bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground Water Stratification and Delivery of Nitrate to an Incised Stream under Varying Flow Conditions
Authors: Böhlke J. K. , O'Connell Michael E. , Prestegaard Karen L.
Published: April 2007

Ground water processes affecting seasonal variations of surface water nitrate concentrations were investigated in an incised first‐order stream in an agricultural watershed with a riparian forest in the coastal plain of Maryland. Aquifer characteristics including sediment stratigraphy, geochemistry, and hydraulic properties were examined in combination with chemical and isotopic analyses of ground water, macropore discharge, and stream water. The ground water flow system exhibits vertical stratification of hydraulic properties and redox conditions, with sub‐horizontal boundaries that extend beneath the field and adjacent riparian forest. Below the minimum water table position, ground water age gradients indicate low recharge rates (2–5 cm yr−1) and long residence times (years to decades), whereas the transient ground water wedge between the maximum and minimum water table positions has a relatively short residence time (months to years), partly because of an upward increase in hydraulic conductivity. Oxygen reduction and denitrification in recharging ground waters are coupled with pyrite oxidation near the minimum water table elevation in a mottled weathering zone in Tertiary marine glauconitic sediments. The incised stream had high nitrate concentrations during high flow conditions when much of the ground water was transmitted rapidly across the riparian zone in a shallow oxic aquifer wedge with abundant outflow macropores, and low nitrate concentrations during low flow conditions when the oxic wedge was smaller and stream discharge was dominated by upwelling from the deeper denitrified parts of the aquifer. Results from this and similar studies illustrate the importance of near‐stream geomorphology and subsurface geology as controls of riparian zone function and delivery of nitrate to streams in agricultural watersheds.
Tutoring Bilingual Students with an Automated Reading Tutor that Listens
Authors: Poulsen Robert , Hastings Peter , Allbritton David
Published: April 2007

