bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dal Bianco Assunta , Bradl Monika , Frischer Josa , Kutzelnigg Alexandra , Jellinger Kurt , Lassmann Hans
Published: October 2007

Objective

Chronic inflammation with microglia activation is thought to play a major role in the formation or clearance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) lesions, as well as in the induction of demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, the cortex is severely affected by chronic, long‐lasting inflammation, microglia activation, and demyelination. To what extent chronic inflammation in the cortex of MS patients influences the development of AD lesions is so far unresolved.

Methods

The study was performed on autopsy tissue of 45 MS cases, 9 AD cases, and 15 control subjects. We analyzed lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration in relation to microglia activation, to the presence of β‐amyloid plaques and (AT8+) neurofibrillary tangles, and to myelin pathology.

Results

Profound microglia activation, determined by a broad spectrum of markers, was found in both MS and AD cortices, and the patterns of microglia activation were closely similar. Microglia activation in MS cortex, in contrast with that in AD and control cortex, correlated with lymphocyte and plasma‐cell infiltrates in the meninges. MS cases older than 64 years experienced development of AD pathology in comparable incidence as seen in the course of normal aging. The density of β‐amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles did not differ between demyelinated and nondemyelinated cortical areas.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that microglia activation in the MS cortex alone has little or no influence on the development of cortical AD pathology. Ann Neurol 2007
Aqueous phase carbon dioxide and bicarbonate hydrogenation catalyzed by cyclopentadienyl ruthenium complexes
Authors: Bosquain Sylvain S. , Dorcier Antoine , Dyson Paul J. , Erlandsson Mikael , Gonsalvi Luca , Laurenczy Gábor , Peruzzini Maurizio
Published: October 2007

The water‐soluble ruthenium(II) complexes [Cp′RuX(PTA)2]Y and [CpRuCl(PPh3)(mPTA)]OTf (Cp′ = Cp, Cp*, X = Cl and Y = nil; or X = MeCN and Y = PF6; PTA = 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane; mPTA = 1‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) were used as catalyst precursors for the hydrogenation of CO2 and bicarbonate in aqueous solutions, in the absence of amines or other additives, under relatively mild conditions (100 bar H2, 30–80 °C), with moderate activities. Kinetic studies showed that the hydrogenation of HCO3− proceeds without an induction period, and that the rate strongly depends on the pH of the reaction medium. High‐pressure multinuclear NMR spectroscopy revealed that the ruthenium(II) chloride precursors are quantitatively converted into the corresponding hydrides under H2 pressure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HDPE chelate membranes prepared by preirradiation grafting for adsorption of heavy metal ions
Authors: Zu Jianhua , Tong Long , Liu Xinwen , Sun Guisheng
Published: October 2007

A new chelate membrane was prepared by grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto high‐density polyethylene membranes and subsequent amination of poly‐GMA graft chains. The effects of grafting conditions such as radiation dose and temperature on grafting yield were studied. Effects of various parameters such as grafting yield, pH, and adsorption time on the metal uptake were investigated. The results show that the maximum metal uptake followed as given in the order Cr (III)>Fe (III)>Cu (II)>Cd (II). The metal uptake increased with grafting yield, adsorption time, pH of the medium, and initial concentration. The chelated metal ions are easily desorbed with 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The results obtained from the chelate membrane showed a promising application in extraction of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Pulsed electrical stimulation for control of vasculature: Temporary vasoconstriction and permanent thrombosis
Authors: Palanker Daniel , Vankov Alexander , Freyvert Yev , Huie Philip
Published: October 2007

A variety of medical procedures is aimed to selectively compromise or destroy vascular function. Such procedures include cancer therapies, treatments of cutaneous vascular disorders, and temporary hemostasis during surgery. Currently, technologies such as lasers, cryosurgery and radio frequency coagulation, produce significant collateral damage due to the thermal nature of these interactions and corresponding heat exchange with surrounding tissues. We describe a non‐thermal method of inducing temporary vasoconstriction and permanent thrombosis using short pulse (microseconds) electrical stimulation. The current density required for vasoconstriction increases with decreasing pulse duration approximately as t−0.25. The threshold of electroporation has a steeper dependence on pulse duration—exceeding t−0.5. At pulse durations shorter than 5 µs, damage threshold exceeds the vasoconstriction threshold, thus allowing for temporary hemostasis without direct damage to surrounding tissue. With a pulse repetition rate of 0.1 Hz, vasoconstriction is achieved approximately 1 min after the beginning of treatment in both arteries and veins. Thrombosis occurs at higher electric fields, and its threshold increases with vessel diameter. Histology demonstrated a lack of tissue damage during vasoconstriction, but vascular endothelium was damaged during thrombosis. The temperature increase does not exceed 0.1 °C during these treatments. Bioelectromagnetics 29:100–107, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internal transport properties of macroporous sugar polyacrylate hydrogels: Microsphere diffusion described by phenomenological laws
Authors: Martin Brett D. , Soto Carissa M. , Taitt Chris , Charles Paul T.
Published: October 2007

