bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perforin dependence of natural killer cell‐mediated tumor control in vivo
Authors: van den Broek Maries F. , Kägi David , Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Hengartner Hans
Published: March 2007

Adaptive immune surveillance by T cells against infections and tumors depends on the presence of antigenic peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. If antigenic tumor‐specific peptides or MHC class I molecules are absent, the adaptive T cell immune response fails. Natural killer (NK) cells seem to complement the specific T cells by recognizing target cells lacking MHC class I (e.g. RMA‐S). The role of perforin, which is crucially involved in T cell and NK cell‐mediated target cell lysis, was evaluated in mice lacking perforin with respect to their capacity to eliminate a syngeneic lymphoid tumor. Here, we show that growth of MHC class I− RMA‐S tumor cells in unprimed mice was controlled by NK cells through perforin‐dependent cytotoxicity.
A role for CD44 in T cell development and function during direct competition between CD44+ and CD44– cells
Authors: Graham Victoria A. , Marzo Amanda L. , Tough David F.
Published: March 2007

The role of CD44 in T cell biology remains incompletely understood. Although studies using anti‐CD44 antibodies have implicated this cell adhesion molecule in a variety of important T cell processes, few T cell defects have been reported in CD44‐deficient mice. We have assessed the requirement for CD44 in T cell development and mature T cell function by analyzing mice in which CD44–/– and WT cells were produced simultaneously. In mixed (CD44–/– + CD44+/+) bone marrow chimeras, production of CD44–/– T cells was shown to be reduced compared to WT cells due to inefficient intrathymic development. In addition, mature CD44–/– CD8+ T cells generated a substantially lower response than WT T cells after infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, with the reduction in response apparent in both lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues. Overall, these results demonstrate a poor capacity of CD44–/– T lineage cells to compete with WT cells at multiple levels, implicating CD44 in normal T cell function.
The tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐2 regulates differentiation and apoptosis of individual primary T lymphocytes
Authors: Hoff Holger , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: March 2007

Although phosphatases are key players of intracellular processes, not much is known about the phosphatase SHP‐2 during T cell differentiation. Here we show that ectopic over‐expression of SHP‐2 in primary T helper cells directly reduced the frequency of individual lymphocytes expressing pro‐inflammatory cytokines after antigen‐specific stimulation by a mechanism impairing activation of protein kinase C. In addition we demonstrate that SHP‐2 mediates enhanced migration upon CXCR4 signaling in a G‐protein‐dependent manner. Most strikingly, SHP‐2 mediated a dramatic increase in apoptosis by highly enhanced activation of caspases. Co‐immunoprecipitations of SHP‐2 and c‐Cbl from primary T helper cells demonstrated that SHP‐2 strongly interacts with the ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl, indicating that c‐Cbl could mediate the negative signals of SHP‐2. Our results show that SHP‐2 signal transduction regulates central checkpoints of T cell differentiation by the activation of distinct signaling cascades.
Bacterial clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is enhanced by the inhibition of COX‐2
Authors: Sadikot Ruxana T. , Zeng Heng , Azim Anser C. , Joo Myungsoo , Dey Sudhansu K. , Breyer Richard M. , Peebles R. Stokes , Blackwell Timothy S. , Christman John W.
Published: March 2007

Prostanoids generated by COX‐2 are involved in the regulation of inflammation but their exact role in the innate immune response has not been defined. We investigated whether COX‐2 is involved in host defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. In vitro studies, in a macrophage cell line, showed that cytotoxic strain of P aeruginosa (PA103) induced significant COX‐2 protein expression and enzymatic function. In vivo data showed that infection with PA103 increased COX‐2 protein production in whole lung tissue compared to mice that were infected with mutant bacteria that lack ExoU (ΔU) or ExoU and ExoT (ΔUT). COX‐2–/– mice had accentuated clearance of cytotoxic P. aeruginosa from the lungs. We further tested the effects of COX‐2 products such as prostaglandin E2 on the function of phagocytic cells. Our studies indicate that prostaglandin E2 may be involved through interacting with the EP2 receptors in modulating the host response because treatment of macrophages with prostaglandin E2 suppressed production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore there was enhanced bacterial clearance in EP2 receptor–/– mice compared to the wild‐type controls. Thus it is possible that inhibition of COX‐2 or EP2 receptors could be an effective adjunctive treatment for severe or resistant P. aeruginosa pneumonia.
New Anions of Pentacoordinate Phosphorus Containing Fluorine and Trifluoromethyl Groups
Authors: Pavlenko Natalya V. , Babadzhanova Lesya A. , Gerus Igor I. , Yagupolskii Yurii L. , Tyrra Wieland , Naumann Dieter
Published: March 2007

