bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using photogrammetry and color scoring to assess sexual dimorphism in wild western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Breuer Thomas , Robbins Martha M. , Boesch Christophe
Published: July 2007

Investigating sexual dimorphism is important for our understanding of its influence on reproductive strategies including male–male competition, mate choice, and sexual conflict. Measuring physical traits in wild animals can be logistically challenging and disruptive for the animals. Therefore body size and ornament variation in wild primates have rarely been quantified. Gorillas are amongst the most sexually dimorphic and dichromatic primates. Adult males (silverbacks) possess a prominent sagittal crest, a pad of fibrous and fatty tissue on top of the head, have red crest coloration, their saddle appears silver, and they possess a silverline along their stomach. Here we measure levels of sexual dimorphism and within‐male variation of body length, head size, and sexual dichromatism in a population of wild western gorillas using photogrammetry. Digital photogrammetry is a useful and precise method to measure sexual dimorphism in physical traits yielding sexual dimorphism indices (ISD), similar to those derived from traditional measurements of skeletal remains. Silverbacks were on an average 1.23 times longer in body length than adult females. Sexual dimorphism of head size was highest in measures of crest size (max ISD: 60.4) compared with measures of facial height (max ISD: 24.7). The most sexually dimorphic head size measures also showed the highest within‐sex variation. We found no clear sex differences in crest coloration but there was large sexual dichromatism with high within‐male variation in saddle coloration and silverline size. Further studies should examine if these sexually dimorphic traits are honest signals of competitive ability and confer an advantage in reproductive success. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative morphometrics of the primate apical tuft
Authors: Mittra Erik S. , Smith Heather F. , Lemelin Pierre , Jungers William L.
Published: July 2007

The relationship between the structure and function of the primate apical tuft is poorly understood. This study addresses several hypotheses about apical tuft morphology using a large modern primate comparative sample. Two indices of tuft size are employed: expansion and robusticity. First, comparisons of relative apical tuft size were drawn among extant nonhuman primate groups in terms of locomotion and phylogenetic category. Both of these factors appear to play a role in apical tuft size among nonhuman primates. Suspensory primates and all platyrrhines had the smallest apical tufts, while terrestrial quadrupeds and all strepsirrhines (regardless of locomotor category) had the largest tufts. Similarly, hypotheses regarding the apical tufts of hominins, especially the large tufts of Neandertals were addressed using a comparison of modern warm‐ and cold‐adapted humans. The results showed that cold‐adapted populations possessed smaller apical tufts than did warm‐adapted groups. Therefore, the cold‐adaptation hypothesis for Neandertal distal phalangeal morphology is not supported. Also, early modern and Early Upper Paleolithic humans had apical tufts that were significantly less expanded and less robust than those of Neandertals. The hypothesis that a large apical tuft serves as support for an expanded digital pulp is supported by radiographic analysis of modern humans in that a significant correlation was discovered between the width of the apical tuft and the width of the pulp. The implications of these findings for hypotheses about the association of apical tuft size and tool making in the hominin fossil record are discussed. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mineral conversion and microstructure change in the melting process of Shenmu coal ash
Authors: Jianguo Yang , Furong Deng , Hong Zhao , Kefa Cen
Published: July 2007

China has rich reserves of Shenmu coal, which has the typical characteristic of low‐melting‐point ash. If used in the pulverized‐coal boiler of a power plant, Shenmu coal would cause serious slagging. In order to solve the slagging problem of Shenmu coal, the melting mechanism of Shenmu coal ash is studied in detail in this paper. One of the Shenmu coals – Wenjialiang coal – was selected for the study. On the basis of thermogravimetry‐differential scanning colorimetry (TG‐DSC) methods, the change of the coal ash's physicochemistry with temperature was studied. The typical temperature points in the melting process were obtained. Ash samples of the different temperature points were prepared in a high‐temperature furnace with parameters similar to those used in the TG‐DSC test, and were then cooled quickly in water. Later, the ash samples were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX) methods in detail. Wenjialiang coal ash started to melt at 980 °C. The ash was found to melt to a great extent at 1200 °C and formed a multiform microstructure. At 1260 °C, it was found to melt into a dense body with many pores, and formed a piece of vitreous body at 1340 °C. Anorthite and gehlenite are the intermediate products that exist between 980 and 1340 °C. They may be the main cause of the ash having low melting points, so that they could convert into a eutectic at low temperatures. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and characterization of homopolymers and copolymers from the family of polyphenylene oxides
Authors: Tran A. , Kruczek B.
Published: July 2007

Poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide), PDMPO, poly(2,6‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide), PDPPO, as well as their copolymers of different compositions, having both random and block structures, have been synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography. Solution‐cast films were prepared from all synthesized polymers using chloroform as a solvent. The thermal properties of the resulting films were characterized by differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, whereas their morphology was investigated using X‐ray diffraction. Ultimately, the potential of the synthesized polymers for gas separation was studied by examining gas permeation properties of the respective thin films in single gas permeation tests involving N2, O2, CH4, and CO2. In general, the O2 and CO2 permeability coefficients decrease with the PDPPO content. However, the largest drop in the permeability coefficients occurs between PDMPO and a copolymer having the lowest PDPPO content, and the permeability coefficients PDPPO are comparable or even lower than the permeability coefficients of the copolymers having the largest PDDPO content. On the basis of combination of the permeability coefficients and their ratios for CO2/CH4 and O2/N2, random copolymers appear to be a better candidate for gas separation membranes than their block counterparts. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Characterization of soy‐based polyurethane networks prepared with different diisocyanates and their blends with petroleum‐based polyols
Authors: Pechar Todd W. , Wilkes Garth L. , Zhou Bing , Luo Ning
Published: July 2007

