bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver in adults
Authors: Lenze Frank , Birkfellner Traute , Lenz Philipp , Hussein Kais , Länger Florian , Kreipe Hans , Domschke Wolfram
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL), a rare tumor that predominantly affects children, generally has been considered an aggressive neoplasm with an unfavorable prognosis. More recent reports have indicated that modern multimodal treatment and supportive care improve the survival of children with UESL. Data regarding the treatment and survival of adults have not been reviewed comprehensively, and only a few adult patients with UESL have been reported in the literature.

METHODS

The authors analyzed demographics, treatment, and actuarial survival of all reported cases of UESL in patients aged ≥15 years (n = 67 patients). In addition, 1 case is presented of a patient with UESL who was treated successfully at the authors' institution.

RESULTS

The median survival of all patients with UESL who were analyzed was 29 months. Patients who underwent complete tumor resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy survived over a median follow‐up of 28.5 months and had significantly better survival compared with patients who underwent surgical treatment alone. Patients who underwent an incomplete tumor resection had a tendency toward poorer outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate a significant effect on survival for adjuvant chemotherapy after complete surgical resection of UESL in adults. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not evaluated in this study. In the case study presented herein, combined therapy with surgery and chemotherapy led to a complete, sustained remission that has lasted for >6 years to date. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Genetic modifiers of the physical malformations in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome
Authors: Aggarwal Vimla S. , Morrow Bernice E.
Published: March 2008

Velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome (VCFS/DGS), the most common micro‐deletion disorder in humans, is characterized by craniofacial, parathyroid, and thymic defects as well as cardiac outflow tract malformations. Most patients have a similar hemizygous 3 million base pair deletion on 22q11.2. Studies in mouse have shown that Tbx1, a T‐ box containing transcription factor present on the deleted region, is likely responsible for the etiology of the syndrome. Furthermore, mutations in TBX1 have been found in rare non‐deleted patients. Despite having the same sized deletion, most VCFS/DGS patients exhibit significant clinical variability. Stochastic, environmental and genetic factors likely modify the phenotype of patients with the disorder. Here, we review mouse genetics studies, which may help identify possible genetic modifiers for the physical malformations in VCFS/DGS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:19–25.
Candidate genes and the behavioral phenotype in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Prasad Sarah E. , Howley Sarah , Murphy Kieran C.
Published: March 2008

There is an overwhelming evidence that children and adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have a characteristic behavioral phenotype. In particular, there is a growing body of evidence that indicates an unequivocal association between 22q11.2DS and schizophrenia, especially in adulthood. Deletion of 22q11.2 is the third highest risk for the development of schizophrenia, with only a greater risk conferred by being the child of two parents with schizophrenia or the monozygotic co‐twin of an affected individual. Both linkage and association studies of people with schizophrenia have implicated several susceptibility genes, of which three are in the 22q11.2 region; catechol‐o‐methyltransferase (COMT), proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), and Gnb1L. In addition, variation in Gnb1L is associated with the presence of psychosis in males with 22q11.2DS. In mouse models of 22q11.2DS, haploinsufficiency of Tbx1 and Gnb1L is associated with reduced prepulse inhibition, a schizophrenia endophenotype. The study of 22q11.2DS provides an attractive model to increase our understanding of the development and pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in 22q11.2DS and in wider population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:26–34.
A new account of the neurocognitive foundations of impairments in space, time, and number processing in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Simon Tony J.
Published: March 2008

In this article, I present an updated account that attempts to explain, in cognitive processing and neural terms, the nonverbal intellectual impairments experienced by most children with deletions of chromosome 22q11.2. Specifically, I propose that this genetic syndrome leads to early developmental changes in the structure and function of clearly delineated neural circuits for basic spatiotemporal cognition. This dysfunction then cascades into impairments in basic magnitude and then numerical processes, because of the central role that representations of space and time play in their construction. I propose that this takes the form of “spatiotemporal hypergranularity”; the increase in grain size and thus the reduced resolution of mental representations of spatial and temporal information. The result is that spatiotemporal processes develop atypically and thereby produce the characteristic impairments in nonverbal cognitive domains that are a hallmark feature of chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. If this hypothesis driven account is supported by future research, the results will create a neurocognitive explanation of spatiotemporal and numerical impairments in the syndrome that is specific enough to be directly translated into the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:52–58.
Early changes in renal hemodynamics in children with diabetes: Doppler sonographic findings
Authors: Pelliccia Piernicola , Savino Alessandra , Cecamore Cristina , Primavera Alessandra , Schiavone Cosima , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Although clinically evident diabetes‐related microvascular complications are extremely rare in childhood, early functional and structural abnormalities may be present a few years after the onset of the disease. Renal Doppler resistance index (RI) is widely used for the evaluation of blood flow in renal parenchymal diseases. This study was designed to investigate the possible alteration of intrarenal Doppler RI in children with diabetes compared with healthy children.

Methods

The study was performed in 42 children with diabetes (age range, 6–18 years) and in 41 age‐matched healthy controls, all having normal renal function. RI was measured with Doppler sonography in interlobular renal arteries.

