bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary and immortalized mouse epicardial cells undergo differentiation in response to TGFβ
Authors: Austin Anita F. , Compton Leigh A. , Love Joseph D. , Brown Christopher B. , Barnett Joey V.
Published: January 2008

Cells derived from the epicardium are required for coronary vessel development. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces loss of epithelial character and smooth muscle differentiation in chick epicardial cells. Here, we show that epicardial explants from embryonic day (E) 11.5 mouse embryos incubated with TGFβ1 or TGFβ2 lose epithelial character and undergo smooth muscle differentiation. To further study TGFβ Signaling, we generated immortalized mouse epicardial cells. Cells from E10.5, 11.5, and 13.5 formed tightly packed epithelium and expressed the epicardial marker Wilm's tumor 1 (WT1). TGFβ induced the loss of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and the appearance of SM22α and calponin consistent with smooth muscle differentiation. Inhibition of activin receptor‐like kinase (ALK) 5 or p160 rho kinase activity prevented the effects of TGFβ while inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase did not. These data demonstrate that TGFβ induces epicardial cell differentiation and that immortalized epicardial cells provide a suitable model for differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 237:366–376, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse embryonic diastema region is an ideal site for the development of ectopically transplanted tooth germ
Authors: Song Yiqiang , Yan Mingquan , Muneoka Ken , Chen YiPing
Published: January 2008

The anterior eye chamber and the kidney capsule of the mouse have been traditionally used for long‐term culture of tooth germ grafts. However, although these sites provide an excellent growth environment, they do not represent real in situ sites for the development of a grafted tooth germ. Here, we describe a protocol to transplant a tooth germ into the mandibular diastema region of mouse embryos using exo utero surgery. Our results demonstrate that the mouse embryonic diastema region represents a normal physiological environment for the development of transplanted tooth germs. Transplanted tooth germs developed synchronically with and became indistinguishable from the endogenous ones. These ectopic teeth were vascularized and surrounded with nerve fibers, and were able to erupt normally. Thus, the exo utero transplantation approach will provide a new avenue to study tooth development and regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 237:411–416, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary hypoplasia in the connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) null mouse
Authors: Baguma‐Nibasheka Mark , Kablar Boris
Published: January 2008

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a mediator of growth factor activity, and Ctgf knockouts die at birth from respiratory failure due to skeletal dysplasia. Previous microarray analysis revealed Ctgf down‐regulation in the hypoplastic lungs of amyogenic mouse embryos. This study, therefore, examined pulmonary development in Ctgf−/− mouse fetuses to investigate if respiration could also have been impaired by lung abnormalities. The Ctgf−/− lungs were hypoplastic, with reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. PDGF‐B, its receptor and IGF‐I, were markedly attenuated and the TTF‐1 gradient lost. Type II pneumocyte differentiation was perturbed, the cells depicting excessive glycogen retention and diminished lamellar body and nuclear size, though able to synthesize surfactant‐associated protein. However, type I pneumocyte differentiation was not affected by Ctgf deletion. Our findings indicate that the absence of Ctgf and/or its protein product, CTGF, may induce pulmonary hypoplasia by both disrupting basic lung developmental processes and restricting thoracic expansion. Developmental Dynamics 237:485–493, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PDGF‐B signaling is important for murine cardiac development: Its role in developing atrioventricular valves, coronaries, and cardiac innervation
Authors: Van den Akker Nynke M.S. , Winkel Leah C.J. , Nisancioglu Maya H. , Maas Saskia , Wisse Lambertus J. , Armulik Annika , Poelmann Robert E. , Lie‐Venema Heleen , Betsholtz Christer , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C.
Published: January 2008

We hypothesized that PDGF‐B/PDGFR‐β‐signaling is important in the cardiac contribution of epicardium‐derived cells and cardiac neural crest, cell lineages crucial for heart development. We analyzed hearts of different embryonic stages of both Pdgf‐b−/− and Pdgfr‐β−/− mouse embryos for structural aberrations with an established causal relation to defective contribution of these cell lineages. Immunohistochemical staining for αSMA, periostin, ephrinB2, EphB4, VEGFR‐2, Dll1, and NCAM was performed on wild‐type and knockout embryos. We observed that knockout embryos showed perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defects, maldevelopment of the atrioventricular cushions and valves, impaired coronary arteriogenesis, and hypoplasia of the myocardium and cardiac nerves. The abnormalities correspond with models in which epicardial development is impaired and with neuronal neural crest–related innervation deficits. This implies a role for PDGF‐B/PDGFR‐β‐signaling specifically in the contribution of these cell lineages to cardiac development. Developmental Dynamics 237:494–503, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing biases in eating disorders: The impact of temporal factors
Authors: Lee Michelle , Shafran Roz
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Previous research has indicated that temporal factors [specifically, the duration of interstimulus intervals (ISI) during a threat processing task] may influence the nature of processing biases exhibited in nonclinical populations with some degree of eating disorder psychopathology (Meyer et al., Int J Eat Disord, 27, 405–410, 2000). The current study aimed to test this hypothesis by investigating attentional biases for eating‐disorder‐relevant images and irrelevant visual images (animals) in patients with eating disorders (n = 23) and psychiatric (n = 19) and nonpsychiatric (n = 65) controls.

