bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal oxidation of metallocene‐catalyzed poly(ethylene octene) by a rheological method
Authors: Yang Kai , Yu Wei , Zhou Chixing
Published: April 2007

The thermal oxidation of a metallocene‐catalyzed poly(ethylene octene) (POE) melt was studied by a dynamic rheological method. Furthermore, to prove the effect of oxygen on the thermal oxidation of POE, cyclic samples, which consisted of virgin POE in the outer circle and POE with antioxidant inside, were made. The results showed that a thermal‐oxidation‐induced crosslinking reaction occurred in the POE melt at a high temperature. The amount of the antioxidant determined the thermal oxidation of POE when the antioxidant was added, and the diffusion of oxygen controlled the thermal oxidation of POE without the antioxidant. In addition, Fourier transform infrared and gel content characterization confirmed that the crosslinking occurred and that carbonyl groups formed in the reaction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Fluoroquinolon‐type antibiotic treatment of PAN and cationic‐dyeable PET fibers for infection resistant materials
Authors: Choi Hyung‐Min
Published: April 2007

Commercial poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) and cationic‐dyeable poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were dyed with a fluoroquinolon‐type antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), to develop infection resistant biomedical materials. Regular PET fiber was also treated as a comparison purpose. Experimental parameters examined were different dyeing temperatures, times, and pHs. To investigate effect of hydrolysis on Cipro sorption, the fibers were hydrolyzed by 1% NaOH for 1 or 2 h at 85°C and 100°C. Regardless of pH conditions, both PAN fibers (Orlon and Acrilan) sorbed high level of Cipro at 100°C for 3.5 h, but zone of inhibition (ZOI) value reached zero at 4 h of wash time. Contrarily, the presence of additional functional groups in PAN and cationic‐dyeable PET obtained by hydrolysis not only considerably enhanced sorption of Cipro but also provided much better sustained release, indicated by high ZOI value at 24 h of wash time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effect of cationization reagents on the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrum of Chinese gallotannins
Authors: Xiang Ping , Lin Yiming , Lin Peng , Xiang Cheng , Yang Zhiwei , Lu Zhongmin
Published: April 2007

In this study, Chinese gallotannins were characterized by MALDI‐TOF MS, and effects of cationization reagents on the quality of spectra were investigated. The trideca‐ and tetradeca‐galloyl glucoses were observed in Chinese gallotannins, which could not be detected in earlier studies. When Cs+ was used as the cationization reagent, Chinese gallotannins gave a relatively simple MALDI‐TOF spectrum, three series of quasimolecular ions [M + Cs]+, [M + 2Cs–H]+, and [M + 3Cs–2H]+ and a series of metastable ion peaks with minimum abundance were detected. Selection of Na+ as the cationization reagent, additional three series of ion peaks including two patterns from the fragmentation and complex 2M adducts [2M + Na]+ can be distinguished. In the case of no deionization or addition of cationization reagent to the analyte/matrix, naturally abundant Na+ and K+ as the cationization reagent, [M + Na]+ and [M + K]+ molecular ions both appeared in the complicated spectrum. Therefore, we conclude that cationization reagents affect the MALDI‐TOF MS spectrum of Chinese gallotannins significantly. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
In VitroandIn Vivopharmacokinetic studies of bulaquine (analogue of primaquine), a novel antirelapse antimalarial, in rat, rabbit and monkey—highlighting species similarities and differences
Authors: Mehrotra Nitin , Lal Jawahar , Puri Sunil Kumar , Madhusudanan Kunnath P. , Gupta Ram Chandra
Published: April 2007

Bulaquine (BQ) is a potent antirelapse antimalarial developed by CDRI, India. Bulaquine was rapidly absorbed in rats and rabbits with no distinct absorption phase while in monkeys a variable irregular absorption profile was observed. BQ was extensively converted to primaquine (PQ) after oral administration and the conversion was maximum in rats and minimum in rabbits, which is possibly due to the species difference. Clearance was higher in rats (3.2 l/h/kg) than in rabbits and monkeys (1.2 l/h/kg) and it was found be negligibly excreted in rat urine and feces. The elimination half‐life in rats and rabbits was comparable after both oral and i.v. administration (∼1.2 h). In all three species, PQ was resident in the body for a period longer than BQ. PQ, being the major active metabolite of BQ, might be responsible for the extended therapeutic effect of BQ. The oral bioavailability of BQ was 3.12%, 5.3% and 12% in rats, rabbits and monkeys, respectively, which could be mainly due to the high instability of BQ at acidic pH as demonstrated from a simulated gastric fluid stability study. Protein binding in various species was in the range 50–65% while the partition coefficient between RBCs and plasma (Krbc/pl) was between 0.75 and 1, indicating significant RBC uptake. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unpacking perceived control in risk perception: the mediating role of anticipated regret
Authors: Nordgren Loran F. , van der Pligt Joop , van Harreveld Frenk
Published: April 2007

