bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteological and dental markers of health in the transition from the Late Antique to the Early Medieval period in Croatia
Authors: Šlaus Mario
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study is to analyze health at the transition from the Late Antique (LA) to the Early Medieval (EM) period in Croatia. Results of the analyses of skeletal remains are compared with historical and archaeological data to test the hypothesis that the transition was catastrophic. An additional objective is to determine whether the transition was a uniform process, or differentially affected the past inhabitants of Croatia because of various local considerations. To accomplish this, four markers of health: cribra orbitalia, linear enamel hypoplasia, nonspecific periostitis, and trauma were compared in 981 skeletons: 477 from nine urban LA sites, and 504 from six rural EM sites. Data were collected by sex and age for individual, and for co‐occurrences of various features. Because continental and Adriatic Croatia has different ecological features, data were specifically tabulated for the two regions. Comparisons between the continental and Adriatic regions of the LA series showed no significant differences in the frequencies of the analyzed markers of stress. Comparisons between the LA and EM series showed similar frequencies in continental Croatia—suggesting no significant discontinuity of living conditions, and a significant increase of cribra orbitalia, periostitis, and trauma frequencies during the EM period in Adriatic Croatia. The deterioration of living conditions primarily affected subadults and males. These data suggest that the transition from the LA to the EM period in Croatia was not a uniform process, but differentially affected population biology most likely because of local cultural, socio‐economical or political considerations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐Species Comparison of Metabolite Profiles in Chemosensory Epithelia: An Indication of Metabolite Roles in Chemosensory Cells
Authors: Mobley Arie Sitthichai , Lucero Mary T. , Michel William C.
Published: March 2008

Comparative studies of chemosensory systems in vertebrates and invertebrates have greatly enhanced our understanding of anatomical and physiological constraints of chemical detection. Immunohistochemical comparisons of chemosensory systems are difficult to make across species due to limited cross‐reactivity of mammalian‐based antibodies. Immunostaining chemosensory tissues with glutaraldehyde‐based antibodies generated against small metabolites in combination with hierarchical cluster analyses provide a novel approach for identifying and classifying cell types regardless of species. We used this “metabolite profiling” technique to determine whether metabolite profiles can be used to identify cell classes within and across different species including mouse, zebrafish, lobster and squid. Within a species, metabolite profiles for distinct cell classes were generally consistent. We found several metabolite‐based cell classifications that mirrored function or receptor protein‐based classifications. Although profiles of all six metabolites differed across species, we found that specific metabolites were associated with certain cell types. For example, elevated levels of glutathione were characteristic of nonsensory cells from vertebrates, suggesting an antioxidative role in non‐neuronal cells in sensory tissues. Collectively, we found significantly different metabolite profiles for distinct cell populations in chemosensory tissue within all of the species studied. Based on their roles in other systems or cells, we discuss the roles of L‐arginine, L‐aspartate, L‐glutamate, glycine, glutathione, and taurine within chemosensory epithelia. Anat Rec, 291:410–432, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histomorphometric Study of Alveolar Bone Healing in Rats Fed a Boron‐Deficient Diet
Authors: Gorustovich Alejandro A. , Steimetz Tammy , Nielsen Forrest H. , Guglielmotti María B.
Published: March 2008

Bone healing after tooth extraction in rats is a suitable experimental model to study bone formation. Thus, we performed a study to determine the effects of boron (B) deficiency on bone healing by using this model. The first lower right molar of weanling Wistar rats was extracted under anesthesia. The animals were divided into two groups: +B (adequate; 3 mg B/kg diet), and −B (boron‐deficient; 0.07 mg/kg diet). The animals in both groups were killed in groups of 10 at 7 and 14 days after surgery. The guidelines of the NIH for the care and use of laboratory animals were observed. The mandibles were resected, fixed, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Buccolingually oriented sections were obtained at the level of the mesial alveolus and used for histometric evaluations. Total alveolar volume (TAV) and trabecular bone volume per total volume (BV/TV) in the apical third of the alveolus were determined. Percentages of osteoblast surface (ObS), eroded surface (ES), and quiescent surface (QS) were determined. No statistical significant differences in food intake and body weight were observed. Histomorphometric evaluation found −B rats had 36% and 63% reductions in BV/TV at 7 and 14 days, respectively. When compared with +B rats, −B rats had significant reductions (57% and 87%) in ObS concomitantly with increases (120% and 126%) in QS at 7 and 14 days, respectively. The findings show that boron deficiency results in altered bone healing because of a marked reduction in osteogenesis. Anat Rec, 291:441–447, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herstellung und Eigenschaften eines neuen Leichtbetons: Aerogelbeton
Authors: Ratke Lorenz
Published: March 2008

