bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ThinPrep evaluation of fluid samples aspirated from cystic ovarian masses
Authors: Lu Dongsi , Davila Rosa M. , Pinto Karen R. , Lu Danielle W.
Published: April 2004

The cytological evaluation of ovarian cystic fluid using ThinPrep has not been reported. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ThinPrep cytology in distinguishing between benign and nonbenign ovarian cystic lesions, we examined 65 fluid samples aspirated during intraoperative consultation with subsequent histologic correlation. One ThinPrep slide was prepared from each sample aspirated from surgically removed ovarian cystic masses and reviewed blindly by a panel of three cytopathologists. The parameters used in cytological evaluation were cellularity, cell types, cellular arrangement, and background. Four samples were acellular and excluded from the study. The consensus cytologic diagnoses were compiled for 61 cases which were assigned to one of the following diagnostic categories: negative for malignant cells (40 cases), atypical cytology (13 cases), and suspicious or positive for malignancy (8 cases). Histologic correlation of the cytological benign/negative cases showed that 26/40 (65%) were histologically benign and 14/40 were false‐negative (35%, 5 carcinomas and 9 borderline tumors) with 10 of these cases being mucinous tumors. Most false‐negative cytologic samples (11/14 or 79%) did not have an epithelial component. Of the 21 cytological nonbenign diagnoses (atypical/suspicious/positive), 15 (71%) were confirmed on histology (10 carcinomas and 5 borderline tumors). However, a nonbenign cytologic diagnosis was rendered in 6 histologically benign cases, including 2 serous cystadenomas, 1 mucinous cystadenoma, 1 serous cystadenofibroma, 1 endometriosis, and 1 corpus luteal cyst. The diagnostic sensitivity by ThinPrep evaluation of ovarian cystic masses is 81% (26/32) for benign and 52% (15/29) for nonbenign lesions. Our results concluded that ThinPrep examination of ovarian cystic fluid is not accurate in distinguishing benign from malignant cysts, given the significant number of false‐negative diagnoses. Major contributing factors include sparse cellularity of the fluid samples and mucinous differentiation of the tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:320–324. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of an audio‐visual training program in dyslexic children
Authors: Magnan Annie , Ecalle Jean , Veuillet Evelyne , Collet Lionel
Published: April 2004

A research project was conducted in order to investigate the usefulness of intensive audio–visual training administered to children with dyslexia involving daily voicing exercises. In this study, the children received such voicing training (experimental group). for 30 min a day, 4 days a week, over 5 weeks. They were assessed on a reading task before and after the training. A significant benefit to the experimental group was found after training. These preliminary results underline the role of the phonological components of dyslexia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An internal information optimum algorithm for a multilayer perceptron and its generalization analysis
Authors: Tomomura Masanobu , Nakayama Kenji
Published: April 2004

The backpropagation (BP) algorithm is a learning algorithm for the multilayer perceptron. However, when this algorithm is applied to the pattern classification problem the generalization ability may not be maximized, even if the learning converges. This paper proposes an algorithm to improve the generalization ability by shifting the hyperplane constructed by the BP algorithm on the basis of internal information. The basic properties of the algorithm are analyzed. Then, the algorithm is extended to the multilayer perceptron and its generalization ability is examined by computer simulation. The proposed method is shown to be useful when the training data are sparse. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 87(5): 67–80, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20077
Lipase‐catalysed production and chemical composition of diacylglycerols from soybean oil deodoriser distillate
Authors: Lo Seong Koon , Baharin Badlishah Sham , Tan Chin Ping , Lai Oi Ming
Published: April 2004

Diacylglycerols (DAG) were enzymatically produced by lipase‐catalysed esterification of glycerol with fatty acids from soybean oil deodoriser distillate (SODD). Effects of reaction parameters such as reaction time, temperature, enzyme type, enzyme load, substrate molar ratio and water content, as well as the effect of molecular sieves as water adsorbent were studied. Lipozyme RM IM was determined to be the most effective among the lipases screened. The following conditions yielded 69.9% DAG (all percentages are wt/wt): 4 h reaction time, 65 °C reaction temperature, 10% Lipozyme RM IM, 2.5:1 fatty acid to glycerol molar ratio, and 30% molecular sieves. DAG synthesis of 11.9% was still observed at 10% water content. After purification, the product oil contained 86.3% DAG. This oil consisted predominantly of 1,3‐diolein (19.1%), 1‐oleoyl‐3‐linoleoyl‐glycerol (18.2%) and 1‐oleoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐glycerol (16.6%). The fatty acid profile of the oil was similar to that of refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) soybean oil. The % ratio of 1,3‐ to 1,2‐positional isomers of DAG was at 56:44.
Biological removal of carbon disulfide from waste air streams
Authors: Hugler Walter , Acosta Craso , Revah Sergio
Published: April 2004

