bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of layering pattern on the water absorption behavior of banana glass hybrid composites
Authors: Pothan L. A. , Cherian B. M. , Anandakutty B. , Thomas Sabu
Published: May 2007

Hybridization of Banana fibers with glass fibers has been found to reduce the water absorption behavior of the composites in an earlier work by us. Banana fibers were hybridized with glass and different layering patterns were followed in the preparation of the composites. The effect of the various layering patterns on the water absorption of the composites was studied. It was found that water diffusion occurs in the composite depending on the layering pattern as well as the temperature. In all the experiments, it has been found that composites with an intimate mixture of glass and banana show the maximum water uptake except for temperature of 90°C. At 90°C the maximum water uptake is found to be for composites where there is one layer of banana and another layer of glass. The water uptake follows the same trend as that in all other temperatures till a time span of 4900 min is reached. The kinetics of diffusion was found to be Fickian in nature. The various thermodynamic parameters like sorption coefficient, diffusion coefficient. Enthalpy change, entropy change, and activation energy of the various composites were calculated. From all the calculations it has been concluded that layering pattern is an important parameter which controls the water absorption of the composites. The layering pattern Cg‐b‐g was found to have the lowest water uptake. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Optimal operation of ethylene polymerization reactors for tailored molecular weight distribution
Authors: Asteasuain M. , Brandolin A.
Published: May 2007

This work presents a comprehensive steady‐state model of the high‐pressure ethylene polymerization in a tubular reactor able to calculate the complete molecular weight distribution (MWD). For this purpose, the probability generating function technique is employed. The model is included in an optimization framework, which is used to determine optimal reactor designs and operating conditions for producing a polymer with tailored MWD. Two application examples are presented. The first one involves maximization of conversion to obtain a given MWD, typical of industrial operation. Excellent agreement between the resulting MWD and the target one is achieved with a conversion about 5% higher than the ones commonly reported for this type of reactor. The second example consists in finding the design and operating conditions necessary to produce a polymer with a bimodal MWD. The optimal design for this case involves a split of the initiator, monomer, and modifier feeds between the main stream and two lateral injections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work dealing with the optimization of this process in which a tailored shape for the MWD is included. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and swelling behavior of alginate‐g‐poly(sodium acrylate)/kaolin superabsorbent hydrogel composites
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Ghasemzadeh Hossein , Soleyman Rouhollah
Published: May 2007

A novel superabsorbent composite based on sodium alginate and the inorganic clay kaolin was synthesized via the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) in an aqueous medium with methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The effects of reaction variables, such as the MBA, AA, and APS concentrations and the alginate/kaolin weight ratio, on the water absorbency of the composite were systematically optimized. Evidence of grafting and kaolin interactions was obtained by a comparison of the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the initial substrates with that of the superabsorbent composite, and the hydrogel structure was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that with an increasing alginate/kaolin weight ratio, the swelling capacity and gel content increased. The effects of various salt media were also studied, along with the swelling kinetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Preparation of self‐standing polyaniline‐based membranes: Doping effect on the selective ion separation and reverse osmosis properties
Authors: Deligöz Hüseyin
Published: May 2007

The selective ion transport of aqueous salt solutions including mono‐, di‐, trivalent cations across both doped and undoped polyaniline (PAni) membranes was described. PAni‐based asymmetric membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method from the casting solution containing N‐methyl pyrrolidone. It was found that the permeation rates (PR) decline in the sequence of PR(NaCl) > PR(MgCl2) > PR(LaCl3). HCl‐doped PAni membrane exhibited higher permeation rates for the salts than undoped one due to its more hydrophilic nature. In reverse osmosis (RO) applications, it was observed no water permeation through undoped PAni due to less permeable and hydrophobic nature, under even at 40 bar pressure. Concerning HCl‐doped PAni, this membrane showed very low water flux (Jw) and it was found as 1.01 L m−2 h−1 under 40 bar pressure. On the other hand, the J increased linearly with the applied pressure. Furthermore, typical separation factor (α)values calculated from permeation rate ratios were found to be as 6.3 and 39 for Na+/Mg2+ and Na+/La3+ for HCl‐doped PAni, respectively. Especially, HCl‐doped PAni membrane can be used for removing rare‐earth metal salts due to its high separation efficiency in high temperature applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Liquid‐crystalline behavior of chitosan in malic acid
Authors: Chang Jenq Sheng , Chang Ke Liang B. , Tsai Min Lang
Published: May 2007

This report describes how the degree of deacetylation and molecular weight of chitosan and the concentrations of sodium chloride and malic acid affect the formation of lyotropic chitosan liquid crystals. Chitosan samples of various degrees of deacetylation were prepared from β‐chitin that was isolated from squid pens. They were degraded by ultrasonic irradiation to various molecular weights. The critical concentrations forming chitosan liquid crystals were determined with a polarized microscope. A chitosan sample with a degree of deacetylation of 67.2–83.6% formed cholesteric lyotropic liquid crystals when it was dissolved in 0.37–2.59M malic acid. The critical concentrations increased with increasing degrees of deacetylation of chitosan. They decreased with increasing molecular weights or increasing concentrations of sodium chloride and malic acid. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Radiation‐induced oxygen scavenging activity in EVOH copolymers
Authors: López‐Rubio Amparo , Lagarón José María , Yamamoto Tomoyuki , Gavara Rafael
Published: May 2007

