bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEPN1: Associated with congenital fiber‐type disproportion and insulin resistance
Authors: Clarke Nigel F. , Kidson Warren , Quijano‐Roy Susana , Estournet Brigitte , Ferreiro Ana , Guicheney Pascale , Manson James I. , Kornberg Andrew J. , Shield Lloyd K. , North Kathryn N.
Published: February 2006

Objective

Our first objective was to determine whether SEPN1 gene mutations are a cause of congenital fiber‐type disproportion (CFTD), a rare form of congenital myopathy in which relative hypotrophy of type 1 (slow twitch) muscle fibers is the principal abnormality on histology. Second, we investigated an association between SEPN1‐related myopathy and insulin resistance.

Methods

We sequenced SEPN1 in five unrelated CFTD patients with scoliosis and respiratory muscle weakness and screened an additional 22 CFTD patients for abnormalities in SEPN1 by Western blotting and restriction digest for the 943G→A mutation. We performed oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in eight SEPN1‐related myopathy patients.

Results

Two sisters with CFTD were homozygous for the 943G→A SEPN1 mutation and had clinical features typical of previously reported patients with SEPN1‐related myopathy. Five of eight SEPN1‐related myopathy patients had abnormalities on OGTT suggestive of insulin resistance.

Interpretation

SEPN1 is the second genetic cause of CFTD and the first cause of autosomal recessive CFTD to be identified to our knowledge. CFTD is the fourth clinicopathological presentation that can be associated with mutations in SEPN1. Insulin resistance may be a specific, previously unrecognized aspect of SEPN1‐related myopathy. Ann Neurol 2006
High temperature polymerization of propylene catalyzed by MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst with various cocatalysts
Authors: Wang Qi , Lin Yuanzhi , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Boping , Terano Minoru
Published: February 2006

Four cocatalysts, referred to as ethylaluminoxanes, were synthesized by the reaction between triethylaluminium (AIEt3) and water under various molar ratios of H2O/Al at −78°C. Aluminoxanes were used as cocatalysts for a MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst for propylene polymerization at temperatures ranging from 70 to 100°C. When the polymerization was activated by AlEt3, the activity as well as the molecular weight and isotacticity of the resulting polymer gradually dropped as the temperature varied from 70 to 100°C. When ethylaluminoxane was employed as the cocatalyst, good activity and high molecular weight and isotacticity were obtained at 100°C. Furthermore, when the cocatalyst varied from AlEt3 to ethylaluminoxane, the atactic fraction and polymer fraction with moderate isotacticity decreased and the high isotactic fraction slightly increased, which indicated that the variation of the cocatalyst significantly affects the isospecificity of active sites. It was suggested that the reactivity of the Al‐Et group and the size of the cocatalyst were correlated to the performance of the Ziegler–Natta catalyst at different temperatures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1978–1982, 2006
Prediction of properties of rubber by using artificial neural networks
Authors: Vijayabaskar V. , Gupta Rakesh , Chakrabarti P. P. , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: February 2006

Different rubber formulations were designed using nitrile rubber and a mixed crosslinking system consisting of sulfur/accelerator and electron beam radiation. Based on the experimental results, an artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed to simulate the mechanical properties and volume fraction of rubber. The ANN could predict accurately the above properties for a series of nitrile rubber compounds. However, the number of training data played a key role in the ANN predictive quality. In addition, the more complex the nonlinear relation between input and output was, the larger was the number of training dataset required. The predicted results were further validated using another mathematical model. The constructed ANN was verified with a completely different styrene butadiene rubber system. The prediction was found to be extremely good. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2227–2237, 2006
Effect of reaction parameters on the particle sizes of crosslinked spherical phenolic beads by suspension polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde
Authors: Singh Arjun , Lal Darshan
Published: February 2006

The crosslinked spherical phenolic beads (PB) were prepared with phenol and formaldehyde in alkaline medium by suspension polymerization technique. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), and triethylamine (TEA) were used as stabilizer, crosslinking agent, and basic catalyst respectively. The resulting PB with higher yield (82.5%) and relatively uniform particle size range (0.2–1.8 mm) were formed at 95–97°C, 550 rpm for 4 h, by using varied amounts of PVA as a stabilizer. The particle size and its distribution could be adjusted by selecting a suitable polymerization medium, consisting of monomer added to water, and by varying their relative amounts, mechanical agitation and stabilizer concentration. The yield % of PB was also varied with the concentration of stabilizer, agitation rate, and monomer‐to‐water ratio. The effects of concentration of the stabilizer, agitation rates, and monomer‐to‐water ratio on PB formation and morphology are described. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2323–2330, 2006
Two‐dimensional simulation of hollow fiber membrane fabricated by phase inversion method
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Tian , Xu Zhen‐Liang , Wei Yong‐Ming
Published: February 2006

