bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Chrysotile Fibres in the Degradation of Cationic and Nonionic Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Fachini Adriano , Joekes Inés
Published: February 2007

It was previously observed that sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is degraded in the presence of chrysotile fibres. A higher catalytic efficiency was obtained than the reported values for TiO2 under the same conditions. Chrysotile, a clay mineral fibre of low cost and relatively abundant, probably acts as a catalyst through an Advanced Oxidative Process (AOP) involving free radical formation. In this work, experiments with non‐ionic – Triton X‐45 (octil‐phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol) – and cationic – Herquat 3500 (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride) – surfactants were carried out. Diluted aqueous solutions (50 ppm) of these surfactants were kept in contact with chrysotile (4.0 g) in the dark at room temperature. The aromatic ring disappearance was followed through the absorbance peaks at 224 nm (Triton X‐45) and 208 nm (Herquat 3500) in the UV spectra. After 4 h, reductions in the surfactant solution concentration of 65.0% and 35.0% were observed for the Triton X‐45 and the Herquat 3500 surfactants, respectively. In both cases, reactions carried out without aeration showed a lower reduction of the aromatic ring concentration (30.0% less) when compared to the values obtained for the systems with airflow. The system containing the non‐ionic surfactant seems to achieve equilibrium after 2 h, what is not observed for the cationic surfactant system.
Treatment of a Trifluraline Effluent by Means of Oxidation‐Coagulation with Fe(VI) and Combined Fenton Processes
Authors: Martins Ayrton F. , da S. Frank Carla , Wilde Marcelo L.
Published: February 2007

The amination water (AW) effluent stream from the industrial production of the trifluraline herbicide was submitted to an oxidation‐coagulation treatment with potassium ferrate, combined with advanced oxidation processes. The experimental results obtained by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the oxidation‐coagulation‐Fenton process, evaluating the variables pH (A), Fe(VI) concentration (B), and H2O2 concentration (C), demonstrated that the regression equation resulting from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) experimental design, for the quadratic model, was ηAbs (%) = 36.9– 21.58A + 8.37A2 + 1.36B + 0.92B2 + 1.08C + 1.52C2 + 1.27AB – 1.34AC + 1.33BC. The maximum absorptiometric color reduction occurred at pH 3, with corresponding maximum amounts of iron and hydrogen peroxide. The absorptiometric color and COD reduction were 96% and 57%, respectively. For the oxidation‐coagulation‐photo‐Fenton process, the analyzed variables were pH (A), Fe(VI) concentration (B), H2O2 concentration (C), and temperature (D). The regression equation resulting from the quadratic model was ηAbs (%) = 38.3 – 20.2A + 8.12A2 – 0.27B + 3.73B2 + 0.3C + 3.6C2 + 1.67D + 3.1D2 + 1.72AB + 0.51AC – 1.82AD + 0.74BC – 1.11BD + 0.03CD. The ANOVA response showed that the highest absorptiometric color reduction occurred at pH 3, with respective maximum amounts of iron and hydrogen peroxide at 60°C. The maximum efficiencies achieved by the proposed treatment process for the trifluraline effluent stream were 95% and 85%, for absorptiometric color and COD reduction, respectively.
Influence of the soil profile randomness on the seismic response of multilayered soils with a rigid inclusion
Authors: Badaoui M. , Berrah M. K. , Mebarki A.
Published: February 2007

The paper deals with the seismic response of a multilayered soil. It focuses on the influence of the uncertainty that may affect the soil height (SH). The soil under study is considered as a superposition of layers that extend horizontally to infinity. A tunnel, located inside this soil, is supposed to behave as a rigid inclusion; it represents a part of the Algiers subway. Its dynamical response is investigated under Boumerdes earthquake effect, 21 May 2003 (MW =6.5). The soil accelerations are collected at Keddara station (12 from the epicentre) as it corresponds to bedrock. As the study is devoted herein to SH wave propagation, the accelerations under study correspond to the EW horizontal direction.

The SH below the tunnel is assumed to be a random variable. For this purpose, a log‐normal distribution is adopted. The probabilistic seismic response of the soil is thus investigated. The mean and standard deviation of the tunnel displacement as well as of both the extreme ground acceleration and the transfer function are analysed. The present analysis is based on the boundary element method, which is adequate for the case of systems with infinite boundaries, while Green's functions are calculated using the thin layer method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigid element model for in‐plane dynamics of masonry walls considering hysteretic behaviour and damage
Authors: Casolo Siro , Peña Fernando
Published: February 2007

A specific rigid element approach is proposed for the in‐plane dynamical analysis of masonry walls, whose seismic performance is strongly related to mechanical deterioration and hysteretic energy dissipation. Since the execution of effective time‐history analysis necessitates the use of discrete models with reduced number of degrees of freedom, the tricky issue lies in achieving a balance between accuracy in the geometrical description and the need for a realistic damage material model. For this reason, a mechanistic ‘rigid body spring model’ (RBSM) was adopted, which consists of a collection of plane quadrilateral rigid elements connected to each other by two normal springs and one shear spring at each side. The material model was based on a phenomenological description of the cyclic response of masonry, and specific separate hysteretic laws were assigned for the axial and shear deformation between the elements. This separation led to a large reduction in computational effort, though a Coulomb‐like law was adopted in order to relate the strength of the shear springs to the vertical axial loading. The effective performance of the present approach is demonstrated by the numerical validation and by comparisons with some well‐known experimental and numerical tests presented in the literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of algebra algorithms for automated generation of grain‐size distribution maps
Authors: Sarretta Alessandro , Masiol Mauro , Molinaroli Emanuela
Published: February 2007

