bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, structure and thermal properties of CuAlxGa1‐xSe2 alloys
Authors: Castro J. , Naranjo J. , Durán L. , Meléndez L. , Fermin J. R. , Cendros J. , Rincón C. A. Durante
Published: September 2006

Ingots of the CuAlxGa1‐xSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) alloys system were prepared by direct fusion of the stoichiometric mixture of the elements. The analysis of X‐ray Powder Diffraction data showed the presence of one single phase with chalcopyrite tetragonal structure at room temperature for all the studied compositions. The lattice parameters, a and c, and the bond lengths were calculated. The phase transition temperatures were obtained by the onset method from Differential Thermal Analysis measurements performed on samples sealed in evacuated quartz ampoules. Fusion or transition enthalpies were determined from the area of the corresponding DTA peak. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal growth and structure of KBi(WO4)2 single crystals
Authors: Xie Huidong , Shen Dezhong , Xie Chengzhi , Wang Xiaoqing , Shen Guangqiu
Published: September 2006

Potassium bismuth tungstate [KBi(WO4)2] single crystals have been grown by the top‐seeded solution growth technique. Bulk crystal with dimensions up to several centimeters is obtained for the first time. Several self‐flux systems have been used for the growth from the solution and the experiments using K2W2O7 as a solvent are detailed. Powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction of this crystal are reported. The structure refinement shows that KBi(WO4)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a=10.837(3), b=10.586(3), c=7.622(2)Å, β=130.860(3)°, V=661.4(3)Å3, and Z=4. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystallization and characterization of nonlinear optical l‐histidinium dihydrogen orthophosphate orthophosporic acid single crystal
Authors: Madhavan J. , Aruna S. , Ambujam K. , Arul Pragasam A. Joseph , Ravikumar S. M. , Gulam Mohamed M. , Sagayaraj P.
Published: September 2006

L‐histidinium dihydrogen orthophosphate orthophosporic acid (abbreviated as LHP) with molecular formula C6H10N3O2+·H2PO4‐·H3PO4 was successfully grown by slow evaporation technique from aqueous solution. The crystal was characterized by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), UV‐Vis‐NIR, TGA, DTA, microhardness and solubility studies. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the crystal were studied as function of frequency. Photoconductivity studies were also carried out on the sample. The SHG efficiency of the crystal is studied using the Kurtz and Perry technique. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation of boride layers on steel substrates
Authors: Stergioudis G.
Published: September 2006

Boronizing coatings were prepared by means of pack cementation technique. It was found that using the appropriate substrate and controlling parameters of the boribing process such as boron activity of the mixture, temperature and time of treatment, it is possible to obtain a structure predominantly consisting of the Fe2B phase. In the present study low alloy ferritic steels were chosen as substrates. Changing the boron carbide concentration in the mixture and the temperature and time of boronizing process the conditions of the boronizing were altered. As a result the formation of the Fe2B phase is enhanced. Characterization of the as‐borided steels is discussed based on X‐ray diffraction and Curie temperature measurements. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of cationic substitution on lattice constants and optical characterization in solution grown mixed crystals of potassium‐ ammonium zinc chloride
Authors: Abu El‐Fadl A. , Soltan A. S. , Shaalan N. M.
Published: September 2006

Mixed crystals of potassium‐ammonium zinc chloride in different concentrations were grown from aqueous solution employing the techniques of slow cooling and controlled evaporation. Powder x‐ray diffraction studies were carried out on the grown crystals. The comparison between lattice parameters a, b and c are experimentally determined and calculated by Vegad's law. The concentration of K+ ions in the crystals was measured by the atomic absorption technique. The crystal morphology changed considerably by increasing K+ concentration. The optical absorption coefficient (α) indicated strong influence changing concentration. The optical energy gap was found to decrease with increasing K+ concentration. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positive magnetoresistance in TixW1‐xSe2 (x = 0, 0.03) platelet crystals
Authors: Kunjachan Sunil
Published: September 2006

Layered transition metal dichalcogenide crystal, WSe2, has been grown by direct vapour transport technique. Titanium is used as a dopant in to the 2H type MX2 matrix. These crystals show positive magnetoresistance and a switching behaviour is observed at room temperature in the titanium‐intercalated sample. The relative resistance change due to magnetic field for the doped sample is found to switch from 23.6% to 39.6% when the sample is rotated through 0° to 90°. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Realization of log‐domain high‐order transfer functions using first‐order building blocks and complementary operators
Authors: Psychalinos Costas
Published: September 2006

High‐order log‐domain filters could be easily designed by using the functional block diagram (FBD) representation of the corresponding linear prototype and a set of complementary operators. For this purpose, lossy and lossless integrator blocks have been already introduced in the literature. Novel first‐order log‐domain highpass and allpass filter configurations, which are fully compatible with the already published integrator blocks, are introduced in this paper. These are realized using integration and subtraction blocks or a novel differentiation configuration. As a result, a complete set of first‐order building blocks would be available for synthesizing any arbitrary high‐order transfer function. In order to verify the correct operation of the proposed structures, the performance of the introduced highpass filters was evaluated through simulation results. In addition, a fifth‐order log‐domain bandpass filter was designed and simulated using one of the introduced first‐order highpass filter configurations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DIANANE‐CrIII‐salen Complexes as Highly Enantioselective Catalysts for Hetero‐Diels–Alder Reactions of Aldehydes with Dienes
Authors: Berkessel Albrecht , Vogl Nadine
Published: September 2006

