bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Toxicity toward Caspase‐Independent Apoptosis through the Mitochondria‐Calcium Pathway in mtDNA‐Depleted Cells
Authors: SHIH YUNG‐LUEN , LIN CHIEN‐JU , HSU SHENG‐WEI , WANG SHENG‐HAO , CHEN WEI‐LI , LEE MEI‐TSU , WEI YAU‐HUEI , SHIH CHWEN‐MING
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Mitochondria are believed to be integrators and coordinators of programmed cell death in addition to their respiratory function. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐depleted osteosarcoma cells (ρ0 cells) as a cell model, we investigated the apoptogenic signaling pathway of cadmium (Cd) under a condition of mitochondrial dysfunction. The apoptotic percentage was determined to be around 58.0% after a 24‐h exposure to 25 μM Cd using flow cytometry staining with propidium iodine (PI). Pretreatment with Z‐VAD‐fmk, a broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor, failed to prevent apoptosis following Cd exposure. Moreover, Cd was unable to activate caspase 3 using DEVD‐AFC as a substrate, indicating that Cd induced a caspase‐independent apoptotic pathway in ρ0 cells. JC‐1 staining demonstrated that mitochondrial membrane depolarization was a prelude to apoptosis. On the other hand, the intracellular calcium concentration increased 12.5‐fold after a 2‐h exposure to Cd. More importantly, the apoptogenic activity of Cd was almost abolished by ruthenium red, a mitochondrial calcium uniporter blocker. This led us to conclude that mtDNA‐depleted cells provide an alternative pathway for Cd to conduct caspase‐independent apoptosis through a mitochondria‐calcium mechanism.
Alleviation of Oxidative Damage in Multiple Tissues in Rats with Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes by Rice Bran Oil Supplementation
Authors: HSIEH RONG‐HONG , LIEN LI‐MING , LIN SHYH‐HSIANG , CHEN CHIA‐WEN , CHENG HUEI‐JU , CHENG HSING‐HSIEN
Published: June 2005

Abstract: The possibility of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) serving as a sensitive biomarker of oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress was investigated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to be a cause of diabetes induced by chemicals such as streptozotocin (STZ) in experimental animals. In this study, we examined oxidative DNA damage in multiple tissues in rats with STZ‐induced diabetes by measuring the levels of 8‐OHdG in the liver, kidney, pancreas, brain, and heart. Levels of 8‐OHdG in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were also determined in multiple tissues of rats treated with rice bran oil. Levels were 0.19 ± 0.07, 0.88 ± 0.30, 1.97 ± 0.05, and 9.79 ± 3.09 (1/105 dG) in the liver of nDNA of normal rats, nDNA of STZ‐induced diabetic rats, mtDNA of normal rats, and mtDNA of STZ‐induced diabetic rats, respectively. Levels of mtDNA of 8‐OHdG were 10 times higher than those of nDNA in multiple tissues. Significant reductions in mtDNA 8‐OHdG levels were seen in the liver, kidney, and pancreas of diabetic rats treated with rice bran oil compared with diabetic rats without intervention. Our study demonstrated that oxidative mtDNA damage may occur in multiple tissues of STZ‐induced diabetics rats. Intervention with rice bran oil treatment may reverse the increase in the frequency of 8‐OHdG.
Impact of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus Infection on Outcome in Children and Adolescents With Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Claviez Alexander , Tiemann Markus , Lüders Heike , Krams Matthias , Parwaresch Reza , Schellong Günther , Dörffel Wolfgang
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The prognostic significance of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is debated controversially. Especially in the pediatric age group, no conclusive data are available.

Patients and Methods

Eight hundred forty-two children and adolescents (median age, 13.7 years) from pediatric multicenter treatment studies HD-90 and HD-95 were studied for latent EBV infection in Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg cells by immunostaining against latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1). Results were compared with established risk factors.

Results

Two hundred sixty-three patients (31%) were LMP positive. EBV infection correlated with sex (39% male v 23% female; P < .001), histologic subtype (69% mixed cellularity v 22% nodular sclerosis v 6% lymphocyte predominance; P < .001) and young age. With a median follow-up of 4.9 years, 820 patients (97%) are alive. Probability of overall survival at 10 years (± standard deviation) for EBV-negative and -positive patients was 98.1% ± 0.6% and 95.1% ± 1.4%, respectively (P = .017 by log-rank test). A negative effect of EBV infection became evident for patients with nodular sclerosis subtype Bennett II (P = .02), and those treated for advanced stages (P = .003). In multivariate analysis, LMP positivity was an independent factor for adverse outcome (RR = 3.08). Probability of failure-free survival (FFS) in LMP positive and negative patients was 89.1% ± 2.3% and 84.1% ± 3.9%, respectively (P = .86).

Conclusion

With effective combined treatment modalities in pediatric HL, latent EBV infection has no influence on FFS but is associated with an inferior overall survival in crucial subgroups.
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer During Pregnancy: An 18-Year Experience From Five London Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Ring Alistair E. , Smith Ian E. , Jones Alison , Shannon Catherine , Galani Eleni , Ellis Paul A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The rare association between breast cancer and pregnancy means that few oncologists gain an expertise in this area. In particular, there are few published data concerning the use of chemotherapy for breast cancer during pregnancy. In this retrospective case series, we describe the experiences of five hospitals in London, United Kingdom, and how they manage this condition.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective searches were performed at five London hospitals in order to identify women who received chemotherapy for breast cancer while pregnant.

