bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herceptin–Platinum(II) Binding Complexes: Novel Cancer‐Cell‐Specific Agents
Authors: Gao Jian , Liu Ya Guang , Liu Renbin , Zingaro Ralph A.
Published: March 2008

We report a new series of Herceptin–platinum(II) binding complexes, Her–nLPtII (Her denotes Herceptin; L denotes diamino ligands and L=L1–L4; n=1, 5, or 10). Solution chemistry studies have shown that these complexes are stable under physiological conditions (pH 7.4 in PBS). The platinum(II) compound L1PtIICl2 inhibits the growth of a panel of human cancer cell lines at sub‐micromolar concentrations. Remarkable cancer‐cell‐specific cytotoxicity was observed with Her–nL1PtII (n=1, 5, 10) toward Her2/neu‐overexpressing cancer cells (SK‐BR‐3 and SK‐OV‐3) over normal fibroblast cells. Annexin V apoptosis assays in SK‐BR‐3 and low‐Her2/neu‐expressing MCF‐7 breast cancer cells further confirmed the critical role of Herceptin with this cancer‐cell‐specific agent. It was also found that the L1PtIICl2 complex is an efficient regulator of the apoptotic genes Bcl‐2 in the treated SK‐BR‐3 cells. Also, enhanced regulatory effects were observed in Her–10L1PtII. Taken together, this study suggests a new approach for the development of mAb–platinum(II)‐based targeting agents for the treatment of human cancers.
Editorial
Authors: Aliabadi M. H. , Gatmin B. , Sellier A.
Published: March 2008

Owing to a technical problem in the submission process, selected presentations from the 7th International Conference on Boundary Elements, which took place in Paris, France, in September 2006 (http://beteq.engineeringconferences.net/), will not be published in a separate special issue. Links to these papers as they were published in the journal are listed at the end of this editorial. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Nanostructured Surfaces for Enhanced Response
Authors: Refera Soreta Tesfaye , Strutwolf Jörg , O'Sullivan Ciara K.
Published: March 2008

The objective of this work is to explore approaches to enhance electrochemical signals through sequential deposition and capping of gold particles. Gold nanoparticles are electrodeposited from KAuCl4 solution under potentiostatic conditions on glassy carbon substrates. The number density of the nanoparticles is increased by multiple deposition steps. To prevent secondary nucleation processes, the nanoparticles are isolated after each potentiostatic deposition step by self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of decanethiol or mercaptoethanol. The increasing number of particles during five deposition/protection rounds is monitored by assembling electroactive SAMs using a ferrocene‐labeled alkanethiol. A precise estimation of the surface area of the gold nanoparticles by formation of an oxide layer on gold is difficult due to oxidation of the glassy carbon surface. As an alternative approach, the charge flow of the electroactive SAM is used for surface measurement of the gold surface area. A sixfold increase in the redox signal in comparison to a bulk gold surface is observed, and this increase in redox signal is particularly notable given that the surface area of the deposited nanoparticles is only a fraction of the bulk gold surface. After five rounds of deposition there is a gold loading of 1.94 μg cm−2 of the deposited nanoparticles as compared to 23.68 μg cm−2 for the bulk gold surface. Remarkably, however, the surface coverage of the ferrocene alkanethiol on the bulk material is only 10 % of that achieved on the deposited nanoparticles. This enhancement in signal of the nanoparticle‐modified surface in comparison to bulk gold is thus demonstrated not to be attributable to an increase in surface area, but rather to the inherent properties of the surface atoms of the nanoparticles, which are more reactive than the surface atoms of the bulk material.
Silver Nanoparticle Thin Films with Nanocavities for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Kahraman Mehmet , Tokman Nilgün , Çulha Mustafa
Published: March 2008

The formation of nanometer‐sized gaps between silver nanoparticles is critically important for optimal enhancement in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). A simple approach is developed to generate nanometer‐sized cavities in a silver nanoparticle thin film for use as a SERS substrate with extremely high enhancement. In this method, a submicroliter volume of concentrated silver colloidal suspension stabilized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is spotted on hydrophobic glass surfaces prepared by the exposure of the glass to dichloromethysilane vapors. The use of a hydrophobic surface helps the formation of a more uniform silver nanoparticle thin film, and CTAB acts as a molecular spacer to keep the silver nanoparticles at a distance. A series of CTAB concentrations is investigated to optimize the interparticle distance and aggregation status. The silver nanoparticle thin films prepared on regular and hydrophobic surfaces are compared. Rhodamine 6G is used as a probe to characterize the thin films as SERS substrates. SERS enhancement without the contribution of the resonance of the thin film prepared on the hydrophobic surface is calculated as 2×107 for rhodamine 6G, which is about one order of magnitude greater than that of the silver nanoparticle aggregates prepared with CTAB on regular glass surfaces and two orders of magnitude greater than that of the silver nanoparticle aggregates prepared without CTAB on regular glass surfaces. A hydrophobic surface and the presence of CTAB have an increased effect on the charge‐transfer component of the SERS enhancement mechanism. The limit of detection for rhodamine 6G is estimated as 1.0×10−8 M. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are used for the characterization of the prepared substrate.
Highly Dispersed Gold on Zirconia: Characterization and Activity in Low‐Temperature Water Gas Shift Tests
Authors: Menegazzo Federica , Pinna Francesco , Signoretto Michela , Trevisan Valentina , Boccuzzi Flora , Chiorino Anna , Manzoli Maela
Published: March 2008

