bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universality of citation distributions–A validation of Radicchi et al.'s relative indicator cf = c/c0 at the micro level using data from chemistry
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Daniel Hans‐Dieter
Published: April 2009

In a recently published PNAS paper, Radicchi, Fortunato, and Castellano (2008) propose the relative indicator cf as an unbiased indicator for citation performance across disciplines (fields, subject areas). To calculate cf, the citation rate for a single paper is divided by the average number of citations for all papers in the discipline in which the single paper has been categorized. cf values are said to lead to a universality of discipline‐specific citation distributions. Using a comprehensive dataset of an evaluation study on Angewandte Chemie International Edition (AC‐IE), we tested the advantage of using this indicator in practical application at the micro level, as compared with (1) simple citation rates, and (2) z‐scores, which have been used in psychological testing for many years for normalization of test scores. To calculate z‐scores, the mean number of citations of the papers within a discipline is subtracted from the citation rate of a single paper, and the difference is then divided by the citations' standard deviation for a discipline. Our results indicate that z‐scores are better suited than cf values to produce universality of discipline‐specific citation distributions.
Crystal and molecular structure of β‐cyclodextrins functionalized with the anti‐inflammatory drug Etodolac
Authors: Puglisi Antonino , Rizzarelli Enrico , Vecchio Graziella , Iacovino Rosa , Benedetti Ettore , Pedone Carlo , Saviano Michele
Published: April 2009

The conjugates of β‐cyclodextrins with R‐ or with S‐Etodolac were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and S‐Etodolac alone was characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. In solution, the R‐Etodolac conjugate is soluble in water; the other epimer shows a very low solubility. The NMR characterization of the R‐Etodolac conjugate in D2O shows that, in aqueous solution, the Edotolac moiety is self‐included in the cavity, while the NMR characterization in MeOH of both conjugates underlines that, in this solvent, the Etodolac moiety is not included in the CD cavity. The X‐ray structure determination of the S‐Etodolac conjugate reveals a “sleeping swan”‐like shape, with the covalently bonded Etodolac moiety being folded with the 8‐ethyl group inserted inside the hydrophobic cavity of the β‐CD ring. The terminal methyl group of the 8‐ethyl group enters the centre of cavity from the side of the primary hydroxyl groups and is buried inside the β‐CD macrocycle. The terminal methyl group is positioned at a distance of 1.06 Å from the O(4) plane in the side of the primary hydroxyl groups. In addition to van der Waals interactions between the hydrophobic ethyl group and the β‐CD cavity, the folded conformation is further stabilized by one intramolecular H‐bond involving the indole N–H group and the primary hydroxyl group of the glucose unit 7. Along the b axis, the β‐CD molecules are arranged in columns; the macrocycles form a herring bone pattern, so that the cavity of each β‐CD molecule is closed at each end by neighboring molecules. Within the layers, the β‐CD macrocycles are held together by a complicated intermolecular hydrogen bond network, in which numerous water molecules and hydroxyl groups are involved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 1227–1235, 2009.

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
On line internet‐based multi‐location power system harmonics analysis and monitoring
Authors: Lin Hsiung Cheng
Published: April 2009

Traditional methods to measure power system harmonics employ the power harmonic analyzer or a software package, such as Matlab or others, but they do have certain limitations in the graphical programming environment, applications for remote monitoring and control performance and for multi‐point harmonic measurement. In this paper, a PC‐based virtual instrument (VI) based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to implement a remote multi‐point power system harmonics analysis and monitoring using LabVIEW is proposed. The nearby PC (Server) can collect real‐time waveform data from different multi‐locations and transmit it to remote PCs (Clients) for on line harmonic analysis and monitoring via the Internet. The history of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in the waveform signals from remote locations can be also recorded and tracked in the data base. The strategies and guidelines are also developed to enhance teaching and/or learning the basics of operating Internet‐based systems. Experimental results have testified its well performance and remote Web‐based capability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 241–252, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20175
Simulation of Ward Leonard test set and induction motor on MATLAB for teaching performance characteristics of induction motor to undergraduate students
Authors: Vahidi B. , Bank Tavakoli M. R.
Published: April 2009

Accurate knowledge of an induction motor performance is very essential to have an idea of its operation conditions. The aim of this article is to present an approach for teaching the concept of electric machines laboratory using specially designed exercises that can be done using MATLAB‐SIMULINK. This article present a MATLAB based technology to simulate Ward Leonard test set to analyze performance characteristics of induction motor. Evaluation of the simulation with more than 40 students is very positive in terms of their developing confidence in and understanding the test and theoretical concepts. By using the simulator, four groups of students are tested via designed question sheets to determine the effectiveness of the method for teaching induction motor performance concept. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 224–233, 2011
Femoral bifurcation disease: Balloon or knife
Authors: Bosiers Marc , Deloose Koen
Published: April 2009

