bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Art of Descrying Distance
Authors: Niall Keith K.
Published: January 2007

How naëve can one experiment be? Imagine asking observers to judge distance -- yes, literally asking them. And in asking them, no visual evoked potentials were measured, and changes in blood flow to the occipital cortex were ignored. But serendipity occurs even to the well-prepared: One's best thought for a new experiment can prove to be one's first unbiased, uncomplicated thought. Here's a cursory review of the events: A number of observers were asked to judge distances between marked posts in a field at night. They made their judgments with the help of night vision goggles (NVGs). At first the observers underestimated the distances on average. Then an experimenter began to correct the observers after each judgment. The observers' judgments of distance became accurate. On average, the observers began to estimate those distances accurately. Is this an incredible story or a difficult one?
Rehearsal versus Map Study as Preparation for a Flight Navigation Exercise
Authors: Bone Randall , Lintern Gavan
Published: January 2007

A flight simulator and a computer-generated depiction of an environment with both natural and cultural features were used to teach and test navigation knowledge. Conditions of guided rehearsal, unguided rehearsal, and map study were used to familiarize participants with the navigation environment. A subsequent route-following test of navigation knowledge in the simulated environment showed that unguided rehearsal was better than map study or guided rehearsal for the development of route knowledge. In addition, a pointing task revealed that unguided mission rehearsal was as good as map study for the development of survey knowledge. Actual or potential applications of this research include the use of simulator-based mission rehearsal for military flight operations.
Regression Models for Predicting Peak and Continuous Three-Dimensional Spinal Loads during Symmetric and Asymmetric Lifting Tasks
Authors: Fathallah Fadi A. , Marras William S. , Parnianpour Mohamad
Published: January 2007

Most biomechanical assessments of spinal loading during industrial work have focused on estimating peak spinal compressive forces under static and sagittally symmetric conditions. The main objective of this study was to explore the potential of feasibly predicting three-dimensional (3D) spinal loading in industry from various combinations of trunk kinematics, kinetics, and subject-load characteristics. The study used spinal loading, predicted by a validated electromyographyassisted model, from 11 male participants who performed a series of symmetric and asymmetric lifts. Three classes of models were developed: (a) models using workplace, subject, and trunk motion parameters as independent variables (kinematic models); (b) models using workplace, subject, and measured moments variables (kinetic models); and (c) models incorporating workplace, subject, trunk motion, and measured moments variables (combined models). The results showed that peak 3D spinal loading during symmetric and asymmetric lifting were predicted equally well using all three types of regression models. Continuous 3D loading was predicted best using the combined models. When the use of such models is infeasible, the kinematic models can provide adequate predictions. Finally, lateral shear forces (peak and continuous) were consistently underestimated using all three types of models. The study demonstrated the feasibility of predicting 3D loads on the spine under specific symmetric and asymmetric lifting tasks without the need for collecting EMG information. However, further validation and development of the models should be conducted to assess and extend their applicability to lifting conditions other than those presented in this study. Actual or potential applications of this research include exposure assessment in epidemioligical studies, ergonomic intervention, and laboratory task assessment.
Aging, Motor Control, and the Performance of Computer Mouse Tasks
Authors: Smith Michael W. , Sharit Joseph , Czaja Sara J.
Published: January 2007

Because of the increased presence of computers in work and everyday life and the demographic "graying" of America, there is a need for interface designs that promote accessibility for older people. This study examined age differences in the performance of basic computer mouse control techniques. An additional goal of the study was to examine the influence of age-related changes in psychomotor abilities on mouse control. A total of 60 participants in 3 age groups (20--39 years, 40--59 years, and 60--75 years) performed 4 target acquisition tasks (pointing, clicking, double-clicking, and dragging) using a computer mouse. The data indicated that the older participants had more difficulty performing mouse tasks than the younger participants. Differences in performance attributable to age were found for the more complex tasks (clicking and double-clicking). Furthermore, age-related changes in psychomotor abilities were related to age differences in performance. We discuss applications to computer interface designs. Actual or potential applications of this research include specifications for computer mouse design to accommodate older populations.
Soaps
Authors: Dahlgren R. Marc , Kalberg John N.
Published: February 2007

Personal Cleansing Soap Products

Manufacture of Soap
Measuring the Plastic Zone Size by Orientation Gradient Mapping (OGM) and Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI)
Authors: Welsch M. T. , Henning M. , Marx M. , Vehoff H.
Published: February 2007

For the local investigation of plastic deformation mechanisms non‐destructive methods are needed to image the distribution of dislocations and to measure dislocation densities. Additionally these methods should be usable in situ. Therefore the well known methods EBSD and ECCI are improved by an appropriate processing of the measured data. The resulting two new techniques OGM and ECCI‐plus are validated in detail for two complex sets of experiments. Both techniques are used to image plastic deformation zones and to measure the size of plastic zones on a macro scale (hardness indents) as well as on a micro scale (crack tips) as demonstrated in this paper. Additionally OGM gives even quantitative data of the degree of deformation. The capability of both methods is discussed in detail and it is shown that they are independent from the topography which is critically surveyed.
Monodisperse Starburst Oligofluorene‐Functionalized 4,4′,4″‐Tris(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐triphenylamines: Their Synthesis and Deep‐Blue Fluorescent Properties for Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Applications
Authors: Liu Q.‐D. , Lu J. , Ding J. , Day M. , Tao Y. , Barrios P. , Stupak J. , Chan K. , Li J. , Chi Y.
Published: February 2007

