oocyte extract following MIH incubation showed a significant increase in Myt1 phosphorylation from 12 to 16 hr indicating its progressive deactivation. MIH induced Mos expression markedly increased at 16 hr effecting 95% GVBD. Cycloheximide inhibited MIH induced Mos expression and its phosphorylation, which in turn reduced Myt1 phosphorylation and GVBD. Myt1 phosphorylation was blocked in Mos immunodepleted oocytes. All these suggest the involvement of Mos in Myt1 phosphorylation. Oocytes incubated in MIH for 16 hr activated Cdc25, but such activation could not rescue the inhibition of GVBD due to Myt1 in Mos immunodepleted oocytes. Blocking Cdc25 with an antisense oligo significantly inhibited GVBD even though Myt1 remained deactivated during this period. Taken together, our findings indicate that MIH requires both pathways for perch oocyte maturation: the expression and activation of Mos, which is linked to Myt1 deactivation on the one hand, and the activation of Cdc25 on the other, as blocking either pathway compromised G2‐M transition in perch oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 289–300, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and correlates of painful bladder syndrome symptoms in Fuzhou Chinese women
Authors: Song Yanfeng , Zhang Wenju , Xu Bo , Hao Lan , Song Jian
Published: July 2008

Aims

We randomly sampled a community‐based, healthy population to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of painful bladder syndrome (PBS) symptoms.

Methods

We randomly sampled 6,066 women (3.0% of registered female residents) aged 20 years or above in Fuzhou and mailed Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire for women self‐completion. Four thousand six hundred eight four (77.2%) women with evaluable data were included in this study.

Results

The prevalence of PBS symptoms in Fuzhou Chinese women was 0.98% (n = 46). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed parity >2, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were correlated with PBS symptoms.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PBS symptoms in Chinese women is similar to those in Occidental women. Parity >2, diabetes mellitus, and smoking are potential correlates for PBS symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:22–25, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urethral retro‐resistance pressure: Association with established measures of incontinence severity and change after midurethral tape insertion
Authors: Roderick Teo , Paul Moran , Christopher Mayne , Douglas Tincello
Published: July 2008

Aims

Our study explored the relationship between URP and established measures of incontinence severity. We also report on change in URP after insertion of midurethral tape (MUT).

Methods

All participants had incontinence secondary to urodynamic stress incontinence only. URP was measured using the Monitorr (Gynecare) device prior to and 3 months after MUT insertion. The following measures of incontinence severity were completed before and 3 months after insertion of MUT: 24‐hour pad test; International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for evaluating symptoms and impact of urinary incontinence; King's Health Questionnaire for evaluating disease‐specific quality of life and a 3‐day urinary dairy with episodes of incontinence recorded.

Results

Preoperative URP and measures of incontinence severity were available for 100 women. Mean URP bore no relationship to the severity of urine loss assessed by 24‐hour pad loss. There was no correlation between URP and other measures of incontinence severity. Pre and postoperative URP was available in 73 women. Although 84.9% were objectively cure (24‐hour pad test of <5 g) after surgery, pre and postoperative URP was not significantly different [62.7 (±19.4) cmH2O vs. 61.2 (±204) cmH2O; p = 0.57].

Conclusions

Urethral retro‐resistance pressure is not a useful measure of urethral function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:86–89, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urodynamic parameters after solifenacin treatment in men with overactive bladder symptoms and detrusor underactivity
Authors: Ronchi Piero , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Galatioto Giuseppe Paradiso , Costa Alessia Mariagrazia , Martella Oreste , Vicentini Carlo
Published: July 2008

Aims

To describe the changes in urodynamic parameters and to assess patients' perceptions of voiding difficulties and improvements in symptom bother after solifenacin treatment in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor underactivity (DUA).

Methods

In this prospective study, 49 neurologically intact men were enrolled. DUA was defined as a bladder contractility index (BCI) <100. All subjects received 5 mg of solifenacin once a day for 120 days. A complete urodynamic study was carried out on the day before to the first dose of solifenacin and at day 120.