Arterial occlusive disease at the level of the femoral bifurcation mostly occurs in combination with inflow and/or outflow lesions. Surgical endarterectomy of the femoral bifurcation is a well‐proven low‐risk and easy surgical intervention with known durable success, while, although proven to be safe, evidence is lacking about the durability of the endovascular approach. Based on the evidence at hand, the surgical approach should be recommended for the vast majority of patients and the endovascular approach should only be indicated as the first strategy in selected cases presenting with factors that might compromise the outcome of surgery in the groin. If feasible, the hybrid approach with endarterectomy at the level of the bifurcation and endovascular repair of the inflow and outflow lesions is preferred in patients with multilevel disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Racial disparities and treatment trends in a large cohort of elderly black and white patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Hardy Dale , Liu Chih‐Chin , Xia Rui , Cormier Janice N. , Chan Wenyaw , White Arica , Burau Keith , Du Xianglin L.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

This study investigated whether there was a significant gap in receipt of treatment for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between blacks and whites, and whether the gap or disparity changed during the past 12 years from 1991 to 2002.

METHODS:

The study population consisted of 83,101 patients including 75,141 (90.4%) whites and 7960 (9.6%) blacks aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages I‐IV NSCLC identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program's Medicare database. Age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted rates and crude and adjusted odds ratios for receiving appropriate stage‐specific treatment of NSCLC were reported.

RESULTS:

For stages I‐II NSCLC combined, blacks were 37% less likely (OR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55‐0.73) to receive surgery, 42% less likely (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.92) to receive chemotherapy, and for stages III‐IV combined, 57% less likely (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.61) to receive chemotherapy compared with whites. Older patients, women, and those in lower socioeconomic quartiles had greater disparities in receipt of treatment compared with the highest income quartile. Disparity trends were not significantly narrowed during the past 12 years between blacks and whites for receipt of the above treatments.

CONCLUSIONS:

There have been substantial disparities in receiving recommended treatments between blacks and whites, and these disparities have been relatively stable without a significant trend of narrowing during the past 12 years. Efforts should focus on providing appropriate quality treatment and educating blacks on the value of having these treatments to reduce these disparities in receipt of treatment for NSCLC. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Breast and prostate cancer survival in Michigan
Authors: Meliker Jaymie R. , Goovaerts Pierre , Jacquez Geoffrey M. , AvRuskin Gillian A. , Copeland Glenn
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

Racial disparities in survival from breast and prostate cancer are well established; however, the roles of societal/socioeconomic factors and innate/genetic factors in explaining the disparities remain unclear. One approach for evaluating the relative importance of societal and innate factors is to quantify how the magnitude of racial disparities changes according to the geographic scales at which data are aggregated. Disappearance of racial disparities for some levels of aggregation would suggest that modifiable factors not inherent at the individual level are responsible for the disparities.

METHODS:

The Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program compiled a dataset from 1985 to 2002 that included 124,218 breast cancer cases and 120,615 prostate cancer cases with 5‐year survival rates of 78% and 75%, respectively. Absolute and relative differences in survival rates for whites and blacks were quantified across different geographic scales using statistics that adjusted for population size to account for the small numbers problem common with minority populations.

RESULTS:

Whites experienced significantly higher survival rates for prostate and breast cancer compared with blacks throughout much of southern Michigan in analyses conducted using federal House legislative districts; however, in smaller geographic units (state House legislative districts and community‐defined neighborhoods), disparities diminished and virtually disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggest that modifiable societal factors are responsible for apparent racial disparities in breast and prostate cancer survival observed at larger geographic scales. This research presents a novel strategy for taking advantage of inconsistencies across geographic scales to evaluate the relative importance of innate and societal‐level factors in explaining racial disparities in cancer survival. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Cytomorphologic features of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Bongiovanni Massimo , Bloom Leonard , Krane Jeffrey F. , Baloch Zubair W. , Powers Celeste N. , Hintermann Suzanne , Pache Jean‐Claude , Faquin William C.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an uncommon and aggressive malignancy. Despite the significant clinical implications of a diagnosis of PDTC, its cytomorphologic features have not been well defined. Statistical analysis was applied to a series of 40 PDTCs to identify a specific set of cytomorphologic features that characterized these tumors on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

METHODS:

In total, 40 thyroid FNABs that were highly diagnosed histologically as PDTC (19 insular carcinomas and 21 noninsular carcinomas) comprised the study group. A control group of 40 well differentiated thyroid neoplasms were selected for comparison. All FNABs were reviewed and scored for a series of 32 cytomorphologic features. The results were evaluated using univariate and stepwise logistic regression (SLR) analyses.

RESULTS:

In univariate analysis, 17 cytomorphologic features were identified that characterized the 40 PDTCs: insular, solid, or trabecular cytoarchitecture (P < .001); high cellularity (P = .007); necrosis (P = .025) or background debris (P = .025); plasmacytoid appearance (P = .0007); single cells (P < .0001); high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio (P < .0001); scant cytoplasm (P = .03); nuclear atypia (P < .0001), including nuclear pleomorphism (P = .0052) and anisokaryosis (P < .0001); granular/coarse chromatin (P = .026); naked nuclei (P = .01); mitotic activity (P = .0001) and apoptosis (P < .0001); endothelial wrapping (P = .0053); and severe crowding (P < .0001). In logistic regression analysis, severe crowding (P = .0008) and cytoarchitecture (P < .0001) were identified as the most significant cytomorphologic features of PDTCs, and the combination of cytoarchitecture, severe crowding, single cells, and high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio was the most predictive of PDTC.