Children from non-English-speaking homes are doubly disadvantaged when learning English in school. They enter school with less prior knowledge of English sounds, word meanings, and sentence structure, and they get little or no reinforcement of their learning outside of the classroom. This article compares the classroom standard practice of sustained silent reading with the Project LISTEN Reading Tutor which uses automated speech recognition to “listen” to children read aloud, providing both spoken and graphical feedback. Previous research with the Reading Tutor has focused primarily on native speaking populations. In this study 34 Hispanic students spent one month in the classroom and one month using the Reading Tutor for 25 minutes per day. The Reading Tutor condition produced significant learning gains in several measures of fluency. Effect sizes ranged from 0.55 to 1.27. These dramatic results from a one-month treatment indicate this technology may have much to offer English language learners.
American Woodcock Fall Migration Using Central Region Band‐Recovery and Wing‐Collection Survey Data
Authors: MYATT NICK A. , KREMENTZ DAVID G.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Band‐recovery and wing‐collection survey data have the potential to provide information on American woodcock (Scolopax minor) fall migration ecology in the Central Region of the United States, yet researchers have not recently analyzed these extensive data sets. We analyzed all direct recoveries of woodcock banded in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, USA, as well as wing‐collection survey data, to determine the progression of fall migration, the migration direction, and the final destination of woodcock migrating from these states. We did not observe migration initiation based on band recoveries until late October and early November, with most migration occurring during November. Wing‐receipt data showed a similar trend, with most change in mean receipt latitude occurring from 1 November to 5 December. During November, wing receipts were spread through the entire Central Region. By 15–31 December, 92% (n = 26) of band recoveries were on the wintering grounds (south of latitude 33°N). Most banded woodcock from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin wintered in Louisiana, USA. Woodcock banded in these states will be exposed to harvest for most of the hunting season because they remain in these states through November. If the population status of local birds is a concern, managers should consider this migration pattern when setting season dates.
Habitat Use of Western Spotted Skunks and Striped Skunks in Texas
Authors: NEISWENTER SEAN A. , DOWLER ROBERT C.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Little information on foraging habitats of sympatric species of skunks in Texas, USA, is available. We compared 11 western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis) and 10 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) using radiotelemetry data to assess habitat use during foraging at broad levels of selection in a fragmented habitat. Western spotted skunks used areas with more large mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees than did striped skunks and randomly selected points. Striped skunk habitat use was not different from randomly chosen locations. Contrary to previous research, both species appear to avoid agricultural habitat. A habitat management plan may be difficult to implement for striped skunks in Texas because they did not favor any available habitat. Conservation of western spotted skunks in west‐central Texas should focus on areas with older mesquite trees, areas that are now often brush controlled for management of livestock.
Postfledging Survival of Laysan Ducks
Authors: REYNOLDS MICHELLE H. , CITTA JOHN J.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Precise and unbiased estimates of demographic parameters are necessary for effective population monitoring and to parameterize population models (e.g., population viability analyses). This is especially important for endangered species, where recovery planning and managers' decisions can influence species persistence. In this study, we used mark—recapture methods to estimate survival of fledged juveniles (hatch‐yr [HY]) and adult (after‐hatch‐yr [AHY]) Laysan ducks (Anas laysanensis), an endangered anatid restricted to Laysan Island in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. To better understand population dynamics, we examined how survival varied as a function of Laysan duck density during 1998–2004. Using random effects models, we also quantified process variation in survival, thereby quantifying the appropriate source of variation for future population models. The dataset supported variation in survival that was time (yr), age (AHY vs. HY), and sex specific. Due to small sample sizes, we did not examine time specificity in the survival of HY ducks. Survival of HY ducks was 0.832 (SE = 0.087) for females (n = 21) and 0.999 (SE < 0.001) for males (n = 15) during 1998–2001. Trends in time and density lacked support as sources of variation in the survival of AHY ducks during 1998–2004. After‐hatch‐year survival ranged from 0.792 (SE = 0.033) to 0.999 (SE < 0.001). Where we modeled survival as a random effect, annual survival for AHY females was 0.881 (SE = 0.017) and process variation (σs) was 0.034. For AHY males, annual survival (μs) was 0.906 (SE = 0.019) and process variation (σs) was 0.040. This information will improve existing population viability analysis models for Laysan ducks. We believe that monitoring the source and translocation populations will be paramount for increasing our understanding of Laysan duck dynamics, recovery planning, and population management.
Extirpation Risk of an Isolated Black Bear Population Under Different Management Scenarios
Authors: HOWE ERIC J. , OBBARD MARTYN E. , SCHAEFER JAMES A.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Habitat loss and anthropogenic mortality are recognized as threats to populations of large carnivores worldwide, yet their relative importance to extinction risk has rarely been quantified. We used population viability analysis (PVA) to estimate extinction probability of an isolated population of black bears (Ursus americanus) on the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada under different management scenarios. We used random‐effects analysis of variance to estimate components of variance in extinction risk explained by 4 management actions: 1) preventing habitat destruction, 2) reducing or eliminating incidental non‐natural mortality, 3) reducing or eliminating harvest, and 4) reducing the fraction of reproducing females in the harvest. Habitat area reductions had the greatest effect on risk despite uncertainty in bear density. Incidental non‐natural mortality had a greater effect than the rate or age and sex distribution of harvest. Quantifying the variation in outputs of PVA models associated with different management options is an improvement over qualitative comparisons of relative risk and enhances the applicability of PVA to management. This study highlights the importance of protecting habitats on adjacent private lands when reserves are too small to support populations of bears, and of protecting reproducing females from non‐natural mortality—results that could aid managers of other large carnivores in focusing management efforts to ensure persistence of populations.
Use of Implanted Radiotransmitters to Estimate Survival of Greater Sage‐Grouse Chicks
Authors: GREGG MICHAEL A. , DUNBAR MIKE R. , CRAWFORD JOHN A.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Reduced chick survival has been implicated in declines of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations. Because monitoring survival of unmarked sage‐grouse chicks is difficult, radiotelemetry may be an effective technique to estimate survival rates, identify causes of mortality, and collect ecological data. Previous studies have used subcutaneous implants to attach radiotransmitters to hatchlings of several species of birds with precocial young. Previous researchers who used subcutaneous implants in free‐ranging populations removed chicks from the capture location and implanted transmitters at an alternate site. Because logistics precluded removing newly hatched greater sage‐grouse chicks from the field, we evaluated a method for implanting transmitters at capture locations. We captured 288 chicks from 52 broods and monitored 286 radiomarked chicks daily for 28 days following capture during May and June 2001–2002. Two (>1%) chicks died during surgery and we did not radiomark them. At the end of the monitoring period, 26 chicks were alive and 212 were dead. Most (98%, 207/212) radiomarked chick mortality occurred < 21 days posthatch and predation (82%, 174/212) was the primary cause of death. Necropsies of 22 radiomarked chicks did not indicate inflammation or infection from implants, and they were not implicated in the death of any chicks. Fate of 48 chicks was unknown because of transmitter loss (n = 16), radio failure (n = 29), and brood mixing (n = 3). Overall, the 28‐day chick survival rate was 0.220 (SE = 0.028). We found that mortalities related to the implant procedure and transmitter loss were similar to rates reported by previous researchers who removed chicks from capture sites and implanted transmitters at an alternate location. Subcutaneous implants may be a useful method for attaching transmitters to newly hatched sage‐grouse chicks to estimate survival rates, identify causes of mortality, and collect ecological data.
Confinement of polar optical phonons in quasi-one-dimensional Wurtzite GaN-based quantum well wires: propagating and half-space phonon modes
Authors: Zhang Li , Shi Jun-Jie
Published: April 2007

With the aid of the macroscopic dielectric continuum and Loudon’s uniaxial crystal models, the propagating (PR) and half-space (HS) optical phonon modes and corresponding Fröhlich-like electron-phonon interaction Hamiltonians in a quasi-one-dimensionality (Q1D) wurtzite quantum well wire (QWW) structure are derived and studied. Numerical calculations on a wurtzite GaN/Al0.15Ga0.85N QWW are performed, and discussion is focused mainly on the dependence of the frequency dispersions of PR and HS modes on the free wave-number k z in the z-direction and on the azimuthal quantum number m. The calculated results show that, for given k z and m, there usually exist infinite branches of PR and HS modes in the high-frequency range, and only finite branches of HS modes in the low-frequency range in wurtzite QWW systems. The reducing behaviors of the PR modes to HS modes, and of the HS mode to interface phonon mode have been observed clearly in Q1D wurtzite heterostructures. Moreover, the dispersive properties of the PR and HS modes in Q1D QWWs have been compared with those in Q2D quantum well structures. The underlying physical reasons for these features have also been analyzed in depth.
An unusual cause of hypochromic, microcytic anemia detected on capsule endoscopy
Authors: Jovanovic Ivan , Martinov Jelena , Krstic Miodrag
Published: April 2007