Four monodisperse starburst oligomers bearing a 4,4′,4″‐tris(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐triphenylamine (TCTA) core and six oligofluorene arms are synthesized and characterized. The lengths of oligofluorene arms vary from one to four fluorene units, giving the starburst oligomers molecular weights ranging from 3072 to 10 068 Da (1 Da = 1.66 × 10–27 kg). All of the starburst oligomers have good film‐forming capabilities, and display bright, deep‐blue fluorescence (λmax = 395–416 nm) both in solution and in the solid state, with the quantum efficiencies of the films (ΦPL) varying between 27 and 88 %. Electrochemical studies demonstrate that these materials have large energy gaps, and are stable for both p‐doping and n‐doping processes. Electroluminescent devices are successfully fabricated using these materials as hole‐transporting emitters, and emit deep‐blue light. Devices with luminance values up to 1025 cd m–2 at 11 V and luminous efficiencies of 0.47 cd A–1 at 100 cd m–2 have been produced, which translates to an external quantum efficiency of 1.4 %. In addition, these large‐energy‐gap starburst oligomers are good host materials for red electrophosphorescence. The luminance of the red electrophosphorescent devices is as high as 4452 cd m–2, with a luminous efficiency of 4.31 cd A–1 at 15 mA cm–2: This value is much higher than those obtained from the commonly used hole‐transporting materials, such as poly(vinyl carbazole) (PVK) (1.10 cd A–1 at 16 mA cm–2).
A highly efficient synthesis of (Z)‐1‐aryl‐2‐silyl‐1‐ stannylethenes and their conversion to (E)‐2‐ arylethenyl‐, (Z)‐2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethenyl‐ and allenyl‐silanes
Authors: Endo Takanori , Sasaki Fumio , Hara Hisashi , Suzuki Jyunko , Tamura Shizuka , Nagata Yoshikazu , Iyoshi Tetsuro , Saigusa Atsuhiro , Nakano Taichi
Published: February 2007

A Pd(dba)2–P(OEt)3 combination allowed the silastannation of arylacetylenes, 1‐hexyne or propargyl alcohols with tributyl(trimethylsilyl)stannane to take place at room temperature, producing (Z)‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannyl‐1‐substituted ethenes in high yields. Novel silyl(stannyl)ethenes were fully characterized by 1H‐, 13C‐, 29Si‐ and 119Sn‐NMR as well as infrared and mass analyses. Treatment of a series of (Z)‐1‐aryl‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannylethenes and (Z)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannylethene with hydrochloric acid or hydroiodic acid in the presence of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl) or tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) led to the exclusive formation of (E)‐trimethyl(2‐arylethenyl)silanes with high stereoselectivity. A similar reaction of (Z)‐1‐(2‐anisyl)‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannylethene also produced E‐type trimethyl[2‐(2‐anisyl)ethenyl]silane, while (Z)‐trimethyl [2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethenyl]silane was produced exclusively from (Z)‐1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannylethene. Protodestannylation of (Z)‐1‐[hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]‐2‐silyl‐1‐stannylethene with trifluoroacetic acid took place via the β‐elimination of hydroxystannane, providing trimethyl(3‐phenylpropa‐1,2‐dienyl)silane quite easily. The destannylation products were also fully characterized. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for uncoupling of inflammation and joint remodeling in a mouse model of spondylarthritis
Authors: Lories Rik J. U. , Derese Inge , de Bari Cosimo , Luyten Frank P.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To study the relationship between inflammation and remodeling by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in male DBA/1 mice with spontaneous arthritis, a model of spondylarthritis (SpA).

Methods

TNFα was inhibited using etanercept, a soluble TNF receptor. The efficacy of the dose used (25 μg/mouse) was confirmed in methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA)–induced monarthritis, a model of inflammation‐driven joint destruction. Male DBA/1 mice with spontaneous arthritis were caged together from the age of 10 weeks onward and were treated twice weekly with etanercept. The incidence and clinical severity of disease were recorded. Mice were killed at age 25 weeks, and histomorphologic analysis was performed. The presence of TNFα, NF‐κB, and Smad signaling was studied using immunohistochemistry. Entheseal endochondral bone formation was modeled using micromass cultures of periosteal cells.

Results

Etanercept inhibited mouse TNFα in vitro and in vivo. Etanercept treatment of mBSA‐induced arthritis had a significant effect on the severity of disease. Etanercept did not affect the incidence or severity of spontaneous arthritis. Pathologic analysis revealed no differences between etanercept‐treated and phosphate buffered saline–treated mice. TNFα‐positive cells were observed in the synovium, in vessel‐associated cells, in fibrocartilage, and in new cartilage. Activation of Smad signaling was observed in earlier stages of disease than was active NF‐κB signaling. TNFα inhibited chondrogenesis in the micromass model.

