bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccination with a DNA vaccine based on human PSCA and HSP70 adjuvant enhances the antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell response and inhibits the PSCA+ tumors growth in mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Yu Changming , Zhao Jian , Fu Ling , Yi Shaoqiong , Liu Shuling , Yu Ting , Chen Wei
Published: June 2007

Background

DNA vaccines have been shown to be an effective approach to induce antigen‐specific cellular and humoral immunity. However, the lower immune intensity in clinical trials limits the application of DNA vaccine. Here we intend to develop a new DNA vaccine based on prostate stem‐cell antigen (PSCA), which has been suggested as a potential target for prostate cancer therapy, and enhance the DNA vaccine potency with heat shock proteins (HSPs) as adjuvant.

Methods

A series of DNA plasmids encoding human PSCA, human HSP70 and their conjugates was constructed and injected into male mice intramuscularly (i.m.). To evaluate the immune responses and therapeutic efficacy of these plasmids, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐restricted PSCA and HSP70‐specific epitopes were predicted and a mouse model with a human PSCA‐expressing tumor was constructed.

Results

The result showed that mice vaccinated with PSCA‐HSP plasmids generated the strongest PSCA‐specific CD8+ T‐cell immune response, but the CD4+ TH1 and TH2 cell immune responses were similar with those vaccinated with other HSP‐adjuvant PSCA plasmids or only PSCA DNA. The immunity of HSP70 was also observed and the mice i.m. injected with PSCA+ HSP mixed plasmids generated the lowest anti‐HSP antibodies. Furthermore, these vaccinations inhibited the growth of PSCA‐expressing tumors and prolonged mouse survival.

Conclusions

These observations emphasize and extend the potential of the human HSP70 gene as adjuvant for DNA vaccines, and the vaccine based on PSCA and HSP70 is of potential value for treating prostate cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease and reverse transcriptase mutation patterns among treatment‐naive patients in different stages of infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Varella Rafael Brandão , Ferreira Selma Baía , de Castro Márcia Braga , Zalis Mariano Gustavo , Tavares Marisa Dias
Published: June 2007

The presence of genetic mutations in HIV‐1‐positive untreated individuals and its contribution to treatment failure, either in an individual or on a population basis, remains an important concern. The goal was to analyze and compare HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR) genes of untreated individuals with chronic and recent infections. Fifty‐one chronic infected individuals for whom initiation of antiretroviral treatment had been recommended and 20 individuals with recent documented HIV‐1 seroconversion had their plasma viral RNA extracted and the PR and RT genes sequenced in order to determine subtype, presence of genetic polymorphisms and mutations associated with resistance to antiretroviral drugs. All 20 recent seroconvertors were infected with subtype B viruses. Of the 51 chronically infected patients, 40 (78.4%), 7 (13.7%), and 2 (3.9%) were infected with subtypes B, F, and C, respectively. Two (3.9%) hybrid forms were also observed in two individuals with chronic infection: D/B and D/F. Despite seroconversion stage, type and quantity of mutations were similar to both groups (P = 0.961). This group also presented the only (1.4%) drug‐resistance mutation (M184V) among all samples investigated. In summary, the present study shows a high occurrence of equivalent polymorphisms unrelated to drug resistance in samples collected from untreated HIV‐1‐ infected individuals in different seroconversion status, and suggests low primary resistance mutations. Results also indicate that non‐B subtypes circulating in Rio de Janeiro have specific Brazilian non‐synonymous mutations. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1033–1039, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐norovirus polyclonal antibody and its potential for development of an antigen‐ELISA
Authors: Okame Michio , Shiota Tomoyuki , Hansman Grant , Takagi Makiko , Yagyu Fumihiro , Takanashi Sayaka , Phan Tung Gia , Shimizu Yuko , Kohno Hideki , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Norovirus (NoV) capsid proteins were expressed as virus‐like particles (VLPs) by using recombinant baculovirus in insect cells, which had 5 genotypes in genogroup I and 11 genotypes in genogroup II, and the VLPs were used as immunogens. Polyclonal antibody against the VLP of GII/3 genotype showed broad‐range cross‐reactivity, reacting not only with intra‐genogroup strains, but also inter‐genogroup strains, by antibody‐ELISA using 16 kinds of VLPs. Furthermore, antigen‐ELISA was conducted in sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the polyclonal antibody for capturing antigens, and three kinds of monoclonal antibodies against the VLP of GII/4 genotype for detecting antigens. This format successfully detected eight genotypes of NoV from clinical specimens and proved that polyclonal antibody, which has broad‐range cross‐reactivity, was capable of detecting various types of genotypes from clinical specimens. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1180–1186, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of inducible hepatitis C virus transgenic mouse lines
Authors: Ernst Evelyn , Schönig Kai , Bugert Joachim J. , Bläker Hendrik , Pfaff Eberhard , Stremmel Wolfgang , Encke Jens
Published: June 2007