Die Dispergierung von superhydrophobem Aerogelgranulat in konventionelle Zement‐ oder Betonmischungen erzeugt einen Leichtbeton mit außergewöhnlichen Eigenschaften: gute Wärmedämmung, schallisolierend, Brandschutz der Klasse F120 und besser, bewehrbar und leicht mechanisch zu bearbeiten. Der Aufsatz beschreibt die Herstellung und einige Eigenschaften dieses neuartigen Baustoffs.
Smoking and risk of parotid gland tumors
Authors: Sadetzki Siegal , Oberman Bernice , Mandelzweig Lori , Chetrit Angela , Ben‐Tal Tehila , Jarus‐Hakak Avital , Duvdevani Shay , Cardis Elisabeth , Wolf Michael
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

Because existing data regarding the relation between smoking and salivary gland tumors are sparse, tobacco is currently not classified as a salivary gland carcinogen. The objective of the current study was to assess the association between smoking and benign and malignant parotid gland tumors (PGTs) in a nationwide study.

METHODS

The sample included 459 patients with incident PGT, aged ≥18 years, who were diagnosed between 2001 and 2003 and a group of 1265 individually matched, population‐based controls. Analyses of the risk of PGT associated with various smoking variables were performed by using conditional logistic regression. Data also were stratified by histologic type; statistical significance tests were 2‐sided.

RESULTS

Ever smoking cigarettes was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.66 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.31–2.11) for developing a PGT. The risk was strongest for early ages at smoking initiation, and trends of increasing risk were observed with increasing smoking intensity, pack‐years, latent period, and smoking duration (P for trend <.001 for each). Analysis by histologic type indicated remarkably high risks for Warthin tumor (OR for ever cigarette smokers: 15.3; 95% CI, 6.1–38.5). For pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors, the risks associated with ever smoking were 1.01 (95% CI, 0.75–1.37) and 1.69 (95% CI, 0.81–3.51), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking plays an important role in the development of Warthin tumor. Although no association was observed for pleomorphic adenoma, the possible indication of increased risk of malignant tumors requires further investigation in larger studies. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
The feasibility and outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery for children with bilateral Wilms tumor
Authors: Davidoff Andrew M. , Giel Dana W. , Jones Deborah P. , Jenkins Jesse J. , Krasin Matthew J. , Hoffer Fredric A. , Williams Mark A. , Dome Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Approximately 5% of children with Wilms tumor present with bilateral disease. The treatment challenge is to achieve a high cure rate while maintaining adequate long‐term renal function. The authors of this report assessed the feasibility and outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery in patients with bilateral Wilms tumor who were treated at a single institution.

METHODS.

A retrospective review was performed of all children who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors from 1999 through 2006. Imaging studies, surgical techniques, and pathology reports were reviewed. The outcomes evaluated included surgical complications, tumor recurrence, renal function, and patient survival.

RESULTS.

Twelve patients with synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors were identified, including 10 patients who underwent successful bilateral nephron‐sparing procedures. One patient who presented with renal failure and anaplastic histology underwent bilateral nephrectomies, and 1 patient with intra‐atrial tumor extension underwent an ipsilateral nephrectomy/thrombectomy and subsequent contralateral partial nephrectomy. Postoperative complications included persistent urine leak in 3 patients, macroscopic residual tumor in 2 patients, and pyelonephritis in 1 patient. Long‐term complications included local tumor recurrence in 2 patients, intestinal obstruction in 2 patients, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1 patient, and renal failure in 1 patient. The overall survival rate was 83% (mean follow‐up, 3.9 years); both patients who died had bilateral, diffuse, anaplastic histology.

CONCLUSIONS.

All patients who had bilateral Wilms tumors with favorable histology, except for 1 patient who had extensive tumor thrombus, underwent successful bilateral partial nephrectomies. Complications were minimal, and long‐term renal function and survival were excellent. From this experience, the authors concluded that bilateral nephron‐sparing surgery should be considered for all patients who have bilateral Wilms tumor with favorable histology, even if preoperative imaging studies suggest that the lesions are unresectable.Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
A review
Authors: Cohen Sarah S. , Palmieri Rachel T. , Nyante Sarah J. , Koralek Daniel O. , Kim Sangmi , Bradshaw Patrick , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: March 2008

