bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrations of cross-cultural encounters as interpretative frames for reading word and world
Authors: Majors Yolanda J.
Published: July 2007

This article describes how a group of African-American women read social relations as socially constructed texts. Such reading, I think, is a literacy skill, rehearsed and developed within classrooms and communities that cultural border crossers1 develop through their participation within specific discourses communities, as well as through their movement across different kinds of communities (Majors and Orellana, 2003). I draw from one ethnographic study of talk in an African-American hair salon to both illuminate and challenge notions of texts, literacy, literate contexts, and the permeability of such contexts with regards to skills acquisition and use. The study focuses on the public performances and social discourse of the women as well as their readings of these performances. Researchers of language and learning have argued that success and failure in school is contingent upon one's ability to successfully navigate processes of meaning-making through discourses (Cazden, 2001; Cole, 1996; Delpit, 1995; Gee, 1992; Lee and Majors, 2003). I want to ask what role, then, do the processes and skills of reading linguistic and paralinguistic cues play in facilitating this navigation? In what ways does an acknowledgment of these as reading skills illuminate the complexities involved in the social and arguably academic work participants do in constructing identities? And in what ways can such an acknowledgement help us to identify ways to develop school-based literacy skills?
Macrophage-colony stimulating factor is required for the production of neutrophil-promoting activity by mouse embryo fibroblasts deficient in G-CSF and GM-CSF
Authors: Zhang Hui Hua , Basu Sunanda , Wu Fenqiang , Begley C Glenn , Saris Christiaan J M , Dunn Ashley R , Burgess Antony W , Walker Francesca
Published: July 2007

G-CSF and GM-CSF play important roles in regulating neutrophil production, survival, differentiation, and function. However, we have shown previously that G-CSF/GM-CSF double-deficient [knockout (KO)] mice still develop a profound neutrophilia in bone marrow and blood after infection with Candida albicans. This finding suggests the existence of other systems, which can regulate emergency neutrophil production. We have now developed an “in vitro” technique to detect and characterize a neutrophil-promoting activity (NPA) in the media conditioned by mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from G-CSF−/−/GM-CSF−/− mice. NPA is produced in vitro by the MEFs after stimulation with LPS or heat-inactivated C. albicans. Although M-CSF added directly to bone marrow cultures does not sustain granulocyte production, our studies indicate that production of NPA requires activation of the M-CSF receptor (c-fms). First, G-CSF−/−/GM-CSF−/− MEFs produce high levels of NPA after stimulation with LPS or C. albicans, and G-CSF/GM-CSF/M-CSF triple-KO MEFs do not. Second, the production of NPA by the G-CSF−/−/GM-CSF−/− MEFs is reduced significantly upon incubation with neutralizing antibodies to M-CSF or c-fms. Third, NPA production by G-CSF−/−/GM-CSF−/−/M-CSF−/− fibroblasts is enhanced by supplementing culture medium with M-CSF. Thus, stimulation of c-fms by M-CSF is a prerequisite for the production of NPA.
Impact of a Triage Liaison Physician on Emergency Department Overcrowding and Throughput: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Holroyd Brian R. , Bullard Michael J. , Latoszek Karen , Gordon Debbie , Allen Sheri , Tam Siulin , Blitz Sandra , Yoon Philip , Rowe Brian H.
Published: July 2007

BackgroundTriage liaison physicians (TLPs) have been employed in overcrowded emergency departments (EDs); however, their effectiveness remains unclear.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the implementation of TLP shifts at an academic tertiary care adult ED using comprehensive outcome reporting.

MethodsA six‐week TLP clinical research project was conducted between December 9, 2005, and February 9, 2006. A TLP was deployed for nine hours (11 am to 8 pm) daily to initiate patient management, assist triage nurses, answer all medical consult or transfer calls, and manage ED administrative matters. The study was divided into three two‐week blocks; within each block, seven days were randomized to TLP shifts and the other seven to control shifts. Outcomes included patient length of stay, proportion of patients who left without complete assessment, staff satisfaction, and episodes of ambulance diversion.

ResultsTLPs assessed a median of 14 patients per shift (interquartile range, 13–17), received 15 telephone calls per shift (interquartile range, 14–20), and spent 17–81 minutes per shift consulting on the telephone. The number of patients and their age, gender, and triage score during the TLP and control shifts were similar. Overall, length of stay was decreased by 36 minutes compared with control days (4:21 vs. 4:57; p = 0.001). Left without complete assessment cases decreased from 6.6% to 5.4% (a 20% relative decrease) during the TLP coverage. The ambulance wait time and number of episodes of ambulance diversion were similar on TLP and control days.