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the causative agent of most cases of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affecting more than 170 million people world‐wide. Progress in elucidating the nature of HCV and the development of new therapeutic strategies is hampered fundamentally by the absence of adequate small animal models simulating natural HCV infection. The creation of conditional mouse lines with the tetracycline‐controlled gene expression system holds new perspectives for simulation of wild‐type HCV infection in a small animal model. Transgenic mice were established with tetracycline‐inducible coexpression of HCV core or HCV open reading frame (ORF) and luciferase. In long‐term induction experiments, mice were examined for immunopathological changes after expression of HCV proteins. Inducible and liver‐specific expression of transgenes was detected by Western blot, immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay and in vivo imaging of bioluminescence of luciferase in genetically modified mice. Ectopic expression levels were determined quantitatively in the liver, kidney, heart and spleen of mice in the induced and non‐induced state. During long‐term induction an elevation of aminotransaminases (ALT) was observed only in HCV core/ORF‐expressing mice, but HCV‐specific immune response was not confirmed by in vitro immunological assays. The histology of liver sections provided evidence of steatosis, which was correlated with an inflammatory response. The inducible HCV‐transgenic mouse lines provide further evidence of liver pathogenesis in the presence of inflammation during liver‐specific expression of HCV proteins and offer new insights into the effects of temporally and spatially controlled protein expression of HCV. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1103–1112, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic characteristics of hepatitis B virus genotypes as a factor for interferon‐induced HBeAg clearance
Authors: Hou Jinlin , Schilling Ralf , Janssen Harry L. A. , Hansen Bettina E. , Heijtink Rudolf , Sablon Erwin , Williams Roger , Lau George K.K. , Schalm Solko W. , Naoumov Nikolai V.
Published: June 2007

The factors determining the responsiveness of different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes to interferon treatment are not fully understood. We investigated the relationship between HBV genetic characteristics and the outcome of short (16 weeks) or prolonged (32 weeks) treatment with standard interferon‐alpha in a prospectively followed cohort of 103 patients across Europe with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. INNO‐LiPA assays and HBV DNA sequencing were used to determine HBV genotypes, mutations in the core promoter and precore/core regions. After 16‐weeks interferon‐alpha treatment, the rate of HBeAg clearance was higher in genotype A versus all other genotypes (P = 0.014), or genotype D alone (P = 0.05). The HBV genome analysis revealed that: (i) after 16‐weeks treatment, an HBV subpopulation with core promoter mutations emerged or increased (P < 0.001) only in genotype A; (ii) the core gene of genotype A has the lowest number of amino acid variations in comparison with genotypes B, C, or D. Logistic regression analysis identified genotype A as a positive predictor of short (16 weeks) treatment response (P = 0.001; odds ratio 6.19, 95 confidence interval 1.94–19.8), having a greater impact than baseline HBV DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In contrast, the response to prolonged interferon‐alpha treatment was not different between HBV genotypes. These results suggest that HBV genotype A responds earlier to interferon treatment than other genotypes, which is associated with its molecular characteristics. The optimal duration of interferon‐based therapies in chronic hepatitis B may vary between different HBV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1055–1063, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occult HBV infection may represent a major risk factor of non‐response to antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mrani S. , Chemin I. , Menouar K. , Guillaud O. , Pradat P. , Borghi G. , Trabaud M.A. , Chevallier P. , Chevallier M. , Zoulim F. , Trépo C.
Published: June 2007

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in chronic hepatitis C patient. However, its significance and consequences are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV among HCV chronic carriers in France and to assess its impact on liver histology and response to antiviral therapy. To this end a cohort of 203 patients with chronic hepatitis C without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been examined. Serum HBV‐DNA was detected using a highly sensitive PCR with primers located in the S and X genes. HBV viraemia levels were further determined by real‐time PCR. Results showed that 47 of 203 (23%) patients had occult HBV infection with a low HBV load (102–104 copies/ml) but significantly higher HCV‐RNA titers (P < 0.05). No significant difference in age, gender, serum ALT level, HCV genotypes, and the presence of anti‐HBc was observed between patients with or without HBV‐DNA. When compared histologically, patients with occult HBV infection had higher activity (A2‐A3 in 53% vs. 38%, P < 0.01) and more advanced fibrosis (60% vs. 33%, P < 0.001) than HBV‐DNA negative cases. Sustained response to combination therapy against Chronic hepatitis C was achieved in 11 (28%) of 40 HBV‐DNA positive cases, compared with 65 (45%) of the 144 HBV‐DNA negative cases (P < 0.05). Among the 144 HBV‐DNA negative HCV patients those with genotype 1 responded less frequently to therapy as compared to other genotypes infected patients (38% vs. 55%, P < 0.05). Surprisingly, when considering all patients studied, irrespective to the HBV‐DNA status no significant difference was observed in response to combination therapy regarding HCV genotypes (39% vs. 44%, P > 0.05). In conclusion, HBV‐DNA is found in 1/4 of French chronic hepatitis C patients regardless of the presence of anti‐HBc. Such an occult HBV co‐infection is associated with more severe liver disease, higher HCV viral load and decreased response to antiviral therapy irrespective of HCV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1075–1081, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urban/rural atmospheric water vapour pressure differences and urban moisture excess in Krefeld, Germany
Authors: Kuttler Wilhelm , Weber Stephan , Schonnefeld Judith , Hesselschwerdt Alexandra
Published: June 2007

