bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay for management of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Il Park Chan
Published: July 2006

Background.

Rapid parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay has been applied to predict hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy compared with conventional close monitoring of serum calcium levels. We evaluated the reliability of intraoperative intact PTH (ioPTH) assay to predict hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy and sought to develop an algorithm for the management of postthyroidectomy patients.

Methods.

Rapid PTH assays were performed before and after thyroidectomy for 92 new patients receiving total thyroidectomy. Preoperative and postoperative serum calcium and standard PTH levels were serially obtained to 6 months after surgery

Results.

Postoperative hypocalcemia developed in 34 of 92 patients (37%), who showed significantly lower ioPTH values compared with those of normocalcemic patients (mean 9.2 pg/mL vs 31.3 pg/mL). The ioPTH levels were significantly correlated with standard PTH levels (p < .001, r > 0.62), but not with early serum calcium levels within 8 hours after the operation. Sensitivity and specificity of ioPTH levels of <15.0 pg/mL for the prediction of postoperative hypocalcemia were 85% and 84%, respectively. A value of >15.0 pg/mL and <70% decline in ioPTH after thyroidectomy can reliably identify normocalcemic patients during thyroidectomy or patients requiring close monitoring and early calcium supplement

Conclusions.

Rapid ioPTH assay can reliably monitor parathyroid function after thyroidectomy and predict postoperative hypocalcemia. The proposed algorithm based on rapid PTH levels will lead to improved prediction of normocalcemic patients. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
Retracted: Down‐regulation of Jagged‐1 induces cell growth inhibition and S phase arrest in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Wang Zhiwei , Ahmed Fakhara , Banerjee Sanjeev , Li Yiwei , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: July 2006

This article has been retracted at the request of: Editor‐in‐Chief and Co‐author

‘Down‐regulation of Jagged‐1 induces cell growth inhibition and S phase arrest in prostate cancer cells’ by Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Ahmed, F., Banerjee, S., Li, Y. and Sarkar, F. H.

The above article, published online on 5 July 2006, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Professor Peter Lichter, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. A university investigation involving the second and the corresponding author determined that histone bands in Fig. 4 in this paper were manipulated and that β‐actin bands in Fig. 1C were duplicated from another publication. Therefore, the authors are retracting the paper in its entirety although they maintain that these issues did not affect the major conclusions. They apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Reference

Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Ahmed, F., Banerjee, S., Li, Y. and Sarkar, F. H. (2006), Down‐regulation of Jagged‐1 induces cell growth inhibition and S phase arrest in prostate cancer cells. Int. J. Cancer, 119: 2071–2077. doi: 10.1002/ijc.22077
Expression of the hemochromatosis gene modulates the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Chitambar Christopher R. , Kotamraju Srigiridhar , Wereley Janine P.
Published: July 2006

The antineoplastic agent doxorubicin inhibits cell growth through mechanisms that include an interaction with iron, resulting in the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Prior studies have shown that the wild‐type hemochromatosis gene (wt HFE) may downregulate iron uptake and alter iron homeostasis in cells. We therefore tested the hypothesis that expression of wt HFE would affect the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin. Human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells were transfected with an expression plasmid for a FLAG‐tagged wt HFE gene [fwtHFE(+) cells], to examine the impact of wt HFE expression on doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis. Our results show that, in MCF‐7 cells, fwtHFE expression resulted in a reduction in cellular iron uptake and a decrease in the growth inhibitory effects of doxorubicin. Two micromolar doxorubicin inhibited the growth of fwtHFE(+) and fwtHFE(−) MCF‐7 cells by 34% and 61%, respectively. In parallel, doxorubicin induced caspase‐3‐like activity in fwtHFE(−) cells, but not in fwtHFE(+) cells. On analysis with a DCF fluorescence assay, ROS could be detected in fwtHFE(−) cells but not in fwtHFE(+) cells exposed to doxorubicin. Western blot analysis of breast biopsy samples from patients revealed immunoreactive HFE and transferrin receptor proteins in both normal and malignant breast tissues. Our studies suggest that HFE expression and its consequent effect on cellular iron homeostasis may modulate doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether HFE expression in tumor cells impacts on the clinical efficacy of doxorubicin. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypermethylation of the GATA gene family in esophageal cancer
Authors: Guo MingZhou , House Michael G. , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , Qi Yu , Capagna Domenico , Harmon John , Baylin Stephen B. , Brock Malcolm V. , Herman James G.
Published: July 2006

