bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of organoclay modification on microstructure and properties of polypropylene–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Jin Woo , Kim Mun Ho , Choi Won Mook , Park O Ok
Published: December 2005

We prepared polypropylene nanocomposites based on a modified organoclay with isobutyl trimethoxysilane to investigate the effects of such modifications of organoclay on the microstructure and properties of the nanocomposite. The organoclay was preliminarily intercalated with distearyldimethylammonium bromide via an ion exchange before being grafted with silane. The morphology of the polypropylene–organoclay nanocomposites was characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analyses and transmission electron microscopy. The modification of the edges of clay platelets with organic silane resulted in a more uniform dispersion of nonagglomerated tactoids, which consisted of several intercalated clay platelets. However, the unmodified organoclay led to a mixed morphology with both agglomerated and nonagglomerated tactoids. The grafting of the clay edges with organic silane also affected the linear viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposites in the melt state, which was shown to be sensitive to the interaction between the edges of clay platelets as well as to the interaction of the polymer with the platelet edges. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1752–1759, 2006
Thermal properties measurements of renatured gelatin using conventional and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Dai Chi‐An , Chen Yi‐Fan , Liu Ming‐Wei
Published: December 2005

The thermal properties of amorphous gelatin films and gelatin films with renatured structural order were measured by using conventional and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Different amounts of gelatin structural order associated with a melting enthalpic change in the DSC measurement were prepared based on different gelatin drying conditions. Two consecutive heating and cooling DSC measurements on the gelatin films showed that there was no change in the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) for the amorphous gelatin but there was a decrease in the Tg for the structural gelatin on the second DSC scan. This decrease was attributed to the plasticizing effect from the release of originally hydrogen‐bonded water associated with the structural gelatin. In addition, a reversing endotherm observed upon melting of the structural gelatin during a temperature modulated DSC measurement indicated that the transition of bound water to free water occurred as the partial triple‐helix gelatin melted. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1795–1801, 2006
Optimum temperature profile for noncatalytic reaction to produce polyamide hot melt adhesives
Authors: Heidarian J. , Ghasem N. M. , Wan Daud W. M. A.
Published: December 2005

Foaming is a general problem in the manufacturing of fatty polyamides. It is mainly affected by the mixing rate and reaction temperature. The effect of the reaction temperature and rate of mixing on foaming are investigated. Time minimization for the polyamidation reaction to prevent foaming is performed. The process constraints are the rate of temperature increase and the rate of the production of water. It is found that with an increase in the mixing rate, foaming starts at lower temperatures and with a decrease in the mixing rate, foaming only starts at high temperatures. For each mixing rate, with an increase in the temperature, the duration of foaming is shorter because the increase in the rate of foaming ends. Temperature profiles with time for different mixing rates are generated, and it is found that the reaction time decreases with increasing mixing rate. The generated temperature profiles are verified experimentally, and no foaming is observed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1817–1822, 2006
Ethylene polymerization by phenylenedimethylene‐bridged homobinuclear zirconocene/methylaluminoxane systems
Authors: Sun Junquan , Liu Xijie , Zhang Haiying , Xiao Xiaohui , Lin Feng , Schumann Herbert
Published: December 2005

In the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), ethylene polymerization was successfully performed with homobinuclear zirconocene complexes {[(C5H5)ZrCl2](C5H4CH2 C6H4CH2C5H4)[(C5H5)ZrCl2]; 3o, 4m, and 5p}, which were prepared conveniently by the reaction of disodium(phenylenedimethylene)dicyclopentadienide [C6H4(CH2C5H4Na)2] with 2 equiv of (N5‐Cyclopentadienyl)trichlorozirconium dimethoxyethane (CpZrCl3(DME)) in tetrahydrofuran and characterized by 1H‐NMR and elemental analysis. The effects of the polymerization parameters, such as the temperature, time, concentration of the catalyst, MAO/catalyst molar ratio, and isomeric difference of the homobinuclear metallocene complexes 3o, 4m, and 5p were studied in detail. The results showed that all three catalytic systems had moderate activities in ethylene polymerization and afforded polyethylene with relatively broad polydispersities. The catalytic activity of 4m was somewhat higher than that of 3o and 5p but lower than that of 4,4′‐bis(methylene)biphenylene‐bridged zirconocene catalysts; this indicated that the distance between the two metal centers was too short in comparison with a 4,4′‐bis(methylene)biphenylene bridge to increase the catalytic activity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Use of self‐management behaviors to cope with rheumatoid arthritis stressors
Authors: Katz Patricia P.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To examine self‐management behaviors used to cope with 5 rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐related stressors (pain, fatigue, physical limitations, joint changes, and symptom unpredictability) and the relationship between use of self‐management behaviors and ability to perform life activities.

