bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of metal plate barrier without holes in forced convection of electronic equipment
Authors: Fujii Masao
Published: October 2008

Two rectangular block‐like elements as in an electronic module are positioned in a parallel‐walled channel and cooled by forced convection airflow. A metal plate without holes as a barrier protrudes above the plane of the modules. It is intended to function as a cover for protecting them from mechanical or electromagnetic damage, or as a thermal control device. Per‐module heat transfer coefficients in the presence of the barrier of various gaps, G, between the barrier and the channel and distance, L, between the module and the barrier were measured. In the presence of the barrier, the heat transfer coefficient at the 2nd row module is enhanced, but it is diminished at the 1st row module. Nusselt numbers are correlated as a function of Reynolds number and G/L. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20224
Dopamine D2 receptor polymorphisms and adenoma recurrence in the Polyp Prevention Trial
Authors: Murphy Gwen , Cross Amanda J. , Sansbury Leah S. , Bergen Andrew , Laiyemo Adeyinka O. , Albert Paul S. , Wang Zhuoqiao , Yu Binbing , Lehman Teresa , Kalidindi Aravind , Modali Rama , Schatzkin Arthur , Lanza Elaine
Published: October 2008

Epidemiological evidence suggests that obesity may be causally associated with colorectal cancer. Dopamine and the dopaminergic reward pathway have been implicated in drug and alcohol addiction as well as obesity. Polymorphisms within the D2 dopamine receptor gene (DRD2) have been shown to be associated with colorectal cancer risk. We investigated the association between DRD2 genotype at these loci and the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence in the Polyp Prevention Trial. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of adenoma recurrence were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Individuals with any, multiple (≥2) or advanced adenoma recurrence after 4 years were compared to those without adenoma recurrence. Variation in intake of certain dietary components according to DRD2 genotype at 3 loci (rs1799732; rs6277; rs1800497) was also investigated. The DRD2 rs1799732 CT genotype was significantly associated with all adenoma recurrence (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.69). The rs1800497 TT genotype was also associated with a significantly increased risk of advanced adenoma recurrence (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.11, 5.20). The rs1799732 CT and rs1800497 TT genotypes were significantly associated with adenoma recurrence in the Polyp Prevention Trial. Increased risk of adenoma recurrence as conferred by DRD2 genotypes may be related to difference in alcohol and fat intake across genotypes. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IRC‐083864, a novel bis quinone inhibitor of CDC25 phosphatases active against human cancer cells
Authors: Brezak Marie‐Christine , Valette Annie , Quaranta Muriel , Contour‐Galcera Marie‐Odile , Jullien Denis , Lavergne Olivier , Frongia Céline , Bigg Dennis , Kasprzyk Philip G. , Prevost Grégoire Pierre , Ducommun Bernard
Published: October 2008

CDC25 phosphatases are key actors in cyclin‐dependent kinases activation whose role is essential at various stages of the cell cycle. CDC25 expression is upregulated in a number of human cancers. CDC25 phosphatases are therefore thought to represent promising novel targets in cancer therapy. Here, we report the identification and the characterization of IRC‐083864, an original bis‐quinone moiety that is a potent and selective inhibitor of CDC25 phosphatases in the low nanomolar range. IRC‐083864 inhibits cell proliferation of a number of cell lines, regardless of their resistance to other drugs. It irreversibly inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression and prevents entry into mitosis. In addition, it inhibits the growth of HCT‐116 tumor spheroids with induction of p21 and apoptosis. Finally, IRC‐083864 reduced tumor growth in mice with established human prostatic and pancreatic tumor xenografts. This study describes a novel compound, which merits further study as a potential anticancer agent. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide stimulates migration of human endothelial and prostate cancer cells through up‐regulation of pleiotrophin expression and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase β/ζ
Authors: Polytarchou Christos , Hatziapostolou Maria , Poimenidi Evangelia , Mikelis Constantinos , Papadopoulou Ariadni , Parthymou Anastasia , Papadimitriou Evangelia
Published: October 2008

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a secreted growth factor involved in angiogenesis and tumor growth. We have recently shown that low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) stimulate PTN expression, through activation of the transcription factor AP‐1. In the present work, we studied the possible involvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of PTN expression, as well as involvement of the latter in the NO‐induced human endothelial and prostate cancer cell migration. Inhibition of eNOS or the downstream effector soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) completely suppressed HP‐induced AP‐1 activities that lead to PTN expression and cell migration. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) through activation of sGC significantly and concentration‐dependently increased expression of PTN, through transcriptional activation of the corresponding gene. Moreover, SNP had no effect on the migration of stably transfected prostate cancer cells that do not express PTN and knockdown of PTN receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase β/ζ (RPTPβ/ζ) completely abolished SNP‐induced cell migration. NO added exogenously or produced endogenously by low concentrations of HP through stimulation of sGC activates extracellular signal‐regulated kinase[1/2] (ERK[1/2]) and leads to PTN expression and cell migration. On the other hand, p38, which also intervenes in the up‐regulation of PTN expression by low concentrations of HP, seems to act upstream of eNOS and does not intervene in the SNP‐induced PTN expression and cell migration. The above data suggest that PTN through its receptor RPTPβ/ζ is a mediator of the stimulatory effects of eNOS/NO on human endothelial and prostate cancer cell migration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of accelerated tumor growth by blocking the recruitment of mobilized endothelial progenitor cells after chemotherapy
Authors: Murakami Junichi , Li Tao‐Sheng , Ueda Kazuhiro , Tanaka Toshiki , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: October 2008

