bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryopreservation of vascularized ovary: An evaluation of histology and function in rats
Authors: Qi Shijie , Ma Anlun , Xu Dasheng , Daloze Pierre , Chen Huifang
Published: July 2008

Cryopreservation of organs has been investigated to sustain the reproductive function of patients undergoing sterilizing chemotherapy and radiotherapy or reproductive surgery. A modified protocol for whole organ cryopreservation was described and the outcome of cryopreservative ovaries was evaluated, and apoptosis of cryopreservative cells stored for different time period and the viability of cryopreserved cells stored at different temperature was examined in rats. Lewis rat ovarian grafts were perfused for 30 min at 0.35 ml/min with M2 medium containing 0.1M fructose and increasing concentrations of 0–1.5M dimethylsulfoxide, cooled to −140°C controlled by a computerized program, and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196°C) for 24 hours. After being thawed, ovaries were transplanted to syngeneic recipients after bilateral oophorectomy. Graft functions were monitored postoperatively. The major findings were that: 1) A 100% survival rate of rat ovaries was achieved in this study. Ovarian hormone secretion recovered in 80% rats which had received cryopreservative ovarian grafts. Postoperative serum estradiol levels in the cryopreservative graft group were lower than in the sham surgery control, but much higher than in the bilateral oophorectomy group. 2) Histological examination of cryopreservative ovarian grafts showed preantral and antral follicles. Two gestations were obtained. 3) Estradiol levels remained low in ovariectomized rats while in the oophorectomized rats given cryopreservative ovarian grafts levels started to rise after 14 ± 3 days. 4) The average viability in the cells from cryopreservative ovary organ (−196°C) was about 71 ± 18% compared to 90 ± 9% of fresh cells. This success should encourage further improvement of cryopreservative techniques for large organs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
On stability of Alfvén discontinuities
Authors: Ilin Konstantin , Trakhinin Yuri
Published: July 2008

We study Alfvén discontinuities for the equations of ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The Alfvén discontinuity is a characteristic discontinuity for the hyperbolic system of the MHD equations but, as for shock waves, the gas crosses its front. By numerical testing of the Lopatinskii condition, we carry out spectral stability analysis, i.e. we find the parameter domains of stability and violent instability of planar Alfvén discontinuities. We also show that Alfvén discontinuities can be only weakly stable in the sense that the uniform Lopatinskii condition is never satisfied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of elasticity–viscoporosity system by linear boundary feedback
Authors: Głowiński Przemysław , Łada Andrzej
Published: July 2008

The initial boundary value problem for linear elastodynamic system for viscoporous materials is considered. Exponential decay of solutions via the linear boundary feedback is established. Existence of solutions is obtained through the method of c0‐semigroups. Exponential stabilization is derived via a proper collection of ideas of observability inequality, energy identity and c0‐semigroup of contractions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stationary Boltzmann equation for a two‐component gas for soft forces in the slab
Authors: Brull Stéphane
Published: July 2008

The stationary Boltzmann equation for soft forces in the context of a two‐component gas is considered in the slab. An existence theorem is proved when one component satisfies a given indata profile and the other component satisfies diffuse reflection at the boundaries in a renormalized sense. Weak L1 compactness is extracted from the control of the entropy production term. Trace at the boundaries is also controlled. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR characterization of the host–guest inclusion complex between β‐cyclodextrin and doxepin
Authors: Cruz Jennifer R. , Becker Bridget A. , Morris Kevin F. , Larive Cynthia K.
Published: July 2008

The interaction between doxepin, a member of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) class of drugs, with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was investigated using NMR. Several TCAs have been reported to form a complex with β‐CD having 1:1 stoichiometry. Previous results from UV‐visible spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, and molecular modeling indicated that for imipramine, desipramine, and amitriptyline, the TCA aliphatic tail is included in the cyclodextrin cavity with apparently no interaction of the tricyclic ring. An alternative view of the doxepin–β‐CD complex is presented in this work using analysis of complexation‐induced chemical shifts (CICSs), the method of continuous variation (Job's analysis), and analysis of ROESY spectra. The Job's plot derived from the NMR spectral data confirms that the complex formed has 1:1 stoichiometry. The largest changes in the CICS data were observed for the aromatic protons of one of the doxepin rings, with much smaller chemical shift changes observed for the protons of the other aromatic ring and the doxepin tail. Perhaps the most significant evidence for inclusion of the doxepin tricyclic ring is the strong ROESY cross peaks between the doxepin aromatic resonances and the protons located inside the β‐CD cavity. Changes in the doxepin1H NMR spectrum and the behavior of ROESY exchange cross peaks suggest that inclusion complex formation decreases the rate of internal motions of doxepin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR spectral assignments of isoprenylated flavanones from Sophora tonkinensis
Authors: Li Xing‐Nuo , Lu Zhi‐Qiang , Chen Guang‐Tong , Yan Hai‐Xia , Sha Na , Guan Shu‐Hong , Yang Min , Hua Hui‐Ming , Wu Li‐Jun , Guo De‐An
Published: July 2008