Raw soybean oil was hydroxylated with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to prepare soy‐based polyols of various functionalities. These polyols were reacted with a modified diphenyl methane diisocyanate (Isonate 143L) to make polyurethane networks. The sol fractions decreased as the hydroxyl number of the polyol increased, and the glass‐transition temperatures increased with the hydroxyl number, as did the rubbery plateau storage modulus and Young's modulus of the networks. When the glass‐transition temperatures of each network were plotted as a function of the polyol's hydroxyl number, a linear relationship was observed over the range investigated. This trend closely matched that of our previous work with soy‐based polyurethane networks. A second series of networks was prepared with the same polyols but with different isocyanates. The nature of the crosslinker was shown to somewhat influence the sol fractions, glass‐transition temperatures, and stress–strain behavior of the networks. A linear relationship was recorded between the storage modulus at 125°C of a network and the average functionality of the polyol from which it was synthesized. Finally, two separate polyurethane networks were prepared through the blending of two polyols: one based on petroleum and the other based on soy. These networks were also characterized, and the compatibility of each blend was addressed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Hydrolyzed collagen‐based hydrogel with salt and pH‐responsiveness properties
Authors: Pourjavadi A. , Salimi H. , Kurdtabar M.
Published: July 2007

A novel hydrolyzed collagen‐based hydrogel has been prepared by grafting the binary mixture of acrylamide and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid onto the collagen backbone in the presence of a crosslinking agent. Its physicochemical properties in aqueous solution were studied. The effect of reaction variables on both gel content and swelling capacity was investigated to achieve a hydrogel with improved absorbency and gel content. The absorbency under load of optimized hydrogel was also investigated by using an absorbency under load tester at various applied pressures. The swelling ratio in various salt solutions was also determined and additionally, the swelling of hydrogels was measured in solutions with pH ranged 1–13. The synthesized hydrogel exhibited a pH‐responsiveness character so that a swelling‐collapsing pulsatile behavior was recorded at pH 2 and 8. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation, characterization, and metal ion retention capacity of Co(II) and Ni(II) from poly(p‐HO‐ and p‐Cl‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) using the ultra filtration technique
Authors: Pizarro Guadalupe del C. , Marambio Oscar G. , Jeria‐Orell Manuel , Oyarzún Diego P. , Rivas Bernabé L. , Habicher Wolf D.
Published: July 2007

p‐Chlorophenylmaleimide and p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate were synthesized by radical polymerization, and the metal ion retention capacity and thermal behavior of the copolymers were evaluated. The copolymers were obtained by solution radical polymerization with a 0.50 : 0.50 feed monomer ratio. The maximum retention capacity (MRC) for the removal of two metal ions, Co(II) and Ni(II) in aqueous phase were determined using the liquid‐phase polymer based retention technique. Inorganic ion interactions with the hydrophilic polymer were determined as a function of pH. The metal ion retention capacity does not depend strongly on the pH. Metal ion retention increased with an increase of pH for a copolymer composition 0.50 : 0.50. At different pH, the MRC of the poly(p‐chlorophenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 44.1 to 48.6 mg/g and from 41.5 mg/g to 46.0 mg/g, respectively; while the MRC of poly(p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 28.4 to 35.6 mg/g and from 27.2 to 30.8 mg/g, respectively. The copolymers and copolymer–metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermal behavior. The thermal behavior of the copolymer and polymer–metal complexes were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry techniques under nitrogen atmosphere. The thermal decomposition temperature and Tg were influenced by the binding‐metal ion on the copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous methotrexate in mutant Nagase analbuminemic rats
Authors: Choi Young H. , Bae Soo K. , Oh Jung M. , Kim Sun‐Ok , Lee Myung G.
Published: July 2007

It has been reported that the plasma (or serum) levels of albumin and globulins were lower and higher, respectively, than the serum levels in control rats. Hence, it could be expected that these changes could affect the renal clearance (Clr) of methotrexate in Nagase analbuminemic rats (NARs) due to changes in plasma protein binding values. Therefore, methotrexate at a dose of 100mg/kg was administered intravenously to control rats and NARs. The plasma protein binding of methotrexate in NARs was significantly greater (29.4% increase) than the controls, probably due to the considerable binding of the drug (34.2%) to 1.8% β‐plus 0.63% γ‐globulins. The Clr of methotrexate in NARs was significantly slower (36.1% decrease) than the controls, due to the significantly smaller Ae0–24h (25.8% decrease). The smaller Ae0–24h could be due to the significantly smaller free (unbound to plasma proteins) fractions of methotrexate in plasma (13.8% decrease) in NARs, since methotrexate was mainly excreted in the urine via glomerular filtration. However, the Clnr values were comparable between the control rats and NARs. This could be because methotrexate is not metabolized considerably via hepatic CYP isozymes based on control rats pretreated with SKF 525‐A (a nonspecific inhibitor of hepatic CYP isozymes in rats). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vermeidung von schädigender AKR durch Steinkohlenflugasche
Authors: Heinz Detlef , Urbonas Liudvikas , Schmidt Karl
Published: July 2007