ConclusionsA TLP improved important outcomes in an overcrowded ED and could improve delivery of emergency medical care in similar tertiary care EDs.
Evidence that binding of C5 protein to P RNA enhances ribozyme catalysis by influencing active site metal ion affinity
Authors: Sun Lei , Harris Michael E.
Published: July 2007

The RNA subunit (P RNA) of the bacterial RNase P ribonucleoprotein is a ribozyme that catalyzes the Mg-dependent hydrolysis of pre-tRNA, but it requires an essential protein cofactor (P protein) in vivo that enhances substrate binding affinities and catalytic rates in a substrate dependent manner. Previous studies of Bacillus subtilis RNase P, containing a Type B RNA subunit, showed that its cognate protein subunit increases the affinity of metal ions important for catalysis, but the functional role of these ions is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Mg2+ dependence of the catalytic step for Escherichia coli RNase P, which contains a more common Type A RNA subunit, is also modulated by its cognate protein subunit (C5), indicating that this property is fundamental to P protein. To monitor specifically the binding of active site metal ions, we analyzed quantitatively the rescue by Cd2+ of an inhibitory Rp phosphorothioate modification at the pre-tRNA cleavage site. The results show that binding of C5 protein increases the apparent affinity of the rescuing Cd2+, providing evidence that C5 protein enhances metal ion affinity in the active site, and thus is likely to contribute significantly to rate enhancement at physiological metal ion concentrations.
Right to Kill, Right to Make Live: Koreans as Japanese and Japanese as Americans During WWII
Authors: Fujitani Takashi
Published: July 2007

This article argues that the demands of waging total war effected parallel and mutually constitutive changes in the political rationalities of the Japanese colonial empire and the United States, and modulated racism away from its "vulgar" to its more "polite" form. The shift in political rationality centered on a movement away from (albeit not the displacement of) the deductive logic of the "right to kill" toward the productive logic of the "right to make live."
Reading Globalization from the Margin: The Case of Abdullah Munshi
Authors: Krishnan Sanjay
Published: July 2007

In this essay I argue that the global perspective, established in the era of modern European imperialism, is given institutional expression as a way of seeing that is engaged—both by ruler and ruled—as the frame of adequate representation. Briefly outlining how this frame operates in historical and cultural studies today, I examine its deployment in mid-nineteenth-century Melaka and Singapore through a reading of the Hikayat Abdullah, a seminal Malay-language text composed by Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir. Although Abdullah self-consciously sets about reproducing the global perspective, I show how this mode of thematization is interrupted and displaced as it brings about an encounter between the diverse and uneven contexts of the native and European worlds.
Chinese Bodies, Chinese Futures
Authors: Hayot Eric
Published: July 2007

Why did the coolie's body speak so forcefully to nineteenth-century America of its future? And how did that body's loquacious, obscene ventriloquism shape the imaginary scaffolding of America's utopias, its science fictions? This essay answers those questions by reading Arthur Vinton's Looking Further Backward (1890), one of the first American novels to imagine a Chinese military invasion of the United States.
Liquid‐phase mixing in an unbaffled agitated vessel with an unsteady forward–reverse rotating impeller
Authors: Yoshida M. , Shigeyama M. , Hiura T. , Yamagiwa K. , Ohkawa A. , Tezura S.
Published: July 2007

For an unbaffled agitated vessel with an unsteady forward–reverse rotating impeller, whose rotation reverses its direction with a constant angular displacement, the progress of liquid‐phase mixing was studied experimentally in relation to the characteristics of the liquid flow produced by the impeller. The forward–reverse rotating disk turbine impeller with six flat blades has about 1.5 times the shear level of a unidirectionally rotating impeller of identical design. The turbulence generated in the liquid was more intense within the vessel agitated by the forward–reverse rotating impeller. In the forward–reverse agitation mode, the agitation function of the impeller demonstrably enhanced the liquid‐phase mixing, which shows a pattern with a higher level of mixedness. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water sorption kinetics in light‐cured poly‐HEMA and poly(HEMA‐co‐TEGDMA); determination of the self‐diffusion coefficient by new iterative methods
Authors: Sideridou Irini D. , Papanastasiou Georgios E.
Published: July 2007

The present investigation is concerned with the determination of self‐diffusion coefficient (D) of water in methacrylate‐based biomaterials following Fickian sorption by two new methods: the Iterative and the Graphical methods. The D value is traditionally determined by means of the initial slope of the corresponding sorption curve and the so‐called Stefan's approximation. The proposed methods using equations without approximations and data resulting from the whole sorption range reach to accurate values of D, even when the sorption curve does not present an initial linear portion. In addition to D, the Graphical method allows the extrapolation of the mass of the sorbed water at equilibrium (M∞), even when the equilibrium specimen's mass fluctuates around its limited value (m∞). The test of the proposed procedures by means of ideal and Monte Carlo simulated data revealed that these methods are fairly applicable. The obtained D values compared with those determined by means of the Stephan's method revealed that the proposed methods provide more accurate results. Finally, the proposed methods were successfully applied to the experimental determination of the diffusion coefficient of water (50°C) in the homopolymer of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and in the copolymer of HEMA with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (98/2 mol/mol). These polymers were prepared by light curing (λ = 470 nm) at room temperature in presence of camphorquinone and N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as initiator. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Novel flame retardant thermosets from nitrogen‐containing and phosphorus‐containing epoxy resins cured with dicyandiamide
Authors: Zhang Xing‐Hong , Liu Fei , Chen Shang , Qi Guo‐Rong
Published: July 2007