Gold‐loaded zirconia and sulfated zirconia catalysts were tested in the low‐temperature water gas shift reaction. The samples were characterized by N2 adsorption analysis, temperature‐programmed reduction, X‐ray diffraction, pulse‐flow CO chemisorption, FTIR spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. A reference catalyst, Au/TiO2, provided by the World Gold Council was investigated for comparison. CO chemisorption and FTIR data indicate the presence of only highly dispersed gold clusters on the sulfated sample and both small clusters and small particles on the non‐sulfated sample. Both gold–zirconia catalysts are much more active than the Au/TiO2 reference sample over all the temperature range investigated. The sample prepared on sulfated zirconia exhibits higher stability than the catalyst on unmodified zirconia. The prominent role in the water gas shift reaction of gold clusters in close contact with the support was deduced.
Chemical Synthesis of (S)‐Spiro(estradiol‐17,2′‐[1,4]oxazinan)‐6′‐one Derivatives Bearing Two Levels of Molecular Diversity
Authors: Rouillard François , Roy Jenny , Poirier Donald
Published: March 2008

The present study shows the development of a strategy that can afford different estradiol derivatives bearing a 17‐spiro‐δ‐lactone moiety with a nitrogen atom inserted in the lactone ring. Such [1,4]oxazinan‐6′‐one derivatives contain two levels of molecular diversity introduced to modulate biological activity. The strategy employed to prepare these compounds includes the stereoselective formation of a 17β‐oxirane from the carbonyl group of estrone, the regioselective opening of the resulting oxirane with various hydrophobic amino acids (giving the first level of diversity), the spirolactonization, the alkylation of nitrogen by different functional groups (producing the second level of diversity), and final deprotection, when necessary. A series of (S)‐spiro(estradiol‐17,2′‐[1,4]oxazinan)‐6′‐one derivatives was generated to illustrate the usefulness of this diversification strategy, which could easily be extended to other steroidal and nonsteroidal ketone scaffolds for interacting with additional biological targets. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Structural Features of the (+)‐Yatakemycin/d(GACTAATTGAC)‐(GTCAATTAGTC) Complex – Quantum Mechanical Calculation of NMR Parameters as a Tool for the Characterization of Ligand/DNA Interactions
Authors: Di Micco Simone , Boger Dale L. , Riccio Raffaele , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: March 2008

(+)‐Yatakemycin is a new and potent member of a class of natural antitumor compounds that derive their biological activities from specific alkylation of adenine residues in the minor grooves of AT‐rich tracts. We have analyzed the covalent complex formed between (+)‐yatakemycin and the d(GACTAATTGAC)‐(GTCAATTAGTC) duplex, and have established that the ligand covalently binds to the A5 residue. For this purpose we used a hybrid approach based on 2D‐NMR spectroscopy and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations of 1H chemical shifts at the DFT/MPW1PW91 level. In this study we also show that the calculation of NMR parameters can be a useful tool for the structural characterization of ligand–receptor interactions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Preparation of Nanoparticles of Bipyridineruthenium and Silicotungstate and Application as Electrochemiluminescence Sensor
Authors: Bi Li‐Hua , Zhou Wei‐Hong , Wang Hai‐Yan , Dong Shao‐Jun
Published: March 2008

The novel nanoparticles, [Ru(bpy)3]2SiW12O40⋅2 H2O, were firstly synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and TEM. The nanoparticles were used to fabricate a chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) by dispersing nanoparticles and graphite powder in silicone grease. Thus‐prepared CPE shows bifunctional electrocatalytic activities towards the reduction of nitrite and the oxidation of oxalate, and exhibits sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The modified CPE has high stability and excellent repeatability owing to the insolubility and homogeneous disperses of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles modified CPE may open a way to be used as solid electrochemical sensor for both ECL and electrocatalysis in practical applications.
Electrochemical Characteristics of Mediated Laccase‐Catalysis and Electrochemical Detection of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Liu Ying , Dong Shaojun
Published: March 2008

Laccase has been immobilized on the carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode surface by adsorption. As‐prepared laccase retains good electrocatalytic activity to oxygen reduction by using 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) as the mediator. It can be used as a biosensor for the determination of catechol with broad linear range. Especially, azide, one of inhibitors of laccase, shows sensitive inhibition to catalytic activity of the laccase modified electrode. In addition, the inhibition by fluoride ions has also been studied. These demonstrate that the as‐prepared electrode can be used to detect halide and some the toxic pollutants, e.g., catechol and azide based on catalytic or inhibition reaction of laccase. The simple preparation procedure makes the system can be developed as non‐inhibition or inhibition biosensor.
The Factors Affecting the Electrochemiluminescence of Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)Ruthenium(II)/Tertiary Amines
Authors: Yin Xue‐Bo , Sha Bei‐Bei , Zhang Xu‐Hong , He Xi‐Wen , Xie Hui
Published: March 2008

