bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal photopheresis improves nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Three case reports and review of literature
Authors: Mathur Kiran , Morris Scott , Deighan Chris , Green Rachel , Douglas Kenneth William
Published: July 2008

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFD/NSF) is a recently recognized systemic fibrosing disorder that develops in the context of renal insufficiency. Its predominant manifestation is severe cutaneous fibrosis, often causing disabling contractures of neighboring joints. No therapy is consistently effective, and etiology and pathogenesis remain obscure. However, gadolinium‐containing contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging or angiography have recently been strongly linked to the development of fibrosis in NSF. We report a clinical response to treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) using the Therakos UVAR XTS system in three cases of NFD/NSF associated with flexion contractures affecting all four limbs. All three patients were receiving renal replacement therapy for longstanding end‐stage renal failure. All three showed clinical response with softening of skin plaques at the end of four cycles, and improved range of movement in all four limbs on completion of treatment. The first patient, with NFD/NSF of 4.5 year's duration, was able to resume most activities of daily living although still chairbound, while a second patient with more recent onset of NSF was able to walk short distances with the help of Zimmer frames by the end of 16–18 cycles of treatment, having been chairbound pretreatment. A third patient with milder initial symptoms also experienced significant improvement after a shorter course of ECP treatment. Our experience with these three patients confirms previous case reports, suggesting that ECP may be effective in NFD/NSF. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An efficient algorithm for energy gradients and orbital optimization in valence bond theory
Authors: Song Lingchun , Song Jinshuai , Mo Yirong , Wu Wei
Published: July 2008

An efficient algorithm for energy gradients in valence bond theory with nonorthogonal orbitals is presented. A general Hartree‐Fock‐like expression for the Hamiltonian matrix element between valence bond (VB) determinants is derived by introducing a transition density matrix. Analytical expressions for the energy gradients with respect to the orbital coefficients are obtained explicitly, whose scaling for computational cost is m4, where m is the number of basis functions, and is thus approximately the same as in HF method. Compared with other existing approaches, the present algorithm has lower scaling, and thus is much more efficient. Furthermore, the expression for the energy gradient with respect to the nuclear coordinates is also presented, and it provides an effective algorithm for the geometry optimization and the evaluation of various molecular properties in VB theory. Test applications show that our new algorithm runs faster than other methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Site specificity of the αCH bond dissociation energy for a naturally occurring β‐hairpin peptide—An ab initio study
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Chun , Jang Soonmin , Wu Chen‐Chang , Lin Ren‐Jie , Lu Hsiu‐Feng , Li Feng‐Yin
Published: July 2008

A naturally occurring β‐hairpin peptide (PDB ID 1UAO) was used as a model to study the backbone oxidation of a protein with ab initio calculation at the B3LYB/6‐31G(d) without any constraints. The αCH bond dissociation energy of three different glycyl radicals located at different sites on the β‐hairpin peptide was calculated to evaluate the site specificity of backbone oxidation. The molecular and electronic structures of these glycyl radicals were analyzed to rationalize this site specificity. The overall molecular structure of the α‐H abstracted β‐hairpin peptide remained almost unchanged with the exception of the local conformation of the attacked residue. However, the αCH bond strength varied dramatically among these different sites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
The all‐too‐flexible abductive method: ATOM's normative status
Authors: Romeijn Jan‐Willem
Published: July 2008

The author discusses the abductive theory of method (ATOM) by Brian Haig from a philosophical perspective, connecting his theory with a number of issues and trends in contemporary philosophy of science. It is argued that as it stands, the methodology presented by Haig is too permissive. Both the use of analogical reasoning and the application of exploratory factor analysis leave us with too many candidate theories to choose from, and explanatory coherence cannot be expected to save the day. The author ends with some suggestions to remedy the permissiveness and lack of normative force in ATOM, deriving from the experimental practice within which psychological data are produced. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–14, 2008.
On highly ramsey infinite graphs
Authors: Siggers M. H.
Published: July 2008

We show that, for r ≥ 2 and k ≥ 3, there exists a positive constant c such that for large enough n there are 2 non‐isomorphic graphs on at most n vertices that are r‐ramsey‐minimal for the odd cycle C2k+1. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 97–114, 2008
List colorings with measurable sets
Authors: Hladký Jan , Kráal Daniel , Sereni Jean‐Sébastien , Stiebitz Michael
Published: July 2008

The measurable list chromatic number of a graph G is the smallest number ξ such that if each vertex v of G is assigned a set L(v) of measure ξ in a fixed atomless measure space, then there exist sets $c(v)\subseteq L(v)$ such that each c(v) has measure one and $c(v)\cap c(v') = \emptyset$ for every pair of adjacent vertices v and v'. We provide a simpler proof of a measurable generalization of Hall's theorem due to Hilton and Johnson [J Graph Theory 54 (2007), 179–193] and show that the measurable list chromatic number of a finite graph G is equal to its fractional chromatic number. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 229–238, 2008
Effects of alternative instrumentation strategies in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A biomechanical analysis
Authors: Robitaille Martin , Aubin Carl‐Éric , Labelle Hubert
Published: July 2008