Oxygen scavenging capacity has been observed for the first time in an ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH29, i.e., 29 mol % of ethylene) copolymer as a consequence of electron beam irradiation at doses of 30 and 90 kGy. This oxygen blocking activity is thought to arise from the reaction of oxygen with the free radicals formed during the irradiation process and it has been observed to be dependent of the irradiation dose, i.e., the higher the dose, the longer the time the polymer is able to react with oxygen. The characterization of the irradiated polymeric samples has been carried out through DSC and FT‐IR and the oxygen transmission rate has been measured as a function of time and compared with the properties of the nonirradiated material. A drop in the melting point and in the enthalpy of fusion and broader peaks were observed after irradiation, which indicated changes in the morphology of the copolymer. Through FT‐IR, a slight decrease in the crystallinity of the irradiated EVOH29 was observed at the highest irradiation dose and several bands arise which correspond to the formation of degradation products such as aldehydes and ketones after irradiation. Those radiolysis compounds were identified through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Chitosan graft copolymers‐HA/DBM biocomposites: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Mohamed Khaled R. , El‐Bassyouni Gehan T. , Beherei Hanan H.
Published: May 2007

The combination of biopolymer with a bioactive component takes advantage of the osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity properties. The studies on composites containing hydroxyapatite (HA), demineralized bone matrix (DBM) fillers and chitosan biopolymer are still conducted. In the present study, the bioactive fillers were loaded onto p(HEMA‐MMA) grafted chitosan copolymer to produce a novel biocomposites having osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. The produced composites were assessed by TGA, XRD, FTIR, and SEM techniques to prove the interaction between both matrices. In vitro behavior of these composites was performed in SBF to verify the formation of apatite layer onto their surfaces and its enhancement. The results confirmed the formation of thick apatite layer containing carbonate ions onto the surface of biocomposites especially these containing HA‐DBM mixture and pMMA having bone cement formation in their structure. These a novel biocomposites have unique bioactivity properties can be applied in bone implants and tissue engineering applications as scaffolds in future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Controlled geometry fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane nanofibers for biomimetics
Authors: Trofin Lacramioara , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: May 2007

The ability to have control of fabricated structures on the nanometer size scale is essential in interfacing inorganic technologies with biological systems in many scientific areas including biomimetics and cell topology studies. Here, we developed a simple and efficient method to produce polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanofibers with controlled aspect ratios that could be used in biological studies. As PDMS is a well studied polymer system, this structure would enable a variety of diverse applications. A template synthesis technique was used to create the fibers by molding a polymer solution into an alumina membrane. The pressure and the template surface chemical characteristics were controlled to enable the easy creation of geometric configurations with up to a 30‐fold range of aspects ratios through the use of the same porous alumina template. These fibers can be also used in producing biomimetic synthetic column structures that are found in biological systems such as spider hairs and gecko feet. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Synaptosome behaviour is unaffected by weak pulsed electromagnetic fields
Authors: Aldinucci C. , Carretta A. , Maiorca S. , Rossi V. , Ciccoli L. , Pessina G.P.
Published: May 2007

The present study examined the effect on rat cortical synaptosomes of a 2 h exposure to 50‐Hz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with a peak magnetic field of 2 mT. We measured modifications of synaptosomal mitochondrial respiration rate, ATP production, membrane potential, intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration and free iron release. The O2 consumption remained unvaried in exposed synaptosomes at about 2 nM O2/min/mg proteins; ATP production was also unchanged. The intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ concentration decreased slowly and there was a slight, but non‐significant, depolarisation of the synaptosomal membrane. Finally, the free iron release by synaptosomal suspensions, a useful predictor of neuro‐developmental outcome, remained unchanged after EMF exposure. On the whole, our results indicate that the physiological behaviour of cortical synaptosomes is not affected by weak pulsed EMFs. Bioelectromagnetics 28:477–483, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Leben heißt ein Kämpfer sein” – Zum Verhältnis von Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit am Beispiel der modernen Eisenhüttenkunde an der Technischen Hochschule Aachen
Authors: Krebs Stefan
Published: May 2007

“To Live is to be Fighter” – On the Relatioship of Science and Public Illustrated by the Example of Modern Ferrous Metallurgy at the Technical University Aachen. – The contribution pursues the question of how Fritz Wüst, professor of ferrous metallurgy at the Technische Hochschule Aachen (1901–1921), changed the configurations of influential agents, thus readjusting power structures in favour of the institute of metallurgy in Aachen. Science and the public are here understood as resources for one another. Through the establishment of his own technical journals, and cooperation with industry, interest groups, and the politics of Berlin, Wüst mobilised specific public relations for himself, and thus connected the Aachen iron metallurgy multifariously with the social network of the German Empire. He was well able to recognise the sensitive conditions of his times, using them for his own purposes in his lectures and publications. Thus, he stylised modern iron metallurgy to a motivating and formative force for the German Empire's world power ambitions. These politics for science demonstrate how at the institutional and intellectual level, the interweaving of scientific and political goals followed.
Design als ‘mediating interface’ Zur Zeugen‐ und Zeichenhaftigkeit des Radioapparates
Authors: Fickers Andreas
Published: May 2007

