bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of congenital abdominal wall defects - omphalocele and gastroschisis
Authors: Tatic Milanka , Jokic Radoica , Bukarica Svetlana , Borisev Vladimir
Published: November 2006

Introduction. This is a retrospective analysis of therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) in a five year period. The aim of this study was to identify factors which can affect the prognosis of future therapeutic procedures. Material and methods. We evaluated 13 children, 7 with omphalocele (2 female/5 male; mean birth weight of 2862 g; mean gestational age of 37 weeks), and 6 patients with gastroschisis (2 female/4 male; mean birth weight of 2640 g; mean gestational age of 36/2 weeks). All patients were treated at the Clinic of Pediatric Surgeiyfrom 1999 to 2003. Results. In this study, thirteen cases of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) were retrospectively investigated. All patients underwent prenatal ultrasound. Omphalocele was prenatally detected in 42.8% of fetuses, and gastroschisis in 16.7%. Coexisting anomalies were present in 57.1% of patients with omphalocele and in 16.7% of newborns with gastroschisis. Three patients with omphalocele were treated operatively, and four only conservatively. The abdominal wall of patients with gastroschisis was primarily closed in three patients. Two patients required a staged abdominal wall closure. One patient with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia underwent primary closure after partial intestinal resection and enterostomy. Based on these responses, a management protocol (algorithm) was recommended. The most common postoperative complication, in 7 cases of omphalocele, was mechanical ileus (n=l), whereas among patients with gastroschisis the commonest were mechanical ileus (n=l) and intestinal perforation (n=1). The mortality of patients with omphalocele was 52% and with gastroschisis 66.7%. Conclusion. A strategy designed to optimize antenatal and neonatal factors is expected to increase the survival rate of patients with abdominal wall defects. .
Approximation result toward nearest neighbor heuristic
Authors: Monnot Jér"me
Published: November 2006

In this paper, we revisit the famous heuristic called nearest neighbor (N N) for the traveling salesman problem under maximization and minimization goal. We deal with variants where the edge costs belong to interval Sa;taC for a>0 and t>1, which certainly corresponds to practical cases of these problems. We prove that NN is a (t+1)/2t-approximation for maxTSPSa;taC and a 2/(t+1)-approximation for minTSPSa;taC under the standard performance ratio. Moreover, we show that these ratios are tight for some instances.
Long step homogeneous interior point algorithm for the p* nonlinear complementarity problems
Authors: Lesaja Goran
Published: November 2006

A P*-Nonlinear Complementarity Problem as a generalization of the P*-Linear Complementarity Problem is considered. We show that the long-step version of the homogeneous self-dual interior-point algorithm could be used to solve such a problem. The algorithm achieves linear global convergence and quadratic local convergence under the following assumptions: the function satisfies a modified scaled Lipschitz condition, the problem has a strictly complementary solution, and certain submatrix of the Jacobian is nonsingular on some compact set.
A real case study on transportation scenario comparison
Authors: Tsoukiás A. , Papayannakis A.
Published: November 2006

This paper presents a real case study dealing with the comparison of transport scenarios. The study is conducted within a larger project concerning the establishment of the maritime traffic policy in Greece. The paper presents the problem situation and an appropriate problem formulation. Moreover a detailed version of the evaluation model is presented in the paper. The model consists of a complex hierarchy of evaluation models enabling us to take into account the multiple dimensions and points of view of the actors involved in the evaluations.
Issues of the European transport policy and current state of EU funded transport research
Authors: Giannopoulos George
Published: November 2006

This paper sets out the main lines of the existing EU Transport Policy, and transport research. After a brief description of the main elements of this policy, a discussion is given of its relation with transport research and the basic orientations that existed under the previous Framework Programs for EU funded research. Then the main elements of the policy for the new (6th) Framework Program are presented.
Genetic algorithms and smoothing filters in solving the geophysical inversion problem
Authors: Sesum Vesna , Tosic Dusan
Published: November 2006

The combination of genetic algorithms, smoothing filters and geophysical tomography is used in solving the geophysical inversion problem. This hybrid technique is developed to improve the results obtained by using genetic algorithm sonly. The application of smoothing filters can improve the performance of GA implementation for solving the geophysical inversion problem. Some test-examples and the obtained comparative results are presented.
An expert system for national economy model simulations
Authors: Roljic Lazo
Published: November 2006