The unique pseudo‐trigonal‐bipyramidal CF3PF3O– and (CF3)2PF2O– anions were obtained and characterised for the first time. They were formed by the reactions of (PhO)3P(O), Me3SiCF3 and the fluoride ion sources [Me4N]F and CsF, respectively, in glyme. These anions represent the stable transition states postulated for nucleophilic substitution at a tetrahedral phosphorus atom. The salt Cs[(CF3)2PF2O] (7) is stable at room temperature for a month, while [Me4N][CF3PF3O] (1) dismutates into [Me4N][CF3PF(O)O] (2) and [Me4N][CF3PF5] (3) above 0 °C. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Some Neodymium(III), Ytterbium(II), and Europium(II) Complexes with Pyrrolidinyl‐ and Piperidinyl‐Functionalized Indenyl Ligands
Authors: Zhou Shuangliu , Wang Shaowu , Sheng Enhong , Zhang Lijun , Yu Zeyan , Xi Xiaobing , Chen Guodong , Luo Wei , Li Yan
Published: March 2007

A series of organolanthanide complexes with pyrrolidinyl‐ and piperidinyl‐ functionalized indenyl ligands were synthesized by reaction of [(Me3Si)2N]3LnIII(μ‐Cl)Li(THF)3 (Ln = Yb, Eu, Nd) with the corresponding indene compounds. Treatment of [(Me3Si)2N]3YbIII(μ‐Cl)Li(THF)3 with 2 equiv. of C9H6‐1‐R‐3‐CH2SiMe2NC4H8 (R = H, CH3) in refluxing toluene produced the corresponding organoytterbium(II) complexes with formula [ηm:η1‐C9H5‐1‐R‐3‐CH2SiMe2NC4H8]2YbII [m = 5, R = H (2); m = 3, R = CH3 (3)] in 49 and 58 % yield, respectively. Treatment of [(Me3Si)2N]3LnIII(μ‐Cl)Li(THF)3 (Ln = Yb, Eu, Nd) with 2 equiv. of C9H7CH2SiMe2NC5H10 (1) in toluene at moderately high temperatures afforded, after workup, the corresponding organolanthanide complexes with formula [η5:η1‐C9H6CH2SiMe2NC5H10]2YbII (4), [η5:η1‐C9H6CH2SiMe2NC5H10]2EuII (5), and [C9H6CH2SiMe2NC5H10]3NdIII·THF (6) in 37, 71, and 29 % yield, respectively. All the compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes 2, 3, 5, and 6 were additionally determined by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. The catalytic properties of all the organolanthanide complexes on the ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone have been studied. The effects of temperature, solvent, and coordination on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Recent Advances in Asymmetric Organocatalytic 1,4‐Conjugate Additions
Authors: Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: March 2007

Recent progress in the field of asymmetric organocatalytic 1,4‐conjugate addition reactions, regarded as belonging among the more synthetically important carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions, is described. The focus is on some recent advances in the following selected reactions: additions of various nucleophiles to α,β‐unsaturated cyclic and acyclic enals, enones, vinyl sulfones and nitro olefins, addition of malonates and/or ketones to acyclic enones, or of aldehydes and ketones to vinyl ketones and nitro olefins, together with some multicomponent domino reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis of Bridged and Nonbridged N‐Heterocycles by Cyclocondensation of Bis(silyl enol ethers) with Iminium Salts
Authors: Langer Peter
Published: March 2007

Cyclization reactions of iminium salts with bis(silyl enol ethers) – such as 1,3‐bis(silyloxy)‐1,3‐butadienes and 1,1‐bis(silyloxy)ketene acetals – allow a convenient synthesis of various bridged and nonbridged N‐heterocycles. The iminium salts were generated in situ from pyridines, quinolines, isoquinolines, quinoxalines, pyrazines, quinazolines, and 2,5‐dimethoxypyrrolidines. The products include 4‐oxa‐9‐aza‐7,8‐benzobicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐3‐ones, 7‐oxa‐1,4‐diaza‐2,3‐benzobicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐en‐6‐ones, 7‐oxa‐1,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐en‐6‐ones, 3‐hydroxy‐9‐aza‐7,8‐benzobicyclo[3.3.1]non‐3‐enes, 4‐hydroxy‐1,9‐diaza‐7,8‐benzobicyclo[3.3.1]non‐4‐enes, alkylidene‐7‐oxa‐1,4‐diaza‐2,3‐benzobicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐enes, and tropinones.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Fluorous “Racemic” Mixture Synthesis: Simultaneous Strategy for Demixing and Enantioseparation of Racemic Fluorous‐Tagged Products
Authors: Tonoi Takayuki , Mikami Koichi
Published: March 2007

Reported herein is the concept of fluorous “racemic” mixture synthesis (FRMS), which is applied to two types of proof‐of‐concept experiments. Mixtures of racemic O‐benzoylmandelate derivatives and prochiral crotonamide derivatives, respectively, bearing different lengths of fluorous‐cleavable tags are taken through a segmented reaction sequence to provide their enantiomers, as well as their individual derivatives, by virtue of chiral β‐cyclodextrin columns. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Direct Electron Transfer of Hemoglobin Immobilized in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Enhanced Grafted Collagen Matrix for Electrocatalytic Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Zong Shuizhen , Cao Yong , Ju Huangxian
Published: March 2007

