bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process Implications for Metal‐Dependent Immunoaffinity Interactions
Authors: Velander W. H. , Orthner C. L. , Tharakan J. P. , Madurawe R. D. , Ralston A. H. , Strickland D. K. , Drohan W. N.
Published: December 2008

Immunosorbents have been developed which utilize metal‐dependent interactions between monoclonal antibody(s) (Mab) and human plasma Protein C and Factor IX, members of the vitamin K‐dependent plasma protein family. In this report, we describe the potential process advantages associated with two different types of divalent metal‐dependent systems: 1) a Mab‐Protein C (antigen) complex which is stabilized in a divalent metal‐free environment and 2) a Mab‐Factor IX (antigen) complex which is stabilized in the presence of divalent metal ions. Chelating agents such as citrate or EDTA are effective agents for sequestering divalent metals. Thus, Protein C binds to the immunosorbent in the presence of EDTA or sodium citrate and can be eluted with buffer containing 25 mM calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. In the second case, Factor IX binds to the immunosorbent in the presence of magnesium chloride and can be eluted with sodium citrate or EDTA. These gentle elution conditions are desirable in order to retain the native structure as well as functional activity of the protein to be immunopurified. Furthermore, unwanted plasma proteins, which may interact nonspecifically with either the agarose matrix or immunoglobulin G (IgG) ligand are less likely to be eluted under these conditions. The calcium‐free citrate buffers used for immunosorption by either of these processes preclude the formation of fibrin solids and eliminate eluents which are difficult to process and which interfere with the biological activity of the product (i.e. chaotropes). The immunoaffinity process we describe for Protein C and Factor IX provides high functionality, purity and yield and demonstrates the feasibility of large‐scale processes utilizing metal‐dependent immunosorbents.
Growth Kinetics of Strawberry Cell Suspension Cultures in Shake Flask, Airlift, Stirred‐Jar, and Roller Bottle Bioreactors
Authors: Hong Y. C. , Labuza T. P. , Harlander S. K.
Published: December 2008

Growth kinetics of strawberry cell suspension cultures (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Brighton) in shake flask, airlift, stirred‐jar, and roller bottle bioreactors were investigated. The specific oxygen consumption rates of strawberry suspension cultures in shake flasks ranged from 0.10 to 0.17 mmol O2/gDCW/hr. These values were relatively low compared to published values of specific oxygen consumption rates in other plant tissue culture systems. The volumetric oxygen‐transfer coefficients in bioreactor systems were determined and found to be influenced by both agitation speed and air flow rate. The specific growth rates of strawberry cell suspension cultures were higher in the roller bottle with baffles (0.15 day−1) than any other system studied. It was difficult to grow cell suspension cultures in the stirred‐jar bioreactor. The roller bottle with baffles shows the best potential for scale‐up.
Average Heat Transfer Coefficients in Twin Screw Extruders
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim O. , Ofoli Robert Y.
Published: December 2008

A procedure combining numerical and experimental techniques has been developed to estimate the average heat transfer coefficient for twin screw extruders. The procedure is based on the one‐dimensional heat transfer equation for a non‐Newtonian food dough. Experimental data were collected with 30 degree forwarding kneading discs to provide complete mixing and ensure a uniform temperature distribution in the direction perpendicular to the screw shafts.

The average heat transfer coefficients were expressed in terms of the Brinkman and Graetz numbers, with excellent statistical correlation, Results obtained in this study are slightly higher than those reported in the technical literature for single screw extruders. However, the difference can be attributed to better mixing in the twin screw extruder, which enhances heat transfer.
Microcalorimetry, Fluorescence, and Fractionation Study of Yeast Alcohol Dehydrogenase: Stability and Heterogeneity Implications
Authors: Kennedy C. L. , Zanapolidou H. R. , Sagar S. , Tristam‐Nagle S. A. , Domach M. M.
Published: December 2008

The enzyme, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase, was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. As indicated by the magnitude of the temperature at which the heat effect due to unfolding is maximal, and the temperature range over which unfolding occurs, the yeast enzyme appears to be less stable than its horse liver counterpart. Additionally, altering the pH from 6.0 appears destabilize the enzyme. The spectral shift in maximal emission wavelength that accompanies an alteration in pH suggests that structural changes occur at extreme values of acid and alkaline pH. When slow scan rate experiments were performed, two separate heat effects could be resolved. The results of our and prior fractionation work indicate that the two heat effects are likely due to two molecular species, and not domains within the YADH molecule.
Active caspases‐8 and −3 in circulating human erythrocytes purified on immobilized annexin‐V: A cytometric demonstration
Authors: Bratosin Daniela , Tcacenco Luminita , Sidoroff Manuela , Cotoraci Coralia , Slomianny Christian , Estaquier Jérôme , Montreuil Jean
Published: December 2008