Die Verwendung alkalireaktiver Gesteinskörnungen ist bislang nur in Kombination mit NA‐Zementen erlaubt. Dabei handelt es sich um Portlandzemente oder Hochofenzemente mit einem niedrigen wirksamen Alkaligehalt. Als weitere Möglichkeit, eine Schadreaktion zu vermeiden, wird seit langem die Verwendung von flugaschehaltigen Bindemitteln in Betracht gezogen. Diese Vorgehensweise hat auch bereits in internationale Regelwerke Eingang gefunden – bisher aber nicht in Deutschland. Das liegt daran, dass die Leistungsfähigkeit der Flugasche mit den in Deutschland verfügbaren Betonausgangsstoffen bisher noch nicht systematisch untersucht wurde.

Die folgenden Untersuchungsergebnisse zeigen, dass bei Verwendung von Flugaschen entsprechend DIN EN 450 kein AKR wirksamer Alkalieintrag in den Beton stattfindet. Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass bei ausreichenden Flugaschegehalten im Bindemittel eine schädigende AKR in Betonen mit langsam reagierenden, dichten Gesteinskörnungen vermieden werden kann.
Besonderheiten bei Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktionen in Betonfahrbahndecken
Authors: Breitenbücher Rolf
Published: July 2007

In den letzten Jahren sind Rissbildungen in Betonfahrbahndecken mehrfach mit einer Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion (AKR) in Verbindung gebracht worden. Die Risse sind nur in den seltensten Fällen einzig auf eine AKR zurückzuführen. Vielmehr ist davon auszugehen, dass sie durch Überlagerung mehrerer Spannungsquellen hervorgerufen wurden.

Dennoch sind Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktionen bei Betonfahrbahndecken nicht zu vernachlässigen. Als Besonderheit kommt hier einer externen Alkalizufuhr eine wesentliche Bedeutung zu. Die in den Wintermonaten aufgestreuten alkalihaltigen Taumittel werden durch den nachfolgenden Verkehr mehr oder weniger intensiv in den Beton eingewalkt. Dabei kann das Eindringen der Alkalien durch Vorschädigungen (Risse) nachhaltig begünstigt werden. Unter diesen Randbedingungen sind bei Betonfahrbahndecken zur Vermeidung von schädigenden Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktionen weiterreichendere Maßnahmen als bei herkömmlichen Betonbauteilen notwendig. Solche wurden zwischenzeitlich vom BMVBS mit einem einschlägigen Rundschreiben erlassen. Die darin enthaltenen Vorgaben beziehen sich insbesondere auf die Bewertung von kritischen Gesteinskörnungen und auf den zulässigen Alkaligehalt der Zemente. Die Regelungen dieses Erlasses beruhen zunächst auf allgemeinen empirisch gewonnenen Erkenntnissen. Der tatsächliche Einfluss der Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion auf die Rissbildung in Betonfahrbahndecken wird derzeit in Forschungsprojekten untersucht.
AKR‐Prüfverfahren: Auf dem Weg zur Performance‐Prüfung
Authors: Müller Christoph , Borchers Ingmar , Eickschen Eberhard
Published: July 2007

Zur Vermeidung einer schädigenden Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion (AKR) in Betonbauwerken muss die Empfindlichkeit von Gesteinskörnungen gegenüber Alkalien bekannt sein. Dann können bei reaktiven Gesteinskörnungen vorbeugende Maßnahmen ergriffen werden. Die Prüfung der Alkaliempfindlichkeit dichter Gesteinskörnungen erfolgte in der Vergangenheit im Betonversuch mit Nebelkammerlagerung (40 °C). Vergleichende Untersuchungen mit einer Lagerung im Außenlager bestätigen, dass reaktive Gesteinkörnungen, die nach Teil 3 der Alkali‐Richtlinie des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton (DAfStb) zu prüfen sind, in der Laborprüfung identifiziert werden können. Für eine schnelle Beurteilung kann der Betonversuch bei 60 °C über Wasser (60 °C‐Betonversuch) als Alternative eingesetzt werden. Seine Eignung wurde in einem Vergleich mit Betonversuchen mit Nebelkammerlagerung (40 °C) bestätigt.