We present you a case of a 79-year old man who was examined with capsule endoscopy for hypochromic microcytic anemia. During the examination multiple hookworms 5 to 10 mm long were visualized in distal ileum.
Control of antibiotic use by a unit-dose drug distribution system
Authors: Vasic Karin , Jovic Zorica , Pesic Gordana
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to test a new model of drug distribution known as unit-dose drug distribution including the effects of implementing this system on total drug consumption, especially in curbing antimicrobial use.

The study was carried out in the Department of Surgery at the University Clinical Center in Nis, Serbia. During the first six months of the study (comparative period), drugs were delivered directly from the pharmacy to the urology and orthopedic wards in the traditional way (ward stock system). During the next six months (study period), drugs were delivered directly from the pharmacy to the patients (unit-dose drug distribution system). Drug consumption was measured using the statistical unit defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed days according to the anatomical-therapeutic-chemical classification of drugs. Following implementation of the unit-dose drug distribution system, total drug consumption was reduced by 24.34% in the urology ward and by 21.43% in the orthopedic ward. During the comparative period, in the urology and orthopedic wards, systemic antiinfectives (group J) comprised 263.54 and 227.61 DDD/100 bed days or 43.05% and 25.52% of total drug consumption respectively, whereas, during the pilot study period this group of drugs comprised 191.63 and 173.52 DDD/100 bed days or 41.37% and 24.96% of total drug consumption respectively.

The unit-dose distribution system of drugs in hospitals leads to a control of drug consumption and substantial savings. Also, the pharmacist-physician interaction began to emerge as an important factor as a direct result of the changes in the drug distribution system.
Microstructural evaluation of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based hydrogels obtained by freezing‐thawing technique: Thermal analysis and positron annihilation
Authors: Paranhos Caio M. , Soares Bluma G. , Oliveira Renata N. , Pessan Luiz A. , de Freitas Daniela S. , Windmöller Dario , Machado José C.
Published: April 2007

In this work, semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (s‐IPN) hydrogels of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different contents of water‐soluble sulfonated polyester (PES) were obtained by freezing and thawing cycles. The samples were characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PALS was used to determine the average free volume radius through lifetime measures of the ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps). Degree of crystallinity of the PVA/PES hydrogels was evaluated using the melting enthalpy ratios between the samples and the 100% crystalline PVA. The results show that an increase on the PES content leads to a decrease on the degree of crystallinity of the samples, reflecting an increase on the lifetimes (τ3). These structural changes could be interpreted as a result of different polymer‐polymer interactions between PVA and PES in the hydrogels. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and characterization of HAP/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposites
Authors: Sreedhar B. , Aparna Y. , Sairam M. , Hebalkar Neha
Published: April 2007

Nanocomposites of modified chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) with hydroxyapatite (HAP) have been prepared by coprecipitation technique. Totally three nanocomposites containing 80/20, 50/50, and 20/80 of HAP/CMCh have been prepared and were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Modified chitosan, CMCh, which is water soluble can be used for drug delivery application. TEM micrographs of the nanocomposites revealed the formation of small HAP crystallites of about 230 nm in length and 30 nm in width that are aggregated to form elliptical shapes or morphology. TGA thermograms showed that the thermal stability of the CMCh increased with incorporation of HAP. FTIR, XRD, and XPS analysis of CMCh/HAP nanocomposites showed the peaks corresponding to CMCh as well as HAP and confirm the formation of HAP/CMCh nanocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Mechanical characterization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/polypropylene blends
Authors: Baldi Francesco , Bignotti Fabio , Fina Alberto , Tabuani Daniela , Riccò Theonis
Published: April 2007

Polypropylene blends with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) bearing different alkyl groups were investigated to elucidate the effect of the alkyl group length on the mechanical behavior of the blends. In particular, blends of polypropylene (PP) with either octamethyl‐POSS, octaisobutyl‐POSS, or isooctyl‐POSS were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry evidenced only minor changes in the degree of crystallinity compared to neat PP. Uniaxial tensile tests showed that the incorporation of octamethyl‐POSS induces an increase in Young's modulus and a reduction of the yield strength in comparison with unfilled PP. By contrast, upon the incorporation of octaisobutyl‐POSS and isooctyl‐POSS, both Young's modulus and the yield strength were found to decrease by increasing the POSS content. It is suggested that POSS behave as particles having a siliceous hard‐core surrounded by a hydrocarbon soft‐shell, which limits the stress transfer from the matrix to the core in dependence on the length of the alkyl groups. Finally, the essential work of fracture method was employed to study the fracture behavior of octamethyl‐POSS/PP blends, with different POSS contents (0, 3, and 10 wt %). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Poly(ether amide) segmented block copolymers with adipic acid based tetraamide segments
Authors: Biemond G. J. E. , Feijen J. , Gaymans R. J.
Published: April 2007