In the steady fabricating process, two‐dimensional hollow fiber membrane near the spinneret was numerically simulated using the finite element method (FEM). The unknown positions of free surface and moving interface were calculated simultaneously by the velocity and pressure fields. The effects of seven relevant parameters, i.e., inertia term, gravity term, dope flow rate, bore flow rate, dope viscosity, tensile force, end velocity and non‐Newtonian on the velocity and diameter profile were studied. On the basis of the simulated results, the inertia term in hollow fiber‐spinning process was safely neglected in low speed, while the effect of gravity was not be neglected. Besides, the outer diameter of the fibers increased with an increase of dope flow rate and bore flow rate; Large tensile force or large end velocity could cause large deformation in the air gap; larger viscous dope solution tended to make less deformation in the air gap. It was found that an increase of the dope flow rate at small dope flow rate resulted in an increase of the inner diameter, while at large dope flow rate, it decreased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2067–2074, 2006
Viscoelastic behavior of thermosetting epoxy mixtures modified with syndiotactic polystyrene during network formation
Authors: Tercjak A. , Serrano E. , Remiro P. M. , Mondragon I.
Published: February 2006

The rheological behavior of thermosetting epoxy mixtures modified with thermoplastic syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) was monitored during the curing of the epoxy resin. The selected thermosetting system was diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A cured with 4,4′‐methylene bis(3‐chloro‐2,6‐diethylaniline) in the presence of various compositions of sPS (from 2.5 to 12.5 wt %). The storage and loss shear moduli of the systems were monitored during network formation. The validity of the Winter–Chambon criterion for the accurate determination at the gelation point from rheological data was demonstrated. The influence of the sPS concentration on the dynamic rheological properties of the samples was investigated. The experimental data showed that at sPS concentrations lower than 7.5 wt %, phase separation induced a quick increase in the viscosity, which was related to a crystallization‐induced phase separation of sPS. For sPS concentrations higher than 7.5 wt %, near the phase‐inversion composition, the rheological behavior of the mixtures was characteristic of a cocontinuous structure. After the viscosity jumped at the onset of phase separation, a decrease in the viscosity was found, and later on, the viscosity increased again because of gelation. Additionally, the influence of the cure temperature on the rheological properties was studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2348–2355, 2006
Poly (N‐methylaniline)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites—Synthesis, characterization, and electrical properties
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Zheng Jiani , Chao Danming , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Wanjin , Wei Yen
Published: February 2006

This study described the synthesis of hydrochloric acid (HCl)‐doped poly (N‐methylaniline) (PNMA) with carboxylic groups containing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWNTs) via in situ polymerization. Based on the π–π electron interaction between c‐MWNTs and the N‐methylaniline monomer and the hydrogen bond interaction between the carboxyl groups of c‐MWNTs and imine groups of N‐methylaniline monomers, N‐methylaniline molecules were adsorbed on the surface of c‐MWNTs and polymerized to form PNMA/c‐MWNT composites. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that both the thinner fibrous phase and the larger block phase could be observed. The individual fibrous phases had diameters from several tens to hundreds of nanometers, depending on the PNMA content. Transmission electron microscopy proved that PNMA/c‐MWNTs composite fibrous phases were core (c‐MWNT)‐shell (PNMA) tubular structures. The structure of PNMA/c‐MWNT composites was characterized by FTIR, UV–vis spectra, and X‐ray diffraction patterns. The electrical conductivities of PNMA/c‐MWNT composites were much higher than that of PNMA without c‐MWNTs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2356–2361, 2006
Preparation of polystyrene/poly(vinyl acetate) nanocomposites with a core–shell structure via emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization
Authors: Soltan‐Dehghan Morteza , Sharifi‐Sanjani Naser , Naderi Nader
Published: February 2006

Polystyrene/poly(vinyl acetate) latex nanoparticles with a core–shell morphology in an emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization system were prepared with purified styrene and vinyl acetate (VAc) as monomers and 2,2′‐azo bis(2‐amino propane) dihydrochloride (ABA,2HCl) as the initiator and emulsifier. The optimized conditions of polymerization of VAc, on top of the already‐formed polystyrene as a core polymer, with a core–shell morphology were obtained using various parameters such as volume ratio of the first and second stages, type of process, and reaction time. The morphologic structure of the nanoparticles was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The latex nanoparticles and polymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2409–2414, 2006
Gas permeation resistance of a perfluoroalkoxy‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer
Authors: Extrand C. W. , Monson L.
Published: February 2006

The permeation resistance of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymer, to various gases was explored. The diffusion and permeability coefficients for hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and air were measured with extruded films using standard manometric techniques. For thicker films, transport properties were independent of film thickness. For the thinnest films, the diffusivity and permeability coefficients were slightly higher because of reduced crystallinity. The solubility of these apolar permeants in PFA was quite low and behaved ideally. Therefore, the permeation characteristics of air could be calculated from those of nitrogen and oxygen. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2122–2125, 2006
Study of sulfonic acid esters from 1→4‐, 1→3‐, and 1→6‐linked polysaccharides
Authors: Koschella Andreas , Leermann Timo , Brackhagen Meinolf , Heinze Thomas
Published: February 2006