The GATA family of transcription factors promotes the normal development of the gastrointestinal tract during embryogenesis and determines tissue differentiation in adult gut epithelium. Loss of GATA‐4 and GATA‐5 has been reported in human gastric and colon cancer. We examined GATA‐4,‐5 and ‐6 gene expression in established esophageal squamous cancer cell lines and the relationship to DNA methylation in the promoter region of these genes. GATA‐4 and GATA‐5 expression was absent in most esophageal cancer cell lines, but was restored upon treatment with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. For each of the cell lines without detectable GATA gene expression, aberrant methylation of the promoter region CpG‐island was detected by methylation specific PCR. We confirmed these results with genomic bisulfite sequencing. GATA‐6 expression was found in each of the cell lines. GATA‐4/‐5 promoter methylation was not detected in normal esophageal mucosa, but GATA‐4 methylation was present in 27 of 44 (61%) squamous carcinomas and 31 of 44 (71%) adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, while GATA‐5 methylation was present in 14 of 44 (32%) squamous carcinomas and 24 of 44 (55%) adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Our studies demonstrate frequent silencing of GATA‐4 and GATA‐5, but not GATA‐6, in human esophageal neoplasia associated with gene promoter hypermethylation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult height, age at attained height, and incidence of breast cancer in premenopausal women
Authors: Baer Heather J. , Rich‐Edwards Janet W. , Colditz Graham A. , Hunter David J. , Willett Walter C. , Michels Karin B.
Published: July 2006

Adult height has been positively associated with breast cancer risk in epidemiologic studies, and recent evidence suggests that the timing and rate of growth may also influence risk. We examined both adult height and age at attained height, an indicator of the timing of the pubertal growth spurt, in relation to incidence of premenopausal breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Study II. Participants were 108,829 premenopausal women who reported their height in 1989; of these, 37,572 provided information on their age at attained height on a later supplementary questionnaire. During 12 years of follow‐up, 1,041 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified (402 with age at attained height). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adult height was positively associated with breast cancer incidence; the multivariate RR for participants 1.75 m or taller compared to those shorter than 1.60 m was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.23–2.01, p trend < 0.0001), and each 5‐cm increment corresponded to an 11% increase in risk (95% CI: 6–17%). There was no overall association for age at attained height, however, with a multivariate RR of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.66–1.39) for women who attained their maximum height at age 18 or older compared to those who reached it before age 14 (p trend = 0.65). These results confirm previous findings that taller adult height is associated with increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer but do not provide evidence that age at attained height is related to risk. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case–control study of risk factors for breast cancer in Nigerian women
Authors: Okobia Michael , Bunker Clareann , Zmuda Joseph , Kammerer Candace , Vogel Victor , Uche Emmanuel , Anyanwu Stanley , Ezeome Emmanuel , Ferrell Robert , Kuller Lewis
Published: July 2006

This study evaluated the potential risk factors for breast cancer in Nigerian women using a case–control design of 250 women with breast cancer and their age‐matched female controls. Both cases and controls were recruited from 4 University Teaching Hospitals in Midwestern and Southeastern Nigeria. Data on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics were collected using interviewer‐administered structured questionnaires. The mean age of the cases and controls were 46.1 and 47.1 years, respectively. Fifty‐seven percent of the cases were premenopausal while 43% were postmenopausal. The association of risk factors with breast cancer was assessed using conditional logistic regression. Positive family history of breast cancer in first‐ and second‐degree relatives (Odds ratio [OR] = 8.07, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003, 64.95, p = 0.04), education of high school level and above (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.04, 1.74, p = 0.0205), age at first fullterm pregnancy (FFTP) greater than 20 years (OR = 1.32 95% CI 1.01, 1.71, p = 0.0413) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.27, 3.10, p = 0.0026) were associated with increased risk of breast cancer in the final multiple conditional logistic regression model. The findings from this study have shown that sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive variables and anthropometric measures are significant predictors of breast cancer risk in Nigerian women. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A minute lossy method for 2D‐gel images compression
Authors: Chan Yung‐Kuan , Liau Duan‐Li , Chen Yung‐Fu , Wu Hsien‐Chu , Chu Yen‐Ping
Published: July 2006

This article presents a compression method to encode a 2D‐gel image by using hybrid lossless and lossy techniques. In this method, areas containing protein spots are encoded using lossless method while the background is encoded using the lossy method. A 2D‐gel image usually covers a large portion of the background in which has colors that are close to white. The VQ codebook‐generating approach gives more codewords to describe the background; consequently, the proposed method can nearly precisely depict the background of the 2D‐gel image and exactly record protein spots without any losses. Therefore, it can provide a high compression ratio. Image compressed by this method can nearly be lossless reconstructed. The experimental results show that the compression ratio is significantly improved with acceptable image quality compared to the JPEG‐LS method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 16, 1–8, 2006
Antimicrobial effect of silver‐doped phosphate‐based glasses
Authors: Ahmed I. , Ready D. , Wilson M. , Knowles J.C.
Published: July 2006

In this study a range of phosphate‐based glasses (PBG) doped with silver have been investigated for their antimicrobial activities. In disk diffusion assays, these compositions demonstrated microbistatic effects against a range of organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The data obtained from the above studies allowed for an additional range of PBG containing lower amounts of silver to be studied for their effects on the growth and viability of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. PBG containing 3 and 5 mol % Ag were bactericidal for S. aureus and E. coli and significantly decreased the growth rate of C. albicans. A decrease in the dissolution rates of the glasses was seen with increasing Ag content over the range of concentrations investigated. Overall, 3 mol % Ag incorporated into the PBG investigated was sufficient to mount a potent antibacterial effect against the test organisms, and these compositions also gave excellent long‐term release of Ag ions into the medium. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Electrospinning biomedical nanocomposite fibers of hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic acid) for bone regeneration
Authors: Kim Hae‐Won , Lee Hae‐Hyoung , Knowles J. C.
Published: July 2006