CONCLUSIONS:

PDTCs have characteristic cytomorphologic features. By using logistic regression analysis, the features that were identified as the most predictive of PDTC were severe crowding, insular/solid/trabecular morphology, single cells, and high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Comparison of ImmunoCyt, UroVysion, and urine cytology in detection of recurrent urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Sullivan Peggy S. , Nooraie Farzad , Sanchez Hope , Hirschowitz Sharon , Levin Mary , Rao P. Nagesh , Rao Jianyu
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND:

ImmunoCyt (uCyt) and UroVysion are ancillary studies that may aid in the detection of urothelial carcinoma in urine specimens. We compared ImmunoCyt and UroVysion to urine cytology in the ability to detect recurrent urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS:

Single voided urine samples were obtained from 100 patients who had a previous history of bladder cancer. All patients underwent cystoscopy immediately after urine sample collection. Forty‐one cystoscopically suspicious lesions were biopsied. Urine samples were divided and processed blindly and independently in 3 different laboratories for ImmunoCyt, UroVysion, and urine cytology (ThinPrep method).

RESULTS:

Of the 41 cystoscopically positive cases, most cystoscopy findings showed multiple tumors that were papillary and less than 1 cm. Biopsies showed many low‐grade tumors (54%). Overall sensitivity of cytology for low‐ and high‐grade urothelial cell carcinoma was 15% and 27%, whereas ImmunoCyt was 62% and 91% and UroVysion was 8% and 18%, respectively. Overall specificity of cytology was 97%, whereas ImmunoCyt was 63% and UroVysion was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS:

ImmunoCyt is more sensitive than either cytology or UroVysion in detecting low‐grade tumors. Both cytology and UroVysion have comparable specificity in cystoscopically negative cases. Whereas ImmunoCyt may improve the cytological detection of recurrent bladder cancer, UroVysion may be used as a confirmatory test for either cytology or ImmunoCyt. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Early psychotherapy processes: An examination of client and trainee clinician perspective convergence
Authors: Swift Joshua , Callahan Jennifer
Published: April 2009

Convergence in the therapist–client dyad has been hypothesized to play an important role in the development of the therapeutic relationship and in successful therapy outcomes. Further, understanding the client's views and opinions of treatment has been identified as a critical skill for therapists in training to learn in order to reach professional competency in conducting psychotherapy. This study assessed convergence for 151 trainee therapist–client dyads on the identification of goals and tasks of treatment and on ratings of the therapeutic relationship, effectiveness of therapy and the client's current coping ability with life stressors. Results indicated that trainee therapists' and clients' ratings were significantly correlated; however, trainee therapists were more negative in their ratings of the relationship and progress of treatment and matched their clients' goals for treatment only 31.1% of the time. Training and practice implications are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of salivary oxytocin levels in lactating women
Authors: White‐Traut Rosemary , Watanabe Kaoru , Pournajafi‐Nazarloo Hossein , Schwertz Dorie , Bell Aleeca , Carter C. Sue
Published: April 2009

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide with widespread influence on many physiological and social functions including: labor and birth, lactation, sexual behavior, nurturing maternal behaviors, and stress reduction. However, our understanding of oxytocin's roles has been hampered by lack of noninvasive methods for assessing oxytocin levels. The goal of the present study was to assess whether oxytocin could be detected in saliva and whether changes occurred in the pattern of oxytocin release among lactating women from before, at initiaton and after breast feeding. Using a prospective repeated measures design, 11 research participants each provided 18 saliva samples during three feeding cycles (before, at initiation and after breast feeding) for two 24‐hr data collection periods (Days 1 and 2). Within each day, saliva was collected at late evening, early morning, and late morning. Salivary samples were concentrated fourfold by dehydration prior to analysis and oxytocin was measured in saliva using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Salivary oxytocin values, when reconverted to their original levels, ranged from 6.44 to 61.05 pg/ml. Oxytocin values in saliva varied significantly as a function of the breast feeding cycle, but did not show reliable differences as a function of the time of feeding. Oxytocin was highest before feeding, followed by a decrease at initiation of feeding, and an increase at 30 min after feeding. The findings suggest that oxytocin release into saliva increases in anticipation of feedings. This study also supports the potential usefulness of salivary measures of oxytocin as a noninvasive index of changes in this peptide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev. Psychobiol 51: 367–373, 2009.
Increased consumption of wheat biofortified with selenium does not modify biomarkers of cancer risk, oxidative stress, or immune function in healthy Australian males
Authors: Wu Jing , Salisbury Carolyn , Graham Robin , Lyons Graham , Fenech Michael
Published: April 2009