Results

RI values were significantly greater in children with diabetes than in age‐matched healthy controls (0.64 ± 0.03 versus 0.60 ± 0.04, P < 0.035). RI correlated positively with HbA1c (P < 0.001, r = 0.42) and diabetes duration (P < 0.05, r = 0.39).

Conclusion

Early changes in renal hemodynamics are detectable on Doppler sonography in children with diabetes without any evidence of renal dysfunction and may suggest a preclinical stage of diabetic nephropathy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
Ectopic intrathyroidal thymus misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule: Sonographic appearance
Authors: Megremis Stylianos , Stiakaki Eftichia , Tritou Ioanna , Bonapart Ingrid Elizabeth , Tsilimigaki Amalia
Published: March 2008

An 11‐year‐old boy under suppression therapy for a solitary thyroid nodule was referred for sonographic examination. The diagnosis had been made at another institution, based only on sonography without cytopathologic verification. A small fusiform lesion, which was homogeneously hypoechoic with diffuse bright internal echoes, was demonstrated in the right lower pole of the thyroid. A normal elongated thymus with a cervical component was then found connected to the thyroid with an accessory lobe, which was embedded in the lower thyroid pole mimicking a solitary nodule. We discuss the developmental abnormalities of the thymus and their clinical significance in childhood with a brief review of the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
Warfarin‐induced fetal intracranial subdural hematoma
Authors: Oswal Kamal , Agarwal Ajay
Published: March 2008

Antenatal intracranial hemorrhage is a rare cause of intrauterine fetal death, with an incidence of 4.6–5.1% in autopsy studies of stillborn fetuses. Warfarin‐associated fetal bleeding is also a rare problem, with an incidence of 4.3% in the literature. We present a case of warfarin‐induced subdural hematoma occurring in the second trimester. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
Anhidrosis in multiple system atrophy: A preganglionic sudomotor dysfunction?
Authors: Donadio Vincenzo , Nolano Maria , Elam Mikael , Montagna Pasquale , Provitera Vincenzo , Bugiardini Enrico , Baruzzi Agostino , Santoro Lucio , Liguori Rocco
Published: March 2008

Anhidrosis occurs in the majority of multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients but the underlying site of lesion is not well established. We describe three patients with long‐standing MSA and anhidrosis diagnosed on the basis of a thermoregulatory sweating test. In biopsies of anhidrotic skin, immunofluorescence analysis disclosed a well preserved postganglionic sudomotor innervation in all three patients supporting the hypothesis of a preganglionic nerve fiber lesion underlying their anhidrosis. Postganglionic sudomotor fiber integrity was also confirmed by normal electrodermal responses in one patient, whereas such responses and microneurographically detectable skin sympathetic nerve activity were absent in the other two MSA patients, suggesting a functional inactivity of structurally intact postganglionic sympathetic skin fibers. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Kinetics of pronuclear development and the effects of vector type and timing of injection on the efficiency of gene transfer into rhesus macaque embryos
Authors: Kubisch H.M. , Gagliardi C. , Romero D.G. , Bunnell B.A. , Ratterree M.S.
Published: March 2008

A series of experiments was performed to determine the dynamics of pronuclear development as well as the efficiency of either adenovirus‐associated (AAV) or lentivirus‐derived vectors to introduce a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene into rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) embryos. Assessment of pronuclear development at various times after fertilization revealed that the appearance of pronuclei was determined by the presence of the first and the timing of the second polar body. The dynamics of pronuclear formation was a significant determinant of whether an oocyte reached the blastocyst stage, however, when the percentage of blastocysts were based on the number of zygotes, the timing of the appearance of polar bodies did not appear to have any effect on subsequent development. Injection of different AAV‐derived vectors showed that the serotype of the vector did not affect development or the proportion of transgenic embryos. Moreover, all putative transgenic embryos proved to be expression mosaics. Injection of embryos with lentiviral vectors showed that timing of injection (before or after fertilization) had no effect on subsequent transgene expression, but that the type of reporter gene determined post‐injection development and rate of transgenesis. The transfer of embryos following injection of a lentiviral vector into three recipients resulted in one pregnancy which was lost during the second trimester. Analysis of fetal tissues showed ubiquitous presence of the transgene and GFP expression in all tissues examined. These results show that lentivirus‐derived vectors can efficiently transform rhesus embryos and are suitable for the generation of transgenic rhesus monkeys. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1505–1514 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MMP‐2 expression precedes the final ripening process of the bovine cervix
Authors: van Engelen E. , Breeveld‐Dwarkasing V.N.A. , Taverne M.A.M. , Everts M.E. , van der Weijden G.C. , Rutten V.P.M.G.
Published: March 2008