There are some fundamental economic uncertainties. We cannot forecast economic events with a very high scientific precision. It is very clear that there does not exist a unique 'general' model, which can yield all answers to a wide range of macroeconomic issues. Therefore, we use several different kinds of models on segments of the macroeconomic problem. Different models can distinguish/solve economy desegregation, time series analysis and other subfactors involved in macroeconomic problem solving. A major issue becomes finding a meaningful method to link these econometric models. Macroeconomic models were linked through development of an Expert System for National Economy Model Simulations (ESNEMS). ESNEMS consists of five parts: (1) small-scale short-term national econometric model, (2) Methodology of Interactive Nonlinear Goal Programming (MINGP), (3) data-base of historical macro-economic aggregates, (4) software interface for interactive communications between a model and a decision maker, and (5) software for solving problems. ESNEMS was developed to model the optimum macro-economic policy of a developing country (SFRY-formerly Yugoslavia). Most econometric models are very complex. Optimizing of the economic policy is typically defined as a nonlinear goal programming problem. To solve/optimize these models, a new methodology, MINGP, was developed as a part of ESNEMS. MINGP is methodologically based on linear goal programming and feasible directions method. Using Euler's Homogeneous Function Theorem, MINGP linearizes nonlinear homogeneous functions. The highest priorities in minimizing the objective function are the growth of gross domestic product and the decrease of inflation. In the core of the optimization model, MINGP, there is a small-scale econometric model. This model was designed through analysis of the causal relations in the SFRY's social reproduction process of the past 20 years. The objective of the econometric model is to simulate potential short term (one-year) national economic policies. Ex-ante simulation and optimization of economic policy for 1986 showed that, in SFRY, non-consistent macro-economic policy was resolute and led to both slower economic development and more rapid growth of inflation.
Changing the values of parameters on lot size reorder point model
Authors: Chang Hung-Chi
Published: November 2006

The Just-In-Time (JIT) philosophy has received a great deal of attention. Several actions such as improving quality, reducing setup cost and shortening lead time have been recognized as effective ways to achieve the underlying goal of JIT. This paper considers the partial backorders, lot size reorder point inventory system with an imperfect production process. The objective is to simultaneously optimize the lot size, reorder point, process quality, setup cost and lead time, constrained on a service level. We assume the explicit distributional form of lead time demand is unknown but the mean and standard deviation are given. The minimax distribution free approach is utilized to solve the problem and a numerical example is provided to illustrate the results. .
Intelligent nesting system
Authors: Djuricic Zoran , Manic Miodrag
Published: November 2006

The economy of the process for the manufacture of parts from sheet metal plates depends on successful solution of the process of cutting various parts from sheet metal plates. Essentially, the problem is to arrange contours within a defined space so that they take up minimal surface. When taken in this way, the considered problem assumes a more general nature; it refers to the utilization of a flat surface, and it can represent a general principle of arranging 2D contours on a certain surface. The paper presents a conceptual solution and a prototypal intelligent nesting system for optimal cutting. The problem of nesting can generally be divided into two intellectual phases: recognition and classification of shapes, and arrangement of recognized shapes on a given surface. In solving these problems, methods of artificial intelligence are applied. In the paper, trained neural network is used for recognition of shapes; on the basis of raster record of a part's drawing, it recognizes the part's shape and which class it belongs to. By means of the expert system, based on rules defined on the basis of acquisition of knowledge from manufacturing sections, as well as on the basis of certain mathematical algorithms, parts are arranged on the arrangement surface. Both systems can also work independently, having been built on the modular principle. The system uses various product models as elements of integration for the entire system. .
Simulated annealing and joint manufacturing batch-sizing
Authors: Sarker Ruhul , Yao Xin
Published: November 2006

We address an important problem of a manufacturing system. The system procures raw materials from outside suppliers in a lot and processes them to produce finished goods. It proposes an ordering policy for raw materials to meet the requirements of a production facility. In return, this facility has to deliver finished products demanded by external buyers at fixed time intervals. First, a general cost model is developed considering both raw materials and finished products. Then this model is used to develop a simulated annealing approach to determining an optimal ordering policy for procurement of raw materials and also for the manufacturing batch size to minimize the total cost for meeting customer demands in time. The solutions obtained were compared with those of traditional approaches. Numerical examples are presented. .
On the accuracy of regularized solutions to quadratic minimization problems on a half space, in case of a normally solvable operator
Authors: Krnic I. , Obradovic O. , Potapov M.M.
Published: November 2006

A new stable quadratic minimization method on a half-space is presented. In case of normally solvable operators this method outperforms approximate solutions having the same optimal order accuracy as earlier methods for unconstrained problems.
The optimal control in batch arrival queue with server vacations, startup and breakdowns
Authors: Ke Jau-Chuan
Published: November 2006

This paper studies the N policy M[x]/G/1 queue with server vacations; startup and breakdowns, where arrivals form a compound Poisson process and service times are generally distributed. The server is turned off and takes a vacation whenever the system is empty. If the number of customers waiting in the system at the instant of a vacation completion is less than N, the server will take another vacation. If the server returns from a vacation and finds at least N customers in the system, he is immediately turned on and requires a startup time before providing the service until the system is empty again. It is assumed that the server breaks down according to a Poisson process whose repair time has a general distribution. The system characteristics of such a model are analyzed and the total expected cost function per unit time is developed to determine the optimal threshold of N at a minimum cost.
Airline seat management with round-trip requests
Authors: You Peng-Sheng
Published: November 2006