Conclusion

Inhibition of TNF did not affect the severity and incidence of joint ankylosis in a mouse model of SpA. Therefore, the process of entheseal ankylosis may be independent of TNF. New tissue formation in SpA could be considered an additional and specific therapeutic target.
Axillary staging during surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Axelsson C K , Mouridsen H T , Düring M , Møller S
Published: February 2007

Background

Axillary lymph node status remains the single most important prognostic parameter in patients with breast cancer. In approximately half of operations sentinel lymph node biopsy cannot be employed and axillary dissection is indicated. Retrieval of ten nodes has hitherto been considered sufficient, but it remains questionable whether the removal of more lymph nodes might improve staging.

Methods

Data from 31 679 breast cancer operations in Denmark were analysed.

Results

The number of axillary lymph nodes retrieved was an independent and strong predictor of node positivity. The more lymph nodes retrieved, the better the staging of the disease; this was evident for all sizes of tumour. Dissection of 20 or more nodes rather than ten to 14 increased the probability of node positivity from 14·2 to 25·9 per cent for 1–5-mm tumours, from 38·6 to 47·9 per cent for 11–20-mm tumours, and from 80·6 to 90·0 per cent for tumours with diameter greater than 50 mm.

Conclusion

The number of metastatic lymph nodes increased as more nodes were retrieved. These findings underline the need for high-quality specialist surgical and pathological services in breast cancer treatment.
Optimizing the critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy by clipping and transecting the cystic artery before the cystic duct
Authors: Wijsmuller A R , Leegwater M , Tseng L , Smaal H J , Kleinrensink G J , Lange J F
Published: February 2007

Might prevent bile duct injury
Environmental strategies as automorphic patterns of behaviour
Authors: Schwartz Birgitta
Published: February 2007

This article is based on a study of three companies, i.e. Volvo, The Body Shop and Tarkett, focusing on their development of environmental strategies. Using a drama metaphor, the empirical case indicates in detail how Tarkett has been strategically able to handle increasing environmental demands. The study also demonstrates that Tarkett depends on itself in its relationship with other actors in its organizational field, and that this influences the interplay between the actors. The article concludes that the three studied companies have adopted different strategies for managing environmental demands, and that the strategy each has used involves a specific sense of ‘dependency’. The strategies are explained by institutional automorphism, which means that the companies imitate themselves, employing strategies similar to those they have previously used when tackling other changes in their organization fields. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Takotsubo Syndrome in African‐American women with atypical presentations: a single‐center experience
Authors: Patel Himanshu M. , Kantharia Bharat K. , Morris D. Lynn , Yazdanfar Shahriar
Published: February 2007

Background

Takotsubo syndrome is comprised of the clinical presentation of an acute myocardial infarction with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes of acute ischemia, chest pain, positive biomarkers, a pathognomonic left ventricular apical wall motion abnormality, and no culprit coronary disease at cardiac catheterization.

Hapothesis

This study aimed at a further definition of the clinical characteristics of this syndrome in African‐American (AA) patients based on our experience at a single center.

Methods

Patients who presented with this syndrome between June 2003 and June 2005 were evaluated. All patients underwent coronary angiography and noninvasive cardiac investigation, including transthoracic two‐dimensional echocardiography.

Results

Five AA women (mean age 65 years) presented with the characteristics of the syndrome. No patient experienced chest pain, with three presenting with shortness of breath and two with nausea. Hypertension was the most common risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) in these patients. All but one patient had ST elevation on ECG, and troponin I elevation was present in all. Cardiac catheterization showed no obstructive CAD. The most common trigger was exarcebation of a current medical condition. All five patients developed deep, broad, diffuse T‐wave inversions with a prolonged QT interval. There was no mortality during the hospital stay.

Conclusions

Takotsubo syndrome is experienced by AA patients. Female AA patients may experience atypical symptoms at presentation. The development of broad, diffuse, T‐wave inversions with a prolonged QT interval within 2–48 h of presentation should be considered an additional criterion when diagnosing Takotsubo syndrome. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvement of overall survival of patients with cutaneous melanoma in Germany, 1976–2001
Authors: Lasithiotakis Konstantinos G. , Leiter Ulrike , Eigentler Thomas , Breuninger Helmut , Metzler Gisela , Meier Friedegund , Garbe Claus
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

A hypothesis generated a retrospective analysis of the improvement of survival over time in patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) in order to identify factors contributing to this progress.

METHODS.

A cohort of 4791 patients diagnosed with primary CM in southern Germany between 1976 and 2001 was analyzed. Kaplan‐Meier analyses were performed to estimate and to compare overall survival (OS) and survival after first recurrence (SAR). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of multiple variables on OS and SAR.

RESULTS.