Collagen is denatured in the gradual cervical ripening process during late pregnancy, already before the onset of final cervical ripening at parturition. Matrix Metallo Proteinases (MMPs) might be responsible for this process. To investigate the presence and potential function of MMPs at the different stages of the ripening process, serial cervical biopsies were obtained from 10 cows at Days 185 and 275 of pregnancy (approximately 5 days before calving), at parturition and at 30 days after parturition. The mRNA and protein expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 and of the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)‐1 and TIMP‐2 were semi‐quantitatively determined using RT‐PCR, respectively, zymography, Westernblot, and ELISA techniques and the localization of MMP‐2 protein and presence of granulocytes by immunohistochemistry and Luna staining. At parturition compared to 185 days pregnancy the MMP‐1 protein expression and the numbers of granulocytes were significantly increased by 3 and 26‐fold respectively. MMP‐2 mRNA and protein expression had already increased 2.5 (P < 0.05) and twofold (P < 0.05) at 5 days before parturition, prior to final ripening. At that time, MMP‐2 was present in smooth muscle cells and extra cellular matrix. TIMP‐1 mRNA expression was significantly increased at parturition and TIMP‐2 mRNA expression peaked at 5 days before parturition. The increased expression of MMP‐2 at 5 days before parturition, suggests that in the cow MMP‐2 is responsible for collagen denaturation in the last part of gradual cervical ripening, while MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 are only active during the final cervical ripening process at parturition. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1669–1677, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Igf2r improves the survival and transmission ratio of Igf2 transgenic mice
Authors: Pravtcheva Dimitrina D. , Wise Thomas L.
Published: March 2008

Mammals with excess insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGFII) during embryogenesis have developmental defects that can lead to perinatal lethality. In adults, higher levels of IGFII increase the risk of cancer and may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. IGFII can be increased as a consequence of genetic abnormalities and polymorphisms, and through epigenetic mechanisms. Decreasing IGFII levels thus can benefit human health. Degradation of IGFII is mediated by the insulin‐like growth factor type 2 receptor (IGF2R). The growth‐stimulatory effects of IGFII, and their attenuation by the IGF2R, are considered important for the evolution of IGFII/IGF2R interaction and imprinting. The IGFII/IGF2R interactions during development have been previously examined in mice carrying knock‐out alleles of these genes or their regulators. Here we tested the ability of the IGF2R to ameliorate the negative effects of IGFII on development and survival in crosses between Igf2 and Igf2r transgenic mice, which may be a better model for natural variations in the levels of these genes' products. A fraction of hemizygous Igf2 transgenic mice die in the perinatal period, some with cleft palates, with an ensuing reduction in the frequency of transgenic mice among the surviving offspring. The Igf2r transgene lowers the frequency of cleft palate and increases the percentage of Igf2 transgenic mice among the live offspring. These findings draw attention to the fact that Igf2‐associated lethality selects for the retention of IGFII/IGF2R binding in present day mammals; it may have played a similar role in the acquisition of IGFII/IGF2R binding in ancient mammals. Mol. Reprod. Dev. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1678–1687, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical analysis of a mathematical model for propagation of an electrical pulse in a neuron
Authors: Kaushik Aditya , Sharma Mohan D.
Published: March 2008

This article is devoted to the study of a mathematical model arising in the mathematical modeling of pulse propagation in nerve fibers. A widely accepted model of nerve conduction is based on nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations. When considered as part of a particular initial boundary value problem the equation models the electrical activity in a neuron. A small perturbation parameter ε is introduced to the highest order derivative term. The parameter if decreased, speeds up the fast variables of the model equations whereas it does not affect the slow variables. In order to formally reduce the problem to a discussion of the moment of fronts and backs we take the limit ε → 0. This limit is singular and is therefore the solution tends to a slowly moving solution of the limiting equation. This leads to the boundary layers located in the neighborhoods of the boundary of the domain where the solution has very steep gradient. Most of the classical methods are incapable of providing helpful information about this limiting solution. To this effort a parameter robust numerical method is constructed on a piecewise uniform fitted mesh. The method consists of standard upwind finite difference operator. A rigorous analysis is carried out to obtain priori estimates on the solution of the problem and its derivatives. A parameter uniform error estimate for the numerical scheme so constructed is established in the maximum norm. It is then proven that the numerical method is unconditionally stable and provides a solution that converges to the solution of the differential equation. A set of numerical experiment is carried out in support of the predicted theory, which validates computationally the theoretical results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Numerical simulation of two‐dimensional flow and compaction during the consolidation of laminated composites
Authors: Li Min , Li Yanxia , Zhang Zuoguang , Gu Yizhuo
Published: March 2008

A new special finite element formulation and code are developed to simulate the two‐dimensional flow and compaction process during the autoclave processing of complex fiber‐reinforced thermosetting composite laminates. The numerical model is based on the Biot's consolidation principle, the fluid continuity equation, and Darcy's law. The simulation is performed for Hercules AS4/3501‐6 laminates and the predicted results are in good agreement with the results available in the literature. The laminate thickness and fiber volume fraction distribution of cured laminates are investigated from both the experiments and the simulations for T700S/5228 laminates. The simulations and experimental results are in good agreement for all the studied cases. A significantly uneven degree of consolidation along the laminate thickness direction is observed, and it is necessary to optimize the cure cycle to get uniformly compact and good quality laminates. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fundamental studies on wood–plastic composites: Effects of fiber concentration and mixing temperature on the mechanical properties of poplar/PP composite
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amir , Ashori Alireza
Published: March 2008