Development of fibrous matrices of bioceramic–biopolymer nanocomposite offers great potential in the field of bone regeneration and tissue engineering. However, in order to produce electrospun fibers with homogeneous structure, it is essential for the ceramic powder to be fine and to remain stable in suspension. Herein, we developed a novel method whereby the bioceramic hydroxyapatite (HA) was kept in suspension in biopolymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The strategy was to introduce a surfactant hydroxysteric acid (HSA) between the hydrophilic HA powder and the hydrophobic chloroform‐dissolved PLA. The HA nanopowder was dispersed effectively in HSA and mixed homogeneously with PLA. Continuous and uniform fibers were generated successfully with diameters of ∼1–2 μm, and featured a well‐developed nanocomposite structure of HA nanopowder‐dispersed PLA. Initial cellular assays showed excellent cell attachment and proliferation and also enhanced expression of alkaline phosphatase at 7 days of culturing. The HA–PLA nanocomposite fibers may be potentially useful in tissue engineering applications, particularly as three‐dimensional substrates for bone growth. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Selective induction of mucin‐3 by hypoxia in intestinal epithelia
Authors: Louis Nancy A. , Hamilton Kathryn E. , Canny Geraldine , Shekels Laurie L. , Ho Samuel B. , Colgan Sean P.
Published: July 2006

Epithelial cells line mucosal surfaces (e.g., lung, intestine) and critically function as a semipermeable barrier to the outside world. Mucosal organs are highly vascular with extensive metabolic demands, and for this reason, are particularly susceptible to diminished blood flow and resultant tissue hypoxia. Here, we pursue the hypothesis that intestinal barrier function is regulated in a protective manner by hypoxia responsive genes. We demonstrate by PCR confirmation of microarray data and by avidin blotting of immunoprecipitated human Mucin 3 (MUC3), that surface MUC3 expression is induced in T84 intestinal epithelial cells following exposure to hypoxia. MUC3 RNA is minimally detectable while surface protein expression is absent under baseline normoxic conditions. There is a robust induction in both the mRNA (first evident by 8 h) and protein expression, first observed and maximally expressed following 24 h hypoxia. This is followed by a subsequent decline in protein expression, which remains well above baseline at 48 h of hypoxia. Further, we demonstrate that this induction of MUC3 protein is associated with a transient increase in the barrier restorative peptide, intestinal trefoil factor (ITF). ITF not only colocalizes with MUC3, by confocal microscopy, to the apical surface of T84 cells following exposure to hypoxia, but is also found, by co‐immunoprecipitation, to be physically associated with MUC3, following 24 h of hypoxia. In exploration of the mechanism of hypoxic regulation of mucin 3 expression, we demonstrated by luciferase assay that the full‐length promoter for mouse Mucin 3 (Muc3) is hypoxia‐responsive with a 5.08 ± 1.76‐fold induction following 24 h of hypoxia. Furthermore, analysis of both the human (MUC3A) and mouse (Muc3) promoters revealed potential HIF‐1 binding sites which were shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation to bind the pivotal hypoxia‐regulating transcription factor HIF‐1α. Taken together, these studies implicate the HIF‐1α mediated hypoxic induced expression of mucin 3 and associated ITF in the maintenance of intestinal barrier function under hypoxic conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1616–1627, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of EGF on [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and cell cycle regulatory proteins in primary cultured chicken hepatocytes: Involvement of Ca2+/PKC and MAPKs
Authors: Lee Min Young , Lee Sang Hun , Kim Yun Hee , Heo Jung Sun , Park Soo Hyun , Lee Jang Hern , Han Ho Jae
Published: July 2006

The reported studies on the metabolism in chicken hepatocytes in comparison with those of mammals are quite different. Therefore, this study examined the effect of EGF on DNA synthesis along with its related signal cascades in primary cultured chicken hepatocytes. EGF stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose (≥10 ng/ml)‐dependent manner, which correlated with the increase in CDK‐2 and CDK‐4 expression. The EGF‐induced increase in [3H]‐thymidine incorporation was blocked by AG 1478 (an EGF receptor tyrosine kinase antagonist), genistein, and herbimycin A (tyrosine kinase inhibitors), suggesting a role in the activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. In addition, the EGF‐induced stimulation of [3H]‐thymidine incorporation was prevented by staurosporine, H‐7, or bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase C inhibitors), suggesting a role of PKC. In addition, PD 98059 (a MEK inhibitor), SB 203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor), and SP 600125 (a JNK inhibitor) blocked the EGF‐induced stimulation of [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and CDK‐2/4 expression. Indeed, EGF increased the translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the membrane fraction, and increased the activation of p44/42 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Moreover, EGF increased the CDK‐2, CDK‐4, cyclin D1, and cyclin E expression levels but decreased the p21 and p27 expression levels. These EGF‐induced increases were blocked by an EGF receptor antagonist, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PKC inhibitors, and MAPKs inhibitors. In conclusion, EGF stimulates DNA synthesis of primary cultured chicken hepatocytes via Ca2+/PKC and the MAPKs signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1677–1687, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of farnesylation of c‐Ha‐Ras protein enhances synergistically the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin in cycling but not in quiescent cells
Authors: Wȩsierska‐Ga̧dek Józefa , Kramer Matthias , Schmid Gerald
Published: July 2006