Um Gesteinskörnungen oder Zemente nicht unnötig von der Verwendung auszuschließen und ggf. eine Alkalizufuhr von außen zu simulieren, ist die Prüfung der Eignung einer Betonzusammensetzung in Performance‐Prüfungen notwendig. Die Prüfung ermöglicht eine Aussage, ob mit einer konkreten Betonzusammensetzung in Abhängigkeit von der Exposition bzw. Feuchtigkeitsklasse die Gefahr besteht, dass eine schädigende AKR auftritt. Zur Entwicklung eines Performance‐Prüfverfahrens wurden im Forschungsinstitut der Zementindustrie (FIZ) u. a. Bohrkerne aus geschädigten und ungeschädigten Betonfahrbahndecken in Betonversuchen mit Nebelkammerlagerung (40 °C) und bei 60 °C über Wasser mit und ohne Alkalizufuhr von außen untersucht.
Übergreifungsstöße von Betonstahl in selbstverdichtendem Beton
Authors: Hegger Josef , Kommer Boris
Published: July 2007

Es werden die für Normalbeton bekannten Rechenmodelle zur Abbildung des Tragverhaltens von Übergreifungsstößen zug‐ und druckbeanspruchter Betonstähle hinsichtlich der Übertragbarkeit auf Bauteile aus selbstverdichtendem Beton (SVB) überprüft. Die Untersuchungen konzentrieren sich auf zwei in der Praxis übliche selbstverdichtende Betone, den Mehlkorntyp mit Kalksteinmehl und den Kombinationstyp mit Flugasche. In Abhängigkeit von der bezogenen Übergreifungslänge ls/ds werden der Übertragungsmechanismus sowie die Verteilung der Verbund‐, Stahl‐ und Betonspannungen im Stoßbereich untersucht. Das Forschungsvorhaben wurde aus Mitteln des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton (DAfStb – V429) gefördert.
Die Seele auf der Bühne der Justiz. Die Entstehung der Kriminalpsychologie im 19. Jahrhundert und ihre interdisziplinäre Erforschung
Authors: Vec Miloš
Published: July 2007

The mind on the stage of justice: The formation of criminal psychology in the 19th century and its interdisciplinary research. – Criminal psychology emerges at the end of the 18th century as a new academic discipline in lectures and publications. It has recently been investigated by a considerable number of contributions from researchers of different academic backgrounds. In many respects criminal psychology can be seen as a predecessor of criminology. Its subject is the analysis of the origins of crime and its causes and determinants in the human mind. Criminal psychology embraced at that time philosophical, medical, legal and biological aspects. The latter increase in importance in the second half of the 19th century. The conditions of individual responsibility were generally codified in penal law, but had to be individually investigated in crucial cases through expertise in court. There a conflict emerged between medical experts and judges about their ability and competence to decide. At the end of the 19th century criminal psychology is used to fulfil the needs and interests of a criminal law which understands itself as increasingly utilitarian. Force and new instruments of treatment of offenders were legitimized by scientists who were very optimistic about their own epistemological abilities.
Kinetics of in vivo bone deposition by bone marrow stromal cells within a resorbable porous calcium phosphate scaffold: An X‐ray computed microtomography study
Authors: Papadimitropoulos A. , Mastrogiacomo M. , Peyrin F. , Molinari E. , Komlev V.S. , Rustichelli F. , Cancedda R.
Published: July 2007

Resorbable ceramic scaffolds based on Silicon stabilized tricalcium phosphate (Si‐TCP) were seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and ectopically implanted for 2, 4, and 6 months in immunodeficient mice. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the scaffold material was performed by X‐ray synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (microCT) with a spatial resolution lower than 5 µm. Unique to these experiments was that microCT data were first collected on the scaffolds before implantation and then on the same scaffolds after they were seeded with BMSC, implanted in the mice and rescued after different times. Volume fraction, mean thickness and thickness distribution were evaluated for both new bone and scaffold phases as a function of the implantation time. New bone thickness increased from week 8 to week 16. Data for the implanted scaffolds were compared with those derived from the analysis of the same scaffolds prior to implantation and with data derived from 100% hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold treated and analyzed in the same way. At variance with findings with the 100% HA scaffolds a significant variation in the density of the different Si‐TCP scaffold regions in the pre‐ and post‐implantation samples was observed. In particular a post‐implantation decrease in the density of the scaffolds, together with major changes in the scaffold phase composition, was noticeable in areas adjacent to newly formed bone. Histology confirmed a better integration between new bone and scaffold in the Si‐TCP composites in comparison to 100% HA composites where new bone and scaffold phases remained well distinct. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 271–281. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and application of an oscillatory compression device for cell constructs
Authors: Cassino Theresa R. , Anderson Roger , Love Brian J. , Huckle William R. , Seamans Diane K. , Forsten‐Williams Kimberly
Published: July 2007

Mechanical compression has been shown to impact cell activity; however a need for a single device to perform a broader range of parametric studies exists. We have developed an oscillatory displacement controlled device to uniaxially strain cell constructs under both static and dynamic compression and used this device to investigate gene expression in cell constructs. The device has a wide stroke (0.25–4 mm) and frequency range (0.1–3 Hz) and several loading waveforms are possible. Alginate cellular constructs with embedded equine chondrocytes were tested and viability was maintained for the 24 h test period. Off‐line mechanical testing is described and a modulus value of 18.2 ± 1.3 kPa found for alginate disks which indicates the level of stress achieved with this deformation profile. Static (15% strain) and dynamic (15% strain, 1 Hz, triangle waveform) testing of chondrocyte constructs was performed and static compression showed significantly higher collagen II expression than dynamic using quantitative RT‐PCR. In contrast, differences in matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) expression were statistically insignificant. These studies indicate the utility of our device for studying cell activity in response to compression and suggest further studies regarding how the load and strain spectrum impact chondrocyte activity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 211–220. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salvage oesophagectomy after local failure of definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Gardner-Thorpe J , Hardwick R H , Dwerryhouse S J
Published: July 2007

Background

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is one treatment option for locally advanced oesophageal carcinoma. CRT typically consists of high-dose (50–66 Gy) external beam radiotherapy concurrent with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. When definitive CRT fails to achieve local control, salvage oesophagectomy is frequently the only treatment available that can offer a chance of long-term survival.

