bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabricating novel thermal crosslinked ultrafine fibers via electrospinning
Authors: Dai Tian‐He , Yu Hao , Zhang Kai , Zhu Mei‐Fang , Chen Yan‐Mo , Adler Hans‐Juergen
Published: November 2007

In this article, we report the preparation of a kind of novel crosslinked ultrafine fiber by electrospinning of unsaturated polyester macromonomers (UPM) and subsequent thermal crosslinking. The UPM is prepared via a two‐step reaction with poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐propyleneadipate) diol terminated (PMPA), isophorone‐diisocyanate (IPDI) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Poly(3‐hydroxyl‐butyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxylvalerate) (PHBV) is chosen to improve the processability of the UPM. UPM/PHBV blend ultrafine fibers are successfully electrospun with a proper mass ratio of UPM to PHBV in dichloromethane solution. The fibers are thermally crosslinked after electrospinning. Measurement results indicate that the average diameter of the fibers is about 1 μm and the crosslinked fibers have good solvent‐stability and thermal‐stability. This novel fiber has potential applications in filtration and protective coating. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 107:2142–2149, 2008
Modification of polypropylene through intercrosslinking graft copolymerization of poly(vinyl alcohol): Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Neena Gautam  , Khanna N. Deepika
Published: November 2007

Modification of polypropylene (PP) has been successfully carried out through intercrosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), by chemical graft copolymerization method using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as radical initiator. Prior to grafting, PP was irradiated by gamma rays at a constant dose rate of 3.40 kGy/h to introduce hydroperoxide groups. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of different reaction parameters. Maximum percentage ofgrafting of PVA (75%) was obtained at [BPO] = 5.51 × 10−2 mol/L in 120 min at 70°C using 15 mL of water. Characterization of pristine PP and PP‐g‐PVA was carried out by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron micrography. Swelling studies were carried out in pure, binary, ternary, and quaternary solvent systems comprising of water, ethanol (EtOH), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in different ratios. Maximum swelling values of PP‐g‐PVA (both composite and true graft) was observed in pure DMSO followed by DMF, EtOH, and water and it was also higher than that observed in mixed solvent system. Water retention studies of pristine PP and PP‐g‐PVA (both composite and true graft) were investigated at different time periods, temperature, and pH. Maximum % water retention of PP‐g‐PVA (composite) (108%) was observed in 8 h at 50°C in neutral medium (pH = 7). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Enhanced mechanical properties of multilayer nano‐coated electrospun nylon 6 fibers via a layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly
Authors: Park Jong Hoon , Kim Byoung Suhk , Yoo Yeon Chun , Khil Myung Seob , Kim Hak Yong
Published: November 2007

We reported the mechanical properties of the polyelectrolyte multilayer nano‐coated electrospun fiber mats with different number of layers. Multilayer nano‐coatings composed of layers of PSS and PAH were successfully deposited onto electrospun nylon 6 fibers via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly. Compared with pure nylon 6 fibers, the morphology of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nylon 6 fibers was uniform and smooth. The mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated random and aligned nylon 6 fibers were remarkably enhanced. Moreover, it was found that the higher degree of alignment resulted in higher tensile strength, suggesting the combined effects of the alignment, the surface nanocoating and the formation of internal networks of polyelectrolytes on nylone 6 fibers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Non‐destructive electrical resistivity tomography for indoor investigation: the case of Kapnikarea Church in Athens
Authors: Tsokas G. N. , Tsourlos P. I. , Vargemezis G. , Novack M.
Published: November 2007

The area inside and around the church of Kapnikarea in Athens (Greece), was explored by means of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). ‘Flat base’ electrodes were used exclusively because the survey had to be fully non‐destructive. The performance of ‘flat base’ electrodes was satisfactory, leading to inversions of small root mean square (RMS) errors and reliable subsurface images, which were checked against existing borehole logs. High‐resistivity anomalies were observed beneath the floor of the church. They are attributed to possible voids, remains of ancient wells, or other man‐made structures concealed under the floor of the church. The results show that ‘flat base’ electrodes provided the advantage of fully non‐destructive geoelectrical measurements. They also show that the use of the non‐destructive ERT method offers a serious alternative and a complementary method to ground‐penetrating radar surveys inside existing monuments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogeneous [RuIII(Me3tacn)Cl3]‐Catalyzed Alkene cis‐Dihydroxylation with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yip Wing‐Ping , Ho Chi‐Ming , Zhu Nianyong , Lau Tai‐Chu , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: November 2007