It has been suggested that immature progenitor cells mobilize from bone marrow into the peripheral blood in response to the chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression. We investigated how the mobilization of immature progenitor cells affects tumor growth after chemotherapy. We found significantly increased numbers of CD34+/Flk‐1+ endothelial progenitor cells in the peripheral blood of mice 1 week after the administration of 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide vs. a saline injection (0.39 ± 0.09% vs. 0.20 ± 0.10%, respectively; p < 0.05). Tumor growth in the mice given chemotherapy was almost 1.3‐fold faster than that in the mice given saline (268 ± 66 mg vs. 210 ± 3 5 mg, respectively; p < 0.05). Histological examination of tumor tissue revealed significantly higher microvessel density and more Ki67‐positive cells, but significantly fewer apoptotic cells, in the mice given chemotherapy than in those given saline (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we detected significantly more bone marrow‐derived cells, some of which stained positively for CD34 and were localized in the vessels, in tumor tissue from the mice given chemotherapy than in that from the mice given saline. However, the transient disruption of the SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis by the antibody neutralization of CXCR4, which occurred over 1 week, blocked the recruitment of bone marrow‐derived cells into the tumor tissue, and resulted in complete inhibition of accelerated tumor growth after chemotherapy. Our results show that chemotherapy induced the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and accelerated tumor growth, but that transient disruption of the SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis could prevent accelerated tumor growth by blocking the recruitment of mobilized endothelial progenitor cells after chemotherapy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Causality from real stock returns to real activity: evidence of regime‐dependence
Authors: Kanas Angelos , Ioannidis Christos
Published: October 2008

We find strong evidence of regime switching in the relation between real stock prices and real activity for the UK over the period 1946–2002. Furthermore, there is evidence that the causality pattern from real stock returns to the IP growth rate varies across regimes: causality exists only in the low stock market volatility regime, while it does not exist in the high stock market volatility regime. As the latter largely refers to the period of inflation targeting in the UK, this finding uncovers the importance of monetary policy in insulating the real economy from unexpected financial market effects during periods of financial instability. Additional evidence of regime‐dependence is uncovered using impulse response analysis. Finally, the US stock market is found to exercise significant regime‐independent effects on the UK relation as a whole as well as on the future UK IP growth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbofuran poisoning detected by mass spectrometry of butyrylcholinesterase adduct in human serum
Authors: Li He , Ricordel Ivan , Tong Larry , Schopfer Lawrence M. , Baud Frédéric , Mégarbane Bruno , Maury Eric , Masson Patrick , Lockridge Oksana
Published: October 2008

Carbofuran is a pesticide whose acute toxicity is due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in plasma is inhibited by carbofuran and serves as a biomarker of poisoning by carbofuran. The goal was to develop a method to positively identify poisoning by carbofuran. Sera from an attempted murder and an attempted suicide were analyzed for the presence of carbofuran adducts on BChE. The BChE from 1 ml of serum was rapidly purified on a 0.2 ml procainamide–Sepharose column. Speed was essential because the carbofuran–BChE adduct decarbamylates with a half‐life of about 2 h. The partially purified BChE was boiled to denature the protein, thus stopping decarbamylation and making the protein vulnerable to digestion with trypsin. The labeled peptide was partially purified by HPLC before analysis by LC/MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring mode on the QTRAP 2000 mass spectrometer. Carbofuran was found to be covalently bound to Ser 198 of human BChE in serum samples from two poisoning cases. Multiple reaction monitoring triggered MS/MS spectra positively identified the carbofuran–BChE adduct. In conclusion a mass spectrometry method to identify carbofuran poisoning in humans has been developed. The method uses 1 ml of serum and detects low‐level exposure associated with as little as 20% inhibition of plasma butyrylcholinesterase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NF‐κB in liver diseases: a target for drug therapy
Authors: Muriel Pablo
Published: October 2008