Method:

A dot probe task was modified from previous research (Shafran et al., Int J Eat Disord, 40, 369–380, 2007), whereby an original ISI of 500 ms was increased to 2,000 ms.

Results:

Patients with an eating disorder continued to display a bias in the processing of weight stimuli. However, biases noted in previous research for shape and weight stimuli disappeared when the ISI duration was increased in this way.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the importance of temporal factors in whether processing biases are displayed and may point to ways in which biases actually work in this population. However, further research is warranted. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Influence of overanxious disorder of childhood on the expression of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Raney T.J. , Thornton Laura M. , Berrettini Wade , Brandt Harry , Crawford Steven , Fichter Manfred M. , Halmi Katherine A. , Johnson Craig , Kaplan Allan S. , LaVia Maria , Mitchell James , Rotondo Alessandro , Strober Michael , Woodside D. Blake , Kaye Walter H. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Childhood anxiety often precedes the onset of anorexia nervosa (AN) and may mark a liability to the emergence of an eating disorder for some women. This study investigates the prevalence of overanxious disorder (OAD) among women with AN and explores how OAD impacts AN symptoms and personality traits.

Method:

Participants were 637 women with AN who completed an eating disorders history, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders, and assessments for childhood anxiety, eating disorder attitudes, and associated personality traits.

Results:

Of 249 women (39.1%) reporting a history of OAD, 235 (94.4%) met criteria for OAD before meeting criteria for AN. In comparison to those without OAD, women with AN and OAD self‐reported more extreme personality traits and attitudes and they engaged in more compensatory behaviors.

Conclusion:

Among individuals with AN, those entering AN on a pathway via OAD present with more severe eating disorder pathology. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Reactions of the Doubly Bridged Bis(cyclopentadienyl) Dinuclear Molybdenum Complex (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)Mo(CO)3]2 with a Carboxylate‐Substituted Allene
Authors: Li Bin , Zhang Congying , Xu Shansheng , Song Haibin , Wang Baiquan
Published: January 2008

Reaction of the doubly bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl) dinuclear molybdenum complex (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)Mo(CO)3]2 (1) with equivalent molar amount of allene H2C=C=CHCO2Me in refluxing toluene gave four products: complex (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)2Mo2(CO)4(μ‐η2‐η2‐HC≡CCH2CO2Me)] (3) (10 %) with a crosswise substituted alkyne bridge, η2‐η2‐HC≡CCH2CO2Me derived from a 1,3‐hydrogen shift of H2C=C=CHCO2Me, complex (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)2Mo2(CO)2(O)2{μ‐η1‐η3‐C(CO2Me)CHCH2}] (6) (16 %) with a bridging η1,η3‐C(CO2Me)CHCH2 allylic group, and allene C–C coupled complexes (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)2Mo2(CO)4{μ‐η3‐η3‐{MeO2CCH(CH2)C}(CHCHCHCO2Me)}](4) (7 %) and (Me2C)(Me2Si)[(η5‐C5H3)2Mo2(CO)4{μ‐η3‐η3‐{MeO2CCH(CH2)C}2}] (5) (13 %), in which the two allene molecules were coupled in head‐to‐center and center‐to‐center coupling modes, respectively. When 1 was treated with an excess amount of H2C=C=CHCO2Me, only C–C coupled products 4 (10 %) and 5 (22 %) were obtained. In comparison, reaction of the singly bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl) dinuclear molybdenum complex (Me2C)[(η5‐C5H4)Mo(CO)3]2 (2) with H2C=C=CHCO2Me only gave the η2‐η2 coordinated complex (Me2C)[(η5‐C5H4)Mo2(CO)4(μ‐η2‐η2‐H2CCCHCO2Me)] (7) (21 %). These results marked the different reactivities of doubly bridged bis(cyclopentadienyl) dinuclear molybdenum complex 1 and the corresponding singly bridged analogue 2. The formation of these complexes was discussed and the molecular structures of 3–7 were determined by X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Methylene‐Bridged Analogs of the Potent Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonist Rimonabant
Authors: Ślusarczyk Magdalena , De Borggraeve Wim M. , Hoornaert Georges , Deroose Frederik , Linders Joannes T. M.
Published: January 2008

Methylene‐bridged analogs of rimonabant were synthesized and evaluated for their activity on CB1 receptors. The pyrazine derivative showed some activity as a CB1 antagonist. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Peroxodisulfate as a chemical initiator for methacrylate‐ester monolithic columns for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Cantó‐Mirapeix Amparo , Herrero‐Martínez Jose M. , Benavente David , Mongay‐Fernández Carlos , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto F.
Published: January 2008

Organic monolithic stationary phases for CEC were synthesized in situ in fused‐silica capillaries. Polymerization mixtures were composed of butyl methacrylate, ethylene dimethacrylate, and [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium chloride in the presence of a porogenic solvent, using ammonium peroxodisulfate as chemical initiator, and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine to activate the reaction. The influence of the amount of initiator, temperature, and composition of porogenic solvent on the physical and chromatographic properties of monolithic stationary phases has been investigated. A minimum plate height of 14.5 μm was obtained at 18 wt% of 1,4‐butanediol in the polymerization mixture. The produced monolithic stationary phases exhibited a good repeatability and batch‐to‐batch and mixture‐to‐mixture reproducibility, with RSD values below 5.6% in the electrochromatographic parameters studied. A comparison with columns prepared by thermal initiation with α,α′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was also performed. The most efficient column initiated with peroxodisulfate showed better efficiencies and selectivities than that prepared with AIBN at the same composition mixture.
Dual task interference in implicit sequence learning by young and old adults
Authors: Nejati V. , Garusi Farshi M. T. , Ashayeri H. , Aghdasi M. T.
Published: January 2008