Poly(tetramethylene oxide)‐based poly(ether ester amide)s with monodisperse tetraamide segments were synthesized. The tetraamide segment was based on adipic acid, terephthalic acid, and hexamethylenediamine. The synthesis method of the copolymers and the influence of the tetraamide concentration, which was varied between 3 and 44 wt %, were studied. The copolymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and temperature‐dependent Fourier transform infrared, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The monodisperse tetraamide segments crystallized fast, forming crystalline ribbons with high aspect ratios, and the crystallinity of the tetraamide segments in the copolymers was typically 90%. The glass‐transition temperature of the poly(tetramethylene oxide) phase was low (−65 to −70°C), and the modulus in the plateau region of the copolymers was virtually temperature‐independent. With increasing content of crystallizable amide segments in the copolymer, the storage modulus at room temperature increased from 1 to 102 MPa. This strong increase in the modulus with the tetraamide content could be approximated with a model for fiber‐reinforced polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
The rural differential: Bridging the resource gap
Authors: Fluharty Charles , Scaggs Bill
Published: April 2007

Rural communities have fewer financial resources, making the community colleges located in these regions central to economic development. This chapter reviews the importance of recognizing the rural differential via policy changes and offers strategies to close the resource gap between rural and nonrural community colleges.
Connecting rural community colleges to their communities
Authors: Miller Michael T. , Kissinger Daniel B.
Published: April 2007

This chapter describes how rural community colleges use continuing education and other noncredit activities to provide key services to their surrounding communities that aid in creating group identity and engagement in the larger community.
“Ruralizing” presidential job advertisements
Authors: Leist Jay
Published: April 2007

Rural community college presidential job advertisements that focus on geography, politics, and culture can improve the likelihood of a good fit between the senior leader and the institution.
Engaging leaders as builders of sustainable rural communities: A case study
Authors: Clark Molly M. , Davis Ed
Published: April 2007

This chapter describes a “grow‐your‐own” leader development program that emphasizes cross‐disciplinary, multisector programs and activities that reinforce the community‐building role of rural community, junior, and technical colleges.
Residential living at rural community colleges
Authors: Moeck Pat G. , Hardy David E. , Katsinas Stephen G.
Published: April 2007

Although most community colleges do not have on‐campus housing, many rural two‐year colleges do. Relying on federal institutional survey data, this chapter discusses issues related to the operation of residence halls and implications for both students and rural community college leaders. The chapter concludes with recommendations for policy and practice.
Strategizing for the future
Authors: Eddy Pamela L. , Murray John P.
Published: April 2007

This chapter reviews the strategies described in this volume that rural college leaders can use to address the issues and challenges their institutions face.
Larval legs of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori are prototypes for the adult legs
Authors: Singh Amit , Kango‐Singh Madhuri , Parthasarathy R. , Gopinathan K.P.
Published: April 2007

Morphological diversity of leg appendages is one of the hallmarks of developmental evolution. Limbs in insects may develop either from their embryonic prototypes or from imaginal discs harbored inside the larva. Bombyx mori (B. mori), a Lepidopteran insect, develops adult wings from larval wing imaginal discs. However, it has been debated whether the adult legs of B. mori arise from imaginal discs or from the larval legs. Here we addressed how the larval legs relate to their adult counterparts. We present the morphological landmarks during early leg development. We used expression of developmental genes like Distalless and extradenticle to mark leg primordia. Finally, we employed classical excision approach to develop a fate map of the adult leg. Excision and ablation of thoracic legs along proximo‐distal axis at various times during larval development resulted in the loss of corresponding adult leg segments. Our data suggest that B. mori legs develop from larval appendages rather than leg imaginal discs. genesis 45:169–176, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Double‐inducible gene activation system for caspase 3 and 9 in epidermis
Authors: Shah Viraj R. , Koster Maranke I. , Roop Dennis R. , Spencer David M. , Wei Lei , Li Qi , Schwartz Robert J. , Chang Jiang
Published: April 2007

Expression of genes with tight and precise temporal and spatial control is desired in a wide variety of applications ranging from cultured cells and transgenic animals to gene therapy. While current inducible systems, such as RU486 and chemical inducers of dimerization (CID), have improved earlier inducible models (Gossen et al., 1995, Science. 268:1766–1769; Wang et al., 1994, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:8180–8184), no single system is perfect at present. One potential drawback of these systems is leakage of transgene expression, causing limitations of each system. We have developed an inducible model containing both RU486 and CID systems, which in addition to inducing caspase activation, has potential applicability specifically to other genes encoding proteins that require a dimerization event for activation. This Double‐Inducible Gene Activation System generates two barriers for the target gene expression and protein activation thereby minimizing leakage. genesis 45:194–199, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eomes::GFP—a tool for live imaging cells of the trophoblast, primitive streak, and telencephalon in the mouse embryo
Authors: Kwon Gloria S. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina
Published: April 2007