The grain‐size distribution of sediments is a fundamental characteristic in understanding the earth's surface environments and an essential tool in classifying sedimentary environments. Grain‐size data provide important information on the energy and dynamics of depositional environments and aid our understanding of sediment transport. Ternary diagrams (TDs) are useful and conventional tools to classify sediments on the basis of relative grain size (i.e. gravel, sand, mud or sand, silt, clay).

The development of spatial modelling in a geographical information system (GIS) can assist in treating, computing and displaying sedimentological data, such as grain‐sizes.

In this work, four map algebra (MA) algorithms are written in a GIS environment to automatically produce maps depicting the spatial distribution of sediment texture classes based on the most frequently used grain‐size TDs: the Shepard classification and Flemming classification for sand–silt–clay components, and the Folk et al. classification and Blair and McPherson classification for sand‐gravel‐mud components. The proposed method allows rapid assessments by producing map distributions of the parameters most widely used in sedimentology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covariations among fMRI, skin conductance, and behavioral data during processing of concealed information
Authors: Gamer Matthias , Bauermann Thomas , Stoeter Peter , Vossel Gerhard
Published: February 2007

Imaging techniques have been used to elucidate the neural correlates that underlie deception. The scientifically best understood paradigm for the detection of deception, however, the guilty knowledge test (GKT), was rarely used in imaging studies. By transferring a GKT‐paradigm to a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, while additionally quantifying reaction times and skin conductance responses (SCRs), this study aimed at identifying the neural correlates of the behavioral and electrodermal response pattern typically found in GKT examinations. Prior to MR scanning, subjects viewed two specific items (probes) and were instructed to hide their knowledge of these. Two other specific items were designated as targets and required a different behavioral response during the experiment and eight items served as irrelevant stimuli. Reaction times and SCR amplitudes differed significantly between all three item types. The neuroimaging data revealed that right inferior frontal and mid‐cingulate regions were more active for probe and target trials compared to irrelevants. Moreover, the differential activation in the right inferior frontal region was modulated by stimulus conflicts. These results were interpreted as an increased top‐down influence on the stimulus‐response‐mapping for concealed and task‐relevant items. Additionally, the influence of working memory and retrieval processes on this activation pattern is discussed. Using parametric analyses, reaction times and SCR amplitudes were found to be linearly related to activity in the cerebellum, the right inferior frontal cortex, and the supplementary motor area. This result provides a first link between behavioral measures, sympathetic arousal, and neural activation patterns during a GKT examination. Hum Brain Mapp 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of 2dTCA for the detection of irregular, transient bold activity
Authors: Morgan Victoria L. , Li Yong , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Gore John C.
Published: February 2007

The temporal clustering algorithm (TCA) has been developed in order to detect irregular, transient functional MRI (fMRI) activation signals when the timings of the stimuli are unknown. Unfortunately, such methods are also sensitive to signal changes caused by motion and physiological noise. We have developed a modified TCA technique, 2dTCA, which can detect multiple different timing patterns within a dataset so that signals of interest can be separated from artifacts and those of no interest. The objective of this work was to further develop the 2dTCA methods and evaluate their performance in simulated functional MRI datasets. Comparisons were made with TCA and a freely‐distributed independent component analysis algorithm (ICA). We created two different sets of six computer‐generated phantoms with one and two different simulated activation time courses present in 10 regions of interest. The phantoms also contained real subject rigid and nonrigid body motion and noise. Sensitivity of detection, defined as the true‐positive activation rate at false‐positive activation rates varying between 0.0001 and 0.01, was compared between methods. Additionally, specificity of detection of the irregular, transient signal of interest was assessed by comparing the number of signal time courses detected by each algorithm. The results suggest that the increased sensitivity of 2dTCA over TCA in detecting this particular signal of interest is comparable to the detection with ICA, but with fewer other signals detected. A few examples of the successful application of 2dTCA to the localization of interictal activity in preliminary studies of temporal lobe epilepsy are also described. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MAGE‐A9 mRNA and protein expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Picard Valérie , Bergeron Alain , LaRue Hélène , Fradet Yves
Published: February 2007

