bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergen‐induced traffic of bone marrow eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes to airways
Authors: Johansson Anna‐Karin , Sergejeva Svetlana , Sjöstrand Margareta , Lee James J. , Lötvall Jan
Published: September 2004

We evaluated whether bone marrow (BM) inflammatory cells have capacity to traffic into the airways following allergen exposure in a mouse model of allergen‐induced airway inflammation. We also evaluated the effect of IL‐5 overexpression on (i) the production of eosinophils in BM, (ii) the accumulation of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in blood and airways and (iii) the changes in CD34+ cell numbers in BM, blood and airways. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label cells produced during the exposure period. Furthermore, CD3 splenocytes were adoptively transferred to investigate the BM inflammatory response. Allergen exposure induced traffic of BM eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes to the airways and increased the number of BrdU+ eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and CD34+ cells in BALf. IL‐5 overexpression enhanced the eosinophilopoiesis and increased the presence of BrdU+ eosinophils and CD34+ cells in airways and enhanced the number of CD34+ cells in BM and blood after allergen exposure. Adoptive transfer of CD3 lymphocytes overexpressing IL‐5 caused increased BM eosinophilia. In conclusion, allergen exposure induces traffic of not only newly produced eosinophils but also newly produced neutrophils and lymphocytes into the airways.
Reduced antigen concentration and costimulatory blockade increase IFN‐γ secretion in naive CD8+ T cells
Authors: Hall Håkan T. L. , Petrovic Jelena , Höglund Petter
Published: September 2004

CD8+ T cells are killer cells but also major producers of IFN‐γ. We have investigated the effects of peptide antigen titration and costimulatory blockade on IFN‐γ production and proliferation by naive CD8+ T cells. Mature dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with high amounts of agonist peptide triggered proliferation but little IFN‐γ secretion in individual T cells. In contrast, immature DC pulsed with similar amounts of peptide induced IFN‐γ secretion in a larger fraction of T cells but triggered less proliferation. Blocking B7.2 or lowering the amount of peptide on mature DC led to a response similar to that induced by immature DC, suggesting that differences in stimulatory strength were responsible for the different responses. Using splenic antigen‐presenting cells (APC) we demonstrate that reducing the amount of peptide in combination with B7 blockage enhanced IFN‐γ secretion and decreased proliferation in naive CD8+ T cells in an additive way. Our data suggest that IFN‐γ secretion and proliferation are independently and inversely controlled by stimulatory strength in naive CD8+ T cells. This may enable CD8+ T cells to respond with IFN‐γ secretion to immature APC with few peptide ligands consistent with an early immunoregulatory role of CD8+ T cells.
Frontline: The p85α isoform of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase is essential for a subset of B cell receptor‐initiated signaling responses
Authors: Hess Kristen L. , Donahue Amber C. , Ng Kwan L. , Moore Travis I. , Oak Jean , Fruman David A.
Published: September 2004

Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) is a ubiquitously expressed signaling enzyme that plays an integral role in development and activation of B cells. B cell receptor (BCR)‐driven proliferation is completely blocked either in cells lacking the p85α regulatory isoform of PI3K or in wild‐type cells treated with pharmacological PI3K inhibitors. However, the contribution of p85α to early signaling events has not been fully investigated. Here we show that B cells lacking p85α have signaling impairments that are both quantitatively and qualitatively different from those in cells treated with PI3K inhibitors. Loss of p85α results in partial reductions in Ca2+ mobilization and IκB phosphorylation, whereas ERK phosphorylation is not diminished. Moreover, although Akt phosphorylation is partially reduced, phosphorylation of several proteins downstream of Akt is preserved. These partial impairments suggest that there are other routes to PI3K activation in B cells apart from p85α‐associated catalytic subunits. Notably, addition of phorbol ester restores BCR‐mediated proliferation in p85α‐deficient cells but not wild‐type cells treated with PI3K inhibitors. These findings suggest that the primary BCR signaling defect in B cells lacking p85α is a failure to activate diacylglycerol‐regulated signaling enzymes, most likely protein kinase C.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425593
The development of early and mature B cells is impaired in mice deficient for the Ets‐1 transcription factor
Authors: Eyquem Stéphanie , Chemin Karine , Fasseu Magali , Chopin Martine , Sigaux François , Cumano Ana , Bories Jean‐Christophe
Published: September 2004

