bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Approach to the Exploration of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Bertario L. , Russo A. , Sala P. , Varesco L. , Giarola M. , Mondini P. , Pierotti M. , Spinelli P. , Radice P.
Published: April 2003

Purpose: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), caused by a mutation in the APC gene, is a colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome associated with several other clinical conditions. The severity of the FAP is related to the position of the inherited mutation in the APC gene. We analyzed a large series of FAP patients to identify associations among major clinical manifestations and to correlate the mutation site with specific disease manifestations.

Materials and Methods: APC mutations were identified in 953 FAP patients from 187 families. We used unconditional logistic regression models and a method involving generalized estimating equations to investigate the association between genotype and phenotype. We used multiple correspondence analysis to represent the interrelationships of a multiway contingency table of the considered variables.

Results: APC germline mutations were located between codons 156 and 2011 of the APC gene. Mutations spanning the region between codons 543 and 1309 were variable, but strongly associated with congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium. Mutations between codons 1310 and 2011 were associated with a six-fold risk of desmoid tumors relative to the low-risk reference region (159 to 495). Mutations at codon 1309 were associated with early development of colorectal cancer. Mutations between codons 976 and 1067 were associated with a three- to four-fold increased risk of duodenal adenomas. The cumulative frequency of extracolonic manifestations was highest for mutations between codons 976 and 1067, followed by mutations between 1310 and 2011.

Conclusion: Analysis of the relation between APC mutation site and phenotype identifies subgroups of FAP patients at high risk for major extracolonic disease, which is useful for surveillance and prevention.
Loss of Beta-Catenin Expression in Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ebert Matthias P.A. , Yu Jun , Hoffmann Juliane , Rocco Alba , Röcken Christoph , Kahmann Sabine , Müller Oliver , Korc Murray , Sung Joseph J. , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: April 2003

Purpose: Beta-catenin (β-catenin) participates in intercellular adhesion and is an integral part of the Wnt signaling pathway. The role of β-catenin in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and its metastasis is largely unknown.

Patients and Methods: Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to analyze the expression of β-catenin in 87 human gastric cancers, in metastasis and cancer cell lines. The β-catenin and the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) genes were analyzed for gene mutations. Furthermore, methylation of the β-catenin promoter in cell lines was assessed by treatment with 5′-azadeoxycytidine and sodium bisulfite genomic sequencing.

Results: β-Catenin expression was present at either the cell membrane or the cytoplasm in 34 of 75 primary gastric cancers. Expression of β-catenin was significantly more frequent in intestinal-type (P = .0049) and well-differentiated gastric cancers (P < .001). There were no quantitative differences between gastric cancers and the nonmalignant gastric tissues, as determined by Western blot analysis. One of 18 metastatic cancer lesions and four of five gastric cancer cell lines expressed β-catenin protein. N87 cells, derived from the liver metastasis of a gastric cancer, did not express β-catenin. Treatment with 5′-azadeoxycytidine restored β-catenin protein levels in this cell line, which exhibited significantly more 5-methylcytosines in the β-catenin promoter compared with the other cell lines.

Conclusion: β-Catenin expression is lost in a subgroup of primary gastric cancers, is frequently absent in metastases, and exhibits nuclear localization in cancers with either β-catenin or APC gene mutations. Interestingly, the loss of β-catenin expression in metastatic gastric cancers may result from hypermethylation of the β-catenin promoter.
Adaptive Randomized Study of Idarubicin and Cytarabine Versus Troxacitabine and Cytarabine Versus Troxacitabine and Idarubicin in Untreated Patients 50 Years or Older With Adverse Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Giles Francis J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Cortes Jorge E. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Verstovsek Srdan , Faderl Stefan , Thomas Deborah A. , Ferrajoli Alessandra , O’Brien Susan , Wathen Jay K. , Xiao Lian-Chun , Berry Donald A. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: April 2003

Purpose: Troxacitabine has activity in refractory myeloid leukemia, either as a single agent or when combined with cytarabine (ara-C) or with idarubicin. A prospective, randomized study was conducted in patients aged 50 years or older with untreated, adverse karyotype, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to assess troxacitabine-based regimes as induction therapy.

Patients and Methods: Patients were randomized to receive idarubicin and ara-C (IA) versus troxacitabine and ara-C (TA) versus troxacitabine and idarubicin (TI). A Bayesian design was used to adaptively randomly assign patients to treatment. Thus, although there was initially an equal chance for randomization to IA, TA, or TI, treatment arms with a higher success rate progressively received a greater proportion of patients.

Results: Thirty-four patients were treated. Randomization to TI stopped after five patients and randomization to TA stopped after 11 patients. Defining success as complete remission (CR) that occurred within 49 days of starting treatment, success rates were 55% (10 of 18 patients) with IA, 27% (three of 11 patients) with TA, and 0% (zero of five patients) with TI. Because three CRs occurred after day 49, final CR rates were 55% (10 of 18 patients) with IA, 45% (five of 11 patients) with TA, and 20% (one of five patients) with TI. The probability that TA was inferior to IA was 70%, with a 5% probability that TA would have a 20% higher CR rate than IA. Survival was equivalent with all three regimens.