Diagnosis of primary CM during 1990–2001 compared with 1976–1989 was associated with more favorable 10‐year OS (88.6% vs 80.0%, P < .0001). The median tumor thickness at primary diagnosis was significantly lower during the second period (0.75 mm vs 1.07 mm, P < .0001). In the multivariate analysis, adjusted for tumor thickness, ulceration, age, gender, and anatomical site, the period of diagnosis retained its significance as a predictor of OS (P = .002). The SAR was more favorable during the second period in patients who developed their first metastasis in the regional lymph nodes (45.2% vs 32.9%, P = .017) or in distant sites (13.4% vs 2.0%, P = .0002) and this finding persisted in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Improvement of survival of CM patients diagnosed 1990–2001 as compared with 1976–1989 may not be entirely attributable to factors associated with early diagnosis and more favorable primary tumors. Therefore, factors of melanoma management, which changed between the 2 time periods, such as sentinel node biopsy, adjuvant treatment, structured follow‐up, and surgical interventions in distant metastasis, may have to be taken into account. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
An energy‐based damage model for seismic response of steel structures
Authors: Benavent‐Climent A.
Published: February 2007

This paper proposes a new model for quantifying the damage in structural steel components subjected to randomly applied flexural/shear stress reversals, such those induced by earthquakes. In contrast to existing approaches that consider the damage as a combination of the global amount of dissipated energy and maximum displacement, the proposed model represents the damage by two parameters: (a) the total dissipated energy and (b) the portion of the energy consumed in the skeleton part of the load–displacement curve. These parameters are employed to define a single ‘damage index’, which measures the level between 0 (no damage) and 1 (failure). The proposed model takes into account that the ultimate energy dissipation capacity of the steel component is path‐dependent and can change throughout the entire response duration. The new model is derived from low‐cycle fatigue static tests of round steel rods and steel plates subjected to bending and shear. The accuracy of the model is verified experimentally through dynamic real‐time shaking table tests. From these tests, it is observed that the proposed model measures the level of damage at any stage of the loading process reasonably well and predicts the failure of the structural component accurately. The model can be easily implemented in a computer program to assess the level of seismic damage and the closeness to failure in new structures or to evaluate the safety of existing ones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrological effects of climate change, groundwater withdrawal, and land use in a small Korean watershed
Authors: Lee Kil Seong , Chung Eun‐Sung
Published: February 2007

The effects of variability in climate and watershed (groundwater withdrawal and land use) on dry‐weather streamflows were investigated using SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool). The equation to predict the total runoff (TR) using climate data was derived from simulation results for 30 years by multiple regression analysis. These may be used to estimate effects of various climate variations (precipitation during the dry period, precipitation during the previous wet period, solar radiation, and maximum temperature). For example, if daily average maximum temperature increases by 3 °C, TR during the dry period will decrease by 27·9%. Similarly, groundwater withdrawals strongly affect streamflow during the dry period. However, land use changes (increasing urbanization) within the forested watershed do not appear to significantly affect TR during the dry period. Finally, a combined equation was derived that describes the relationships between the TR during the dry period and the climate, groundwater withdrawal and urban area proportion in a small monsoon watershed. This equation will be effective to predict the water availability during the dry periods in the future since it is closely related to changes of temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, urban area ratio, and groundwater withdrawal quantity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave assisted extraction of drugs of abuse from human urine
Authors: Fernández Purificación , Lago Marta , Lorenzo Rosa Antonia , Carro Antonia María , Bermejo Ana María , Tabernero María Jesús
Published: February 2007

Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) was used to extract drugs of abuse from urine samples for the simultaneous determination of morphine, codeine, 6‐acetylmorphine (6AM), cocaine, cocaethylene, benzoylecgonine (BEG), methadone and 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD). The working wavelengths used were 285 nm for morphine, codeine and 6AM; 233 nm for cocaine, cocaethylene and BEG; and 292 nm for methadone and EDDP. The mobile phase was a gradient of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer at pH 6.5. A full factorial design was used to identify the most suitable extraction conditions as regards pH, solvent and time of extraction. The optimum conditions thus established provided analyte recoveries from 61% to 109%. The detector response was linear over the drug concentration range 0.1–4.0 µg ml−1 in urine. The within‐ and between‐day precision and accuracy were less than 8% and 6.5%, respectively. The method was applied successfully to samples obtained from Galician hospitals and courts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced wear resistance of modified cross‐linked polyethylene by grafting with poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)
Authors: Kyomoto Masayuki , Moro Toru , Konno Tomohiro , Takadama Hiroaki , Yamawaki Noboru , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Takatori Yoshio , Nakamura Kozo , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: February 2007

We developed a cross‐linked polyethylene (CLPE) modified with a phospholipid polymer in order to address the serious problem of osteolysis caused by wear particles derived from the polyethylene components of artificial hip joints. Our goal of preventing aseptic loosening could be achieved by avoiding any formation of CLPE wear particles or suppressing the activation of cell systems by the wear particles. We investigated the surface and wear resistance properties of 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer grafted onto the surface of CLPE (CLPE‐g‐MPC). The relative density of MPC polymer chains was determined by the PO group index. Generally, polymerization times correspond to the number of polymer chains in radical polymerization. After 3.0 × 106 cycles in a hip joint simulator test, the steady wear rates of the untreated CLPE and CLPE‐g‐MPC cups with a low PO group index were as high as 4 mg/106 cycles; those of the CLPE‐g‐MPC cups with high PO group indexes, that is, 0.46 and 0.48, markedly decreased to −1.12 and 0.16 mg/106 cycles, respectively. Therefore, the grafting of an MPC polymer with high density would be essential in order to maintain the long‐term wear resistance of CLPE‐g‐MPC as an orthopedic bearing material. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Mechanical stress‐mediated Runx2 activation is dependent on Ras/ERK1/2 MAPK signaling in osteoblasts
Authors: Kanno Takahiro , Takahashi Tetsu , Tsujisawa Toshiyuki , Ariyoshi Wataru , Nishihara Tatsuji
Published: February 2007

The sequence of biochemical events involved in mechanical stress‐induced signaling in osteoblastic cells remains unclear. Runx2, a transcription factor involved in the control of osteoblast differentiation, has been identified as a target of mechanical stress‐induced signaling in osteoblastic cells. In this study, uniaxial sinusoidal stretching (15% strain, 115% peak‐to‐peak, at 1/12 Hz) stimulated the differentiation of osteoblast‐like MC3T3‐E1 cells and rat primary osteoblastic cells by activating Runx2. We examined the involvement of diverse mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the activation of Runx2 during mechanical stress. Mechanical stress increased alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of osteoblast differentiation, increased the expression of the osteoblast‐specific extracellular matrix (ECM) protein osteocalcin, and induced Runx2 activation, along with increased osterix expression. Furthermore, activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs increased significantly. U0126, a selective inhibitor of ERK1/2, completely blocked Runx2 activation during periods of mechanical stress, but the p38 MAPK‐selective inhibitor SB203580 did not alter nuclear phosphorylation of Runx2. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Rous sarcoma kinase (RAS), an upstream regulator of both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs, inhibited stretch‐induced ERK1/2 activation, but not mechanically induced p38 MAPK activity. Furthermore, mechanically induced Runx2 activation was inhibited by Ras depletion, using siRNA. These findings indicate that mechanical stress regulates Runx2 activation and favors osteoblast differentiation through the activation of MAPK signal transduction pathways and Ras/Raf‐dependent ERK1/2 activation, independent of p38 MAPK signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 101:1266–1277, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
L‐NAME reverses quinolinic acid‐induced toxicity in rat corticostriatal slices: Involvement of src family kinases
Authors: Mallozzi Cinzia , Martire Alberto , Domenici Maria Rosaria , Metere Alessio , Popoli Patrizia , Di Stasi A.M. Michela
Published: February 2007

Quinolinic acid (QA) is an endogenous excitotoxin acting on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) that leads to the pathologic and neurochemical features similar to those observed in Huntington's disease (HD). The mechanism of QA toxicity also involves free radicals formation and oxidative stress. NMDARs are particularly vulnerable to the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that can act as modulators of the activity of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and phosphotyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Because QA is able to activate neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) as well as to stimulate the NMDARs, we evaluated the effect of Nω‐Nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester (l‐NAME), a selective nNOS inhibitor, on QA‐induced neurotoxicity in rat corticostriatal slices. In electrophysiologic experiments we observed that slice perfusion with QA induced a strong reduction of field potential (FP) amplitude, followed by a partial recovery at the end of the QA washout. In the presence of l‐NAME the recovery of FP amplitude was significantly increased with respect to QA alone. In synaptosomes, prepared from corticostriatal slices after the electrophysiologic recordings, we observed that l‐NAME pre‐incubation reversed the QA‐mediated inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation pattern, c‐src, lyn, and fyn kinase activities and tyrosine phosphorylation of NMDAR subunit NR2B, whereas the PTP activity was not recovered in the presence of l‐NAME. These findings suggest that NO plays a key role in the molecular mechanisms of QA‐mediated excitotoxicity in experimental model of HD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microenvironment regulation of PRG4 phenotype of chondrocytes
Authors: Blewis Megan E. , Schumacher Barbara L. , Klein Travis J. , Schmidt Tannin A. , Voegtline Michael S. , Sah Robert L.
Published: February 2007

Articular cartilage is a heterogeneous tissue with superficial (S), middle (M), and deep (D) zones. Chondrocytes in the S zone secrete the lubricating PRG4 protein, while chondrocytes from the M and D zones are more specialized in producing large amounts of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) component of the extracellular matrix. Soluble and insoluble chemicals and mechanical stimuli regulate cartilage development, growth, and homeostasis; however, the mechanisms of regulation responsible for the distinct PRG4‐positive and negative phenotypes of chondrocytes are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if interaction between S and M chondrocytes regulates chondrocyte phenotype, as determined by coculture in monolayer at different ratios of S:M (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) and at different densities (240,000, 120,000, 60,000, and 30,000 cells/cm2), and by measurement of PRG4 secretion and expression, and GAG accumulation. Coculture of S and M cells resulted in significant up‐regulation in PRG4 secretion and the percentage of cells expressing PRG4, with simultaneous down‐regulation of GAG accumulation. Tracking M cells with PKH67 dye in coculture revealed that they maintained a PRG4‐negative phenotype, and proliferated less than S cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the up‐regulated PRG4 expression in coculture is a result of preferential proliferation of PRG4‐expressing S cells. This finding may have practical implications for generating a large number of phenotypically normal S cells, which can be limited in source, for tissue engineering applications. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:685–695, 2007
Immunohistochemical localization of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2, 4, 6, and 7 during induced heterotopic bone formation
Authors: McCullough Kirk A. , Waits Chad A. , Garimella Rama , Tague Sarah E. , Sipe Joseph B. , Anderson H. Clarke
Published: February 2007

The distribution and staining intensity of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2, 4, 6, and 7 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in ectopic bone induced in Nu/Nu mice by Saos‐2 cell derived implants. Devitalized Saos‐2 cells or their extracts can induce endochondral bone formation when implanted subcutaneously into Nu/Nu mice. BMP staining was mostly cytoplasmic. The most intense BMP staining was seen in hypertrophic and apoptotic chondrocytes, osteoprogenitor cells such as periosteal and perivascular cells, and osteoblasts. BMP staining in osteocytes and osteoclasts was variable, ranging from undetectable to intensely stained, and from minimal to moderately stained in megakaryocytes of the induced bone marrow. BMP‐2, 4, 6, and 7 staining in Saos‐2 implant‐induced bone indicates the following: (1) Saos‐2 cell products promote expression of BMPs by host osteoprogenitor cells, which in turn, leads to bone and marrow formation at ectopic sites; (2) strong BMP staining is seen in maturing chondrocytes, and thus may play a role in chondrocyte differentiation and/or apoptosis; (3) BMP expression in perivascular and periosteal cells indicates that osteoprogenitor cells also express BMP; (4) BMP release by osteoclasts may promote osteoblastic differentiation at sites of bone remodeling. These new data can be useful in understanding the role of BMPs in promoting clinical bone repair and in various pathologic conditions. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:465–472, 2007
Adenosquamous/squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder
Authors: Chan Kun‐Ming , Yu Ming‐Chin , Lee Wei‐Chen , Jan Yi‐Yin , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

Adenosquamous/squamous cell carcinoma is a rare histopathologic subtype of gallbladder malignancy. Its clinical features have rarely been described, and its differences from the major histopathologic subtype, adenocarcinoma, remain uncertain.

Methods

All patients with gallbladder carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a histopathologic subtype of either adenosquamous (n = 12) or squamous cell (n = 2) carcinoma were categorized to group I, and patients with adenocarcinoma were categorized to group II. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of these two groups were compared.

Results

The two groups were generally no different in clinical features. However, tumor stages of group I patients were significantly advanced (P = 0.048) and included liver involvement (P = 0.008). The outcomes of advanced‐stage patients in group II were not different from group I (P = 0.413). Nevertheless, patients in both groups with advanced stage pT who had undergone curative resection showed significantly better survival curves than patients who had undergone non‐curative resection (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Patients with adenosquamous/squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder were generally similar to those with adenocarcinoma in clinical characteristics, but had a tendency for liver infiltration. Although the two histopathologic subtypes of the gallbladder carcinoma had similar poor outcomes, better survival could be obtained by performing curative resection for these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:129–134. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of sites of recurrence in gastric carcinoma using immunohistochemical parameters
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Osaki Tomohiro , Murakami Daiki , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Kanaji Shingo , Ohro Shotaro , Tatebe Shigeru , Tsujitani Shunichi , Ikeguchi Masahide
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

To improve prognosis of patients with gastric cancer, it is important to detect recurrences at an early stage following surgery. If the site of recurrence can be predicted, recurrent disease can be easier detected at an early stage. However, this is difficult to achieve using normal clinicopathological factors. We aimed to predict sites of recurrence in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma who underwent curative resection.

Methods

Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐ß1, and p53, together with density of microvessels (MVs), and dendritic cell (DC) infiltration were examined by immunohistochemistry to evaluate their relationships with recurrence patterns in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma (n = 92).

Results

All immunohistochemical parameters closely correlated with prognosis (TGF‐ß1, P = 0.008; VEGF, P < 0.001; p53, P = 0.028; MV, P < 0.001; DC, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that DC infiltration (P = 0.02; HR, 2.52; 95%CI, 1.16–5.48), MV density (P = 0.023; HR, 2.48; 95%CI, 1.13–5.44), VEGF expression (P = 0.002; HR, 3.27; 95%CI, 1.52–7.05), and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001; HR, 2.09; 95%CI, 1.49–2.93) were independent prognostic factors. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DC infiltration (P = 0.004; Odds ratio, 4.25; 95%CI, 1.51–11.96) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.01; Odds ratio, 3.37; 95%CI, 1.31–8.66) provided significant estimates of relative risks for development of peritoneal recurrence. Upon development of hematogenous recurrence, VEGF expression significantly indicated relative risks (P < 0.001; Odds ratio, 7.26; 95%CI, 1.41–37.3). Moreover, p53 expression closely correlated with lymph node recurrence (P = 0.042; Odds ratio, 11; 95%CI, 1.26–95.7).

Conclusions

Assessment of immunohistochemical parameters can predict sites of recurrence in gastric carcinomas, and thus contributes to improve prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:123–128. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative chemoradiation and flap reconstruction provide high local control and low wound complication rates for patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for upper extremity tumors
Authors: Temple C.L.F. , Ross D.C. , Magi E. , DiFrancesco L.M. , Kurien E. , Temple W.J.
Published: February 2007

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant protocols in the management of upper extremity sarcoma have improved local control rates but have been associated with high complication rates. We present a refinement of the Eilber protocol using judicious preoperative chemoradiation, limb salvage surgery, and flap coverage to achieve high local control rates with acceptable wound healing complications.

Methods

Patients presenting with upper extremity neoplasms from 1986 to 2002 were treated with a modified Eilber protocol, consisting of 3 days of adriamycin (30 mg/day) and sequential radiotherapy (300 cGy/day for 10 days). Limb salvage surgery with flap coverage where needed was performed 4–8 weeks later. Patients were followed prospectively for recurrence.

Results

Fifty‐three consecutive patients with upper extremity tumors were treated and followed for a mean of 6.1 years. This cohort included 44 sarcomas and nine non‐metastasizing, locally aggressive tumors. There were two local recurrences (3.8%). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. Flaps were required in 43.4% of patients. Major complications occurred in 11%, were all flap related (partial flap loss, venous congestion), and went on to heal promptly with treatment.

Conclusion

This modified Eilber protocol achieved 96% local control for upper extremity tumors with a wound complication rate of 11%. The liberal use of flaps of resulted in healed, stable wounds in all patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:135–141. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and determination of glycosides in tobacco leaves by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pang Tao , Yuan Zhongyi , Dai Yongsheng , Wang Chang , Yang Jun , Peng Liming , Xu Guowang
Published: February 2007

HPLC‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS (HPLC‐APCI‐MS) was used to screen and identify glycosides in tobacco leaf. MS/MS and MS3 and photodiode array (PDA) detection were also used in the characterization. A total of 12 glycosides were found and four of them were identified based on their abundant [M + H]+ ions, UV spectra, and MS/MS analysis and they are scopolin, rutin, quercetin‐3‐glycoside, and kaempferol‐3‐rutinoside. Analytical characteristics of the method were investigated. The contents of these glycosides were obtained and compared based on the relative peak area to the internal standard in seven kinds of tobacco leaf.
An alternative multiple‐trapping LC‐SPE‐NMR system
Authors: Wilson Steven Ray , Malerød Helle , Petersen Dirk , Rise Frode , Lundanes Elsa , Greibrokk Tyge
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we describe approaches that make RP LC‐SPE‐NMR simpler, and in our opinion, result in more reliable methods for trapping and subsequent transfer of separated trace‐level compounds to the NMR. An SPE unit based on a commercially available, low dead‐volume 10 port high‐pressure column selector gives the possibility of trapping compounds on nine individual SPEs that have standard fittings. This allows the operator to employ specific stationary phases that are not available as SPEs in commercially available LC‐SPE‐NMR systems. Multiple trappings of small compounds like monuron, 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐methylurea, and 4‐chlorophenylurea were easily performed employing a porous‐carbon SPE material. The system was optimized to elute the SPE‐trapped compounds to the NMR probes in as small a volume as possible using back‐flushing. The proper match of NMR probe volume and SPE column inner diameter and elution volume was discussed, as well as the necessity of drying loaded SPEs prior to NMR transfer when using porous‐carbon SPE material.
Pharmaceutical determination in surface and wastewaters using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐(electrospray)‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Pedrouzo Marta , Reverté Sandra , Borrull Francesc , Pocurull Eva , Marcé Rosa Maria
Published: February 2007

A method was developed to determine 11 pharmaceutical compounds in water samples. The method uses SPE and HPLC coupled to MS (LC/MS) using ESI in both positive and negative modes. Three different sorbents were compared for the extraction of analytes from river and sewage treatment plant (STP) waters and OASIS HLB provided the best results. For the solid‐phase extraction of 500 mL of river water samples, the recoveries were between 41 and 101% with the exception of acetaminophen, salicylic acid and naproxen. The LODs were between 3 and 5 ng/L for all the compounds, except naproxen which had an LOD of 15 ng/L. Acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, bezafibrate and ibuprofen were found in three of the tested river samples at ng/L levels and among them, the highest values were for caffeine and bezafibrate with 305 and 363 ng/L, respectively. For the influent and effluent water samples of the STP, volumes of 100 and 250 mL were used, respectively, to obtain acceptable recoveries. All the compounds showed recoveries between 33 and 91% for effluent samples and 33–72% for influent samples, with the exception of acetaminophen, salicylic acid and bezafibrate, which had lower recoveries. The method developed enabled pharmaceuticals in the influent and effluent sewage waters to be determined in five campaigns carried out between February 2004 and June 2005. Several pharmaceuticals were found in the influent samples: for instance, maximum concentrations of ibuprofen and caffeine were 6 and 40 μg/L, respectively.
High-order stimulated Raman scattering in CVD single crystal diamond
Authors: Kaminskii A A , Hemley R J , Lai J , Yan C S , Mao H K , Ralchenko V G , Eichler H J , Rhee H
Published: February 2007