There are five nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcription factors with important roles in innate immunity, liver inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis prevention. Several inhibitors of NF‐κB, like caffeic acid, captopril, curcumin, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, resveratrol, silymarin and thalidomide, have demonstrated antinecrotic, anticholestatic, antifibrotic and anticancer activities in the liver. A link between inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma through the NF‐κB pathway has been observed, providing ample experimental support for the tumor‐promoting function of NF‐κB in various models of cancer. NF‐κB has been associated with the induction of proinflammatory gene expression and has attracted interest as a target for the treatment of inflammatory disease. However, despite much attention being focused on the deleterious effects of NF‐κB, activation of this factor during the resolution of inflammation is associated with the production of antiinflammatory molecules like interleukin (IL)‐10 and the onset of apoptosis. This suggests that NF‐κB has an antiinflammatory rolein vivoinvolving the regulation of the resolution of inflammation. Also, NF‐κB promotes liver regeneration by upregulating IL‐6 and other molecules like hepatocyte growth factor. It has been postulated that the beneficial properties of NF‐κB are due to p50 homodimers, whose activation prevents cholestatic and chronic liver injury. More basic understanding on the function of the diverse NF‐κB factors is urgently needed in different physiological and pathological conditions, because depending on the subunit composition of the dimmer, the disease and the stage of the illness, inhibition of the factor may result in a beneficial or in a deleterious response. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of porous NiTi shape memory alloy structures using laser engineered net shaping
Authors: Krishna B. Vamsi , Bose Susmita , Bandyopadhyay Amit
Published: October 2008

Porous NiTi alloy samples were fabricated with 12–36% porosity from equiatomic NiTi alloy powder using laser engineered net shaping (LENS™). The effects of processing parameters on density and properties of laser‐processed NiTi alloy samples were investigated. It was found that the density increased rapidly with increasing the specific energy input up to 50 J/mm3. Further increase in the energy input had small effect on density. High cooling rates associated with LENS processing resulted in higher amount of cubic B2 phase, and increased the reverse transformation temperatures of porous NiTi samples due to thermally induced stresses and defects. Transformation temperatures were found to be independent of pore volume, though higher pore volume in the samples decreased the maximum recoverable strain from 6% to 4%. Porous NiTi alloy samples with 12–36% porosity exhibited low Young's modulus between 2 and 18 GPa as well as high compressive strength and recoverable strain. Because of high open pore volume between 36% and 62% of total volume fraction porosity, these porous NiTi alloy samples can potentially accelerate the healing process and improve biological fixation when implantedin vivo. Thus porous NiTi is a promising biomaterial for hard tissue replacements. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Biodegradable and injectable paclitaxel‐loaded poly(ester amide)s microspheres: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Guo Kai , Chu C. C.
Published: October 2008

Novel biodegradable submicron microspheres of amino acid based poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) were fabricated by an oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and their morphology and drug loading efficiency were examined. PEAs microspheres of mean diameter <1 μm with very narrow size distribution were obtained at a fair yield about 80%. The effects of PEA polymer concentration, polyvinyl alcohol emulsifier concentration, and the homogenizer speed on the size and morphology of final PEA microspheres were examined by analyzing their SEM images. It is found that a low PEA concentration, a high PVA concentration, and a high homogenizer speed are the optimal conditions for obtaining smaller microspheres. The biodegradation behaviors of these PEA microspheres at 37°C were investigated as a function of enzyme (α‐chymotrypsin) concentration and incubation time. The data showed similar surface erosion degradation mechanism as PEA polymers reported previously. Paclitaxel loaded PEA microspheres with high encapsulation efficiency were obtained without significantly affecting their size and surface morphology. The high drug loading efficiency close to 100% suggested that PEA microspheres may have the potential for the injection administration of highly hydrophobic anticancer drugs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Synthesis and use of pHEMA microbeads with human EA.hy 926 endothelial cells
Authors: Nyangoga Hervé , Zecheru Teodora , Filmon Robert , Baslé Michel‐Félix , Cincu Corneliu , Chappard Daniel
Published: October 2008

Cancer has become a major problem in public health and the resulting bone metastases a worsening factor. Facing it, different strategies have been proposed and mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis are being studied. Enhanced permeability retention (EPR) effect is a key step in designing new anticancer drugs. We have prepared poly 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) microbeads to target human endothelial EA.hy 926 cells, a cell line derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Microbeads were synthesized by emulsion precipitation method and carried positive or negative charges. EA.hy 926 cells were cultured in 24‐well plates and microbeads were deposited on cells at various times. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction were used to characterize microbeads and their location outside and inside cells. Microbeads were uptaken by endothelial cells with a better internalization for negatively charged microbeads. 3D reconstruction of confocal optical sections clearly evidenced the uptake and internalization of microbeads by endothelial cells. pHEMA microbeads could represent potential drug carrier in tumor model of metastases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Removal of DDT from aqueous solutions using mesoporous silica materials
Authors: Tian Hua , Li Jinjun , Zou Linda , Mu Zhen , Hao Zhengping
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: There are few reports about adsorbents for the effective removal of large‐molecule pesticides such as DDT (1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2′ bis(p‐chlorophenyl)ethane). Some mesoporous silica materials and their modified derivatives might serve as good adsorbents for these large organic molecules because of their large pore diameter and special pore structures. In this work, the adsorption processes of DDT in aqueous solutions were investigated using different mesoporous silica materials, including HMS, MCM‐41, SBA‐15 and MCM‐48.

