bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond skin feel: innovative methods for developing complex sensory profiles with silicones
Authors: Van Reeth Isabele
Published: April 2006

In today's competitive skin care market, formulators strive to meet consumer demand for products that combine performance with superior esthetics. Although skin feel has always been a key esthetic parameter, consumers increasingly select products based on a more complete sensory experience, including texture, scent, visual esthetics in the container, tactile effects on application, and the performance of active ingredients such as vitamins or sunscreen.
Analysis of Nodular Cast Iron Microstructures for Micromechanical Model Development
Authors: Nicoletto G. , Collini L. , Konečná R. , Riva E.
Published: April 2006

Abstract:  One of the main factors in determining the different grades of ductile iron is the matrix structure. In the as‐cast condition, the matrix will consist of varying proportions of pearlite and ferrite, and as the amount of pearlite increases, the strength and hardness of the iron also increase. Three different nodular cast irons are here considered and their microstructure characterised in detail using metallographic methods. Then micromechanics models based on the unit cell approach and the finite element method are introduced to describe the actual constitutive response of the materials and the predicted behaviours are compared with experiments.
Seagrass Planting in the Southeastern United States: Methods for Accelerating Habitat Development
Authors: Fonseca Mark S. , Kenworthy W. J. , Courtney F. X. , Hall M. O.
Published: April 2006

Seagrass transplanting experiments were conducted in Back Sound, Carteret County, North Carolina, and Tampa Bay, Pinellas County, Florida. In Florida, we compared three planting methods (cores, stapled bare root, and peat‐pot plugs) for shoot addition rate coverage, and labor cost (harvest, fabrication, and deployment) using Halodule wrightii. Only planting methods and development rates were recorded for Syringodium filiforme. Fertilizer additions were made to peat‐pot plantings of H. wrightii and Zostera marina in both North Carolina and Florida. Exclosure cages were tested to attempt to minimize bioturbation of H. wrightii and Z. marina in both North Carolina and Florida. Recovery from harvesting impacts to existing, natural beds of S. filiforme and H. wrightii were assessed in Florida. The peat‐pot method was about 35% and 63% less expensive in work time than staples and core tubes, respectively. Response to fertilizer additions was masked by inconsistent release properties of the fertilizer, although some indication of positive response to phosphorus fertilizer in sediments with low carbonate content, and nitrogen in general, was detected. Complete loss of peat pots, largely ascribed to bioturbation, occurred in a large planting (Tampa Bay) but not in nearby smaller ones where exclosure cages were used. Cages did not affect planting unit survival in North Carolina but did improve number of shoots per planting unit in one of three experiments. No detrimental effects of cages were noted. Existing natura beds used to harvest transplanting stock in Tampa Bay recovered from excavations as large as 0.5 m2 in one year. Significant cost savings were found to be possible through methodological improvement, including planting techniques, bioturbation exclusion, and possibly fertilizer additions.
After‐Ripening in Festuca idahoensis Seeds: Adaptive Dormancy and Implications for Restoration
Authors: Goodwin Jay R. , Doescher Paul S. , Eddleman Lee E.
Published: April 2006

Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) was a common native perennial bunchgrass in the sagebrush steppe of the western United States until the introductions of domestic livestock and alien plants. Restoration of Idaho fescue to degraded sites will likely involve reseeding, and one of the factors affecting reseeding success is germinability of the seeds employed. We investigated effects of after‐ripening and storage temperature on germinability of Idaho fescue seeds collected from a central Oregon site. Six months of after‐ripening were required before maximum germination was obtained. Storage of dry seeds at either room temperature (20°C) or at cooler, alternating temperatures (5/15°C) did not alter the rate at which dormancy was lost. Storage at the warmer temperature promoted rapid germination in seeds that had broken dormancy. Seed longevity varied greatly from year to year. Seeds produced in a very dry year had poorer germination and shorter longevity than seeds produced during a year with near normal precipitation. Because seed dispersal occurs in late July and early August for Idaho fescue in central Oregon, a six‐month after‐ripening requirement ensures that the greatest potential germination coincides with the spring period most likely to provide sufficient moisture for seedling establishment.
Restoration Strategies for Coral Reefs Damaged by Recreational Activities: The Use of Sexual and Asexual Recruits
Authors: Rinkevich Baruch
Published: April 2006

The unique marine ecosystems of coral reefs express varying levels of degradation as a result of increasing anthropogenic pressures. This is the main reason why more than 200 coral reef localities were proclaimed as natural reserves or marine parks under varying legislation, rules, and monitoring and management programs. Ironically, the conventional management plans increased accessibility to many reef localities and enhanced dramatically the impact of tourism on reef habitats. Recreational activities including SCUBA and skin diving, fishing, human trampling, sediment re‐suspension, and other damage caused by “innocent” visitors are causing a rapid deterioration of many reefs. Their destruction requires years and decades for full recovery. I propose to rehabilitate such damaged habitats by the alternate strategy of “gardening coral reefs” with asexual and sexual recruits. Coral branches, colony fragments, and whole small colonies (asexual recruits) and laboratory or in situ settled planula‐larvae (sexual recruits) are designed to be transplanted into denuded reefs for restoration. This approach is further improved when the sexual and asexual recruits are maricultured in situ within special protected areas, before being transplanted. The use of sexual recruits ensures an increase in genetic diversity. I discuss several methodologies and results already accumulated showing the applicability of this gardening strategy for rehabilitation of denuded coral reefs. This restoration strategy should be integrated with proper management similar to that of already established reforestation in terrestrial habitats. The best candidates for employing this strategy are the fast‐growing coral species, usually branching forms and species that brood their planulae larvae.
Hierarchies and Landscape History: Dialoguing with Hobbs and Norton
Authors: Aronson James , Le Floc'h Edouard
Published: April 2006