Background and aims

Motor sequence is the focus of too much of human's intelligent behavior. It is well‐known that such sequential skills involve chaining a number of primitive actions together. Cognitive aging is the part of aging that causes decreased cognitive ability of the elderly such as learning. The aim of this research was evaluation of the attention‐based demand for implicit sequence learning in youth and elderly.

Method

In the first phase of research we designed software for the serial reaction time task. This software registered errors and Response Time (RT) in response to sequential stimulus. We have compared youth (n = 15) and elderly (n = 15) in two groups. Tasks were defined in 10 blocks, the first and the sixth block were random and the other blocks were sequential. ANOVA was used to compare response times and errors in different blocks, paired t‐tests were used to compare regular and irregular blocks and independent t‐tests were used to compare youth and elderly.

Results

Results showed that RT and error decrease only in youth in regular and irregular blocks. Odd ball tasks performance did not have any significant difference.

Conclusions

Implicit learning in the elderly is affected by attention. Therapists should not use cognitive tasks for overloading durin motor learning in rehabilitation and exercise therapy of older adults. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life in older Belgian people: comparison between people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and controls
Authors: Missotten Pierre , Squelard Gilles , Ylieff Michel , Di Notte David , Paquay Louis , De Lepeleire Jan , Fontaine Ovide
Published: January 2008

Objectives

To assess the sensitivity of the ‘Alzheimer's Disease Related Quality of Life’ instrument (ADRQL) applied to Belgian people with dementia (n = 357), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 36), and controls (n = 72). We also determined the clinical parameters that influence the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia.

Method

Each subject was evaluated with the ADRQL, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the cognitive scale of the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMCOG), the Katz's ADL classification (ADL), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia (CERAD/BRSD), and the Clinical Dementia Rating/Modified (CDR‐M).

Results

The ADRQL showed that QOL of the dementia group (65.77 ± 17.04) was significantly inferior to that of the MCI (82.11 ± 13.31) and control groups (79.75 ± 15.82). There were no significant differences between the MCI and control groups. Within the dementia group, the five ADRQL subscale results were similar to those reported in other studies. Gender, age and place of residence had no significant influence on ADRQL scores. In contrast, ADRQL scores correlated significantly with MMSE, CAMCOG, IADL, ADL, CERAD/BRSD, and CDR‐M. The MMSE and CERAD/BRSD were significant predictors of ADRQL variability.

Conclusions

QOL of people with dementia is inferior to that of people with MCI and controls. This demonstrates the ADRQL instrument is sufficiently sensitive for evaluating the QOL of people with dementia. Longitudinal studies are needed to specifically examine the rate of QOL evolution throughout the entire dementia process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of a paradigm for free tissue transfer reconstruction of lateral temporal bone defects
Authors: Rosenthal Eben L. , King Teresa , McGrew Benjamin M. , Carroll William , Magnuson J. Scott , Wax Mark K.
Published: January 2008

Background

Tumors of the lateral skull base are best treated with surgery plus or minus radiation thereapy. Surgical ablation may involve cutaneous structures, the auricle, the parotid, and the lateral temporal bone. These composite soft tissue defects are best reconstructed with composite tissue. Multiple pedicled flaps have been used to reconstruct these defects. Free flaps have been shown to provide the best tissue for these reconstructions. We review our experience and present an algorithm for their reconstruction.

Methods

A case series of consecutive patients treated between 1999 and 2006 at 2 tertiary care institutions, Oregon Health and Science University and University of Alabama at Birmingham were reviewed. There were 73 patients who had periauricular defects requiring 74 free tissue transfers in this retrospective chart review. All defects had extensive cutaneous loss and underwent some form of parotidectomy. There were 57 lateral temporal bone defects and 16 periauricular defects where the external auditory canal was preserved. The majority of patients had nonmelanoma skin malignancies (65%). Eighty percent of patients had undergone previous treatment (radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination therof).

Results

Early on, reconstruction was performed using a radial forearm (RFFF, n = 29), evolving to lateral arm (n = 6), rectus (n = 11), and finally an anterolateral thigh (ALT, n = 28) free flap. The average hospital stay was 6 days, and the overall complication rate was 22%. The rectus flap needed debulking in 34% of patients, and the anterolateral thigh in 9%. Periauricular defects were classified based on preservation of the external auditory canal (class I), lateral temporal bone resection with preservation of the auricle (class II), or lateral temporal bone with total auriculectomy (class III).