We have determined the internal transport properties of heterogeneous, macroporous hydrogels based on the regioregular sugar polyacrylate poly(6‐acryloyl‐β‐O‐methyl‐galactopyranoside). This was accomplished by measuring the diffusive flux of variously sized polystyrene microspheres and combining these results with solutions of phenomenological transport laws (the Navier–Stokes equations and Fick's Law with an assumption of first‐order irreversible sphere capture by the gel polymer). This enabled calculation of gel properties such as average pore diameters (ca. 11.76 µm) and the diffusivities of the polystyrene spheres in the gel. These values range from 76% to 83% of that in free solution and correlate closely with the equilibrium solution content of the gel (82.3%). This approach has also enabled calculation of the sphere capture rates (2.4 × 10−3 to 9.6 × 10−5 s−1). These low capture rates indicate that the gel is extremely non‐adhesive towards the spheres, and a linear correlation with sphere form drag area (r2 = 1) was found. The pore sizes of the hydrated gel were observed via DIC light microscopy and the visible effective diameters corresponded very closely to the calculated values (11.66 vs. 11.76 µm). The diffusion/capture of inert spheres in the hydrogel can thus be described in a non‐destructive manner by straightforward application of phenomenological transport laws. This result is significant in that these laws were intended to describe macroscopic ensembles of very large numbers of particles in continuous media, not small numbers (i.e., hundreds) in discontinuous media. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1241–1249. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of Pulsation to Control Polydispersed Particle Flow in a New Type of Pulsed Column
Authors: Brunet L. , Prat L. , Casamatta G. , Carvin P.
Published: October 2007

New internals have been designed and implemented in a semi‐industrial continuous solid‐liquid pulsed column. By coupling these internals with a non‐sinusoidal pulsation, a better control of polydispersed solid particles is achieved. The pulsation is composed of a mixing step during which only the liquid flows through the column and an impulsion step designed to transport the solid phase from stage to stage. Solid and liquid phase behaviors are characterized thanks to residence time distribution measurements. This study demonstrates the strong impact of the pulsation and of the liquid flow rate during the impulsion in reducing particle segregation inside the pilot. The effects of operating parameters on the liquid phase are also investigated and the choice of an operating compromise is discussed to balance the advantages and drawbacks of the process.
Combinatorial and High‐Throughput Materials Science
Authors: Maier Wilhelm F. , Stoewe Klaus , Sieg Simone
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Extended producer responsibility and eco‐design changes: perspectives from China
Authors: Yu Jieqiong , Hills Peter , Welford Richard
Published: October 2007

The concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) has been incorporated into environmental policy by a growing number of governments. Inspired by EPR initiatives of the European Union, China has also enacted similar legislation, known as China RoHS and China WEEE. Despite high expectations, the actual influence of EPR legislation on product design changes remains ambiguous. Based on the findings of 36 questionnaires and in‐depth interviews with China's electrical and electronic (EE) manufacturers, this paper explores the responses of China's EE companies to China RoHS and WEEE and makes comparisons between responses to EPR legislation in the EU and China, building on the previous work of the authors. In order to evaluate the influence of EPR legislation in motivating environmental design changes, drivers and barriers for adopting eco‐design are also investigated. It is found that the impact of EPR regulations in China is low. There is little evidence that EPR has stimulated systematic eco‐design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
14‐3‐3ϵ Expression is induced during the critical period of thermal control establishment
Authors: Meiri Noam
Published: October 2007

Signal‐transduction mechanisms leading to neuronal plasticity involve a series of phosphorylation steps, which lead to transcription and de‐novo protein synthesis. However, it is not clear how the specificity of the signal transduction achieved. Here, we evaluated the role of 14‐3‐3ϵ, a chaperone of phosphorylation and cellular‐localization determination, in thermal control establishment, which represents hypothalamic plasticity, in chicks. As with other sensory mechanisms, there is a critical period in the development of temperature control. Neuroanatomically, body temperature is balanced by the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) and controlled by thermosensitive neurons. Hot or cold exposure during the critical period of temperature control development causes a plastic change in the ratio between hot‐ and cold‐sensitive cells and can modulate temperature tolerance throughout life. It has been found that both mRNA and protein of isoform 14‐3‐3ϵ, but not other 14‐3‐3 isoforms, are induced during hot and cold conditioning in the PO/AH, with a peak at 24 h of conditioning. To determine whether 14‐3‐3ϵ has a general role in neuronal plasticity, we checked its expression after passive avoidance learning in the relevant neuroanatomical areas, i.e. the mesopallium intermediomediale and the striatum mediale. It was established that in these areas its expression was not altered after learning. The present study suggests that the correlative induction of both 14‐3‐3ϵ mRNA and protein many hours after learning is involved in plasticity in the hypothalamus but not in passive avoidance‐related plasticity, which might indicate that specificity in the signal‐transduction mechanism is at least partially mediated by 14‐3‐3. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Electron Transfer and Molecular Recognition in Metallocene‐Containing Dendrimers
Authors: Kaifer Angel E.
Published: October 2007