A novel phosphorus‐containing epoxy resin (EPN‐D) was prepared by addition reaction of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene 10‐oxide (DOPO) and epoxy phenol‐ formaldehyde novolac resin (EPN). The reaction was monitored by epoxide equivalent weight (EEW) titration, and its structure was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectra. Halogen‐free epoxy resins containing EPN‐D resin and a nitrogen‐containing epoxy resin (XT resin) were cured with dicyandiamide (DICY) to give new halogen‐free epoxy thermosets. Thermal properties of these thermosets were studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA) and thermal‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). They exhibited very high glass transition temperatures (Tgs, 139–175°C from DSC, 138–155°C from TMA and 159–193°C from DMA), high thermal stability with Td,5 wt % over 300°C when the weight ratio of XT/EPN‐D is ≥1. The flame‐retardancy of these thermosets was evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL‐94 vertical test. The thermosets containing isocyanurate and DOPO moieties showed high LOI (32.7–43.7) and could achieve UL‐94 V‐0/V‐1 grade. Isocyanurate and DOPO moieties had an obvious synergistic effect on the improvement of the flame retardancy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Electrical conductivity model evaluation of carbon fiber filled liquid crystal polymer composites
Authors: Barton Rodwick L. , Keith Jason M. , King Julia A.
Published: July 2007

Electrically conductive resins may have applications as fuel cell bipolar plates. The current trend in this technology is a thermosetting polymer as the matrix containing high concentrations of various types of fillers. These fillers are carbon based and electrically conductive powders, particles, or fibers. In this study, we utilized two composite formulations of polyacrylonitrile fibers (Fortafil 243 and Panex 30) in a liquid crystal polymer (Vectra A950RX) with increasing concentrations. Electrical conductivity tests were performed and modified Mamunya and additive models were applied to the experimental data. These models fit the entire range of data for each composite tested. Four alternate models were also produced: linear, quadratic, exponential, and geometric, with a restricted range of electrical conductivity data greater than 10−2 S/cm. The exponential and the geometric resulted in the best fits over this restricted data range. These particular models may allow researchers to extrapolate beyond the maximum filler concentrations studied here. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Bewertung der Alkalireaktivität von Gesteinskörnungen
Authors: Stark Jochen , Freyburg Ernst , Seyfarth Katrin , Giebson Colin , Erfurt Doreen
Published: July 2007

Schäden an Betonbauwerken unter Mitwirkung einer Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion (AKR) sind ein weltweites Problem und haben in den letzten Jahren trotz intensiver Forschung, vorhandener Normen und Richtlinien zugenommen. Auch in Deutschland besteht diesbezüglich akuter Handlungsbedarf. Erste Schritte wurden sowohl mit der Einführung des Allgemeinen Rundschreibens Straßenbau ARS 15/2005 bzw. ARS 12/2006 und länderspezifischen Regelungen unternommen, als auch mit der Überarbeitung der Alkali‐Richtlinie des DAfStb.

Am F.A. Finger‐Institut für Baustoffkunde (FIB) wird zur kurzfristigen Beurteilung der Alkalireaktivität von Gesteinskörnungen eine Kombination aus einem Mörtelschnelltest und umfassenden petrographischen/mineralogischen Untersuchungen angewandt. Zur zuverlässigen Beurteilung des AKR‐Schädigungspotentials projektspezifischer Betone kommt eine neu entwickelte AKR‐Performance‐Prüfung mittels FIB‐Klimawechsellagerung zum Einsatz. Im Vordergrund steht die Beurteilung von Betonen für Fahrbahndecken und Flugbetriebsflächen unter Berücksichtigung einer durch alkalihaltige Taumittel verursachten äußeren Alkalizufuhr.
Influence of the pH on (open) mixed culture fermentation of glucose: A chemostat study
Authors: Temudo Margarida F. , Kleerebezem Robbert , van Loosdrecht Mark
Published: July 2007

Catabolic products from anaerobic fermentation processes are potentially of industrial interest. The volatile fatty acids and alcohols produced can be used as building blocks in chemical processes or applied directly as substrates in a mixed culture process to produce bioplastics. Development of such applications requires a predictable and controllable product spectrum of the fermentation process. The aim of the research described in this paper was (i) to investigate the product spectrum of an open mixed culture fermentation (MCF) process as a function of the pH, using glucose as substrate, and (ii) to relate the product spectrum obtained to generalized biochemical and thermodynamic considerations. A chemostat was operated under carbon and energy limitation in order to investigate the pH effect on the product spectrum in a MCF process. A transition from CO2/H2 production at lower pH values to formate production at higher pH values was observed. The ratio of CO2/H2 versus formate production was found to be related to the thermodynamics of formate dehydrogenation to CO2/H2. This transition was associated with a shift in the catabolic products, from butyrate and acetate to ethanol and acetate, likely due to a decrease in the oxidation state of the electron carriers in the cell. The product spectrum of the MCF process as a function of the pH could largely be explained using general biochemical considerations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 69–79. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of centralization of pancreaticoduodenectomy on nationwide hospital mortality and length of stay
Authors: Topal B , Van de Sande S , Fieuws S , Penninckx F
Published: July 2007

Background

Despite the persistence of large differences in operative mortality rates between centres, the value of centralization of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains under debate. This cohort study analysed the effect of centralization of PD on nationwide hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in Belgium.