A new type of chromium‐salen complex bearing DIANANE (endo,endo‐2,5‐diaminonorbornane) as chiral backbone has been synthesized and applied to the hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction of Danishefsky’s diene with various aldehydes. The reactions afford the corresponding 2‐substituted 2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐pyran‐4‐ones in high yields and enantioselectivities (up to 96 % ee). The effect of different counteranions of the complex on reactivity as well as enantioselectivity has been investigated. Besides Danishefsky’s diene, reaction of the less reactive 1‐methoxybutadiene with benzaldehyde and ethyl glyoxylate can be effected by the chromium catalysts as well.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A nonparametric analysis of the spatial distribution of Convolvulus arvensis in wheat‐sunflower rotations
Authors: Francisco‐Fernández Mario , Jurado‐Expósito Montserrat , Opsomer J. D. , López‐Granados Francisca
Published: September 2006

This article describes an application of nonparametric regression to study the spatial structure and identify persistent spatial patterns of the perennial weed Convolvulus arvensis L. in 4 years of wheat‐sunflower crop rotation in Southern Spain. The annual spatial distributions of weed patches over the study field are estimated using local linear regression. These are then used to delimit areas whose infestation is above an economic threshold. In order to identify the areas at the highest risk of weed infestation across years, a multi‐year index is developed and mapped. A parametric bootstrap is used to quantify the variability of the multi‐year map. In a precision agriculture environment, such maps can be a useful component of a long‐term weed management strategy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the beta‐binomial model for the detection of rare marine benthos using point intercept techniques
Authors: Ryan Daniel A. J.
Published: September 2006

The beta‐binomial distribution is used to provide estimates of the probability of detecting a rare species, the smallest proportion cover detectable with a stated confidence for a survey, and is a method for estimating the sample size required to detect a species with a stated presence at a stated level of confidence for independent clusters of binary data. The equations, while general, were derived in the context of marine benthic video transects and are useful for evaluating a wide range of existing surveys or designing new surveys. Application of the equations is demonstrated for a data set collected from three marine surveys on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Average SEP for M‐ary CPSK with noisy phase reference in Nakagami fading and Gaussian noise
Authors: Kostić Ivo M.
Published: September 2006

Analytic expressions for the symbol‐error probabilities of M‐ary coherent phase shift keying (M‐CPSK) detection with an imperfect local carrier reference phase in Nakagami‐m fading and additive Gaussian noise are derived. Both the Tikhonov probability density function (PDF) and the uniform PDF of the carrier phase error are considered. We based our analyses on a newly derived expression for the Fourier coefficients of the PDF of the composite phase of the received signal impaired by Nakagami‐m fading and additive Gaussian noise. We present a comparison of the results based on the Tikhonov PDF with those based on the uniform PDF in order to show substantial performance differences between these two‐phase noise models. Copyright © 2006 AEIT
Classification of hydrological regimes of northern floodplain basins (Peace–Athabasca Delta, Canada) from analysis of stable isotopes (δ18O, δ2H) and water chemistry
Authors: Wolfe Brent B. , Karst‐Riddoch Tammy L. , Hall Roland I. , Edwards Thomas W. D. , English Michael C. , Palmini Roger , McGowan Suzanne , Leavitt Peter R. , Vardy Sheila R.
Published: September 2006

We used stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) and water chemistry to characterize the water balance and hydrolimnological relationships of 57 shallow aquatic basins in the Peace‐Athabasca Delta (PAD), northern Alberta, Canada, based on sampling at the end of the 2000 thaw season. Evaporation‐to‐inflow ratios (E/I) were estimated using an isotope mass‐balance model tailored to accommodate basin‐specific input water compositions, which provided an effective, first‐order, quantitative framework for identifying water balances and associated limnological characteristics spanning three main, previously identified drainage types. Open‐drainage basins (E/I < 0·4; n = 5), characterized by low alkalinity, low concentrations of nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ions, and high minerogenic turbidity, include large, shallow basins that dominate the interior of the PAD and experience frequent or continuous river channel connection. Closed‐drainage basins (E/I ≥ 1·0; n = 16), in contrast, possess high alkalinity and high concentrations of nitrogen, DOC, and ions, and low minerogenic turbidity, and are located primarily in the relict and infrequently flooded landscape of the northern Peace sector of the delta. Several basins fall into the restricted‐drainage category (0·4 # E/I < 1·0; n = 26) with intermediate water chemistries and are predominant in the southern Athabasca sector, which is subject to active fluviodeltaic processes, including intermittent flooding from riverbank overflow. Integration of isotopic and limnological data also revealed evidence for a new fourth drainage type, mainly located near the large open‐drainage lakes that occupy the central portion of the delta but within the Athabasca sector (n = 10). These basins were very shallow (<50 cm deep) at the time of sampling and isotopically depleted, corresponding to E/I characteristic of restricted‐ and open‐drainage conditions. However, they are limnologically similar to closed‐drainage basins except for higher conductivity and higher concentrations of Ca2+ and Na+, and lower concentrations of SiO2 and chlorophyll c. These distinct features are due to the overriding influence of recent summer rainfall on the basin water balance and chemistry. The close relationships evident between water balances and limnological conditions suggest that past and future changes in hydrology are likely to be coupled with marked alterations in water chemistry and, hence, the ecology of aquatic environments in the PAD. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in stream flow regime in headwater catchments of the Yellow River basin since the 1950s
Authors: Zheng Hongxing , Zhang Lu , Liu Changming , Shao Quanxi , Fukushima Yoshihiro
Published: September 2006