The direct electron transfer and electrocatalytical behavior of hemoglobin (Hb) immobilized in multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhanced grafted collagen matrix (grafted collagen‐MWNTs) was studied. The immobilized Hb displayed a pair of redox peaks with a formal potential of −(0.360±0.002) V (vs. SCE) and a surface‐controlled electrode process. The electron transfer rate constant and surface coverage of Hb was (6.3±0.2) s−1 and (5.0±0.3)×10−10 mol/cm2, respectively. Based on the direct electrochemistry, a novel biosensor for H2O2 ranging from 0.6 to 30 μM with a linear regression equation of I (μA)=0.026 C+0.029 (R= 0.9999, n= 29) was constructed. Owing to the good biocompatibility and high enzyme loading of the matrix, the biosensor exhibited a low limit of detection of 0.13 μM at 3 σ, a time of less than 5 s to achieve 95% of the maximum steady‐state response, a sensitivity of 103 mA/M cm2 and acceptable reproducibility with a RSD of 2.5%. It could retain 95% of its initial response to H2O2 after a month. Grafted collagen‐MWNTs provided a good matrix for protein immobilization and biosensors preparation.
Effects of Capping Reagents on the Electron Transfer Reactions on Gold Nanoparticle‐Attached Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Horibe Toshihiro , Zhang Jingdong , Oyama Munetaka
Published: March 2007

For evaluating the effects of capping reagents on the electron transfer reactions on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), AuNP‐attached indium tin oxide (AuNP/ITO) substrates were fabricated using a seed mediated growth method. In addition to the previous procedures, i.e., the crystal growth of AuNPs on ITO in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a capping reagent in the growth solution, the preparation in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was examined to find that the fabrication of AuNP/ITO was also possible with SDS. Systematic measurements of cyclic voltammograms were carried out using the AuNP/ITO electrodes prepared with different surfactants, i.e., cationic CTAB and anionic SDS, for the oxidation of anionic [Fe(CN)6]4− and the reduction of cationic [Ru(NH3)6]3+. The results showed that the electrochemical responses were significantly improved on the AuNP/ITO electrodes, not depending on the charges of the capping surfactants and the redox species. Thus, the capping of CTAB and SDS on AuNP/ITO was concluded to be quite weak or less, so that the electron transfer reactions of both [Fe(CN)6]4− and [Ru(NH3)6]3+ were not disturbed. The weak or less capping of CTAB and SDS was confirmed by replacing to 3‐mercaptopropionic acid. Compared with thiols, the capping with surfactants would be useful in electroanalysis, in particular, of biomolecules, utilizing naked or undisturbed surfaces of AuNPs.
Role of GSTT1 deletion in DNA oxidative damage by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in humans
Authors: Garte Seymour , Taioli Emanuela , Popov Todor , Kalina Ivan , Sram Radim , Farmer Peter
Published: March 2007

A useful approach for studies on the mechanisms of genetic variation in cancer susceptibility is to use intermediary biochemical endpoints with mechanistic relevance to the genes under study. We examined the effects of individual genotype at seven metabolic gene loci on a marker of oxidative DNA damage, 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2‐deoxyguanosine, in people exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from three Central European cities. The GSTT1 homozygous deletion variant was associated with a significant protective effect for exposure to total PAHs and to eight specific PAHs, although the magnitude and significance of the effect varied among these compounds. Categorical sensitivity analysis was used to determine that the frequency of the GSTT1 deletion was significantly higher in people who proved to be more resistant to the DNA damaging effects of PAH exposure than in people who were the most sensitive. There is a growing literature on the protective effect of GSTT1 deletion in both disease and intermediary endpoints related to environmental carcinogenesis. The mechanism for this effect might be related to specific PAH substrate specificities, or could be related to other functions of GSTT1 gene in oxidative stress induced damage pathways. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The aberrant coexpression of several receptor tyrosine kinases is largely restricted to EBV‐negative cases of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Renné Christoph , Hinsch Nora , Willenbrock Klaus , Fuchs Michael , Klapper Wolfram , Engert Andreas , Küppers Ralf , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Bräuninger Andreas
Published: March 2007

The Hodgkin‐Reed/Sternberg (HRS) cells of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) aberrantly express up to 7 different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) with extensive heterogeneity regarding the number and combinations of expressed RTKs in individual cases and a more prominent coexpression in nodular‐sclerosis (ns) than mixed‐cellularity (mc) HL. To investigate whether RTK expression patterns are related to other pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical behaviour, we analysed a large collection of EBV+ and EBV− cases of ns and mc subtype and cases with relapses for expression of the 7 RTKs. No specific relation of any RTK to a specific group of cases was observed. The analysis of average numbers of expressed RTKs per case as a measure for strength of overall RTK signalling revealed a relation with the histological subtype and the EBV‐status. RTK coexpression was significantly higher in EBV− nsHL cases compared to both EBV− and EBV+ mcHL cases. Among mcHL cases RTK coexpression was significantly higher in EBV− compared to EBV+ cases. Coexpression of 3 and more RTKs was largely restricted to EBV− cases. The inverse correlation between strong RTK signalling and presence of EBV may indicate that RTK signalling can at least partially replace the role of EBV in HRS cell pathogenesis. For cases with aberrant coexpression of several RTKs inclusion of RTK inhibitors in therapy regimens may be a novel option. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional genomics of calcium channels in human melanoma cells
Authors: Deli Tamás , Varga Norbert , Ádám Attila , Kenessey István , Rásó Erzsébet , Puskás László G. , Tóvári József , Fodor János , Fehér Mónika , Szigeti Gyula P. , Csernoch László , Tímár József
Published: March 2007