We report on the first observation of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in single crystal diamond synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). An efficiency of 45% of energy conversion from the pumping Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 laser radiation to all Stokes and anti-Stokes components is achieved. This makes single crystal CVD diamond an attractive χ(3) nonlinear crystalline material as a Raman laser converter.
Utilizations of EDFA and SOA in series for broadband gain amplification
Authors: Yeh C-H , Chi S
Published: February 2007

A broadband hybrid two-stage fiber amplifier module, constructed of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in series, is proposed and investigated experimentally. In the proposed amplifier, a short length erbium-doped fiber (EDF) was used in first stage for the pre-amplifier to increase the gain and reduce the noise figure. Therefore, the proposed hybrid amplifier not only enhances gain value, but decreases the noise figure. Moreover, the proposed amplifier can achieve 110 nm amplification bandwidth between 1500 and 1610 nm, when the entire gain are large than 11 dB and noise figure are less than 8 dB for -25 dBm input saturation power. Moreover, the performance of gain and noise figure in the proposed fiber amplifier has also been discussed.
Effect of experimental conditions on the metal dusting phenomenon in several commercial nickel‐base alloys
Authors: Di Gabriele F. , Stott F. H. , Liu Z.
Published: February 2007

The corrosion phenomenon, metal dusting, has been observed in many high‐temperature industrial plants, such as ammonia, syngas and steam‐reforming industries. An experimental research programme has been carried out into the degradation resistance of wrought and cast commercial high‐temperature nickel‐base alloys in H2/CO gas mixtures at 650 °C.

The results in this paper are focused on the effect of the experimental set‐up on the response of the alloy during exposure to the gas mixture; in particular, the specimen holders had an important role on the onset of carbon transfer from the gas to the alloy surfaces. Specimens of most alloys exposed to the gas mixture while suspended from quartz hangers were shown to have good resistance to the environment for periods up to 5000 h. On the other hand, specimens of these alloys, exposed while located in porous refractory ceramic holders, gained large amounts of coke and underwent severe damage. A series of short tests were carried out in order to ascertain the main factors influencing the alloy reactivities in the experimental rig. The presence of specimens of a less‐resistant alloy and slight variations in gas composition (with the addition of CO2) were observed to have a marked impact on the alloy reactivities. Factors such as catalysts, contaminants and gas composition were considered and are discussed.
Fluorescence Turn‐On Detection of Nitric Oxide in Aqueous Solution Using Cationic Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Xing Chengfen , Yu Minghui , Wang Shu , Shi Zhiqiang , Li Yuliang , Zhu Daoben
Published: February 2007

A fluorescent turn‐on detection for nitric oxide in aqueous solution is developed using cationic conjugated polymers. The assay benefits from the sensitivity of optical signals from conjugated polymers and the simplicity of fluorescence measurement techniques. The assay contains three elements: a cationic conjugated polymer that contains imidazole moieties, Cu2+ ions, and the target nitric oxide. The highly fluorescent conjugated polymer coordinates to Cu2+ ions through weak N · · · Cu interactions, and its fluorescence is efficiently quenched by a photo‐induced electron transfer process (‘off’ state). In the presence of nitric oxide, the transformation of the paramagnetic Cu2+ ion into a diamagnetic Cu1+ ion inhibits the quenching and, therefore, the fluorescence of the conjugate polymer is recovered (‘on’ state). Other biologically relevant reactive nitrogen species, such as NOBF4, NaNO2, and NaNO3 don't exhibit the fluorescence recovery of the conjugated polymer under the same conditions as nitric oxide. The cationic conjugated polymer/Cu2+ complex can thus be used as a platform to detect nitric oxide in aqueous solution with high sensitivity and selectivity.

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Asymptotic profile of solutions to a non‐linear dissipative evolution system with conservation
Authors: Wang Zhian , Sang Hong
Published: February 2007

We investigate the asymptotic profile to the Cauchy problem for a non‐linear dissipative evolution system with conservational form

provided that the initial data are small, where constants α, ν are positive satisfying ν2<4α(1 − α), α<1. In (J. Phys. A 2005; 38:10955–10969), the global existence and optimal decay rates of the solution to this problem have been obtained. The aim of this paper is to apply the heat kernel to examine more precise behaviour of the solution by finding out the asymptotic profile. Precisely speaking, we show that, when time t → ∞ the solution $ {\psi \rightarrow De^{-(1-\alpha-\nu^{2}/{4 \alpha})t}G(t, x) \cos ((\nu / 2{\alpha})x + {\Pi / 4} + \beta)}$ and solution ${\theta \rightarrow - D \nu e^{-(1-\alpha-\nu^{2}/{ 4\alpha}) t}G(t, x)\sin((\nu/2{\alpha})x + {\Pi / 4} + \beta)}$ in the Lp sense, where G(t, x) denotes the heat kernel and $D=2\sqrt{2(\vartheta_{+}^{2}+\vartheta_{-}^{2})}$ is determined by the initial data and the solution to a reformulated problem obtained in Section 3, β is related to ϑ+ and ϑ− which are determined by (41) in Section 4. The numerical simulation is presented in the end. The motivation of this work thanks to Nishihara (Asymptotic profile of solutions to nonlinear dissipative evolution system with ellipticity. Z. Angew Math Phys 2006; 57: 604–614). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.