Sulfonic acid esters of differently linked polysaccharides including cellulose, dextran, lichenan, and pullulan were synthesized homogeneously applying N,N‐dimethylacetamide/LiCl as the solvent. The dependence of the degree of substitution (DS) on the molar ratio of repeating unit to sulfonic acid chloride and on the structure of the reagent (benzene‐, p‐toluene‐, 4‐chlorobenzene‐, 2,4‐dinitrobenzene‐, 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene‐, and 2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzene sulfonic acid chloride), as well as on the polysaccharide, was studied. DS values in the range of 0.2–2.3 were obtained. Bulky and electron withdrawing substituents on the aromatic ring inhibited ester formation. None of the sulfonic acid chlorides applied showed distinct regioselectivity. The polysaccharide sulfonic acid esters were soluble in organic solvents depending on the type of substituent and the degree of substitution. The molecular structure of the new polymers was confirmed by elemental analysis, FTIR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Subsequently, nucleophilic displacement reactions were carried out, which showed that the reactivity of the primary sulfonic acid ester group was higher than that of the secondary ones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2142–2150, 2006
A water‐soluble acrylate/sulfonate copolymer. I. Its synthesis and dispersing ability on cement
Authors: Ye Yi‐Shian , Huang Hung‐Lung , Hsu Kung‐Chung
Published: February 2006

A new water‐soluble methacrylate/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonate copolymer (PMAMP) was synthesized and evaluated as a dispersion agent for cement particles. PMAMP was prepared from methacrylic acid and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMP). The structure of the prepared polymer was verified by its NMR and IR spectra. The dispersing properties of PMAMP were evaluated by a minislump test on cement pastes. The test results indicated that this copolymer could disperse the cement particles and improve the minislump of cement pastes. Compared with a commercial superplasticizer (sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates), PMAMP performed better in enhancing the fluidity of the cement pastes. The polymer with about 40–50% AMP and a weight‐average molecular weight of about 5 × 104 was most effective in dispersing cement particles and promoting the fluidity of cement pastes. Nevertheless, PMAMP with a higher AMP content or a higher molecular weight appeared to cause less slump loss. This was related to the interaction of this admixture with the cement particles and its adsorption behavior onto the cement particles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2490–2496, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of soluble hybrids of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) or its copolymer
Authors: Huang K. S. , Lee E. C. , Chang Y. S.
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the properties and synthesis feasibility of water‐soluble hybrids of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) or a PVP copolymer. PVP was first mixed with different concentrations of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to produce PVP/SiO2 hybrids. Second, PVP/sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) copolymers were prepared and further developed into hybrids and then were analyzed and tested with methods such as Fourier transform infrared, NMR, X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. According to the results of the experiments, the PVP polymer or its copolymer generated hydrogen bonding with the OH group in SiO2 with both PVP/SiO2 and PVP–PAANa/SiO2 hybrids. With an adequate concentration of TEOS, the hybrids exhibited increased heat resistance. Moreover, the roughness and holes in the hybrids increased with increasing TEOS concentration. However, when the TEOS concentration exceeded 6%, the roughness began to drop. Finally, all the hybrids were water‐soluble but possessed inferior solubility when used with organic solvents. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2164–2170, 2006
Hydrosilylation reaction of methylhydridesiloxane to phenylacetylene
Authors: Mukbaniani O. , Tatrishvili T. , Titvinidze G. , Mukbaniani N. , Lezhava L. , Gogesashvili N.
Published: February 2006

The hydrosilylation reaction of α,ω‐bis(trimethylsiloxy)methylhydridesiloxane to phenylacetylene in the presence of catalyst—platinum hydrochloric acid (0.1M solution in tetrahydrofuran)—at 1 : 35 ratio of initial compounds, at various temperatures (40–60°C) was investigated and methylsiloxane oligomers with phenethenyl substituted groups in the side chain has been obtained. It was shown that complete hydrosilylation of all active (SiH groups do not take place. The hydrosilylation reaction order, activation energy, and rate constants were found. The synthesized oligomers were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and IR spectral data. Gel‐permeation chromatographic, differential scanning calorimetric, thermogravimetric, and wide‐angle X‐ray investigations of synthesized oligomers were carried out. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2511–2515, 2006
The effect of the osmolyte trimethylamine N‐oxide on the stability of the prion protein at low pH
Authors: Granata Vincenzo , Palladino Pasquale , Tizzano Barbara , Negro Alessandro , Berisio Rita , Zagari Adriana
Published: February 2006

A study of the effect of trimethylamine N‐oxide on the stability of two recombinant forms of the prion protein PrP, an ovine full‐length and a human truncated form, is here reported. Both thermal denaturation and denaturation at room temperature were analyzed at pH values above and below the pKa of trimethylamine N‐oxide, which is close to 4.7. Surprisingly, results showed that not only is trimethylamine N‐oxide able to decrease PrP thermal stability at low pH but it also acts as a strong denaturant at room temperature. Likely, this destabilization is due to the capability of the cationic form of trimethylamine N‐oxide to interact with the protein backbone as well as to weaken electrostatic interactions which are important for PrP fold. These results constitute the first experimental measurement of the effect of trimethylamine N‐oxide on PrP stability and provide an unambiguous proof of the destabilizing effect of this osmolyte on PrP at low pH. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 234–240, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Chiral Multidimensional Gas Chromatography (MDGC) and Chiral GC–Olfactometry with a Double‐Cool‐Strand Interface: Application to Malodors
Authors: Begnaud Frédéric , Starkenmann Christian , Van de Waal Matthijs , Chaintreau Alain
Published: February 2006