Methods

Online databases were searched for publications relating to salvage oesophagectomy and definitive CRT. Nine series containing a total of 105 patients were reviewed. Demographics, indications for surgery, type of resection, complications and outcome data were extracted.

Results

Each centre performed one to three salvage resections per year comprising 1·7–4·1 per cent of the oesophagectomy workload. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 17·1 per cent. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11·4 per cent. Five-year survival rates of 25–35 per cent were achieved. Prognostic factors for increased survival were R0 resection (P = 0·006) and longer interval between CRT and recurrence (P = 0·002).

Conclusion

Salvage resection after CRT is feasible for selected patients but is a formidable undertaking. Restaging investigations after CRT for potentially resectable tumours in fit candidates should include endoscopy and positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Salvage oesophagectomy is carried out with the goal of cure and it should be attempted only if an R0 resection is technically possible.
Genomic variants of TLR1 – It takes (TLR‐)two to tango
Authors: Schumann Ralf R. , Tapping Richard I.
Published: July 2007

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are innate immune sensors of microbial cell wall products that initiate early host responses. The TLR2 receptor complex has been shown to contain heterodimers of TLR2 with either TLR1 or TLR6 enabling the host to detect different microbial molecules, such as lipopeptides of different chemical composition. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, an important role in the sensing of microbial products for I602S, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in human TLR1 has been identified. This result, in combination with another recently published report on this polymorphism elucidating a functional role in cell trafficking (surface expression of the receptor complex in individuals carrying the SNP was altered), provide genetic evidence affirming the important function of TLR1 as an essential co‐receptor for TLR2.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji200737034
The needs of carers of patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Graap Holmer , Bleich Stefan , Herbst Florian , Trostmann Yvonne , Wancata Johannes , de Zwaan Martina
Published: July 2007

Objective

This study aims to assess the degree of distress and the need for support of carers of patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa (BN).

Methods

Thirty‐two carers filled out the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) and the Burden Inventory (BI). In addition, they were interviewed with a semi‐structured research interview, the Carers' Needs Assessment (CNA), to assess relevant problem areas as well as the needs for helpful interventions. Patients were interviewed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) to assess the severity of the eating disorder. All patients met criteria for anorexia (n = 16) or BN (n = 16) according to DSM‐IV criteria.

Results

The mean duration of illness was 5.6 years. The mean age of the carers was 41 years. Most of the carers were mothers or partners. In the CNA we found high numbers of problems as well as high numbers of needed interventions. The most frequently mentioned problem area was ‘disappointment caused by the chronic course of the illness, concerns about the patient's future’ and the most frequently reported need for support was ‘counselling and support by a professional’. In three problem areas carers of persons suffering from anorexia nervosa (AN) reported significantly higher scores than carers of persons suffering from BN.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that carers themselves have high levels of needs which are usually not addressed in clinical practice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Weight curves as predictors of short‐term outcome in anorexia nervosa inpatients
Authors: Mewes Ricarda , Tagay Sefik , Senf Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Objective

The aim of the present study was to find factors that predict the short‐term outcome of inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

Female inpatients with AN (N = 100) were divided into treatment completers (N = 50) and drop‐outs (N = 50). Using stepwise linear regression the relationship of demographic data, illness history and patterns of weight gain to BMI gain up to discharge were analysed.

Results

Among drop‐outs, 69% of the variance in BMI gain up to discharge was explained by length of the first half of treatment (FHT), average weekly BMI gain and average weight loss during FHT. Among completers, 52% of the variance in BMI gain up to discharge was explained by BMI at admission and average weekly BMI gain during the second half of treatment (SHT).

Discussion

Weight curves offer important information about short‐term outcome for patients with AN. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Downregulation of RAD17 in head and neck cancer
Authors: Zhao Ming , Begum Shahnaz , Ha Patrick K. , Westra William , Califano Joseph
Published: July 2007

Background.

DNA repair genes play a critical role in maintaining genome stability and have been implicated in tumorigenesis. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often shows chromosomal instability. We examined the expression of human RAD17, a DNA damage cell cycle checkpoint gene, in primary head and neck cancer tissue.

Methods.

Significance analysis of microarrays was applied to expression array results examining more than 12,000 genes in 7 samples of primary HNSCC and 6 samples of normal control oral epithelial tissue. Additional confirmation was performed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in these samples and western blot with an additional 12 primary HNSCC and 7 normal samples, followed by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis and quantitative PCR at the RAD17 locus.

Results.