Methods

Data on in-hospital mortality and duration of hospital stay after PD from 2000 to 2004 were obtained from the Belgian national registry database. Analysis of mortality and hospital stay was based on 1842 PDs from all 126 hospitals. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of patient referral on the national mortality rate.

Results

The national mortality rate was 8·4 per cent and the median duration of hospital stay after operation was 21·6 (range 3–117) days. There was a significant relationship between the annual number of PDs per hospital and both mortality rate (P = 0·005) and hospital stay (P = 0·027). Application of a cut-off volume of ten PDs per year per centre would necessitate 56·8 per cent of all patients being referred, resulting in an expected national mortality rate of 6·0 per cent.

Conclusion

Referral of patients to more experienced centres for PD is expected to result in a significant reduction in hospital mortality rate and duration of hospital stay, regardless of the experience of the referring centre. Action towards centralization should be undertaken nationwide.
A Hydrophilic Cyclodextrin Duplex Forming Supramolecular Assemblies by Physical Cross‐Linking of a Biopolymer
Authors: Bistri Olivia , Mazeau Karim , Auzély‐Velty Rachel , Sollogoub Matthieu
Published: July 2007

New β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) dimeric species have been synthesised in which the two CD moieties are connected by one or two hydrophilic oligo(ethylene oxide) spacers. Their complexation with sodium adamantylacetate (free adamantane) and adamantane‐grafted chitosan (AD‐chitosan) was then studied by different complementary techniques and compared with their hydrophobic counterparts that contain an octamethylene spacer. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments have demonstrated that the use of hydrophilic spacers between the two CDs instead of aliphatic chains makes almost all of the CD cavities available for the inclusion of free adamantane. Investigation of the interaction of the CDs with AD‐chitosan by viscosity measurements strongly suggests that the molecular conformation of the CD dimeric species plays a crucial role in their cross‐linking with the biopolymer. The derivative doubly linked with hydrophilic arms, also called a duplex, has been shown to be a more efficient cross‐linking agent than its singly bridged counterpart, referred to as a dimer. Hence, only 0.5 molar equivalents of the hydrophilic duplex with respect to adamantane was required to obtain the maximum viscosity, whereas in the case of the duplex with aliphatic spacers, the maximum viscosity was achieved with a [duplex]/[AD] ratio of about 1.7 (corresponding to a [CD]/[AD] ratio of 2.5), but with a higher value. To clarify the relationships between the molecular architecture and complexation properties, computational studies were also performed that clearly confirmed the importance of double bridging.
Structure–Activity Relationships for a Family of Benzothiophene Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators Including Raloxifene and Arzoxifene
Authors: Overk Cassia R. , Peng Kuan‐Wei , Asghodom Rezene T. , Kastrati Irida , Lantvit Daniel D. , Qin Zhihui , Frasor Jonna , Bolton Judy L. , Thatcher Gregory R. J.
Published: July 2007

The search for the “ideal” selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) as a substitute for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or use in cancer chemoprevention has focused on optimization of estrogen receptor (ER) ligand binding. Based on the clinical and preclinical benzothiophene SERMs, raloxifene and arzoxifene, a family of SERMs has been developed to modulate activity and oxidative lability. Antiestrogenic potency measured in human endometrial and breast cancer cells, and ER ligand binding data were correlated and seen to provide a guide to SERM design only when viewed in toto. The in vitro studies were extended to the juvenile rat model, in which the desired antiestrogenic profile and putative cardiovascular benefits of SERMs were observed.
On the development of regulatory focus: the role of parenting styles
Authors: Keller Johannes
Published: July 2007

The present study was designed to contribute to our understanding of the development of chronic self‐regulatory orientations reflecting self‐regulation with a promotion and prevention focus, respectively. Little research addressed this issue empirically, although regulatory focus theory (RFT) explicitly entails assumptions concerning the role of parenting styles in the development of habitual self‐regulatory orientations. According to RFT, parenting styles involving a critical and punitive mode that is focused on attaining safety and meeting obligations increases the likelihood that the child will acquire a predominantly prevention‐focused style of self‐regulation. In contrast, parenting styles involving a bolstering mode that is focused on accomplishing ideal goals and fulfilling aspirations increases the likelihood that the child will acquire a predominantly promotion‐focused style of self‐regulation. To test these assumptions, the present study assessed via self‐reports the degree to which participants experienced different parenting styles as well as their chronic self‐regulatory focus. The results reveal positive associations between the critical and punitive parenting style and prevention‐focused self‐regulation and between the bolstering parenting style and promotion‐focused self‐regulation thus corroborating the propositions of RFT. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereoisomeric separation of pharmaceutical compounds using CE with a chiral crown ether
Authors: Zhou Lili , Lin Zhihao , Reamer Robert A. , Mao Bing , Ge Zhihong
Published: July 2007