A simple and green method that uses [Ru(Me3tacn)Cl3] (1; Me3tacn=N,N′,N′′‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane) as catalyst, aqueous H2O2 as the terminal oxidant, and Al2O3 and NaCl as additives is effective in the cis‐dihydroxylation of alkenes in aqueous tert‐butanol. Unfunctionalized alkenes, including cycloalkenes, aliphatic alkenes, and styrenes (14 examples) were selectively oxidized to their corresponding cis‐diols in good to excellent yield (70–96 %) based on substrate conversions of up to 100 %. The preparation of cis‐1,2‐cycloheptanediol (119 g, 91 % yield) and cis‐1,2‐cyclooctanediol (128 g, 92 % yield) from cycloheptene and cyclooctene, respectively, on the 1‐mol scale can be achieved by scaling up the reaction without modification. Results from Hammett correlation studies on the competitive oxidation of para‐substituted styrenes (ρ=−0.97, R=0.988) and the detection of the cycloadduct [(Me3tacn)ClRuHO2(C8H14)]+ by ESI‐MS for the 1‐catalyzed oxidation of cyclooctene to cis‐1,2‐cyclooctanediol are similar to those of the stoichiometric oxidation of alkenes by cis‐[(Me3tacn)(CF3CO2)RuVIO2]+ through [3+2] cycloaddition (W.‐P. Yip, W.‐Y. Yu, N. Zhu, C.‐M. Che, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 14239).
Testing Concordance of Clinical Characteristics in Familial Studies with Application to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Yan Jun , Tamboli Cyrus P.
Published: November 2007

The etiology of chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) remains unknown, with both genetic and environmental risk factors having been implicated. A recent collaborative study of IBD provides clinical data from families with three or more affected first‐degree relatives. The scientific question is whether specific clinical characteristics aggregate among affected individuals within families. Gastroenterological researchers have examined the number of concordant familial pairs in familial aggregation studies, but methods and results have been discrepant. This article investigates concepts of concordance and gives a comprehensive statistical treatment for testing concordance of various clinical traits in familial studies. For dichotomous traits, the distribution of this statistic under the null hypothesis of no familial aggregation is obtained by three methods: asymptotic, probability generating function, and permutation. The permutation method is extended to analyze aggregation for non‐dichotomous traits and co‐aggregations between two traits. We apply the permutation method to analyze the aforementioned multiply‐affected IBD family data. Evidence is found for familial clustering of various traits, some of which are not revealed in existing studies. Such analyses provide a basis for investigating the dependence of trait aggregation upon genetic or environmental risk factors. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation of ultrasound guided needle puncture using patient specific data with 3D textures and volume haptics
Authors: Vidal F. P. , John N. W. , Healey A. E. , Gould D. A.
Published: November 2007

We present an integrated system for training ultrasound (US) guided needle puncture. Our aim is to provide a validated training tool for interventional radiology (IR) that uses actual patient data. IR procedures are highly reliant on the sense of touch and so haptic hardware is an important part of our solution. A hybrid surface/volume haptic rendering of an US transducer is proposed to constrain the device to remain outside the bony structures when scanning the patient's skin. A volume haptic model is proposed that implements an effective model of needle puncture. Force measurements have been made on real tissue and the resulting data is incorporated into the model. The other input data required is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient that is used to create the patient specific models. It is also the data source for a novel simulation of a virtual US scanner, which is used to guide the needle to the correct location. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of thrombectomy on myocardial blush in primary angioplasty: The randomized evaluation of thrombus aspiration by two thrombectomy devices in acute myocardial infarction (RETAMI) trial
Authors: Sardella Gennaro , Mancone Massimo , Nguyen Bich Lien , De Luca Leonardo , Di Roma Angelo , Colantonio Riccardo , Petrolini Alessandro , Conti Giulia , Fedele Francesco
Published: November 2007

Background: In patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may cause thrombus dislodgment leading to microvascular function impairment, which is a negative independent predictor of myocardial function recovery. Compared with conventional stenting, pretreatment with aspiration thrombectomy during primary PCI significantly improves coronary epicardial flow and myocardial tissue perfusion parameters. We sought to evaluate the angiographic findings of two different manual aspiration thrombectomy devices (Diver‐Invatec® (DI) and Export‐Medtronic®® (EM)) in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty. Methods: We randomized 103 STEMI patients referred to our hospital to undergo primary PCI (<12 hr from symptoms onset) to DI (n = 52) and EM (n = 51) devices. The primary angiographic composite end‐points were the rates of post‐thrombectomy thrombus score (TS) ≤≤2, TIMI flow grade ≥≥2, and post‐stenting myocardial blush grade (MBG) ≥≥2 in the two groups. Results: Baseline, clinical, and angiographic preprocedural findings did not differ between the two groups. After aspiration thrombectomy, a TS ≤≤ 2 was more frequently present in EM group (92.3 vs. 69.3%, P = 0.0052). Also the rate of post‐thrombectomy TIMI ≥≥ 2 (69.3 vs. 92.2%, P = 0.0052) and post‐stenting MBG ≥≥2 (88.2 vs. 69.3%, P = 0.029) were significantly higher in EM group. No significative differences were observed in terms of clinical events at 1 and 12 months. Conclusions: In this single‐center, prospective, randomized study, a EM use before stenting in STEMI patients seems to remove more thrombotic burden compared with DI, providing a greater post‐thrombectomy epicardial flow and a better post‐stenting microvascular perfusion. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo porcine model of reperfused myocardial infarction: In situ double staining to measure precise infarct area/area at risk
Authors: Suzuki Yoriyasu , Lyons Jennifer K. , Yeung Alan C. , Ikeno Fumiaki
Published: November 2007