A pilot‐scale biological control system for the treatment of 3400 m3 h−1 of a gaseous stream containing up to 7.8g CS2 m−3 and trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was installed in a cellulose sponge manufacturing facility. The objective was to demonstrate the capability of the process to attain sustained re m oval efficiencies of 90% for CS2 and 99% for H2S. The system consisted of two sequential biotrickling reactors, which had been previously inoculated with an adapted microbial consortium. During the pilot test, stable removal efficiency and elimination capacity of +90% and 220g CS2 m−3 h−1, respectively, we re attained with an empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 33 seconds for a period of several weeks. Efficiencies greater than 99% we re always obtained for H2S. Based on the results, the system was determined to be an effective process to remediate waste air streams containing reduced sulfur compounds generated at cellulose sponge facilities.
Review of commercial innovative technologies for hazardous waste
Authors: Cudahy James J.
Published: April 2004

A number of Innovative Technologies have been developed since the late 1980's for the treatment of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous wastes. The development of these technologies has been encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense (DOD). As part of the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation program, the EPA has evaluated some of these technologies for the treatment of soils contaminated with RCRA hazardous constituents. The DOE has extensively studied and evaluated these technologies for the treatment of mixed (RCRA plus radioactive) waste. The DOD has also studied these technologies for the chemical demilitarization of chemical warfare agents. The technology experience and performance of five Innovative Technologies that have been demonstrated on a full‐scale commercial basis are discussed.
The influence of organic matter content of contaminated soils on the leaching rate of heavy metals
Authors: Ferraz M. C. M. Alvim , Lourençlo J. C. N.
Published: April 2004

Leaching studies of contaminated soils were conducted to remove heavy metals, with the aim of recovering these species. Lead, copper and zinc were extracted using a leaching solution of HCl (0.1 M) and NaCl (1.9 M). Time‐dependent release was analyzed. A Langmuir‐type model fit well to the experimental data, allowing the determination of the maximum concentration of lead, copper and zinc that can be reached in the leaching solutions and the time required to attain a fixed leached concentration of metal. The influence of natural organic matter content of the soil on leaching time was evaluated. Natural organic matter content significantly influenced leaching time, due to metal complexation by dissolved organic matter transferred to the leaching solutions. Increasing of natural organic matter content of contaminated soils reduced leaching time.
Flux enhancement in TFC RO membranes
Authors: Kuehne Mark A. , Song Richard Q. , Li Norman N. , Petersen Robert J.
Published: April 2004

The effects of varying processing conditions during fabrication of TFC RO membranes were systematically investigated. It was found that the membrane flux is greatly dependent on the processing steps that follow the synthesis of the thin film coating, such as washing, treatment with glycerol, and drying of the membrane. Glycerol is not simply a passive flux ‐ p reserving agent, preventing loss of porosity during oven drying. In combination with a second oven drying step, glycerol actively enhances flux. Membrane flux can be similarly enhanced by treatment with solutions of organic salts, followed by oven drying. The effect of these treatments is quite large, increasing the flux by 30–70%, with no loss of salt rejection. Flux‐enhancing additives were also used in the aqueous polyamine solution used to prepare the thin film coating.
Emission of trace compounds from catalytic cracking regenerators
Authors: Bertrand Rene R. , Siegell Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2004

Catalytic cracking units (CCUs) are a potential emissions source for a number of compounds listed as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. In some cases, these compounds are formed in the catalyst regeneration process, and in others they are present in coke, converted to oxides in the regenerator, and then emitted. In this analysis, both average and median emission factors for these HAPs were developed based upon more than 1,400 field test data points covering over 60 compounds. For some of these compounds, there are large differences between the average and median emission factors due to significant scatter in the raw data. Comparisons to published emission factors from several sources indicate that, for formaldehyde, the median emission factor is more likely to be representative of actual CCU emissions.
Use of environmental management systems in settlement of enforcement actions
Authors: Grosskopf John W. , Mutnan Michael
Published: April 2004

The use of environmental management systems (EMS) has risen dramatically in the U.S. over the past few years. Contributing to that rise is EPA's and other state environmental regulatory authorities' increasing acceptance and use of EMSs. The initial focus on EMSs by the EPA was in consent decrees and settlement agreements between the agency and private firms. It is an important new enforcement strategy and signals a change in how EPA views application and use of EMSs and the ISO 14001 standard. This trend has spread to state regulatory authorities with no abatement in sight. EMSs in settlement actions represent an exciting and new “win‐win” strategy for both the regulators and the firms subject to the enforcement action.