Perception of control has been a fundamental construct in research on risk‐taking behavior. It has been shown, for example, that people tend to underestimate risks that are under their control. Despite its importance, surprisingly, little attention has been paid to what is actually meant by control. In three studies, we argue that the common conceptualization of perceived control is too broad as it fails to distinguish between two distinct aspects of control ‘command over exposure to the risk itself (volition)’ and ‘command over the outcome (control)’. Thus, whether the risk is imposed or freely chosen likely differs from, and has different consequences for, the ability to exert influence over a risky behavior, once it has been initiated. Using a wide variety of risk behaviors (e.g., ecstasy use, unsafe sex), we demonstrate that volition and control exert opposing influence on risk perception: control decreases perceived risk while volition increases perceived risk. This latter prediction is counterintuitive and is explained in terms of the mediating role of anticipated regret: voluntary appraisals elicit anticipated regret, which, in turn, increases perceived risk. This work highlights the dynamic relationship between risk characteristics and anticipated emotion in guiding the perception of risk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stoichiometry of biological nitrogen transformations in wetlands and other ecosystems
Authors: Zhou Shaoqi
Published: April 2007

The stoichiometric equations of ammonification, nitrification and denitrification have demonstrated that the nitrogen cycle in nature is rather complicated. The mechanisms of biological nitrogen transformations are very important for analysis, design, operation and optimal control of natural ecosystems or engineered systems for nitrogen removal, and accurate stoichiometric equations can help in the maintenance of these environments. In this study, the new stoichiometric equations of intermediate nitrification, and heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification with sulfur as the electron donor have been developed and discussed. The parameter values of fs (the fraction of electron donor coupled to cell synthesis) in stoichiometric equations of nitrification and denitrification are calculated according to experimental results implied in previously reported stoichiometric equations. Some new stoichiometric relationships of nitrification and denitrification, such as the O2 demand for nitrifications, chemical oxygen demand/N ratios and the yield coefficients for denitrifications have been established. The pathway steps of nitrification and denitrification have been discussed.
Putting microbes to work: Dairy fermentation, cell factories and bioactive peptides. Part II: Bioactive peptide functions
Authors: Hayes Maria , Stanton Catherine , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Ross R. Paul
Published: April 2007

A variety of milk‐derived biologically active peptides have been shown to exert both functional and physiological roles in vitro and in vivo, and because of this are of particular interest for food science and nutrition applications. Biological activities associated with such peptides include immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti‐hypertensive and opioid‐like properties. Milk proteins are recognized as a primary source of bioactive peptides, which can be encrypted within the amino acid sequence of dairy proteins, requiring proteolysis for release and activation. Fermentation of milk proteins using the proteolytic systems of lactic acid bacteria is an attractive approach for generation of functional foods enriched in bioactive peptides given the low cost and positive nutritional image associated with fermented milk drinks and yoghurt. In Part II of this review, we focus on examples of milk‐derived bioactive peptides and their associated health benefits, to illustrate the potential of this area for the design and improvement of future functional foods.
Insulin structure and function
Authors: Mayer John P. , Zhang Faming , DiMarchi Richard D.
Published: April 2007

Throughout much of the last century insulin served a central role in the advancement of peptide chemistry, pharmacology, cell signaling and structural biology. These discoveries have provided a steadily improved quantity and quality of life for those afflicted with diabetes. The collective work serves as a foundation for the development of insulin analogs and mimetics capable of providing more tailored therapy. Advancements in patient care have been paced by breakthroughs in core technologies, such as semisynthesis, high performance chromatography, rDNA‐biosynthesis and formulation sciences. How the structural and conformational dynamics of this endocrine hormone elicit its biological response remains a vigorous area of study. Numerous insulin analogs have served to coordinate structural biology and biochemical signaling to provide a first level understanding of insulin action. The introduction of broad chemical diversity to the study of insulin has been limited by the inefficiency in total chemical synthesis, and the inherent limitations in rDNA‐biosynthesis and semisynthetic approaches. The goals of continued investigation remain the delivery of insulin therapy where glycemic control is more precise and hypoglycemic liability is minimized. Additional objectives for medicinal chemists are the identification of superagonists and insulins more suitable for non‐injectable delivery. The historical advancements in the synthesis of insulin analogs by multiple methods is reviewed with the specific structural elements of critical importance being highlighted. The functional refinement of this hormone as directed to improved patient care with insulin analogs of more precise pharmacology is reported. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 687–713, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Facile production of mono‐substituted urea side chains in solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Diss Maria L. , Kennan Alan J.
Published: April 2007

A method is reported for the straightforward generation of urea‐containing peptides during Boc solid phase peptide synthesis. Primary amine side chains are converted to mono‐alkyl ureas in two steps via an intermediate p‐nitrophenyl carbamate. Use of p‐methoxybenzyl amine as an ammonia equivalent affords mono‐alkyl final products from standard resin cleavage methods, without the need for additional steps. The reaction is highly efficient and applicable to variable length side chains and peptides. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 276–281, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Strip-track revascularization after stripping of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Munasinghe A , Smith C , Kianifard B , Price B A , Holdstock J M , Whiteley M S
Published: April 2007

Background

Varicose veins that recur after standard high tie and strip are often associated with venous reflux in the thigh, as shown by duplex ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to look for evidence of revascularization in the strip track after great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients with duplex-proven great saphenous varicose veins underwent saphenofemoral ligation with intraoperative confirmation of successful stripping. Duplex ultrasonography was performed 1 week and 1 year after surgery. The presence and extent of haematoma was noted, as was any venous reflux within the strip track.