Design as Mediating Interface: Historical Evidence and Symbolic Enunciation of the Radio Set. – Based on a case study on the invention of the radio station scale in the late 1920's and early 1930's, this article pleads for an interdisciplinary look at the importance of design as a mediating interface in the production‐consumption junction. In this cultural history perspective on technology, the material artifact matters both as a witness of and a sign for the symbolic meaning and appropriation of the technical object, which transgresses the functional logic of instrumental rationality. In presenting five different perspectives on design offering some alternative looks for a cultural history of technology, this theoretically inspired essay wants to sound the critical potential of a multilayered semantic approach to the radio apparatus as a prominent representation of a radical innovation in media technology.
Large‐scale biodiesel production from microalga Chlorella protothecoides through heterotrophic cultivation in bioreactors
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Xu Han , Wu Qingyu
Published: May 2007

An integrated approach of biodiesel production from heterotrophic Chlorella protothecoides focused on scaling up fermentation in bioreactors was reported in this study. Through substrate feeding and fermentation process controls, the cell density of C. protothecoides achieved 15.5 g L−1 in 5 L, 12.8 g L−1 in 750 L, and 14.2 g L−1 in 11,000 L bioreactors, respectively. Resulted from heterotrophic metabolism, the lipid content reached 46.1%, 48.7%, and 44.3% of cell dry weight in samples from 5 L, 750 L, and 11,000 L bioreactors, respectively. Transesterification of the microalgal oil was catalyzed by immobilized lipase from Candidia sp. 99–125. With 75% lipase (12,000 U g−1, based on lipid quantity) and 3:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil batch‐fed at three times, 98.15% of the oil was converted to monoalkyl esters of fatty acids in 12 h. The expanded biodiesel production rates were 7.02 g L−1, 6.12 g L−1, and 6.24 g L−1 in 5 L, 750 L, and 11,000 L bioreactors, respectively. The properties of biodiesel from Chlorella were comparable to conventional diesel fuel and comply with the US Standard for Biodiesel (ASTM 6751). These results suggest that it is feasible to expand heterotrophic Chlorella fermentation for biodiesel production at the industry level. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 764–771. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical treatment and outcome of iatrogenic bile duct lesions after cholecystectomy and the impact of different clinical classification systems
Authors: Bektas H , Schrem H , Winny M , Klempnauer J
Published: May 2007

Background

Different injury patterns of iatrogenic bile duct lesions after cholecystectomy have prompted the proposal of several different clinical classification systems. The aim of this study was to validate these systems comparatively.

Methods

Results after surgical intervention for iatrogenic bile duct lesions in 74 consecutive patients at a tertiary referral centre were reviewed retrospectively. A new classification (Hannover classification) for iatrogenic bile duct lesions is proposed and compared with four other systems using the present clinical data.

Results

Additional vascular lesions were found in 19 per cent. The hospital mortality rate was 3 per cent and the overall hospital complication rate after repair was 26 per cent. Sixteen of 74 patients required early surgical reintervention. The Hannover classification demonstrated a highly significant association between the discrimination of classifiable injury patterns and the different surgical treatments chosen (P < 0·005). The Strasberg and Neuhaus classifications do not consider vascular involvement, whereas the Stewart–Way, Siewert and Neuhaus systems do not discriminate between lesions at or above the bifurcation of the hepatic duct.

Conclusion

Additional vascular involvement and location of the lesion at or above the bifurcation of the hepatic duct have a major impact on the extent of surgical intervention required and should be reflected in any classification of bile duct injuries.
Low‐Temperature Adsorption/Storage of Hydrogen on FAU, MFI, and MOR Zeolites with Various Si/Al Ratios: Effect of Electrostatic Fields and Pore Structures
Authors: Jhung Sung Hwa , Yoon Ji Woong , Lee Ji Sun , Chang Jong‐San
Published: May 2007

Several zeolites, such as faujasite, mordenite, and ZSM‐5, with various aluminum contents have been used to analyze the effect of aluminum or cation concentration (strength of electrostatic field) on hydrogen adsorption at low temperature. Irrespective of the zeolite structure, the adsorption capacity, isosteric heat of adsorption (−ΔHads), surface coverage, and micropore occupancy increase with increasing aluminum content of a zeolite. Zeolites with a higher amount of aluminum favorably adsorb hydrogen at relatively low pressures. For zeolites with similar aluminum contents, the adsorption capacity, isosteric heat of adsorption, surface coverage, and micropore occupancy are in the order of mordenite>ZSM‐5>faujasite, probably due to differing pore sizes and the presence or absence of pore intersections. This work demonstrates that zeolites with strong electrostatic fields and narrow pores without intersections are beneficial for high hydrogen uptake.
Kinetics of Acid Blue 1 Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Carbonaceous Substrate Produced from Biotic Precursor
Authors: Fazlullah Khan Bangash , Sultan Alam , Irshad Ahmad
Published: May 2007