Methods

Data were from telephone interviews of 511 persons with RA. Participants were presented with lists of self‐management behaviors for each stressor and asked to indicate which they had used in the past year. Performance of life activities was assessed concurrently (baseline) and 1 year later (followup). The number of activities affected (difficulty performing or unable to perform) and the number that individuals were completely unable to perform were calculated. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the association of perceived stressor impact and arthritis education with strategy use and the association of self‐management behaviors with performance of life activities.

Results

Four self‐management strategies were identified: accommodation, active remediation, social, and perseverance. Greater perceived impact of stressors was associated with use of more self‐management strategies in total for each stressor (β = 0.43–0.73, all P < 0.0001) and with use of accommodation (β = 0.26–0.29, P < 0.0001), social (β = 0.23–0.43, P < 0.0001), and perseverance (β = 0.29–0.46, P < 0.0001) strategies. Greater use of accommodation strategies at baseline was associated with an increase in the number of activities affected at followup (β = 0.11, P < 0.05); greater use of perseverance strategies was associated with a decrease in activities unable to perform (β = −0.13, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Self‐management behaviors are commonly used and may help prevent loss of the ability to perform life activities.
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease mimicking polymyalgia rheumatica: A prospective followup study of predictive factors for this condition in patients presenting with polymyalgia symptoms
Authors: Pego‐Reigosa Jose M. , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Maria , Hurtado‐Hernandez Zaraida , Gromaz‐Martin Jaime , Taboas‐Rodriguez Daniel , Millan‐Cachinero Carlos , Hernandez‐Rodriguez Iñigo , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To assess the characteristics of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPDD) with proximal involvement mimicking polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and to identify the best predictive factors for the presence of a clinical pattern of CPDD in patients presenting with polymyalgia symptoms.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with either PMR or CPDD at the Rheumatology Division of Hospital Meixoeiro (Vigo, Spain) over a 7‐year period (1997–2003) were prospectively followed for at least 12 months.

Results

The study group comprised 118 patients with PMR features and 112 patients with CPDD. Eighty‐two of the 118 patients with PMR manifestations were diagnosed as having pure PMR, and 36 met the diagnostic criteria for both PMR and CPDD. Patients with CPDD mimicking PMR were older (P = 0.02) and had peripheral arthritis more frequently (P = 0.004) than those with pure PMR. Radiologic osteoarthritic changes in the hands and knees, including more advanced radiologic grade of knee osteoarthritis, and tendinous calcifications were more frequent in patients with PMR/CPDD (P < 0.001). The best predictive factors for the occurrence of this atypical pattern of CPDD in a patient presenting with PMR features were the age at diagnosis and the presence of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, tendinous calcifications, and ankle arthritis.

Conclusion

Involvement of proximal joints may be the clinical presentation of CPDD. CPDD should be included in the spectrum of diseases mimicking PMR. The presence of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, tendinous calcifications, and ankle arthritis are clues that may alert the clinician to the presence of CPDD in an elderly patient presenting with PMR manifestations.
Outcome of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis after two years of therapy with etanercept: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Baraliakos X. , Brandt J. , Listing J. , Haibel H. , Sörensen H. , Rudwaleit M. , Sieper J. , Braun J.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To examine the long‐term outcome of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after continuous treatment with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein etanercept over 2 years.

Methods

Overall, 26 patients with active AS were treated with etanercept 25 mg twice daily subcutaneously, twice weekly with no concomitant disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or steroids. The clinical response was assessed by standardized parameters. Inflammatory spinal lesions were quantified by the ASspiMRI‐a rating gadolinium‐enhanced (T1‐weighted gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) and STIR MRI sequences. The primary outcome was a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) improvement ≥50% after 2 years of etanercept therapy compared with the baseline value of the study.

Results

Overall, 21 (70%) of 30 patients completed year 2. In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, 54% of the patients showed a 50% improvement according to the BASDAI and a 40% improvement according to the Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) criteria. In the completer analysis, 9 (43%) of 21 patients were in partial remission according to ASAS criteria. Mean ± SD BASDAI scores, which were elevated at baseline (6.3 ± 1.6), remained low: 2.7 ± 2.4 after 2 years compared with 2.6 ± 2.2 at week 54. In accordance, all other clinical parameters showed sustained improvement during year 2. The majority of patients had no disease activity flares. MRI evaluation showed a 75% improvement of active spinal lesions, but minor spinal inflammation was still present in 64% of the patients after 2 years. There were 2 serious adverse events leading to discontinuation of etanercept.

Conclusion

The clinical efficacy and safety of etanercept in patients with active AS without simultaneous administration of DMARDs or steroids over 2 years of continuous treatment is confirmed. Spinal inflammation as depicted by MRI decreased significantly, but a few patients still had some spinal inflammation even after long‐term anti–TNF therapy.
Electronically monitored adherence to medications by newly diagnosed patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rapoff Michael A. , Belmont John M. , Lindsley Carol B. , Olson Nancy Y.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To describe patterns of adherence to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in newly diagnosed patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and to examine demographic and disease‐related variables as potential predictors of adherence.