Increased intake of selenium (Se) may reduce the risk of degenerative diseases including cancer but excessive intake may be toxic. Wheat is a major source of dietary Se in humans. However, the effect of Se from wheat that is agronomically biofortified with Se on biomarkers of human health status is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether improving Se status, by increased dietary intake of Se‐biofortified wheat, affects biomarkers of cancer risk, cardiovascular disease risk, oxidative stress, and immune function in healthy South Australian men. A 24‐week placebo‐controlled double‐blind intervention was performed in healthy older men (n = 62), with increased dose of Se intake every 8 weeks. Wheat was provided as 1, 2, and 3 puffed wheat biscuits, during weeks 1–8, 9–16, and 17–24, respectively. Blood was collected to measure a wide range of disease risk biomarkers. Consumption of Se‐biofortified wheat was found to increase plasma Se concentration from a baseline level of 122 to 192 μg/L following intake of three biscuits/day, which provided 267 μg Se. Platelet glutathione peroxidase, chromosome aberrations, and DNA damage in lymphocytes measured using the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus cytome assay and with the Comet assay, plasma F2‐isoprostanes, protein carbonyls, plasma C‐reactive protein, and leukocyte number were unaffected by the improved Se status. Improvement of Se status by consumption of Se‐biofortified wheat did not substantially modify the selected biomarkers of degenerative disease risk and health status in this apparently selenium‐replete cohort of healthy older men in South Australia. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene‐environment interaction tests for dichotomous traits in trios and sibships
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas J. , Lange Christoph , Vansteelandt Stijn , Laird Nan M.
Published: April 2009

When testing for genetic effects, failure to account for a gene‐environment interaction can mask the true association effects of a genetic marker with disease. Family‐based association tests are popular because they are completely robust to population substructure and model misspecification. However, when testing for an interaction, failure to model the main genetic effect correctly can lead to spurious results. Here we propose a family‐based test for interaction that is robust to model misspecification, but still sensitive to an interaction effect, and can handle continuous covariates and missing parents. We extend the FBAT‐I gene‐environment interaction test for dichotomous traits to using both trios and sibships. We then compare this extension to joint tests of gene and gene‐environment interaction, and compare the joint test additionally to the main effects test of the gene. Lastly, we apply these three tests to a group of nuclear families ascertained according to affection with Bipolar Disorder. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:691–699, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered somatosensory processing in trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Blatow Maria , Nennig Ernst , Sarpaczki Elise , Reinhardt Julia , Schlieter Martin , Herweh Christian , Rasche Dirk , Tronnier Volker M. , Sartor Klaus , Stippich Christoph
Published: April 2009

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a pain state characterized by intermittent unilateral pain attacks in one or several facial areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve. The somatosensory cortex is heavily involved in the perception of sensory features of pain, but it is also the primary target for thalamic input of nonpainful somatosensory information. Thus, pain and somatosensory processing are accomplished in overlapping cortical structures raising the question whether pain states are associated with alteration of somatosensory function itself. To test this hypothesis, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess activation of primary (SI) and secondary (SII) somatosensory cortices upon nonpainful tactile stimulation of lips and fingers in 18 patients with TN and 10 patients with TN relieved from pain after successful neurosurgical intervention in comparison with 13 healthy subjects. We found that SI and SII activations in patients did neither depend on the affected side of TN nor differ between operated and nonoperated patients. However, SI and SII activations, but not thalamic activations, were significantly reduced in patients as compared to controls. These differences were most prominent for finger stimulation, an area not associated with TN. For lip stimulation SI and SII activations were reduced in patients with TN on the contra‐ but not on the ipsilateral side to the stimulus. These findings suggest a general reduction of SI and SII processing in patients with TN, indicating a long‐term modulation of somatosensory function and pointing to an attempt of cortical adaptation to potentially painful stimuli. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural correlates of word production stages delineated by parametric modulation of psycholinguistic variables
Authors: Wilson Stephen M. , Isenberg Anna Lisette , Hickok Gregory
Published: April 2009

Word production is a complex multistage process linking conceptual representations, lexical entries, phonological forms and articulation. Previous studies have revealed a network of predominantly left‐lateralized brain regions supporting this process, but many details regarding the precise functions of different nodes in this network remain unclear. To better delineate the functions of regions involved in word production, we used event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify brain areas where blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) responses to overt picture naming were modulated by three psycholinguistic variables: concept familiarity, word frequency, and word length, and one behavioral variable: reaction time. Each of these variables has been suggested by prior studies to be associated with different aspects of word production. Processing of less familiar concepts was associated with greater BOLD responses in bilateral occipitotemporal regions, reflecting visual processing and conceptual preparation. Lower frequency words produced greater BOLD signal in left inferior temporal cortex and the left temporoparietal junction, suggesting involvement of these regions in lexical selection and retrieval and encoding of phonological codes. Word length was positively correlated with signal intensity in Heschl's gyrus bilaterally, extending into the mid‐superior temporal gyrus (STG) and sulcus (STS) in the left hemisphere. The left mid‐STS site was also modulated by reaction time, suggesting a role in the storage of lexical phonological codes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations of NPM1 gene in de novo acute myeloid leukaemia: determination of incidence, distribution pattern and identification of two novel mutations in Indian population
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Mandava Swarna , Das Bibhu Ranjan
Published: April 2009