Urban/rural humidity differences were analysed by means of a climate station pair in Krefeld (51° 20′N, 6° 33′E), Germany, during the period from 11/2001 to 10/2002, on the basis of hourly averages of water vapour pressure. Focus was put upon on the examination of frequency, timing and duration of the Urban Moisture Excess (UME) (Δeu−r > 0 hPa). It was found that the urban site was more humid (0 hPa < Δeu−r⩽0.5 hPa; weak UME) in 31.4% of the cases investigated and was only rarely significantly more humid (Δeu−r > 0.5 hPa; intense UME) in 4.6%. Weak and intense UME occur during every month of the year with different frequencies per month. A diurnal course of UME was found for summer but not for winter. Weak and intense UME events show frequency maxima in the second half of the night. Most of them are characterized by durations of 1 hour, in few cases several hours duration were observed for weak (up to 14 h) and intense UME (up to 12 h).

The main reason for formation of UME events might be that the surface dew point at the rural station was reached more often, earlier and lasted longer in comparison to the urban environment. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Nitrogen fertiliser source effects on the growth and mineral nutrition of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Houdusse Fabrice , Garnica María , García‐Mina Jose María
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The presence of stable mixed nitrogen forms (such as nitrate/ammonium/urea or nitrate/urea) in the soil solution is due to the use of nitrification and/or urease inhibitors in urea‐based fertilisers. However, there is no specific information in the literature comparing the efficiency of these urea mixed nitrogen forms as a nitrogen source for plants with that of nitrate and ammonium/nitrate. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on plant growth and mineral nutrition of different nitrogen forms, including mixed nitrogen forms containing urea.

RESULTS: The results indicated that for both wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) the growth of plants fed mixed nitrogen forms containing urea was generally similar to that of plants receiving nitrate and nitrate/ammonium. Only in the case of pepper did ammonium/urea nutrition cause a significant decrease in plant growth. The presence of nitrate corrected the negative effects of mixed nitrogen forms containing ammonium and/or urea on the growth of pepper plants.

CONCLUSION: Mixed nitrogen forms containing urea did not cause any negative effect on plant growth or mineral nutrition. In fact, plants fed mixed nitrogen forms containing urea had higher shoot concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, iron and boron than plants receiving nitrate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Confirmatory factor analysis of the PTSD checklist in the elderly
Authors: Schinka John A. , Brown Lisa M. , Borenstein Amy R. , Mortimer James A.
Published: June 2007

The authors examined the psychometric characteristics and factor structure of the Civilian Version of the PTSD Checklist (PCL‐C; F. W. Weathers, B. T. Litz, J. A. Huska, & T. Keane, 1994) in elderly survivors, aged 66–90, of the 2004 Florida hurricane disasters. Confirmatory factor analyses of nine models of PCL‐C structure revealed the strongest support for a 4‐factor model consisting of reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and arousal dimensions. Future studies will be facilitated by the knowledge that the PCL‐C 4‐factor model appears to apply across the adult age range and a variety of posttraumatic stress disorder‐producing conditions.
Factor structure and concurrent validity of the world assumptions scale
Authors: Elklit Ask , Shevlin Mark , Solomon Zahava , Dekel Rachel
Published: June 2007

The factor structure of the World Assumptions Scale (WAS) was assessed by means of confirmatory factor analysis. The sample was comprised of 1,710 participants who had been exposed to trauma that resulted in whiplash. Four alternative models were specified and estimated using LISREL 8.72. A correlated 8‐factor solution was the best explanation of the sample data. The estimates of reliability of eight subscales of the WAS ranged from .48 to .82. Scores from five subscales correlated significantly with trauma severity as measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, although the magnitude of the correlations was low to modest, ranging from .08 to −.43. It is suggested that the WAS has adequate psychometric properties for use in both clinical and research settings.
Dissociative symptoms and the acute stress disorder diagnosis in children and adolescents: A replication of the Harvey and Bryant (1999) study
Authors: Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Dalgleish Tim , Yule Patrick Smith and William , Bryant Bridget , Ehlers Anke , Mayou Richard A. , Winston Nancy Kassam‐Adams and Flaura
Published: June 2007

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a good predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in adult populations, although the emphasis on dissociation symptoms within the diagnosis has been questioned. Recent studies suggest that ASD may also have application to children and adolescents. The present study examined properties of ASD within youth. A large (N = 367) multisite sample of 6‐ to 17‐year‐old children and adolescents exposed to motor vehicle accidents completed interviews or self‐report questionnaires regarding their acute stress symptoms. The study found evidence supporting the suggestion that the dissociative criterion of ASD is excessively strict in youth, and that there is less overlap between dissociative symptoms than in adults. The implications of these findings for how ASD is applied to youth are discussed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth among Israeli ex‐pows
Authors: Solomon Zahava , Dekel Rachel
Published: June 2007