Ras, the product of a proto‐oncogene, is a GTP‐hydrolyzing enzyme found mutated in approximately 50% of human cancers. “Gain of function” mutations of Ras lead to an escape of transformed cells from cell‐cycle control, rendering them independent to stimulation by growth factors, giving them almost unlimited proliferation capacity. The cytosolic precursor isoform of Ras is biologically inactive. After several post‐translational modifications, Ras is anchored to the plasma membrane and, thereby, the protein becomes activated. The finding that lipid modifications of Ras protein, particularly farnesylation, are essential for its signal transduction activity, gave rise to the concept that blocking farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase), the enzyme catalyzing the first step in the Ras modification cascade, would prevent proper membrane anchoring and provide an improved approach in the cure of tumors harboring Ras mutations. In the present study we used transformed rat cells overexpressing a temperature‐sensitive p53 protein, adopting wt conformation at 32°C and mutant conformation at 37°C. We treated the cells growing at 32 or 37°C with doxorubicin alone, or in combination with inhibitors of FPTase. Combined treatment was more efficient and the same inhibition of cell proliferation was reached at lower DOX concentrations. The treatment strongly affected the growth rate of tumor cells but only negligibly of normal cells. However, the inhibitors of FPTase prevented the membrane anchoring in both situations. These results show two striking advantages of the combined treatment: the desired cytostatic effect on tumor cells at lower drug concentrations and clearly reduced adverse effects on quiescent cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1664–1676, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heme oxygenase‐1 gene transfer inhibits angiotensin II‐mediated rat cardiac myocyte apoptosis but not hypertrophy
Authors: Foo Roger S.Y. , Siow Richard C.M. , Brown Morris J. , Bennett Martin R.
Published: July 2006

Cardiac myocyte apoptosis underlies the pathophysiology of cardiomyopathy, and plays a critical role in the transition from myocardial hypertrophy to heart failure. Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces cardiac myocyte apoptosis and hypertrophy which contribute to heart failure possibly through enhanced oxidative stress; however, the mechanisms underlying the activation of both pathways and their interactions remain unclear. In the present study, we have investigated whether overexpression of the antioxidant protein heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) protects against apoptosis and hypertrophy in cultured rat cardiac myocytes treated with Ang II. Our findings demonstrate that Ang II (100 nM, 24 h) alone upregulates HO‐1 expression and induces both myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, assessed by measuring terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) staining, caspase‐3 activity and mitochondrial membrane potential. Ang II elicited apoptosis was augmented in the presence of tin protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO activity, while HO‐1 gene transfer to myocytes attenuated Ang II‐mediated apoptosis but not hypertrophy. Adenoviral overexpression of HO‐1 was accompanied by a significant increase in Ang II induced phosphorylation of Akt, however, Ang II‐mediated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was attenuated. Inhibition of phosphotidylinositol‐3‐kinase enhanced myocyte apoptosis elicited by Ang II, however, p38MAPK inhibition had no effect, suggesting that overexpression of HO‐1 protects myocytes via augmented Akt activation and not through modulation of p38MAPK activation. Our findings identify the signalling pathways by which HO‐1 gene transfer protects against apoptosis and suggest that overexpression of HO‐1 in cardiomyopathies may delay the transition from myocyte hypertrophy to heart failure. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 1–7, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of protein phosphatase 1γ activity in hypoxia through increased interaction with NIPP1: Implications for cellular metabolism
Authors: Comerford Kathrina M. , Leonard Martin O. , Cummins Eoin P. , Fitzgerald Kathleen T. , Beullens Monique , Bollen Mathieu , Taylor Cormac T.
Published: July 2006

Eukaryotic cells sense decreased oxygen levels and respond by altering their metabolic strategy to sustain non‐respiratory ATP production through glycolysis, and thus promote cell survival in a hypoxic environment. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) has been recently implicated in the governance of the rational use of energy when metabolic substrates are abundant and contributes to cellular recovery following metabolic stress. Under conditions of hypoxia, the expression of the gamma isoform of PP1 (PP1γ), is diminished, an event we have hypothesized to be involved in the adaptive cellular response to hypoxia. Decreased PP1γ activity in hypoxia has a profound impact on the activity of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a major transcriptional regulator of metabolic genes and processes. Here, we demonstrate a further mechanism leading to inhibition of PP1 activity in hypoxia which occurs at least in part through increased association with the nuclear inhibitor of PP1 (NIPP1), an event dependent upon decreased basal cAMP/PKA‐dependent signaling. Using a dominant negative NIPP1 construct, we provide evidence that NIPP1 plays a major role in the regulation of both CREB protein expression and CREB‐dependent transcription in hypoxia. Furthermore, we demonstrate functional sequellae of such events including altered gene expression and recovery of cellular ATP levels. In summary, we demonstrate that interaction with NIPP1 mediates decreased PP1γ activity in hypoxia, an event which may constitute an inherent part of the cellular oxygen‐sensing machinery and may play a role in physiologic adaptation to hypoxia. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 211–218, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between Australian rainfall and the Southern Annular Mode
Authors: Meneghini Belinda , Simmonds Ian , Smith Ian N.
Published: July 2006