Multiple checkpoint and DNA repair genes were downregulated in primary head and neck tumor tissue compared with normal control epithelial tissue, including hRAD17. Its Z‐score and fold change were −2.5 and 0.39, respectively. The results of normalized, quantitative RT‐PCR showed decreased expression of hRAD17 mRNA in tumor tissue (mean value 0.2166) when compared with normal tissue (mean value 0.3957, p < .05). Western blot demonstrated undetectable expression of hRAD17 protein in primary tumor tissue (0/12), while there was strong expression of hRAD17 protein in normal oral mucosal tissue (6/7). To determine possible mechanisms of inactivation, the hRAD17 locus at 5q13 was analyzed using microsatellite markers, showing 70% LOH in 30 primary HNSCCs. Quantitative PCR showed that RAD17 DNA copy number was decreased in the majority of head and neck tumor tissue samples.

Conclusion.

Loss of hRAD17 expression occurs frequently in HNSCC, is often due to genomic deletion, and may facilitate genomic instability in HNSCC. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Ewing sarcoma of the mandibular condyle: Multidisciplinary management optimizes outcome
Authors: Solomon Lynn W. , Frustino Jennifer L. , Loree Thom R. , Brecher Martin L. , Alberico Ronald A. , Sullivan Maureen
Published: July 2007

Background.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare, primary malignancy of bone that occurs in childhood and early adolescence. Improved methods of diagnosis and treatment have dramatically increased survival over the last 20 years. Treatment mainstays are chemotherapy and surgical tumor resection. ES usually occurs in long bones of the axial skeleton; however, it may rarely arise in facial structures, particularly the mandible. In these cases, resection presents a challenging postsurgical reconstruction.

Methods and Results.

We present the clinical findings and management of a case of ES that developed in the left mandibular condyle of a 15‐year‐old female. Chemotherapy and segmental mandibulectomy were used to achieve local control. An innovative temporomandibular joint reconstruction was successfully accomplished using a microvascular fibular free flap and conchal cartilage graft.

Conclusion.

Multidisciplinary management in diagnosis, treatment, and restoration of function produced an optimal result that eliminated disease and preserved aesthetics and quality of life. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Concurrent platinum‐based chemotherapy and simultaneous modulated accelerated radiation therapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base
Authors: Lawson Joshua D. , Otto Kristen , Chen Amy , Shin Dong M. , Davis Lawrence , Johnstone Peter A. S.
Published: July 2007

Background.

Randomized data support use of chemotherapy concurrently with radiation in treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is increasingly being used to deliver such radiotherapy; no published reports specifically describe results of chemotherapy with IMRT for SCC of the base of tongue (BOT). We present outcomes data using simultaneous modulated accelerated radiation therapy (SMART) combined with platinum‐based chemotherapy in treatment of locally advanced SCC of the BOT

Methods.

The records of the Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Department of Emory University were screened for patients undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy for SCC of the BOT. Radiation Oncology records were reviewed for dosimetry and prescription data. Hospital and clinic records were reviewed for control and toxicity data. All patients were treated definitively with platinum‐based chemotherapy and once‐daily RT. Median dose and dose per fraction to sites of gross primary or nodal disease, clinically involved neck, and clinically uninvolved neck were 70.29 Gy (2.13 Gy/fx), 63.03 Gy (1.91 Gy/fx), and 57.75 Gy (1.75 Gy/fx), respectively

Results.

Between January 2003 and August 2005, 34 patients underwent definitive therapy for SCC of the BOT using SMART and chemotherapy. Follow‐up was documented in all cases (median, 20.1 months). There have been 3 distant failures and 3 locoregional failures

Conclusion.

With moderate follow‐up, chemotherapy and SMART contributes to excellent results, with 24‐month actuarial overall survival and local control of 90% and 92%, respectively. Toxicity may be increased, however, with 15% of patients developing esophageal stricture or stenosis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Fas single nucleotide polymorphisms and risk of thyroid and salivary gland carcinomas: A case‐control analysis
Authors: Ho Tang , Li Guojun , Zhao Chong , Zheng Rong , Wei Qingyi , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: July 2007

Background.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between 4 Fas single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and salivary gland carcinoma (SGC).

Methods.

We conducted a case‐control study including 279 DTC cases, 165 benign thyroid disease (BTD) cases, 154 SGC cases, 61 benign salivary gland disease (BSGD) cases, and 510 controls.

Results.

The A744G SNP genotype distribution was significantly different between subjects with SGC or BSGD and controls, while that of the A18272G SNP was significantly different between subjects with DTC or SGC and controls. Risk of SGC was significantly elevated for the 22628 heterozygous CT genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, p = .050), and risk of BSGD was elevated for the 22628 homozygous TT genotype (OR = 2.9, p = .023).

Conclusion.

Fas C22628T SNP may be associated with risk of SGC and BSGD, but none of the investigated Fas SNPs was associated with risk of DTC. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Spontaneous regression of cutaneous head and neck melanoma: Implications for the immunologic control of neoplasia
Authors: Dunn Gavin P. , Lewis James S. , Sunwoo John B. , Uppaluri Ravindra
Published: July 2007

Background.

Spontaneous regression of cancer in the head and neck is a rare event. Moreover, there are rare reported cases of spontaneous regression of primary head and neck melanoma with accompanying immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor.