Conclusion: Neither troxacitabine combination was superior to IA in elderly patients with previously untreated adverse karyotype AML.
Sex Differences in Estrogen-Dependent Transcription of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Gene Revealed in GnRH Transgenic Mice
Authors: Thanky Niren R. , Slater Ruth , Herbison Allan E.
Published: April 2003

The mechanisms through which gonadal steroids exert feedback actions on the activity of the GnRH neurons are not understood. Using a series of GnRH-LacZ transgenic mice we have examined the manner in which gonadal steroids suppress GnRH mRNA expression in male and female mice. The long-term gonadectomy of 5.5-GNZ-3.5 transgenic mice resulted in significant increases in cellular GnRH mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and plasma LH concentrations (P < 0.01) in both sexes. However, cellular levels of LacZ mRNA and β-galactosidase, which provide an index of GnRH gene transcription, were only elevated in males after gonadectomy. This sexually differentiated response was also observed in mice gonadectomized for 2 wk. Estrogen replacement in gonadectomized males returned transgene expression to intact levels. Experiments in transgenic mice with 3′ and 5′ deleted GnRH-LacZ constructs revealed that the suppressive influence of estrogen on LacZ transcription in the male required a critical element located between −5.2 and −1.7 kb of the GnRH promoter. These studies show that the suppression of GnRH mRNA expression by estrogen in the male involves a decrease in GnRH gene transcription that is dependent on a distal GnRH promoter element. The same mechanism does not exist in females, indicating that gonadal steroids suppress GnRH mRNA levels in a sexually dimorphic manner.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Mediated Pathway of Leptin to Regulate Feeding, Adiposity, and Uncoupling Protein Expression in Mice
Authors: Masaki Takayuki , Yoshimichi Go , Chiba Seiichi , Yasuda Tohru , Noguchi Hitoshi , Kakuma Tetsuya , Sakata Toshiie , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: April 2003

To examine the functional role of CRH in the regulation of energy homeostasis by leptin, we measured the effects of the CRH antagonist, α-helical CRH 8–41 (αCRH) on a number of factors affected by leptin activity. These included food intake, body weight, hypothalamic c-fos-like immunoreactivity (c-FLI), weight and histological characterization of white adipose tissue, and mRNA expressions of uncoupling protein (UCP) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in C57Bl/6 mice. Central infusion of leptin into the lateral cerebroventricle (icv) caused significant induction of c-FLI in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, and arcuate nucleus. In all these nuclei, the effect of leptin on expression of cFLI in the PVN and VMH was decreased by treatment with αCRH. Administration of leptin markedly decreased cumulative food intake and body weight with this effect being attenuated by pretreatment with αCRH. In peripheral tissue, leptin up-regulated BAT UCP1 mRNA expression and reduced fat depositions in this tissue. Those changes in BAT were also decreased by treatment with αCRH. As a consequence of the effects on food intake or energy expenditure, treatment with αCRH attenuated the leptin-induced reduction of body adiposity, fat cell size, triglyceride contents, and ob mRNA expression in white adipose tissue. Taken together, these results indicate that CRH neurons in the PVN and VMH may be an important mediator for leptin that contribute to regulation of feeding, adiposity, and UCP expression.
Layout and sizing of ejector pins for injection mould desian using the wavelet transform
Authors: Kwak S , Kim T , Park S , Lee K
Published: May 2003

Injection moulding is one of the most prevalent technologies used in processing thermoplastic polymers. At the end of the injection moulding cycle, the plastic moulded part should be ejected when the injection mould opens. To eject complex mouldings with bosses, ribs and other features, ejector pins are generally used because they are economical and easy to install. However, the ejector pins can cause high local stresses and strains in the moulding at the stage of ejection, leading to part deformation and damage. Thus, the proper layout of ejector pins is very important in mould design. A method is proposed for determining the layout and size of the ejector pins required to eject thermoplastic mouldings, minimizing part deformation and damage. The proposed method computes the distribution of the necessary ejecting forces to overcome the friction between the part and its mould. Then, it transforms the ejecting forces into a certain number of representative forces by the wavelet transform. Finally, the location and size of the ejector pins that correspond to the discrete ejecting forces are obtained. The proposed method will help injection mould designers systematically to obtain ejector designs.
Immobilization check for fixture design
Authors: Yu K M , Lam T W , Lee A H C
Published: May 2003

Fixture design contributes highly to manufacturing safety and quality. Computer aided fixture design (CAFD) facilitates more cost effective and efficient workholder design. However, heuristic and case-based approaches are still common. This paper addresses CAFD using the computational geometry approach. The correctness of a fixture design will be determined through vector-theoretic immobilization checking of the fixture points (i.e. location and clamping points) proposed. Details of the translational and rotational immobilization checking theory are explained, which are also applicable to general three-dimensional shapes. In real life, perfect geometry does not exist. As contemporary CAFD systems cannot cater for non-ideal geometry satisfactorily, the paper also develops an interval analysis scheme for toleranced immobilization checks. A real-life case study is presented to demonstrate the procedure.
A survey of virtual prototyping techniques for mechanical product development
Authors: Zorriassatine F , Wykes C , Parkin R , Gindy N
Published: May 2003

Repeated, efficient, and extensive use of prototypes is a vital activity that can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful entry of new products into the competitive world market. In this respect, physical prototyping can prove to be very lengthy and expensive, especially if modifications resulting from design reviews involve tool redesign. The availability and affordability of advanced computer technology has paved the way for increasing utilization of prototypes that are digital and created in computer-based environments, i.e. they are virtual as opposed to being physical. The technology for using virtual prototypes was pioneered and adopted initially by large automotive and aerospace industries. Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry also need to take virtual prototyping (VP) technology more seriously in order to exploit the benefits. VP is becoming very advanced and may eventually dominate the product development process. However, physical prototypes will still be required for the near future, albeit less frequently. This paper presents a general survey of the available VP techniques and highlights some of the most important developments and research issues while providing sources for further reference. The purpose of the paper is to provide potential SME users with a broad picture of the field of VP and to identify issues and information relevant to the deployment and implementation of VP technology.
A Middle East View of the Global Oil Situation
Authors: Bakhtiari A.M. Samsam
Published: April 2003