In this study, we explore the relationships between seasonal Australian rainfall and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). We produce two seasonal indices of the SAM: the Antarctic Oscillation Index (AOI), and an Australian regional version (AOIR) using ERA‐40 mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP) reanalysis data. The seasonal rainfall data are based on gridded monthly rainfall provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

For the period 1958–2002 a significant inverse relationship is found between the SAM and rainfall in southern Australia, while a significant in‐phase relationship is found between the SAM and rainfall in northern Australia. Furthermore, widespread significant inverse relationships in southern Australia are only observed in winter, and only with the AOIR. The AOIR accounts for more of the winter rainfall variability in southwest Western Australia, southern South Australia, western and southern Victoria, and western Tasmania than the Southern Oscillation Index. Overall, our results suggest that changes in the SAM may be partly responsible for the current decline in winter rainfall in southern South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, but not the long‐term decline in southwest Western Australian winter rainfall. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Integrated catchment management in semiarid environments in the context of the European Water Framework Directive
Authors: Thornes J. B. , Rowntree K. M.
Published: July 2006

Two recent developments draw attention to the need for integrated catchment management. First is the European Union's (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD), which insists on an integrated catchment management plan for each European river basin within the next 15 years. Second is the current trend for river restoration; practitioners have concluded that this can only be achieved through a thorough appreciation of the integrated character of catchments. This paper addresses the question as to whether it makes sense to apply the WFD methodology across the range of European catchments and, in particular, what special provisions need to be made for dry Mediterranean catchments. The Southern European rivers are episodic. They yield high and coarse sediment loads and some are still used as waste repositories. They interact intermittently with groundwater. Reference conditions, both geometrical and water quality, require different measures and observations from those of the temperate and Arctic régime rivers that dominate much of the rest of the EU. These properties are identified and discussed with reference to nested subcatchments of the River Segura in the Province of Murcia, Spain. New research in the Nogalte sub‐basin demonstrates a possible ‘reference site’ for this environment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hindcasting extreme events: the occurrence and expression of damaging floods and landslides in Southern Italy
Authors: Clarke M. L. , Rendell H. M.
Published: July 2006

Extreme rainstorm events across the Mediterranean have caused significant loss of life and damage to property and livelihoods. Italy is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards with recent events such as the 1996 floods in Versilia and the 1998 mass‐movement failures at Sarno causing the deaths of 174 people. We have analysed 50 years of rainfall records to hindcast extreme rainstorms that have affected the eastern Basilicata region of southern Italy. Historical and archive data of individual floods and landslides have been compared with their antecedent rainfall conditions in order to characterize the nature of events that cause damage to society and infrastructure. Analysis of extreme‐event frequency shows a decreasing annual trend related to changes in regional climate conditions in the western and central Mediterranean driven by changes in the strength of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Land‐degradation problems associated with floods and landslides are decreasing due to a drier winter climate coupled with improved hazard mitigation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The corrosion resistance of a Fe/Cu composite
Authors: Molera P. , Sanz‐Soro F. , Suñol J. J.
Published: July 2006

A composite made from a mixture of iron and copper powders was produced and characterised. The Cu addition favours the production of sintered Fe in the powder metallurgy industry processes. The corrosion behaviour in different electrolytic solution (sodium chloride or hydrochloric, acetic or sulphuric acids) and the corrosion rates were obtained from the weight loss and potentiodynamic methods – intersection and linear polarisation resistance. The values in hydrochloric and sulphuric acid vary slightly with respect to the average value of 78 mV/decade. The values obtained in acetic acid and sodium chloride are higher probably due to the formation of a thin film layer over the metallic surface. The morphology was analyzed through the observation by optical and scanning electron microscopy. It has been determined the nature of the oxide layer, Fe3O4, by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), isolating the composite from the atmosphere. Thus, this oxide layer acts as a corrosion protective surface.
The Influence of Solvent Properties and Functionality on the Electrospinnability of Polystyrene Nanofibers
Authors: Pattamaprom Cattaleeya , Hongrojjanawiwat Walaiporn , Koombhongse Piyawit , Supaphol Pitt , Jarusuwannapoo Teeradech , Rangkupan Ratthapol
Published: July 2006

Summary: In order to produce nanometer‐sized fibers at an industrial scale, not only the morphology but also the production rate of fibers is important. The effect of solvent properties and functionality on the production rate of electrospun PS nanofibers was investigated using eighteen different solvents. The solution concentration was varied between 10 and 30% w/v. Electrospinning of PS solutions was carried out at various applied voltages and tip‐to‐collector distances The production rate of the obtained PS nanofibers was quantified in terms of electrospinnability. We found that the chance for the resulting PS solution to be spinnable is greater for solvents with high dipole moment and low viscosity. The solvent that provided the highest electrospinnability for polystyrene was DMF and the functionalities that promoted high dipole moment and thus high spinnability were the carbonyl group and the nitrogen group with free electrons. General guidelines for choosing suitable solvents for successful production of electrospun nanofibers have also been proposed.

SEM image of PS 685D at 200× magnification and the %‐coverage of the fibers obtained by using DMF, chloroform, and 1,4‐dioxane.

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SEM image of PS 685D at 200× magnification and the %‐coverage of the fibers obtained by using DMF, chloroform, and 1,4‐dioxane.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyurethane Hybrids from Reactive Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Zhang Shiling , Zou Qichao , Wu Limin
Published: July 2006

Summary: Hybrid polyester resins containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), and their polyurethanes were prepared using reactive POSS as a substitution for partial diol monomer. They were investigated by FT‐IR, rheometry, dynamic mechanical analysis, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, contact‐angle measurement, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results showed that the hybrid polyester‐POSS resins had a shear thinning behavior, and the more the POSS was embedded, the stronger the shear thinning behavior, and the higher the viscosity. Incorporation of POSS could increase the glass transition temperature and thermal stability and decrease the surface free energy of the polyurethanes. When the POSS content was relatively high, the POSS molecules in hybrid polyurethane‐POSS had a strong self‐assembling ability to form nanocrystalline domains.

Loss tangent curves of polyurethanes.

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Loss tangent curves of polyurethanes.
Formation of Polyolefin‐block‐polystyrene Block Copolymers on Phenoxyimine Catalysts
Authors: Weiser Marc‐Stephan , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: July 2006

Summary: PE‐block‐PS and P(E‐co‐P)‐block‐PS block copolymers were synthesised via sequential monomer addition during homogeneous polymerisation on various phenoxyimine catalysts. One phenoxyimine catalyst was tailored to produce high molecular weight block copolymers containing both, polyolefin and polystyrene segments. According to chromatographic analysis and TEM morphology studies, blends of block copolymers and PE homopolymers [or P(E‐co‐P), respectively] were formed. The direct olefin/styrene block copolymer synthesis on phenoxyimine catalysts represents an attractive, new one‐pot route to styrenic block copolymers which are commercially prepared by anionic styrene/diene block copolymerisation followed by hydrogenation.

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Comparison study of multi‐attribute decision analytic software
Authors: French Simon , Xu Dong‐Ling
Published: July 2006

In this paper, we discuss the functionality and interfaces of five MCDM software packages. We recognize that no single package is appropriate for all decision contexts and processes. Thus our emphasis is not so much to compare the functionality of the packages per se, but to consider their fit with different decision making processes. In doing so, we hope to provide potential users with guidance on selecting a package that is more compatible with their needs. Moreover, we reflect on the further functionality which we would believe should be developed and included in MCDM packages. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On interactive multiobjective optimization with NIMBUS® in chemical process design
Authors: Hakanen Jussi , Miettinen Kaisa , Mäkelä Marko M. , Manninen Jussi
Published: July 2006

We study multiobjective optimization problems arising from chemical process simulation. The interactive multiobjective optimization method NIMBUS®, developed at the University of Jyväskylä, is combined with the BALAS® process simulator, developed at the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, in order to provide a new interactive tool for designing chemical processes. Continuous interaction between the method and the designer provides a new efficient approach to explore Pareto optimal solutions and helps the designer to learn about the behaviour of the process. As an example of how the new tool can be used, we report the results of applying it in a heat recovery system design problem related to the process water system of a paper mill. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dispersion of compound muscle action potential in hereditary neuropathies and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Stanton Michael , Pannoni Valerie , Lewis Richard A. , Logigian Eric L. , Naguib Demian , Shy Michael E. , Cleland James , Herrmann David N.
Published: July 2006

Distal compound muscle action potential (DCMAP) dispersion, defined as a DCMAP duration ≥9 ms, and proximal‐distal (P‐D) CMAP dispersion are considered useful in the electrodiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Distal and P‐D CMAP dispersion have not been fully studied in hereditary neuropathies, and it is not known whether these measures distinguish hereditary from acquired demyelination. We compared DCMAP duration and P‐D CMAP dispersion in 91 genetically characterized hereditary neuropathies and 33 subjects with CIDP. DCMAP dispersion was more frequent in nerves affected by CIDP (41.5%) than in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT)1A (24.4%), CMT1B (7.4%), hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) (10.5%), or CMTX (9.8%). P‐D CMAP dispersion was more frequent in CIDP (27.7% of nerves) than in hereditary neuropathies (16.3%) when applying American Academy of Neurology (AAN) criteria; however, its frequency was similar in CIDP and the hereditary neuropathies using the more restrictive criteria of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). Although dispersion is more common in CIDP than in the hereditary neuropathies, DCMAP and P‐D dispersion occur in at least one motor nerve in a significant proportion of hereditary neuropathies, and cannot be used in isolation to distinguish acquired from hereditary demyelination. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Array CGH profiling of favourable histology Wilms tumours reveals novel gains and losses associated with relapse
Authors: Natrajan R , Williams RD , Hing SN , Mackay A , Reis‐Filho JS , Fenwick K , Iravani M , Valgeirsson H , Grigoriadis A , Langford CF , Dovey O , Gregory SG , Weber BL , Ashworth A , Grundy PE , Pritchard‐Jones K , Jones C
Published: July 2006

Despite the excellent survival of Wilms tumour patients treated with multimodality therapy, approximately 15% will suffer from tumour relapse, where response rates are markedly reduced. We have carried out microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridisation on a series of 76 Wilms tumour samples, enriched for cases which recurred, to identify changes in DNA copy number associated with clinical outcome. Using 1Mb‐spaced genome‐wide BAC arrays, the most significantly different genomic changes between favourable histology tumours that did (n = 37), and did not (n = 39), subsequently relapse were gains on 1q, and novel deletions at 12q24 and 18q21. Further relapse‐associated loci included losses at 1q32.1, 2q36.3‐2q37.1, and gain at 13q31. 1q gains correlated strongly with loss of 1p and/or 16q. In 3 of 11 cases with concurrent 1p−/1q+, a breakpoint was identified at 1p13. Multiple low‐level sub‐megabase gains along the length of 1q were identified using chromosome 1 tiling‐path arrays. One such recurrent region at 1q22‐q23.1 included candidate genes RAB25, NES, CRABP2, HDGF and NTRK1, which were screened for mRNA expression using quantitative RT‐PCR. These data provide a high‐resolution catalogue of genomic copy number changes in relapsing favourable histology Wilms tumours. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct quantification of fetal cells in maternal blood by real‐time PCR
Authors: Zhong Xiao Yan , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Hahn Sinuhe
Published: July 2006

Background

Fetal cells in maternal blood still present an enticing alternative for the development of a safe and efficacious non‐invasive method for prenatal diagnosis. However, most enrichment methods are very tedious and have failed to realise this long sought after goal. We developed a simple, robust TaqMan real‐time PCR assay to directly quantify male fetal cells in maternal blood using the multi‐copy DYS14, without the need for any additional enrichment procedure.

Methods

The sensitivity of the DYS14 assay was evaluated by using female genomic DNA spiked with male DNA or male cells. The specificity of the DYS14 assay was evaluated by examining 40 adult blood samples and 44 maternal blood samples from pregnant women with known fetal gender. Direct quantification of fetal cells in maternal blood was performed in 14 of the maternal blood samples by the DYS14 assay. The results were compared to those by SRY assay.

Results

The sensitivity of DYS14 PCR assay was found to be higher than that of SRY assay for the detection of fetal cells. The number of fetal cells in maternal blood did not exceed 2/mL blood. The presence of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood could lead to erroneous quantification of fetal cell DNA. The number of fetal cells detected in blood cell pellets, which had been unwashed to remove the cell‐free fetal DNA, was indeed significantly higher than those in extensively washed samples.

Conclusions

We quantified the fetal cells in maternal blood without fetal cell enrichment procedures by TaqMan real‐time PCR for a multi‐copy DYS14 locus. Our assay is sensitive and also suitable for automation, and may be a useful tool for the determination of fetal‐maternal cell trafficking, such as microchimerism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extensional flow mixer for polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Tokihisa M. , Yakemoto K. , Sakai T. , Utracki L.A. , Sepehr M. , Li J. , Simard Y.
Published: July 2006

The extensional flow mixer (EFM) has been used in industry, for e.g., homogenization of reactor products, polymer blending, incorporation of plasticizer, etc. Recently, several laboratories attempted to use EFM for dispersing organoclay in a molten polymer. Thus, usually EFM was mounted on a twin‐screw extruder equipped with a gear pump. The use of EFM resulted in improved dispersion and performance—more significant in polyamide or thermoplastic polyester—and marginal in a polyolefin or polystyrene. Recently, to improve EFM efficiency, the commercial EFM‐3 was modified by redesigning the convergent–divergent plates that engender the extensional flow. The two mixers, EFM‐3 and the new EFM‐N, were evaluated using a single‐screw extruder. Two systems were examined: (1) polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) with Cloisite®‐15A (C15A) and (2) polypropylene with maleated‐PP and C15A. The compounded samples were injection‐molded, and then tested for the degree of dispersion and mechanical performance. The results showed superiority of EFM‐N. Compounding PA‐6 with C15A in a single‐screw extruder with EFM‐N exfoliated the organoclay, producing polymeric nanocomposites with high performance, comparable or better than that of a commercial nanocomposite produced by polycondensation of ϵ‐caprolactam in the presence of clay, preintercalated with reactive cations. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1040–1050, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Single‐crystal growth of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy benzaldehyde by the Bridgman technique and its characterization
Authors: Kannan V. , Jayaprakasan M. , Bairava Ganesh R. , Ramasamy P.
Published: July 2006