Results

Solifenacin treatment resulted in a decrease in Qmax during UDS (−0.6 ml/sec; P = 0.007), PdetQmax (−6.4 cmH2O; P < 0.001), BOOI (−7.5; P < 0.001), BCI (−3.8; P = 0.001), BVE (−4.4%; P = 0.006), and voided volume (−7.5 ml; P = 0.09). On the contrary, PVR (+6 ml; P = 0.152), and maximum cystometric capacity (+22.9 ml; P = 0.001) increased. The regression analysis suggested that changes in urodynamic parameters after solifenacin treatment were limited for BOOI (9.4%), PdetQmax (8.4%), and BCI (6.5%), with no significant impact on Qmax during UDS, BVE, volume voided and PVR. No significant change in subjective perception of voiding difficulties was found. The incidence of AUR was 2.2% and improvement in patient's experience of OAB symptoms bother after solifenacin treatment was observed.

Conclusions

Solifenacin treatment results in changes of urodynamic parameters. These changes, however, seem not to be of clinical significance as suggested by the lack of subjective deterioration in voiding difficulties and by the low incidence of AUR. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:52–57, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extreme versus quotidian: addressing temporal dichotomies in Philippine disaster management
Authors: Delfin Francisco G. , Gaillard Jean‐Christophe
Published: July 2008

Brief narratives of two recent events in Luzon island—a flashflood in Angeles City and an eruption of Mayon volcano—underscore the disparity between natural hazards as amplifiers of everyday hardship for many Filipinos and the Philippine disaster management system's orientation towards extreme‐event response. Three major factors contribute to this dichotomy. First, population dynamics combined with the lack of access to resources compels poor Filipinos to live and work in hazardous areas, discounting risk from extreme natural events to focus on daily needs. Second, the institutional setting of the country's disaster management within the military establishment makes it difficult, though not impossible, to focus and address the underlying causes of vulnerability. Third, existing modes of funding disaster expenditures are all biased towards immediate response rather than long‐term risk‐reduction. The implications of these findings to disaster management and research in the Philippines are identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical approach to the optimal size of the civil service
Authors: Rajaraman Indira , Saha Debdatta
Published: July 2008

This article attempts a purely empirical approach to the issue of optimal civil service size by looking for a systematic relationship between observed size and underlying explanators. The residuals from such a fitted relationship then serve as a first approximation to whether the government in question is overstaffed or not. The data are from Indian subnational states, which as members of a single federation, follow the same definitional conventions with respect to the civil service. The contribution of the article is methodological, and addresses an issue of central importance, since staff downsizing conditionalities attached to externally funded structural adjustment programmes are not analytically underpinned. The article also explores issues surrounding the composition of the civil service. There is no evidence that overstaffing, as determined from the residuals of the estimated specification, is the joint outcome along with staff composition, as proxied by mean salary, of job creation pressures at the lower salary scales. This suggests that correction of overstaffing might be possible without political opposition, while at the same time leaving unexplained the variation in staff composition across states. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralisation and corruption: evidence from drinking water sector
Authors: Asthana Anand n.
Published: July 2008

This article presents empirical findings regarding the relationship between decentralisation of provision of water supply and corruption in provision of services. The current policy advice from the international agencies of aiming for decentralisation as an end in itself is questioned. The conventional wisdom that decentralisation brings management closer to the service recipients and is therefore likely to reduce corruption is also disputed. Drawing on a large database from two large Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the interaction between various actors is analysed. We find that the level of corruption in water supply agencies run by local governments is higher than that in the agencies run by the regional government. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast cancer special types: why bother?
Authors: Reis‐Filho JS , Lakhani SR
Published: July 2008