Factors affecting tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)/tertiary amine electrochemiluminescence (ECL) were investigated in the present work with several tertiary amines as coreactants. Some new phenomena different to those of traditional Ru(bpy)32+/tripropylamine were observed, such as the different responses of different coreactants to the hydrophobic nature of the working electrode and the ECL emission of triethanolamine at 0.85 V. The pKa value (acid dissociation constant) for the deprotonation of tertiary amine group in the coreactant molecules and solubility of coreactants affect the ECL profiles vs. electrolyte pH. Moreover, the solubility of coreactants is also related to the ECL response to the addition of surfactants and electrode hydrophobic nature. Investigation of the effects of molecular structures indicated that molecules restricting the formation of the trigonal planar structure of the active radical in the electrooxidation procedure resulted in low ECL emission. The behaviors of hydroxyl and carboxylic group as substituents of α‐carbon are also totally different to the traditional opinions about the ECL from Ru(bpy)32+/tertiary amines.
Disposable Electrospun Electrodes Based on Conducting Nanofibers
Authors: Granato Flavio , Scampicchio Matteo , Bianco Andrea , Mannino Saverio , Bertarelli Chiara , Zerbi Giuseppe
Published: March 2008

A new approach for the fabrication of disposable electrochemical surfaces is presented. Conducting fibers have been produced by a two‐step process. Firstly, a fine web mat composed of nylon‐6 and ferric chloride fibers (with diameters of about 200 nm) were electrospun on a flat collector. Afterwards, the electrospun mat was exposed to pyrrole vapor under controlled dry atmosphere until each nylon thread was fully coated with a conducting polypyrrole layer. The conducting fiber mat was finally integrated within an electrochemical cell and used as a disposable sensor device. The suitability of the sensor was tested using phosphate and carbonate organic anions. The large scale fabrication of conducting tissue, in the form of a fine web of spun nanofibers, is relatively fast and inexpensive, and it paves the way to the build up of new disposable electrodes.
Paternal exposure to ethylnitrosourea results in transgenerational genomic instability in mice
Authors: Dubrova Yuri E. , Hickenbotham Peter , Glen Colin D. , Monger Karen , Wong Hiu‐Pak , Barber Ruth C.
Published: March 2008

Recent data shows that the effects of ionizing radiation are not restricted to the directly exposed parental germ cells, but can also manifest in their nonexposed offspring, resulting in elevated mutation rates and cancer predisposition. The mechanisms underlying these transgenerational changes remain poorly understood. One of the most important steps in elucidating these mechanisms is to investigate the initial cellular events that trigger genomic instability. Here we have analyzed the effects of paternal treatment by ethylnitrosourea, an alkylating agent which is known to form specific types of DNA adducts, on the transgenerational effects in the first‐generation (F1) offspring of exposed CBA/Ca and BALB/c male mice. Mutation rates at two expanded simple tandem repeat loci were significantly elevated in the F1 germline of both strains. Pre and postmeiotic exposures resulted in similar increases in mutation rate in the F1 germline. Within each strain mutation rates were equally elevated in the germline of male and female F1 offspring of the directly exposed males. The results of our study suggest that transgenerational instability is not attributed to a specific sub‐set of DNA lesions, such as double strand breaks, and is most probably triggered by a stress‐like response to a generalized DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving dose selection and identification of aneugens in the in vitro chromosome aberration test by integration of flow cytometry‐based methods
Authors: Muehlbauer Paula A. , Spellman Richard A. , Gunther William C. , Sanok Kelley E. , Wiersch Claudia J. , O'Lone Susan D. , Dobo Krista L. , Schuler Maik J.
Published: March 2008

Previously, this laboratory reported on the development of a flow cytometry‐based method that automates the assessment of the mitotic index (MI) and numerical chromosome changes in chemically treated cultures of human lymphocytes [Muehlbauer PA and Schuler MJ, 2003, 2005]. With this method, testing design can easily include numerous well‐spaced doses to better define the shape of MI dose response curves. In addition, the hypodiploid, hyperdiploid, and polyploid mitotic populations are available simultaneously to determine the biological relevance of polyploidy effects during the conduct of the assay. The current work describes the integration of this flow cytometry‐based method into the routine conduct of good laboratory practice structural chromosome aberration assays in vitro, and discusses improvements in evaluating cytotoxicity and polyploidy endpoints. Additional methods for simultaneous assessment of cell death (sub‐G1 DNA) are shown in combination with the MI to provide a more complete evaluation of cytotoxic conditions. A total of 30 pharmaceutical compounds were assayed in compliance with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The inclusion of numerous well‐spaced doses improved high dose selection and resulted in fewer high dose artifacts. Only 1 compound in 30 produced a positive response in structural aberrations. In comparison, polyploidy induction was observed in 22 of 30 (73%) compounds, with no apparent increases in numerical chromosomal aberrations. These studies show that flow cytometry‐based methods can be used to better characterize cytotoxicity dose–response relationships and improve the detection of aneugens. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A few concluding thoughts
Authors: Ishitani Terry T.
Published: March 2008