Human red blood cells (RBCs) have a normal life span of 120 days in vivo and might be primed in vitro to die in response to apoptotic stimuli through a caspase‐independent pathway. It is well known that, in vivo, aging RBCs externalize phosphatidylserine residues but is unknown whether these cells express active caspases at this stage. We isolated RBCs expressing phosphatidylserine on their surface from human blood by applying an original method of affinity chromatography using annexin‐V fixed on gelatin or on magnetic beads. The isolated RBCs were then analyzed by flow cytometry for morphological changes (dot‐plot forward scatter versus side scatter), phosphatidylserine externalization (annexin‐V test), cell viability (calcein‐AM test), and caspase activities using fluorescent substrates specific for caspases‐3 and −8. In addition, cells were systematically visualized using phase contrast, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. We found that the population of RBCs fixed on annexin‐V is a mixture of discocytes and shrunken cells. This annexin‐V‐positive population showed a dramatic loss of viability based on esterase activity determination (calcein‐AM test). Moreover, we demonstrated that circulating RBCs express both active caspases‐8 and −3 in half of the annexin‐V‐positive cells. All of these results were confirmed by phase contrast, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate active caspases in RBC isolated from blood suggesting that caspases may participate in the regulation of in vivo RBC half‐life. This finding open the door to fruitful investigations in the field of RBC pathology. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Mantle cell lymphoma with flow cytometric evidence of clonal plasmacytic differentiation: A case report
Authors: Naushad Hina , Choi William W. L. , Page Cynthia J. , Sanger Warren G. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Aoun Patricia
Published: December 2008

Background:

Plasmacytic differentiation in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) occurs rarely. However, no flow cytometric studies that demonstrate plasmacytic (PC) differentiation in MCL have been reported. Herein, we report a case of MCL with PC differentiation identified by flow cytometry.

Methods:

Morphologic review was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections from paraffin‐embedded lymph node, colon and bone marrow specimens, and Wright‐Geimsa stained bone marrow aspirate smears and touch imprints. Immunohistochemical stains using antibodies against CD3, CD5, CD20, and cyclin‐D1, and in‐situ hybridization for kappa and lambda light chains were reviewed. Multicolor flow cytometry analysis was performed on the bone marrow aspirate with monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD14, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD38, CD45, CD56, CD138, and kappa and lambda light chains. FISH analysis for t(11;14)(q13;q32) was performed on interphase cells.

Results:

The neoplastic cells had the cytologic features of MCL with nodal, bone marrow, and colonic involvement. In‐situ hybridization for kappa and lambda light chains demonstrated clonal plasma cells in the lymph node and bone marrow biopsies. In addition, flow cytometric studies of the bone marrow aspirate showed three populations of neoplastic cells: a clonal B‐cell population with typical MCL phenotype, a similar B‐cell population in transition to plasma cells, and a clonal plasma cell population. The plasma cells retained CD5 expression and had the same light chain restriction as the clonal B‐cells.

Conclusions:

Multi‐parameter flow cytometry can be useful in demonstrating clonal PC differentiation in MCL and distinguishing from a concurrent but unrelated plasma cell dyscrasia. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
D‐420720, A novel orally active sulfonamide compound dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor: structure and activity relationship of arylsulfonamide to dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition
Authors: Tsai Henry J. , Chou Shan‐Yen , Chuang Shih‐Hsien , Chen Chien‐Cheng , Hsu Feng‐Lin
Published: December 2008

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characteristic of poor glucose homeostasis that requires constant monitoring and adjustment of blood glucose levels by exogenous intervention. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are two incretin peptide hormones secreted from the intestine to synergize insulin's function at lowering blood glucose. The effects of GLP‐1 or GIP administration are short‐lived because they are rapidly inactivated by circulating dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV). Therefore, DPP‐IV inhibitors have been suggested to be a new class of molecule for treating hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic patients. The recent approval of Merck's Sitagliptin (a DPP‐IV‐specific inhibitor) indicates that DPP‐IV inhibition is a good target for new therapeutic agent development. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacies of a series of dipeptidyl derivatives with a sulfonamide moiety as DPP‐IV inhibitors. Among these compounds, D‐420720 was a potent inhibitor (Ki=39 nM), with a selectivity of 9160‐fold over the DPP‐II isozyme and elicits a hypoglycemic effect on oral glucose tolerance test with normal male ICR mice. Drug Dev Res 69: 514–525, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensitivity of the rate of spontaneous eye blinking to type of stimuli in young infants
Authors: Bacher Leigh F. , Allen Kara J.
Published: December 2008

Although progress has been made toward understanding the mechanisms of spontaneous eye blinking (SB), few reports focus on the ontogeny of SB. The purpose of the present work was to investigate SB in infants by attempting to manipulate SB and examine potential correlates of SB. Fifty‐two infants were observed in a quiet baseline condition then presented with either moving stimuli or a social stimulus. SB, eye movement, body movement and various background variables were measured. Results demonstrate that SB can be manipulated and that SB rate is differentially sensitive to the type of stimulus presented. Eye and body movements did not systematically relate to the rate of SB. Implications for mechanisms of SB regulation are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 186–197, 2009
Different selves, different values: Effects of self‐construals on value activation and use
Authors: Verplanken Bas , Trafimow David , Khusid Irina K. , Holland Rob W. , Steentjes Gabi M.
Published: December 2008