The recent advent of modern instrumentation systems has improved the correction of scoliosis, but complicated the surgical decision‐making process, especially with the introduction of diverse spinal fixation devices, new preoperative corrective maneuvers, and the reevaluation of many rules concerning the selection of fusion levels and other guidelines for surgical correction. Our objective was to assess the biomechanical effects of different instrumentation strategies for the same scoliotic cases. Several instrumentation strategies suggested by a group of 32 experienced senior surgeons for five cases were individually simulated using a validated computer model implemented in a spine surgery simulator. The resulting geometric indices varied among the five cases (e.g., range of main thoracic Cobb angles: 5–17°, 16–29°, 25–44°, 15–34°, 16–32°; kyphosis: 22–33°, 20–54°, 33–55°, 24–49°, 29–46°; and lordosis: 10–52°, 24–38°, 26–54°, 8–28°, 34–53°). The average correction was better with pedicle screws (71%) than with hooks (51%) and hybrid constructs (67%). For the first time, to our knowledge, the effect of different instrumentation strategies was compared on the same patients, which is possible only with a surgery simulator. A large variability of instrumentation strategies existed among experienced surgeons and produced rather different results. This study questions the criteria for optimal configuration and standards to design the best surgical construct. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:104–113, 2009
Effect of cell‐based VEGF gene therapy on healing of a segmental bone defect
Authors: Li Ru , Stewart Duncan J. , von Schroeder Herbert P. , Mackinnon Erin S. , Schemitsch Emil H.
Published: July 2008

Fracture healing requires coordinated coupling between osteogenesis and angiogenesis in which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role. We hypothesized that targeted over‐expression of angiogenic and osteogenic factors within the fracture would promote bone healing by inducing development of new blood vessels and stimulating/affecting proliferation, survival, and activity of skeletal cells. Using a cell‐based method of gene transfer, without viral vector, 5.0 × 106 fibroblasts transfected with VEGF were delivered to a 10‐mm bone defect in rabbit tibiae (Group 1) (n = 9); control groups were treated with fibroblasts (Group 2) (n = 7), or saline (Group 3) (n = 7) only. After 12 weeks, eight tibial fractures healed in Group 1, compared to four each in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, ossification was seen across the entire defect; in Groups 2 and 3, the defects were fibrous and sparsely ossified. Group 1 had more positively stained (CD31) vessels than Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT 3‐D showed complete bridging of the new bone for Group 1, but incomplete healing for Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT bone structural parameters showed significant differences between VEGF treatment and control groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the cell‐based VEGF gene therapy has significant angiogenic and osteogenic effects to enhance healing of a segmental defect in the long bone of rabbits. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:8–14, 2009
Erythropoietin improves functional and histological recovery of traumatized skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Rotter Robert , Menshykova Marija , Winkler Tobias , Matziolis Georg , Stratos Ioannis , Schoen Matthias , Bittorf Thomas , Mittlmeier Thomas , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: July 2008

Apart from its hematopoietic effect, erythropoietin (EPO) is known as pleiotropic cytokine with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties. Here, we evaluated for the first time the EPO‐dependent regeneration capacity in an in vivo rat model of skeletal muscle trauma. A myoblast cell line was used to study the effect of EPO on serum deprivation‐induced cell apoptosis in vitro. A crush injury was performed to the left soleus muscle in 80 rats treated with either EPO or saline. Muscle recovery was assessed by analysis of contraction capacities. Intravital microscopy, BrdU/laminin double immunohistochemistry and cleaved caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry of muscle tissue on days 1, 7, 14, and 42 posttrauma served for assessment of local microcirculation, tissue integrity, and cell proliferation. Serum deprivation‐induced myoblast apoptosis of 23.9 ± 1.5% was reduced by EPO to 17.2 ± 0.8%. Contraction force analysis in the EPO‐treated animals revealed significantly improved muscle strength with 10–20% higher values of twitch and tetanic forces over the 42‐day observation period. EPO‐treated muscle tissue displayed improved functional capillary density as well as reduced leukocytic response and consecutively macromolecular leakage over day 14. Concomitantly, muscle histology showed significantly increased numbers of BrdU‐positive satellite cells and interstitial cells as well as slightly lower counts of cleaved caspase‐3‐positive interstitial cells. EPO results in faster and better regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue after severe trauma and goes along with improved microcirculation. Thus, EPO, a compound established as clinically safe, may represent a promising therapeutic option to optimize the posttraumatic course of muscle tissue healing. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
NG2 expression predicts the metastasis formation in soft‐tissue sarcoma patients
Authors: Benassi Maria Serena , Pazzaglia Laura , Chiechi Antonella , Alberghini Marco , Conti Amalia , Cattaruzza Sabrina , Wassermann Bruna , Picci Piero , Perris Roberto
Published: July 2008