Wood fibers are increasingly being used as reinforcement in commercial thermoplastic composites due to their low cost, high specific properties and renewable nature. The ultimate goal of our research was to find a fundamental understanding of the mechanical behavior of poplar/polypropylene (PP) composites. The effect of wood fiber concentrations and mixing temperature on the mechanical properties of composites, prepared by using MAPP as the coupling agent, was investigated. In the sample preparation, four levels of fiber loading (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) and three compounding temperatures (180, 190, and 200oC) were used. Most major changes in composite performance occurred at fiber contents above 30%. The results clearly showed that the fiber loading of 30 and 40 wt% at 190oC was provided adequate reinforcement to increase the tensile and flexural strength of the PP powder. The modulus also increased with increasing the fiber content, because poplar fibers are believed to be more rigid than polymer. However the addition of wood fibers resulted in a decrease in elongation and impact properties of the composites. The FTIR spectroscopy showed that the copolymer was bonded to the fibers by ester linkages and hydrogen bonds at 1705–1735 cm−1. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conductivity and microwave absorbing properties of nickel‐coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes/poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)s composites
Authors: Feng Xuebin , Liao Gongxiong , Du Jinhong , Dong Liming , Jin Kejia , Jian Xigao
Published: March 2008

Nickel‐coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Ni‐MWNT) were prepared by electroless deposition with ultrasonic vibrations. The morphologies and components were characterized by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Two types of fillers, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and Ni‐MWNT, were blended with poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)s (PPESK) by the solution‐mixing method, respectively. The electrical conductivity and microwave absorbing properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that Ni‐MWNT/PPESK composites have relatively lower electrical resistivity values than MWNT/PPESK, and in both cases the decrease in electrical resistivity indicates a similar percolation transition behavior in the same MWNT content region. Moreover, as MWNT loading is 5 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr), Ni‐MWNT/PPESK composite has the wider frequency region (9.5–13.5 GHz) of the reflection loss (RL) less than −10 dB and the lower minimum value of RL (−27.5 dB) compared with MWNT/PPESK. The better microwave absorption properties can be attributed to the improved dielectric and magnetic properties of the fillers. A good correlation between electrical conductivity and microwave absorption was found for MWNT/PPESK composites. In addition, tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis indicate that introducing Ni‐MWNT into PPESK is favorable for the improvement of the mechanical properties and high temperature stability of the composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A “click” approach to ROMP block copolymers
Authors: Hilf Stefan , Hanik Nils , Kilbinger Andreas F. M.
Published: March 2008

Amphiphilic block copolymers can be conveniently prepared via convergent syntheses, allowing each individual polymer block to be prepared via the polymerization technique that gives the best architectural control. The convergent “click‐chemistry” route presented here, gives access to amphiphilic diblock copolymers prepared from a ring opening metathesis polymer and polyethylene glycol. Because of the high functional group tolerance of ruthenium carbene initiators, highly functional ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) polymer blocks can be prepared. The described synthetic route allows the conjugation of these polymer blocks with other end‐functional polymers to give well‐defined and highly functional amphiphilic diblock copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2913–2921, 2008
Synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of poly(1‐alkyne)s carrying triphenylene discogens
Authors: Xing Changmin , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhao Keqing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2008

Triphenylene‐containing 1‐decynes with different alkyl chain lengths and their polymers are synthesized and the effects of the structural variables on their mesomorphic properties are investigated. The monomers [HCC(CH2)8CO2C18H6 (OCmH2m+1)5; m = 4–9] are prepared by consecutive etherization, coupling, and esterification reactions. The monomers form columnar phases at room temperature. The polymerizations of the monomers are effected by [Rh(nbd)Cl]2, producing soluble polymers in high yields (up to 84%). The structures and properties of the polymers are characterized and evaluated by IR, NMR, TGA, DSC, POM, and XRD analyses. All the polymers are thermally stable, losing little of their weights when heated to 300 °C. The isotropization temperature of the polymers increases initially with the length of alkyl chain but decreases on further extension. Although the polymers with shorter and longer alkyl chain lengths adopt a homogeneous hexagonal columnar structure, those with intermediate ones form mesophases with mixed structures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2960–2974, 2008
Preparation and chemical properties of soluble π‐conjugated poly(aryleneethynylene) consisting of azabenzothiadiazole as the electron‐accepting unit
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: March 2008