Results

At 1 year, four (6 per cent) of 70 patients had complete revascularization of the strip track and 12 (17 per cent) had partial revascularization, all with duplex-proven reflux. Partial revascularization was in the distal third of the track in six legs (9 per cent of the 70 patients), in the distal half in five (7 per cent) and was almost complete in one leg (1 per cent). All patients with revascularization had a significant strip-track haematoma at 1 week after surgery.

Conclusion

Revascularization of the GSV strip track after stripping was found in 23 per cent of patients after 1 year; all of these had a postoperative haematoma in the track.
Desmoid tumours in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and desmoid region adenomatous polyposis coli mutations
Authors: Speake D , Evans D G , Lalloo F , Scott N A , Hill J
Published: April 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who had mutations in the desmoid region of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene that phenotypically expresses desmoid disease, and to determine the role for surgery in these patients.

Methods

Data from the North West Region FAP database and case notes were analysed retrospectively.

Results

Of 363 patients with FAP, 47 from ten families had APC mutations in the desmoid region 3′ to codon 1399. Of 22 patients undergoing surgery, 16 developed desmoids, and of these 12 had mesenteric desmoid disease. Complications from mesenteric desmoids were death (two patients), enterectomy (three), local resection (three), fistula (one), cholangitis and local resection (one), bowel obstruction (one) and bowel and ureteric obstruction (one). Preoperative polyp burden ranged from 0 to 100 in eight patients (median age 24·5 (range 16–39) years) and more than 100 in seven (median age 39 (range 31–64) years). One patient had no record of polyp burden.

Conclusion

In individuals with 3′ APC mutations, abdominal surgery is associated with a 65 per cent risk of developing mesenteric desmoids. An alternative strategy might be to attempt to manage the polyps endoscopically.
Antioxidants modulate the IL‐6 induced inhibition of negative acute‐phase protein secretion in HepG2 cells
Authors: El‐Saadany Mohamed A. , Rawel Harshadrai M. , Raila Jens , El‐Dashloty Mohamed S. , Schweigert Florian J.
Published: April 2007

Despite increasing evidence on the potential of dietary antioxidants in modulating the etiology of certain chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, little is known about their beneficial role in acute‐phase responses and inflammatory diseases. From this viewpoint the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selected dietary antioxidants in modulating the secretion of negative acute‐phase proteins caused by interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in HepG2 cells. Cells were first stimulated with a fixed dose of IL‐6 for 24 h then incubated for a further 8 h with varying concentrations of eight antioxidants, α‐lipoic acid (LA), (−)‐epicatechin (EC), (−)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG), (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), α‐tocopherol (TOC), ascorbic acid (AA) and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). The culture supernatants were assayed for transthyretin (TTR) and retinol binding protein (RBP) using ELISA. The data revealed that IL‐6 significantly reduced TTR and RBP secretion compared with the basal production. All tested antioxidants attenuate the reduction in TTR and RPB levels. The strongest effects were achieved with the highest concentration of each antioxidant. The order of effect were LA > EGCG > ECG > TOC > EGC > EC > NAC > AA. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that the dietary antioxidants can play a fundamental role in inflammatory processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment of association of an Mg2+‐dependent endonuclease with the rat liver nuclear matrix in cryonecrosis
Authors: Grdović Nevena , Mihailović Mirjana , Vidaković Melita , Dinić Svetlana , Uskoković Aleksandra , Martinović Vesna , Arambašić Jelena , Grigorov Ilijana , Ivanović‐Matić Svetlana , Bogojević Desanka , Petrović Miodrag , Poznanović Goran
Published: April 2007

Previously, we characterized the endonucleolytic activity of the nuclear matrix prepared from rat liver cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The enzymic activity was attributed to a 23 kDa, Mg2+‐dependent and sequence non‐specific endonuclease (p23) stably associated with the nuclear matrix. Here we show that p23 was absent from the nuclear matrix prepared from fresh liver. Instead, both ex vivo (cryopreservation), as well as in vivo‐induced necrosis by repeated freezing/thawing of liver tissue in an anaesthetized rat, promoted the activation and translocation of p23 to the nuclear matrix. Considering that ex vivo and in vivo freezing/thawing of the liver were accompanied by morphological (nuclear compaction) and biochemical events (increased LDH activity, disorderly genomic DNA degradation, absence of lamin proteolysis, appearance of 62 and 50 kDa necrotic cleavage products of PARP‐1) commonly observed during necrosis, and because the association of p23 with the nuclear matrix was saturable, reflecting the existence of a limited number of distinct high affinity sites on the nuclear matrix for p23, we concluded that the activation of the nuclear matrix‐associated endonuclease p23 is a feature of liver cryonecrosis. Although cryonecrosis represents a typical example of acute cell damage, our results suggest that it is realized by ordered molecular events. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological changes and spatial regulation of diacylglycerol kinase‐ζ, syntrophins, and Rac1 during myoblast fusion
Authors: Abramovici Hanan , Gee Stephen H.
Published: April 2007