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate a catheter‐based porcine model for reperfused myocardial infarction and investigate the appropriate location and duration of the occlusion. Material and Methods: A balloon catheter was placed in the left descending coronary artery (LAD) in 78 swine, and used to occlude the LAD. To evaluate this model, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size, incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF), and mortality was compared among three groups: 60‐min proximal LAD occlusion (60P), 60‐min mid LAD occlusion (60M), and 30‐min proximal LAD occlusion (30P). Results: In 72 of the 78 pigs, the procedures were successfully completed. Both mortality and incidence of VF were highest in the 60P group (66.7% and 91.7%, respectively). Myocardial infarction was successfully induced in all 72 animals and in situ double‐staining with Evans blue dye and 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride was performed to delineate area at risk for ischemia and infarcted myocardium. There was no difference in infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the area at risk, between the 60P and 60M groups (49.5% ± 3.9% vs. 45.4% ± 13.3%, respectively). Serial changes in LVEF of the 60M group demonstrated that until 14 days after reperfusion, LVEF improved naturally over time (36.4% ± 6.6% at 24 hr, and 47.3% ± 10.1% at 14 days). Conclusion: This model and methodology could provide a reproducible and consistent infarct size. The current study demonstrated that 60‐min mid LAD occlusion can be the most feasible to serve as a porcine reperfused myocardial infarction model. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Java multithreading‐based parallel approximate arrow‐type inverses
Authors: Gravvanis George A. , Epitropou Victor N.
Published: November 2007

A new parallel shared memory Java multithreaded design and implementation of the explicit approximate inverse preconditioning, for efficiently solving arrow‐type linear systems on symmetric multiprocessor systems (SMPs), is presented. A new parallel algorithm for computing a class of optimized approximate arrow‐type inverse matrix is introduced. The performance on an SMP, using Java multithreading, is investigated by solving arrow‐type linear systems and numerical results are given. The parallel performance of the construction of the optimized approximate inverse and the explicit preconditioned generalized conjugate gradient square scheme, using a dynamic workload scheduling, is also presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IFN‐β modulates the response to TLR stimulation in human DC: Involvement of IFN regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) in IL‐27 gene expression
Authors: Remoli Maria Elena , Gafa Valérie , Giacomini Elena , Severa Martina , Lande Roberto , Coccia Eliana M.
Published: November 2007

Type I IFN are cytokines which play a central role in host resistance to viral or microbial infections and are important components linking innate and adaptive immunity. We and others have previously demonstrated that the production of IFN‐β by DC following bacterial infections or TLR triggering influences, in an autocrine manner, their maturation. In this study, we investigated whether IFN‐β release modulates the phenotype of the immature DC and their response to a subsequent TLR stimulation. The induction of CD86, HLA‐DR, CD38 and B7H1 and the absence of CCR7 and CD83 expression upon IFN‐β treatment suggest that IFN‐β‐primed DC remain at the site of infection acquiring an activated phenotype. These results prompted us to investigate the response of IFN‐β‐primed DC to TLR stimulation. While IFN‐β pretreatment increases slightly the expression of maturation markers in TLR2‐ or TLR4‐stimulated DC, it is able to modulate selectively the secretion of inflammatory and immuno‐regulating cytokines. Interestingly, IL‐27p28 subunit was induced by IFN‐β alone or during LPS‐induced maturation of DC in a type I IFN‐dependent manner through IFN regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) activation. Taken together, our results shed light on the capacity of IFN‐β to finely tune DC response to invading pathogens.
Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma‐associated lung cancers show chromosomal aberrations differing from primary lung cancer
Authors: Hahtola Sonja , Burghart Elke , Puputti Marjut , Karenko Leena , Abdel‐Rahman Wael M. , Väkevä Liisa , Jeskanen Leila , Virolainen Susanna , Karvonen Jaakko , Salmenkivi Kaisa , Kinnula Vuokko , Joensuu Heikki , Peltomäki Päivi , Klein Christoph A. , Ranki Annamari
Published: November 2007

Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients have an increased risk of certain secondary cancers, the most common of which are lung cancers, especially small cell lung cancer. To reveal the molecular pathogenesis underlying CTCL‐associated lung cancer, we analyzed genomic aberrations in CTCL‐associated and reference lung cancer samples. DNA derived from microdissected lung cancer cells of five CTCL‐associated lung cancers and five reference lung cancers without CTCL association was analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis were performed for selected genes. In CTCL‐associated lung cancer, CGH revealed chromosomal aberrations characterizing both lung cancer and CTCL, but also losses of 1p, and 19, and gains of 4q and 7, hallmarks of CTCL. LOH for the CTCL‐associated NAV3 gene was detected in two of the four informative primary lung cancers. FISH revealed increased copy number of the KIT gene in 3/4 of CTCL‐associated lung cancers and 1/5 of primary lung cancers. PDGFRA and VEGFR2 copy numbers were also increased. IHC showed moderate KIT expression when the gene copy number was increased. CTCL‐associated lung cancer shows chromosomal aberrations different from primary lung cancer, especially amplifications of 4q, a chromosome arm frequently deleted in the latter tumor type. Copy numbers and expression of selected genes in chromosome 4 differed between CTCL‐associated and reference lung cancers. These preliminary observations warrant further prospective studies to identify the common underlying factors between CTCL and CTCL‐associated lung cancer. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional status and depressive symptoms among older adults from residential care facilities in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vanková Hana , Holmerová Iva , Andel Ross , Veleta Petr , Janecková Hana
Published: November 2007

Background

Depressive symptoms are common among older adults, particularly those living in long‐term care facilities. However, little is known about factors associated with depressive symptoms among long‐term care residents in the Czech Republic and in other Eastern European countries. Moreover, the role of mobility and pain in depressive symptoms among long‐term care residents is relatively understudied.