A soluble charge‐transfer type poly(aryleneethynylene), PAE‐AzaBzTdz, consisting of a highly electron‐accepting azabenzothiadiazole unit was prepared in 99% yield by palladium‐catalyzed polycondensation between 4,7‐dibromo‐2,1,3‐azabenzothiadiazole (Br2‐AzaBzTdz) and 1,4‐diethynyl‐2,5‐didodecyloxybenzene. PAE‐AzaBzTdz showed a number‐average molecular weight, Mn, of 6000 in gel‐permeation chromatography analysis and had good thermal stability as measured by TGA. UV–vis spectrum of PAE‐AzaBzTdz exhibited an absorption peak at 529 nm in chloroform, and the absorption peak shifted to a longer wavelength (601 nm) in film. Addition of MeOH to a CHCl3 solution of PAE‐AzaBzTdz led to aggregation of the polymer to form stable colloidal particles. Results of filtration experiments using 0.2 and 0.02 μm membranes supported aggregation of the polymer. Addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to a chloroform solution of PAE‐AzaBzTdz led to a red‐shift of the UV–vis peak from 529 to 640 nm. An X‐ray diffraction pattern of powdery PAE‐AzaBzTdz indicated that the polymer assumed a layer‐to‐layer stacked structure with an interlayer distance of 3.4 Å in the solid state. An X‐ray diffraction pattern of cast film of PAE‐AzaBzTdz revealed that the polymer molecules in the cast film were ordered on the surface of Pt plate with the dodecyl side chain oriented toward the surface of the Pt plate. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2975–2982, 2008
Near‐infrared electroluminescence from fluorene‐based copolymers
Authors: Sun Mingliang , Jiang Xi , Wang Li , He Chao , Du Bin , Yang Renqiang , Cao Yong
Published: March 2008

A series of random low band‐gap conjugated copolymers (PFO‐DDTQ) derived from 9,9‐dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 6,7‐dimethyl‐4,9‐di(4‐hexylthien‐2‐yl)‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐g]quinoxalines (DDTQ) are prepared by the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. The obtained polymers are readily soluble in common organic solvents. The thin solid films of the polymers absorb light from 300 to 840 nm with two absorbance peaks at around 380 and 710 nm. Electroluminescent peaks are between 0.8 and 0.9 μm based on the polymers. The maximal external quantum efficiency reaches 0.30% with the emission peak at 824 nm from PFO‐DDTQ1 based devices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3007–3013, 2008
Compliance in cystic fibrosis: An examination of infection control guidelines
Authors: Masterson Tracy , Wildman Beth G. , Newberry Benjamin , Omlor Gregory , Bryson Elizabeth , Kukay Ann
Published: March 2008

The goal of this research was to begin the process of evaluating acceptability of infection control (IC) recommendations to CF patients and their families, determine whether compliance with IC guidelines differs from compliance with traditional CF medical treatment with respect to the variables predictive of compliance, and assess which patients are most likely to comply with IC recommendations. Participants were recruited during routine outpatient visits at a regional CF center located in a pediatric hospital. The sample included 44 child and adolescent patients, aged 9–18 years and their guardian, and 27 adult patients. All patients completed questionnaires and interviews. Results of this preliminary study suggest that many individuals with CF are unaware of or unconcerned with the risks involved in infection transmission via social contact with other CF patients. Further, most participants reported that they could benefit from friendships with other CF patients. Health belief variables were found to be predictive of compliance with both IC guidelines and traditional medical treatments in the adult and parent sample, but not in the child sample. Possible explanations for study findings are discussed and recommendations for future research on IC compliance are highlighted. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:435–442. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inactivation of the NF2 tumor suppressor protein merlin in DU145 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Horiguchi Akio , Zheng Rong , Shen Ruoqian , Nanus David M.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

The neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene product merlin is an important regulator of contact‐dependent cell proliferation. Phosphorylation of merlin at serine 518 (Ser518) by the Rac effector p21‐activated kinase (PAK) inactivates merlin's growth suppressing function, and is regulated by cell‐culture conditions, including cell density, cell/substrate attachment, and growth factor availability. We examined the regulation of merlin expression and merlin phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

Phosphorylation of merlin in five prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC3, 22RV1, and LAPC‐4) was examined by Western blotting using anti‐phospho‐merlin (Ser518) antibody. The activity of PAK, an upstream regulator of merlin phosphorylation, was measured by Western blotting using phospho‐PAK (Ser141) antibody. The effects of various cell‐culture conditions on the phosphorylation levels of merlin and PAK were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both merlin expression and phosphorylation were low in LNCaP, PC3, 22RV1, and LAPC‐4 prostate cancer cells. In DU145 cells, total and phosphorylated merlin were abundant, but phosphorylation was not inhibited by high cell density, serum withdrawal, the addition of hyaluronic acid or inhibition of CD44 expression, all of which are reported to inhibit merlin phosphorylation in non‐neoplastic cells. PAK activation was elevated in DU145 cells and the addition of a PAK‐specific inhibitor peptide but not the Rac1‐specific inhibitor NSC23766 inhibited both PAK and merlin phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Merlin is inactivated in DU145 prostate cancer cells by PAK‐mediated constitutive phosphorylation, identifying a novel mechanism of merlin inactivation in neoplastic cells. Prostate 68:975–984, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recovery of bipedal locomotion in bonnet macaques after spinal cord injury: Footprint analysis
Authors: Babu R. Suresh , Namasivayam A.
Published: March 2008