The headwater catchments of the Yellow River basin generate over 35% of the basin's total stream flow and play a vital role in meeting downstream water resources requirements. In recent years the Yellow River has experienced significant changes in its hydrological regime, including an increased number of zero‐flow days. These changes have serious implications for water security and basin management. We investigated changes in stream flow regime of four headwater catchments since the 1950s. The rank‐based non‐parametric Mann–Kendall test was used to detect trends in annual stream flow. The results showed no significant trend for the period 1956 to 2000. However, change‐point analysis showed that a significant change in annual stream flow occurred around 1990, and hence the stream‐flow data can be divided into two periods: 1956–1990 and 1991–2000. There was a considerable difference in average annual stream flow between the two periods, with a maximum reduction of 51%. Wet‐season rainfall appears to be the main factor responsible for the decreasing trend in annual stream flow. Reductions in annual stream flow were associated with decreased interannual variability in stream flow. Seasonal stream flow distribution changed from bimodal to unimodal between the two periods, with winter stream flow showing a greater reduction than other seasons. Daily stream flow regime represented by flow duration curves showed that all percentile flows were decreased in the second period. The high flow index (Q5/Q50) reduced by up to 28%, whereas the reduction in the low flow index (Q95/Q50) is more dramatic, with up to 100% reduction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat waves in the Mediterranean: a local feature or a larger‐scale effect?
Authors: Baldi Marina , Dalu Giovanni , Maracchi Giampiero , Pasqui Massimiliano , Cesarone Francesco
Published: September 2006

We analyse the anomalously warm summer months in the Mediterranean region using the 850 hPa temperature, T850, extracted from the ERA‐40 reanalysis, in order to find how these anomalies are related to the anomaly of the jet stream over the Euro‐Atlantic area. In this region, the westerly jet has two main branches: the Scandinavian jet and the Mediterranean jet, which, in summer, are at a meridional minimum distance.

In addition, we analyse the heat waves in the Central Mediterranean in the last half century using the temperature observations collected at fifty surface stations distributed throughout the Italian peninsula and its two major islands, and we relate these events to the position of the Mediterranean jet.

We find that, when these two jets are almost aligned, there is a streak of the Mediterranean jet over the Alps and, to the south of them, an anticyclonic vorticity aloft, which forces a strong subsidence and an adiabatic warming of the troposphere over the Mediterranean. This configuration is also a characteristic of anomalously warm spells over the basin. While, when the Mediterranean jet resides further south and along the northern rim of Africa, its meridional distance from the Scandinavian jet is relatively large, the vorticity over the Mediterranean is cyclonic and this region is relatively cool. The tropospheric temperature difference between these two configurations (Mediterranean jet over the Alps and jet over North Africa) is of the order of 3 °C.

Since the correlation between the observed temperatures over Italy and the ERA‐40 T850 in the Central Mediterranean is more than 90%, and more than 60% in the T850 of the entire Mediterranean basin, we conclude that the heat waves over Italy are representative of exceptionally warm episodes over the Central Mediterranean, and that a warm spell over Italy is a country‐scale symptom of warm spells in the Mediterranean basin. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Analysis of ‘Miholjday summer’ for Belgrade and Serbia region
Authors: Todorović Nedeljko , Vujović Dragana
Published: September 2006

Typical weather conditions with dry and warm features occur in autumn months, with temperatures above the normal temperatures for this period of the year for the Belgrade and Serbia region. Temperatures have values like the ones for the end of summer. That period of fair weather is called Miholjday (St Michael) summer (MS). An analysis of temperature has been the most important criterion for defining MS. Synoptic situation and temperature conditions during that period are analyzed and typical and atypical MSs are defined for Belgrade and Serbia region. The frequency of MS in the period 1946–2004 for Belgrade region is also analyzed. The general definition (Glossary of Meteorology) is assumed and we gave the specific definition of MS for Belgrade and Serbia region on the basis of real weather for longer series of observations. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Daily atmospheric circulation catalogue for western Europe using multivariate techniques
Authors: Esteban Pere , Martin‐Vide Javier , Mases Montserrat
Published: September 2006