Methods

Adherence to NSAIDs was monitored in 48 children with JRA (mean age 8.6 years) over 28 consecutive days using an electronic monitoring device. Measures of disease activity (active joint counts, morning stiffness) and demographics (age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) were also obtained.

Results

Using an 80% adherence cut point, 25 (52%) patients were classified as adherent and 23 (48%) as nonadherent. There was considerable variability across patients, with full adherence (taking all doses on time) ranging from 0 to 100% of the monitored days. Logistic regression showed that active joint count and socioeconomic status were the only significant predictors. Both were positively related to adherence. The model correctly classified 70.5% of patients as either adherent or nonadherent (Cox and Snell R2 = 0.295, P = 0.0005).

Conclusion

Children newly diagnosed with JRA are more likely to adhere to an NSAID regimen if they have a greater number of active joints or their families have higher socioeconomic status. The former finding suggests that children's adherence is symptom‐driven, while the latter suggests that families of lower socioeconomic status deserve special attention to address adherence issues.
A disease‐specific self‐help program compared with a generalized chronic disease self‐help program for arthritis patients
Authors: Lorig Kate , Ritter Philip L. , Plant Kathryn
Published: December 2005

Objective

Both the Arthritis Self‐Management Program (ASMP) and the generic Chronic Disease Self‐Management Program (CDSMP) have been shown to be successful in improving conditions in patients with arthritis. This study compared the relative effectiveness of the 2 programs for individuals with arthritis.

Methods

Patients whose primary disease was arthritis were randomized to the ASMP (n = 239) or to the CDSMP (n = 116). Analyses of covariance were used to compare the outcome measures for the 2 programs at 4 months and 1 year. Measures included quality of life outcomes (self reported, health distress, disability, activity limitation, global health, pain, and fatigue), health behaviors (practice of mental stress management, stretching and strength exercise, aerobic exercise), self efficacy, and health care utilization (physician visits and hospitalizations).

Results

Both programs showed positive results. The disease‐specific ASMP appeared to have advantages over the more generic CDSMP for patients with arthritis at 4 months. These advantages had lessened slightly by 1 year.

Conclusion

The disease‐specific ASMP should be considered first where there are sufficient resources and participants. However, both programs had positive effects, and the CDSMP should be considered a viable alternative.
Association between glutathione S‐transferase π polymorphisms and survival in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Lu Charles , Spitz Margaret R. , Zhao Hua , Dong Qiong , Truong Mylene , Chang Joe Y. , Blumenschein George R. , Hong Waun K. , Wu Xifeng
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) π (GSTP1) is a detoxification enzyme with substrate specificity for both exogenous carcinogens and chemotherapy agents. Genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 exon 5 (Ile105Val) and exon 6 (Ala114Val) appear to reduce this enzyme's activity. Previously, the authors reported that the exon 6 variant was associated with an increased risk of lung carcinoma, particularly among men, younger patients, and ever smokers. In this study, the authors hypothesized that variant GSTP1 genotype would result in reduced inactivation of chemotherapy agents and improved survival in patients with advanced‐stage nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), a population that is likely to receive platinum‐based chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with Stage III and IV NSCLC who were enrolled in a molecular epidemiology study were identified, and a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was used to genotype GSTP1 exons 5 and 6 in 424 patients and 425 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Patients who had the exon 6 variant genotype (Ala/Val or Val/Val) had significantly better survival compared with patients who had the wild type genotype (Ala/Ala; P = 0.037), with median survival of 16.1 months and 11.4 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a reduced adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of death associated with the exon 6 variant genotype of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.54–1.05). This protective association was observed in younger patients (younger than age 62 yrs; HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.57–0.97) and in males (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–0.99). GSTP1 exon 5 genotype was not associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

GSTP1 exon 6 variant genotypes may be associated with improved survival among patients with Stage III and IV NSCLC. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Simultaneous quantitative measurement and automated analysis of mitochondrial morphology, mass, potential, and motility in living human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Koopman Werner J. H. , Visch Henk‐Jan , Smeitink Jan A. M. , Willems Peter H. G. M.
Published: December 2005

Background

Understanding the interdependence of mitochondrial and cellular functioning in health and disease requires detailed knowledge about the coupling between mitochondrial structure, motility, and function. Currently, no rapid approach is available for simultaneous quantification of these parameters in single living cells.

Methods

Human skin fibroblasts were pulse‐loaded with the mitochondria‐selective fluorescent cation rhodamine 123. Next, mitochondria were visualized using video‐rate (30 Hz) confocal microscopy and real‐time image averaging. To highlight the mitochondria, the acquired images were binarized using a novel image processing strategy.