In this article, the authors present a prospective study that dealt with pathological (posttraumatic stress disorder; PTSD) and salutary (posttraumatic growth; PTG) outcomes of captivity and the correlates of those outcomes among a sample of ex‐prisoners of war (POWs) and a control group of combat veterans. Posttraumatic stress disorder and its correlates were assessed in 1991 and 2003, and PTG was assessed in 2003. The results indicate that ex‐POWs exhibited higher levels of PTSD and PTG than did the controls. In addition, both linear and quadratic associations between PTSD and PTG were found. The authors discuss some unresolved issues related to assessment of PTG and salutary outcomes, and outline directions for future research.
Psychological symptoms of Turkish children and adolescents after the 1999 earthquake: Exposure, gender, location, and time duration
Authors: Şahin Nesrin Hisli , Batıgün Ayşegül Durak , Yılmaz Banu
Published: June 2007

The authors describe their study of posttraumatic stress symptoms of children and adolescents after the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey. The rate of possible PTSD cases is also presented. The findings are reported as the results of two different studies. Location had a main effect on almost all of the dependent variables for both samples. The posttraumatic stress symptom scores for both groups significantly decreased 3 months after the initial assessment. The best predictors of the perceived posttraumatic stress symptoms for both children and adolescents were found to be perceived negative school performance and exposure.
Prevalence and psychological correlates of complicated grief among bereaved adults 2.5–3.5 years after September 11th attacks
Authors: Neria Yuval , Gross Raz , Litz Brett , Maguen Shira , Insel Beverly , Seirmarco Gretchen , Rosenfeld Helena , Suh Eun Jung , Kishon Ronit , Cook Joan , Marshall Randall D.
Published: June 2007

A Web‐based survey of adults who experienced loss during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was conducted to examine the prevalence and correlates of complicated grief (CG) 2.5–3.5 years after the attacks. Forty‐three percent of a study group of 704 bereaved adults across the United States screened positive for CG. In multivariate analyses, CG was associated with female gender, loss of a child, death of deceased at the World Trade Center, and live exposure to coverage of the attacks on television. Posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and increase in post‐9/11 smoking were common among participants with CG. A majority of the participants with CG reported receiving grief counseling and psychiatric medication after 9/11. Clinical and policy implications are discussed.
Correlates of acute stress disorder in cancer patients
Authors: Kangas Maria , Henry Jane L. , Bryant Richard A.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated the correlates of acute stress disorder (ASD) following a diagnosis of cancer. Adults diagnosed with first onset head, neck, or lung malignancy (N= 82) were assessed within one month of diagnosis using the ASD Interview, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV to index the incidence of ASD and other affective disorders following their cancer diagnosis. Participants were also administered questionnaires that assessed dissociative symptoms, coping strategies, and quality of life. Acute stress disorder was diagnosed in 28% of participants. Acute stress disorder severity was associated with gender, elevated dissociative responses, trait anxiety, and preoccupation with one's diagnosis, and a decline in cognitive functioning. This study provides evidence for identifying recently diagnosed cancer patients who may benefit from psychological assistance.
Cellular Uptake Behavior of Unfunctionalized and Functionalized PBCA Particles Prepared in a Miniemulsion
Authors: Weiss Clemens K. , Lorenz Myriam R. , Landfester Katharina , Mailänder Volker
Published: June 2007

Fluorescent dye labeled unfunctionalized and functionalized poly(n‐butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles were prepared using a miniemulsion technique. Amino acid and methoxyPEG functionalization could be introduced by using aqueous solutions as an initiator for the anionic polymerization in the heterophase. All the particles prepared had sizes smaller than 250 nm and negative ζ‐potentials. The molar mass distribution of the polymer was dependent on the acid used as the continuous phase and the initiator solution applied. Cells of three lines (HeLa, Jurkat and mesenchymal stem cells) were incubated with the particles. The molar mass of the polymer determined the onset and extent of apoptosis, and the total uptake was determined by the size and functionalization of the particles. Different uptake kinetics were obtained with HeLa and Jurkat cells after incubation with the same particle batch. The intracellular particle distribution, visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, did not show significant differences for either of the cell lines or particle batches.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 13/2007
Authors: Bellas Vasilios , Rehahn Matthias
Published: June 2007

Cover: Chemoselective stepwise coupling between living polymers and a heterobifunctional linking agent renders feasible the synthesis of block copolymers that are not accessible by sequential monomer addition. This protocol is based on the quantitative formation of the end‐functionalized precursor in the first coupling step. Further details can be found in the article by V. Bellas* and M. Rehahn on page 1415.
Optimal price promotion in the presence of asymmetric reference‐price effects
Authors: Fibich Gadi , Gavious Arieh , Lowengart Oded
Published: June 2007