Adsorption of acid blue 1 from aqueous solution onto carbonaceous substrate produced from the wood ofPaulownia tomentosa was investigated. The samples characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDS and XRD techniques, indicated that the surface functional groups like carboxyl, lactones or phenols and ethers have disappeared at high activation temperature (800 °C) and as a result porous structure was developed that has a positive effect on the adsorption capacity. Bangham and parabolic diffusion models were applied to the kinetic adsorption data, which show that the adsorption of acid blue 1 was a diffusion controlled process. The reaction rate increased with the increase in temperatures of both the adsorption and activation. Thermodynamic parameters like ΔE≠, ΔH≠, ΔS≠ and ΔG≠ were calculated from the kinetic data. The negative values of ΔS≠ reflected the decrease in the disorder of the system at the solid‐solution interface during adsorption. Gibbs free energy (ΔG≠), representing the driving force for the affinity of dye for the carbon surface, increased with the increase in sample activation and the adsorption temperatures.
Direct Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Kinetics of Supramolecular Complex [Co(H2O)6]·(Hnip)2·(H2nip)2·(DMA)2·(H2O)8 (nip=5‐nitroisophthalate, DMA=CH3NHCH3)
Authors: Wang Li‐Qiong , Guo Jin‐Yu , Zhang Tong‐Lai , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Yang Li , Qiao Xiao‐Jing , Wu Rui‐Feng , Yu Wei
Published: May 2007

The crystal of [Co(H2O)6]·(Hnip)2·(H2nip)2·(DMA)2·(H2O)8 has been cultured using direct method and characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffractometry, elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. It crystallizes in triclinic system, P‐1 space group with the cell parameters of a=0.7012(1) nm, b=1.1378(2) nm, c=1.6612(3) nm, α=84.92(3)°, β=85.19(3)°, γ=85.91(3)°, V=1.3128(5) nm3, Z=1, Dc1.573 g·cm−3. Final R indices [I>2σ(I)] are:R1=0.0279, wR2=0.0765 while R indices for all data are:R1=0.0327, wR2=0.0806. The Co coordination octahedra are each surrounded by two Hnip, two H2nip, two DMA and eight water molecules that are linked by hydrogen bonds and π‐π stacking interactions. Thermal analyses of DSC and TG‐DTG have been performed on the complex to predict its thermal decomposition mechanism and determine the most probable kinetic model function using Kissinger, Ozawa, integral and differential methods.
A Novel Divalent Ytterbium Complex Supported by a Bridged Diamide Ligand: Synthesis and Structure of [{Me2Si(NPh)2Yb(THF)2}(μ3‐Cl)(μ4‐Cl){Li(THF)}2]2·2THF
Authors: Lu Cheng‐Rong , Zhao Bei , Zhou Li‐Ying , Shen Qi , Yao Ying‐Ming , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2007

The reaction of anhydrous YbCl3 with 1 equiv. of Li2Me2Si(NPh)2 in THF, after workup, yielded a ytterbium(III) chloride [{Me2Si(NPh)2Yb}(μ2‐Cl)(TMEDA)]2·3PhMe (1) (TMEDA=tetramethylethanediamine). The same reaction followed by treatment with Na‐K alloy afforded a new ytterbium(II) complex supported by a bridged diamide with four coordinated LiCl molecules, [{Me2Si(NPh)2Yb(THF)2}(μ3‐Cl)(μ4‐Cl){Li(THF)}2]2·2THF (2) in high yield. Both complexes were structurally characterized by X‐ray analysis to be dimers. Complex 1 was a chlorine‐bridged dimer with ytterbium in a distorted octahedral geometry. In complex 2 two [Me2Si(NPh)2Yb(THF)2]‐(μ3‐Cl)[Li(THF)]2 moieties were connected with each other by two μ4‐Cl bridges to form a "chair‐form" framework.
Surface Characterization of Biopolymer Micropatterns Processed by Ion‐Beam Modification and PECVD
Authors: Manso Silván M. , Valsesia A. , Hasiwa M. , Gilliland D. , Ceccone G. , Rossi F.
Published: May 2007

The surface properties of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and allylamine (ALL) have been used to create biomedical micropatterns by exploiting the antifouling character of ion beam‐treated PEG and the biofunctional properties of ALL films deposited using plasma‐enhanced (PE) CVD. For integration, the PEG film can be etched through a mask to subsequently deposit ALL in the formed cavities. Imaging mode X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) corroborates the contrasting chemistry, while time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS) demonstrates a net heparin adsorption inhibition onto PEG. The performance of the micropatterned platforms is supported by the selective response of L929 mouse fibroblasts.
Diagnostic utility of D2‐40 and podoplanin in effusion cell blocks
Authors: Bhalla Ritu , Siddiqui Momin T. , Mandich Daniza , Cartun Richard W. , Fiel‐Gan Mary D. , Nassar Aziza , Mandavilli Srinivas R.
Published: May 2007