Mutations in the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene have been recently described to occur in about one‐third of acute myeloid leukaemias (AMLs) and represent the most frequent genetic alteration currently known in this subset, specially in those with normal karyotype. This study explored the prevalence and clinical profile of NPM1 mutations in a cohort of 200 Indian adult and children with AML. NPM1 mutations were observed in 19.5% of all population and 34.2% of those with normal karyotype. Adults had a significantly higher incidence of NPM1 mutations than children [38 of 161 (23.6%) vs. 1 of 39 (2.5%), p = 0.002]. NPM1 mutations were significantly associated with normal karyotype (p = 0.001), high WBC count (p = 0.034), AML‐M4 subtype (p = 0.039) and a gradient increase of mutation rate with the increase in age groups. Sequence analysis of 39 mutated cases revealed typical mutations (types A, B, D, Nm and H*) as well as two novel variations (types F1 and F2). Majority of the patients had mutation type A (69.2%), followed by B (5.1%), D (15.3%), H* (2.5%) and Nm (2.5%) all involving COOH terminal of the NPM1 protein. In conclusion, this study represents the first report of NPM1 mutation from Indian population and confirms that the incidence of NPM1 mutations varies considerably globally, with slightly lower incidence in Indian population compared to western countries. The current study also served to identify two novel NPM1 mutants that add new insights into the heterogeneity of genomic insertions at exon 12. More ongoing larger studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of AML that arises in this part of the world. Furthermore, we believe that in light of its high prevalence worldwide, inclusion of NPM1 mutation detection assay in diagnostic evaluations of AML may improve the efficacy of routine genetic characterization and allow assignment of patients to better‐defined risk categories. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of wall oscillation modes on heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Nakamura Masahide , Yoshihara Misa , Watanabe Ken , Tamura Orie , Sugiyama Wataru
Published: April 2009

We numerically investigated the influence of the wall oscillation mode on the heat transfer characteristics of a two‐dimensional channel. In the present study, two channels with different wall oscillation modes were considered: a two‐dimensional channel bounded by a fixed wall and a transversely oscillating wall (channel A) and a two‐dimensional channel in which the upper and lower walls oscillate transversely in the same manner (channel B). The fully implicit finite difference method was used for the analysis of the conservation equations and the time‐dependent coordinate transformations were applied to solve the moving boundary problem. The calculated results are summarized as follows. (1) The wall oscillation has a significant effect on the heat transfer enhancement in the low‐Reynolds‐number region for each channel. (2) If increased pressure loss must be avoided, then channel B is more suitable than channel A. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20250
Acute toxicity evaluation of biodegradable in situ gel‐forming controlled drug delivery system based on thermosensitive PEG‐PCL‐PEG hydrogel
Authors: Gong Chang Yang , Wu Qin Jie , Dong Peng Wei , Shi Shuai , Fu Shao Zhi , Guo Gang , Hu Huo Zhen , Zhao Xia , Wei Yu Quan , Qian Zhi Yong
Published: April 2009

In this work, a biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG‐PCL‐PEG, PECE) triblock copolymer was successfully synthesized. The aqueous solution of such PECE copolymer displayed special sol–gel–sol transition as temperature increase, which is a flowing sol at low‐temperature and turns into a nonflowing gel at body temperature. The cytotoxicity of PECE copolymer was evaluated by cell viability assay using HEK 293 cells. In vivo gel formation and degradation test based on intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration was conducted, respectively. The acute toxicity test and histopathological study were performed in BALB/c mice by intrapleural, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration of PECE hydrogel (30 Wt %), respectively. The dose of intrapleural, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration was up to 10 g/kg body weight (b.w.), 25 g/kg b.w., and 25 g/kg b.w., respectively, and the mice were observed continuously for 14 days. For histopathologic study, samples including heart, liver, lung, kidneys, spleen, stomach, intestine, and tissue of injection site were prepared for histochemical analysis and were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. No mortality or significant signs of acute toxicity was observed during the whole observation period and there is no significant lesion to be shown in histopathologic study of major organs. Therefore, the maximum tolerance dose of PECE hydrogel by intrapleural, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration was calculated to be higher than 10 g/kg b.w., 25 g/kg b.w., and 25 g/kg b.w., respectively. The results indicated that the prepared PECE hydrogel was nontoxic after intrapleural, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration, and it could be a safe candidate for in situ gel‐forming controlled drug delivery system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Sperm ecto‐protein kinase and its protein substrate: Novel regulators of membrane fusion during acrosome reaction
Authors: Maiti Arunima , Nath Debjani , Dungdung Sandhya R. , Majumder Gopal C.
Published: April 2009