This volume presents new approaches to displaying information that can be used in decision making and institutional research.
Concentration changes to counteract the effects of bacteriological sampling on PLT yields
Authors: Burgstaler Edwin A. , Mako Amy M. , Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2008

Introduction: Bacterial culturing of apheresis platelet (PLT) units appeared to increase the incidence of low yield products of <3.0 × 1011 PLT (LYP) and decrease the incidence of multiple PLT products. To determine the effects of sampling and subsequent modifications in collections on PLT yield and adverse reactions, a retrospective analysis was performed. Methods: Four time periods were examined: baseline, after sampling implementation, after concentration change (Conc. Δ) implementation, and after concentration and yield target change (Target + Conc. Δ) implementation. Collections were performed on the Gambro Trima Accel. PLT concentration settings were changed from 1,550 to 1,200 (single and double PLT products) or 1,610 to 1,500 (triple PLT products). A 3.2 × 1011 target was eliminated and a 9.4 × 1011 target added. Results: Donors in all groups were comparable. Average incidence of LYP per week was significantly higher for Sampling (8.1%) than Baseline (2.0%) and declined significantly in the Conc. Δ (3.4%) and Target + Conc. Δ (2.0%) groups. Average PLT products/donor per week for Sampling (1.7) was significantly lower than Baseline (1.8), equivalent to Conc. Δ (1.7), and significantly lower than Target + Conc. Δ (1.9). Average weekly incidence of triple PLT products was significantly higher for Target + Conc. Δ (17%) compared with Baseline (12.4%), Sampling (10.7%), and Conc. Δ (10.8%). Donor reaction incidence was not significantly different among the groups. There was no change in recipient reactions. Conclusions: The use of a yield target change and PLT concentration reduction compensated for changes associated with bacterial culturing without increasing donor or recipient reactions. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Transforming Viruses on Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Cancer
Authors: Dayaram Tajhal , Marriott Susan J.
Published: March 2008

Viruses have been linked to approximately 20% of all human tumors worldwide. These transforming viruses encode viral oncoproteins that interact with cellular proteins to enhance viral replication. The transcriptional and post‐transcriptional effects of these viral oncoproteins ultimately result in cellular transformation. Historically, viral research has been vital to the discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressors with more current research aiding in unraveling some mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Interestingly, since transforming viruses affect some of the same pathways that are dysregulated in human cancers, their study enhances our understanding of the multistep process of tumorigenesis. This review will examine the cellular mechanisms targeted by oncogenic human viruses and the processes by which these effects contribute to transformation. In particular, we will focus on three transforming viruses, human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐I, hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus. These viruses all encode specific oncogenes that promote cell cycle progression, inhibit DNA damage checkpoint responses and prevent programmed cell death in an effort to promote viral propagation. While the transforming properties of these viruses are probably unintended consequences of replication strategies, they provide excellent systems in which to study cancer development. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 309–314, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking a cystic ovarian mass in a patient with Hansen's disease
Authors: Surendrababu Narayanam R.S. , Cherian Sucy Rekha , Janakiraman Rajinikanth , Walter Noel
Published: March 2008

We present a rare case of retroperitoneal cystic schwannoma of the pelvis in a patient with Hansen's disease that mimicked an ovarian cyst. Due to economic constraints and because the lesion was assumed to be of ovarian origin, the patient did not undergo any cross‐sectional imaging other than sonography. Sonographically guided fine needle aspiration of the cystic lesion was inconclusive. A cystic schwannoma was diagnosed at laparotomy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
The effects of free amino acids, nucleic compounds, and volatile constituents of funazushi (fermented sushi of crucian carp (Cyprinus auratus)) on preference
Authors: Kubo Kaori M. , Ogawa Yukari , Horikoshi Masako
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Funazushi is a fermented sushi containing n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the functionality of lactic acid fermentation foods has come to be expected. Funazushi is therefore worthy of study. Funazushi has a specific flavor which is either strongly liked or strongly disliked. We examined the components of funazushi and investigated their relation to preference.

RESULTS: Many free amino acids with sweetness and/or umami were present in funazushi, but nucleic compounds were scarce as taste elements. Twelve kinds of volatile elements were detected in all samples, which were thought to form the basis of the flavor of funazushi, although a total of 30 or more kinds of volatile elements were detected from each sample. The smell greatly influenced the overall evaluation. Panelists who had not eaten funazushi before, or only rarely, showed a tendency to prefer the same sample, from which ketones, aldehydes, or acids did not volatilize so much. On the other hand, individual variation was large among panels who commonly ate funazushi.