Volatile sulfur compounds such as 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexan‐1‐ol (1) are largely responsible for axillary‐sweat malodors. In this work, we describe the determination of the enantiomer ratio of the trace constituent 1 and the odor description of its antipodes (R)‐ and (S)‐1 by means of multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC) in combination with chiral gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC‐O). This technique allowed the on‐line evaluation of the sensory character of both enantiomers via a sniffing port, and is based on a novel double‐cool‐strand interface (DCSI). First, the system's inertness was tested towards the labile compound 2‐methylfuran‐3‐thiol (MFT; 2). Then, the DCSI was used in a new configuration to achieve olfactive characterization by means of chiral GC‐O. In contrast to direct smelling after the chiral column, our technique allows, for the first time, to significantly delay the perception of the second‐eluting enantiomer after the first one. This lowers the risk of sensory saturation, as the panelist can recover from the first stimulus, before evaluating the second one. To help programming the DCSI, a dedicated program was set up. The enantiomer ratio of the sweat malodor 1 was determined as (S)/(R) 3 : 1, and the dominating (S)‐isomer was shown to largely impart its specific character to the overall odor of the sweat extract.
Ginsenoside Rd from Panax notoginseng Is Cytotoxic towards HeLa Cancer Cells and Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Gang , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Ye Yi‐Ping
Published: February 2006

The saponin ginsenoside Rd (1), isolated from Panax notoginseng, is used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, different body pains, trauma, and internal and external bleeding due to injury. In this study, we report that 1 inhibits the cell growth of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 150.5±0.8 μg/ml after 48 h of incubation. The drug‐treated cells displayed features of apoptosis, including typical morphological characteristics and formation of DNA ladders, as evident from agarose‐gel electrophoresis. Flow‐cytometric analysis showed that the cell‐cycle distribution of HeLa cells exposed to 1 is characterized by a decrease of the G0/G1‐phase and an increase of the S‐phase cells, respectively, in a dose‐dependent manner. The apoptotic rate of HeLa cells treated for 48 h with 210 μg/ml of 1 was 35.8%. Further, 1 was found to increase the expression of Bax and to decrease the expression of Bcl‐2 proteins, respectively, and to lower the mitochondrial transmembrane potential of HeLa cells. The caspase‐3 inhibitor DEVD‐CHO (at 2 μM) increased the viability of HeLa cells treated with 1. Taken together, our study suggests that ginsenoside Rd (1) significantly inhibits HeLa cell proliferation, and induces cell apoptosis through down‐regulating Bcl‐2 expression, up‐regulating Bax expression, lowering the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and activating the caspase‐3 pathway. Thus, 1 could serve as a lead to develop novel chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents against human cervical cancer.
Anthracobic Acids A and B, Two Polyketides, Produced by an Endophytic Fungus Anthracobia sp.
Authors: Shiono Yoshihito
Published: February 2006

Two new polyketides, anthracobic acids A and B (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from a cultured endophytic fungus, Anthracobia sp. The NMR study revealed that both anthracobic acids contain a carboxylic acid conjugated tetraene attached to an octahydronaphthalene moiety. Both compounds showed antimicrobial activity.
Drug‐eluting stent‐supported percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total coronary occlusion
Authors: Migliorini Angela , Moschi Guia , Vergara Ruben , Parodi Guido , Carrabba Nazario , Antoniucci David
Published: February 2006

Objectives:

This study sought to determine the clinical and angiographic outcomes after drug‐eluting stent (DES)‐supported percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO).

Background:

There are few data about the efficacy of DES‐supported PCI for CTO.

Methods:

All consecutive patients who had a sirolimus‐eluting stent or a paclitaxel‐eluting stent implanted for CTO from December 2003 to December 2004 were analyzed. Clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with DES were compared with a case‐matched control group of patients treated with bare metal stents (BMS) in the 12 months before the routine use of DES.

Results:

Successful DES‐supported PCI was performed in 92 patients and 104 CTO. The case‐matched control group consisted of 26 patients and 27 CTO successfully treated with BMS. There were no differences between groups in baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Stent length in the DES group was higher as compared with that of BMS group (51 ± 28 mm vs. 40 ± 19 mm, P = 0.073). The 6‐month major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was lower in the DES group as compared with that of BMS group (9.8% vs. 23%, P = 0.072). The angiographic follow‐rate was 80% in the DES group and 81% in the BMS group. The 6‐month restenosis rate was 19% in the DES group and 45% in the BMS group (P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, it was found that in the DES group, the only predictors of restenosis were stented segment length (OR 1.031, 95% CI 1.01–1.06, P = 0.009) and a target vessel reference diameter < 2.5 mm (OR 6.48, 95% CI 1.51–27.83, P = 0.012), while the only predictor of MACE was stent length (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