The literature examining obesity as a barrier to screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer has not been evaluated systematically. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and its impact on cancer incidence and mortality, it is important to determine whether obesity is a barrier to screening so that cancers among women at increased risk because of their body size can be detected early or prevented entirely. On the basis of 32 relevant published studies (10 breast cancer studies, 14 cervical cancer studies, and 8 colorectal cancer studies), the authors reviewed the literature regarding associations between obesity and recommended screening tests for these cancer sites among women in the U.S. The most consistent associations between obesity and screening behavior were observed for cervical cancer. Most studies reported an inverse relation between decreased cervical cancer screening and increasing body size, and several studies reported that the association was more consistent among white women than among black women. For breast cancer, obesity was associated with decreased screening behavior among white women but not among black women. The literature regarding obesity and colorectal cancer screening adherence was mixed, with some studies reporting an inverse effect of body size on screening behavior and others reporting no effect. Overall, the results indicated that obesity most likely is a barrier to screening for breast and cervical cancers, particularly among white women; the evidence for colorectal cancer screening was inconclusive. Thus, efforts to identify barriers and increase screening for breast and cervical cancers may be targeted toward obese women, whereas outreach to all women should remain the objective for colorectal cancer screening programs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Survival in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer
Authors: Eichler April F. , Kuter Irene , Ryan Paula , Schapira Lidia , Younger Jerry , Henson John W.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults. To the authors' knowledge, established prognostic factors for survival after the diagnosis of BM in breast cancer patients do not take into account HER–2 status, which may have increasing relevance in the trastuzumab therapy era.

METHODS

The authors identified 83 patients with breast cancer and new parenchymal BM diagnosed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005 who were treated at Massachusetts General Hospital. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and curves were compared using the log‐rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The median overall survival from the time of BM was 8.3 months. On univariate analysis, HER‐2‐positive patients were found to have prolonged survival after BM compared with HER‐2‐negative patients (17.1 months vs 5.2 months). Patients with triple negative disease had a median survival of 4.0 months, compared with 11.2 months for all other patients. Additional predictors of improved survival on univariate analysis included ≤3 BM, controlled or absent systemic disease, and controlled local disease. On multivariate analysis, only HER‐2 status, number of BM, and local disease status remained independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

HER‐2 status is a strong predictor of survival after the diagnosis of BM. The survival of breast cancer patients with BM appears to be improving, but a better understanding of both the predictors of brain recurrence and the delayed effects of treatment is needed to properly counsel patients regarding the risk‐benefit ratio of various treatment modalities. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Genetic variants in cell cycle control pathway confer susceptibility to bladder cancer
Authors: Ye Yuanqing , Yang Hushan , Grossman H. Barton , Dinney Colin , Wu Xifeng , Gu Jian
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

Cell cycle checkpoint regulation is crucial for the prevention of carcinogenesis in mammalian cells.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that common sequence variants in the cell cycle control pathway may affect bladder cancer susceptibility, the effects of a panel of 10 potential functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 7 cell cycle control genes, P53, P21, P27, CDK4, CDK6, CCND1, and STK15, were evaluated on bladder cancer risk in a case‐control study of 696 bladder cancer cases and 629 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Overall, on individual SNP analysis only individuals with the p53 intron 3 16‐bp duplication polymorphism variant allele had a significantly reduced bladder cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–0.96). This effect was more evident in former smokers and younger subjects. We then applied the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) statistical approach to explore the high‐order gene‐gene and gene‐smoking interactions. In the CART analysis, smoking status was identified as the most influential factor for bladder cancer susceptibility. The final decision tree by CART contained 6 terminal nodes. Compared with the second‐lowest risk group the ORs for terminal nodes 1 and 3 to 6 ranged from 0.46 to 6.30.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that cell cycle genetic polymorphisms may affect bladder cancer predisposition through modulation of host genome stability and confirm the importance of studying gene‐gene and gene‐environment interactions in bladder cancer risk assessment. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Corpus callosum connections of subdivisions of motor and premotor cortex, and frontal eye field in a prosimian primate, Otolemur garnetti
Authors: Fang Pei‐Chun , Stepniewska Iwona , Kaas Jon H.
Published: March 2008

The callosal connections of motor and premotor fields in the frontal cortex of galagos were examined by placing multiple tracers into the primary motor area (M1), dorsal premotor area (PMD), ventral premotor area (PMV), supplementary motor area (SMA), and frontal eye field (FEF) following intracortical microstimulation. Retrogradely labeled neurons in the opposite hemisphere were plotted and superimposed onto brain sections stained with myelin and cytochrome oxidase for architectonic analysis. The main callosal connections of M1 and the caudal portion of PMD (PMDc) were with homotopic sites, and the major callosal connections of the rostral portion of PMD (PMDr), SMA, and FEF were with homotopic sites and adjoining cortex in the frontal lobe. In addition, M1 forelimb representation had sparse callosal connections, whereas M1 trunk and face representations, as well as the premotor areas, had dense callosal connections. The sparse interhemispheric connections of the forelimb sector of M1 suggests that the control of each forelimb is largely from the contralateral M1 in galagos, as in other primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:565–578, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular mechanisms and diagnosis of chromosome 22q11.2 rearrangements
Authors: Emanuel Beverly S.
Published: March 2008