In a previous analysis, we showed that MAGE‐As were the most frequently expressed cancer‐testis antigens in human bladder tumours. Here, we further characterized by RT‐PCR the expression of this family of genes by analyzing specifically MAGE‐A3, ‐A4, ‐A8 and ‐A9 mRNAs in 46 bladder tumours and 10 normal urothelia. We found that they were expressed in 30, 33, 56 and 54% of tumours, respectively. Although MAGE‐A8 was the most frequent, its expression was low and was also found in most normal urothelia. The other MAGE‐A mRNAs were all tumour‐specific but MAGE‐A9 mRNA was expressed at a higher level and was two times more frequent in superficial than in invasive tumours. To study the expression of the protein, we produced 2 MAGE‐A9‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) presenting no cross‐reactivity with other MAGE‐A proteins. MAb 14A11, was used to analyse the expression of the antigen in testis and tumour samples by immunohistochemistry. In testis, MAGE‐A9 expression was restricted to primary spermatocytes. Most bladder tumours that expressed the MAGE‐A9 transcript were positive with mAb 14A11. Staining was heterogeneous but half of the tumours showed over 75% positive cells. Finally, we showed that treatment of bladder cancer cells with the methylation inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, alone or in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitors MS‐275 and 4‐phenylbutyrate could strongly induce the expression of MAGE‐A9. These results show that MAGE‐A9 is frequently expressed in superficial bladder cancer and could be a relevant target for immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy because its expression can be induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal cells associated with early invasive foci in human mammary ductal carcinoma in situ coexpress urokinase and urokinase receptor
Authors: Nielsen Boye S. , Rank Fritz , Illemann Martin , Lund Leif R. , Danø Keld
Published: February 2007

The transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast to invasive ductal carcinoma is facilitated by proteolytic degradation of basement membrane. The transition can be identified as microinvasive foci in a small proportion of DCIS lesions. We have previously found that MMP‐13 is frequently expressed in such foci. To establish whether plasmin‐directed proteolysis is likely to be involved in early invasion, we have here studied the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) in human DCIS lesions with and without microinvasion. uPA mRNA was detected in periductal stromal cells in all of 9 DCIS lesions with microinvasion and in 2 of 9 DCIS lesions without microinvasion by in situ hybridization. The uPA mRNA signal was seen in numerous stromal cells in microinvasive areas together with MMP‐13 mRNA expressing cells. Double immunofluorescence analyses, using emission fingerprinting, showed that the uPA expressing stromal cells included both myofibroblasts and macrophages. The early invasive carcinoma cells were negative for uPA. uPAR immunoreactivity was focally upregulated in periductal stromal cells in all of the 9 DCIS lesions with microinvasion and in only 2 of the 9 DCIS lesions without microinvasion. uPAR was seen in both macrophages and myofibroblasts in microinvasive areas, and it was evident that uPA and uPAR colocalized in both fibroblast‐like cells and macrophage‐like cells. We conclude that periductal macrophages and myofibroblasts are strongly involved in the initial steps of breast cancer invasion by focally upregulating the expression of the plasminogen activation system and MMP‐13. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms of glutathione‐S‐transferase M1 and manganese superoxide dismutase are associated with the risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Landi Stefano , Gemignani Federica , Neri Monica , Barale Roberto , Bonassi Stefano , Bottari Fabio , Canessa Pier Aldo , Canzian Federico , Ceppi Marcello , Filiberti Rosangela , Ivaldi Gian Paolo , Mencoboni Manlio , Scaruffi Paola , Tonini Gian Paolo , Mutti Luciano , Puntoni Riccardo
Published: February 2007

Individual response to oxidative stress, due to exposure to asbestos fibres plays a significant role in the malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) etiology. The differential impact on MPM risk of polymorphic alleles of glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2) genes involved in the defence against oxidative damage has been investigated. Ninety cases of MPM and 395 controls were genotyped using the arrayed‐primer extension technique. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the predictive role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially involved in MPM carcinogenesis after adjustment for potential confounders. An increased risk of MPM was found in subjects bearing a GSTM1 null allele (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.04–2.74; p = 0.034), and in those with the Ala/Ala genotypes at codon 16 within MnSOD (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.55–6.05; p = 0.001). A stronger effect of MnSOD was observed among patients without a clear exposure to asbestos fibres. No effect was found for GSTA2, GSTA4, GSTM3, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes. These findings, if replicated, contribute substantial evidence to the hypothesis that oxidative stress and cellular antireactive oxygen species systems are involved in the pathogenesis and in the natural history of MPM. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oleamide derivatives suppress the spontaneous metastasis by inhibiting connexin 26
Authors: Ohba Yusuke , Kanao Yukiko , Morita Nobuyoshi , Fujii Eri , Hohrai Mai , Takatsuji Mayuko , Hirose Hideki , Miura Daisaku , Watari Akihiro , Yutsudo Masuo , Zhao Hanjun , Yabuta Norikazu , Ito Akihiko , Kita Yasuyuki , Nojima Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