RESULTS: All these materials exhibit efficient DDT removal, and the adsorption is a rapid process with over 50% of DDT removed within approximately 2 h. The efficiency of DDT removal is influenced by the adsorbent characteristics, such as pore volume, pore diameter, connectivity between pore channels and surface OH groups. The influences of water/acetone ratio and initial DDT concentration in solution were also explored. It was found that with enhancing DDT solubility, the addition of acetone in the reaction solution had no evident impact on DDT adsorption efficiency. Increasing the initial concentration of DDT resulted in a decrease of DDT adsorption efficiency. The adsorption kinetics of DDT on mesoporous silica material is shown to be pseudo‐second‐order. After thermal treatment at a relatively low temperature of 450 °C, the adsorbed DDT was completely decomposed and the adsorbents, except MCM‐41, were regenerated well.

CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the potential of a simple and efficient new approach for the removal of OCPs (organochlorine pesticides), especially large OCP molecules from surface water or groundwater. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel microbial BOD biosensor developed by the immobilization of P. Syringae in micro‐cellular polymers
Authors: Kara Serdar , Keskinler Bülent , Erhan Elif
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: A biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor, based on an immobilized Pseudomonas syringae in highly porous micro‐cellular polymer (MCP) in combination with a dissolved oxygen electrode, has been developed for the analysis of biodegradable organic compounds in aqueous samples. Microorganisms were immobilized in a molded MCP disk and a wastewater sample was injected into the biocomposite disk by a flow injection system. Dissolved oxygen (DO) changes as a measure of soluble BOD was read with a DO probe placed into a flow cell carrying biocatalytically activated disk.

RESULTS: Optimal response of the MCP BOD sensor was obtained at pH 6.8 and 25 °C with a typical response time of 3–5 min for a 2 mm thick molded polymeric disk. The sensor showed detection linearity over the range 5–100 mg L−1 BOD5 (r2 > 0.99) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min−1. The repeatability and reproducibility of the sensor response were found to be 3.08% and 7.77%, respectively. BOD values produced with this biosensor for various municipal and industrial wastewaters correlated well with those determined by the conventional 5‐day BOD test.

CONCLUSION: This new biosensor was different from present amperometric BOD biosensor configurations in which the biocatalyst (microbial/enzymatic) is placed between cellulose and Teflon membranes installed on a DO probe. The use of a molded MCP disk coniainng microbial activity offers better stability and lifetime for commercial use in environmental monitoring. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Toxic effect of environmental acid‐stress on the sperm of a hill‐stream fish Devario aequipinnatus: A scanning electron microscopic evaluation
Authors: Dey Sudip , Kharbuli S.M. , Chakraborty Rahul , Bhattacharyya S.P. , Goswami U.C.
Published: October 2008

Environmental stress due to acidic pH of water was found to be one of the major factors leading to toxic effects on the sperm of a hill‐stream fish Devario aequipinnatus of Meghalaya, India. The Scanning Electron Microscopy of the transverse section of testes of the fish collected from its natural habitat with acidic pH (5.6–6.0) showed that the sperms were clumped together and their tails were either absent or were of extremely small length. The acrosome and midpiece were also not well differentiated. When the fingerlings from the natural habitat were reared to maturity in aquarium with water from natural habitat after changing the pH to alkaline range (8.0–8.2), the clumping of the sperm was not observed. The sperm tail was found to be well‐developed along with well‐differentiated acrosome and midpiece. Since the only change in the water quality parameters of the experimental aquarium as compared to those of the natural habitat was the pH, it is evident that the abnormal features of the sperm observed in fish from natural habitat is mainly because of environmental acid stress. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial calibration of structured illumination fluorescence microscopy using capillary tissue phantoms
Authors: Lee Grace S. , Miele Lino F. , Turhan Aslihan , Lin Miao , Hanidziar Dusan , Konerding Moritz A. , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: October 2008

Quantitative assessment of microvascular structure is relevant to the investigations of ischemic injury, reparative angiogenesis and tumor revascularization. In light microscopy applications, thick tissue specimens are necessary to characterize microvascular networks; however, thick tissue leads to image distortions due to out‐of‐focus light. Structured illumination confocal microscopy is an optical sectioning technique that improves contrast and resolution by using a grid pattern to identify the plane‐of‐focus within the specimen. Because structured illumination can be applied to wide‐field (nonscanning) microscopes, the microcirculation can be studied by sequential intravital and confocal microscopy. To assess the application of structured illumination confocal microscopy to microvessel imaging, we studied cell‐sized microspheres and fused silica microcapillary tissue phantoms. As expected, structured illumination produced highly accurate images in the lateral (X‐Y) plane, but demonstrated a loss of resolution in the Z‐Y plane. Because the magnitude of Z‐axis distortion was variable in complex tissues, the silica microcapillaries were used as spatial calibration standards. Morphometric parameters, such as shape factor, were used to empirically optimize Z‐axis software compression. We conclude that the silica microcapillaries provide a useful tissue phantom for in vitro studies as well as spatial calibration standard for in vivo morphometry of the microcirculation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why isn't South Africa growing faster? Microeconomic evidence from a firm survey
Authors: Clarke George , Habyarimana James , Kaplan David , Ramachandran Vijaya
Published: October 2008

