bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of salt taste and free chlorine or chloramine in drinking water
Authors: Wiesenthal K.E. , McGuire M.J. , Suffet I.H.
Published: March 2007

Abstract Salty taste with or without chlorine or chloramine flavour is one of the major consumer complaints to water utilities. The flavour profile analysis (FPA) taste panel method determined the average taste threshold concentration for salt (NaCl) in Milli-Q water to be 640±3 mg/L at pH 8. Chlorine and chloramine disinfectants have no antagonistic or synergistic effects on the taste of NaCl, salt, in Milli-Q water. The flavour threshold concentrations for chlorine or chloramine in Milli-Q water alone or in the presence of NaCl could not be estimated by the Weber-Fechner curves due to the chlorine or chloramine flavour outliers in the 0.2–0.8 mg/L concentration range. Apparently, NaCl is not equilibrated with the concentration of ions in the saliva in the mouth and the concentration of free chlorine or chloramines cannot be tasted correctly. Therefore, dechlorinated tap water may be the best background water to use for a particular drinking water evaluation of chlorine and chloramine thresholds. Laboratory FPA studies of free chlorine found that a 67% dilution of Central Arizona Project (CAP) (Tucson, AZ) water with Milli-Q water was required to reduce the free chlorine flavour to a threshold value instead of a theoretical value of 80% (Krasner and Barrett, 1980). No synergistic effect was found for chlorine flavour on the dilution of CAP water with Milli-Q water. When Central Avra Valley (AVRA) groundwater was used for the dilution of CAP water, a synergistic effect of the TDS present was observed for the chlorine flavour. Apparently, the actual mineral content of drinking water, and not just NaCl in Milli-Q water, is needed for comparative flavour tests for chlorine and chloramines.
Aeration tank odour by dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) waste in sewage
Authors: Glindemann D. , Novak J.T. , Witherspoon J.
Published: March 2007

Sewage plants can experience dimethyl sulphide (DMS) odour problems by at least one mg/L dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) waste residue in plant influent, through a DMSO/DMS reduction mechanism. This bench-scale batch study simulates in bottles the role of poor aeration in wastewater treatment on the DMSO/DMS and sulphate/H2S reduction. The study compares headspace concentrations of sulphide odorants developed by activated sludge (closed bottles, half full) after six hours under anoxic versus anaerobic conditions, with 0 versus 2 mg/L DMSO addition. Anoxic sludge (0.1–2 mg/L dissolved oxygen, DO) with DMSO resulted in about 50 ppmv DMS and no other sulphide, while DMSO-free sludge was free of detectable sulphides. Anaerobic sludge (no measurable DO to the point of sulphate reduction) with DMSO resulted in 22/4/37 ppmv of H2S/methanethiol (MT)/DMS, while DMSO-free sludge resulted in 44/8/2 ppmv of H2S/MT/DMS. It is concluded that common “anoxic” aeration tank zones with measurable DO in bulk water but immeasurable DO inside sludge flocs (nitrate reducing) experience DMSO reduction to DMS that is oxidation resistant and becomes the most important odorant. Under anaerobic conditions, H2S from sulphate reduction becomes an additional important odorant. A strategy is developed that allows operators to determine from the quantity of different sulphides whether the DMSO/DMS mechanism is important at their wastewater plant.
Study of the effect of DMSO on VOS odour production in a wastewater plant
Authors: Cheng X. , Peterkin E.D. , Burlingame G.A.
Published: March 2007

Odours caused by volatile organic sulphides (VOS) have a history spanning over 20 years for Philadelphia's Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant (NEWPCP). A “canned corn” type of odour has caused residential complaints. Traditional odour control approaches based on hydrogen sulphide failed. This study confirmed that dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) from a chemical facility was the dominant cause of the “canned corn” nuisance odour in the form of dimethyl sulphide (DMS). During a discharge, DMSO concentrations up to 12 mg/L were found in the influent of the NEWPCP. Each DMSO concentration peak induced a DMS peak. DMS concentrations increased from less than 50 μg/L to 6 mg/L with a corresponding decrease in DMSO. Approximately 79% of DMSO from the primary sedimentation influent was passed to the effluent, and to downstream processes, such as the aeration tanks where the DMS was volatilised by the aeration. The DMS partial pressure in ambient air of NEWPCP can be between 0.03 and 0.18 × 10−3 atm during a DMSO discharge. From the above information, the potential of VOS production is estimated and a practical plan for remediation can be designed.
Characterisation of odour masking agents often used in the solid waste industry for odour abatement
Authors: Decottignies V. , Filippi G. , Bruchet A.
Published: March 2007

Odours from waste management facilities, wastewater treatment plants and composting areas have become a major nuisance issue for operators. In addition to facing regulations which tend to become more stringent, operators are also facing increased public pressure due to complaints from neighbours resulting in the temporary shutdown of such plants, therefore the elimination of atmospheric odours is becoming a major industrial objective. Many commercial odour control products are available on the market, however, very little is known concerning their real efficiency and mechanism of action. This paper will present the results from the study of 19 agents collected in various countries. The products were first characterised both in terms of their chemical composition and sensory properties. Selected products with different modes of application were then submitted to a study of their efficiency at the pilot-scale level. The results from one product test showed no significant difference in their odour removal efficiency as determined by olfactory and chemical analysis of the emission before and after application of the odour control product.
Taste and odour research: a utility's perspective
Authors: Motum R.
Published: March 2007