The Ets‐1 transcription factor is essential for normal development of the natural killer and T cell lineages; however, its role in B cell development remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we used gene targeting to inactivate Ets‐1 in mice (Ets‐1–/–). We show here that the development of B cell precursors, particularly steps requiring pre‐B cell receptor function, is defective in Ets‐1–/– mice. Peripheral B cell subsets were analyzed in RAG2‐deficient mice reconstituted with Ets‐1–/– fetal liver cells. In such Ets‐1–/– chimeric mice, B cell precursors develop into IgM/IgD‐bearing cells, but B‐1a cells as well as transitional‐2 and marginal zone B cell subsets of the spleen are absent. In response to B cell receptor stimulation, Ets‐1–/– splenic B cells fail to express the CD69 and CD25 activation markers. Furthermore, despite activation of ERK and JNK signaling pathways, Ets‐1‐deficient B cells do not proliferate and die following BCR engagement. These findings demonstrate that the effect of Ets‐1 inactivation is not restricted to the terminal B cell differentiation stage, but also affects the development and function of earlier B cell subsets.
Responses to the soluble flagellar protein FliC are Th2, while those to FliC on Salmonella are Th1
Authors: Cunningham Adam F. , Khan Mahmood , Ball Jennifer , Toellner Kai‐Michael , Serre Karine , Mohr Elodie , MacLennan Ian C. M.
Published: September 2004

Features of the Th1 or Th2 phenotype start to develop during CD4 T cell priming. This study of the response to the bacterial flagellar protein FliC shows that either Th1 or Th2 responses can be induced in mice depending upon how FliC is presented. This is shown by assessing the cytokine mRNA and class of FliC‐specific plasma cells induced in situ. Soluble recombinant (r)FliC and polymerized FliC are strongly Th2 polarizing, inducing IL‐4, NIP45 and c‐Maf mRNA as well as ϵ and γ1 switch transcripts and switching to IgG1. CD28‐requirement for this switching shows its T cell dependence. rFliC was unable to induce markers of Th1 activity including IL‐12, T‐bet and IFN‐γ. Conversely, when FliC is presented in its native context surface‐bound on live, flagellated Salmonella, switching is predominantly to IgG2a (IgG2c in C57BL/6 mice), reflecting Th1 activity. The development of divergent FliC‐specific polarization to either Th1 or Th2 indicates that the context in which this antigen is encountered rather than its intrinsic immunostimulatory properties determines the direction of Th polarization.
Frontline: An in‐depth evaluation of the production of IL‐2 by antigen‐specific CD8 T cells in vivo
Authors: D'Souza Warren N. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: September 2004

IL‐2 is an important cytokine that is capable of inducing both proliferation and apoptosis of activated T cells. CD4 T cells are thought to be the major producers of IL‐2, but CD8 T cells also produce copious amounts of this cytokine. However, our current understanding regarding the kinetics of IL‐2 production by antigen‐specific CD8 T cells, and the proportion of these cells that produce IL‐2 in vivo, is extremely limited. We now demonstrate that virus‐specific CD8 T cells initiate IL‐2 production by 6 h post‐infection and prior to cell division in vivo. Interestingly, peak levels of IL‐2 production were achieved very early during the response and prior to the proliferative peak. We also show – using transgenic mice expressing herpes simplex virus‐1 thymidine kinase under the control of the IL‐2 promoter – that, unlike what has been reported for antigen‐specific CD4 T cells, the majority of antigen‐specific CD8 T cells produce IL‐2 during primary as well as secondary immune responses in vivo.
Cover Picture: Synthesis, Structure and Complexation Ability of Novel Metalloreceptors Containing Two Pincer Complexes of Palladium(II) (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 19/2004)
Authors: Nabeshima Tatsuya , Nishida Daisuke , Akine Shigehisa , Saiki Toshiyuki
Published: September 2004

The cover picture shows a flexible Pd metallocrown ether that has two SCS‐pincer ligand moieties. A long bidentate ligand binds to the host in a bridging fashion to close the crown cavity, whereas a short one divides the cavity to give two small polyether rings. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by T. Nabeshima et al. on p. 3779 ff.
Frequent silencing of fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) in Burkitt's lymphoma is associated with aberrant hypermethylation
Authors: Hussain Azhar , Gutiérrez Marina I. , Timson Georgina , Siraj Abdul K. , Deambrogi Clara , Al‐Rasheed Maha , Gaidano Gianluca , Magrath Ian , Bhatia Kishor
Published: September 2004