The investment levels in South Africa have remained relatively low despite an overall picture of economic stability and good governance. This analysis looks at South Africa's investment climate, using data from an Investment Climate Survey (ICS) of over 800 firms conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the World Bank. It suggests that exchange rate instability and the cost of crime may be deterrents to investment. But more importantly, labour regulations may be discouraging firms from entering labour‐intensive areas. Labour costs are also high, especially for skilled workers. Efforts to improve worker skills are crucial for raising human capital levels and reducing the cost of skilled labour. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of African growth and opportunity act (Agoa) on U.S. imports from Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA)
Authors: Tadesse Bedassa , Fayissa Bichaka
Published: October 2008

We evaluate the impact of the unilateral trade policy concession known as African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on U.S. imports from eligible Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. Using U.S.–SSA countries' trade data that span the years 1991–2006, we find that AGOA has contributed to the initiation of new and the intensification of existing U.S. imports in both manufactured and non‐manufactured goods and several product categories. However, compared to its import initiation impact, the import intensification effect of the Act has been marginal. Our results have important policy implication for further intensification of African exports to the U.S. markets. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The postnatal skull of the extant North American turtlePseudemys texana(Cryptodira: Emydidae), with comments on the study of discrete intraspecific variation
Authors: Bever Gabe S.
Published: October 2008

This study describes the postnatal morphology of the skull in the extant testudinoid turtlePseudemys texana. The material basis of this study is drawn from a single population and therefore provides the opportunity to document cranial variation expressed at multiple levels of inference (e.g., ontogeny, sexual dimorphism, individual) within a taxonomically restricted sample. Such descriptions are exceedingly rare for reptiles but are important for evaluating the inherent biological information that skeletal morphology provides to more inclusive biological questions. Results indicate that postnatal variation inPseudemys texanafor discrete cranial characters is considerable, especially when recognizing the taxonomically conservative nature of the sample and the fact that most of the examined characters were drawn from published phylogenetic analyses. Results demonstrate a complex relationship between size, skeletal maturity, and the expression of discrete skeletal characters in this sexually dimorphic reptile. Such complexity potentially could affect our interpretation of evolutionary history based on discrete characters. This study emphasizes the need for increasing the numbers and taxonomic breadth of morphological descriptions based on expanded samples so that a better understanding of the phylogenetic distribution and modular expression of anatomical variability can be achieved. The available empirical data lag seriously behind recent theoretical advances that broaden the application of intraspecific variation data for discrete characters to phylogenetic and evolutionary questions. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the musculature of various life cycle stages of the cycliophoran Symbion americanus
Authors: Neves Ricardo Cardoso , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg , Wanninger Andreas
Published: October 2008

Cycliophora is a very recently described phylum of acoelomate metazoans with a complex life cycle and a phylogenetic position that has been under debate ever since its discovery in 1995. Symbion americanus, which lives attached to the mouthparts of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, represents the second species described for the phylum. Aiming to increase the morphological knowledge about this cryptic clade, the present study describes the muscle arrangement of the feeding stage, the attached Prometheus larva with the dwarf male inside, the free living male, the Pandora larva, and the chordoid larva of S. americanus using actin staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. 3D reconstructions of the muscular systems are presented. In the feeding stage, circular muscles compose the buccal funnel aperture. In addition, a pair of muscles runs longitudinally in the buccal funnel. A complex sphincter was found just proximally to the anus, and six longitudinal muscles run from the trunk constriction (“neck”) in basal direction. The musculature of the larval stages and the dwarf male is very complex and includes longitudinal muscles that run dorsally and ventrally. In addition, we found dorso‐ventral muscles. The male has a complex posterior muscle apparatus in the vicinity of the penis. In this stage, X‐ and V‐shaped structures were identified on the dorsal and the ventral side, respectively. Pandora and chordoid larvae possess additional circular muscles. We discuss our findings with respect to muscle elements of other metazoan groups and the chordoid larva of Symbion pandora. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of multi‐layered‐gate electrode workfunction engineered recessed channel (MLGEWE‐RC) sub‐50 nm MOSFET: A novel design
Authors: Chaujar Rishu , Kaur Ravneet , Saxena Manoj , Gupta Mridula , Gupta R. S.
Published: October 2008