This paper addresses the brief history of these strategies, and the importance of this new enforcement strategy, and cites three important case studies where EMSs were an important part in resolving enforcement actions. The first is the ASARCO case, where an EMS was first used in a settlement agreement. The second is the Firewall Forward, Inc., case, the first EMS as a supplemental environmental project (SEP) in a settlement action, and the third was AAA Plating, in which several EMS implementation innovations were applied within the settlement. The paper concludes with a discussion of predicted trends regarding the use of EMSs/ISO 14001 standard by EPA and other enforcement authorities based on emerging practices in private industry.
Toward sustainable products in sweden
Authors: Reinhard Ylva
Published: April 2004

Today's environmental problems are associated, to a great extent, with the industrialized world's consumption of goods and services. Consumption leads to different kinds of environmental impacts from all parts of a product's life cycle: raw material extraction, production, use, recovery, and final disposal, including transportation throughout the cycle. Working with products embraces many different environmental problems, instruments and mechanisms, stakeholders, various policy areas, etc. The current structure of industry and the considerable amount of international trade requires a strategy that takes these conditions into account in advancing sustainable production and consumption. The European Union has developed an Integrated Product Policy, built on life cycle thinking, in order to reduce resource use.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) was commissioned by the Swedish Government in 2001 to develop the Integrated Product Policy (IPP). The aim of IPP is to minimize the impact of products on human health and the environment throughout their life cycles, from cradle‐to‐grave, to improve sustainable production and consumption, and advance the government's environmental quality objectives. SEPA studied how instruments and mechanisms can work together and be made more effective, and what new instruments and mechanisms might be needed to achieve the goals laid down in IPP. This paper presents the results of the study.
Molecular heterogeneity in AML/MDS patients with 3q21q26 rearrangements
Authors: Lahortiga Idoya , Vázquez Iria , Agirre Xabier , Larrayoz María J. , Vizmanos José L. , Gozzetti Alessandro , Calasanz María J. , Odero María D.
Published: April 2004

Patients with 3q21q26 rearrangements seem to share similar clinicopathologic features and a common molecular mechanism, leading to myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The ectopic expression of EVI1 (3q26) has been implicated in the dysplasia that characterizes this subset of myeloid neoplasias. However, lack of EVI1 expression has been reported in several cases, and overexpression of EVI1 was detected in 9% of AML cases without 3q26 abnormalities. We report the molecular characterization of seven patients with inv(3)(q21q26), t(3;3)(q21;q26) or related abnormalities. EVI1 expression was detected in only one case, and thus ectopic expression of this gene failed to explain all of these cases. GATA2 (3q21) was found to be overexpressed in 5 of the 7 patients. GATA2 is highly expressed in stem cells, and its expression dramatically decreases when erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation proceeds. No mutations in GATA1 were found in any patient, excluding loss of function of GATA1 as the cause of GATA2 overexpression. We report finding molecular heterogeneity in patients with 3q21q26 rearrangements in both breakpoints and in the expression pattern of the genes near these breakpoints. Our data suggest that a unique mechanism is not likely to be involved in 3q21q26 rearrangements. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal and postnatal effects of corticosterone on behavior in juveniles of the common lizard, Lacerta vivipara
Authors: Belliure Josabel , Meylan Sandrine , Clobert Jean
Published: April 2004

Many animals exhibit dramatic responses when subjected to a stressor. A classic marker of the stress response is an increase in plasma glucocorticoids, but this constitutes only one step in the cascade from experience of a stressor to wider organismal changes, including behavior. The behavioral sensitivity to glucocorticoids would determine the consequences of the stress‐related alteration of behavior for the organism. In this study we explored, under laboratory conditions, the prenatal and postnatal effects of corticosterone on activity and thermoregulation of juveniles of the common lizard, Lacerta vivipara. Activity was measured as the time spent moving and the time spent scratching the wall in an empty terrarium. Thermoregulatory behavior was measured as the time spent motionless under a light bulb. Activity and thermoregulation of juveniles of the common lizard showed a different sensitivity to prenatal and postnatal corticosterone treatment, modulated by juvenile sex and maternal condition. Prenatal corticosterone manipulation influenced the time spent moving in both sexes. By contrast, only juvenile females increased the time spent scratching the walls of the terrarium when corticosterone was delivered both at the prenatal and postnatal stage. Prenatal hormone manipulation increased the time spent basking by juveniles issued from large females. These results suggest that, in addition to influencing a variety of behavioral and morphological traits, corticosterone may also play an important role in the regulation of activity and thermoregulation of juvenile lizards, modulated by individual sex and maternal condition. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:401–410, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of the rotator cuff and glenoid labrum using an extremity MR system: MR results compared to surgical findings from a multi‐center study
Authors: Zlatkin Michael B. , Hoffman Cary , Shellock Frank G.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To conduct a multi‐center assessment of the use of a 0.2‐T, extremity MR system (E‐scan; General Electric Lunar Corp. and Esaote, Genoa, Italy) for identifying tears of the rotator cuff and glenoid labrum.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed involving 160 patients (age range, 15–84 years old) from five facilities in the United States, comparing shoulder MR imaging to surgical findings. MR imaging of the shoulder was conducted as follows: shoulder coil; T1‐weighted spin echo, coronal‐oblique and axial images; short Tau inversion recovery (STIR), coronal‐oblique images and axial images; and T2‐weighted spin echo, coronal‐oblique and sagittal‐oblique images. The MR examinations were interpreted in an independent, prospective manner by two radiologists with extensive musculoskeletal MRI experience. Arthroscopic (N = 103) or open surgical (N = 57) procedures were performed within a mean of 53 days after MR imaging.