Ca2+‐signaling of human melanoma is in the focus of intensive research since the identification of the role of WNT‐signaling in melanomagenesis. Genomic and functional studies pointed to the important role of various Ca2+ channels in melanoma, but these data were contradictory. In the present study we clearly demonstrate, in a number of different ways including microarray analysis, DNA sequencing and immunocytochemistry, that various human melanoma cell lines and melanoma tissues overexpress ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) and express P2X7 channel proteins as compared to melanocytes. These channels, although retain some of their usual characteristics and pharmacological properties, display unique features in melanoma cells, including a functional interaction between the two molecules. Unlike P2X7, RyR2 does not function as a calcium channel. On the other hand, the P2X7 receptor has an antiapoptotic function in melanoma cells, since ATP‐activation suppresses induced apoptosis, while knock down of the gene expression significantly enhances that. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uncommon breast tumors in perspective: Incidence, treatment and survival in the Netherlands
Authors: Louwman Marieke W.J. , Vriezen Martine , Beek Mike W.P.M. van , Nolthenius‐Puylaert M. Cathelijne B.J.E. Tutein , Sangen Maurice J.C. van der , Roumen Rudi M. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Coebergh Jan Willem W.
Published: March 2007

The relatively small group of patients with breast tumors other than the ductal, lobular or mixed ducto‐lobular types, has reached nonnegligible numbers due to the ongoing increase in the incidence of breast cancer. We investigated stage and grade distribution of uncommon breast tumors using the nation‐wide Netherlands Cancer Registry (population 16.5 million) and incidence patterns, treatment and long‐term survival (up to 19 years) using the regional Eindhoven Cancer Registry (population 2.4 million). Incidence of all uncommon breast tumors together was 9.2/100,000 person years (age‐standardized, ESR). The proportion of stage I tumors was 70% among patients with tubular (n = 3,456) and 40–50% for mucinous (n = 3,482), papillary (n = 1,078), cribriform (n = 503) and neuroendocrine (n = 76) tumors, contrasting to 27, 28 and 36%, respectively among patients with Signet ring cell cancer (n = 75), Paget's disease (n = 818) and the common invasive ductal carcinomas (n = 121,656). A better age‐, stage‐, and grade‐adjusted prognosis was observed for patients with lobular (death risk ratio 0.8, 95%CI: 0.7–0.9), mucinous (0.5, 0.3–0.9), medullary (0.5, 0.3–0.9) and tubular (0.4, 0.2–0.6) carcinoma or phyllodes tumor (0.02, 0.0–0.2), compared with invasive ductal carcinomas. For patients with papillary (0.6, 0.2–1.6) and cribriform (0.1, 0.0–5.1) tumors better prognosis was not statistically significant. In conclusion, histologic type was an essential determinant of survival for about 10% of all newly diagnosed women with invasive breast cancer. Because patients with mucinous, tubular, medullary and phyllodes tumors have such a good prognosis, less aggressive treatment should be considered in some cases whereby specific guidelines are becoming increasingly desirable. Communication to patients with these specific histological types should reflect this. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and the risk of developing breast cancer in a population‐based prospective cohort study in Washington County, MD
Authors: Gallicchio Lisa , Visvanathan Kala , Burke Alyce , Hoffman Sandra C. , Helzlsouer Kathy J.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this study was to examine the association between nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and the development of breast cancer, and to assess whether this association differed by estrogen receptor (ER) subtype. Data were analyzed from 15,651 women participating in CLUE II, a cohort study initiated in 1989 in Washington County, MD. Medication data were collected at baseline in 1989 and in 1996. Incident cases of invasive breast cancer occurring from baseline to March 27, 2006 were identified through linkage of cohort participants with the Washington County Cancer Registry and the Maryland State Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to calculate the risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for breast cancer associated with medication use. Among women in the CLUE II cohort, 418 invasive breast cancer cases were identified during the follow‐up period. The results showed that self‐reported use of NSAIDs in both 1989 and in 1996 was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of developing invasive breast cancer compared with no NSAID use in either 1989 or 1996 (RR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.28, 0.91). The protective association between NSAID use and the risk of developing breast cancer was consistent among ER‐positive and ER‐negative breast cancers, although only the RR for ER‐positive breast cancer was statistically significant. Overall, findings from this study indicate that NSAID use is associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk and that the reduction in risk is similar for ER‐positive and ER‐negative tumors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The early promotion and intervention research consortium (E‐PIRC): Five approaches to improving infant/toddler mental health in Early Head Start
Authors: Beeber Linda S. , Chazan‐Cohen Rachel , Squires Jane , Jones Harden Brenda , Boris Neil W. , Heller Sherryl S. , Malik Neena M.
Published: March 2007