This manuscript provides a summary of the relatively large body of research on the preparation and characterization of dendrimers containing (1) multiple copies of metallocene residues on their surfaces or (2) a single metallocene residue at their core. Special emphasis is placed on dendrimers functionalized with either ferrocene or cobaltocenium groups, because their reversible electrochemistry makes them particularly attractive to the author's group. Dendrimers containing multiple, peripheral metallocene residues are of interest to develop multivalent interactions with suitable receptors or receptor assemblies. With dendrimers containing a single metallocene at their cores, the key questions relate to the effects of the dendritic mass on their properties and degree of encapsulation or site isolation. We focused our work on the electrochemical properties of these dendrimers as well as on their use as guests in molecular recognition processes with freely diffusing hosts.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Lyn tyrosine kinase is required for P2X4 receptor upregulation and neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Tsuda Makoto , Tozaki‐Saitoh Hidetoshi , Masuda Takahiro , Toyomitsu Emika , Tezuka Tohru , Yamamoto Tadashi , Inoue Kazuhide
Published: October 2007

Neuropathic pain, a debilitating chronic pain following nerve damage, is a reflection of the aberrant functioning of a pathologically altered nervous system. One hallmark is abnormal pain hypersensitivity to innocuous stimuli (tactile allodynia), for which effective therapy is lacking, and the underlying mechanisms of which remain to be determined. Here we show that Lyn, a member of the Src family kinases (SFKs), plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Nerve injury, but not peripheral inflammation, increased immunoreactivity for active SFKs that were autophosphorylated in the kinase domain (phospho‐SFK‐IR) in spinal microglia. In spinally derived microglial cells, we identified Lyn as the predominant SFK among the five members (Src, Fyn, Yes, Lck, and Lyn) known to be expressed in the CNS. Lyn expression in the spinal cord was highly restricted to microglia, and its level was increased after nerve injury. We found that mice lacking lyn (lyn−/−) exhibit a striking reduction in the levels of phospho‐SFK‐IR and tactile allodynia after nerve injury, without any change in basal mechanical sensitivity or inflammatory pain. Importantly, lyn−/− mice displayed impaired upregulation of the ionotropic ATP receptor subtype P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) in the spinal cord after nerve injury, which is crucial for tactile allodynia. Microglial cells from lyn−/− mice showed a deficit in their ability to increase P2X4R expression in response to fibronectin, a factor implicated as a microglial P2X4R upregulator in allodynia. Together, our findings suggest that Lyn may be a critical kinase mediating nerve injury‐induced P2X4R upregulation and neuropathic pain. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcomes of community‐based social service interventions in homebound elders
Authors: Charlson Mary E. , Peterson Janey C. , Syat Beth L. , Briggs William M. , Kline Robin , Dodd Mary , Murad Velda , Dionne William
Published: October 2007

Objective

To document within‐client change in function and quality of life over 6 months, and determine whether social service interventions, comorbidity, depressive symptoms, social support and stress are predictors of within‐patient change.

Method

Assess homebound elderly referred for social services on depressive symptoms measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), comorbidity with the Charlson Index, and stress and support with the Duke instrument. Function was measured by the Functional Autonomy Scale (FAS), measuring Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADL), mobility, communication and mental function. The SF‐36 measured quality of life.

Results

Among 56 new homebound clients with an average age of 82, 33% had depressive symptoms at baseline (>7 on the GDS). At baseline clients were at or below 25th percentile for five of eight domains of the SF‐36, and mental and physical summary scores. Further at baseline, 90% had difficulties with mobility and IADLs; 61% had ADL limitations. At 6‐month follow‐up overall, 26% had depressive symptoms at follow‐up. Greater comorbidity was associated with more depressive symptoms at both baseline and follow‐up. By 6 months, 18% had deteriorated on the FAS, while 11% improved. More clients had changes in quality of life; regarding the physical component score, 13% had important deterioration, while 63% improved. Similarly, 33% declined on the mental component while 27% improved.