Consider a multi-period multi-fare class airline booking problem related to a two-leg airline network. Travel requests include outbound, inbound trip, and round trips. The round-trip refers to a journey comprising both outbound and inbound trips. To develop a dynamic-nested booking decision-making system for the airline network, this study designs a dynamic model that enables the airline reservations system to devise a set of dynamic decision rules for any given booking status. The booking process is found to be controlled by some set of booking thresholds.
A decision support system for farm regional planning
Authors: Papathanasiou I. , Manos B. , Vlachopoulou Μ. , Vassiliadou I.
Published: November 2006

This paper presents a Decision Support System (DSS) for planning of farm regions in Greece. The DSS is based on the development possibilities of the agricultural sector in relation with the agricultural processing industries of the region and aims at the development of farm regions through a better utilization of available agricultural recourses and agricultural industries. The DSS uses Linear and Goal Programming models and provides for different goals alternative production plans that optimize the use of available recourses. On the other hand, the alternative plans achieve a better utilization of the existent agricultural processing industries or propose their expansion by taking into account the supply and demand of agricultural products in the region. The DSS is computerized and supported by a set of relational data bases. The corresponding software has been developed in Microsoft Windows platform, using Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Access and LINDO. For demonstration reasons, the paper includes an application of the proposed DSS in the region of Servia Kozanis in Northern Greece.
Fuzzy multi-criteria approach to ordering policy ranking in a supply chain
Authors: Tadic Danijela
Published: November 2006

In this paper, a new fuzzy multi-criteria mathematical model for the selection of the best among a finite number of ordering policy of raw material in a supply chain is developed. The problem treated is a part of the purchasing plan of a company in an uncertain environment and it is very common in business practice. Optimization criteria selected describe the performance measures of ordering policies and generally their relative importance is different. It is assumed that the values of the optimization criteria are vague and imprecise. They are described by discrete fuzzy numbers and by linguistic expressions. The linguistic expressions are modeled by discrete fuzzy sets. The measures of belief that one ordering policy is better than another are defined by comparing fuzzy numbers. An illustrative example is given.
An algorithm for LC1 optimization
Authors: Djuranovic-Milicic Nada
Published: November 2006

In this paper an algorithm for LC1 unconstrained optimization problems, which uses the second order Dini upper directional derivative is considered. The purpose of the paper is to establish general algorithm hypotheses under which convergence occurs to optimal points. A convergence proof is given, as well as an estimate of the rate of convergence.
Energy expenditure and physical activity in Prader–Willi syndrome: Comparison with obese subjects
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Theodoro Mariana F. , Bittel Douglas C. , Donnelly Joseph E.
Published: November 2006

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypotonia, suck and feeding difficulties, hypogonadism, small hands and feet, developmental delay, hyperphagia and early childhood obesity and a particular facial appearance. The obesity associated with PWS is the result of a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) due to hyperphagia, decreased physical activity, reduced metabolic rate and an inability to vomit. EE is affected by body composition as well as exercise. Individuals with PWS have a lower lean body mass (LBM) compared with controls which may contribute to reduced basal level EE. To determine the relationship among body composition, activity levels and metabolic rates, dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and a whole‐room respiration chamber were used to measure body composition, total EE (TEE), resting EE (REE), physical activity, and mechanical work (MW) during an 8 hr monitoring period. The chamber consisted of a live‐in whole‐room indirect calorimeter equipped with a force platform floor to allow simultaneous measurement of EE, physical activity, and work efficiency during spontaneous activities and standardized exercise. Participants with PWS (27 with 15q11–q13 deletion and 21 with maternal disomy 15 with an average age of 23 years) had significantly decreased TEE by 20% and reduced LBM compared to 24 obese subjects. Similarly, REE was significantly reduced by 16% in the individuals with PWS relative to the comparison subjects. Total MW performed during the 8 hr monitoring period was significantly reduced by 35% in the PWS group. The energy cost of physical activity is related to the duration, intensity and type of activity and the metabolic efficiency of the individual. After adjusting group differences in LBM by analysis of variance, TEE and REE were no longer different between the two groups. Our data indicate that there is a significant reduction of EE in individuals with PWS resulting from reduced activity but also from lower energy utilization due to reduced LBM which consists primarily of muscle. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atmospheric plasma‐aided biocidal finishes for nonwoven polypropylene fabrics. I. Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Gawish S. M. , Matthews S. R. , Wafa D. M. , Breidt F. , Bourham M. A.
Published: November 2006

Novel biocidal fabrics were synthesized by the graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto plasma‐treated nonwoven polypropylene (PP) to produce PP/GMA grafts. Atmospheric oxygenated helium plasma was used to enhance the PP fabrics' initiation before GMA grafting. The grafted PP/GMA epoxide group was reacted with β‐cyclodextrin, monochlorotrizynyl‐β‐cyclodextrins, or a quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative [N‐(2 hydroxy propyl) 3‐trimethylammonium chitosan chloride]. Some interesting biocidal agents were complexed into the cyclodextrin (CD) cavity of PP/GMA/CD grafted fabrics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and optical and scanning electron microscopies were used to characterize the grafted complexed fabrics. These synthesized biocidal fabrics proved to be antistatic, antimicrobial, and insect‐repelling (see part II of this study). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1900–1910, 2007
Connections of eye‐saccade‐related areas within mesencephalic reticular formation with the optic tectum in goldfish
Authors: Luque Maria A. , Perez‐Perez Maria P. , Herrero Luis , Torres Blas
Published: November 2006