The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene, a potential tumor‐suppressor gene, is frequently inactivated in multiple human cancers. However, the FHIT gene remains largely unexplored in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Hence, we assessed whether loss of FHIT expression occurs in BL, and, if so, what is the mechanism of such loss. Lack of protein expression was observed in 50% of BL cell lines. Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) showed that 45% of BL cell lines carried aberrantly methylated FHIT alleles. Sequencing of bisulfite‐treated DNA confirmed these data and indicated a very high density of methylation in all methylated alleles. Real‐time, quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR analysis indicated that attenuation of full‐length FHIT transcription was correlated with methylation. Sequencing of transcripts illustrated that aberrant transcription resulting in loss of FHIT exons occurred more commonly in BL containing unmethylated FHIT genes. However, such transcripts often coexisted with full‐length FHIT transcripts. Not surprisingly, therefore, loss of FHIT protein in BL correlated with CpG island methylation, rather than with aberrant transcription. FHIT methylation also was detected in 31% (16 of 51) of the primary BLs examined, including 2 samples whose derived cell lines also manifested FHIT hypermethylation. Aberrant methylation can thus occur in vivo. In summary, this report provides evidence that epigenetic modification frequently results in loss of FHIT expression in BL. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrant alternative exon use and increased copy number of human metalloprotease‐disintegrin ADAM15 gene in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ortiz Rebekka M. , Kärkkäinen Iivari , Huovila Ari‐Pekka J.
Published: September 2004

ADAM genes have been associated with cancer, with ADAM expression, genomic rearrangements, and, by implication of ADAM proteins in the altered behavior found in tumor cells. In the present study, increased copy number of the ADAM15 gene in human breast cancer cell lines was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. This was not reflected in mRNA levels, however. Instead, the use of alternative ADAM15 exons appeared erratic, leading to aberrant combinations of ADAM15 mRNA isoforms in the cancer cells. Clustering analysis indicated that these isoform patterns were nonrandom, suggesting a failure in the regulation mechanism or mechanisms of the alternative exon usage. Altered regulation of alternative exon usage may provide a useful target for cancer diagnostics development. ADAM15 would be particularly appropriate for breast cancer diagnostics because the various combinations of its three alternatively used exons can be readily examined with a simple, straightforward PCR protocol. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New semidominant mutations that affect mouse development
Authors: Bogani Debora , Warr Nick , Elms Paul , Davies Jennifer , Tymowska‐Lalanne Zuzanna , Goldsworthy Michelle , Cox Roger D. , Keays David A. , Flint Jonathan , Wilson Valerie , Nolan Pat , Arkell Ruth
Published: September 2004

Dominantly acting mutations that produce visible phenotypes are frequently recovered, either during routine maintenance of colonies or from mutagenesis experiments. We have studied 12 dominant mouse mutations that cause a tail dysmorphology, a coat spotting phenotype, or a combination of these. The majority of these mutations act in a semidominant manner with the homozygous state associated with embryonic lethality and a visible phenotype at or before midgestation. The homozygous phenotypes include axis truncation and neural crest cell defects, as may be expected from the heterozygous phenotypes. The majority of mutations, however, also produced other phenotypes that include neural tube closure defects and aberrant heart looping. In one coat spotting mutant the homozygous condition is lethal before neural crest cell production commences. The mutated genes often function in processes additional to those alluded to by the heterozygous phenotype. genesis 40:109–117, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraoral sensation before and after radiotherapy and surgery for oral and pharyngeal cancer
Authors: Bodin Ingrid , Jäghagen Eva Levring , Isberg Annika
Published: September 2004

Background.

Patients with unilateral oral or pharyngeal cancer often receive bilateral radiotherapy because of the potential for metastases. Because postoperative sequelae are evident on the tumor side, to date little attention has been paid to sensory alterations after radiotherapy on the healthy, nontumor side. The objective of this study was to investigate possible sensory alterations.

Methods.

Intraoral sensation was tested bilaterally at standardized sites in 27 patients and 20 controls. Preoperative radiotherapy was bilateral in 19 patients and unilateral in eight patients. Patients were tested before treatment, after radiotherapy, and after surgery at 6 months and 1 year. Comparisons were performed interindividually and intraindividually and between groups.

Results.

A delayed deterioration of sensation was revealed on the nontumor side 6 months after radiotherapy. There was no recovery 1 year after treatment.

Conclusions.

Intraoral sensation cannot be evaluated directly after radiotherapy. It is plausible that sensory deterioration after radiotherapy has an impact on functional rehabilitation after tumor treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 923–929, 2004
Diagnostic value of galectin‐3 as a marker for malignancy in follicular patterned thyroid lesions
Authors: Oestreicher‐Kedem Yael , Halpern Marisa , Roizman Pepi , Hardy Britta , Sulkes Jaqueline , Feinmesser Raphael , Stern Yoram
Published: September 2004

Background.

The determination of malignancy in follicular patterned thyroid lesions is based on postoperative histologic findings. Therefore, affected patients are referred for surgery, although only 20% will have a final diagnosis of malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of galectin‐3 as a marker of malignancy in these lesions.

Methods.

Fifty‐four tissue specimens of follicular patterned thyroid lesions were immunohistochemically stained for galectin‐3. Area and intensity scores were recorded.

Results.