DES implantation for CTO decreases the risk of mid‐term restenosis and MACE. Small vessels and diffuse disease requiring the implantation of multiple stents and very long stents for full coverage of the target lesion are still associated with a relatively high risk of restenosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of outcome and complications using different types of devices for percutaneous closure of a secundum atrial septal defect in adults: A single‐center experience
Authors: Post Martijn C. , Suttorp Maarten J. , Jaarsma Wybren , Plokker H.W. Thijs
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to find differences in outcome and complications using three different types of devices for percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in adults. Percutaneous closure of a secundum‐type ASD is increasingly performed in adult patients. All adult patients who underwent a percutaneous closure of a secundum‐type ASD in our center between November 1996 and November 2004 were included. Failure was defined as dislocation or embolization of the device, which required surgical intervention. Periprocedural and mid‐term complications were registered. Sixty‐five patients, mean age 45.7 ± 18.1 years (18 men, 47 women), underwent a percutaneous closure of an ASD with an ASDOS in 3, an Amplatzer in 36, and a Cardioseal/Starflex closure device in 26 patients. During an overall median follow‐up of 1.2 years (range, 0.1–6.7 years), the failure occurred in four patients, all Cardioseal/Starflex (P = 0.04). Within the Cardioseal/Starflex subgroup, the ASD and device diameters were significantly higher in those patients in whom the primary endpoint occurred compared to the others, 18.8 ± 3.8 vs. 13.0 ± 3.8 mm for ASD diameter (P = 0.01) and 40 (range, 40–43) vs. 33 mm (range, 20–40) for device diameter (P = 0.008). Overall complications were transient arrhythmias in 15.4%, pericardial effusion in 1.5%, and transient ischemic attack in 1.5%. Complete closure 6 months after the procedure occurred in 79.6%, without difference between the devices. Percutaneous ASD closure seems to be a relatively safe and effective procedure. However, using the larger Cardioseal/Starflex devices for closure seems to be related to a higher rate of device dislocation and embolization. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
677TT polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in combination with low serum vitamin B12 is associated with coronary in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Chung Sheng‐Liang , Chiou Kuan‐Rau , Charng Min‐Ji
Published: February 2006

Background:

Recent studies have shown that a common mutation (nucleotide 677 C→T) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may contribute to a mild rise in plasma homocysteine levels and increase the incidence of coronary artery disease. Therefore, this study was designed to further investigate whether the effects of MTHFR 677 C to T mutation, plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12, and folate can influence restenosis after successful coronary stenting.

Methods and Results:

We investigated 260 patients each with a lesion after successful coronary stent placement. All patients received a repeated angiography after 6 months, or earlier if clinically indicated. Angiographic in‐stent restenosis (ISR) was defined as ≥50% diameter stenosis at follow‐up. Genotyping for MTHFR was based on a polymerase chain reaction technique. Also fasting plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels were measured at the same time. The ISR rate was higher among the patients with the TT genotype than in those with the non‐TT genotypes (64.0% versus 32.9%, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in plasma homocysteine levels among patients with the TT genotype and patients with the non‐TT genotypes (15.9 ± 7.6 versus 15.5 ± 6.6 μmol/L, P = 0.75). However, among the patients with the TT genotype, those with higher plasma homocysteine levels (≥12 μmol/L) demonstrated a significantly higher ISR rate (75.0% versus 33.5%, P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the combined presence of the MTHFR TT genotype and lower than average serum vitamin B12 (≥550 pg/mL) resulted in the most significant difference in the risk of ISR (OR = 3.57, CI = 1.51–8.46, P = 0.004; OR = 2.36, CI = 1.35–4.15, P = 0.003).

Conclusions:

MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and low serum vitamin B12 each individually increased the risk of coronary ISR. Furthermore, the combination of these parameters resulted in a greater increase in risk. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Flexible Gold/Cross‐Linked‐PVA Sub‐Microcables and Cross‐Linked‐PVA Tubes/Fibers by Using Templating Approaches Based on Silver/Cross‐Linked‐PVA Sub‐Microcables
Authors: Luo Lin‐Bao , Yu Shu‐Hong , Qian Hai‐Sheng , Gong Jun‐Yan
Published: February 2006

Well‐defined silver/cross‐linked‐poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sub‐microcables, which were synthesized from a hydrothermal reaction using AgCl and PVA as precursors, have been used as sacrificial templates to fabricate gold/cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microcables by etching the silver/cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microcables with tetrachloroaurate(III). In addition, well‐defined cross‐linked‐PVA sub‐microtubes/sub‐microfibers can also be produced by the removal of the silver cores of such sub‐microcables at ambient temperature. The channel diameter and the shell thickness could be tuned by controlling the diameter of the core sub‐microfibers and the shell thickness of the precursor sub‐microcables. These cross‐linked‐PVA‐based cables, tubes, and fibers have the potential to be used in future applications such as nanodevices.
Visual cycle protein RPE65 persists in new retinal cells during retinal regeneration of adult newt
Authors: Chiba Chikafumi , Hoshino Akika , Nakamura Kenta , Susaki Kanako , Yamano Yuka , Kaneko Yuko , Kuwata Osamu , Maruo Fumiaki , Saito Takehiko
Published: February 2006