We previously reported that overexpressing connexin 26 (Cx26) enhances the spontaneous metastasis of mouse BL6 melanoma cells. In contrast, daily intraperitoneal injections of an oleamide derivative named MI‐18 potently inhibits the spontaneous metastasis of BL6 cells. In the present study, we chemically synthesized a novel oleamide derivative named MI‐22 and found that it also efficiently suppressed the spontaneous metastasis of BL6 cells. Both MI‐18 and MI‐22 inhibited the gap junction‐mediated intercellular communications (GJIC) that are formed between HeLa cells by the ectopic expression of the hCx26 and hCx32 human connexin subtypes; however, they had no effect on GJIC mediated by hCx40, hCx43 or hCx45. Fluorescently labeled MI‐18 primarily localized not only at plasma membrane but also at Golgi/endosome. This suggests that this oleamide derivative may also act on the Cx26 molecules that accumulate in the Golgi/endosome because of their overexpression. Notably, neither derivative had a cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells when they were added into the tissue culture medium. Taken together, we propose that the MI‐18 and MI‐22 oleamide derivatives may serve as prototypes for novel and clinically important anticancer drugs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychosocial predictors and correlates of dysphoria in adolescent and young adult Latinas
Authors: Locke Thomas F. , Newcomb Michael D. , Duclos Alisa , Goodyear Rodney K.
Published: February 2007

This study determined how multiple ecodevelopmental domains influenced dysphoria in a community sample of Latina adolescents. Risk factors tested include childhood maltreatment, parental alcohol‐related problems, and polysubstance problems. Protective factors include general self‐efficacy, social conformity, and family connection. Female participants ( N = 904) were recruited from the Los Angeles area. Many significant correlations were found between the ecodevelopmental domains and dysphoria. The strongest unique protective factor was family connection; others were social conformity and general self‐efficacy. The only unique risk factor that emerged was physical neglect. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current fear of crime, sense of community, and loneliness in italian adolescents: The role of autonomous mobility and play during childhood
Authors: Prezza Miretta , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina
Published: February 2007

A structural equation model was used to examine the role of autonomous mobility and play in public and semipublic places in childhood to predict adolescents' sense of community, fear of crime, and, through the mediation of these two last psychosocial factors, feelings of loneliness. Participants included 789 Italian students (469 females and 320 males; mean age 16.62, SD = 0.69). The instruments used were the Italian Sense of Community Scale, the Neighborhood Relations Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. A questionnaire was also administered to investigate the adolescents' current fear of crime and their autonomous mobility when they were children by asking them to recall their play habits and independent mobility at 8–10 years of age. The structural equation model proved satisfying: Higher autonomous mobility and higher use of public places for play in childhood predicted less intense fear of crime and a stronger sense of community in adolescence. Furthermore, a better relationship with community predicted less pervasive feelings of loneliness. The simultaneous multigroup analysis showed that the final model was comparable for both girls and boys with only one difference. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Support for military families and communities
Authors: Hoshmand Lisa Tsoi , Hoshmand Andrea L.
Published: February 2007

This is a call for community psychologists to engage in research, consultation, and program development and evaluation in supporting military families and communities. Barriers to such involvement are identified and discussed. It is argued that the needs of military families and communities cannot be ignored when military and civilian communities alike are affected by changes in the geopolitical situation and the effects of increased deployment. Examples of previous work related to military families and communities that have implications for policy and practice are presented in relation to concepts and practices in community psychology. Specific research and community approaches are suggested for future needs assessment and program development in enhancing community capacity and family resilience. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Television and attitudes toward mental health issues: Cultivation analysis and the third‐person effect
Authors: Diefenbach Donald L. , West Mark D.
Published: February 2007

A television content analysis and survey of 419 community respondents supports the hypothesis that media stereotypes affect public attitudes toward mental health issues. A content analysis of network, prime‐time television demonstrates that portrayals are violent, false, and negative. The mentally disordered are portrayed as 10 times more likely to be a violent criminal than nonmentally disordered television characters. A survey demonstrates that as television viewing increases so does the belief among viewers that locating mental health services in residential neighborhoods will endanger the residents. Viewers who watch television news are less likely to support living next to someone who is mentally ill. The survey also tests the third‐person effect, and finds that viewers believe television portrayals of mental illness affect others more than themselves. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“You have to adapt because you have no other choice”: The stories of strength and resilience of 208 homeless youth in New York City and Toronto
Authors: Kidd Sean A. , Davidson Larry
Published: February 2007

Presented in this paper are the results of a qualitative analysis of the narratives of 208 homeless youth interviewed on streets and in agencies in New York City and Toronto. The interviews focused on the participants' stories about their struggles to survive and negotiate meaningful and healthy lives in coming to the streets, living on the streets, and finding ways off the streets. Analysis of the narratives revealed shifts in the youths' senses of self/identity, and related understandings of agency, self‐worth, value systems, and connectedness in their various efforts to adapt to a range of street and nonstreet contexts. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing residential segregation among medicaid recipients with psychiatric disability in Philadelphia
Authors: Metraux Stephen , Caplan Joel M. , Klugman Dutch , Hadley Trevor R.
Published: February 2007