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing multiple entities associated with distinct biological features and clinical behaviours. Microarray‐based expression profiling analysis has been used to unravel the molecular underpinning of several characteristics of breast cancer, including its proclivity to disseminate to distant sites and the molecular basis of histological grade. Furthermore, a breast cancer molecular classification based on transcriptional analysis has been proposed. However, microarray studies have primarily analysed invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type. Histological special types of breast cancer, which account for up to 25% of all invasive breast cancers, have not been systematically studied. Despite the limited interest, in recent years it has become apparent that the histopathological characteristics of these cancers may be underpinned by distinct arrays of genetic changes, providing direct evidence for genotypic–phenotypic correlations between morphological patterns and molecular changes in breast cancer (eg t(12;15) in secretory carcinoma of the breast). Here we review the molecular characteristics of special types of breast cancer, with special emphasis on their microarray‐based expression profiles and their impact on our understanding of breast cancer. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of CXCL13 as a new marker for follicular dendritic cell sarcoma
Authors: Vermi W , Lonardi S , Bosisio D , Uguccioni M , Danelon G , Pileri S , Fletcher C , Sozzani S , Zorzi F , Arrigoni G , Doglioni C , Ponzoni M , Facchetti F
Published: July 2008

The homeostatic chemokine CXCL13 is preferentially produced in B‐follicles and is crucial in the lymphoid organ development by attracting B‐lymphocytes that express its selective receptor CXCR5. Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) have been identified as the main cellular source of this chemokine in lymphoid organs. Recently, genome‐wide approaches have suggested follicular CD4 T‐helper cells (THF) as additional CXCL13 producers in the germinal centre and the neoplastic counterpart of THF (CD4+ tumour T‐cells in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma) retains the capability of producing this chemokine. In contrast, no data are available on CXCL13 expression on FDC sarcoma (FDC‐S) cells. By using multiple approaches, we investigated the expression of CXCL13 at mRNA and protein level in reactive and neoplastic FDCs. In reactive lymph nodes and tonsils, CXCL13 protein is mainly expressed by a subset of FDCs in B‐cell follicles. CXCL13 is maintained during FDC transformation, since both dysplastic FDCs from 13 cases of Castleman's disease and neoplastic FDCs from ten cases of FDC‐S strongly and diffusely express this chemokine. This observation was confirmed at mRNA level by using RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization. Of note, no CXCL13 reactivity was observed in a cohort of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms potentially mimicking FDC‐S. FDC‐S are commonly associated with a dense intratumoural inflammatory infiltrate and immunohistochemistry showed that these lymphocytes express the CXCL13 receptor CXCR5 and are mainly of mantle zone B‐cell derivation (IgD+ and TCL1+). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CXCL13 is produced by dysplastic and neoplastic FDCs and can be instrumental in recruiting intratumoural CXCR5+ lymphocytes. In addition to the potential biological relevance of this expression, the use of reagents directed against CXCL13 can be useful to properly identify the origin of spindle cell and epithelioid neoplasms. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of centrosome amplification and chromosome instability in p53‐deficient lung cancer cells exposed to benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (B[a]PDE)
Authors: Shinmura K , Iwaizumi M , Igarashi H , Nagura K , Yamada H , Suzuki M , Fukasawa K , Sugimura H
Published: July 2008

Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (B[a]PDE), the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of benzo[a] pyrene, has been implicated in the mutagenesis of the p53 gene involved in smoking‐associated lung cancer. To further understand the role of B[a]PDE in lung tumour progression, we investigated its effect on the numerical integrity of centrosomes and chromosome stability in lung cancer cells lacking p53. Exposure of p53‐deficient H1299 lung cancer cells to B[a]PDE resulted in S‐phase arrest, leading to abnormal centrosome amplification. Analysis of H1299 cells stably expressing fluorescence‐tagged centrin (a known centriolar marker) revealed that the centrosome amplification was primarily attributable to excessive centrosome duplication rather than to centriole splitting. Forced expression of POLK DNA polymerase, which has the ability to bypass B[a]PDE–guanine lesions in an error‐free manner, suppressed the B[a]PDE‐induced centrosome amplification. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses with probes specific for chromosomes 2, 3, and 16 revealed that B[a]PDE exposure also led to chromosome instability, which was likely to have resulted from centrosome amplification. We extended these findings to primary lung carcinomas containing non‐functional p53, and found a strong association between centrosome amplification and a high level of B[a]PDE–DNA accumulation. Therefore B[a]PDE contributes to neoplasia by inducing centrosome amplification and consequent chromosome destabilization as well as its mutagenic activity. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome‐wide analysis of DNA copy number alterations and gene expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Tsukamoto Y , Uchida T , Karnan S , Noguchi T , Nguyen LT , Tanigawa M , Takeuchi I , Matsuura K , Hijiya N , Nakada C , Kishida T , Kawahara K , Ito H , Murakami K , Fujioka T , Seto M , Moriyama M
Published: July 2008

