bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of enzymatically gelled chitosan solutions to water‐resistant adhesives
Authors: Yamada Kazunori , Aoki Toshihiro , Ikeda Naoya , Hirata Mitsuo
Published: February 2007

An investigation was undertaken on the application of dilute chitosan solutions gelled by tyrosinase‐catalyzed reaction with 3,4‐dihydroxyphenethylamine (dopamine). The tyrosinase‐catalyzed reaction with dopamine conferred water‐resistant adhesive properties to the semidilute chitosan solutions. The viscosity of the chitosan solutions increased highly by the tyrosinase‐catalyzed reaction and the subsequent reactions between o‐quinone compounds and chitosan. These highly viscous, gel‐like modified chitosan materials were allowed to spread onto the surfaces of the glass slides, which were tightly lapped together and held them in water. Tensile shear adhesive strength of over 400 kPa was observed for the modified chitosan samples. The increase in the amino group concentration of the chitosan solutions and the molecular mass of the chitosan used effectively led to the increase in adhesive strength of the glass slides. In addition, in the case where the chitosan solution was gelled by the enzymatic reaction with dopamine in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol), adhesive strength sharply increased at shorter reaction times concomitantly with the increase in the viscosity of the chitosan solutions because the tyrosinase activity effectively was retained by poly(ethylene glycol). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1818–1827, 2007
Microencapsulation of intumescent flame‐retardant agent: Application to flame‐retardant natural rubber composite
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Chen Yuehui
Published: February 2007

The first part of this investigation focused on the synthesis and characterization of a microencapsulated intumescent flame retardant (MIFR) agent. Two steps were used in the synthesis process. The structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric anaylysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The addition of this MIFR agent into natural rubber (NR) led to an improvement in its physicomechanical and flame‐retardant (FR) properties. The second part focused on the evaluation of such characteristics as cure characteristics, FR property, tensile properties, abrasion resistance, and dynamic mechanical analysis of MIFR filled NR composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1828–1838, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of ethylene vinyl acetate/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Kuila T. , Acharya H. , Srivastava S. K. , Bhowmick A. K.
Published: February 2007

Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA‐28) nanocomposites were prepared through solution intercalation method using organically modified layered double hydroxide (DS‐LDH). DS‐LDH was made by the intercalation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) ion. The structure of DS‐LDH and its nanocomposites with EVA‐28 was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. XRD analysis shows that the original peak of DS‐LDH shifted to lower 2θ range and supports the formation of intercalated nanocomposites while, TEM micrograph shows the presence of partially exfoliated LDH nanolayers in addition to orderly stacked LDH crystallites in the polymer matrix. The presence of LDH in the nanocomposites has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The mechanical properties show significant improvement for the nanocomposite with respect to neat EVA‐28. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis shows that thermal stability of the nanocomposites is higher than that of EVA‐28. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1845–1851, 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of poly(vinyl acetate)‐ and poly(vinyl alcohol)‐grafted chitosan
Authors: Radhakumary C. , Nair Prabha D. , Mathew Suresh , Reghunadhan Nair C. P.
Published: February 2007

Graft copolymers of chitosan and vinyl acetate were synthesized by free radical technique using cerium (IV) as the initiator. Under controlled conditions, as much as 92% grafting with a grafting yield of 30–40% could be achieved. Chitosan‐g‐poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers were derived by the alkaline hydrolysis of the chitosan‐g‐poly(vinyl acetate) precursor. Thermogravimetric, FTIR, and X‐ray diffraction analyses of chitosan and the copolymers confirmed the grafting reaction between chitosan and vinyl acetate and also the subsequent hydrolysis. Both the copolymers possessed very good film‐forming properties. Grafting resulted in a significant increase in mechanical strength of both the copolymers in the dry condition. Chitosan‐g‐poly(vinyl acetate) (CH‐PVAc) proved more hydrophobic than did pure chitosan, whereas chitosan‐g‐poly(vinyl alcohol) (CH‐PVOH) exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity as evident from their swelling characteristics and contact angle measurements. The enhanced swelling of CH‐PVOH was ascribed to the presence of the pendant poly(vinyl alcohol) group. At pH 1.98, the CH‐PVAc copolymer films showed greater stability than do pure chitosan films, which is highly beneficial for specific biomedical applications. Both the copolymers showed lower glass transition temperature than do pure chitosan. Grafting did not affect the overall thermal stability, and the differential thermogram substantiated the grafting. The investigations indicate that the synthetic–natural hybrid copolymers having desirable mechanical properties and tailored hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics are realizable. These polymers could be exploited for varied biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1852–1859, 2007
Chiral separation of D,L‐serine racemate using a molecularly imprinted polymer composite membrane
Authors: Son Seung‐Hee , Jegal Jonggeon
Published: February 2007