This study uses principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering (CL) techniques to characterize the daily surface synoptic circulation patterns over the region 30°N–60°N by 30°W–15°E, for the period 1960–2001 using the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis Project data. The methodology used, previously proposed by Esteban et al. (2005) to identify heavy snowfall days over Andorra (Pyrenees), involves a pre‐processing approach consisting of a spatial standardization of the data used for the rotated PCA on S‐mode analysis and correlation matrix, and Varimax rotation of the retained components. For the clustering process, an alternative approximation based on the PCA results (positive and negative phases) to decide the centroids and the number of groups for the K‐means clustering is shown, followed by the rejection of the iterations for this non‐hierarchical algorithm. Twenty sea level pressure (SLP) circulation patterns were obtained, with all days classified. The composite maps for SLP and 500 hPa geopotential height (GPH), the monthly distribution, and the long‐term variability for each of the circulation patterns is obtained. The results are consistent with the subjective knowledge of the daily atmospheric circulation over the area treated, and seem to be an easy and accessible way for the synoptic studies of short‐lived (from weekly to daily) phenomena. In addition, this methodology appears to be applicable to all climatic areas of the world, as it characterizes well enough the complex circulation variability at mid‐latitudes, including the surface low‐pressure gradient patterns normally located over the Mediterranean in summer. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Ochratoxin A and the occurrence of ochratoxin A‐producing black aspergilli in stored peanut seeds from Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Magnoli Carina , Astoreca Andrea , Ponsone Lorena , Fernández‐Juri María G , Chiacchiera Stella , Dalcero Ana
Published: September 2006

Since there is no available information about the natural occurrence of ochratoxin‐producing fungi and ochratoxin A (OTA) in peanut seeds in Argentina, the aims of this work were to isolate and identify Aspergillus section Nigri and to evaluate the natural occurrence of OTA in stored peanut seeds. Likewise, the capacity to produce OTA by Aspergillus section Nigri was studied. Forty‐seven samples of peanut seeds were obtained from a storage plant in the south of Córdoba Province, Argentina. Each sample of 100 seeds was surface‐disinfected and plated onto a dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18). OTA was detected by HPLC. The production of OTA in strains belonging to section Nigri was tested in YES medium (2% yeast extract, 15% sucrose). Aspergillus spp., the most frequent mould, occurred in 100% of samples, followed by Penicillium spp. (87%) and Eurotium spp. (6.4%). A. flavus was isolated in 100% of the samples, followed by A. niger var. niger, A. niger var. awamori and A. carbonarius at a lower frequency, 89%, 68% and 4%, respectively. OTA was found in 32% of the peanut seed samples, with mean levels ranging from 0.5 to 170 ng g−1. The mean recovery of the method used was 85 ± 2%. Forty‐three isolates (27%) of Aspergillus section Nigri, were found to be OTA producing strains. The highest percentage of ochratoxigenic strains (57%) was found within the A. carbonarius ssp. These results indicate a human exposure to OTA in Argentina through the ingestion of peanut seeds and peanut products. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors
Authors: Kovach Stephen J. , Fischer Anne C. , Katzman Philip J. , Salloum Rabih M. , Ettinghausen Stephen E. , Madeb Ralph , Koniaris Leonidas G.
Published: September 2006

Introduction

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT) while uncommon may arise within numerous organs. Historically, the literature regarding IMT has been confined to small one organ case series, with few reviews encompassing multiple anatomic sites, and little data regarding adjuvant treatment.

Methods

A review of patients with IMT treated at two large academic medical centers over a 15‐year period was undertaken. Patient demographics, pathologic diagnoses, and pertinent clinical data were obtained.

Results

Forty‐four cases of pathologically confirmed IMT were identified. Tumor locations included multiple anatomic sites. Therapies included complete resection, incomplete resection, observation, or chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Five patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy following surgery (14%) for local aggressiveness of the tumor, invasion, positive margins, or location of tumor that was not amenable to surgical resection. A second, concomitant, histologically distinct, neoplasm was identified in five cases. Of the patients who underwent treatment three local recurrences were noted (8%) and occurred in patients with partial resection without adjuvant chemo‐ or radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors may be a locally aggressive and destructive neoplasm. Tumor recurrence is unusual following complete surgical resection or organ‐preserving combined modality therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:385–391. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Staging of esophageal carcinoma: Length of tumor and number of involved regional lymph nodes. Are these independent prognostic factors?
Authors: Bollschweiler Elfriede , Baldus Stephan E. , Schröder Wolfgang , Schneider Paul M. , Hölscher Arnulf H.
Published: September 2006

Background and Objectives

New potential prognostic indicators aside from the TNM classification have been proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic relevance of tumor length as well as number of involved regional lymph nodes (LNM) in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

Two hundred thirteen patients with esophageal carcinoma (116 squamous cell‐ and 97 adenocarcinoma) were included in this study. Treatment of choice was subtotal en bloc esophagectomy including “2‐field” lymphadenectomy. The median number of examined lymph nodes (LNs) was 28. Eighty patients (38%) received preoperative radio‐chemotherapy according to a standardized protocol. Histopathology consisted of tumor stage, residual tumor, grading, and number of examined and involved LN. Univariate and multivariate prognostic values were calculated.