Objective

We examined the relationship between functional status and depressive symptoms in 308 older adults from residential care facilities (RCFs) in the Czech Republic.

Method

We used baseline data from two randomized controlled trials testing the effects of dance and reminiscence therapies on quality of life in older RCF residents. Functional status was measured as cognitive function, general ability to perform basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), mobility, and functional limitation by pain. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results

In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors and taking antidepressants, we found that cognitive function and functional limitation by pain were most strongly associated with depressive symptoms. The ability to perform basic ADLs and mobility were also related to depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest factors that may be important in efforts to improve psychological well‐being in this population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal cerebral cortex structure in children with ADHD
Authors: Wolosin Sasha M. , Richardson Marin E. , Hennessey Joseph G. , Denckla Martha B. , Mostofsky Stewart H.
Published: November 2007

Objective:

Examination of cerebral cortical structure in children with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has thus far been principally limited to volume measures. In the current study, an automated surface‐based analysis technique was used to examine the ADHD‐associated differences in additional morphologic features of cerebral cortical gray matter structure, including surface area, thickness, and cortical folding.

Methods:

MPRAGE images were acquired from 21 children with ADHD (9 girls) and 35 typically developing controls (15 girls), aged 8–12 years. Statistical difference maps were used to compare mean cortical thickness between groups along the cortical surface. Cortical volume, surface area, mean thickness, and cortical folding were measured within regions of interest, including the right/left hemispheres, frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes within each hemisphere, and sub‐lobar regions.

Results:

Children with ADHD showed a decrease in total cerebral volume and total cortical volume of over 7 and 8%, respectively; volume reduction was observed throughout the cortex, with significant reduction in all four lobes bilaterally. The ADHD group also showed a decrease in surface area of over 7% bilaterally, and a significant decrease in cortical folding bilaterally. No significant differences in cortical thickness were detected.

Conclusions:

Results from the present study reveal that ADHD is associated with decreased cortical volume, surface area, and folding throughout the cerebral cortex. The findings suggest that decreased cortical folding is a key morphologic feature associated with ADHD. This would be consistent with onset early in neural development and could help to identify neurodevelopmental mechanisms that contribute to ADHD. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal variations of physical and hydrochemical properties of springs in the Mid‐Levels area, Hong Kong: results of a 1‐year comprehensive monitoring programme
Authors: Leung Chi‐Man , Jiao Jiu Jimmy
Published: November 2007

Springs and seeps occur in the spaces around Po Hing Fong Street in the Mid‐Levels area, Hong Kong. Most of the springs occur through the drainage weepholes on retaining walls at the street. This paper first examines the geology and history of the springs. The paper then reports the findings from a 1‐year comprehensive spring monitoring programme. The temporal variations of flow rate, physiochemical parameters and hydrochemistry of the springs are discussed. The average temperatures of the springs were close to the mean air temperature, although there was a systematic lag time of 40 to 50 days between the peak air temperature and highest water temperatures. Spring waters from two rows of weepholes in the retaining wall showed significantly different physical and hydrochemical responses to the changes in rainfall and temperature, though their vertical distance is only about 1 m. The results suggest that water from the upper row of weepholes may represent a recharge source that is shallow or close to the spring outlets, whereas that from the lower row of weepholes may represent a recharge source that is much deeper or further up the hill. Although the spring flows increased rapidly after rainstorms, analysis of the total dissolved solids showed a delayed response to rainstorm events. The concentration of individual ions in the spring water varied in a unique way in response to rainstorm events. It is clear that the presence of underground man‐made drainage systems and the leakage from water mains in the study area may add complexity to the solute responses and transport mechanisms. Further studies are required to constrain the impacts of these man‐made structures on the hydrogeology of the springs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyaluronan oligosaccharides sensitize lymphoma resistant cell lines to vincristine by modulating P‐glycoprotein activity and PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Cordo Russo Rosalía I. , García Mariana G. , Alaniz Laura , Blanco Guillermo , Alvarez Elida , Hajos Silvia E.
Published: November 2007