One planned consequence of the national Infant Mental Health Forum held in the United States in 2000 was the funding of five research projects conducted in Early Head Start (EHS) programs. Each project strengthened existing programs by integrating infant/toddler mental health approaches and testing the outcomes on infant/toddler development, behavior, and parent‐child interactions. In two of the projects, the effect of offering enrichment for EHS staff was tested. The other three projects tested the effect of services offered directly to parents and children. This article describes the five projects and the theories, methods, and outcome measures used. In order to understand more fully the elevated risk factors in these families and the consequences for mental health in their infants and toddlers, a common set of measures was developed. Data have been used to explore the common threats to mental health and the factors that moderate the impact on infants and toddlers.
It takes time: Impacts of Early Head Start that lead to reductions in maternal depression two years later
Authors: Chazan‐Cohen Rachel , Ayoub Catherine , Pan Barbara Alexander , Roggman Lori , Raikes Helen , Mckelvey Lorraine , Whiteside‐Mansell Leanne , Hart Andrea
Published: March 2007

The Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project, a random‐assignment evaluation, found a broad pattern of positive impacts for children and families. However, there were no program impacts on depression or use of mental health services by the time children reached age 3, at the end of the Early Head Start (EHS) program. This paper presents recent findings from the follow‐up study in the spring prior to the children entering kindergarten, when a positive program impact emerged for reducing maternal depression. Results show that earlier program impacts on children and parents (when children were 2 and 3 years of age) mediated, or led to, the delayed impact on maternal depression. The combination of the most promising child factors accounted for over 57% of the later impact on depression, while the most promising parent factors accounted for over 35% of the later impact on depression. Implications for EHS programs are discussed.
The explication of a mentor model, videotaping, and reflective consultation in support of infant mental health
Authors: Summers Susan Janko , Funk Kristin , Twombly Liz , Waddell Misti , Squires Jane
Published: March 2007

Infant mental health, as concept and intervention, is poorly understood by most practitioners in education settings. Direct‐service personnel often lack appropriate knowledge, training, skills, and confidence in recognizing and addressing infant mental health problems. While programs and policymakers increasingly acknowledge the need to offer infant mental health services in order to prevent or mediate poor developmental outcomes among young children, effective methods of realizing an infant mental health initiative remain elusive. This qualitative study of five early education programs examines the use of mentors trained in clinical psychology or social work to support educators in delivering infant mental health services. The perspectives of administrators, direct‐service providers, and mentors help us understand what constitutes successful infant mental health mentoring in general, and videotaping in combination with reflective consultation in particular.
Intradetrusor injection of botulinum‐A toxin in patients with idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity: Urodynamic outcome and patient satisfaction
Authors: Ghalayini Ibrahim Fathi , Al‐Ghazo Mohammed A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To assess and compare the efficacy of botulinum‐A toxin (BTX‐A) injections into the detrusor in idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (IDO and NDO) resistant to anticholinergic treatment with respect to patient satisfaction.

Patients and Methods

In a prospective study, 16 patients with IDO and 14 with NDO resistant to anticholinergic treatment were injected with 500 U of Dysport® into the detrusor. Clinical, urodynamic, and satisfaction assessments were performed at baseline and after BTX‐A injections.

Results

In IDO as well as in NDO, there was a significant increase in median maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) from 177.5 to 262.5 ml (P < 0.0005) and 160 to 270 ml (P = 0.001), median bladder compliance from 24.5 to 40.0 ml/cmH2O (P < 0.0005) and 25.5 to 44.0 ml/cmH2O (P = 0.001) and median PVR from 15 to 80 ml (P = 0.001) and 15.0 to 62.5 ml (P = 0.001), respectively. Median Pdet max decreased significantly from 49 to 37 cmH2O (P < 0.0005) and 48.5 to 37.0 cmH2O (P = 0.001), and median Pdet Qmax from 32.0 to 20.0 ml/sec (P < 0.0005) and 36.0 to 21.5 ml/sec (P = 0.001), respectively. The effect of BTX‐A injections lasted for a median time of 5 months in both groups. Median daytime frequency, nocturia, and number of used pads decreased significantly in both groups. More than 80% of the patients were satisfied with the effect of BTX‐A.

Conclusions

Patients with intractable IDO respond to intradetrusor BTX‐A with a significant and comparable but temporally limited effect in urodynamic and LUTS parameters as those with NDO. The majority of patients were satisfied with treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:531–536, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of porous biodegradable microspheres with direct melting dispersion method
Authors: Taguchi Yoshinari , Yokoyama Hiroshi , Hara Makiko , Tanaka Masato
Published: March 2007

Porous biodegradable microspheres can be prepared by using the direct melting dispersion method without any noxious organic solvents, in which the biodegradable polymer is directly melted and stirred to form the liquid–liquid dispersion followed by cooling in the continuous phase, such as ethylene glycol with the higher melting temperature than polymer.

In the experiment, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was adopted as the biodegradable polymer.

As particulate porogen, magnetite powder was pre‐mixed into the melted polymer and removed by hydrochloric acid aqueous solution after preparation of the microspheres to make them porous.

