bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral contraceptive and IUD use and endometrial cancer: A population‐based case–control study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Tao Meng Hua , Xu Wang Hong , Zheng Wei , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Gao Yu‐Tang , Ruan Zhi Xian , Cheng Jia Rong , Gao Jing , Xiang Yong Bing , Shu Xiao Ou
Published: July 2006

Oral contraceptive (OC) and intrauterine device (IUD) use have been shown to be protective factors for endometrial cancer in several epidemiological studies; however, few studies have been conducted in Chinese populations. We evaluated the association between OC and IUD use and endometrial cancer risk in a population‐based case–control study among Chinese women in Shanghai, China. The study included 1,204 newly diagnosed endometrial cancer cases and 1,212 age frequency‐matched healthy controls. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). In our study population, 18.5% cases and 24.9% controls reported having ever used OCs with an OR of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.60–0.93), after adjusting for known risk or protective factors for endometrial cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer decreased with long‐term use of OCs with the OR for more than 72 months of use being 0.50 (95% CI, 0.30–0.85). The effect of OC use remained 25 or more years after cessation of use; the associated OR was 0.57 (95% CI = 0.42–0.78) as compared to nonusers. Similarly, fewer cases than controls had ever used IUD, with the multivariable adjusted OR being 0.53 (95% CI = 0.43–0.65). A reduction in risk was observed regardless the duration of use or age at first and last use. These results suggest that OC and IUD use may confer long‐term protection against endometrial cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
E5 protein of human papillomavirus 16 downregulates HLA class I and interacts with the heavy chain via its first hydrophobic domain
Authors: Ashrafi G. Hossein , Haghshenas Mohammad , Marchetti Barbara , Campo M. Saveria
Published: July 2006

Human papillomavirus type 16 E5 protein (HPV‐16 E5) is expressed early in papillomavirus infection and is localised primarily in the cell Golgi apparatus (GA) and endoplasmic reticulum. E5 prevents transport of the major histocompatibility class I (MHC I; HLA class I in humans) to the cell surface and retains the complex in the GA. We report that these effects are due, at least in part, to the interaction between E5 and HLA I heavy chain (HC). We also demonstrate that the down‐regulation of surface HLA I and interaction with HC are mediated by the first hydrophobic domain of E5. Although E5 downregulates classical HLA selectively as it does not downregulate non‐classical HLA, the interaction with the HC of classical HLA I is not specific for a particular haplotype of HLA I. This suggests that E5 can interfere with antigen presentation by most, if not all, classical HLA I haplotypes, with potentially serious consequences as the ability of infected cells to present antigenic peptides to effector T cells would be compromised. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An engineered antibody–interleukin‐12 fusion protein with enhanced tumor vascular targeting properties
Authors: Gafner Verena , Trachsel Eveline , Neri Dario
Published: July 2006

The antibody‐mediated targeted delivery of interleukin‐12 (IL12) to the EDB domain of fibronectin, a marker of angiogenesis, is a promising avenue for enhancing the therapeutic index of this anti‐cancer cytokine. Previous experiments, based on sequential fusion of a single‐chain IL12 derivative to the anti‐EDB antibody fragment scFv(L19) had yielded a therapeutic fusion protein [IL12‐scFv(L19)‐FLAG], which displayed an impressive therapeutic activity in murine models of cancer, in spite of a tumor uptake, which was less efficient compared to the parental unmodified scFv(L19). In this article, we describe the comparative analysis of 3 recombinant fusion proteins comprising the scFv(L19) and IL12 moieties. One of them, in which the p40 and p35 form a covalent heterodimer and in which each subunit is fused to a molecule of scFv(L19), displays an excellent tumor targeting performance in vivo, as assessed by quantitative biodistribution analysis, and a potent anti‐tumor effect, superior to the one of IL12‐scFv(L19)‐FLAG. These results may have a clinical impact, considering the fact that the tumor targeting ability of scFv(L19) in patients with cancer has been demonstrated using scintigraphic methods, and that 2 scFv(L19)‐based antibody‐cytokine fusion are currently entering clinical trials. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Classification of leaf images
Authors: Lee Chia‐Ling , Chen Shu‐Yuan
Published: July 2006

There are tremendous content‐based retrieval systems. Most of them are applied to general image databases. Some were proposed for specified databases such as texture databases, ancient paintings, document image databases, digital mammography, face image databases, etc. However, there are fewer for plant databases. Plants are used in various fields such as in foodstuff, medicine, and industry. Recently, plant is important for environment protection. On the other hand, the problem of plant destruction becomes worse in the few years. We should train people to know about plants, in turn, to treasure and protect them. In addition to the limited number of expert botanists, the convenient content‐based retrieval system for plant is necessary and useful, since it can retrieve related information and knowledge from plant database for the query leaf so as to facilitate fast learning of plants. In this study, a leaf database is constructed and a classification method for leaves is proposed. Most approaches for leaf classification in literature used contour‐based features. The proposed method tries to use region‐based features. The reasons are that region‐based features are more robust than contour‐based features since significant curvature points are hard to find. Those features adopted include aspect ratio, compactness, centroid, and horizontal/vertical projections. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated by various experiments. On the average, our method has the classification accuracy for 1‐NN rule as 82.33% and the recall rate for 10 returned images as 48.2%, while the contour‐based method has 37.6% and 21.7%, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 16, 15–23, 2006
H.264/AVC baseline profile to MPEG‐4 visual simple profile transcoding to reduce the spatial resolution
Authors: Hur Jae‐Ho , Kwon Hyouk‐Kyun , Lee Yung‐Lyul
Published: July 2006

In this study, we propose a heterogeneous transcoding method of converting an H.264/Advanced video coding (AVC) Baseline profile (BP) video bitstream into an MPEG‐4 Visual simple profile (VSP) video bitstream. The proposed method reduces the spatial resolution for mobile terminals, which support only low resolution video bitstreams. When the H.264/AVC BP video bitstream is transformed into the MPEG‐4 VSP video bitstream, the conversions between the H.264/AVC BP block types and the MPEG‐4 VSP block types are performed by analyzing the macroblocks (MBs) conversion probability and calculating the difference values of motion vector. The proposed transcoding method runs on average 5.5 times faster than the cascaded transcoding methods, for a degradation of the PSNR (peak‐signal‐to ratio) of less than 0.5 dB. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 16, 24–33, 2006
F‐actin‐based Ca signaling—a critical comparison with the current concept of Ca signaling
Authors: Lange Klaus , Gartzke Joachim
Published: July 2006

A short comparative survey on the current idea of Ca signaling and the alternative concept of F‐actin‐based Ca signaling is given. The two hypotheses differ in one central aspect, the mechanism of Ca storage. The current theory rests on the assumption of Ca‐accumulating endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum‐derived vesicles equipped with an ATP‐dependent Ca pump and IP3‐ or ryanodine‐sensitive channel‐receptors for Ca‐release. The alternative hypothesis proceeds from the idea of Ca storage at the high‐affinity binding sites of actin filaments. Cellular sites of F‐actin‐based Ca storage are microvilli and the submembrane cytoskeleton. Several specific features of Ca signaling such as store‐channel coupling, quantal Ca release, spiking and oscillations, biphasic and “phasic” uptake kinetics, and Ca‐induced Ca release (CICR), which are not adequately described by the current concept, are inherent properties of the F‐actin system and its dynamic state of treadmilling. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 270–287, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Actin‐based motility of intracellular bacteria, and polarized surface distribution of the bacterial effector molecules
Authors: Carlsson Fredric , Brown Eric J.
Published: July 2006

Several intracellular bacterial pathogens, including species of Listeria, Rickettsia, Shigella, Mycobacteria, and Burkholderia, have evolved mechanisms to exploit the actin polymerization machinery of their hosts to induce actin‐based motility, enabling these pathogens to spread between host cells without exposing themselves to the extracellular milieu. Efficient cell‐to‐cell spread requires directional motility, which the bacteria may achieve by concentrating the effector molecules at one pole of their cell body, thereby restricting polymerization of monomeric actin into actin tails to this pole. The study of the molecular processes involved in the initiation of actin tail formation at the bacterial surface, and subsequent actin‐based motility, has provided much insight into the pathogenesis of infections caused by these bacteria and into the cell biology of actin dynamics. Concomitantly, this field of research has provided an opportunity to understand the mechanisms whereby bacteria can achieve a polarized distribution of surface proteins. This review will describe the process of actin‐based motility of intracellular bacteria, and the mechanisms by which bacteria can obtain a polarized distribution of their surface proteins. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 288–296, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex‐specific characteristics of cardiac function, geometry, and mass in young adult elite athletes
Authors: Petersen Steffen E. , Hudsmith Lucy E. , Robson Matthew D. , Doll Helen A. , Francis Jane M. , Wiesmann Frank , Jung Bernd A. , Hennig Juergen , Watkins Hugh , Neubauer Stefan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study young adult elite athletes with age‐ and sex‐matched sedentary controls to assess sex‐specific differences for left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes and mass as well as for LV contraction and relaxation.

Materials and Methods

A total of 23 male athletes (mean age 25 ± 4 years, training 22 ± 7 hours/week in rowing, swimming, or triathlon) and 20 female athletes (mean age 24 ± 4 years, training 19 ± 5 hours/week in rowing, swimming, or triathlon) and age‐ and sex‐matched sedentary controls (21 male/17 female) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging (1.5 Tesla). Cardiac phase contrast imaging using a black‐blood k‐space segmented gradient echo sequence was used for analysis of cardiac contraction and relaxation and steady‐state free‐precession cine images were acquired for determination of cardiac volumes and mass.

Results

Male and female athletes showed similar increases in LV and RV volume and mass indices when compared to controls (ranging between 15% and 42%). No sex‐specific differences in training effect on LV and RV volumes, mass indices, and ejection fractions, as well as LV to RV ratios of these volume and mass indices (parameters of balanced LV and RV dilatation and hypertrophy) were observed (all P for interaction >0.05). Similarly, no sex‐specific differences in training effect on cardiac contraction and relaxation were found (all P for interaction >0.05).

Conclusion

Young adult elite athletes do not show sex‐specific adaptive structural and functional changes to exercise training in accordance with the benign nature of the hypertrophy associated with athlete's heart. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HISTALP—historical instrumental climatological surface time series of the Greater Alpine Region
Authors: Auer Ingeborg , Böhm Reinhard , Jurkovic Anita , Lipa Wolfgang , Orlik Alexander , Potzmann Roland , Schöner Wolfgang , Ungersböck Markus , Matulla Christoph , Briffa Keith , Jones Phil , Efthymiadis Dimitrios , Brunetti Michele , Nanni Teresa , Maugeri Maurizio , Mercalli Luca , Mestre Olivier , Moisselin Jean‐Marc , Begert Michael , Müller‐Westermeier Gerhard , Kveton Vit , Bochnicek Oliver , Stastny Pavel , Lapin Milan , Szalai Sándor , Szentimrey Tamás , Cegnar Tanja , Dolinar Mojca , Gajic‐Capka Marjana , Zaninovic Ksenija , Majstorovic Zeljko , Nieplova Elena
Published: July 2006

This paper describes the HISTALP database, consisting of monthly homogenised records of temperature, pressure, precipitation, sunshine and cloudiness for the ‘Greater Alpine Region’ (GAR, 4–19°E, 43–49°N, 0–3500m asl). The longest temperature and air pressure series extend back to 1760, precipitation to 1800, cloudiness to the 1840s and sunshine to the 1880s. A systematic QC procedure has been applied to the series and a high number of inhomogeneities (more than 2500) and outliers (more than 5000) have been detected and removed. The 557 HISTALP series are kept in different data modes: original and homogenised, gap‐filled and outlier corrected station mode series, grid‐1 series (anomaly fields at 1° × 1°, lat × long) and Coarse Resolution Subregional (CRS) mean series according to an EOF‐based regionalisation. The leading climate variability features within the GAR are discussed through selected examples and a concluding linear trend analysis for 100, 50 and 25‐year subperiods for the four horizontal and two altitudinal CRSs. Among the key findings of the trend analysis is the parallel centennial decrease/increase of both temperature and air pressure in the 19th/20th century. The 20th century increase (+1.2 °C/+ 1.1 hPa for annual GAR‐means) evolved stepwise with a first peak near 1950 and the second increase (1.3 °C/0.6hPa per 25 years) starting in the 1970s. Centennial and decadal scale temperature trends were identical for all subregions. Air pressure, sunshine and cloudiness show significant differences between low versus high elevations. A long‐term increase of the high‐elevation series relative to the low‐elevation series is given for sunshine and air pressure. Of special interest is the exceptional high correlation near 0.9 between the series on mean temperature and air pressure difference (high‐minus low‐elevation). This, further developed via some atmospheric statics and thermodynamics, allows the creation of ‘barometric temperature series’ without use of the measures of temperature. They support the measured temperature trends in the region. Precipitation shows the most significant regional and seasonal differences with, e.g., remarkable opposite 20th century evolution for NW (9% increase) versus SE (9% decrease). Other long‐ and short‐term features are discussed and indicate the promising potential of the new database for further analyses and applications. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Recent developments in the HPLC enantiomeric separation using chiral selectors identified by a combinatorial strategy
Authors: Ravelet Corinne , Peyrin Eric
Published: July 2006

Two kinds of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) can be distinguished: (i) the “conventional” CSPs for which the selectivity is not pre‐determined and (ii) the CSPs which are characterized by a predictable elution order, depending on the target enantiomer used for the selection of the chiral selector. At the present time, three general methodologies have been described to create chiral selectors specifically designed against the racemate to resolve: the molecular imprinting technology, the production of antibodies and the combinatorial approach. The latter methodology involves two categories of procedures to develop CSPs: an approach from a small library of low‐molecular weight selectors and an approach from a very large library of single‐stranded oligonucleotides (DNA and RNA aptamers). In this review, the recent advances in the HPLC applications of the chiral selectors identified through these two combinatorial procedures are addressed.
Chromatographic enantioseparation of amino acids using a new chiral stationary phase based on a macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotic
Authors: Petrusevska Katerina , Kuznetsov Mikhail A. , Gedicke Knut , Meshko Vera , Staroverov Sergey M. , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas
Published: July 2006

The separation of the enantiomers of several α‐amino acids was studied on a new chiral stationary phase (CSP) which is based on the macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotic eremomycin attached to silica particles. Retention and separation factors were determined under analytical conditions at ambient temperature for different mobile phase compositions. In order to evaluate the potential with respect to preparative separations the adsorption isotherms of D‐ and L‐methionine were determined for one mobile phase composition applying the elution by characteristic point method. The isotherms were validated by comparing experimentally determined elution profiles with predictions based on the equilibrium dispersive model. Finally, the performance of the eremomycin CSP was compared with a commercially available CSP based on the macrocyclic antibiotic teicoplanin. After determining the isotherms of D‐ and L‐methionine also for the teicoplanin phase, the equilibrium dispersive model was used for both CSP to identify optimal operating conditions. For the separation and conditions considered the new eremomycin CSP revealed a better performance compared to the teicoplanin CSP.
Hydrological changes and land degradation in the southern and eastern Tarim basin, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yang X. , Liu Z. , Zhang F. , White P. D. , Wang X.
Published: July 2006

Using the combined methods of digital image processing of remote sensing data, a Geographical Information System (GIS) and analysis of historical books and maps, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the processes and mechanisms of land‐use and land‐cover changes and hydrological variations during the last 2000 years in a hyper‐arid environment. The southern and eastern Taklamakan Desert, one of the driest and ecologically most sensitive regions in China and characterized by a long history of human settlements, was chosen as the study area. A hydrological connection between the Keriya and Niya rivers in former times was recognized for the first time using satellite imagery. After transferring the notes and maps of historical times into a simplified modern map, it shows that the Lop Nuer decreased in size from a large lake in the Han Dynasty (206BCtoAD220) to a much smaller one in the Qing Dynasty (AD1644–1911). Areas settled in former times differ morphologically from the dune landscape in satellite imagery because of flat relief along dried river courses. A review of archaeological literature reinforces the fact that in the lower reaches of the Keriya and Niya rivers, in the interior of the Taklamakan Desert, irrigated agriculture was widely practised fromca. 200BCtoca.AD500. A possible climatic change toward drier conditions atca.AD500 is suggested as the cause of the abandonment of the cities in the desert and for the initial drying of the formerly large Lop Nuer Lake. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dewatering of the Far West Rand dolomitic area by gold mining activities and subsequent ground instability
Authors: van Niekerk H. J. , van der Walt I. J.
Published: July 2006

In the 1960s, the Malmani dolomite landscape of the Transvaal Sequence on the Far West Rand experienced ground subsidence in the form of sudden catastrophic sinkhole formations and extensive development of dolines by gradual subsidence. The management of the gold mines had decided to dewater some of the dolomitic compartments to allow their workers to extract the gold‐bearing ore of the underlying Witwatersrand Supergroup economically and safely.

Several of the gold mines on the Far West Rand have now reached the end of their life span and are due to be decommissioned. Dewatering will be discontinued. Some of the dykes that form the boundaries of the individual dolomitic compartments have been breached by mining activities so that flooding of one compartment will eventually impact on the other compartments. The eventual static level of the water‐table in this new ‘super‐compartment’, as well as the points of decant of the dolomitic water, are uncertain. Flooding of the ‘super‐compartment’ will cause the original dolomitic eyes feeding the Wonderfontein Spruit to start flowing again, which will impact on groundwater quality and ground instability. Of particular concern is the occurrence of millions of tonnes of mine tailings within the catchment area.

The most important problem in the catchment area is that the sedimentary phase of the Wonderfontein Spruit and its impoundments is continually being enriched with heavy metals and radio nuclides originating at the mining works. These could be remobilized and released into the downstream water, causing deterioration of water quality for downstream users. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some multidisciplinary techniques used in MIC studies
Authors: Wang W. , Wang J. , Xu H. , Li X.
Published: July 2006

This paper presents a review of the application of microbiological methods, chemical analysis and surface analysis techniques in studying the microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) process of metals and their alloys. As a multidisciplinary research, some techniques used to study biofilm‐related problems are also discussed in this paper, as potential tools in this field.
Structure and Thermal Analyses of MAA‐Grafted Silk Fiber Using DSC and 13C Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Kameda Tsunenori , Tsukada Masuhiro
Published: July 2006

Summary: By using DSC, 13C CP/MAS NMR and SEM, we studied the physical properties and chemical structure of silk fibers grafted with methacrylamide (MAA). At a given MAA concentration, the inverse of fiber weight gain linearly increased with increasing square root of the initiator concentration, and at a given initiator concentration the fiber weight gain increased with increasing MAA concentration. 13C CP/MAS NMR demonstrated that the primary and secondary structure remained unchanged, regardless of MAA grafting, implying the poor compatibility and the lack of new additional hydrogen bonding between the silk fiber and the MAA graft polymer. The degree of grafting in MAA‐grafted silk fiber (the accurate amount of actually loaded MAA polymer within the fiber matrix) can be evaluated from determination of the ratio of heat capacities calculated from two individual endothermic DSC peaks of silk fibroin and MAA polymer. The major endothermic peaks attributable to thermal degradation of the silk fiber and MAA graft polymer shifted to a higher temperature with increasing fiber weight gain by grafting. These findings are useful for the industrial production of grafted silk fiber with higher thermal stability.

CP/MAS spectra for poly(MAA) grafted silk and control silk fiber.

magnified image

CP/MAS spectra for poly(MAA) grafted silk and control silk fiber.
Interactive reference direction approach using implicit parametrization for nonlinear multiobjective optimization
Authors: Miettinen Kaisa , Kirilov Leoneed
Published: July 2006

A method for solving nonlinear multiobjective optimization problems is presented. In this interactive method, the dialog with a decision maker takes place in terms of desirable aspiration levels forming a reference point in the objective function space. In the computation phase, a lexicographic subproblem is used to generate a desired number of nondominated solutions. Thus, the decision maker can direct the interactive solution process both by specifying reference points and by setting the number of new solutions to be generated at each iteration. The proposed method gives the decision maker a possibility to investigate any part of the whole nondominated set according to his/her preferences and emphasizes learning possibilities. The functioning of the method is illustrated with a numerical example. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A formulation of portfolio selection problem with multiple criteria
Authors: Polyashuk Marina V.
Published: July 2006

Portfolio‐type problems arise in many decision‐making situations. In this paper, we consider these problems in the context of multiple criteria model that takes into account two types of criteria, which are used in decision maker's preferences: criteria of the first type are used to characterize both the entire portfolio and its individual elements, whereas criteria of the second type are solely used to evaluate the portfolio as a whole but not its elements. When formulating our multiple criteria model, we assume that criteria of the first type are quantitative and that they represent a higher priority for the decision maker compared to criteria of the second type. While we acknowledge the existence of other approaches, in this paper we focus on those portfolio selection problems that match the above structure of the criteria set. After formulating the portfolio selection problem, we offer a two‐phase portfolio selection procedure that allows to choose an optimal portfolio by operating in two separate criteria spaces. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic regulation of the expression of the novel stem cell marker CDCP1 in cancer cells
Authors: Ikeda J‐i , Morii E , Kimura H , Tomita Y , Takakuwa T , Hasegawa J‐i , Kim Y‐K , Miyoshi Y , Noguchi S , Nishida T , Aozasa K
Published: July 2006

CDCP1 is a novel stem cell marker that is expressed in several types of cancer. The mechanisms by which CDCP1 expression is regulated, and the clinical implications of this marker, have not been clarified. In this report, we examine the epigenetic regulation of CDCP1 expression in cell lines and clinical samples from patients with breast cancer. Many CpG sequences were localized around the transcription initiation site of CDCP1. These CpG motifs were found to be poorly methylated in cell lines with high levels of CDCP1 expression and heavily methylated in cell lines with low levels of CDCP1 expression. The in vitro methylation of CpG sites decreased CDCP1 promoter activity, and the addition of a demethylating reagent restored activity. In 25 breast cancer samples, an inverse correlation was noted between the CDCP1 expression level and the proportion of methylated to non‐methylated CpG sites. Tumours with high‐level CDCP1 expression showed higher levels of proliferation, as revealed by immunohistochemical detection of the MIB‐1 antigen, than tumours with low‐level CDCP1 expression. These findings indicate that the expression of CDCP1 is regulated by methylation of its promoter region in tumours. CDCP1 expression may prove to be useful in the further characterization of cancers. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary testicular diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas have activated B‐cell‐like subtype characteristics
Authors: Booman M , Douwes J , Glas AM , de Jong D , Schuuring E , Kluin PM
Published: July 2006

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphomas in which germinal centre B‐cell‐like and activated B‐cell‐like subtypes can be discerned based on pathology, clinical presentation, and gene expression patterns. Testicular DLBCLs form an immune‐privileged site‐related subgroup of DLBCLs with an unfavourable prognosis. In the present study, cDNA microarray analysis, immunohistochemistry for CD10, Bcl6 and MUM1, and somatic hypermutation analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements were used to determine the subtype of primary testicular DLBCL. Immunohistochemistry revealed 14/22 testicular DLBCLs with an activated B‐cell‐like immunophenotype and 8/22 with an ambiguous immunophenotype co‐expressing CD10 and high levels of MUM1. cDNA microarray analysis of these 22 and four additional cases showed a uniform activated B‐cell‐like gene expression pattern for both immunophenotypes. Somatic hypermutation analysis of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes showed a very high mutation load in seven cases tested, but intraclonal heterogeneity was found at low level in only one of these cases. It is concluded that primary testicular DLBCLs have uniform activated B‐cell‐like subtype characteristics despite a number of cases showing an ambiguous immunophenotype. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality aspects of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis: determining the effect of various factors involved in handling amniotic fluid and chorionic villus material for cytogenetic diagnosis
Authors: Sikkema‐Raddatz Birgit , Suijkerbuijk Ron , Bouman Katelijne , de Jong Bauke , Buys Charles H.C.M. , te Meerman Gerard J.
Published: July 2006

Objectives

To investigate the effect of factors involved in cell culturing and slide preparation of amniotic fluid (AF) and chorionic villus biopsies (CVB) for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis.

Methods

The effect on the outcome of our standard AF cell culture procedure of volume and appearance of the submitted AF specimen, gynaecologist performing the amniocentesis, week of gestation in which the specimen was taken and culture medium was retrospectively investigated. In a prospective study controlled experimental variation was introduced in composition of fixative, relative humidity, temperature and airflow during slide preparation from primary CVB and AF in situ cultures. For evaluation, analysis of regression or variance was used.

Results

Provided that at least 0.8 mL AF per culture dish was admitted, none of the investigated factors appeared as critical resulting in unacceptable variation in outcome. Variation in appearance of the AF had a relatively major impact: bloody or brown AF resulted in a 3 days longer culture time.

To a limited degree, metaphase quality of AF and CVB cells was affected by composition of fixative, relative humidity, ambient temperature and airflow during slide preparation.

Conclusion

Current prenatal cytogenetic practice as described here appears in general to be robust and reliable. The investigated conditions are not critical within the investigated range. Expensive measures for fine control of these conditions are, therefore, not required. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Baig Shahid Mahmood , Azhar Ayesha , Hassan Hammad , Baig Jamshaid Mahmood , Aslam Muhammad , Ud Din Mohammad Amin , Qureshi Javed Anver , Zaman Tariq
Published: July 2006

Pakistan has a large population of more than 150 million people with an overall carrier frequency of approximately 5.6% for β‐thalassemia. Punjab is the largest province of the country having more than 50% of the population. The state of β‐thalassemia is alarming as consanguinity is very high (>81%) and the literacy rate is low in South Punjab. A thalassemia prevention program is the need of the hour in this part of Pakistan. In this study, we initiated awareness, screening, and characterization of the mutations causing β‐thalassemia as well as a genetic counseling program mainly in the districts of Faisalabad and D.G. Khan to establish prenatal diagnosis, a facility previously unavailable in this region for disease prevention. A total of 248 unrelated transfusion‐dependent children and the available members of their families were screened to characterize the mutations and identify the carriers. Genetic counseling was provided to these families and prenatal diagnosis offered. In the samples analyzed, 11 β‐thalassemia mutations and three hemoglobin variants were detected mainly by using the Monoplex and Multiplex ARMS‐PCR. First‐trimester prenatal diagnosis was carried out through chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in seven pregnancies at risk. As a result of our campaign, 145 carrier couples planning to have more children gave their consent to have retrospective prenatal diagnosis in every pregnancy in future. A cooperative trend and a positive attitude toward the prevention of β‐thalassemia were noticed in the families with affected children and in the general population. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse events among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and psychosis
Authors: Oliveria Susan A. , Liperoti Rosa , L'Italien Gilbert , Pugner Klaus , Safferman Allan , Carson William , Lapane Kate
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this study was to quantify rates of adverse events in a high‐risk multi‐morbid population of institutionalized patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among nursing home residents diagnosed with AD and psychosis during January 1998 to October 1999. Using the Medicare Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Medicare inpatient claims (ICD‐9 codes), 7728 nursing home residents aged 55–95 years with AD and psychosis were identified for study. Potential adverse events of interest were identified from the MDS and Medicare inpatient claims (ICD‐9 codes). We estimated the incidence rate (IR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each adverse event during a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Of the 7728 residents studied, nearly 30% were considered ‘dependent’ by the activities of daily living (ADL) score and approximately 15% exhibited severe cognitive impairment at baseline. At least 90% had comorbid psychiatric disorders. The most common adverse event was accidental injury, occurring at a rate of 97.7 per 100 person‐years (95%CI = 94.7–100.7). Other common adverse events were death (IR = 44.6/100 person‐years; 95%CI = 42.9–46.4), infection (IR = 41.8/100 person‐years; 95%CI = 39.7–43.8), pain (IR = 43.5/100 person‐years; 95%CI = 41.2–45.9), anorexia (41.3/100 person‐years; 95%CI = 39.1–43.6), and weight change (IR = 40.2/100 person‐years; 95%CI = 38.7–41.7).

Conclusions

This information on the occurrence of adverse outcomes among nursing home patients with AD and psychosis provides useful context for any safety event observed among patients treated for psychosis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer layered silicate/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: The catalyzed polymerization approach
Authors: Peeterbroeck S. , Lepoittevin B. , Pollet E. , Benali S. , Broekaert C. , Alexandre M. , Bonduel D. , Viville P. , Lazzaroni R. , Dubois P.
Published: July 2006

A two‐step route to polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites characterized by a large extent of nanoplatelet delamination is presented. It consists first in the preparation of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐grafted clay masterbatches (containing ∼30 wt% clay) by in situ intercalative polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) in bulk. The CL polymerization is promoted at the surface of organomodified clays bearing targeted amounts of alcohol functionalities used as initiating species. The influence of alcohol concentration on clay platelets coverage by PCL has been studied by atomic force microscopy. In a second step, these masterbatches are readily dispersed in commercial matrices (PCL, PVC, chlorinated polyethylene) via rather conventional melt blending. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposites has been characterized as well as their thermal and mechanical properties. Interestingly enough, this “masterbatch” process can be extrapolated to another type of nanocomposites, i.e., polyolefin carbon nanotube nanocomposites. Accordingly, homogeneous surface coating of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is first achieved by in situ polymerization of ethylene as catalyzed directly from the nanotube previously surface‐treated by a highly active metallocene‐based complex. This polyolefin coating allows for the destructuration of the native nanotube bundles leading upon further melt blending with, e.g., ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), to high performance nanocomposites with finely dispersed MWNTs. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1022–1030, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of crystallization on intercalation of clay‐polyolefin nanocomposites and their performance
Authors: Ton‐That M.‐T. , Leelapornpisit W. , Utracki L.A. , Perrin‐Sarazin F. , Denault J. , Cole K.C. , Bureau M.N.
Published: July 2006

Clay‐polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by melt processing. Two types of PP with different levels of crystallinity were used. Mixtures of the two PPs were made at different ratios that generate a varying degree of crystallinity for the final NC samples. The level of micro‐ and nanodispersion of the organoclays and the microstructure of the resulting NCs were characterized by means of various techniques, including X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results have demonstrated the impact of crystallization on the level of clay intercalation. The mechanical performance of the nanocomposites was also evaluated, but a direct relationship between intercalation and mechanical properties cannot be established because of the difference in the mechanical properties of the two PP matrices. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1085–1093, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Epoxy nanocomposites curing by microwaves
Authors: Uyanık Nurseli , Erdem A. Rıza , Can M. Fatih , Çelik Mehmet Sabri
Published: July 2006

In this work, chemically modified sodium montmorillonite and epoxy monomer were used to prepare nanocomposites in two consecutive stages. In the first stage, dodecylamine, octadecylamine, hexadecylamine, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were used to prepare various organophilic clays. In the second stage, the bisphenol‐A based epoxy monomer and predetermined amounts of organoclay were mixed together and then cured by an aliphatic polyamine for 20 min under microwave at 400 W. Furthermore, α‐ω diacrylate poly(dimethylsiloxane) was added to the mixture before the curing process to modify the toughness of the samples. The mixture was poured into the poly(tetrafluoroethylene) mold; the epoxy resin/curing agent ratio was maintained as 2/1. The clear films formed after microwave irradiation were removed from the mold, cooled, and then stored in a cool and dry medium until characterization. The samples were analyzed by wide angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical tests. Surfaces of the cold fractured samples were also observed under the scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that microwave curing of the samples of 5% organoclay and 5% siloxane showed improvement in mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1104–1110, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology and properties of organoclay modified polycarbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate) blend
Authors: Ray S. Sinha , Bousmina M. , Maazouz A.
Published: July 2006

Virgin and organoclay modified polycarbonate (PC)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (30/70 w/w) blends were prepared by melt‐mixing of PC, PMMA, and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). The morphology of OMMT modified PC/PMMA blend with two different weight percents of OMMT was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The size of the phase‐separated domains decreased dramatically with increasing the content of OMMT. XRD patterns and TEM observations revealed that silicate layers were intercalated and nicely dispersed in the blend matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed efficient mixing of two immiscible polymers in the presence of OMMT. The blend nanocomposites showed greatly improved mechanical properties when compared with the same blend sample without OMMT. Finally, the opaque immiscible PC/PMMA blend became translucent after modification with OMMT addition. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:1121–1129, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Places or polygons? Governmentality, scale, and the census in the Gay and Lesbian Atlas
Authors: Brown Michael , Knopp Larry
Published: July 2006