Results

Surgical findings demonstrated rotator cuff tears in 131 patients and labral tears in 60 patients. For the rotator cuff, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 90%, 93%, 98%, and 68%, respectively. For the labrum, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 55%, 100%, 100%, and 82%, respectively.

Conclusions

There was good agreement when MR results obtained using the extremity MR system were compared to surgical findings for identifying rotator cuff tears, while the sensitivity of MR imaging for determining labral tears was relatively poor. Nevertheless, these findings were comparable to those reported in the peer‐reviewed literature for MR systems operating at mid‐, and high‐field‐strengths. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:623–631. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multislice first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging: Comparison of saturation recovery (SR)‐TrueFISP‐two‐dimensional (2D) and SR‐TurboFLASH‐2D pulse sequences
Authors: Fenchel Michael , Helber Uwe , Simonetti Orlando P. , Stauder Norbert I. , Kramer Ulrich , Nguyen Co‐Nghi , Finn J. Paul , Claussen Claus D. , Miller Stephan
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To compare signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) ratio, and diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed saturation recovery (SR)‐TrueFISP‐two‐dimensional (2D) sequence with an SR‐TurboFLASH‐2D sequence.

Materials and Methods

In seven healthy subjects and nine patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), contrast‐enhanced perfusion imaging (with Gd‐DTPA) was performed with SR‐TrueFISP and SR‐TurboFLASH sequences. Hypoperfused areas were assessed qualitatively (scale = 0–4). Furthermore, SNR and CNR were calculated and semiquantitative perfusion parameters were determined from signal intensity (SI) time curves. Standard of reference for patient studies was single‐photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) and angiography.

Results

The perception of perfusion deficits was superior in TrueFISP images (2.6 ± 1.0) than in TurboFLASH (1.4 ± 0.6) (P < 0.001). Phantom measurements yielded increased SNR (143 ± 34%) and CNR (158 ± 64%) values for TrueFISP. In patient/volunteer studies SNR was 61% to 100% higher and signal enhancement was 110% to 115% higher with TrueFISP than with TurboFLASH. Qualitative and semiquantitative assessment of perfusion defects yielded higher sensitivities for detection of perfusion defects with TrueFISP (68% to 78%) than with TurboFLASH (44% to 59%).

Conclusion

SR‐TrueFISP‐2D perfusion imaging provides superior SNR and CNR than TurboFLASH imaging. Moreover, the dynamic range of SIs was found to be higher with TrueFISP, resulting in an increased sensitivity for detection of perfusion defects. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:555–563. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling of complex RF/wireless structures using computationally optimized time‐domain techniques
Authors: Bushyager Nathan , Dalton Edan , Tentzeris Manos
Published: April 2004

The modelling of RF integrated structures with fine metallic details using time‐domain simulators is addressed. The key features identified as difficulties in modelling metallic structures in these techniques are dielectric and metal loss and complexity of geometry. A method to model loss that involves the use of a quasi‐static simulator to identify correction factors that can be applied to a time domain simulator is presented. In addition, a novel MRTD subcell method is presented that can be used to simulate fine metallic structures and other subcell effects such as the presented correction factors. An example simulation of a finely detailed structure using this technique is presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telomerase activity and expression of telomerase genes in squamous dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Yu Hong‐Ping , Xu Shun‐Qing , Lu Wen‐Hong , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Li Fang , Wang Xiao‐Li , Su Yan‐Hua
Published: April 2004

Background

Telomerase maintains telomere length and is considered to be necessary for the indefinite proliferation of human cells. Activation of telomerase plays a key role in the malignant transformation process. The aim of this study was to study the regulation of telomerase, and to explore the possibility of telomerase as a biomarker in squamous carcinogenesis of the esophagus.

Methods

Twenty‐nine esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and its corresponding adjacent normal tissues, and 47 epithelial squamous dysplasia tissues were analyzed by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique for the mRNA expression of three major telomerase subunits: human telomerase RNA (hTR), telomerase protein component 1 (TP1), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and by telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay (TRAP) for telomerase activity.