Single‐crystal growth of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy benzaldehyde (vanillin), an excellent molecular nonlinear optical (NLO) material, from the melt using the Bridgman technique is reported for the first time. Differential thermal analysis experiments indicated that the substance melts congruently at 81 °C. A precise temperature profile plot of the resistive furnace used was measured using a simple PC‐based time–temperature data logging system. Powder X‐ray diffraction analysis of the grown crystal revealed the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system. Fourier transform infrared spectra were used to assign various modes and identify the functional groups. The crystal exhibited a wide window of transmission unlike other organic NLO crystals. The optical second harmonic generation conversion efficiency of vanillin was determined using the Kurtz powder technique. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of external stress on bulk GaN
Authors: Kim J. , Baik K. , Park C. , Cho S. , Pearton S. J. , Ren F.
Published: July 2006

We report on the measurement of stress in bulk, free‐standing GaN templates under external bending using micro‐Raman scattering. A 488 nm Ar‐ion laser beam was scanned in a cross‐sectional geometry across the GaN template held under external stress conditions. Our experiment showed that the top half of the bulk GaN was under ∼73 MPa of tensile stress while the bottom half of the GaN template was under 40 MPa of compressive stress when bent by a press screw. This data is very helpful to understand both the optical and mechanical properties of bulk GaN and for calibrating and optimizing GaN‐based pressure sensors. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Uniaxial stress study of the Cu–H complex in ZnO
Authors: Lavrov E. V. , Weber J.
Published: July 2006

The influence of uniaxial stress on the vibrational mode of the Cu–H complex at 3192 cm–1 in ZnO is studied. It is shown that the split patterns are consistent with the stretching mode of a bond‐centered hydrogen located in the basal plane between substitutional Cu and O. Quantitative analysis of the stress effects reveals two low energy modes with frequencies of 25 and 49 cm–1. Upon substituting deuterium for hydrogen they shift to 22 and 36 cm–1, respectively. The origin of the low energy modes is discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extrinsic defect structure of RE3Al5O12 garnets
Authors: Stanek C. R. , McClellan K. J. , Levy M. R. , Grimes R. W.
Published: July 2006

RE3Al5O12 garnets (where RE represents rare earth atoms Lu–Gd and Y) are technologically important, particularly for optical applications. However, the performance of these materials suffers from the existence of point defects, which are responsible for both delayed and reduced light output in Ce:Y3Al5O12 (Ce:YAG) scintillators. The complex garnet crystal structure prevents a straightforward description of the defects responsible for decreased performance. In this paper, we employ atomistic simulation techniques to reveal nonintuitive features of the extrinsic defect structure. Specifically: Me2+ dopants (ranging in ionic size from Mg2+–Ba2+) are predicted to reside on RE sites with oxygen vacancies as charge compensating defects and Me4+ dopants (from Ti4+–Pb4+) reside on both RE and Al sites and are predicted to be charge compensated by RE vacancies. These results predict the defects resulting from common Me2+ impurities, as well as explain why Me4+ doping is not effective in improving RE3Al5O12 scintillator performance.

magnified image

The predicted extrinsic defects in RE3Al5O12 associated with Me2+ (bottom left) and Me4+ (upper right) doping. Small and large grey atoms represent Al and RE lattice atoms respectively. Oxygen atoms are not shown. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Band structure of functional oxides by screened exchange and the weighted density approximation
Authors: Robertson J. , Xiong K. , Clark S. J.
Published: July 2006

Most ab‐initio calculations of the electronic structure use the local density approximation, which gives good structural data but severely under‐estimates the band gaps of semiconductors and insulators. This paper presents calculations of the band structures of some important oxide semiconductors and insulators, using the screened exchange method and the weighted density approximation, which give improved band gaps. The methods are tested on diamond, Si, Ge, MgO, Al2O3, and SiO2 and the main interest is for HfO2, ZrO2, SrTiO3, PbTiO3, LaAlO3, La2O3, ZrSiO4, SnO2, CuAlO2, and SrCu2O2. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Resistance switching in perovskite thin films
Authors: Ignatiev A. , Wu N. J. , Chen X. , Liu S. Q. , Papagianni C. , Strozier J.
Published: July 2006

Recent research on the resistance switching effect in manganite oxide based electric‐pulse‐induced resistance (EPIR) devices is being reviewed. The EPIR effect encompasses the reversible change of resistance of a thin oxide film such as Pr1–x Cax MnO3 (PCMO) under the application of short, low voltage pulses. Two groups of EPIR devices have been investigated: one with the PCMO layer sandwiched between a top and a bottom electrode; the other with both electrodes on top of the PCMO thin films, which were grown on insulating substrates. I –V switching characteristics, electric pulse switching hysteresis, as well as the dynamic resistance during nano second switching pulses of the EPIR devices were measured. Temperature studies showed similar activation energies for both high and low resistance states. Resistance profile microanalysis showed resistance switching both in the interface regions of the oxide film near the electrode, as well as in the bulk of PCMO film with the major resistance change from the interface regions. The resistance switching mechanism is discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)