Restoration ecology… is far more than merely the development of restoration protocols. It has much to offer the rest of ecology in the very fundamental matter of clarity of definition.

Allen & Hoekstra (1987)
Prairie Revegetation of a Strip Mine in Illinois: Fifteen Years after Establishment
Authors: Corbett Erica A. , Anderson Roger C. , Rodgers Cassandra S.
Published: April 2006

We examined the long‐term success of prairie planting on a former strip mine in northeastern Illinois. The site was reclaimed and planted with prairie species in the 1970s. Total biomass increased over time, largely as a result of an increase in biomass of non‐prairie species. Biomass of prairie species remained unchanged because of an increase in Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) offsetting decreases in Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass). Total biomass was less than values published for other restored prairies (78 ± 4 g/m2to 298 ± 72 g/m2 for our site, as opposed to 302‐489 g/m2 for the Trelease Prairie). Mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP) was variable across the site. There were also relatively few species of mycorrhizal fungi present as spores. Gigaspora sp., Scutellospora sp., Glomus sp., Glomus geosporum, and Glomus cf. fasciculatum were identified from spores. On a transect dominated by warm‐season (C4) prairie grasses, MIP of rhizosphere soil collected under these species was lower than the MIP of rhizosphere soil collected under exotic cool‐season (C3) grasses on a transect dominated by C3 species. On a transect with mixed warm‐and cool‐season vegetation, however, MIP did not differ under the two vegetation types. These results suggest that within‐site patchiness rather than cover type is influencing MIP. Values of MIP were lower than those reported for native Illinois prairie.
Workplace Absenteeism and Aspects of Access to Health Care for Individuals With Migraine Headache
Authors: Lofland Jennifer H. , Frick Kevin D.
Published: April 2006

Objectives.—(1) To examine the relationship between access to care and the number of missed workdays, and (2) to determine how this relationship is confounded by the presence of having health insurance and health care use among migraineurs.

Design/Methods.—This retrospective, pooled, cross‐sectional study used 1996 to 1999 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Employed migraineurs who were between 18 and 65 years of age were included. Individuals reporting a neoplastic or an acute pain condition were excluded. An access to care index was developed using Rasch Partial Credit Analysis. A 2‐part model was used to estimate the annual number of missed workdays.

Results.—Of the 703 migraineurs, 538 (77%) reported missing work time. Of those who missed work, the mean (SE) annual number of missed workdays was 4.4 (.39). A higher level of access to care (P= .025) and presence of depression (P= .033) were significantly associated with missing a greater number of workdays. We created a proxy for migraine severity based on migraine‐related prophylactic medication use and hospitalization(s). Severe migraines were significantly (OR = 2.01, SE = .51, P= .006) associated with an increased likelihood to miss workdays. When health insurance was included in the model, a higher level of access to care was significantly associated with the increased likelihood to miss workdays (OR = 1.04, SE = .021, P= .05). From the original model, the odds ratio (1.035 to 1.040) and the SE (.020 to .021) increased slightly. When health care use was included in the model and health insurance was removed, (1) emergency department visits were significantly (P= .006) associated with missing a greater number of workdays, and (2) access to care was significantly associated with missing a greater number of workdays (P= .028). When having health insurance and health care use were simultaneously included in the model, a higher level of access to care was significantly associated with greater likelihood to miss work (OR = 1.040, SE = .0212, P= .05) and missing a greater number of workdays (P= .005). However, a change of 1 standard deviation in the score would be associated with a 12% change in the odds to miss work and only 8 percentage points change in the number of missed workdays.

Conclusions.—Contrary to expectations, a higher level of access to care is significantly associated with an increased likelihood to miss work and with missing a greater number of workdays. Depression, migraine severity, and health care use are important explanatory variables. Having health insurance may be a confounder between access to care and workplace absenteeism.
In Situ and Ex Vivo Evaluation of an Arthroscopic Indentation Instrument to Estimate the Health Status of Articular Cartilage in the Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Authors: BROMMER HAROLD , LAASANEN MIKKO S. , BRAMA PIETER A. J. , VAN WEEREN P. RENé , HELMINEN HEIKKI J. , JURVELIN JUKKA S.
Published: April 2006

Objective—To evaluate an arthroscopic indentation instrument (Artscan 200) for assessment of the health status of equine articular cartilage.

Study Design—In vitro experiment using equine isolated proximal phalanx (P1) specimens.

Sample Population—P1 specimens from 39 horses (aged 1.5–22 years).