Results

For the expression of hTR and TP1 mRNA, there were no significant differences among ESCC, dysplasia and normal tissues (P > 0.05). In contrast, hTERT mRNA expression was detected in 28 of 29 ESCC (96.6%), in 23 of 47 dysplasia (48.9%), and only in two of 29 normal tissues (7.5%). Telomerase activity was positive in 25 of 29 ESCC (86.2%), in 21 of 47 (44.7%) epithelial dysplasia tissues, and in none of normal tissue. All together, 95 of 105 cases (90.48%) were concordant for both results, i.e., telomerase activity positive and hTERT positive or telomerase activity negative and hTERT negative tissues, and telomerase activity correlated with hTERT mRNA expression (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression were shown during an early stage in the esophageal carcinogenesis. Activation of telomerase activity was strongly correlated with hTERT mRNA expression, suggesting hTERT is a major regulator of telomerase activity, and telomerase activation may play a critical role in esophageal carcinogenesis. Therefore, telomerase, especially hTERT can be used as a potential molecular biomarker of ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:99–104. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumor diagnosis preceding Parkinson's disease: A case–control study
Authors: D'Amelio Marco , Ragonese Paolo , Morgante Letterio , Epifanio Antonio , Callari Graziella , Salemi Giuseppe , Savettieri Giovanni
Published: April 2004

Lower cancer risk in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients compared to the general population has been reported. However, most of the studies were based on death certificates. We designed a case–control study to estimate the association of tumor preceding PD onset and PD. PD patients were matched by age and gender to PD‐free individuals, randomly selected from the municipalities of residence of cases. Occurrence of tumors preceding PD onset was assessed through a structured questionnaire. Neoplasms were categorized as benign, malignant, or of uncertain classification, and endocrine‐related or not. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for tumor categories and risk factors. We included 222 PD patients. Frequency of cancer was 6.8% for cases, 12.6% for controls. PD patients had a decreased risk for neoplasms (adjusted OR, 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2–0.7). Risk was reduced only for women (adjusted OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.7). PD patients had a decreased risk both for malignant (adjusted OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.1–2.5) and nonmalignant neoplasms (adjusted OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.7). Still, risk was decreased for endocrine‐related tumors (adjusted OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.9) and non–endocrine‐related tumors (adjusted OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.1–0.9). Our study confirms the inverse association between PD and neoplasms reported in previous epidemiologic studies. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Lack of chlorpromazine effect on skeletal muscle metabolism after ischemia and a short reperfusion period
Authors: Piccinato Carlos E. , Salles Roselino José E. , Massuda Carlos A. , Cherri Jesualdo
Published: April 2004

The great resistance of muscle to ischemia was used to study blood flow‐dependent phenomena produced by anesthetic drugs in this condition. A short reperfusion period was used in order to favor metabolic changes indicative of an effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on blood flow. Gracilis muscles of dogs were submitted to 5 h of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. CPZ‐treated animals were injected I.V. (2 mg/kg) 10 min before the beginning of ischemia. Biopsies provided the material for tissue measurements. Lactate content and pH were determined in blood samples collected from a muscle efferent vein. In both the CPZ‐treated and nontreated groups, ischemia induced a decline in muscle glycogen content, with a corresponding increase in muscle lactate and a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory control ratio. After 30 min of reperfusion, tissue levels of lactate did not attain preischemic values but showed a clear decline in the two experimental groups, evidencing the reversible state of the muscle. All other metabolic parameters remained unchanged. Mitochondrial respiratory control remained functional during ischemia and reperfusion. Blood pH displayed similar changes in both groups. There was no metabolic indication that the drug affected blood flow during early reperfusion and/or of a greater sensitivity of muscle endothelial cells to anesthetic drugs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cycle‐dependent endometrial expression and hormonal regulation of the fibulin‐1 gene
Authors: Haendler Bernard , Yamanouchi Hiroshi , Lessey Bruce A. , Chwalisz Kristof , Hess‐Stumpp Holger
Published: April 2004

Fibulin‐1 is a secreted protein associated with elastic matrix fibres and basement membranes. It plays a role in stabilizing blood vessels and can also regulate cell motility and invasiveness. We studied the regulation of the fibulin‐1 gene in the rat and human endometrium, an organ where cyclic tissue remodeling and angiogenesis take place. The rat fibulin‐1C and ‐1D‐specific DNA sequences were first identified and a comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with the mouse and human counterparts showed a very strong conservation. The exon–intron structure was also maintained. Primers were derived for RT‐PCR analysis of fibulin‐1 expression in rat endometrium. The highest levels of fibulin‐1C and ‐1D transcripts were measured at metestrous and diestrous, and in early pregnancy at day 3 post‐coitum. In vivo studies showed stimulation of endometrial fibulin‐1D expression after estrogen application, an effect prevented by parallel treatment with progesterone. Analysis of human endometrial tissues indicated that the fibulin‐1D transcript levels were higher during the mid‐secretory phase than during the proliferative and early secretory phases. Cultured human endometrial stromal cells treated with progesterone responded with a dramatic increase of fibulin‐1 protein expression. This was enhanced by parallel treatment with epidermal growth factor and prevented by application of the antiprogestin RU486. Altogether the results show a cycle‐dependent regulation of endometrial fibulin‐1 expression controlled by both progesterone and estrogen. Based on its implication in tissue remodeling and angiogenesis, fibulin‐1 may play an important role in endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 279–287, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Global gene expression analysis comparing bovine blastocysts flushed on day 7 or produced in vitro
Authors: Mohan M. , Hurst A.G. , Malayer J.R.
Published: April 2004

In vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos have darker cytoplasm, reduced buoyant density, fragile zonae pellucidae, chromosomal abnormalities, higher pregnancy failure rates, and altered gene expression compared to embryos produced in vivo. Characterization of early deviations in gene expression would enable us to better understand the biology of early embryo development and improve in vitro culture systems. Here we compared gene expression between Day 7 blastocysts generated in TCM199 with 5% FBS and Day 7 in vivo derived blastocysts and using suppression‐subtractive hybridization (SSH). Pools of 25 embryos for both driver and tester were used in the RNA extraction process. The subtracted products were cloned and subjected to differential hybridization screening analysis. cDNAs were isolated, single‐pass sequenced, and subjected to BLAST search. Of 32 in vivo ESTs (expressed sequence tags) that provided sequence information, 30 matched homologous sequences in GenBank. Of 32 in vitro ESTs, 22 provided specific matches while the remaining ten represented novel transcripts. Two in vivo ESTs, galectin‐1 and fibronectin, and one in vitro EST, filamin A, were further characterized using real‐time quantitative PCR. To further examine the reproducibility of the SSH data, three different pools of embryos with each pool containing ten embryos produced from each of the following production systems, namely, in vivo, IVP in TCM199 with 5% FBS and CR1aa with 5% FBS were used for real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) confirmation studies. Significant increases in the expression level of galectin‐1 and fibronectin were observed in the in vivo derived blastocysts compared to blastocysts produced in TCM199 with 5% FBS and CR1aa cultures. No significant difference in filamin A expression was found between blastocysts produced in vivo and those derived from either of the in vitro production systems. We conclude that these techniques are useful to characterize the transcriptome of the early preattachment embryo and observed deviations in mRNA expression may partially explain the differences in quality between in vivo and IVP embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 288–298, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiscale modelling and computational strategies for composites
Authors: Ladevèze P.
Published: April 2004

In the field of the structural analysis of composites, from the design of materials and structures to manufacturing, there has been increasing interest in material models which are described on a smaller scale than that of the macroscopic structural level.

The first challenge, which depends on the design objective, consists of building an efficient, yet simple, ‘material’ model for the small scale chosen. The main damage mechanisms and their evolution must be described correctly. We use two very different composite materials to illustrate the state‐of‐the‐art of this field, the advantages and disadvantages of multiscale models and the current status of the research.

The use of such material models leads to problems with extremely large numbers of degrees of freedom. This poses a second challenge, which is to design alternative computational strategies capable of solving such engineering problems. The goal is to reduce the calculation cost drastically while, at the same time, trying to increase robustness. The second and main part of the paper deals with this challenge and its present answers which are mechanics‐based multiscale computational strategies with homogenization in space and in time.

The paper should be seen as an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art and the challenges facing the field of modelling and computation for composites. Copyright 2004 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cohesive‐zone models, higher‐order continuum theories and reliability methods for computational failure analysis
Authors: Borst René de , Gutiérrez Miguel A. , Wells Garth N. , Remmers Joris J. C. , Askes Harm
Published: April 2004

A concise overview is given of various numerical methods that can be used to analyse localization and failure in engineering materials. The importance of the cohesive‐zone approach is emphasized and various ways to incorporate the cohesive‐zone methodology in discretization methods are discussed. Numerical representations of cohesive‐zone models suffer from a certain mesh bias. For discrete representations this is caused by the initial mesh design, while for smeared representations it is rooted in the ill‐posedness of the rate boundary value problem that arises upon the introduction of decohesion. A proper representation of the discrete character of cohesive‐zone formulations which avoids any mesh bias can be obtained elegantly when exploiting the partition‐of‐unity property of finite element shape functions. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated for some examples at different scales. Moreover, examples are shown how this concept can be used to obtain a proper transition from a plastifying or damaging continuum to a shear band with gross sliding or to a fully open crack (true discontinuum). When adhering to a continuum description of failure, higher‐order continuum models must be used. Meshless methods are ideally suited to assess the importance of the higher‐order gradient terms, as will be shown. Finally, regularized strain‐softening models are used in finite element reliability analyses to quantify the probability of the emergence of various possible failure modes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intratumoral methotrexate kinetics in a patient with intracranial anaplastic ependymoma
Authors: Geis T. , Peters O. , Friedrich M. , Dränert E. , Wolff Johannes E.A.
Published: April 2004