Molecularly imprinted (MIP) composite membranes were prepared using conventional interfacial polymerization technique that has been often used for the preparation of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. Target molecules (D‐serine) were used together with the piperazine (PIP) and Trimesoyl chloride (TMC) for the interfacial polymerization of the active layer with chiral spaces in it on the surface of the polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes. After formation of the polyamide composite membranes, the target molecules in the active layers were removed and MIP composite membranes were prepared. The MIP membranes prepared so were then characterized with analytical methods and proved to be effective for the selective permeation of D‐serine. When serine racemate was used for optical resolution, the diffusion rate of the D‐serine appeared to be faster than that of the L‐serine and in permeates, the concentration of the D‐serine increased with operation time. When the operating time reached 60 h, enantiomeric excess (% ee) of the serine mixture in permeates became about 80%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1866–1872, 2007
Preparation of granular crosslinkable medium‐density polyethylene
Authors: Madani Mohammad , Sharifi‐Sanjani Naser , Rezaei‐Zare Ehsan , Faridi‐Majidi Reza
Published: February 2007

Granular crosslinkable medium‐density polyethylene (XLPE) without scorch inhibitor was prepared adding organic peroxide [2, 5‐dimethyl‐ 2, 5‐ di‐ (t‐butyl‐peroxy) hexyne‐3] through extrution process, in industrial scale. Twin screw extruder was used to mix the polyethylene and the peroxide. The temperature zones of the extruder were controlled very carefully to prevent unwanted crosslinking during extrusion. Compression molding, rotational molding, and injection molding of XLPE at 155°C made no crosslinking in PE, and then they were exposed to higher temperatures at which the organic peroxide decomposed to provide free radicals which led to the crosslinking of the MDPE. The thermal properties (using dynamic mechanical analysis, DMA, differential scanning calorimetric analysis, DSC, and thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, techniques) and mechanical properties (including strain at break and stress at break) of virgin PE, crosslinkable PE, and crosslinked PE have been compared. The crossliked PE and virgin PE were also studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1873–1879, 2007
Dispersion and mechanical properties of polypropylene/multiwall carbon nanotubes composites obtained via dynamic packing injection molding
Authors: Xiao Yan , Zhang Xiaoqing , Cao Wen , Wang Ke , Tan Hong , Zhang Qin , Du Rongni , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2007

In this article, polypropylene (PP)/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composites were prepared through dynamic packing injection molding, in which the oscillatory shear was exerted on the molten composite during packing and solidification stage of injection‐molding. A simultaneous increase of tensile strength and impact strength has been achieved for PP/MWNTs composites containing only 0.6 wt % MWNTs. Particularly, the impact strength was found increased by almost 50% at such low MWNTs content. These improvements in properties were attributed to uniform dispersion and possible orientation of nanotube induced by shear stress. It was suggested that the dynamic packing injection molding could provide much strong shear force for better dispersion of MWNTs in PP matrix, on one hand, but breakdown the aspect ratio of MWNTs, on the other. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1880–1886, 2007
Characterization and aging of biotreated kraft bagasse pulp
Authors: Adel Abeer M.
Published: February 2007

Strains of bacteria [Pseudomonas flurescens (Pf1 and Pf2); Bacillus subtilis (B)] were used for treatment of kraft bagasse pulp. Both of the bacterial treated kraft bagasse pulp (BKBP) and control (C) pulp samples were chelated with EDTA and then bleached with hydrogen peroxide. The effect of aging on paper brightness was investigated. The brightness change due to aging for both control sample and bleached bacterial treated (BBKBP) pulp are 19.38% and (5.99%–15.35%), respectively. The crystallinity index (CrI) is calculated for both control sample (C) and BBKBP via X‐ray diffraction patterns. It was found that the CrI for BBKBP was increased by 4.46% compared with the control (C) sample. The relative intensity and assignment of absorption bands for BKBP) were studied via FTIR spectra. Pyrolytic behavior of the different samples was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric techniques. Calculations of the mass loss were used to elucidate the rate constant of decomposition and the activation energy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1887–1894, 2007
PCL/poloxamer 188 blend microsphere for paclitaxel delivery: Influence of poloxamer 188 on morphology and drug release
Authors: Ma Guilei , Song Cunxian
Published: February 2007

A novel controlled release system, paclitaxel‐loaded poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/poloxamer 188 (Pluronic F68, F68) blend microspheres is proposed in the present work. F68 was incorporated into PCL matrices as both a pore‐forming agent and a drug releasing enhancer. Paclitaxel‐loaded PCL/F68 blend microspheres with different amounts of F68 were prepared by the oil‐in water (O/W) emulsion/solvent evaporation method. Characterization of the microspheres followed to examine the particle size, the drug encapsulation efficiency, the surface morphology, and in vitro release behavior. The influences of F68 on microsphere morphology and paclitaxel release are discussed. The porosity of the surface of PCL/F68 blend microspheres and the release rate of paclitaxel from the PCL/F68 blend microspheres increased as the initial amount of blended F68 increased. Faster and controlled release was achieved in comparison with the PCL microspheres. Through this study, the developed microporous PCL/F68 blend microspheres could be used as a drug delivery system to enhance and control drug release in the future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. JAppl Polym Sci 104: 1895–1899, 2007
Grafting poly(t‐butyl acrylate) to poly(allylamine) by inverse microemulsion radical polymerization: From comb‐polymer to amphiphilic shell crosslinked polymer nanocapsule
Authors: Sarkar Debanjan , El Khoury Jouliana M. , Lopina Stephanie T. , Hu Jun
Published: February 2007