Methods—Reproducibility was tested by determination of the coefficient of variation (CV). Dynamic modulus and cartilage degeneration index (CDI) values were measured at 2 predefined sites (site 1, joint margin; site 2, joint center) to assess the accuracy and to evaluate the relation with surface integrity.

Results—CV was 9.0%. A significant decrease in indenter force was identified when dynamic modulus values decreased to <2.5 MPa (range of tested samples 0.9–8.1 MPa) and when CDI values at site 1 increased to >50% (range 5.4–72.8%).

Conclusions—Technique reproducibility was adequate but accuracy was limited. The device identified degeneration‐associated decreases in cartilage stiffness only when the mechanical properties of the cartilage were considerably changed.

Clinical Relevance—Usefulness of this indentation instrument during arthroscopic surgery would be limited in the initial phase of OA‐like cartilage degeneration, but may yield important information in more advanced OA.
Surgery of Metastatic Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma in Five Dogs
Authors: HOBSON HOWARD PHIL , BROWN MARJORIE RAQUEL , ROGERS KENITA S.
Published: April 2006

Objective— To identify survival and morbidity information after surgery for metastases from apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGACA).

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Five dogs with AGACA.

Methods— Medical records of dogs that had surgery for treatment of metastatic AGACA between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion required that dogs had lymphadenectomy, with or without further debulking, as part of their treatment for metastatic AGACA and that the tissue was histologically confirmed as consistent with the primary AGACA. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, imaging findings, surgical complications, number of surgeries, survival times, and cause of death were recorded. All dogs had a complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, serum electrolytes, 3‐projection thoracic radiographs, abdominal radiographs and/or abdominal ultrasonography, and histologic confirmation of metastatic AGACA invading the regional lymph nodes and caudal abdomen.

Results— No surgical complications occurred. Three dogs were euthanatized; median survival, 20.6 months. One dog was alive for 19 months postoperatively. One dog had 5 sequential surgical procedures: 1 iliac lymphadenectomy and 4 debulking procedures of metastatic neoplastic tissue around and dorsal to the iliac vessels extending into the pelvic cavity, and was alive 54 months after initial surgery.

Conclusion— Dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma metastases to the iliac lymph nodes can experience long‐term survival after surgical excision of the metastatic lesion.

Clinical Relevance— Lymphadenectomy may afford long‐term survival to patients with metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma.
Arthroscopic Approaches to the Palmar Aspect of the Equine Carpus
Authors: CHEETHAM JONATHAN , NIXON ALAN J.
Published: April 2006

Objective—To identify sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the antebrachiocarpal (AC) and middle carpal (MC) joints, and describe visible carpal bone surfaces for each approach.

Study Design—Prospective experimental study.

Animals—Equine carpi: 16 cadavers, 8 live horses.

Methods—A latex model was used to identify possible sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the AC and MC joints. Carpi (n=24) were examined arthroscopically and arthroscopic access sites and visible carpal bone surfaces were described.

Results—Arthroscopic approaches and instrument portals were developed for the medial and lateral aspects of the palmar pouches of the AC and MC joints. The palmar surface of the radial carpal bone and radius, and the dorsal articular surfaces of the accessory carpal bone, could be viewed using palmar approaches to the AC joint. The palmar aspect of the radial, third and second carpal bones (medially) and ulnar and fourth carpal bones (laterally) could be observed using a palmar approach to the MC joint.

Conclusions—Arthroscopic access, using separate medial and lateral portals to the AC and MC joints, allowed assessment of portions of the caudodistal radius, the palmar surfaces of the radial, ulnar, second, third and fourth carpal bones, and the dorsal aspect of the accessory carpal bone.

Clinical Relevance—Arthroscopic approaches to the palmar aspect of the carpus could be used to remove fracture fragments, and to assess the medial palmar intercarpal ligaments.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bone Regeneration
Authors: KRAUS KARL H. , KIRKER‐HEAD CARL
Published: April 2006

Objective— To review the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in bone formation and regeneration, and outline the development of strategies that use MSC in bone healing and regeneration.

Study Design— Literature review.

Methods— Medline review, synopses of authors' published research.

Results— The MSC is the basic cellular unit of embryologic bone formation. Secondary bone healing mimics bone formation with proliferation of MSC then their differentiation into components of fracture callus. Bone regeneration, where large amounts of bone must form, mimics bone healing and can be achieved with MSC combined with strategies of osteogenesis, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteopromotion. MSC based strategies first employed isolated and culture expanded stem cells in an osteoconductive carrier to successfully regenerate a critical segmental defect in the femur of dogs, which was as effective as autogenous cancellous bone. Because MSC appeared to be immunologically privileged, a study using mismatched allogeneic stem cells demonstrated that these cells would regenerate bone without inciting an immunologic response, documenting the possibility of banked allogeneic MSC for bone regeneration. A technique was developed for selectively retaining MSC from large bone marrow aspirates at surgery for bone regeneration. These techniques utilized osteoconductive and osteoinductive carriers and resulted in bone regeneration that was similar to autogenous cancellous bone.

Conclusion— MSC can be manipulated and combined with carriers that will result in bone regeneration of critically sized bone defects.