Analysis of the recovery of gait after spinal cord injury has been widely demonstrated in rat and cat models using different behavioral tests and scoring systems. The present investigation was aimed to quantitatively analyze the degree of functional recovery in bipedal locomotion of bonnet macaques after inflicting spinal cord hemisection lesion. To measure the degree of locomotor recovery, we recorded four gait variables, viz., tip of opposite foot (TOF), print length (PL), toe spread (TS), and intermediary toes (IT) using a footprint analyzing technique. Monkeys were trained preoperatively to perform the monopedal hop or bipedal locomotion on runways. Footprints of trained monkeys were recorded using the nontoxic ink and white paper before and after surgery. Surgical hemisection was induced unilaterally in the right side of spinal cord at T12‐L1 level of trained monkeys. In hemiplegic monkeys, initially there was a substantial decrease in TOF and PL variables of the paretic limb, which then gradually increased for longer duration and reached the near presurgical values by the 7th and 5th postoperative month, respectively. In contrast to TOF and PL, the recovery of TS and IT variables was quicker, which dramatically increased at first and then slowly recovered to levels not significantly different from the corresponding preoperative values by the 4th postoperative month. The nonparetic limb has also showed mild alterations in all footprint variables but reached the normal values much faster compared to the paretic limb. The alterations in footprint variables of hemiplegic monkeys were examined for a postoperative period of up to 1 year. The findings of this study suggest that the mechanisms underlying locomotor recovery of lesioned macaques may be correlated to the mature function of spinal pattern generator for locomotion under the impact of residual descending and afferent connections. Further, this study also indicates the functional contribution of progressive strengthening of undamaged nerve fibers through a collateral sprouts/synaptic plasticity formed in partially lesioned cord of macaques. Synapse 62:432–447, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynorphin and prodynorphin mRNA changes in the striatum during nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Isola Raffaella , Zhang Hailing , Tejwani Gopi A. , Neff Norton H. , Hadjiconstantinou Maria
Published: March 2008

Nicotine withdrawal causes somatic and negative affective symptoms that contribute to relapse and continued tobacco smoking. So far, the neuronal substrates involved are not fully understood, and an opioid role has been suggested. In this regard, the opioid dynorphin (Dyn) is of interest as it produces aversive states and has been speculated to play a role in the nicotine behavioral syndrome. These studies explore whether Dyn metabolism is altered during withdrawal following chronic administration of nicotine. Mice were administered nicotine, 2 mg/kg, s.c., four times daily for 14 days, and Dyn and prodynorphin (PD) mRNA estimated in selective brain regions at various times (30 min to 96 h) following drug discontinuation. The content of Dyn, estimated by RIA, was decreased in the striatum for a protracted time, from 30 min to over 72 h. In contrast, the mRNA for PD, evaluated by Northern blot, was elevated, appearing by 8 h and lasting over 96 h. Dyn was decreased in both ventral and dorsal striatum, and PD mRNA was differentially increased in the two striatal compartments as demonstrated by in situ hybridization. PD message was predominantly augmented in the nucleus accumbens, rostral pole, core, and shell, and the medial aspects of caudate/putamen. We interpret these data to indicate increased activity of striatal, particularly accumbal, dynorphinergic neurons during nicotine withdrawal resulting in enhanced peptide release and compensatory synthesis. Heightened dynorphinergic tone might be responsible, in part, for the emergence of the negative affective states observed during nicotine withdrawal. Synapse 62:448–455, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The in vivo genotoxic effects of carvacrol and thymol in rat bone marrow cells
Authors: Azirak Sebile , Rencuzogullari Eyyup
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo genotoxic effects of carvacrol and thymol in bone marrow cells of rats. In the present study, both carvacrol (10, 30, 50, and 70 mg/kg b.w.) and thymol (40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg b.w.) significantly induced the structural and total chromosome abnormalities (CA) for all treatment periods (6, 12, and 24 h) when compared with control in bone marrow cells of rats intraperitonally administered. Both carvacrol and thymol showed similar effects with the positive control urethane on induction of the percentage of structural and total CA at the highest concentrations except the effects of carvacrol for 6 h treatment (70 mg/kg b.w. and 100 mg/kg b.w., respectively). In addition, carvacrol induced the numerical CA at all concentrations when compared to control and at two highest concentrations (50 and 70 mg/kg b.w.) when compared to solvent control. Thymol also induced the numerical CA especially at the highest concentration (100 mg/kg b.w.) for all treatment periods. It was shown that there was a dose‐dependent effect on induction of structural, numerical and total CA for both carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol and thymol decreased the mitotic index (MI) in all the concentrations and treatment times when compared with control. Carvacrol showed the similar effects with EC on decreasing the MI at 70 mg/kg b.w. for 6 h, at 30 and 50 mg/kg b.w. for 12 h and at all concentrations for 24 h treatment periods. Thymol also showed a similar effect with urethane (ethyl carbamate, EC) on decreasing the MI at 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg b.w. for 6 h and at all concentrations for 24 h treatment periods. Test substances decreased the MI in a dose‐dependent manner. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
The Pill Conspiracy
Authors: Apha Mz
Published: March 2008

The Pill Conspiracy by George Johnson, Sherbourne Press, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., 244 pages, $4.95.
Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Authors: Horwitz Rita
Published: March 2008