An interfacial grafting radical polymerization method for amphiphilic comb copolymer and shell crosslinked polymer nanocapsules was reported. Macropolyradicals on a water soluble long chain polyamine were generated with hydrogen peroxide in the water phase and subsequent grafting radical polymerization of a vinylic monomer at the water/oil interface proceeded at 65°C. In the presence of a crosslinker, the resulting graft copolymer formed a defined core‐shell structure with hydrophilic aqueous core functionalized by the polyamine and a hydrophobic crosslinked polymer shell. The structure of the core‐shell material was characterized by NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, TEM, and the mechanism of the graft polymerization is proposed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1905–1911, 2007
Thermal, mechanical, and dielectric behaviors of crosslinked linear low density polyethylene/polyolefin elastomers blends
Authors: Ke Qing Quan , Huang Xing Yi , Wei Ping , Wang Gen Lin , Jiang Ping Kai
Published: February 2007

Crosslinked linear low density polyethylene (XLPE) containing polyolefin elastomers (POE) has been evaluated. The blends with different dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and POE contents have been prepared and processed by compression molding. A series of the samples obtained have been investigated by gel content determination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), different scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical, and dielectric behaviors measurements. The results obtained clearly show the relevant influence of the POE content, as well as of the DCP content, which tends to enhance crosslinking. As expected, the toughness of XLPE is improved by using adequate content of POE, and the blends exhibit a much more similar tensile behavior to that of elastomer. In addition, the results indicate that the blends possess the excellent dielectric behaviors, such as dielectric constant and dissipation factor. The crystallinity of the blends decreases as the DCP and POE contents increase. The melting temperature of the blends also decreases with the increase of DCP content, while POE content has few influences on the melting temperature of the blends. The SEM images strongly reveal that the blends are partially compatible, and the POE can be dispersed well in the matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1920–1927, 2007
Controlled‐release formulations for hydroxy urea and rifampicin using polyphosphate‐anion‐crosslinked chitosan microspheres
Authors: Gupta K. C. , Jabrail Fawzi Habeeb
Published: February 2007

Physically crosslinked microspheres for the controlled delivery of rifampicin and hydroxy urea have been prepared with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) anion crosslinkers. Chitosan with a constant degree of deacetylation (75 wt %) and a constant molecular weight (1134 kg/mol) has been found to be useful for the controlled release of selected drugs. The microspheres prepared with the SHMP anion crosslinker are more hydrophobic and compact in their shape and size than the microspheres prepared with the STPP anion crosslinker. The SHMP‐anion‐crosslinked microspheres show optimum loading at pH 3, whereas the STPP‐anion‐crosslinked microspheres show optimum loading at pH 4. The STPP‐anion‐crosslinked microspheres are suitable for the controlled release of rifampicin, but the SHMP‐anion‐crosslinked microspheres are suitable for the controlled release of hydroxy urea. The drug‐release characteristics of the physically crosslinked chitosan microspheres are explained with respect to their size and the ionic interactions of the encapsulated drugs with the polymer matrices and anion crosslinkers. The initial burst release of the loaded drugs is Fickian in nature and follows first‐order kinetics, but the controlled step of the drug release shows a non‐Fickian nature and follows zero‐order kinetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1942–1956, 2007
A new map of mangroves for Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia, based on stereo aerial photography
Authors: Mitchell Anthea L. , Lucas Richard M. , Donnelly Brian E. , Pfitzner Kirrilly , Milne Anthony K. , Finlayson Max
Published: February 2007

Using colour aerial photography, a set of fine (∼1 m) spatial resolution orthomosaics and accompanying Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were generated for the majority of mangroves in Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia, from which their extent and canopy height have been mapped.

The orthomosaics and DEMs, which were based on 68 stereo pairs acquired in 1991, cover an area of approximately 742 km2 and a coastal distance of 86 km. The DEMs have a height resolution of approximately ± 1 m.

The entire mosaic represents a key historical baseline data set of the extent and height of mangroves within the Park against which to observe and quantify changes in response to, for example, sea‐level rise.