Conclusion

Among newly homebound elders, those with significant depressive symptoms are more likely to experience deterioration in function and quality of life over 6 months. However, those with more support showed significant improvement in the SF‐36 mental component scale at 6 months. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common neural systems for contact heat and laser pain stimulation reveal higher‐level pain processing
Authors: Helmchen Christoph , Mohr Christian , Roehl Meike , Bingel U. , Lorenz Juergen , Büchel Christian
Published: October 2007

Our current knowledge of pain‐related neuronal responses is largely based on experimental pain studies using contact heat or nontactile laser painful stimulation. Both stimuli evoke pain, yet they differ considerably in their physical and perceptual properties. In sensory cortex, cerebral responses to either stimulus should therefore substantially differ. However, given that both stimuli evoke pain, we hypothesized that at a certain subset of cortical regions the different physical properties of the stimuli become less important and are therefore activated by both stimuli. In contrast, regions with clearly dissociable activity may belong to “lower‐level” pain processing mechanisms depending on the physical properties of the administered stimuli. We used functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to intraindividually compare pain‐related activation patterns between laser and contact heat stimulation using four different intensities of laser and contact heat stimuli. Common and dissociable neural responses were identified by correlating perceived pain intensities with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes. Only neuronal responses to stimuli that were perceived as painful were analyzed. Pain‐related BOLD signal increases independent of stimulus modality were detected in the anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, medial secondary somatosensory cortex, and the prefrontal cortex. These similarities are likely to reflect higher‐level pain processing, which is largely independent of the single physical parameters that determine the painful nature of the stimuli. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The phenotype of hepatitis B virus–specific T cells differ in the liver and blood in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Chang Judy J. , Thompson Alexander J. V. , Visvanathan Kumar , Kent Stephen J. , Cameron Paul U. , Wightman Fiona , Desmond Paul , Locarnini Stephen A. , Lewin Sharon R.
Published: October 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cells play a key role in clearance of the virus and in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Peripheral blood (n = 25) and liver biopsies (n = 19) were collected from individuals with chronic untreated HBV infection. Whole blood, cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and cultured liver-infiltrating lymphocytes (LILs) were each stimulated with an overlapping peptide library to the whole HBV genome. The expression of T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines [interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 2 (IL-2)] and interleukin 10 (IL-10) was analyzed by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. In

ex vivo

whole blood, more lymphocytes produced Th1 cytokines than IL-10. When comparing cultured LILs with cultured PBMCs, we found a significantly higher magnitude of CD8+ T cells from the liver producing IL-10 (

P

= 0.044), primarily in hepatitis B e antigen positive (HBeAg+) individuals. A positive correlation resulted between the magnitude of HBV-specific TNF-α+ CD4+ T cells in the liver and the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis (

P

= 0.002 and

P

= 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion:

The differences in cytokine production from HBV-specific T cells in blood and liver may explain the capacity for HBV to persist in the absence of significant hepatic destruction and highlights the balance between cytokine-mediated viral control and liver damage.
Serotonergic functioning and trait‐impulsivity in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disordered boys (ADHD): influence of rapid tryptophan depletion
Authors: Zepf Florian Daniel , Stadler Christina , Demisch Lothar , Schmitt Marcus , Landgraf Meike , Poustka Fritz
Published: October 2007

Objective

The present study investigated the effects of rapid tryptophan depletion (RTD) and the ensuing reduction of central nervous levels of serotonin (5‐HT) on reactive aggression with respect to personality factors comprising aspects of trait‐impulsivity and ‐aggression in boys with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Twenty‐two male adolescent patients with ADHD received the RTD test on one day, and, on another day a tryptophan balanced placebo in a double‐blind within‐subject crossover design. Impulsive personality factors and trait‐impulsivity were assessed in advance of the study. Aggression was provoked using a competitive reaction time game 270 min after RTD/placebo intake.

Results

RTD had a significant effect on increased aggressive behaviour with which low‐grade impulsive patients responded. High‐grade impulsive patients were not affected by RTD or even responded with increased aggressive behaviour while receiving placebo treatment.

Conclusions

The present study supports the hypothesis that 5‐HT functioning in ADHD patients influences reactive aggression depending on aspects of trait‐impulsivity. Future studies are necessary in order to detect the specific influence of ADHD as regards the relevance to 5‐HT‐induced changed aggressive responding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total variation diminishing schemes for pollutant transport in porous media
Authors: Zouhri Lahcen , Smaoui Hassan , Carlier Erick
Published: October 2007

A bidimensional numerical model has been used in order to simulate the contaminant transport in the coastal groundwater area (Atlantic margin of the Rharb basin, Morocco). This groundwater is materialized by means of the salt contamination derived from several factors: evapotranspiration, lithological series formations, marine intrusion, and processes of interaction between water and rocks. In order to reduce the numerical diffusion and limit the numerical dispersion, we use the Superbee flux limiter as a total variation diminishing scheme to discretize the convective operator. This kind of discretization was applied to the coastal groundwater of the Rharb basin (Morocco). The results show that the Superbee flux limiter is efficient at drawing the path of the contaminant front with high accuracy. Consequently, this scheme could constitute an approach in water management and allows one to prevent the risks of pollution and to manage the groundwater resource from a durable development perspective. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The water balance of an Amazonian micro‐catchment: the effect of interannual variability of rainfall on hydrological behaviour
Authors: Tomasella Javier , Hodnett Martin G. , Cuartas Luz Adriana , Nobre Antonio D. , Waterloo Maarten J. , Oliveira Sylvia M.
Published: October 2007