Conclusion

Class I defects were best managed by RFFF reconstruction, class II defects were managed well with the ALT flap, and class III defects required the ALT or rectus flap. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Malignant paraganglioma caused by a novel germline mutation of the succinate dehydrogenase D‐gene—A case report
Authors: Papaspyrou Konstantinos , Rossmann Heidi , Fottner Christian , Weber Matthias M. , Mann Wolf , Lackner Karl J. , Helling Kai
Published: January 2008

Background

Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare, mostly benign tumors. Approximately 10% to 15% of paragangliomas are caused by mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes B, C, or D. These are often multifocal as part of paraganglioma syndromes and hormone secreting, and malignant particularly associated with mutations in SDHB.

Methods and Results

A 29‐year‐old man was seen with recurrent paraganglioma. The patient's father reportedly suffered from bilateral carotid body tumors. Imaging studies showed metastases in both lungs and the liver. There was no increased hormone production by the tumor. Sequence analysis of the SDH genes revealed a novel C to T nonsense mutation in the first exon of the SDHD gene (R17X).

Conclusions

A novel mutation in the SDHD gene associated with malignant paraganglioma is reported. This case underscores the relevance of family history and genetic analysis, thus permitting early detection of unaffected carriers. These have to be monitored clinically, biochemically and by imaging techniques. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Investigation of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis leakage patterns: Patient's self‐report versus clinician's confirmation
Authors: Acton Lynn M. , Ross Douglas A. , Sasaki Clarence T. , Leder Steven B.
Published: January 2008

Background

This study investigated the patient's self‐report and clinician's confirmation of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis leakage patterns (through or around) with or without the cough reflex and whether prosthesis diameter affected the leakage route.

Methods

Sixty‐six consecutive participants with a total of 200 patient‐initiated reasons for prosthesis changes were enrolled prospectively. Patient's self‐report of leakage and cough reflex were recorded prior to clinician's confirmation.

Results

One‐hundred eight (54%) of the 200 patient‐initiated reasons for prosthesis changes were leakage through or around the voice prosthesis. Leakage was unrecognized in 21 (23%) of 92 instances, even though 15 (71%) of those 21 instances exhibited a cough reflex. Clinician's confirmed leakage in 118 (59%) of 200 patient‐initiated reasons for prosthesis changes. Coughing occurred significantly less with leakage around (9 [53%] of 17 instances) than that with leakage through the voice prosthesis (80 [88%] of 91 instances) (χ2 [1, N = 108], p < .05). Leakage around the voice prosthesis occurred more with 20‐Fr diameter prostheses (16 [76%] of 21 instances).

Conclusions

Patient education is important for reliable identification of leakage for prompt prosthesis replacement. Leakage around the voice prosthesis can be minimized or avoided by initially fitting and continuing the use of smaller diameter (16 Fr) voice prostheses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Morphofunctional alterations in testicular cells of deslorelin‐treated boars: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Kopera Ilona , Tuz Ryszard , Kotula‐Balak Malgorzata , Schwarz Tomasz , Koczanowski Jozef , Bilinska Barbara
Published: January 2008

In this study we thoroughly scrutinized testes morphology and investigated whether treatment of recipient boars with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐agonist deslorelin could alter the expression of 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), luteinizing hormone receptors (LHRs), and androgen receptors (ARs) in testicular cells. An implant containing 4.7 mg of the GnRH‐agonist deslorelin was subcutaneously inserted into crossbred male pigs at 91 and 147 days of age. Testicular traits, morphology of the testes, the proteins' expression, and testosterone concentration in blood plasma were analyzed in all boars after slaughter at 175 days of age. Histological analysis revealed significant alterations in both the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules of experimental animals after 28 and 84 days of deslorelin treatment. The intensity of the AR immunostaining within the testis appeared as a function of the severity of testicular dysgenesis. Time‐dependent action of deslorelin on the expression of LHR and 3β‐HSD in Leydig cells was also detected. Staining for LHR and 3β‐HSD was very weak or the Leydig cells were immunonegative. Concomitantly, a significant decrease in plasma testosterone level was found in both groups of deslorelin‐treated boars when compared with the control group. This is the first report showing the cellular distribution of AR, LHR, and 3β‐HSD in testicular cells of deslorelin‐treated boars. It is concluded that morphological and immunohistochemical studies are important for the evaluation of testicular histoarchitecture and steroidogenic function. Subsequently, the endocrine control of reproduction in the GnRH‐agonist deslorelin‐treated males will be better understood. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:117–126, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early aspects of gonadal sex differentiation in Xenopus tropicalis with reference to an antero‐posterior gradient
Authors: El Jamil Anwar , Magre Solange , Mazabraud André , Penrad‐Mobayed May
Published: January 2008

In an effort to contribute to the development of Xenopus tropicalis as an amphibian model system, we carried out a detailed histological analysis of the process of gonadal sex differentiation and were able to find evidence that gonadal differentiation in X. tropicalis follows an antero‐posterior gradient. Although the main reason for the presence of a gradient of sex differentiation is still unknown, this gradient enabled us to define the early events that signal ovarian and testicular differentiation and to identify the undifferentiated gonad structure. Given the various advantages of this emerging model, our work paves the way for experiments that should contribute to our understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms of gonadal sex differentiation in amphibians. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:127–137, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of impacts of doubling CO2 and changing regional land‐cover on evaporation, precipitation, and runoff at global and regional scales
Authors: Li Zhao , Mölders Nicole
Published: January 2008