Optical pure (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid, a chiral crown ether, was successfully used as a chiral selector for the stereoisomeric separation of numerous real pharmaceutical compounds. Both practical and mechanistic aspects were described. Effects of chiral selector concentration under different pH values of BGE were discussed. Chiral recognition for the enantiomeric compounds with (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid was investigated through model compounds using CE and infrared spectroscopic techniques. Relations between the enantioselectivity of the chiral crown ether and the structural features of the studied compounds were also investigated. Unusual resolutions of compound‐p and its enantiomer as well as compound‐o and its 2b epimer were described. These compounds contained only tertiary amine, believed to be nonbinding with crown ethers in general. The possible mechanisms for the interaction between compound‐o and the chiral crown ether were investigated using CE, electrospray MS (ESI‐MS), and proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy. All experiments provided clear evidence that binding between compound‐o and the chiral crown ether had occurred. ESI‐MS spectra indicated that the complexes had a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. The advantages and disadvantages of using chiral crown ether for stereoisomeric separations were compared with those using sulfated CDs.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase: Correlation with extracapsular spread and enhancement of tumor cell invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Brennan Peter A. , Dennis Simon , Poller David , Quintero Marisol , Puxeddu Roberto , Thomas Gareth J.
Published: July 2007

Background

Extracapsular nodal spread is a major prognostic indicator in head and neck cancer. Nitric oxide (NO), primarily produced by the enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS), has a large number of actions in cancer biology, but no studies have investigated its possible role in extracapsular spread or tumor invasion.

Methods

Immunochemistry was used to study iNOS expression in 48 patients with either extracapsular or encapsulated metastasis. In vitro invasion assays were performed using H357 (an oral squamous cell carinoma cell line) using the iNOS inhibitor drug, 1400 W.

Results

iNOS expression was significantly associated with extracapsular spread, with 22/27 cases showing positive iNOS expression compared with 8/21 cases in the encapsulated group (p = .01). Invasion of H357 cells was inhibited by 1400 W at concentrations of 100 μM and 1 mM (p = .002, p = .003).

Conclusion

iNOS protein seems to be associated with extracapsular spread and invasion in head and neck cancer. Further studies are required to understand this role more fully. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Immunocompetent murine model of cancer cachexia for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cannon Trinitia , Shores Carol , Yin Xiaoying , Dahlman Jason , Guttridge Denis , Lai Victor , George Jonathan , Buzkova Petra , Couch Marion
Published: July 2007

Background.

Muscle wasting and weight loss were observed when carcinomas were induced in a murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Our hypothesis was C3H/HeN mice would develop evidence of cachexia when injected with tumor cells

Methods.

Age‐ and weight‐matched female mice were injected with SCCF/VII cells. Daily food intake and weights were measured. Body composition and analysis of circulating cytokines was performed. At the completion of experiments, hind legs were weighed. Muscle atrophy was detected using analysis for muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1). The tumor‐derived lipid mobilizing factor (LMF) was measured

Results.

Despite increased food intake, tumor‐bearing mice lost weight and experienced reduced hind leg weights. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) was increased and MuRF1 was present in tumor‐bearing mice but not controls. LMF was present in SCCF/VII cells

Conclusion.

In this immunocompetent murine model, we demonstrated the development of cancer cachexia in mice inoculated with SCCF cells, which express LMF. There was increased serum IL‐1β, weight loss, and muscle wasting and atrophy in tumor‐bearing mice. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Incidence, clinical characteristics and survival of malignant lymphomas: a population‐based study from a cancer registry in northern Italy
Authors: Luminari Stefano , Cesaretti Marina , Rashid Ivan , Mammi Caterina , Montanini Antonella , Barbolini Elisa , Bellei Monica , Pennese Elsa , Sirotti Maria Angela , Marcheselli Luigi , Partesotti Giovanni , Bari Alessia , Maiorana Antonino , Bonacorsi Goretta , Federico Massimo
Published: July 2007