Expression of T‐box family member Eomesodermin (Tbr2) is spatiotemporally restricted in the mouse embryo; initially expressed in extraembryonic lineages in the sequential progression from the trophectoderm of the blastocyst, its derivatives the extraembryonic ectoderm, and thereafter the chorion, in addition to the visceral endoderm and primitive streak at gastrula stages, and the telencephalon at later stages. We describe the spatiotemporal expression of GFP in embryos of a Tg(Eomes::GFP) BAC transgenic strain, and have compared it with the localization of endogenous Eomes transcripts and protein. Our analysis reveals the following: (1) robust easily visualized reporter expression in live hemizygous transgenic embryos, (2) increased levels of expression in live homozygous transgenic embryos that are compatible with embryo viability, and (3) a close correlation between endogenous Eomes and GFP reporter expression in BAC transgenic embryos. These features establish the Tg(Eomes::GFP) BAC transgenic strain as a novel reagent for both live imaging and the isolation of Eomes expressing cells from specific locations within the embryo. genesis 45:208–217, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased bone mass in male and female mice following tamoxifen administration
Authors: Starnes L.M. , Downey C.M. , Boyd S.K. , Jirik F.R.
Published: April 2007

Tamoxifen is capable of preserving bone mass in gonadectomized rodents as well as intact female mice; however, a detailed 3D quantitative analysis of the structural changes produced in the growing skeleton of intact mice of both genders by this agent is lacking. Employing quantitative microcomputed tomography (μCT), we assessed the effects of 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (OHT) on the femora of C57BL/6J mice administered this agent either for 12 (males and females) or 2 (females) weeks. In mice of either gender, but especially in females, 12 weeks of OHT exposure led to dramatic increases in both cortical and trabecular bone. Females exposed to OHT for either 2 or 12 weeks demonstrated significantly increased cortical wall thickness, trabecular bone volume, connectivity, and number, as well as decreased trabecular separation. Significant increases in several of these parameters were also evident in males after 12 weeks of OHT administration. In view of the expanding use of OHT to induce Cre‐mediated recombination events, our findings suggest that care should be exercised when interpreting the skeletal phenotypes of mice exposed this agent, particularly in situations where the effects of OHT might synergize with the phenotypic outcome of a specific genetic alteration. genesis 45:229–235, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
hTERT inhibits the Epstein‐Barr virus lytic cycle and promotes the proliferation of primary B lymphocytes: Implications for EBV‐driven lymphomagenesis
Authors: Terrin Liliana , Dolcetti Riccardo , Corradini Irene , Indraccolo Stefano , Col Jessica Dal , Bertorelle Roberta , Bonaldi Laura , Esposito Giovanni , De Rossi Anita
Published: April 2007

Transformation of primary B lymphocytes by Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV) requires the establishment of a latent infection, the expression of several latent viral proteins and a sustained telomerase activity. We investigated the interplay between the activation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic rate‐limiting component of the telomerase complex, and the expression of latent/lytic EBV genes during the establishment of a stably latent EBV infection of normal B lymphocytes. Cell cultures at early passages after EBV infection greatly differed in their timing of hTERT expression and telomerase activation. Induction of hTERT was dependent on the balance between latent and lytic EBV gene expression, being positively associated with a high ratio of latent/lytic isoforms of latent membrane protein 1, and negatively associated with the expression of BZLF1 gene, the main activator of the viral lytic cycle. In turn, hTERT expression was followed by a decrease in EBV lytic gene expression and virus production. Ectopic expression of hTERT in BZLF1‐positive B cell cultures resulted in BZLF1 down‐regulation, increased resistance to lytic cycle induction, and enhanced in vitro growth properties, whereas hTERT inhibition by siRNA triggered the activation of the EBV lytic cycle. These findings indicate that hTERT contributes by multiple mechanisms to the EBV‐driven transformation of B lymphocytes and suggest that hTERT may constitute a therapeutic target for EBV‐associated B cell lymphomas. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The screening of the second‐site suppressor mutations of the common p53 mutants
Authors: Otsuka Kazunori , Kato Shunsuke , Kakudo Yuichi , Mashiko Satsuki , Shibata Hiroyuki , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: April 2007

Second‐site suppressor (SSS) mutations in p53 found by random mutagenesis have shown to restore the inactivated function of some tumor‐derived p53. To screen novel SSS mutations against common mutant p53s, intragenic second‐site (SS) mutations were introduced into mutant p53 cDNA in a comprehensive manner by using a p53 missense mutation library. The resulting mutant p53s with background and SS mutations were assayed for their ability to restore the p53 transactivation function in both yeast and human cell systems. We identified 12 novel SSS mutations including H178Y against a common mutation G245S. Surprisingly, the G245S phenotype is rescued when coexpressed with p53 bearing the H178Y mutation. This result indicated that there is a possibility that intragenic suppressor mutations might restore the protein function in an intermolecular manner. The intermolecular mechanism may lead to novel strategies for restoring inactivated p53 function and tumor suppression in cancer treatment. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus infection in women in Shenzhen City, People's Republic of China, a population typical of recent Chinese urbanisation
Authors: Wu Rui‐fang , Dai Min , Qiao You‐lin , Clifford Gary M. , Liu Zhi‐hua , Arslan Annie , Li Ni , Shi Ju‐fang , Snijders Peter J.F. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Franceschi Silvia
Published: April 2007