Adult newts can regenerate their entire retina through transdifferentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The objective of this study was to redescribe the retina regeneration process by means of modern biological techniques. We report two different antibodies (RPE‐No.112 and MAB5428) that recognize the newt homolog of RPE65, which is involved in the visual cycle and exclusively label the RPE cell‐layer in the adult newt eye. We analyzed the process of retinal regeneration by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting and propose that this process should be divided into nine stages. We found that the RPE65 protein is present in the RPE‐derived new retinal rudiment at 14 days postoperative (po) and in the regenerating retinas at the 3–4 cell stage (19 days po). These observations suggest that certain characteristics of RPE cells overlap with those of retinal stem/progenitor cells during the period of transdifferentiation. However, RPE65 protein was not detected in either retinal stem/progenitor cells in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) of adult eyes or in neuroepithelium present during retina development, where it was first detected in differentiated RPE. Moreover, the gene expression of RPE65 was drastically downregulated in the early phase of transdifferentiation (by 10 days po), while those of Connexin43 and Pax‐6, both expressed in regenerating retinas, were differently upregulated. These observations suggest that the RPE65 protein in the RPE‐derived retinal rudiment may represent the remainder after protein degradation or discharge rather than newly synthesized protein. J. Comp. Neurol. 40:391–407, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related molecular reorganization at the node of Ranvier
Authors: Hinman Jason D. , Peters Alan , Cabral Howard , Rosene Douglas L. , Hollander William , Rasband Matthew N. , Abraham Carmela R.
Published: February 2006

In myelinated axons, action potential conduction is dependent on the discrete clustering of ion channels at specialized regions of the axon, termed nodes of Ranvier. This organization is controlled, at least in part, by the adherence of myelin sheaths to the axolemma in the adjacent region of the paranode. Age‐related disruption in the integrity of internodal myelin sheaths is well described and includes splitting of myelin sheaths, redundant myelin, and fluctuations in biochemical constituents of myelin. These changes have been proposed to contribute to age‐related cognitive decline; in previous studies of monkeys, myelin changes correlate with cognitive performance. In the present study, we hypothesize that age‐dependent myelin breakdown results in concomitant disruption at sites of axoglial contact, in particular at the paranode, and that this disruption alters the molecular organization in this region. In aged monkey and rat optic nerves, immunolabeling for voltage‐dependent potassium channels of the Shaker family (Kv1.2), normally localizing in the adjacent juxtaparanode, were mislocalized to the paranode. Similarly, immunolabeling for the paranodal marker caspr reveals irregular caspr‐labeled paranodal profiles, suggesting that there may be age‐related changes in paranodal structure. Ultrastructural analysis of paranodal segments from optic nerve of aged monkeys shows that, in a subset of myelinated axons with thick sheaths, some paranodal loops fail to contact the axolemma. Thus, age‐dependent myelin alterations affect axonal protein localization and may be detrimental to maintenance of axonal conduction. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:351–362, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restricted distribution of D‐unit‐rich chondroitin sulfate carbohydrate chains in the neuropil encircling the optic tract and on a subset of retinal axons in chick embryos
Authors: Ichijo Hiroyuki
Published: February 2006

To obtain basic information about the structural diversity and functional specificity of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) in the formation of the retinotectal pathway in chick embryos, the distribution of CSs around the optic tract was investigated by using anti‐CS monoclonal antibodies with different specificities. The CSs are unbranched polymers composed of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). The disaccharide units are classified into O‐, A‐, C‐, D‐, and E‐units based on the position(s) of the added sulfate group(s). The MO‐225 monoclonal antibody recognizes CSs that are rich in the D‐unit [GlcA(2S)β1–3GalNAc(6S)]; the MO‐225 epitopes were distributed in the diencephalotelencephalic boundary and the neuropil encircling the optic tract. In addition, they were distributed on membrane surfaces of the retinal axons running in an interface layer in contact with the neuropil encircling the optic tract. The results suggest that D‐unit‐rich CSs are involved in delimiting the border of the optic tract and in the chronological sorting of the retinal axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:470–479, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Active zone protein CAST is a component of conventional and ribbon synapses in mouse retina
Authors: Deguchi‐Tawarada Maki , Inoue Eiji , Takao‐Rikitsu Etsuko , Inoue Marie , Kitajima Isao , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Takai Yoshimi
Published: February 2006