The fusion of mononuclear myoblasts into multinucleated myofibers is essential for the formation and growth of skeletal muscle. Myoblast fusion follows a well‐defined sequence of cellular events, from initial recognition and adhesion, to alignment, and finally plasma membrane fusion. These processes depend upon coordinated remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Our recent studies suggest diacylglycerol kinase‐zeta (DGK‐ζ), an enzyme that metabolizes diacylglycerol to yield phosphatidic acid, plays an important role in actin reorganization. Here, we investigated whether DGK‐ζ has a role in the fusion of cultured C2C12 myoblasts. We show that DGK‐ζ and syntrophins, scaffold proteins of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex that bind directly to DGK‐ζ, are spatially regulated during fusion. Both proteins accumulated with the GTPase Rac1 at sites where fine filopodia mediate the initial contact between myoblasts. In addition, DGK‐ζ codistributed with the Ca2+‐dependent cell adhesion molecule N‐cadherin at nascent, but not previously established cell contacts. We provide evidence that C2 cells are pulled together at cell‐cell junctions by N‐cadherin‐containing filopodia reminiscent of epithelial adhesion zippers, which guide the advance of lamellipodia from apposing cells. At later times, vesicles with properties of macropinosomes formed close to cell‐cell junctions. Reconstruction of confocal optical sections showed these form dome‐like protrusions from the dorsal surface of contacting cells. Collectively, these results suggest DGK‐ζ and syntrophins play a role at multiple stages of the fusion process. Moreover, our findings provide a potential link between changes in the lipid content of the membrane bilayer and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton during myoblast fusion. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Drosophila nucleoporin gene nup154 is required for correct microfilament dynamics and cell death during oogenesis
Authors: Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Gigliotti Silvia , Callaini Giuliano
Published: April 2007

The Drosophila nucleoporin gene nup154 is required in both male and female germline for successful gametogenesis. Mutant flies lack differentiated sperm and lay abnormal eggs. We demonstrated that the egg phenotype was associated with specific alterations of the actin cytoskeleton at different stages of oogenesis. Actually, mutant egg chambers displayed an abnormal organization of both subcortical microfilaments and cytoplasmic actin bundles, that led to defective nurse cell dumping. TUNEL analysis also showed that the dumpless phenotype was associated with delayed apoptosis. The nup154 gene product was localized by conventional immunofluorescence microscopy to the nuclear envelope in a distinct punctuate pattern, characteristic of nuclear pore complex components. TEM analysis revealed that the protein was mainly distributed along filamentous structures that extended radially on the nuclear side of the pore, suggesting that Nup154 could be an integral component of the basket filaments associated with the nuclear pore complexes. We propose that Nup154 is necessary for correct nuclear pore complex functions and that the proper regulation of the actin cytoskeleton dynamics strongly relies upon nuclear pore integrity. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Tripeptidic Promoieties Targeting the Intestinal Peptide Transporter hPEPT1
Authors: Thorn Karina , Andersen Rikke , Christensen Jon , Jakobsen Palle , Nielsen Carsten Uhd , Steffansen Bente , Begtrup Mikael
Published: April 2007

The human intestinal proton coupled di/tri‐peptide transporter hPEPT1 promotes the oral bioavailability of several drug compounds. The strategy behind the present work is that by linking a suitable di‐ or tripeptidic promoiety to a drug substance, by a hydrolysable ester bond, it may give rise to a prodrug that targets hPEPT1. 29 tripeptides were designed based on known structural requirements for substrates binding hPEPT1. Serine, homoserine, or threonine was incorporated in the tripeptide as hydroxy group donors in order for them to be linked to carboxylic drug substances. Optimisation of the promoiety included a study of 14 unnatural tripeptides whose diversity was expressed by VolSurf descriptors. A total of 29 tripeptides was synthesised by solid phase peptide synthesis and a standard Fmoc protocol. The affinity of the tripeptides to hPEPT1 was determined by measuring the inhibition of [14C]Gly‐Sar in mature Caco‐2 cell monolayers which resulted in Ki values ranging from 0.22 to 25 mM or above. Translocation through the intestinal membrane, mediated by hPEPT1, was measured by recording the membrane potential relative to that induced by the known substrate Gly‐Sar. The change in membrane potential is caused by influx of protons due to the co‐transport of substrates and protons by hPEPT1 and is, as such, an indication of translocation. A Ki value of 0.30 mM combined with efficient translocation indicated that H‐Phe‐Ser‐Ala‐OH is a suitable lead promoiety for targeted hPEPT1 prodrug design.
Development of a Method for the Quantification of the Molar Gold Concentration in Tumour Cells Exposed to Gold‐Containing Drugs
Authors: Ott Ingo , Scheffler Heike , Gust Ronald
Published: April 2007