Results

Our approach enabled rapid and simultaneous quantification of mitochondrial morphology, mass, potential, and motility. It was found that acute inhibition of mitochondrial complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) by means of rotenone transiently reduced mitochondrial branching, area, and potential. In contrast, mitochondrial motility was permanently reduced.

Conclusions

We present and validate a novel approach for rapid, unbiased, and simultaneous quantification of multiple mitochondrial parameters in living cells. Because this method is automated, large numbers of cells can be analyzed in a short period of time. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser scanning cytometer‐based assays for measuring host cell attachment and invasion by the human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Mital Jeffrey , Schwarz Janet , Taatjes Douglas J. , Ward Gary E.
Published: December 2005

Background:

Toxoplasma gondii is among the most common protozoan parasites of humans. Both attachment to and invasion of host cells by T.gondii are necessary for infection, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. T.gondii's etiological importance and its role as a model organism for studying invasion in related parasites necessitate a means to quantitatively assay host cell attachment and invasion.

Methods:

We present here Laser Scanning Cytometer (LSC)‐based assays of T.gondii invasion and attachment. The invasion assay involves automated counting of invaded and non‐invaded parasites, differentially labeled with distinct fluorochromes. The attachment assay compares the relative binding of differentially labeled parasites. The assays were evaluated using treatments known to decrease invasion or attachment.

Results:

The LSC‐based assays are robust and reproducible, remove operator bias, and significantly increase the sample size that can be feasibly counted compared to other currently available microscope‐based methods. In the first application of the new assays, we have shown that parasites attach to fixed and unfixed host cells using different mechanisms.

Conclusions:

The LSC‐based assays represent useful new methods for quantitatively measuring attachment and invasion by T.gondii, and can be readily adapted to study similar processes in other host–pathogen systems. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rho kinases regulate endothelial invasion and migration during valvuloseptal endocardial cushion tissue formation
Authors: Sakabe Masahide , Ikeda Kazuo , Nakatani Kazuki , Kawada Norifumi , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko , Yoshida Toshimichi , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji
Published: December 2005

Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector of small Rho‐GTPases, and phosphorylates several substrates to regulate cell functions, including actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular motility. Endothelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a critical event in the formation of valves and septa during cardiogenesis. It has been reported that ROCK plays an important role in the regulation of endocardial cell differentiation and migration during mouse cardiogenesis (Zhao and Rivkees [2004] Dev. Biol. 275:183–191). Immunohistochemistry showed that, during chick cardiogenesis, ROCK1 and ‐2 were expressed in the transforming and migrating endothelial/mesenchymal cells in the outflow tract (OT) and atrioventricular (AV) canal regions from which valvuloseptal endocardial cushion tissue would later develop. Treatment with Y27632, a specific ROCK inhibitor, of cultured AV explants or AV endothelial monolayers of stage 14‐minus heart (preactivated stage for EMT) on three‐dimensional collagen gel perturbed the seeding of mesenchymal cells into the gel lattice. In these experiments, Y27632 did not suppress the expression of an early transformation marker, smooth muscle α‐actin. Moreover, Y27632 inhibited the mesenchymal invasion in stage 14–18 AV explants, in which endothelial cells had committed to undergo EMT. ML‐9, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor, also inhibited the mesenchymal invasion in cultured AV explants. These results suggest that ROCKs have a critical role in the mesenchymal cell invasion/migration that occurs at the late onset of EMT. Developmental Dynamics 235:94–104, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delay of supraspinatus repair by up to 12 weeks does not impair enthesis formation: A quantitative histologic study in rabbits
Authors: Koike Yoichi , Trudel Guy , Curran Dorothyann , Uhthoff Hans K.
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was to find out whether supraspinatus repair delayed by up to12 weeks affects the formation of a new enthesis when compared to an immediate repair. In 67 rabbits, the supraspinatus fibrocartilaginous enthesis of one shoulder was resected. The tendon was attached to the greater tuberosity either immediately, after a 6‐week, or after a 12‐week delay. Five histologic variables were used to assess enthesis formation: number of non‐chondrocytes, number of chondrocytes, alignment of chondrocytes in rows, area of metachromasia on toluidine blue (TB)‐stained sections indicating proteoglycan content, and area of diffracted polarized light indicating spatial alignment of collagen fibers. For every variable, progressive enthesis formation was observed. Again, for every variable and at every time point studied, no statistically significant difference was observed between tendons repaired immediately, after 6, or after 12 weeks (all p > 0.05). Supraspinatus tendon repairs delayed by 6 and 12 weeks constituted an enthesis which proceeded identically to one immediately repaired. Formation of a fibrocartilaginous enthesis depended on the elapsed time after repair and not on the duration between detachment and repair. Despite stated limitations, these results support both a trial of conservative treatment after a rotator cuff tear and a positive outcome of rotator cuff repair even if delayed by up to 12 weeks. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
The bottleneck problem with minimum quantity commitments
Authors: Lim Andrew , Xu Zhou
Published: December 2005