In this paper, a two‐dimensional (2D) analytical sub‐threshold model for a novel sub‐50 nm multi‐layered‐gate electrode workfunction engineered recessed channel (MLGEWE‐RC) MOSFET is presented and investigated using ATLAS device simulator to counteract the large gate leakage current and increased standby power consumption that arise due to continued scaling of SiO2‐based gate dielectrics. The model includes the evaluation of surface potential, electric field along the channel, threshold voltage, drain‐induced barrier lowering, sub‐threshold drain current and sub‐threshold swing. Results reveal that MLGEWE‐RC MOSFET design exhibits significant enhancement in terms of improved hot carrier effect immunity, carrier transport efficiency and reduced short channel effects proving its efficacy for high‐speed integration circuits and analog design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrafast dynamics and photochemistry of π–π* excited trans‐azobenzene—a comprehensive analysis of resonance Raman intensities
Authors: Chowdary P. D. , Umapathy S.
Published: October 2008

Azobenzene and its derivatives have widely been recognized as systems with potential applications such as optical switching elements, and the mechanism of trans‐cis photoisomerization, which is the basis for all these applications, has long been sought. The long‐standing controversy on the relaxation mechanism of π–π* (S2) excited trans‐azobenzene (TAB) is addressed in this paper. The role of S1S2 intersection and the possible involvement of a third state in the S2 photochemistry are investigated. The excited state structure and dynamics of TAB are extracted by modeling the Raman excitation profiles (REPs) of the S1 and S2 states and the absorption spectrum of TAB by Heller's time‐dependent formalism. The REPs of S2 are modeled in the single resonant state approximation by explicitly including the eight most Franck–Condon (FC) active modes. The obtained NN and CN bond lengths of S2 and the intial dynamics in these coordinates following photoexcitation to S2 are in agreement with recent theoretical calculations. The structural parameters of S1 are obtained by exploiting the nature of interference in the REPs of S1. From these parameters a three‐mode–two‐state vibronic coupling model, based on harmonic diabatic potentials and linear coupling, is formulated to study the S2S1 internal conversion dynamics. The results indicate that the S1S2 intersection is not directly accessible within electronic dephasing time of S2 to cause significant population decay from S2 to S1. The current conception of π–π* relaxation mechanisms in TAB is reviewed and revised on the basis of our observations and also from recently reported results of time‐resolved and theoretical studies. The role of a third state (S3), which appears to be an integral part of in the relaxation mechanism of S2, is pointed out and the feasibility of two competing relaxation pathways for S2 state is identified. One is the direct rotationless S2S1(C2h) internal conversion and the other is S2S3 internal conversion along rotational pathway followed by a branching of the S3 population to S0 and S1. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coherent acoustic phonons in a thin gold film probed by femtosecond surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Yamaguchi Shoichi , Tahara Tahei
Published: October 2008

We report on coherent phonon detection in a thin gold film by a new femtosecond pump‐probe surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. Acoustic coherent phonons are generated impulsively in the gold film on a prism, and they are detected in the time domain through the reflectivity modulation for probe pulses that satisfy the SPR condition. We observed not only the fundamental vibration of a longitudinal acoustic phonon but also the overtones up to the fourth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct visual evidence for the chemical mechanism of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering via charge transfer
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Liu Shasha , Chen Maodu , Xu Hongxing
Published: October 2008

We describe the chemical and electromagnetic enhancements of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) for the pyridine molecule absorbed on silver clusters, in which different incident wavelength regions are dominated by different enhancement mechanisms. Through visualization we theoretically investigate the charge transfer (CT) between the molecule and the metal cluster, and the charge redistribution (CR) within the metal on the electronic intracluster collective oscillation excitation (EICOE). The CT between the metal and the molecule in the molecule–metal complex is considered as an evidence for chemical enhancement to SERRS. CR within the metal on EICOE is considered as an evidence for the electromagnetic enhancement by collective plasmons. For the incident wavelength from 300 to 1000 nm, the visualized method of charge difference density can classify the different wavelength regions for chemical and electromagnetic enhancement, which are consistent with the formal fragmented experimental studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the applied limitation of the micro‐crystal model for Raman spectra of nano‐crystalline semiconductors
Authors: Zhang S. L. , Wu S. N. , Yan Y. , Hu T. , Zhao J. , Song Y. , Qu Q. , Ding W.
Published: October 2008

The limitation in sample size and the choice in parameters for the application of the micro‐crystal (MC) model have been tested and discussed. The testing was performed through the fitting of calculated Raman spectra by using the MC model with the observed Raman spectra for nearly uniform‐sized nano‐crystalline (NC)‐Si of smaller than 2 nm. The results showed that the good fittings could not be obtained, if the phonon dispersion curves ω(q) and Raman linewidths Γ of bulk‐crystals (BCs) were used, i.e. if the bulk‐like approximation (BLA) was used in the fitting. Moreover, an analysis of the fitting results indicates that when the size of NC‐Si is smaller than about 4 nm, the MC model based on –BLA will be invalid. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Femtosecond Raman‐induced Kerr effect spectroscopy
Authors: Shim Sangdeok , Mathies Richard A.
Published: October 2008