This study assesses the extent of residential segregation among 15,246 people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities and receiving Medicaid (MA) in Philadelphia, and an identically sized group of MA recipients serving as matched controls. Results indicate that overall levels of residential segregation among this group were modest at their most extreme, were not markedly different from a control group of Medicaid recipients without any record of treatment for severe mental illness, and were substantially reduced after taking poverty into account. There were, however, localized areas in Philadelphia that showed distinct concentrations of persons with psychiatric disability, suggesting there may be a subgroup that is more at‐risk for living in areas with elevated concentrations of persons with serious psychiatric disability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can magnetic resonance imaging–derived bone models be used for accurate motion measurement with single‐plane three‐dimensional shape registration?
Authors: Moro‐oka Taka‐aki , Hamai Satoshi , Miura Hiromasa , Shimoto Takeshi , Higaki Hidehiko , Fregly Benjamin J. , Iwamoto Yukihide , Banks Scott A.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare three‐dimensional (3D) kinematic measurements from single‐plane radiographic projections using bone models created from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). MRI is attractive because there is no ionizing radiation, but geometric field distortion and poor bone contrast degrade model fidelity compared to CT. We created knee bone models of three healthy volunteers from both MRI and CT and performed three quantitative comparisons. First, differences between MRI– and CT–derived bone model surfaces were measured. Second, shape matching motion measurements were done with bone models for X‐ray image sequences of a squat activity. Third, synthetic X‐ray images in known poses were created and shape matching was again performed. Differences in kinematic results were quantified in terms of root mean square (RMS) error. Mean differences between CT and MRI model surfaces for the femur and tibia were −0.08 mm and −0.14 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in three of six kinematic parameters comparing matching results from MRI–derived bone models and CT–derived bone models. RMS errors for tibiofemoral poses averaged 0.74 mm for sagittal translations, 2.0 mm for mediolateral translations, and 1.4° for all rotations with MRI models. Average RMS errors were 0.53 mm for sagittal translations, 1.6 mm for mediolateral translations, and 0.54° for all rotations with the CT models. Single‐plane X‐ray imaging with model‐based shape matching provides kinematic measurements with sufficient accuracy to assess knee motions using either MRI– or CT–derived bone models. However, extra care should be taken when using MRI–derived bone models because model inaccuracies will affect the quality of the shape matching results. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:867–872, 2007
The influence of land management on soil erosion in the Sneeuberg Mountains, Central Karoo, South Africa
Authors: Keay‐Bright J. , Boardman J.
Published: February 2007

Farm practices in the Sneeuberg Mountains, Karoo, South Africa are examined to assess their contribution to the development of the observed gullies and badlands. Data from the literature is augmented by interviews with local farmers and measurements in the field. Changes in stocking rates, grazing systems and technological advances are assessed for their impact on soil erosion, vegetation cover and species composition. The possibility of natural and managed rehabilitation of badland areas is discussed, as are future prospects for farm management in the Sneeuberg. The findings suggest that high stock numbers and less benign management practices in the 19th century and the early 20th century underlie much of the degradation seen today. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship between task complexity and information search: The role of self‐efficacy
Authors: Hu Jing , Huhmann Bruce A. , Hyman Michael R.
Published: February 2007

Prior research suggests the complexity of a product choice task is inversely related to the extent of consumers' external information search. The resource‐matching perspective holds that cognitive effort (e.g., external information search) is greatest when available cognitive resources (e.g., as determined by self‐efficacy) match the cognitive demands of a task (e.g., perceived task complexity). Within a brand‐choice context, the relationship between self‐efficacy and extent of information search appears nonmonotonic. In support of the resource‐matching perspective, consumers conduct the most extensive information search when their self‐efficacy matches perceived task difficulty. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allopeptide‐pulsed dendritic cells and composite tissue allograft survival
Authors: Nguyen Vu T. , Taieb Aurele , Sacks Justin M. , Unadkat Jignesh V. , Clavijo Julio A. , Kim Haena , Feili‐Hariri Maryam , Lee W. P. Andrew
Published: February 2007