Given an edge‐distance graph of a set of suppliers and clients, the bottleneck problem is to assign each client to a selected supplier minimizing their maximum distance. We introduce minimum quantity commitments to balance workloads of suppliers, provide the best possible approximation algorithm, and study its generalizations and specializations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Bone marrow transplantation from matched related donors for patients with Fanconi anemia using low‐dose busulfan and cyclophosphamide as conditioning
Authors: Torjemane L. , Ladeb S. , Ben Othman T. , Abdelkefi A. , Lakhal A. , Ben Abdeladhim A.
Published: December 2005

Seventeen patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from matched related donors (MRD) between January 1999 and June 2003. Median age at BMT was 11 years. Conditioning regimen consisted of low‐dose cyclophosphamide (CY; 40 mg/kg) and busulfan (BU; 6 mg/kg) with the addition of lymphoglobulin (20 mg/kg) in two patients. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included cyclosporine A (CsA) and methotrexate (MTX; 5 mg/m2 at day 1, 3, 6). All patients engrafted (for an absolute neutrophil count >0.5 × 109/L) after a median time of 12 days (range 10–16 days). Fourteen patients (82%) had sustained grafts, whereas three others (18%) rejected grafts between day +39 and +80 after transplantation. Two of them are still alive after successful second PBSC transplantation and one died. Acute and chronic GVHD occurred in 23% and 13% of patients, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 16 months (range 3–53 months), survival rate was 72% and Karnofsky score was at least 90%. The low‐dose BU/CY regimen, in FA patients allografted from an HLA‐matched related donor, allowed engraftment with relative low toxicity. Early graft failure (GF) remains a problem and may require modification of this regimen. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:496–500. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wilms tumour experience in a South African centre
Authors: Davidson Alan , Hartley Patricia , Desai Farieda , Daubenton John , Rode Heinz , Millar Alastair
Published: December 2005

Background

In Africa, Wilms tumour frequently presents with advanced disease. This study reports our results over 25 years using the National Wilms Tumour Study Group (NWTSG) approach of primary surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Procedure

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients diagnosed with unilateral Wilms tumour between January 1979 and December 2003.

Results

The records of 188 children with newly diagnosed Wilms tumour were examined. Of these 57 (30.3%) were stage I, 33 (17.6%) were stage II, 60 (31.9%) were stage III and 38 (20.2%) were stage IV. Twenty‐four patients (12.8%) had unfavourable histology (UFH). The estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) for the whole group was 80.5% (84.8% for favourable histology (FH) and 51.6% for UFH). Among those with FH, estimated 5‐year OS was 94.4% for stage I, 96.2% for stage II, 84.9% for stage III and 54.2% for stage IV. There was no difference in OS between those FH stage III tumours that were operable and those deemed inoperable. Intra‐operative spillage was uncommon (8%), and did not increase local relapse rate.

Conclusions

National Wilms Tumour Study Group protocols employed in an African setting with highly competent and experienced surgical care, produced results for non‐metastatic FH Wilms tumour comparable to those of the NWTSG. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:465–471. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of α‐methylstilbene‐ and azobenzene‐based thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Rameshbabu Krishnamurthy , Kannan Palaninathan
Published: December 2005

A series of combined liquid crystalline poly(bis‐4,4′‐oxy‐α‐methylstilbene‐4‐substituted (X) phenylazo‐4′‐phenyloxydecylphosphate ester)s bearing photoreactive mesogenic units were synthesized. FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy confirmed the structures of these polymers. The inherent viscosities of the polymers were found to be in the range 0.45–0.65 dL g−1. Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) exhibited birefringent liquid crystalline melt properties. The thermal properties of all of the polymers were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The photochemical properties of these polymers were studied by UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The influence of the photoinduced E–Z (trans–cis) isomerization of the various terminal substituents of the side‐chain azobenzenes was investigated. The kinetics of the photoisomerization process reveal the switching times for the conversion between the trans‐ and cis‐ forms of the azobenzene units. The photo‐optical properties of these polymers exhibited layered smectic phases and showed good photoinduced properties in their mesomorphic states. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
The value of applicability: Introducing the Practitioner's Edition on Promoting Academic Success
Authors: Riley‐Tillman T. Chris , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Blom‐Hoffman Jessica , Volpe Robert J. , McDougal James L. , Miller David N.
Published: December 2005