The phytochemical investigation of extracts from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis yielded three new isoprenylated flavanones, the tonkinochromanes F (2), G (3), and H (5), along with four known compounds. Structural elucidation of the compounds were established on the basis of spectral data, particularly by the use of 1D NMR and several 2D shift‐correlated NMR pulse sequences (1H1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and Modeling of Vinyl Acetate Graft Polymerization from Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiang , Li Bo‐Geng , Wu Linbo , Zheng Yougui , Zhu Shiping , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Müssig Stefan , Reinhard Birgit
Published: July 2008

A kinetic model for the graft polymerization of VAc from PEG was developed using the method of moments. Experiments were carried out to verify the model. The effect of various parameters, such as initiator concentration, temperature, and PEG molecular weight on the polymerization kinetics was examined. Polymerization rate, grafting efficiency, graft copolymer molecular weight, and PEG grafted ratio were measured. The model was in good agreement with the experimental data. No gel effect was observed at the studied PEG/VAc weight ratio of 1:1. The chain transfer constant to PEG was correlated to be $C_{{\rm PEG}} = 0.139\;\exp ( - 11\,200/RT)$. The model was also applied in a semi‐batch reaction and compared with the experimental results.

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Quantitative manganese tract tracing: dose‐dependent and activity‐independent terminal labelling in the mouse visual system
Authors: Lowe Andrew S. , Thompson Ian D. , Sibson Nicola R.
Published: July 2008

At concentrations sufficient for visualisation using MRI, manganese (Mn) is believed to behave as a calcium analogue. This study examines different concentrations of Mn for enhanced MR tract tracing. The premise of activity‐dependent axonal transport was also examined by partial or complete blockade of retinal ganglion cell activity. Quantitative T1 maps and semi‐quantitative normalised signal intensities in the superior colliculi facilitated assessment of applied intraocular concentrations and activity dependence, respectively. Varying the concentration of applied Mn revealed a non‐monotonic profile, with optimal, unfavourable and undesirable effects noted: 25 mM proved optimal, showing a maximal decrease in T1, whereas 400 mM was associated with no terminal‐field enhancement. The estimated vitreal concentration for optimal transport of Mn (2 mM) is substantially lower than that used in previous studies of the mouse. Both the partial blockade of inputs to 50% of retinal ganglion cells by a mGluR6 glutamate agonist and the complete blockade of all retinal ganglion cell activity with tetrodotoxin failed to decrease the relative enhancement in the superior colliculus. The failure to prevent axonal transport of Mn by blocking activity (and therefore theoretically the intracellular influx) appeared to be paradoxical. The optimal vitreal concentration of Mn has previously been shown to facilitate massive intracellular uptake of Mn, competitively blocking calcium, and 1 mM Mn blocks neurotransmission pre‐synaptically. These results suggest that, at concentrations required for optimal Mn‐enhanced MRI tract tracing in the visual system of the mouse, the uptake and transport of Mn may be dominated by passive mechanisms, which may also block neurotransmission. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterisation of childhood cerebellar tumours by in vivo proton MRS
Authors: Davies N. P. , Wilson M. , Harris L. M. , Natarajan K. , Lateef S. , MacPherson L. , Sgouros S. , Grundy R. G. , Arvanitis T. N. , Peet A. C.
Published: July 2008

1H MRS has great potential for the clinical investigation of childhood brain tumours, but the low incidence in, and difficulties of performing trials on, children have hampered progress in this area. Most studies have used a long‐TE, thus limiting the metabolite information obtained, and multivariate analysis has been largely unexplored. Thirty‐five children with untreated cerebellar tumours (18 medulloblastomas, 12 pilocytic astrocytomas and five ependymomas) were investigated using a single‐voxel short‐TE PRESS sequence on a 1.5 T scanner. Spectra were analysed using LCModelTM to yield metabolite profiles, and key metabolite assignments were verified by comparison with high‐resolution magic‐angle‐spinning NMR of representative tumour biopsy samples. In addition to univariate metabolite comparisons, the use of multivariate classifiers was investigated. Principal component analysis was used for dimension reduction, and linear discriminant analysis was used for variable selection and classification. A bootstrap cross‐validation method suitable for estimating the true performance of classifiers in small datasets was used. The discriminant function coefficients were stable and showed that medulloblastomas were characterised by high taurine, phosphocholine and glutamate and low glutamine, astrocytomas were distinguished by low creatine and high N‐acetylaspartate, and ependymomas were differentiated by high myo‐inositol and glycerophosphocholine. The same metabolite features were seen in NMR spectra of ex vivo samples. Successful classification was achieved for glial‐cell (astrocytoma + ependymoma) versus non‐glial‐cell (medulloblastoma) tumours, with a bootstrap 0.632 + error, eB.632+, of 5.3%. For astrocytoma vs medulloblastoma and astrocytoma vs medulloblastoma vs ependymoma classification, the eB.632+ was 6.9% and 7.1%, respectively. The study showed that 1H MRS detects key differences in the metabolite profiles for the main types of childhood cerebellar tumours and that discriminant analysis of metabolite profiles is a promising tool for classification. The findings warrant confirmation by larger multi‐centre studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left conjugate gradient method for non‐Hermitian linear systems
Authors: Wang Li‐Ping , Dai Yu‐Hong
Published: July 2008

Recently, Yuan et al. (BIT: Numer. Math. 2004; 44(1):189–207) proposed the left conjugate gradient (LCG) method for real positive‐definite linear systems. This paper aims to generalize their method for solving complex non‐Hermitian linear systems. To avoid the breakdown that possibly occurred in the LCG method, we also propose the block left conjugate direction method and the block LCG (BLCG) method. It is found that no breakdown occurs in the BLCG method and the block idea also applies to the real nonsymmetric case. Numerical experiments demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed LCG method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On componentwise condition numbers for eigenvalue problems with structured matrices
Authors: Diao Huaian
Published: July 2008

We give explicit expressions for the componentwise condition number for eigenvalue problems with structured matrices. We will consider only linear structures and show a general result from which expressions for the condition numbers follow. We obtain explicit expressions for the following structures: Toeplitz and Hankel. Details for other linear structures should follow in a straightforward manner from our general result. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modified modulus method for symmetric positive‐definite linear complementarity problems
Authors: Dong Jun‐Liang , Jiang Mei‐Qun
Published: July 2008

By reformulating the linear complementarity problem into a new equivalent fixed‐point equation, we deduce a modified modulus method, which is a generalization of the classical one. Convergence for this new method and the optima of the parameter involved are analyzed. Then, an inexact iteration process for this new method is presented, which adopts some kind of iterative methods for determining an approximate solution to each system of linear equations involved in the outer iteration. Global convergence for this inexact modulus method and two specific implementations for the inner iterations are discussed. Numerical results show that our new methods are more efficient than the classical one under suitable conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor immune surveillance defect of X‐linked severe combined immunodeficiency is not Epstein–Barr virus specific
Authors: Mustillo Peter , Bajwa Rajinder P.S. , Termuhlen Amanda M. , Nicol Kathleen , Scherzer Rebecca , Jaffe Ronald , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Gross Thomas G.
Published: July 2008

Immunodeficient patients are at an increased risk of developing Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) associated lymphomas. We report a patient with X‐linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X‐SCID), who presented with an EBV‐negative, B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. The tumor did not resolve with chemotherapy or rituximab, but only after recovery of functional donor T‐cells cell following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This case illustrates that the cancer predilection associated with immunodeficient hosts may not be a specific immune defect in the recognition of viral specific antigens, and it could be a defect in immune surveillance necessary for elimination of cells with abnormalities in proliferation, function and/or apoptosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:706–709. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vincristine pharmacokinetics in children with down syndrome
Authors: Lönnerholm Gudmar , Frost Britt‐Marie , Söderhäll Stefan , de Graaf Siebold S.N.
Published: July 2008

Children with Down syndrome (DS), who represent about 2% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, have inferior prognosis compared to non‐DS children. For vincristine (and many other anticancer agents) pharmacokinetic data are scant or missing, and there is considerable uncertainty about the optimal dosing of drugs to patients with DS. We studied vincristine pharmacokinetics on treatment day one in six children with DS and compared to 92 non‐DS children. No differences were found. Thus, we found no rationale for dose reduction of vincristine in DS children from a strictly pharmacokinetic point of view. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:123–125. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second‐trimester maternal serum free‐β‐human chorionic gonadotropin and α‐fetoprotein levels in normal twin and singleton pregnancies: a report of local Chinese population
Authors: Xie Zhenwei , Lu Shiming , Zhu Yuning , Sun Yali , Jin Yu
Published: July 2008

Objectives

The study evaluated the differences between Chinese normal twin and singleton pregnancies in the levels of maternal serum free‐β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (free β‐hCG) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) used in second‐trimester Down syndrome (DS) screening.

Methods

The concentrations of maternal serum markers of 456 twin pregnancies and 12 067 singleton controls in gestational 15 to 20 weeks were measured by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay, and the levels of markers were compared between the twins and singletons.

Results

Significant differences were found between the levels of free β‐hCG in twins and twice of those in singletons in 16, 17 and 19 gestational weeks (p < 0.05 for all); while considering AFP, significant differences were found in 16 and 19 gestational weeks (p < 0.05 for both). No correlations were found in twins between the levels of markers and maternal weights in most gestational weeks (Free β‐hCG: p > 0.05 for 15 to 18 and 20 gestational weeks; AFP: p > 0.05 for 16 to 20 gestational weeks).

Conclusions

The Chinese gestational age‐specific levels of maternal serum markers in normal twins are not twice as those in singletons. The current weight‐correction model for DS screening may be not feasible for twins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A retrospective evaluation of congestive heart failure and myocardial ischemia events in 14 237 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in 42 short‐term, double‐blind, randomized clinical studies with rosiglitazone
Authors: Cobitz Alexander , Zambanini Andrew , Sowell Margaret , Heise Mark , Louridas Bonnie , McMorn Stephen , Semigran Marc , Koch Gary
Published: July 2008

Purpose

Retrospectively investigate potential associations between rosiglitazone and congestive heart failure (CHF) and, separately, events of myocardial ischemia.

Methods

Data from 14 237 individuals in 42 short‐term, double‐blind, randomized studies of rosiglitazone versus placebo or active diabetes medications were analyzed across seven treatment comparisons using an exact logistic regression model, adjusted for number of major cardiovascular risk factors and duration of exposure.

Results

CHF incidence ranged 0–1.27% (SAEs) and 0.12–2.42% (all AEs) with rosiglitazone versus 0.07–0.75% (SAEs) and 0.25–1.36% (all AEs) with control. Higher odds ratios (95%CI) were observed for CHF SAEs with sulfonylurea‐ and insulin‐containing combinations: rosiglitazone monotherapy versus placebo, 0.25 (<0.01–4.75); rosiglitazone monotherapy versus sulfonylurea/metformin monotherapy, 0.23 (<0.01–2.14); sulfonylurea + rosiglitazone versus sulfonylurea monotherapy, 0.95 (0.01–75.20); metformin + rosiglitazone versus metformin monotherapy, 0.60 (0.00–8.28); metformin + rosiglitazone versus metformin + sulfonylurea, 1.04 (0.39–2.86); sulfonylurea + metformin + rosiglitazone versus sulfonylurea + metformin, 3.15 (0.35–150.52); insulin + rosiglitazone versus insulin monotherapy, 1.63 (0.52–6.01). Myocardial ischemia incidence ranged 0.75–1.40% (SAEs) and 1.49–2.77% (all AEs) with rosiglitazone versus 0.21–2.04% (SAEs) and 0.56–2.38% (all AEs) with control. Each comparison had an OR >1, with wide confidence intervals generally including unity. With data pooling, more events of myocardial ischemia were observed with rosiglitazone (2.00%) versus control (1.53%) (HR 1.30, 95%CI 1.004–1.69).

Conclusions

CHF incidence may be greater when rosiglitazone is combined with sulfonylureas or insulin. When data were pooled, more events of myocardial ischemia were observed with rosiglitazone versus control. Final results from RECORD will allow a more rigorous evaluation of the cardiovascular safety profile. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between serious ischemic cardiac outcomes and medications used to treat diabetes
Authors: Margolis David J. , Hoffstad Ole , Strom Brian L.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

Data on cardiovascular outcomes among treated diabetics have been inconsistent. Our goal was to compare cardiovascular outcomes associated with different treatments for diabetes.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients at least 40 years of age treated in general practices participating in The Health Information Network (THIN) data system between 2002 and 2006. Our primary outcome was serious atherosclerotic vascular disease of the heart.

Results

Among all diabetics (N = 63 579), the fully adjusted hazard ratios of association with our outcome were 1.2 (1.1, 1.3) for insulin, 1.03 (0.97, 1.09) for sulfonylureas, 0.8 (0.7, 0.8) for biguanide, 1.2 (0.99, 1.5) for meglitinide, 0.5 (0.5, 0.6) for thiazolidinediones, and individually 0.6 (0.5, 0.6) for rosiglitazone, and 0.5 (0.4, 0.7) for pioglitazone. Among those individuals newly diagnosed and treated for diabetes after 2002 (N = 13 576), the adjusted hazard ratios of association with our outcome were 2.4 (2.0, 2.9) for insulin, 1.4 (1.2, 1.7) for sulfonylureas, 0.5 (0.4, 0.5) for biguanide, 0.9 (0.4, 2.1) for meglitinide, 0.8 (0.7, 1.0) for thiazolidinediones, and individually 0.8 (0.6, 1.0) for rosiglitazone, and 0.9 (0.6, 1.4) for pioglitazone. Risk increased as total duration of therapy increased for insulin, sulfonylureas, and biguanide, but decreased with duration for rosiglitazone and pioglitazone.

Conclusions

Overall, insulin was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Its risk increased with longer use, and risk emerged with longer use of sulfonylureas and biguanide. Conversely, a protective effect emerged with longer use of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, morphology and pH sensitivity of hybrid hydrolyzed polyacrylonitirile‐blend‐gelatin hydrogel fibers
Authors: Yu Liwei , Xu Jianyan , Gu Lixia
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) artificial muscles have attracted considerable attention for their fast responses. This research work is based on the preparation of novel pH‐sensitive hydrogel fibers derived from hydrolyzed PAN and gelatin by wet spinning and chemical modification.

RESULTS: Through characterization of the fiber dynamic and static pH‐sensitive behavior, pH response times were found to improve greatly with increasing gelatin content. At a weight ratio of 3 to 7 (PAN:gelatin), the best response times were obtained at 0.59 s for elongation and 1.14 s for contraction. Study of the chemical structures of hydrolyzed PAN and gelatin, as well as the surface morphology of the hydrogel fibers, indicated that the mechanism of formation of hydrogel fibers is closely interconnected with their pH‐sensitive behavior. From the standpoint of the mechanism we also found that the addition of urea gave rise to hydrogel fibers with a controllable morphology, influenced by the pH‐sensitive behavior.

CONCLUSION: The hydrogel system reported here is simple in preparation, but quite complex in chemical structure. The strong response of the fibers to pH provides some idea on the development of new artificial muscle systems. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Partially miscible poly(lactic acid)‐ blend‐poly(propylene carbonate) filled with carbon black as conductive polymer composite
Authors: Ning Wang , Xingxiang Zhang , Jiugao Yu , Jianming Fang
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) can be obtained by filling polymer matrices with electrically conductive particles, and have a wide variety of potential applications. In the work reported, the biodegradable polymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a partially miscible blend with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was used as a polymer matrix. Carbon black (CB) was used as the conducting filler.

RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed interactions between matrix and CB filler; this interaction was stronger in PPC‐blend‐CB than in PLA‐blend‐CB composites. A rheology study showed that low‐viscosity PPC could improve the fluidity of the CPCs, but decrease that of CB. With increasing CB content, the enforcement effect, storage modulus and glass transition temperature increased, but the elongation at break decreased. CPCs exhibited the lowest electrical percolation thresholds of 1.39 vol.% CB when the content of PPC in PLA‐blend‐PPC was 40 wt%. The conductivity of CPCs containing 5.33 vol.% CB and 40 wt% PPC reached 1.57 S cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that CB exhibits a preference for dispersion in the low‐viscosity phase (PPC) of the multiphase matrix.

CONCLUSION: In the presence of CB, partially miscible PLA‐blend‐PPC could form multi‐percolation CPCs. Moreover, the combination of PLA and PPC with CB broadens novel application of both renewable polymers and CPCs. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of base series resistance losses in single and double emitter silicon solar cells through simulations and experiments
Authors: Kotsovos K. , Misiakos K.
Published: July 2008

This work focuses on base series resistance influence on the performance of single and double emitter rear point contact silicon solar cells. This study is performed through measurements on experimental devices with different rear contact sizes and spacings, which were designed and fabricated using standard silicon integrated circuit technology, while the results were compared with simulation data based on a 3D model developed at our institute. Simulation and experimental results show that the series resistance of the double junction structure is significantly lower compared to the single junction equivalent. In addition, it was demonstrated that the operation of both junctions under slightly different voltages improves device efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 32)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm
Published: July 2008

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since January 2008 are reviewed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers to participation in kindergarten literacy instruction for a student with augmentative and alternative communication needs
Authors: Pufpaff Lisa A.
Published: July 2008

Preliminary findings and implications from this study were presented at the 45th Annual Convention of the International Reading Association in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 30, 2000.

The author would like to express sincere gratitude to the kindergarten teacher who cooperated with this study and willingly allowed the researcher unlimited access to her classroom. The author also thanks all the school personnel and students who made this study possible as well as the Purdue University AAC Group for their feedback during the course of this project. The author especially thanks Erna Alant, University of Pretoria, South Africa for her guidance in the organization of key sections of this manuscript. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The depiction of stuttering in contemporary juvenile fiction: Implications for clinical practice
Authors: Logan Kenneth J. , Mullins Melody Saunders , Jones Kelly M.
Published: July 2008

We reviewed 29 contemporary juvenile fiction books featuring characters who stutter to assess the presentation of stuttering‐related content. Although plots varied widely, most characters displayed attributes or accomplishments that offset their communication impairment. Many characters improved social and/or communicative functioning during the stories, though rarely in conjunction with professionally administered intervention. Most books depicted listener responses to stuttering, including impatience, teasing, ridicule, and bullying. Some books contained incorrect or distorted information, which could convey the mistaken impression that stuttering is simply a symptom of emotional distress. Nonetheless, most portrayals of stuttering seemed sufficient for the books to be considered for use as an instructional tool in certain education and intervention activities. Potential applications of the books in these contexts are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Providing preschool foundations for later reading comprehension: The importance of and ideas for targeting inferencing in storybook‐sharing interventions
Authors: Kleeck Anne Van
Published: July 2008

A significant gap in emerging literacy intervention with preschoolers relates to a skill that is crucial to later reading comprehension–the ability to engage in inferencing. This article presents a theoretical rationale for fostering inferential language during book sharing with preschool children, and provides research‐based ideas for how this can be best accomplished. It is suggested that, at the preschool level, children can be supported in their ability to make inferences about stories read aloud to them by having adults ask both literal and inferential questions that, first and foremost, relate to the causal structure of stories. Additionally, questions focused on informational and evaluative inferences serve to further enhance story comprehension. A rubric for connecting such questions to the elements of story grammar is offered, and a specific example from a published preschool level storybook is provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the effects of a social communication intervention for improving requests and word diversity in preschoolers with disabilities
Authors: Stanton‐Chapman Tina L. , Denning Christopher B. , Jamison Kristen Roorbach
Published: July 2008

This study examined the effects of a multicomponent social communication intervention to promote language learning and peer‐directed social interactions in preschool children with disabilities. Participants were eight children with developmental disabilities who met the specified criteria for the study. The intervention consisted of three components: (a) a planning period for instructional purposes, (b) a play session to practice skills, and (c) a brief reporting period to review skill performance. A multiple baseline design across two dyads replicated across two additional dyads was used. Results indicated an increase in peer‐directed requests, verbal requests, and word diversity for 6 of the 8 participants postintervention. Implications of the results are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic and transcriptomic study on the action of a cytotoxic saponin (Polyphyllin D): Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathways
Authors: Siu Fung‐Ming , Ma Dik‐Lung , Cheung Yee‐Wai , Lok Chun‐Nam , Yan Kun , Yang Zhiqi , Yang Mengsu , Xu SongXiao , Ko Ben Chi‐Bun , He Qing‐Yu , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: July 2008

Polyphyllin D (PD) is a potent cytotoxic saponin found in Paris polyphylla. In the present study, bioinformatic, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to study the mechanisms of action of PD on human nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (NCI‐H460). Using a gene expression‐based bioinformatic tool (connectivity map), PD was identified as a potential ER stress inducer. Our proteomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that PD treatment led to upregulation of typical ER stress‐related proteins/genes including glucose‐regulated protein 78 (BiP/GRP78) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). In particular, elevated expression of C/EBP homologous transcription factor (chop) and activation of caspase‐4 occurred at early time point (8 h) of PD treatment, signifying an initial ER stress‐mediated apoptosis. Induction of tumor suppressor p53, disruption of mitochondrial membrane, activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 were detected upon prolonged PD treatment. Collectively, these data revealed that PD induced the cytotoxic effect through a mechanism initiated by ER stress followed by mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The ability of activating two major pathways of apoptosis makes PD an attractive drug lead for anticancer therapeutics.
Validation of reverse phase protein array for practical screening of potential biomarkers in serum and plasma: Accurate detection of CA19‐9 levels in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Grote Tobias , Siwak Doris R. , Fritsche Herbert A. , Joy Corwin , Mills Gordon B. , Simeone Diane , Whitcomb David C. , Logsdon Craig D.
Published: July 2008

The current study analyzed reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) as a means to experimentally validate biomarkers in blood samples. One microliter samples of sera (n = 71), and plasma (n = 78) were serially diluted and printed on NC‐coated slides. CA19‐9 levels from RPPA results were compared with identical patient samples as measured by ELISA. There was a strong correlation between RPPA and ELISA (r = 0.87) as determined by scatter plots. Sample reproducibility of CA19‐9 levels was excellent (interslide correlation r = 0.88; intraslide correlation r = 0.83). The ability of RPPA to accurately distinguish CA19‐9 levels between cancer and noncancer samples were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and compared with ELISA. The AUC for RPPA and ELISA was comparable (0.87 and 0.86, respectively). When the mean CA19‐9 levels of normal samples was used as a cutoff for RPPA and compared with the standard clinical ELISA cutoff, comparable specificities (71% for both) were observed. Notably, RPPA samples normalized to albumin showed increased sensitivity compared to ELISA (90% vs. 75%). As RPPA is a high‐throughput method that shows results comparable to that of ELISA, we propose that RPPA is a viable technique for rapid experimental screening and validation of candidate biomarkers in blood samples.
A novel wavelet‐based thresholding method for the pre‐processing of mass spectrometry data that accounts for heterogeneous noise
Authors: Kwon Deukwoo , Vannucci Marina , Song Joon Jin , Jeong Jaesik , Pfeiffer Ruth M.
Published: July 2008

In recent years there has been an increased interest in using protein mass spectroscopy to discriminate diseased from healthy individuals with the aim of discovering molecular markers for disease. A crucial step before any statistical analysis is the pre‐processing of the mass spectrometry data. Statistical results are typically strongly affected by the specific pre‐processing techniques used. One important pre‐processing step is the removal of chemical and instrumental noise from the mass spectra. Wavelet denoising techniques are a standard method for denoising. Existing techniques, however, do not accommodate errors that vary across the mass spectrum, but instead assume a homogeneous error structure. In this paper we propose a novel wavelet denoising approach that deals with heterogeneous errors by incorporating a variance change point detection method in the thresholding procedure. We study our method on real and simulated mass specrometry data and show that it improves on performances of peak detection methods.
Optimization of evanescent‐field fluorescence‐assisted lectin microarray for high‐sensitivity detection of monovalent oligosaccharides and glycoproteins
Authors: Uchiyama Noboru , Kuno Atsushi , Tateno Hiroaki , Kubo Yoshiko , Mizuno Mamoru , Noguchi Midori , Hirabayashi Jun
Published: July 2008

Lectin microarray is an emerging technique, which will accelerate glycan profiling and discovery of glycan‐related biomarkers. One of the most important stages in realizing the potential of the technique is to achieve sufficiently high sensitivity to detect even the low concentrations of some target glycoproteins which occur in sera or tissues. Previously, we developed a lectin microarray based on an evanescent‐field fluorescence‐assisted detection principle that allows rapid profiling of glycoproteins. Here, we report optimization of procedures for lectin spotting and immobilization to improve the sensitivity and reproducibility of the lectin microarray. The improved microarray allows high‐sensitivity detection of even monovalent oligosaccharides that generally have a low affinity with lectins (Kd>10−6 M). The LOD observed for RCA120, a representative plant lectin, with asialofetuin, and an asialo‐biantennary N‐glycan probe were determined to be 100 pg/mL and 100 pM, respectively. With the improved lectin microarray system, closely related structural isomers, i.e., Lea and Lex, were clearly differentiated by the difference in signal patterns on relevant multiple lectins, even though specific lectins to detect these glycan structures were not available. The result proved a previously proposed concept of lectin‐based glycan profiling.
Chemical proteomic study of isoprenoid chain interactome with a synthetic photoaffinity probe
Authors: Tian Ruijun , Li Lingdong , Tang Wei , Liu Hongwei , Ye Mingliang , Zhao Zongbao K. , Zou Hanfa
Published: July 2008

A chemical proteomic approach was developed for profiling the noncovalent interactome of isoprenoid chain in the yeast proteome. A chemical probe that harbors a biotin moiety and a photoreactive benzophenone group linked to the terminal of geranyl group was synthesized. Photoaffinity labeling was performed by incubating the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome and the probe under 365 nm UV light. Thirty proteins were identified by immobilized NeutraAvidin enrichment, on‐bead digestion, online 2‐D nano‐LC/MS/MS identification and semi‐quantitative proteomic analysis. As noted by Gene Ontology annotation, the identified proteins demonstrate a wide range of catalytic activity in several biological processes, especially in metabolism and biosynthesis. Further data analysis shows that hydrophobic binding of the synthetic probe is potentially the major interaction force leading to covalent labeling. These results argue that intracellular allosteric interactions conferred by the isoprenoid chain of the corresponding chemical structures may be widespread at an interactomic level.
Separation of phosphoprotein isotypes having the same number of phosphate groups using phosphate‐affinity SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Kinoshita Eiji , Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Matsubara Mamoru , Yamada Seiji , Nakamura Hiro , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Aoki Yuri , Okita Kouki , Koike Tohru
Published: July 2008

Herein, we demonstrate the separation of phosphoprotein isotypes having the same number of phosphate groups using phosphate‐affinity SDS‐PAGE. The phosphate‐affinity site is a polyacrylamide‐bound Phos‐tag that enables the mobility shift detection of phosphoproteins from their nonphosphorylated counterparts. As the first practical example of the separation, we characterized the monophosphorylated Tau isotypes by each of three tyrosine kinases, c‐Abl, MET, and Fyn. Each monophosphoisotype phosphorylated at the Tyr‐394, Tyr‐197, or Tyr‐18 was detected as three distinct migration bands. As a further application, we extended this technique to the mobility shift analysis of His and Asp phosphoisotypes in the Sinorhizobium meliloti FixL/FixJ two‐component system. FixL is autophosphorylated at the His‐285 with ATP, and the phosphate group is transferred to the Asp‐54 of FixJ and subsequently removed by the FixL phosphatase activity. Using this method, we first performed simultaneous detection of the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated isotypes of FixL and FixJ generated in their phosphotransfer reaction in vitro. As a result, a monophosphoisotype of FixL containing the phosphorylated His residue was confirmed. As for FixJ, on the other hand, two monophosphoisotypes were detected as two distinct migration bands. One is a well‐known isotype phosphorylated at the Asp‐54. The other is a novel isotype phosphorylated at the His‐84.
DFT study of the biphenylene–NO complexes formed in nitration mechanism
Authors: Roohi Hossein
Published: July 2008

The most probable complexes formed in biphenylene (BP) nitration pathway have been investigated at B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory in the gas phase. To obtain more accurate energies, single point calculations were carried out at B3LYP/6‐31++G(2d,2p), B3PW91/6‐31+G(d,p), and B3PW91/6‐31++G(2d,2p) levels using B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) optimized geometry. The six intermediates and one transition state were found before the subsequent formation of the arenium ion on the potential energy surface of the electrophilic nitration of BP. It was also shown that the positionβin the BP is much more susceptible to electrophilic attack than the competing positionα. The Natural Bond Orbital (NBO), Charges from Electrostatic Potentials using a Grid based method (CHelpG), and Merz–Singh–Kollman (MK) charges and s‐characters of atoms involved in the reaction mechanism were calculated. Inspection of charges in the moieties indicates that the positive charge in all complexes is chiefly located on the BP, which means that theNO2moiety received the electron from the BP. To investigate the nature of BP–${\rm NO}_{2}^{\rm + } {\rm }$interaction in the fiveπ‐complexes, atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis was performed. The AIM results suggested that the BP–${\rm NO}_{2}^{+ } {\rm }$interactions have an electrostatic characteristic. In addition, high electrostatic interactions were predicted inπ‐complexes in which one of the oxygen atoms of${\rm NO}_{2}^{ + } {\rm }$interacts with the BP. Nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) methodology has been applied to study the change of antiaromaticity in four‐membered ring of BP upon complexation with${\rm NO}_{2}^{+ } {\rm }$. The results based on NICS calculations show that antiaromaticity of four‐membered ring decreases upon complexation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Adhesion of RF Plasma Treated Rubbers by Isocyanate Incorporation to Polyurethane Adhesive
Authors: Ortíz‐Magán Ana B. , Pastor‐Blas M. Mercedes
Published: July 2008

The effect of addition of isocyanate to a polyurethane adhesive has been investigated. Polyurethane adhesive was used for bonding a thermoplastic (TR) and a vulcanized (VR) synthetic butadiene‐styrene rubber. CO2 plasma treatment has oxidized the rubber surfaces, increasing surface energy (wettability), roughness, and favoring mechanical interlocking of rubber surface with the adhesive. Adhesion of TR rubber towards PU polyurethane adhesive was enhanced by these mechanisms; however, migration of antiadherent low molecular weight moieties to the VR rubber/polyurethane adhesive interface produced a lack of adhesion. In this case, it was necessary to produce the crosslinking with isocyanate of the polyurethane adhesive and of the VR rubber surface.

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Chemistry of Plasma‐Polymerized Vinyltriethoxysilane Controlled by Deposition Conditions
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Zemek Josef , Perina Vratislav
Published: July 2008

Plasma‐polymerized thin films of vinyltriethoxysilane were deposited on IR‐transparent silicon wafers using plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a wide range of RF pulsed power (0.05–25 W). The deposited films were analyzed by various spectroscopic techniques (RBS, ERDA, XPS, and FTIR) in order to compare their chemical structure and elemental composition, which were correlated with plasma products monitored by mass spectroscopy. Thin polymer films deposited at 0.05 W were SiO‐rich (55 at.‐%), while those prepared at 25 W were dominated by carbon (66 at.‐%). The organic/inorganic character (C/Si ratio) of plasma polymer varied widely, from 2.5 to 7.3 with enhanced power. The chemical structure of the polymer network and side groups was also controlled by the effective power. Chemical analyses enabled us to gain an idea of the chemical structure of the films.

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Socioeconomic factors and asthma control in children
Authors: Cope Shannon F. , Ungar Wendy J. , Glazier Richard H.
Published: July 2008

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors and asthma control in children, as defined by the Canadian Pediatric Asthma Consensus Guidelines.

Patients and Methods

Cross‐sectional data from a completed study of 879 asthmatic children between the ages of 1 and 18 residing in the Greater Toronto Area were used. The database included data on demographics, health status, asthma control, and health‐related quality of life. Stepwise forward modeling multiple regression was used to investigate the impact of socioeconomic status on asthma control, based on six control parameters from the 2003 Canadian Pediatric Asthma Consensus Guidelines.

Results

Only 11% of patients met the requirements for acceptable control, while 20% had intermediate control, and 69% had unacceptable asthma control. Children from families in lower income adequacy levels had poorer control.

Conclusions

Disparities in asthma control between children from families of different socio‐economic strata persist, even with adjustment for utilization of primary care services and use of controller medications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:745–752. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of secondhand cigarette smoke, RSV bronchiolitis and parental asthma on urinary cysteinyl LTE4
Authors: Kott Kayleen S. , Salt Bryn H. , McDonald Ruth J. , Jhawar Sanjay , Bric John M. , Joad Jesse P.
Published: July 2008

Cysteinyl leukotrienes promote airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction and mucus hypersecretion. Cigarette smoking and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis are known to increase urinary cysteinyl leukotriene E4 (uLTE4), the end product of the cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthetic pathway. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure increases uLTE4 in well infants and in those hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis; (2) Length of hospital stay for those with RSV bronchiolitis correlates with uLTE4; and (3) Infants with parent(s) with asthma will have higher uLTE4. Parental asthma for infants hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis (n = 79) and Well babies (n = 31) was determined by questionnaire. Urine was analyzed for LTE4, cotinine, and creatinine. SHS exposure was determined by cotinine to creatinine ratio. Chi square, or t‐tests were used to determine significant differences between two groups. A three‐way analysis of variance compared the effects of SHS exposure and parental asthma on uLTE4 in Well versus RSV babies. Independent variables predicting length of hospital stay were determined by stepwise multiple regression. High SHS exposure and RSV significantly increased uLTE4. The SHS induced increase in uLTE4 was seen in infants with no parental asthma but not in those with parental asthma. Length of hospital stay positively correlated with uLTE4. We concluded that SHS exposure may increase the severity of bronchiolitis in RSV‐infected infants by enhancing production of cysLTs in infants with no parental asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:760–766. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.