The distinction between malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma is a diagnostic challenge in cytologic specimens of effusion fluids. As for today, no single antibody has demonstrated absolute sensitivity or specificity for Mesothelioma. D2‐40 and podoplanin have recently been recognized to stain mesothelial cells. Our aim for this study was to evaluate the utility of these two markers as indicators of mesothelial cells using cell blocks by comparison with two other established mesothelial markers. A total of 40 cell blocks of effusion fluids including cases of epithelioid mesotheliomas, metastatic carcinomas and benign cases with reactive mesothelial cells were selected. A panel of immunostains including D2‐40, podoplanin, CK5, and calretinin was performed. D2‐40 and podoplanin were positive in 100% of mesothelioma cases in comparison to metastatic adenocarcinoma cases where the positivity was 0%. It is concluded that D2‐40 and podoplanin are very useful markers for mesotheliomas. Since these markers are extremely helpful in differentiating epithelioid mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma, they shall be a valuable addition to the battery of markers used to differentiate the two entities. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:342–347. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of microwave processed cell blocks as a complement to cervico‐vaginal smears
Authors: Gangane Nitin , Mukerji Major Shantanu , Anshu  , Sharma S. M.
Published: May 2007

Cell blocks have largely been neglected in cervical cytology. The aim of this study was to determine if microwave processed cell blocks prepared from residual material on sampling devices could add to the diagnostic accuracy of cervico‐vaginal smears.

The material remaining on the spatula after making cervical smears was rinsed in ethanol and used to prepare microwave‐processed cell blocks in 260 patients. Both Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and cell block sections were examined independently. The sensitivity and specificity of both techniques for detection of malignancy and intraepithelial lesions were calculated.

Sensitivity and specificity for cytology smear for detection of malignancy were 79.16% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of cell block were 86.3% and 100%, respectively. The quality of the section and staining after microwave processing was excellent. Our modified technique using microwave fixation and processing substantially reduced the turn around time.

Microwave processed cell blocks prepared from residual cervico‐vaginal specimens on sampling devices can add to the diagnostic accuracy of Pap smear without patients needing to undergo an additional procedure. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:338–341. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of antibody clone and pretreatment method on the results of HER2 immunostaining in cytologic samples of metastatic breast cancer: A query and a review of the literature
Authors: Fetsch Patricia A. , Abati Andrea
Published: May 2007

The standardization and use of heat‐induced epitope retrieval (HIER) is particularly important with immunohistochemical markers that direct the course of cancer treatment, such as Herceptin therapy. Increasingly, many laboratories are performing immunohistochemical analysis using various antibodies and methodologies for HER2/neu. We attempted to determine the effects of antibody clone and pretreatment methods on the interpretation of HER‐2/neu staining in cytologic samples.

Cell block sections from 54 cases of metastatic breast cancer (24 FNAs, 30 effusions) were analyzed for HER2 expression using antibodies to CB‐11, TAB250, and A0485. Antibodies were analyzed with and without HIER. One pathologist using the FDA‐approved scoring system for the HercepTest reviewed all slides in a blinded fashion.

Five of fifty‐four cases (9%) using CB‐11 showed a significant increase in HER2 immunoreactivity using HIER (i.e. from 0/1+ to 2–3+). However, in twenty‐nine of fifty‐four cases (54%), the cytoplasmic background was significantly higher after HIER. With the A0485 antibody, two of fifty four cases (4%) showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity using HIER, while seventeen of fifty‐four cases (31%) exhibited only more pronounced cytoplasmic staining. HIER pretreatment did not increase HER2 staining in any TAB250 stained sample, rather four of fifty‐four cases (7%) showed a significant decrease in staining with HIER.

We conclude that HIER may enhance membrane staining with the CB‐11 and A0485 antibodies, but also increases cytoplasmic background. Loss of antigenicity is seen when HIER is used with TAB250. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:319–328. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
WT1, monoclonal CEA, TTF1, and CA125 antibodies in the differential diagnosis of lung, breast, and ovarian adenocarcinomas in serous effusions
Authors: Zhu Weijian , Michael Claire W.
Published: May 2007

The distinction between metastatic adenocarcinomas of lung (LAC), breast (BAC), and ovary (OAC) in serous effusions can be very difficult since they all can present as tight cell clusters. This is particularly challenging when the malignant effusion is the patient's initial presentation or when the patient has a history of more than one primary. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of WT1, monoclonal CEA (mCEA), TTF1, and CA125 antibodies in the differential diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma from the lung, breast and ovary in serous effusions.

Forty‐six samples of serous effusions with their corresponding cell blocks were retrieved from our hospital computer system, including 13 BACs, 13 LACs, and 20 OACs. The diagnoses were confirmed by the surgical resection. Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded cell block sections were immunostained for WT1, mCEA, TTF1, and CA125. Two observers blindly reviewed the immunostained slides without knowledge of the previous clinical or histologic diagnoses. The staining intensity was graded semiquantitatively as negative, 0; weak, 1+; moderate, 2+; and strong, 3+. The percentage of positively staining cells was estimated. The distribution patterns of reactivity for WT1 and TTF1 were recorded as nuclear, and mCEA and CA125 as membranous stain.

Metastatic OACs showed positive immunoreactivity to WT1 in 19/20 (95%) cases, CA125 in 20/20 (100%), and all showed negative reaction for both mCEA (0/20, 0%) and TTF1 (0/20, 0%). BAC showed positive reaction in 6/13 (46%) cases to CA125 and mCEA. Staining pattern was diffuse for CA125 and focal for mCEA. Only 2/13 (15%) were positive for WT1, while all of 13 BAC cases (0/13, 0%) were negative for TTF1. LAC showed positive immunoreactivity for TTF1 in 9/13 (69%) with a characteristic nuclear staining pattern, but only 3/13 (23%) were focally stained for WT1. In addition, 8/13 (62%) of LAC cases were positive for both CA125 and mCEA.