In this study we demonstrate how a reference price may affect the degree of price rigidity/flexibility. For this, we construct a model of reference‐price formation, which we use to analyze the effect of asymmetric reference price (cut ‘effects’) on the profitability of price promotions. We derive explicit expressions for the additional profits earned during a promotional period due to consumer perception of a ‘gain’, and for the post‐promotion loss of potential profits due to consumer perception of a ‘loss’. We show that when effects of losses on demand are greater than effects of gains (‘loss aversion’), price promotions always lead to a decline in profits. When, however, effects of gains are larger than those of losses, price promotions, as well as reverse price promotions (i.e. price increase) can be profitable. In the latter case we calculate the optimal depth and duration of a price promotion. We also show that reference price can affect price rigidity and flexibility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free latissimus dorsi flap transfer for subtotal scalp and cranium defect reconstruction: Report of 7 cases
Authors: Hierner Robert , van Loon Johann , Goffin Jan , van Calenbergh Frank
Published: June 2007

Object: The purpose of the paper is to review the results of free latissimus dorsi transfer for scalp and cranium reconstruction in case of large defects with exposed brain tissue, deperiosted cranial bone, and dura that cannot be reconstructed with local flaps or skin grafts. Methods: Free latissimus dorsi transfer was carried out in an interdisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery and plastic surgery in seven patients with subtotal and total scalp defects (two reconstruction after tumor removal, two reconstructions after longstanding osteitis, 2× tissue break down after irradiation, 1× defect reconstruction after high voltage injury). There were three male and four female patients. The age ranged from 36 to 72 years. Reconstruction was carried out with a muscle flap (1×) or a myo‐cutaneous flap (6×) in combination with a split thickness skin mesh (1:1.5) graft, done in a single‐stage procedure. In a retrospective clinical study the following criteria were evaluated: 1) flap healing, 2) esthetic result, and 3) complications. All flaps healed primarily, and all wound remained closed without any signs of infection. Complete wound healing was achieved after 4–8 weeks, depending on the healing of the skin grafts. Secondary skin grafting was necessary in two patients, revision of the donor site in two patients. From an esthetic point of view four patients complained about the appearance of the retroauricular skin island. After removal of the skin island 6 months after the initial operation, all patient judged the result as good or acceptable. Conclusion: Besides the free omentum flap, the free latissimus dorsi transfer is the only option for coverage of subtotal or total scalp defects. Compared to the omentum flap, the latissimus dorsi offers more tissue, has less donor site morbidity, and secondary surgery such as cranial bone reconstruction is possible. Contrary to most authors, our preferred donor vessels are maxillary artery and the external jugular vein. To avoid any vascular compression we are using a myo‐cutaneous flap. The skin island must be removed secondarily. In patients were no bone reconstruction is possible or planned, the deepithelialized skin paddle can be used for correction of a contour defect. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Validation of microsurgical models in microsurgery training and competence: A review
Authors: Chan Woan‐Yi , Matteucci Paolo , Southern Stephen J.
Published: June 2007

Microsurgery has expanded the scope of many surgical specialties and is evolving into an integral part of training programmes. The complexity of microsurgery requires considerable time and resources for adequate training and practice. This article reviews the validation of microsurgical models for microsurgery training and competence. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Effect of conduit repair on aberrant motor axon growth within the nerve graft in rats
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Kubo Tateki , Matsuda Ken , Hattori Ryo , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Yano Kenji , Hosokawa Ko
Published: June 2007

After peripheral nerve injury, minimizing axonal misdirection has been a matter of importance to obtain good functional outcomes. In general, it becomes more challenging as the nerve defect length is longer. As previous works suggested that a conduit repair leaving a short gap could induce some target‐specific reinnervation, we expected that a distally placed conduit combined with nerve graft would enhance the specificity of reinnervation, especially in dealing with a long gap. To test this, a 14‐mm‐long gap was created in the rat sciatic nerves and repaired with either 1) whole nerve graft (WG), 2) interfascicular nerve grafts (FG), or 3) whole nerve graft combined with distally placed silicone tube leaving a 5‐mm gap (TUBG). At the end of follow up, the extent of target specific reinnervation (measurement of the compound muscle action potentials evoked by stimulation of the sciatic nerve and its tibial and common peroneal fascicles) and the accuracy of motoneuronal projection (sequential retrograde labeling of the common peroneal motor pool) were assessed. Both assessments revealed that groups FG and TUBG had a similar selectivity, which was significantly higher than in group WG. Consistent with these results, the functional recovery as assessed by walking track analysis showed no significant difference between groups FG and TUBG, whereas those were significantly superior to group WG. In contrast, histomorphometric assessment of the regenerating axons and wet muscle weight showed no significant difference among the three groups. In conclusion, conduit repair would have some effects on reducing motor axonal misdirection, and it might be more effective when used in the management of a large defect in combination with nerve graft. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Identification of novel and known ovary‐specific genes including ZP2, in a marsupial, the stripe‐faced dunnart
Authors: Au Phil Chi Khang , Whitley Jane , Vaux David , Selwood Lynne , Familari Mary
Published: June 2007