Enhanced expression levels of NG2 proteoglycan in presurgical original lesions of soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) patients defines with 55% probability the immediate (i.e., within 12 months postsurgery) risk in these individuals to develop postsurgical secondary lesions, independently of any other clinical trait. It, therefore, provides a molecular factor that alone prospects a particularly unfavorable clinical outcome in such patients. Evaluation of the timing of metastasis formation in patients with high and low levels of NG2 in their primitive lesions further stratified the patients in subsets with diverse lag phases in the occurrence of metastatic disease. In our cohort of high‐grade STS cases, transcription of NG2 also showed a 81‐fold amplification in metastatic lesions, when compared to primitive ones, and this gene overexpression was accompanied by an abundant but nonuniform in situ expression of its product. In a similar manner as seen in primitive lesions, patients with higher levels of metastatic NG2 encountered a significantly more dismal clinical course. Multivariate analysis asserted that in these individuals upregulation of NG2 represented an absolute independent prognostic parameter. Therefore, minimally invasive assessment of the transcription levels of the NG2 gene represents a parameter capable of predicting the arising of metastatic disease within a definite postsurgery time interval, and affords in adjunct in the definition of life expectance in STS patients. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:135–140, 2009
A rat model for evaluating physiological responses to femoral shaft fracture reduction using a surgical robot
Authors: Oszwald Markus , Zhiyong Ruan  , Westphal Ralf , O'Loughlin Padhraig F. , Kendoff Daniel , Hufner Tobias , Wahl Friedrich , Krettek Christian , Gosling Thomas
Published: July 2008

The first step in treatment of displaced femoral shaft fractures is adequate reduction of the fracture fragments. Manually performed, reduction can be challenging, and is frequently associated with soft tissue damage, especially when repeated reduction attempts are made. The magnitude of local and systemic inflammatory responses caused by prolonged and repeated reduction maneuvers has not been fully established. We devised an operative technique utilizing a robotic reduction device for use in a rat. A femoral fracture was simulated by means of an osteotomy. The robot enabled reproduction of both manual and guided precision reductions, performed in a single path movement. An external fixator was designed specifically to manipulate the rat femur and also for fixation of the osteotomy region. First, reduction accuracy was assessed in eight femurs, then the quality of fixator placement and reduction accuracy was analyzed in 22 femurs. In the first case, 100% of the femurs were accurately reduced. In the second case, 91% had successful stable fixation and an accurate reduction was achieved in 86% of the specimens. We demonstrated the feasibility of a model of robot‐assisted fracture reduction that could be used to analyze the effects of reduction on the surrounding soft tissue via biochemical and histopathological means. A future aspect will be to evaluate whether the robot confers an advantage in fracture reduction versus the conventional technique, which would have significant implications for the use of robotic devices in orthopaedic surgery. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Gender‐dependent association of the GNAS1 T393C polymorphism with early aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Bachmann Hagen S. , Hanenkamp Sandra , Kornacki Bartlomiej , Frey Ulrich H. , Bau Maja , Siffert Winfried , Wedemeyer Christian
Published: July 2008

The G‐protein Gαs is involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of bone. Especially, Gαs is a key regulator of interleukin‐6, which is a potent promoter of aseptic loosening. We hypothesized that the common single nucleotide polymorphism GNAS1 T393C could also affect time to aseptic loosening. Caucasian patients were genotyped for the GNAS1 T393C polymorphism. Time and median time to aseptic loosening were analyzed for dependency on GNAS1 genotypes. Time and median time were not significantly associated with genotypes. Additional analysis corrected for gender revealed, that the TT genotype was associated with significantly longer time (p = 0.048) as well as median time (p = 0.022) to aseptic loosening in female patients. In contrast to the findings in females, male TT genotype carriers had significantly shorter time (p = 0.018) and median time (p = 0.023) to aseptic loosening. Compared with TT genotype carriers heterozygous patients had a 6.25‐fold lower risk with a hazard ratio of 0.160 (p = 0.016) and male patients carrying the CC genotype had an 11‐fold lower risk with a hazard ratio of 0.088 (p = 0.006) in multivariate analysis. The present study suggests a significant gender‐dependent role of the T393C polymorphism in aseptic loosening. The apparently contradictory results in women and men and the finding that the GNAS1 T393C genotype is an independent factor for time to aseptic loosening in male patients assigned this polymorphism as an interesting target for further investigations in bone diseases. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Plantar pressure distribution in older people with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (hallux limitus/rigidus)
Authors: Zammit Gerard V. , Menz Hylton B. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Landorf Karl B.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in dynamic plantar pressure distribution between older people with and without radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis (OA) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (first MPJ) of the foot. Dynamic plantar pressure recordings using the TekScan MatScan® system were obtained during barefoot level walking in 40 older participants; 20 with radiographically confirmed OA of the first MPJ displaying less than 55 degrees of passive dorsiflexion, and 20 with no evidence of OA in the first MPJ displaying greater than 55 degrees of passive dorsiflexion. Group comparisons between the variables maximum force and peak pressure were made for seven different regions underneath the right foot (heel, midfoot, first MPJ, second MPJ, third to fifth MPJs, hallux, and lesser toes). Compared to the control group, participants with OA of the first MPJ exhibited 34% greater maximum force (7.9 ± 2.5 vs. 5.9 ± 1.7 kg, p = 0.005) and 23% higher peak pressure (1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 kg/cm2, p = 0.001) under the hallux. Similar results were also found under the lesser toes with 43% greater maximum force (5.0 ± 1.9 vs. 3.5 ± 1.4 kg; p = 0.006) and 29% higher peak pressure (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 kg/cm2, p = 0.018). No significant differences were found to exist between groups for any other plantar region. These findings indicate that OA of the first MPJ is associated with significant changes in load‐bearing function of the foot, which may contribute to the development of secondary pathological changes associated with the condition, such as plantar callus formation and hyperextension of the hallux interphalangeal joint. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
The association between velocity of the center of closest proximity on subchondral bones and osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Anderst William J. , Tashman Scott
Published: July 2008