Methods.

We used detailed preoperative and postoperative pathologic examination of a lesion in the right supraclavicular region.

Results.

Pathologic examination of the initial specimen identified a melanoma of superficial spreading type with vertical growth and a thickness of 1.8 mm. The excised specimen demonstrated a complete regression of the melanoma with a florid host inflammatory response predominantly composed of a histiocytic reaction.

Conclusion.

The case presented illustrates histopathologic findings occurring in a head and neck melanoma as it is undergoing spontaneous regression. These findings point to a potentially critical role for histiocytes in effecting tumor elimination. Pathologic analysis of spontaneous head and neck melanoma regression will ultimately facilitate an improved understanding of naturally‐occurring tumor elimination. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus among San Francisco injection drug users, 1998 to 2000
Authors: Tseng Fan-Chen , O'Brien Thomas R. , Zhang Mingdong , Kral Alex H. , Ortiz-Conde Betty A. , Lorvick Jennifer , Busch Michael P. , Edlin Brian R.
Published: July 2007

Previous studies suggest that most injection drug users (IDUs) become infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) soon after initiating drug use. The Urban Health Study (UHS) recruited serial cross-sections of IDUs in the San Francisco Bay area from 1986 to 2005. In the current study, we determined the prevalence of antibody to HCV and HBV (core) among UHS participants during 1998 to 2000. To examine whether the time from onset of injection to acquisition of viral hepatitis has increased, we also compared the findings among recent (<10 years) initiates to drug use who participated during 1998–2000 with those who participated in 1987. Of 2,296 IDUs who participated during 1998–2000, 91.1% had antibody to HCV and 80.5% to HBV. The number of years a person had injected drugs strongly predicted infection with either virus (

P

trend < 0.0001). HCV seroprevalence among recent initiates in 1998–2000, by years of injection drug use, was: ≤2, 46.8%; 3 to 5, 72.4%; 6 to 9, 71.3%. By comparison, HCV seroprevalence among 1987 participants was: ≤2 years, 75.9%; 3 to 5, 85.7%; 6 to 9, 91.1% (

P

< 0.0001). A consistent pattern was observed for HBV (

P

< 0.0001), and these findings were not explained by demographic differences between 1987 and 1998–2000 participants. During 1987, however, 58.7% of recent initiates had shared syringes within the past 30 days compared with 33.6% during 1998–2000 (

P

< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

HCV and HBV seroprevalence among newer initiates to injection drug use in the San Francisco Bay area decreased markedly between 1987 and 1998–2000. This decrease coincided with the implementation of prevention activities among this population. (Hepatology 2007.)
Overexpression and role of the ATPase and putative DNA helicase RuvB-like 2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rousseau Benoît , Ménard Ludovic , Haurie Valérie , Taras Danièle , Blanc Jean-Frédéric , Moreau-Gaudry François , Metzler Philippe , Hugues Michel , Boyault Sandrine , Lemière Sylvie , Canron Xavier , Costet Pierre , Cole Michael , Balabaud Charles , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Rosenbaum Jean
Published: July 2007

Using a proteomic analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we identified the overexpression in 4 tumors of RuvB-like 2 (RUVBL2), an ATPase and putative DNA helicase known to interact with β-catenin and cellular v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c-myc). RUVBL2 expression was further analyzed in tumors with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry; in addition, RUVBL2 expression in a HuH7 cell line was silenced by small interfering RNA or increased with a lentiviral vector. RUVBL2 messenger RNA overexpression was confirmed in 72 of 96 HCC cases, and it was associated with poorly differentiated tumors (

P

= 0.02) and a poor prognosis (

P

= 0.02) but not with β-catenin mutations or c-myc levels. Although RUVBL2 was strictly nuclear in normal hepatocytes, tumoral hepatocytes exhibited additional cytoplasmic staining. There was no mutation in the coding sequence of RUVBL2 in 10 sequenced cases. Silencing RUVBL2 in HuH7 HCC cells reduced cell growth (

P

< 0.001) and increased apoptosis, as shown by DNA fragmentation (

P

< 0.001) and caspase 3 activity (

P

< 0.005). This was associated with an increased expression of several proapoptotic genes and with an increased conformational activation of Bak-1 and Bax. On the other hand, HuH7 cells with an overexpression of RUVBL2 grew better in soft agar (

P

< 0.03), had increased resistance to C2 ceramide–induced apoptosis (

P

< 0.001), and gave rise to significantly larger tumors when injected into immunodeficient Rag2/γc mice (

P

= 0.016).