Composite tissue allografts (CTAs) contain their own reservoir of vascularized bone marrow, offering novel aspects for the induction of donor‐specific tolerance. Additionally, the manipulation of recipient dendritic cells, pulsed with donor allopeptide, has been shown to engender solid organ allograft survival. To exploit these modalities, we have developed a protocol utilizing injection of recipient bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) pulsed with a donor‐derived peptide for use in CTA transplantation. Six days prior to orthotopic hind‐limb transplantation, Lewis rats received IV injection of donor allopeptide‐pulsed, recipient BMDCs, in conjunction with a single dose of anti‐lymphocyte serum. Control groups displayed signs of allograft rejection within 5 days postoperatively. Animals within the primary experimental cohort demonstrated prolongation of graft survival to an average of 8 days, and exhibited low numbers of donor T cells. The use of BMDCs in conjunction with transient immunosuppression has potential therapeutic application for induction of donor‐antigen‐specific tolerance to hind limb allografts. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
PLGA 90/10 and caprolactone biodegradable nerve guides for the reconstruction of the rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Luis Ana L. , Rodrigues Jorge M. , Amado Sandra , Veloso António P. , Armada‐Da‐silva Paulo A. S. , Raimondo Stefania , Fregnan Federica , Ferreira António J. , Lopes Maria A. , Santos José D. , Geuna Stefano , Varejão Artur S. P. , Maurício Ana C.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to test in vivo two different nerve guides for promoting nerve regeneration across a 10‐mm gap of the rat sciatic nerve: 1) one made of PLGA in a novel proportion (90:10) of the two polymers poly(L‐lactide):poly(glycolide); 2) another made of (DL‐lactide‐ϵ‐caprolactone) copolyester (Neurolac®) tube, by comparing its healing efficacy with that of the more traditional methods of end‐to‐end nerve suture and autologous graft. Motor and sensory functional recovery were assessed throughout the healing period of 20 weeks, and the repaired nerves were processed for morphological and histomorphometrical analysis. Both motor and sensory functions improved significantly in all experimental nerve repaired groups. At the end of the 20‐week follow‐up, the end‐to‐end group showed better recovery of motor function when compared with the groups treated with guiding tubes. However, at this time point, the level of motor function in the Neurolac® and PLGA groups was similar to the one of the graft group. Nociception function also recovered faster in the end‐to‐end group compared with the Neurolac® and PLGA groups, and in this case, recovery was also delayed in the graft group. At the end of follow‐up, nociception was similar in all experimental groups. Morphological and histomorphometrical analysis showed that axon regeneration occurred in both PLGA and Neurolac® experimental groups, with no significant differences in the total number of regenerated fibers, but disclosed a different pattern of degradation of the two types of tubes with larger biodegradation of PLGA material by the end of 20 weeks. These results suggest that both types of biomaterials are a good substrate for preparing tubular nerve guides, and their different pattern of degradation does not seem to influence the degree of nerve regeneration. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Use of motor nerve material in peripheral nerve repair with conduits
Authors: Lloyd Brendan M. , Luginbuhl Ryan D. , Brenner Michael J. , Rocque Brandon G. , Tung Thomas H. , Myckatyn Terence M. , Hunter Daniel A , Mackinnon Susan E. , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: February 2007

We have recently shown in experimental nerve injury models that nerve regeneration is enhanced across a motor nerve graft as compared with a sensory nerve graft. To test the hypothesis that nerve architecture may mediate the beneficial effect of motor nerve grafting, we developed a model of disrupted nerve architecture in which motor and sensory nerve fragments were introduced into silicone conduits. Lewis rats were randomized to 5 experimental groups: nerve repair with motor nerve fragments, sensory nerve fragments, mixed nerve fragments, saline‐filled conduit (negative control), or nerve isograft (positive control). At 6, 9, or 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed and nerve tissues were analyzed by quantitative histomorphometry. No significant differences were observed between the motor, sensory, and mixed nerve fragment groups. These findings suggest that intact nerve architecture, regardless of neurotrophic or biochemical factors, is a prerequisite for the beneficial effect of motor nerve grafting. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Asymmetric invariants for a class of strictly hyperbolic systems including the Timoshenko beam
Authors: Marchionna Clelia , Panizzi Stefano
Published: February 2007

We introduce a set of conserved quantities of energy‐type for a strictly hyperbolic system of two coupled wave equations in one space dimension. The system is subject to mechanical boundary conditions. Some of these invariants are asymmetric in the sense that their defining quadratic form contains second order derivatives in only one of the unknowns. We study their independence with respect to the usual energies and characterize their sign. In many cases, our results provide sharp well‐posedness and stability results. Finally, we apply some of our conservation laws to the study of a singular perturbation problem previously considered by J. Lagnese and J. L. Lions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR spectroscopic study of complexation of citalopram with β‐cyclodextrin in aqueous solution
Authors: Mashhood Ali Syed , Maheshwari Arti , Inder Fozdar Bharat
Published: February 2007

1H NMR spectroscopic study of citalopram (CT) in the absence as well as in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) in aqueous solution revealed the formation of four 1:1 β‐CD–CT inclusion complexes. The stoichiometry of the complexes was determined by the continuous variation (Job) method, which was further confirmed by Scott's method. The binding constants (KR and KR, S) were calculated using Scott's method. The structures of all the complexes have been proposed as shown in the diagrams. All the CT proton resonances showed splitting in the presence of β‐CD, owing to chiral discrimination by the β‐CD, between the two enantiomers. The chiral discrimination appears to be due to different modes of binding of the R‐ and S‐CT in the complexes involving a CN‐containing aromatic ring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient production of intersubspecific hybrid mice and embryonic stem cells by intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Shinmen Akie , Honda Arata , Ohkawa Mika , Hirose Michiko , Ogonuki Narumi , Yuzuriha Misako , Miki Hiromi , Mochida Keiji , Inoue Kimiko , Abe Kuniya , Ito Masao , Ogura Atsuo
Published: February 2007