Altered surface interactions following joint instability may apply novel, damaging loads to articular cartilage. This study measured the velocity of the centers of closest proximity on subchondral bone surfaces on the femur and tibia during running in normal and unstable canine stifle (knee) joints. The purpose was to explore the relationship between the velocity of the centers of closest proximity on subchondral bones and the severity of cartilage damage. Dynamic biplane radiography was used to acquire serial knee kinematics [5 control, 18 cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficient] during treadmill running over 2 years. Custom software calculated the difference between the rate at which the center of closest proximity on the femur translated relative to the femur bone surface and the rate at which the center of closest proximity on the tibia translated relative to the tibia bone surface. Comparisons were made between dogs that developed minor versus major medial compartment cartilage damage over 2 years. Major damage dogs showed a significantly greater increase in the difference between femur and tibia medial compartment closest proximity point velocity from the instant of paw strike to peak velocity difference at 2, 4, and 6 months after CCL transaction. This implies increased tangential forces associated with the velocity of the compressed cartilage region during joint movement (plowing) may be a mechanism that initiates osteoarthritis (OA) development and drives OA progression. In the future, articulating surface velocity measurements may be useful to identify patients at risk for long‐term OA due to joint instability. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:71–77, 2009
Hypoxia upregulates the expression of angiopoietin‐like‐4 in human articular chondrocytes: Role of angiopoietin‐like‐4 in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and cartilage degradation
Authors: Murata Minako , Yudo Kazuo , Nakamura Hiroshi , Chiba Junji , Okamoto Kazuki , Suematsu Naoya , Nishioka Kusuki , Beppu Moroe , Inoue Kazuhiko , Kato Tomohiro , Masuko Kayo
Published: July 2008

The objective of this article was to investigate the role and expression of a novel adipocytokine, angiopoietin‐like‐4 (ANGPTL4), in arthropathy. Human chondrocytes were obtained from articular cartilage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), who underwent total knee or hip arthroplasty. Isolated chondrocytes were cultured under hypoxic (95% N2, 5% CO2) or normoxic conditions. The effects of hypoxia on ANGPTL4 expression were determined by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. We examined the role of ANGPTL4 using small interference RNA or by stimulating chondrocytes with recombinant ANGPTL4 protein. ANGPTL4 expression in the articular cartilage specimens was examined by immunohistochemistry. Hypoxia induced a significant increase in ANGPTL4 production (p < 0.05). Incubation of chondrocytes in vitro with recombinant ANGPTL4 enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 and MMP‐3. Downregulation of ANGPTL4 mRNA expression by siRNA diminished the expression of MMP‐1, but not that of MMP‐3, suggesting that each proteinase has a distinct response to ANGPTL4. Although the in vitro responses of chondrocytes to hypoxia were similar between RA and OA samples, the in vivo expression of ANGPTL4 had unique disease‐specific patterns, suggesting differences in oxygen tension in vivo. Human chondrocytes expressed ANGPTL4 and the expression was enhanced by hypoxia. ANGPTL4 might modulate cartilage metabolism by regulating MMPs. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:50–57, 2009
Cartilage damage caused by metal implants applied for the treatment of established localized cartilage defects in a rabbit model
Authors: Custers Roel J.H. , Creemers Laura B. , van Rijen Mattie H.P. , Verbout Ab J. , Saris Daniel B.F. , Dhert Wouter J.A.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of the application of defect‐size femoral implants in a rabbit model of established cartilage defects and compare this treatment to microfracturing. In 31 New Zealand White rabbits, a medial femoral condyle defect was created in each knee. After 4 weeks, 3 animals were killed for defect baseline values. In the other 28 rabbits, knees were sham‐operated, treated with microfracturing, or treated by placing an oxidized zirconium (OxZr) or cobalt‐chromium (CoCr) implant (∅︁ articulating surface 3.5 mm; fixating pin of 9.1 mm length). These animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after treatment. Joints were evaluated macroscopically. Implant osseointegration was measured by automated histomorphometry, and cartilage repair was scored microscopically. Cartilage quality was analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. Bone–implant contact was 63.2% ± 3.2% for CoCr and 62.5% ± 3.2% for OxZr. Cartilage defects did not show complete healing, nor during subsequent sham‐surgery or microfracturing. For all treatments, considerable cartilage damage in the articulating medial tibia, and degeneration of lateral tibial and femoral cartilage was observed (p < 0.05). Both CoCr and OxZr implant‐treated defects showed an increase of cartilage degeneration compared to microfracturing and sham‐operated defects (p < 0.05). Although only a single short‐term follow‐up period was investigated in this study, caution is warranted using small metal implants as a treatment for established localized cartilage defects because, even after 4 weeks in this model, the metal implants caused considerable degeneration of the articulating surface. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:84–90, 2009
Quantitative motion analysis in patients with hallux rigidus before and after cheilectomy
Authors: Canseco Karl , Long Jason , Marks Richard , Khazzam Michael , Harris Gerald
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in temporal‐spatial parameters and multisegmental foot/ankle kinematics in a group of patients with hallux rigidus following cheilectomy. Three‐dimensional motion analysis was conducted using a 15‐camera Vicon Motion Analysis System on a population of 19 patients who underwent cheilectomy for hallux rigidus. Data were analyzed using the four‐segment Milwaukee Foot Model. Preoperative and postoperative tests were compared using paired parametric methods. Results showed significant improvements in walking speed, cadence, stride length, and stance/swing ratio from preoperative to postoperative state. Altered hallux and forefoot positions preoperatively showed shifts towards normal after cheilectomy. Although clinical improvements in pain and passive range of motion were statistically significant, similar improvements in range of motion were not demonstrated during ambulatory testing. The results of this study provide insight into ambulatory improvements following cheilectomy, and suggest further study of the rehabilitation process to improve the recovery of functional range of motion. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:128–134, 2009
Early dynamization by reduced fixation stiffness does not improve fracture healing in a rat femoral osteotomy model
Authors: Claes Lutz , Blakytny Robert , Göckelmann Melanie , Schoen Marcus , Ignatius Anita , Willie Bettina
Published: July 2008

