bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake of 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG in primary head and neck cancer correlates with survival
Authors: Linecker A. , Kermer C. , Sulzbacher I. , Angelberger P. , Kletter K. , Dudczak R. , Ewers R. , Becherer A.
Published: January 2008

The aim of the study was to determine the practicability of 18F-FLT in tumours of the head and neck area in terms of visualization, a possible correlation between FLT uptake and proliferation fraction as determined by Ki-67 immunostaining, and if tumoural FLT-uptake has a prognostic meaning, as determined by a correlation to patient survival time. Results were compared to 18F-FDG. Patients, methods: 20 patients with previously untreated lesions of the head and neck area, which were clinically highly suspicious to be malignant, underwent PET scans with 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG, a CT of the head and neck area, and a biopsy. Tumour tracer uptake was determined by standardized uptake value (SUV) normalized to body weight and /non-tumor ratios (T/N). 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT uptake were compared with histopathologic and immunohistochemical results. Results: 19 patients had malignant tumours; one patient had a benign cystadenoma (so called Warthin's tumour) of the parotid gland. One negative lesion turned out to be a malignant T1 stage squamous cell carcinoma in both PET scans, the Warthin's tumour was false positive with 18F-FDG but showed only faint uptake with 18F-FLT, resulting in a sensitivity of 95 % for both tracers. Of all lesions, maximum SUVs of 18F-FLT ranged from 1.53 to 11.70 (mean ± SD 5.81 ± 2.28) those of FDG from 2.63 to 16.50 (mean ± SD 8.91 ± 3.58), p < 0.001. 18F-FLT-T/N ranged from 0.94 to 5.85 (mean ± SD, 3.18 ± 1.21), 18F-FDG-T/N was from 0.92 to 7.50 (mean ± SD, 3.6 ± 1.74), n.s. The mean survival time was 18 months in a maximum follow up time of 36 months. A significant correlation between both PET tracers and survival was detected, but no correlation between the amount of Ki-67 positive cells and FLT. Conclusion: In head and neck cancer in the primary setting 18F-FLT does not provide additional visual information in comparison to 18F-FDG.18F-FLT uptake is inversely correlated with patient survival, as well as 18F-FDG.
A review of post-operative infections in veterinary orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Weese J. S.
Published: January 2008

Surgical site infections are an inherent risk in orthopaedic surgery and many of the infections that develop are likely to be non-preventable. However, a variety of measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk and impact of surgical site infections. The development and implementation of an infection control program, including surgical site infection surveillance, can be an important tool for patient management. All veterinary practices should have some form of infection control program in order to address surgical site infections, among other issues, and to provide the optimal and expected level of care.
A review of multidrug resistant surgical site infections
Authors: Weese J. S.
Published: January 2008

Surgical site infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to multiple classes of antimicrobials are an important and increasing problem in veterinary medicine. Organisms such as methicillin-resistant staphylococci, extended spectrum beta-lactamase Enterobacteriaceae and multi-drug resistant Enterococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas spp. are among the current concerns; however, the emergence and dissemination of other multi-drug resistant organisms will likely follow. Despite the negative connotations that are associated with multi-drug resistant infections, most infections are potentially treatable if basic principles of infection treatment and infection control are followed.
Emulsion polymerization of styrene using mixtures of hydrophobically modified inulin (polyfructose) polymeric surfactant and nonionic surfactants
Authors: Nestor Jérémie , Esquena Jordi , Solans Conxita , Levecke Bart , Booten Karl , Tadros Tharwat F.
Published: January 2008

Polystyrene latex dispersions were prepared by emulsion polymerization, using a mixture of hydrophobically modified Inulin (INUTEC® SP1) and various nonionic surfactants (cosurfactants). Two series of nonionic surfactants were used, namely Synperonic A (C13–15 alkyl chain with 7, 11, and 20 moles of ethylene oxide, EO) and Synperonic NP (nonylphenol with 10 and 15 moles of EO). For 5 wt % latex, the INUTEC SP1 concentration was kept constant at 0.0165 wt % and the initiator concentration was also kept constant at 0.0125 wt %, whereas the cosurfactant concentration was varied between 0.1 and 0.5 wt %. With the exception of Synperonic A20, all other cosurfactants showed an initial increase in particle diameter followed by a decreased reaching a value comparable with that obtained using INUTEC SP1 alone. However, A20 produced a continuous reduction in particle diameter with increase of surfactant concentration, reaching a value of 100 nm at 0.5 wt % which is lower than the value obtained using INUTEC SP1 alone (188 nm). In all cases, addition of a cosurfactant enhanced the stability of latexes by co‐adsorption at the solid–liquid interface. The enhanced stability produced by the addition of cosurfactants to INUTEC SP1 could be illustrated by using the mixture of INUTEC SP1 and Synperonic A7 at 40 wt % of styrene latex concentration. In this case, the mixture produced lower particle size, much lower polydispersity index and much higher stability. These results are of significant value for industrial applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Benzoyl peroxide as a novel oxidizing agent in a polyaniline dispersion: Synthesis and characterization of a pure polyaniline–poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) composite
Authors: Palaniappan S. , Sairam M.
Published: January 2008