Three experiments demonstrated structural properties and dynamic effects of self‐construal on the processing and use of values. In Study 1, it was found that self‐focus during encoding caused spontaneous cognitive clustering of individualistic versus relational values. Study 2 demonstrated that self‐construal affected the implicit weight of a value‐related attribute in a multi‐attribute choice task. In Study 3, behavioral intentions were better predicted by personal values than social norms when the personal self was primed, whereas social norms predicted better when the collective self was primed. The effects of manipulated self‐construal were mimicked when comparing participants with an individualistic versus collectivistic cultural background. No interaction was found between priming and cultural background. Taken together, the studies demonstrated that different domains of the self are associated with different values, which may instigate different cognitive and behavioral processes when activated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preferential transport and metabolism of glucose in Bergmann glia over Purkinje cells: A multiphoton study of cerebellar slices
Authors: Barros L.F. , Courjaret R. , Jakoby P. , Loaiza A. , Lohr C. , Deitmer J.W.
Published: December 2008

Knowing how different cell types handle glucose should help to decipher how energy supply is adjusted to energy demand in the brain. Previously, the uptake of glucose by cultured brain cells was studied in real‐time using fluorescent tracers and confocal microscopy. Here, we have adapted this technique to acute slices prepared from the rat cerebellum by means of multiphoton microscopy. The transport of the fluorescent glucose analogs 2NBDG and 6NBDG was several‐fold faster in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex than in Purkinje cell somata and granule cells. After washout of free tracer, it became apparent that most phosphorylated tracer was located in Bergmann glia, which was confirmed by counterstaining with the glial marker sulforhodamine 101. The effective recovery of fluorescence after photobleaching showed that 2NBDG‐P can diffuse horizontally across the molecular layer, presumably through gap junctions between Bergmann glial cells. Our main conclusion is that in acute cerebellar slices, the glucose transport capacity and glycolytic rate of Bergmann glia are several‐fold higher than those of Purkinje cells. Given that the cerebellum is largely fueled by glucose and Purkinje neurons are estimated to spend more energy than Bergmann glial cells, these results suggest substantial shuttling of an energy‐rich metabolite like lactate between glial cells and neurons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transfection with liver‐type glutaminase cDNA alters gene expression and reduces survival, migration and proliferation of T98G glioma cells
Authors: Szeliga Monika , Obara‐Michlewska Marta , Matyja Ewa , Łazarczyk Marzena , Lobo Carolina , Hilgier Wojciech , Alonso Francisco J. , Márquez Javier , Albrecht Jan
Published: December 2008

Liver‐type glutaminase (LGA) is a glutaminase isoform that has been implicated in transcription modulation. LGA mRNA is absent from postoperative samples of primary gliomas and is low in cultured astrocytes. In this study, stable transfection of T98G cells with a vector carrying human LGA sequence increased the expression of LGA mRNA and protein, and the ability of the cells to degrade glutamine (Gln), as manifested by a three‐fold reduction of their steady‐state Gln content and a 2.5‐fold increase of their glutamate (Glu) content. The transfected cells (TLGA cells) showed a 40% decrease of cell survival as assessed by colony formation, well correlated with significant reduction of mitochondrial activity as demonstrated with MTT test. Also, a 45% reduction of cell migration and a 47% decrease of proliferation index (Ki67 immunostaining) were found as compared with sham‐transfected cells. Microarray analysis, which included over 47,000 transcripts, revealed a significantly altered expression of 85 genes in TLGA, but not in sham‐transfected or control cells (P < 0.005). Microarray data were confirmed with real‐time PCR analysis for eight genes potentially relevant to malignancy: S100A16, CAPN2, FNDC3B, DYNC1LI1, TIMP4, MGMT, ADM, and TIMP1. Of these changes, decreased expression of S100A16 and MGMT can be best reconciled with the current views on the role of their protein products in glioma malignancy. Malignancy‐reducing effect of newly inserted LGA mRNA in glioblastoma cells can be reconciled with a hypothesis that absence of such a modulatory mechanism in glia‐derived tumors deprived of LGA mRNA may facilitate some aspects of their progression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Feeling like a freshman again”: The transfer student transition
Authors: Townsend Barbara K.
Published: December 2008

Since transfer students are a fact of undergraduate life today, institutional faculty and staff members need to be aware of the issues affecting their transition and strive to make it as successful as possible.
Collegiate transitions: The other side of the story
Authors: Barefoot Betsy O.
Published: December 2008