The knowledge of the cellular molar concentration of a drug is an extremely important parameter for the discussion and interpretation of its efficacy and bioavailability. Concerning metal complexes, electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS) offers a valuable analytical tool. However, matrix effects often hamper proper quantification of the metal concentration in biological tissues. This paper describes the development of an ETAAS method for the quantification of the molar gold concentration in HT‐29 colon carcinoma cells. ETAAS analytical conditions were optimised and a factor was developed which allows the calculation of the molar cellular gold concentration from the measured gold per cellular biomass value. The method was used to quantify the gold content in HT‐29 cells after exposure to the gold drug auranofin. Results indicated a strong cellular uptake of auranofin (compared to other metal anticancer drugs), which significantly correlated with the antiproliferative effects triggered by this agent.
Hepatic metastasectomy in children
Authors: Su Wendy T. , Rutigliano Daniel N. , Gholizadeh Maryam , Jarnagin William R. , Blumgart Leslie H. , La Quaglia Michael P.
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND.

There are little data regarding the safety and efficacy of hepatic metastasectomy for solid tumors in childhood. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess operative mortality and morbidity, technique of resection, local control, and survival in pediatric patients undergoing liver resection for metastases.

METHODS.

All pediatric patients who underwent hepatic resection for metastatic disease from August 1988 to July 2005 were retrospectively identified and clinical data were collected.

RESULTS.

Fifteen patients were identified during this period and primary malignancies included neuroblastoma (7), Wilms tumor (3), osteogenic sarcoma (2), malignant gastric epithelial tumor (1), and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (2). Twelve patients underwent anatomical hepatic resections and 3 had wedge resections. There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. The 2 postoperative complications included 1 wound infection and 1 bile collection. The median follow‐up after hepatic resection was 1.6 years (0.2–7 years). Three patients remain alive. Eleven patients died of progressive disease; 4 patients suffered local recurrence. One patient died from enterocolitis and sepsis and was without evidence of malignancy at the time of death.

CONCLUSIONS.

Hepatic metastasectomy in children is feasible and is associated with a low operative mortality and morbidity. In this small group of patients anatomic hepatectomy was associated with better local control compared with wedge resection. Overall prognosis in these patients remains poor and the decision to perform hepatic metastasectomy should be highly selective. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Surveillance endoscopy does not improve survival for patients with local and regional stage colorectal cancer
Authors: Ramsey Scott D. , Howlader Nadia , Etzioni Ruth , Brown Martin L. , Warren Joan L. , Newcomb Polly
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic surveillance is recommended and widely practiced after definitive treatment for colorectal cancer, yet to the authors' knowledge there is little evidence supporting its benefit. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the impact of endoscopic surveillance on colorectal cancer–specific survival for persons with localized or regional colorectal cancer. The population included Medicare patients (age ≥65 years) who were diagnosed with local or regional stage colorectal cancer between 1986 and 1996.

METHODS

The current study was a retrospective case–control study. Cases were defined as those individuals who died of colorectal cancer and controls were defined as those with colorectal cancer who did not die of colorectal cancer; controls were frequency matched to cases. Surveillance was defined as the use of colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema ≥6 months after diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to control for endoscopic procedure, race, comorbidity index at the time of diagnosis, and types of initial treatments after surgery.

RESULTS

The analysis group contained 8130 cases (29%) and 20,079 controls (71%). The average time to first bowel surveillance for those with at least 1 surveillance examination was 15.9 months after the diagnosis (median, 13 months). In the regression analysis, surveillance endoscopy was not found to be associated with improved colorectal cancer–specific survival (odds ratio of 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.95‒1.06 [P = 0.85]). Setting the surveillance interval to 12 months and 15 months rather than 6 months after diagnosis did not appear to influence the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Surveillance endoscopy does not appear to influence colorectal cancer–specific mortality in patients age >65 years who are diagnosed with localized or regional stage colorectal cancer. Cancer 2007. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society.
Effect of familial history and smoking on common cancer risks in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Matsuo Keitaro , Wakai Kenji , Hiraki Akio , Hirose Kaoru , Sato Shigeki , Ueda Ryuzo , Tajima Kazuo
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

Inherited genetic predispositions are important risk factors for the development of cancer in general. To determine genetic susceptibility for 14 common cancers, a case–control study of the impact of a family history of cancer in first‐degree relatives was conducted. The authors further evaluated the effect modification by habitual smoking with adjustment for other confounding environmental factors.

METHODS

In total, 18,836 cancer cases and 28,125 age–matched and sex–matched controls, confirmed as being free of cancer, were recruited. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis, including stratification by family history for 14 cancer sites and interactions with a smoking history.