We conducted a population‐based study of peripheral lymphomas (PL) that had been diagnosed between 1997 and 2003 in the province of Modena, Italy, with the aim of providing updated incidence, clinical and survival data for these cancers. We evaluated the incidence patterns and time trends of 1582 cases of PL that had been reclassified according to the WHO classification of hematological malignancies. Data regarding clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome were also collected for each case. The World Age‐Standardized Rate (ASR) was calculated as 13.4, 2.2 and 3.4 per 100,000 people for B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), T‐cell NHL and Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL), respectively, with an increase of 1.62% per year during the study period. The lymphoma subtype showing the highest incidence was found to be diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with an ASR of 4.8. Compared with reports from other western countries, our series is characterized by a higher incidence of HL and indolent B‐NHL in general, and of CLL/SLL (ASR = 3.3) and marginal zone NHL (ASR = 1.5), in particular, and also by a lower incidence of FL (ASR = 2). After a median follow‐up of 54 months, the 5‐year relative survival for the whole series was found to be 70% with a statistically significant improvement for cases diagnosed during 2002–2003 (from 66 to 74%; p = 0.03). Survival improvement within the study period was also evident for patients with DLBCL, HL and T‐NHL. Our study provides a comprehensive description of both the epidemiological and clinical features of PL cases in Modena and our data also reflect the major advances in the curability of some histological subtypes of this disease. The usefulness of a population‐based approach to better characterizing different lymphoma subtypes is also demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the evidence matter in medicine? The retinoblastoma paradigm
Authors: Mastrangelo Domenico , De Francesco Sonia , Di Leonardo Aldo , Lentini Laura , Hadjistilianou Theodora
Published: July 2007

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular malignant tumour in childhood, with an incidence of 1 in 15,000 live births. Complete information on this rare tumour can be easily accessed through the internet, although many aspect concerning the aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease, are still controversial. The “two hit” theory, formulated in 1971 to explain the variegated clinical expression of the disease, is based on the idea that single gene mutation may determine the development of cancer. However, this view does not take into account the most recent evidences showing the role of aneuploidy and chromosome instability in cancer. Also, a number of other genes and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the genesis of retinoblastoma. More importantly, the “two hit” theory makes predictions, concerning the age distribution of the tumour, its mode of “transmission” (hereditary retinoblastoma), and its pathogenesis, which are not fulfilled by the clinical reality. Overall, the “two hit” theory represents a rather simplistic and outdated model to explain tumour development and clinical evolution of retinoblastoma. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computability of solutions of operator equations
Authors: Bosserhoff Volker
Published: July 2007

We study operator equations within the Turing machine based framework for computability in analysis. Is there an algorithm that maps pairs (T,u) (whereTis given in form of a program) to solutions ofTx=u? Here we consider the case whenTis a bounded linear mapping between Hilbert spaces. We are in particular interested in computingthe generalized inverse T†u, which is the standard concept of solution in the theory of inverse problems. Typically,T†is discontinuous (i. e. the equationTx=uisill‐posed) and hence no computable mapping. However, we will use effective versions of theorems from the theory ofregularizationto show that the mapping (T,T*,u, ‖T†u‖) ↦T†uis computable. We then go on to study the computability ofaverage‐case solutionswith respect to Gaussian measures which have been considered ininformation based complexity. Here,T†is considered as an element of anL2‐space. We define suitable representations for such spaces and use the results from the first part of the paper to show that (T,T*, ‖T†‖) ↦ T†is computable. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computing the topological entropy of shifts
Authors: Spandl Christoph
Published: July 2007

Different characterizations of classes of shift dynamical systems via labeled digraphs, languages, and sets of forbidden words are investigated. The corresponding naming systems are analyzed according to reducibility and particularly with regard to the computability of the topological entropy relative to the presented naming systems. It turns out that all examined natural representations separate into two equivalence classes and that the topological entropy is not computable in general with respect to the defined natural representations. However, if a specific labeled digraph representation – namely primitive, right‐resolving labeled digraphs – of some class of shifts is considered, namely the shifts having the specification property, then the topological entropy gets computable. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Use of Bone Substitutes in the Treatment of Bone Defects – the Clinical View and History
Authors: Schlickewei Wolfgang , Schlickewei Carsten
Published: July 2007

Summary: Bone has the ability to regenerate and remodel itself. In the clinic circumstances appear when bone defects do not heal spontaneously. These situations frequently result from trauma, congenital abnormities, infection or tumor resection. Hence, filling of the resulting defect by bone transplantation is a common practise with an increasing value in the re‐establishment of the musculoskeletal system to promote bone healing. Since decades, efforts have been put to improve the effectiveness of bone substitutes. Conventional approaches with the use of ivory, animal and also human bone were not satisfactory. Negative effects like allergic reactions, rejection reactions, inflammations and other problems occurred. These led to implant failure, non union and amputation, to only mention a few. The introduction of bone banks and the development of standards in bone transplantation brought up the false hope to find a final solution for the treatment of bone loss. Disease transmissions (HIV) by allografts caused critical discussions. Despite all efforts, transplantation of autogenous cancellous bone is still the “gold standard” to induce bone healing. However, autografts are only limited available and are accompanied with high morbidity and mortality during the harvest. The problems associated with autologous and allogenous bone grafts promoted the development of multiple organic and inorganic bone substitutes. Well established substitutes at the present are demineralised bone matrix (DBM), composites and calcium phosphates (hydroxyl apatite and tri‐calcium phosphate). These osteoconductive substances have shown to improve new bone formation. Nevertheless, clinical application of these materials is merely successful in a good bony environment but does not induce large progress in critical bone defects.
Biosynthesis of High Quality Polyhydroxyalkanoate Co‐ and Terpolyesters for Potential Medical Application by the Archaeon Haloferax mediterranei
Authors: Koller Martin , Hesse Paula , Bona Rodolfo , Kutschera Christoph , Atlić Aid , Braunegg Gerhart
Published: July 2007