While this volume has defined and explored the common elements of collegiate transition, there are layers of complexity in students' characteristics and educational pathways that make this transition experience different for every student.
Co‐registration of in vivo human MRI brain images to postmortem histological microscopic images
Authors: Singh Manbir , Rajagopalan Amrita , Kim Tae‐Seong , Hwang Darryl , Chui Helena , Zhang Xiao‐Ling , Lee Ae‐Young , Zarow Chris
Published: December 2008

Certain features such as small vascular lesions seen in human MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are detected reliably only in postmortem histological samples by microscopic imaging. Co‐registration of these microscopically detected features to their corresponding locations in the in vivo images would be of great benefit to understanding the MRI signatures of specific diseases. Using nonlinear Polynomial transformation, we report a method to co‐register in vivo MRIs to microscopic images of histological samples drawn off the postmortem brain. The approach utilizes digital photographs of postmortem slices as an intermediate reference to co‐register the MRIs to microscopy. The overall procedure is challenging due to gross structural deformations in the postmortem brain during extraction and subsequent distortions in the histological preparations. Hemispheres of the brain were co‐registered separately to mitigate these effects. Approaches relying on matching single‐slices, multiple‐slices and entire volumes in conjunction with different similarity measures suggested that using four slices at a time in combination with two sequential measures, Pearson correlation coefficient followed by mutual information, produced the best MRI‐postmortem co‐registration according to a voxel mismatch count. The accuracy of the overall registration was evaluated by measuring the 3D Euclidean distance between the locations of microscopically identified lesions on postmortem slices and their MRI‐postmortem co‐registered locations. The results show a mean 3D displacement of 5.1 ± 2.0 mm between the in vivo MRI and microscopically determined locations for 21 vascular lesions in 11 subjects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 18, 325–335, 2008
Cell Cycle‐Dependent Effects of 3,3′‐Diindolylmethane on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Chinnakannu Kannagi , Chen Di , Li Yiwei , Wang Zhiwei , Dou Q. Ping , Reddy G. Prem Veer , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: December 2008

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C) and its dimeric product 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM) have been shown to exhibit anti‐tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have reported that a formulated DIM (B‐DIM) induced apoptosis and inhibited growth, angiogenesis, and invasion of prostate cancer cells by regulating Akt, NF‐κB, VEGF and the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. However, the precise molecular mechanism(s) by which B‐DIM inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. Most importantly, it is not known how B‐DIM affects cell cycle regulators and proteasome activity, which are critically involved in cell growth and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of B‐DIM on proteasome activity and AR transactivation with respect to B‐DIM‐mediated cell cycle regulation and induction of apoptosis in both androgen‐sensitive LNCaP and androgen‐insensitive C4‐2B prostate cancer cells. We believe that our results show for the first time the cell cycle‐dependent effects of B‐DIM on proliferation and apoptosis of synchronized prostate cancer cells progressing from G1 to S phase. B‐DIM inhibited this progression by induction of p27Kip1 and down‐regulation of AR. We also show for the first time that B‐DIM inhibits proteasome activity in S phase, leading to the inactivation of NF‐κB signaling and induction of apoptosis in LNCaP and C4‐2B cells. These results suggest that B‐DIM could be a potent agent for the prevention and/or treatment of both hormone sensitive as well as hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 94–99, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in minor lipid components during interesterification
Authors: Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif , Dutta Paresh C.
Published: December 2008

Fats and oils have limited applications in their natural form due to their specific chemical composition. To widen their application and functionality, they need to be modified. Interesterification is one of the modification processes used for this purpose and has advantages over hydrogenation which generates considerable amounts of undesirable trans fatty acids. Numerous studies describe changes occurring during interesterification in triacylglycerols and in physical and chemical properties of the end‐products. The few literature reports available have shown inconsistent results from a slight to extensive loss of tocopherols during the interesterification process. This paper provides information on the effects of interesterification on minor lipid components such as tocopherols, phytosterols and phytosterol oxidation products.
Highly Functional Poly(meth)acrylates via Cascade Reaction
Authors: Popescu Dragos , Keul Helmut , Moeller Martin
Published: December 2008

A new route to the synthesis of highly functional and reactive polymethacrylates via cascade reactions comprising enzymatically and chemically catalyzed steps is presented. Transacylation of methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate as substrates with different functional alcohols in the presence of Novozyme 435 leads to a mixture of functional monomers, which in a subsequent step was copolymerized via free radical polymerization, resulting in polymethacrylates with predefined functionalities. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, as well as ionic methacrylate repeating units were assembled in a copolymer and adjusted for surface coatings.

magnified image
Melt Properties of Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) and Poly(butylene terephthalate) and their Interfacial Tension
Authors: Sawpan Moyeenuddin Ahmad , Funke Zofia , Weber Martin , Kammer Hans‐Werner , Kressler Jörg
Published: December 2008