Select cancer registries report that cervical cancer is relatively rare in the People's Republic of China, but may not be representative of the entire country. We carried out a survey of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in 3 samples of women, i.e., general population, factory workers, and tertiary sector workers, in Shenzhen City in 2004. All participants were interviewed and offered gynaecological examination. HPV detection in exfoliated cervical cells was performed using a GP5+/6+ PCR‐based assay. Overall HPV prevalence was 18.4% among the general population (n = 534), 11.2% among factory workers (n = 269) and 18.8% among tertiary sector workers (n = 224). Corresponding prevalence for high‐risk HPV types was 13.5%, 8.2% and 13.8%, respectively. The most commonly found HPV types were HPV16, 52, 58, 31 and 39. HPV prevalence significantly increased with age in the general population, whereas it was highest below age 25 years in tertiary sector workers. Associations of HPV prevalence with indicators of sexual behaviour were stronger among tertiary sector workers than in the other samples of women. High HPV prevalence in all age groups and the appearance of a ‘western‐type’ peak in HPV prevalence among young women employed in the tertiary sector raise important questions concerning the real cervical cancer burden, and its control, in urban China. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic investigation of DNA‐repair pathway genes PMS2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, OGG1 and MTH1 in sporadic colon cancer
Authors: Schafmayer Clemens , Buch Stephan , Egberts Jan Hendrik , Franke Andre , Brosch Mario , El Sharawy Abdou , Conring Mareike , Koschnick Maralde , Schwiedernoch Sven , Katalinic Alexander , Kremer Bernd , Fölsch Ulrich R. , Krawczak Michael , Fändrich Fred , Schreiber Stefan , Tepel Jürgen , Hampe Jochen
Published: April 2007

Mutations in DNA repair genes have previously been identified as causative factors for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Recent evidence also supports an association between DNA sequence variation in these genes and sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Genetic investigation of DNA repair genes PMS2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, OGG1 and MTH1, as possible susceptibility factors for sporadic CRC, was done using both a haplotype tagging and a candidate (i.e. coding) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach. Some 1,068 patients with operated CRC (median age at diagnosis: 59 years) were compared to 738 sex‐matched control individuals (median age: 67 years). Haplotype tagging SNPs, previously reported risk variants and all known coding SNPs with a minor allele frequency >0.005 were genotyped in PMS2 (N = 10), MLH1 (N = 11), MSH2 (N = 18), MSH6 (N = 15), MUTYH (N = 7), OGG1 (N = 11) and MTH1 (N = 3). No evidence for an association between CRC and any of the 7 genes was detected, neither with the tagging or coding SNPs nor in a sliding window haplotype analysis (all nominal p‐values >0.05). The previously reported risk variants D132H in MLH1 and R154H in OGG1 were not even observed in the German population. Genetic CRC risk factors so far identified in DNA repair genes seem to be rare and population‐specific. Their association with the disease could not be replicated in German CRC samples. It remains to be elucidated by more systematic, large‐scale experiments whether common variants in the same genes, but present across populations, represent risk factors for sporadic CRC. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yao C, Stern P, Zhang L. Elevated expression of CaMKIIγ during osteoclastogenesis and its functional implications. J Cell Biochem 2006; DOI 10.1002/jcb.21155
Authors: Zhang Liang
Published: April 2007

The original article to which this Retraction refers was published in J Cell Biochem 2006; DOI 10.1002/jcb.21155. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc..
Tandem high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue as consolidation therapy for patients with high‐risk Ewing family tumors
Authors: Burke Michael J. , Walterhouse David O. , Jacobsohn David A. , Duerst Reggie E. , Kletzel Morris
Published: April 2007

The role of tandem high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue (APHPCR) in patients with Ewing Family Tumors (EFT) is controversial. We initiated treatment for eight consecutive patients with high‐risk EFT with HDC and APHPCR from 1992 to 2003. There were no treatment related deaths. Four patients remain in complete remission, including three who did not undergo local therapy to bone at either the primary or metastatic sites. Our experience has shown that treatment of EFT patients with tandem HDC with APHPCR may benefit a subgroup of high‐risk patients in whom optimal local therapy is not possible. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:196–198. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proliferative index and CD15 expression in pediatric classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Dinand Veronique , Malik Ajay , Unni Rajani , Arya Laxman S. , Pandey R.M. , Dawar Ramesh
Published: April 2007

Background

This study was conducted to assess the clinical and prognostic significance of lack of CD15 expression, proliferative index (PI), and expression of tumor suppressor protein p53 in pediatric classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL).

Procedure

Pre‐treatment lymph node (LN) biopsies were studied by immunohistochemistry for immunophenotyping of the lymphoma and with Ki‐67 (PI) and p53 antibodies. Expression of CD15 antigen on the Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (H‐RS) cells, proliferation, and apoptosis parameters were correlated with clinical stage, response to chemotherapy alone, overall (OS) and failure‐free survival (FFS).

Results

One hundred and twenty‐one children with CHL were studied. Expression of Ki‐67 and p53 in H‐RS cells was seen in 100% and 89.9% of the cases, respectively. Loss of CD15 expression, seen in 12 (9.9%) cases, was significantly associated with p53 negativity and was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS and poor FFS. PI ≤ 74% was an independent prognostic factor for poor FFS.

Conclusions

Loss of CD15 expression in CHL might be related to p53 dysregulation. High PI in HL might reflect a high level of endomitosis within tumor cells, and could lead to higher sensitivity to chemotherapy. Low pre‐treatment PI and lack of CD15 expression were found to be predictive factors for poor FFS in pediatric CHL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:280–283. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological functions of low‐frequency vibrations (phonons). 7. The impetus for DNA to accommodate intercalators
Authors: Chou K. C. , Maggiora G. M.
Published: April 2007

Each intact segment within a DNA molecule (i.e. a stretch of double helix without disrupted hydrogen bonds) can generate a low‐frequency standing wave [Chou, K. C. (1984), Biochemical Journal, 221,27‐31] of nearly identical frequency to that of other intact segments. Therefore, coupling among this kind of segment can lead to a spontaneous low‐frequency resonance. Such resonance can also cause a local ‘DNA‐quake’ to occur spontaneously, and this kind of quake‐like motion can produce a sufficiently large ‘hole’ for larger intercalators to gain entrance into (and exit from) the DNA.
Upper critical solution temperature behaviour in poly(ether ether sulphone)/poly(ether ether ketone‐co‐ ether ether sulphone) blends
Authors: Sham C. K. , Lau C. H. , Williams D. J. , Karasz F. E. , Macknight W. J.
Published: April 2007

Upper critical solution temperature (u.c.s.t.) phase behaviour was found in blends of the homopolymer poly(oxy‐1,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1,4‐phenylenesulphonyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PEES) with the copolymer poly(oxy‐l,4‐phenyleneoxy‐l,4‐phenylenecarbonyl‐l,4‐phenylene‐co‐oxy‐l,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1,4‐phenylenesul‐phonyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (COPEEKS) for copolymer compositions ranging from 43 mol% to 56 mol% of ether ether ketone (EEK) repeat units. Blend compositions studied ranged from 25wt% to 75wt% of PEES. The consolute temperature was found to occur at a PEES/COPEEKS blend composition of about 50/50 wt% and to increase with the EEK repeat unit content of the copolymer. This miscibility behaviour was interpreted, using a mean‐field theoretical approach, in terms of a single positive segmental interaction parameter which ranged from 0.054 to 0.032.
Synthesis and crosslinking of allyl polyarylmethylenes
Authors: Blincow Philip J. , Ghotra Joginder S. , Pritchard Geoffrey
Published: April 2007

Polyarylmethylenes containing allyl unsaturation have been synthesised by the Friedel‐Crafts polymerisation of an allyl aromatic monomer and bis(methoxymethyl) benzene. The allyl groups do not take part in the Friedel‐Crafts polymerisation. The product can therefore be crosslinked through the allyl unsaturation thermally, or by heating with free radical or cationic initiators. The cationic crosslinking reaction appears to be the most convenient.
Ion‐matrix coupling in polymer electrolytes from relaxation time studies
Authors: Torell L. M. , Angell C. A.
Published: April 2007

We review the effects of temperature on conductance and viscosity in the liquid state of vitreous ionic conductors and show how differences may be best understood by comparison of relaxation times for electrical and mechanical stresses acting on liquid or glassy states of the material. This leads to the definition of a conductivity/viscosity mode decoupling index, useful as a figure of merit for the solid electrolyte. In applying the same approach to polymer electrolyte systems a problem is encountered due to the molecular weight dependence of the viscosity. This is resolved by deriving a ‘monomer’ shear relaxation time for the polymer electrolyte solution and showing that this quantity corresponds closely with the ‘local’ mechanical relaxation time obtained from light scattering studies (which is a molecular weight independent quantity for pure polypropylene oxide and other polymers of low Tg). Comparison of the electrical relaxation times of the polymer solution with the ‘local’ (or ‘matrix’) relaxation times then shows that the relationship found for superionic glass‐forming systems is inverted in the case of polymer electrolytes. The latter have fractional decoupling indexes which may be interpreted in terms of serial coupling phenomena; i.e. ions must first decouple from their partner ions (in ion pairs), or from their intramolecular solvation states, before they can contribute to conductivity relaxation which is itself coupled to the local polymer matrix relaxation. An extreme case is illustrated using the weak electrolyte, lithium acetate, for which the decoupling index is ∼6 × 10−5.
D.s.c., electrical conductivity, and n.m.r. studies of salt precipitation effects in PPO complexes
Authors: Wintersgill Mary C. , Fontanella John J. , Greenbaum Steven G. , Adamić Krešimir J.
Published: April 2007

Differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) and electrical conductivity measurements of poly(propylene oxide), PPO, complexed with the salts NaI and KSCN are reported. In addition, 23Na n.m.r. measurements on PPO‐NaI (x = 8), both at ambient and elevated pressure (2 kbar), have been performed. The d.s.c. data clearly indicate that the salt precipitates out of the complexes at about 85°C for NaI and 60°C for KSCN. These effects are manifested by a dramatic departure of the conductivity from Vogel‐Tammann‐Fulcher (VTF) behaviour, and a relatively sharp drop in mobile Na+ concentration, as deduced from n.m.r. measurements, above about 80°C. High pressure n.m.r. linewidth measurements are consistent with a pressure‐induced increase in glass transition temperature.
Ion migration in liquid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Cameron G. Gordon , Harvie James L. , Ingram Malcolm D. , Sorrie Graham A.
Published: April 2007

Solutions of alkali metal thiocyanates in liquid copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide provide a convenient medium for measuring conductivities, viscosities and transport numbers in polymer electrolytes by classical methods. The high value of the anion transport number (typically ca. 0.95) is noteworthy. A model, which emphasises the importance of intramolecular solvation of cations, the effects of ion pairing and redissociation, and the crosslinking action of anions at high salt concentrations, accounts satisfactorily for the properties of these liquid systems.
A mixed‐salt polyether electrolyte: PEOLiCF3SO3Nal
Authors: Maccallum James R. , Tomlin Anthony S. , Tunstall David P. , Vincent Colin A.
Published: April 2007

Conductivity and n.m.r. measurements are reported for three poly(ethylene oxide)‐inorganic salt complexes: PEO‐LiCF3SO3‐NaI ([EO]/[Li]/[Na] = 8/1/1), PEO‐LiCF3SO3 ([EO]/[Li] = 4), and PEO‐NaI ([EO]/[Na] = 4). The mixed‐salt system was shown to have a larger amorphous phase content than either of the single‐salt systems and more potential charge carriers. A dramatic effect upon the lithium motion and the microviscosity of the amorphous phase was noted upon the mixing of salts. It is proposed that some lithium ions are in environments of low symmetry, possibly of the ion‐pair type, and do not contribute to the n.m.r. signal. The recrystallisation behaviour of the mixed‐salt material was studied by the n.m.r. technique and an initial fast recrystallisation appears to be due to the formation of the high‐melting temperature phase.
Lithium/polymer electrolyte interfacial instability
Authors: Murugesamoorthi Kottuppulampalayam A. , Owen John R.
Published: April 2007

The stability of evaporated lithium with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and oxyethylene‐oxymethylene copolymer, doped with lithium perchlorate, in ultra‐thin‐film cells, was studied by impedance spectroscopy at room temperature. The formation and growth of a passivating film at the lithium/PEO interface has been observed, under open circuit conditions. The thickness of the passivating layer was estimated by assuming the dielectric constant of the interfacial product. A more extensive interfacial reaction was observed in the case of PPO. A very fast interfacial reaction was observed between lithium and amorphous copolymer.
Mesogenic structures and charge‐transfer reactions in poly(ethylene oxide) complexes
Authors: Mussarat Bushra , Conheeney Kevin , Siddiqui Jamil A. , Wright Peter V.
Published: April 2007

After discussion of a schematic model for the crystalline phases of some poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐Na+ complexes with organic anions, three types of material are discussed. (i) Complexes of sodium salts of organic acids substituted by hydrophobic groups are deposited from methanol as macrodomains of uniaxially oriented material; these rearrange to microdomain morphologies on heating above ca. 60°C. Similar anions substituted by polar groups form spherulitic complexes or they rearrange thermotropically to microdomain structures. (ii) The preparation of polythiocyanogen by a ‘canal’ polymerisation within a PEO‐NaSCN lattice is described and its extraction to give a material of conductivity ca. 10−1S cm−1 after doping is discussed, (iii) Charge‐transfer reactions with PEO‐NaI and tetracyano‐quinodimethan (TCNQ) to give films having conductivities of 10−3‐10Ω−1 cm−1 are also described.
New modifications of poly(vinyl alcohol)s and their applications
Authors: Maruyama Hitoshi , Moritani Tohei , Akazawa Toshiyuki , Sato Toshiaki
Published: April 2007

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PV‐OH), prepared from poly(viny) acetate), is used widely in many industries. Various grades have been produced, with different degree of polymerization and degree of hydrolysis. Recently, novel modified (PV‐OH)s with anion, cation, silanol or hydrophobic groups have been studied and developed. They have new properties in addition to those of ordinary PV‐OH and have new applications. The methods of modification and the characteristics and some applications of the modified polymers are described.
Thermoreversible gelation of solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Stoks W. , Berghmans H. , Moldenaers P. , Mewis J.
Published: April 2007

The thermoreversible gelation of solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol) in ethylene glycol was investigated by calorimetric and optical observations, X‐ray scattering techniques and rheological measurements. The gelation that occurs on cooling to room temperature results from a liquid‐liquid demixing, followed by a crystallization of the polymer in the concentrated domains. As a consequence of the two‐phase morphology, practically no molecular orientation is observed when the gels are stretched. Gelation at high temperature, above the region of liquid‐liquid demixing, originates from a slow crystallization from solution. On stretching these gels, the crystallites orient their molecular axis perpendicular to the stretching direction and the (101) plane either parallel or perpendicular to the same direction. Rheological observations show that under no circumstances is a real network formed. The different gels studied resemble much more a stable colloidal dispersion with thixotropic properties.