Significant differences were found between the benign and malignant lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of galectin‐3 staining were 82%, 68%, 75%, and 77%, respectively (p = .0002). Significant differences were also found between the subgroups of benign and malignant lesions (p ≤ .05).

Conclusions.

Galectin‐3 staining is highly sensitive for malignancy in follicular patterned thyroid lesions. Diagnostic problems may arise in the presence of Hürthle cell proliferation or minimally invasive follicular carcinoma. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 960–966, 2004
Role of class 3 semaphorins in the development and maturation of the septohippocampal pathway
Authors: Pascual Marta , Pozas Esther , Soriano Eduardo
Published: September 2004

In examining the role of Class 3 secreted semaphorins in the prenatal and postnatal development of the septohippocampal pathway, we found that embryonic (E14–E16) septal axons were repelled by the cingulate cortex and the striatum. We also found that the hippocampus exerts chemorepulsion on dorsolateral septal fibers, but not on fibers arising in the medial septum/diagonal band complex, which is the source of septohippocampal axons. These data indicate that endogenous chemorepellents prevent the growth of septal axons in nonappropriate brain areas and direct septohippocampal fibers to the target hippocampus. The embryonic septum expressed np‐1 and np‐2 mRNAs, and the striatum and cerebral cortex expressed sema 3A and sema 3F. Experiments with recombinant semaphorins showed that Sema 3A and 3F, but not Sema 3C or 3E, induce chemorepulsion of septal axons. Sema 3A and 3F also induce growth cone collapse of septal axons. This indicates that these factors are endogenous cues for the early guidance of septohippocampal fibers, including cholinergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic axons, during the embryonic stages. During postnatal stages, when target cell selection and synaptogenesis take place, np‐1 and np‐2 were expressed by septohippocampal neurons at all ages tested. In the target hippocampus, pyramidal and granule cells expressed sema 3E and sema 3A, whereas most interneurons expressed sema 3C, but few expressed sema 3E or 3A. Combined tracing and expression studies showed that GABAergic septohippocampal fibers terminated preferentially onto sema 3C‐positive interneurons. In contrast, cholinergic septohippocampal fibers terminated onto sema 3E and sema 3A‐expressing pyramidal and granule cells. The data suggest that Class 3 secreted semaphorins are involved in postnatal development. Moreover, because GABAergic and cholinergic axons terminate onto neurons expressing distinct, but overlapping, patterns of semaphorin expression, semaphorin functions may be regulated by different signaling mechanisms at postnatal stages. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Egocentric conditional associative learning: Effects of restricted lesions to the hippocampo‐mammillo‐thalamic pathway
Authors: Sziklas V. , Petrides M.
Published: September 2004

Rats with lesions of the hippocampus, the mammillary region, the anterior thalamic nuclei, and normal control animals were trained on a conditional associative learning task in which they had to learn to make one of two motor responses (i.e., turn left or right), depending on which one of two visual cues was presented. Damage to the hippocampus severely impaired performance of this task. By contrast, rats with lesions of the mammillary region or the anterior thalamic nuclei were able to acquire the task at a rate comparable to that of the normal animals. These findings demonstrate that hippocampal lesions impair the ability to form arbitrary associations between visual cues and kinesthetic responses (body turns) and, furthermore, suggest that the hippocampus does not rely on input from its major subcortical targets for learning such visual‐kinesthetic associations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uses and misuses of habituation and related preference paradigms
Authors: Cohen Leslie B.
Published: September 2004

Houston‐Price and Nakai raise an important problem researchers face when attempting to interpret infant visual preference data. This problem stems from paradigms in which infants are only partially familiarized to a stimulus, and it is unclear whether they should show a novelty or familiarity preference to that stimulus in a subsequent test. As Hunter and Ames' (1988) noted in their important chapter, infants will sometimes show a familiarity preference rather than a novelty preference, particularly when the infants are relatively young and the stimuli are relatively complex. In this commentary, I shall make three points regarding this issue: first, that the familiarity preference problem is real; second, that in most cases there is a simple solution to the problem; and third that certain popular infant paradigms can exacerbate the problem. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novelty, familiarity, and infant reasoning
Authors: Slater Alan
Published: September 2004