The data sets will be available to assist management of the coastal environment and also to provide a unique insight into the distribution, dynamics and condition of mangroves. The techniques used are applicable to mangroves and other forested wetlands in other regions of Australia and elsewhere.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonhuman anthropoid primate femoral neck trabecular architecture and its relationship to locomotor mode
Authors: Fajardo Roberto J. , Müller Ralph , Ketcham Rich A. , Colbert Matthew
Published: February 2007

Functional analyses of human and nonhuman anthropoid primate femoral neck structure have largely ignored the trabecular bone. We tested hypotheses regarding differences in the relative distribution and structural anisotropy of trabecular bone in the femoral neck of quadrupedal and climbing/suspensory anthropoids. We used high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography to analyze quantitatively the femoral neck trabecular structure of Ateles geoffroyi, Symphalangus syndactylus, Alouatta seniculus, Colobus guereza, Macaca fascicularis, and Papio cynocephalus (n = 46). We analyzed a size‐scaled superior and inferior volume of interest (VOI) in the femoral neck. The ratio of the superior to inferior VOI bone volume fraction indicated that the distribution of trabecular bone was inferiorly skewed in most (but not all) quadrupeds and evenly distributed the climbing/suspensory species, but interspecific comparisons indicated that all taxa overlapped in these measurements. Degree of anisotropy values were generally higher in the inferior VOI of all species and the results for the two climbing/suspensory taxa, A. geoffroyi (1.71 ± 0.30) and S. syndactylus (1.55 ± 0.04), were similar to the results for the quadrupedal anthropoids, C. guereza (male = 1.64 ± 0.13; female = 1.68 ± 0.07) and P. cynocephalus (1.47 ± 0.13). These results suggest strong trabecular architecture similarity across body sizes, anthropoid phylogenetic backgrounds, and locomotor mode. This structural similarity might be explained by greater similarity in anthropoid hip joint loading mechanics than previously considered. It is likely that our current models of anthropoid hip joint mechanics are overly simplistic. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstructure of trabecular bone in a mouse model for down syndrome
Authors: Parsons Trish , Ryan Timothy M. , Reeves Roger H. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: February 2007

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and results in a suite of dysmorphic phenotypes, including effects on the postcranial skeleton and the skull. We have previously demonstrated parallels in the patterns of craniofacial dysmorphology in DS and in the Ts65Dn mouse model for DS. The specific mechanisms underlying the production of these changes in craniofacial shape remain unknown. High‐resolution computed tomography scan data were collected for the presphenoid bone of euploid and aneuploid mice. Three‐dimensional morphometric parameters of trabecular bone were quantified and compared between euploid and aneuploid mice using nonparametric statistical tests. Aneuploid presphenoid bones were smaller than those of their euploid littermates and had lower bone volume fraction and fewer, more rod‐like trabeculae. The differences in cancellous bone structure suggest that bone development, perhaps including bone modeling and remodeling, is affected by aneuploidy. These differences may contribute to the observed dysmorphology of skull and postcranial skeletal phenotypes in DS. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
c‐fos gene expression is increased in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus of Sprague‐Dawley rats With visceral pain induced by acetic acid without detectable changes of corticotrophin‐releasing factor mRNA: A quantitative approach with an image analysis system
Authors: Hwang Bang H. , Chang Hung‐Ming , Gu Zhu‐Hua , Suzuki Ryoji
Published: February 2007

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that c‐Fos immunoreactivity (ir) together with c‐fos mRNA in their immediately adjacent tissue sections of a discrete brain region can be reliably measured. The c‐fos gene expression in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) of Sprague‐Dawley rats for an animal model for visceral or somatovisceral pain induced by 2% acetic acid (AA) was used in this study. Specifically, c‐fos mRNA signals were measured by quantitative autoradiography after in situ hybridization using c‐fos oligodeoxynucleotide probe, and c‐Fos‐ir signals were represented by c‐Fos immunostaining, as detected using c‐Fos antibody in a regular immunohistochemistry. Signals from both c‐Fos‐ir and c‐fos mRNA in the PVN were measured from their immediately adjacent cryostat sections. For the measurement of c‐Fos‐ir, it was carried out by reading 10 rectangles (1,000 μm2/rectangle) on each PVN section with c‐Fos immunostaining. Specific signals were obtained from subtracting the nonspecific background signal from the total signals using a computer‐assisted image analysis system. Results indicated that the AA treatment induced a significant increase of both c‐Fos‐ir and c‐fos mRNA in the PVN. Interestingly, there was no increase of corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) mRNA expression in the PVN and central nucleus of the amygdala of Sprague‐Dawley rats subjected to the AA treatment. In summary, this study has demonstrated that c‐Fos‐ir in the PVN with an anatomical resolution can be semiquantitatively measured after immunohistochemistry using an image analysis system, and that increased c‐fos mRNA in the PVN 1 hr after the AA treatment is associated with no changes of the CRF mRNA expression. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the vasculature of the caprine reproductive organs using the tissue‐clearing technique, with special reference to the angioarchitecture of the utero‐ovarian vessels and the adaptation of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries to multiple pregnancies
Authors: Hafez Shireen A. , Freeman Larry E. , Caceci Thomas , Smith Bonnie J.
Published: February 2007

