bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant Percutaneous 4-Hydroxytamoxifen Decreases Breast Tumoral Cell Proliferation: A Prospective Controlled Randomized Study Comparing Three Doses of 4-Hydroxytamoxifen Gel to Oral Tamoxifen
Authors: Rouanet Philippe , Linares-Cruz Gustavo , Dravet François , Poujol Sylvain , Gourgou Sophie , Simony-Lafontaine Joelle , Grenier Jean , Kramar Andrew , Girault Jean , Le Nestour Elisabeth , Maudelonde Thierry
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Two chemoprevention randomized studies using tamoxifen showed drug efficacy; however, adverse effects such as hot flushes, endometrial cancer, and above all, thromboembolism, remain a problem. 4 hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) is a very active metabolite of tamoxifen. This randomized study was designed to analyze if 4-OHT gel, administered percutaneously on the breast skin, can inhibit the proliferation of malignant breast cells to the same extent as orally administered tamoxifen.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-five postmenopausal women with an invasive estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive (for 2 to 3 weeks) either 4-OHT gel (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/d) or oral tamoxifen (20 mg/d) or no treatment. Response was evaluated using proliferation markers (Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and apoptosis markers in tissue samples obtained by Tru-cut biopsy before treatment, and at surgery after treatment.

Results

Administration of 4-OHT gel resulted in reductions in tumor tissue proliferation indexes (Ki-67 and PCNA), with approximate equivalence between the1.0 mg/d or 2.0 mg/d 4-OHT dose, and oral tamoxifen, but had no effect on apoptotic markers. Plasma levels of 4-OHT were consistently higher in the oral tamoxifen group than in the gel groups. No dose-related pattern was shown for estrogen or progesterone receptor levels, and topical 4-OHT gel appeared to be generally well tolerated. Hot flushes are as common in the two higher gel doses as with tamoxifen.

Conclusion

Percutaneous 4-OHT gel has a local impact on tumor proliferation. It could be tested in future propective trials of chemoprevention or ductal carcinoma in situ adjuvant hormonotherapy.
Xerostomia Following Radiotherapy of the Head and Neck Affects Vocal Function
Authors: Roh Jong-Lyel , Kim Ah-Young , Cho Moon June
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To investigate whether xerostomia induced by wide-field radiotherapy (RT) of the head and neck affects vocal function.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing 20 patients with early glottic cancer treated by limited RT of the larynx to 20 patients receiving wide-field RT of the primary tumor site and the lymphatic system of the entire head and neck, including the salivary glands. Salivary and vocal functions, as well as responses to questionnaires on xerostomia and quality of life were compared between groups. Twenty healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and smoking status were included as controls.

Results

The wide-field RT patients showed high xerostomia-related symptom scores and significantly lower values of whole salivary flow rate compared to the limited RT and healthy patients (P < .001). Subjective vocal dysfunction and stroboscopic abnormality were observed in the wide-field RT group (P < .05), but acoustic or aerodynamic profiles showed no significant difference among groups (P > .05). Subjective and objective salivary gland hypofunction was significantly correlated to vocal dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that xerostomia following extensive RT of the head and neck can affect vocal function. In the treatment of head and neck malignancies, efforts to prevent post-RT xerostomia would be anticipated to contribute to the preservation of vocal function.
Side Effects and Cancer-Related Stress Determine Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Testicular Cancer
Authors: Mykletun Arnstein , Dahl Alv A. , Haaland Carl Fredrik , Bremnes Roy , Dahl Olav , Klepp Olbjørn , Wist Erik , Fosså Sophie D.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The prevalence of long-term survivors after treatment for testicular cancer (TC) is increasing, and most studies display normal or only slightly reduced quality of life (QOL) in TC survivors (TCSs). Impaired QOL is claimed to be associated with treatment modality and its side effects, although most studies in this field can be criticized for various methodologic shortcomings. We wanted to examine variation in long-term QOL in TCSs in relation to TC treatment modality, side effects, and TC-related stress in a large population.

Patients and Methods

QOL, side effects, and TC-related stress were self-rated by a questionnaire at a mean of 11 years of follow-up in 1,409 TCSs treated from 1980 to 1994. Norm data was obtained from 2,678 males who were representative of the general population. QOL was measured with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and TC-related stress was measured with the Impact of Event Scale.

Results

There were no clinically relevant differences in QOL between TCSs and age-adjusted norm data, although there was a slightly lowered SF-36 Physical Component Summary Score in TCSs. Variation of QOL in TCSs was related to self-reported side effects and TC-related stress but not to TC treatment modality. A significant association was found between side effects and TC-related stress.

Conclusion

TCSs do not suffer long term from reduced QOL, and only minor differences in QOL were found between different treatment modalities. TCSs who report more side effects or TC-related stress have increased risk for reduced QOL, but these associations are not explained by TC treatment modalities. Further QOL research in this area should explore vulnerability factors for side effects and TC-related stress.
Concomitant Boost Radiation Plus Concurrent Cisplatin for Advanced Head and Neck Carcinomas: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Phase II Trial 99-14
Authors: Ang K. Kian , Harris Jonathan , Garden Adam S. , Trotti Andy , Jones Christopher U. , Carrascosa Luis , Cheng Jonathan D. , Spencer Sharon S. , Forastiere Arlene , Weber Randal S.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of combining concomitant boost accelerated radiation regimen (AFX-C) with cisplatin and to assess its toxicity and the relapse pattern and survival in patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma (HNC).

Patients and Methods

Between April and November of 2000, 84 patients with stage III to IV HNC who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled; 76 of these patients were analyzable. Radiation consisted of 72 Gy in 42 fractions over 6 weeks (daily for 3.5 weeks, then twice a day for 2.5 weeks). Cisplatin dose was 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22. Tumor and clinical status were assessed, and acute late toxicities were graded.

Results

Sixty-five patients (86%) received both radiation and chemotherapy per protocol or with minor variations. The estimated 2-year locoregional relapse and distant metastasis rates were 34.7% and 16.1%, respectively. The estimated 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 71.6% and 53.5%, respectively. Three patients (4%) died of complications, 19 patients (25%) had acute grade 4 toxicity, and 49 patients (64%) had acute grade 3 toxicity. The 2-year cumulative incidence of late grade 3 to 5 toxicities was 51.3%.

Conclusion

These data showed that it was feasible to combine AFX-C with cisplatin. The compliance to therapy was high, and the locoregional control and survival rates achieved compared favorably with AFX-C alone or other concurrent chemoradiation regimens tested by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. A phase III trial comparing AFX-C plus cisplatin against standard radiation plus cisplatin is ongoing to determine whether the use of AFX-C in the concurrent chemoradiation setting further improves outcome.
TheDrosophilalymph gland as a developmental model of hematopoiesis
Authors: Jung Seung-Hye , Evans Cory J. , Uemura Christine , Banerjee Utpal
Published: April 2005

Drosophila hematopoiesis occurs in a specialized organ called the lymph gland. In this systematic analysis of lymph gland structure and gene expression, we define the developmental steps in the maturation of blood cells(hemocytes) from their precursors. In particular, distinct zones of hemocyte maturation, signaling and proliferation in the lymph gland during hematopoietic progression are described. Different stages of hemocyte development have been classified according to marker expression and placed within developmental niches: a medullary zone for quiescent prohemocytes, a cortical zone for maturing hemocytes and a zone called the posterior signaling center for specialized signaling hemocytes. This establishes a framework for the identification of Drosophila blood cells, at various stages of maturation, and provides a genetic basis for spatial and temporal events that govern hemocyte development. The cellular events identified in this analysis further establish Drosophila as a model system for hematopoiesis.
Essential role of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural crest migration
Authors: De Calisto Jaime , Araya Claudio , Marchant Lorena , Riaz Chaudhary F. , Mayor Roberto
Published: April 2005

Migration of neural crest cells is an elaborate process that requires the delamination of cells from an epithelium and cell movement into an extracellular matrix. In this work, it is shown for the first time that the non-canonical Wnt signalling [planar cell polarity (PCP) or Wnt-Ca2+] pathway controls migration of neural crest cells. By using specific Dsh mutants, we show that the canonical Wnt signalling pathway is needed for neural crest induction, while the non-canonical Wnt pathway is required for neural crest migration. Grafts of neural crest tissue expressing non-canonical Dsh mutants, as well as neural crest cultured in vitro, indicate that the PCP pathway works in a cell-autonomous manner to control neural crest migration. Expression analysis of non-canonical Wnt ligands and their putative receptors show that Wnt11 is expressed in tissue adjacent to neural crest cells expressing the Wnt receptor Frizzled7 (Fz7). Furthermore, loss- and gain-of-function experiments reveal that Wnt11 plays an essential role in neural crest migration. Inhibition of neural crest migration by blocking Wnt11 activity can be rescued by intracellular activation of the non-canonical Wnt pathway. When Wnt11 is expressed opposite its normal site of expression, neural crest migration is blocked. Finally, time-lapse analysis of cell movement and cell protrusion in neural crest cultured in vitro shows that the PCP or Wnt-Ca2+ pathway directs the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia in the neural crest cells that are required for their delamination and/or migration.
Single-molecule diffusion measurements of H-Ras at the plasma membrane of live cells reveal microdomain localization upon activation
Authors: Lommerse Piet H. M. , Snaar-Jagalska B. Ewa , Spaink Herman P. , Schmidt Thomas
Published: April 2005

Recent studies show that the partitioning of the small GTPase H-Ras in different types of membrane microdomains is dependent on guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP)-loading of H-Ras. Detailed knowledge about the in vivo dynamics of this phenomenon is limited. In this report, the effect of the activation of H-Ras on its microdomain localization was studied by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. Individual human H-Ras molecules fused to the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) were imaged in the dorsal plasma membrane of live mouse cells and their diffusion behavior was analyzed. The diffusion of a constitutively inactive (S17N) and constitutively active (G12V) mutant of H-Ras was compared. Detailed analysis revealed that for both mutants a major, fast-diffusing population and a minor, slow-diffusing population were present. The slow-diffusing fraction of the active mutant was confined to 200 nm domains, which were not observed for the inactive mutant. In line with these results we observed that the slow-diffusing fraction of wild-type H-Ras became confined to 200 nm domains upon insulin-induced activation of wild-type H-Ras. This activation-dependent localization of H-Ras to 200 nm domains, for the first time directly detected in live cells, supports the proposed relationship between H-Ras microdomain localization and activation.
Grp/DChk1 is required for G2-M checkpoint activation inDrosophilaS2 cells, whereas Dmnk/DChk2 is dispensable
Authors: de Vries Hilda I. , Uyetake Lyle , Lemstra Willy , Brunsting Jeanette F. , Su Tin Tin , Kampinga Harm H. , Sibon Ody C. M.
Published: April 2005

Cell-cycle checkpoints are signal-transduction pathways required to maintain genomic stability in dividing cells. Previously, it was reported that two kinases essential for checkpoint signalling, Chk1 and Chk2 are structurally conserved. In contrast to yeast, Xenopus and mammals, the Chk1- and Chk2-dependent pathways in Drosophila are not understood in detail. Here, we report the function of these checkpoint kinases, referred to as Grp/DChk1 and Dmnk/DChk2 in Drosophila Schneider's cells, and identify an upstream regulator as well as downstream targets of Grp/DChk1. First, we demonstrate that S2 cells are a suitable model for G2/M checkpoint studies. S2 cells display Grp/DChk1-dependent and Dmnk/DChk2-independent cell-cycle-checkpoint activation in response to hydroxyurea and ionizing radiation. S2 cells depleted for Grp/DChk1 using RNA interference enter mitosis in the presence of impaired DNA integrity, resulting in prolonged mitosis and mitotic catastrophe. Grp/DChk1 is phosphorylated in a Mei-41/DATR-dependent manner in response to hydroxyurea and ionizing radiation, indicating that Mei-41/ATR is an upstream component in the Grp/DChk1 DNA replication and DNA-damage-response pathways. The level of Cdc25Stg and phosphorylation status of Cdc2 are modulated in a Grp/DChk1-dependent manner in response to hydroxyurea and irradiation, indicating that these cell-cycle regulators are downstream targets of the Grp/DChk1-dependent DNA replication and DNA-damage responses. By contrast, depletion of Dmnk/DChk2 by RNA interference had little effect on checkpoint responses to hydroxyurea and irradiation. We conclude that Grp/DChk1, and not Dmnk/DChk2, is the main effector kinase involved in G2/M checkpoint control in Drosophila cells.
BCL6 suppresses RhoA activity to alter macrophage morphology and motility
Authors: Pixley Fiona J. , Xiong Ying , Yu Raymond Yick-Loi , Sahai Erik A. , Stanley E. Richard , Ye B. Hilda
Published: April 2005

BCL6 is a potent transcriptional repressor that plays important roles in germinal center formation, T helper cell differentiation and lymphomagenesis and regulates expression of several chemokine genes in macrophages. In a further investigation of its role in macrophages, we show that BCL6 inactivation in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages leads to decreased polarization, motility and cell spreading accompanied by an increase in peripheral focal complexes, anchored F-actin bundles and cortical F-actin density. These changes were associated with excess RhoA activation. C3 transferase inhibition of RhoA activity reverted the adhesion structure phenotype, which was not affected by Rho kinase inhibitors, suggesting that other downstream effectors of Rho maintain this Bcl6–/– phenotype. Excess RhoA activation in BCL6-deficient macrophages is associated with a decrease in the p120RasGAP (RASA1)-mediated translocation of p190RhoGAP (GRLF1) to active RhoA at the plasma membrane and a reduction in cell surface expression of the CSF1R that has been reported to recruit RasGAP to the plasma membrane. Reconstitution of BCL6 expression in Bcl6–/– macrophages results in complete reversion of the morphological phenotype and a significant increase in cell surface CSF1R expression whereas overexpression of the CSF1R corrects the polarization and adhesion structure defects. These results demonstrate that BCL6 suppresses RhoA activity, largely through upregulation of surface CSF1R expression, to modulate cytoskeletal and adhesion structures and increase the motility of macrophages.
A role for cathepsin E in the processing of mast-cell carboxypeptidase A
Authors: Henningsson Frida , Yamamoto Kenji , Saftig Paul , Reinheckel Thomas , Peters Christoph , Knight Stefan D. , Pejler Gunnar
Published: April 2005

Mast-cell carboxypeptidase A is stored in the secretory granule and is released, together with a range of other inflammatory mediators, upon mast-cell degranulation. Carboxypeptidase A, like all mast-cell proteases, is stored in the granule as an active enzyme (i.e. with its propeptide removed). Although the processing mechanisms for the other classes of mast-cell proteases (in particular the chymases) have been clarified to some extent, the processing of procarboxypeptidase A is poorly characterized. Here, we show that mast cells from mice lacking the aspartic protease cathepsin E display an accumulation of procarboxypeptidase A, indicating a defect in carboxypeptidase-A processing. By contrast, mast cells lacking cathepsins B, L or D have normal carboxypeptidase-A processing. Furthermore, recombinant cathepsin E was found to process recombinant procarboxypeptidase A in vitro, under conditions resembling those found in mast-cell granules. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed staining for cathepsin E in mast cells from normal mice but not in mast cells from mice lacking heparin, indicating that cathepsin E is bound to heparin proteoglycan within mast-cell granules. In accordance with this notion, affinity chromatography showed that recombinant cathepsin E bound strongly to heparin under acidic conditions (the conditions prevailing in mast-cell granules) but not at neutral pH. Moreover, mast-cell degranulation resulted in the release of cathepsin E. Taken together, our results indicate that cathepsin E is located in mast-cell secretory granules in complex with heparin proteoglycans, and that it has a role in the processing of procarboxypeptidase A into active protease.
Apoptosis inDrosophila: neither fish nor fowl (nor man, nor worm)
Authors: Kornbluth Sally , White Kristin
Published: April 2005

Studies in a wide variety of organisms have produced a general model for the induction of apoptosis in which multiple signaling pathways lead ultimately to activation of the caspase family of proteases. Once activated, these enzymes cleave key cellular substrates to promote the orderly dismantling of dying cells. A broad similarity exists in the cell death pathways operating in different organisms and there is a clear evolutionary conservation of apoptotic regulators such as caspases, Bcl-2 family members, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, IAP antagonists and caspase activators. Despite this, studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila and vertebrates have revealed some apparent differences both in the way apoptosis is regulated and in the way individual molecules contribute to the propagation of the death signal. For example, whereas cytochrome c released from mitochondria clearly promotes caspase activation in vertebrates, there is no documented role for cytochrome c in C. elegans apoptosis and its role in Drosophila is highly controversial. In addition, the apoptotic potency of IAP antagonists appears to be greater in Drosophila than in vertebrates, indicating that IAPs may be of different relative importance in different organisms. Thus, although Drosophila, worms and humans share a host of apoptotic regulators, the way in which they function may not be identical.
Octreotida no tratamento de fístulas entéricas de ratos
Authors: Medeiros Aldo da Cunha , Melo Nara Medeiros Cunha de , Macedo Lidiane Maria de Brito , Medeiros Ivanildo Coutinho de , Dantas Filho Antônio Medeiros , Aires Neto Tertuliano
Published: April 2005

Somatostatina e seu análogo sintético octreotida são as drogas mais amplamente utilizadas para tratar fístulas enterocutâneas. Todavia, as evidências suportando seu uso ainda são insuficientes. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos terapêuticos de octreotida em um modelo experimental de fístula enterocutânea. Métodos: Em trinta ratos machos Wistar com peso 210± 17g foi confeccionada cirurgicamente uma fístula jejunocutânea. Os animais foram aleatoriamente divididos em três grupos de dez. No grupo A, administrou-se uma dose única diária de octreotida (4 mig/kg/peso corporal/SC) enquanto no grupo B injetou-se por via SC solução salina a 0,9% em quantidade idêntica à utilizada para veicular octreotida. O grupo C serviu de controle. Os roedores foram inspecionados a respeito do volume diário do débito das fístulas, tempo necessário para sua cicatrização espontânea, avaliação clínico-bioquímica, hematológica e nutricional. Resultados: Os ratos tratados com octreotida não tiveram significantes alterações clínico-bioquímicas ou ponderais quando comparados ao controle (sem fístula) e cicatrizaram as fístulas espontaneamente em um tempo significativamente menor (3,8 ± 1,6 dias) que os do grupo B (15,3 ± 4,5 dias) (p < 0,05). No grupo B verificou-se queda ponderal média de 60% ao final da pesquisa, com 40% dos animais exibindo caquexia, anemia, hipoglobulinemia e hipoalbuminemia. Conclusão: A octreotida foi superior ao placebo e permitem afirmar que, segundo as estritas condições do experimento, o fármaco foi eficaz na cicatrização de fístulas enterocutâneas não complicadas de ratos.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Deficiency Is Protective against Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice
Authors: Chow Fiona Y. , Nikolic-Paterson David J. , Ozols Elyce , Atkins Robert C. , Tesch Gregory H.
Published: April 2005

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure and is a growing concern given the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is associated with progressive kidney macrophage accumulation and experimental studies suggest that intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 facilitates kidney macrophage recruitment during type 1 diabetes. To ascertain the importance of ICAM-1 in promoting type 2 diabetic nephropathy, the development of renal injury in ICAM-1 intact and deficient db/db mice with equivalent hyperglycemia and obesity between ages 2 and 8 mo was examined and compared with results with normal db/+ mice. Increases in albuminuria (11-fold), glomerular leukocytes (10-fold), and interstitial leukocytes (three-fold) consisting of predominantly CD68+ macrophages were identified at 8 mo in diabetic db/db mice compared with nondiabetic db/+ mice. In comparison to db/db mice, ICAM-1-deficient db/db mice had marked reductions in albuminuria at 6 mo (77%↓) and 8 mo (85%↓). There was also a significant decrease in glomerular (63%↓) and interstitial (83%↓) leukocytes in ICAM-1-deficient db/db mice, which were associated with reduced glomerular hypertrophy and hypercellularity and tubular damage. The development of renal fibrosis (expression of TGF-β1, collagen IV, and interstitial α-smooth muscle actin) was also strikingly attenuated in the ICAM-1-deficient db/db mice. Additional

in vitro

studies showed that macrophage activation by high glucose or advanced glycation end products could promote ICAM-1 expression on tubular cells and macrophage production of active TGF-β1. Thus, ICAM-1 appears to be a critical promoter of nephropathy in mouse type 2 diabetes by facilitating kidney macrophage recruitment.
Prediction of Acute Renal Allograft Rejection by Urinary Monokine Induced by IFN-γ (MIG)
Authors: Hauser Ingeborg A. , Spiegler Sandra , Kiss Eva , Gauer Stefan , Sichler Olaf , Scheuermann Ernst H. , Ackermann Hanns , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Geiger Helmut , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Radeke Heinfried H.
Published: April 2005

Early diagnosis of acute allograft rejection (AR) is still decisive for long-term renal allograft survival. The aim of this study was to define the role of the chemokine monokine induced by IFN-γ (MIG) (CXCL9) and IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) (CXCL10) as early markers of AR in renal transplantation (NTX). In a prospective study, 69

de novo

renal transplant recipients were monitored and urine samples were collected after NTX for a median of 29 d. In pH-adjusted urine, MIG and IP-10 were determined by modified ELISA. AR was clinically diagnosed in 15 of 69 recipients and confirmed by biopsy in 14 of 15 AR patients (Banff classification). Corresponding to CXCR3-positive infiltrates in renal tissue, urinary MIG was elevated in 14 of 15 AR patients with a median of 2809 pg/ml (quartile 25% and 75% = 870 and 13,000; n = 15), being significantly (

P

< 0.0001) different from both nonrejecting allograft patients (NO-AR) (median, 25%, and 75%: 96, 1.0, and 161, n = 54) and healthy controls (median, 25%, and 75%: 144, 19, and 208, n = 13). Urinary MIG predicted AR with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 89%. In AR and NO-AR groups, MIG values correlated well with IP-10 (

P

< 0.001). MIG values indicated both imminent rejection and response to successful antirejection therapy. MIG was not related to intercurrent infections or other causes for impairment of renal function. In a multivariate analysis, MIG correlated best (

P

< 0.001) with AR from all AR-associated parameters. In conclusion, urinary MIG serves as a very sensitive and specific predictor for AR, mirrors response to antirejection therapy, and thus may contribute to improved long-term renal allograft survival.
A Short Form of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, and Typologies for Severity and Mutuality
Authors: Straus Murray A. , Douglas Emily M.
Published: April 2005

The revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) is the most widely used instrument for measuring intimate partner violence. This article presents a short form to enable the CTS2 to be used when testing time is very limited. It also presents procedures that can be used with either the full test or the short form to classify individuals on the basis of severity of behavior toward a partner or by a partner, and to classify couples on the basis of mutuality or symmetry in the behaviors measured by the CTS2. The results indicate that the short form is comparable in validity to the full CTS2. Although the short form does not identify as many cases of partner violence as the full scale, it does identify a large number of cases and if there is insufficient time for the full scale, can be a useful screening instrument.
Relationship Between Peer Victimization and School Adjustment in Sixth-Grade Students: Investigating Mediation Effects
Authors: Wei Hsi-Sheng , Williams James Herbert
Published: April 2005

Peer victimization is a common occurrence in school settings. This study investigated the relationship between peer victimization and school adjustment in a sample of 1,022 sixth-grade students. Measures used in this study include peer victimization, perceived peer nonsupport, school attachment, inattention problems, and academic achievement. Multivariate path analyses were conducted to test direct and mediation effects in the overall model and to explore gender differences. The results provided support for the hypothesized model indicating that the relationship between peer victimization and school attachment is mediated by perceived peer nonsupport, and that school attachment is related to inattentive school behaviors and poor academic achievement. Paths indicated invariance across models for gender. Prevention and intervention implications of these findings are discussed.
Impacts of Agency Coordination on Nonprofit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs in Communities With STOP Formula Grant Funding
Authors: Zweig Janine M. , Burt Martha R.
Published: April 2005

The goals of the current study are (a) to understand the community and state context in which STOP(Services* Training* Officers* Prosecutors)-funded victim service (VS) programs operate, (b) to assess the degree to which receipt of STOP funding for VS programs and the degree of state-level STOP agency support for collaboration among community agencies have led to improved program services and community interaction, and (c) to assess the degree to which improved interaction between community agencies leads to improvements for VS programs. The results show that community interaction between VS programs and other community agencies can improve VS program services as reported by service providers. In addition, the higher the pre-STOP levels of activity around violence against women issues in communities, the more agencies can enhance their service system with STOP funding. Also, STOP funding has facilitated greater levels of change for communities whose pre-STOP attention to violence against women was lower.
Functional analysis of the gibbon foot during terrestrial bipedal walking: Plantar pressure distributions and three‐dimensional ground reaction forces
Authors: Vereecke Evie , D'Août Kristiaan , Van Elsacker Linda , De Clercq Dirk , Aerts Peter
Published: April 2005

This paper gives a detailed analysis of bipedal walking in the white‐handed gibbon, based on collected pressure and force data. These data were obtained from four gibbons in the Wild Animal Park, Planckendael, Belgium, by using a walkway with integrated force plate and pressure mat. This is the first study that collects and describes dynamic plantar pressure data of bipedally walking gibbons, and combines these with force plate data. The combination of these data with previously described roll‐off patterns of gibbons, based on general observations, video images, force plates, and EMG data, gives us a detailed description of foot function during gibbon bipedalism. In addition, we compare the observed characteristics of hylobatid bipedalism with the main characteristics of bonobo and human bipedalism. We found that gibbons are midfoot/heel plantigrade, and lack the typical heel‐strike of other hominoids. The hallux is widely abducted and touches down at the onset of the stance phase, which results in an L‐shaped course of the center of pressure. The vertical force curve is trapezoid to triangular in shape, with high peak values compared to humans. The braking component is shorter than the accelerating component, and shortens further at higher walking velocities. Speed has a significant influence on the forefoot peak pressures and on most of the defined gait parameters (e.g., vertical force peak), and it alters the foot contact pattern as well. The investigation of existing form‐function relationships in nonhuman primates is essential for the interpretation of fossil remains, and might help us understand the evolution of habitual bipedal walking in hominids. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knuckle‐walking anteater: A convergence test of adaptation for purported knuckle‐walking features of african Hominidae
Authors: Orr Caley M.
Published: April 2005

Appeals to synapomorphic features of the wrist and hand in African apes, early hominins, and modern humans as evidence of knuckle‐walking ancestry for the hominin lineage rely on accurate interpretations of those features as adaptations to knuckle‐walking locomotion. Because Gorilla, Pan, and Homo share a relatively close common ancestor, the interpretation of such features is confounded somewhat by phylogeny. The study presented here examines the evolution of a similar locomotor regime in New World anteaters (order Xenarthra, family Myrmecophagidae) and uses the terrestrial giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) as a convergence test of adaptation for purported knuckle‐walking features of the Hominidae. During the stance phase of locomotion, Myrmecophaga transmits loads through flexed digits and a vertical manus, with hyperextension occurring at the metacarpophalangeal joints of the weight‐bearing rays. This differs from the locomotion of smaller, arboreal anteaters of outgroup genera Tamandua and Cyclopes that employ extended wrist postures during above‐branch quadrupedality. A number of features shared by Myrmecophaga and Pan and Gorilla facilitate load transmission or limit extension, thereby stabilizing the wrist and hand during knuckle‐walking, and distinguish these taxa from their respective outgroups. These traits are a distally extended dorsal ridge of the distal radius, proximal expansion of the nonarticular surface of the dorsal capitate, a pronounced articular ridge on the dorsal aspects of the load‐bearing metacarpal heads, and metacarpal heads that are wider dorsally than volarly. Only the proximal expansion of the nonarticular area of the dorsal capitate distinguishes knuckle‐walkers from digitigrade cercopithecids, but features shared with digitigrade primates might be adaptive to the use of a vertical manus of some sort in the stance phase of terrestrial locomotion. The appearance of capitate nonarticular expansion and the dorsal ridge of the distal radius in the hominin lineage might be indicative of a knuckle‐walking ancestry for bipedal hominins if interpreted within the biomechanical and phylogenetic context of hominid locomotor evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellulose: faszinierendes Biopolymer und nachhaltiger Rohstoff
Authors: Klemm Dieter , Heublein Brigitte , Fink Hans‐Peter , Bohn Andreas
Published: April 2005

Als wichtigster Gerüstbildner der Pflanzenwelt ist das Polysaccharid Cellulose ein nahezu unerschöpflicher polymerer Rohstoff mit einem faszinierenden Struktur‐ und Eigenschaftspotenzial. Durch reguläre Verknüpfung von D‐Glucose‐Bausteinen gebildet, zeichnet sich das hochfunktionalisierte lineare und kettensteife Homopolymer Cellulose durch Hydrophilie, Chiralität, Bioabbaubarkeit, breite chemische Modifizierbarkeit und den Aufbau vielfältiger teilkristalliner Fasermorphologien aus. Mit Blick auf die weltweit stark expandierende interdisziplinäre Celluloseforschung und Produktentwicklung der letzten Dekade verknüpft dieser Aufsatz den aktuellen Wissensstand zu Struktur und Chemie der Cellulose mit der Entwicklung innovativer Celluloseester und ‐ether für Beschichtungen, Filme, Membranen, Baustoffe, Bohrtechnologien, Pharmaka und Nahrungsmittel. Mit umweltfreundlichen Cellulosefaser‐Technologien, Bakteriencellulose‐Biomaterialien und In‐vitro‐Synthesen der Cellulose sind Wege ins Neuland einbezogen, ebenso Aussagen zu den weiteren Zielen, Strategien und Perspektiven der Celluloseforschung und ‐applikation.
Identifying critical foraging habitats of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico
Authors: López‐Mendilaharsu Milagros , Gardner Susan C. , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Riosmena‐Rodriguez Rafael
Published: April 2005

The conservation of highly mobile and migratory species remains one of the most serious challenges to resource managers.

Intense mortality of immature green turtles has been identified at principal developmental–feeding habitats in Baja California, and is considered a great threat to the stability of the eastern Pacific population. Thus, coastal lagoons of the Baja California peninsula, such as Bahía Magdalena, have been identified as high priority areas for their protection.

Conservation efforts to date have focused on creating a sea turtle refuge in the northwestern part of the bay, but this area may not be sufficient for protecting all of the critical feeding areas used by green turtles.

The diet of green turtles was investigated through analysis of digestive tract contents from 24 green turtles that were drowned incidentally in fishing nets at feeding grounds in Bahía Magdalena and adjacent areas along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico.

Mean straight carapace length (SCL) differed significantly between localities: mean: 55.5 cm (range: 47.7–76.9 cm, n=11) in Bahía Magdalena; mean: 67.7 >cm (range: 49–87 cm, n=11) in adjacent coastal waters.

Green turtle diet consisted largely of marine algae and seagrasses, but food items varied spatially. The red algae Gracilaria pacifica, Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and Hypea johnstonii were the most abundant diet items inside Bahía Magdalena, and the seagrass Phyllospadix torreyi was the most commonly ingested food in coastal areas outside of the bay.

Results indicate that green turtles utilize spatially distinct foraging habitats within this region. Therefore, it is recommended that any design of protected areas for sea turtles in Bahía Magdalena should consider a regional approach instead of a local approach, taking into account the most important feeding areas used by green turtles at different life stages.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intertidal habitat conservation: identifying conservation targets in the absence of detailed biological information
Authors: Banks Simon A. , Skilleter Greg A. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: April 2005

Growing concern associated with threats to the marine environment has resulted in an increased demand for marine reserves that conserve representative and adequate examples of biodiversity. Often, the decisions about where to locate reserves must be made in the absence of detailed information on the patterns of distribution of the biota. Alternative approaches are required that include defining habitats using surrogates for biodiversity. Surrogate measures of biodiversity enable decisions about where to locate marine reserves to be made more reliably in the absence of detailed data on the distribution of species.

Intertidal habitat types derived using physical properties of the shoreline were used as a surrogate for intertidal biodiversity to assist with the identification of sites for inclusion in a candidate system of intertidal marine reserves for 17 463 km of the mainland coast of Queensland, Australia. This represents the first systematic approach, on essentially one‐dimensional data, using fine‐scale (tens to hundreds of metres) intertidal habitats to identify a system of marine reserves for such a large length of coast. A range of solutions would provide for the protection of a representative example of intertidal habitats in Queensland.

The design and planning of marine and terrestrial protected areas systems should not be undertaken independently of each other because it is likely to lead to inadequate representation of intertidal habitats in either system. The development of reserve systems specially designed to protect intertidal habitats should be integrated into the design of terrestrial and marine protected area systems.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of chitosan‐g‐polycaprolactone copolymers through ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone onto phthaloyl‐protected chitosan
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Yusong , Shen Xiaofeng , Fang Yue'e
Published: April 2005

The new biodegradable chitosan graft copolymer, chitosan‐g‐polycaprolactone, was synthesized by the ring‐opening graft copolymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone onto phthaloyl‐protected chitosan (PHCS) at the hydroxyl group in the presence of tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate catalyst via a protection–graft–deprotection procedure. Toluene acted as a swelling agent in this heterogeneous system. The grafting reactions were conducted with various PHCS/monomer/toluene feed ratios to obtain chitosan‐g‐polycaprolactone copolymers with various polycaprolactone contents. The chemical structure of the chitosan‐g‐polycaprolactone was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. After deprotection, the phthaloyl group was removed and the amino group was regenerated. Thus the obtained chitosan‐g‐polycaprolactone was an amphoteric hybrid with a large amount of free amino groups and hydrophobic polycaprolactone side chains. Some properties of the final product were also investigated, such as crystallinity, thermal property, and solubility. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2005
Degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by white‐rot fungi in a historically contaminated soil
Authors: D'Annibale Alessandro , Ricci Marika , Leonardi Vanessa , Quaratino Daniele , Mincione Enrico , Petruccioli Maurizio
Published: April 2005

Phanerochaete chrysosporiumNRRL 6361 andPleurotus pulmonariusCBS 664.97 were tested for their ability to grow under nonsterile conditions and to degrade various aromatic hydrocarbons in an aged contaminated soil that also contained high concentrations of heavy metals. After 24 days fungal incubation, carbon‐CO2liberated, an indicator of microbial activity, reached a plateau. At the end of the incubation time (30 days), fungal colonization was clearly visible and was confirmed by ergosterol and cell organic carbon determinations. In spite of unfavorable pH (around 7.4) and the presence of heavy metals, both fungi produced Mn‐peroxidase activity. In contrast, laccase and aryl‐alcohol oxidase were detected only in the soil treated withP. pulmonariusCBS 664.97 and lignin‐peroxidase in that withP. chrysosporiumNRRL 6361. No lignin‐modifying enzyme activities were present in non‐inoculated soil incubated for 30 days (control microcosm). Regardless of the fungus employed, a total removal of naphtalene, tetrachlorobenzene, and dichloroaniline isomers, diphenylether andN‐phenyl‐1‐naphtalenamine, was observed. Significant release of chloride ions was also observed in fungal‐treated soil, in comparison with that recorded in the control microcosm. Both fungi led to a significant decrease in soil toxicity, as assessed using two different soil contact assays, including theLepidium sativumL. germination test and the Collembola mortality test. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the in vitro and in vivo Properties of Four Locked Nucleic Acid Nucleotides Incorporated into an Anti‐H‐Ras Antisense Oligonucleotide
Authors: Fluiter Kees , Frieden Miriam , Vreijling Jeroen , Rosenbohm Christoph , De Wissel Marit B. , Christensen Signe M. , Koch Troels , Ørum Henrik , Baas Frank
Published: April 2005

Locked nucleic acid (β‐D‐LNA) monomers are conformationally restricted nucleotides bearing a methylene 2′‐O, 4′‐C linkage that have an unprecedented high affinity for matching DNA or RNA. In this study, we compared the in vitro and in vivo properties of four different LNAs, β‐D‐amino LNA (amino‐LNA), β‐D‐thio LNA (thio‐LNA), β‐D‐LNA (LNA), and its stereoisomer α‐L‐LNA in an antisense oligonucleotide (ODN). A well‐known antisense ODN design against H‐Ras was modified at the 5′‐ and 3′‐ends with the different LNA analogues (LNA‐DNA‐LNA gapmer design). The resulting gapmers were tested in cancer‐cell cultures and in a nude‐mouse model bearing prostate tumor xenografts. The efficacy in target knockdown, the biodistribution, and the ability to inhibit tumor growth were measured. All anti H‐Ras ODNs were very efficient in H‐Ras mRNA knockdown in vitro, reaching maximum effect at concentrations below 5 nM. Moreover, the anti‐H‐Ras ODN containing α‐L‐LNA had clearly the highest efficacy in H‐Ras knockdown. All LNA types displayed a great stability in serum. ODNs containing amino‐LNA showed an increased uptake by heart, liver, and lungs as compared to the other LNA types. Both α‐L‐LNA and LNA gapmer ODNs had a high efficacy of tumor‐growth inhibition and were nontoxic at the tested dosages. Remarkably, in vivo tumor‐growth inhibition could be observed at dosages as low as 0.5 mg kg−1 per day. These results indicate that α‐L‐LNA is a very promising member of the family of LNA analogues in antisense applications.
Modeling of Methane Oxidative Coupling under Periodic Operation by Neural Network
Authors: Abdolahi F. , Mortazavi Y. , Khodadadi A. , Hudgins R. R. , Silveston P. L.
Published: April 2005

A set of feed forward multilayer neural network models have been proposed to predict CH4 conversion, C2 and ethylene selectivity of methane oxidative coupling under periodic operation. These parameters predicted by the proposed neural network are based on cycle period, cycle split, and CH4 and O2 mole fractions in the first and second part of the period. Due to the dynamic nature of periodic operation and the kinetic complexity of the investigated reactions, the proposed approach is an effective tool to model the system. The agreement between model predictions and experimental data was quite satisfactory. The models could be employed to optimize the experimental conditions in order to get better output from the catalytic reaction. It is concluded that the neural network is an effective tool for modeling catalytic chemical reactions under periodic operation.
Micro‐Macro Breakage Behavior of Elastic‐Plastic Granulates by Compression
Authors: Antonyuk S. , Tomas J. , Heinrich S. , Mörl L.
Published: April 2005

This paper presents the breakage behavior of a zeolite granulate in compression tests. The compression behavior of this granulate is described by means of a force‐displacement curve, the application of Hertz‐Huber contact theory, and continuum mechanics. The effects of granulate size and stressing velocity on the breakage force and contact stiffness during elastic and elastic‐plastic deformation are examined. It is shown that the zeolite granulates with elastic‐plastic behavior have viscous properties as well. The breakage probability is approximated by the Weibull distribution function. The behavior of the granulates during compression under conditions of repeated loading‐unloading was investigated.
Gasification of Biogenic Solid Fuels
Authors: Osowski S. , Neumann J. , Fahlenkamp H.
Published: April 2005

As a result of shrinking fossil fuels, biomass as a regenerative energy source gains importance. To realize biomass projects it is essential to investigate in convenient thermal procedures. On this evidence an analysis and evaluation of diverse gasification technologies with different boundary conditions and diverse biomasses are indispensable. Form and kind of the biomass as well as the type of the gasification plant cause different compositions of the product gas. The gasifiers show advantages and disadvantages concerning the biomass and the produced gas quality, depending on reactor type, kind of heat supply, gasification medium, and the pressure ratio in the reactor. As the ideal gasifier for different biomass is presently not available, it will be shown, which biomass is suitable for fixed bed or fluidized bed gasifiers.
A Method for Cleaning Heat Exchanger Pipes with Flow Energy Usage
Authors: Grinis L.
Published: April 2005

This paper describes the application of an effective hydro‐dynamical vibrational device for cleaning inner surfaces of pipes from sediments. The device is based on the phenomenon of vortex shedding behind spheres in fluid flow (Karman vortex street), which leads to vibration and sphere rotation. Forces of impact interactions of a sphere with the pipe wall exceed 25 N. This value allows cleaning of pipe inner surfaces irrespective of the sediment type. The ability to vary the sphere oscillations and a range of up to 125 Hz provide very flexible intensity control for the cleaning process. The pressure pulsations caused by the working device greatly increase the efficiency of sediment removal. Experimental results are provided, showing good agreement between practice and theoretical models. Laboratory tests show the high efficiency of the cleaning device.
Optimization and Control of Polymerization Processes
Authors: Dünnebier G. , van Hessem D. , Kadam J. V. , Klatt K.‐U. , Schlegel M.
Published: April 2005

Operational and economic requirements in most polymerization processes involve three problems for process control and process automation, the most frequent one being quality control, followed by product change and load change. The application of a combined approach for process control and optimization to a load change scenario in an industrial polymerization process is described which combines nonlinear dynamic trajectory optimization with linear, time variant model predictive control and an extended Kalman filter.
Centrifugal Micromixery
Authors: Haeberle S. , Brenner T. , Schlosser H.‐P. , Zengerle R. , Ducrée J.
Published: April 2005

We present a modular centrifugal micromixer comprising a mixing unit hosting a planar network of low‐aspect‐ratio microfluidic channels (“disk”), a fixed rotating drive (“player”) and contact‐free dispensers for the continuous feed of educts. The modular setup allows a simple fabrication and a child's play exchange of the mixing unit. High‐speed micromixing is powered by the Coriolis force at volume throughputs of up to milliliters per minute and microchannel! These outstanding characteristics are demonstrated by experiments and accompanying CFD‐simulations.