CONCLUSION: The smell and sourness of funazushi greatly influenced preference, especially in persons who had little experience of eating funazushi. Funazushi containing low ketone, aldehyde, or acid levels is suitable for the first eating experience. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation of histological findings of single session Er:YAG skin fractional resurfacing with various passes and energies and the possible clinical implications
Authors: Trelles Mario A. , Vélez Mariano , Mordon Serge
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

Ablative fractional resurfacing shows promise for skin resurfacing and tightening and also to improve treatment of epidermal and dermal pigmentary disorders. This study aimed at determining any correlation between epidermal ablation and effects on the dermis when using an Er:YAG laser in ablative fractional resurfacing mode.

Materials and Methods

Ten female subjects participated in the study, mean age 52 years, Skin phototypes: 1 Fitzpatrick type II; 8 type III and 1 type IV. The degree of wrinkles (Glogau scale II or III) was similar in all cases. The laser used was the Pixel Er:YAG system (Alma Laser™, Israel) which delivers the laser beam via a hand‐piece equipped with a beam splitter to divide the 2,940 nm beam into various microbeams of 850 µm in diameter in an 11 mm×11 mm treatment area. Using a constant energy of 1,400 mJ/cm2, on a test area of 4 cm×2 cm. Two, 4, 6, and 8 passes on the preauricular area of the face were evaluated immediately after treatment. In all cases, the handpiece was kept in the same position, and rotated slightly around its perpendicular axis between passes, then moved on to the next spot. Biopsies were performed and tissue samples were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

Results

No patient reported any noticeable discomfort, even at 8 passes. The histological findings revealed that, independent of the degree of the wrinkles, more laser passes produced more ablative removal of the epidermis. Residual thermal damage (RTD) with 2 laser passes was not observed but with 4 and 6 passes increased thermal effects and vacuole formation in the epidermal cells were noticed. With 8 laser passes, total epidermal removal was seen together with frank RTD‐related changes in the upper part of the papillary dermis.

Conclusion

In this study, we have demonstrated that high density fractional Er:YAG laser energy in a single session with multiple passes targeted not only the skin surface with elimination of the epidermis, but could also achieve heat deposition in the upper dermis. When performing ablative fractional resurfacing with an Er:YAG laser, treatment of varying degrees of damage could be achieved by varying the number of passes. Laser Surg. Med. 40:174–177, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D finite element model of aqueous outflow to predict the effect of femtosecond laser created partial thickness drainage channels
Authors: Chai Dongyul , Chaudhary Gautam , Mikula Eric , Sun Hui , Juhasz Tibor
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

Partial thickness drainage channels can be created with femtosecond lasers in the translucent sclera for the potential treatment of glaucoma. We present a 3D finite element model (FEM) that can predict the effect of these channels on aqueous humor (AH) outflow and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A 3D model was developed based on a 2D model for the intact eye using COMSOL (Comsol, Inc., MA) finite element software. Different values of permeability were entered into the 3D model for the AH pathway and for the partial thickness channel. To obtain experimental data for model validation, one partial thickness channel was created in each of three enucleated rabbit eyes with a femtosecond laser tuned to 1.7 µm wavelength. Aqueous outflow rates were measured with the perfusion method before and after the laser treatments at different levels of IOP and then compared to IOP values predicted by the model.

Results

The experiments indicated that the rate of the AH outflow was increased in each of three eyes after the laser treatment. Assuming a constant rate of AH production the 3D model predicted IOP reductions ranging from 67.2% to 80.6% as the effect of the laser created channels. These predictions were in reasonable agreement with experimentally adjusted IOP values during the perfusion measurements.

Conclusions

The developed 3D FEM has the potential to predict IOP reduction caused by partial thickness drainage channels created with the femtosecond laser in the sclera. Such a model may also be used to determine optimal channel dimensions for a specified increase in outflow facility and reduction in IOP. Laser Surg. Med. 40:188–195, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of chemical and/or mechanical conditioning on the Er:YAG laser‐treated root cementum: Analysis of surface morphology and periodontal ligament fibroblast attachment
Authors: Maruyama Hiroaki , Aoki Akira , Sasaki Katia Miyuki , Takasaki Aristeo Atsushi , Iwasaki Kengo , Ichinose Shizuko , Oda Shigeru , Ishikawa Isao , Izumi Yuichi
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

This study compared the surface morphology as well as the biocompatibility of dental root cementum treated with Er:YAG laser irradiation alone and with the laser irradiation followed by chemical and/or mechanical conditioning.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Healthy cementum plates were randomly assigned to the following control and treatment groups: (1) untreated control (C), (2) Er:YAG laser irradiation (L), (3) laser plus tetracycline HCl (TC) placement (L+TP), (4) laser plus TC burnishing (L+TB), (5) laser plus EDTA gel placement (L+EP), (6) laser plus EDTA gel burnishing (L+EB), (7) laser plus saline solution burnishing (L+SB), and (8) laser plus minocycline–HCl paste placement (L+MP). Specimens were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histological observation and attachment assay using periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts.