Physiological studies demonstrate that separate sites within the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) can evoke eye saccades with different preferred directions. Furthermore, anatomical research suggests that a tectoreticulotectal circuit organized in accordance with the tectal eye movement map is present. However, whether the reticulotectal projection shifts with the gaze map present in the MRF is unknown. We explored this question in goldfish, by injecting biotin dextran amine within MRF sites that evoked upward, downward, oblique, and horizontal eye saccades. Then, we analyzed the labeling in the optic tectum. The main findings can be summarized as follows. 1) The MRF and the optic tectum were connected by separate axons of the tectobulbar tract. 2) The MRF was reciprocally connected mainly with the ipsilateral tectal lobe, but also with the contralateral one. 3) The MRF received projections chiefly from neurons located within intermediate and deep tectal layers. In addition, the MRF projections terminated primarily within the intermediate tectal layer. 4) The distribution of labeled neurons in the tectum shifted with the different MRF sites in a manner consistent with the tectal motor map. The area containing these cells was targeted by a high‐density reticulotectal projection. In addition to this high‐density topographic projection, there was a low‐density one spread throughout the tectum. 5) Occasionally, boutons were observed adjacent to tectal labeled neurons. We conclude that the organization of the reticulotectal circuit is consistent with the functional topography of the MRF and that the MRF participates in a tectoreticulotectal feedback circuit. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:6–19, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex and species differences in tyrosine hydroxylase‐synthesizing cells of the rodent olfactory extended amygdala
Authors: Northcutt Katharine V. , Wang Zuoxin , Lonstein Joseph S.
Published: November 2006

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and the medial amygdala (MeA) are anatomically connected sites necessary for chemosensory regulation of social behaviors in rodents. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are a valuable model for studying the neural regulation of social behaviors because, unlike many other rodents, they are gregarious, pair bond after copulating, and are biparental. We herein describe sex and species differences in immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis, in the BST and MeA. Virgin male prairie voles had a large number of TH‐immunoreactive cells in areas analogous to the rat principal nucleus of the BST (pBST) and the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MeAPd). Virgin female prairie voles had far fewer TH‐immunoreactive cells in these sites (∼17% of the number of cells as males in the pBST, ∼35% of the number of cells in the MeAPd). A few TH‐immunoreactive cells were found in the BST of male and female hamsters and meadow voles, but not in rats. The MeApd also contained a few TH‐immunoreactive cells in male and female hamsters and male meadow voles, but not rats. Castration greatly reduced the number of TH‐immunoreactive cells in the male prairie vole pBST and MeAPd, an effect that could be reversed with testosterone. Furthermore, treating ovariectomized females with testosterone substantially increased TH‐immunoreactive cells in both sites. Therefore, a species‐specific sex difference in TH expression is found in a chemosensory pathway in prairie voles. Expression of TH in these sites is influenced by circulating gonadal hormones in adults, which may be related to changes in their display of social behaviors across the reproductive cycle. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:103–115, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visual system of calliphorid flies: Motion‐ and orientation‐sensitive visual interneurons supplying dorsal optic glomeruli
Authors: Okamura Jun‐Ya , Strausfeld Nicholas J.
Published: November 2006

Intracellular recordings accompanied by dye fills were made from neurons associated with optic glomeruli in the lateral protocerebrum of the brain of the blowfly Phaenicia sericata. The present account describes the morphology of these cells and their electrophysiological responses to oriented bar motion. The most dorsal glomeruli are each supplied by retinotopic efferent neurons that have restricted dendritic fields in the lobula and lobula plate of the optic lobes. Each of these lobula complex cells represents a morphologically identified type of neuron arranged as an ensemble that subtends the entire monocular visual field. Of the four recorded and filled efferent types, three were broadly tuned to the orientation of bar stimuli. At the level of optic glomeruli a relay neuron extending centrally from optic foci and a local interneuron that arborizes among glomeruli showed narrow tuning to oriented bar motion. The present results are discussed with respect to the behavioral significance of oriented motion discrimination by flies and other insects, and with respect to neuroanatomical data demonstrating the organization of deep visual neuropils. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:189–208, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Gdnf haploinsufficiency on rate of migration and number of enteric neural crest‐derived cells
Authors: Flynn Brianna , Bergner Annette J. , Turner Kirsty N. , Young Heather M. , Anderson Richard B.
Published: November 2006