Dynamization of fracture fixation is used clinically to improve the bone healing process. However, the effect of early dynamization remains controversial. This study evaluated the effect of early dynamization, by reduced stiffness of fixation on callus stiffness and size after 5 weeks of healing in a rat diaphyseal femoral osteotomy. An external unilateral fixator allowed either a rigid (R‐group; n = 8) or a flexible (F‐group; n = 8) fixation. The dynamized group (D‐group: n = 8) had a rigid fixation for 1 week, and then a flexible fixation for the remaining 4 weeks. The pre‐ and postoperative activity of the rats was measured. After 5 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and healing was evaluated by biomechanical and densitometric methods. The R‐group had a higher activity more closely approaching preoperative levels, compared to the D‐group throughout all time points measured. This difference was significant after 14 days and 21 days. The flexural rigidity of the R‐group was 82% (tested in the anterior‐posterior direction; p = 0.01) and 93% (tested in the medial‐lateral direction; p = 0.002) greater than the flexural rigidity of the D‐group. The rigid fixation led to a stiffer callus with a smaller callus volume, but better mineralized tissue in the whole callus and at the level of the osteotomy gap than the flexible or the dynamized fixation. Early dynamization did not improve healing compared to rigid or flexible fixation in a rat femoral osteotomy model. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:22–27, 2009
The small GTPase Rho mediates articular chondrocyte phenotype and morphology in response to interleukin‐1α and insulin‐like growth factor‐I
Authors: Novakofski Kira , Boehm Amber , Fortier Lisa
Published: July 2008