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the main reasons for failure of cancer therapy. It may be mediated by overexpression of ATP‐dependent efflux pumps or by alterations in survival or apoptotic pathways. Fragments generated by enzymatic degradation of hyaluronan (oHA) were able to modulate growth and cell survival and sensitize MDR breast cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs. In this work the relationship between oHA and MDR in lymphoid malignancies was analyzed using murine lymphoma cell lines resistant to doxorubicin (LBR‐D160) or vincristine (LBR‐V160) and a sensitive line (LBR‐). After oHA treatment, higher apoptosis levels were observed in the resistant cell lines than in the sensitive one. Besides, oHA sensitized LBR‐D160 and LBR‐V160 to vincristine showing increased apoptosis induction when used in combination with vincristine. Native hyaluronan failed to increase apoptosis levels. As different survival factors could be modulated by hyaluronan, we investigated the PI3K/Akt pathway through PIP3 production and phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and survivin expression was also evaluated. Our results showed that oHA decreased p‐Akt in the 3 cell lines while anti‐CD44 treatment abolished this effect. Besides, survivin was downregulated only in LBR‐V160 by oHA. When Pgp function was evaluated, we observed that oHA were able to inhibit Pgp efflux in murine and human resistant cell lines in a CD44‐dependent way. In summary, we report for the first time that oHA per se modulate MDR in lymphoma cells by decreasing p‐Akt as well as Pgp activity, thus suggesting that oHA could be useful in combination with classical chemotherapy in MDR hematological malignancies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Closing the survival gap: Implementation of medulloblastoma protocols in a low‐income country through a twinning program
Authors: Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Musharbash Awni , Elayyan Maher , Mansour Asem , Al‐Hussaini Maysa , Drake James , Swaidan Maisa , Bartels Ute , Bouffet Eric
Published: November 2007

Successful twinning initiatives have been reported in childhood leukemia. Pediatric neuro‐oncology requires a complex multidisciplinary approach and the feasibility of similar twinning programs is unknown. Twinning between King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto started with e‐mail communications, and subsequently included monthly videoconferences and exchanges between institutions. The outcome of 35 newly diagnosed medulloblastoma patients (22 high‐risk and 13 average‐risk) treated during this period is reported. The 3‐year overall survival for average risk and high‐risk patients was 100 and 81%, respectively. This experience suggests that twinning may facilitate the implementation of multidisciplinary neuro‐oncology programs in low‐income countries. Videoconferencing allows interactive exchanges with a significant learning impact. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foci formation of P53‐binding protein 1 in thyroid tumors: Activation of genomic instability during thyroid carcinogenesis
Authors: Nakashima Masahiro , Suzuki Keiji , Meirmanov Serik , Naruke Yuki , Matsuu‐Matsuyama Mutsumi , Shichijo Kazuko , Saenko Vladimir , Kondo Hisayoshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Ito Masahiro , Yamashita Shunichi , Sekine Ichiro
Published: November 2007

Defective DNA damage response (DDR) can result in genomic instability (GIN) and lead to the transformation into cancer. P53‐binding protein 1 (53BP1) belongs to a family of evolutionarily conserved DDR proteins. Because 53BP1 molecules localize at the sites of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and rapidly form nuclear foci, the presence of 53BP1 foci can be considered as a cytologic marker for endogenous DSBs reflecting GIN. Although it has been proposed that GIN has a crucial role in the progression of thyroid neoplasms, the significance of GIN during thyroid tumorigenesis remains unclear, particularly in patients. We analyzed, therefore, the level of GIN, as detected with immunofluorescence of 53BP1, in 40 cases of resected thyroid tissues. This study demonstrated a number of nuclear 53BP1 foci in thyroid cancers, suggesting a constitutive activation of DDR in thyroid cancer cells. Because follicular adenoma also showed a few 53BP1 nuclear foci, GIN might be induced at a precancerous stage of thyroid tumorigenesis. Furthermore, high‐grade thyroid cancers prominently exhibited an intense and heterogeneous nuclear staining of 53BP1 immunoreactivity, which was also observed in radiation‐associated cancers and in mouse colonic crypts as a delayed response to a high dose ionizing radiation, suggesting increased GIN with progression of cancer. Thus, the present study demonstrated a difference in the staining pattern of 53BP1 during thyroid carcinogenesis. We propose that immunofluorescence analysis of 53BP1 expression can be a useful tool to estimate the level of GIN and, simultaneously, the malignant potency of human thyroid tumors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uptake of two 10B‐compounds in liver metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma for extracorporeal irradiation with boron neutron capture therapy (EORTC Trial 11001)
Authors: Wittig Andrea , Malago Massimo , Collette Laurence , Huiskamp René , Bührmann Sandra , Nievaart Victor , Kaiser Gernot M. , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Schmid Kurt Werner , Ortmann Uta , Sauerwein Wolfgang A.
Published: November 2007