Where stimuli are possibly discriminable but do not elicit spontaneous differential looking it is customary to use one or other variation of the habituation–dishabituation method in order to investigate their discriminability, and the literature abounds with such studies. However, there are many variations on habituation–dishabituation procedures, varying both within and between the sensory modalities investigated. Additionally, infant attention is a dynamic process which is likely to change over time, and given the great variations in procedures it can often be difficult to know whether infants are giving a familiarity or a novelty preference at test, which can make interpretation of results a difficult, and often controversial problem. Houston‐Price and Nakai give some clear examples of the changing nature of infant preferences, and relate them particularly to the amount of familiarisation prior to testing. The model they favour (and which receives a good deal of support) is that put forward by (among others) Hunter and Ames (1988) in which preferences change over the course of familiarisation time, from preference for neither familiarity or novelty, to familiarity, to no preference, to a novelty preference. They suggest that ‘If an attentional shift from what is familiar to what is novel is always found as the encoding of a familiar stimulus… is completed… then the pattern of change in preference over time should provide crucial information regarding the identity of the obtained effect’. I will argue that this attentional shift is not always found, and that in many instances we need converging evidence in order to clarify experimental findings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing novelty and familiarity effects in infant preference procedures
Authors: Houston‐Price Carmel , Nakai Satsuki
Published: September 2004

This paper considers possible problems researchers might face when interpreting the results of studies that employ variants of the preference procedure. Infants show a tendency to shift their preference from familiar to novel stimuli with increasing exposure to the familiar stimulus, a behaviour that is exploited by the habituation paradigm. This change in attentional preference with exposure leads us to suggest that researchers interested in infants' pre‐experimental or spontaneous preferences should beware of the potentially confounding effects of exposing infants to familiarization trials prior to employing the preference procedure. The notion that infant attentional preference is dynamic also calls into question the use of the direction of post‐familiarization preference per se when interpreting the knowledge or strategies available to infants. We look into the results of a cross‐modal word learning study to show how the interpretation of results may be difficult when infants exhibit a significant preference in an unexpected direction. As a possible solution to this problem we propose that significant preferences in both directions should be sought at multiple intervals over time. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell separation of hepatocytes and fibroblasts through surface‐modified polyurethane membranes
Authors: Higuchi Akon , Tsukamoto Yasuhisa
Published: September 2004

The separation of fibroblast cells (L929 cells) and hepatocytes was investigated by using unmodified and surface‐modified polyurethane (PU) foaming membranes (pore size of 12 μm) by the incorporation of various functional groups. L929 cells permeated more readily than hepatocytes, and very few populations of hepatocytes (<5%) permeated through the membranes. This result was thought to be due to the smaller cell size of the L929 cells (5–10 μm) relative to the hepatocytes (15–30 μm). The larger hepatocytes were thought to plug the pores of the membranes. A good cell separation between L929 cells and hepatocytes was achieved when the cell mixture permeated through the negatively charged PU membranes. The negatively charged membranes were thought to enhance the permeation of L929 cells because of the electrostatic repulsion between the membranes and negatively charged cells. On the other hand, the hepatocytes were unable to permeate through the membranes because of the sieve effect caused by their large cell size. The separation of hepatocytes isolated from mice at different ages was also accomplished by permeating the cell mixture through unmodified and surface‐modified PU membranes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 470–479, 2004
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of sugar‐containing biocompatible hydrogels: Crosslinked poly(β‐methylglucoside acrylate) and poly(β‐methylglucoside methacrylate)
Authors: Park Dae Won , Haam Seungjoo , Lee Tai Gyu , Kim Hae‐Sung , Kim Woo‐Sik
Published: September 2004

Sugar‐containing biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized chemoenzymatically by the following two steps: 1. lipase‐catalyzed esterification of β‐methylglucoside with acrylic acid/methacrylic acid/vinyl acrylate/vinyl methacrylate in solvent as well as solvent‐free process for the formation of sugar‐containing monomers; and 2. polymerization process by free‐radical polymerization with and without a crosslinker, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The solvent‐free process resulted in an initial reaction rate approximately 1.5–2 times faster than that of the solvent process along with a complete consumption of β‐methylglucoside during the alcoholysis. The presence of pendant vinyl groups in β‐methylglucoside acrylate (MGAA) and β‐methylglucoside methacrylate (MGMAA) was confirmed by 1H/13C NMR analysis, whereas the successful polymerization with the consumption of the vinyl groups was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C NMR spectra. The surfaces of both poly(MGAA) and poly(MGMAA) were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The increased contents of EGDMA resulted in a higher tensile strength as well as a reduced swelling ratio of poly(MGAA) and poly(MGMAA). The swelling exponents were within the range of 0.53 and 0.98. In vitro cytotoxicity tests by MTT assay exhibited >90% cell viability in the poly(MGAA) and poly(MGMAA) without EGDMA, whereas a significantly decreased cell viability was observed for those with EGDMA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 497–507, 2004
Analysis of poly(ethylene glycol)‐diacrylate macromer polymerization within a multicomponent semi‐interpenetrating polymer network system
Authors: Witte Richard P. , Blake Alexander J. , Palmer Christine , Kao Weiyuan John
Published: September 2004