The enteric nervous system arises predominantly from vagal level neural crest cells that migrate into the foregut and then colonize the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies have demonstrated that glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes the migration of enteric neural crest‐derived cells (ENCs) in vitro, but a role for GDNF in the migration of ENCs in vivo has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, the effects of Gdnf haploinsufficiency on ENC rate of migration and number during mid embryonic development were examined. Although the entire gut of embryonic Gdnf+/− mice was colonized, a significant delay in the migration of ENCs along the embryonic hindgut was found. However, significant effects of Gdnf haploinsufficiency on ENC number were detected before the stage at which migration defects were first evident. As previous studies have shown a relationship between ENC number and migration, the effects of Gdnf haploinsufficiency on migration may be due to an indirect effect on cell number and/or a direct effect of GDNF on ENC migration. Gdnf haploinsufficiency did not cause any detectable change in the rate of neuronal differentiation of ENCs. Developmental Dynamics 236:134–141, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Basolateral junctions are sufficient to suppress epithelial invasion during Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Szafranski Przemyslaw , Goode Scott
Published: November 2006

Epithelial junctions play crucial roles during metazoan evolution and development by facilitating tissue formation, maintenance, and function. Little is known about the role of distinct types of junctions in controlling epithelial transformations leading to invasion of neighboring tissues. Discovering the key junction complexes that control these processes and how they function may also provide mechanistic insight into carcinoma cell invasion. Here, using the Drosophila ovary as a model, we show that four proteins of the basolateral junction (BLJ), Fasciclin‐2, Neuroglian, Discs‐large, and Lethal‐giant‐larvae, but not proteins of other epithelial junctions, directly suppress epithelial tumorigenesis and invasion. Remarkably, the expression pattern of Fasciclin‐2 predicts which cells will invade. We compared the apicobasal polarity of BLJ tumor cells to border cells (BCs), an epithelium‐derived cluster that normally migrates during mid‐oogenesis. Both tumor cells and BCs differentiate a lateralized membrane pattern that is necessary but not sufficient for invasion. Independent of lateralization, derepression of motility pathways is also necessary, as indicated by a strong linear correlation between faster BC migration and an increased incidence of tumor invasion. However, without membrane lateralization, derepression of motility pathways is also not sufficient for invasion. Our results demonstrate that spatiotemporal patterns of basolateral junction activity directly suppress epithelial invasion by organizing the cooperative activity of distinct polarity and motility pathways. Developmental Dynamics 236:364–373, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Winquist Eric , Oliver Tom , Gilbert Ralph
Published: November 2006

Background.

This systematic review evaluates the use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced (stage III or IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at a high risk of recurrence.

Methods.

The literature was systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results.

Of 4 RCTs identified, 3 reported improvements in locoregional control, 3 reported improved disease‐free or progression‐free survival, and 3 reported improved overall survival with chemoradiotherapy compared with radiotherapy alone. Pooling trials confirmed the benefit for chemoradiotherapy in locoregional recurrence (relative risk [RR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47–0.75; p < .00001) and overall survival (RR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.71–0.90; p = .0002). More frequent and severe acute mucosal toxicity was reported with combined treatment.

Conclusions.

Postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is superior to radiotherapy alone. Because chemoradiotherapy is associated with significantly increased toxicity, further investigations to identify patients most likely to benefit or toxicity reduction strategies are warranted. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007
Elective neck dissection in early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma—does it influence recurrence and survival?
Authors: Capote Ana , Escorial Veronica , Muñoz‐Guerra Mario F. , Rodríguez‐Campo Francisco J. , Gamallo Carlos , Naval Luis
Published: November 2006

Background.

This study investigates the influence on survival and regional control rates of neck dissection therapy at the time of surgery of the primary tumor in early stages of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity.

Methods.

A series of 154 patients with pT1N0M0 and pT2N0M0 intraoral carcinomas was analyzed retrospectively. Neck dissection was associated with tumor ablation in 87 patients (56.5%), although 67 patients (43.5%) were treated with local resection exclusively. Survival and relapse rates were studied with the Kaplan–Meier curves and the log‐rank test for univariate analysis and Cox proportional model for multivariate analysis (p < .05).

Results.

Regional recurrences occurred in 25 cases (16.2%), 7 cases (8%) with primary neck dissection and 18 cases (26.8%) with local excision alone. Neck dissection therapy was a significant prognostic factor for recurrences and survival (p < .05). The 5‐year regional control rate was of 92.5% for patients with elective lymph node ablation versus 71.2% for patients without primary neck dissection. Neck dissection was also significant for recurrences in stage I and for survival and recurrences in stage II. Neck dissection therapy also showed independent prognostic value in the Cox analysis.

Conclusions.