Results

The laser irradiation produced a thin affected layer (5.7 µm thickness) with a superficial microstructure on the cementum surface. The characteristic microstructures of the lased surface were fragile and could be removed by chemical and/or mechanical conditioning treatments. The L+TB group exhibited marked exposure of collagen fibers after removal of the microstructures on the lased surface. The L+EP group presented a peculiar, smooth surface without exposure of collagen fibers and a uniform arrangement of spherical microparticles on the ultra‐high magnification of SEM. In cell attachment assay, the L+TB group exhibited the greatest number of attached cells among all the groups, followed by the L+EP, L+SB and control group. The laser alone group exhibited the lowest number of cells.

Conclusions

The characteristic microstructure of the root cementum surface after Er:YAG laser irradiation has a tendency to hinder the early attachment of PDL cells. However, chemical and/or mechanical root conditioning treatment may improve and increase the biocompatibility of the Er:YAG laser‐treated root cementum by removing the microstructures of the surface and/or further exposing the collagen fibers. Laser Surg. Med. 40:211–222, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remote access laboratories in applied mathematics
Authors: Heiliö Matti
Published: March 2008

The cutting edge knowledge in the art of mathematical technology is located in dispersed nodes, research groups on applied mathematics, mathematical physics, scientific computing etc. The work often leads to development of software representing state‐of‐the‐art methods in the field. These environments are often experimental, under revisions, near the laboratory floor of on‐going research. This stage sometimes precedes the later development to actual products and commercialization.

Web‐technologies are a viable media for innovative processes and knowledge transfer. In this article I draw attention to the possibility of creating added value for the knowledge repository of applied mathematics and computational methods via remote access software sharing. I present examples and refer to the obvious potential of this approach in the modern era of grid computing. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some diffusion equations with finite propagation speed
Authors: Andreu F. , Caselles V. , Mazón J. M. , Moll S.
Published: March 2008

We summarize some of our recent results on diffusion equations with finite speed of propagation. These equations have been introduced to correct the infinite speed of propagation predicted by the classical linear diffusion theory. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mathematical and numerical modeling of focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Agostoni Elio , Perego Mauro , Veneziani Alessandro
Published: March 2008

This paper concerns mathematical and numerical modelling of focal ischemia in tridimensional geometries. The proposed model includes a space dependent description of the blood dynamics assuming that the vascular tissue is a porous medium and a description of ion disorder and tissue damage rate caused by a reduction in the flow rate. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Double‐vacuum‐bag technology for volatile management in composite fabrication
Authors: Hou T.H. , Jensen B.J.
Published: March 2008

A nonautoclave vacuum bag process using atmospheric pressure alone that eliminates the need for external pressure supplied normally by an autoclave or a press is an attractive method for composite fabrication. This type of process does not require large capital expenditures for tooling and processing equipment. The traditional single‐vacuum‐bag (SVB) process is best suited for molding epoxy matrix‐based composites because of their superior flow and the absence of reaction byproducts or other volatiles. This is not the case for other classes of materials such as polyimides and phenolics. Polyimides and phenolics are cured by condensation reactions which generate water as a reaction byproduct. In addition, these materials are commonly synthesized as oligomers using solvents to facilitate processability. Volatiles (solvents and reaction byproducts) management therefore becomes a critical issue. SVB molding, without additional pressure, normally fails to yield void‐free quality composites for these classes of resin systems. A double‐vacuum‐bag (DVB) process for volatile management in composite fabrication using common molding equipment was designed and built at the NASA Langley Research Center. This experimental DVB process affords superior volatiles management compared with the traditional SVB process. Void‐free composites are consistently fabricated as measured by C‐scan and optical photomicroscopy for high‐performance polyimide and phenolic resins. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of substituents on molecular devices
Authors: Tovar Roberto M. , Johnson Kyle P. , Ashline Keith , Seminario Jorge M.
Published: March 2008

The current–voltage characteristics of small aliphatic chains of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and oligophenylene‐ethylenes, with and without substituents and terminated in sulfur attached nanosized gold electrodes are determined using ab initio procedures for discrete and extended systems in a density functional theory‐Green function's approach where most of the chemistry is considered. It is found that the current–voltage characteristics of small molecules can be tailored by the addition of substituents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Using stable isotopes to unravel and predict the origins of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) overwintering at Kinmen
Authors: Chang Yuan‐Mou , Hatch Kent A. , Ding Tzung‐Su , Eggett Dennis L. , Yuan Hsiao‐Wei , Roeder Beverly L.
Published: March 2008