Arteries of the reproductive tracts of nonpregnant does and does at 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18 weeks of gestation were injected in situ with Microfil®. The tracts were fixed, dehydrated, and rendered transparent to reveal the paths of arteries. The tortuous ovarian artery lay in close apposition to the uterine tributary of the ovarian vein, an arrangement that may serve as a local utero‐ovarian pathway for the corpus luteum (CL) luteolysis at the end of nonfertile estrous cycle. During pregnancy, this arteriovenous arrangement might transfer luteotropic substances from uterus to ovary, which might serve in maternal recognition of pregnancy and fit the fact that the goat is CL‐dependent throughout gestation. In some cases of triplets, the size of the uterine branch of the ovarian artery was equal to or even larger than that of its parent artery and/or the ipsilateral uterine artery, and the vaginal artery contributed a connecting branch to the uterine artery. These physiological adaptations of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries, which have not previously been described, correlate well with the increasing nutrient demands of the growing multiple fetuses. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wavelet transform in denoising magnetic archaeological prospecting data
Authors: Tsivouraki B. , Tsokas G. N.
Published: February 2007

Magnetic measurements in archaeological prospecting are often affected by cultural noise having the same high‐frequency content as anomalies arising from buried antiquities. Also, in many cases the microrelief of the ground surface causes a noise that is coherent, pseudorandom and periodic. The main cause of this kind of noise is the ploughing of the earth. In this paper the efficiency of a wavelet denoising scheme is tested with respect to these types of unwanted disturbances. The proposed scheme combines the cyclospinning algorithm with a variable threshold calculated in each cycle of the algorithm. Tests on synthetic and real data show a satisfactory performance of the technique in suppressing both the white noise and the coherent noise caused by the systematic undulations of the ground surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The double role of ontologies in information science research
Authors: Fonseca Frederico
Published: February 2007

In philosophy, Ontology is the basic description of things in the world. In information science, an ontology refers to an engineering artifact, constituted by a specific vocabulary used to describe a certain reality. Ontologies have been proposed for validating both conceptual models and conceptual schemas; however, these roles are quite dissimilar. In this article, we show that ontologies can be better understood if we classify the different uses of the term as it appears in the literature. First, we explain Ontology (upper case O) as used in Philosophy. Then, we propose a differentiation between ontologies of information systems and ontologies for information systems. All three concepts have an important role in information science. We clarify the different meanings and uses of Ontology and ontologies through a comparison of research by Wand and Weber and by Guarino in ontology‐driven information systems. The contributions of this article are twofold: (a) It provides a better understanding of what ontologies are, and (b) it explains the double role of ontologies in information science research.
Pharmacokinetic study of salvianolic acid A in rat after intravenous administration of Danshen injection
Authors: Hou Yuan‐Yuan , Peng Jia‐Min , Chao Ruo‐Bing
Published: February 2007

In order to research the pharmacokinetics of salvianolic acid A (SalA), a herbal ingredient isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, after intravenous administration to rats, a specific and accurate high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed. The assay procedure involved simple liquid–liquid extraction of SalA and internal standard (IS, ethyl‐p‐hydroxybenzoate) from plasma into ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated and evaporated under reduced pressure at 40°C. The residue was reconstituted in the mobile phase and analyzed on an Inertsil C8 column, monitored at 285 nm. The mobile phase, which consisted of methanol–acetonitrile–water–formic acid (10:20:70:0.4, by vol), was used at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The ratio of the peak area of the analyte to IS was applied to quantify the plasma samples. The standard curve for SalA was linear (r2 = 0.9999) in the concentration range of 0.75–150 µg/mL. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) of SalA was 0.75 µg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) of the quality control (QC) samples were in the ranges of 2.17–3.29 and 1.24–5.28%, respectively. Accuracy in the measurement of QC samples ranged from 94.7 to 101.1%. This method was validated for specificity, accuracy and precision and was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of SalA in rat plasma after intravenous administration of Danshen injection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homeless mothers: is there a relationship between coping strategies, mental health and goal achievement?
Authors: Tischler Victoria A. , Vostanis Panos
Published: February 2007

This study examined the relationship between coping, mental health and goal achievement among homeless mothers. Seventy‐two women took part and 44 were re‐interviewed 4 months later. The Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F‐COPES) were used to identify their coping strategies at the time of homelessness; the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) measured mental health problems; and a semi‐structured questionnaire identified their goals. Outcome measures at follow‐up were goal achievement and mental health. A variety of coping strategies were used, with some differences ascertained according to reason for homelessness and age of respondent. Lower use of problem‐focussed coping was associated with poorer mental health at the time of homelessness. Mental health problems improved over time, but levels of psychopathology remained high at follow‐up. Most women had achieved their primary goal of resettlement, and this was associated with use of problem‐focussed coping. Lower use of problem‐focussed coping, in particular, acquiring social support, was associated with continuation of mental health problems at follow‐up, however the greatest predictor of mental health at follow‐up was mental health status whilst homeless. Despite exposure to major stressors and poor mental health, mothers experiencing homelessness can maintain their ability to cope effectively, in order to achieve their goals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community as practice: social representations of community and their implications for health promotion
Authors: Stephens Christine
Published: February 2007