Seen from a Middle Eastern perspective, the present global oil situation can be summarised within five major and inescapable trends: 1 The world's super giant and giant oil fields are dying off; 2 There are no more major frontier regions left to explore besides the earth's poles; 3 Production of non-conventional crude oil has been initiated at great costs – in Venezuela's Orinoco belt, Canada's Athabasca tar sands and ultra-deep waters; 4 Even OPEC's oil production has its limits; 5 No major primary energy rival can possibly take over from oil and gas in the medium term.

Adding up these five trends, one can envision a global oil crunch at the horizon — – most probably within the present decade. Unfortunately, however, the general public will not heed such a rational vision. And, even if it did, it would be loath to respond to the implied threat. In its defence, it should be said that many actors are constantly and consistently reassuring it: the press (even parts of the specialised press), most politicians, some international institutions, a couple of major oil companies and naturally OPEC. But this can only last until petrol stations post ‘empty’, natural gas supplies are suddenly shunted and, eventually, the lights go off.
The IPCC Emission Scenarios: An Economic-Statistical Critique
Authors: Castles Ian , Henderson David
Published: May 2003

This set of papers chiefly presents a critique of the IPCC's Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES), which claims to “provide the basis for future assessments of climate change and possible response strategies”. The 40 scenarios are technically unsound in that, contrary to accepted international practice, they convert national GDP data to a common measure using market exchange rates. Because of this procedure and built-in assumptions about the extent to which the gap between rich and poor countries will be closed, the scenarios yield projections of GDP for developing regions which are improbably high: this includes the scenarios which give the lowest figures for projected cumulative emissions in the course of the century. Hence the SRES projections do not, as is claimed for them, encompass the full range of uncertainties about the future. Because of these and some other defects that we have noted, the SRES should not be taken as the accepted basis for the IPPC's coming Fourth Assessment Review. More broadly, the IPCC should try to ensure a more balanced, informed and professional treatment of the economic and statistical aspects of its work. In particular, there should be a greater involvement of economic ministries and statistical agencies.
Reconstructing Climatic and Environmental Changes of the Past 1000 Years: A Reappraisal
Authors: Soon Willie , Baliunas Sallie , Idso Craig , Idso Sherwood , Legates David R.
Published: May 2003

The 1000-year climatic and environmental history of the Earth contained in various proxy records is examined. As indicators, the proxies duly represent or record aspects of local climate. Questions on the relevance and validity of the locality paradigm for climatological research become sharper as studies of climatic changes on timescales of 50–100 years or longer are pursued. This is because thermal and dynamical constraints imposed by local geography become increasingly important as the air-sea-land interaction and coupling timescales increase. Because the nature of the various proxy climate indicators are so different, the results cannot be combined into a simple hemispheric or global quantitative composite. However, considered as an ensemble of individual observations, an assemblage of the local representations of climate establishes the reality of both the Little Ice Age and the Medieval Warm Period as climatic anomalies with world-wide imprints, extending earlier results by Bryson et al. (1963), Lamb (1965), and numerous other research efforts. Furthermore, these individual proxies are used to determine whether the 20th century is the warmest century of the 2nd Millennium at a variety of globally dispersed locations. Many records reveal that the 20th century is likely not the warmest nor a uniquely extreme climatic period of the last millennium, although it is clear that human activity has significantly impacted some local environments.
The “Greenhouse Effect” as a Function of Atmospheric Mass
Authors: Jelbring Hans
Published: May 2003

The main reason for claiming a scientific basis for “Anthropogenic Greenhouse Warming (AGW)” is related to the use of “radiative energy flux models” as a major tool for describing vertical energy fluxes within the atmosphere. Such models prescribe that the temperature difference between a planetary surface and the planetary average black body radiation temperature (commonly called the Greenhouse Effect, GE) is caused almost exclusively by the so called greenhouse gases. Here, using a different approach, it is shown that GE can be explained as mainly being a consequence of known physical laws describing the behaviour of ideal gases in a gravity field. A simplified model of Earth, along with a formal proof concerning the model atmosphere and evidence from real planetary atmospheres will help in reaching conclusions. The distinguishing premise is that the bulk part of a planetary GE depends on its atmospheric surface mass density. Thus the GE can be exactly calculated for an ideal planetary model atmosphere. In a real atmosphere some important restrictions have to be met if the gravity induced GE is to be well developed. It will always be partially developed on atmosphere bearing planets. A noteworthy implication is that the calculated values of AGW, accepted by many contemporary climate scientists, are thus irrelevant and probably quite insignificant (not detectable) in relation to natural processes causing climate change.
Schroeder Diffusers: A Review
Authors: Cox Trevor , D'Antonio Peter
Published: May 2003

Schroeder diffusers revolutionised the design of scattering surfaces when they were invented in the 1970s. For the first time diffusers with defined acoustic performance could be easily designed. Since their inception, much has been learnt about the performance of the surfaces. Limitations of the original concepts have been studied, and solutions found to overcome many of these. This paper will review the development of this technology over the last three decades.
The relationship between self‐reports of imagery and spatial ability
Authors: Dean Graham M. , Morris Peter E.
Published: May 2003

A puzzling question arising from imagery research is why no relationship has been found between self‐reports of imagery and performance on spatial tests thought to require the use of imagery. To investigate this, spatial ability, measured by performance on two spatial tests, was compared with performance on the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ; Marks, 1973) and a newly constructed imagery questionnaire. The choice of items and ratings for the new questionnaire was based on Kosslyn's (1980, 1994) theories of the imagery system. Ratings on the new questionnaire consistently correlated significantly with performance on the spatial tests, whereas ratings from the VVIQ did not. The new ratings captured more of the imagery process than ratings of vividness alone, but the largest change depended upon the type of item imagined. Ratings of items of the same type as used on the spatial tests predicted performance on the spatial tests, whereas vividness ratings of items recalled or constructed from long‐term memory did not. Participants can successfully introspect on several different properties of their images, and their ratings do predict performance on tasks thought to require imagery. The large effect of item type raises questions about the predictive value of existing models of the imagery system especially in relation to the role of phenomenological properties of our images.
Histopathologic and Immunophenotypic Characterization of Extramedullary Plasmacytomas in Nine Cats
Authors: Majzoub M. , Breuer W. , Platz S. J. , Linke R. P. , Hermanns W.
Published: April 2003

To contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the literature on the apparently rare extramedullary plasmacytoma in cats, lymphoid tumors with plasmacytic cellular morphology taken from nine cats were examined. The paraffin-embedded material was investigated by standard hematoxylin and eosin, and special staining techniques (Giemsa, Congo-red, and periodic acid–Schiff reaction). The tumors also were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin light chains (λ, κ), various amyloid proteins, and FeLV-antigen (p27 protein). An immunoglobulin- producing tumor of plasmacellular origin (extramedullary plasmacytoma [EMP]) could be diagnosed in all cases on the basis of immunohistochemical light-chain expression. All but one of the neoplasms occurred in the skin of older, predominantly male cats. As in humans and dogs, the following types could be identified according to their morphologic features: mature type (two), cleaved type (two), asynchronous type (four), and polymorphous type (one). The tumor tissue of three cats revealed amyloid deposits, which were immunohistochemically diagnosed as ALλ-amyloid in all three cases.
A Histopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Study of the Intestine in Pigs Inoculated with Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Sánchez-CordóN P. J. , Romanini S. , Salguero F. J. , Ruiz-Villamor E. , Carrasco L. , Gómez-Villamandos J. C.
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to report on the lesions occurring in the intestine during experimental classical swine fever (CSF) and to clarify the nature of infected cells and the distribution of viral antigen. Thirty-two pigs were inoculated with the virulent CSF virus (CSFV) isolate Alfort 187 and slaughtered from 2 to 15 postinoculation days; four animals of similar background served as a control group. Immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and the transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method were used to detect viral antigens and apoptosis. The results showed progressive lymphoid depletion and mucosal necrosis. The lymphoid depletion could have been caused by apoptosis of lymphocytes but could not be directly attributed to the effect of CSFV on these cells. Vascular changes, pathogenic bacteria, and viral infection of epithelial cells were ruled out as causes of necrotic lesions. However, large virally infected monocytes-macrophages with ultrastructural changes indicative of activation were observed in the intestine. This suggests that monocytes-macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of intestinal lesions. An understanding of the function of these cells will require additional study.
Experimental Infection of Equine Herpesvirus 9 in Dogs
Authors: Yanai T. , Fujishima N. , Fukushi H. , Hirata A. , Sakai H. , Masegi T.
Published: April 2003

Equine herpesvirus 9 (EHV-9), a new neurotropic equine herpesvirus, was inoculated intranasally at 107 plaque-forming units in five dogs to assess its pathogenicity. Dogs showed weight loss, pyrexia, anorexia, and neurologic signs on the fourth day. The EHV-9 virus was recovered from the examined brains. Histologically, dogs had a fulminant nonsuppurative encephalitis characterized by severe neuronal degeneration and loss, with intranuclear inclusions, slight glial reactions, perivascular cuffing, and multifocal hemorrhage. The olfactory bulb and the frontal and temporal lobes were predominantly affected. Immunohistochemistry revealed reactivity for EHV-9 antigen in neurons. All dogs had mild bronchopneumonia and various degrees of lymphoid necrosis. These findings indicate that dogs are fully susceptible to EHV-9 and that EHV-9 can cause fulminant encephalitis with high mortality in dogs, as in gazelles and goats.
Abscess-Forming Inflammatory Granulation Tissue with Gram- Positive Cocci and Prominent Eosinophil Infiltration in Cats: Possible Infection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Authors: Ozaki K. , Yamagami T. , Nomura K. , Haritani M. , Tsutsumi Y. , Narama I.
Published: April 2003