The Community Climate System Model version 2.0.1 is running for 40 years under 355 ppm CO2 conditions, without and with natural and anthropogenic land‐cover changes that are assumed in the inner core of four hydrothermally different, but similar‐sized (≈3.27x106 km2) regions (Yukon, Ob, St. Lawrence, Colorado, and lands adjacent to them). A further set of simulations assumes 710 ppm CO2 conditions without and with these land‐cover changes. Impacts of (1) doubled CO2, (2) changed land‐cover, and (3) the interaction between doubled CO2 and changed land‐cover on the four regional water cycles are elucidated using analysis of variance plus multiple testing. For the Yukon, Ob, and St. Lawrence regions, doubling CO2 significantly increases precipitation, evapotranspiration, and residence time nearly year‐round; the opposite is true for precipitation and evapotranspiration in Colorado. In general, doubling CO2 slows down water cycles regardless of land‐cover changes. Since land‐cover changes occur locally, they more strongly affect regional than global water cycling. Sometimes land‐cover changes alone reduce regional‐scale precipitation and evapotranspiration. Water‐cycle changes of comparable absolute magnitude can occur in response to either changed land‐cover or doubled CO2. Significant interactions between the two treatments indicate that local land‐cover changes, even if they have little impact under reference climate conditions, may have substantial regional impact in a warmer climate. Increased residence time after doubling CO2 indicates a generally increased influence of upwind regions on downwind regions. If land‐cover changes occur concurrently with CO2 changes, they will have farther‐reaching impact than under reference CO2 conditions. Thus, due to atmospheric transport the interaction between impact of land‐cover changes and CO2 doubling on water‐cycle‐relevant quantities may occur even in regions with unchanged land‐cover. A sensitivity study for tripled CO2 showed similar results, but more pronounced slowed‐down regional water cycles and interaction of the two treatments. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Novel Biomimetic Adhesives Based on Algae Glue
Authors: Bitton Ronit , Bianco‐Peled Havazelet
Published: January 2008

Inspired by the remarkable adhesive capabilities to wet surfaces of the secretes of the brown alga Fucus serratus, novel glues have been designed and characterized. Formulations composed of phloroglucinol, alginate, and calcium ions are capable of adhering to a variety of surfaces. Rheological data show that the presence of phloroglucinol lowers the amount of Ca2+ ions required for sol‐gel transition, which indicates interactions between the alginate and the phloroglucinol. SAXS data support this claim. The phloroglucinol adhesive binds porcine tissues together with an adhesive strength of 17–25 kPa, which indicates appropriate mechanical properties for application as a soft tissue adhesive.

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Photo‐Fries Rearrangement in Polymeric Media: An Investigation on Fully Aromatic Esters Containing the Naphthyl Chromophore
Authors: Höfler Thomas , Grießer Thomas , Gruber Mandana , Jakopic Georg , Trimmel Gregor , Kern Wolfgang
Published: January 2008

The present paper deals with the photo‐Fries rearrangement of fully aromatic esters in polymeric media. Low molecular weight aryl esters bearing the 1‐naphthyl chromophore were investigated with respect to their photochemical reactivity and the yield of hydroxyketones as the photo‐Fries rearrangement product. In particular, the phenyl, 4‐methylphenyl and 1‐naphthyl ester of 1‐naphthoic acid, as well as benzoic acid, 1‐naphthyl ester were dissolved in a polysiloxane matrix and exposed to 313 nm UV light. The progress of the photoreaction was assessed by quantitative FT‐IR spectroscopy. Both 1‐naphthoic acid, phenyl ester and benzoic acid, 1‐naphthyl ester underwent the photoreaction upon 313 nm irradiation. This indicates that in these fully aromatic esters, the initial CO bond scission also occurs upon selective photoexcitation of the acyl unit in the molecule. It was found that phenyl and 4‐methylphenyl esters of 1‐naphthoic acid gave the highest yields of hydroxyketone when irradiated in polymer matrix. Based upon these results, a photoreactive monomer was designed which contains naphthoic acid, phenyl ester units attached to a norbornene ring. This monomer was then polymerized by ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The polymer showed a high yield in the photo‐Fries reaction upon 313 nm illumination. Moreover, a large increase in the refractive index (Δn up to +0.043 at λ = 370 nm) was observed which makes this polymer interesting for optical applications (e.g., waveguiding and diffractive optics).

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Preparation of Hybrid Nanocomposite Particles via in situ Miniemulsion Polymerization and the Sol‐Gel Process
Authors: Jia Guangwei , Xu Yongshen , Qian Jun , Xu Jiaxing
Published: January 2008

In this paper, the preparation of polymer/silica nanocomposite particles in a convenient one‐step process, via in situ miniemulsion polymerization and the sol‐gel technique, is described. The products were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Moreover, the effects of various reaction parameters, including the content of silica and the concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate and potassium persulfate, on the particle size and size distribution were also investigated. It is shown that polymer/silica hybrid nanocomposite particles were successfully synthesized in one step by this novel technique.