In humid tropical systems, the large intraseasonal and interannual variability of rainfall can significantly affect all components of the water balance. This variability and the lack of detailed hydrological and meteorological data in both temporal and spatial scales have created uncertainties regarding the closure of the water balance for the Amazon basin. Previous studies in Amazonian micro‐catchments suggested that both the unsaturated and groundwater system, which are not taken into consideration in basin‐wide water budgets published in the literature, play an important role in controlling the timing of runoff generation.

In this paper, the components of the water balance and the variations in different storages within the system were examined using 3 years' data from a 6·58 km2 micro‐catchment in central Amazonia. The role and relative importance of the various stores were examined. The results show a strong memory effect in the groundwater system that carries over seasonal climate anomalies from one year to the next and affects the hydrological response well beyond the time span of the anomaly. In addition, the deep unsaturated zone was found to play a key role in reducing most of the intraseasonal variability and also affected the groundwater recharge. This memory effect is crucial for sustaining streamflow and evaporation in years with rainfall deficiency. The memory effect caused by storage in the groundwater and unsaturated systems may also prevent the closure of annual large‐scale water balances, which assume that storage returns to a standard state each year. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the hERG potassium channel in a phospholipid bilayer: Molecular dynamics and drug docking studies
Authors: Masetti Matteo , Cavalli Andrea , Recanatini Maurizio
Published: October 2007

The hERG potassium channel has recently been a matter of extensive studies both at experimental and computational levels, because of its possible involvement in the potentially lethal drug‐induced long QT syndrome. In this context, in the absence of an experimentally determined 3D structure, to acquire a detailed description of the channel pore and an understanding of atomic determinants for drug binding is of enormous interest at both academic and industrial levels. To contribute to this aim, we first built the open and closed states of the channel by homology modeling techniques, and then submitted both channel models to ns‐time‐scale MD simulations in explicit membrane. An in‐depth analysis of the dynamical behavior of the channel pore with particular attention to the cavity volume was carried out. Finally, using hERG conformations coming from MD simulations, docking experiments were performed to identify a possible binding mode for the most potent hERG channel blocker so far known, the antihistaminic drug astemizole. We show that the combined use of MD and docking is suitable to identify a possible binding mode of drugs in a fairly good agreement with experiments. Moreover, the exploitation of MD snapshots in the docking experiments allowed us to capture some induced‐fit effects related to the side chain conformations of Tyr652 and Phe656, which are residues playing a pivotal role in the hERG drug binding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Sonographically guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodule: Discrepancies between cytologic and histopathologic findings
Authors: Lee Young Hen , Lee Nam Joon , Kim Jung Hyuk , Suh Sang‐il , Kim Taik‐Kun , Song Jae Jun
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To analyze the discrepancies between the cytologic results of sonographically (US)‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules and final histopathologic results and to discuss the limitations of US‐guided FNA.

Materials and Methods

The results of US‐guided FNAs performed by a single experienced radiologist in 315 thyroid nodules in 292 patients (246 women, 46 men aged 12–79 years) were retrospectively correlated with their surgical pathologic results. The FNA results were classified as nondiagnostic, indeterminate, negative, or positive, whereas final pathologic diagnoses were classified as malignant or benign.

Results

The FNA results were nondiagnostic in 31 cases (9.8%), indeterminate in 97 cases (30.8%), and determinate in 187 cases (59.4%). Of the 187 conclusive cases, 169 (90.4%) were concordant with the final pathologic results, whereas 18 (9.6%) were discordant with 14 false‐positive and 4 false‐negative results. These discrepancies were caused by atypical nuclear features. Among the 97 indeterminate and 31 nondiagnostic cases, a malignancy was found in 14 (14.4%) and 8 (25.8%) cases, respectively. In addition, 10 papillary carcinomas, which were not visualized on sonograms, were detected incidentally in thyroidectomy specimens.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of US‐guided FNA of thyroid nodule has limitations that should be minimized by careful interpretation of the cytologic findings and accurate sampling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition of Poly(furfuryl methacrylate)
Authors: Chen Guohua , Gupta Malancha , Chan Kelvin , Gleason Karen K.
Published: October 2007

Furan ring‐functionalized solid surfaces are achieved by the initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) method, a solvent‐free process to form films under mild conditions. The polymerization of furfuryl methacrylate monomer is initiated by a resistively heated filament wire. The functionality of the furan group in the iCVD film enabled Diels–Alder chemistry with 4‐phenyl‐1,2,3‐triazolin‐3,5‐dione (N‐PTD).