Results

Length of tumor correlated with pT/ypT‐category (P < 0.01). Univariate but not multivariate analysis showed better survival for tumors ≤3 cm (P < 0.05). Patients with 1–5 LNM had significantly better prognoses than those with more than 5 LNM (Hazard ratio 2.7, 95% CI = 1.7–4.2) (P < 0.01). Patients without LNM and more than 15 examined LN showed significantly better prognosis than those with fewer examined LN (Hazard ratio = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–0.6) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

A revision of the TNM classification for esophageal carcinoma should subdivide the pN1‐category according to the number of LNM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:355–363. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neoadjuvant intratumoral cytokine‐loaded microspheres are superior to postoperative autologous cellular vaccines in generating systemic anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Arora Alisha , Su Gang , Mathiowitz Edith , Reineke Joshua , Chang Alfred E. , Sabel Michael S.
Published: September 2006

Background

Sustained intratumoral cytokine release using poly‐lactic acid microspheres (PLAMs) can induce a systemic immune response, shifting immunotherapy to the neoadjuvant setting.

Methods

C57BL6 mice with established B16 melanomas underwent a single intralesional injection of IL‐12, TNF‐α or GM‐CSF PLAM, alone or in combination. Tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLN) and spleens were assessed for a specific anti‐tumor response by IFNγ release assay and ELISPOT.

Results

Intralesional injection of TNF‐α, alone or in combination, resulted in significant tumor ablation. The induction of tumor specific reactive T‐cells in the TDLN was greatest with IL‐12 and TNF‐α. Only mice treated with IL‐12 and TNF‐α demonstrated a substantial T‐cell response in cultured splenocytes. This combination resulted in a significant reduction in new tumors after re‐challenge. Adjuvant therapy, using irradiated B16 cells in combination with equivalent doses of IL‐12 and TNF‐α, failed to generate a similar T‐cell response or prevent re‐challenge.

Conclusions

Intratumoral IL‐12 and TNF‐α loaded PLAM leads to both local eradication of tumor and the induction of specific anti‐tumor T‐cells in the lymph nodes and spleens, resulting in memory immune response. Neoadjuvant treatment was significantly superior to postoperative autologous cellular vaccines using IL‐12 and TNF‐α PLAM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:403–412. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ductal carcinoma in situ: Value of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Sakr Rita , Barranger Emmanuel , Antoine Martine , Prugnolle Herve , Daraï Emile , Uzan Serge
Published: September 2006

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents about 20% of newly diagnosed breast carcinomas. Axillary metastasis is often related to undiagnosed DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM). The aim of this study was to confirm the interest of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in extensive DCIS.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of DCIS or DCISM and axillary lymph node evaluation were selected. Surgical treatment included SLN biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Serial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and with an immunohistochemical (IHC) method. When a micrometastasis was found, the breast specimen was revised searching for occult microinvasion.

Results

Hundred and forty patients with initial DCIS were enrolled in the study. Node metastasis was identified in 9 patients (7%) of the 128 patients with DCIS and DCISM. At final histology, 4 (10%) of the 39 patients with pure DCIS and SLN biopsy and 1 (7%) of the 14 patients with DCISM and SLN biopsy had axillary micrometastasis. Four of the 12 patients upstaged to invasive carcinoma had metastatic SLNs.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is valuable in patients with diffuse DCIS or DCISM who are scheduled for mastectomy in order to search for axillary micrometastases and occult breast microinvasion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:426–430. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of goblet cell carcinoid
Authors: Byrn John C. , Wang Ju‐Lin , Divino Celia M. , Nguyen Scott Q. , Warner Richard R.P.
Published: September 2006

Background and Objectives

Goblet cell carcinoid, a rare tumor of intermediate malignant potential, is known to account for a significant minority of appendiceal neoplasms. Sixteen new cases of gastrointestinal goblet cell carcinoid were reviewed to describe their presentation, treatment, and outcome.

Methods

A review of 16 cases from a single institution.

Results

Sixteen patients were diagnosed with goblet cell carcinoid between 1995 and 2005. Presenting diagnoses included appendicitis (n = 8), abdominal or liver mass (n = 5), uterine fibroids (n = 1), ovarian mass (n = 1), and Crohn's Disease exacerbation (n = 1). Mean follow‐up was 12 months with a mortality of 19% (n = 3). Patients were divided into two groups: those where the diagnosis was an incidental finding at operation (Group 1) and those where the presentation was of an abdominal mass or metastatic disease (Group 2). Nine of ten patients in Group 1 initially received appendectomies. Group 2 included patients presenting with Krukenberg type lesions (n = 2) and abdominal masses (n = 4).

Conclusions

Goblet cell carcinoid is a rare malignant tumor largely affecting the appendix. In patients presenting with appendicitis, our series does not support the recommendation of right hemicolectomy based on pathologic diagnosis alone and surgical intervention must be customized to the individual patient. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:396–402. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elastic, Superporous Hydrogel Hybrids of Polyacrylamide and Sodium Alginate
Authors: Omidian Hossein , Rocca Jose G. , Park Kinam
Published: September 2006

Summary: A novel approach was developed to prepare a superporous hydrogel with superior mechanical and elastic properties. According to this method, a synthetic monomer was polymerized and crosslinked in the presence of a water‐soluble alginate polymer. Later in the process, the alginate part of the synthesized hydrogel was treated with metal cations, which resulted in a hydrogel hybrid with an interpenetrating network structure. In this article, a hydrogel hybrid of acrylamide and alginate is highlighted because of its unique swelling and mechanical properties. This hydrogel hybrid shows resilience and a rubbery property in its fully water‐swollen state, which not previously been reported. To help understand the underlying mechanism responsible for such unique properties with hydrogel hybrids, the ionotropic gelation of the alginate polymer was also studied in more detail.