Tastes and odours issues constitute not only a rich field for research, but also a major challenge for water utilities. Addressing such problems requires sustained research programmes and the development of long-term proactive control measures; individual water utilities have found this hard to achieve, but collaborative approaches are proving successful. This is highlighted by taste and odours incidents in the 1990s in the Lake Ontario region that led to the formation of the Ontario Water Works Research Consortium. This collaboration of utilities with scientists and technical expertise in universities and government has enabled the linking of resources to a far more extensive programme than individual utilities could conduct, avoiding duplication of work, and providing a central mechanism for effective public outreach.
Rehabilitation of an Elite Gymnast With a Type II Manubriosternal Dislocation
Authors: Pidcoe Peter E , Burnet Evie N
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose

This case report describes the rehabilitation of an elite, 15-year-old gymnast after a nonreduced type II manubriosternal dislocation. The rehabilitation took place in a gymnastics venue but was guided by a physician and a licensed physical therapist.

Case Description

The gymnast participated in a 13-week rehabilitation program for range of motion and strengthening that was based on a biomechanical hierarchy. Rehabilitation began at week 2 after injury for the lower extremities and at week 4 for the upper extremities.

Outcomes

By week 4, the patient began upper-extremity strengthening, and by week 6, the patient had no pain with palpation and tolerated light sternal loading. At week 9, a plain-film radiograph revealed a stable manubriosternal joint, and by week 13, the patient returned to gymnastics pain-free.

Discussion

This case report shows that, after a 13-week regimen of progressive and repetitive, cyclical tensile and compressive loading, the manubriosternal joint was stable, and the elite gymnast was able to return to the sport, successfully competing in a regional competition.
Optimal design of thermochemical reactors based on constructal approach
Authors: Azoumah Y. , Neveu P. , Mazet N.
Published: March 2007

This work aims to optimize the design of thermochemical reactors such as solid/gas fixed bed reactors working in dynamic mode. The optimization is based on the constructal approach. A thermodynamic criterion, the ratio of reactor output power to its entropy generation, has to be used to take into account the coupled phenomena and the end purpose of such reactors. Two reactors are considered with same overall volume, but different internal configuration of collectors (constructal scales): a “basic” single‐scale configuration (basic reactor), and a “constructal” two‐scale configuration (constructal 1 reactor). Reaction rates notably vary with reactor shape, and an optimal shape factor is found for each reactor, depending on the reactant material density. For both reactors, an important remark is pointed out: the correspondence between the maximum of power/entropy ratio (PER) and the highest reaction rate. Comparison between the optimal basic and constructal 1 reactors shows that the latter presents higher energy efficiency (based on second law analysis), but lower output power than the first. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Sodium phenyl butyrate downregulates endothelin‐1 expression in cultured human endothelial cells: Relevance to sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Odièvre Marie‐Hélène , Brun Manuel , Krishnamoorthy Rajagopal , Lapouméroulie Claudine , Elion Jacques
Published: March 2007

As hydroxyurea (HU), sodium phenyl butyrate (SPB) is known to induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression and thus shows potentials for sickle‐cell disease (SCD) treatment. More recently, few studies suggested that endothelial cells (ECs), a major pathophysiological actor of SCD, are also a target of SPB. Here, we show that SPB, as HU, reduces endothelin‐1 mRNA expression and peptide release by human ECs in culture. SPB increases VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 mRNAs and soluble ICAM‐1 release. Both drugs have a cumulative effect on ICAM‐1 expression. We conclude that SPB, as HU, also affects the expression of molecules important to the pathophysiology of SCD, in addition to its effect on HbF. Its potential as an alternative or adjuvant drug in SCD treatment warrants further investigations. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A primate model for Alzheimer's disease: Investigation of the apolipoprotein E profile of the vervet monkey of St. Kitts
Authors: Fainman J. , Eid M.‐D. , Ervin F.R. , Palmour R.M.
Published: March 2007

The apolipoprotein E4 allele has been previously associated with late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The major neuropathology of AD, senile (amyloid) plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles, has been observed in the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops). To further assess the suitability of the vervet as a model for AD, we undertook to determine the sequence of the vervet apoE exon 4 and to genotype an unrelated group of 30 aged animals raging from 15 to 28 years of age. All 30 animals were homozygous for the E4 allele. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No evidence for association between 19 cholinergic genes and bipolar disorder
Authors: Shi Jiajun , Hattori Eiji , Zou Hongwei , Badner Judith A. , Christian Susan L. , Gershon Elliot S. , Liu Chunyu
Published: March 2007

Cholinergic dysfunction has been proposed for the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD), and we have therefore performed a systematic association study of cholinergic system genes in BD (including schizoaffective disorder bipolar type). We genotyped 93 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 19 genes (CHAT, CHRM1‐5, CHRNA1‐7, CHRNA9, CHRNA10, and CHRNB1‐4) in two series of samples: the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Genetics Initiative pedigrees with 474 samples from 152 families, and the Clinical Neurogenetics (CNG) pedigrees with 83 samples from 22 multiplex families. Sib‐transmission/disequilibrium test (sib_TDT) analysis showed nominally significant transmission bias for four SNPs (CHRNA2: rs7017417, P = 0.024; CHRNA5: rs514743, P = 0.031; CHRNB1: rs2302762, P = 0.049; CHRNB4: rs1948, P = 0.031). Haploview analyses showed nominally significant transmission bias of several haplotypes in CHRNA2, CHRNA7, CHRNB1, and CHRNB4, respectively. However, none of these associations reached gene‐wide significance after correction by permutation. Alcohol dependence (including alcohol abuse) was not a significant covariate in the present genetic association analysis. Thus, it is unlikely that these 19 cholinergic genes play a major role in the pre‐disposition to BD in these pedigrees. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association studies of 23 positional/functional candidate genes on chromosome 10 in late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Morgan A.R. , Turic D. , Jehu L. , Hamilton G. , Hollingworth P. , Moskvina V. , Jones L. , Lovestone S. , Brayne C. , Rubinsztein D.C. , Lawlor B. , Gill M. , O'Donovan M.C. , Owen M.J. , Williams J.
Published: March 2007

Late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, with a complex etiology. APOE is the only confirmed susceptibility gene for LOAD. Others remain yet to be found. Evidence from linkage studies suggests that a gene (or genes) conferring susceptibility for LOAD resides on chromosome 10. We studied 23 positional/functional candidate genes from our linkage region on chromosome 10 (APBB1IP, ALOX5, AD037, SLC18A3, DKK1, ZWINT, ANK3, UBE2D1, CDC2, SIRT1, JDP1, NET7, SUPV3L1, NEN3, SAR1, SGPL1, SEC24C, CAMK2G, PP3CB, SNCG, CH25H, PLCE1, ANXV111) in the MRC genetic resource for LOAD. These candidates were screened for sequence polymorphisms in a sample of 14 LOAD subjects and detected polymorphisms tested for association with LOAD in a three‐stage design involving two stages of genotyping pooled DNA samples followed by a third stage in which markers showing evidence for association in the first stages were subjected to individual genotyping. One hundred and twenty polymorphisms were identified and tested in stage 1 (4 case + 4 control pools totaling 366 case and 366 control individuals). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing evidence of association with LOAD were then studied in stage 2 (8 case + 4 control pools totaling 1,001 case and 1,001 control individuals). Five SNPs, in four genes, showed evidence for association (P < 0.1) at stage 2 and were individually genotyped in the complete dataset, comprising 1,160 LOAD cases and 1,389 normal controls. Two SNPs in SGPL1 demonstrated marginal evidence of association, with uncorrected P values of 0.042 and 0.056, suggesting that variation in SGPL1 may confer susceptibility to LOAD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in pennate muscle architecture after gradual tibial lengthening in goats
Authors: Elsalanty Mohammed , Makarov Marina , Cherkashin Alexander , Birch John , Samchukov Mikhail
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the changes in unipennate muscle architecture after distraction osteogenesis. Nine adult goats underwent 20% tibial lengthening in one of the hind limbs. Immediately after distraction, lengthened and contralateral (untreated) tibialis caudalis (TC) muscles were harvested. Lengths of the muscle belly, muscle fiber (FL), sarcomere (SL), tendon (TL), and superficial aponeurosis, as well as muscle mass, pennation angle (PA), and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA), were compared between the treated and contralateral sides. Lengthened TC muscle demonstrated 20.8% increase in belly length, 4.39% increase in TL, and 36.7% increase in FL, while PA decreased by 37.2% (P = 008). Muscle length increase was mainly due to lengthening of muscle belly, which resulted both from FL increase and 15.3% length increase in the aponeurosis component of muscle belly, without significant effect of the PA decrease. The FL increase was due to SL increase, not to sarcomere neogenesis, while mass and PCSA did not change. We concluded that although muscle architecture can be adversely affected by distraction because of deficient sarcomere neogenesis, PCSA can remain unchanged, giving false impression of preserved function. Change in PA plays only minimal role in muscle adaptation to distraction. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in E‐ and N‐cadherin expression in developing rat adenohypophysis
Authors: Kikuchi Motoshi , Yatabe Megumi , Kouki Tom , Fujiwara Ken , Takigami Shu , Sakamoto Atsushi , Yashiro Takashi
Published: March 2007

Recently, we showed that hormone‐producing cells express N‐cadherin, while folliculo‐stellate cells and marginal layer cells express E‐cadherin in the adult rat anterior pituitary gland. These cells are believed to originate from a single cell population of the adenohypophyseal placode. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined the divergence of cadherin types during pituitary histogenesis. Pituitary glands were excised from rats of embryonic day 11 (E11) through postnatal day 60 (P60) and paraffin sections were prepared. E‐ and N‐cadherins were immunostained sequentially using monoclonal and polyclonal primary antibodies and fluorescent secondary antibodies. At E11, E‐cadherin was expressed over oral epithelium, while N‐cadherin expression was limited to the primordium of Rathke's pouch. When Rathke's pouch was formed at E13, E‐ and N‐cadherin were broadly expressed in the entire cell population. N‐cadherin was expressed particularly intensely in the layer of cells that faced the lumen. From E14 through E16, the majority of cells expressed both types of cadherins; however, the cell population to become the pars tuberalis expressed N‐cadherin but not E‐cadherin. From E18 through E20, when many hormone‐producing cells appear, the number of cells that expressed N‐cadherin alone increased. However, some cell populations in the pars distalis and multilayered marginal cells still expressed both cadherins. After birth, most of the cells came to express only one of the cadherin types. These results may suggest that undetermined adenohypophyseal cells express both E‐ and N‐cadherin, but come to express either E‐ or N‐cadherin during cytogenesis. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The dynamics of interactive information retrieval behavior, Part I: An activity theory perspective
Authors: Xu Yunjie
Published: March 2007

Human information‐seeking behavior is a topic of increasing interest in many disciplines. However, the dynamics of this behavior remain elusive. The extant research has taken cognitive and behavioral perspectives to study information‐seeking behavior, and observed its dynamics in multiple sessions. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern the dynamics of information‐seeking behavior are not well understood. With a focus on interactive information retrieval behavior, this study proposes an integrated framework based on activity theory. This framework is not only comprehensive and integrated, but also offers an explanation of the mechanisms governing the interaction between users' cognitive states and their manifested behavior when using an information retrieval system. A set of four propositions are advanced to describe the mechanisms. The implications are discussed.
Using interview data to identify evaluation criteria for interactive, analytical question‐answering systems
Authors: Kelly Diane , Wacholder Nina , Rittman Robert , Sun Ying , Kantor Paul , Small Sharon , Strzalkowski Tomek
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this work is to identify potential evaluation criteria for interactive, analytical question‐answering (QA) systems by analyzing evaluative comments made by users of such a system. Qualitative data collected from intelligence analysts during interviews and focus groups were analyzed to identify common themes related to performance, use, and usability. These data were collected as part of an intensive, three‐day evaluation workshop of the High‐Quality Interactive Question Answering (HITIQA) system. Inductive coding and memoing were used to identify and categorize these data. Results suggest potential evaluation criteria for interactive, analytical QA systems, which can be used to guide the development and design of future systems and evaluations. This work contributes to studies of QA systems, information seeking and use behaviors, and interactive searching.
Effects of acute renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of telithromycin in rats: negligible effects of increase in CYP3A1 on the metabolism of telithromycin
Authors: Lee Joo H. , Lee Myung G.
Published: March 2007

It was reported that the expression of CYP3A1 increased in rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate (rat model of U‐ARF) compared with controls. It was shown that telithromycin was mainly metabolized via CYP3A1/2 in rats in this study. Hence, the pharmacokinetic parameters of telithromycin were compared after both intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg to control rats and a rat model of U‐ARF. After intravenous administration of telithromycin to rats with U‐ARF, the AUC and renal clearance (Clr) were significantly greater (35.0% increase) and slower (99.1% decrease), respectively, than the controls. Unexpectedly, the nonrenal clearance (Clnr) of telithromycin was comparable between the two groups of rats, suggesting that CYP3A isozyme responsible for the metabolism of telithromycin seemed not to be expressed considerably in the rat model of U‐ARF. After oral administration of telithromycin to rats with U‐ARF, the AUC was also significantly greater (127% increase) than the controls and the value, 127%, was considerably greater than 35.0% after intravenous administration of telithromycin. This may be due mainly to the decrease in the intestinal first‐pass effect of telithromycin compared with controls in addition to significantly slower Clr than controls. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viral suppression of RNA silencing: 2b wins the Golden Fleece by defeating Argonaute
Authors: Ruiz‐Ferrer Virginia , Voinnet Olivier
Published: March 2007

In plants, virus‐derived double‐stranded RNA is processed into small interfering (si)RNAs by RNAse III‐type enzymes. siRNAs are believed to guide an RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) to promote sequence‐specific degradation (or ‘slicing’) of homologous viral transcripts. This process, called RNA silencing, likely involves Argonaute (AGO) proteins that are known components of plant and animal RISCs. Plant viruses commonly counteract the silencing immune response by producing suppressor proteins, but the molecular basis of their action has remained largely unclear. A recent study by Zhang and colleagues1 now shows that the 2b suppressor of Cucumber mosaic virus directly interacts with Arabidopsis AGO1 and inhibits its slicing activity, suggesting that AGO1 might be a component of the elusive plant antiviral RISC. BioEssays 29:319–323, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure‐activity relationships of Leu‐enkephalin analog with (4‐carboxamido)phenylalanine substituted for tyrosine: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Wang Yun‐Che , Wu Yng‐Ching , Yeh Che‐Chia , Hwang Chi‐Chuan
Published: March 2007

Motivated by recent experimental work on Leu‐Enkephalin modification with (4‐Carboxamido)phenylalanine (Cpa), we perform MD simulations to study the structure–activity relationships of the [Cpa1, Leu5]‐enkephalin (Cpa‐LE) for better understandings of the binding affinity in δ‐selective opioid ligands. Recently, Tyr1 substituted into Cpa1 form was experimentally found to be the first example of an amino acid that acts as a surrogate for Tyr1 in opioid peptide ligands, which challenges a long‐standing belief that a phenolic residue is required for high affinity binding. Our simulations show the Cpa‐LE structure in aqueous solution revealed that the occurrence of single‐bend packed state can be stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond from Leu5‐NH to Gly2‐CO (5→2). In addition, an intramolecular sidechain to backbone hydrogen bond, i.e., hydrogen bond binding between the sidechain carbonyl CO group of the Cpa residue and backbone amide NH group of the Phe residue was examined. Furthermore, the hydration effects of carboxamido group (CONH2) for Cpa residue and 5→2 hydrogen bond were calculated via the solute‐solvent radial distribution functions gα‐β (r), providing direct evidence of strong hydrogen bond interactions. Our simulation results further reveal the χ1 rotamers of the Cpa1 and Phe4 that show preferences for trans and gauche (−), respectively. Finally, we elucidate the probability distributions of two aromatic rings among the Cpa‐LE, Leu‐enkephalin, and δ pharmacophore model. The results show that modified the Tyr1 to Cpa1 can lead to increase the potency and selectivity for δ‐opioid receptor (DOR), consistent with experimental findings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 231–239, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Preoperative gastric emptying and patterns of reflux as predictors of outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication
Authors: Wayman J , Myers J C , Jamieson G G
Published: March 2007

Background

Some studies have suggested that patients with predominantly upright reflux have a poor outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. It has been proposed that this might be related to gastric emptying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative upright reflux pattern, gastric emptying rate and outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication.

Methods

Patients presenting for antireflux surgery underwent 24-h ambulatory pH testing and dual-isotope radionuclide gastric emptying studies. Reflux pattern was determined by the acid exposure in the distal oesophagus (percentage of time at pH < 4) during supine and upright posture. Outcome after fundoplication was assessed by a standardized postal questionnaire administered at 3 months, and 1, 2 and 5 years after surgery.

Results

Of 372 patients identified from a prospectively maintained database, 109 had upright reflux, 57 supine reflux and 206 bipositional reflux. Overall patient satisfaction was not influenced by reflux pattern at any time after surgery. Delayed gastric emptying was documented in 31·0 per cent of patients, but there was no relationship with reflux pattern.

Conclusion

Patients with upright reflux did not have a less favourable outcome after fundoplication. Categorizing patients according to reflux pattern is of no value in predicting outcome or selecting patients for surgery.
Proliferative activity of micrometastases in the lymph nodes of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yonemura Y , Endo Y , Hayashi I , Kawamura T , Yun H-Y , Bandou E
Published: March 2007

Background

Immunohistochemically detectable isolated tumour clusters (ITCs) with a diameter of less than 0·2 mm have been regarded as non-metastatic lesions, because of a lack of proliferative activity. This study investigated the proliferative activities of ITCs.

Methods

Three hundred and eight patients with primary gastric cancer diagnosed as pN0 by routine histological examination were studied. All patients underwent curative resection. Sections of lymph nodes were stained by double-immunostaining methods using anti-cytokeratin and anti-Ki-67 antibody (MIB-1).

Results

ITCs were detected in 77 nodes from 37 patients, designated as having pN0(i+) lesions. Seventy of 77 lymph nodes with ITCs were detected in the N1 station, and seven were found in the N2 station. Of 25 single isolated cancer cells, 12 showed positive labelling with MIB-1, and 49 of 52 ITCs with clusters of cancer cells had positive MIB-1 labelling (mean(s.d.) 46·6(30·1) per cent). Five of the 37 patients with ITCs (pN0(i+)) versus one of the 271 patients with no evidence of ITCs (pN0(i−)) died from recurrence. Patients with ITCs had a significantly worse prognosis than those without (P = 0·014).

Conclusion

ITCs have a high proliferative activity and may have the potential to evolve into established lymph node metastasis.
Snare extraction of a fractured coronary stent in a saphenous vein graft
Authors: Steinberg Daniel H. , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D.
Published: March 2007

Retrieval of intravascular objects can be accomplished through snare retrieval. We report a case in which a patient presented with symptomatic in‐stent restenosis caused by a fractured aorto‐ostial sirolimus‐eluting stent in a saphenous vein graft. Because of the inability to selectively engage the stent ostium with the guide catheter, the fractured stent was removed with an endovascular snare in order to permit successful revascularization. With the proximal portion of the stent retrieved by the snare, a new stent was implanted without complication. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Explicit Critical Pressure Ratio for Choked Two‐Phase Homogeneous Nozzle Flow
Authors: Moncalvo D. , Friedel L.
Published: March 2007

The throat‐to‐stagnation critical pressure ratio for a frictionless and adiabatic nozzle flow of a homogeneous, nonflashing two‐phase mixture can only be expressed as the numerical solution of a transcendental equation. A simple, physically plausible approximation is herein proposed, which fits well over the whole range of mass flow qualities.
A Comparison of Flow Dynamics and Flow Structure in a Riser and a Downer
Authors: Wu B. , Zhu J.‐X. , Briens L.
Published: March 2007

Flow development and flow dynamics were systematically investigated using local solids concentration measurements in a pair consisting of a downer (0.1 m I.D., 9.3 m high) and a riser of the same diameter (0.1 m I.D., 15.1 m high). Both statistical and chaos analysis were employed. Values for the Kolmogorov entropy (K), correlation dimension (D), and Hurst exponent (H) were estimated from time series of solids concentration measurements. Axial distributions of chaos parameters were more complex in the downer than those in the riser, especially in the entrance section. Flow in the downer was more uniform with a flatter core in all the radial profiles of chaos parameters. The radial profiles of K varied significantly with increasing axial levels due to different clustering behavior in the wall region of the downer. In both the riser and the downer, anti‐persistent flow in the core region and persistent flow behavior near the wall were identified from the profiles of H. Different flow behavior in the region close to the wall in the downer and riser was characterized from the combination of the three chaos parameters. Relationships between chaos parameters and local time‐averaged solids holdup in the core and wall regions of the developed sections in both the downer and riser were also analyzed.
A Composite Thermo‐Responsive Membrane System for Improved Controlled‐Release
Authors: Hu L. , Chu L.‐Y. , Yang M. , Yu J. , Wang H.‐D.
Published: March 2007

A novel composite thermo‐responsive membrane system for improved controlled‐release is successfully developed. The membrane is composed of a porous membrane with grafted poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) gates acting as functional valves, and a cross‐linked PNIPAM hydrogel inside the reservoir acting as the solute carrier. The thermo‐responsive controlled‐release characteristics of the proposed system are studied when the ambient temperature is continuously increased from 20 to 45 °C (across the LCST of PNIPAM) at a constant rate of 1.5 °C/min. The experimental results show that the prepared system exhibits significantly better performance for thermo‐responsive controlled‐release than single‐functional systems currently in existence, due to the cooperative action of the gating membrane and the inner cross‐linked hydrogel. Furthermore, due to the distinctive composite architecture, the proposed system can overcome some inherent disadvantages of current systems, such as the drug security problem of the reservoir‐type systems and the mechanical strength problem of the hydrogel matrix‐type systems. The system proposed in this study provides a new mode for thermo‐responsive controlled‐release.
Influence of Freezing Temperature on Product Parameters of Solid Dosage Forms Prepared via the Freeze‐Casting Technique
Authors: Szepes A. , Fehér A. , Szabó‐Révész P. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2007

The freeze‐casting technique was used to formulate porous solid bodies containing theophylline as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, potato starch as a filler and citric acid or saccharose as binding agents. Aqueous suspensions of the ingredients were frozen at three different temperatures. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the freezing temperature on the ice crystal growth rate of the suspensions and the resulting porosity of the freeze‐casted samples. The impact of the freezing temperature on the solidification of the suspensions was analyzed via contact angle measurements. The rate of ice crystal growth was expressed as an overall linear growth rate. The porosity of the freeze‐casted bodies was determined by high‐pressure mercury porosimetry. A close correlation was found between the freezing temperature and the investigated product parameters. Lower cooling temperatures resulted in higher final porosities. The lowest temperature, at which final product properties could be regulated by varying the cooling regimes, was –30 °C. The influence of the freezing temperature and the impact of the additives were not remarkable at a freezing temperature lower than –30 °C. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimum freezing temperature of the suspensions investigated in this study is in the temperature range between –20 °C and –30 °C.
Identification of Various Transition Velocities in a Bubble Column Based on Kolmogorov Entropy
Authors: Nedeltchev S. , Jordan U. , Lorenz O. , Schumpe A.
Published: March 2007

The Kolmogorov entropy (KE) algorithm was applied successfully to gas holdup fluctuations measured in a 0.102 m I.D. stainless steel bubble column equipped with a perforated plate distributor (19 holes ∅︁ 1 mm). Nitrogen was used as the gas, while both 1‐butanol and gasoline were used as liquids. 1‐Butanol was aerated at pressures, P = 0.1 and 0.5 MPa, whereas gasoline was aerated at P = 0.1 and 0.2 MPa. Based on the peaks in the KE values under the pressures examined in both liquids, the boundaries of the following five regimes were identified: bubbly flow, first transition, second transition, coalesced bubble (4‐region flow) and coalesced bubble (3‐region flow). As the pressure increases to P = 0.5 MPa in 1‐butanol, all four transition velocities shift to higher superficial gas velocity, uG. In addition, in gasoline at P = 0.2 MPa and uG ≤ 0.017 m s–1, the existence of a chain bubbling regime was detected, whereas in 1‐butanol at P = 0.5 MPa and uG ≤ 0.02 m s–1, both laminar and turbulent chain bubbling subregimes were identified. It was found that in 1‐butanol under ambient pressure, the second and fourth transition velocities occur earlier than in gasoline.
The Degree of Desulphurization of a Limestone/Gypsum Wet FGD Spray Tower using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhao J. Z. , Jin B. S. , Zhong Z. P.
Published: March 2007

The degree of desulphurization was studied using response surface methodology (RSM), which enables effect examinations of parameters with a moderate number of experiments. All experiments were conducted in a lab‐scale spray tower for limestone/gypsum wet flue gas desulphurization (FGD). The model flue gas was prepared from air and SO2 gas. The SO2 concentrations in the gas phase were determined by a multi‐method analyzer. The degree of desulphurization correlated well with operating parameters, including pH, L/G, T, and v, with a determination coefficient R–Sq of 0.964. Effect tests indicate that L/G has the most significant influence on the degree of desulphurization. The interactions of L/G with pH, and with v, both play important roles. The result indicates that the evolutive response surface model is helpful to describe the degree of desulphurization of the limestone/gypsum wet FGD spray tower.
Extraction of Lipids from Aqueous Protein‐Rich Streams using Near‐Critical Dimethylether
Authors: Catchpole O. J. , Tallon S. J. , Grey J. B. , Fenton K. , Fletcher K. , Fletcher A. J.
Published: March 2007

An extraction process for obtaining lipids from aqueous protein/lipid mixtures has been developed using near‐critical dimethylether (DME) as the solvent. The process has been demonstrated on fresh and reconstituted egg yolks, and on selected dairy by‐product streams. The lipid yield is dependent on the processing temperature, solids content and feed ratio of solvent to liquid. The extent of protein denaturation is also dependent on these parameters. The phase equilibria of DME‐water‐phospholipid mixtures are presented with modeling of the DME‐water system using the Peng‐Robinson equation of state.
Hydrodynamics and Flow Development in a 15.1 m Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser
Authors: Huang W.‐X. , Yan A.‐J. , Zhu J.‐X.
Published: March 2007

Hydrodynamics and flow development are studied in a long riser circulating fluidized bed reactor (15.1 m). Optic fiber probes were used for the measurement of local solids distribution. Pressure drops were also measured with pressure transducers along the riser. The flow development in the riser center is almost instant with solids holdup remaining constant and low, and particle velocity remaining high along the riser. The particle flow is firstly developed from center, and then towards the wall. The riser height is an important factor for the design of circulating fluidized bed reactors. Increasing the solid circulating rate significantly slows down the flow development process, while increases in the superficial gas velocity accelerate it.
Longitudinal evaluation of the oral mucositis weekly questionnaire‐head and neck cancer, a patient‐reported outcomes questionnaire
Authors: Epstein Joel B. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Gwede Clement K. , Murphy Barbara , Garden Adam S. , Meredith Ruby , Le Quynh‐Thu , Brizel David , Isitt John , Cella David
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Quality‐of‐life instruments that measure specific functional consequences of mucositis are needed to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions targeted against mucositis and to guide patient care. The authors undertook a prospective, multicenter, observational study to assess the validity, reliability, and feasibility of a new instrument, the Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire‐Head and Neck Cancer (OMWQ‐HN). The OMWQ‐HN is a patient‐reported outcome questionnaire that measures the symptoms of mucositis, including mouth and throat soreness (MTS), and their impact on patient well‐being and function.

METHODS.

The OMWQ‐HN, along with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Head and Neck (FACT‐HN), was administered 5 times over an approximately 6‐week period to patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who were receiving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. Information on supportive care measures also was collected.

RESULTS.

Seventy‐five patients were enrolled and completed 93% of scheduled assessments (100% at baseline). The OMWQ‐HN demonstrated good test‐retest reliability (correlation coefficient, 0.80–0.89). Cross‐sectional analyses to assess validity showed that OMWQ‐HN scores were different across levels of pain, with those in the worst pain category reporting the highest OMWQ‐HN scores. Strong correlations were observed between OMWQ‐HN and FACT‐HN. Patients experienced increases in MTS, which corresponded with a steady decline in function. MTS scores were highest in the patients who were taking opioid analgesics, suggesting that mucositis pain continued despite standard pain therapy.

CONCLUSIONS.

The current results indicated that the OMWQ‐HN is a valid, reliable, and feasible instrument for assessing the impact of mucositis on patients who are receiving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy for HNC. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A Theoretical Study of Surface Reduction Mechanisms of CeO2(111) and (110) by H2
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Tsung , Choi Yong Man , Liu Meilin , Lin M. C.
Published: March 2007

Reaction mechanisms for the interactions between CeO2(111) and (110) surfaces are investigated using periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both standard DFT and DFT+U calculations to examine the effect of the localization of Ce 4f states on the redox chemistry of H2–CeO2 interactions are described. For mechanistic studies, molecular and dissociative local minima are initially located by placing an H2 molecule at various active sites of the CeO2 surfaces. The binding energies of physisorbed species optimized using the DFT and DFT+U methods are very weak. The dissociative adsorption reactions producing hydroxylated surfaces are all exothermic; exothermicities at the DFT level range from 4.1 kcal mol−1 for the (111) to 26.5 kcal mol−1 for the (110) surface, while those at the DFT+U level are between 65.0 kcal mol−1 for the (111) and 81.8 kcal mol−1 for the (110) surface. Predicted vibrational frequencies of adsorbed OH and H2O species on the surfaces are in line with available experimental and theoretical results. Potential energy profiles are constructed by connecting molecularly adsorbed and dissociatively adsorbed intermediates on each CeO2 surface with tight transition states using the nudged elastic band (NEB) method. It is found that the U correction method plays a significant role in energetics, especially for the intermediates of the exit channels and products that are partially reduced. The surface reduction reaction on CeO2(110) is energetically much more favorable. Accordingly, oxygen vacancies are more easily formed on the (110) surface than on the (111) surface.
Individual variation and hormonal modulation of a sodium channel β subunit in the electric organ correlate with variation in a social signal
Authors: Liu He , Wu Ming‐Ming , Zakon Harold H.
Published: March 2007

The sodium channel β1 subunit affects sodium channel gating and surface density, but little is known about the factors that regulate β1 expression or its participation in the fine control of cellular excitability. In this study we examined whether graded expression of the β1 subunit contributes to the gradient in sodium current inactivation, which is tightly controlled and directly related to a social behavior, the electric organ discharge (EOD), in a weakly electric fish Sternopygus macrurus. We found the mRNA and protein levels of β1 in the electric organ both correlate with EOD frequency. We identified a novel mRNA splice form of this gene and found the splicing preference for this novel splice form also correlates with EOD frequency. Androgen implants lowered EOD frequency and decreased the β1 mRNA level but did not affect splicing. Coexpression of each splice form in Xenopus oocytes with either the human muscle sodium channel gene, hNav1.4, or a Sternopygus ortholog, smNav1.4b, sped the rate of inactivation of the sodium current and shifted the steady‐state inactivation toward less negative membrane potentials. The translational product of the novel mRNA splice form lacks a previously identified important tyrosine residue but still functions normally. The properties of the fish α and coexpressed β1 subunits in the oocyte replicate those of the electric organ's endogenous sodium current. These data highlight the role of ion channel β subunits in regulating cellular excitability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, but not estradiol, enhance survival of new hippocampal neurons in adult male rats
Authors: Spritzer Mark D. , Galea Liisa A.M.
Published: March 2007

Past research suggested that androgens may play a role in the regulation of adult neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus. We tested this hypothesis by manipulating androgen levels in male rats. Castrated or sham castrated male rats were injected with 5‐Bromo‐2′deoxyuridine (BrdU). BrdU‐labeled cells in the dentate gryus were visualized and phenotyped (neural or glial) using immunohistochemistry. Castrated males showed a significant decrease in 30‐day cell survival within the dentate gyrus but there was no significant change in cell proliferation relative to control males, indicating that androgens positively affect cell survival, but not cell proliferation. To examine the role of testosterone on hippocampal cell survival, males were injected with testosterone s.c. for 30 days starting the day after BrdU injection. Higher doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) but not a lower dose (0.25 mg/kg) of testosterone resulted in a significant increase in neurogenesis relative to controls. We next tested the role of testosterone's two major metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol, upon neurogenesis. Thirty days of injections of DHT (0.25 and 0.50 mg/kg) but not estradiol (0.010 and 0.020 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase in hippocampal neurogenesis. These results suggest that testosterone enhances hippocampal neurogenesis via increased cell survival in the dentate gyrus through an androgen‐dependent mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Chip‐based CE coupled to a quadrupole TOF mass spectrometer for the analysis of a glycopeptide
Authors: Zheng Yufang , Li Haifang , Guo Zhihong , Lin Jin‐Ming , Cai Zongwei
Published: March 2007

A novel approach using sheath flow chip‐based CE coupled to a quadrupole TOF mass spectrometer was developed and applied to the analysis of an O‐glycopeptide. The method provided good separation and sensitive analysis of the glycopeptide and its β‐elimination product. The β‐elimination reaction of the glycopeptide with ammonia or dimethylamine was adapted for changing the glycopeptide into deglycosylated form and for specifying the site of glycosylation. MS/MS analysis of the native peptide, glycopeptide and β‐elimination product enabled the identification of the glycosylation site through the comparison of the fragmentations and peptide sequence analysis.
Development of a universal serial bus‐powered mini‐high‐voltage power supply for microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Jiang Lei , Jiang Xuening , Lu Yao , Dai Zhongpeng , Xie Minhao , Qin Jianhua , Lin Bingcheng
Published: March 2007

We describe a miniature high‐voltage power supply (HVPS) with dimensions of 4.7×5.6×2.5 cm (W×L×H) powered by universal serial bus (USB) ports. Two strategies were adopted to ensure its efficient power usage. (i) Only two high‐voltage converters (one positive and one negative) and two relays were used for power saving, while keeping the sample plug stable and well‐defined and avoiding sample leakage for microchip electrophoresis. (ii) The components and their running modes were specially designed to decrease power waste according to the feature of different periods of the microchip electrophoresis process. Performance of this USB‐based mini‐HVPS was demonstrated using sodium fluorescein analyte with microchip electrophoresis/LIF detection.