Each year, advances in research are made in virtually every area in the field of school psychology. Unfortunately, the degree to which this research knowledge is presented to and utilized by practitioners in the schools is not as clear. Discussion about the “gap” between research and practice is not a new problem. One explanation for the gap that exists between current research and practice is that the typical scholarly publication is not developed in a practitioner friendly manner. To address this issue, an annual series of special issues of Psychology in the Schools called the Practitioner's Edition was developed. The intent of these special issues is to publish high‐quality, readable, and usable articles that can inform and impact the daily practice of school psychologists and other school‐based practitioners. This article overviews the philosophy of the series as well as introduces the first issue of the Practitioner's Edition, which is focused on promoting academic success. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 1–5, 2006.
Academic enablers and student achievement: Implications for assessment and intervention services in the schools
Authors: DiPerna James Clyde
Published: December 2005

Academic enablers have been defined as attitudes and behaviors that facilitate students' participation in, and benefit from, academic instruction in the classroom (J.C. DiPerna & S.N. Elliott, 2000). The purpose of this article is to provide practitioners with an overview of specific academic enablers (motivation, study skills, engagement, and social skills) and their relationships with academic achievement. In addition, a practical framework is provided for considering academic enablers within assessment and intervention practices in the schools. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 7–17, 2006.
Understanding resilience in educational trajectories: Implications for protective possibilities
Authors: Morrison Gale M. , Brown Megan , D'Incau Barbara , O'Farrell Stacy Larson , Furlong Michael J.
Published: December 2005

A growing body of literature on risk and resilience, school engagement, and positive psychology offers school psychologists new perspectives with which to consider students' progress through school. This literature emphasizes the importance of monitoring student internal and external assets. In this article, a framework is reviewed that highlights student strengths and contextual protective factors, moving beyond an exclusive focus on student deficits. It offers school psychologists a systematic set of empirically derived categories for thinking about, collecting, and presenting information about the strengths of students that (a) help to focus not only on risks but on protective factors, (b) facilitate a “developmental trajectory” perspective, and (c) recognize the role of important school, peer, and family contexts. The concepts reviewed in this article are intended to provide a template for use by school psychologists interested in thinking about student development and how schools can foster protective possibilities. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 19–31, 2006.
Evaluating beginning reading software for at‐risk learners
Authors: Bishop M.J. , Santoro Lana Edwards
Published: December 2005

Beginning reading software programs may be one way to provide at‐risk readers the additional instruction and practice they need to attain grade‐level expectations. Criteria such as interface design, instructional design, and beginning reading content (phonological awareness and alphabetic understanding) are all important considerations when selecting software for the early grades; therefore, the analytic base for evaluating these computerized reading resources must be derived from two seemingly discrete professions: early reading education and instructional technology. This article presents a cross‐disciplinary framework for evaluating software for children with reading difficulties and provides examples of how interface design, instructional design, and reading content can be assessed. The article concludes with general predictions of what practitioners will find with regard to existing beginning reading software. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 57–70, 2006.
Reversible changes in hippocampal CA1 synapses associated with water maze training in rats
Authors: Miranda Rubén , Blanco Eduardo , Begega Azucena , Santín Luis J. , Arias Jorge L.
Published: December 2005

Long‐term memories seem to require protein synthesis to be established. This process can be related with synaptogenesis resulting in changes in the form or even in the number or proportion of synaptic contacts. Results from behavioral studies assessing quantitative changes associated with different learning tasks are controversial. The aim of our work was to assess whether the number of CA1 hippocampal synaptic contacts can be modified after training in different tasks in the Morris water maze (MWM). We found transient changes in the synaptic density of the symmetric synapses associated with place learning. A reduced synaptic density of the symmetric synapses in the stratum radiatum of CA1 was found at 48 h posttraining, returning to control levels 72 h posttraining. The same effect was observed 1 h after training in a nonspatial task. Synaptic changes found in the CA1 shortly after water maze training suggest a possible participation of the hippocampus in the acquisition of nonspatial tasks together with a role in the short‐term consolidation of spatial memory. As no changes were found in the total number of synapses counted, it is likely that subtle changes in synaptic efficacy than new synapse generation may be sufficient to support the acquisition and maintenance of new memories. Synapse 59:177–181, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inter‐annual variability of wind indices across Europe
Authors: Pryor S. C. , Barthelmie R. J. , Schoof J. T.
Published: December 2005

There is considerable interest in the potential impact of climate change on the feasibility and predictability of renewable energy sources, including wind energy. However, relatively little research has been conducted to assess the historical variability of wind energy density across different spatial scales or the degree to which one can derive robust projections of future wind energy density. This article presents analyses of the historical variability of annual wind indices across Europe to provide a context for possible future scenarios, as well as possible tools for use in developing prognoses that are suitable for application to output from global climate models. There is a high degree of covariance and inter‐annual variability of wind indices in northern European countries. Reanalysis data sets suggest that the axis about which the correlations of latitudinally integrated wind indices over Europe change sign is approximately 45°N and that there is evidence of compensating trends in wind energy indices north and south of this latitude. Climate projections from HadCM3 do not indicate evidence for changes in the spatial and temporal variability of annual wind indices, but these results are rather uncertain owing to biases in the variability of wind indices derived from HadCM3 output. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Earthtron facility for below‐ground manipulation study
Authors: Kamitani Takafumi , Kaneko Nobuhiro
Published: December 2005