Our results demonstrate that the WT1 stain is specific for metastatic carcinoma of ovarian primary, showing a high sensitivity. In addition, CA125 stain is very sensitive for OACs, but could be positive in about a half of LAC and BAC cases. An immunostaining pattern of positive mCEA as well as negative WT1 rules out OACs, raising the possibility of LACs and BACs. A positive TTF1 staining supports the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma originating from lung rather than breast, while a negative TTF1 favors the diagnosis of a breast primary. Immunohistochemical studies with WT1, TTF1, and mCEA antibodies are useful in the differential diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinomas of lung, breast, and ovary. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:370–375. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of locomotor stimulation and protein synthesis inhibition on circadian rhythms in size changes of L1 and L2 interneurons in the fly's visual system
Authors: Kula Elzbieta , Pyza Elzbieta
Published: May 2007

Axons of monopolar cell interneurons L1 and L2 in the first optic lobe (lamina) of the fly Musca domestica undergo cyclical changes in diameter. These axons swell during the day and shrink during the night. In addition, the axons' size depends on light conditions since they are largest in continuous light (LL), somewhat smaller under day/night (LD) conditions, and smallest under constant darkness (DD). In this study we found that sizes of both cells can further increase in free flying flies under LD conditions, while the visual stimulation alone does not have significant effect on the cross‐sectional area of L1 and L2 axons. The stimulation of free flying had no effect on L1 and L2 sizes if it was performed at the beginning of subjective day in LL or DD. Our results indicate that a maximal increase in size of L1 and L2 is observed when stimulation of free flying is synchronized with a fly' daily peak of activity. We also found that protein synthesis is needed to increase size of monopolar cell axons during the day when they normally swell. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Ascidian notochord morphogenesis
Authors: Jiang Di , Smith William C.
Published: May 2007

The development of the notochord involves a complex set of cellular behaviors. While these morphogenic behaviors are common to all chordates, the ascidian provides a particularly attractive experimental model because of its relative simplicity. In particular, all notochord morphogenesis in ascidians takes place with only 40 cells, as opposed to the hundreds of cells in vertebrate model systems. Initial steps in ascidian notochord development convert a monolayer of epithelial‐like cells in the pregastrula embryo to a cylindrical rod of single‐cell diameter. Convergent extension is responsible for the intercalation of notochord cells and some degree of notochord elongation, while a second phase of elongation is observed as the notochord narrows medially and increases in volume. The mechanism by which the volume of the notochord increases differs between ascidian species. Some ascidians produce extracellular pockets that will eventually coalesce to form a lumen running the length of the notochord; whereas others do not. By either mechanism, the resulting notochord serves as a hydrostatic skeleton allowing for the locomotion of the swimming larva. Several basic cell behaviors, such as cell shape changes, cell rearrangement, establishment of cell polarity, and alteration of extracellular environment, are displayed in the process of notochord morphogenesis. Modern analysis of ascidian notochord morphogenesis promises to contribute to our understanding of these fundamental biological processes. Developmental Dynamics 236:1748–1757, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sharp developmental thresholds defined through bistability by antagonistic gradients of retinoic acid and FGF signaling
Authors: Goldbeter Albert , Gonze Didier , Pourquié Olivier
Published: May 2007

The establishment of thresholds along morphogen gradients in the embryo is poorly understood. Using mathematical modeling, we show that mutually inhibitory gradients can generate and position sharp morphogen thresholds in the embryonic space. Taking vertebrate segmentation as a paradigm, we demonstrate that the antagonistic gradients of retinoic acid (RA) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) along the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) may lead to the coexistence of two stable steady states. Here, we propose that this bistability is associated with abrupt switches in the levels of FGF and RA signaling, which permit the synchronized activation of segmentation genes, such as mesp2, in successive cohorts of PSM cells in response to the segmentation clock, thereby defining the future segments. Bistability resulting from mutual inhibition of RA and FGF provides a molecular mechanism for the all‐or‐none transitions assumed in the “clock and wavefront” somitogenesis model. Given that mutually antagonistic signaling gradients are common in development, such bistable switches could represent an important principle underlying embryonic patterning. Developmental Dynamics 236:1495–1508, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of menstrual disturbance in eating disorders
Authors: Poyastro Pinheiro Andréa , Thornton Laura M. , Plotonicov Katherine H. , Tozzi Federica , Klump Kelly L. , Berrettini Wade H. , Brandt Harry , Crawford Steven , Crow Scott , Fichter Manfred M. , Goldman David , Halmi Katherine A. , Johnson Craig , Kaplan Allan S. , Keel Pamela , LaVia Maria , Mitchell James , Rotondo Alessandro , Strober Michael , Treasure Janet , Blake Woodside D. , Von Holle Ann , Hamer Robert , Kaye Walter H. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To describe menstrual disturbance in eating disorders (ED).