magnified image
Energy substrates in bovine oviduct and uterine fluid and blood plasma during the oestrous cycle
Authors: Hugentobler S.A. , Humpherson P.G. , Leese H.J. , Sreenan J.M. , Morris D.G.
Published: October 2007

Up to 40 percent of cattle embryos die within 3 weeks of fertilization but there is little or no published information on the composition of the oviduct and uterine fluids essential for their survival during this time. We have measured the concentrations of the energy substrates, glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in cattle oviduct fluid on Days 0, 2, 4, and 6 and uterine fluid on Days 6, 8, and 14 of the oestrous cycle and corresponding blood samples. Oviduct and uterine fluids were collected in situ. Glucose concentrations in oviduct and uterine fluids were similar on all days and lower than in plasma (P < 0.05). Oviduct lactate concentration was up to eightfold higher than uterine or plasma concentration (P < 0.01). Oviduct pyruvate concentrations were similar on all days and lower than plasma concentrations on Days 0 and 2 (P < 0.005). Pyruvate concentrations were similar in the uterus and in plasma except on Day 14 when the concentration in plasma was higher (P < 0.05). There were no associations between systemic progesterone or oestradiol and glucose, lactate or pyruvate. There was a linear positive relationship (P < 0.001) between oviduct fluid secretion rate and oviduct glucose concentration and a linear negative relationship (P < 0.001) between oviduct fluid secretion rate and oviduct lactate, but no association between uterine fluid secretion rate and energy substrates. The different concentrations and associations between the energy substrates in oviduct and uterine fluids and blood plasma indicate a differential regulation of the secretion of these energy substrates by the oviduct and uterine epithelium. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 496–503, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of porcine growth differentiation factor‐9 and its expression in oocyte maturation
Authors: Lee Gab Sang , Kim Hye Soo , Hwang Woo Suk , Hyun Sang Hwan
Published: October 2007

During follicular development, the importance of the interaction between oocytes and somatic cells is well‐known for maturation oocyte. Growth differentiation factor‐9 (gdf‐9) is thought to play an important role in such process. In this study, we characterized porcine gdf‐9 gene and investigate its expression during development. Also we determined its expression by different hormones during in vitro oocyte maturation. Overall length of pig gdf‐9 cDNA was cloned and its presumptive protein sequence of isolated cDNA has high homology to human or mouse GDF‐9 sequences. The gdf‐9 transcript was expressed in all stage of preimplantation embryos and fetuses, and was also expressed in the heart, brain, cumulus cells, spleen, ovary, and testis. Porcine GDF‐9 protein was specifically localized in in vitro matured oocyte and oocytes from adult ovary. In order to investigate the potential regulator of gdf‐9 gene expression, expression level of gdf‐9 gene was determined using serum‐free in vitro maturation (IVM) system. Supplementing with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), or epidermal growth factor (EGF) did not affect level of gdf‐9 gene expression during ooycte maturation. In conclusion, porcine gdf‐9 gene is expressed in the porcine reproductive organ, especially in oocytes and embryos, and its expression is decreased during IVM. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 707–714, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of novel hybrid inorganic–organic hollow microspheres via a self‐template approach
Authors: Zhu Yan , Fu Jianwei , Zhu Lu , Tang Xiaozhen , Huang Xiaobin
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Hollow microspheres, especially biodegradable polymeric microspheres, have attracted considerable attention due to their particular characteristics. Up to now, microspheres have been prepared via various strategies, for instance the template synthesis method and the self‐assembly process. However, economic, novel and simple methods to prepare hollow microspheres are still being sought.

RESULTS: Phosphazene‐containing microspheres, which contain self‐assembled core‐shell structures, were prepared at high colloid contents using an ultrasonic bath via a self‐template approach. Along with the controlled self‐degradation of the internal core, the corresponding hybrid inorganic–organic hollow microspheres appeared. The mechanism was evidenced by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, cross‐polarization with magic angle spinning NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.

CONCLUSION: It was clarified that the phosphazene‐containing microspheres could be formed and stably dispersed without aggregation even at high colloid contents using the ultrasonic bath method and the microspheres contain self‐assembled core–shell structures. Along with the controlled self‐degradation of the internal core, the corresponding hollow microspheres appeared. The mechanism of this preparation is of great significance because it is completely different from the conventional template synthesis method and the self‐assembly process. The absence of any stabilizing agent and special templates might inspire creative imagination in the design of new morphologies of micro‐ and nanostructures. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Seismic fragility relationships of reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings
Authors: Ji Jun , Elnashai Amr S. , Kuchma Daniel A.
Published: October 2007