RESULTS

The associations between family history and risk of cancer were generally stronger at the same sites than across cancer sites. Risks to first‐degree relatives at the same sites were found to be significantly elevated with 8 of 14 cancer sites; especially high ORs were found for prostate and thyroid cancers. Some across‐site associations were observed; in particular, a reciprocal association between breast and prostate cancer was found. The interaction between family history and smoking history for breast cancer was found to be statistically significant. There was no statistical evidence for the interactions in other sites, but among subjects with a family history, the ORs were found to be higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study support the hypothesis of a genetic susceptibility to cancers in family members. For breast cancer, the interaction between family history and smoking history was observed to be significant. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Investigations on the crystallisation of potassium molybdenum bronzes from flux melts
Authors: Aichele T.
Published: April 2007

Results are presented to identify the fields of primary crystallisation of red and blue potassium molybdenum oxide bronzes K0.30MoO3 and K0.33MoO3 in the ternary system K2MoO4–MoO3–MoO2. Starting from crystal growth experiments for the preparation of bronze crystals by electrolytic reduction the binary marginal systems K2MoO4–MoO3 as well as MoO3–MoO2 and further pseudo‐binary sections have been investigated by differential thermo‐analysis, hot‐stage microscopy, and by quenching experiments under inert gas. We succeeded in determining phase transition temperatures in the binary section Mo4O11–K2Mo2O7. Temperature and composition ranges have been found in this section to crystallise red and blue potassium molybdenum oxide bronzes. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determination of nucleation parameters and the solid liquid interfacial energy of the KCl‐ethanol‐water system
Authors: Omar Waid , Ulrich Joachim
Published: April 2007

The kinetic parameters of homogeneous nucleation of KCl in different ethanol‐water solvent mixtures were determined at 25°C from the experimental measurements of the width of the metastable zone at different cooling rates. The ethanol mass ratio in the ethanol water solvent mixture was varied from 0‐0.9 and the metastable zone width for each solvent mixture was measured under the cooling rates of 10, 20 and 30 K/h. The influence of ethanol ratio on the activity coefficient was calculated. It was found that increasing the ethanol ratio in the solvent mixture leads to an increase in the mean molal activity coefficient. The experimental results obtained showed that the increase in the ethanol ratio in the solvent widens the metastable zone for the crystallization of KCl. Also it has inferred from the calculations based on the classical nucleation theory that increasing of the ethanol ratio in the solvent mixture resulted in an increase of the nucleation rate order, increase of the critical size of nuclei and increase of the solid liquid interfacial energy. It has been found that the solid liquid interfacial energy can be good correlated with inversely proportionality to the solubility. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of a PbI2 single crystal used for gamma ray detectors
Authors: Zhu X. H. , Wei Z. R. , Jin Y. R. , Xiang A. P.
Published: April 2007

Lead iodide (PbI2) is an important material for room temperature radiation detectors. In this paper, we have grown PbI2 single crystal through a special craft, from which γ‐ray detector has also been fabricated. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates structure of the grown crystal is 2H with hexagonal space group P3m1. Infrared transmission measurement shows transmission rate of the grown crystal sample (10×10×1mm3) reaches 40% averagely in range of 400∼4000cm‐1. Ultraviolet absorbing test indicates cut‐off wavelength of the sample is 547.6nm, corresponding band gap of 2.27eV. Room temperature detector fabricated from the grown crystal is sensitive to 241Am 59.5KeV γ‐ray. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the obtained energy spectrum is 26.7KeV. All the results indicate the PbI2 crystal grown through the special craft is of good characteristics and can be used for γ‐ray detector. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of L‐prolinium tartrate – A new organic NLO material
Authors: Britto Dhas S. A. Martin , Natarajan S.
Published: April 2007

Single crystals of L‐Prolinium tartrate (C5H10NO2)+ (C4H5O6)‐, a new organic non‐linear optical material of size: 15 × 10 × 10 mm3 were grown using submerged seed solution growth method. Characterization of the crystals was made using single crystal X‐ray diffraction and density determination. Spectroscopic, thermal, optical and mechanical studies were carried out. These studies show that the crystals are thermally stable upto 161°C, transparent for the fundamental and second harmonic generation of Nd: YAG (λ = 1064 nm) laser and possess good mechanical strength. Second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency was investigated to explore the NLO characteristics of this material using Kurtz and Perry method and it was found that the SHG conversion efficiency is about 90% of that of the standard KDP crystals. Laser damage threshold study was also carried out. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and optical properties of near stoichiometric Ce:LiNbO3 crystals
Authors: Fan Yexia , Li Hongtao , Zhao Liangcheng
Published: April 2007

The near sotichiometric Ce:LiNbO3 (Ce:SLN) crystals were grown by the top seeded solution growth (TSSG) method by adding K2O flux to Li2O‐Nb2O5 melt. Their UV‐vis absorption spectra and IR spectra were measured and discussed to investigate their defect structure. The results showed that the grown crystals were near stoichiometric and Ce ions in the crystals located the Li site. Photorefractive properties of Ce:SLN crystals were studied by two‐wave coupling experiment. The results of the two‐wave coupling experiments of the crystals showed that as the CeO2 doping concentrations increased, the diffraction efficiency increased, photoconductivity decreased and the writing time and erasure time increased. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoelectrical properties of crystalline titanium dioxide thin films after thermo‐annealing
Authors: Sathyamoorthy R. , Sudhagar P. , Chandramohan S. , Vijayakumar K. P.
Published: April 2007