Method:

We describe menstrual history in 1,705 women and compare eating, weight, and psychopathological traits across menstrual groups.

Results:

Menstrual dysfunction occurred across all eating disorder subtypes. Individuals with normal menstrual history and primary amenorrhea reported the highest and lowest lifetime body mass index (BMI), respectively. Normal menstruation and oligomenorrhea groups reported greater binge eating, vomiting, and appetite suppressant use. Amenorrhea was associated with lower caloric intake and higher exercise. Harm avoidance, novelty seeking, perfectionism, and obsessionality discriminated among menstrual status groups. No differences in comorbid Axis I and II disorders were observed.

Conclusion:

Menstrual dysfunction is not limited to any eating disorder subtype. BMI, caloric intake, and exercise were strongly associated with menstrual function. Menstrual status is not associated with comorbidity. Menstrual irregularity is an associated feature of all ED rather than being restricted to AN only. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Photoinitiation of Acrylate Polymerization with (Arene)chromium Complexes
Authors: Kündig E. Peter , Xu Long‐He , Kondratenko Mikhail , Cunningham Allan F. , Kunz Martin
Published: May 2007

Photoinitiation of acrylate polymerization by [Cr(η6‐arene)(CO)3] complexes in the presence of an organic chloro compound was investigated. For the bimolecular system, a good correlation between activity and metal–arene and metal–carbonyl bond strength was observed. The highest efficiency was found for an initiator in which the organic chloro compound was tethered to the complexed arene: [Cr(η6‐C6H5CH2OCOCCl3)(CO)3]. The initial steps of the photoinitiation were probed and provided evidence for metal–arene bond cleavage in an Cr(η2‐acrylate)(η6‐arene)(CO)2 complex. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Studies Directed to the Synthesis of Oligochitosans – Preparation of Building Blocks and Their Evaluation in Glycosylation Studies
Authors: Grann Hansen Signe , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: May 2007

Thioglucosaminides with four different N‐protecting groups, Troc, Phth, Alloc and PNZ could selectively be benzoylated at the C3 and C6‐hydroxy groups in good yields without the requirement for low‐temperature techniques. These reactions could be performed by refluxing a solution of the N‐protected amino sugars with benzoyl chloride, 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine and pyridine in dichloromethane. The efficacy of these thioglycosides both as donors and acceptors for the construction of chitosans was evaluated. Whereas, the thioglycosides could be easily coupled to simple alcohols in excellent yields using the glycosylation promoting system N‐iodosuccinimide and TMS triflate, these conditions could not effectuate coupling to the C4‐hydroxy group possessing flanking benzoyl protecting groups. On the other hand, exploitation of Crich's O‐glycosylation conditions involving a glycosyl triflate intermediate provided two different 1,4‐linked disaccharides in good yields.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Exercise decreases myelin‐associated glycoprotein expression in the spinal cord and positively modulates neuronal growth
Authors: Ghiani Cristina A. , Ying Zhe , Vellis Jean de , Gomez‐Pinilla Fernando
Published: May 2007

To successfully grow, neurons need to overcome the effects of hostile environments, such as the inhibitory action of myelin. We have evaluated the potential of exercise to overcome the intrinsic limitation of the central nervous system for axonal growth. In line with the demonstrated ability of exercise to increase the regenerative potential of neurons, here we show that exercise reduces the inhibitory capacity of myelin. Cortical neurons grown on myelin from exercised rats showed a more pronounced neurite extension compared with neurons grown on poly‐D‐lysine, or on myelin extracted from sedentary animals. The activity of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5, a kinase involved in neurite outgrowth, was found to be increased in cortical neurons grown on exercise‐myelin and in the lumbar spinal cord enlargement of exercised animals. Exercise significantly decreased the levels of myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG), a potent axonal growth inhibitor, suggesting that downregulation of MAG is part of the mechanism through which exercise reduces growth inhibition. It is known that exercise elevates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) spinal cord levels and that BDNF acts to overcome the inhibitory effects of myelin. Accordingly, we blocked the action of BDNF during exercise, which suppressed the exercise‐related MAG decrease. Protein kinase A (PKA) has been related to the ability of BDNF to overcome growth inhibition; in agreement, we found that exercise increased PKA levels and this effect was reverted by blocking BDNF. Overall, these results show that exercise promotes a permissive cellular environment for axonal growth in the adult spinal cord requiring BDNF action. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain region binding of the D2/3 agonist [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO and the D2/3 antagonist [11C]raclopride in healthy humans
Authors: Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Willeit Matthaeus , Ginovart Nathalie , Mamo David , Mizrahi Romina , Rusjan Pablo , Vitcu Irina , Seeman Philip , Wilson Alan A. , Kapur Shitij
Published: May 2007