Health promotion researchers and practitioners have increasingly turned to community‐based approaches. Although there has been much work around the diverse understandings of the term in areas such as community psychology and sociology, I am concerned with how such understandings relate directly to community health research and practice. From a discursive perspective ‘community’ is seen as a socially constructed representation that is used variously and pragmatically. However, from a wider view, community can be seen as a matter of embodied practice. This paper draws on social representations theory to examine the shifting constructions of ‘community’, the functional use of those understandings in social life, and the practices that suggest that it is important to attend to their use in particular contexts. Accordingly, the paper argues that meanings of community in the health promotion or public health context must be seen as representations used for specific purposes in particular situations. Furthermore, the broader notion of embodied practice in social life has implications for community participation in health promotion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling the Confinement and Alignment of Fullerene C70 in para‐Substituted Calix[5]arenes
Authors: Makha Mohamed , McKinnon Joshua J. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Spackman Mark A. , Raston Colin L.
Published: February 2007

In toluene fullerene C70 forms 2:1 complexes with p‐benzylcalix[5]arene (1) and p‐phenylcalix[5]arene (2), [C70⊂12]⋅6 (C7H8) and [C70⊂22]⋅7 (C7H8). The fullerene molecules are completely shrouded by two calix[5]arenes in addition to terminal benzyl groups from other supermolecules, [C70⊂12], and solvent. Within the capsule‐like supermolecules the calixarenes have distinctly different arrangements relative to the principal axis of the fullerene; for [C70⊂12]⋅6 (C7H8) the oxygen planes of the two calixarenes are skewed by 37.0 and 47.5°, whereas in [C70⊂22]⋅7 (C7H8) the principal axes of the fullerene and the two encapsulating calixarenes are more closely aligned with the corresponding angles at 9.7 and 8.6°, and features a pentaphenyl inter‐calixarene embrace. The Hirshfeld surfaces of these two complexes have been investigated for a detailed understanding of the orientation and nature of interactions of C70 with the cavitand‐type molecules and toluene.
Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition by a Non‐Heme Iron(III) Catalase Mimic: A DFT Study
Authors: Sicking Willi , Korth Hans‐Gert , Jansen Georg , de Groot Herbert , Sustmann Reiner
Published: February 2007

Non‐heme iron(III) complexes of 14‐membered tetraaza macrocycles have previously been found to catalytically decompose hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen, like the native enzyme catalase. Here the mechanism of this reaction is theoretically investigated by DFT calculations at the (U)B3LYP/6‐31G* level, with focus on the reactivity of the possible spin states of the FeIII complexes. The computations suggest that H2O2 decomposition follows a homolytic route with intermediate formation of an iron(IV) oxo radical cation species (L.+FeIVO) that resembles Compound I of natural iron porphyrin systems. Along the whole catalytic cycle, no significant energetic differences were found for the reaction proceeding on the doublet (S=1/2) or on the quartet (S=3/2) hypersurface, with the single exception of the rate‐determining OO bond cleavage of the first associated hydrogen peroxide molecule, for which reaction via the doublet state is preferred. The sextet (S=5/2) state of the FeIII complexes appears to be unreactive in catalase‐like reactions.
Examination of Research Trends on Patient Factors in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: Stutts Lauren A. , Cross Natalie J. , Conti Jamie B. , Sears Samuel F.
Published: February 2007

Background

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the most effective treatment available for terminating potentially life‐threatening ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation and reducing the risk of mortality. Despite its established health benefits, ICD therapy is accompanied by a unique array of patient and psychological factors meriting ample research attention. The purpose of this paper is to examine research trends and results regarding patient factors in cardiac and ICD research and to discuss key areas for future research.

Hypothesis:

An increase in articles associated with patient factors in cardiac and ICD research will be shown over time.

Methods:

The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) system in PubMed was used to index articles under a range of psychosocial headings for both cardiovascular disease and ICDs to quantify the frequency of articles published across time, the journals most frequently utilized, the most productive institutions, and the most common areas of inquiry.

Results:

A significant positive relationship was revealed between patient factors in cardiac research (r = 0.96, p<0.01) and ICD research (r = 0.88, p<0.01) over time. Research is limited by the small number of investigations and institutions. Of the 178 articles on patient factors in ICD research, the most frequent areas of inquiry were psychosocial treatment (70.79%), anxiety (33.15%), quality of life (32.02%), and depression (29.78%).