Previously we have purified and characterized a unique plasma membrane‐specific cyclic AMP‐independent ecto‐protein kinase (ecto‐CIK) as well as its ecto‐phosphoprotein substrate (MPS) using caprine sperm model. This study reports for the first time the role of the sperm external surface protein phosphorylation system on sperm acrosome reaction, which is essential for fertilization. Calcium ionophore A23187 has been used to trigger the sperm acrosome reaction in vitro. Treatment of sperm cells with CIK antibody (dil: 1:500) causes a significant decrease (approx. 50%) in percentage of acrosome reacted sperm. Onset of the acrosome reaction causes a remarkable increase in the rate of acrosin release from the cells in the medium. However, CIK antibody inhibits significantly (approx. 50%) the acrosin release. The level of membrane‐bound MPS as estimated by ELISA and the degree of its phosphorylation catalyzed by the endogenous ecto‐CIK, increase significantly with the progress of the acrosome reaction. Both the parameters increase by approximately 100% during the 20 min of the reaction. MPS antibody (1:100 dilution) markedly decreases (approx. 75%) percentage of acrosome‐reacted sperm. MPS antibody as well shows high efficacy to inhibit acrosin release from spermatozoa. The results demonstrate that the cell–surface protein kinase and its protein substrate are essential for membrane fusion component of acrosome reaction. The data are consistent with the view that MPS regulates acrosomal membrane fusion with the overlying plasma membrane by the mechanism of its phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 394–400, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene array profile identifies collagen type XV as a novel human osteoblast‐secreted matrix protein
Authors: Lisignoli Gina , Codeluppi Katia , Todoerti Katia , Manferdini Cristina , Piacentini Anna , Zini Nicoletta , Grassi Francesco , Cattini Luca , Piva Roberta , Rizzoli Vittorio , Facchini Andrea , Giuliani Nicola , Neri Antonino
Published: April 2009

Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts are the two main non‐haematopoietic cellular components of human bone tissue. To identify novel osteoblast‐related molecules, we performed a gene expression profiling analysis comparing MSCs and osteoblasts isolated from the same donors. Genes differentially overexpressed in osteoblasts were mainly related to the negative control of cell proliferation, pro‐apoptotic processes, protein metabolism and bone remodelling. Notably, we also identified the collagen XV (COL15A1) gene as the most up‐regulated gene in osteoblasts compared with MSCs, previously described as being expressed in the basement membrane in other cell types. The expression of collagen type XV was confirmed at the protein level on isolated osteoblasts and we demonstrated that it significantly increases during the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro and that free ionised extracellular calcium significantly down‐modulates its expression. Moreover, light and electron microscopy showed that collagen type XV is expressed in bone tissue biopsies mainly by working osteoblasts forming new bone tissue or lining bone trabeculae. To our knowledge, these data represent the first evidence of the expression of collagen type XV in human osteoblasts, a calcium‐regulated protein which correlates to a specific functional state of these cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 401–409, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A general upper bound for the cyclic chromatic number of 3‐connected plane graphs
Authors: Enomoto Hikoe , Horňák Mirko
Published: April 2009

The cyclic chromatic number of a plane graph G is the smallest number χc(G) of colors that can be assigned to vertices of G in such a way that whenever two distinct vertices are incident with a common face, they receive distinct colors. It was conjectured by Plummer and Toft in 1987 that, for every 3‐connected plane graph G, χc(G)≤Δ*(G) + 2, where Δ*(G) is the maximum face degree of G. The best upper bound known so far was Δ*(G) + 8. In the paper this bound is improved to Δ*(G) + 5. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62: 1–25, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and reactions of selected multichalcone derivatives
Authors: Al‐Smadi Mousa , Mohammad Suhaib
Published: April 2009

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New multiarm aromatic chalcone derivatives 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d were prepared through cross‐aldol condensation reaction between multiarm aromatic ketones 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 4‐(dimethyl amino)benzaldehyde in basic medium. The multiarm aromatic chalcones 2a and 2c were able to undergo cyclization reactions when treated with hydrazine or any of it's derivatives to yield the corresponding pyrazolines 3a and 3c that were reacted with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquenone in benzene to yield the aromatic pyrazoles 4a and 4c, respectively. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 201 (2009).
Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of some di‐ and trideuterated methylpyridines
Authors: Pavlik James W. , Vongnakorn Tharinee , Tantayanon Supawan
Published: April 2009

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2‐Trideuteriopyridine‐4,6‐d2 (1‐4,6‐d2), 3‐methylpyridine‐2,6‐d2 (2‐2,6‐d2), 3‐methylpyridine‐2,4,6‐d3 (2‐2,4,6‐d3), and 4‐trideuteriopyridine‐2,6‐d2 (3‐2,6‐d2) were synthesized from the appropriate 2‐, 3‐, or 4‐methylpyridine N‐oxides. These deuterated products were characterized by their 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 213 (2009).
Synthesis of 2,3‐dichloroquinoxalines via Vilsmeier reagent chlorination
Authors: Romer Duane R.
Published: April 2009