Results

Twenty-eight women were identified who had received chemotherapy for breast cancer during pregnancy. Twenty-four women received adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer, and four women received palliative chemotherapy for metastatic disease. A total of 116 cycles of chemotherapy were administered during pregnancy. Sixteen women were treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and 12 received cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil. All but one of the women were treated after the first trimester. One spontaneous abortion occurred in the woman treated during her first trimester; otherwise, there were no serious adverse consequences for the mothers or neonates.

Conclusion

These data provide evidence that in terms of peripartum complications and immediate fetal outcome, chemotherapy can be safely administered to women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Trials of Adjuvant Epirubicin for Early Breast Cancer: Correlation With Doses of Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Praga Claudio , Bergh Jonas , Bliss Judith , Bonneterre Jacques , Cesana Bruno , Coombes R. Charles , Fargeot Pierre , Folin Annika , Fumoleau Pierre , Giuliani Rosa , Kerbrat Pierre , Hery Michel , Nilsson Jonas , Onida Francesco , Piccart Martine , Shepherd Lois , Therasse Patrick , Wils Jacques , Rogers David
Published: June 2005

Purpose

We reviewed follow-up of patients treated in 19 randomized trials of adjuvant epirubicin in early breast cancer to determine incidence, risk, and risk factors for subsequent acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Patients and Methods

The patients (N = 9,796) were observed from the start of adjuvant treatment (53,080 patient-years). Cases of AML or MDS (AML/MDS) were reported, with disease characteristics. Incidence and cumulative risk were compared for possible risk factors, for assigned regimens, and for administered cumulative doses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Results

In 7,110 patients treated with epirubicin-containing regimens (92% of whom also received cyclophosphamide), 8-year cumulative probability of AML/MDS was 0.55% (95% CI, 0.33% to 0.78%). The risk of developing AML/MDS increased in relation to planned epirubicin dose per cycle, planned epirubicin dose-intensity, and administered cumulative doses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. Patients with administered cumulative doses of both epirubicin and cyclophosphamide not exceeding those used in standard regimens (≤ 720 mg/m2 and ≤ 6,300 mg/m2, respectively) had an 8-year cumulative probability of developing AML/MDS of 0.37% (95% CI, 0.13% to 0.61%) compared with 4.97% (95% CI, 2.06% to 7.87%) for patients administered higher cumulative doses of both epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Conclusion

Patients treated with standard cumulative doses of adjuvant epirubicin (≤ 720 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (≤ 6,300 mg/m2) for early breast cancer have a lower probability of secondary leukemia than patients treated with higher cumulative doses. Increased risk of secondary leukemia must be considered when assessing the potential benefit to risk ratio of higher than standard doses.
Differential Increase in Forebrain and Caudal Neurosecretory System Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Urotensin I Gene Expression Associated with Seawater Transfer in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Craig Paul M. , Al-Timimi Haider , Bernier Nicholas J.
Published: June 2005

Transfer to seawater (SW) in rainbow trout elicits an increase in plasma cortisol and a bout of anorexia. Although the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system has known hypophysiotropic and anorexigenic properties, it is not known whether CRF-related peptides originating from either the forebrain or the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) play a role during SW acclimation. Therefore, we examined the effects of SW transfer on food intake, plasma osmolality, hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis activity, and the expression of CRF and urotensin I (UI) in the forebrain and the CNSS. While SW transfer chronically suppressed food intake over a 2-wk period, it transiently increased plasma osmolality, ACTH, and cortisol. Similarly, 24 h after SW transfer, hypothalamic and preoptic area CRF mRNA levels were significantly increased but recovered to pretransfer levels within 7 d. Conversely, SW transfer elicited a delayed increase in hypothalamic UI mRNA levels and had no effect on preoptic area UI expression. In the CNSS, SW exposure was associated with parallel increases in CRF and UI mRNA levels from 24 h post transfer through 7 d. Finally, in situ hybridization demonstrated an extensive and overlapping pattern of CNSS CRF and UI expression. These results differentially implicate specific neuronal populations of the CRF system in the acute and chronic responses to a hyperosmotic stress and suggest that forebrain and CNSS CRF-related peptides have different roles in the coordinated response to fluid balance disturbances.
Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz syndrome in trisomy 13: How does the mix work?
Authors: Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Picker Jonathan , Irons Mira B. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Trisomy 13 and Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz syndrome (SLOS) are both well‐recognized multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes.

CASE

In this report we describe a male newborn with trisomy 13 who also has features of SLOS, such as 2/3 toe syndactyly and a shawl‐like scrotum. Biochemical analysis was consistent with SLOS, and limited molecular analysis revealed 1 mutation in the DHCR7 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The challenges in establishing the diagnosis of SLOS in this patient are presented and the unique coexistence of the 2 major malformation syndromes is discussed. Given the overlapping phenotype of the 2 syndromes, our report should encourage further research on cholesterol biosynthesis in patients with trisomy 13. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of heat‐shock protein 70 during limb development and regeneration in the axolotl
Authors: Lévesque Mathieu , Guimond Jean‐Charles , Pilote Mireille , Leclerc Séverine , Moldovan Florina , Roy Stéphane
Published: June 2005

Urodele amphibians (e.g., axolotls) have the unique ability, among vertebrates, to regenerate perfectly many parts of their body after amputation. The limb has been the most widely studied regenerating structure in these organisms and provides an ideal model in which to understand how vertebrates can regenerate complex tissues. The present study focuses on Hsp‐70, a member of the stress‐related heat‐shock protein family. This protein is normally induced after a stress or trauma such as heat‐shock, ultraviolet irradiation, or wounding. Thus, studying its expression during axolotl limb regeneration, a response to an important traumatic event (amputation), is of great interest to further understand how the regenerative process is mediated. Using molecular biology and biochemical techniques, we have characterized both the spatiotemporal and quantitative expression patterns of Hsp‐70 in axolotl development and regeneration. Our results show that Hsp‐70 is expressed and regulated during axolotl development as in other vertebrates. Our data also demonstrate an up‐regulation of the RNA transcript for Hsp‐70 during limb regeneration as early as 24 hr after amputation that is maintained up to early differentiation. We also demonstrate a similar pattern of expression for the protein during regeneration. Finally, we show that axolotl Hsp‐70 is induced threefold after heat‐shock as observed in other vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 233:1525–1534, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iodide‐Selective Electrodes Based on Bis[N(2‐methyl‐phenyl) 4‐Nitro‐thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) and Bis[N‐phenyl 3,5‐Dinitro‐thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) Carriers
Authors: Ghaedi Mehrorang , Shojaie Abdolah Falah , Montazerozohori Morteza , Karami Bahador , Gharaghani Shiva
Published: June 2005

Highly selective poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrodes based on recently synthesized mercury complexes including Hg(Nmpntb)2 and Hg(Npdntb)2 as new carriers for iodide‐selective electrodes by incorporating the membrane ingredients on the surface of graphite electrodes are reported. The effect of various parameters including the membrane composition, pH and possible interfering anions were investigated on the response properties of the electrodes. Both sensors exhibited Nernstian responses toward iodide over a wide concentration range of 7×10−7 to 0.1 M and 1×10−6 to 0.1 M, with slopes of 59.6±0.8 and 58.9±0.9 mV per decade of iodide concentration and detection limit of 3×10−7  M and 7×10−7 for Hg(Npdntb)2 and Hg(Nmpntb)2, respectively, over a wide pH range of 3–11. The sensors have response times of ≤5 s and can be used for at least 2 months without any considerable divergence in their potential response. The proposed electrodes show good ability to discriminate iodide over several inorganic and organic anions. The electrodes were successfully applied to direct determination of iodide in synthetic mixture, waste water and drinking water and as indicator electrodes in precipitation titrations.
Modelling Mobile Species Dynamics within Electroactive Films under Mixed Thermodynamic and Kinetic Control
Authors: Hillman A. Robert , Mohamoud Mohamoud A. , Bruckenstein Stanley
Published: June 2005

The mobile species (ion and solvent) content of permselective electroactive films can be represented in 3D compositional space, where the three components are potential (E), charge (Q) and solvent population (ΓS). Having introduced this concept for films undergoing redox switching under thermodynamic control with ideal solvation characteristics, it was previously shown how one could introduce the additional complexity of non‐ideal solvation characteristics, or slow charge (electron/ion) transfer kinetics, or slow solvent transfer kinetics. Here, the facility is developed to incorporate any combination of these complexities, providing a more realistic model for “typical” electroactive films. Additionally, the possibility of “asymmetry” in the entry and exit rates of mobile species is considered. A range of specific kinetic and thermodynamic scenarios is explored for a cyclic voltammetric potential control function and represented in (E,Q, ΓS)‐space and through solvent:ion flux ratios. These integral and differential compositional representations are directly applicable to experimental data from a wide range of in situ techniques and allow simple visualization and qualitative recognition of specific behavioral types. The responses vary significantly with potential scan rate, underscoring the value of varying experimental timescale in order to highlight specific phenomena and thereby evaluate the relevant thermodynamic or kinetic parameters.
Effect of Silicotungstic Acid (STA) on the Performance of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Based on Nafion® Cast in Dimethylformamide
Authors: Tian H. , Savadogo O.
Published: June 2005

A casting process for composite Nafion®/STA membranes was achieved. The membrane casting was based on the evaporation of 5% Nafion® solution in N,N′‐dimethylformamide (DMF) with and without silicotungstic acid (STA) as an additive. Optimized parameters for the casting process were determined. The water uptake and the ionic conductivity of the cast membranes were measured. The variation of the volume of Nafion® and the STA concentrations on the water uptake and conductivity of the cast membranes were investigated under various conditions. The sulphuric acid uptake was also determined. The effect of the membrane soaking conditions, on water uptake and conductivity, were determined. The contribution of the (‐SO3H) groups, the STA species, and/or the sulphuric acid to the membrane properties was discussed. The performance of hydrogen/oxygen (H2/O2) PEM Fuel Cells based on the membranes cast with STA was compared to those based on membranes cast without STA. It was shown that the water uptake of the cast membrane increased from 18% to 50% when the STA concentration used in the casting bath increased from 0 to 5 × 10–3�M. For the membrane fabricated without STA, the water uptake and the conductivity do not change with membrane thickness, whereas for the membranes cast with STA, the water uptake and the conductivity increase with membrane thickness. A performance improvement of 0.3 A cm–2 at 0.6 V was obtained with the H2/O2 PEM fuel cell based on membranes cast with STA, compared to the performance of the cell based on membranes cast without STA. On the other hand, this performance improvement, for the cells based on the membranes cast in DMF (0.3 A cm–2 at 0.6 V), is higher than that for the cells based on membranes cast in aqueous electrolyte (0.15 A cm–2 at 0.6 V).It was anticipated that soaking the membranes in sulphuric acid might improve their performance for H2/O2 PEMFC applications.
Hydroxy apatite microspheres enhance gap junctional intercellular communication of human osteoblasts composed of connexin 43 and 45
Authors: Nakaoka Ryusuke , Ahmed Saifuddin , Tsuchiya Toshie
Published: June 2005

The aseptic loosening of artificial joints with associated periprosthetic bone resorption may be partly due to the suppression of osteoblast function to form new bone by wear debris from the joint. To assess the effect of wear debris on osteoblasts, effects of model wear debris on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) of normal human osteoblasts were estimated. The GJIC activity of the osteoblasts after a 1‐day incubation with the microspheres was similar to that of normal osteoblasts. However, hydroxy apatite particles, which have been reported to enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts in contact with them, enhanced the GJIC function of the osteoblasts. From RT‐PCR studies, not only connexin 43 but also connexin 45 is suggested to play a role in the GJIC of the osteoblasts in an early stage of coculture with the microspheres, although it is still unclear how these connexins work and are regulated in the GJIC and differentiation. However, this study suggests that there is a relationship between the early levels of GJIC and the differentiation of the cells. Therefore, estimating the effect of biomaterials, even in the microsphere form, on the GJIC of model cells, with which the biomaterials may be in contact in vivo, can provide important information about their biocompatibility. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005
Substituent effects on heats of formation, group interactions, and detonation properties of polyazidocubanes
Authors: Ju Xue‐Hai , Wang Xin , Bei Feng‐Li
Published: June 2005

We have calculated the heats of formation (HOFs) for a series of polyazidocubanes by using the density functional theory (DFT), Hartree‐Fock, and MP2 methods with 6‐31G* basis set as well as semiempirical methods. The cubane skeleton was chosen for a reference compound, that is, the cubane skeleton was not broken in the process of designing isodesmic reactions. There exists group additivity for the HOF with respect to the azido group. The semiempirical AM1 method also produced reliable results for the HOFs of the title compounds, but the semiempirical MINDO3 did not. The relationship between HOFs and molecular structures was discussed. It was found that the HOF increases 330–360 kJ/mol for each additional number of the azido group being added to the cubane skeleton. The distance between azido groups slightly influences the values of HOFs. The interacting energies of neighbor azido groups in polyazidocubanes are in the range of 2.3∼6.6 kJ/mol, which are so small and less related to the substituent numbers. The average interaction energy between nearest neighbor N3 groups in the most stable conformer of octaazidocubane is 2.29 kJ/mol at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level. The relative stability related to the number of azido groups of the title compounds was assessed based on the calculated HOFs, the energy gaps between the frontier orbitals, and the bond orders of the CN3 and CC bonds. The predicted detonation velocity of hepta‐ and octa‐derivatives is over 9 km/s, and the detonation pressure of them is ca. 40 GPa or over. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 1263–1269, 2005
Sensible heat exchange at the Antarctic snow surface: a study with automatic weather stations
Authors: van den Broeke Michiel , van As Dirk , Reijmer Carleen , van de Wal Roderik
Published: June 2005

Data of four automatic weather stations (AWSs) are used to calculate the turbulent exchange of sensible heat at the Antarctic snow surface for a 4 year period (1998–2001). The AWSs are situated on the ice shelf, in the coastal/inland katabatic wind zone and on the interior plateau in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. Sensible heat flux (SHF) is calculated using the aerodynamic ‘bulk’ method between a single AWS sensor level and the surface, in combination with surface temperature derived from upwelling longwave radiation and surface roughness derived from eddy correlation measurements. Good agreement is found between calculated and directly measured SHF. All AWS sites show a downward‐directed average sensible heat transport, but otherwise the differences between the various zones are large. The surface roughness for momentum differs by an order of magnitude between the interior plateau (0.02 mm) and the katabatic wind zone (0.16 mm). On the ice shelf, frequent clouds limit surface cooling, and annual mean SHF is small (8 W m−2). In contrast, clear skies prevail on the interior plateau, but weak winds, an aerodynamically smooth surface and stability effects limit annual mean SHF to an equally low value (8 W m−2). The most favourable conditions for sensible heat exchange are found in the katabatic wind zone, where a combination of strong winds, relatively little cloud cover and a rougher surface results in annual mean SHF values of 22 to 24 W m−2. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
Substitution of aqua ligands from cis‐[Pt(en)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 and cis‐[Pt(dmen)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (en = ethylenediamine, dmen = N N′‐dimethyl ethylenediamine) by glycine in aqueous medium—a kinetic and mechanistic approach
Authors: Bera Sujit K. , Chandra Swapan K. , De Gauri S.
Published: June 2005

The kinetics of the interaction of glycine with cis‐[Pt(en)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 and cis‐[Pt(dmen)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (en = ethylenediamine, dmen = N,N′‐dimethylethylene‐diamine) have been studied spectrophotometrically as a function of [substrate complex], [glycine], and temperature at a particular pH (4.0) where the substrate complex exists predominantly as the diaqua species and glycine as the zwitterion. The reaction was found to proceed through two consecutive steps. The first step involves the ligand‐assisted anation, while the second step involves chelation when the second aqua ligand is displaced. Rate constants have been evaluated using the Weyh and Hamm method. Activation parameters for both steps have also been calculated using the Eyring equation. The low enthalpy of activation and large negative values of entropy of activation indicate an associative mode of activation for both steps. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 489–495, 2005
How accurate is measuring postvoid residual volume by portable abdominal ultrasound equipment in peritoneal dialysis patient?
Authors: Yucel Selcuk , Kocak Huseyin , Sanli Ahmet , Tosun Ozgur , Tuncer Murat , Ersoy Fevzi , Baykara Mehmet
Published: June 2005

Introduction

Despite the wide spread use of modern portable ultrasound equipment to measure the postvoid residual urine, its accuracy and reliability has been questioned. We investigated the accuracy of postvoid residual urine measurement by portable abdominal ultrasound equipment in end‐stage renal disease patients who are under either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 21 male (range: 25–44 years, mean age: 32 years) end‐stage renal disease patients were studied. Ten were under peritoneal dialysis and 11 under hemodialysis. After uroflowmetric study, all patients were evaluated with portable abdominal ultrasound equipment (BladderScan BVI 3000, Diagnostic Ultrasound Corporation, WA) by both a technician and a physician and they were subsequently catheterized with a 10F catheter to measure the residual urine volume in the urinary bladder. Postvoid residual urine volume results by portable abdominal ultrasound equipment and urethral catheterization were analyzed.

Results

We found portable abdominal ultrasound to be very accurate to measure the volume of postvoid residual urine in hemodialysis patients(r = 0.921, P < 0.05 by physician and r = 0.904, P < 0.05 by technician). However, accuracy was the worst in peritoneal dialysis patients (r = 0.055, P = 0.88 by physician and r = 0.336, P = 0.343 by technician). The technician or physician use of the equipment did not change the accuracy profile of the equipment in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

Conclusions

Portable abdominal ultrasound equipment may be an unreliable method to measure postvoid residual urine volume in peritoneal dialysis patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peculiarities in the solvent absorption characteristics of epoxy‐siloxane hybrids
Authors: Mascia Leno , Prezzi Luca , Lavorgna Marino
Published: June 2005

Epoxy‐siloxane hybrids (bi‐continuous nanocomposites) were produced from mixtures of a silane‐functionalized resin and tetra‐ethoxysilane by the sol‐gel method. Absorption of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in thin samples was found to take place by a two‐stage process, consisting of an induction period and a subsequent step‐increase to the equilibrium level. The induction time increased with increasing siloxane content, while the equilibrium amount absorbed decreased accordingly. By assuming that solvent uptake of the system follows a classical Case II absorption, a graphical relationship between induction time, diffusion coefficient, and velocity of the advanced plasticized front was proposed as a basis for the control of the solvent absorption characteristics of this type of material. Absorption of methanol (CH3OH) took place rapidly and without an apparent induction stage, but the amount absorbed at equilibrium was much lower than for THF absorption. Increasing the siloxane content did not significantly decrease the amount of CH3OH absorbed at equilibrium, but considerably reduced the rate of solvent uptake, while the sorption process assumed the features of a two‐stage process. The cyclic absorption of both solvents was found to cause structural changes in the epoxy network, in the form of a combination of physical aging and increased cross‐linking density. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:1039–1048, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of methoxyfenozide on Lobesia botrana Den & Schiff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) egg, larval and adult stages
Authors: Sáenz‐de‐Cabezón Irigaray Francisco‐Javier , Marco Vicente , Zalom Frank G , Pérez‐Moreno Ignacio
Published: June 2005

The effect of the non‐steroidal ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide was evaluated against different developmental stages of the grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana Dennis & Schiffermuller (Lep, Tortricidae). Methoxyfenozide administered orally reduced the fecundity and fertility of adults treated with 1, 5 and 10 mg litre−1; longevity was not affected. An LC50 value of 4.5 mg litre−1 was obtained when applied to eggs of less than 1 day old. Surface treatment was more effective than when applied by spraying. Administered into the diet, methoxyfenozide had a larvicidal effect; older larvae were more susceptible than younger larvae, with LC50 values of 0.1 mg litre−1 for L1, 0.04 for L3 and 0.02 for L5. Larvae treated with sub‐lethal doses throughout their lives did not emerge as adults at the highest doses (0.08, 0.04, 0.02 and 0.01 mg litre−1), with 65% and 40% emergence occurring for the lowest (0.005 and 0.0025 mg litre−1). Mortality occurred only in the larval stage. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of chlorpyrifos in freshwater model ecosystems: the influence of experimental conditions on ecotoxicological thresholds
Authors: van Wijngaarden René PA , Brock Theo CM , Douglas Mark T
Published: June 2005