CANCER OF THE COLON AND RECTUM, by Frederick A. Coller, M.D., and William J. Regan, M.D., American Cancer Society, Inc., New York, 1963, 83 pages.
The Interview in Student Nurse Selection
Authors: Gaffrey Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2008

The Interview in Student Nurse Selection by C. H. Smeltzer, Ph.D., G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1968, 184 pages. Price $6.00.
The Younger Look—Rhytidectomy
Authors: Castillo Pilar
Published: March 2008

The rhytidectomy has been performed for decades, but its variations continue to be explored. In addition, other methods to enhance the youthful appearance are progressively being performed.
Technic for Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Davis Ludmilla
Published: March 2008

Technic For Extracorporeal Circulation, by Raymond C. Stofer, D.V.M., 115 pages, Charles C Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1968. Price $6.75.
Marijuana
Authors: Crawford Mabel
Published: March 2008

Marijuana, by Edward R. Bloomquist, M.D., Glencoe Press, Beverly Hills, California, 215 pages. Price $4.95‐Hardcover, $1.25‐Paperback.
The Research Process in Nursing
Authors: Craig Lora
Published: March 2008

THE RESEARCH PROCESS IN NURSING, by David J. Fox and Ruth Lundt Kelly, 611 pages, Appleton‐Century‐Crofts, New York, 1967. Price $12.95.
Looking at My Heart
Authors: Crawford Mabel
Published: March 2008

LOOKING AT MY HEART, by Dr. Philip Blaiberg, Stein and Day, 1968, 192 pages. Price $5.95.
Thinking About Drinking
Authors: Horwitz Rita
Published: March 2008

THINKING ABOUT DRINKING, U. S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Children's Bureau, Washington, D. C., 31 pages.
Resuscitation
Authors: Marie Sister William
Published: March 2008

D.K. Brooks, RESUSCITATION, 1967, The Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore, Maryland, 323 pages, Price $13.00
A synchronous Alpine and Corsica‐Sardinia rotation
Authors: Maffione Marco , Speranza Fabio , Faccenna Claudio , Cascella Antonio , Vignaroli Gianluca , Sagnotti Leonardo
Published: March 2008

We report on the paleomagnetism of 34 sites from lower Oligocene–middle Miocene sediments exposed in the Tertiary Piedmont Basin (TPB, northern Italy). The TPB is formed by a thick (∼4000 m) and virtually undeformed sedimentary succession unconformably lying upon Alpine nappes decapitated by extensional exhumation, which in turn are tectonically stacked over the Adriatic foreland. Paleomagnetic directions from 23 (mostly Oligocene) sites were chronologically framed using new biostratigraphic evidence from calcareous nannoplankton. Our data, along with published paleomagnetic results, show that the TPB rotated ∼50° counterclockwise with respect to Africa in Aquitanian‐Serravallian times. The rotation was likely driven by underneath nappe stacking and was synchronous with (further) bending of the Alpine chain. Both the rotation magnitude and its timing are similar to those documented for the Corsica‐Sardinia microplate. Therefore the formation of the western Alpine arc (or at least part of its present‐day curvature) occurred during the rollback of the Apenninic slab and related back‐arc spreading of the Liguro‐Provençal Basin and drift of the Corsica‐Sardinia block. This suggests a common dynamics driving both the Alpine and the Apennine slab motions. Paleomagnetic data also document that the Adriatic plate has undergone no paleomagnetic rotation since mid‐late Miocene times. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility data suggests that the TPB, an enigmatic basin arising from a controversial tectonic setting, formed in an extensional regime characterized by a stretching direction approximately orthogonal to the main trend of the underlying chain.
Diurnal and semidiurnal internal tide energy flux at a continental slope in the South China Sea
Authors: Duda Timothy F. , Rainville Luc
Published: March 2008

Barotropic (surface) and baroclinic (internal) tides were measured at four mooring sites during a field investigation of acoustic propagation characteristics and physical oceanography in the northern South China Sea. The mooring positions were in a line moving up the shallow portion of a continental slope at water depths between 350 and 85 m. Using time series of temperature and velocity, at several depths, 1‐month series of semidiurnal and diurnal species internal tidal energy flux vectors were computed for three sites, with a 14‐day series computed for the fourth (shallow) site. The internal tides had a temporal signature that was not in complete accord with the barotropic tides, showing an enhancement of diurnal internal tides with respect to semidiurnal. Bathymetric slope, barotropic tidal fluid particle trajectories, and scale of generation site versus internal tide wavelength are investigated as possible causes of the differing response of the species.
Genetic factors influencing alcohol dependence
Authors: Mayfield R D , Harris R A , Schuckit M A
Published: March 2008