Genomic copy number aberrations (CNAs) are believed to play a major role in the development and progression of human cancers. Although many CNAs have been reported in gastric cancer, their genome‐wide transcriptional consequences are poorly understood. In this study, to reveal the impact of CNAs on genome‐wide expression in gastric cancer, we analysed 30 cases of gastric cancers for their CNAs by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and 24 of these 30 cases for their expression profiles by oligonucleotide‐expression microarray. We found that with the application of laser microdissection, most CNAs were detected at higher frequency than in previous studies. Notably, gain at 20q13 was detected in almost all cases (97%), suggesting that this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. By comparing the array CGH data with expression profiles of the same samples, we showed that both genomic amplification and deletion strongly influence the expression of genes in altered genomic regions. Furthermore, we identified 125 candidate genes, consisting of 114 up‐regulated genes located in recurrent regions (>10%) of amplification and 11 down‐regulated genes located in recurrent regions of deletion. Up‐regulation of several candidate genes, such as CDC6, SEC61G, ANP32E, BYSL and FDFT1, was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, some candidate genes were localized at genomic loci adjacent to well‐known genes such as EGFR, ERBB2 and SMAD4, and concordantly deregulated by genomic alterations. Based on these results, we propose that our list of candidate genes may contain novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of advanced gastric cancer. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of potential serum markers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma from a xenografted mouse model using Cy‐dye labeling combined with three‐dimensional fractionation
Authors: Wu Chih‐Ching , Peng Pei‐Hua , Chang Ya‐Ting , Huang Yu‐Shan , Chang Kai‐Ping , Hao Sheng‐Po , Tsang Ngan‐Ming , Yeh Chau‐Ting , Chang Yu‐Sun , Yu Jau‐Song
Published: July 2008

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), one of the most common cancers in Southeast Asia, is commonly diagnosed late due to its deep location and vague symptoms. To identify biomarkers for improving NPC diagnosis, we established a proteomic platform for detecting aberrant serum proteins in nude mice bearing NPC xenografts. We first removed the three most abundant proteins from serum samples of tumor‐bearing and control mice, and then labeled the samples with different fluorescent cyanine (Cy) dyes. The labeled serum proteins were then mixed equally and fractionated with ion‐exchange chromatography followed by SDS‐PAGE. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by in‐gel tryptic digestion and MALDI‐TOF MS. We identified peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx‐II) and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA‐II) as being elevated in the xenograft mouse model compared to controls. Western blot analysis confirmed up‐regulation of Prx‐II and CA‐II in plasma from five NPC patients, and ELISA showed that plasma Prx‐II levels were significantly higher in NPC patients (n = 84) versus healthy controls (n = 90) (3.03 ± 4.47 versus 1.90 ± 2.74 μg/mL, p = 0.047). In conclusion, Cy dye labeling combined with three‐dimensional fractionation is a feasible strategy for identifying differentially expressed serum proteins in an NPC xenograft model, and Prx‐II may represent a potential NPC biomarker.
A proteomic characterization of water buffalo milk fractions describing PTM of major species and the identification of minor components involved in nutrient delivery and defense against pathogens
Authors: D'Ambrosio Chiara , Arena Simona , Salzano Anna Maria , Renzone Giovanni , Ledda Luigi , Scaloni Andrea
Published: July 2008