Clinical Relevance— These techniques can be employed clinically to regenerate bone and serve as an alternative to autogenous cancellous bone.
Median Sternotomy Closure in Dogs: A Mechanical Comparison of Technique Stability
Authors: DAVIS KECHIA M. , ROE SIMON C. , MATHEWS KYLE G. , MENTE PETER L.
Published: April 2006

Objective— To evaluate the mechanical properties of canine median sternotomy closure using double‐loop cerclage compared with other commonly used cerclage sternotomy closure patterns.

Study Design— Experimental study.

Sample Population— Forty canine cadaveric sternal segments.

Methods— Median sternotomy‐wire constructs were loaded to failure in a materials testing machine. Each construct was radiographed before and after testing. Specific wire configurations tested were: 2 single twist cerclage centered on the sternebrae, single twist figure of 8 pattern centered on the sternal synchondrosis, double twist figure of 8 pattern centered on the sternal synchondrosis, 2 double‐loop cerclage centered on the sternebrae, and 1 double‐loop cerclage centered on the sternal synchondrosis. Wire configurations were compared by craniocaudal translation of sternabrae on pre‐test radiographs, and displacement during loading, and mode of failure, based on analysis of test video, and post‐test radiographs.

Results— Double‐loop cerclage did not provide superior mechanical stabilization of median sternotomy. Both figure of 8 patterns had the least displacement at higher loads. Two single twists that were centered on sternebrae were least able to prevent displacement at higher loads, caused the most craniocaudal translation before testing, and fractured more often at loads ≤200 N compared with other configurations.

Conclusion— Sternal wiring techniques stabilizing sternal synchondroses had the least displacement. Overall, figure of 8 cerclage appeared most suitable because they minimized displacement at high loads and facilitated accurate reduction during tensioning.

Clinical Relevance— In closing canine sternotomy, figure of 8 cerclage may be most suitable. Double‐loop cerclage centered on the sternal synchondrosis should be avoided because of wire failure at high loads.
Development of the Insect Pathogenic Alga Helicosporidium
Authors: BLÄSKE‐LIETZE VERENA‐ULRIKE , SHAPIRO ALEXANDRA M. , DENTON JOHN S. , BOTTS MICHAEL , BECNEL JAMES J. , BOUCIAS DRION G.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT. This study examined the morphogenesis and replication dynamics of the different life stages (cysts, filamentous cells, vegetative cells) of Helicosporidium sp., a non‐photosynthetic, entomopathogenic alga. The isolate (SjHe) used originated from an infected black fly larva. Filamentous cell transformation into vegetative cells and autosporulation during vegetative cell replication were observed under controlled in vitro conditions. The transformation process was initiated by a partial swelling of the filamentous cell along with the reorganization of the nuclear material. Two subsequent nuclear and cell divisions resulted in the release of 4 rod‐shaped daughter cells, which divided into oval to spherical vegetative cells. These underwent several cycles of autosporogenic cell division. Multiple‐passaged vegetative cell cultures formed non‐motile, adherent cell clusters (palmelloid colonies). Vegetative replication dynamics were also observed in 2 experimental noctuid hosts, Spodoptera exigua and Helicoverpa zea. The average density of helicosporidial cells produced per microliter hemolymph exceeded cell concentrations obtained in vitro by 15‐ and 46‐fold in S. exigua and H. zea, respectively. Cyst morphogenesis was only observed in the hemolymph, whereas no cysts differentiated at various in vitro conditions.
Prognostic value of cyclin D1, p27, and p63 in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Kövesi György , Szende Béla
Published: April 2006

Background:  Studies on the expression of genes regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis are essential to help better understand the severity and possible malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia.

Methods:  The characteristics of cyclin D1, p27, and p63 were investigated in this microscopic study, complementing our previous results with Ki67, p53, and the apoptosis index.

Clinical and histologic as well as immunohistochemical studies were carried out on oral leukoplakia of 18 patients. Homogenous, or non‐homogenous (nodular or speckled) and erythroleukoplakia were determined clinically. Pathologic classification was performed according to the degree of dysplasia.

Immunoperoxidase reaction for cyclin D1, p27, and p63 was carried out on the biopsy specimens and the positivity of the reactions was calculated for 1000 epithelial cells.

Results:  The expression of cyclin D1 increased in parallel with the severity of leukoplakia. The p27 index was 14–16% in homogenous and nodular leukoplakias but it was substantially lower to 1–2% in erythroleukoplakia. The p63 index was 10% in homogenous, 5% in nodular or speckled, but nearly 20% in erythroleukoplakia, on the average.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the characteristic expression of cyclin D1, p27, and p63 in various forms of leukoplakia may be of prognostic value.
Reduced syndecan‐1 expression is correlated with the histological grade of malignancy at the deep invasive front in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kurokawa Hideo , Zhang Min , Matsumoto Shinobu , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Tanaka Toshiko , Takamori Koichi , Igawa Kaori , Yoshida Maho , Fukuyama Hiroshi , Takahashi Tetsu , Sakoda Sumio
Published: April 2006

Background:  Although many histopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma (O‐SCC) have been identified as prognostic factors, no factor is completely accurate and unequivocal. This study evaluated the association between the loss of syndecan‐1 expression and the histological grade of malignancy at the deep invasive front in O‐SCC.

Methods:  The expression of syndecan‐1 at the invasive tumor front of O‐SCC was examined immunohistochemically using archived tissue from 72 cases. The mean age of the patients was 62.5 years (range: 23–90 years) and the male–female ratio was 1.3:1 (41 men, 31 women). There were 26, 24, 11, and 11 cases classified as stages I–IV respectively. The correlation between the intensity of syndecan‐1 immunostaining and the clinicopathological factors, especially the histological grade of malignancy at the deep invasive front (invasive front grade) was analyzed.

Results:  Of the 72 cases, seven (9.7%), 29 (40.3%), 36 (50.0%) showed strong, intermediate, and weak or negative syndecan‐1 staining respectively. There were significant differences between syndecan‐1 expression and prognosis, differentiation, and pattern of invasion at the deep invasive front. Moreover, the invasive front grade scores, based on the intensity of syndecan‐1 staining, were 5.6 ± 1.0, 8.0 ± 2.1, and 10.2 ± 2.3 points with strong, intermediate, and weak or negative intensity respectively; and the difference was significant (P < 0.0001). Patients with intermediate or strong intensity for syndecan‐1 had significantly better prognoses than did those with negative or weak intensity (P = 0.0138).

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that the reduced expression of syndecan‐1 seems to be a useful marker of histological malignancy at the deep tumor invasive front and may be a useful prognostic factor in O‐SCC.
Personality analysis of patients complaining of sialorrhoea
Authors: Lamey P.‐J. , Clifford T. J. , El‐Karim I. A. , Cooper C.
Published: April 2006

Background:  Sialorrhoea, the symptom of apparent excessive secretion of saliva is a relatively uncommon complaint. Some authors consider that in the absence of clinical findings, then these patients have a psychiatric disorder masquerading as a physical illness. However, there is little evidence in the literature to support this conclusion and a detailed psychological assessment of this population has not previously been reported.

Methods:  In total, 18 patients and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were studied. All had a history of a complaint of excess salivation in the absence of any oral mucosal or systemic abnormality. All patients completed an Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

Results:  There were no differences in the extroversion of psychoticism scores between the study and control group. However, the result showed significant increases in the neuroticism and Lie Scale score in the patient group.

Conclusions:  The overall results of this study indicate that the complaint of sialorrhoea in otherwise healthy individuals does not have an organic basis and suggest that sialorrhoea is associated with high levels of neuroticism and a tendency to dissimulate.
Parotid carcinoma: expression of kit protein and epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Sørensen Kristine Bjørndal , Godballe Christian , Stricker Karin de , Krogdahl Annelise
Published: April 2006

Objectives:  Our aim is to investigate the expression of kit protein (KIT) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in parotid carcinomas in order to correlate the expression to histology and prognosis. Further we want to perform mutation analysis of KIT‐positive adenoid cystic carcinomas.

Patients and Methods:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections from 73 patients with parotid gland carcinomas were used for the study. The sections were stained with both KIT and EGFR polyclonal antibodies. Twelve KIT‐positive adenoid cystic carcinomas were examined for c‐kit mutation in codon 816.

Results:  Of all carcinomas 25% were KIT‐positive and 79% were EGFR‐positive. Ninety‐two percentage of the adenoid cystic carcinomas were KIT‐positive. None of the adenoid cystic carcinomas had mutations in codon 816 of the c‐kit gene.

Conclusion:  Neither KIT‐ nor EGFR‐expression seem to harbour significant prognostic information. Adenoid cystic carcinomas express KIT, but no mutations in codon 816 of the c‐kit gene were identified.
The use of surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to detect putative breast cancer markers in saliva: a feasibility study
Authors: Streckfus Charles F. , Bigler Lenora R. , Zwick Michael
Published: April 2006

Background:  Technologies are now available enabling saliva to be used to diagnose disease, predict disease progression, and monitor therapeutic efficacy. This pilot study describes the use of surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI) to detect putative breast cancer markers in saliva.

Methods:  Salivary specimens were analyzed as either pooled cancer saliva specimens, or individual specimens from healthy women and women diagnosed with carcinoma of the breast. The specimens were applied to a variety of protein chip arrays, washed extensively to remove unbound analytes and analyzed on a SELDI mass spectrometer.

Results:  The results of this initial study suggest that the WCX protein chip array prepared and washed at pH 3.5 yielded the most promising results. Additionally, the analyses revealed a number of proteins that were higher in intensity among the cancer subjects when compared with controls. These salivary proteins were present at the 18, 113, 170, 228 and 287 km/z ranges using SELDI analyses.

Conclusions:  The study suggests that saliva may be useful for high‐throughput biomarker discovery.
Methods of filling root canals: principles and practices
Authors: WHITWORTH JOHN
Published: April 2006

Contemporary research points to infection control as the key determinant of endodontic success. While epidemiological surveys indicate that success is most likely in teeth which have been densely root‐filled to within 2 mm of root‐end, it is unclear whether the root canal filling itself is a key determinant of outcome. It is also unclear how different materials and methods employed in achieving a ‘satisfactory’ root filling may impact on outcome. This article provides an overview of current principles and practices in root canal filling and strives to untangle the limited and often contradictory research of relevance to clinical practice and performance.
Identification of GAS‐dependent interferon‐sensitive target genes whose transcription is STAT2‐dependent but ISGF3‐independent
Authors: Brierley Melissa M. , Marchington Katie L. , Jurisica Igor , Fish Eleanor N.
Published: April 2006

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) is best known as a critical transactivator component of the interferon‐stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex that drives the expression of many interferon (IFN)‐inducible genes. However, STAT2 is also involved in DNA binding in non‐ISGF3 transcriptional complexes. We used a DNA microarray to survey the expression of genes regulated by IFN‐inducible, STAT2‐dependent DNA binding, and compared the cDNAs of IFN‐treated cells overexpressing intact STAT2 to those of IFN‐treated cells overexpressing mutated STAT2 lacking the DNA binding domain. The IFN‐inducible expression of genes known to be regulated by ISGF3 was similar in both cases. However, a subset of IFN‐inducible genes was identified whose expression was decreased in cells expressing the mutated STAT2. Importantly, these genes all contained gamma‐activated sequence (GAS)‐like elements in their 5′ flanking sequences. Our data reveal the existence of a collection of GAS‐regulated target genes whose expression is IFN‐inducible and independent of ISGF3 but highly dependent on the STAT2 DNA binding domain. This report is the first analysis of the contribution of the STAT2 DNA binding domain to IFN responses on a global basis, and shows that STAT2 is required for the IFN‐inducible activation of the full spectrum of GAS target genes.
Increased sensitivity of glycogen synthesis to phosphorylase‐a and impaired expression of the glycogen‐targeting protein R6 in hepatocytes from insulin‐resistant Zucker fa/fa rats
Authors: Arden Catherine , Green Andrew R. , Hampson Laura J. , Aiston Susan , Härndahl Linda , Greenberg Cynthia C. , Brady Matthew J. , Freeman Susan , Poucher Simon M. , Agius Loranne
Published: April 2006

Hepatic insulin resistance in the leptin‐receptor defective Zucker fa/fa rat is associated with impaired glycogen synthesis and increased activity of phosphorylase‐a. We investigated the coupling between phosphorylase‐a and glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes from fa/fa rats by modulating the concentration of phosphorylase‐a. Treatment of hepatocytes from fa/fa rats and Fa/? controls with a selective phosphorylase inhibitor caused depletion of phosphorylase‐a, activation of glycogen synthase and stimulation of glycogen synthesis. The flux‐control coefficient of phosphorylase on glycogen synthesis was glucose dependent and at 10 mm glucose was higher in fa/fa than Fa/? hepatocytes. There was an inverse correlation between the activities of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase‐a in both fa/fa and Fa/? hepatocytes. However, fa/fa hepatocytes had a higher activity of phosphorylase‐a, for a corresponding activity of glycogen synthase. This defect was, in part, normalized by expression of the glycogen‐targeting protein, PTG. Hepatocytes from fa/fa rats had normal expression of the glycogen‐targeting proteins GL and PTG but markedly reduced expression of R6. Expression of R6 protein was increased in hepatocytes from Wistar rats after incubation with leptin and insulin. Diminished hepatic R6 expression in the leptin‐receptor defective fa/fa rat may be a contributing factor to the elevated phosphorylase activity and/or its high control strength on glycogen synthesis.
Crustacean hyperglycemic and vitellogenesis‐inhibiting hormones in the lobster Homarus gammarus
Authors: Ollivaux Céline , Vinh Joëlle , Soyez Daniel , Toullec Jean‐Yves
Published: April 2006

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) and vitellogenesis‐inhibiting hormone (VIH), produced by the X organ–sinus gland neurosecretory complex, belong to a peptide group referred to as the CHH family, which is widely distributed in arthropods. In this study, genetic variants and post‐translationally modified isoforms of CHH and VIH were characterized in the European lobster Homarus gammarus. With the use of RP‐HPLC and ELISA with specific antibodies that discriminate between stereoisomers of CHH and VIH, two groups of CHH‐immunoreactive peaks were characterized from HPLC fractions of sinus gland extract (CHH A and CHH B); each group contained two variants (CHH and d‐Phe3CHH). In the same way, two VIH‐immunoreactive peaks (VIH and d‐Trp4VIH) were demonstrated in HPLC fractions from sinus gland extract. The masses of these different neuropeptides were determined by FT‐ICR MS: CHH A and CHH B spectra exhibited monoisotopic ions at 8557.05 Da and 8527.04 Da, respectively, and both VIH isomers displayed an m/z value of 9129.19 Da. Two full‐length cDNAs encoding preprohomones of CHH A and CHH B and only one cDNA for VIH precursor were cloned and sequenced from X organ RNA. Comparison of CHH sequences between European lobster and other Astacoidea suggests that the most hydrophobic form appeared first during crustacean evolution.
Baclofen pump pocket infection: a case report of successful salvage with muscle flap
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S , Hayek Shady N , Skaf Ghassan S , Araj Ali Al , Chamoun Roukoz B
Published: April 2006