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPNs) containing poly(ethylene glycol)‐diacrylate (PEGdA) and modified gelatin were prepared with 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPA) as a photoinitiator. The effect of (i) initiator and PEGdA concentration, and (ii) weight ratio and type of modified gelatin on the conversion of PEGdA functional end groups was monitored in situ using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR). Reaction induction time was dependent on DMPA concentration and increased with decreasing DMPA concentration. Relative reaction rate was strongly dependent on both DMPA and PEGdA concentrations. Gelatin weight ratio and modification did not significantly affect reaction induction time, relative reaction rate, or reaction end time. Swelling/degradation kinetics at various aqueous conditions sought to establish relationships between diacrylate conversion and the resulting semi‐IPN physical properties. Semi‐IPN swelling weight ratio was strongly dependent on solvent conditions and semi‐IPN exposure to γ‐irradiation. Gelatin backbone modification and UV exposure time exhibited no effect on semi‐IPN swelling weight ratio. In conclusion, ATR‐FTIR presents a viable means of monitoring the conversion of PEGdA functional end groups within a complex mixture. UV exposure >10 s did not significantly affect the weight swelling ratio, and supports our ATR‐FTIR results that network formation reached completion before 3 min of UV exposure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 508–518, 2004
Usefulness of photocrosslinkable chitosan for endoscopic cancer treatment in alimentary tract
Authors: Hayashi Takuya , Matsuyama Tomokazu , Hanada Kenji , Nakanishi Kuniaki , Uenoyama Maki , Fujita Masanori , Ishihara Masayuki , Kikuchi Makoto , Ikeda Tomosumi , Tajiri Hisao
Published: September 2004

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), an established treatment for superficial cancer in the stomach, colon, and esophagus, involves extracting the lesion with the aid of high‐frequency current (as in snare polypectomy), following saline injection into the submucosal layer. Of interest in this study was the ability of photocrosslinkable chitosan, which is converted to a hydrogel (like a soft rubber) by 30‐s ultraviolet irradiation, to expand the submucosal layer when used as an injection material. Photocrosslinkable‐chitosan solution or normal saline (0.3 mL) was injected into the submucosal layer of the rat stomach, and the thickness of this layer was measured at various time points thereafter. In these two groups, the values obtained were 3.8 and 2.0 mm, respectively (means; n = 5 each group; p < 0.005), at 30 min after the injection. The cumulative blood loss measured at 20 min after mucosal incision was 113 mg (photocrosslinkable‐chitosan solution), versus 1682 mg (saline) (means, n = 10 each group; p < 0.001). Histologic observation revealed that chitosan, which was retained within the submucosal layer, filled the ulcer base and completely surrounded the bleeding focus. Thus, the photocrosslinkable chitosan developed holds promise for use in EMR as a submucosal injection agent that avoids complications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 71B: 367–372, 2004
Evaluating systems of care: Missing links in children's mental health research
Authors: Cook James R. , Kilmer Ryan P.
Published: September 2004

Systems of care (SOCs) have been developed throughout the country to meet the needs of children with severe emotional disturbances (SED) and their families. In these SOCs, multiple agencies and disciplines are expected to work together with informal community supports to address families' needs (Stroul & Friedman, 1986a). A review of the literature on the impact of SOCs suggests: (a) communities' service delivery systems change; and (b) children experience modest improvements in symptomatology and functioning. At the same time, little is known about (a) which components of the SOC approach, at what levels, are necessary to impact child and family outcomes; (b) the degree to which SOCs affect other family members, beyond the target child; and (c) the impact of community contexts and supports in SOCs. Future research should improve measurement of key SOC constructs, examine the relation between specific levels of implementation and outcomes for the entire family, and investigate the impact of broader community systems and supports on families within SOCs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 655–674, 2004.
Religiosity, spirituality, and help‐seeking among Filipino Americans: Religious clergy or mental health professionals?
Authors: Abe‐Kim Jennifer , Gong Fang , Takeuchi David
Published: September 2004

Data from structured interviews with 2,285 respondents for the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Survey (FACES) were used to examine help‐seeking for emotional distress among Filipino Americans. The influence of religious affiliation, religiosity, and spirituality upon help‐seeking from religious clergy and mental health professionals was assessed after controlling for need (e.g., negative life events, SCL‐90R scores, and somatic symptoms), demographic (e.g., age, gender, marital status, education, county of residence, generational status, and insurance coverage), and cultural variables (e.g., loss of face and language abilities). Rates of help‐seeking from religious clergy versus mental health professionals were comparable (2.5% vs. 2.9%). High religiosity was associated with more help‐seeking from religious clergy but not less help‐seeking from mental health professionals, whereas high spirituality was associated with less mental health help‐seeking. Implications for understanding how religious variables affect help‐seeking were explored. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 675–689, 2004.
Libbie Henrietta Hyman (1888–1969): From developmental mechanics to the evolution of animal body plans
Authors: Jenner Ronald A.
Published: September 2004