We occasionally encounter feline cervical or mesenteric lesions diagnosed histopathologically as abscess or inflammatory granulation tissue with eosinophil infiltration. Gram-positive cocci accompany the lesions. In the present study, such lesions obtained from 27 cats were examined to evaluate the histopathologic features and the nature of the causative bacteria. The average age was 7.3 ± 3.5 years. No sex predilection was observed. Most frequent locations of the lesions included the abdominal cavity with/without mesenteric lymph nodes (11/ 27, 41%) and subcutaneous tissue or lymph nodes of the neck (9/27, 33%). Common clinical presentation was a localized mass. Grossly, the lesions contained abscesses in the center and were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Microscopically, the necrotic zone contained bacterial colonies. Large numbers of eosinophils and macrophages infiltrated the area surrounding the necrotic tissue. The surrounding connective fiber-rich granulation tissue demarcated the eosinophilic abscess. The bacteria were Gram-positive cocci in 23 of the 27 cats and were positive for anti- staphylococcus antiserum in 19 of the 23 cats. In 15 out of 17 lesions, the colonies expressed immunoreactivity to penicillin-binding protein 2′, which is a drug-resistance gene product of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) species. These findings suggest strongly that MRS causes this type of infectious lesion.
Histology and Immunohistochemistry of Seven Ferret Vaccination-site Fibrosarcomas
Authors: Munday J. S. , Stedman N. L. , Richey L. J.
Published: April 2003

The anatomical location, histology, and immunohistochemistry of 10 ferret dermal and subcutaneous fibrosarcomas were examined. Seven of the 10 tumors were from locations used for vaccination. All fibrosarcomas contained spindle-shaped cells surrounded by variable quantities of connective tissue stroma. However, vaccination-site fibrosarcomas (VSFs) subjectively contained a higher degree of cellular pleomorphism. Multinucleated cells were present in three of seven VSFs but not in any of the nonvaccination- site fibrosarcomas (NVSFs). Large histiocytic cells, interpreted as macrophages, containing intracytoplasmic basophilic granular material were observed in two VSFs but not in any of the NVSFs. Five VSFs contained peripheral lymphoplasmacytic aggregates. Immunohistochemically, three VSFs stained with anti– smooth muscle actin antibodies and one stained with antibodies against desmin. No expression of muscle cytoskeletal filaments was observed in any NVSF. Filaments interpreted as actin were visible in both the VSFs examined ultrastructurally. One of the VSFs examined ultrastructurally contained intracytoplasmic crystalline material. The preferential development of subcutaneous fibrosarcomas in vaccination sites suggests that, as in cats, vaccination may promote local sarcoma development in ferrets. Additionally, some of the histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of these tumors are similar to those reported for feline vaccine-associated sarcomas. To the authors' knowledge, vaccination has not previously been reported to be oncogenic in any species other than cats.
Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Huds. Causes Kidney Damage in Goats: Morphologic and Functional Effects
Authors: Wisløff H. , Flåøyen A. , Ottesen N. , Hovig T.
Published: April 2003

We studied the effects of Narthecium ossifragum on goat kidneys. Twenty-five Norwegian dairy goats, 5 weeks to 4 months of age, were orally dosed with an aqueous extract from N. ossifragum. In experiment 1, we studied microscopic and functional changes in 12 animals that were euthanatized 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days after treatment. In experiment 2, we included ultrastructural studies on serial renal biopsies and urine analysis from five extract-treated animals and two controls. In addition, urine samples were collected from four dosed and two control goats. Ultrasonography revealed perirenal and retroperitoneal fluids. Microscopic changes were observed after 6 hours. The findings, most obvious in the inner cortex and the outer medulla, consisted of cytoplasmic vacuolization, interstitial edema, and focal necrosis of tubular epithelial cells. Ultrastructurally, the tubules had loss of microvilli, irregular cytoplasmic vacuolization, mitochondrial swelling with loss of cristae, and irregular but continuous basement membranes even with necrosis. In the glomeruli, there were occasional endothelial damage and shortening and swelling of the foot processes. Peritubular capillaries had breaks in the vessel walls and irregular endothelial cell edema, and the interstitium had marked edema. The functional lesions included elevated serum urea, creatinine, and magnesium concentrations, a slight decrease in serum calcium concentration, elevated urine protein and urine protein-creatinine ratio, and increased activities of urine alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Our findings indicate a fast-acting toxic principle inducing damage by both direct toxic and secondary ischemic effects.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 in Canine Atherosclerotic Lesions
Authors: Sako T. , Uchida E. , Kagawa Y. , Hirayama K. , Nakade T. , Taniyama H.
Published: April 2003

We attempt to determine and compare the localization of apolipoproteins (apo) apoA-I and B-100 in atherosclerotic lesions of canine aortas, coronary arteries, and the peripheral arteries, using immunohistochemical techniques. Histopathologically, atherosclerotic lesions were characterized by deposition of lipids and infiltration of lipid-laden foamy cells in the tunica intima and tunica media, sometimes forming fibrofatty plaques containing abundant sudanophilic and mineralized material. Canine apoA (CapoA)-I and canine apoB (CapoB)-100 immunopositive signals were simultaneously observed in mild and severe atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta, coronary arteries, splenic arteries, and renal arteries in the double-immunolabeled sections. Both CapoAI and CapoB-100 positive signals were seen in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. The subendothelial space and extracellular matrix in the tunica intima and media were also positive. Neither CapoA-I nor CapoB-100 positive signals were seen in normal arteries. These findings closely resemble those of the localization of apoA-I and apoB-100 in human atherosclerotic lesions.
Gastric Amebiasis Due to Entamoeba histolytica in a Dama Wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
Authors: Stedman N. L. , Munday J. S. , Esbeck R. , Visvesvara G. S.
Published: April 2003