Programmable pump for continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen, an agonist of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma‐aminobutyric acid, is nowadays being widely used to control spasticity. The most common complications leading to explantation of the pumps are skin breakdown and infection at the pump implantation site which cannot be effectively treated without pump removal. We report a 37‐year‐old man who developed a baclofen pump pocket infection that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Because the continuation of intrathecal baclofen administration was critical to the patient, and because the high cost of the pump precluded its prompt replacement, the pump was salvaged using the ipsilateral rectus abdominis muscle that was elevated on its inferior vascular pedicle and wrapped around the pump. Abdominal skin was then approximated, leaving a small portion of exposed muscle overlying the refill site that was covered by a split‐thickness skin graft. Continuous intrathecal baclofen administration was never discontinued. Three months later, the pump's refill site could be easily identified manually for pump refill. There were no signs of recurrent infection during the 2‐year follow‐up period.
Preventing venous ulcer recurrence: a review
Authors: Vowden Kathryn R , Vowden Peter
Published: April 2006

This review article examines the available evidence on both the primary and secondary prevention of venous ulceration, exploring both the individual, social and financial implications of system failures that allow patients to remain at increased risk of recurrent ulceration. The role of both venous disease assessment and corrective superficial venous surgery are discussed in the light of recently published randomised controlled studies on the role of superficial venous surgery as both an adjunct to ulcer healing and ulcer prevention.
Response of human peritoneal mesothelial cells to inflammatory injury is regulated by interleukin‐1b and tumor necrosis factor‐a
Authors: Stadlmann Sylvia , Pollheimer Juergen , Renner Kathrin , Zeimet Alain G. , Offner Felix A. , Amberger Albert
Published: April 2006

Peritoneal injury is often associated with alterations of the mesothelium, resulting in peritoneal healing and adhesion formation. We analyzed the effects of pro‐inflammatory cytokines on cell morphology and proliferation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). After 48 hours, HPMC formed a confluent layer with cell volumes of 2,662±111 fL. Treatment of HPMC with interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induced mesothelial disintegration and alterations in mesothelial cell morphology, which were associated with an interleukin‐1β–triggered increase in cell volume (3,028±118 fL; p<0.05) and exfoliation of cells into the supernatants of cell cultures (p<0.05). Whereas TNF‐α arrested HPMC in the G0/G1 phase (p<0.05), interleukin‐1β caused an increase of cells into the S phase of the cell cycle. In addition, interleukin‐1β and interferon‐γ exerted a proliferative effect on HPMC. These changes were independent from mesothelial Na+/H+ antiporter‐1 expression. Our data indicate that the response of HPMC to inflammatory injury is regulated by interleukin‐1β and TNF‐α reflecting their putative role in peritoneal wound healing and adhesion formation.
Stem cells isolated from adult rat muscle differentiate across all three dermal lineages
Authors: Schultz Sherri S. , Abraham Sherly , Lucas Paul A.
Published: April 2006

Adult stem cells capable of differentiating into phenotypes from all three dermal layers were isolated from adult rat muscle. Stem cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion, followed by primary culture in Eagle's minimum essential medium +10% preselected horse serum. When the cells reached confluence, they were released by trypsin, filtered to remove differentiated myotubes, and then slow frozen in 7.5% dimethylsulfoxide to −80°C. Thawed cells were the stem cells and were induced to differentiate with the nonspecific differentiating agent dexamethasone at concentrations of 10−10–10−6 M. After a 6‐week treatment with dexamethasone, the cells were assayed by immunohistochemistry for phenotypes of the mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal lineages. Examples of mesodermal phenotypes identified were as follows: bone, cartilage, and skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. Ectodermal phenotypes identified were as follows: neurons and oligodendrocytes. Hepatocyte phenotypes identified represented the endodermal lineage. All the phenotypes were observed only with treatment with dexamethasone. However, nestin was observed in the absence of dexamethasone and may be a marker for uncommitted pluripotent stem cells. The results show that adult muscle contains pluripotent stem cells capable of differentiating across all three dermal lineages. Such cells could be used in the context of tissue engineering.
GELLING AND COLOR PROPERTIES OF OSTRICH (STRUTHIO CAMELUS) EGG WHITE
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐LÓPEZ JUANA , MARTÍNEZ ALICIA , FERNÁNDEZ‐GINÉS JOSE MARÍA , SAYAS‐BARBERÁ ESTRELLA , SENDRA ESTHER , PÉREZ‐ALVAREZ JOSÉ ANGEL
Published: April 2006

The effect of temperature upon the denaturation process of ostrich egg‐white protein was studied, and it compared with that of commercial hen eggs. Turbidity and color properties evolution were used to determine this effect. In addition, egg‐white gels (from both ostrich and hen egg whites) were obtained by heat treatment at 80C, and these were characterized by means of color, textural properties and water‐holding capacity (WHC). Results showed that although 55C was the temperature for the start of coagulation in both types of egg white, only in hen egg white was the process completed at 65C. The gels obtained at 80C (both ostrich and hen egg‐white gels) presented a strong structure that would allow ostrich egg white to be used
as a gelling agent in the food industry as it happens with hen egg white.
Strategic Alliances in Purchasing: Transportation Is the Vital Link
Authors: Gentry Julie J.
Published: April 2006

The past few years have seen a definite trend for purchasing organizations to form “partnerships” or “strategic alliances” with a few preferred suppliers. The literature in the field has reinforced this concept by providing numerous examples and research findings investigating these emerging long‐term, cooperative buyer‐supplier relationships. However, the role of the transportation providers serving as the critical linkage between a firm and its suppliers has received little attention. Recent research efforts have shown that “logistics alliances” are gaining in popularity, producing similar potential benefits to those realized in buyer‐supplier partnerships.

This article explores the transportation provider's role in buyer‐supplier partnerships and identifies the contributions that such firms have made in attaining the long‐term success of these alliances. The results of a recent CAPS (Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies) study are also presented to show the increased involvement that purchasing managers have in making inbound transportation decisions.
Currency Risk Management Strategies for Contracting with Japanese Suppliers
Authors: Carter Joseph R. , Vickery Shawnee K. , D'Itri Michael P.
Published: April 2006

This article presents the results of an experimental examination of the performance of various active and passive approaches to managing foreign exchange risk in international sourcing. The experiment used a simulation methodology which encompassed thousands of sourcing transactions for a selected currency, the Japanese Yen, over a period of several years. Based on the results of this experiment, the authors have delineated a set of guidelines for the management of foreign exchange risk for U.S. firms sourcing overseas and using the Japanese Yen as the currency exchange medium.
The Role of Purchasing in Design: A Study in the British Defense Industry
Authors: Guy S. P. , Dale B. G.
Published: April 2006

This article examines the relationship of the purchasing and design functions in the U.K. defense industry. In particular, it focuses on the role of purchasing and its potential input into the design process. Perhaps the key conclusion of the research is this: With an increasing use by many companies of the concurrent engineering concept, the purchasing function should have greater influence on the design process. For example, as a member of the design team, purchasing should develop a strategy and coordinate the involvement of preferred suppliers in the design process. In the two companies studied, the authors found that the purchasing/design interface existed only at a superficial level, and that purchasing expertise was not being used effectively in the design process. As these companies utilized various concurrent engineering techniques, there was an overwhelming emphasis on the importance of design integrity, to which all other considerations, including purchasing, were secondary.
International Negotiation Strategies of U.S. Purchasing Professionals
Authors: Min Hokey , Galle William
Published: April 2006

While globalization has shrunk temporal and spatial gaps between the buyer and the supplier across the world, it often widens the gap between these two parties because of cultural and national differences. Considering this trend, the successful path to international sourcing hinges on a buyer's negotiation strategies that can be used to convert cultural and national differences into positive business opportunities. To help U.S. purchasing professionals foster such strategies, this study empirically examines how globalization of business activities has influenced the way U.S. purchasing professionals conduct negotiations with international suppliers.
The Role of Materials Management in Developing Time‐Based Competition
Authors: Handfield Robert B.
Published: April 2006

Many firms increasingly have to produce products tailored to customers'specific requirements. At the same time, many consumers require shorter and shorter lead times for such orders. In such industries, time‐based advantages can often be the single most effective competitive edge. With respect to delivery performance, time‐based competition refers to the ability to deliver a customized product within a shorter elapsed time than can competitors in the same market, and is usually measured in terms of delivery lead time. Among the many methods suggested for reducing lead time, the roles of product design and materials management are often cited as critical. However, there exist few benchmarks by which to judge this performance.

A cross‐industry field study carried out by the author provided insights into this problem. Data for the study were gathered through interviews with managers in 35 firms across the United States and Canada. The results suggest that purchasing managers can contribute significantly to lead time reduction efforts within their organization. In particular, reducing late supplier deliveries and material defects requires that firms work closely with a few certified suppliers in solving these problems. In a similar manner, simple and manufacturable products developed through increased input of manufacturing and materials managers in the early stages of the design process can have a great effect on lead time reduction later on. Such efforts in the design and materials areas may often require that the traditional boundaries existing between functional areas in a firm be broken down.
Performance Based Evaluation Systems Under Total Quality Management
Authors: Giunipero Larry C. , Brewer Daniel J.
Published: April 2006

Many firms are moving toward closer relationships with key suppliers to support total quality management (TQM) and just‐in‐time (JIT) systems. Because these systems dictate closer working relationships with suppliers, supplier evaluation systems will also undergo changes. This article focuses on these changes.

Evaluation systems under TQM/JIT must be broader in scope and oriented toward proactive problem solving and continuous improvement. They will be characterized by short‐ and long‐term improvements jointly selected by both parties.

These propositions are supported by a case study at a large corporation that successfully implemented TQM/JIT. Results indicate that the firm improved its supplier evaluation and selection process. These improvements led to increased customer satisfaction and lower costs. Improvements realized in the evaluation process were accomplished through the increased use of data, customer and supplier input, and feedback from the purchaser. Finally, the case study reviews the broader evaluation measures used in a TQM/JIT system.