A controlled environmental facility is necessary for investigation of the interaction between above‐ground and below‐ground components in microcosm experiments. The Earthtron is a simple computer‐controlled chamber simulating natural environments: diurnal light/dark cycles, and separately controlled soil and air temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration. In soil core incubation experiments, the Earthtron was able to simulate the dynamics of soil temperature field conditions. Environmental control also affects the dynamics of soil water and distribution patterns of nutrients in the microcosm, linking to the distribution of plant roots and soil biota. The Earthtron can not only reproduce field conditions but also predict the effects of global climatic change on terrestrial ecosystems.
Exploring the capacity of trigger factor to function as a shield for ribosome bound polypeptide chains
Authors: Tomic Sladjana , Johnson Arthur E. , Hartl F. Ulrich , Etchells Stephanie A.
Published: December 2005

Ribosome‐bound trigger factor (TF) is the first chaperone encountered by a nascent polypeptide chain in bacteria. TF has been proposed to form a cradle‐shaped shield for nascent chains up to ∼130 residues to fold in a protected environment upon exit from the ribosome. We report that nascent chains of luciferase up to 280 residues in length are relatively protected by TF against digestion by proteinase K. In contrast, nascent chains of the constitutively unstructured protein α‐synuclein were not protected, although they were in close proximity to TF by crosslinking. Thus, TF is not a general shield for nascent chains. Protease protection appears to depend on a hydrophobic interaction of TF with nascent polypeptides.
Osmotic stress sensing in Populus: Components identification of a phosphorelay system
Authors: Chefdor Françoise , Bénédetti Hélène , Depierreux Christiane , Delmotte Francis , Morabito Domenico , Carpin Sabine
Published: December 2005

To study the Populus response to an osmotic stress, we have isolated one cDNA encoding a histidine‐aspartate kinase (HK1) and four cDNAs encoding histidine‐containing phosphotransfer proteins (HPts), HPt1–4. The predicted HK1 protein shares a typical structure with ATHK1 and SLN1 osmosensors. The 4 HPTs are characterized by the histidine phosphotransfer domain. We have shown that HK1 is upregulated during an osmotic stress in hydroponic culture. We have detected an interaction between HK1 and HPt2, using the yeast two‐hybrid system. These results suggest the existence of a multi‐step phosphorelay pathway probably involved in osmotic stress sensing in Populus.
Identification of novel phospholipid binding proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fernández-Murray J. Pedro , McMaster Christopher R.
Published: December 2005

A proteomics approach was used to search for novel phospholipid binding proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phospholipids were immobilized on a solid support and the lipids were probed with soluble yeast protein extracts. From this, the phosphatidic acid binding proteins were eluted and identified by mass spectrometry. Thirteen proteins were identified and 11 of these were previously unknown lipid binding proteins. The protein–lipid interactions identified would not have been predicted using bioinformatics approaches as none possessed a known lipid binding motif. A subset of the identified proteins was purified to homogeneity and determined to directly bind phospholipids immobilized on a solid support or organized into liposomes. This simple approach could be systematically applied to perform an exhaustive screen for soluble lipid binding proteins in S. cerevisiae or other organisms.
Physical and functional interactions between STAT3 and Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus‐encoded LANA
Authors: Muromoto Ryuta , Okabe Kanako , Fujimuro Masahiro , Sugiyama Kenji , Yokosawa Hideyoshi , Seya Tsukasa , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: December 2005

The Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV)‐encoded latency‐associated nuclear antigen (LANA) is known to modulate viral and cellular gene expression. We show that LANA directly associates with an interleukin‐6 signal transducer, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and that LANA enhances the transcriptional activity of STAT3. Coimmunoprecipitation studies documented a physical interaction between LANA and STAT3 in transiently transfected 293T cells as well as the KSHV‐infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell line. Furthermore, small‐interfering RNA‐mediated reduction of LANA expression decreased the STAT3‐dependent transcription in KSHV‐positive PEL cells, whereas overexpression of LANA enhanced STAT3 activity in KSHV‐negative B lymphoma cells. These data demonstrate that LANA is a transcriptional co‐activator of STAT3, and may have implications for the pathogenesis of KSHV‐associated diseases.
P70 S6 kinase mediates tau phosphorylation and synthesis
Authors: Pei Jin-Jing , An Wen-Lin , Zhou Xin-Wen , Nishimura Takeshi , Norberg Jan , Benedikz Eirikur , Götz Jürgen , Winblad Bengt
Published: December 2005