Conclusion:

RUVBL2 is overexpressed in a large majority of HCCs. RUVBL2 overexpression enhances tumorigenicity, and RUVBL2 is required for tumor cell viability. These results argue for a major role of RUVBL2 in liver carcinogenesis. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Differential priming of CD8 and CD4 T-cells in animal models of autoimmune hepatitis and cholangitis
Authors: Derkow Katja , Loddenkemper Christoph , Mintern Justine , Kruse Nils , Klugewitz Katja , Berg Thomas , Wiedenmann Bertram , Ploegh Hidde L. , Schott Eckart
Published: July 2007

The pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases is poorly understood. Animal models are necessary to investigate antigen presentation and priming of T-cells in the context of autoimmunity in the liver. Transgenic mouse models were generated in which the model antigen ovalbumin is expressed in hepatocytes (TF-OVA) or cholangiocytes (ASBT-OVA). Transgenic OT-I (CD8) or OT-II (CD4) T-cells specific for ovalbumin were adoptively transferred into TF-OVA and ASBT-OVA mice to induce

in vivo

priming of antigen-specific T-cells. T-cell migration and activation, as well as induction of liver inflammation, were studied. OT-I T-cells preferentially located to the liver of both mouse strains whereas no migration of OT-II T-cells to the liver was observed. OT-I T-cells proliferated in the liver of TF-OVA mice and the liver and liver draining lymph nodes of ASBT-OVA mice. OT-II CD4 T-cells were activated in spleen and liver draining lymph node of TF-OVA mice but not in ASBT-OVA mice. Transfer of OT-I T-cells led to histologically distinct inflammatory conditions in the liver of ASBT-OVA and TF-OVA mice and caused liver injury as determined by the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase.

Conclusion:

An antigen expressed in hepatocytes is presented to CD8 and CD4 T-cells, whereas the same antigen expressed in cholangiocytes is presented to CD8 but not CD4 T-cells. In both models, activation of CD8 T-cells occurs within the liver and causes liver inflammation. The models presented here are valuable to investigate the priming of T-cells in the liver and their role in the development of autoimmune disease of the liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Antimitochondrial antibodies in acute liver failure: Implications for primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Leung Patrick S. C. , Rossaro Lorenzo , Davis Paul A. , Park Ogyi , Tanaka Atsushi , Kikuchi Kentaro , Miyakawa Hiroshi , Norman Gary L. , Lee William , Gershwin Eric M.
Published: July 2007

In our previous work, including analysis of more than 10,000 sera from control patients and patients with a variety of liver diseases, we have demonstrated that with the use of recombinant autoantigens, antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMAs) are only found in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and that a positive AMA is virtually pathognomonic of either PBC or future development of PBC. Although the mechanisms leading to the generation of AMA are enigmatic, we have postulated that xenobiotic-induced and/or oxidative modification of mitochondrial autoantigens is a critical step leading to loss of tolerance. This thesis suggests that a severe liver oxidant injury would lead to AMA production. We analyzed 217 serum samples from 69 patients with acute liver failure (ALF) collected up to 24 months post-ALF, compared with controls, for titer and reactivity with the E2 subunits of pyruvate dehydrogenase, branched chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase, and 2-oxo-glutarate dehydrogenase. AMAs were detected in 28/69 (40.6%) ALF patients with reactivity found against all of the major mitochondrial autoantigens. In addition, and as further controls, sera were analyzed for autoantibodies to gp210, Sp100, centromere, chromatin, soluble liver antigen, tissue transglutaminase, and deaminated gliadin peptides; the most frequently detected nonmitochondrial autoantibody was against tissue transglutaminase (57.1% of ALF patients).

Conclusion:

The strikingly high frequency of AMAs in ALF supports the thesis that oxidative stress-induced liver damage may lead to AMA induction. The rapid disappearance of AMAs in these patients provides further support for the contention that PBC pathogenesis requires additional factors, including genetic susceptibility.
Association of the SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase with the DNA methyltransferase 1 at mRNA expression level in primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Kang Mi Yeon , Lee Bo Bin , Kim Young‐Ho , Chang Dong Kyoung , Kyu Park Seo , Chun Ho‐Kyung , Song Sang Yong , Park Joobae , Kim Duk‐Hwan
Published: July 2007

This study was aimed at investigating the involvement of the SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase on the epigenetic change of euchromatic promoter in colorectal cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the mRNA levels of SUV39H1 and the promoter methylation of the p14ARF, p16INK4a and HLTF genes as well as the mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in fresh frozen tissues from 219 colorectal cancer patients. The mRNA levels of the SUV39H1 and DNMT1 were assessed via quantitative real‐time PCR and the methylation profiles of the CpG islands were determined using methylation‐specific PCR. The mRNA levels of SUV39H1 and DNMT1 were elevated in 25% and 42% of 219 colorectal cancers, respectively. The hypermethylation of the p14ARF, p16INK4a and HLTF genes occurred in 36%, 51% and 34% of the patients. The elevated mRNA levels of SUV39H1 were not associated with the hypermethylation of the 3 genes. However, the mRNA levels of DNMT1 were significantly different between patients with elevated mRNA levels of SUV39H1 and those without (1.62 ± 0.84, 0.91 ± 0.81, respectively; p = 0.007). Patients with elevated mRNA levels of SUV39H1 showed a higher prevalence of DNMT1 elevation than those without (61 vs. 35%, p = 0.0008). Patients with an elevated mRNA level of SUV39H1 had a 2.71 (95% CI = 1.09–4.48, p = 0.002) times greater risk of an elevated mRNA level of DNMT1, after controlling for age and gender. In conclusion, the present study suggests that SUV39H1 is significantly associated with DNMT1, but not with euchromatic promoter methylation in colorectal cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.