Conclusion:

Future research examining positive adjustment is warranted, especially in light of increased prophylactic ICD implantation and possible decreased treatment burden associated with decreased shocks.
Analysis of the weak interactions of ADP‐Unc104 and ADP‐kinesin with microtubules and their inhibition by MAP2c
Authors: Al‐Bassam Jawdat , Roger Benoit , Halpain Shelley , Milligan Ronald A.
Published: February 2007

Microtubule based motors like conventional kinesin (Kinesin‐1) and Unc104 (Kinesin‐3), and classical microtubule associated proteins (MAPs), including MAP2, are intimately involved in neurite formation and organelle transport. The processive motility of both these kinesins involves weak microtubule interactions in the ADP‐bound states. Using cosedimentation assays, we have investigated these weak interactions and characterized their inhibition by MAP2c. We show that Unc104 binds microtubules with five‐fold weaker affinity and two‐fold higher stoichiometry compared with conventional kinesin. Unc104 and conventional kinesin binding affinities are primarily dependent on positively charged residues in the Unc104 K‐loop and conventional kinesin neck coiled‐coil and removal of these residues affects Unc104 and conventional kinesin differently. We observed that MAP2c acts primarily as a competitive inhibitor of Unc104 but a mixed inhibitor of conventional kinesin. Our data suggest a specific model in which MAP2c differentially interferes with each kinesin motor by inhibiting its weak attachment to the tubulin C‐termini. This is reminiscent of the defects we have observed in Unc104 and kinesin mutants in which the positively charged residues in K‐loop and neck coiled‐coil domains were removed. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR imaging in assessing cardiovascular interventions and myocardial injury
Authors: Jacquier Alexis , Higgins Charles B , Saeed Maythem
Published: February 2007

Performing an MR‐guided endovascular intervention requires (1) real‐time tracking and guidance of catheters/guide wires to the target, (2) high‐resolution images of the target and its surroundings in order to define the extent of the target, (3) performing a therapeutic procedure (delivery of stent or injection of gene or cells) and (4) evaluating the outcome of the therapeutic procedure. The combination of X‐ray and MR imaging (XMR) in a single suite was designed for new interventional procedures. MR contrast media can be used to delineate myocardial infarcts and microvascular obstruction, thereby defining the target for local delivery of therapeutic agents under MR‐guidance. Iron particles, or gadolinium‐ or dysprosium‐chelates are mixed with the soluble injectates or stem cells in order to track intramyocardial delivery and distribution. Preliminary results show that genes encoded for vascular endothelial and fibroblast growth factor and cells are effective in promoting angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, perfusion and LV function. Angiogenic growth factors, genes and cells administered under MR‐guided minimally invasive catheter‐based procedures will open up new avenues in treating end‐stage ischemic heart disease. The optimum dose of the therapeutic agents, delivery devices and real‐time imaging techniques to guide the delivery are currently the subject of ongoing research. The aim of this review is to (1) provide an updated review of experiences using MR imaging to guide transcatheter therapy, (2) address the potential of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR contrast media in assessing myocardial injury at a molecular level and labeling cells and (3) illustrate the applicability of the non‐invasive MR imaging in the field of angiogenic therapies through recent clinical and experimental publications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase I study of carboplatin in combination with gemcitabine and irinotecan in patients with solid tumors
Authors: de Lima Lopes Gilberto , Chiappori Alberto , Simon George , Haura Eric , Sullivan Dan , Antonia Scott , Langevin Michel , Lush Richard , Rocha‐Lima Caio Max
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

The objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) of carboplatin in combination with gemcitabine and irinotecan in patients with solid tumors.

METHODS.

Patients with solid tumors who were not candidates for standard chemotherapy received escalating doses of carboplatin, gemcitabine, and irinotecan.

RESULTS.

Twenty‐eight patients were enrolled. Two of 4 patients who received carboplatin at an area under the curve (AUC) of 5 on Day 1 with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and irinotecan 80 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 developed DLT, along with 2 of 12 patients at the immediate‐lower dose level: carboplatin at an AUC of 4 on Day 1 with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and irinotecan 80 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8. In an attempt to improve drug delivery on Day 8, a different schedule was studied. Carboplatin at an AUC of 2, gemcitabine 800 mg/m2, and irinotecan 60 mg/m2, all given on Days 1 and 8, was explored in 12 patients. Two patients were unable to receive therapy on Day 8. Twenty‐four patients developed grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity. Nonhematologic side effects were mostly mild and reversible with the exception of 1 patient, who developed acute liver failure after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy and died. Objective responses were observed in 7 patients, including 5 patients who had small cell and neuroendocrine carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS.

Carboplatin in combination with gemcitabine and irinotecan was feasible. However, compromise of single‐agent doses of all 3 drugs was necessary because of toxicity. Additional studies are warranted in patients with small cell and high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinomas. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Combination therapy with arsenic trioxide, all‐trans retinoic acid, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in recurrent acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Aribi Ahmed , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Estey Elihu H. , Koller Charles A. , Thomas Deborah A. , Kornblau Steven M. , Faderl Stefan H. , Laddie Nakia M. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

From 20% to 30% of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who are treated with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) develop recurrent disease. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective agent for the salvage of patients with recurrent APL, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) has shown activity in patients with APL.

METHODS.