A complete methodology is presented for the seismic fragility assessment of reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings. The key steps of the methodology are illustrated through an example of the fragility assessment of an existing 54‐story building with a dual core wall system. The set of rigorously derived probabilistic fragilities are the first published for high‐rise reinforced concrete buildings. The inelastic nonlinear dynamic analyses for the fragility assessments are made using a simplified lumped‐parameter model that was derived from highly detailed FE models using genetic algorithms. New definitions for performance limit states were based on the results of detailed pushover analyses of a distributed inelastic nonlinear finite element model that includes shear–flexure–axial interaction effects. To develop the fragility relationships, 1800 dynamic response history analyses were conducted. This study considered uncertainty in structural material values as well as in seismic demand. Thirty strong motion records were selected for use in the analyses that would produce an appropriate range in structural response characteristics due to variation in magnitude, distance and site condition. The overall approach is generic and can be applied to developing computationally efficient and probabilistically‐based seismic fragility relationships for reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings of different configurations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured Surfaces of Metals and Polymers by Imprinting with Nanoporous Alumina
Authors: Schmid Günter , Levering Matthias , Sawitowski Thomas
Published: October 2007

Anodic oxidation of aluminium surfaces yields nanoporous films which can be applied as masks to structure various materials. Pore widths and lengths can be adjusted by the oxidation conditions. Polymers such as poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), silicone polyester coated surfaces as well as the metals aluminium, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, copper, silver, zinc, and brass have successfully been nanostructured.Commercially available press devices have been applied using pressures between ca. 100 and 1000 MPa, depending on the hardness of the corresponding material. The structure of the masks is 1:1 transferred onto polymer or metal surfaces. The quality of the imprinted surfaces depends mainly on the quality of the material's surface to be imprinted, since any kind of roughness or pre‐structuring is transferred to the new surface. Optical properties of several of the nanostructured surfaces have been investigated as well as the change of the wetting behaviour of PTFE. Pillars on silver surfaces, generated by imprinting, behave like nanoparticles of appropriate size, i. e. they exhibit plasmon resonances in the UV‐vis spectra. The wavelengths depend characteristically on the size of the structure units. Imprinted glassy polymers show a different light transmission, compared with non‐imprinted surfaces. This effect can be used to improve their reflection behaviour.
Synthesis and Properties of Nickel(II) Complexes Containing Trimethylphosphine and Thiophenolato‐Ligands
Authors: Cao Ruixia , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Hongjian
Published: October 2007

The reaction of thiophenols with [NiMe2(PMe3)3] yields thiophenolato nickel(II) complexes trans‐[Ni(SAr)2(PMe3)2] (Ar = phenyl (1), 2‐methylphenyl (2) and 4‐methoxyphenyl (3)) with tetracoordinated nickel atoms. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The three complexes show trans square planar arrangement of the donor atoms. The mechanism of formation is proposed and discussed. In addition the intermediate methyl thiophenolato nickel(II) complex, [Ni(SAr)(PMe3)2Me] (Ar = phenyl) (4) was isolated in the case of thiophenol.
Me3Si–SeS–SiMe3: A Reagent for the Synthesis of the Mixed Sulfo‐Selenide Cluster [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24]
Authors: Turner Elizabeth A. , Huang Yining , Corrigan John F.
Published: October 2007

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the first silylated mixed‐chalcogen reagent, Me3Si–SeS–SiMe3, is presented. This reagent is shown to be an effective and efficient delivery source of both sulfur and selenium as demonstrated in the synthesis of a [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24] (x ≈ 15) cluster. The reaction proceeds with chalcogen‐chalcogen bond cleavage and the resulting X‐ray crystal structure of [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24] illustrates the intimate mixing of sulfur and selenium within the cluster core.
Trovacene Chemistry. 16, 1,1a‐Di([5]trovacenyl)‐1,1,1a,1a‐tetraphenyl‐disiloxane: Electro‐ and Magneto‐Communication Across a Si‐O‐Si Spacer
Authors: Elschenbroich Christoph , Lu Feng , Burghaus Olaf , Harms Klaus , Nowotny Mathias
Published: October 2007

By means of lithiation and subsequent derivatization [5]trovacenyl‐diphenylsilanol (2·), di([5]trovacenyl)tetraphenyl‐disiloxane (3··), di([5]trovacenyl)tetramethyl‐disiloxane (4··) and di([5]trovacenyldimethylsilyl)methane (6··) have been prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (2·, 3··, 6··). Although the bond angles of the disiloxane bridges differ considerably, magnetic exchange interaction in these organometallic diradicals is practically unaffected as shown by fluid solution EPR spectroscopy. By way of contrast, electrocommunication clearly responds to change in the structure of the SiOSi spacer in that the redox splittings derived from cyclic voltammetry display the gradation δE1/2 (0/–/2–) 4·· < 6·· < 3··. It is proposed that in this order electronic polarizability in the intervening spacer increases thereby facilitating the transmission of electrostatic effects.
Factors Affecting the Upward Mobility of Black Managers in Private Sector Organizations
Authors: Nkomo Stella M. , Cox Taylor
Published: October 2007