Libbie Hyman is the most influential comparative invertebrate zoologist of the 20th century in the English‐speaking world. During the first part of her career Hyman conducted experimental research on the metabolic and developmental physiology of a host of invertebrates and vertebrate embryos. One important aim of these studies was to elucidate the hidden processes of morphogenesis. Some of the papers from this early phase of Hyman's career already contain the seeds for her subsequent occupation with comparative embryology and morphology to address questions about animal body plan evolution and metazoan phylogeny. Hyman's views on invertebrate evolution and phylogeny have become widely incorporated into textbooks, and until very recently Hyman's ideas have been equated with ‘traditional’ or ‘classical’ views on animal evolution. Hyman's enduring fame and significance for modern evo‐devo is primarily based upon her magisterial six‐volume series The Invertebrates, which is the most encompassing single‐author synthesis of invertebrate structure and development of the 20th century. In The Invertebrates Hyman addressed numerous questions about the evolution of animal body plans and metazoan phylogeny that are nowadays core items on the research agenda of evo‐devo. In addition, Hyman had a lasting influence on teaching with the publication of her widely used laboratory manuals for elementary zoology, and especially comparative vertebrate anatomy. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 302B:413–423, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A survey of the year 2003 literature on applications of isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Cliff Matthew J. , Gutierrez Aldo , Ladbury John E.
Published: September 2004

Over the last decade isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) has developed from a specialist method which was largely restricted in its use to dedicated experts, to a major, commercially available tool in the arsenal directed at understanding molecular interactions. The number of those proficient in this field has multiplied dramatically, as has the range of experiments to which this method has been applied. This has led to an overwhelming amount of new data and novel applications to be assessed. With the increasing number of publications in this field comes a need to highlight works of interest and impact. In this overview of the literature we have attempted to draw attention to papers and issues for which both the experienced calorimetrist and the interested dilettante hopefully will share our enthusiasm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic flexibility and change: an aid to strategic thinking or another managerial abstraction?
Authors: Skordoulis Rosemary T.
Published: September 2004

Strategic flexibility, both in its conceptual and practical form, has often fallen prey to criticism for the failure to manifest itself in terms of concrete steps of application and structured design. Constant non‐linear change, toying with managerial competence and emotional intelligence skills, aggravates and makes this discussion all the more pertinent.

Quantification and analysis of strategic flexibility have been cumbersome to accomplish. This paper aspires to supplement the existing literature by defining strategic flexibility as indispensable in times of turbulence and ongoing change.

A parallel drawn between organizations and living systems, and their resistance patterns to environmental shocks originating from change, will serve as a background platform to the discussion, as well as an argumentative tool towards refuting the allegation that flexibility in strategy formulation equates to lack of strategic orientation.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A taxonomy of e‐business adoption and strategies in small and medium sized enterprises
Authors: Meckel Matthias , Walters David , Greenwood Anthony , Baugh Philip
Published: September 2004

Contemporary research has shown the need for a strategic approach when undertaking a new investment such as e‐business (Pleitner, 1989; Schindehutte and Morris, 2001; Whipp, 1996). In this context, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face special problems as they are often dependent on larger enterprises where they are suppliers of products (goods or services) or buyers of products (Kalakota and Robinson, 1999; Mehrtens et al., 2001). They also tend to neglect strategies more than large enterprises and cannot adopt the strategies of large enterprises because of their different situation (Curran and Blackburn, 2001; Beaver, 2002; Jones and Tilley, 2003).

This paper examines the e‐business adoption of SMEs and their attitude towards the use of strategies when adopting e‐business technology. A comprehensive literature review shows that research in this area is deficient. While the subjects of SMEs, e‐business and strategy are adequately covered in the academic literature, there is not sufficient research available linking all three subjects. A taxonomy that describes e‐business adoption and the use of business strategies and e‐business strategies of SMEs should be used as a starting point for further research.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping opportunity space: options for a sustainable e‐strategy
Authors: Stace Doug , Holtham Clive , Courtney Nigel
Published: September 2004

As has been widely reflected in the popular and business media, the dot.com crash in April 2000 heralded a collapse of public and business confidence in almost anything associated with the ‘e‐revolution’ of the late 1990s, or the first wave of e‐change.

During 2002 and 2003 a broad‐based, international sample of 281 organizations was surveyed to validate this populist perception. The findings indicated that many organizations have not only continued with their uptake of modern information systems, but that a good number have been quietly intensifying their efforts.

This paper distinguishes between the replicability of core operational systems for internal cost‐efficiencies and the differentiating capability of customer‐facing technologies that enables firms to attract and maintain a loyal customer base. The parameters for managing the dynamic balance between replicability and differentiation shape a new concept of ‘opportunity space’ which is bounded by a high‐touch/high‐technology dimension and the tangible/intangible nature of the customer offering.