A 1.5-year-old captive female Dama wallaby ( Macropus eugenii) died after a 3-month period of progressive weight loss, anorexia, bloat, and diarrhea. Histopathologic examination revealed numerous Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites within the gastric mucosa and, less frequently, gastric submucosa and submucosal vessels. Immunofluorescent antibody testing confirmed the identity of the trophozoites as E. histolytica. The trophozoites were associated with mild glandular epithelial necrosis, mucosal erosions, and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. E. histolytica most commonly causes necrotizing and ulcerative colitis in humans and captive nonhuman primates, and it causes necrotizing and ulcerative gastritis in nonhuman primates with sacculated stomachs adapted for leaf fermentation. Rare cases of gastric amebiasis also have been been reported in captive macropods, which also have complex sacculated stomachs. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming E. histolytica as the cause of gastric amebiasis in a wallaby. The zoonotic potential of this infection in macropods is uncertain.
Anionic copolymerization of acrylonitrile and methylthiirane and some properties of their copolymers
Authors: Polotskaya G. A. , Kuznetsov Yu. P. , Belonovskaya G. P. , Fedorova G. N.
Published: April 2003

The basic relationships of the anionic copolymerization of acrylonitrile and methylthiirane and some molecular weight, spectral and thermal characteristics of the copolymers have been investigated. Secondary reactions leading to structural transformations of polyacrylonitrile fragments in the copolymer are discussed.
Microscope investigations of morphological changes during the liquid‐induced crystallization of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide)
Authors: Benecki W. , Pelzbauer Z. , Turska E.
Published: April 2003

The morphological changes caused in poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) on swelling in selected liquids were studied. The rates of penetration of the swelling liquids into the samples and the rates of growth of the spherulites were investigated. A relationship was found to exist between the relative rates of the processes and the morphology of the surface of samples.
X‐ray studies of crystallization of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) on swelling in certain systems
Authors: Hurek J. , Turska E.
Published: April 2003

The processes of swelling and crystallization of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) in polymer‐swelling agent systems as well as the structures obtained were investigated by means of wide‐angle x‐ray scattering. As the swelling agents we used mainly decalin and also α‐pinen and tetralin. The effect of the swelling parameters of PPO in decalin on the possibilities of obtaining various polymer structures was studied. The role played by a low‐molecular substance in the process of the formation of crystalline structure in PPO was examined. It was found that the crystallization mechanism depends mainly on the chemical properties of the polymer and the swelling agent.
Lichtinitiierte Polymer‐ und Polymerisationsreaktionen. Photoinitiierte radikalische Polymerisationen mit α‐substituierten Azoalkanen
Authors: Timpe H. J. , Schikowsky V. , Vergara R.
Published: April 2003

An Hand von vier Modellverbindungen wird geprüft, inwieweit α‐substituierte aliphatische Azoverbindungen als Photoinitiatoren für eine radikalische Polymerisation geeignet sind. α‐Hydroperoxy– und α‐Hydroxyazoalkane zerfallen nach Anregung ihres nπ*‐Übergangs mit Quantenausbeuten zwischen 0,40 und 1,0 in radikalische Produkte, die eine Polymerisation auslösen können. Das primäre Photoprodukt der α‐Hydroxyazoalkane ist offensichtlich ein Diazen, das anschließend fragmentiert. Bei der Photopolymerisation von Methylmethacrylat addieren sich die aus α‐Hydroperoxyazoalkanen entstehenden Radikale mit einer höheren Effizienz als die der Photolyse von α‐Hydroxyazoalkanen. Das führt auch zu einer höheren Quantenausbeute der durch α‐Hydroperoxyazoalkane initiierten Photopolymerisation. α‐Chlor‐ und α‐acetoxy‐substituierte Azoalkane sind nicht als Photoinitiatoren verwendbar, da deren Photoanregung zu keiner effektiven CN‐Bindungsspaltung führt.
Zur bestimmung von [η]‐M‐Beziehungen und mittleren moleküldimensionen für lineare polyphenylchinoxaline
Authors: Bauer J. , Bauer M.
Published: April 2003

Aus Messungen von Grenzviskositäten und Molmassenmittelwerten werden die Kuhn‐Mark‐Houwink‐Gleichungen sowie die n‐, w‐ und z‐ Mittel des quadratischen Endpunktabstands für lineare Polyphenylchinoxaline mit Schulz‐Flory‐Molmassenverteilungen berechnet.
Untersuchungen zur Copolymerisation von Ethylen mit But‐1‐en der Buten‐Fraktion
Authors: Kümpfel W. , Gorski U. , Heublein G.
Published: April 2003

Mit klassischen ionisch‐koordinativen Katalysatoren auf Basis von Titanhalogeniden und aluminiumorganischen Verbindungen wird die Copolymerisation zwischen Ethylen und But‐1‐en aus einer technischen Buten‐Fraktion unter sucht. Die Selektivität des Einbaus von But‐1‐en in das Polymerisat steht in Beziehung zum Titanhalogenid, zur Art der aluminiumorganischen Verbindung, zur Temperatur und zur Katalysatormodifizierung mit Hex‐1‐en. Es wird gezeigt, daß die reaktive Trennung durch Selektivpolymerisation von Ethylen mit But‐1‐en direkt aus der Buten‐Fraktion möglich ist, wobei Produkte mit technisch üblichen Eigenschaftsparametern entstehen. Die Polymerisate werden charakterisiert durch GPC, Grenzviskositäten und Copolymerzusammensetzungen.
Zur Copolymerisation von α‐Methylstyren mit Diisobuten‐Isomeren
Authors: Heublein G. , Albrecht G. , Kümpfel W.
Published: April 2003