Little is known about intratumoral anticancer drug concentration in childhood brain tumors. We were able to measure methotrexate (MTX) tumor concentrations directly in a cystic anaplastic ependymoma. Cyst fluid was obtained by puncture of a subgaleal Rickham reservoir connected to a catheter in the tumor cyst. MTX concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and compared to serum concentrations. Maximum MTX concentrations in tumor and CSF were found at the end of MTX infusion. Twenty‐four hour after MTX infusion the mean tumor concentration was significantly higher than in the serum indicating MTX retention and accumulation in the tumor cyst. An AUCtumor/AUCserum ratio of 1.95 was obtained. In response to the applied multiagent chemotherapy the clinical condition of our patient improved and the tumor showed partial response on MRI. Cystic ependymomas might benefit from high dose MTX especially because of drug retention in the tumor cyst. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid acrylic–polyimide latexes from miniemulsion polymerisation
Authors: Grailla Christian , Bartholir Michel , Gauthier Catherine , Guyot Alain
Published: April 2004

A rigid polyimide (PI) was dissolved in acrylic monomers (methyl methacrylate, n‐butyl acrylate) as a hydrophobe to form miniemulsions stabilized by a mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton®, with droplets size in the range 100–300 nm, and PI concentration up to about 30% by weight, which corresponds to its limit of solubility. Upon polymerization initiated with ammonium persulfate, the particle size tends to decrease to the range 80–250 nm. From these hybrid latexes, clear yellowish films were obtained with two glass transitions: one close to that of polybutylacrylate (Tg = −50 °C) and the second between 15 and 40 °C, depending on PI concentration. PI causes a reinforcement of the mechanical properties at room temperature. This reinforcement is enhanced through an appropriate thermal treatment. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymerization of butadiene and copolymerization of butadiene with styrene using neodymium amide catalysts
Authors: Monteil Vincent , Spitz Roger , Boisson Christophe
Published: April 2004

The polymerization of butadiene was performed with catalysts based on the complex Nd{N(SiMe3)2}3 (1). This amide complex in combination with methyaluminoxane or with a boron compound ([HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4], [CPh3][B(C6F5)4] or B(C6F5)3) and Al(iBu)3 showed high activity and stereospecificity in polymerization of butadiene. The cationic complex [Nd{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2][B(C6F5)4] (2) was prepared by reaction of 1 and [HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]. The catalyst 2/Al(iBu)3 (ratio Al/Nd: 10/1) was highly active for butadiene polymerization. Copolymerization of butadiene and styrene was performed with the catalytic system Nd{N(SiMe3)2}3/[HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]/Al(iBu)3 (3). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved performance of a protein array using conjugated polymers as capture phase for HIV serodiagnosis
Authors: Perrin Agnès , Duracher David , Allard Laure , Cleuziat Philippe , Theretz Alain , Mandrand Bernard
Published: April 2004

A modified recombinant protein derived from the viral capsid of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was coupled to a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether (MAMVE). The conjugated copolymer was spotted versus free protein in 96‐well microplates. The conjugated copolymer largely improved detection sensitivity of anti‐P24 antibodies in infected human sera. Results obtained with immuno‐linked sorbent array (ILISA) were correlated with those generated with a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum dilution dynamic range was varied from 1/5000 to 1/150, and inter‐well coefficient of variation was below 8%. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Physically controlled, free‐radical polymerization of vaporized fluoromonomer on solid surfaces
Authors: Yasutake Mikio , Andou Yoshito , Hiki Shigehiro , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: April 2004

Gas/vapor‐deposition polymerization (GDP) of vinyl monomer is expected to exhibit a unique polymerization behavior different from its polymerization in the liquid phase. Free‐radical GDP of 2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropyl methacrylate (FMA) was carried out with a conventional free‐radical initiator (azobisisobutyronitrile) on substrate surfaces. A linear relationship between the number‐average molecular weight and polymer yield was observed, and the consecutive copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and FMA led to the formation of block copolymer P(MMA‐block‐FMA). These results suggested that the GDP process on substrate surfaces has a living nature. During the process, the active species at growing chain ends may be immobilized on the deposit surface and restricted from the chain‐transfer reactions, resulting in a continuation of the propagation reaction. The GDP on substrate surfaces is therefore a physically controlled polymerization process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2621–2630, 2004
Sex roles and schooling or “see Janet suffer, see John suffer too”
Authors: Delamont Sara
Published: April 2004

This article documents the rapid growth in research on sex roles in schools, outlines some of its shortcomings and offers some guidelines for improving it. Central to the article is a conviction that too much gender stereotyping goes on in schools and that it harms both sexes. Topics covered include inequalities of teacher‐pupil contacts, sex education and the relations between sex roles and subject choice in secondary schools.
The correlation between general disease prevention and prevention of HIV‐contagion among adolescents
Authors: Segest Erling , Mygind Ole , Harris C.N. , Bay Hans
Published: April 2004