Disseminated metastases of colorectal cancer in liver are incurable. The trial EORTC 11001 investigates whether autotransplantation after extracorporeal irradiation of the liver by boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) might become a curative treatment option because of selective uptake of the compounds sodium mercaptoundecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate (BSH) or L‐para‐boronophenylalanine (BPA). BSH (50 mg/kg bw) or BPA (100 mg/kg bw) were infused into patients who subsequently underwent resection of hepatic metastases. Blood and tissue samples were analyzed forthe 10B‐concentration with prompt gamma ray spectroscopy (PGRS). Three patients received BSH and 3 received BPA. Adverse effects from the boron carriers did not occur. For BSH, the highest 10B‐concentration was observed in liver (31.5 ± 2.7 μg/g) followed by blood (24.8 ± 4.7 μg/g) and tumor (23.2 ± 2.1 μg/g) with a mean 10B‐concentration ratio metastasis/liver of 0.72 ± 0.07. For BPA, the highest 10B‐concentration was measured in metastases (12.1 ± 2.2 μg/g) followed by liver (8.5 ± 0.5 μg/g) and blood (5.8 ± 0.8 μg/g). As BPA is transported actively into cells, viable, metabolically active cells accumulate exclusively this compound. Consequently, a model is proposed to adjust the values measured by PGRS for the proportion of viable cells to express the relevant 10B‐concentration in the tumor cells, revealing a 10B‐concentration ratio metastasis/liver of 6.8 ± 1.7. In conclusion, BSH is not suitable as 10B‐carrier in liver metastases as the 10B‐concentration in liver was higher compared to metastasis. BPA accumulates in hepatic metastases to an extent that allows for extracorporeal irradiation of the liver with BNCT. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decomposing complete equipartite graphs into cycles of length 2p
Authors: Smith Benjamin R.
Published: November 2007

It is an open problem to determine whether a complete equipartite graph $K_m*{\overline{K}}_n$ (having m parts of size n) admits a decomposition into cycles of arbitrary fixed length $k$ whenever m, n, and k satisfy the obvious necessary conditions for the existence of such a decomposition. Recently, Manikandan and Paulraja [6] have shown the necessary conditions are indeed sufficient for a decomposition into cycles of length p where $p>5$ is a prime. The case $p=3$ was settled by Hanani [4] and the case $p=5$ was settled by Billington et al. [2]. Here, we extend this result and show that the necessary conditions for the decomposition of $K_m*{\overline{K}}_n$ into cycles of length $2p$ (where $p\ge 3$ is a prime) are also sufficient. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 244–252, 2008
Time‐domain sensitivity analysis of planar structures using first‐order one‐way wave‐equation boundaries
Authors: Basl Peter A. W. , Bakr Mohamed H. , Nikolova Natalia K.
Published: November 2007

An efficient adjoint variable method technique is developed for time‐domain sensitivity analysis of planar structures with transmission‐line modeling complemented by a first‐order one‐way wave‐equation absorbing boundaries. A backward‐running adjoint simulation is derived and solved. The validity of the technique is illustrated through three microstrip circuits. The examples demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the technique in comparison with the classical finite‐difference approaches to the estimation of the response sensitivities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of spatial interpolation methods to estimate continuous wind speed surfaces using irregularly distributed data from England and Wales
Authors: Luo W. , Taylor M. C. , Parker S. R.
Published: November 2007

Seven methods of spatial interpolation were compared to determine their suitability for estimating daily mean wind speed surfaces, from data recorded at nearly 190 locations across England and Wales. The eventual purpose of producing such surfaces is to help estimate the daily spread of pathogens causing crop diseases as they move across regions. The interpolation techniques included four deterministic and three geostatistical methods. Quantitative assessment of the continuous surfaces showed that there was a large difference between the accuracy of the seven interpolation methods and that the geostatistical methods were superior to deterministic methods. Further analyses, testing the reliability of the results, showed that measurement accuracy, density, distribution and spatial variability had a substantial influence on the accuracy of the interpolation methods. Independent wind speed data from ten other dates were used to confirm the robustness of the best interpolation methods. © Crown copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stadium attendance and television audience demand in English league football
Authors: Buraimo Babatunde
Published: November 2007

Demand studies of professional team sports have traditionally focused on stadium attendance; however, advances in broadcasting mean that teams generate revenue from stadium goers and broadcasters alike. Previous studies of demand have focused on stadium attendance and television audiences, but none have assessed the demand for match‐day attendances and demand by television audiences jointly. This study models match‐day attendances and television audiences using data from tier‐two of English league football. It shows that while televised matches depress stadium attendances, ceteris paribus, there is an important feedback in that larger stadium attendances have positive impacts on the size of television audiences. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A preliminary analysis of the use of resources in intelligent information access research
Authors: Chen Jiangping , Li Fei , Xuan Cong
Published: November 2007

This paper reports our exploratory analysis of the use of resources in three Intelligent Information Access (IIA) research areas: Automatic Classification, Question Answering, and Cross‐Language Information Retrieval. Forty‐three recently peer‐reviewed papers from three annual conferences (SIGIR, ACL, and HLT) were selected and analyzed. The purpose of this analysis is twofold: 1) to explore methodological issues for large‐scale content analysis of resources used in IIA research, and 2) to achieve a basic understanding of various ways that resources can be used in the three IIA subfields. The work reported in this paper is part of an effort to systematically explore the information needs for resources in Intelligent Information Access research.
Factors influencing knowledge sharing in the financial management community of practice of the USAF portal
Authors: Orhun Emrah , Hopple James
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of the factors influencing participants' knowledge sharing in an electronic community of practice. The study builds on a theoretical framework derived from the theories of social capital and social exchange. A model of knowledge sharing in an electronic community of practice has been developed based on this framework. The model that considers the factors influencing the participants' intention to share their knowledge and their knowledge contribution has been empirically tested using a survey in the Financial Management Community of Practice in the USAF Portal. The results show that significant predictors of intention to share knowledge were self‐rated expertise, commitment and loss of knowledge power. Tenure in the field and reciprocity were the two significant predictors of knowledge contribution. The findings indicate that motivational factors and organizational rewards did not affect intention to share and knowledge contribution. The results also show that loss of knowledge power negatively affected intention to share suggesting a tendency to hoard knowledge.
Results on function and safety of the Safyre‐t, a hybrid transobturator vaginal sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Kuschel Stefanie , Schuessler Bernhard
Published: November 2007

Aims

To examine the efficacy and safety of the Safyre‐t vaginal sling.