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A convenient and high‐yielding synthesis of 2,3‐dichloroquinoxalines from the corresponding 2,3‐dihydroxyquinoxalines has been developed. Treatment of a slurry of the 2,3‐dihydroxyquinoxaline 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j with N,N‐dimethylformamide in the presence of excess thionylchloride in 1,2‐dichloroethane results in the rapid and high‐yielding formation of the 2,3‐dichloroquinoxaline derivatives 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j. Simplified workup and purification procedures for these compounds are also described. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 317 (2009).
Synthesis and in vitro study of novel bis‐[3‐(2‐arylmethylidenimino‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one‐6‐yl]methane and bis‐[3‐(2‐arylidenhydrazo‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one‐6‐yl]methane as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Raghu M. , Nagaraj A. , Reddy Ch. Sanjeeva
Published: April 2009

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A series of novel bis‐[3‐(2‐arylmethylidenimino‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one‐6‐yl]methane 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f and bis‐[3‐(2‐arylidenhydrazo‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one‐6‐yl]‐methane 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f were synthesized in good yields from bis‐[3‐(2‐bromoacetyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one‐6‐yl]methane 5. The chemical structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by their IR, 1H NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. Further, all the compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi. Among the synthesized compounds, 7c, 7e, and 8c were found to be the most active against almost all the test bacteria. The compound 8c displayed notable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538p), Micrococcus luteus (IFC 12708), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 3851) and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), equal to that of ampicillin. Similarly these compounds also showed potent antifungal effect against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Aspergillus fumigatus (HIC 6094), Trichophyton rubrum (IFO 9185), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (IFO 40996). J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 261 (2009).
Synthesis and application of novel styryl dyes derived from 1,4‐diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6‐methoxyquinoxaline
Authors: Satam Vijay , Rajule Rajkumar , Bendre Samir , Bineesh Purushotthaman , Kanetkar Vinod
Published: April 2009

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The novel 1,4‐diethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐7‐methoxyquinoxalin‐6‐carboxaldehyde was synthesized, characterized, and condensed with suitably substituted active methylene compounds by classical Knoevenagel condensation reaction to obtain novel monostyryl dyes 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and a bis‐styryl dye 8f. These novel styryl dyes have hue varying from orange to violet. The dyes were applied to polyester fibers. The spectral and thermal characteristics of the dyes and fastness properties of the dyed polyester fabric were investigated. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 221 (2009).
Synthesis and bioactivity of novel benzisothiazolone derivatives as potential microbiocides
Authors: Xu Fengling , Lin Qiang , Hou Baorong
Published: April 2009

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Novel microbiocides 2‐(hydroxymethyl)benzo[d]isothiazol‐3(2H)‐one (7) and (3‐oxobenzo[d]isothiazol‐2(3H)‐yl)methyl benzencarboxylates 11a, 11b, 11c were synthesized in good yields, and their structures were characterized by means of 1H NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The new compounds were tested preliminarily in laboratory assays against the aquicolous bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphyloccus aurueus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Bacillus subtilis. The results show all the synthesized compounds have good antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of all the tested compounds against all test bacteria is >96.6% at the concentration of 10−2 mg mL−1. These compounds can be further developed for effective microbiocides in the future. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 320 (2009).
Vilsmeier–Haack formylation of acetonitrile revisited: Synthesis of novel pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines and triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine
Authors: Ghagare Maruti G. , Birari Dilip R. , Shelar Deepak P. , Toche Raghunath B. , Jachak Madhukar N.
Published: April 2009

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Vilsmeier–Haack formylation of acetonitrile using dimethylformamide and phosphorus oxychloride leading to a novel intermediate, N‐((E)‐3‐(dimethylamino)‐2‐formylacryloyl)formamidine 2 and its utility in the synthesis of pyrimidine‐fused heterocycles such as pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines and triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine is reported. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 327 (2009).
Synthesis of 2,6‐bis(1H‐indole‐6‐yl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐ones via Leimgruber–Batcho indole synthesis
Authors: Shahrisa Aziz , Ghasemi Zarrin , Saraei Mahnaz
Published: April 2009

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2,6‐Bis(1H‐indole‐6‐yl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one 4 was synthesized via Leimgruber–Batcho methodology starting from 2,6‐bis(4‐methyl‐3‐nitrophenyl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one 2. Enamine intermediate in this reaction, 3, reacts with aroyl chlorides in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane in dioxane to give the substituted enamines 8a, 8b, 8c. Enamines 8a, 8b undergo reductive cyclization with Fe/AcOH to the corresponding 3‐aroylindoles 10a ,10b. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 46, 273 (2009).
CD38 regulation in activated astrocytes: Implications for neuroinflammation and HIV‐1 brain infection
Authors: Kou Wei , Banerjee Sugato , Eudy James , Smith Lynette M. , Persidsky Raisa , Borgmann Kathleen , Wu Li , Sakhuja Namita , Deshpande Muralidhar S. , Walseth Timothy F. , Ghorpade Anuja
Published: April 2009