Plentiful data from both animal and human studies support the importance of genetic influences in substance abuse and dependence (Bierut et al., 1998; Tsuang et al., 1998; Kendler et al., 2003). This review summarizes the evidence supporting such genetic influences, places them into perspective regarding animal and human studies, discusses the importance of both genes and environment, and highlights some specific genes of interest regarding the vulnerabilities for problems associated with alcohol use disorders. A long history of repetitive heavy use of alcohol exists across generations as well as the high prevalence of alcohol‐related problems in Western societies. Moreover, the information offered here addresses the importance of more general issues regarding genetics and gene expression related to alcohol abuse and dependence.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 275–287; doi:fn1; published online 24 March 2008
Treatment with DF 2162, a non‐competitive allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2, diminishes neutrophil influx and inflammatory hypernociception in mice
Authors: Cunha T M , Barsante M M , Guerrero A T , Verri W A , Ferreira S H , Coelho F M , Bertini R , Di Giacinto C , Allegretti M , Cunha F Q , Teixeira M M
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:

Neutrophil migration into tissues is involved in the genesis of inflammatory pain. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that the effect of CXC chemokines on CXCR1/2 is important to induce neutrophil migration and inflammatory hypernociception.

Experimental approach:

Mice were treated with a non‐competitive allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2, DF 2162, and neutrophil influx and inflammatory hypernociception were assessed by myeloperoxidase assay and electronic pressure meter test, respectively, in various models of inflammation.

Key results:

DF 2162 inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by CXCR1/2 ligands but had no effect on CXCL8 binding to neutrophils. A single mutation of the allosteric site at CXCR1 abrogated the inhibitory effect of DF 2162 on CXCL‐8‐induced chemotaxis. Treatment with DF 2162 prevented influx of neutrophils and inflammatory hypernociception induced by CXCL1 in a dose‐dependent manner. The compound inhibited neutrophil influx and inflammatory hypernociception induced by carrageenan, lipopolysaccharide and zymosan, but not hypernociception induced by dopamine and PGE2. DF 2162 had a synergistic effect with indomethacin or the absence of TNFR1 to abrogate carrageenan‐induced hypernociception. Treatment with DF 2162 diminished neutrophil influx, oedema formation, disease score and hypernociception in collagen‐induced arthritis.

Conclusions and implications:

CXCR1/2 mediates neutrophil migration and is involved in the cascade of events leading to inflammatory hypernociception. In addition to modifying fundamental pathological processes, non‐competitive allosteric inhibitors of CXCR1/2 may have the additional benefit of providing partial relief for pain and, hence, may be a valid therapeutic target for further studies aimed at the development of new drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 460–470; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.94; published online 24 March 2008
Odd scalar curvature in field-antifield formalism
Authors: Batalin Igor A. , Bering Klaus
Published: March 2008

We consider the possibility of adding a Grassmann-odd function ν to the odd Laplacian. Requiring the total Δ operator to be nilpotent leads to a differential condition for ν, which is integrable. It turns out that the odd function ν is not an independent geometric object but is instead completely specified by the antisymplectic structure E and the density ρ. The main impact of introducing the ν term is that it makes compatibility relations between E and ρ obsolete. We give a geometric interpretation of ν as (minus 18 times) the odd scalar curvature of an arbitrary antisymplectic, torsion-free, and ρ-compatible connection. We show that the total Δ operator is a ρ-dressed version of Khudaverdian’s ΔE operator, which takes semidensities to semidensities. We also show that the construction generalizes to the situation where ρ is replaced by a nonflat line bundle connection F. This generalization is implemented by breaking the nilpotency of Δ with an arbitrary Grassmann-even second-order operator source.
Magnetic dead layers in sputtered Co40Fe40B20 films
Authors: Oguz K. , Jivrajka P. , Venkatesan M. , Feng G. , Coey J. M. D.
Published: March 2008

The magnetic moment of Co40Fe40B20 electrodes has been investigated as a function of thickness for films prepared by magnetron sputtering on Si∕SiO2∕MgO and Si∕SiO2 substrates. On MgO, the metal film becomes discontinuous and superparamagnetic with no stable ferromagnetic moment below 1.0nm, whereas on Si∕SiO2, there appears to be a 0.7nm dead region for all film thicknesses. The dead layer is attributed to an interdiffusion region at the interface with the substrate where there are weakly coupled noncollinear spins and a 0.2nm dead layer associated with the Ta cap. The discontinuous ferromagnetic films maybe useful for the wide-range linear field sensors.
Simulating prescribed particle densities in the grand canonical ensemble using iterative algorithms
Authors: Malasics Attila , Gillespie Dirk , Boda Dezső
Published: March 2008

We present two efficient iterative Monte Carlo algorithms in the grand canonical ensemble with which the chemical potentials corresponding to prescribed (targeted) partial densities can be determined. The first algorithm works by always using the targeted densities in the kTlog(ρi) (ideal gas) terms and updating the excess chemical potentials from the previous iteration. The second algorithm extrapolates the chemical potentials in the next iteration from the results of the previous iteration using a first order series expansion of the densities. The coefficients of the series, the derivatives of the densities with respect to the chemical potentials, are obtained from the simulations by fluctuation formulas. The convergence of this procedure is shown for the examples of a homogeneous Lennard-Jones mixture and a NaCl–CaCl2 electrolyte mixture in the primitive model. The methods are quite robust under the conditions investigated. The first algorithm is less sensitive to initial conditions.