In patients with intraoral carcinomas, elective neck treatment should be considered even in cases with a small primary tumor and negative clinical examination because of the high incidence of occult nodal metastases and the tendency to regional recurrences. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007
Towards design of the smallest planar tetracoordinate carbon and boron systems
Authors: Sateesh B. , Srinivas Reddy A. , Narahari Sastry G.
Published: November 2006

A series of cyclic hydrocarbons analogs where a carbon displays unusual planar tetracoordinate structure is proposed, employing hybrid density functional theory calculations using B3LYP functional and 6‐311+G** basis set. Various strategies were employed to design the neutral planar tetracoordinate hydrocarbon analogs. The same strategy is employed for designing the planar tetracoordinate boron systems. The simplest neutral planar tetracoordinate hydrocarbons were proposed and the effect of substitution on their stability has been assessed. The aromatic stabilization is gauged with nucleus independent chemical shift calculations. The activation barriers for the ring opening reaction, the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals gap and singlet‐triplet energy difference were estimated to gauge the plausibility experimental realization. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Cuticular waxes from Ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.): analysis of high‐molecular‐weight esters
Authors: Santos Sara , Schreiber Lukas , Graça José
Published: November 2006

Soluble waxes were extracted from the cuticle of ivy (Hedera helix L.) leaves with dichloromethane in a yield of ca. 13%. The cuticular waxes were directly analysed by GC‐MS, high‐temperature GC‐MS and ESI‐MS/MS. The GC‐MS analysis showed mostly n‐alkanols (45.3%), monoacids (18.8%), triterpenes (9.7%), n‐aldehydes (8.7%) and n‐alkanes (7.7%). The high‐temperature GC‐MS and the ESI‐MS/MS analyses showed the presence of ester waxes, namely alkyl alkanoates and alkyl coumarates. Alkyl alkanoates comprised esters of the hexadecanoic acid with n‐alkanols ranging from C16 to C34. Alkyl coumarates included esters of coumaric acid with n‐alkanols ranging from C16 to C32. The cuticular waxes were hydrolysed and the resulting organic and aqueous phases analysed by GC‐MS. The hydrolysate showed a major increase in the quantities of n‐alkanols, hexadecanoic acid and coumaric acid derived from the alkyl and acyl moieties from the ester waxes. A content of ester waxes of 38% was estimated based on the results from the GC‐MS analysis of the non‐hydrolysed and hydrolysed cuticular waxes. Alkyl alkanoates were analysed by ESI‐MS/MS as [M + Li]+ adduct ions and the alkyl coumarates as [M − H]− deprotonated ions. The ESI‐MS/MS analysis allowed the detection of a wider range of ester waxes than high‐temperature GC‐MS, and was shown to be a useful technique for the qualitative analysis of ester waxes from plant cuticles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid state 19F NMR study of crystal transformation in PVDF and its nanocomposites
Authors: Pallathadka Pramoda K. , Tay S.S. , Tianxi Liu , Sprenger Peter
Published: November 2006

The polymorphism of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its nanocomposites was studied by means of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning (13C CP MAS) NMR spectra were recorded using simultaneous high‐power decoupling on both the proton and fluorine channels. Both 1H → 13C and 19F → 13C CP experiments were conducted, giving identical results apart from intensity variations due to the CP efficiency. Two main resonances for the CF2 and the CH2 groups were observed for both neat PVDF (PVDF‐C0) and the nanocomposite containing 2 wt% clay (PVDF‐C2) samples. 19F CP MAS spectra were obtained from long proton spin‐lock experiments with a shorter contact time. The results showed two strong resonances at −84 and −98 ppm with equal intensities, representing the α‐form crystalline structure of PVDF. It was shown that the clay induces the crystallization of PVDF in β‐form. Our earlier investigations using thermal analysis and X‐ray scattering methods also showed crystal transformation of PVDF in its clay nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1684–1690, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Positional distribution of CLA in TAG of lamb tissues
Authors: Paterson Lyn J. , Weselake Randall J. , Mir Priya S. , Mir Zahir
Published: November 2006

The content and positional distribution of CLA in TAG fractions of lamb tissues was examined with either preformed CLA or the linoleic acid precursor of CLA in the diet as experimental treatments. The CLA content of phospholipid (PL) from these tissues was also examined. Thirteen lambs were randomized to the following dietary treatments: (i) control diet (no supplement); (ii) CLA supplementation (0.33 g d−1 for 21 d prior to weaning) to milk‐replacer of pre‐ruminating lambs, or (iii) feeding linoleic acid‐rich oil (6% safflower oil on a dry matter basis) to weaned ruminating lambs. At slaughter, tissue samples were procured from diaphragm, rib muscle, and subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue. Safflower oil supplementation in the diet resulted in an increase in CLA content of the TAG from diaphragm, rib muscle, and SC adipose tissue by about threefold (P<0.05) on a mol% basis. CLA was localized to the sn‐1/3 positions of TAG. Animals that received pre‐formed CLA, however, had increased proportions of CLA at the sn‐2 position of TAG from SC adipose tissue, suggesting that there were tissue‐specific dietary effects and possible age‐related effects on the mode of FA incorporation into TAG. Safflower oil supplementation in the diet had no effect on the CLA content of PL from diaphragm, rib muscle, and SC adipose tissue, suggesting that CLA was preferentially incorporated into the TAG of these tissues.
Dietary CLA alters yolk and tissue FA composition and hepatic histopathology of laying hens
Authors: Cherian Gita , Holsonbake Troy B. , Goeger Mary P. , Bildfell Rob
Published: November 2006