Small GTPases regulate the cytoskeleton and numerous other cellular functions. In this study, the role of Rho GTPase was examined in articular chondrocytes. Chondrocytes grown in monolayer were treated with interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), C3 Transferase, Y27632, or transfected with Rho wild type or two constitutively active mutants of Rho (Q63L and G14V). Quantitative PCR was used to determine changes in matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), collagen types IIB (COL2A1) and type I (COL1A1), aggrecan (AGG), and SOX‐9 gene expression. Affinity assays were performed to measure endogenous GTP‐bound Rho, and confocal microscopy was used to assess changes in organization of the actin cytoskeleton. IL‐1α and RhoG14V increased cytoplasmic actin stress fiber formation, which was blocked by C3 Transferase, and Y27632. IL‐1α treatment also increased Rho activity. Conversely, IGF‐I lead to formation of a cortical rim of actin and decreased Rho activity. Inhibition of Rho signaling with C3 Transferase significantly decreased Rho activity and returned IL‐1α‐induced Rho activity to a level not different from control. C3 Transferase treatment also increased mRNA expression of AGG, COL2A1, and SOX‐9, and decreased expression of MMP‐13. Expression of RhoQ63L or RhoG14V resulted in increased MMP‐13 expression; however, inhibition of Rho with Y27632 was unable to inhibit IL‐1α‐induced MMP‐13 expression. Together, these results indicate a role for increased Rho activity in mediation of chondrocyte catabolic signaling pathways. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:58–64, 2009
Proximal gait adaptations in medial knee OA
Authors: Briem Kristin , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine interlimb differences in gait kinematics and kinetics in patients with symptomatic medial knee OA. The main objective was to identify hip joint movement strategies that might lower the knee adduction moment and also compensate for decreased knee flexion during weight acceptance. Gait analysis was performed on 32 patients with moderate medial compartment knee OA. Kinetic and kinematic data were calculated and side‐to‐side comparisons made. Radiographs were used to identify frontal plane alignment. No interlimb difference in the peak knee adduction moment was found (p = 0.512), whereas a greatly reduced hip adduction moment was seen on the involved side (p < 0.001) during the early part of stance. The involved limb flexed significantly less and hip and knee flexion moments were smaller compared to the uninvolved side. Gait adaptations involving a lateral sway of the trunk may successfully lead to relatively lower ipsilateral knee adduction moments, and would further be reflected by a lower adduction moment at the hip. Subjects did not compensate for less knee flexion by any dynamic means, and likely experience a resulting higher joint impact. These gait adaptations may have implications with respect to development of weakness of the ipsilateral hip musculature and progression of multiarticular OA. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:78–83, 2009
In vivo effects of modification of hydroxyapatite/collagen composites with and without chondroitin sulphate on bone remodeling in the sheep tibia
Authors: Schneiders Wolfgang , Reinstorf Antje , Biewener Achim , Serra Alexandrè , Grass Renè , Kinscher Michael , Heineck Jan , Rehberg Sebastian , Zwipp Hans , Rammelt Stefan
Published: July 2008

The addition of chondroitin sulphate (CS) to bone cements with calcium phosphate has lead to an enhancement of bone remodeling and an increase in new bone formation in small animals. The goal of this study was to verify the effect of CS in bone cements in a large animal model simulating a clinically relevant situation of a segmental cortical defect of a critical size on bone–implant interaction and bone remodeling. The influence of adding CS to hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/Col) composites on host response was assessed in a standard sheep tibia model. A midshaft defect of 3 cm was created in the tibiae of 14 adult female sheep. The defect was filled with a HA/Col cement cylinder in seven animals and with a CS‐modified hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/Col/CS) cement cylinder in seven animals. In all cases the tibia was stabilized with an interlocked universal tibial nail. The animals in each group were analyzed with X‐rays, CT scans, histology, immunohistochemistry, and enzymehistochemistry, as well as histomorphometric measurements. The X‐ray investigation showed a significantly earlier callus reaction around the HA/Col/CS implants compared to HA/Col alone. The amount of newly formed bone at the end point of the experiment was significantly larger around HA/Col/CS cylinders both in the CT scan and in the histomorphometric analysis. There were still TRAP‐positive osteoclasts around the HA/Col implants after 3 months. The number of osteopontin‐positive osteoblasts and the direct bone contact were significantly higher around HA/Col/CS implants. We conclude that addition of CS enhances bone remodeling and new bone formation around HA/Col composites. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:15–21, 2009
Raman and DFT study of hydrogen‐bonded 2‐ and 3‐chloropyridine with methanol
Authors: Singh Deepa , Vikram K. , Singh Dheeraj K. , Kiefer W. , Singh Ranjan K.
Published: July 2008

Precise polarized Raman measurements of 2‐chloropyridine (2Clpy) in the region 560–1060 cm−1 and 3‐chloropyridine (3Clpy) in the region 680–1080 cm−1 at different concentrations in mole fraction of methanol were made to calculate the isotropic part of the Raman spectra, which has contributions only from vibrational dephasing. A detailed analysis of the Raman spectra was carried out to see the variation of peak position and linewidth. The dephasing is mode specific. The trigonal bending mode of 3Clpy has two components when it is mixed with methanol. The relative intensities of these two bands are used to calculate the equilibrium constants. The ring‐breathing mode of 3Clpy, on the other hand, remains single in the mixture. The appearance of a new band corresponding to the trigonal bending mode, as well as the nonappearance of that of the ring‐breathing mode, is also shown by the density functional theory (DFT) study of gas phase and methanol‐solvated complexes. The vibrational dephasing time for the hydrogen‐bonded ring‐breathing mode is calculated from the linear Raman linewidth and peak position data. For other modes, it was not possible to calculate the dephasing time because of the nonavailability of a suitable theoretical model. Contrary to 3Clpy, in 2Clpy the ring‐breathing mode becomes a doublet but the trigonal bending mode remains single. It is seen that the hydrogen‐bonding capacity of chloropyridines is highly influenced by the position of the Cl atom. Single and double components of these modes are also explained by DFT calculations. We obtained excellent match of the experimental and theoretical spectra with the B3LYP/6‐31 + G (d,p) method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular vibrational imaging of a human cell by multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy using a supercontinuum light source
Authors: Kano Hideaki
Published: July 2008