It was found that the inner surface area was significantly increased by removing magnetite powder. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD36 immunization in a patient undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Culler Elizabeth E. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Haight Ann E. , Castillejo Marta‐Inés , Josephson Cassandra D.
Published: March 2007

Anti‐CD36 antibodies are known to cause a platelet refractory state. We describe a previously unreported case of a 16‐year‐old female sickle cell disease patient with anti‐CD36 antibodies, detected on routine screen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). CD36 platelet antigen typing was negative for both the patient and her HLA‐identical donor sibling. Patient plasma was compatible with 48 of 49 apheresis platelets, which were untested and presumably positive for the CD36 antigen. The patient responded adequately to transfusion of crossmatch compatible platelets and successfully underwent HSCT. The presence of anti‐CD36 antibodies does not exclude potential candidates from HSCT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:660–662. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of filler concentration on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of carbon particle and carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) composites
Authors: Iqbal Azhar , Frormann Lars , Saleem Anjum , Ishaq Muhammad
Published: March 2007

Composite materials of poly (styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (luran) matrix with carbon fibers (CF)/carbon particles (CP) were prepared and their properties were evaluated. The mechanical and thermal properties of these composites were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Although, by increasing the filler concentration no significant difference was found in melting and crystallization temperatures of the luran. The storage and tensile modulus of the composites increased linearly with filler concentration up to 40 wt % that was approximately three times higher than that of the virgin luran. There is a shift in glass transition temperature of the composite with increasing the filler concentration and the damping peak became flatter that indicated the effectiveness of the filler–matrix interaction. The volume resistivity and thermal conductivity (TC) of the composites were also measured. At a given carbon filler content the CF–Luran composites have much less volume resistivity as compared to CP–Luran composites. The decreased percolation threshold and volume resistivity in case of CF–Luran composites indicated that conductive paths existed in the composites. The conductive pathways were probably formed through interconnection of the carbon fillers. The volume resistivity was also decreased as a function of temperature. The thermal conductivity was increased linearly as a function of temperature with increasing filler concentration up to 40% of CF and CP. This increase was more profound in case of CF–Luran as compared to CP–Luran composites. This was owing to greater thermal networks of fibers as compared to particles. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:186–197, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal conductivity of silicone rubber filled with ZnO
Authors: Mu Qiuhong , Feng Shengyu , Diao Guangzhao
Published: March 2007

Thermal conductivities of silicone rubber filled with ZnO in a wide volume range were measured in order to study the effect of formed conductive particle chains on thermal conductivities. With the increasing of content of ZnO particles in silicone rubber, the amount of formed conductive chains increases and the conductive chains tend linearly to increase the thermal conductivity of the composite. The experimental results obtained were also analyzed using the Nielsen and Agari models to explain the effect of ZnO filler on the formation of thermal conductive networks. Thermal conductivities of a polymer filled with high volume content of particles evidently increased with the adding of small size fillers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that percolation threshold has been reached at 31.4 vol% ZnO filler loading, and the hybrid fillers are more densely packed than single fillers in the silicone rubber matrix. There occurs a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) phenomenon in thermal resistance in composites of silicone rubber filled with ZnO. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:125–130, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conductivity and rheology of carbon fiber/liquid crystal polymer composites
Authors: King Julia A. , Keith Jason M. , Smith Ryan C. , Morrison Faith A.
Published: March 2007

One emerging market for electrically conductive resins is for bipolar plates for use in fuel cells. Adding carbon fillers to thermoplastic resins increases composite electrical conductivity and viscosity. Current technology often adds as much of a single type of carbon filler as possible to achieve the desired conductivity, while still allowing the material to be extruded and molded into a bipolar plate. In this study, varying amounts of two different types of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber (Fortafil 243 and Panex 30) were added to Vectra A950RX liquid crystal polymer. The resulting single fiber composites were then tested for electrical conductivity and rheological properties. The electrical conductivity followed the behavior typically seen in composites with a percolation threshold at 5 vol% for Fortafil 243 and at 13 vol% for Panex 30. Viscosity increased with increasing filler volume fraction for all shear rates, but was more rapid for the Fortafil 243 composites. Over the range of shear rates studied, the viscosity followed a shear‐thinning power law model with power‐law exponent (n – 1) = –0.5 for neat Vectra A950RX. Panex 30 had no effect on the power‐law exponent and Fortafil 243 changed (n – 1) to −0.6. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:168–174, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of reduced pressure, vibration and orientation to simulate high altitude testing of liquid pharmaceutical glass and plastic bottles
Authors: Singh S. Paul , Burgess Gary , Kremer Matt , Lockhart Hugh
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the impact of high‐altitude shipments of glass and plastic bottles on package integrity. High altitudes are encountered when trucks travel over mountain passes and when cargo and feeder aircraft transport packages in non‐pressurized or partially pressurized cargo holds. This is the second research study conducted on liquid product shipments. The first was performed on liquid hazardous material combination packaging. The testing of pharmaceutical packaging is critical since the integrity of the product may be compromised during shipping and handling. Current shipping tests performed in labs do not account for simultaneous pressure changes and vibration together. This study shows that packages currently being used for shipments of liquid pharmaceuticals that perform well when tested to existing American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International Standard Organization (ISO) shipping tests are often inadequate, and can result in a significant number of leakers. Testing under combined vibration and pressure is necessary to insure integrity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging with various sizes of silicon gum film window on the storage of Agrocybe Chaxingu Huang and the modelling of its respiration rate
Authors: Li Tiehua , Zhang Min
Published: March 2007