Water buffalo has been studied in relation to the exclusive use of its milk for the manufacture of high‐quality dairy products. Buffalo milk presents physicochemical features different from that of other ruminant species, such as a higher content of fatty acids and proteins. We report here a detailed proteomic analysis of buffalo skim milk, whey and milk fat globule membrane fractions. Notwithstanding the poor information available on buffalo genome, identification of protein isoforms corresponding to 72 genes was achieved by a combined approach based on 2‐DE/MALDI‐TOF PMF and 1‐DE/μLC‐ESI‐IT‐MS‐MS. Major protein components, i.e. αSl‐, αS2‐, β‐, κ‐caseins, α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin, were characterized for PTM, providing a scientific basis to coagulation/cheese making processes used in dairy productions. Minor proteins detected emphasized the multiple functions of milk, which besides affording nutrition to the newborn through its major components, also promotes development and digestive tract protection in the neonate, and ensures optimal mammary gland function in the mother. Defense against pathogens is guaranteed by an arsenal of antimicrobial/immunomodulatory proteins, which are directly released in milk or occur on the surface of secreted milk‐lipid droplets. Proteins associated with cell signaling or membrane/protein trafficking functions were also identified, providing putative insights into major secretory pathways in mammary epithelial cells.
Chemical Characterisation of Nitrogen‐Rich Plasma‐Polymer Films Deposited in Dielectric Barrier Discharges at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Girard‐Lauriault Pierre‐Luc , Desjardins Patrick , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Lippitz Andreas , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: July 2008

We have used an atmospheric pressure DBD apparatus to deposit novel families of N‐rich plasma polymers (PP:N), using mixtures of three different hydrocarbon precursors in nitrogen at varying respective gas flow ratios. This research focuses on the overall chemical characterisation of those materials, with specific attention to (semi)‐quantitative analysis of functional groups. Well‐established and some lesser‐known analytical techniques have been combined to provide the best possible chemical and structural characterisations of these three families of PP:N thin films, namely XPS, NEXAFS and FT‐IR spectroscopy.

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Bronchial anomalies in VACTERL association
Authors: Kanu Adaobi , Tegay David , Scriven Richard
Published: July 2008

VACTERL association is an acronym made of associated defects including vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac, tracheal–esophageal fistula, and renal/radial limb anomalies. Tracheal bronchus is a condition characterized by ectopic location of the right upper lobe bronchus at the mid to distal trachea. This condition is associated with congenital anomalies and has been reported in one previous case of VACTERL. We report another infant with VACTERL presenting with respiratory complications due to presence of tracheal bronchus. She also had a narrowed segment of her right main stem bronchus. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:930–932. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methacholine challenge in children with sickle cell disease: A case series
Authors: Strunk Robert C. , Brown Michael Scott , Boyd Jessica H. , Bates Pamela , Field Joshua J. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: July 2008

Lung disease is a major cause of morbidity in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Asthma in children with SCD is associated with a twice greater rate of pain and acute chest syndrome (ACS) episodes when compared to children with SCD but without asthma. Provocation challenges with methacholine are used to diagnose asthma when spirometry is normal, bronchodilator reactivity is absent, or the clinical picture is ambiguous. There have been only limited descriptions of use of methacholine challenge in individuals with SCD. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 21 children with SCD and recurrent respiratory tract symptoms who were challenged with methacholine to determine if airway hyper responsiveness (AHR) was present. Fourteen (67%) of the children had a positive challenge. Of the 14 patients, four were given a new diagnosis of asthma based on the presence of chronic chest symptoms and the newly determined AHR and started on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). In each positive challenge, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was reversed to at least 90% of baseline 15 min after bronchodilator treatment. Oxygen saturation decreased in 93% of those with a positive challenge, but returned to baseline values 15 min after bronchodilator treatment. No patient developed a pain or ACS episode within at least 1 month after the challenge. Evaluation of AHR with methacholine challenge in patients with SCD appears to be well tolerated and may elucidate a cause of SCD morbidity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:924–929. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between structural and magnetic properties of half‐metallic spinel CuV2S4 due to the order–disorder transition of 3d2(t2g) orbitals of V3+ ions
Authors: Kumara L. S. R. , Hidaka M. , Tokiwa N. , Awaka J. , Hagino T. , Nagata S. , Park Young Jun
Published: July 2008