Molecular vibrational images of human cells are obtained by multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microspectroscopy. The CARS images of HeLa cells at the CH stretching vibrational mode clearly show various organelles such as nucleolus, chromosome, cell membrane, and nuclear membrane with high vibrational contrast. Filament‐like structures are also found to be observed in interphase, while it is not clearly observed in M phase. These structures most probably visualize endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utilization of silver salts of aromatic thiols as core materials of SERS‐based molecular sensors
Authors: Kim Kwan , Lee Yoon Mi , Lee Hyun Sook , Shin Kuan Soo
Published: July 2008

Silver salts of aromatic thiols are one class of organic–inorganic heterostructured materials, showing peculiar photoreaction characteristics. When an argon ion laser is exposed to silver benzenethiolate (AgBT), for instance, its Raman spectrum changes over time, eventually becoming the same as the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of benzenethiol on a roughened Ag substrate. AgBT and its analogs can thus be used as a core material of molecular sensors operating via SERS; we demonstrate this specifically, by monitoring the SERS peaks of BT, in which biotinylated AgBT selectively recognizes streptavidin molecules down to concentrations of 10−11 g ml−1 (i.e. ∼0.2 pM). Since numerous silver thiolates can be used as the core material, multiple bioassays are readily accomplished using the present methodology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic properties of the species resulting from the phenyl radical with O2 reaction system
Authors: Sebbar Nadia , Bockhorn Henning , Bozzelli Joseph
Published: July 2008

Phenyl radicals are formed in combustion and oxidation systems by abstraction of the phenyl—hydrogen from benzene or aromatics by active radical species and by oxidation and thermal reactions of the benzylic carbon on alkyl‐substituted aromatics. The reaction of phenyl with O2 leads to chain‐branching reactions and a number of unsaturated oxygenated hydrocarbon intermediates that may need to be included in detailed combustion models. Thermochemical parameters and structures on important species resulting from the phenyl radical + O2 association and reaction are reported in this study. Enthalpies, Δf H, of a series of stable molecules, radicals, and transition state structures are calculated using ab initio (G3MP2B3 and G3) and density functional (DFT, B3LYP/6–311g(d,p) calculations, group additivity (GA), and literature data. The ab initio and density functional calculations are combined with isodesmic reaction analysis, whenever possible, to improve the accuracy of the enthalpy values. Entropies, S, and heat capacities, Cpf298 (T), are calculated using density functional calculations, group additivity, and literature data. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 583–604, 2008
Silk Fibroin Solution Properties Related to Assembly and Structure
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Lindsay Amil , Abedian Behrouz , Kaplan David L.
Published: July 2008

The impact of physiological factors on silk fibroin solution properties was studied. Specifically, the impact of fibroin concentration, protein purity, cation type and concentration, and pH on aqueous solution viscosity, shear behavior, and surface tension were assessed in the context of silk protein assembly. The results demonstrate that in vitro results could be correlated to in vivo processing events during silk spinning. Rheological properties with reference to the amphiphilic block structure of the protein are described, pH dependency of shear response was quantitatively correlated to the predicted pI values of the fibroin protein, and cooperativity among environmental factors such as pH and salts was identified. Stabilization of silk fibroin solution states by calcium was identified as a mode to control shear sensitivity of the fibroin solution. The cooperativities identified suggest tight control of fibroin aqueous solution rheological properties to gain a window of protection against premature crystallization of the fibroin during processing, assuring safe storage, transport, and finally successful fiber spinning.

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Poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐Substituted 2,2′:6,2″‐Terpyridines: Synthesis and Characterization of New Amphiphilic Supramolecular Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Landsmann Steve , Winter Andreas , Chiper Manuela , Fustin Charles‐André , Hoeppener Stephanie , Wouters Daan , Gohy Jean‐François , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2008

Terpyridine‐modified hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) were combined to new metallo‐supramolecular AB‐diblock copolymers by utilizing Ru(II) ions. The polymers were synthesized by hydrosilylation of heteroleptic allyloxy‐functionalized Ru(II) complexes. The amphiphilic AB‐diblock copolymers were used to prepare micelles in an aqueous environment, which were subsequently characterized by dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.

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Lower bounds for Seshadri constants
Authors: Eckl Thomas
Published: July 2008

One of Demailly's characterization of Seshadri constants on ample line bundles works with Lelong numbers of certain positive singular hermitian metrics. In this note this is translated into algebraic terms by using sections of multiples of the line bundle. The resulting formula for Seshadri constants is applied to compute Seshadri constants on blown up products of curves, to disprove a conjectured characterization of maximal rationally connected quotients and to introduce a new approach to Nagata's conjecture. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complexity and T ‐invariant of Abelian and Milnor groups, and complexity of 3‐manifolds
Authors: Pervova Ekaterina , Petronio Carlo
Published: July 2008

We investigate the notion of complexity for finitely presented groups and the related notion of complexity for three‐dimensional manifolds. We give two‐sided estimates on the complexity of all the Milnor groups (the finite groups with free action on S3), as well as for all finite Abelian groups. The ideas developed in the process also allow to construct two‐sided bounds for the values of the so‐called T ‐invariant (introduced by Delzant) for the above groups, and to estimate from below the value of T ‐invariant for an arbitrary finitely presented group. Using the results of this paper and of previous ones, we then describe an infinite collection of Seifert threemanifolds for which we can asymptotically determine the complexity in an exact fashion up to linear functions. We also provide similar estimates for the complexity of several infinite families of Milnor groups. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Macromol. Theory Simul. 4–5/2008
Authors: Merlitz Holger , He Gui‐Li , Sommer Jens‐Uwe , Wu Chen‐Xu
Published: July 2008

Cover: Once single chains (shown on the cover picture in green) of a polymer brush are cut loose, the osmotic pressure is driving them out of the brush domain. To increase the transparency, grafted polymers are displayed with a reduced bead size (red). The grafting density is 0.25 chains per unit area. Further details can be found in the article by H. Merlitz,* G.‐L. He, J.‐U. Sommer, and C.‐X. Wu on page 171.
Sonographic development of the normal foetal thorax and abdomen across gestation
Authors: Blaas Harm‐Gerd K. , Eik‐Nes Sturla H.
Published: July 2008

In the following review, the development of the thorax and abdomen, as described by embryologists and anatomists in modern embryological text books, is compared with sonoanatomic descriptions from 2D and 3D ultrasound studies, week by week in the first trimester. The anatomic descriptions are limited to details that are of interest for the understanding of ultrasound examinations. For the second and third trimester, the description of the sonographic development of the thorax and abdomen is divided into thoracic skeleton, diaphragm, lungs, oesophagus, stomach, liver, spleen, bowel and gall bladder. The review is restricted to the normal development, appearance and biometric assessment of these organs; and discusses topical literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cystic lung lesions – prenatal diagnosis and management
Authors: Bush Andrew , Hogg Julie , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: July 2008

With increasing use of fetal ultrasound comes an increase in the detection of clinically silent ‘abnormalities’ which pose diagnostic and management dilemmas for perinatologists and paediatricians. Congenital thoracic malformations (CTMs) (excluding congenital diaphragmatic hernia) are one such example, where a few cases are symptomatic in early life and management options are clear, but the majority are clinically asymptomatic, giving rise to difficulties in defining postnatal management of the well child with a sonographic or radiological lesion. Here, we will outline the prenatal presentation and natural history of CTMs that are not congenital diaphragmatic herniae and briefly discuss the approach to postnatal management, which is covered in more detail in the review by Laje and Liechty in this issue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tattoos and antisocial personality disorder
Authors: Cardasis William , Huth‐Bocks Alissa , Silk Kenneth R.
Published: July 2008

Objective The relationship of tattoos to the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) was explored in a forensic psychiatric inpatient hospital setting. It was hypothesized that a greater proportion of forensic inpatients that possessed tattoos had ASPD than patients who did not possess tattoos.

Method Forensic male psychiatric inpatients (N = 36) were administered a semi‐structured interview to determine the presence of a tattoo. ASPD was determined by criteria on a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐IV ASPD checklist. Demographic and background characteristics of the patients were collected, and details about each tattoo were obtained including a calculation of the surface area of each tattoo.

Results Significantly more forensic psychiatric inpatients with tattoos had a diagnosis of ASPD compared to patients without tattoos. Patients with ASPD also had a significantly greater number of tattoos, a trend toward having a greater percentage of their total body surface area tattooed, and were more likely to have a history of substance abuse than patients without ASPD. Tattooed subjects, with or without ASPD, were significantly more likely to have histories of substance abuse, sexual abuse and suicide attempts than non‐tattooed patients.

Conclusions Forensic psychiatric inpatients with tattoos should be assessed carefully for the presence of ASPD as well as for substance abuse, sexual abuse and suicide attempts, factors having potentially significant influence on the assessment and treatment of such patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lectin precipitation using phytohemagglutinin‐L4 coupled to avidin–agarose for serological biomarker discovery in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Yong‐Sam , Son Ok Lye , Lee Ju Yeon , Kim Sun Hee , Oh Sejeong , Lee Yoon Suk , Kim Cheorl‐Ho , Yoo Jong Shin , Lee Jeong‐Hwa , Miyoshi Eiji , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Hanash Samir M. , Yoo Hyang Sook , Ko Jeong Heon
Published: July 2008

N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT‐V) has been reported to be upregulated in malignant cancer cells, and its targets have been sought after with regard to biomarker identification. The low capacity and high false positive rates of 2‐DE gel‐based lectin blots using phytohemagglutinin‐L4 (L‐PHA) prompted us to develop a novel protocol for identifying GnT‐V targets, in which serum proteins were subjected to immunodepletion, alkylation, and lectin precipitation using L‐PHA coupled to avidin–agarose bead complexes, and tryptic digestion. Proteins captured by L‐PHA conjugates were analyzed by a nano‐LC‐FT‐ICR/LTQ MS. Here, we report 26 candidate biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) that show 100% specificity and sensitivities of greater than 50%. Not only can these candidate proteins be used as analytes for validation, but the novel protocol described herein can be applied to biomarker discovery in nonCRCs.