An Agrocybe chaxingu Huang packaged in 5% O2‐ and 10% CO2‐modified atmospheres with different sizes (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5cm2) of silicon gum film window was stored at a temperature of 3 ± 1°C for 20 days. Changes of ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, electrolyte leakage and sensory characteristic were evaluated. Significant differences were found among the packages with different sizes of silicon gum film window on ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, electrolyte leakage, general appearance, firmness and odour after 8, 8, 12, 12, 12 and 4 days of storage, respectively. The package with a 1.0cm2 silicon gum film window was the most effective for keeping the quality of Agrocybe chaxingu Huang. Based on the optimum storage condition in this study, an enzyme kinetics respiration model was set successfully and the applicability of the enzyme kinetics respiration model was verified by using the packages of Agrocybe chaxingu Huang with weights of 105 and 125g, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust absolute stability of Lurie interval control systems
Authors: Liao Xiaoxin , Chen Zhen , Xu Fei , Yu Pei
Published: March 2007

This paper considers robust absolute stability of Lurie control systems. Particular attention is given to the systems with parameters having uncertain, but bounded values. Such so‐called Lurie interval control systems have wide applications in practice. In this paper, a number of sufficient and necessary conditions are derived by using the theories of Hurwitz matrix, M matrix and partial variable absolute stability. Moreover, several algebraic sufficient and necessary conditions are provided for the robust absolute stability of Lurie interval control systems. These algebraic conditions are easy to be verified and convenient to be used in applications. Three mathematical examples and a practical engineering problem are presented to show the applicability of theoretical results. Numerical simulation results are also given to verify the analytical predictions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidation‐induced nanostructures on Cu{100}, Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} studied by photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Lampimäki M. , Lahtonen K. , Hirsimäki M. , Valden M.
Published: March 2007

Initial surface oxidation and nanoscale morphology on Cu{100}, Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} have been investigated in situ by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray induced Auger electron spectroscopy (XAES) and the inelastic electron background analysis as a function of oxygen exposure at 3.7 × 10−2 and 213 mbar pressures at a surface temperature of 373 K. Relative Cu2O concentrations have been quantified by analysis of the peak shape of the XAES Cu LMM transition. The surface morphology of Cu2O islands and the Ag layer has been characterized by inelastic electron background analysis of XAES O KLL and Ag 3d transitions. Oxygen‐induced segregation of Cu, as well as the subsequent Cu2O island formation on Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} surfaces, has been investigated quantitatively. Our results indicate that Ag has a clear inhibitive effect on the initial oxidation and Cu2O island formation on Cu(Ag) and Ag/Cu{100} surfaces. The Cu2O islands are also observed to remain highly strained on Ag/Cu{100} even at higher O2 exposures. The results suggest that strained Cu2O islands eventually penetrate through the buried Ag layer, and in conjunction with segregating Cu atoms enable the oxidation to proceed at a similar rate to or even faster than on the unalloyed Cu surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bonding mechanisms of laser‐fabricated titanium/polyimide and titanium coated glass/polyimide microjoints
Authors: Mian Ahsan , Sultana Taslema , Auner Greg , Newaz Golam
Published: March 2007

In this study, two bimaterial joining systems, namely, titanium coated glass/polyimide (TiGPI) and titanium/polyimide (TiPI) are considered. The joints were prepared by employing transmission type laser‐joining procedure. Both the TiGPI and TiPI bimaterial systems were subjected to tensile loading using a microtester, and failure loads per unit bond length were documented. The average failure strengths of the TiPI and TiGPI samples were found to be 5.1 and 7.3 N/mm, respectively. It is thus clear from the failure data that the TiGPI joints are stronger (1.4 times) than the TiPI joints although same chemical bonds between titanium and polyimide (PI) exist for both the systems. It is thus believed that material surface morphology has contributed to such variation in the microjoint strengths. Later, atomic force microscopy (AFM) of titanium surfaces of both titanium coated glass and titanium foil was performed, and was observed that they had root mean squared (RMS) surface roughnesses of 220 and 55 nm, respectively. The surface roughness provides improved surface contact area, number of chemical bonds, and mechanical interlocking that may have resulted in higher bond strength for the TiGPI system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidation behavior of NiAl alloy at low temperatures
Authors: Ohtsu Naofumi , Oku Masaoki , Obara Kazuo , Ito Shun , Shisido Toetsu , Wagatsuma Kazuaki
Published: March 2007

Oxidation behavior of NiAl alloy at low temperatures was studied. A NiAl plate was oxidized by exposure to ambient atmosphere at room temperature, heated at 473 K in air, and heated at 773 K in air. The oxide formed on the NiAl surface was investigated by angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR‐XPS). Chemical composition and atomic concentration in the oxide layer were analyzed with factor analysis of XPS spectra. Exposure of the NiAl plate to the ambient atmosphere resulted in the formation of an Al2O3 layer along with a small amount of NiO. Oxidation of the NiAl plate at 473 K in air formed a film of double‐layered oxide; the top layer consisted of NiAl2O4 and a small amount of NiO, and the second layer was Al2O3. Successive oxidation at 773 K only changed the oxide‐layer thickness without changing the structure. Formation of oxide observed in the present study corresponds to the thermodynamic prediction for the oxidation behavior of NiAl at 1373 K. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of covalent surface immobilization on the bactericidal efficacy of a quaternary ammonium compound
Authors: Brizzolara Robert A. , Stamper David M.
Published: March 2007