Methods

108 women with a Safyre‐t were invited for a gynecological follow up examination.

Results

79/108 patients showed up for an examination at 20 ± 4 months 59.5% stated that they were subjectively dry. Vaginal sling erosion was found in 8.8% of the patients and a pre‐erosive state in another 13.9%. The lateral silicone column could be palpated medial to the pubic bone in 47% of the patients indicating dislocation. 6/53 sexually active women complained of dyspareunia and one women stated that her partner had felt discomfort during sexual intercourse since her vaginal sling surgery.

Conclusions

This study shows that despite high patient satisfaction and acceptable subjective continence rates, the Safyre‐t was associated with a comparatively high rate of vaginal sling erosions and dislocations. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:403–406, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does the type of bladder augmentation influence the resolution of pre‐existing vesicoureteral reflux? Urodynamic studies
Authors: Juhasz Z. , Somogyi R. , Vajda P. , Oberritter Z. , Fathi K. , Pinter A.B.
Published: November 2007

Aims

The type of bladder augmentation on pre‐existing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was assessed. The effects of urodynamic changes on the resolution of VUR following augmentation cystoplasty performed with various gastrointestinal segments were examined. It was queried whether elimination of high‐pressure bladder is sufficient to resolve pre‐existing reflux.

Methods

A retrospective record review of patients who underwent bladder augmentation between 1987 and 2004. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I included patients who had a simultaneous augmentation and ureteral reimplantation. Group II included patients with reflux in whom only a bladder augmentation was performed. Pre‐and post‐augmentation urodynamic results were compared in both groups. The outcome of VUR and the role of various gastrointestinal (GI) segments on the resolution of VUR were studied.

Results

Sixty‐three patients underwent bladder augmentation during the study period. Twenty‐six of them had VUR before augmentation. There were 10 patients in Group I and 16 patients in Group II. In Group I, VUR ceased in all patients, while in group II, VUR resolved in 14 patients and persisted in two patients. Small and large bowel segments used for augmentation had no effect on the resolution of VUR but the results of gastrocystoplasties were less favorable. Urodynamically there was no significant difference between the various augmentation cystoplasties.

Conclusions

Bladder augmentation alone without simultaneous antireflux repair is usually sufficient for the resolution of pre‐existing reflux. The various GI segments used for augmentation have no effect on urodynamic results and the resolution of VUR. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:412–416, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D symplectic expansion for piezoelectric media
Authors: Xu Xin‐Sheng , Leung Andrew Y. T. , Gu Qian , Yang Hao , Zheng Jian‐Jun
Published: November 2007

The symplectic series expansion method is extended to three‐dimensional problem for transversely isotropic piezoelectric media. The governing equations are first derived in Hamiltonian form, and symplectic eigensolutions are directly obtained through analytical method. All solutions of the problem are reduced to finding eigenvalues and eigensolutions. The classical St Venant solutions are described by zero‐eigensolutions, and the localized solutions are depicted by non‐zero‐eigensolutions. Symplectic relationships of the ortho‐normalization are used, end conditions are rewritten by eigensolutions, and a numerical scheme is formed analytically. Some numerical examples are given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflective and conductive surface‐silvered polyimide films prepared by surface graft copolymerization and electroless plating
Authors: Wu Dezhen , Zhang Tao , Wang Wen‐Cai , Zhang Liqun , Jin Riguang
Published: November 2007

Argon plasma‐pretreated polyimide (PI) films were subjected to UV‐induced surface graft copolymerization with 4‐vinylpyridine(4VP) under atmospheric conditions. Electroless plating of silver was carried out effectively on the 4VP graft copolymerized PI (PI‐g‐P4VP) surface after PdCl2 activation and in the absence of SnCl2 sensitization (the Sn‐free process). The surface compositions of the modified PI films were studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS results showed that the PI‐g‐P4VP surface is ready for electroless deposition of silver via the Sn‐free process. The grafted 4VP layer with well‐preserved pyridine groups was used not only as the chemisorption sites for the palladium complexes (without the need for prior sensitization by SnCl2) during the electroless plating of silver, but also as an adhesion promotion layer for the electrolessly deposited silver. The silver metallized PI films show high reflectivity and conductivity with a surface resistance of 1.5 Ω and a reflectivity of 91.3%, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic activities of polymer‐supported metal complexes in oxidation of phenol and epoxidation of cyclohexene
Authors: Gupta K. C. , Sutar A. K.
Published: November 2007