Currently, we found that the 70‐kDa p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) directly phosphorylates tau at S262, S214, and T212 sites in vitro. By immunoprecipitation, p‐p70S6K (T421/S424) showed a close association with p‐tau (S262 and S396/404). Zinc‐induced p70S6K activation could only upregulate translation of total S6 and tau but not global proteins in SH‐SY5Y cells. The requirement of p70S6K activation was confirmed in the SH‐SY5Y cells that overexpress wild‐type htau40. Level of p‐p70S6K (T421/S424) was only significantly correlated with p‐tau at S262, S214, and T212, but not T212/S214, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. These suggested that p70S6K might contribute to tau related pathologies in AD brains.
Dimethyl sulfoxide as an inducer of differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Cheung W.M.W. , Ng W.W. , Kung A.W.C.
Published: December 2005

Osteoblastic differentiation is an essential part of bone formation. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a water miscible solvent that is used extensively for receptor ligands in osteoblast studies. However, little is known about its effects on osteoblastogenic precursor cells. In this study, we have used a murine preosteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1 cells to demonstrate that DMSO effectively induces osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells via the activation of Runx2 and osterix and is dependent upon the protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. We further demonstrated that prolonged activation of PKC pathways is sufficient to induce osteoblastic differentiation, possibly via the activation of PKD/PKCμ.
The Essex–Lopresti Lesion: A Variant with a Bony Distal Radioulnar Joint Injury
Authors: AUYEUNG J. , BROOME G.
Published: December 2005

The Essex–Lopresti lesion is an unusual injury, consisting of a radial head or neck fracture, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) injury and interosseous membrane rupture. To date, all reported Essex–Lopresti lesions have consisted of soft tissue injuries at the DRUJ. We present a case of an Essex–Lopresti lesion with a bony variant, in which the DRUJ injury consisted of an ulnar head fracture associated with radial head fracture and acute proximal migration of the radius. The management involved plating of the ulnar head fracture and titanium replacement of the radial head.
Hearing loss as a complication of stapes surgery
Authors: Mann Wolf J. , Amedee Ronald G. , Fuerst Gudrun , Tabb Harold G.
Published: December 2005

During a 10‐year period (1984–1994) 1229 stapes operations for otosclerosis were performed at our respective institutions by experienced surgeons well trained in the various techniques. Procedures included 691 stapedectomies, 234 small‐fenestrae stapedotomies, and 304 revision operations. These primary and revision cases resulted in 20 ears with severe sensorineural hearing loss or anacusis noted during the immediate postoperative period. This article will critically evaluate those procedures that resulted in profound hearing loss and attempt to determine possible reasons for this occurrence. It is hoped that these data will allow surgeons to identify before and/or during surgery patients at risk for development of this complication and therefore decrease the overall morbidity rate of this exacting procedure. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:324–8.)
A guide to otolaryngology resources on the Internet
Authors: Kuppersmith Ronald B.
Published: December 2005

The number of valuable resources for otolaryngologist‐head and neck surgeons on the Internet continues to grow at a rapid pace. This article is a comprehensive guide to resources currently available. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:335–41.)
Inhibition of proteases in Pseudomonas otitis media in chinchillas
Authors: Cotter Cheryl S. , Avidano Michael A. , Stringer Scott P. , Schultz Gregory S.
Published: December 2005

The treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains a challenging problem. The virulence of Pseudomonas is related to its secretion of two matrix metalloproteinases, alkaline protease and elastase. This experiment examines the effects of a synthetic inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases GM 6001, or N‐(2(R)‐2‐(hydroxyamido carbonylmethyl)‐4‐methylpentanoyl)‐L‐tryptophane methylamide), in a chinchilla Pseudomonas otitis media model. Thirty chinchillas underwent bilateral subtotal tympanic membrane perforations. Twenty‐four chinchillas underwent bilateral middle ear inoculation with P. aeruginosa. Chinchillas were divided into four groups of six animals after the establishment of otitis media. Animals in one group were controls; the other three groups received either gentamicin, GM 6001, or gentamicin plus GM 6001 into the external auditory canal three times daily for 4 weeks. Clearance of Pseudomonas infection occurred in three ears of three animals, all in gentamicin groups, with or without GM 6001. Otorrhea (p = 0.0014) and external canal erythema (p = 0.025) were mild in the two gentamicin groups and moderate in the GM 6001 group when compared with bacterial controls. Animals in the GM 6001 group had the highest survival rate, less severe facial paralysis, and less vestibular toxicity than the gentamicin, gentamicin plus GM 6001, or control groups, although these differences were not statistically significant. This pilot study showed encouraging results for a role of ototopical protease inhibitors in the treatment of Pseudomonas otitis media. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:342–51.)