The effect of dietary CLA along with n‐3 PUFA on yolk FA profile and hepatic lipid accumulation was investigated. Laying hens (n=40) were randomly assigned to four experimental diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% CLA. Menhaden oil was used as the source of n‐3 PUFA. Dietary CLA did not affect the total lipid content of egg yolk (P>0.05). The amounts of CLA isomers (cis‐9 trans‐11, trans‐10 cis‐12) in the egg yolk were proportional to the levels of CLA in the diet (P<0.05). The total CLA content in the egg yolk was 0, 0.97, 2.4, and 5.3 wt%, respectively (P<0.05). Addition of CLA resulted in an increase in saturated FA (P<0.05) with a concomitant reduction in monounsaturated FA (P<0.05) in the yolk, liver, abdominal fat, breast, and thigh muscle. No difference in saturated and monounsaturated FA content in heart and spleen tissue was noted. Dietary CLA at all concentrations resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in the total number of fat vacuoles and lipid infiltration in hepatocytes. The number of cells with 75% or higher lipid vacuolation in the cytoplasm was also increased (P<0.05) by 2.0% CLA. Dietary CLA at 0.5% levels resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in the total lipid content of hepatic tissue. The total lipid content in leg muscle was lower (P<0.05) in CLA‐fed birds. However, no effect of CLA on lipid content of breast muscle, heart, spleen and adipose tissue was observed (P>0.05). The current study used CLA in a FFA form. The effects of using CLA in other form such as TG on avian hepatic tissue need to be investigated.
Impaired lipoprotein metabolism in obese offspring of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Merzouk Hafida , Madani Sihem , Hichami Aziz , Prost Josiane , Moutairou Kabirou , Belleville Jacques , Khan Naim Akhtar
Published: November 2006

The time course of changes in lipoprotein metabolism of obese offspring of mildly diabetic rats was studied with respect to serum lipoprotein composition as well as LCAT and tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities. Mild hyperglycemia in pregnant rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 5 of gestation. Control pregnant rats were injected with citrate buffer. At birth, obese pups had higher serum glucose, insulin, and lipoprotein (VLDL, LDL‐HDL1, HDL2–3) levels than control pups. After 1 mon of life, all of these parameters in obese rats became similar to those of controls. However, LCAT, adipose tissue LPL, and hepatic triacylglycerol lipase activities were high. At 2 mon of age, VLDL‐TAG levels were higher in obese females than in controls. By the age of 3 mon, obese offspring had developed insulin resistance with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and higher serum lipoprotein concentrations. Indeed, qualitative abnormalities of lipoproteins were seen and were typical of obese and diabetic human beings. Fetal hyperinsulinemia should be considered as a risk factor for later metabolic diseases, including dyslipoproteinemia.
High oleic acid oil suppresses lung tumorigenesis in mice through the modulation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase cascade
Authors: Yamaki Tatsuya , Yano Tomohiro , Satoh Haruna , Endo Tatsuo , Matsuyama Chinami , Kumagai Hitomi , Miyahara Mitsuyoshi , Sakurai Hidetoshi , Pokorny Jan , Shin Sung Jae , Hagiwara Kiyokazu
Published: November 2006

This study was undertaken to estimate the effect of dietary high oleic acid oil (OA) on 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK)‐induced lung tumorigenesis in mice. Diet containing 10% oil was fed to mice through experimental periods. On day 30 after NNK injection (100 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), the treatment increased the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as well as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker of cell proliferation in a high linoleic acid oil (LA)‐fed group but not in an OA‐fed group. The NNK treatment also induced the activation of an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) cascade (Erk, Mek and Raf‐1) in an LA‐fed group. On the other hand, OA feeding abolished the NNK‐induced activation of the Erk cascade. In conjugation with these events, OA feeding reduced lung tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity (percentage of mice with tumors) in mice compared with LA feeding at the 20th experimental week. These results suggest that OA suppresses lung tumorigenesis and that this suppression is correlated with the inhibition of PGE2 production and inactivation of the Erk cascade.
Enrichment of LDL with EPA and DHA decreased oxidized LDL‐induced apoptosis in U937 cells
Authors: Wu Tianying , Geigerman Cissy , Lee Ye‐Sun , Wander Rosemary C.
Published: November 2006

Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) may contribute to the accumulation of apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Although it is well established in monophasic chemical systems that the highly unsaturated EPA and DHA will oxidize more readily than FA that contain fewer double bonds, our previous studies showed that enrichment of LDL, which has discrete polar and nonpolar phases, with these FA did not increase oxidation. The objective of this study was to compare the extent of apoptosis induced by EPA/DHA‐rich oxLDL to that induced by EPA/DHA‐non‐rich oxLDL in U937 cells. LDL was obtained from one healthy subject three times before and after supplementation for 5 wk with 15 g/d of fish oil (FO), an amount easily obtainable from a diet that contains fatty fish. After supplementation, an FPA/DHA‐rich LDL was obtained. Oxidative susceptibility of LDL, as determined by measuring the formation of conjugated dienes and the accumulation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides, was not higher in EPA/DHA‐rich LDL. The oxLDL‐induced cell apoptosis was detected by the activation of caspase‐3, the translocation of PS to the outer surface of the plasma membrane using the Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate binding assay, and the presence of chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation using the 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining assay All three measures showed that after FO supplementation, EPA/DHA‐rich oxLDL‐induced cell apoptosis decreased. The decrease was not related to the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides. This study suggests that a possible protective effect of EPA/DHA‐rich diets on atherosclerosis may be through lessening cell apoptosis in the arterial wall.
Evaluation of two GC columns (60‐m SUPELCOWAX 10 and 100‐m CP sil 88) for analysis of milkfat with emphasis on CLA, 18∶1, 18∶2 and 18∶3 isomers, and short‐ and long‐chain FA
Authors: Kramer John K. G. , Blackadar C. Brian , Zhou Jianqiang
Published: November 2006

Milkfat is a complex mixture of many diverse FA, some of which have demonstrated health benefits including anticancer properties. Attempts are under way to enrich milkfats with long‐chain n−3 PUFA and CLA. It has been recommended that the analysis of these milkfats requires gas chromatography (GC) equipped with long, highly polar capillary columns. However, many analyses have been reported using CARBOWAXTM type (polyethylene glycol) capillary columns, such as SUPELCOWAX 10, even though the separation characteristics of many of the FA and their isomers present in milkfats have not been described in detail. This includes the isomers of CLA, cis‐ and trans‐octadecenoic acid (18∶1), linoleic acid (18∶2n−6), and linolenic acid (18∶3n−3), and the long‐chain PUFA. On the other hand, the resolution of these FA and their isomers has been more fully described using the highly polar capillary columns, such as CP Sil 88 and SP2560 because of the improved resolution obtained using these polar columns. The present study was undertaken to characterize the separation of these FA present in milkfats using a 60‐m SUPELCOWAX 10 column, to compare the results to those from a 100‐m CP Sil 88 column, and to determine if these two columns could possibly serve to complement each other for the analysis of total milkfat. The advantages of the SUPELCOWAX 10 column were a better resolution of the short‐chain saturated from their monounsaturated FA (MUFA) analogs, and a complete separation of the α‐linolenic (18∶3n−3) and eicosadecenoic acid (20∶1) isomers. It also provided an alternative elution order of the linoleic (18∶2n−6), 18∶3n−3 and γ‐linolenic (18∶3n−6) acid isomers. On the other hand, the CP Sil 88 column provided a better resolution of the CLA isomers, MUFA, the isolated cis and trans MUFA fractions, the PUFA, and many the 18∶2n−6 and 18∶3n−3 isomers. A complete analysis of milk lipids using the CP Sil 88 column required the prior separation of total FAME using silver ion‐TLC. The results of the present study confirm that the 100‐m highly polar capillary GC columns are mandatory for the analysis of milk lipids, and at best, the 60 m SUPELCOWAX 10 capillary column serves as a complementary GC column to provide different separations in certain regions based on its intermediate polarity.
Isolation and characterization of a Δ5 FA desaturase from Pythium irregulare by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and oilseed crops
Authors: Hong Haiping , Datla Nagamani , Mackenzie Samuel L. , Qiu Xiao
Published: November 2006

By using the polymerase chain reaction approach with two degenerate primers targeting the heme‐binding and the third histidine‐rich motifs in microsomal carboxyl‐directed desaturases, we identified a cDNA PiD5 from Pythium irregulare encoding a Δ5 desaturase. The substrate specificity of the enzyme was studied in detail by expressing PiD5 in a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant strain, AMY‐2α, where ole1, a Δ9 desaturase gene, is disrupted. The result revealed that the encoded enzyme could desaturate unsaturated FA from 16 to 20 carbons beginning with Δ9 and Δ11 as well as Δ8 ethylenic double bonds. Introduction of PiD5 into Brassica juncea under the control of a CaMV 35S constitutive promoter resulted in accumulation of several Δ5‐unsaturated polymethylene‐interrupted FA (Δ5‐UPIFA) including 18∶2−5,9, 18∶2−5,11, 18∶3−5,9,12, and 18∶4−5,9,12,15 in vegetative tissues. The transgenic enzyme could also desaturate the exogenously supplied homo‐γ‐linolenic acid (20∶3−8,11,14) to arachidonic acid (20∶4−5,8,11,14). Introduction of PiD5 into B. juncea and flax under the control of seed‐specific promoters resulted in production of Δ5‐UPIFA, representing more than 10% of the total FA in the seeds.