This paper reports the photoelectrical properties of sol gel derived titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films annealed at different temperatures (425‐900°C). The structure of the as‐grown film was found to be amorphous and it transforms to crystalline upon annealing. The trap levels are studied by thermally stimulated current (TSC) measurements. A single trap level with activation energy of 1.5 eV was identified. The steady state and transient photocurrent was measured and the results are discussed on the basis of structural transformation. The photocurrent was found to be maximum for the films annealed at 425°C and further it decreases with annealing at higher temperatures. The photoconduction parameters such as carrier lifetime, lifetime decay constant and photosensitivity were calculated and the results are discussed as a function of annealing temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoconduction and transport mechanisms in polycrystalline zincphthalocyanine thin films
Authors: Senthilarasu S. , Lee S. H.
Published: April 2007

Zincphthalocyanine (ZnPc) thin films were prepared by the vacuum evaporation method under a pressure of 10‐6 mbar. The X‐ray diffraction analysis of vacuum evaporated ZnPc films reveals that the structure of the films is polycrystalline in nature. The photoconduction properties have been studied in the wavelength range 400 –800nm using suitable masks. The Photoconductivity of the films as a function of light intensity and applied voltage were studied and results were discussed in detail. The photoconduction was found to increase with higher light illumination and maximum at the band edge of the ZnPc thin film. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure of (dimethyl sulfoxide‐S){glyoxylic acid thiosemicarbazonato(2–)‐O,N,S }platinum(II)
Authors: Dodoff N. I. , Kovala‐Demertzi D. , Kuduk‐Jaworska J. , Kubiak M. , Kochel A.
Published: April 2007

A crystal of the title complex [Pt(DMSO)(GT)] (1a), where H2GT = glyoxylic acid thiosemicarbazone, has been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and its structure has been compared with that of the recently described cytotoxic complex [Pt(DMSO)(GT)]·DMSO (1). The crystal of 1a is monoclinic; space group P 21/n; unit cell dimensions: a = 7.3270(10), b = 10.313(2), c = 13.706(3) Å, β = 101.92(3)°; V = 1013.3(3) Å3; Z = 4. The Pt(II) ion is approximately planar tetragonal coordinated by the carboxylato oxygen, azomethine nitrogen and thiolato sulfur atom of the doubly deprotonated H2GT molecule, and the sulfur atom of DMSO. The two five membered chelate rings are almost coplanar. In distinct with 1, the sulfoxide oxygen atom and thiolato sulfur atom are in gauche position. A system of hydrogen bonds of the type N–H···O involving the amino, carboxylato and sulfoxide groups links the complex molecules within the unit cells. The π ‐π stacking pattern between the chelate rings in 1a involves centrosymmetric pairs of complex molecules and differs from that in 1. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Particle‐in‐Cell Simulation of the Breakdown Mechanism in Microdischarges with an Improved Secondary Emission Model
Authors: Radmilović‐Radjenović M. , Radjenović B.
Published: April 2007

In this paper, the failure of the breakdown voltage from the Paschen's law at extremely small electrode separations is studied. The electrical breakdown in microgaps occurs at the voltages far below the Paschen curve minimum breakdown limit and the modified Paschen curve should be used. Offered explanation for the departure from the Paschen's law at small gap spacings is based on the increasing of the yield of the secondary electrons. The high electric fields existing in small gaps may enhance the secondary electron yield and this would lead to a lowering of the breakdown voltage and to the departure from the Paschen's law. Particlein‐cell/Monte‐Carlo (PIC/MCC) simulations with a new secondary emission model have been performed to estimate the importance of this mechanism in the discharge breakdown. Obtained simulation results suggest that deviations from the Paschen curve across the micron and submicorn gap spacing can be attributed to the ion‐enhanced field emissions. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical Conductivities of Nonideal Iron and Nickel Plasmas
Authors: Kim D.‐K. , Kim I.
Published: April 2007

Electrical conductivities of iron and nickel plasmas are calculated using a nonideal plasma ionization balance model that takes into account the excess free energy due to strong Coulomb couplings between charged particles in the pressure‐ionization regime. The electrical conductivities calculated for partially ionized plasmas are in fair agreement with data measured in exploding wire discharge experiments and effectively demonstrate the insulator‐metal transition near solid densities. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atomic Layer Deposition of Titanium Disulfide Thin Films
Authors: Pore V. , Ritala M. , Leskelä M.
Published: April 2007

Titanium disulfide thin films are grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 400–500 °C using TiCl4 and H2S as precursors. Soda‐lime glass, silicon, and thin films of TiN, ZnS, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, and Ru are used as substrates. Hexagonal (001)‐oriented TiS2 is deposited on ZnS at 400 °C with growth rates of between 0.15 and 0.20 Å per cycle. Randomly oriented, hexagonal, platelike crystals are deposited on glass and TiN with a growth rate of 0.26 Å per cycle. Significant variations in surface morphologies were detected in TiS2 films on various noble metals. TiS2 was also grown on the pore walls of an alumina membrane.
A Nonequilibrium, Atmospheric‐Pressure Argon Plasma Torch for Deposition of Thin Silicon Dioxide Films
Authors: Kasih T. P. , Kuroda S. , Kubota H.
Published: April 2007