Pressure‐volume‐temperature and surface tension behaviour were studied for random copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN) and for poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). Results served to determine reduction parameters for the equation‐of‐states by Flory‐Orwoll‐Vrij and by Simha‐Somcynsky as well. Surface tension as a function of copolymer composition displays negative deviation from additivity. It indicates surface excess of styrene units. Similar behaviour with respect to copolymer composition was found for variation of interfacial tension between SAN and PBT. Thickness of surface region is around 1 nm and does not change with copolymer composition whereas extension of interfacial region between PBT and SAN copolymers varies strongly with copolymer composition between around 2 and 60 nm.

magnified image
Synthesis and Electroluminescent Properties of Disubstituted Polyacetylene Derivatives Containing Multi‐Fluorophenyl and Cyclohexylphenyl Side Groups
Authors: Yang Sheng‐Hsiung , Huang Chun‐Hao , Chen Chiu‐Hsiang , Hsu Chain‐Shu
Published: December 2008

A new series of disubstituted polyacetylene derivatives that contain multi‐fluorine atoms on the pendent phenyl ring have been synthesized and characterized. The results reveal a greater red‐shift in UV‐vis absorption and PL emission upon incorporating more fluorine atoms on the pendent phenyl ring. Among them, disubstituted polyacetylene with a difluorophenyl group (PDPA‐2F) showed the highest luminescent efficiency. The device performance can be promoted by blending a hole‐transporting material TM‐TPD into PDPA‐2F as the active layer or by using a light‐emitting copolymer in which PDPA‐2F was copolymerized with a carbazole group (PDPA‐2Fcab). A light‐emitting diode of ITO/PEDOT/PDPA‐2Fcab/Ca/Al revealed a maximum luminescence of 4230 cd · m−2 at 14 V and a maximum current efficiency of 3.37 cd · A−1 at 7 V.

magnified image
Global gene expression analysis of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer blastocysts and cotyledons
Authors: Aston K.I. , Li G.P. , Hicks B.A. , Sessions B.R. , Davis A.P. , Winger Q.A. , Rickords L.F. , Stevens J.R. , White K.L.
Published: December 2008

Low developmental competence of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is a universal problem. Abnormal placentation has been commonly reported in SCNT pregnancies from a number of species. The present study employed Affymetrix bovine expression microarrays to examine global gene expression patterns of SCNT and in vivo produced (AI) blastocysts as well as cotyledons from day‐70 SCNT and AI pregnancies. SCNT and AI embryos and cotyledons were analyzed for differential expression. Also in an attempt to establish a link between abnormal gene expression patterns in early embryos and cotyledons, differentially expressed genes were compared between the two studies. Microarray analysis yielded a list of 28 genes differentially expressed between SCNT and AI blastocysts and 19 differentially expressed cotyledon genes. None of the differentially expressed genes were common to both groups, although major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) was significant in the embryo data and approached significance in the cotyledon data. This is the first study to report global gene expression patterns in bovine AI and SCNT cotyledons. The embryonic gene expression data reported here adds to a growing body of data that indicates the common occurrence of aberrant gene expression in early SCNT embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 471–482, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BH4 peptide derived from Bcl‐xL and Bax‐inhibitor peptide suppresses apoptotic mitochondrial changes in heat stressed bovine oocytes
Authors: Soto Paolete , Smith Lawrence C.
Published: December 2008

Mitochondria play an important role in the integration and transmission of cell death signals mediated by the Bcl‐2 family proteins. Experiments were conducted to determine whether the anti‐apoptotic peptides BH4 domain of Bcl‐xL (TAT‐BH4) and Bax inhibitor peptide (BIP) suppresses heat stress (HS) injury in oocytes by reduction of apoptotic‐like events. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured at 39°C (control) or 41°C (HS) for 21 hr then placed in maturation medium containing 0 or 100 µM BIP in water and 0 or 1 µM TAT‐BH4 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or a combination of both peptides (BIP + BH4). Peptide effects on embryo development, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were measured. All groups were fertilized and cultured in vitro at 39°C for 8 days. Compared to control, HS‐treated oocytes induced a decrease in embryo development (P < 0.05), increase in proportion of TUNEL‐positive chromatin in oocytes and blastocysts (P < 0.05), and loss of oocyte ΔΨm (P < 0.001). In the presence of BIP or BIP + BH4, development of HS‐treated oocytes into blastocysts was increased (P < 0.05). Conversely, COCs matured with TAT‐BH4 at 41°C showed reduced embryonic development (P < 0.05). Exposure of HS‐treated to each or both peptides resulted in a reduction of TUNEL frequency in oocytes and blastocysts cells derived from these oocytes (P < 0.05). The loss of ΔΨm in HS‐treated oocytes was not restored by exposure to BIP + BH4 and there was no effect in mtDNA copy number. In conclusion, the present results show that HS‐induced apoptosis in bovine oocytes involves Bax and BH4 domain‐dependent pathways. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 637–646, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of chitosan–polyethylene glycol coated cotton membranes for wound dressings: preparation and characterization
Authors: Gupta Bhuvanesh , Arora Abha , Saxena Shalini , Alam Mohammad Sarwar
Published: December 2008