Summary: Haloferax mediterranei was investigated for the production of two different high‐performance polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). A copolyester containing 6 mol‐% 3‐hydroxyvalerate (3HV) was produced from whey sugars as sole carbon source. The maximum specific growth rate (µmax.) and the maximum specific PHA production rate (qp max.) were determined with 0.10 1/h and 0.15 1/h, respectively. The cells contained 72.8 wt.‐% of P‐(3HB‐co‐6%‐3HV) which featured low melting points between 150 and 160 °C and narrow molecular mass distribution (polydispersity PDI = 1.5). Further, a PHA terpolyester with an increased 3HV fraction as well as 4‐hydroxybutyrate (4HB) building blocks was accumulated by feeding of whey sugars plus 3HV ‐ and 4HB precursors. Kinetic analysis of the process reveals a µmax. of 0.14 1/h and a qp max. of 0.23 1/h, respectively. The final percentage of P‐(3HB‐co‐21.8%‐3HV‐co‐5.1%‐4HB) in biomass amounted to 87.5 wt.‐%. Also this material showed a narrow molecular mass distribution (PDI = 1.5) and a high difference between the two melting endotherms of the material (between 140 and 150 °C) and the onset of decomposition at 236 °C. The accomplished work provides viable strategies to obtain different high‐quality PHAs which might be potential candidates for application in the medical and pharmaceutical field.
New Approaches in the Treatment of Critical‐Size Segmental Defects in Long Bones
Authors: Gugala Zbigniew , Lindsey Ronald W. , Gogolewski Sylwester
Published: July 2007

Summary: The treatment of large segmental diaphyseal bone deficiencies presents a formidable challenge. The standard treatment modalities such as cancellous bone grafting, cortical allografts, vascularized bone transfer, or distraction osteogenesis exhibit extremely high complication rates, and can culminate in limb amputation or major functional deficits. Recent efforts to develop new treatment modalities for segmental bone loss have resulted in designing new biodegradable polymeric and metallic mesh implants that can incorporate novel osteogenic, osteoinductive, and/or osteoconductive bone healing augmentation materials. These biologic implant composites are capable of further enhancing the efficacy of the treatment applied. This paper briefly reviews the limitations of the currently applied standard treatment modalities for segmental critical size bone defects, provides insight into the specific treatment challenges, and presents the animal and initial clinical results of new alterative treatment approaches that involve the application of cylindrical mesh implants consisting of biodegradable polylactide membranes or titanium cages as a means of potentiating the efficacy of bone graft.
Collagen‐Derived Biomaterials in Bone and Cartilage Repair
Authors: Zheng Ming H. , Hinterkeuser K. , Solomon K. , Kunert V. , Pavlos N. J. , Xu J.
Published: July 2007

Summary: We have analyzed a number of collagen‐derived biomaterials for the matrix‐ induced and assisted bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. These include the Small intestine submuosa (SIS) Restor ™, ACI‐Maix collagen membrane, Chondro‐ Gide collagen membrane, Permacol collagen Ossix and lycoll collagen membrane and five types of collagen‐based marine sponge skeletons. Certain characteristics of different scaffold materials with comparable chemical composition may vary significantly. This variation may have a relevant impact on the suitability of the scaffolds for bone and cartilage regeneration. It suggests that the ACI‐Maix® membrane is the best available collagen‐derived material for an MACI®/MACT® application. In addition, the study of marine sponge indicates that the collagenous fibre skeleton of marine sponges provides a suitable bioscaffold for bone regeneration, as it supports the adhesion, migration and proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro.
Novel duplication mutation in the patatin domain of adipose triglyceride lipase (PNPLA2) in neutral lipid storage disease with severe myopathy
Authors: Akiyama Masashi , Sakai Kaori , Ogawa Masaya , McMillan James R. , Sawamura Daisuke , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Recently, mutations in PNPLA2 encoding adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) were reported to underlie a neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) subgroup characterized by mild myopathy and the absence of ichthyosis. In the present study a novel homozygous PNPLA2 mutation c.475_478dupCTCC (p.Gln160ProfsX19) in the patatin domain, the ATGL active site, was detected in a woman with NLSD and severe myopathy. The present results suggest that a premature truncation mutation in the patatin domain causes NLSD with severe myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
On homotopy continuation method for computing multiple solutions to the Henon equation
Authors: Chen Xianjin , Zhou Jianxin
Published: July 2007

Motivated by numerical examples in solving semilinear elliptic PDEs for multiple solutions, some properties of Newton homotopy continuation method, such as its continuation on symmetries, the Morse index, and certain functional structures, are established. Those results provide useful information on selecting initial points for the method to find desired solutions. As an application, a bifurcation diagram, showing the symmetry/peak breaking phenomena of the Henon equation, is constructed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Performance of a panel of maternal serum markers in predicting preeclampsia at 11–15 weeks' gestation
Authors: Banzola Irina , Farina Antonio , Concu Manuela , Sekizawa Akihiko , Purwosunu Yuditiya , Strada Isabella , Arcelli Diego , Simonazzi Giuliana , Caramelli Elisabetta , Rizzo Nicola
Published: July 2007