Three experiments were conducted to determine the impact of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (single applications of 0.01 to 10 µg AI litre−1) in plankton‐dominated nutrient‐rich microcosms. The microcosms (water volume approximately 14 litres) were established in the laboratory under temperature, light regimes and nutrient levels that simulated cool ‘temperate’ and warm ‘Mediterranean’ environmental conditions. The fate of chlorpyrifos in the water column was monitored and the effects on zooplankton, phytoplankton and community metabolism were followed for 4 or 5 weeks. The mean half‐life (t1/2) of chlorpyrifos in the water of the test systems was 45 h under ‘temperate’ conditions and about 30 h under ‘Mediterranean’ environmental conditions. Microcrustaceans (cladocerans and copepod nauplii) were amongst the most sensitive organisms. All three experiments yielded community NOEC (no observed effect concentrations) of 0.1 µg AI litre−1, similar to those derived from more complex outdoor studies. Above this threshold level, responses and effect chains, and time spans for recovery, differed between the experiments. For example, algal blooms as an indirect effect from the impact of exposure on grazing organisms were only observed under the ‘Mediterranean’ experimental conditions. The relatively simple indoor test system seems to be sufficient to provide estimates of safe threshold levels for the acute insecticidal effects of low‐persistence compounds such as chlorpyrifos. The robustness of the community NOEC indicates that this threshold level is likely to be representative for many freshwater systems. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Susceptibility of the Superficial Sensory Branch of the Radial Nerve to Form Painful Neuromas
Authors: DELLON A. LEE , MACKINNON SUSAN E.
Published: June 2005

The superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve appears prone to develop painful neuromas out of proportion to its likelihood for injury. Based on cadaver dissections and intraoperative observations, an anatomical mechanism for this “predisposition” is suggested. Exit of this nerve beneath dense fascia and the tendons of brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus provide a proximal tethering against which tension develops as the distal fixation point (neuroma) is pulled through the long excursion of wrist are of motion. This long excursion and proximal tethering are not present anatomically for the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve nor the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.
Traumatic Correction of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: GRACE D. L. , McGROUTHER D. A. , PHILLIPS H.
Published: June 2005

Two cases are described where a Dupuytren’s contracture has been released by injury.
Latissimus Dorsi Transplantation to Restore Elbow Flexion to the Paralysed Limb
Authors: TAKAMI H. , TAKAHASHI S. , ANDO M.
Published: June 2005

In two patients with flexor paralysis of the elbow due to a lesion of the brachial pluxus, the entire latissimus dorsi muscle was transplanted to act as an elbow flexor, preserving its neurovascular pedicle. This flexorplasty proved useful for patients who had suffered a traction lesion of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.
An overview of methods and tools for ontology learning from texts
Authors: GÓMEZ-PÉREZ ASUNCIÓN , MANZANO-MACHO DAVID
Published: June 2005

Ontology learning aims at reducing the time and efforts in the ontology development process. In recent years, several methods and tools have been proposed to speed up this process using different sources of information and different techniques. In this paper, we have reviewed 13 methods and 14 tools for semi-automatically building ontologies from texts and their relationships with the techniques each method follows. The methods have been grouped according to the main techniques followed and three groups have been identified: one based on linguistics, one on statistics, and one on machine learning. Regarding the tools, the criterion for grouping them, which has been the main aim of the tool, is to distinguish what elements of the ontology can be learned with each tool. According to this, we have identified three kinds of tools: tools for learning relations, tools for learning new concepts, and assisting tools for building up taxonomies.
Four-dimensional quantum study on exothermic complex-forming reactions: Cl−+CH3Br→ClCH3+Br−
Authors: Hennig Carsten , Schmatz Stefan
Published: June 2005

The exothermic gas-phase bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction Cl−+CH3Br (υ1′,υ2′,υ3′)→ClCH3(υ1,υ2,υ3)+Br− and the corresponding endothermic reverse reaction have been studied by time-independent quantum scattering calculations in hyperspherical coordinates on a coupled-cluster potential-energy surface. The dimensionality-reduced model takes four degrees of freedom into account [Cl–C and C–Br stretching modes (quantum numbers υ3′ and υ3); totally symmetric modes of the methyl group, i.e., C–H stretching (υ1′ and υ1) and umbrella bending vibrations (υ2′ and υ2)]. Diagonalization of the Hamiltonian was performed employing the Lanczos algorithm with a variation of partial reorthogonalization. A narrow grid in the total energy was employed so that long-living resonance states could be resolved and extracted. While excitation of the reactant umbrella bending mode already leads to a considerable enhancement of the reaction probability, its combination with vibrational excitation of the broken C–Br bond, (0, 1, 1), results in a strong synergic effect that can be rationalized by the similarity with the classical transitional normal mode. Exciting the C–H stretch has a non-negligible effect on the reaction probability, while for larger translational energies this mode follows the expected spectatorlike behavior. Combination of C–Br stretch and symmetric C–H, (1,0,1), stretch does not show a cooperative effect. Contrary to the spectator mode concept, energy originally stored in the C–H stretching mode is by no means conserved, but almost completely released in other modes of the reaction products. Products are most likely formed in states with a high degree of excitation in the new C–Cl bond, while the internal modes of the methyl group are less important. Reactants with combined umbrella/C–Br stretch excitation, (0, 1, 1), may yield products with two quanta in the umbrella mode.
Thermoelectric effects in wurtzite GaN and AlxGa1−xN alloys
Authors: Liu Weili , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: June 2005