Reactive astrogliosis is a key pathological aspect of neuroinflammatory disorders including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐associated neurological disease. On the basis of previous data that showedastrocytes activated with interleukin (IL)‐1β induce neuronal injury, we analyzed global gene changes in IL‐1β‐activated human astrocytes by gene microarray. Among the up‐regulated genes, CD38, a 45‐kDa type II single chain transmembrane glycoprotein, was a top candidate, with a 17.24‐fold change that was validated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Key functions of CD38 include enzymatic activities and involvement in adhesion and cell signaling. Importantly, CD38+CD8+ T‐cell expression is a clinical correlate for progression of HIV‐1 infection and biological marker for immune activation. Thus, CD38 expression in HIV‐1 and/or IL‐1β‐stimulated human astrocytes and human brain tissues was analyzed. IL‐1β and HIV‐1 activation of astrocytes enhanced CD38 mRNA levels. Both CD38 immunoreactivity and adenosine 5′‐diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosyl cyclase activity were up‐regulated in IL‐1β‐activated astrocytes. CD38 knockdown using specific siRNAs significantly reduced astrocyte proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. However, CD38 mRNA levels were unchanged in IL‐1β knockdown conditions, suggesting that IL‐1β autocrine loop is not implicated in this process. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of HIV‐seropositive without encephalitis and HIV‐1 encephalitis brain tissues showed significant up‐regulation of CD38, which colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein–positive cells in areas of inflammation. These results suggest an important role of CD38 in the regulation of astrocyte dysfunction during the neuroinflammatory processes involved in neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory disorders such as HIV‐1 encephalitis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra‐abdominal tumor dissemination pattern and surgical outcome in 214 patients with primary ovarian cancer
Authors: Sehouli Jalid , Senyuva Filiz , Fotopoulou Christina , Neumann Ulf , Denkert Carsten , Werner Lichtenegger , Gülten Oskay‐Özcelik
Published: April 2009

Introduction

We performed a systematic evaluation of tumor pattern and surgical outcome in 214 consecutive patients with primary ovarian cancer.

Methods

Based on the surgical and histological reports we retrospectively analyzed tumor localizations, surgical and clinical outcome. Cox‐regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of complete tumor resection and mortality.

Results

Median age was 57.7 years (range: 20–88). FIGO‐stage‐I was classified in 8.4% and IV in 16.4% of all patients. The peritoneum was the structure most affected (76%) followed by the colon (52%) and diaphragm (44%). Upper abdominal tumor involvement was associated with a significantly higher rate of lymph node metastasis and a significantly lower rate of complete surgical tumor resection, when compared to patients with tumor limited to the lower abdomen. Median overall survival was 56; 61 and 27 months for patients with tumor load in the upper, lower and whole abdomen respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The intraoperative tumor dissemination pattern and the post‐operative tumor residuals are decisive for the prognosis in primary ovarian cancer. There is an urgent need to use a systematic and standardized tumor documentation protocols to define the predictive and prognostic role of specific tumor pattern and to compare the surgical outcomes of different tumor centers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:424–427. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term frontal sinus patency after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy
Authors: Chan Yvonne , Melroy Christopher T. , Kuhn Carolyn A. , Kuhn Faith L. , Daniel William T. , Kuhn Frederick A.
Published: April 2009

Background:

The frontal recess is the drainage pathway that connects the frontal sinus to the anterior ethmoid sinus. Mechanical obstruction is the primary cause of chronic frontal sinusitis with or without a secondary inflammatory process. Eosinophilic inflammation is one of the underlying causes for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives/Hyphothesis:

To evaluate long‐term frontal sinus patency after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in chronic rhinosinusitis patients and to assess the effect of eosinophilic inflammation on frontal sinus patency.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review. Symptom assessment and archived endoscopic photographs were prospectively collected on patients who underwent frontal sinusotomy between 7‐1‐1999 and 12‐31‐2000. Subjective symptom improvements were evaluated using the SNOT‐20 = 20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test. Objective findings of endoscopic frontal sinus patency were documented by archived digital photography.

Results:

A total of 161 patients with 294 frontal sinuses who underwent endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in the 18 months had an average follow‐up of 45.9 months. The patient population was divided into two groups: 58 patients had eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), and 103 patients had CRS without eosinophils (non‐ECRS). The mean follow‐up for patients with ECRS is 61.6 months and 37.0 months for non‐ECRS patients. The non‐ECRS patients had a documented endoscopic frontal sinus patency of 90%, and the ECRS patients had an endoscopic frontal sinus patency of 85%. The overall frontal ostium patency rate for all patients was 88.0%.

Conclusions:

Long‐term endoscopic confirmation of frontal ostium patency demonstrates that endoscopic frontal sinusotomy can yield high quality, durable results. There was no significant difference in patency results between ECRS and non‐ECRS patients. Laryngoscope, 2009