Mit Lewis‐Säuren und Protonensäuren wurden die kationisch initiierte Oligommerisierung von 2,4,4‐Trimethylpent‐1‐en und 2,4,4‐Trimethylpent‐2‐en, den Hauptbestandteilen des technischen Diisobutens, sowie die Copolymerisation dieses Isomergemisches mit α‐Methylstyren untersucht. Es traten Selektivitätsunterschiede zwischen den Isomeren bei der Oligomerisierung auf, wobei insbesondere dimere Produkte erhalten und Isomerisierungsreaktionen beobachtet wurden. Bei der Copolymerisation von α‐Methylstyren mit Diisobuten‐Gemischen unterschiedlicher Isomerzusammensetzung wurde festgestellt, daß in Abhängigkeit von den Reaktionsbedingungen maximal 25 Mol‐% Diisobuten in das Polymer eingebaut werden und ein hoher Anteil niedermolekularer Oligomerisate mit entsteht. Im Copolymerisat führt der Einbau von Diisobuten zur Erniedrigung der Molmassen und Erweichungsbereiche.
Modified acrylic polymers having high sorption capacity
Authors: Derbisher V. E. , Solomina T. I. , Protopopov P. A. , Khardin A. P.
Published: April 2003

The synthesis of ion exchanging polymers carrying carboxyl and hydrazide groups has been investigated. The ion exchangers were obtained by conversion of carboxylic acid polymers and copolymers to the corresponding acid fluorides and chlorides. The exchange capacity was found to be 3.9 to 14 mg‐equiv/g with polymeric hydrazines and 9 to 14 mg‐equiv/g with carboxyl‐containing polymers. The ion exchanging polymers obtained can be applied as sorbents of bivalent metals, in the textile industry etc.
Zur Charakterisierung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Polymeren
Authors: Bauer A. , Schulze R.‐D. , Bodor G.
Published: April 2003

An Hand experimenteller Resultate wird der Nachweis erbracht, daß auch für Chemieseiden ein Dehnungsbereich existiert (ca. 0 bis 0,3%), für den genau wie bei kompakten Polymerfestkörpern die lineare Viskoelastizitätstheorie gilt. Bei diesem Material sind jedoch die auf Grund des polyfilen Charakters entstehenden Meßfehler zu berücksichtigen. Die mit unterschiedlichen mechanischen Untersuchungsmethoden ermittelten Moduli lassen sich unter Beachtung der Beanspruchungshöhe und ‐zeit in ein gemeinsames Bild einordnen. Das Maximum im Modulverlauf zeigt bei hochorientierten Proben den Beginn der irreversiblen Verformung an und ist abhängig von der Längenverteilung der Verbindungsmoleküle.
Morphologische Untersuchungen an Carboxymethylcellulosefilmen
Authors: Tiersch B. , Purz H. J. , Dautzenberg H. , Philipp B.
Published: April 2003

An Carboxymethylcellulosefilmen, bei deren Herstellung sowohl die Zusammensetzung der wäßrigen Gießlösung hinsichtlich Polymerkonzentration, Alkalität, sowie durch Zusätze niedermolekularer Salze variiert wurde, als auch Konzentration und Konzentrationsverhältnis der Fällbadkomponenten H2SO4 und Na2SO4 verändert wurden, erfolgten elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen mit dem Ziel, zur weiteren Klärung des Koagulationsprozesses bei hydrophilen Polymeren beizutragen. Aus den durch Umsetzung der alkalischen Na‐CMC‐Lösung mit CS2 und anschließende Koagulation im sauren Bad in Anwesenheit, sowie auch nach Entfernung der sulfidischen Nebenprodukte (Na2S, Na2CS3) erhaltenen Fällungsstrukturen wurden weiterführende Aussagen zur Bildung größerer Hohlräume in solchen Fällungsstrukturen erhalten.
Ethylen‐Polymerisation mit trägerfixierten Organometallverbindungen. I. Herstellung der katalysatoren
Authors: Sommer H. , Giesemann J. , Ulbricht J.
Published: April 2003

Tetrabenzylzirkonium wird auf Aluminiumoxid mit unterschiedlichem Gehalt von Hydroxylgruppen an der Oberfläche, erzeugt durch Erhitzen zwischen 200 und 800°C, fixiert. In Abhängigkeit von der Hydroxylgruppenkonzentration tragen die gebildeten Zirkoniumverbindungen zwei oder drei solvolytisch abspaltbare Benzylgruppen, falls bei der Umsetzung die Konzentration des Zirkoniumorganyls kleiner als die der Hydroxylgruppen ist. Wird dagegen ein Überschuß des Organyls eingesetzt, so läßt sich danach nur noch eine Benzylgruppe abspalten.
Studien zur Verzweigung von Kettenmolekülen. XXIV. Über die Lösungsmittelabhängigkeit der Kontraktionsfaktoren g und g′ des Polyethylens niederer Dichte
Authors: Arndt K. F. , Schröder E. , Wulfert Ch.
Published: April 2003

Zur Bestimmung der Zahl von Langkettenverzweigungen müssen Voraussetzungen über den Zusammenhang zwischen den Meßgrößen g und g′ mit dem Kontraktionsfaktor im ungestörten Zustand g0 getroffen werden. Die Zwei‐Parameter‐Theorie läßt Schlußfolgerungen über die Beziehungen zwischen g′—g0′, g—g0 sowie g′—g und g0′—g0 zu, die durch Experimente überprüft werden.
Investigation of the synthesis and of some properties of polyketones from diphenyl oxide and iso‐ and terephthaloyl chloride
Authors: Gileva N. G. , Zolotuchin M. G. , Salazkin S. N. , Rafikov S. R. , Hörhold H.‐H. , Raabe D.
Published: April 2003