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health have called for a better understanding of the role that migrating birds may play in spreading H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Bird banding, traditionally used in studies of migration, is limited by low recapture rates. Telemetry can only be applied to larger species and a limited number of birds. We show that analyses of multiple stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O and δD) can provide an understanding of the number of breeding populations represented at large congregations of wintering birds, probable locations of these breeding populations, and which breeding populations do not contribute migrants to a wintering site. As Asia is thought to be the origin of many HPAI strains and the center of their evolution, and as bird migration is poorly understood in this part of the world, we recommend that, in addition to banding, satellite, and VHF telemetry, the stable isotope analysis of migration patterns should become a part of long‐term surveillance studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of river basin restoration options by the application of the Water Framework Directive Explorer in the Zwalm River basin (Flanders, Belgium)
Authors: Mouton Ans M. , Van Der Most Herman , Jeuken Ad , Goethals Peter L. M. , De Pauw Niels
Published: March 2008

Water managers and researchers strive towards the same objective: the improvement of the quality status of water bodies. However, there is still a gap between the results of academic studies on water systems and the information currently used in water management. The Water Framework Directive (WFD)‐Explorer, a modular toolbox which supports integrated water management in a river basin, attempts to bridge this gap. The toolbox analyses the impact of different restoration measures on river ecology based on expert rules embedded in this simulation environment. The strengths and weaknesses of the toolbox have been tested on the Zwalm River basin in Flanders, Belgium. The ecological status of streams in the basin spans the whole range of nearly pristine headwaters to severely impacted river stretches further downstream. Considering the key bottlenecks in the Zwalm basin and the user‐driven ecological status objectives, several water quality and physical habitat restoration options have been proposed to meet the European Water Framework Directive goals. The positive impact of restoration measures on the ecological quality ratio (EQR) for macroinvertebrates appeared to be the highest for measures affecting the nutrient inflows and thus chemical water body characteristics. However, the spatial scale on which the WFD‐Explorer modelled the impact of physical habitat restoration may have been too coarse to generate reliable results concerning such restoration measures. Hence, the combination of the WFD‐Explorer results with those of more detailed studies on physical habitat restoration impacts might be a promising approach to reliably support decision‐making implementation of the WFD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size and age distributions of juvenile Connecticut River American shad above Hadley Falls: influence on outmigration representation and timing
Authors: O'Donnell Matthew J. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: March 2008

Age‐ and size‐based habitat use and movement patterns of young‐of‐year American shad in rivers are not well understood. Adult females reach their natal rivers at different times and ascend the river at different rates, which may lead to variation of hatch dates at a single location. Also, shad are serial spawners, so eggs of the same female may be released at different distances from the river mouth. It has long been hypothesized that juvenile shad emigration is a function of size or age, and not necessarily keyed only to a decrease in water temperature during the fall. We seined three sites in the Connecticut River biweekly to collect pre‐migrant shad during river residence (spring to fall). During emigration, samples were also collected weekly at two hydroelectric facilities. Otoliths were removed from ∼20% of the fish to obtain age and growth rate information. We found increases in length and age over time until late in the season, after which such increases were mostly insignificant. Cohorts collected early in the year as pre‐migrants were never sampled as migrants later in the year at the hydroelectric projects. Cohorts collected late in the year as migrants were never collected earlier in the year as pre‐migrants. Only during a narrow window of time were fish collected as both pre‐migrants and migrants. Fish that were hatched later in the season exhibited higher growth rates than fish that were hatched earlier in the season. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of a prototype surface collector for juvenile salmonids at Bonneville Dam's first powerhouse on the Columbia River, Oregon
Authors: Evans Scott D. , Adams Noah S. , Rondorf Dennis W. , Plumb John M. , Ebberts Blaine D.
Published: March 2008

During April–July 2000, we radio‐tagged and released juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to evaluate a prototype surface flow bypass at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. The mock bypass, called a prototype surface collector (PSC), had six vertical slot entrances that were each 6 m wide and 12 m deep. The PSC was retrofitted to the upstream face of Bonneville Dam's First Powerhouse. Our objectives were to: (1) assess species‐specific differences in movement patterns and behaviour of fish within 6 m of the face of the PSC, (2) estimate the efficiency and effectiveness of the PSC and (3) evaluate factors affecting the performance of the PSC. We found that 60–72% of the fish, depending on species, detected within 6 m of the PSC entered it. Of the fish that passed the First Powerhouse at turbines 1–6, 79–83% entered the PSC. Diel period was a significant contributor to PSC performance for all species, and day of year was a significant contributor to PSC performance for subyearling Chinook salmon. The PSC was twice as effective (%fish/%flow) as the spillway, passing 2.5:1 steelhead and subyearling Chinook salmon and 2.4:1 yearling Chinook salmon per unit of water. If fully implemented, the PSC would increase the percentage of fish that pass the First Powerhouse through non‐turbine routes from 65–77% (without the PSC) to 76–85% (with the PSC), depending on species. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grieving: 22 to 30 percent of all college students
Authors: Balk David E.
Published: March 2008

The author offers evidence that 22 to 30 percent of college undergraduates are in the first year of bereavement, reviews the effects of their grieving, and addresses implications for colleges and universities.
Developmental and contextual perspectives on bereaved college students
Authors: Taub Deborah J. , Servaty‐Seib Heather L.
Published: March 2008