CAST is a novel cytomatrix at the active zone (CAZ)‐associated protein. In conventional brain synapses, CAST forms a large molecular complex with other CAZ proteins, including RIM, Munc13‐1, Bassoon, and Piccolo. Here we investigated the distribution of CAST and its structurally related protein, ELKS, in mouse retina. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CAST and ELKS showed punctate signals in the outer and inner plexiform layers of the retina that were well‐colocalized with those of Bassoon and RIM. Both proteins were found presynaptically at glutamatergic ribbon synapses, and at conventional GABAergic and glycinergic synapses. Moreover, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that CAST, like Bassoon and RIM, localized at the base of synaptic ribbons, whereas ELKS localized around the ribbons. Both proteins also localized in the vicinity of the presynaptic plasma membrane of conventional synapses in the retina. These results indicated that CAST and ELKS were novel components of the presynaptic apparatus of mouse retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:480–496, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A major role for astrocytes in the neuroprotective effect of estrogen
Authors: Sortino Maria Angela , Platania Paola , Chisari Mariangela , Merlo Sara , Copani Agata , Catania Maria Vincenza
Published: February 2006

Estrogen exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity as suggested by both in vitro and in vivo evidence. Expression of estrogen receptors has been demonstrated in neurons and also in glial cells. Glia, and in particular astrocytes, represent a target for estrogen and contribute to the neuroprotective effect of the steroid hormone. Particular emphasis is given here to the role of astrocytes in mediating some of the protective effects of estrogen in models of neuronal damage. Estrogen receptors are up‐regulated in different brain areas during neurodegeneration, a phenomenon that may potentiate neuroprotective mechanisms, and estrogen appears effective in modulating the uptake of the excitotoxin glutamate. In addition, following neuronal insults, astrocytes may represent a source of estrogen through over‐expression of the estrogen‐synthesizing enzyme, aromatase. The contribution of astrocytes as a source of growth factors is also discussed in terms of the neuroprotection obtained in different in vitro models of neurodegenerative conditions. Drug Dev. Res. 66:126–135, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estradiol‐induced enhancement in cell proliferation is mediated through estrogen receptors in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats
Authors: Nagy Anna I. , Ormerod Brandi K. , Mazzucco Christine , Galea Liisa A.M.
Published: February 2006

High‐level estradiol enhances cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats within 4 h of administration and then suppresses cell proliferation within 48 h via an adrenal steroid‐dependent mechanism (Ormerod et al., [2003b] J Neurobiol 55:247–260). Here, we investigate whether the estradiol‐induced enhancement in progenitor cell proliferation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERSs) using the selective ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Ovariectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats were given two subcutaneous injections of either vehicle + vehicle (VEH; 0.1 ml sesame oil); VEH+ICI (500 µg); estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 µg)+VEH; or EB +ICI. The cell synthesis marker, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (200 mg/kg) was administered 4 h later. Animals were perfused 24 h after BrdU injection and cell proliferation was assessed following immunohistochemical processing of the tissue. Relative to VEH, EB increased cell proliferation by approximately 50%. This EB‐induced increase was partially blocked by ICI 182,780 treatment, and ICI 182,780 treatment alone enhanced cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that estradiol enhances cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of adult female rats by activating estrogen receptors. Drug Dev. Res. 66:142–149, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of estrogens and antiestrogens in rat models of hot flush
Authors: Merchenthaler Istvan
Published: February 2006

Rat models of hot flush provide important preclinical tools for evaluating the effect of estrogens and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM), including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone, some of which have received renewed attention as agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The first rat model of hot flush is the ovariectomized morphine‐dependent model. When morphine is withdrawn with the opioid antagonist naloxone, temperature of the tail is increased by 4–6°C (“hot flush”). Estrogens reduce the elevation of tail skin temperature significantly. Tamoxifen functions as a partial agonist, whereas raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this animal model. However, when co‐administered with estrogen, both tamoxifen and raloxifene antagonize estrogen's action. The second model is based on the diurnal change in tail skin temperature of intact rats, which is 6°C lower during the active phase (lights off) than in the passive phase (lights on) of the day. Ovariectomy affects tail skin temperature of the rats' active but not their passive phase, and skin temperature drops only 1°C instead of the 6°C measured in intact, cycling rats. Estrogen and tibolone restore the changes in tail skin temperature to that present in intact rats; however, raloxifene functions as anti‐estrogen in this model. Although neither of the two models exactly recapitulates the hot flush occurring in humans, the heat‐dissipating mechanisms are probably similar. Thus, both models can be used to evaluate the estrogenic versus anti‐estrogenic nature of estrogen receptor ligands, and both models, therefore, provide valuable preclinical tools for drug discovery aimed at identifying compounds to alleviate hot flushes in humans. Drug Dev. Res. 66:182–188, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of 1 × 2 interleaver by parallel‐coupled microring resonator
Authors: Ito Toshinobu , Kokubun Yasuo
Published: February 2006

For narrower wavelength spacing in order to allow a further increase of communication capacity for optical communications, interleavers are used in addition to wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexers. The wavelength filters for an interleaver are required to have characteristics in which box‐shaped filtering characteristics with a narrow bandwidth appear alternatively and periodically. A ring resonator filter can be made to have a box‐shaped filter characteristic by higher‐order cascading so that the peaks appear periodically in wavelength. By using these properties, an interleaver with fourth‐order parallel ring resonators is proposed. A 1 × 2 interleaver is fabricated for trial by a design that expands the fabrication tolerance by using an improved waveguide pattern. The interleave characteristics of the spectrum are demonstrated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 56–64, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20171
Growth of nitride semiconductors and its application to heterojunction bipolar transistors
Authors: Makimoto Toshiki , Kumakura Kazuhide
Published: February 2006