Structural and magnetic properties of the spinel CuV2S4 have been studied by means of X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation and measurements of magnetic susceptibility. The structural phase transitions occur at about 55 K and 90 K, and the superlattice reflections (h ± qo, k ± qo, l) having an orthorhombic reduced wavevector qo = (1/4, 1/4, 0) are observed at 10 K. This suggests that the structure below 55 K is a commensurate unit cell of 4ap × 4bp × cp, where the subscript ‘p’ means a pseudo‐spinel structure, and that the structural phase transitions are induced by the cooperative displacement of S ions in one‐dimensional VS6 octahedral chains, which are aligned along an orthorhombic [110] direction. The susceptibility also shows that the weak ferromagnetic transition occurs at about 90 K, and the spike‐like susceptibility is observed in the region of about 40 K and 55 K. The unusual electronic and magnetic properties of CuV2S4 in the low‐temperature phases below about 90 K are interpreted by order and disorder states of (3dxy, 3dyz, 3dzx) for the V3+ 3d2(t2g) orbitals in the VS6 octahedral chains. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Charge deep level transient spectroscopy of electron traps in MOVPE grown n‐GaN on sapphire
Authors: Mahmood Zahid Hasan , Shah A. P. , Kadir Abdul , Gokhale M. R. , Bhattacharya Arnab , Arora B. M.
Published: July 2008

We report investigation of electron traps in n‐GaN, grown on sapphire by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy, by using charge deep level transient spectroscopy (Q ‐DLTS). Measurements have been made isothermally by rate window scanning over the temperature range 300–370 K and for rate windows in the range 105 s–1 to 1 s–1. Two traps are observed in this range with (i) activation energies ∼0.58 eV and ∼0.45 eV and (ii) capture cross sections ∼2 × 10–15 cm2 and ∼3 × 10–19 cm2 respectively. The first of these defects has been observed in all of the DLTS investigations reported in the literature. However, the second trap has not been seen in majority of the earlier reports. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New ways to enhance the functionality of paperboard by surface treatment – a review
Authors: Andersson Caisa
Published: July 2008

This review summarizes recent development of functional materials to improve the barrier properties of paperboard with emphasis on bio‐based polymers. Focus is directed to novel application techniques and water‐borne, renewable coating materials. Some aspects on substrate properties and the requirements on food packaging are discussed as are the processability, convertability, recyclability and biodegradability of packaging materials. The functionality, advantages and disadvantages of several bio‐based polymers are presented in detail. Among these are starch and cellulose derivatives, chitosan, alginate, wheat gluten, whey proteins, polycaprolactone, poly(lactic acid) and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Also discussed is the enhancement of barrier properties by incorporation of nanosized materials, by application of thin protective top coatings and local reinforcement by self‐healing agents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon‐ion implantation improves the tribological properties of CoCrMo alloy against ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Koseki Hironobu , Shindo Hiroyuki , Furuichi Itaru , Baba Koumei
Published: July 2008

Amorphous diamond‐like carbon (DLC) has drawn a great deal of attention for its superior wear properties against ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Its rate of wear, however, is not necessarily maintained within a specific range. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical features and tribological properties of three types of surfaces: (i) uncoated, (ii) carbon‐ion implantation (CII)‐treated, and (iii) DLC‐film‐coated substrate. The surface alterations were carried out on cobalt–chrome (CoCrMo) alloy by the plasma‐source ion implantation (PSII) method. The wear properties and friction coefficient were estimated by a pin‐on‐plate wear‐tester. We found, as a result, that the implanted carbon penetrated the substrates in which good adhesion was expected. Though the surface modifications by CII and DLC hardened the surfaces, the surface with DLC was also roughened (Ra = 39 nm). In contrast, the surface modified by CII had a very smooth surface (Ra = 15 nm) and low friction coefficient (ranging from 0.15 to 0.20), resulting in a low rate of wear. Our findings suggest that CII on the CoCrMo alloy/UHMWPE pair offers potential benefits as a hard coating for artificial total‐joint arthroplasty. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS‐depth analysis using C60 ion sputtering of buried interface in plasma‐treated ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene‐copolymer (ETFE) film
Authors: Yamamoto Yuichi , Higashi Seiji , Yamamoto Kiyoshi
Published: July 2008

Ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene‐copolymer (ETFE) films with the surface modified layer, which shows the high hydrophilicity and strong adhesion, have been obtained by two‐step treatment using the plasma discharge of hydrocarbon and oxygen‐mixed gas. The relation between the adhesion and the modified state near the film surface has been also investigated by utilizing an XPS‐depth profile and C 1s peak analysis with buckminsterfullerene (C60)‐ion beam. This analytical method enables chemically undamaged XPS analysis of organic materials with the high‐depth resolution of several nanometers. In comparison, the in‐depth analysis using argon ion beam was also performed. The adhesion layers treated as the first step, which are buried under the hydrophilic layer formed as the second step, were evaluated by comparing samples for which the plasma condition was systematically changed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Withdrawn: Analysis of thermal parameters and factors acting on thermal conduction of low‐k films
Authors: Sato Shigeo , Okamura Takao , Ye Jiping
Published: July 2008

This paper appeared in the October issue, occupying pp. 1362‐1366. It was a duplicate of SIA.2880, which appears on pp. 1328‐1332 of the same issue. It has therefore been withdrawn from Wiley InterScience. The publisher apologises to the authors for the error. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response to Farjoun's ‘Strategy making, novelty, and analogical reasoning — commentary on Gavetti, Levinthal, and Rivkin (2005)’
Authors: Gavetti Giovanni , Levinthal Daniel A. , Rivkin Jan W.
Published: July 2008

In his thoughtful commentary on our 2005 paper (Gavetti, Levinthal, and Rivkin, 2005), Farjoun offers three critiques and extensions. First, he suggests our approach should have explicitly considered a constructionist logic. Second, Farjoun argues that we have neglected the full array of modes of cognition between rational choice and feedback‐based adaptive learning and have therefore overstated the role of our focal mode, reasoning by analogy. Third, he highlights some of the contingencies under which the various modes of cognition he identifies are effective. In response, we address each point. We first argue that a constructionist perspective is not alien either to the role of analogical reasoning or to the particular modeling apparatus we have developed. We then suggest that despite the richness of modes of cognition that lie between rational choice and adaptive learning, theorizing about them requires simplification and the identification of underlying categories that classify such modes, which is the approach our paper employs. Finally, we clarify how our paper adopts the contingent logic advocated by Farjoun. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding strategic responses to interest group pressures
Authors: Julian Scott D. , Ofori‐Dankwa Joseph C. , Justis Robert T.
Published: July 2008

With the increasing prominence of special interest group activity in the organizational external environment, we build on the stakeholder literature on strategic management to explain how organizations respond to pressures from such groups. Using a model integrating institutional, resource dependence, resource‐based, and cognitive theoretical perspectives, we examine the restaurant industry's response to the fat reduction pressure campaign run by a nutritional interest group, the National Heart Saver's Association (NHSA) in the early 1990s. Our findings indicate that susceptibility to institutional pressures partially affected accommodation to NHSA's demands, and more strongly affected organizational cognitions of those pressures. Our measure of resource dependence did not directly affect accommodation, but was significantly related to managerial cognitions. Resource‐based factors had a strong direct effect on the extent of accommodation to the pressures of NHSA, and partially influenced measures of cognition. Further, our findings indicate that managerial cognition strongly influenced an organization's response to NHSA pressure. From these results we suggest strategies for managers as they try to make sense of and respond to interest group pressures. We also point to future avenues of inquiries for researchers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.