We report the development of a new vibrational technique called Femtosecond Raman‐Induced Kerr Effect Spectroscopy (FRIKES). This technique combines a narrow‐bandwidth picosecond Raman pump pulse with a broadband femtosecond probe pulse to produce high‐resolution Raman‐induced Kerr effect spectra spanning a large vibrational range. Because it is a polarization detection technique, FRIKES produces background‐free Raman spectra with high signal‐to‐noise and rapid acquisition times. The practicality of FRIKES is demonstrated by obtaining Raman spectra of common solvents, revealing that its performance is comparable to femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS). The capabilities of FRIKES will make it a valuable new vibrational spectroscopic tool for studies of chemical and biological systems, especially once it is extended to time‐resolved studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preferential interactions in the formamide/ tetrahydrofuran/dioxane system: a study by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Alves Wagner A.
Published: October 2008

Significant changes observed in the Raman spectra of formamide (FA)–tetrahydrofuran (THF)–dioxane (DX) mixtures have been interpreted in terms of preferential interactions. The Gutmann's donor (DN) and acceptor (AN) number values of these solvents give a good interpretation for the differences observed. In the ternary system, THF behaves as a stronger base than DX and the band at ∼442 cm−1, recently assigned to the FA–DX adduct is only observed at the highest FA concentration. Quantitative analyses performed at the C (FA) and CO (THF) stretching regions show that the extent of the association for the [FA]n adduct is significantly larger than for the FATHF adduct. Electrostatic parameters, such as dipole moment and dielectric constant, are also regarded as a better interpretation of these associations. The good correlation between DN and electrostatic parameters indicates that the basic strength increases in the order DX < THF < FA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles synthesized by direct photoreduction of metal salts. Application in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sato‐Berrú Roberto , Redón Rocío , Vázquez‐Olmos América , Saniger José M.
Published: October 2008

A simple synthesis method of silver nanoparticles and its application as an active surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) colloid are presented in this work. The photoreduction of AgNO3 in presence of sodium citrate (NaCit) was carried out by irradiation with different light sources (UV, white, blue, cyan, green, and orange) at room temperature. The evaluation of silver nanoparticles obtained as a function of irradiation time (1–24 h) and light source was followed by UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy. This light‐modification process results in a colloid with distinctive optical properties that can be related to the size and shape of the particles. The Ag colloids, as prepared, were employed as active colloids in SERS. Pyridine and caffeine were used as test molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A third evaluation of tertiary cytoreduction
Authors: Gultekin Murat , Velipaşaoğlu Melih , Aksan Guldeniz , Dursun Polat , Dogan Nasuh Utku , Yuce Kunter , Ayhan Ali
Published: October 2008

Objective

To evaluate the impact of tertiary cytoreductive surgery (TCS) on patient survival and to determine predictors of optimal TCS.

Methods

Twenty patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma who had TCS at Hacettepe University Hospital during 1992–2004 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Tertiary cytoreductive attempt was successful (optimal defined as <2 cm residual) in 12 patients and suboptimal in the remaining eight patients. Seven patients had no macroscopic residual, five patients had <2 cm gross residual and remaining 8 patients had ≥2 cm gross residual disease. Of these alive patients, 10 patients were alive with metastatic disease and only three patients were alive without any evidence of disease. Three patients had operative morbidity (15%), all of which were mild‐moderate degree. Multivariate analysis could not differentiate a unique significant factor to have a possible predictor effect of optimal TCS. Multivariate survival analysis also could not differentiate any factor to have significant effect upon patient survival, neither the outcomes of primary, secondary or tertiary cytoreductive surgeries nor the usage of preoperative or postoperative chemotherapies.

Conclusion

TCS may not be helpful for patient survival. Neither of the clinical factors predicted an optimal TCS. Further larger series are needed for a definite conclusion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:530–534. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic relevance of androgen receptor detection in operable breast cancer
Authors: Søiland Håvard , Kørner Hartwig , Skaland Ivar , Janssen Emiel A.M. , Gudlaugsson Einar , Varhaug Jan Erik , Baak Jan P.A. , Søreide Jon Arne
Published: October 2008

Background and objectives

Androgen receptor (AR) is relevant for prognostication in breast cancer. Different determination methods and cut‐off levels hamper interpretation and comparisons of studies. Long‐term prognostic evaluation of different AR assays in patients comprising operable breast cancers is scarce.

Methods

AR was evaluated in 120 primary tumors using the dextran‐coated charcoal method (charc‐AR), and quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) on whole sections (WS) and tissue microarrays (TMA). Nuclear and cytoplasmic‐AR localization was determined, and the prognostic importance of AR assays was assessed. Comparisons and correlations with the mitotic activity index (MAI), estrogen receptor (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), HER‐2, and histological grade (WHO I–III) were made.