The elastic nature of the prepared, water‐swollen, acrylamide‐alginate hybrid hydrogel.

magnified image

The elastic nature of the prepared, water‐swollen, acrylamide‐alginate hybrid hydrogel.
Phase Transition Behavior of Novel pH‐Sensitive Polyaspartamide Derivatives Grafted with 1‐(3‐Aminopropyl)imidazole
Authors: Seo Kwangwon , Kim Dukjoon
Published: September 2006

Summary: New pH‐sensitive polyaspartamide derivatives were synthesized by grafting 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole and/or O‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐O′‐methylpoly(ethylene glycol) 5000 on polysuccinimide for application in intracellular drug delivery systems. The DS of 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole was adjusted by the feed molar ratio, and the structure of the prepared polymer was confirmed using FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Their pH‐sensitive properties were characterized by light transmittance measurements, and the particle size and its distribution were investigated by dynamic light scattering measurements at varying pH values. The pH‐sensitive phase transition was clearly observed in polymer solutions with a high substitution of 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole. The prepared polymers showed a high buffering capacity between pH 5 and 7, and this increased with the DS of 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole. The pH dependence of the aggregation and de‐aggregation behavior was examined using a fluorescence spectrometer. For MPEG/imidazole‐g‐polyaspartamides with a DS of 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole over 82%, self aggregates associated with the hydrophobic interactions of the unprotonated imidazole groups were observed at pH values above 7, and their mean size was over 200 nm, while the aggregates of polymers were dissociated at pH values below 7 by the protonation of imidazole groups. These pH‐sensitive polyaspartamide derivatives are potential basic candidates for intracellular drug delivery carriers triggered by small pH changes.

Mean particle size change of MPEG/imidazole‐g‐polyaspartamide as pH is varied.

magnified image

Mean particle size change of MPEG/imidazole‐g‐polyaspartamide as pH is varied.
Solvent‐Assisted Room‐Temperature Compression Molding Approach to Fabricate Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Jing Dianying , Wu Linbo , Ding Jiandong
Published: September 2006

Summary: This study investigated the room‐temperature compression molding/particle leaching approach to fabricate three‐dimensional porous scaffolds for tissue engineering. Scaffolds with anatomical shapes (ear, joint, tube, cylinder) were made from biodegradable poly(D,L‐lactide) and poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide]. The utility of this room‐temperature compression approach comes from the effect of solvent assistance, but the tendency for post‐molding scaffold shrinkage is a problem unique to this method and is thus examined with emphasis in this paper. Scaffold shrinkage was found to be tolerable under normal fabrication conditions with high salt contents, which is just what the preparation of highly porous scaffolds requires. Furthermore, the resultant porosities after salt leaching were measured as well as the initial scaffold shrinkages after solvent evaporation, and the relation between them was revealed by theoretical analysis and confirmed by comparison with experimental measurements. The pores were interconnected, and porosity can exceed 90%. The effects of porosity on the mechanical properties of porous scaffolds were also investigated. This convenient fabrication approach is a prospective method for the tailoring of porous scaffolds for a variety of possible applications in tissue engineering and tissue reconstruction.

Typical poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide] (PLGA) porous scaffolds with complicated shapes (ear, joint, tube, cylinder) fabricated by room‐temperature compression molding and particulate leaching (RTCM/PL) approach.

magnified image

Typical poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide] (PLGA) porous scaffolds with complicated shapes (ear, joint, tube, cylinder) fabricated by room‐temperature compression molding and particulate leaching (RTCM/PL) approach.
Structural Effects of Crosslinking a Biopolymer Hydrogel Derived from Marine Mussel Adhesive Protein
Authors: Loizou Elena , Weisser Jaime T. , Dundigalla Avinash , Porcar Lionel , Schmidt Gudrun , Wilker Jonathan J.
Published: September 2006

Summary: In an effort to explore new biocompatible substrates for biomedical technologies, we present a structural study on a crosslinked gelatinous protein extracted from marine mussels. Prior studies have shown the importance of iron in protein crosslinking and mussel adhesive formation. Here, the structure and properties of an extracted material were examined both before and after crosslinking with iron. The structures of these protein hydrogels were studied by SEM, SANS, and SAXS. Viscoelasticity was tested by rheological means. The starting gel was found to have a heterogeneous porous structure on a micrometer scale and, surprisingly, a regular structure on the micron to nanometer scale. However disorder, or “no periodic structure”, was deduced from scattering on nanometer length scales at very high q. Crosslinking with iron condensed the structure on a micrometer level. On nanometer length scales at high q, small angle neutron scattering showed no significant differences between the samples, possibly due to strong heterogeneity. X‐ray scattering also confirmed the absence of any defined periodic structure. Partial crosslinking transformed the viscoelastic starting gel into one with more rigid and elastic properties.