A representative group of young persons (N=745), who used the youth clubs in Copenhagen were asked to fill in a structured questionnaire. A large group of the young had had their sexual debut (N=367). In respect of this group we found no correlation between prevention regarding geneeral health risk factorsvs.prevention against HIV contraction. It is discussed as to whether this difference can be accepted as an expression of the fact that adolescents do not consider the risk of AIDS as something that can affect them. Similarly, current problems in the chain of knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to intervention programmes are also discussed, including ethical aspects.
A stress inoculation training program for adolescents in a high school setting: a multiple baseline approach
Authors: Hains Anthony A.
Published: April 2004

This study examined the effectiveness of stress inoculation training with adolescents in a high school setting using a multiple baseline approach. Through this intervention procedure, youths were trained in cognitive restructuring, anxiety management, and problem solving skills. Self‐reports of state and trait anxiety were gathered during baseline and each training session. Five of the six youths displayed improvement on state and trait anxiety scores with the initiation of treatment. In addition, significant improvements were noted on pre‐ to post‐assessments of state and trait anxiety and trait anger. Non‐significant decreases were evident on self‐reports of total, daily, and major negative stress events. No changes occurred on measures of depression, self‐esteem, and anger expression. Similar patterns were obtained at a 3 month follow‐up.
Double‐strand break of giant DNA: protection by glucosyl‐hesperidin as evidenced through direct observation on individual DNA molecules
Authors: Yoshikawa Yuko , Suzuki Mari , Yamada Norihiro , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: April 2004

We have performed a real‐time observation of photo‐induced breakage on individual long DNA molecules stained by a cyanine dye, YOYO, under the intense illumination (λ=450–490 nm) in solution. It was shown that the double‐strand breakage is accelerated by Fenton's reagent (Fe2+/H2O2). In addition, it was found that the breakage reaction is protected in the presence of a water‐soluble flavonoid, glucosyl‐hesperidin. To interpret the kinetic process of the double‐strand breakage reaction, a two‐step mechanism is proposed: under light illumination on giant DNA molecules, single‐strand breaks are generated to induce nicks in a stochastic manner, and then reactive oxygen attacks these nicks causing the double‐strand break.
The Effect of Candidate Quality on Electoral Equilibrium: An Experimental Study
Authors: ARAGONES ENRIQUETA , PALFREY THOMAS R.
Published: April 2004

When two candidates of different quality compete in a one-dimensional policy space, the equilibrium outcomes are asymmetric and do not correspond to the median. There are three main effects. First, the better candidate adopts more centrist policies than the worse candidate. Second, the equilibrium is statistical, in the sense that it predicts a probability distribution of outcomes rather than a single degenerate outcome. Third, the equilibrium varies systematically with the level of uncertainty about the location of the median voter. We test these three predictions using laboratory experiments and find strong support for all three. We also observe some biases and show that they can be explained by quantal response equilibrium.
Commune Elections in Cambodia: 1981 Foundations and 2002 Reformulations
Authors: SLOCOMB MARGARET
Published: April 2004

In February 2002, Cambodians voted in a multi-party contest for commune councils to govern at the sub-district level in accordance with the Law on Commune/Sangkat Administrative Management promulgated in March 2001. Foreign observers regarded this election as a crucial stage in democratic consolidation. Communes, however, were elected in 1981 and much consolidation of their function occurred during the regime of the People's Republic of Kampuchea. Whether the commune council will differ radically from the commune People's Revolutionary Committee is debatable.
Misery and freedom: reply to Walls
Authors: TALBOTT THOMAS
Published: April 2004

In this brief reply to Walls's challenging critique, I try to do two things: first, clarify the most fundamental point on which I think Walls and I disagree, and second, argue that, as surprising as it may first appear, Walls's free-will theodicy of hell requires that God interfere with human freedom in inappropriate ways.
Cognitive architectures have limited explanatory power
Authors: Tadepalli Prasad
Published: April 2004

Cognitive architectures, like programming languages, make commitments only at the implementation level and have limited explanatory power. Their universality implies that it is hard, if not impossible, to justify them in detail from finite quantities of data. It is more fruitful to focus on particular tasks such as language understanding and propose testable theories at the computational and algorithmic levels.
Ferry Command – Swim in the Deep End or Sink
Authors: Grocott D. F. H.
Published: April 2004

This Anderson Memorial Lecture was given to the Boscombe Down branch of the Institute on 19 February 2004. In the lecture Pinky Grocott, a distinguished navigator and past President of the Institute, recounts the history of the formation of Ferry Command set up to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of aircraft from North America to the UK during World War II. He then provides personal insights into his role as a young first-tour RAF navigator employed in the Command and describes the contemporary navigation practice.
Editorial
Authors: THOMPSON JUNE
Published: April 2004

At the recent EUROCALL conference at the University of Limerick, my co-editor, Graham Chesters,
remarked on two very heartening changes in the constituency of EUROCALL conference participants over the past ten years:
one was the increasing number of younger teachers and researchers; the other was the multi-national representation, compared
to the relatively small number of European countries who made up EUROCALL’s main body of members at the Hull
conference in 1993.