The polycondensation of diphenyl oxide with isophthaloyl chloride in methylene chloride and nitrobenzene has been studied and optimum conditions of the polyketone synthesis were established. The effect of the chemical structure of homo‐ and copolymers of diphenyl oxide and iso‐ and terephthaloyl chloride on their properties is investigated.
Synthesis and thermal properties of poly(arylene metalsulfides)
Authors: Sergeev V. A. , Nedel'Kin V. I. , Pavlova S. A. , Žuravleva I. V. , Ševljakova N. P.
Published: April 2003

New thermostable polymers of the general formula [ArXArSMeS], where X is O, S or CC bond, and Me is Pb or Cd, were prepared. Properties and thermal degradation of these polymers in an inert medium and in air have been investigated. Main products of degradation were determined and the activation energy of the reaction leading to gaseous products were determined.
Isomerism of modell amino acids and complex formation of model amino acids and polyamidoacids with aprotic polar solvents
Authors: Šibaev L. A. , Dauengauer S. A. , Denisov V. M. , Kol'Cov A. I. , Sazanov Ju. N. , Žukova T. I.
Published: April 2003

Crystalline complexes of pyromellitdianilic acid (PMA) with dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and dimethylsulphoxide have been synthesized and investigated for the first time. Their composition was determined. It was shown that polyamic acids form similar complexes with aprotic solvents. The isomeric composition of PMA complexes was investigated and isomerization of PMA in solution under mild conditions was observed.
Texturuntersuchungen an Polyvinylidenfluorid (PVDF). Teil I. Untersuchungen zum Orientierungszustand einachsig gereckter PVDF‐Folien der Modifikation I in Abhängigkeit von der Einwirkung eines elektrischen Feldes
Authors: Geiss D. , Ruscher Ch.
Published: April 2003

Der Orientierungszustand in einachsig gereckten PVDF‐Folien, deren geordnete Bereiche aus der orthorhombischen Modifikation I bestehen, läßt sich als uniaxial planarer Texturtyp beschreiben. Die Änderung des Orientierungszustandes als Folge der Einwirkung eines elektrischen Feldes ≦ 2 MV · cm−1 wird als Änderung der bevorzugten Ausrichtung der Netzebene (200) in eine bevorzugte Ausrichtung der Netzebene (020) parallel zur Folienoberfläche interpretiert. Diese Änderung entspricht einer teilweisen Ausrichtung der molekularen Dipole der TT‐Konformation in den geordneten Bereichen in Richtung des einwirkenden elektrischen Feldes.
Permanent‐antielektrostatische Modifizierung von Polyacrylnitril‐Faserstoffen mit Blockcopolyetherester. 1. Mitt.: Löseverhalten und antielektrostatische Wirksamkeit der Modifikatoren
Authors: Albrecht W. , Becker M. , Gröbe V. , Makschin W. , Dietrich K. , Mann G.
Published: April 2003

Blockcopolyetherester werden hinsichtlich antielektrostatischer Wirksamkeit und Löseverhalten in Dimethylformamid und dessen Gemischen mit Wasser charakterisiert. Das gegenüber nicht derivatisiertem Polyethylenglykol günstigere Leitfähigkeitsverhalten dieser Substanzklasse ist durch Besonderheiten in der Struktur begründet. Es wird eine Vorauswahl für den Einsatz als Antistatikum für PAN vorgenommen. Danach stellen Blockcopolyetherester mit 80 bis 85 Masse‐% Polyethylenglykol 4000 günstige Modifikatorkomponenten dar.
Chemical factors affecting soiling and soil release from cotton‐containing durable press fabrics. Part XII: Inclusion of different additive compounds in crosslinked cotton
Authors: Hebeish A. , Ibrahim N. A. , Amin S. A. , Hana H. L.
Published: April 2003

The effect of inclusion of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinylalcohol or tetraoxalyl urea in crosslinked cotton on the behaviour of the latter to aqueous and nonaqueous oily soiling was investigated. Inclusion of these additives in cotton crosslinked in absence of softener enhanced aqueous and oily soil resistance, provided that the additive was applied after the finishing pad. Incorporation of softener in the finishing bath turned the effect of the additive to the opposite. The effect of the additives in the crosslinked cotton on hydrophilicity and other properties of the finished product was also studied.
Potassium persulphate‐cupric ion induced grafting of acrylonitrile to nylon 6 fibres
Authors: Shalaby S. E. , El‐Shahed M. F. , Heibeish A.
Published: April 2003

Polyamide 6‐acrylonitrile graft copolymers were prepared without formation of homopolymer by using an initiation system consisting of potassium persulphate, cupric ion and a surface active substance. The graft yield was determined in dependence on the concentration of cupric ion, persulphate and acrylonitrile as well as time and temperature of polymerization. A mechanism of the grafting reaction is suggested.
The dielectric properties of grafted cotton
Authors: Hanna A. A.
Published: April 2003

The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of native cotton and cotton grafted with methyl methacrylate, styrene and vinyl acetate were measured at different temperatures and frequencies. The results indicate that grafting results in a decrease of the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss, which may be due to a decrease in the number of the polar groups. The apparent activation energy of relaxation is calculated.