Benzoyl peroxide was used as a novel oxidizing agent in the preparation of a polyaniline (PANI) dispersion. Aniline was oxidized by benzoyl peroxide into a PANI dispersion in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer. A pure PANI dispersion in water was prepared by the dispersion of the isolated wet and dry forms of PANI powder. The size of the PANI particles in the water medium was measured for the reaction mixture and wet and dry composites with a particle size analyzer and a zeta sizer. The hydrodynamic diameter of the PANI particles ranged from 435 to 970 nm. The size of the PANI particles was found to be lower in the wet composite. PANI particles with a lower volume mean diameter (140 nm) and narrow size distribution (100–190 nm) were observed in the PANI–PVP wet composite. The PANI dispersion was characterized with Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy measurements. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polyester resin as a compatibilizing agent for some polymeric blends
Authors: Ward A. M. , Mansour S. H. , Abd‐El‐Messieh S. L.
Published: January 2008

Dielectric and viscosity techniques were used to determine the degree of the compatibility of poly(methyl methacrylate)/polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate)/ polystyrene, and polycarbonate/polystyrene blends in different ratios (25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 w/w). The effect of the addition of 5, 10, and 20% concentrations of the prepared polyester resin [poly(butylene terephthalate adipate)] on the compatibility of these blends was studied. The dielectric properties were measured over a frequency range (from 100 Hz to 100 kHz) at various temperatures covering the glass‐transition temperatures of the polymers used (from 30 to 170°C). It was found from the dielectric and viscosity measurements that the addition of 10% polyester to poly(methyl methacrylate)/polycarbonate, 20% polyester to poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene, and 5% polyester to polycarbonate/polystyrene blends enhanced the degree of compatibility of such blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Maleic anhydride grafted rubbers for metallic surfaces lamination
Authors: Sabaa M. W. , Younan A. F. , Mohsen R. M. , Tawfic M. L.
Published: January 2008

Modification of two synthetic rubbers, namely polybutadiene (BR) and bromobutyl (BIIR), were carried out to enhance their adhesion performance and their lining to steel to protect it against corrosion. Two different feasible and industrially applicable techniques were used for grafting the two rubbers under investigation individually with maleic anhydride (MAH), namely the reactive extrusion and the mechanochemical techniques. The modified rubbers were characterized by FTIR‐spectroscopy, chemical analysis, elemental analysis, and by measuring the surface wetting tension. These applied techniques improved the adhesion performance of the rubber towards steel surface markedly. Grafting of BR with MAH via mechanochemical technique increased the adhesion strength of BR by four to five times, whereas grafting of BIIR with MAH via reactive extrusion techniques increased the adhesion strength of the parent BIIR up to more than five times. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Neurogenesis in adult CNS: From denial to opportunities and challenges for therapy
Authors: Colucci‐D'Amato Luca , di Porzio Umberto
Published: January 2008

The discovery of neurogenesis and neural stem cells (NSC) in the adult CNS has overturned a long‐standing and deep‐routed “dogma” in neuroscience, established at the beginning of the 20th century. This dogma lasted for almost 90 years and died hard when NSC were finally isolated from the adult mouse brain. The scepticism in accepting adult neurogenesis has now turned into a rush to find applications to alleviate or cure the devastating diseases that affect the CNS. Here we highlight a number of methodological, technical and conceptual drawbacks responsible for the historical denial of adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss old and new issues that need to be faced before NSC or endogenous neurogenesis can safely enter into the doctor's bag for therapies. BioEssays 30:135–145, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meeting report: Symbiosis in Barcelona
Authors: Janssens Barbara
Published: January 2008

The European Congress on Biotechnology brought together the top European and International scientists, biotechnologists, innovators and key biotech policy and decision makers in an unprecedented international meeting. The Congress was established in 1978 by and remains the main activity of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). Taking place in Barcelona, September 16–19, 2007, the ECB 13 attracted over 1500 leading scientists and other senior participants, over 500 posters and more than a hundred exhibitors, from over 50 countries across Europe and beyond. From over a 150 presentations in 5 and more parallel sessions, only a small fraction can be highlighted in the scope of this short meeting report.
Preparation and Evaluation of a Novel Cellulose Tris(N‐3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) Chiral Stationary Phase
Authors: GE Jin , ZHAO Liang , SHI Yan‐Ping
Published: January 2008

A novel cellulose tris(N‐3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) chiral stationary phase (CSP) was prepared by coating CDMPC on TiO2/SiO2, which was prepared by coating titania nanoparticles on silica through a self‐assemble technique. At first, 2‐hydroxyl‐phenyl acetonitrile and α‐phenylethanol were separated on this new CSP to evaluate the chiral separation ability. Then, two pesticides, matalaxyl and diclofop‐methyl were separated. The influence of the mobile phase composition on the enantioselectivity was discussed, and the repeatability and stability of the CSP were studied too.
A Highly Efficient Synthesis of 3H‐(Pyrrol‐1‐yl)indolin‐2‐ones Catalyzed by InCl3
Authors: SHEN Shu‐Su , JI Shun‐Jun , WANG Shun‐Yi
Published: January 2008

A systemic and comprehensive study has been made on the formation of 3H‐(pyrrol‐1‐yl)indolin‐2‐ones synthesized from various isatin derivatives and 4‐hydroxyproline catalyzed by InCl3 under a refluxing condition in excellent yields (83%–99%) and purity.
Ytterbium(III) Triflate as an Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Perimidine Derivatives under Mild Conditions
Authors: ZHANG Song‐Lin , ZHANG Jun‐Min
Published: January 2008