Compared to the 1970s blacks made less progress in moving into the managerial occupational category in the private sector during the 1980s decade. This study utilized a model of intrafirm mobility to examine the factors affecting the upward mobility of black managers in private sector organizations. Results indicated that line position experience, company seniority, mentor assistance, organization size, and the rate of job vacancies were the best predictors of management promotions. Implications of these findings for the economic prosperity of the black community are discussed.
Black Business Ownership in the Rural South
Authors: O'Hare William P.
Published: October 2007

The relatively low business ownership rate among blacks nationwide (12.5 per 1,000 people) is even lower in the rural South (8.8 per 1,000). This study uses Census Bureau data to document the level of business ownership among blacks in the rural South and to explore a number of hypotheses regarding the low level of business ownership among rural blacks and the variation from state to state. The size of the black population in the rural areas of a state is negatively correlated with the rural black business ownership rate in the state, while the education level, income level and homeownership level of blacks in rural areas of a state is positively correlated with the rural black business ownership rate. However, it appears that statewide economic conditions may be more closely related to the level of rural black business ownership than are characteristics of rural blacks.
The Declining Relative Economic Status of Black Families
Authors: Cotton Jeremiah
Published: October 2007

Data are presented on black family income and wealth that run counter to the claims that blacks have made substantial economic progress in recent years. The evidence reveals that not only has there been little in the way of real, sustained advances but that what few gains have been made are starting to erode.
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations Renegotiating a Post‐Prophylactic Mastectomy Identity: Self‐Image and Self‐Disclosure.
Authors: Kenen Regina H. , Shapiro Pamela J. , Hantsoo Liisa , Friedman Susan , Coyne James C.
Published: October 2007

The Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) website is devoted to women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. One of the most frequently discussed topics on the archived messaged board has been prophylactic mastectomy (PM) for women with a BRCA1/2 mutation. We reviewed the messages, over a 4 year period, of 21 high risk women and their “conversational” partners who originally posted on a thread about genetic testing, genetic counseling and family history. We used a qualitative research inductive process involving close reading, coding and identification of recurrent patterns, relationships and processes in the data. The women sought emotional support, specific experiential knowledge and information from each other. They frequently found revealing their post PM status problematic because of possible negative reactions and adopted self‐protective strategies of evasion and concealment outside of their web‐based community. The FORCE message board was considered to be a safe place in which the women could be truthful about their choices and feelings. Results are discussed in terms of Goffman's concepts “stigma” and “disclosure” and Charmaz's concepts “interruptions,” “intrusions” and a “dreaded future.”
A review of feral cat control
Authors: Robertson Sheilah A.
Published: October 2007

Animal overpopulation including feral cats is an important global problem. There are many stakeholders involved in the feral cat debate over ‘what to do about the problem’, including those who consider them a nuisance, the public at risk from zoonotic disease, people who are concerned about the welfare of feral cats, those concerned with wildlife impacts, and the cats themselves. How best to control this population is controversial and has ranged from culling, relocation, and more recently ‘trap neuter return’ (TNR) methods. Data support the success of TNR in reducing cat populations, but to have a large impact it will have to be adopted on a far greater scale than it is currently practised. Non-surgical contraception is a realistic future goal. Because the feral cat problem was created by humans, concerted educational efforts on responsible pet ownership and the intrinsic value of animals is an integral part of a solution.
Immunonutrition in surgical and critically ill patients
Authors: Calder Philip C.
Published: October 2007

Surgery, trauma, burns and injury induce an inflammatory response that can become excessive and damaging in some patients. This hyperinflammation can be followed by an immunosuppressed state which increases susceptibility to infection. The resulting septic syndromes are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A range of nutrients are able to modulate inflammation (and the associated oxidative stress) and to maintain or improve immune function. These include several amino acids, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, long-chain n-3 fatty acids and nucleotides. Experimental studies support a role for each of these nutrients in surgical, injured or critically ill patients. There is good evidence that glutamine influences immune function in such patients and that this is associated with clinical improvement. Evidence is also mounting for the use of long-chain n-3 fatty acids in surgical and septic patients, but more evidence of clinical efficacy is required. Mixtures of antioxidant vitamins and minerals are also clinically effective, especially if they include selenium. Their action appears not to involve improved immune function, although an anti-inflammatory mode of action has not been ruled out. Enteral immunonutrient mixtures, usually including arginine, nucleotides and long-chain n-3 fatty acids, have been used widely in surgical and critically ill patients. Evidence of efficacy is good in surgical patients. However whether these same mixtures are beneficial, or should even be used, in critically ill patients remains controversial, since some studies show increased mortality with such mixtures. There is a view that this is due to a high arginine content driving nitric oxide production.