During the early stages of oogenesis, oocyte‐specific factors, synthesized by and stored within the oocyte, play critical roles during oogenesis, folliculogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development in the mouse. The identification of marsupial maternal factors, expressed specifically in the ovary or oocyte, may provide an insight into the conserved evolutionary mechanisms that drive mammalian oocyte development to cleavage stages. In this study, 10 clones including dunnart ZP2 and c‐mos, isolated by cDNA representational difference analysis, were validated by RT‐PCR for ovary‐specific expression. This novel combination of techniques to isolate ovary‐specific genes has identified three novel genes with ovary‐specific expression. Both dunnart ZP2 and c‐mos exhibited ovary‐specific expression, making this study the first isolation of c‐mos in a marsupial species. Dunnart ZP2 expression was examined in detail by in situ hybridization and results indicate oocyte‐specific expression of dunnart ZP2 in the cytoplasm of oocytes of primordial, primary and secondary follicles with expression being highest in oocytes of primary follicles. ZP2 was not expressed in granulosa cells of any follicles. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 318–325, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ohio's tax vicissitudes not yet ended
Authors: Bennett Emmett L.
Published: June 2007

Through the Taft Act Ohio struggles free from the Smith one per cent law, but does not abandon tax limitation
The city–managre movemetn in ontario
Authors: Donald W. J.
Published: June 2007

Guelph, Ontario, was the first to adopt the city clerk–manager, a combination of hte American city manager and the British municipal clerk. Government by committees, common in British cities, was retained
I. California—the home of the split session
Authors: West Victor J.
Published: June 2007

The “bifurcated session” (which is fulfilling many of the hopes of its sponsors) and the breakdown of national party lines are the outstanding features of California's legislature. Of course, she still has some problems
Des Moines After Fifteen Years' Commission Plan Government
Authors: Byers H. W.
Published: June 2007

The continuance of commission government or its abandonment in favor of city manager government is a hot question in Des Moines. This article is favorable to the conmmission plan. It will be followed by one on the other side
Why the farmre opposes daylight saving
Authors: Mcsparran John A.
Published: June 2007

The farmer's viewpoint presented for hte consideration of the city reader
Municipal research in Japan. A report to americna research workers
Authors: Beard Charles A.
Published: June 2007

Dr. Beard has just returned frm Japan where he helped organize a municipal research bureau in Tokyo. There is strong sentimat .. throughout Japan for improvement in municipal methods..
Pennsylvania Reorganizes. Pinchot code now effective
Authors: Fox Leonard P.
Published: June 2007

One hundred and five independent agencies consolidated in orderly arrangement
Our legislative mills II. oregon
Authors: Bede Elbert
Published: June 2007

A Democratic governor and a REpublican Legislature get along vrey well together–the farm bloc
National municipal review federal budget becomes news
Authors: Gulick Luther
Published: June 2007

The newspaper reception of the president's budget for 1924–1925 demonstrates the news‐value of the executiv budget
Party politics in english local government
Authors: Glarke John J.
Published: June 2007

Party politics in municipal affairs in England is nothing new although it has greatly stimulated by the Labor Party. Party elections receive encouragement from all party organizers, for they enable local party machines to be kept alive. Municipal administration, however, is seldom influenced by party spirit, and party cnntrol is not too emphatic
The new costitution proposed for missoure
Authors: Hollingsworth W. W.
Published: June 2007

After many efforts a Constitutional Convention was held in Missouri . The people will vote on its proposals on February 26
NATIONAL MUNICIPAL REVIEW GOVERNMENT BY DEFAUTL
Authors: Lovett William P.
Published: June 2007

Suggestion on reporting government to the people. Some practial publicity methods or how municipal officials can keep citizens informed about their local government.
Los angeles municipal power making money on low rates
Authors: Dykstra C. A.
Published: June 2007

Contrary to propanganda distributed by opponents, the Los Angeles municipal power enterprise is making 10 per cent and amortizing the investment with rates below those paid by neighboring communities.
Constitutionality of zoning in the light of recent court decisions
Authors: Bassett M.
Published: June 2007

Zoning is doing its proper task, and the courts' are helping it along but it cannot be stretched to cover the entire field of private restrictions.
The county board in mississippi
Authors: Butts A. B.
Published: June 2007

Further write‐ups of county governing bodies will appear frequently in The Reivew. The first of the series, entitled “Politics in Southeast County, Pennsylvania”, was published in July.
Centralized purchasing in city manager municipalities
Authors: Forbes Russell
Published: June 2007

Centralized purchasing has reached its highhest development under city manager government, with gratifying results.
Present status of zoning in missouri
Authors: Barholomew Harland
Published: June 2007

The St. Louis Zoning ordinance was declared unconstitutional by a divided court and property owners must resort to the expensive, piecemeal method of unjunction sutis, upon which, curiuosly enough, the supreme court seems to look with favor.
Garbage and refuse disposal a matter of cleansing rather than health
Authors: Baker M. N.
Published: June 2007

The cleansing service is primarily a question of adaptability and cost. Methods of collection, transportation and disposal are not related to health. It should be entrusted to the public words department.
A defense of public borrowing
Authors: Sumner Charles K.
Published: June 2007