Nitride heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are promising for high‐power and high‐temperature applications. However, two major issues for nitride HBTs have been low current gains and large offset voltages. Recently, to resolve these two issues, we developed a technique for extrinsic base regrowth of p‐InGaN which led to the successful fabrication of Npn‐type GaN/InGaN HBTs with high current gains and low offset voltages. These GaN/InGaN HBTs have a low‐resistivity p‐InGaN base and wide‐bandgap n‐GaN collector. We demonstrated their high breakdown voltage characteristics as well as high current density characteristics. These characteristics indicate that GaN/InGaN HBTs are favorable for high‐power electronic devices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 20–25, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20216
Design of microstrip‐line bandpass filter based on reflected characteristics in time domain
Authors: Nakayama Masaharu , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Tsuji Mikio , Shigesawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2006

As an inverse scattering problem using the one‐dimensional Transmission‐Line Matrix (TLM) method, it is possible to derive the transmission line shape from an arbitrary reflection characteristic in the time domain. In this paper, a bandpass filter consisting of microstrip lines is designed based on this TLM method. In the designed filter, there is a frequency shift of the filter characteristics toward the lower frequencies, which is caused by the phase shift at the discontinuity. An improvement method is proposed in which transmission line correction is performed on the basis of the LC equivalent circuit of the impedance discontinuity. Its usefulness is experimentally verified. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 1–9, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20221
Sensorless vector control of induction motor stabilized in the whole region with speed and stator resistance identification based on augmented error
Authors: Hamajima Toyokazu , Hasegawa Masaru , Doki Shinji , Okuma Shigeru
Published: February 2006

This paper proposes new identification laws of an adaptive flux observer for speed sensorless vector controls. In speed sensorless vector controls of an induction motor with the adaptive observer, the speed identification system is known to be unstable in a part of the regenerating region. In addition, it is pointed out that the stator resistance variation interferes with the speed identification. Thus, it is necessary to find an adaptive scheme which can stabilize the identification system.

In this paper, first, the stability on the parameter identification is discussed from the viewpoint of Popov's hyperstability. Second, identification laws for the speed and the stator resistance are proposed based on the new identification system which is derived by using the augmented error. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by experiments. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(1): 52–63, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20187
Advanced‐staged tonsillar squamous carcinoma: Organ preservation versus surgical management of the primary site
Authors: Shirazi Haider Ali , Sivanandan Ranjiv , Goode Richard , Fee Willard E. , Kaplan Michael J. , Pinto Harlan A. , Goffinet Don R. , Le Quynh‐Thu
Published: February 2006

Background.

Our aim was to review our experience in the management of advanced tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to compare treatment outcomes between patients treated with and without surgery to the primary site.

Methods.

The records of 74 patients with advanced‐stage tonsillar SCC were reviewed. The median age at diagnosis was 58 years. Thirty‐eight patients received definitive surgery to the primary site, and 36 were treated with an organ‐preservation approach (OP) using radiotherapy ± chemotherapy.

Results.

No significant difference in overall survival (OS) or freedom from relapse (FFR) by treatment was found. T classification and N status were significant independent predictors on multivariate analysis for OS and FFR. Major late toxicity was noted in 10 patients in the surgical group and nine in the OP group.

Conclusion.

Patients treated with OP and primary surgery had comparable OS and FFR. T classification and N status were significant independent predictors for tumor relapse and survival. On the basis of these results, we favor organ‐preservation therapy for patients with advanced‐stage tonsillar SCC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
New modification of the mandibulotomy approach without lip splitting
Authors: Baek Chung‐Hwan , Lee Seung‐Won , Jeong Han‐Sin
Published: February 2006

Background.

A lower lip‐splitting incision has traditionally been performed with different types of mandibulotomy approaches for obtaining wide access to oral and oropharyngeal cancers. However, lip splitting can be associated with unfavorable aesthetic results. We describe our new modification of a traditional mandibulotomy approach without lip splitting to avoid these morbidities. This is a case series in a tertiary referral center.

Methods.

The primary tumor site was the oropharynx in four cases, the oral cavity in two cases, and the parapharynx in one case. Each case was assessed for TNM staging, perioperative complications, status of the resection margins, tumor recurrence, and the aesthetic and functional results of the lower lip.

Results.

All the tumors were safely removed by means of our modified non–lip‐splitting mandibulotomy approach through the combined intraoral and transcervical routes with adequate resection margins. There were no troublesome difficulties in reconstruction of the surgical defects with various major flaps. The cosmetic results were excellent with intact lip function.

Conclusion.

We believe this new modified non–lip‐splitting mandibulotomy approach could replace the conventional mandibulotomy approach for some selected malignant lesions, with excellent cosmetic and functional results of the lower lip. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006