We have investigated theoretically the thermoelectric effects in wurtzite GaN crystals and AlxGa1−xN alloys. The electron-transport model includes all dominant energy-dependent electron-scattering mechanisms, such as charged dislocation and ionized impurity scattering, polar optical phonon, deformation potential, and piezoelectric acoustic-phonon scattering. The results of the calculation show that GaN-based alloys may have some potential as thermoelectric materials at high temperature. It was found that the thermoelectric figure-of-merit for bulk GaN at T=300K is about 0.0017 while it can reach 0.2 in the thermally resistive Al0.4Ga0.6N alloy at T=1000K. The obtained results agree well with available experimental data. The developed calculation procedure can be used for the optimization of the thermoelectric properties of GaN alloys. The proposed integration of the GaN high-power microwave and optoelectronic devices with the active thermoelectric cooling implemented on the same material system can improve the device performance.
Manufacturable extremal low-dielectric, high-stiffness porous materials
Authors: Torquato S. , Donev A. , Evans A. G. , Brinker C. J.
Published: June 2005

The drive toward increased semiconductor device densities and improved performance has set in motion the search for low-dielectric-constant materials. While introducing porosity in silica holds promise for reducing the dielectric constant, it remains elusive how to accomplish this without seriously degrading the thermomechanical performance. This article demonstrates a contemporary protocol for materials by design. Applying rigorous cross-property relations, we identify the extremal porous material structure that possesses the desired reduction in the dielectric constant while providing the highest possible stiffness for any given level of porosity. This structural design is crucial to the integration of porous low-dielectric materials into microelectronics and should serve as a guide to future synthetic efforts. Using recently developed self-assembly techniques, we also demonstrate that structures approaching the optimal one can be fabricated. Importantly, our procedure can be applied to general material design problems.
Conductometric properties of linear polyelectrolytes in poor-solvent condition: The necklace model
Authors: Bordi F. , Cametti C. , Gili T. , Sennato S. , Zuzzi S. , Dou S. , Colby R. H.
Published: June 2005

We present a set of low-frequency electrical conductivity measurements of solutions of differently charged, salt-free polyelectrolytes in poor- and in good-solvent conditions, in the semidilute concentration regime. The data have been analyzed and discussed in light of the necklace model for hydrophobic polyelectrolytes recently proposed by Dobrynin et al. [Macromolecules 29, 2974 (1996)] that predicts the chains to collapse into spheroidal cores connected by narrow strings. By varying the quality of the solvent, we have measured the polyion equivalent conductance λp in an extended concentration range in the semidilute regime and have demonstrated that this parameter is influenced by the polyion chain conformation, giving further support, when the poor-solvent condition prevails, to the picture of a string of electrostatic blobs. On the contrary, in good-solvent condition, the electrical conductivity data are in reasonable good agreement with the picture of an extended chain consisting of a collection of electrostatic blobs. These electrical conductivity measurements, in light of scaling theory, furnish new experimental support for the necklace model for hydrophobic polyions in poor solvents.
Energy loss for the assemblies of charged projectiles in a dusty plasma
Authors: Ali S. , Murtaza G. , Nasim M. H.
Published: June 2005

Expressions for the electrostatic potential and the energy loss are derived for a variety of arrays of dust grain projectiles, arranged at different orientations and separations and moving with a constant velocity along the z axis in an unmagnetized collisionless dusty plasma, using linear dielectric theory. By employing the dielectric constant of dust acoustic wave, the Debye and wake potentials are calculated for the projectiles. It is found that a projectile moving with high speed forms a negative wake behind and a shock in front of it. Further, for particular values of interspacing, the three different assemblies exhibit almost similar behavior of the energy loss and thus permit the possibility of all of them to move in unison to establish a dynamical equilibrium in a hexagonal geometry.
Increase in carrier mobility of organic ultrathin-film transistor with increasing molecular layers investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Miyazaki Takashi , Kobayashi Kei , Ishida Kenji , Hotta Shu , Horiuchi Toshihisa , Matsushige Kazumi , Yamada Hirofumi
Published: June 2005