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Efficient Oxygen‐Induced Molar‐Mass Control of Poly(p‐phenylene vinylenes) Synthesized via the Gilch Route
Authors: Schwalm Thorsten , Rehahn Matthias
Published: January 2008

Oxygen is shown to act as an efficient molar‐mass regulating agent in Gilch syntheses of PPV. As a scavenger, it undergoes instantaneous recombination with the initiating diradicals as soon as they appear in the system. Regular polymer formation can only start when all oxygen has been used, proceeding predominantly as chain‐growth polymerization of the p‐quinodimethane monomers. Since all radical species involved in this Gilch process are diradicals, some polyrecombination events occur in parallel. Therefore the initially formed peroxy diradicals are also incorporated into the resulting chains. Later, they break under very mild conditions, thereby causing a systematic decrease of the final molar mass of PPV.

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Facile Fabrication of pH‐Responsive and Size‐Controllable Polymer Vesicles From a Commercially Available Hyperbranched Polyester
Authors: Shi Zengqian , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: January 2008

A novel pH‐responsive polymer vesicle obtained by the aqueous self‐assembly of carboxy‐terminated hyperbranched polyesters is reported. The synthesis is very simple, just a one‐step esterification of the commercially available hydroxy‐terminated hyperbranched polyester of Boltorn Hx (x = 20, 30, 40) with succinic anhydride. The vesicle size can be controlled from 200 nm to 10 µm by simply adjusting the solution pH as well as the degrees of branching (or generation).

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Polyelectrolyte Multilayer‐Mediated Growth of Gold Nanoparticle Films with Tunable Loading Density and Nanoparticle Shape
Authors: Koo Hye Young , Choi Won San , Park Jeong‐Ho , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: January 2008

A facile method for preparing gold nanoparticle (AuNP) films with a high loading density based on the seed‐mediated growth of AuNPs on a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) is reported. Use of PEMs as a base layer for gold seed adsorption confers controllability on the loading density of the AuNP film and size of the resulting AuNPs. In addition, the shape of the final AuNPs could be varied by adapting various species of polyelectrolytes. The optical response of the AuNP films is stable, because of the relatively uniform distribution of the AuNPs over a large area. The AuNP film has been used as a substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and it shows stable and reproducible enhancement in the range from 105 to 107 depending on the fabrication condition.

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Fabrication of Fullerene‐Containing Hybrid Vesicles via Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of a Well‐Defined Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Incorporated with a Single C60 Moiety at the Diblock Junction Point
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yanfeng , Zhu Zhiyuan , Liu Shiyong
Published: January 2008

A well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymer bearing a reactive azide group at the interface of two blocks, poly(ethylene oxide)(‐azido)‐block‐polystyrene (PEO(‐N3)‐b‐PS), has been successfully synthesized via a combination of end group transformation and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The subsequent [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between PEO(‐N3)‐b‐PS and C60 led to the facile preparation of PEO(‐C60)‐b‐PS, in which a single C60 moiety was located at the diblock junction point. Fullerene‐containing hybrid vesicles were then fabricated for the first time via the supramolecular self‐assembly of PEO45(‐C60)‐b‐PS380 in aqueous solution using 1,4‐dioxane as the cosolvent. The current example augurs well for tunable spatial ordering of desired moieties (fullerene or other functional nanoparticles) by employing block copolymers as self‐organizing templates.

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A mesenchymal perspective of müllerian duct differentiation and regression in Amhr2‐lacZ mice
Authors: Arango Nelson A. , Kobayashi Akio , Wang Ying , Jamin Soazik P. , Lee Hu‐Hui , Orvis Grant D. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2008

The Müllerian ducts give rise to the female reproductive tract, including the Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and anterior vagina. In male embryos, the Müllerian ducts regress, preventing the formation of female organs. We introduced the bacterial lacZ gene, encoding β‐galactosidase (β‐gal), into the AMHR‐II locus (Amhr2) by gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to mark Müllerian duct differentiation and regression. We show that Amhr2‐lacZ heterozygotes express β‐gal activity in an Amhr2‐specific pattern. In the gonads, β‐gal activity was detected in Sertoli cells of the testes from 2 weeks after birth, and fetal ovaries and granulosa cells of the adult ovary. β‐gal activity was first detected in the rostral mesenchyme of the Müllerian ducts at 12.5 days post coitus (dpc) in both sexes but soon thereafter expression was found along the entire length of the Müllerian ducts with higher levels initially found in males. In females, β‐gal activity was restricted to one side of the ductal mesoepithelium, whereas in males β‐gal expression encircled the duct. β‐gal activity was also detected in the coelomic epithelium at 13.5 and 14.5 dpc. In male embryos, mesenchymal β‐gal activity permitted the visualization of the temporal and spatial pattern of Müllerian duct regression. This pattern was similar to that observed using a Müllerian duct mesoepithelium lacZ reporter, indicating a coordinated loss of Müllerian duct mesoepithelium and Amhr2‐expressing mesenchyme. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1154–1162, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential regulation of the Oct‐3/4 gene in cell culture model systems that parallel different stages of mammalian development
Authors: Mallanna Sunil Kumar , Boer Brian , Desler Michelle , Rizzino Angie
Published: January 2008