The author believes that public borrowing, as against pay‐as‐you‐go, is legitimae under present circumstances.
Objections to zoning considered
Authors: Adams Thomas
Published: June 2007

Being a reply to an Address by Willing P. Gest, of Philadelphia

“Washington and Its Romance,” by Thomass Nelson Page.
Teh PRO and CON of annexation of suburbs illustrated by the situation in Cleveland
Authors: Griswold Erwin N.
Published: June 2007

So many cities are face to face with the desirability as well as difficulty of annexation, that we think our readers will be interested in this speical study of one city.
County government in the southwest illustrated by centr county, Oklahoma
Authors: Barth Harry A.
Published: June 2007

Administration under a deemocratic people, honest and faithfyl, but unskilled and what yards of red tape! Another in our county governement series.
Governor Pinchot and teh merit system
Authors: Dodds H. W.
Published: June 2007

In appraising the Pinchot employmnet system, it is necessary to remember that it is solely the creature of the executive, reared, in the face of active and profane opposition from those in control of the machinery of his party, without express authority in law and with noo crystallized popular sentiment in his back.
Public welfare! whose respooonsibility? how citiy and private agencies share it in Boston
Authors: Kelso Robert W.
Published: June 2007

Every city has a public welfare problem which must be faced by government and private agencies in co‐operation. How should responsibility be divided? This is the first of a series of articles describing how typical are facing issue.
Registration for voting in Milwaukee
Authors: Harris Joseph P.
Published: June 2007

Milwaukee's system of permanent registration for voting gets a high percentage of the voters, isnot expensive, and prachically prevents fraudulent voting.
Illinois moves towards a modern tax system
Authors: Martin Edward M.
Published: June 2007

Illinois is on the way to getting a revision of its constitutional provisions erlating to taxation—a thing it has long needed.
Municipal sports in the United States
Authors: Pangburn Weaver
Published: June 2007

The tremendous inflluence of sports upon American life, especially in the cities, is here vividly describeddd.
The Missouri country board—its personnel and procedure
Authors: Fair Eugene
Published: June 2007

Some further illumination on the characteristics, psychology, “politics,” and working habits of county boards—this time from Missouri.
The american subsidy system
Authors: Macdonald Austin F.
Published: June 2007

Federal subidies to the states have increased from $6,000,000 in 1912 to $132,.000,000 in 1926. Is it not time to examine the results of this phenomenal expenditure?
The infllluence of civic organizations on governments
Authors: Lowrie S. Gale
Published: June 2007

Propfessor Lowrie discusses civic organizations and agencies, their general character, and their relation to governmental work.
An efficient triangular plate element with C1‐continuity
Authors: Kasparek E. M.
Published: June 2007

A new method is derived to interpolate the transverse displacement in a triangular domain using the conventional three degrees of freedom per vertex. The shape functions belong to Sobolev space H2 and are adopted to develop an efficient, conformal finite element for thin plates. There are only a few alternative formulations, which likewise satisfy the required C1‐continuity as well as completeness and integrability of curvatures without additional degrees of freedom. These elements are quite stiff and are not of major interest today. Numerical investigations prove the high accuracy and rapid convergence of the new approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient non‐linear reanalysis of skeletal structures using combined approximations
Authors: Amir Oded , Kirsch Uri , Sheinman Izhak
Published: June 2007

Non‐linear reanalysis of large‐scale structures usually involves much computational effort, because the set of non‐linear equations must be solved repeatedly during the solution process. Various approximations that are often used for linear reanalysis are not sufficiently accurate for non‐linear problems. In this study, solution procedures based on the combined approximations approach are developed and compared in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Various path‐independent non‐linear analysis and reanalysis problems are considered, including material non‐linearity, geometric non‐linearity and buckling analysis. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedures presented. It is shown that in various cases accurate results can be achieved efficiently. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting the picture: programme awareness amongst film festival customers
Authors: Unwin Elinor , Kerrigan Finola , Waite Kathryn , Grant David
Published: June 2007

This study explores how film festival customers become aware of a festival programme compared to general release films. The purpose of this research is to understand the decision‐making process in the context of cultural offerings consumption, and the role that customer relationship marketing (CRM) plays. An in‐depth interview was conducted with the marketing manager of the festival and three focus groups were conducted amongst infrequent, mid‐range and frequent attendees. Findings show that customers value and desire direct communication and that as attendance frequency increases the range of information sources used decreases. The implications for CRM are that greater use should be made of virtual and physical direct communication and that there are opportunities for targeting communications.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and photopolymerization of divinyl ethers using an iodonium initiator: the effect of temperature
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Cook Wayne D , Chen Fei
Published: June 2007

Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to monitor the thermal polymerization and the photopolymerization kinetics of divinyl ethers by temperature‐ramping and isothermal modes, respectively, with a diphenyl iodonium salt photoinitiator and a thioxanthenone photosensitizer. For thermal polymerization of triethylene glycol divinyl ether (TEGDVE), the peak temperature (i.e. the temperature at the maximum rate) decreased with increased photoinitiator concentration and reduced scanning rate, but the final conversions were all very high (>90%). The exotherm was extremely narrow, suggesting that the reaction was inhibited by a cation scavenger until it was all consumed. The activation energy, determined by the Ozawa method, was 108 ± 7 kJ mol−1. With isothermal photopolymerization of the flexible divinyl ether TEGDVE, the final conversion rose from 30 to 70% with an increase in temperature from 40 to 80 °C. A similar trend but with much lower conversions was observed for a more rigid divinyl ether (bis[4‐(vinyloxy)butyl] terephthalate, BVEBT). For TEGDVE, the activation energy determined from the maximum photocuring rate was 43 ± 4 kJ mol−1, but the activation energy measured at a fixed conversion increased as the conversion rose. A similar value for the activation energy was found for the photocuring of BVEBT. The changes in the dynamic rheology were measured for TEGDVE during its photocuring and the gel point identified. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the cured TEGDVE polymer showed it was a highly crosslinked network with Tg of 23 °C. The vinyl ethers could also be thermally cured by free radicals, but the extent of conversion was less than 33%. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of a novel aromatic–aliphatic hyperbranched polyamide and its application in piezoelectric immunosensors
Authors: Liu Meihua , Shen Guangyu , Xu Weijian , Shen Guoli
Published: June 2007

An aromatic–aliphatic AB2 monomer, 5‐[3‐(4‐aminophenyl)propionylamino]isophthalic acid, prepared from 5‐aminoisophthalic acid and 3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)propionic acid, and the corresponding hyperbranched polyamide were fabricated. Applications in piezoelectric immunosensors as supports for antibody immobilization were studied. The introduction of the hyperbranched polyamide greatly increased the amount of immobilized antibody on the electrode and consequently increased the sensitivity of the complete piezoelectric immunosensor. The investigation of the properties of the sensors indicated that the hyperbranched polyamide was a suitable support for antibody/antigen immobilization. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Application‐directed syntheses of surface‐functionalized organic and inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Klapper Markus , Clark Jr Christopher G , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2007

An overview of the formation of inorganic and organic particles in emulsions is presented. The key aspect in these syntheses is the use of specially designed surface‐active components. Examples of synthesis‐driven approaches to various functional nanoparticles are illustrated. Surfmers based on isophthalic acid give access to particles for highly stabilized emulsions. Amphiphilic block copolymers as emulsifiers result in particles with excellent film‐forming properties or which are applicable as supports for metallocenes. Amphiphilic statistical copolymers are used for the compatibilization of inorganic nanoparticles in hybrid materials. Block and statistical copolymers are versatile stabilizers of non‐aqueous emulsions. In such systems nanoparticles obtained by either water‐sensitive monomers or catalysts can be realized. Surface functionalization with aliphatic or aromatic amines results in latex particles, which are suitable as supports for postmetallocenes or as flocculants in the papermaking process. In each area, the incorporation of the amphiphiles at the nanoparticle surface is not only important for the particle formation itself, but also decisive for the applicability of the particles. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation, characterization and preliminary calcium release study of floating sodium alginate/dextran‐based hydrogel beads: part I
Authors: Bajpai Sunil Kumar , Tankhiwale Rasika
Published: June 2007

Ionically crosslinked calcium alginate/dextran‐based floating beads were prepared using NaHCO3 as porogen. Various micrometric properties such as tapped density, apparent density, compressibility index, etc., were determined for beads with different compositions. The beads were also evaluated for their mechanical strength. The percent buoyancy of the beads was measured as a function of time in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2 at 37 °C). The beads prepared with higher concentrations of NaHCO3 porogen and CaCl2 crosslinker possessed 100% buoyancy and remained buoyant for nearly 20 h, or even more. Finally, the release of calcium from the beads was observed to follow diffusion‐controlled Higuchi kinetics. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystallization behavior and optical and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene nucleated with rosin‐based nucleating agents
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Dou Qiang
Published: June 2007

Background: Rosin‐based nucleating agents, as natural products, do not have any toxicity; hence they could be used in the industrial processing of polypropylene for the manufacture of food containers. As a result they have been the subject of considerable scientific interest in the literature. In this paper, the non‐isothermal crystallization behavior, and optical and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nucleated with rosin‐based nucleating agents are reported. Polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction were used to investigate the morphology and crystal structure of iPP with different rosin‐based nucleators. The effects of a 1:1:1 co‐crystal on the properties of iPP were also investigated.

Results: The addition of rosin‐based nucleating agents led to the following changes in properties: (a) shortened crystallization half time, (b) decreased size of iPP crystals, (c) slightly increased crystallinity and (d) increased transparency, gloss, flexural modulus and tensile strength. The shrinkage of nucleated iPPs was similar to that of the blank iPP.

Conclusion: Rosin‐based nucleating agents in iPP were shown to be effective for nucleating crystals, reducing their size and causing preferential growth along the b‐axis, but suppressing detectable spherulites. The 1:1:1 co‐crystal was effective at 0.2 wt%, a greater concentration giving little additional improvement. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry