bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the status of axillary sentinel lymph nodes in 4351 patients with invasive breast carcinoma treated in a single institution
Authors: Viale Giuseppe , Zurrida Stefano , Maiorano Eugenio , Mazzarol Giovanni , Pruneri Giancarlo , Paganelli Giovanni , Maisonneuve Patrick , Veronesi Umberto
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND

Reliable predictors of metastatic involvement would enable a better selection of candidate patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and possibly allow identification of patients with such a low risk of axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) involvement to be even spared SLNB.

METHODS

The authors evaluated 4351 consecutive patients surgically treated for breast carcinoma who also underwent SLNB. Clinicopathologic features significantly associated with SLN metastases by univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model.

RESULTS

By multivariate analysis, the prevalence of SLN metastases was associated directly with tumor size, multifocality, and with the occurrence of peritumoral vascular invasion (PVI; all P < 0.0001), and was associated inversely with a favorable histotype (P = 0.0007) and lack of progesterone receptors (P = 0.004). A predictive model based on the features more closely associated with SLN status documented that the patients with a favorable tumor type ≤ 1 cm in size and without PVI (n = 178 [4% of the population]) had the lowest risk of SLN metastases (9.5%) whereas patients with tumors > 2 cm and with PVI (n = 250 [5.7% of the population]) had the highest risk (77.2%) of SLN involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size and PVI emerged as the most powerful independent predictors of SLN metastases. Although no combination of features identified patients with a < 9.5% risk of SLN metastases, the current data may be used to tailor the management of patients with breast carcinoma with the aim of minimizing as much as possible the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, thus improving the quality of life of the patients without any adverse effect on their survival rates. Cancer 2005 © 2004 American Cancer Society
Cyto‐ and chemoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex of an echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). II. Laminar organization and synaptic density
Authors: Hassiotis Maria , Paxinos George , Ashwell Ken W.S.
Published: December 2004

We have examined the distribution and morphology of neurons immunoreactive for nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (SMI‐32 antibody), calcium‐binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin), and neuropeptide Y as well as neurons reactive for NADPH diaphorase in the cerebral cortex of the Australian short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). We have also studied synaptic morphology and density in S1 somatosensory cortex and assessed parameters associated with metabolic activity of the cerebral cortex (vessel volume density, mitochondrial volume density, and mitochondrial numerical density) in semi‐ and ultrathin sections. SMI‐32 immunoreactivity was found mostly in layer V pyramidal neurons in selected cortical regions (S1, PV, V1, A). These neurons often showed atypical morphology compared with therian cortex. Neurons immunoreactive for calcium‐binding proteins were broadly similar in both morphology and distribution to those seen in therian cortex, although calretinin‐immunoreactive neurons were rare. Both Gray type I and Gray type II synapses could be identified in echidna S1 cortex and were similar to those seen in therian cortex. Peak synaptic density was in upper layer IV, followed by layer I, lower layer II, and upper layer III. Most synapses were of type I (72%), although types I and II were encountered with similar frequency in lower layer II and upper layer III. The capillary volume fraction values obtained for the echidna (from 1.18% in V1 to 1.34% in S1 cortex) fall within the values for rodent cortex. Similarly, values for mitochondrial volume fraction in echidna somatosensory cortex (4.68% ± 1.76%) were comparable to those in eutherian cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 482:94–122, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Taste bud development in the channel catfish
Authors: Northcutt R. Glenn
Published: December 2004

Taste bud formation in channel catfish is first seen to occur in stage 39 embryos, when taste bud primordia (stage 1), consisting of three to five cells, including a single calretinin‐positive cell, can be recognized within the oropharyngeal cavity and maxillary barbels. Within a short time (stage 40), stage 2 taste bud primordia are apparent and include two or three calretinin‐positive cells. The number of calretinin‐positive cells continues to increase (stage 3), and the primordia begin to erupt as mature taste buds (stage 4) by embryonic stage 48. This same pattern of taste bud development characterizes other regions of the head, with calretinin‐positive cells first detected around the mouth and on the other barbels by stage 41 and on the rest of the head by stage 48. The development of trunk taste buds lags far behind that of the head, with the first calretinin‐positive cells occurring on the lobes of the caudal fin by stage 48 and on the remaining fins by stage 50. Taste bud primordia on the trunk proper do not begin to appear until stage 53, when the larvae begin to feed, and these receptors begin to erupt only in 1‐week‐old larvae. Fibers of the facial nerve, which innervate all external taste buds, ramify within the ectoderm prior to the first appearance of taste bud primordia or their precursors. J. Comp. Neurol. 482:1–16, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connectivity and cytoarchitecture of the ventral telencephalon in the salamander Plethodon shermani
Authors: Laberge Frédéric , Roth Gerhard
Published: December 2004

The cytoarchitecture and axonal connection pattern of centers in the ventral telencephalon of the salamander Plethodon shermani were studied using biocytin for anterograde and retrograde labeling of cell groups, as well as by intracellular injections. Application of biocytin to the main and accessory olfactory bulbs identified the olfactory pallial regions and the vomeronasal portion of the amygdala, respectively. According to our results, the amygdala of Plethodon is divided into (1) a rostral part projecting to visceral and limbic centers and receiving afferents from the dorsal thalamus, and (2) a caudal part receiving accessory olfactory input. The striatopallial transition area (SPTA) lies rostrodorsally to the caudal (vomeronasal) amygdala and is similar in connections and possibly in function. The rostral striatum has few descending projections to the medulla, whereas the intermediate striatum sends strong projections to the tegmentum and medulla. The caudal striatum has strong ascending projections to the striatum and descending projections to the ventral hypothalamus. The dendritic trees of neurons labeled below the striatum and in the SPTA spread laterally from the soma, whereas dendrites of striatal neurons converge into the laterally situated striatal neuropil. In the caudal amygdala, three distinct types of neurons are found differing in dendritic arborization. It is concluded that, hodologically, the rostral part of the urodele amygdala corresponds to the central and basolateral amygdala and the caudal part to the cortical/medial amygdala of mammals. The urodele striatum is divided into a rostral striatum proper, an intermediate dorsal pallidum, and a caudal part, with distinct connections described here for the first time in a vertebrate. J. Comp. Neurol. 482:176–200, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The development of heparan sulfate sugars as therapeutics: Versatility that couples stem cells, tissue engineering, and wound repair
Authors: Nurcombe Victor , Kumarasuriyar Arjuna , Cool Simon M.
Published: December 2004

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamically complex component of all tissues, especially during phases of growth and development. Although historically thought of as “ground substance” or “glycocalyx,” it actually functions as a scaffold for tissue morphogenesis, provides cues for cell proliferation and differentiation, promotes the maintenance of differentiated tissues, and both triggers and enhances the repair response after injury. Although various types of collagens, adhesion glycoproteins, growth factors, and chemokines are present in the extracellular matrices in tissue‐ and temporal‐specific manners, a large fraction of the bioactivity is carried by its sugar component, and especially the heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Because tissue morphogenesis is mediated by multiple ECM influences and by multiple active sites on these components, it is now becoming clear that heparan sulfates play major roles in orchestrating these complex arrangements, particularly during growth and repair processes. Because of their extractability, robustness, and resistance to chemical treatment, biologically active, ECM‐derived sugars seem to be well placed for use in tissue repair, regeneration, and engineering. They also seem to have a promising future in “programming” stem cells for tissue replacement. Drug Dev. Res. 62:303–316, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Biosynthesis of 3‐(trans‐2‐Nitrocyclopropyl)alanine, a Constituent of the Signal Metabolite Hormaomycin
Authors: Brandl Melanie , Kozhushkov Sergei I. , Zlatopolskiy Boris D. , Alvermann Petra , Geers Bernadette , Zeeck Axel , de Meijere Armin
Published: December 2004

Feeding experiments with Streptomyces griseoflavus using deuterium‐labeled racemic 3,3‐[D2]‐ (6b), 4,4‐[D2]‐ (6c), 5,5‐[D2]‐ (6d), and 6,6‐[D2]‐lysine (6e), and 3‐amino‐5‐(2‐amino‐1,1‐dideuterioethyl)‐4,5‐dihydrofuran‐2‐one dihydrochloride (34·2HCl) were carried out in order to obtain detailed information about the hitherto unknown biosynthetic pathway from lysine to the unusual amino acid 3‐(trans‐2′‐nitrocyclopropyl)alanine [(3‐Ncp)Ala] (2), which is a building block of hormaomycin 1a. The corresponding lysine dihydrochlorides were prepared in 33, 24, 19, and 30% overall yield, respectively, along a new efficient general synthetic route applying an alkylation of the lithium enolate of O′Donnel’s glycine equivalent 7 as a key step. In the attempted preparation of 5,5‐[D2]‐4‐hydroxylysine (29), the respective γ‐lactone (34·2 HCl) was obtained in five steps with 10% overall yield. The distribution of isotope labels in hormaomycins 1b−d led to the formulation of a reasonable cyclization mechanism of 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxyimino)hexanoic acid, an ψ‐oxime analogue of 4‐hydroxylysine. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Decomposition of N′‐Benzoyl‐N‐nitrosoureas in Aqueous Media
Authors: Faustino Celia , García‐Río Luis , Leis José Ramón , Norberto Fátima
Published: December 2004

The decomposition of N′‐benzoyl‐N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (BMNU) in aqueous media over the 0−14 pH range has been studied. In basic and neutral media (6 < pH < 14) the reaction proceeds through abstraction of the acidic proton of BMNU (pKa = 7.8) and subsequent decomposition of the conjugate base of the thus formed nitrosourea, via an intermediate benzoyl isocyanate. Support for this mechanism is provided by the presence of N,N′‐dibenzoylurea in the final reaction mixtures, as the result of the trapping of benzoyl isocyanate with benzamide generated from hydrolysis of the former. The hydrolysis of BMNU takes place through three competitive pathways: spontaneous decomposition of the conjugate base of BMNU, and buffer‐catalyzed and hydroxide ion catalyzed water addition to the carbonyl group of the deprotonated nitrosourea. N′‐Benzoyl‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (BDMNU), a benzoyl nitrosourea lacking the acidic proton of BMNU, is hydrolyzed in basic media by attack of hydroxide ion on the carbonyl group of the urea. In acid media (0 < pH < 6), BMNU gives only deamination products, differing from the reported behavior of other N‐nitroso compounds and of the isoster nitrosoguanidine, in which denitrosation is almost quantitative. The reaction is acid‐catalyzed in the 0−2.5 pH range and pH‐independent in the 3−5 pH range. The presence of general acid catalysis (α = 0.60), the absence of nucleophilic catalysis, and the thermodynamic activation parameters for the reaction support the mechanism proposed in the literature for the deamination of N‐nitrosoureas in acidic media. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis of Cyclopeptidic Analogues of Triostin A with Quinoxalines or Nucleobases as Chromophores
Authors: Dietrich Björn , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: December 2004

The natural antibiotic triostin A (1) is based on a conformationally rigid disulfide‐bridged cyclo‐octadepsipeptide scaffold. This bicyclic core structure provides a perfect preorganization of two covalently attached quinoxalines resulting in sequence‐specific bis(intercalation) of the chromophores in double‐stranded DNA. Herein for the first time the corresponding cyclopeptide has been synthesized as a scaffold instead of the cyclodepsipeptide of triostin A by solid‐phase peptide synthesis followed by bis(cyclization) in solution. Furthermore, when in contact with DNA the bicyclic peptide provides additional hydrogen‐bonding possibilities and greater conformational rigidity in comparison to triostin A. These modifications to the backbone of triostin A might be especially valuable in combination with the use of nucleobases instead of quinoxalines for additional DNA recognition next to bis(intercalation) like major groove binding or detection of abasic DNA damages. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Cover Picture: Chalcogenide−Lewis Acid Mediated Tandem Michael Aldol Reaction − an Alternative to the Morita−Baylis−Hillman Reaction and a New Development (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 1/2005)
Authors: Kataoka Tadashi , Kinoshita Hironori
Published: December 2004

The cover picture shows cormorant fishing “Ukai” (the ancient techniques of fishing) on the Nagara River, Gifu, Japan, where the research reported in the Microreview by T. Kataoka and H. Kinoshita on p. 45 ff. was performed. You can imagine a fisherman “Usho”, who controls ten to twelve birds by handling the leash ropes, as a Lewis acid. His skilled use of leashes effects a fish catch just as the ability of a Lewis acid to chelate reactants has a great influence on the reaction. You enjoy a wonderful spectacle from May 11 to October 15 every year and the research throughout the year in Gifu, Japan.
High Dispersion and Electrocatalytic Properties of Platinum on Functional Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Guo Dao‐Jun , Li Hu‐Lin
Published: December 2004

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were electrochemically dispersed on 4‐aminobenzene monolayer‐grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a potential‐step method. The structure and nature of the resulting Pt‐MWNT composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The electrocatalytic properties of Pt‐MWNT composites for methanol oxidation have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and high electrocatalytic activity can be observed. This may be attributed to the small particle size, high dispersion of platinum particles and the particular properties of MWNT supports. The results imply that the Pt‐MWNT composites have good potential applications in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Additionally, the long‐term cycling stability of platinum catalysts was also investigated.
Multifractal characterization of Hong Kong air quality data
Authors: Anh V. V. , Leung Y. , Lam K. C. , Yu Z. G.
Published: December 2004

This article develops a theory for characterization of air quality data based on their measure representation. The measures are shown to be random cascades generated by an infinitely divisible distribution. This probability distribution is uniquely determined by the exponent K (q), q≥0, in the multifractal analysis of the cascade. The theory is applied to the SO2, NO and NO2 time series at seven locations of the Hong Kong Electric Co. monitoring network. The Gamma density function is demonstrated to give an excellent fit to the K (q) curve of each time series. This precise characterization therefore provides a needed tool for modelling pollution episodes as well as classification of the monitoring network. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The micro‐topography of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Gumbricht T. , McCarthy T. S. , Bauer P.
Published: December 2004

The surface of the 40 000 km2 Okavango alluvial fan is remarkably smooth, and almost everywhere lies within two to three metres of a perfectly smooth theoretical surface. Deviations from this perfect surface give rise to islands in the Okavango wetlands. This micro‐topography was mapped by assigning empirical elevations to remotely sensed vegetation community classes, based on the observation that vegetation is very sensitive to small, local differences in elevation. Even though empirical, the method produces fairly accurate results. The technique allows estimation of depths of inundation and therefore will be applicable even when high resolution radar altimetry becomes available. The micro‐topography has arisen as a result of clastic sedimentation in distributary channels, which produces local relief of less than two metres, and more importantly as a result of chemical precipitation in island soils, which produces similar local relief. The micro‐topography is, therefore, an expression of the non‐random sedimentation taking place on the fan. Volume calculations of islands extracted from the micro‐topography, combined with estimates of current sediment inﬂux, suggest that the land surface of the wetland may only be a few tens of thousands of years old. Constant switching of water distribution, driven by local aggradation, has distributed sediment widely. Mass balance calculations suggest that over a period of c. 150 000 years all of the fan would at one time or other have been inundated, and thus subject to sedimentation. Coalescing of islands over time results in net aggradation of the fan surface. The amount of vertical aggradation on islands and in channels is restricted by the water depth. Restricted vertical relief, in turn, maximizes the distribution of water, limiting its average depth. Aggradation in the permanent swamps occurs predominantly by clastic sedimentation. Rates of aggradation here are very similar to those in the seasonal swamps, maintaining the overall gradient, possibly because of the operation of a feedback loop between the two. The limited amount of local aggradation arising from both clastic and chemical sedimentation, combined with constant changes in water distribution, has resulted in a near‐perfect conical surface over the fan. In addition to providing information on sedimentary processes, the micro‐topography has several useful hydrological applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dust production and the release of iron oxides resulting from the aeolian abrasion of natural dune sands
Authors: Bullard Joanna E. , White Kevin
Published: December 2004

Global dust trajectories indicate that signiﬁcant quantities of aeolian‐transported iron oxides originate in contemporary dryland areas. One potential source is the iron‐rich clay coatings that characterize many sand‐sized particles in desert duneﬁelds. This paper uses laboratory experiments to determine the rate at which these coatings can be removed from dune sands by aeolian abrasion. The coatings impart a red colour to the grains to which previous researchers have assigned variable geomorphological signiﬁcance. The quantities of iron removed during a 120 hour abrasion experiment are small (99 mg kg−1) and difﬁcult to detect by eye; however, high resolution spectroscopy clearly indicates that ferric oxides are released during abrasion and the reﬂectance of the particles alters. One of the products of aeolian abrasion is ﬁne particles (<10 µm diameter) with the potential for long distance transport. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water distillation kinetic study of spearmint essential oil and of its major components
Authors: Benyoussef El‐Hadi , Yahiaoui Nabila , Khelfaoui Assia , Aid Fatiha
Published: December 2004

Algerian Mentha spicata L. essential oil yield evolution during water distillation has been investigated as a function of time. GC analysis helped to determine the extraction kinetics of the major components of this essential oil. The results show that there are two kinetic types. We have tried to correlate this kinetic type with the essential oil location in the vegetable material. The microscopic observations show that most of the essential oil is localized in exogenous deposits in the leaves but there are some endogenous sites in the stem. Each kinetic type corresponds to the considered compound being localized in either endogenous or in exogenous deposits. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleotide variants within the IQGAP1 gene in diffuse‐type gastric cancers
Authors: Morris Leah E. , Bloom George S. , Frierson Henry F. , Powell Steven M.
Published: December 2004

IQGAP1 is recognized as a negative regulator of cell–cell adhesion at adherens junctions in several cell types, including gastric mucosal cells. The histopathologic appearance of diffuse gastric carcinoma is defined by non‐ or poorly cohesive tumor cells, indicating abnormal intercellular adhesion. Hence, we screened 38 gastric cancers for activating point mutations in IQGAP1. In 2 of the 33 diffuse gastric cancers, there was a missense nucleotide change predicted to alter the amino acid sequence in the GAP‐related domain, which includes part of the binding site for the activated small G proteins Cdc42 and Rac1. Many intronic IQGAP1 gene changes were observed, and several occurred more frequently in diffuse‐type gastric cancers than in intestinal‐type gastric cancers. A highly variable pentanucleotide repeat was identified in the final intron of IQGAP1. The most expanded six‐repeat sequence was present exclusively in diffuse‐type gastric cancers. Additionally, 19 diffuse cases and two intestinal cases exhibited silent coding region nucleotide alterations. Taken together, our results suggest that IQGAP1 coding sequence mutations are not a frequent event in gastric cancer, but do occur in a subset of diffuse‐type gastric carcinomas. Additional studies analyzing other proteins involved in cell adhesion may lead to a better molecular understanding of the histopathologic appearance of diffuse gastric cancers. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Listen with Your Eyes, Talk with Your Hands
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: December 2004

Ulrike Zeshan and the philology of sign languages
The Sound of Colour
Authors: Fastl Hugo , Patsouras Christine
Published: December 2004

In our subjective perception, visual and acoustic impressions are linked. Sounds and pictures — a new study of their interaction provides a basis for product optimisation
Performance of steady‐state free precession for imaging carotid artery disease
Authors: Zavodni Anna E. , Emery Derek J. , Wilman Alan H.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To evaluate steady‐state free precession (SSFP) for diagnosing carotid artery disease.

Materials and Methods

Following bilateral x‐ray angiography, seven patients with suspected carotid artery disease were imaged with SSFP, black blood fast spin echo (BB FSE), and time‐of‐flight MR angiography (TOF MRA). The techniques were compared for characterizing the vessel lumen. Flow phantom experiments were also performed, using speeds of 0 to 40 cm/second, to further evaluate the merits of each MR technique.

Results

In the patient studies, of the 14 arteries available, a correct grading of stenosis was possible with SSFP in 9 of 14, FSE in 12 of 14, and TOF in 13 of 14, assuming x‐ray angiography as the gold standard. The SSFP technique was the least reliable and had severe artifacts in 5 of 14 arteries, making these images nondiagnostic. The flow phantom demonstrated that although the SSFP technique performs well under slow or no flow, it breaks down at higher flow levels.

Conclusion

The continuous SSFP sequence used here was not reliable for imaging carotid artery disease owing to artifact in many cases. Nevertheless, the high speed of this SSFP technique does allow it to serve as a rapid scouting method prior to a more detailed evaluation with other MRI methods. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:86–90. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiation between hepatic cyst and hemangioma: Additive value of breath‐hold, multisection fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery magnetic resonance imaging using half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo‐spin‐echo sequence
Authors: Sasaki Katsumi , Ito Katsuyoshi , Koike Shinji , Fujita Takeshi , Okazaki Hajime , Matsunaga Naofumi
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the additive value of breath‐hold, multisection fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo‐spin‐echo (HASTE) sequence as supplements to moderately and heavily T2‐weighted fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) sequences in differentiating hepatic cyst from hemangioma.

Materials and Methods

A total of 183 lesions (127 hepatic cysts, 56 hepatic hemangiomas) in 117 patients were evaluated in this study. Three radiologists independently reviewed FLAIR MR images using a HASTE sequence and T2‐weighted FSE MR images. Each radiologist used a five‐point scale to rate his confidence in determination of hepatic cyst and hemangioma.

Results

All three reviewers were significantly better able to differentiate hepatic cyst from hepatic hemangioma with the combination of FLAIR imaging using HASTE and moderately and heavily T2‐weighted FSE images (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, 0.99 for each reader) than with moderately and heavily T2‐weighted FSE images alone (0.82–0.93; P < 0.05). FLAIR‐HASTE imaging in addition to T2‐weighted FSE sequences improved the diagnostic performance, including the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and confident diagnosis in the differentiation between hepatic hemangiomas and cysts.

Conclusion

FLAIR‐HASTE imaging is useful for distinguishing hepatic hemangioma from hepatic cyst without the use of contrast‐enhanced MR images. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:29–36. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wash‐in kinetics for gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of carotid atheroma
Authors: Wasserman Bruce A. , Casal Suzette G. , Astor Brad C. , Aletras Anthony H. , Arai Andrew E.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To determine the wash‐in kinetics of intravenous gadolinium into the fibrous cap and lipid core of carotid atheroma, and identify the time following gadolinium administration that maximizes contrast between the cap and core.

Materials and Methods

Seven subjects with carotid artery stenosis were studied. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the atheroma were acquired using a single‐inversion‐recovery fast‐spin‐echo (IR FSE) sequence, which was serially repeated during the first 30 minutes following intravenous gadolinium administration. Postcontrast time was divided into three intervals: <10, 11–20, and >21 minutes. Adjusted signal intensity (SI), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) values for postcontrast images were compared to adjusted precontrast values.

Results

The mean SNRs of the cap and core were significantly elevated in each postcontrast interval compared with mean precontrast values. The CNRs of the cap vs. the core increased by 19.8% (3.03 to 4.14, P = 0.03) in the first 10 minutes following gadolinium administration, and remained elevated over the next two intervals with a slight decrease in the final interval.

Conclusion

Increased signal and contrast between the cap and core can be achieved by imaging up to 30 minutes following gadolinium administration, with peak enhancement occurring in the first 10 minutes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:91–95. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined tag tracking and strain reconstruction from tagged cardiac MR images without user‐defined myocardial contours
Authors: Deng Xiang , Denney Thomas S.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To develop an unsupervised method for measuring quantitative three‐dimensional regional strain in the left ventricular wall from tagged cardiac MR images.

Materials and Methods

A total of 10 normal human volunteers and eight patients with myocardial infarction were imaged using a parallel tagged imaging protocol. Each study was analyzed using the combined tag tracking and strain reconstruction (COTTER) algorithm. In contrast to existing techniques, which first track tag lines independently in each slice, then reconstruct myocardial deformation, the COTTER algorithm fits a three‐dimensional cardiac deformation model directly to the image data. This approach ensures that tag line positions identified in the image data are consistent from slice to slice. A total of 10 imaging studies (six normals, four patients) were used to optimize parameters of the COTTER algorithm.

Results

In the remaining eight imaging studies, the root‐mean‐square difference between tags tracked by COTTER and user‐supervised analysis was 0.66 pixels at end‐systole. The correlation coefficient between circumferential shortening strains at end‐systole computed by COTTER and user‐supervised analysis was 0.84 (P < 0.005) at the midwall.

Conclusion

The COTTER algorithm can compute accurate measurements of three‐dimensional regional strain without user supervision. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:12–22. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First‐pass contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in humans using ferumoxytol, a novel ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)‐based blood pool agent
Authors: Li Wei , Tutton Sean , Vu Anthony T. , Pierchala Linda , Li Belinda S.Y. , Lewis Jerome M. , Prasad Pottumarthi V. , Edelman Robert R.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of first‐pass contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using ferumoxytol in humans.

Materials and Methods

First‐pass and equilibrium phase MRA were performed using ferumoxytol in one healthy volunteer and 11 patients with a fast three‐dimensional spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) pulse sequence. The examined vessels included carotid arteries, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, and peripheral arteries. A dose of either 71.6 μmol Fe/kg (n = 9), or 35.8 μmol Fe/kg (n = 3) was used. Based on a phantom study, the agent with initial concentration of 537.2 μmol Fe/mL was diluted by either four‐fold (134.3 μmol Fe/mL) or eight‐fold (67.1 μmol Fe/mL) for first‐pass MRA.

Results

All subjects completed their studies without adverse events. First‐pass MRA showed selective arterial enhancement, with both arterial and venous enhancement on delayed acquisitions. Selective venous enhancement could be obtained by subtraction of arterial phase images from equilibrium phase images. The findings in ferumoxytol MRA were consistent with the results of original vascular tests.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience supports the feasibility of first‐pass MRA with ferumoxytol. Satisfactory arterial enhancement during first‐pass imaging is obtained with injection of diluted contrast agent. With ferumoxytol, arteries and veins can be selectively depicted in a single exam. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:46–52. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of third molar tooth development in neonate rat with a long pulse diode laser
Authors: Silvestri Anthony R. , Mirkov Mirko G. , Connolly Raymond J.
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

Third molars (wisdom teeth) in humans have limited functional value and cause a high frequency of morbidity. A window of opportunity exists to stop their development. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a long pulse diode laser can selectively prevent third molar development in a rat animal model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The study calculated theoretical diode laser parameters and irradiated 2‐ to 4‐day‐old rat pups in the posterior aspects of the oral cavity near the time of tooth bud initiation. Rats were sacrificed at 35–50 days and examined intraorally and radiographically for third molar development. Control and treated sides were compared histologically.

Results

Nearly half of the maxillary third molars and 80% of the mandibular third molars were selectively prevented from developing using a 20 W diode laser with infrequent, minor adverse effects on maxillary jaw growth.

Conclusions

This study confirms the hypothesis that controlled, non‐invasive laser treatment delivered on the surface of the oral mucosa near the site of tooth bud formation can selectively achieve third molar agenesis. It also offers hope that further innovative studies may bring about a safe, non‐invasive laser treatment to selectively prevent third molar development in humans. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:385–391, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low level laser irradiation stimulates mitochondrial membrane potential and disperses subnuclear promyelocytic leukemia protein
Authors: Gavish Lilach , Asher Yael , Becker Yechiel , Kleinman Yosef
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

Low level laser irradiation (LLLI) is used to promote wound healing. Molecularly it is known to stimulate mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytokine secretion, and cell proliferation. This study was designed to determine the influence of LLLI on the kinetics of MMP stimulation and decay, specific cytokine gene expression, and subcellular localization of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein on HaCaT human keratinocytes.

Study Design/Material and Methods

The cells were irradiated by a 780 nm titanium–sapphire (Ti–Sa) laser with 2 J/cm2 energy density. MMP was monitored with Mitotracker, a mitochondrial voltage‐sensitive fluorescent dye. Cytokine gene expression was carried out using semi‐quantitative‐reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Subcellular localization of PML protein, a cell‐cycle checkpoint protein, was determined using immunofluorescent staining.

Results

The fluorescence intensity of MMP was increased immediately after the end of LLLI by 148 ± 6% over control (P<0.001). Subsequently it decayed, reaching 51 ± 14% of the control level (P < 0.01) within 200 minutes. This decay was characterized by an exponential curve (R = 0.96) with a lifetime of 79 ± 36 minutes (P < 0.05). Following irradiation, the expression of interleukin‐1α, interleukin‐6, and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) genes were transiently upregulated; but the expression of the proinflammatory gene interleukin‐1β, was suppressed. The subnuclear distribution of PML was altered from discrete domains to its dispersed form within less than 1 hour after LLLI.

Conclusions

These changes reflect a biostimulative boost that causes a shift of the cell from a quiescent to an activated stage in the cell cycle heralding proliferation and suppression of inflammation. Further characterization of MMP kinetics may provide a quantitative basis for assessment of the effect of LLLI in the clinical setting. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:369–376, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examination of candidate genes in language disorder: A model of genetic association for treatment studies
Authors: Haines Jonathan , Camarata Stephen
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this review is to provide a model for studying genetic association of response to intervention in child language disorders. In addition to a theoretical overview and review of different approaches to studying candidate genes, a specific methodology for completing this type of analysis is presented. The goal of the analysis is to provide detail beyond simple broad phenotyping for affected and nonaffected individuals and to take advantage of data yielded from concise behavioral phenotyping often available in treatment studies. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:208–217.
Morphology of poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) prepared in perfluoropolyether
Authors: Kimura Kunio , Ohmori Hideki , Uchida Tetsuya , Yamashita Yuhiko
Published: December 2004

Solvent effect on the morphology of poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) (POB) prepared by the reaction‐induced phase separation of oligomers was examined by the polymerization of p‐acetoxybenzoic acid in perfluoropolyether AflunoxTM (AFL2507 and AFL606). Polymerization was carried out at 320°C for 6 hr. POB microspheres were formed in AFL2507 by the liquid–liquid phase separation of oligomers due to the low miscibility of oligomers in AFL2507. The molecular weight of the solvent influenced the morphology, and the polymerization in AFL606 of which the molecular weight was lower than AFL2507 yielded whiskers formed by crystallization of oligomers induced by the increase in miscibility compared with that in AFL2507. The solvent structure and its molecular weight influenced the miscibility of oligomers and ultimately controlled the morphology from whisker to microsphere. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adhesion of an aromatic thermosetting copolyester with copper foils
Authors: Huang Yongqing , McCormick John J. , Economy James
Published: December 2004

Copper foils have been widely used in microelectronic devices. Adequate adhesion between copper foils to various substrates, such as Si, SiO2, polyimide, is crucial to high performance of these devices. The adhesion between a new high temperature adhesive, aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP), and various copper foils, namely, zinc(Zn)‐coated copper foil, copper foil and nickel (Ni)‐coated copper foil was characterized by a 90° peel strength test. It was found that the peel strength of Zn‐coated copper foil to ATSP was 1050 N/m, which was more than three times higher than copper foil and five times that of Ni‐coated copper foil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies indicated that this higher adhesion results from the stronger mechanical interlocking due to the rougher surface of Zn‐coated copper foil, and from chemical reactions at the interface which occur during the curing process of ATSP on the Zn‐coated copper surface. In contract to the adhesive failure at the ATSP/Cu and ATSP/Ni interfaces, the failure mechanism of ATSP/Zn is both cohesive and adhesive. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface tailoring of an ethylene propylene diene elastomeric terpolymer via plasma‐polymerized coating of tetramethyldisiloxane
Authors: Tran Nguyen D , Choudhury Namita R , Dutta Naba K
Published: December 2004

In the research presented here, we explore the use of a low‐energy plasma to deposit thin silicone polymer films using tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDSO) (H(CH3)2SiOSi(CH3)2H) on the surface of an ethylene propylene diene elastomeric terpolymer (EPDM) in order to enhance the surface hydrophobicity, lower the surface energy and improve the degradation/wear characteristics. The processing conditions were varied over a wide range of treatment times and discharge powers to control the physical characteristics, thickness, morphology and chemical structure of the plasma polymer films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that pore‐free homogeneous plasma polymer thin films of granular microstructure composed of small grains are formed and that the morphology of the granular structure depends on the plasma processing conditions, such as plasma power and time of deposition. The thicknesses of the coatings were determined using SEM, which confirmed that the thicknesses of the deposited plasma‐polymer films could be precisely controlled by the plasma parameters. The kinetics of plasma‐polymer film deposition were also evaluated. Contact angle measurements of different solvent droplets on the coatings were used to calculate the surface energies of the coatings. These coatings appeared to be hydrophobic and had low surface energies. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoacoustic Fourier‐transform infrared (PA‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy were used to investigate the detailed chemical structures of the deposited films. The optimum plasma processing conditions to achieve the desired thin plasma polymer coatings are discussed in the light of the chemistry that takes place at the interfaces. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology and properties of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene]/silica nanoparticle hybrid films
Authors: Yu Yang‐Yen , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: December 2004

Poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV)/silica nanoparticle hybrid films were prepared and characterised. Three kinds of materials were compared: parent MEH‐PPV, MEH‐PPV/silica (hybrid A films), and MEH‐PPV/coupling agent MSMA/silica (hybrid B films), in which MSMA is 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate. It was found that the hybrid B films could significantly prevent macrophase separation, as evidenced by scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the thermal characteristics of the hybrid films were largely improved in comparison with the parent MEH‐PPV. The UV‐visible absorption spectra suggested that the incorporation of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV could confine the polymer chain between nanoparticles and thus increase the conjugation length. The photoluminescence (PL) studies also indicated enhancement of the PL intensity and quantum efficiency by incorporating just 2 wt% of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV. However, hybrid A films did not show such enhancement of optoelectronic properties as the hybrid B films. The present study suggests the importance of the interface between the luminescent organic polymers and the inorganic silica on morphology and optoelectronic properties. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Homolytic bond dissociation energies of 4‐substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl compounds: inductive/field effects on the stabilities of organic radicals
Authors: Fu Yao , Liu Lei , Liu Rui , Guo Qing‐Xiang
Published: December 2004

The inductive/field effects on homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEs) were studied for the first time using substituted 4‐X‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐Y—Z systems. A variety of very different chemical bonds (i.e. Z—Y: Z = CH2, NH, O, SiH2, PH, S; Y = H, F, Li) were considered, and popular substituents including H, CH3, F, OH, NH2, SH, CN and NO2 were utilized. High‐quality BDE values were obtained for the first time for many bicyclo[2.2.2]octane systems from carefully calibrated G3B3/B3LYP calculations. Significant effects of the substituents at the 4‐position of bicyclooctane were found for the Z—Y BDEs of bicyclooctanyl‐Z—Y systems. Nice Hammett‐type correlations were obtained for these substituent effects using the inductive/field F constants. It was found that the reaction constants (i.e. ρ values) of the Hammett correlations varied dramatically from −1.96 to +23.01 kJ mol−1 for different Z—Y systems: The ρ values for the Z—H BDEs were about ∼1.0–5.0 kJ mol−1; the ρ values for the Z—F BDEs were about −2.0 to −1.0 kJ mol−1; the ρ values for the Z—Li BDEs were ∼13.0–23.0 kJ mol−1. The substituent effects on both the stability of the parent molecules before homolysis and the stability of the radical products after homolysis were demonstrated to be important for the BDEs. It was shown that the inductive/field substituent effects on BDEs could not be explained by the electronegativity or bond polarity theories. Nevertheless, we developed a theoretical model on the basis of the classic electrostatic theories for the inductive/field effects. This model successfully explained the intriguing inductive/field substituent effects on BDEs. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of the homogeneous, unimolecular elimination reactions of ethyl oxamate, ethyl N,N‐dimethyloxamate and ethyl oxanilate in the gas phase
Authors: Chacin Esker V. , Tosta María , Herize Armando , Domínguez Rosa M. , Alvarado Ysaias , Chuchani Gabriel
Published: December 2004

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of the title compounds were determined over the temperature range 350–430°C and pressure range 35–240 Torr (1 Torr = 133.3 Pa). The reactions, which were carried out in a static reactor system, seasoned with allyl bromide and in the presence of a free radical inhibitor, are homogeneous, unimolecular and obey a first‐order rate law. The temperature dependences of the overall rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius equations: for ethyl oxamate, log [k1 (s−1)] = (13.28 ± 0.20) – (203.7 ± 2.5) kJ mol−1 (2.303RT)−1, for ethyl N,N‐dimethyloxamate, log [k1 (s−1)] = (13.06 ± 0.34) – (206.8 ± 4.4) kJ mol−1(2.303RT)−1, and for ethyl oxanilate, log [k1 (s−1)]= (13.86 ± 0.12)–(207.4 ± 1.5) kJ mol−1(2.303RT)−1. The overall rates, the partial rates and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of these eliminations are presented and discussed. These reactions appear to proceed through moderately polar cyclic transition states. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results of rapid bottom‐up software process modeling
Authors: Brooks Andrew
Published: December 2004

This experience paper reports the results of rapid bottom‐up software process modeling that was undertaken to improve understanding of software development processes as they were actually performed and to suggest improvements to these processes. In a short time frame, 23 software developers and testers were interviewed and re‐interviewed about their individual software processes. Individual software process models were hand drawn in the Spearmint notation during the first interviews and later transcribed into computer models using the Spearmint tool for the re‐interviews. The strengths and weaknesses of the rapid approach adopted are described. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting up and Auditing Guideline- and Evidence-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Mayou Richard , Welstand Jenny , Tyndel Sally
Published: December 2004

Background: Rehabilitation is available to only a minority of post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients and is of variable quality. Guidelines now recommend individualised care delivered by hospital, primary care and community services, but there is little evidence of the feasibility, acceptability or effectiveness of this approach.

Aims: To demonstrate the feasibility of guideline-based rehabilitation, to audit delivery and outcome and to identify problems.

Methods: A four-phase stepped programme for post-MI patients was developed based on individualised in-hospital care and aftercare from a menu of options. Delivery involved co-ordination between hospital services, primary care and community services. Self-report audit data were collected in hospital and at 3 months post-discharge by postal questionnaire and telephone calls. Clinical information was recorded from hospital, telephone and outpatient contacts. Delivery of care to patients receiving interventions was recorded.

Results: It was possible to negotiate individualized plans for all patients and to monitor progress for 3 months after discharge. The rehabilitation team achieved high rates of delivery of agreed interventions, considerably better than delivery by primary care. Problems largely related to difficulties and failures in communication. Patients with major social or psychological difficulties were the most difficult to treat.

Conclusion: Guideline-based rehabilitation is feasible, but there is a need to improve the coordination of delivery of later steps of care and also to refine specialist interventions.