Theories of college student development and campus ecology provide helpful perspectives on how students cope with bereavement.
Phthalocyanines: From outstanding electronic properties to emerging applications
Authors: Claessens Christian G. , Hahn Uwe , Torres Tomás
Published: March 2008

This review paper gives a brief overview on how the outstanding chemical and physical properties of phthalocyanines and phthalocyanine derivatives are being studied and employed in order to construct state‐of‐the‐art technological devices. In a first instance, a short account on how the nature of the phthalocyanine structure and its organization in condensed phases play an important role in their conducting and ultraviolet‐visible absorption properties is presented. Consequently, these basic electronic and photophysical features of phthalocyanines allow us to explain why phthalocyanine‐based multicomponent covalent or noncovalent donor‐acceptor systems may give rise to very interesting photophysical properties, in particular in terms of their ability to generate very long‐lived photoinduced charge‐separated states. A concise survey on the organization of these multifunctional systems shows how a profound understanding of the morphology at the nanometer‐scale of these phthalocyanine‐based molecular materials is needed in order to control their physical properties in condensed phases. All the previously mentioned chemical and physical features combined together led us to the description of the latest attempts at incorporating phthalocyanines into photovoltaic devices for solar energy conversion and onto quantum dots for photodynamic therapy or quantum computing. © 2008 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 8: 75–97; 2008: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20139
Soil and water erosion under different plant species in a semiarid river valley, SW China: the effects of plant morphology
Authors: Xu Xian‐Li , Ma Ke‐Ming , Fu Bo‐Jie , Liu Wen , Song Cheng‐Jun
Published: March 2008

The small‐scale effects of plant morphology in improving soil quality and reducing runoff and soil loss have remained unclear, especially in some arid environments with sparse vegetation. We selected three representative species with contrasting morphologies (Artemisia gmelinii; Ajania potaninii; Pulicaria chrysantha) to examine the effects of plant morphology on soil quality, runoff, and soil loss in the dry‐warm river valley of the upper reach of Minjiang River, SW China. Runoff events were monitored from July through October 2006 using runoff plots on a micro scale (<40 × 40 cm2) on a south‐facing slope. The observation duration for rainfall and runoff events can be divided into two stages. Higher runoff depth, but lower soil loss per event occurred at the second stage as compared with the first stage due to the differences in rainfall, plant, and soil surface characteristics. The two herbs, A. gmelinii and P. chrysantha, had greater improvements on soil quality yielding high soil nutrient content and low soil compactness, while the effectiveness of the small shrub, A. potaninii, was minimal. Relative to bare surface (control treatment), the effectiveness of reducing runoff depth per event was 64.9, 66.6 and 38.0%, and reducing soil loss 65.5, 59.3 and 69.9% for A. gmelinii, A. potaninii, and P. chrysantha, respectively. All three plant species can improve soil quality and reduce runoff and soil loss, but their effects vary, which implies that plant morphology has to be considered while selecting species for ecosystem restoration.
Quality of life, resource consumption and costs of spinal cord stimulation versus conventional medical management in neuropathic pain patients with failed back surgery syndrome (PROCESS trial)
Authors: Manca Andrea , Kumar Krishna , Taylor Rod S. , Jacques Line , Eldabe Sam , Meglio Mario , Molet Joan , Thomson Simon , O'Callaghan Jim , Eisenberg Elon , Milbouw Germain , Buchser Eric , Fortini Gianpaolo , Richardson Jonathan , Taylor Rebecca J. , Goeree Ron , Sculpher Mark J.
Published: March 2008

Background: Chronic back and leg pain conditions result in patients’ loss of function, reduced quality of life and increased costs to the society.

Aims: To assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and cost implications of spinal cord stimulation plus non‐surgical conventional medical management (SCS group) versus non‐surgical conventional medical management alone (CMM group) in the management of neuropathic pain in patients with failed back surgery syndrome.

Methods: A total of 100 patients were randomised to either the SCS or CMM group. Healthcare resource consumption data relating to screening, the use of the implantable generator in SCS patients, hospital stay, and drug and non‐drug pain‐related treatment were collected prospectively. Resource consumption was costed using UK and Canadian 2005–2006 national figures. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D) questionnaire. Costs and outcomes were assessed for each patient over their first 6‐months of the trial.

Results: The 6‐month mean total healthcare cost in the SCS group (CAN$19,486; €12,653) was significantly higher than in the CMM group (CAN$3994; €2594), with a mean adjusted difference of CAN$15, 395 (€9997) (p<0.001). However, the gain in HRQoL with SCS over the same period of time was markedly greater in the SCS group, with a mean EQ‐5D score difference of 0.25 [p<0.001] and 0.21 [p<0.001], respectively at 3‐ and 6‐months after adjusting for baseline variables.

Conclusions: The addition of SCS to CMM in patients with neuropathic leg and back pain results in higher costs to health systems but also generates important improvements in patients’ EQ‐5D over the same period.