Oct‐3/4 is an essential transcription factor that regulates stem cell fate during embryogenesis. Previous reports have shown that the Oct‐3/4 gene utilizes different enhancers to regulate its expression as development proceeds. However, the cis‐elements contributing to the differential activity of these enhancers require further study. Here, we investigated the function of the HMG/POU cassette and LRH‐1 site present in the distal enhancer (DE) and the proximal enhancer, respectively. F9 and P19 EC cells were the focus of this study because their differential utilization of Oct‐3/4 enhancers parallels the use of these enhancers during different stages of development. We determined that the LRH‐1 site functions as a positive and a negative cis‐regulatory element in P19 and F9 EC cells, respectively. Furthermore, we determined that the HMG/POU cassette in the DE strongly activates the Oct‐3/4 promoter in F9 cells, but is a much weaker positive regulatory element in P19 cells. Given that HMG/POU cassettes play key roles in the regulation of at least seven essential genes, the Oct‐3/4 HMG/POU cassette was examined more closely by focusing on Sox2, which can bind to HMG/POU cassettes. Although chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Sox2 binds to the Oct‐3/4 gene equally well in both EC cell lines, tethering Sox2 to the region of the HMG/POU cassette only activated the Oct‐3/4 promoter in F9 EC cells. These and other findings suggest that the differential activity of the HMG/POU cassette of the Oct‐3/4 gene in EC cells is due to differential action of Sox2 and its associated co‐factors. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1247–1257, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dye removal by a novel hydrogel‐clay nanocomposite with enhanced swelling properties
Authors: Kaşgöz Hasine , Durmus Ali
Published: January 2008

Acrylamide (AAm)‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPSNa) hydrogel and AAm‐AMPSNa/clay hydrogel nanocomposite having 10 w% clay was prepared by in situ copolymerization in aqueous solution in the presence of a crosslinking agent (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA)). Swelling properties and kinetics of the hydrogel samples were investigated in water and aqueous solutions of the Safranine‐T (ST) and Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) dyes. The swelling and diffusion parameters were also calculated in water and dye solutions. It was observed that the AAm‐AMPSNa/clay hydrogel nanocomposite exhibits improved swelling capacity compared with the AAm‐AMPSNa hydrogel. It was also found that the diffusion mechanisms show non‐Fickian character. Adsorption properties of the hydrogel samples in the aqueous solution of ST and BCB dyes were also investigated. Clay incorporation into the hydrogel structure increased not only the adsorption capacity but also the adsorption rate. Adsorption capacity values of the hydrogel nanocomposite were found to be 484.2 and 494.2 mg g−1 for the ST and BCB dyes, respectively. It was seen that the adsorption of dyes by the hydrogel nanocomposite completed in 10 min while the AAm‐AMPSNa hydrogel adsorbed dyes approximately in 90 min. Adsorption data of the samples were modelled by the pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equations in order to investigate dye adsorption mechanism. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of hydrogel nanocomposite followed a pseudo‐second‐order model. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. It was seen that the Langmuir model fits the adsorption data better than the Freundlich model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of B‐cell lymphoma with LMB modified protocols in Africa—report of the French‐African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP)
Authors: Harif Mhamed , Barsaoui Sihem , Benchekroun Said , Bouhas Rachid , Doumbé Pierre , Khattab Mohammed , Ladjaj Yasmina , Moreira Claude , Msefer‐Alaoui Fouzia , Patte Catherine , Rakotonirina Gervais , Raphael Martine , Raquin Marie‐Anne , Lemerle Jean
Published: January 2008

Background

The French African Paediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP) was set up in October 2000 to improve the quality of care of children with cancer in Africa. Eight pediatric oncology units from Algeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal have been involved.

Methods

Patients less than 18 years with cytology or histology proven B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were included. Two LMB89 modified regimens were proposed (MAT and GFA).

Results

From April 2001 to April 2004, 343 cases were registered. Thirty seven patients were excluded. Thirteen patients were stage I, 26 stage II, 209 stage III and 50 stage IV including 8 L3 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL3) cases. Three year OS of the whole population of patients is 61%. In GFA group 36 months OS is 63.6% in stages I/II, 51.6% in stage III and 35.8% in stage IV. In MAT group, the OS is 84.4% in stages I/II, 76.2% in stage III and 55.6% in stage IV. Seventy one patients died during treatment, 32 at pre‐induction phase, 27 at induction and 12 at consolidation. Treatment related mortality decreased during the 3‐year inclusion period (first year: 25.7%, second year: 19.1%, third year: 11.6%). The improvement of supportive care translated into an increase of the overall survival rates from 54% in the first year to 73% in the third year.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the feasibility of prospective multicentric studies in Africa. An improvement of quality of care has been noticed during the 3 first years. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1138–1142. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) isoform expression is associated with neuroblastoma differentiation status
Authors: Winter Cynthia , Pawel Bruce , Seiser Eric , Zhao Huaqing , Raabe Eric , Wang Qun , Judkins Alex R. , Attiyeh Edward , Maris John M.
Published: January 2008

Background

NCAM is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. While highly expressed on neuroblastoma cells, the relative contribution of the three major NCAM isoforms (120, 140, and 180 kDa) to neuroblastoma biology has not been investigated.

Methods

NCAM protein expression was measured in a neuroblastic tumor tissue microarray (N = 185) by immunohistochemistry. Relative expression of NCAM mRNA isoforms was measured in a panel of 24 human neuroblastomas and compared to fetal and adult human brain using real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Associations with clinical and tumor biological co‐variates were performed.