The metal complexes of N, N′‐bis (o‐hydroxy acetophenone) propylene diamine (HPPn) Schiff base were supported on cross‐linked polystyrene beads. The complexation of iron(III), copper(II), and zinc(II) ions on polymer‐anchored HPPn Schiff base was 83.4, 85.7, and 84.5 wt%, respectively, whereas the complexation of these metal ions on unsupported HPPn Schiff base was 82.3, 84.5, and 83.9 wt%. The iron(III) complexes of HPPn Schiff base were octahedral in geometry, whereas copper(II) and zinc(II) ions complexes were square planar and tetrahedral. Complexation of metal ions increased the thermal stability of HPPn Schiff base. Catalytic activity of metal complexes was tested by studying the oxidation of phenol and epoxidation of cyclohexene in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The polymer‐supported HPPn Schiff base complexes of iron(III) ions showed 73.0 wt% conversion of phenol and 90.6 wt% conversion of cyclohexene at a molar ratio of 1:1:1 of substrate to catalyst and hydrogen peroxide, but unsupported complexes of iron(III) ions showed 63.8 wt% conversion for phenol and 83.2 wt% conversion for cyclohexene. The product selectivity for catechol (CTL) and epoxy cyclohexane (ECH) was 93.1 and 98.3 wt%, respectively with supported HPPn Schiff base complexes of iron(III) ions but was lower with HPPn Schiff base complexes of copper(II) and zinc(II) ions. Activation energy for the epoxidation of cyclohexene and phenol conversion with unsupported HPPn Schiff base complexes of iron(III) ions was 16.6 kJ mol−1 and 21.2 kJ mol−1, respectively, but was lower with supported complexes of iron(III) ions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary tumour expression of the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor Stefin A inhibits distant metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Parker BS , Ciocca DR , Bidwell BN , Gago FE , Fanelli MA , George J , Slavin JL , Möller A , Steel R , Pouliot N , Eckhardt BL , Henderson MA , Anderson RL
Published: November 2007

Using the clinically relevant 4T1‐derived syngeneic murine model of spontaneous mammary metastasis to bone, we have identified the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor Stefin A as a gene differentially expressed in primary and metastatic mammary tumours. In primary tumours, Stefin A expression correlated inversely with metastatic potential in 4T1‐derived lines and was not detected in tumour cells in culture, indicating induction only within the tumour microenvironment. Enforced expression of Stefin A in the highly metastatic 4T1.2 cell line significantly reduced spontaneous bone metastasis following orthotopic injection into the mammary gland. Consistent with the mouse data, Stefin A expression correlated with disease‐free survival (absence of distant metastasis) in a cohort of 142 primary tumours from breast cancer patients. This was most significant for patients with invasive ductal carcinoma expressing Stefin A, who were less likely to develop distant metastases (log rank test, p = 0.0075). In a multivariate disease‐free survival analysis (Cox proportional hazards model), Stefin A expression remained a significant independent prognostic factor in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (p = 0.0014), along with grade and progesterone receptor (PR) status. In human lung and bone metastases, we detected irregular Stefin A staining patterns, with expression often localizing to micrometastases (<0.2 mm) in direct contact with the stroma. We propose that Stefin A, as a cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, may be a marker of increased cathepsin activity in metastases. Using immunohistology, the cathepsin inhibitor was detected co‐expressed with cathepsin B in lung and bone metastases in both the murine model and human tissues. We conclude that Stefin A expression reduces distant metastasis in breast cancer and propose that this may be due to the inhibition of cysteine cathepsins, such as cathepsin B. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of exfoliated polyamide 6,6/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites by in situ interfacial polymerization
Authors: Tarameshlou M. , Jafari S.H. , Khonakdar H.A. , Farmahini‐Farahani M. , Ahmadian S.
Published: November 2007

Polyamide 6,6 (PA 6,6)/organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by a novel method, using direct interfacial polymerization of an aqueous hexamethylene diamine and a nonaqueous adipoyl chloride in dichloromethane solution containing different amounts of OMMT dispersed nanoparticles. The state of dispersion of OMMT in the PA 6,6 matrix was investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, as well as transmission electronic microscopy. The results indicated that the OMMT nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously and nearly exfoliated in the PA 6,6 matrix. The random arrangement of clay platelets in the PA 6,6 matrix, exfoliation, and intercalation of clays between the PA 6,6 matrix were distinguished. The amount of the incorporated OMMT in the PA 6,6 matrix was determined by means of TGA technique. Furthermore it was found that addition of a small amount of OMMT dramatically improved the thermal stability of PA 6,6. The TGA thermograms of all the synthesized nanocomposite samples showed an interesting unexpected lag in the weight loss at high temperatures, which could be another evidence for formation of fully exfoliated nanocomposites structures, with improved thermal stability. Nucleating effect of the OMMT nanoparticles and their influence on crystallization behavior of PA 6,6 was confirmed by DSC. Finally it is concluded that the in situ interfacial polycondensation is a suitable method for synthesis of nanocomposites with well dispersed structures and enhanced properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:733–738, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers