bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combined HIV‐1 protein bead array for serology assay and T‐cell subset immunophenotyping with a hybrid flow cytometer: A step in the direction of a comprehensive multitasking instrument platform for infectious disease diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Faucher Sylvie , Martel Alexandre , Sherring Alice , Bogdanovic Dragica , Malloch Laurie , Kim John E. , Bergeron Michèle , Sandstrom Paul , Mandy Francis F.
Published: April 2006

Background:

A new generation of bench‐top flow cytometers with digital signal processing to perform suspension array technology (SAT) based bead array assays as well as leukocyte immunophenotyping is now available. These hybrid instruments provide an opportunity for the development of a more cost effective multitasking platform to support infectious disease treatment in resource limited countries.

Methods:

We report the development and testing of two modules compatible with the hybrid flow cytometers. The first module is an eleven HIV‐1 protein bead array (PBA) for the detection of circulating antibodies and the second is a cell based T‐cell enumeration assay.

Results:

The HIV‐1 PBA was tested in parallel with two enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for the detection of plasma antibodies from 4 HIV‐1 seroconversion panels and a low antibody titer panel. The PBA as well as the two EIAs performed equally for the detection of antibody positive samples from all seroconversion panels. One antibody positive sample from the low antibody titer panel was missed by the PBA together with one of the two EIAs tested. A parallel analysis of the HIV‐1 PBA with Western blot (a confirmatory test for HIV infection) using plasma from nine HIV‐1+ individuals showed that the HIV‐1 PBA detected more of the gp41 and gp120 antibody positive samples. Preliminary CD4 T‐cell immunophenotyping results from 14 HIV+ and 10 HIV− whole blood specimens with the hybrid flow cytometer platform compared well to conventional flow cytometry data.

Conclusion:

The successful combination of bead and cell based assays on a single hybrid instrument demonstrated the potential utility of a multitasking platform. The results presented are providing groundwork for future development of more cost effective modular architecture for a flexible flow cytometry based platform. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Call admission control for voice over IP
Authors: Uzunalioglu Huseyin , J. Houck David , T. Wang Y.
Published: April 2006

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables the transmission of voice over an IP network. Recent years have witnessed heavy investment in this area in the commercial world. For VoIP to replace Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), it should provide voice quality comparable to circuit‐switched PSTN networks. This paper addresses the mechanisms to guarantee VoIP quality of service (QoS). The focus is given to the call admission control, which blocks voice calls when the required resources are not available to guarantee the QoS for the call. We review call admission control approaches that can be applied to VoIP, and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. In the second part of the paper, we present a measurement‐based admission control scheme that achieves QoS in an efficient and scalable manner. The scheme uses voice traffic load measurements at each router link to compute link‐level blocking policies for new call attempts. Then, these policies are translated into path‐level blocking policies, which are applied to new call set‐up requests. The performance of the scheme is presented for single and multiple‐priority voice calls. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An information theoretic framework for predictive channel reservation in VoIP over GPRS
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Basu Kalyan , Saxena Navrati
Published: April 2006

The wireless telecommunication industry is now slowly shifting its paradigm from traditional, circuit‐switched, voice‐alone domain to an integrated packet‐switched architecture. This will give rise to a variety of new applications, in the same infrastructure, in a cost‐efficient way. However, due to the delay and dilemma behind new 3G mobile applications, it is important to use the legacy 2.5G access systems as much as possible, to make the transition smooth. The recent industry‐wide trend towards push‐to‐talk voice services in GPRS networks is a direct consequence of this emerging packet‐switch services. In this paper, we propose a packet‐switched‐based architectural framework for efficient integrated push‐to‐talk voice (or VoIP) and data services in GPRS using low‐bit‐rate coding. The prime novelty and advantage of the framework lies in proposing new intelligent, advanced channel reservation techniques to reduce the voice‐packet delay. Subsequent use of packet‐classification and packet assembly scheme aids in reducing the packet overhead and achieving the voice quality within ITU's recommendations. The mutual effects of data and voice packets over the entire system is analysed using suitable, two‐stage performance modelling. It has also been shown that, for voice over IP (VoIP) services, our proposed framework results in more than 50% capacity gain over current GSM system using a silent‐detection mechanism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Internet voice transport with TCP
Authors: Papadimitriou Panagiotis , Tsaoussidis Vassilis
Published: April 2006

We investigate whether the current best‐effort technology of Internet stands up to the high quality standards of real‐time voice communication. More precisely, we assess VoIP quality within the context of transport protocol support and efficiency. Initially, we focus on TCP and UDP supportive role from the perspective of VoIP performance. Applying our metric for real‐time performance, we reach the outcome that UDP is always not the protocol of choice for VoIP, since it occasionally exhibits inadequate performance. Beyond that, we evaluate a solution‐framework based on TCP protocols, which favour real‐time traffic. Based on our measurements, we assess the efficiency of the associated congestion control and congestion avoidance mechanisms in terms of VoIP performance. We also study the effect of packet size on protocol behaviour and VoIP quality. Furthermore, we investigate VoIP traffic friendliness, as well as potential tradeoffs between protocol performance and fairness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VoIP over WLAN: voice capacity, admission control, QoS, and MAC
Authors: Cai Lin , Xiao Yang , (Sherman) Shen Xuemin , Cai Lin , W. Mark Jon
Published: April 2006

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is one of the fastest growing Internet applications. It is a viable alternative to the traditional telephony systems due to its high resource utilization and cost efficiency. Meanwhile, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have become a ubiquitous networking technology that has been deployed around the world. Driven by these two popular technologies, Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) has been emerging as an infrastructure to provide low‐cost wireless voice services. However, VoWLAN poses significant challenges since the performance characteristics of wireless networks are much worse than that of their wireline counterparts, and the IEEE 802.11‐based WLAN was not originally designed to support delay‐sensitive voice traffic. In this paper, we provide a survey of recent advances in VoWLAN voice capacity analysis, call admission schemes, and medium access control (MAC) layer quality of service (QoS) enhancement mechanisms. Some open research issues are presented for further investigation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Service oriented architecture for VoIP conferencing
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Fox Geoffrey , Bulut Hasan , Uyar Ahmet , Huang Tao
Published: April 2006

Most current Voice/Video over IP (VoIP) systems are either highly centralized or dependent on IP multicast. We propose the Global Multimedia Collaboration System as a scalable, integrated and service‐oriented VoIP conferencing system, based on a SOAP‐based collaboration framework and advanced messaging oriented middleware. This system can provide media and session services to heterogeneous endpoints including H.323, SIP, Access Grid, and RealPlayer as well as accommodating diverse clients such as cellular phones. We suggest that our approach opens up new opportunities for extending classic VoIP systems by using these new technologies designed for scalable Internet based service‐oriented computing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of single‐subject and group fMRI data with SPMd
Authors: Zhang Hui , Luo Wen‐Lin , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: April 2006

Except for purely nonparametric methods, statistical methods depend on assumptions about the distribution of the data studied. While these assumptions are easily checked for a single univariate dataset with diagnostic plots, in the massively univariate model used with functional MRI (fMRI) it is impractical to check with a massive number of plots. In previous work we have demonstrated how to diagnose model assumptions and lack‐of‐fit for single‐subject fMRI models using a working assumption of independent errors; our work depended on images and time series of summary statistics that, when simultaneously viewed dynamically, identify problem scans and voxels. In this article we extend our previous work to account for temporal autocorrelation in single‐subject models and show how analogous methods can be used on group models where multiple subjects are studied. We apply these methods to the single‐subject Functional Image Analysis Contest (FIAC) data and find several anomalies, but none that appear to invalidate the results for that subject. With the group FIAC data we find one subject (and possibly two more) that demonstrate a different pattern of activity. None of our conclusions would be arrived at by simply looking at images of t statistics, demonstrating the importance of model assessment through exploration of the data and diagnosis of model assumptions. Hum Brain Mapp 27:442–451, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deleting ‘irrational’ responses from discrete choice experiments: a case of investigating or imposing preferences?
Authors: Lancsar Emily , Louviere Jordan
Published: April 2006

Investigation of the ‘rationality’ of responses to discrete choice experiments (DCEs) has been a theme of research in health economics. Responses have been deleted from DCEs where they have been deemed by researchers to (a) be ‘irrational’, defined by such studies as failing tests for non‐satiation, or (b) represent lexicographic preferences. This paper outlines a number of reasons why deleting responses from DCEs may be inappropriate after first reviewing the theory underpinning rationality, highlighting that the importance placed on rationality depends on the approach to consumer theory to which one ascribes. The aim of this paper is not to suggest that all preferences elicited via DCEs are rational. Instead, it is to suggest a number of reasons why it may not be the case that all preferences labelled as ‘irrational’ are indeed so. Hence, deleting responses may result in the removal of valid preferences; induce sample selection bias; and reduce the statistical efficiency and power of the estimated choice models. Further, evidence suggests random utility theory may be able to cope with such preferences. Finally, we discuss a number of implications for the design, implementation and interpretation of DCEs and recommend caution regarding the deletion of preferences from stated preference experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The compensating income variation of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Groot Wim , Maassen van den Brink Henriëtte
Published: April 2006

This paper uses longitudinal data from the British Household Panel Survey to calculate the compensating income variation (CIV) of cardiovascular disease. It is found that the CIV decreases with age and is higher for men than for women. For women the estimated CIV is similar to those calculated by Groot et al. (2004). For men the estimates are somewhat higher than earlier reported. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lymphatic and vascular origin of Kaposi's sarcoma spindle cells during tumor development
Authors: Pyakurel Pawan , Pak Fatemeh , Mwakigonja Amos. R. , Kaaya Ephata , Heiden Thomas , Biberfeld Peter
Published: April 2006

The histogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumor spindle cells (SC) remains controversial but several immunohistochemical studies favor a lymphatic origin. Twenty KS surgical biopsies were analyzed for the coexpression of LANA, CD34, LYVE‐1, D2‐40, VEGFR‐2, VEGFR3 by using double or triple immunostaining. Most of the SC in both early and late KS expressed the lymphatic markers LYVE‐1, D2‐40 and VEGFR‐3 and the blood vascular endothelial/endothelial precursor cell markers CD34 and endothelial stem cell marker VEGFR‐2. All the LANA+ SC in early and late KS were LYVE‐1+, but only 75% of these LANA+ cells were CD34+. The CD34+/LANA+ cells increased from early‐ (68.8%) to late‐stage KS (82.2%). However, approximately 18% of the LANA+ SC in early KS were CD34− but were LYVE‐1+, suggesting that resident lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) are targeted for primary infection by human herpesvirus‐8. This LANA+/LYVE‐1+/CD34− (resident LEC) cell population clearly decreased during the development of KS from early (18.7%) to late KS (2.9%). Thus, in late stages of KS, most SC were LANA+/CD34+/LYVE‐1+. However, in both early‐ and late‐stage KS, approximately 18% of the SC were CD34+/LANA‐/LYVE‐1− and could represent newly recruited endothelial precursor cells, which become infected in the lesion and eventually undergo a phenotype switch expressing LEC markers. Our study apparently indicates that KS represents a unique variant of tumor growth with continues recruitment of tumor precursor cells as well as proliferation and decreased apoptosis of SC. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intratumoural expression of TNF‐R1 and EMAP‐II in relation to response of patients treated with TNF‐based isolated limb perfusion
Authors: van Horssen Remco , Rens Joost A.P. , Brunstein Flavia , Guns Veronique , van Gils Marjon , Hagen Timo L.M. ten , Eggermont Alexander M.M.
Published: April 2006

Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) has been used in the clinic for more than 10 years in an isolated limb perfusion (ILP). However, intra‐tumoural expression of TNF receptor‐1 (TNF‐R1) and TNF‐R1 upregulating factors are unknown. We determined the expression of TNF‐R1, proEMAP and endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide‐II (EMAP‐II) before and after ILP and evaluated this against clinical response. Tumour biopsies were taken before and after ILP of patients (n = 27) with advanced sarcoma or metastatic melanoma. Biopsies were randomly analysed by western blotting for proEMAP/EMAP‐II and TNF‐R1 expression. Appropriate melanoma biopsies were stained for EMAP‐II, TNF‐R1, CD31 and CD68. For melanomas we found that an up‐regulation of EMAP‐II, in contrast to proEMAP or TNF‐R1, directly after ILP significantly correlated with a complete tumour response. No correlation was found for sarcoma patients. In a comparative analysis we found that the overall proEMAP and EMAP‐II expression was higher in melanoma as compared to sarcoma cases and measurements in cell lines revealed high proEMAP expression by melanoma cells. We report high EMAP‐II expression by endothelial cells and association with macrophages. In addition, macrophages are recruited to vessel‐remnants after ILP. An upregulation of EMAP‐II directly after ILP of melanoma patients correlates with and might predict a complete response to TNF‐based ILP. The association of macrophages with EMAP‐II expression and vascular damage suggests a role for EMAP‐II in regulating the TNF‐based anti‐tumour effects observed with an ILP. Analysis of EMAP‐II expression in melanoma biopsies should be implemented in the ILP procedure. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray analyses in bladder cancer cells: Inhibition of hTERT expression down‐regulates EGFR
Authors: Kraemer Kai , Schmidt Uta , Fuessel Susanne , Herr Alexander , Wirth Manfred P. , Meye Axel
Published: April 2006

The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) contributes to the immortal phenotype of the majority of cancers. Targeting hTERT by transfection with antisense oligonucleotides (AS‐ODNs) induced immediate growth inhibition in human bladder cancer (BCa) cells. The molecular basis of the antiproliferative capacity of hTERT AS‐ODNs was investigated by oligonucleotide microarray analyses and was compared to effects caused by siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of hTERT in EJ28 BCa cells. Two different AS‐ODNs—both down‐regulated the expression of hTERT—changed the expression of different genes mainly involved in stress response (including EGR1, ATF3 and GDF15), but without an association to telomerase function. This indicates that the immediate growth inhibition was caused, at least in part, by off‐target effects. In comparison to that the blockade of the expression of hTERT using 2 different siRNAs was accompanied by the down‐regulation of the oncogenes FOS‐like antigen 1 (FOSL1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), known to be overexpressed in BCa. We show here for the first time that repression of the hTERT transcript number decreased the expression of EGFR both at the mRNA and protein levels, suggesting a potential new function of hTERT in the regulation of EGFR‐stimulated proliferation. Furthermore, the suppression of hTERT by siRNAs caused an enhancement of the antiproliferative capacity of the chemotherapeutics mitomycin C and cisplatin. The results presented herein may support the hypothesis that hTERT promotes the growth of tumor cells by mechanisms independent from telomere lengthening. The detailed clarification of these processes will shed light on the question, whether telomerase inhibitors might constitute suitable anticancer tools. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circulating MMP2 and MMP9 in breast cancer—Potential role in classification of patients into low risk, high risk, benign disease and breast cancer categories
Authors: Somiari Stella B. , Somiari Richard I. , Heckman Caroline M. , Olsen Cara H. , Jordan Rick M. , Russell Stephen J. , Shriver Craig D.
Published: April 2006

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 are involved in cancer invasion and metastasis, and increased levels occur in serum and plasma of breast cancer (BC) patients. It is, however, unclear whether changes in serum levels can be exploited for early detection or classification of patients into different risk/disease categories. In our study, we measured concentration and activity of MMP2/9 in sera of 345 donors classified as low risk (Gail score <1.7), high risk (HR) (Gail score ≥1.7), benign disease or BC. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests showed that total‐MMP2 concentration is higher in HR compared to control (p = 0.012), benign (p = 0.001) and cancer (p = 0.007). Active MMP2 (aMMP2) concentration is higher in control than benign and cancer (p < 0.001, respectively). Total and aMMP9 concentrations are higher in cancer than benign (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Total‐MMP2 and total‐MMP9 activities are lower in control than benign (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively) and cancer (p < 0.001, respectively). Total‐MMP2 and MMP9 activities are also higher in cancer than benign (p = 0.004, p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.008, p = 0.007, respectively). These results were not affected by age or inclusion/exclusion of donors with noninvasive cancer or atypical hyperplasia. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that HR donors are characterized by lower total‐MMP2 and higher aMMP2. Overall group classification accuracy was 64.5%. Independent validation based on the leave‐one‐out cross validation approach gave an overall classification of 63%. Our study provides evidence supporting the potential role of serum MMP2/9 as biomarkers for breast disease classification. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examination of surface properties and in vitro biological performance of amorphous diamond‐like carbon‐coated polyurethane
Authors: Jones David S. , Garvin Clare P. , Dowling Denis , Donnelly Kevin , Gorman Sean P.
Published: April 2006

Despite the emerging use of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) as a coating for medical devices, few studies have examined the resistance of DLC coatings onto medical polymers to both microbial adherence and encrustation. In this study, amorphous DLC of a range of refractive indexes (1.7–1.9) and thicknesses (100–600 nm) was deposited onto polyurethane, a model polymer, and the resistance to microbial adherence (Escherichia coli; clinical isolate) and encrustation examined using in vitro models. In comparison to the native polymer, the advancing and receding contact angles of DLC‐coated polyurethane were lower, indicating greater hydrophilic properties. No relationship was observed between refractive index, thickness, and advancing contact angle, as determined using multiple correlation analysis. The resistances of the various DLC‐coated polyurethane films to encrustation and microbial adherence were significantly greater than that to polyurethane; however, there were individual differences between the resistances of the various DLC coatings. In general, increasing the refractive index of the coatings (100 nm thickness) decreased the resistance of the films to both hydroxyapatite and struvite encrustation and to microbial adherence. Films of lower thicknesses (100 and 200 nm; of defined refractive index, 1.8), exhibited the greatest resistance to encrustation and to microbial adherence. In conclusion, this study has uniquely illustrated both the microbial antiadherence properties and resistance to urinary encrustation of DLC‐coated polyurethane. The resistances to encrustation and microbial adherence were substantial, and in light of this, it is suggested that DLC coatings of low thickness and refractive index show particular promise as coatings of polymeric medical devices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Fine ceramic lattices prepared by extrusion freeforming
Authors: Yang Hongyi , Yang Shoufeng , Chi Xiaopeng , Evans Julian R. G.
Published: April 2006

Fine ceramic lattices with spatial resolution <100 μm and having precise dimensions and intricate hierarchical structure are fabricated by extrusion freeforming, a rapid prototyping technique, which allows overall shape and structure to be controlled by computer. The procedure can be used for any fine ceramic powder and can therefore find applications as diverse as microwave and terahertz metamaterials (artificial crystals), hard tissue scaffolds, microfluidic devices, and metal matrix composite preforms. The examples presented here are calcium phosphate lattices with three structure levels: submicron pores, which enhance cell‐surface interactions, pores of tens of microns to encourage bone ingrowth, and corridors (hundreds of microns) for vascularization. With controlled pore structures on these scales, the lattices are expected to provide customized biological, mechanical, and geometrical requirements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
The effect of crystallinity on strength development of α‐TCP bone substitutes
Authors: Camiré C. L. , Nevsten P. , Lidgren L. , McCarthy I.
Published: April 2006

Alpha phase tricalcium phosphates (α‐TCP) were produced using a solid‐state reaction method and milled for various periods of time. The resulting four materials were α‐TCPs, ranging in crystalline content. Powders were exposed to X‐ray diffraction for material identification as well as for use in crystallinity and purity calculations. Powder particle size was investigated using laser diffraction. Materials were mixed with 2.5% Na2HPO4 solution to initiate the hydration of α‐TCP to calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA). Isothermal calorimetry was performed to observe thermal response of the powders over a period of time. During the reaction process, at various time points up to 216 h, the material was compression tested to observe strength development. Materials proved to be predominantly alpha phase, while amorphous content determined by XRD varied. Reactivity, as measured by isothermal calorimetry, varied with crystallinity of the α‐TCP powder. Speed of strength development did not change except for the most finely ground powder. In addition, crystal size of the CDHA was changed only in the product formed from the most highly ground material. It is proposed that increasing reactivity of α‐TCP cements does not result in a corresponding increase in rate of strength development until there is sufficient supersaturation to produce significant crystal nucleation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Margin failures in brittle dome structures: Relevance to failure of dental crowns
Authors: Qasim Tarek , Ford Chris , Bush Mark B. , Hu Xiaozhi , Malament Kenneth A. , Lawn Brian R.
Published: April 2006

Margin cracks in loaded brittle dome structures are investigated. Dome structures consisting of glass shells filled with polymer resin, simulating the essential features of brittle crowns on tooth dentin, provide model test specimens. Disk indenters of diminishing elastic modulus are used to apply axisymmetric loading to the apex of the domes. Previous studies using hard indenters have focused on fractures initiating in the near‐contact region of such specimens, including radial cracks at the glass undersurface directly below the contact axis. Here, we focus on fractures initiating at the remote support margins. Margin cracks can become dominant when loading forces are distributed over broad contact areas, as in biting on soft matter, here simulated by balsa wood disks. Cracks preinitiated at the dome edges during the specimen preparation propagate under load around the dome side into segmented, semilunar configurations reminiscent of some all‐ceramic crown failures. Finite element analysis is used to determine the basic stress states within the dome structures, and to confirm a shift in maximum tensile stress from the near‐contact area to the dome sides with more compliant indenters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Effect of methylglyoxal modification and phosphorylation on the chaperone and anti‐apoptotic properties of heat shock protein 27
Authors: Oya‐Ito Tomoko , Liu Bing‐Fen , Nagaraj Ram H.
Published: April 2006

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a stress‐inducible protein in cells that functions as a molecular chaperone and also as an anti‐apoptotic protein. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound produced from cellular glycolytic intermediates that reacts non‐enzymatically with proteins to form products such as argpyrimidine. We found considerable amount of Hsp27 in phosphorylated form (pHsp27) in human cataractous lenses. pHsp27 was the major argpyrimidine‐modified protein in brunescent cataractous lenses. Modification by MGO enhanced the chaperone function of both pHsp27 and native Hsp27, but the effect on Hsp27 was at least three‐times greater than on pHsp27. Phosphorylation of Hsp27 abolished its chaperone function. Transfer of Hsp27 using a cationic lipid inhibited staurosporine (SP)‐induced apoptotic cell death by 53% in a human lens epithelial cell line (HLE B‐3). MGO‐modified Hsp27 had an even greater effect (62% inhibition). SP‐induced reactive oxygen species in HLE‐B3 cells was significantly lower in cells transferred with MGO‐modified Hsp27 when compared to native Hsp27. In vitro incubation experiments showed that MGO‐modified Hsp27 reduced the activity of caspase‐9, and MGO‐modified pHsp27 reduced activities of both caspase‐9 and caspase‐3. Based on these results, we propose that Hsp27 becomes a better anti‐apoptotic protein after modification by MGO, which may be due to multiple mechanisms that include enhancement of chaperone function, reduction in oxidative stress, and inhibition of activity of caspases. Our results suggest that MGO modification and phosphorylation of Hsp27 may have important consequences for lens transparency and cataract development. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic diagnosis of an arterioarticular fistula following knee arthrocentesis
Authors: Morag Yoav , Ford Matthew K. , Jacobson Jon A. , Jamadar David A.
Published: April 2006

An arterioarticular fistula is an unusual complication of knee arthrocentesis. We describe the sonographic findings immediately following a failed clinical attempt at knee arthrocentesis that resulted in an arterioarticular fistula. Spectral Doppler analysis confirmed the jet of blood into the hemarthrosis. Knowledge of anatomy and application of standard technique is necessary to minimize the complications of arthrocentesis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:207–209, 2006
Sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis: Correlation with CT and literature review
Authors: Rosón Nuria , Garriga Victoria , Cuadrado Miguel , Pruna Xavier , Carbó Sonia , Vizcaya Sara , Peralta Auxiliadora , Martinez Mateo , Zarcero Manuela , Medrano Santiago
Published: April 2006

Purpose.

To evaluate the sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) and correlate them with CT findings.

Methods.

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical, CT, and sonographic findings in 26 cases of MP in our hospital between January 1997 and July 2003. We also reviewed the sonographic features of MP previously described in the literature.

Results.

The sonographic findings were well correlated to CT in 24 of 26 patients (92%). In these 24 cases, abdominal sonographic examination revealed a hyperechogenic, well‐defined fatty mass (corresponding to the pseudocapsule CT sign) in the root of the mesentery, displacing the bowel loops. We found a clear interface between MP and normal intra abdominal fat. Examination with color Doppler sonography revealed the nondeviated mesenteric vessels within the mass. The persence of MP improved sonographic transmission in 9 obese patients and enabled the retroperitoneal vessels to be clearly visualized. Sonography was unable to demonstrate the preservation of the fat nearest the mesenteric vessels corresponding to the “fatty halo” sign on CT.

Conclusions.

Sonography is useful in the diagnostic workup for MP. The characteristic sonographic features of MP (well‐defined mass, homogeneous hyperechogenicity of the mass, nondeviated vessels within the mass, and displaced bowel loops) correlate well with CT findings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:169–176, 2006
Flash‐echo contrast sonography in the evaluation of response of small hepatocellular carcinoma to percutaneous ablation
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Tung Hung‐Da , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hung , Lee, Chuan‐Mo
Published: April 2006

Purpose.

To evaluate the use of flash‐echo contrast sonography (FECS) in subtraction mode in assessing small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after percutaneous local ablation therapy.

Methods.

Between March 2000 and February 2002, we prospectively assessed small HCCs after percutaneous local ablation therapy using FECS in subtraction mode. Thirty‐three patients (22 men, 11 women) with 35 tumors ranging in size from 1.1 to 3.0 cm (mean ± SD, 2.0 ± 0.5) were enrolled. Twenty‐one tumors received percutaneous ethanol injection only, 13 tumors received percutaneous microwave ablation therapy only, and the remaining tumor received both treatments. CT, hepatic angiography, and follow‐up were used as gold standards in analyzing the accuracy of FECS in detecting residual tumors.

Results.

The agreements between FECS and CT, FECS and hepatic angiography, and all 3 imaging modalities were 80% (28/35), 85.7% (30/35), and 77.1% (27/35), respectively. Twenty‐one patients with 23 completely ablated tumors were followed up for 5 to 39 months (mean ± SD, 20.2 ± 11.2). Recurrent disease was detected in 11 (52.4%) patients; local tumor recurrence occurred in 4 (17.4%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value of FECS in detecting viable tumors were 53.8% (7/13), 90.9% (20/22), 77.1% (27/35), 77.8% (7/9), and 76.9% (20/26), respectively.

Conclusions.

FECS in subtraction mode shows good agreement with hepatic angiography and CT in the assessment of small HCC after percutaneous local ablation therapy. The sensitivity of FECS in detecting residual tumors is suboptimal. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:161–168, 2006
Sonographic and mammographic appearances of granular cell tumors of the breast with pathological correlation
Authors: Yang Wei Tse , Edeiken‐Monroe Beth , Sneige Nour , Fornage Bruno D.
Published: April 2006

Purpose.

To describe the sonographic and mammographic appearance of granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the breast in 6 patients with pathological correlation.

Methods.

A search was conducted of the cyto‐histopathological database in a single institution from 1990 to 2004 for breast lesions given the diagnosis of GCT of the breast. Six patients with GCT of the breast who underwent mammographic or sonographic examination or both before surgery were included in this study.

Results.

The mammographic features of GCT of the breast were indeterminate in most patients, often presenting as an isodense mass with indistinct or spiculated margins. Calcifications were not a feature. The sonographic features of GCT of the breast mimicked carcinoma, including heterogeneous echotexture, indistinct margins, and hypervascularity. Hyperechogenicity was noted in 5 of 7 (71%) GCTs in this series. The cytomorphological features of GCT included sheets of large granular cells intersected by arborizing thin‐walled blood vessels. The cells had round to oval nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, and abundant, ill‐defined granular cytoplasm.

Conclusions.

Breast imagers should be aware that GCT of the breast is an uncommon differential in a minority of neoplasms that can be mistaken for breast cancer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:153–160, 2006
Immunological characterization and fine localization of a lizard beta‐keratin
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Toni Mattia
Published: April 2006

Scales of lizards contain beta‐keratin of poorly known composition. In the present study, a rat polyclonal serum against a lizard beta‐keratin of 14–15 kDa has been produced and the relative protein has been immunolocalized in the epidermis. The observations for the first time show that the isolated protein band derives from the extraction of a protein component of the beta‐keratin filaments of lizard epidermis. In immunoblots and immunocytochemistry, the antiserum recognizes most lizard beta‐keratins, but produces a variable cross‐reactivity with snake beta‐keratins, and weak or no reactivity with beta‐keratins isolated from tuatara, turtles, alligator and birds. In bidimensional immunoblots of lizard epidermis, three main spots at 15–16 kDa with isoelectric point at 7.0, 7.6 and 8.0, and an unresolved large spot at 29–30 kDa and with pI at 7.5–8.0, are obtained, may be derived from the aggregation of smaller beta‐keratin proteins. The ultrastructural immunolocalization with the antibody against lizard beta‐keratin shows that only small and large beta‐keratin filaments of beta‐cells of lizard epidermis are labeled. Keratin bundles in oberhautchen cells are less immunolabeled. Beta‐keratin is rapidly polymerized into beta‐packets that merge into larger beta‐keratin filaments. No labeling is present over other cell organelles or cell layers of lizard epidermis, and is absent in non‐epidermal cells. The antiserum recognizes epitope(s) characteristics for lizard beta‐keratins, partially recognized in snakes and absent in non‐lepidosaurian species. This result indicates that beta‐keratins among different reptilian groups posses different immunoreactive regions. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 306B, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intermittent hypoxia impairs performance of adult mice in the two‐way shuttle box but not in the Morris water maze
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Xing , Lu Xing‐Jiang , Wang Xiao‐Chuan , Li Wang , Du Ji‐Zeng
Published: April 2006

We have previously found that neonatal intermittent hypobaric hypoxia exposure enhanced mouse spatial, but impaired associative, cognition. This study sought to investigate the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on adult mice cognition. Mice were exposed to 2, 5, 10, 15, or 25 days of intermittent hypoxia (IH; 4 hr/day) at 2 km (16.0% O2) or 5 km (10.8% O2) altitudes in a hypobaric chamber for the Morris water maze (MWM) test and exposed to IH for 2, 10, or 25 days for the shuttle‐box test. Amino acid dynamics in vivo in the hippocampus and amygdala of mice exposed to 2 km hypoxia were analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The results in MWM task showed that IH‐2d to ‐25d at 2 km or 5 km did not change the escape latencies of mice in the training test or the retention of platform in the probe test. In the shuttle‐box task, however, IH‐10d at 5 km significantly reduced mouse avoidances in the acquisition test on day 4, and IH‐10d at 2 km reduced avoidances in the retention test; IH‐25d at 5 km significantly reduced avoidances of mice throughout the acquisition days. Glutamate in the amygdala persisted in declining to 69% of baseline at 8 hr posthypoxia (P = 0.040 vs. GLU released during 30 min before hypoxia) during the posthypoxia stage. These results suggest that adult hypobaric IH impairs the hippocampal‐independent, but not the hippocampal‐dependent, task in mice. The different GLU releases in the hippocampus and amygdala in response to hypoxia are involved in the different behaviors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuregulin isoforms in dorsal root ganglion neurons: Effects of the cytoplasmic domain on localization and membrane shedding of Nrg‐1 type I
Authors: Zhang Zhiyou , Prentiss Lisa , Heitzman Deborah , Stahl Richard C. , DiPino Frank , Carey David J.
Published: April 2006

Embryonic sensory neurons express membrane‐anchored growth factors that stimulate proliferation and differentiation of Schwann cells. The most important of these are members of the neuregulin‐1 (Nrg‐1) family that activate the erbB2/erbB3 receptor kinase on Schwann cells. Nrg‐1 growth factors display a complex pattern of alternative mRNA splicing. We investigated the expression of the Nrg‐1 type I in rat embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Nrg‐1 type I mRNA was abundantly expressed in DRG neurons; molecular cloning identified three distinct isoforms. The most prominent structural difference produced by alternative splicing was truncation of the C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain. In sensory neurons and other cells, Nrg‐1 type I proteins with the full‐length 374‐amino‐acid cytoplasmic domain were expressed on the cell surface. In contrast, an isoform with a partially truncated cytoplasmic domain was retained in an intracellular compartment. Deletion studies demonstrated the presence of a cryptic intracellular retention signal that was exposed in the truncated cytoplasmic domain. Cell surface Nrg‐1 type I molecules were subject to protease‐dependent release of the biologically active ectodomain. As a consequence of their intracellular localization, the Nrg‐1 type I isoform with a truncated cytoplasmic domain was not subject to membrane shedding. Nrg‐1 type I ectodomain release was accelerated by factors present in Schwann cell‐conditioned medium. In cells with active Nrg‐1 type I ectodomain, shedding products corresponding to the cytoplasmic domain were not detected, because of rapid γ‐secretase‐ and proteasome‐dependent degradation. These results demonstrate that sensory neurons express alternatively spliced neuregulin polypeptides with distinct subcellular localizations and processing. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of detoxified Indian vetch (Lathyrus sativus L.) on sensory and protein quality characteristics of composite flour chapatti
Authors: Ur‐Rehman Salim , Paterson Alistair , Hussain Sarfraz , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Raza Shahid Muhammad Akmal
Published: April 2006

We studied the effects of different processing treatments, including soaking, steeping, boiling in water and germination and chemical treatments with H2SO4, HCl, lime and NaHCO3, on the removal of a neurotoxin, β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP), from Indian vetch (Iv) and addition of detoxified Iv in chapatti. The toxin level was quantified by using thin‐layer chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Maximum removal was observed after steeping in water at 60–70°C for 8 h with seven rinses. The samples were dried, milled into flour and added to chapatti at different levels. Sensory attributes revealed that the chapattis were most acceptable by judges when supplemented with up to 200 g kg−1 of flour. The protein level of Iv flour increased from 124 to 174 g kg−1 as result of supplementation at 300 g kg−1. Biological studies with albino rats showed that detoxified Iv had a better impact on nutritional status. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Fluence rate as a modulator of PDT mechanisms
Authors: Henderson Barbara W. , Busch Theresa M. , Snyder John W.
Published: April 2006

Background and Objectives

Molecular oxygen in the tissue to be treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) is critical for photodynamic cell killing. The fluence rate of PDT light delivery has been identified as an important modulator of tissue oxygenation and treatment outcome. This article provides supporting evidence for the role of fluence rate in PDT and discusses the underlying mechanisms.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Intratumoral pO2 was measured polarographically in murine tumors before and during PDT light treatment using the Eppendorf pO2 Histograph. Tumor response as a function of fluence rate and fluence was also assessed in murine tumor models. Changes in vascular permeability as a function of fluence rate were determined in murine tumors by measuring tumor uptake of fluorescent beads (200 nm diameter).

Results

Severe oxygen depletion is shown to occur within seconds of illumination at a fluence rate of 75 mW/cm2 in radiation‐induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors photosensitized with AlPcS2. This effect was reversible and consistent with photochemical oxygen depletion, which has been shown by us and others to be fluence rate dependent. It is demonstrated that fluence rate affects the PDT tumor response in the Colon 26 tumor model, high fluence rate diminishing or even totally inhibiting tumor control, low fluence rate promoting tumor control. The influence of fluence rate is not restricted to cytocidal effects, but can also be seen in sublethal conditions such as vascular permeability.

Conclusions

Fluence rate of PDT light delivery exerts far‐reaching control upon treatment outcome through its oxygenation modulating properties and possibly other mechanisms yet to be identified. This has been shown to be true in the preclinical and clinical setting. Further development of in situ dosimetry will be necessary to take full advantage of these discoveries. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absorption of diode 810 nm used for transpupillary thermotherapy by blood. An in vitro study
Authors: Morales Ana Muñoz , Lapuente Carlos Ruiz , Peyman Gholam A. , Kivilcim Muhamet
Published: April 2006

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the in vitro energy attenuation by transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) using an 810‐nm diode laser after the treatment of exudative age‐related macular degeneration.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In this experiment, an 810‐nm diode laser was coupled to a slit lamp to deliver laser energy to a laser‐power sensor adjusted in the track of the laser light. The spotlight was 0.5 mm in diameter; duration of exposure, 3 seconds. Citrated Pasteur pipettes were filled with blood diluted in saline in several concentrations and placed in the path of the laser light. The absorption of the light measured by the power sensor was tested for various delivered irradiances between 50.92 and 509.29 W/cm2. The differences were analyzed statistically.

Results

There were significant differences in laser blockage comparing various conditions for all power levels (P<0.05). Increasing the proportion of blood resulted in more laser blockage with all irradiances (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Blood significantly blocks the transmission of the 810‐nm diode TTT laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:643–646, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Moyamoya syndrome following childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kikuchi Akira , Maeda Miho , Hanada Ryoji , Okimoto Yuri , Ishimoto Koichi , Kaneko Takashi , Ikuta Koichiro , Tsuchida Masahiro ,   On behalf of the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG)
Published: April 2006

Background

Long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) sometimes suffer from adverse long‐term sequelae. We analyzed the incidence, clinical course and prognosis of moyamoya syndrome (MoS) following childhood ALL.

Procedure

A total of 1,846 ALL patients were treated with four consecutive TCCSG ALL protocols (L84‐11, L89‐12, L92‐13, and L95‐14) between 1984 and 1999. We surveyed the MoS cases among these patients in the follow‐up studies.

Results

Six patients with MoS were identified: four boys and two girls whose ages ranged from 2 years and 1 month (abbreviated as “2y1m”) to 14y 1 m at diagnosis of ALL. None of the patients had central nervous system (CNS) leukemia. All six patients received prophylactic cranial irradiation with a dosage of 18 or 24 Gy. Although one patient died of brain infarction due to MoS, no leukemic relapse was observed in the group. The cumulative incidence of MoS in our series was 0.46 ± 0.02% at 8 years. Among several clinical characteristics, use of cranial irradiation was the only factor that appeared to be significantly related to the development of MoS.

Conclusions

MoS occurs with increased frequency in children treated for ALL, and might be associated with cranial irradiation. Prophylactic cranial irradiation should be used cautiously in ALL patients who can be cured by other CNS‐directed therapies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:268–272. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of main‐chain, aromatic polyesters based on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene
Authors: Ojha Uma P. , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2006

A series of new thermoplastic polyesters based on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with flexible aliphatic spacers have been synthesized and characterized for the first time. The thermal properties of these polyesters based on EDOT are comparable to those of conventional polyesters based on the 1,4‐phenyl unit, indicating that EDOT is a viable replacement for the phenyl units. The glass‐transition and melting‐transition temperatures decrease monotonically with an increase in the spacer length. Theoretical calculations have revealed that the core angle for EDOT is comparable to that of unsubstituted thiophene and hence should be compatible with the formation of the mesophase. This has been confirmed experimentally by the synthesis of a main‐chain, thermotropic, liquid‐crystalline polyester based on EDOT that exhibits fluid birefringence. In fact, this is the first report in which a main‐chain, liquid‐crystalline polymer based on 3,4‐disubstituted thiophene has been successfully designed and synthesized. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3479–3486, 2006