A nonequilibrium, atmospheric‐pressure plasma torch that can be generated either in He or Ar gas by using a pulsed high‐voltage power supply with the discharge temperature in the range 22–35 °C has been developed. This system is used to deposit silicon dioxide films from a hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) precursor diluted in an oxygen carrier gas. It is concluded that, in terms of both quality and deposition rate at the same applied power, frequency, and gas composition, Ar plasma is more powerful than He plasma for depositing SiO2‐like films. The maximum feed rate of HMDSO/O2 injected into the Ar plasma torch is limited to 100 mL min–1 to ensure inorganic coatings are deposited. In order to improve the visual quality, without adversely affecting the inorganic features of the film, a small amount of nitrogen (N2) can be added to the Ar as a working gas. When the ratio of Ar to N2 in the flow gas is 30:1, the discharge behavior is transformed from filamentary to glowlike as a result of the quenching effect of admixed N2 on Ar plasma.
Synthesis and Functional Properties of Vanadium Oxides: V2O3, VO2, and V2O5 Deposited on Glass by Aerosol‐Assisted CVD
Authors: Piccirillo C. , Binions R. , Parkin I. P.
Published: April 2007

Thin films of vanadium oxides were deposited on glass by aerosol‐assisted (AA) CVD from vanadium(III) acetylacetonate and vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate. The vanadium precursor, solvent, and carrier gas flow rate determined the phase of vanadium oxide formed (V2O3, VO2, or V2O5). Films were characterized using various analytical techniques. VO2 films were analyzed at various temperatures to study their thermochromic behavior. The V2O3 reflectance‐transmission plots showed a cross‐over (ideal behavior for a solar‐control mirror).
CVD of MgO Thin Films from Bis(methylcyclopentadienyl) Magnesium
Authors: Carta G. , El Habra N. , Crociani L. , Rossetto G. , Zanella P. , Zanella A. , Paolucci G. , Barreca D. , Tondello E.
Published: April 2007

Thin films of MgO are grown by CVD, with a high growth rate, on Si(001) and quartz substrates in the temperature range 400–550 °C, using bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium [Mg(CH3‐C5H4)2] as the precursor. The films obtained are investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical absorption, in order to investigate the interrelations between film properties and processing conditions. Cubic phase MgO (periclase) films, characterized by a low carbon contamination and a granular surface morphology, are obtained.
Abnormal lens morphogenesis and ectopic lens formation in the absence of β‐catenin function
Authors: Kreslova Jana , Machon Ondrej , Ruzickova Jana , Lachova Jitka , Wawrousek Eric F. , Kemler Rolf , Krauss Stefan , Piatigorsky Joram , Kozmik Zbynek
Published: April 2007

β‐Catenin plays a key role in cadherin‐mediated cell adhesion as well as in canonical Wnt signaling. To study the role of β‐catenin during eye development, we used conditional Cre/loxP system in mouse to inactivate β‐catenin in developing lens and retina. Inactivation of β‐catenin does not suppress lens fate, but instead results in abnormal morphogenesis of the lens. Using BAT‐gal reporter mice, we show that β‐catenin‐mediated Wnt signaling is notably absent from lens and neuroretina throughout eye development. The observed defect is therefore likely due to the cytoskeletal role of β‐catenin, and is accompanied by impaired epithelial cell adhesion. In contrast, inactivation of β‐catenin in the nasal ectoderm, an area with active Wnt signaling, results in formation of crystallin‐positive ectopic lentoid bodies. These data suggest that, outside of the normal lens, β‐catenin functions as a coactivator of canonical Wnt signaling to suppress lens fate. genesis 45:157–168, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virus recognition by specific natural antibodies and complement results in MHC I cross‐presentation
Authors: Dürrbach Antoine , Baple Emma , Preece Andrew F. , Charpentier Bernard , Gustafsson Kenth
Published: April 2007

Natural antibodies (NAb) and complement (C’) are important regulators of immune system activation. We have shown previously that the galactosyl‐α1,3‐galactosyl (Galα1,3Gal) xenoantigen and the similar ABO histo‐blood group antigens are transferred onto virus from the producer cell, resulting in sensitisation of the virus to the respective NAb in a C’‐dependent manner. Here we show that measles virus (Mv) that expresses Galα1,3Gal termini can drive the proliferation of human T cells in the presence of serum and autologous DC, whereas without such targets, measles, as expected, suppress T cell reactivity. The use of affinity‐purified NAb to Galα1,3Gal and rabbit C’ demonstrated the components in human serum responsible for this effect. Proteasome inhibition and blocking of antigen presentation showed that the increased T cell proliferation was mediated by MHC class I cross‐presentation of immune complexes. These results lend further support to the idea that polymorphic carbohydrates of the Galα1,3Gal/ABO type serve as important targets for NAb and C’ and that their expression on virus has influenced their evolution by contributing to protection against viral transmission within as well as between species. The adjuvance effect of this recognition, acting as a bridge between the natural innate and adaptive immune systems, also has important implications for vaccine development.