This paper responds to recent calls for a Foucauldian population geography by critically analysing the 2004 Gay and Lesbian Atlas (a US‐oriented product of demographers at Washington, DC's Urban Institute, a public policy ‘think tank’). We employ a framework that foregrounds issues of governmentality, sexuality, gender and scale to explore how both the Atlas and the 2000 US Census from which the Atlas's data are drawn socially construct, for governmental purposes, certain sexualised populations and spaces. We pay particular attention to the power of scale‐framing in this process by varying the spatial scales at which location quotients for same‐sex households are situated for census tracts in Seattle. Following the Atlas's classification and coding algorithms, we show how the resulting cartography can reveal elements of a population that has previously been invisible in the census – but only relative to certain larger scales. The question of scale therefore becomes an important matter of governmentality, rather than solely a technical issue. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variations in elevated blood lead levels among young children in Mumbai, India
Authors: Niranjan S. , Madhusudana Battala
Published: July 2006

This study examines the impact of living near tidal creeks or industries on blood lead levels among children below three years of age in Mumbai, India. Data were obtained from the National Family Health Survey‐2 (NFHS‐2) conducted in 1998, which covered a representative sample of the population. Of the 412 children tested for blood lead, 50% had elevated levels (≥10µg/dl). Several areas in Mumbai have higher rates of elevated blood lead levels than we would expect in general. After adjustment for the child's age, standard of living, anaemia, birth order, household type and utensils, children living in industrial areas were 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.8) times as likely to have lead levels ≥10µg/dl compared with children living in non‐industrial areas. Similarly, the odds ratio for children living in areas with a tidal creek was 1.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.2) compared with children from non‐tidal creek areas. These findings are of public health concern, as most children in Mumbai are likely to suffer some degree of intellectual impairment as a result of environmental lead exposure. The evidence shows the need for appropriate interventions in reducing the burden of lead poisoning due to environment‐related factors, at least in the few areas of the city where it is particularly high. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A criterion for the formation of stacking faults at incoherent spheroidal precipitates and application to silicon oxide in silicon
Authors: Vanhellemont Jan , De Gryse Olivier , Clauws Paul
Published: July 2006

The formation of stacking faults (SF) at incoherent precipitates is modelled assuming that the SF formation is triggered by a sudden release of strain accumulated in the precipitate during its thermal history. This strain release occurs by emission of intrinsic point defects and leads to a high local supersaturation of intrinsic point defects that condense into a circular SF nucleus by the Bardeen–Herring mechanism. Expressions are derived allowing to calculate the critical precipitate size leading to SF formation as well as the size of the associated SF nucleus. The theoretical results are illustrated for silicon oxide precipitates in silicon and compared with experimental data. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wave vector dependence of the pressure coefficient of the longitudinal optical phonon in CdS
Authors: Yu Peter Y. , Choi In‐Hwan
Published: July 2006

In this paper we show that, under resonance condition, the pressure coefficient of the n ‐th order longitudinal optical (LO) phonon determined by Raman scattering at low temperature exhibits a linear dependence on n. This linear dependence arises from a quadratic dependence of the LO phonon pressure coefficient on the phonon wave vector. The results of the theoretical calculation are in qualitative agreement with recently reported experimental results in CdS [I. H. Choi and P. Y. Yu, phys. stat. sol. (b) 242, 2813 (2005)]. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamical properties of spin and subbands populations in 1D quantum wire
Authors: Vaseghi B. , Khordad R. , Golshan M. M.
Published: July 2006

In this paper we study the spin and subbands populations, as functions of time, for electrons in a quasi‐1D quantum wire, with spin–orbit coupling (SOC), to which a perpendicular magnetic field is applied. The system is governed by the Hamiltonian which, in the strong magnetic field limit, resembles the Jaynes–Cummings model (JCM) in quantum optics (QO). Using a procedure similar to that in QO, we explicitly present the time‐evolution operator, thereby calculating the spin states and subbands populations as functions of time. We show that the populations exhibit oscillations, depending on the interaction parameters, scale lengths and, particularly, the initial states of the system. Specifically, if the electrons are initially prepared in a maximal coherent superposition of spin states, the expectation values periodically collapse and revive. The collapse‐revivals are most profound for the spin along the magnetic field and subbands populations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some theoretical problems in chemistry and physics
Authors: Brändas Erkki J.
Published: July 2006

Recently the need for incorporating so‐called Jordan blocks in the theoretical formulation of dynamical processes in Nature has been confronted and challenged. In addition, quantum mechanics has evolved from the very theoretical to the highly technological prompting the establishment of the new field of quantum technology. Initial studies in an extended time‐irreversible picture seem to indicate a possible map of degenerate Jordan forms onto the description of complex natural phenomena. Jordan blocks appear logically in the generalized dynamical picture. A compelling interpretation is microscopic self‐organization (MSO). Not only have the manifestation of quantum thermal correlations, and the emergence of generic time scales been established, but the present viewpoint also appears to throw new light on the age‐old problem of quantum mechanics versus relativity. A simple resonance model is presented that bears out the problems and possibilities. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006