This study investigates the effect of surface immobilization on the bactericidal function of a quaternary ammonium compound. Quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) coated planar surfaces did not produce any measurable mortality of Staphylococcus aureus, while 1 µm QAS‐coated microparticles did produce S. aureus mortality. The experiments using QAS‐coated microparticles indicate that the ability of QAS molecules to disrupt the cell wall is not hindered by covalent immobilization of QAS to a surface. These results provide evidence that S. aureus cells on a QAS‐coated planar surface are not exposed to a sufficient number of QAS molecules to produce significant mortality. This result has important implications for the development of self‐decontaminating coatings. Covalent immobilization is used to prevent leaching of the bactericidal compound. However, covalent immobilization may result in a significant tradeoff in bactericidal performance. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the fatty acid composition of soybean oil
Authors: Hammond E. G. , Fehr W. R.
Published: March 2007

Efforts to improve the composition of soybean oil by breeding the beans for low linolenic acid in the oil have continued since 1968. This paper reports recent work using hybrid crosses and induced mutations. No lines are yet available that contain oil having less than 3% linolenic acid.
The role of nitrogen in multiorganism strategies for biosurfactant production
Authors: Kosaric N. , Cairns W. L. , Gray N. C. C. , Stechey D. , Wood J.
Published: March 2007

Production of large quantities of biosurfactants which are costcompetitive with surfactants of petrochemical origin requires the use of cost‐free or cost‐credit wastes as process feedstocks for microbial growth and biosurfactant synthesis. Several multiorganism strategies are suggested for improving biosurfactant yields from wastes. One such strategy involving co‐culturing of lipogenic (oleaginous) microbes at one stage of the overall process was found imcompatible with the nitrogen requirements for regulation of lipogenesis. Other strategies are proposed which avoid conflicts in regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis is placed in these latter strategies on the uniqueness of municipal wastewater treatment sludges both to produce a costcompetitive biosurfactant and to offset the costs of high quality wastewater treatment.
Further aspects of wax ester biosynthesis byAcinetobacter sp. HO1‐n
Authors: Geigert J. , Neidleman S. L. , DeWitt S. K.
Published: March 2007

Earlier reports from our laboratory have shown thatAcinetobacter sp. HO1‐N can synthesize wax esters from diverse substrates: individual n‐alkanes, acetic acid, propionic acid, ethanol and propanol. The chemical nature of the wax ester mixture obtained is both substrate and temperature dependent. In a continuation of these studies, we have found that the use of n‐alkane mixtures, including primary gas oil, yields an even broader range of wax ester mixtures than previously produced from single n‐alkane substrates. In addition, two techniques for improving wax ester yields are discussed: the use of mutant strains ofAcinetobacter sp HO1‐N, and the presence of an excess of water‐immiscible substrate, for example, n‐hexadecane. In each case, it is speculated that a reduction of wax ester degradation contributes to the improved yields.
Developing a new industrial enzyme application: A strategy
Authors: Boyce C. O. L.
Published: March 2007

Many companies view industrial enzymes as potential tools for making technological breakthroughs in their industries. Some have created special biotechnology groups to pursue this aim. Too often their projects are terminated before the intended goals are met. A major reason is too much time was consumed for too little perceived gain. A strategy is proposed to help R&D groups and their managers conserve valuable resources. It focuses on the essentials in evaluating new enzyme applications and in better developing discoveries.
Industrial‐scale application of enzymes to the fats and oil industry
Authors: Posorske L. H.
Published: March 2007

Enzymes have advantages for industrial processing. These are: 1) specificity which permits control of the products produced and also can increase yield by reducing the amount of side products; 2) mild conditions which can decrease the cost in terms of energy and capital equipment as well as reducing the amount of unwanted side products by reducing the rate at which they are formed by virtue of the lower temperature, and 3) lowered waste treatment costs. Enzymes function well in an industrial setting, since enzymatic modification of carbohydrate or protein is an integral part of the process in a number of major industries. Enzymatic modification of lipids currently is being used commercially in the area of flavor development as well as degreasing for leather processing. Recent investigations have shown that enzymes have potential in large‐scale processing of lipid material, particularly in the areas of fat splitting, synthesis by reversal of hydrolysis and interesterification.
A spectrophotometric method for determination of solid fat content of palm oil
Authors: Ong A. S. H. , Boey P. L. , Ng C. M.
Published: March 2007

A new spectrophotometric method has been developed for determining solid fat content (SFC) of crude palm oil based on the different solubilities of the inherent carotenes in the solid and liquid components of the oil. The sample to be analyzed is tempered according to usual procedures and then either filtered or centrifuged to liberate the liquid component (olein). The carotene contents of the palm oil and olein as determined by spectrophotometry are then fitted into an equation to obtain the SFC. The carotenes are apparently insoluble in the solid component of palm oil. The standard deviation of analysis on palm oil samples at 25 C is 0.5% which is almost comparable to that of the wide‐line NMR technique. The correlation coefficient of SFC measured by these 2 methods over a range of temperatures is 0.99. The new method can also be used to determine SFC of hybrid palm oil (Elaeis guineensis ×E. oleifera) and different palm oil‐stearin blends.