Environmental scanning electron micrographs of the protein gel after crosslinking with iron.

magnified image

Environmental scanning electron micrographs of the protein gel after crosslinking with iron.
Anisotropic parabolic equations with measure data II
Authors: Li Fengquan
Published: September 2006

In order to study the existence of solutions to anisotropic parabolic equations with measure data, we introduce a definition of relaxed solutions defined by J. M. Rakotoson in [13] and new type of functional sets for anisotropic parabolic equations in this paper. In the framework of new definition of solutions and functional sets, we improve those results of [8] and also extend the analogous results of [13] to anisotropic parabolic equations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The mixed boundary‐value problem for second order elliptic equations with degenerate curve on the sides of an angle
Authors: Wen Guochun
Published: September 2006

In [1, 2, 3, 4, 6], the authors posed and discussed some boundary‐value problems of second order elliptic equations with parabolic degeneracy. In [5], the authors posed and discussed some boundary‐value problems of second order mixed equations with degenerate curve on the sides of an angle, but the coefficients of the equations possess strong restrictions. The present paper deals with the mixed problem for elliptic equations with degenerate curve on the sides of an angle, where the coefficients satisfy general conditions. We first give the formulation of the problem and estimates of solutions of the problem for the equations, and then prove the existence of solutions for the above problem by the Leray–Schauder theorem. In this paper, we use the complex analytic method, namely we first introduce the new notation (2.1) below and reduce the degenerate elliptic equations of second order to the corresponding problem for degenerate elliptic complex equations of first order, afterwards the above problem of second order degenerate elliptic equations can be solved. The results in this paper will be used in a subsequent paper to handle the Tricomi problem of second order equations of mixed type with degenerate curve on the sides of an angle. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Instability for functional differential equations
Authors: Haddock John R. , Zhao Jiaxiang
Published: September 2006

In this paper, we extend the study on instability in [11] to autonomous functional differential equations with infinite delay by means of Liapunov–Razumikhin techniques, and to nonautonomous functional differential equations with finite or infinite delay via limiting equations. Examples are used throughout the paper for illustrations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fundamental solutions and mapping properties of semielliptic operators
Authors: Hile G. N.
Published: September 2006

An explicit formula is given for a fundamental solution for a class of semielliptic operators. The fundamental solution is used to investigate properties of these operators as mappings between weighted function spaces in ℝn . Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for such a mapping to be an isomorphism. Results apply, for example, to elliptic, parabolic, and generalized p ‐parabolic operators. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Containing Copolymers for Negative‐Type Photoresists
Authors: Lin Ho‐May , Wu Shi‐Yin , Huang Pei‐Yuan , Huang Chih‐Feng , Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: September 2006

Summary: A series of methacrylate copolymers containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) was synthesized from the free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, and isobutyl propylmethacryl polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes, and then were modified with glycidyl methacrylate to serve as negative‐type photoresists. The UV/Vis spectroscopy reveals that the incorporation of POSS moiety into the copolymer results in a slight decrease in transparency from 99 to 92.5% (at wavelength = 365 nm). The photosensitivity in terms of resist sensitivity (D), contrast (γ), and photopolymerization rate are significantly increased with increase in the POSS content. In addition, the induction time is reduced from 0.520 to 0.515 min after incorporating the POSS unit based on photo‐DSC analyses. These observed results can be rationalized as due to hydrogen bonding interactions between siloxane and hydroxyl groups in copolymers which tend to attract the methacrylate double bonds surrounding POSS units to crosslink, thereby enhancing the photopolymerization rate and sensitivity. We further evaluate the lithographic property of a photoresist under a collimated exposure.

Compact double bonds zone induced via hydrogen bonding.

magnified image

Compact double bonds zone induced via hydrogen bonding.
Properties of Nylon‐6/Na+‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Obtained by Hydrolyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Liu Andong , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng
Published: September 2006

Summary: Nylon‐6/Na+‐montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites (NNNs) are synthesized by a hydrolyzed ring‐opening polymerization. At a loading of only 2 wt.‐% MMT, the tensile modulus, the flexural modulus, and the heat distortion temperature of the NNNs exhibit increases of nearly 20%, 60%, and 63 °C, respectively. Compared with that of neat nylon‐6, the temperature of the main α‐relaxation (Tα) of the NNNs is shifted 3.6 °C toward higher temperatures and two β‐relaxation peaks are observed. Another interesting phenomenon is that there is a new melting peak (at about 206 °C) for the NNNs.