Cotton fabric was coated with chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) followed by freeze‐drying. The influence of PEG on the physical characteristics and the surface morphology was investigated. The scanning electron microscopy of the coated fabric revealed a porous structure. The porosity of the material was 54–70% and the pore size was in the range of 75–120µm. The increase in the PEG content in the blend composition led to an enhanced destabilization of pores, leading to an increase in the pore size with elongated morphology. There seems to be phase separation between the two components which is an important factor for the observed behavior of the porous structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the CS and PEG have limited interaction. DSC suggested that addition of PEG to CS does not interfere with the crystallization behavior due to limited interaction with CS. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the membranes are thermally stable and PEG enhances the thermal stability of the CS coated membranes. The air and water permeability of the membranes tended to decrease with the increase in the PEG content. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of chemotherapy on neurocognitive function in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Buizer Annemieke I. , de Sonneville Leo M.J. , Veerman Anjo J.P.
Published: December 2008

Chemotherapy‐only treatment has increasingly become the standard of treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The objective of this review is to assess the present state of knowledge of the neurocognitive effects of central nervous system (CNS)‐directed chemotherapy in children with ALL, and to formulate directions for future research. We performed a review of studies published since 1997, that included an ALL group treated with chemotherapy only and a control group. Twenty‐one studies met our inclusion criteria. There is evidence of subtle long‐term neurocognitive deficits survivors of childhood ALL after treatment with chemotherapy only. These involve mainly processes of attention and of executive functioning, while global intellectual function is relatively preserved. Young age at diagnosis and female sex emerged as risk factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:447–454. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rituximab for successful management of probable pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Nageswara Rao Amulya A. , Arteaga Grace M. , Reed Ann M. , Gloor James M. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: December 2008

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life‐threatening condition characterized by small‐vessel thrombi and a rapid onset of multiorgan system failure associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Current treatment options include anticoagulants, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin, but these are not always effective. Rituximab, a chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, may help eliminate autoreactive B cells and thus limit the rapid inflammatory process involved in CAPS. We describe the use of rituximab in the successful initial management of a probable case of pediatric CAPS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:536–538. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital Rosai–Dorfman disease presenting with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatomegaly
Authors: Chow C.P. , Ho H.K. , Chan G.C.F. , Cheung A.N. , Ha S.Y.
Published: December 2008

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare entity of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytoses (non‐LCH) which usually presents with bilateral painless cervical lymphadenopathy. We describe a neonate with RDD who presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia and hepatomegaly. He recovered spontaneously with conservative management. This represents an atypical presentation of RDD. Conservative management with close monitoring can be adopted for some with systemic involvement. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:415–417. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Etanercept as a salvage treatment for refractory aplastic anemia
Authors: Dufour Carlo , Giacchino Raffaella , Ghezzi Pietro , Tonelli Rossella , Ferretti Elisa , Pitto A. , Pistoia Vito , Lanza Tiziana , Svahn Johanna
Published: December 2008

About 10–15% of patients with acquired aplastic anemia (AAA) have resistant/recurrent disease not eligible for standard treatment like hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and/or combined immunosuppression. We report a 17‐year‐old male with an 11 years history of AAA who, after two courses of immunosuppression, was red cell transfusion‐dependent, severely thrombocytopenic, refractory to platelet transfusion, had iron overload and post‐transfusion HCV infection. This patient achieved transfusion independence from platelets and normalized Hb after treatment with the anti‐TNF agent Etanercept. Over a 12 months follow‐up he experienced only transient increase of liver transaminases. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:522–525. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical and proteomic profile of melanotic medulloblastoma
Authors: Zanini Cristina , Mandili Giorgia , Pulerà Francesco , Morra Isabella , Peretta Paola , Turrini Franco , Forni Marco
Published: December 2008

We present the case of a 6‐year‐old male affected by an infratentorial tumor. Histological diagnosis was melanotic medulloblastoma. Immunohistochemistry showed in the melanin rich areas positive cells for HMB45. We performed a proteomic study to compare protein profiles in melanotic versus non‐melanotic areas. Protein profiles of different areas of the tumor displayed similarity, with the exception of seven proteins. In accordance with the hypothesis that melanotic medulloblastomas produce oculo‐cutaneous melanin, proteomic analysis showed melanocytic‐associated antigens and epidermal autoantigen 450K in the pigmented nodule; both these proteins have a significant role as markers of melanotic elements. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:875–877. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subjective interpretation of inconclusive BRCA1/2 cancer genetic test results and transmission of information to the relatives
Authors: Cypowyj C. , Eisinger F. , Huiart L. , Sobol H. , Morin M. , Julian‐Reynier C.
Published: December 2008

Objective: BRCA1/2 gene mutations are not frequently identified in breast or ovarian cancer patients who are the first members of their family to be tested. Little is known about how probands interpret and cope with these results, which are generally referred to as ‘inconclusive’. The aim of this study was to describe subjective understanding by women with cancer in response to an inconclusive BRCA1/2 test, describing the difficulties or non‐difficulties they encountered about the transmission of information to their family.