Various biologically important perimidine derivatives have been efficiently synthesized in excellent yields using naphthalene‐1,8‐diamine with various ketones in the presence of a catalytic amount of Yb(OTf)3. The influence of the loading of Yb(OTf)3, reaction solvent, the structure of ketones was studied. This method is a very easy, simple and high yielding reaction for the synthesis of perimidine derivatives.
An Efficient Ceric Ammonium Nitrate‐Catalyzed Aromatic Amination of (Ferrocenyl)(phenyl)methanol
Authors: SU Xiao‐Ming , JI Shun‐Jun
Published: January 2008

An improved method for the arylamination of (ferrocenyl)(phenyl)methanol has been developed. Ceric ammonium nitrate as an efficient catalyst allowed for aromatic amination in moderate to good yields under comparatively mild conditions.
Calculations of Isoelectronic Series of He Using Noninteger n‐Slater Type Orbitals in Single and Double Zeta Approximations
Authors: GUSEINOV Israfil , ERTÜRK Murat , SAHİN Ercan , AKSU Hüseyin
Published: January 2008

Using integer and noninteger n‐Slater type orbitals in single‐ and double‐zeta approximations, the Hartree‐Fock‐Roothaan calculations were performed for the ground states of first ten cationic members of the isoelectronic series of He atom. All the noninteger parameters and orbital exponents were fully optimized. In the case of noninteger n‐Slater type orbitals in double zeta basis sets, the results of calculations obtained are more close to the numerical Hatree‐Fock values and the average deviations of our ground state energies do not exceed 2×10−6 hartrees of their numerical results.
Enhancement Action of Lanthanum Hydroxide Nanowire Towards Voltammetric Response of Dobesilate and Its Application
Authors: LIU Li , SONG Jun‐Feng , YU Peng‐Fei , CUI Bin
Published: January 2008

Voltammetric response of calcium dobesilate (calcium 2,5‐dihydroxybenzene sulfonate, CD) was observably enhanced at lanthanum hydroxide nanowire (LNW) modified carbon paste electrode. The enhancement action was characterized by both the increase of peak current and the reduction of peak potential separation of a pair of the redox peaks of CD, which resulted from both the increase of efficient surface area of the modified electrode and the chemical interaction of LNW with CD. With the sensitive oxidation peak of CD at the LNW/CPE, a linear sweep voltammetric method for the determination of CD was proposed. A linear range of 3.0×10−10−1.0×10−8 mol·L−1 was obtained along with a detection limit of 5×10−11 mol·L−1.
CO2‐promoted Water‐medium Ullmann Reaction over a Pd/Phenyl‐SBA‐15 Mesoporous Catalyst
Authors: ZHANG Fang , CHAI Qin , LI He‐Xing
Published: January 2008

Water‐medium Ullmann reaction was carried out in CO2 atmosphere over the mesoporous Pd/Ph‐SBA‐15 catalyst exhibiting high activity and selectivity owing to the uniform dispersion of Pd particles and hydrophobilic mesoporous channels which facilitate the diffusion and adsorption of organic molecules, especially in an aqueous medium. The CO2 also shows promoting effect on activity and selectivity, which could be understood by considering the role of H+ in the mechanism of Ullmann reaction. The optimum Ph‐Ph yield (84.0%) was obtained at p=0.8 MPa and V=6.0 mL and could remain almost unchanged even after the catalyst has been used repetitively for 5 times.
Hexagonal Nanoarchitecture of Composite Monolayer of Magnetite Nanoparticles and Geminus Surfactant 1,3‐Propylenebis(dodecyldimethylammonium) Dibromide
Authors: LIU Ming‐Xian , GAN Li‐Hua , HAO Zhi‐Xian , XU Zi‐Jie , ZHU Da‐Zhang , CHEN Long‐Wu
Published: January 2008

Negatively charged magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of about 10 nm have been synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation method using sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate as a surface modifying reagent. Composite Langmuir monolayer of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and geminus surfactant 1,3‐propylenebis(dodecyldimethylammonium) dibromide (C12‐C3‐C12) was prepared on the subphase of Fe3O4 nanoparticle hydrosols. In the presence of the magnetite nanoparticles, the collapse pressure of the composite monolayer and the limited mean molecular area of C12‐C3‐C12 are higher than those on pure water subphase. Transmission electron microscopy observation of a C12‐C3‐C12/Fe3O4 nanoparticle complex shows that Fe3O4 nanoparticles and geminus surfactant had an unexpected hexagonal nanoarchitecture at the air‐liquid interface when the surface pressure of the composite monolayer increased to about 12 mN·m−1. A mechanism for constructing the particular nanopatterned configuration of the C12‐C3‐C12/Fe3O4 nanoparticle complex in the Langmuir layer directly from the unique molecular structure of the geminus surfactant and the interfacial interactions between C12‐C3‐C12 and the components in the subphase was proposed.
Reaction Mechanism of the Multi‐channel Decomposition Reactions of 1‐Pentenyl Free Radicals
Authors: CHENG Xue‐Li , ZHAO Yan‐Yun , LI Feng , LI Li‐Qing , TAO Xiu‐Jun
Published: January 2008

The reactions of 1‐pentenyl decomposition system have been studied extensively at the B3LYP/6‐311++G∗︁ ∗︁ level with Gaussion 98 package. The potential energy surface with zero‐point energy correction was drawn. All reaction channels were fully investigated with the vibrational mode analysis, frontier orbital analysis and electron population analysis to confirm the transition states and reveal the reaction mechanism.
Electronic Structures of LixV2O5 (x=0.5 and 1): A Theoretical Study
Authors: Li Zhi‐Yang , Wu Qi‐Hui
Published: January 2008

The electronic properties of α‐LixV2O5 (x=0.5 and 1) are investigated using first principle calculations based on density functional theory with local density approximation. Different intercalation sites for Li in the V2O5 lattices are considered, showing different influences on the electronic structures of LixV2O5. The lowest total energy is found when Li is only intercalated along the c axis between two bridging oxygen ions of sequential V2O5 layers. The intercalation of Li into V2O5 does not change the electron transition property of V2O5, which is an indirect band gap semiconductor, but leads to a reduction of vanadium ions and an increase of the Fermi level of LixV2O5 arising from the electron transfer from the Li 2 s orbital to the initially empty conduction band of the V2O5 host.
Hierarchically Structured Porous Films of Silica Hollow Spheres via Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly and Their Superhydrophilic and Antifogging Properties
Authors: Liu Xiangmei , Du Xin , He Junhui
Published: January 2008

Raspberrylike organic/inorganic composite spheres are prepared by stepwise electrostatic assembly of polyelectrolytes and silica nanoparticles onto monodisperse polystyrene spheres. Hierarchically structured porous films of silica hollow spheres are fabricated from these composite spheres by layer‐by‐layer assembly with polyelectrolytes followed by calcination. The morphologies of the raspberrylike organic/inorganic composite spheres and the derived hierarchically structured porous films are observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The surface properties of these films are investigated by measuring their water contact angles, water‐spreading speed, and antifogging properties. The results show that such hierarchically structured porous films of silica hollow spheres have unique superhydrophilic and antifogging properties. Finally, the formation mechanism of these nanostructures and property–structure relationships are discussed in detail on the basis of experimental observations.
Combining different classes of drugs for the acute treatment of migraine
Authors: Valenty Krymchantowski Abouch , da Cunha Jevoux Carla
Published: January 2008

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder involving multiple mechanisms. Targeting a single mechanism for treating individual attacks has been shown to be only partially effective. Recently, the fundamentals of combining agents for the acute migraine treatment has gained attention and the specific combination of a triptan plus a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) has demonstrated better efficacy than the use of each of these drugs alone. This article reviews the available literature for treating migraine attacks with two or more agents simultaneously. A MEDLINE search using the terms migraine, acute treatment, triptans, NSAIDs, and combination was used. In addition, abstracts presented in the major meetings carried out during the last 5 years by the American Headache and the International Headache Societies along with the American Academy of Neurology were also evaluated. Although most of the studies encountered were not controlled, there is a clear trend for the better efficacy in combining triptans with NSAID. Additionally, the results of recent large and controlled studies using the fixed combinations of sumatriptan with naproxen sodium confirm the initial observations of the clear superiority of this combination over the isolated use of each agent. The differences in the endpoints of pain free and pain relief at 2‐h time‐points as well as 24‐h pain‐relief response are the clearest efficacy advantages. Tolerability was not different between the two studied drugs. Combining triptans with NSAIDs and other agents for the acute treatment of migraine suggests better outcome efficacy measures than the use of single agents. The fixed combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium offers improved 2‐h and 24‐h benefits over monotherapy with each one these options. Drug Dev Res 68:419–423, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complementary and alternative treatments for migraine
Authors: Mauskop Alexander
Published: January 2008

A large percentage of patients do not respond to pharmacological interventions for migraine headaches, develop unacceptable side effects, or are reluctant to take medications. As a result, patients have been seeking nontraditional modes of therapy for the management of headaches. Among the alternative approaches are behavioral treatments (relaxation therapy, biofeedback therapy, and cognitive‐behavioral therapy), acupuncture, and nutritional therapies (herbal remedies and vitamin or mineral supplementation). This article reviews the scientific evidence for the use of magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, α‐lipoic acid, feverfew, and butterbur in the treatment of migraine headaches. Drug Dev Res 68:424–427, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systemic inactivation of Hs6st1 in mice is associated with late postnatal mortality without major defects in organogenesis
Authors: Izvolsky Konstantin I. , Lu Jining , Martin Greg , Albrecht Kenneth H. , Cardoso Wellington V.
Published: January 2008

Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans modulate the biological activity of a number of growth factors in development, homeostasis, and cancer. Specific modifications of HS chains by HS biosynthetic enzymes have been implicated in growth factor signaling in multiple aspects of organogenesis. Although the role of HS 6‐O‐sulfotransferases has been described in processes such as trachea formation in Drosophila and vasculogenesis in zebrafish, little is known about how HS 6‐O‐sulfotransferases (Hs6st1‐3 in mice) influence mouse development. To address this issue, we generated a conditionally mutant Hs6st1 mouse line and then generated mice with systemic inactivation of Hs6st1. Hs6st1‐null pups were viable and grossly normal at birth. The lack of obvious abnormalities in lung, liver, and kidney, which express high levels of Hs6st1 during development, suggests that at least during embryonic life, the loss of Hs6st1 function may be compensated for by mechanisms involving other HS modifying enzymes. During early adulthood, however, Hs6st1‐null mice failed to thrive and exhibited growth retardation, body weight loss, enlargement of airspaces in the lung and, in some cases, lethality. Our results suggest a potentially critical role for HS 6‐O sulfation by Hs6st1 in postnatal processes. genesis 46:8–18, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD8– dendritic cells preferentially cross‐present Saccharomyces cerevisiae antigens
Authors: Backer Ronald , van Leeuwen Fred , Kraal Georg , den Haan Joke M. M.
Published: January 2008

Mouse splenic dendritic cell (DC) subsets possess distinct antigen‐presentation abilities. CD8+ DC are specialized in cross‐presentation of antigens to CD8+ T cells, whereas CD8– DC are more efficient in antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells. In this study, we examined the capacity of CD8+ and CD8– DC subsets to present fungal antigens in MHC class I and II molecules to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. We used ovalbumin‐expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast‐OVA) as a fungal model system. Both CD8+ and CD8– DC subsets phagocytosed yeast in equal amounts and uptake was mediated via dectin‐1. In addition, both DC subsets induced similar OVA‐specific CD4+ T cell proliferation after incubation with yeast‐OVA. However, the induction of OVA‐specific CD8+ T cell activation was largely restricted to the CD8– DC subset. Furthermore, only CD8– DC produced cytokines such as IL‐10 and TNF‐α and increased IL‐23p19 and IL‐23p40 mRNA levels in response to yeast. Our results strongly suggest that DC subsets have different functions in the elicitation of adaptive immune responses in vivo.
Interferon regulatory factor 7‐mediated responses are defective in cord blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Danis Bénédicte , George Thaddeus C. , Goriely Stanislas , Dutta Binita , Renneson Joëlle , Gatto Laurent , Fitzgerald‐Bocarsly Patricia , Marchant Arnaud , Goldman Michel , Willems Fabienne , De Wit Dominique
Published: January 2008

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are specialized in massive production of type I interferons (IFN) upon viral infections. Activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)‐7 is critically required for the synthesis of type I IFN in pDC. IRF‐7 is highly expressed by resting pDC and translocates into the nucleus to initiate type I IFN transcription. In a previous work, we observed an impaired IFN‐α production in enriched cord blood pDC following a TLR9 stimulation using CpG oligonucleotides. Herein, we show that highly purified pDC from cord blood exhibit a profound defect in their capacity to produce IFN‐α/β in response to TLR9 as well as to TLR7 ligation or human CMV or HSV‐1 exposure. Microarray experiments indicate that expression of the majority of type I IFN subtypes induced by a TLR7 agonist is reduced in cord blood pDC. We next demonstrated a reduced nuclear translocation of IRF‐7 in cord blood pDC following CpG and HSV stimulation as compared to adult pDC. We conclude that impaired IRF‐7 translocation in cord blood pDC is associated with defective expression of type I IFN genes. Our data provide a molecular understanding for the decreased ability of cord blood pDC to produce type I IFN upon viral stimulation.
Systemic autoimmunity in BAFF‐R‐mutant A/WySnJ strain mice
Authors: Mayne Christopher G. , Amanna Ian J. , Nashold Faye E. , Hayes Colleen E.
Published: January 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosis is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Lupus pathology is thought to reflect autoantibody‐mediated damage due to a failure of B lymphocyte tolerance. Since excessive B cell‐activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) expression correlates with human and murine lupus, and BAFF signals B cell survival through BAFF‐R, it is believed that excessive BAFF‐R signaling can subvert B cell tolerance and facilitate lupus development. Here we report the unexpected finding that BAFF‐R‐mutant A/WySnJ mice develop a lupus‐like syndrome. These mice carry the B cell maturation defect‐1 (Bcmd‐1) mutant allele of the Baffr gene. Bcmd‐1 causes premature B cell death and profound B cell deficiency. Despite having 90% fewer splenic B cells than normal mice, A/WySnJ mice had an 18‐fold increased frequency of splenocytes secreting IgM antibodies to dsDNA, and increased amounts of circulating IgM and IgG to dsDNA by 9 months of age. By age 11 months, most A/WySnJ mice displayed renal pathology characteristic of lupus, including proteinuria as well as periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive deposits and glomerular capillary bed destruction. Importantly, we genetically linked this autoimmunity to Bcmd‐1, since congenic AW.Baffr+/+ mice carrying a wild‐type allele developed none of these phenotypes. Our data provide the first evidence linking altered BAFF‐R signaling to the development of B cell‐mediated autoimmunity.
Dynamic regulation of c‐Myc proto‐oncogene expression during lymphocyte development revealed by a GFP‐c‐Myc knock‐in mouse
Authors: Huang Ching‐Yu , Bredemeyer Andrea L. , Walker Laura M. , Bassing Craig H. , Sleckman Barry P.
Published: January 2008

c‐Myc induces widely varying cellular effects, including cell proliferation and cell death. These different cellular effects are determined, in part, by c‐Myc protein expression levels, which are regulated through several transcriptional and post‐transcriptional pathways. c‐Myc transcripts can be detected in cells at all stages of B and T lymphocyte development. However, little is known about c‐Myc protein expression, and how it varies, in developing lymphocytes. Here mice have been generated in which the endogenous c‐Myc locus has been modified (c‐MycG) so that it encodes a GFP‐c‐Myc fusion protein. c‐MycG/G mice are viable, appear normal and exhibit grossly normal lymphocyte development. Flow cytometric analyses revealed significant heterogeneity in c‐Myc protein expression levels in developing c‐MycG/G B and T lymphocytes. GFP‐c‐Myc expression levels were highest in proliferating lymphocytes, suggesting that c‐Myc up‐regulation is important for promoting lymphocyte cell division, and demonstrating that GFP‐c‐Myc expression is a marker of proliferating lymphocytes in vivo.
A Simple Non‐Aqueous Route to Anatase TiO2
Authors: Jiang Dong , Xu Yao , Hou Bo , Wu Dong , Sun Yuhan
Published: January 2008

High‐yield nanocrystalline TiO2 was successfully synthesised using a simple one‐step procedure in a non‐aqueous system. The synthesis was carried out in a teflon‐lined autoclave at a temperature as low as 100 °C using titanium n‐butoxide (TB) and acetic acid (AcOH) as starting materials without any co‐solvent/additive. The thus formed TiO2 was highly crystallised anatase TiO2. The possible formation mechanism was also proposed based on the FTIR spectra recorded during the various reaction stages. The synthetic method explored in this study might contribute to the preparation of other metal oxides.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Versatile and Low‐Toxicity Route for the Production of Electroceramic Oxide Nanopowders
Authors: Morata Alejandro , Chesnaud Anthony , Tarancón Alberto , Estradé Sonia , Peiró Francesca , Morante Joan‐Ramon , Dezanneau Guilhem
Published: January 2008

An alternative route to acrylamide gel polymerisation is presented for the preparation of oxide nanopowders. Within this method, cations first dissolved in an aqueous solution are subsequently trapped inside a 3D chelating gel beforefast‐drying, which leads to a stable precursor. In this study, we have prepared compositions corresponding to a wide range of state‐of‐the‐art fuel cells materials such as: Zr0.85Y0.15O1.875, Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95, Nd1.95NiO4+x, GdBaCo2O5+x, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–x and La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3. Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis studies have been performed to determine the best calcination conditions. After calcination, the resulting powders have been characterised by X‐ray diffraction, FEG‐scanning electron microscopy and TEM. The synthesised powders are of nanometric crystallite size and have flake‐like aggregates; pure phases are obtained at low temperature. We made this method more attractive by using a nontoxic polymer and a nonexplosive initiator. This route allows the easy preparation of more than tens of grams of nanometric powders in one batch. Finally, since this process is largely independent of the formula of the compound, it can easily be extended to other kinds of oxides such as ferroelectric, CMR (colossal magnetoresistance) or gas sensor compounds.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Syntheses, Structures, and Characterizations of Two New Indium(III) Compounds from 1D ···In–OH–In–OH··· Chains and Pyridinedicarboxylic Ligands
Authors: Guo Zhengang , Li Yafeng , Yuan Wenbing , Zhu Xiandong , Li Xinfa , Cao Rong
Published: January 2008

The self‐assembly of In2O3 with 2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,5‐H2PDC) and 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (3,5‐H2PDC) generates two hybrid inorganic–organic compounds [In(OH)(2,5‐PDC)]n (1) and [In2(OH)2(3,5‐PDC)2(H2O)]n (2), respectively. The two compounds have been characterized by IR, XRPD, elemental analysis, and photoluminescent studies. The structure of 1 consists of corner‐sharing InNO5 octahedra and 2,5‐PDC ligands to form 2D frameworks with thermal stability up to ca. 347 °C. The 3D framework of 2 contains corner‐sharing InN2O4 octahedra and InO7 decahedra with a 406 nm emission at 77 K. Both of the compounds possess similar one‐dimensional ···In–OH–In–OH··· inorganic chains.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Sol–gel processing of anti‐inflammatory entrapment in silica, release kinetics, and bioactivity
Authors: Catauro M. , Melisi D. , Curcio A. , Rimoli M.G.
Published: January 2008

Controlled and local drug‐delivery systems for anti‐inflammatory agents are drawing increasing attention for possible pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, because of their extended therapeutic effect and reduced side effects. A single‐step sol–gel process was used to precipitate silica microspheres containing Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Ketorolac tris salt, or Triamcinolone acetonide, for controlled drug delivery applications. The amorphous nature of the gels was ascertained by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Release kinetics in a simulated body fluid (SBF) has been subsequently investigated. The amount of drug released has been detected by UV–vis spectroscopy. The pure anti‐inflammatory agent exhibited linear release with time, while sol–gel silica‐entrapped drugs were released with a logarithmic time dependence, starting with an initial burst effect followed by a gradual decrease. Finally, SEM micrography and EDS analysis showed the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer on the surface of the samples soaked in SBF. All the materials showed good release and therefore could be used as drug‐delivery systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Rational identification of a novel peptide for targeting nanocarriers to 9L glioma
Authors: Agarwal Abhiruchi , Jaye David L. , Giegerman Cissy M. , Bellamkonda Ravi V.
Published: January 2008

Traditional therapies for high grade gliomas are limited in part by collateral damage to normal tissues. Selective delivery of therapies to tumors is, therefore, needed. Here, we report that liposomal nanocarriers coated with a novel oligopeptide enhance uptake by 9L gliosarcoma. A targeting nine amino acid peptide sequence (RSI) was identified by differential panning of random peptide phage display libraries on 9L cells and rat blood cells and plasma. Peptides were coupled to the surface of liposomal nanocarriers which were subsequently loaded with doxorubicin. The ability of RSI coated liposomes to facilitate drug uptake and cytotoxicity was compared with conventional liposomal nanocarriers and controls. In addition, plasma clearance profiles of the RSI peptide coupled liposomal nanocarriers were evaluated in adult immuno‐competent rats. RSI peptide‐coupled liposomal nanocarriers enhanced drug uptake by 9L cells by 500% compared with conventional liposomal nanocarriers, and significantly increased cytotoxicity. The plasma half‐lives confirmed that the presence of the RSI peptide on the liposomal nanocarriers did not compromise circulation time in the blood in comparison with Stealth liposomal nanocarriers. These data suggest that phage‐identified oligopeptides could lead to the development of new tumor selective nanocarriers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
High levels of HIF‐2α highlight an immature neural crest‐like neuroblastoma cell cohort located in a perivascular niche
Authors: Pietras A , Gisselsson D , Øra I , Noguera R , Beckman S , Navarro S , Påhlman S
Published: January 2008

High HIF‐2α protein levels in the sympathetic nervous system‐derived childhood tumour neuroblastoma as well as immature phenotype correlate to unfavourable outcome. Here we show that a small subset of perivascularly located, strongly HIF‐2α‐positive tumour cells (MYCN amplified) lacks expression of differentiation markers, but expresses neural crest and early sympathetic progenitor marker genes such as Notch‐1, HES‐1, c‐Kit, dHAND, and vimentin. HIF‐2α‐ and CD68‐positive tumour‐associated macrophages were frequently found close to the immature and HIF‐2α‐positive neuroblastoma cells and as VEGF levels are high in the perivascular niche, we hypothesize that neuroblastoma neural crest‐like cells and macrophages cooperate to facilitate angiogenesis and thereby contribute to the aggressive neuroblastoma phenotype. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal lattice defects in MBE grown Si layers highly doped with Er
Authors: Zakharov N. D. , Werner P. , Vdovin V. I. , Denisov D. V. , Kyutt R. N. , Sobolev N. A.
Published: January 2008

The structure of Si:Er layers grown by MBE on Si(001) substrates was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. We studied the dependence of the layer structure on the erbium concentration [Er] (8 × 1018 – 4 × 1019 cm–3) as well as the epitaxial growth temperature (400–700 °C). In general, ErSi2 platelets and spherical metallic precipitates are formed during the epitaxial growth through the layer and in the near‐interface region, respectively. For [Er] ≥2 × 1019 cm–3, an oscillation of platelet density with periodicity approximately 200–250 nm was observed. A new type of complex structural defect was observed in a specimen with [Er] = 4 × 1019 cm–3. In the layers grown at 400 °C, complexes of extended defects consisting of partial dislocations, stacking faults and twins are generated. The formation of silicides and Er precipitates is accompanied by emission of vacancies, which leads to the formation of pores in the layer. A high concentration of vacancies should also result in formation of V–V and V–Er complexes. The presence of these point‐defect complexes can explain the appearance of deep acceptor levels with an activation energy of 360 meV, which can be responsible for nonradiative paths. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local disorder influence on electrical phenomena of pure and Ba‐doped Pb5Ge3O11 crystals
Authors: Molak A. , Talik E. , Pawełczyk M. , Adamiec M. , Koralewski M.
Published: January 2008

The relation between chemical composition, crystal structure and electrical features of lead germanate, (Pb5–x Bax)Ge3O11, pure and doped with Ba (x = 0, 0.10, 0.25) was studied. The O deficiency and GeO2 precipitation was found in the crystals studied. In the case of the Ba‐doped crystals, the XPS lines width (FWHM) variation suggests structural local disorder. The valence band is placed near 3 eV and it shows an exponential tail, which is ascribed to existence of energy levels correlated to defects. Both the valence band edge shift and the degree of disorder deduced from the change in the XPS lines width vary non‐linearly with the concentration of the Ba ions. The ac conductivity activation energy values Ea = 0.55–0.85 eV indicate electric conductivity of lead germanate is determined by local energy levels originated from point defects. The analysis of the imaginary part of the electric modulus M ″(T, f) exhibited the electronic relaxation process related to electric conductivity, for which the activation energy EM = 0.63–0.72 eV, and the characteristic times τ0 of the order of 10–13 s were evaluated. The crystal structure parameters and several of the electrical conduction parameters exhibit non‐monotonic dependence on the Ba concentration. It was deduced that Ba ions contributed to the mentioned phenomena by two opposite mechanisms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hartree–Fock interactions in the integer quantum Hall effect
Authors: Römer Rudolf A. , Sohrmann Christoph
Published: January 2008

We report on numerical studies into the interplay of disorder and electron–electron interactions within the integer quantum Hall regime, where the presence of a strong magnetic field and two‐dimensional confinement of the electronic system profoundly affects thermodynamic and transport properties. We emphasise the behaviour of the electronic compressibility, the local density of states, and the Kubo conductivity. Our treatment of the electron–electron interactions relies on the Hartree‐Fock approximation so as to achieve system sizes comparable to experimental situations. Our results clearly exhibit manifestations of various interaction‐mediated features, such as non‐linear screening, local charging, and g ‐factor enhancement, implying the inadequacy of independent‐particle models for comparison with experimental results. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum Hall effects in normal and superconducting systems: localization and multifractality
Authors: Evers Ferdinand , Mildenberger Achim , Mirlin Alexander D.
Published: January 2008

We study quantum phases and localization–delocalization transitions between these phases in three types of quantum Hall effects. These include the conventional integer quantum Hall effect, as well as its counterparts taking place in super‐ conducting systems: spin quantum Hall effect and thermal quantum Hall effect. A particular emphasis is put on multifractal behavior of wave functions at criticality. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum Hall effect in long and in mobility adjusted GaAs/Alx Ga1–xAs samples
Authors: Diaconescu D. , Goldschmidt A. , Reuter D. , Wieck A. D.
Published: January 2008

We study the behaviour of the magnetoresistance in the integer quantum Hall regime in dependence on the sample length and mobility. In Hall‐bars with macroscopic lengths of up to 96 cm we find that the longitudinal specific magnetoresistance (ρxx) decreases with the distances between voltage probes. The Hall resistance in these samples shows also peculiar features – we measure very deep dips between the quantised values of the plateaus. We give a qualitative explanation for these dependencies, supposing a fully equilibrated electron transport and high back‐scattering in the sample with very long dimensions. In order to prove these assumptions, we fabricated samples with shorter dimensions but with an enhanced inter‐edge channel scattering by focused ion implantation at the sample boundaries. The Hall resistance shows similarities to those of very long samples. Implanting Ga+ ions homogeneously into Alx Ga1–x As/GaAs heterostructures offers the possibility to modify the electron mobility while keeping a constant carrier density. In this way, we vary the electron mobility of the same heterostructure within an order of magnitude whereas the electron density remains constant. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A study of the domain structure at the spin transition of the fractional quantum Hall effect
Authors: Stern O. , Dini D. , Freytag N. , Dietsche W. , von Klitzing K. , Wegscheider W.
Published: January 2008

The electron spin polarization at the spin transition of the fractional quantum Hall effect was measured by combining Resistance Detected (RD) NMR with conventional NMR for small and large currents. The simultaneous observation of an unshifted and a Knight‐shifted line is evidence of the different polarisation in different domain regions. Domains with full, partial or no polarization were also uncovered at v = 3/5 and 4/7. Surprisingly, measuring the conductivity with surface acoustic waves does not show any indication of the transition. This can be explained if the (conducting) domain walls have widths of less than 1% of the domains themselves. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reinvestigation of the thermoelectric properties of Ag8GeTe6
Authors: Charoenphakdee Anek , Kurosaki Ken , Muta Hiroaki , Uno Masayoshi , Yamanaka Shinsuke
Published: January 2008

High‐density polycrystalline samples (above 98% of the theoretical density) of Ag8GeTe6 were prepared by solid‐state reactions of Ag2Te, GeTe, and Te, followed by hot‐pressing. The thermoelectric properties were measured at temperatures ranging from room temperature to around 700 K. The thermal conductivity values were extremely low (0.25 Wm–1 K–1 at room temperature), and consequently Ag8GeTe6 exhibited a relatively high thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT = 0.48 at 703 K. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scanning Probe Lithography of Polymers: Tailoring Morphology and Functionality at the Nanometer Scale
Authors: Lee Woo‐Kyung , Sheehan Paul E.
Published: January 2008

This article reviews the patterning of the polymer via scanning probe lithography (SPL). Several different lithographies are characterized by the source of the patterned material, whether a mechanical, electrical, or thermal field is used, and whether the lithography modifies morphology, functionality, or both. The merits of the different strategies are discussed with respect to the fabrication goals. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of sustainable development on firms' financial performance – an empirical approach
Authors: Chang Dong‐shang , Kuo Li‐chin Regina
Published: January 2008

This research studies firms' sustainable development in term of economic, environmental and social dimensions and their financial performance, which includes a broader coverage of stakeholder engagement of both sustainability and profitability in a structural equation model (SEM). The secondary data of 311 firms' sustainability scores are analyzed and our observations reveal that (1) the better sustainability performers may have a tendency of positive influence on firm profitability in the same and later periods, (2) a positive reciprocal causality may exist between sustainability and profitability among the better sustainability group, (3) profitability affects corporate sustainability positively in both higher and lower sustainability groups and (4) sustainability influences firm profitability negatively in the lower sustainability group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Chemical understanding and graphing skills in an honors case‐based computerized chemistry laboratory environment: The value of bidirectional visual and textual representations
Authors: Dori Yehudit J. , Sasson Irit
Published: January 2008

The case‐based computerized laboratory (CCL) is a chemistry learning environment that integrates computerized experiments with emphasis on scientific inquiry and comprehension of case studies. The research objective was to investigate chemical understanding and graphing skills of high school honors students via bidirectional visual and textual representations in the CCL learning environment. The research population of our 3‐year study consisted of 857 chemistry 12th grade honors students from a variety of high schools in Israel. Pre‐ and postcase‐based questionnaires were used to assess students' graphing and chemical understanding–retention skills. We found that students in the CCL learning environment significantly improved their graphing skills and chemical understanding–retention in the post‐ with respect to the prequestionnaires. Comparing the experimental students to their non‐CCL control peers has shown that CCL students had an advantage in graphing skills. The CCL contribution was most noticeable for experimental students of relatively low academic level who benefit the most from the combination of visual and textual representations. Our findings emphasize the educational value of combining the case‐based method with computerized laboratories for enhancing students' chemistry understanding and graphing skills, and for developing their ability to bidirectionally transfer between textual and visual representations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 219–250, 2008.