Organic ultrathin transistors with a 3-μm-length channel were fabricated using dimethylquinquethiophene molecules. The local structures of the films and electric potential profiles across the channels were investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy with the gate electrode grounded. We found that the local carrier mobility was much higher for the second-layer regions than for the monolayer regions from potential profiles measured while the gate electrode was electrically grounded. However, the macroscopic carrier mobility increased only slightly by increasing the number of molecular layers. One of the possible reasons for this contradiction was the large contact resistance at the source∕channel interface, which was apparently observed in the potential profiles.
Current–voltage characteristics in strongly correlated double quantum dots
Authors: Chi Feng , Li Shu-Shen
Published: June 2005

We have studied the current–voltage properties of a double quantum dot (DQD) connected by leads in arrangements that vary from series to symmetrical parallel configurations, in the presence of strong intradot Coulomb interaction. The influences of the connecting configurations and the difference between dot levels on the magnitude and symmetry of the total current are examined. We find that the connecting configurations of the dots can determine the number of the current paths and in turn determine the magnitude of the current, while the coupling strengths between the dots and the leads together with the difference of dot levels determine the current–voltage symmetry. The negative differential conductance observed in serial DQD can be explained in terms of the reduction of the current paths.
Ion temperature gradient driven mode in presence of transverse velocity shear in magnetized plasmas
Authors: Chakrabarti Nikhil , Rasmussen Jens Juul , Michelsen Poul
Published: June 2005

The effect of sheared poloidal flow on the toroidal branch of the ion temperature gradient driven mode of magnetized nonuniform plasma is studied. A novel “nonmodal” calculation is used to analyze the problem. It is shown that the transverse shear flow considerably reduced the growth of the instability. A small but finite amount of viscosity and/or diffusion enhanced the stabilization process.
Band alignment in GaInNP∕GaAs heterostructures grown by gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Izadifard M. , Mtchedlidze T. , Vorona I. , Chen W. M. , Buyanova I. A. , Hong Y. G. , Tu C. W.
Published: June 2005

Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation, and optically detected cyclotron resonance measurements are employed to determine band alignment in GaInNP∕GaAs heterostructures grown by gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy. The type II band alignment at the Ga0.46In0.54NxP1−x∕GaAs interface is concluded for the alloys with x⩾0.5% based on (i) highly efficient PL upconversion observed in the N containing samples and (ii) appearance of a near-infrared PL emission attributed to the spatially indirect type II transitions. Compositional dependence of the conduction band offset at the Ga1−yInyNxP1−x∕GaAs interface is also estimated.
Simple layer-by-layer photonic crystal for the control of thermal emission
Authors: Enoch S. , Simon J.-J. , Escoubas L. , Elalmy Z. , Lemarquis F. , Torchio P. , Albrand G.
Published: June 2005

We present a theoretical and experimental study of a simple layer-by-layer photonic crystal structure designed for the control of the thermal emission in the infrared wavelength domain. We show that a relatively simple structure made of alternated ZnSe homogenous layers and gold microstructured grids can act as a thermal source itself giving us the unique opportunity to tailor its emission spectra. Comparisons between computed and measured transmission and emissivity spectra illustrate the relevance of our approach.
On Magnetostriction of Gadolinium Iron Garnets
Authors: Belov K. P. , Pedko A. V.
Published: June 2005

The temperature dependence of magnetostriction in the gadolinium ferrite having structure of a garnet has been measured within the temperature range from liquid nitrogen up to the Curie point. At temperatures above the compensation point of sublattices, θk, the magnetostriction isotherms are of the same kind as for ferromagnetics (λ∥ and λ⊥ have opposite signs and the λ vs H curves exhibit saturation). In cooling below, θk there is an effect of superposition of large volume magnetostriction of paraprocess on the “ordinary”magnetostriction, which results in the distortion of the magnetostriction isotherms (λ∥ and λ⊥ are of the same sign and without saturation). It is shown that the “ordinary” magnetostriction is caused by the interaction of >Fe3+ ions in sublattices a and d, while the volume magnetostriction of the paraprocess is caused by the interaction of Gd3+ and Fe3+ ions.
Miniature Memory Planes for Extreme Environmental Conditions
Authors: Straley R. , Heuer A. , Kane B. , Tkach G.
Published: June 2005

Two serious limitations of present memory systems by using ferrite cores have been their relative bulk and narrow operating temperature range.

A marked reduction in size has been achieved by use of a “continuous wire” method of inserting drive lines through memory planes and then folding the planes. This method eliminates the conventional frames and all solder connections between planes. By greatly reducing the number of solder connections, the new method increases reliability and facilitates assembly of stacked memory planes. A typical folded stack of memory planes occupies as little as 2% of the volume of its conventional counterpart. The new miniature memory stacks perform as well as conventional units.

The development of ferrite memory cores operable at ambients as high as 85°C, 100°C, and 125°C (together with the greatly reduced volume of the memory stack) allows operation under extreme environmental conditions with a minimum of space and power requirements. The folded memory planes are packaged with a heating element and control circuit which maintain the temperature of the cores at the maximum ambient. A tested prototype of twelve (12) 16×16 memory planes, along with the heating element and control circuit, measures 2 in.×212 in.×212 in. and has been successfully operated in the temperature range -55°to +125°C.

Ferrite cores have been perfected of both the “fast” relatively high drive and relatively “slow” lower drive type. They are Mg-Mn ferrites with possible minor additions of other bivalent oxides.