Results

Nuclear‐AR in WS, but not charc‐AR, strongly correlated with MAI (P = 0.001). However, prognostic information appeared in univariate survival analyses only. Nuclear‐AR in TMA was not prognostic. Charc‐AR was independent prognostic in node positives both for relapse free survival (RFS) and breast cancer specific survival (BCSS). Both charc‐AR and IHC cytoplasmic‐AR provided independent prognostic survival information for BCSS in women <55 years.

Conclusion

Methods that can detect AR localized in the cytoplasm yield important prognostic information, and further studies in patients with operable breast cancer are warranted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:551–558. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified technique of free flap pedicle transfer for reconstruction of defects following head and neck cancer ablation
Authors: Sharan Rajeev , Sharma Mohit , Vijayaraghavan Sundeep , Sasidharan P.R. , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Iyer Subramania
Published: October 2008

Free flaps are being widely used for reconstruction of defects following head and neck cancer ablation. The pedicle of the flap is usually tunneled into the neck wound for anastomosis to the neck vessels. This transfer of the pedicle can be technically difficult to execute and associated with difficulties of torsion and kinking. No effective method has been so far reported to make this procedure easy and safe. A very easy and effective method for the pedicle transfer is described in this report, which has been practiced successfully in our head and neck service in more than 175 free flaps. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:80–81. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contiguous invasion per se does not affect prognosis in colon cancer
Authors: Oh Seung Yeop , Kim Young Bae , Paek Ok Joo , Suh Kwang Wook
Published: October 2008

Background

Locally advanced colon cancer can result in serious clinical conditions unless treated appropriately. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of en bloc resection and the significance of depth of invasion by analyzing the outcomes of the procedure in colon cancer invading adjacent organs.

Methods

Outcomes of 65 locally advanced colon cancer patients who underwent en bloc resections for contiguous invasion were compared with 285 pT3 colon cancer patients.

Results

En bloc combined resection was performed in 75 patients and 10 (13.3%) of them showed no true malignant infiltration into adjacent organs. In both pT3 and pT4 groups, there was no significant difference in major postoperative complications or mortality. The survival rate of pT4 group was similar to that of pT3 group (5‐year rate, 64.0% vs. 72.7%; P = 0.287). In multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular infiltration, and perineural invasion were independently associated with patient survival.

Conclusions

The prognosis of colon cancer, even in locally advanced cases, is mainly correlated with nodal status rather than depth of invasion. Therefore, en bloc combined resection in locally advanced colon cancer invading adjacent organs can improve survival as well as local control with acceptable morbidity and mortality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:71–74. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy of T and N stages with endoscopy, stomach protocol CT, and endoscopic ultrasonography in early gastric cancer
Authors: Ahn Hye Seong , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Yoo Moon‐Won , Kim Sang Gyun , Im Jong Pil , Kim Se Hyung , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Kuhn Uk , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: October 2008

Background

Preoperative accurate diagnosis of the T and N stages in early gastric cancer (EGC) is important in determining the application of various limited treatments. The aim of this study is to analyze the accuracy of T and N staging of EGC with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), Stomach protocol CT (S‐CT), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and the factors influencing the accuracy.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty‐four patients preoperatively diagnosed as EGC using EGD or S‐CT and undergoing curative gastrectomy at Seoul National University Hospital in 2005 were included. The T and N stage reviewed by experienced personnel were compared with the surgical pathology.

Results

The predictive values for EGC of EGD, S‐CT, and EUS were 87.4%, 92.2%, and 94.1%, respectively. The predictive values for node negativity of S‐CT, and EUS were 90.1% and 92.6%, respectively. The factors leading to underestimation of T stage with EGD were the upper third location, the size greater than 2 cm, and diffuse type of tumor. Those with S‐CT were female sex, the upper third location and lesion size greater than 2 cm.

Conclusions

Before applying limited treatment for EGC, a surgeon should consider the risk factors of underestimation of T stage with EGD or S‐CT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:20–27. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivational compatibility and the role of anticipated feelings in positively valenced persuasive message framing
Authors: Yi Sunghwan , Baumgartner Hans
Published: October 2008

Previous research on message framing has focused on the effect of overall valence on persuasion, since most studies compare positively versus negatively valenced frames that are anchored by the same end‐state. Unlike previous studies, this paper investigates the role of end‐states, or outcome focus, in message framing by using two positively valenced, factually equivalent message frames that are anchored by opposing end‐states: the presence of gain (P/G) frame versus the absence of loss (A/L) frame. It is proposed that anticipated feelings and persuasion are greater when the end‐state of the message frame is motivationally compatible with a consumer's regulatory focus, either chronic or situational. The major hypothesis is that the P/G frame leads to the anticipation of more intense positive feelings and subsequently produces greater persuasion when promotion focus versus prevention focus is salient, whereas the opposite holds for the A/L frame. Furthermore, it is proposed that the effect of motivational compatibility on persuasion is mediated by the anticipation of positive feelings. These hypotheses are generally supported in two experiments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.