Recently, mice and embryonic stem (ES) cells with allelic polymorphisms have been used extensively in the field of genetics and developmental biology. In this study, we examined whether intersubspecific hybrid mice and ES cells with these genotypes can be efficiently produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Frozen‐thawed spermatozoa from wild‐derived strains, JF1 (Mus musculus molossinus), MSM (M. m. molossinus), HMI (M. m. castaneus), and SWN (M. m. spp.), were directly injected into mature oocytes from laboratory mice ([C57BL/6 × DBA2]F1; M. m. domesticus). The in vitro and in vivo developmental capacity of F1 embryos was not significantly different among the groups (P > 0.05), and term offspring were efficiently obtained in all groups (27%–34% of transferred embryos). However, the mean body and placental weights of the offspring differed significantly with genotype (P < 5 × 10−10), with the HMI hybrid greatest in both body and placental weights. In an application study using these F1 offspring, we analyzed their mitochondrial DNA using intersubspecific polymorphisms and found the consistent disappearance of sperm mitochondrial DNA in the F1 progeny. In a second series of experiments, we generated F1 blastocysts by injecting MSM spermatozoa into C57BL/6 oocytes and used them to generate hybrid ES cell lines. The ES cell lines were established at a high efficiency (9 lines from 20 blastocysts) and their allelic polymorphisms were confirmed. Thus, ICSI using cryopreserved spermatozoa allows the efficient and immediate production of a number of F1 hybrid mice and ES cell lines, which can be used for polymorphic analysis of mouse genetics. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1081–1088, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates the primary to secondary follicle transition in bovine follicles in vitro
Authors: Yang M.Y. , Fortune J.E.
Published: February 2007

Little is known about the mechanisms regulating the growth of early preantral follicles, especially in nonrodent mammalian species. To test the hypothesis that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the primary to secondary follicle transition, pieces of bovine fetal ovarian cortex were cultured with VEGF (0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/ml) for 0 or 10 days, followed by morphometric analysis. On day 0, cortical pieces contained mostly primordial follicles, but after 10 days in vitro most primordial follicles had activated, differentiating into primary follicles. VEGF had no effect on the numbers of primordial or primary follicles, compared with untreated controls, but all doses increased the number of secondary follicles. In the second experiment, a range of lower doses of VEGF (0.1–10 ng/ml) increased the number of secondary follicles in a dose‐dependent manner. Analysis of VEGF transcripts by RT‐PCR showed expression of mRNA for three isoforms of VEGF (VEGF121, 165, and 189) in fetal bovine ovarian cortex, with VEGF121 and 165 expressed predominantly and levels of mRNA for VEGF121 and 189 increasing after day 211 of gestation, when the first secondary follicles appear. Expression of mRNA for both VEGF receptors (flt‐1 and flk‐1) was also detected, but did not change with the development of fetal ovaries. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining for VEGF in blood vessels and in follicle cells of secondary follicles, consistent with Western blot analyses showing increases in VEGF protein as ovarian development progressed. Taken together, the results provide support for a role for VEGF in the primary to secondary follicle transition. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1095–1104, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERK1/2 map kinase metabolic pathway is responsible for phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF4E during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes
Authors: Ellederová Zdenka , Cais Ondřej , Šušor Andrej , Uhlířová Katka , Kovářová Hana , Jelínková Lucie , Tomek Wolfgang , Kubelka Michal
Published: February 2007

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays an important role in mRNA translation by binding the 5′‐cap structure of the mRNA and facilitating the recruitment to the mRNA of other translation factors and the 40S ribosomal subunit. eIF4E undergoes regulated phosphorylation on Ser‐209 and this phosphorylation is believed to be important for its binding to mRNA and to other initiation factors. The findings showing that the translation initiation factor eIF4E becomes gradually phosphorylated during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes with a maximum in metaphase II (M II) stage oocytes have been documented by us recently (Ellederova et al., 2006). The aim of this work was to study in details the metabolic pathways involved in this process. Using inhibitors of cyclin‐dependent kinases, Butyrolactone I (BL I) and protein phosphatases, okadaic acid (OA) we show that ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway is involved in this phosphorylation. We also demonstrate that activation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase and eIF4E is associated with the activating phosphorylation of Mnk1 kinase, one of the two main kinases phosphorylating eIF4E in somatic cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 309–317, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of oocyte mitochondrial DNA haplotype on bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer efficiency
Authors: Jiao Fei , Yan Jing‐Bin , Yang Xiao‐Yu , Li Hua , Wang Qingxue , Huang Shu‐Zhen , Zeng Fanyi , Zeng Yi‐Tao
Published: February 2007

The development capability of reconstructed bovine embryos via ovum pick‐up (OPU)‐somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique has been influenced by the maternal lineage of oocyte cytoplasm, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Since mitochondria are the richest maternal‐inherited organelle, in this study, we intended to clarify the effect of mtDNA haplotypes on cloning efficiency. By PCR‐RFLP method, we identified mtDNA haplotypes A and B, differing in six restriction sites. Reconstructed embryos with haplotype A cytoplast achieved better fusion and blastocyst formation rate (64.6% and 39.4%), as compared with haplotype B (53.6% and 26.3%; P < 0.05). To further evaluate the role of mitochondria, the quantity of mtDNA, ATP content, and mRNA level of mtDNA‐encoded COXI, COXIII in both oocytes were measured. Our data indicated that mtDNA copy number in haplotype A oocyte was significantly higher than that in haplotype B oocyte, both at the GV (105.03 ± 0.69 vs. 104.81 ± 0.86 copies/oocyte) and MII stages (105.31 ± 0.71 vs. 105.13 ± 0.63 copies/oocyte; logarithmically transformed values; P < 0.05). ATP content in type A oocyte was also greater at the GV (1.67 ± 0.09 vs. 1.27 ± 0.1 pmol) and MII stages (5.18 ± 0.07 vs. 2.68 ± 0.03 pmol; P < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA expression level of mtDNA‐encoded COXI and COXIII in haplotype A oocyte was significantly higher comparing to haplotype B oocyte (3.3 ± 2.0 × 103 vs. 0.68 ± 0.45 × 103; 24.9 ± 10.5 × 103 vs. 9.4 ± 3.3 × 103, respectively; P < 0.05). The data suggest that mitochondrial structure, quantity, and function may significantly affect the developmental competence of reconstructed embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1278–1286, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IP micromobility and QoS virtual network testbed
Authors: Nafisi Nima , Wang Lin , Aghvami Hamid , Ferrús Ramon , Revés Xavier
Published: February 2007