Methods: A cohort of 30 women with breast/ovarian cancer were followed for a period of up to 2 years after delivery of their inconclusive genetic test results. Self‐administered questionnaires with closed and open questions were distributed. A qualitative analysis of open‐ended questions is presented here.

Results: These women's reactions to inconclusive results were of three kinds. The majority (n=14) were still uncertain about their carrier status, which is an adequate medical interpretation of the results, while others (n=9) took their inconclusive results to mean that they were definitely not carriers, and the women in the last group (n=7) were convinced that they were actually carriers. There was some overlap between these perceptions and actual genetic risk.

Conclusions: The transmission of information to the family was found to differ qualitatively across the three groups and more difficulties in this respect were expressed by those who were uncertain about their carrier status. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality and quality of life in low‐income men with metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Zavala Mary Wassel , Maliski Sally L. , Kwan Lorna , Fink Arlene , Litwin Mark S.
Published: December 2008

Objective: To determine how spirituality is associated with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in an ethnically diverse cohort of low‐income men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods: Eighty‐six participants in a state‐funded program that provides free prostate cancer treatment to uninsured, low‐income men completed written surveys and telephone interviews containing validated measures of spirituality, and general and disease‐specific HRQOL. Assessments were made following diagnosis of metastatic disease. We used multivariate analyses to assess the effect of spirituality and its two subscales, faith and meaning/peace, on HRQOL.

Results: African American and Latino men, and men with less than a high‐school education had the highest spirituality scores. Spirituality was significantly associated with general and disease‐specific HRQOL. We also found a significant interaction between faith and meaning/peace in the physical and pain domains.

Conclusion: Greater spirituality was associated with better HRQOL and psychosocial function. Meaning/peace closely tracks with HRQOL. Higher faith scores, in the absence of high meaning/peace scores, are negatively associated with HRQOL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a psycho‐educational group intervention for children treated for cancer: a descriptive pilot study
Authors: Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Silberbusch Lobke M. , Last Bob F. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: December 2008

Objective: The present paper reports about the content and evaluation of a psycho‐educational group intervention for children growing up with a history of cancer, Op Koers Oncologie (OK Onco). OK Onco is aimed at empowerment of survivors of childhood cancer by teaching disease‐related skills. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether OK Onco was appropriate for use among paediatric survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods: Eleven participating children and their parents completed questionnaires about the disease‐related skills that were taught in the intervention, before the intervention and 0–4 weeks after the intervention. In addition, parents were interviewed in focus groups.

Results: Positive outcomes were found on most items concerning disease‐related skills. Remarkable improvements were found with respect to the intervention goals ‘social competence’ and ‘positive thinking’. The parents reported that sharing emotions and experiences with other survivors of childhood cancer was an important element of the OK Onco program, which underscores the benefit of a disease‐specific program for cancer survivors.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of the pilot study indicate that OK Onco is appropriate for paediatric survivors of childhood cancer. Implementation of the intervention is the next challenge. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Romantic relationships of emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Thompson Amanda L. , Marsland Anna L. , Marshal Michael P. , Tersak Jean M.
Published: December 2008

Objective: To assess whether childhood cancer survivors experience difficulties in their romantic relationships during emerging adulthood (18–25 years) and to identify who may be at risk for long‐term social sequelae.

Methods: Emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer (n=60) and controls without a history of chronic illness (n=60) completed an online assessment of their romantic relationships, including perceived relationship satisfaction. Severity of initial treatment was rated by healthcare providers for participants with cancer.

Results: Although survivors of childhood cancer do not differ from demographically similar controls in satisfaction with, conflict in, and duration of romantic relationships, they reported fewer romantic relationships and greater distress at relationship end. Within the survivor group, higher trait anxiety, older age at diagnosis, and more severe treatment intensity increased risk for relationship difficulties, including lower relationship satisfaction and more distress at break‐up.

Conclusions: Findings appear to support the overall social resilience of survivors of childhood cancer. Certain subsets of survivors, however, may be at greater risk for difficulties in their close relationships as adults and therefore may be appropriate targets for intervention. Healthcare providers should routinely assess developmentally salient issues like love/romance that are important markers of identity development and ultimately impact long‐term quality of life for survivors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in facial expression recognition in survivors of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Willard Victoria W. , Hardy Kristina K. , Bonner Melanie J.
Published: December 2008

Objective: To examine the relation between gender, history of cranial radiation therapy (CRT) and facial expression recognition (FER) skill in survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

Methods: Fifty‐three survivors (27 females) completed a measure of FER and an intelligence test.

Results: There was a significant interaction between gender and CRT on ability to interpret low‐intensity facial expressions, such that females who had not had CRT made fewer errors than either females who had CRT or males.