Objective

We evaluated whether a discriminant model of prediction based on quantitative distribution of a panel of biomolecules in maternal serum can discriminate normal pregnancies from those who will develop preeclampsia (PE) prior to onset of clinical symptoms at 11–15 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Case control study encompassing 56 women destined to develop PE cases matched 1:3 for gestational age with 168 controls. After multiple of median (MoM) conversion of all available markers, comprising total Activin A (t‐activin A), P‐selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) the combined likelihood ratios generated for each marker were used to calculate, for each patient enrolled in the study, the odds of being affected given a positive results (OAPR) of developing PE. For all the analyses performed, the type II error was < 20% with a type I error fixed at 5%.

Results

Data were expressed in MoM of controls. P‐selectin was identified as the marker with the best discriminant ability between controls and PE, followed by (t‐activin A). No significant differences in VEGFR were observed between cases and controls. By using a 3% prevalence of PE (or, about 1:33) we found that the median OAPR of developing PE for the 56 cases was 1:9 or 10% (1:1–1:417). The median OAPR of PE for controls was 1:40 or 2.5% (range, 1:6–1:4205). Detection rate of the statistical model, with a 5% false‐positive rate was 59%.

Conclusion

This analysis revealed that maternal serum markers assessed at the first and second trimester of pregnancy in asymptomatic patients can improve the early detection of cases at higher risk of developing PE. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A programming language for service‐oriented computing with mobile agents
Authors: Paulino Hervé , Lopes Luís
Published: July 2007

We present MOB, a service‐oriented scripting language, for programming mobile agents. We argue that combining the service‐oriented and mobile agent paradigms provides a very natural model for programming a large class of distributed applications. In MOB, mobile agents in a network simultaneously provide and use services. The service interfaces constitute contracts that bind agents among themselves. The language features static type‐checking to guarantee that contracts are respected at run‐time. Other language features, such as redundant service providers, allow a certain degree of fault‐tolerance by allowing applications to switch servers dynamically in case a failure is detected (e.g. a server crash). For these reasons, the target applications we envision more interesting to develop using MOBare services for networks with highly dynamic, volatile resources or simply highly adaptive, reconfigurable applications for more classical networks. The paper presents MOBand its implementation from an application programmer's and a systems developer's view. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroimaging of the serotonin reuptake site requires high‐affinity ligands
Authors: Elfving Betina , Madsen Jacob , Knudsen Gitte M.
Published: July 2007

Numerous attempts have been made to develop suitable radiolabeled tracers for positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography imaging of the serotonin transporter (SERT), but most often, negative outcomes are reported. The aim of this study is to define characteristics of a good SERT radioligand and to investigate species differences. We examined seven different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and that except for one all have been previously tested as emission tomography ligands. The outcome of the ligands as emission tomography tracers was compared in relation with receptor density (Bmax) and/or ligand affinity (Kd) in rat and monkey cerebrum and cerebellum (reference region) membranes. [3H]‐(S)‐Citalopram and [3H]‐(+)‐McN5652 display statistically significantly lower affinity, whereas [3H]paroxetine displays statistically significantly higher affinity for SERT in monkey cortex when compared with the rat cerebrum. The affinity of [3H]MADAM, [123I]ADAM, and [11C]DASB for SERT obtained with rat cerebrum and monkey cortexare similar. In monkey cortex, Kd and Bmax could not be determined with [3H]fluoxetine. Of the seven SSRIs, [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram, [3H]MADAM, and [11C]DASB displayed significant specific binding to SERT in monkey cerebellum, with Bmax cortex:cerebellum ratios being 17, 3, and 4, respectively. In rat brain tissue the ratios were 12, 6, and 3, respectively. In conclusion, it can be estimated that imaging of the human SERT in a high‐density region requires radioligands with Kd values between 0.03 and a maximum of 0.3 nM (at 37°C). The differential specific cerebellar binding raises the question of the suitability of cerebellum as a reference region for nonspecific binding. Synapse 61:882–888, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of the flavoprotein ArsH from Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Ye Jun , Yang Hung-Chi , Rosen Barry P. , Bhattacharjee Hiranmoy
Published: July 2007

Purified ArsH from Sinorhizobium meliloti exhibits NADPH:FMN‐dependent reduction of molecular O2 to hydrogen peroxide and catalyzes reduction of azo dyes. The structure of ArsH was determined at 1.8 Å resolution. ArsH crystallizes with eight molecules in the asymmetric unit forming two tetramers. Each monomer has a core domain with a central five‐stranded parallel β‐sheet and two monomers interact to form a classical flavodoxin‐like dimer. The N‐ and C‐terminal extensions of ArsH are involved in interactions between subunits and tetramer formation. The structure may provide insight in how ArsH participates in arsenic detoxification.