The opportunity space model can be applied to a major product/service offering, a business unit, an enterprise or an industry sector. It allows managers to map where their effort can be focused when evaluating strategic options for the effective introduction of customer‐facing information technologies.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acquiring relevant knowledge for foreign market entry: the role of overseas trade missions
Authors: Spence Martine , Crick Dave
Published: September 2004

This paper investigates the benefit of experiential knowledge acquired from overseas trade mission participation. Trade missions offer potential assistance to firms by providing less experienced exporters with relevant objective and experiential knowledge about targeted markets.

Findings from a UK study indicate that seasoned exporters benefit more from the scheme, where the activities offered before and during the visits are perceived as targeted more to their needs than less experienced firms. Implications for trade mission organizers and public policies are provided in terms of the way in which support may be changed to more directly benefit firms.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portal vein resection: A modified technique for reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Machado Marcel C.C. , Figueira Estela R.R. , Machado Marcel Autran C. , Jukemura José , Cunha José E.M. , Perini Marcos V. , Bacchella Telesforo
Published: September 2004

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the only curative treatment for pancreatic head tumors. The possibility to achieve a potentially curative surgical treatment is limited to patients in which a complete tumor resection can be performed with free surgical margins. In a small number of patients with localized pancreatic cancer, negative margins are only accomplished with portal vein resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is often avoided in these patients due to the mistaken concept that venous resection may be followed by higher mortality and carries poorer survival. Actually, these patients present the same survival rate as patients similarly staged in whom portal vein resection was not performed. Therefore, venous resection is worthwhile. The authors describe an alternative technique for venous reconstruction after resection of a long segment of portal or superior mesenteric vein. The use of a venous graft as proposed in this study is feasible, easy to perform, and may simplify the venous reconstruction even in extensive mesentericoportal venous resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;88:52–54. Copyright © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Invasive cutaneous fungal infections requiring radical resection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ravi , Donato Michele L. , Prieto Victor G. , Mays Steven R. , Raad Issam I. , Kuerer Henry M.
Published: September 2004

Invasive fungal infections have emerged as a significant problem in patients with cancer with the development of better systemic therapies for malignancy and more effective antibacterial agents. The currently available world published medical literature was reviewed on invasive fungal infections in cancer patients with specific attention devoted to the multidisciplinary role of surgery in refractory cutaneous cases. Infections can develop on the forearm where peripheral intravenous catheters had been inserted in cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. Curative intent begins with systemic contemporary anti‐fungal therapy. Following resolution of neutropenia, patients may require radical surgical debridement with negative margins of resection for complete eradication of the fungal infection. Although invasive fungal infections refractory to antifungal systemic therapy in immunocompromised patients undergoing chemotherapy are a rare event, it is critical for surgeons and other multidisciplinary clinicians to recognize these potentially life‐threatening infections that may necessitate radical surgical resection for cure. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;88:21–26. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of occult liver metastases in colorectal cancer by measurement of biliary carcinoembryonic antigen concentration: A prospective study
Authors: Tuech Jean‐Jacques , Pessaux Patrick , Regenet Nicolas , Daver Alain , Lorimier Gerard , Bergamaschi Roberto , Arnaud Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2004

Background

It has been suggested that bile CEA levels could be a sensitive index for the detection of occult liver metastases (LM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the potential value of biliary CEA assay in the early detection of occult LM from CRC.

Methods

From 1995 to 1999 biliary and blood CEA levels were determined in three groups of patients undergoing surgery; Group 1 (n = 35) patients with LM from CRC; Group 2 (n = 154) patients with CRC without LM; Group 3 (n = 23) was the control group.

Results

Biliary and serum CEA levels were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2 (P = 0.008 and P = 0.002) and in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005). With a follow‐up of 36 months (group 2), 22 patients (14%) developed LM. For 59 patients, the bile CEA level during laparotomy was less than 5 ng/ml and for 95 patients this level was more than 5 ng/ml, 4 and 18 patients respectively developed metachronous LM; we found a difference (P = 0.03) between these two subgroups. When this analysis was performed with regard to the stage of the tumor, we found no difference for the node negative cancer (n = 79) subgroup (P = 0.6), but we found a significant difference for the node positive cancer (n = 75) subgroup (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that biliary CEA concentrations at the time of resection of the primary tumor cannot be used to identify patients with occult LM in the node‐negative CCR subgroup. However, patients with node‐positive CCR and bile CEA level under 5 ng/ml developed LM in only 3% of cases; it might be therefore, possible to use that as a discriminant in situations where the risk of LM is small. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;88:27–31. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.