The D2 receptors exist in either the high‐ or low‐affinity state with respect to agonists, and while agonists bind preferentially to the high‐affinity state, antagonists do not distinguish between the two states. [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO is a PET D2 agonist radioligand and therefore provides a preferential measure of the D2high receptors. In contrast, [11C]raclopride is an antagonist radioligand and thus binds with equal affinity to the D2 high‐ and low‐affinity states. The aim was to compare the brain uptake, distribution and binding characteristics between [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO and [11C]raclopride in volunteers using a within‐subject design. Both radioligands accumulated in brain areas rich in D2/D3‐receptors. However, [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO showed preferential uptake in the ventral striatum and globus pallidus, while [11C]raclopride showed preferential uptake in the dorsal striatum. Mean binding potentials were higher in the putamen (4.3 vs. 2.8) and caudate (3.4 vs 2.1) for [11C]raclopride, equal in the ventral‐striatum (3.4 vs. 3.3), and higher in the globus pallidus for [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO (1.8 vs. 3.3). Moreover [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO kinetics in the globus pallidus showed a slower washout than other regions. One explanation for the preferential binding of [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO in the globus pallidus and ventral‐striatum could be the presence of a greater proportion of high‐ vs. low‐affinity receptors in these areas. Alternatively, the observed distribution could also be explained by a preferential binding of D3‐over‐D2 with [11C]‐(+)‐PHNO. This differential binding of agonist vs. antagonist radioligand, especially in the critically important region of the limbic striatum/pallidum, offers new avenues to investigate the role of the dopamine system in health and disease. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional connectivity mapping using the ferromagnetic Potts spin model
Authors: Stanberry Larissa , Murua Alejandro , Cordes Dietmar
Published: May 2007

An unsupervised stochastic clustering method based on the ferromagnetic Potts spin model is introduced as a powerful tool to determine functionally connected regions. The method provides an intuitively simple approach to clustering and makes no assumptions of the number of clusters in the data or their underlying distribution. The performance of the method and its dependence on the intrinsic parameters (size of the neighborhood, form of the interaction term, etc.) is investigated on the simulated data and real fMRI data acquired during a conventional periodic finger tapping task. The merits of incorporating Euclidean information into the connectivity analysis are discussed. The ability of the Potts model clustering to uncover the hidden structure in the complex data is demonstrated through its application to the resting‐state data to determine functional connectivity networks of the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices for the group of nine healthy male subjects. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain potentials distinguish new and studied objects during working memory
Authors: Guo Chunyan , Lawson Adam L. , Zhang Qin , Jiang Yang
Published: May 2007

We investigated brain responses to matching versus nonmatching objects in working memory (WM) with a modified delayed match‐to‐sample task using event‐related potentials (ERPs). In addition, ERP correlates of new items (new matches/new nonmatches) and previously studied items (studied matches/studied nonmatches) were examined in the WM task. Half of the common visual objects were initially studied until 95% accuracy was attained and half were new. Each memory trial began with the presentation of a sample object followed by nine test objects. Participants indicated whether each test item was the same as the object held in mind (i.e., match) or a nonmatch. Compared to studied matches, new matches evoked activity that was 50 ms earlier and largest at frontal sites. In contrast, P3 activity associated with studied nonmatches was larger than for new nonmatches at mostly posterior sites, which parallels previously reported old–new ERP effects. The ERP source analysis further confirms that the cortical mechanisms underlying matching objects and rejecting irrelevant objects during the task are both temporally and spatially distinct. Moreover, our current findings suggest that prior learning affects brain responses to matching visual items during a WM task. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The qaly—a measure of social value rather than individual utility?
Authors: Nord Erik
Published: May 2007

The paper examines different interpretations of the QALY concept. It is suggested that the QALY interpreted as a measure of amounts of well‐life does not carry sufficient empirical meaning. As a measure of individuals' personal appreciation of outcomes in their own lives the QALY does not seem to work in comparisons of life saving interventions with interventions that improve health or increase life expectancy. For the QALY to be a generally empirically meaningful concept, it looks as though it needs to be interpreted as a measure of social value. This conclusion has direct implications for how values for health states should be elicited.
Uncertainty in the economic evaluation of health care technologies: The role of sensitivity analysis
Authors: Briggs Andrew , Sculpher Mark , Buxton Martin
Published: May 2007

Given the increased use of economic evaluation to inform decision making in the health service, it is particularly important that the research methods used are critically assessed and, where possible, improved. The systematic handling of uncertainty in economic evaluation is an important area that remains methodologically underdeveloped. With the increased use of the clinical trial as a vehicle for economic evaluation, there has been recent interest in how the statistical methods routinely employed to handle uncertainty in clinical research might be applied to economic evaluation. This paper reviews the types of uncertainty that exist in economic evaluation and argues that some forms of uncertainty are not amenable to statistical methods. Sensitivity analysis is not a single approach but can take a number of different forms. The different types of sensitivity analysis are reviewed, with an indication of their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the different types of uncertainty in economic evaluation.
The uptake of childhood immunization and financial incentives to general practitioners
Authors: Lynch Mauricea Lima
Published: May 2007

Among the target‐linked services introduced by the 1990 general practitioners' contract, childhood immunization in Scotland is the best suited for GPs to achieve the high target, given a centralized call and recall system and public confidence in the service. Yet over 25% of the practices in the area of the Greater Glasgow Health Board did not qualify for the high target payments in the last quarter of the 1991/92 financial year. Examining indicators of the socioeconomic characteristics of the patient population, practice profiles and the effect of financial incentives, we discuss the reasons for cross‐practice variation in the uptake of this service and estimate the probability of practices which missed the high target achieving it in the future.