The authors investigated the efficacy of a combination of ATO, ATRA, and GO in 8 patients with APL in first recurrence (7 patients with hematologic recurrences and 1 patient with a molecular recurrence). All patients had received previous treatment with ATRA either alone or in combination with other agents. Patients received ATO 0.15 mg/kg intravenously until they achieved a bone marrow complete remission (CR). Once in CR, patients received consolidation with ATO, ATRA, and GO for 10 months. Patients then received maintenance with idarubicin, ATRA, 6‐marcaptopurine, and oral methotrexate for 11 months.

RESULTS.

All 7 patients who had hematologic recurrences achieved CR after a median of 39 days (range, 21–56 days). After a median follow‐up of ≥36 months (range, 4–55 months), 6 patients remained alive in CR, and 2 patients died in CR. Six of 8 patients remained in second CR that was longer than their first CR. All 7 evaluable patients achieved molecular remission. There were no grade 3 or 4 extramedullary toxicities. Two patients died, 1 secondary to a complication of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, and the other of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS.

The combination of ATO, ATRA, and GO was effective and may achieve durable remissions in patients with APL in first recurrence. It should be considered as an effective alternative to allogeneic or autologous transplantation. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Overexpression of claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 receptors in uterine serous papillary carcinoma
Authors: Santin Alessandro D. , Bellone Stefania , Marizzoni Moira , Palmieri Michela , Siegel Eric R. , McKenney Jesse K. , Hennings Leah , Comper Fabrizio , Bandiera Elisabetta , Pecorelli Sergio
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Uterine serous papillary carcinoma (USPC) represents a highly aggressive variant of endometrial cancer. Using gene expression profiling, we recently identified high expression of the claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 receptors in a limited set of USPC. These tight junction proteins represent the low‐ and high‐affinity receptors, respectively, for the cytotoxic Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and are sufficient to mediate CPE binding and trigger subsequent toxin‐mediated cytolysis. The potential for targeting this pathway in the treatment of USPC was explored.

METHODS.

Claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 receptor expression was analyzed at the mRNA and protein levels in flash‐frozen and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue from 20 consecutive USPC patients. The potential of recombinant CPE as a novel therapy against primary, metastatic, and chemotherapy‐resistant USPC cell lines was also investigated in vitro. Finally, the in vivo therapeutic effect of sublethal doses of CPE was studied in SCID mouse xenografts harboring subcutaneous and intraperitoneal USPC that expressed claudin‐3 and claudin‐4.

RESULTS.

In all, 100% (20 out of 20) of the primary flash‐frozen USPC tested overexpressed 1 or both CPE receptors by quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Membranous immunoreactivity for claudin‐4 protein expression was documented in the majority of USPC specimens tested by immunohistochemistry, whereas only a low level of membranous staining was found in normal endometrial control tissue samples. When primary and metastatic short‐term USPC cell lines were incubated with different concentrations of CPE in vitro, a dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect was demonstrated. In vivo, intratumoral injections of well‐tolerated doses of CPE in large subcutaneous USPC xenografts led to large areas of tumor cell necrosis and tumor disappearance in all the treated animals, whereas sublethal intraperitoneal injections of CPE had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor progression, with extended survival of animals harboring chemotherapy‐resistant intra‐abdominal USPC carcinomatosis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 receptors may offer promising targets for the use of CPE as a novel type‐specific therapy against this highly aggressive and chemotherapy‐resistant variant of endometrial cancer. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Comorbidity is an independent predictor of complete remission in elderly patients receiving induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Etienne Anne , Esterni Benjamin , Charbonnier Aude , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joëlle , Arnoulet Christine , Coso Diane , Puig Brigitte , Gastaut Jean‐Albert , Maraninchi Dominique , Vey Norbert
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a poor prognosis, which is explained by the disease itself and by host‐related factors. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic role of comorbidities in this population.

METHODS.

For this single‐center, retrospective study, the authors analyzed the outcome of 133 patients aged ≥70 years who received induction chemotherapy for nonpromyelocytic AML between 1995 and 2004. Comorbidities were evaluated by using an adapted form of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).

RESULTS.

The median patient age was 73 years. The CCI score was 0 for 83 patients (68%), 1 for 16 patients (13%), and >1 for 23 patients (19%). The complete remission (CR) rate was 56%, and the median overall survival was 9 months. In multivariate analysis, 4 adverse prognostic factors for CR were identified: unfavorable karyotype, leukocytosis ≥30 g/L, CD34 expression on leukemic cells, and CCI >1. A score could be generated to allow the stratification of patients into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups with CR rates of 87%, 63%, and 37%, respectively. The risk of early mortality and the probability of survival also were different in the 3 risk groups (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS.

The results from this study indicated that associated comorbidities are independent factors that may influence achievement of CR in elderly patients with AML. Such a scoring system may be useful in the prognostic staging systems that are used to identify patients with AML who can benefit from induction chemotherapy. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.