This paper examines issues related to the interaction of QoS and IP micromobility management. More precisely, the inter‐working of a tunnel‐based IP micromobility management with the bandwidth broker QoS control plane is considered. Furthermore, the implementation of the system is detailed and it is tested using a virtual network testbed, based on ‘user‐mode‐Linux’. Finally, as a proof of concept the signalling between the different entities is examined with the protocol analyser ‘ethereal’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometric non‐linear analysis of folded plate structures by the spline strip kernel particle method
Authors: Liew K. M. , Peng L. X. , Kitipornchai S.
Published: February 2007

This paper investigates the geometric non‐linear behaviour of stiffened and un‐stiffened folded plate structures using the spline strip kernel particle method (SSKPM). The first‐order shear deformable plate theory and large deflection theory of von Karman are employed. The folded plate structures are considered as assemblies of individual stiffened and un‐stiffened flat plates that lie on different planes. We regard these stiffened and un‐stiffened plate structures as superelements, and superpose their stiffness matrices to derive the final global stiffness matrices. Several numerical example problems are examined, and comparison studies are carried out with other available results. The effect of the size of the support, the order of the polynomial basis functions, and the spacing of the spline nodes on the convergence of the proposed method is examined. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibration analysis of beams with non‐local foundations using the finite element method
Authors: Friswell M. I. , Adhikari S. , Lei Y.
Published: February 2007

In this paper, a non‐local viscoelastic foundation model is proposed and used to analyse the dynamics of beams with different boundary conditions using the finite element method. Unlike local foundation models the reaction of the non‐local model is obtained as a weighted average of state variables over a spatial domain via convolution integrals with spatial kernel functions that depend on a distance measure. In the finite element analysis, the interpolating shape functions of the element displacement field are identical to those of standard two‐node beam elements. However, for non‐local elasticity or damping, nodes remote from the element do have an effect on the energy expressions, and hence the damping and stiffness matrices. The expressions of these direct and cross‐matrices for stiffness and damping may be obtained explicitly for some common spatial kernel functions. Alternatively numerical integration may be applied to obtain solutions. Numerical results for eigenvalues and associated eigenmodes of Euler–Bernoulli beams are presented and compared (where possible) with results in literature using exact solutions and Galerkin approximations. The examples demonstrate that the finite element technique is efficient for the dynamic analysis of beams with non‐local viscoelastic foundations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does vaginal bleeding influence first‐trimester markers for Down syndrome?
Authors: Heinig J. , Steinhard J. , Schmitz R. , Nofer J. R. , Witteler R. , Mosel A. , Ahrens A. , Kiesel L. , Klockenbusch W.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To examine the effect of early vaginal bleeding on first‐trimester screening markers for Down syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 1755 normal singleton fetuses that underwent first‐trimester combined screening for Down syndrome on the basis of ultrasound and maternal serum markers. Fetal δ‐nuchal translucency (NT), maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐hCG were compared between pregnancies with (n = 252) and without (n = 1503) an episode of vaginal bleeding. Subgroup analysis for the intensity of bleeding (spotting n = 191; light n = 32; heavy n = 29) was performed.

Results

The median ± SD (log10) for δ‐NT, multiple of medians (MoM) PAPP‐A and MoM free β‐hCG (corrected for maternal weight, smoking and ethnicity) was − 0.17 ± 0.62, 1.10 ± 0.28, 1.1 ± 0.28 and − 0.15 ± 0.51, 0.98 ± 0.26, 0.94 ± 0.3 in pregnancies with and without a history of early vaginal bleeding, which were not significantly different. Exclusion of patients with spotting from the vaginal bleeding group revealed significantly higher maternal serum free β‐hCG MoM values (median ± SD (log10)) compared to patients without bleeding, 1.29 ± 0.27 vs 0.96 ± 0.3(p = 0.011). Screen‐positive (cut off of 1:350) rate after combined first‐trimester screening was 28.1% in patients with light vaginal bleeding and 8.4% in patients without bleeding (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Light vaginal bleeding before first‐trimester combined screening for Down syndrome leads to a higher screen‐positive rate after combined first trimester screening, without a significant difference in serum levels of the screening markers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.