Results

NCAM protein was detected on all neuroblastic tumors and was highly expressed in all but 7/167 cases. The mRNA species predicted to encode the 120 kDa protein species was the most abundant isoform in adult brain, ganglioneuromas and ganglioneuroblastomas (P = 0.0007), but the mRNA predicted to encode the 180 kDa species was predominant in neuroblastomas (P = 0.043). Microdissected ganglion and neuroblast cells from human primary tumors confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

Ganglioneuromas and ganglioneuroblastomas express the adhesive 120 kDa NCAM isoform, while neuroblastomas preferentially express the 180 kDa isoform classically involved in cell motility. These data suggest a mechanism for the enhanced metastatic potential of undifferentiated neuroblastomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:10–16. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep venous thrombosis in adolescents due to anatomic causes
Authors: Bruins Benjamin , Masterson Margaret , Drachtman Richard A. , Michaels Lisa A.
Published: January 2008

Aberrant or anomalous anatomy is an under appreciated risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Five adolescents with VTE and predisposing anatomic abnormalities are presented. In three cases, knowledge of the underlying anatomic abnormalities resulted in changes in treatment and management. In two other cases, failure to consider or correct the underlying defect resulted in recurrent thrombosis or post‐thrombotic complications. Few case reports are found in the pediatric literature, but a MEDLINE search across all age groups suggests these anomalies are frequently found when appropriate radiological imaging is obtained. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:125–128. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical analysis of the mechanical properties of natural fibers and their composite materials. II. Composite materials
Authors: Peponi Laura , Biagiotti Jerico , Kenny Josè M. , Mondragòn Iñaki
Published: January 2008

In this study, the tensile behavior of different natural fiber reinforced composite materials were analyzed. The statistical analysis used to study the natural fibers in the first article, has been extended to analyze the behavior of PP‐matrix composites, combining the probability density function estimation of fiber properties with the Halpin‐Tsai equation. In this case, the advanced statistical approach overestimates the mechanical properties of the composites, probably because of the poor matrix‐fiber adhesion between polypropylene and natural fibers in the real system. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Functional polyethylene composites prepared via polymerization of ethylene with opal‐immobilized zirconocene complex
Authors: Xu Hao , Wang Xinwei , Guo Cun‐Yue , Li Qingshan
Published: January 2008

An opal‐supported zirconocene complex (OC) was prepared and employed to prepare functional polyethylene composite for the first time through in situ polymerization of ethylene. The formation mechanism of anion relating to opal was explained and the values of anions released from pristine opal and that contained in the as‐fabricated polyethylene composites were detected. The OC exhibited high catalytic activities in ethylene polymerization with methylaluminoxane (MAO) the cocatalyst. In addition to higher viscosity‐average molecular weights (Mη), experimental results also showed that the resulting polyethylene composites possessed improved anion‐releasing capacity in comparison with pristine opal in addition to increased tensile strength, Young's modulus, and onset decomposition temperature (Tonset) relative to neat polyethylene due to highly uniform dispersion of opal in polyethylene matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Statistical analysis of the mechanical properties of natural fibers and their composite materials. I. Natural fibers
Authors: Peponi Laura , Biagiotti Jerico , Torre Luigi , Kenny Josè M. , Mondragòn Iñaki
Published: January 2008

In this study, we extended a statistical approach to develop a comparative study on the behavior of different natural fibers such as flax, jute, abaca, and sisal. In particular, the dimensional characterization and mechanical properties of natural fibers were considered. The wide dispersion of fiber properties, which is a well‐known characteristic of natural systems, has been described here by means of a new advanced statistical approach based on neural network algorithms that can provide a more accurate prediction of the behavior of natural fibers. The new statistical model was developed to interpolate the experimental data, using algorithms based on neural networks. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pattern of adverse drug reactions to anti‐epileptic drugs: a cross‐sectional one‐year survey at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: S Roopa B. , Narayan Sujatha S. , Sharma G. R. K , Rodrigues Rashmi J , Kulkarni Chanda
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To investigate pattern and extent of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with AEDs and to identify safer options for treatment of epilepsy.

Method

Study was a retrospective, cross‐sectional survey. Data from patients with epilepsy at the out‐patient and in‐patient of Neurology Department was collected in a specially designed proforma. Causality and severity of ADRs was categorized as per WHO guidelines.

Results

Among 788 patients with epilepsy, 80 (10.27%) had ADRs. ADRs with AED monotherapy were 9.18% and with polytherapy were 11.56%. ADRs with conventional and newer AED monotherapy was 10.24% and 6.84%, respectively, and were maximum with phenytoin and clobazam (14.28% and 12.5%). ADRs were mild in 4.16%, moderate in 70.83% and severe in 25% patients. Causality was probable in 65.62%, possible in 13.54% and definite in 20.83%. Patients (15/80) were hospitalized due to ADRs. Age and gender distribution showed statistically significant difference in occurrence of ADRs (p < 0.05). Chi‐square test for poly versus monotherapy and conventional versus newer AEDs did not show any significant difference.

Conclusions

Study showed maximum ADRs with AED polytherapy with no significant difference in frequency and severity of ADRs between conventional versus newer AEDs. This finding needs further investigation in larger number of patients to identify safer treatment options for epilepsy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.