Conclusion: A history of CRT has a notable effect on FER skill in females: girls who received CRT performed significantly more poorly than girls who did not. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of neck circumference measurements in children
Authors: LaBerge Robert C. , Vaccani Jean Philippe , Gow Robert M. , Gaboury Isabelle , Hoey Lynda , Katz Sherri L.
Published: December 2008

Rationale

Increased neck circumference is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. With rising obesity prevalence in children, it may be an important identifier of obstructive sleep apnea in children. The reliability of measuring neck circumference in children has not been systematically evaluated.

Objective

To determine the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of neck circumference measurements in children aged 2–16 years.

Methods

Children aged 2–16 years with limb fractures were recruited. Neck circumference was measured by three investigators each using two separate unmarked paper tapes in the 2–5 year age group (N = 43), and three separate tapes in the 6–10 and 11–16 year age groups (N = 18 and 40).

Results

Neck circumference measurements showed excellent inter‐rater reliability for children 6–10 and 11–16 years (ICC = 0.952 and 0.989). Substantial variation was observed for the 2–5 year age group (ICC = 0.701). Good intra‐rater reliability was demonstrated for the three groups (ICC range: 0.776, 0.950). Repeatability coefficients were 2.5–3.4 cm in the youngest age group and were 1.2–1.4 cm in the 6–16 year age group.

Conclusion

In children 6–16 years old, neck circumference shows very good inter and good intra‐rater reliability. Multiple measurements are not required for precision and reliability. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:64–69. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physicochemical compatibility of mixtures of dornase alfa and tobramycin containing nebulizer solutions
Authors: Krämer Irene , Schwabe Astrid , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Kamin Wolfgang
Published: December 2008

Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) often need to inhale multiple doses of different nebulizable drugs per day. Patients attempt to shorten the time consuming administration procedure by mixing drug solutions/suspensions for simultaneous inhalation. The objective of this experimental study was to determine whether mixtures of the nebulizer solution dornase alfa (Pulmozyme®) with tobramycin nebulizer solutions (TOBI® and GERNEBCIN® 80 mg) are physico‐chemically compatible. Drug combinations were prepared by mixing the content of one respule Pulmozyme® with either one respule TOBI® or one ampoule GERNEBCIN® 80 mg. Test solutions were stored at room temperature and exposed to light. Dornase alfa activity and tobramycin concentrations were determined by using a kinetic colorimetric DNase activity assay and a fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. Physical compatibility was determined by visual inspection and measurements of pH and osmolality. Tobramycin concentration was not affected by mixing the drug products. In spite of the high variability of the dornase alfa potency assay, it is obvious that activity is especially affected by sodium metabisulfite, used as excipient in GERNEBCIN®. Patients should be advised, not to mix Pulmozyme® with GERNEBCIN® because of the incompatibility reaction. Further analytical studies are needed in order to determine the integrity and activity of dornase alfa in mixtures of Pulmozyme® with TOBI®. Finally clinical studies are necessary in order to demonstrate equivalent efficacy and safety of simultaneous inhalation in comparison to consecutive inhalation of both drugs. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:134–141. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2006–2008 Annual Review on Aerial Infrared Decoy Flares
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian
Published: December 2008

The most recent progress in the field of advanced aerial infrared decoy flare technology is documented. 71 references from the public domain are given. For the last review please see Ref. [2].
A comparison of multivariate statistical analysis protocols for ToF‐SIMS spectral images
Authors: Smentkowski V. S. , Ostrowski S. G. , Keenan M. R.
Published: December 2008

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) instruments produce raw data sets with a tremendous quantity of data. Multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) tools are being used to reduce the massive amount of chemical information into a smaller set of components that are easier to interpret and understand as a result of species association. Standard principal component analysis (PCA) is the most heavily used MVA algorithm in the ToF‐SIMS community, and is frequently computed using the singular value decomposition (SVD). Other algorithms such as multivariate curve resolution (MCR) have also gained popularity over the past few years. In this work, we compare the as‐measured ToF‐SIMS spectrum and ion images with four MVA data analysis protocols: standard PCA, image‐rotated SVD, spectra‐rotated SVD, and a PCA‐based MCR procedure. Image‐rotated SVD and spectra‐rotated SVD are closely connected to PCA and involve abstract rotations of the singular vectors that naturally arise during computation of the principal components via SVD. These rotations are designed to enhance either spatial contrast or spectral contrast in the components, respectively. We will show that the four MVA protocols provide essentially the same information, but accentuate different aspects of the sample's composition and lateral distribution, and that taken together these methods provide a more complete understanding of the sample. We will demonstrate that the component spectra estimated by MVA protocols assist the analyst in discovering minor constituents and understanding species correlation that would have been difficult, if not impossible, using univariate analysis protocols. For the data set described here, MVA tools identified unexpected species, which were not obvious in the as‐measured data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.