DSC second heating curves of neat nylon‐6 (N6), nylon‐6/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites with highly swollen Na+‐MMT (NHM), and nylon‐6/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites with slightly swollen Na+‐MMT (NSM) with various amounts of Na+‐MMT.

magnified image

DSC second heating curves of neat nylon‐6 (N6), nylon‐6/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites with highly swollen Na+‐MMT (NHM), and nylon‐6/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites with slightly swollen Na+‐MMT (NSM) with various amounts of Na+‐MMT.
Photoinitiated Free Radical Polymerization Using Benzoxazines as Hydrogen Donors
Authors: Tasdelen M. Atilla , Kiskan Baris , Yagci Yusuf
Published: September 2006

Summary: Free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is initiated upon irradiation at λ > 350 nm in CH2Cl2 that contains benzoxazine (P‐a) and one of the following photosensitizers: benzophenone (BP), thioxanthone (TX), 2‐chlorothioxanthone (CTX), 2‐isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX), and camphorquinone (CQ). The postulated mechanism is based on the intermolecular reaction of the excited photosensitizer with the tertiary amino moiety of the ground state P‐a and a subsequent hydrogen abstraction reaction. The resulting aminoalkyl radicals initiate the polymerization. The incorporation of P‐a groups into polymers is demonstrated by spectroscopic methods. The possibility of deep curing using the described photoinitiating system followed by the thermal ring opening of the incorporated P‐a groups is also demonstrated.

Schematic of the photoinitiated free radical polymerization using benzoxazines as hydrogen donors.

magnified image

Schematic of the photoinitiated free radical polymerization using benzoxazines as hydrogen donors.
Premature translation of transition protein 2 mRNA causes sperm abnormalities and male infertility
Authors: Tseden Khailun , Topaloglu Özlem , Meinhardt Andreas , Dev Arvind , Adham Ibrahim , Müller Christian , Wolf Stephan , Böhm Detlef , Schlüter Gregor , Engel Wolfgang , Nayernia Karim
Published: September 2006

During mammalian spermiogenesis somatic histones are replaced at first by transition proteins, which are in turn replaced by the protamines, forming the sperm nucleoprotamines. It is believed that transition protein 2 (Tnp2) is necessary for maintaining the normal processing of protamines and, consequently, the completion of chromatin condensation. The transition protein mRNAs are stored in translationally inert messenger ribonucleoprotein particles for up to 7 days until translational activation in elongated spermatids. Substantial evidence suggests an involvement of 3′untranslated region (UTR) in the translational regulation of the Tnp2 mRNAs. In order to determine the role of Tnp2 3′UTR in translational regulation and to study whether the translational repression of Tnp2 mRNA is necessary for normal spermatid differentiation in mice, we generated transgenic mice that carry a Tnp2‐hGH transgene. In this transgene, 3′UTR of Tnp2 gene was replaced by 3′ 3′UTR of human growth hormone gene. In these transgenic animals, transcription and translation of Tnp2 occur simultaneously in round spermatids which is an evidence for involvement of Tnp2 3′UTR in its translation repression. Premature translation of Tnp2 mRNA caused abnormal head morphogenesis, reduced sperm motility and male infertility. These results show clearly that a strict temporal and stage‐specific Tnp2 translation is necessary for the correct differentiation of round spermatids into mature spermatozoa and for male fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anterior interosseous nerve conduction study: Normative data
Authors: Vucic Steve , Yiannikas Con
Published: September 2006

Neurophysiological techniques assessing anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) function and employing surface electrode recordings from the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), have been limited by technical difficulties. The aim of this study was to describe a surface electrode recording technique of investigating the AIN by recording compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from FPL. CMAP responses exhibited a negative onset, suggesting that they originated from FPL, and this was confirmed by needle recording. Normative data has been established that may prove useful in future studies assessing pathological involvement of the anterior interosseous nerve. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Molecular and cellular defects of skeletal muscle in an animal model of acute quadriplegic myopathy
Authors: Mozaffar Tahseen , Haddad Fadia , Zeng Ming , Zhang Li Ying , Adams Greg R. , Baldwin Kenneth M.
Published: September 2006

Muscle denervation and concomitant high‐dose dexamethasone treatment in rodents produces characteristic pathologic features of severe muscle atrophy and selective myosin heavy filament (MyHC) depletion, identical to those seen in acute quadriplegic myopathy (AQM), also known as critical illness myopathy. We tested the hypothesis that defective pre‐translational processes contribute to the atrophy and selective MyHC depletion in this model. We examined the effects of combined glucocorticoid–denervation treatment on MyHC and actin mRNA populations; we also studied mRNA expression of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), primary transcription factors for MyHC. Adult female rats were subjected to proximal sciatic denervation followed by high‐dose dexamethasone (DD) treatment (5 mg/kg body weight daily) for 7 days. Disease controls included rats treated with denervation alone (DN) or dexamethasone alone (DX). At 1 week the plantaris atrophied by ∼42% in DD muscles. DD treatment resulted in selective MyHC protein depletion; actin protein concentration was not significantly changed. Despite an increase in total RNA concentration in DN and DD muscles, MyHC and actin mRNA concentrations were significantly decreased in these muscles. MyHC mRNA showed a significantly more extensive depletion relative to actin mRNA in DD muscles. Glucocorticoid treatment did not influence a denervation‐induced increase in the mRNA expression of the MRFs. We conclude that a deleterious interaction between glucocorticoid and denervation treatments in skeletal muscle is responsible for pre‐translational defects that reduce actin and MyHC mRNA substrates in a disproportionate fashion. The resultant selective MyHC depletion contributes to the severe muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2006