Several recurrent, constitutional genomic disorders are present on chromosome 22q. These include the translocations and deletions associated with DiGeorge and velocardiofacial syndrome and the translocations that give rise to the recurrent t(11;22) supernumerary der(22) syndrome (Emanuel syndrome). The rearrangement breakpoints on 22q cluster around the chromosome‐specific segmental duplications of proximal 22q11, which are involved in the etiology of these disorders. While the deletions are the result of nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between low copy repeats or segmental duplications within 22q11, the t(11;22) is the result of rearrangement between palindromic AT‐rich repeats on 11q and 22q. Here we describe the mechanisms responsible for these recurrent rearrangements, discuss the recurrent deletion endpoints that are the result of NAHR between chromosome 22q specific low copy repeats as well as present current diagnostic approaches to deletion detection. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:11–18.
The neurocognitive phenotype in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome: A developmental perspective
Authors: Antshel Kevin M. , Fremont Wanda , Kates Wendy R.
Published: March 2008

Although research has focused primarily on the wide range of variability in the cognitive phenotype between individuals with velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (VCFS), we know relatively little about the extent to which within‐individual expressions of the cognitive phenotype remain stable throughout development. General cognitive functioning in the low borderline range is the most consistent cognitive finding. Stronger reading decoding and spelling skills as well as auditory/verbal rote memory skills have been reported to be areas of relative strength. Conversely, significant visuospatial dysfunction, diminished math attainment, and executive dysfunction have all been reported as phenotypic. We propose several considerations that could advance our knowledge of developmental changes in the VCFS cognitive phenotype. The most salient of these is the need for more longitudinal designs with carefully matched control participants. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:43–51.
Genes, brain development and psychiatric phenotypes in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome
Authors: Gothelf Doron , Schaer Marie , Eliez Stephan
Published: March 2008

Velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (VCFS) has been in the focus of intensive research over the last 15 years. The syndrome represents a homogeneous model for studying the effect of a decreased dosage of genes on the development of brain structure and function and, consequently, on the emergence of schizophrenia‐like psychotic disorder. In this review, we describe the psychiatric phenotype of children, adolescents, and young adults with VCFS. We redefine the concept of “behavioral phenotype” and suggest that psychosis fulfills the criteria of a behavioral phenotype of the syndrome. Identifying the risk factors for the emergence of psychosis in VCFS is a major goal of several large‐scale longitudinal studies that are currently underway. We review the knowledge gained so far about risk factors for psychosis in VCFS, including early neuropsychiatric symptoms, development of brain structure and function, and the effect of a reduced dosage of genes from the 22q11 deletion region. Although the brain structure in subjects with VCFS is not drastically different from typically developing controls, newer imaging modalities that measure white matter tracts, cortical thickness, and cortical gyrification are likely to identify more subtle and specific neuroanatomical substrates of the syndrome. Among the 24 genes within the deletion region, the role of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) on the VCFS phenotype has been investigated in depth. The findings suggest that because of haploinsufficiency of the COMT gene individuals with VCFS are exposed to a high level of prefrontal dopamine, and this interferes with their prefrontal cognitive functioning and may contribute to their high rate of psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. The other genes and environmental factors that shape the unique neuropsychiatric phenotype of VCFS are yet to be discovered. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:59–68.
Age, sex, and dominance‐related mushroom body plasticity in the paperwasp Mischocyttarus mastigophorus
Authors: Molina Yamile , O'Donnell Sean
Published: March 2008

Social Hymenoptera are important models for analyzing functional brain plasticity. These insects provide the opportunity to learn how individuals' social roles are related to flexible investment in different brain regions. We assessed how age, sex, and individual behavior influence brain development in a primitively eusocial paper wasp, Mischocyttarus mastigophorus. Previous research in other species has demonstrated experience‐dependent changes in central and primary sensory centers in the brain. The mushroom body (MB) calyx is a central processing region involved in sensory integration, learning and memory and may be particularly relevant to social behavior. We extend earlier cross‐sectional studies of female brain/behavior associations by measuring sex‐ and age‐related differences in MB calyx volume, and by quantifying optic lobe and antennal lobe development. Age did predict MB development: calyx neuropils increased in volume with age. We show that MB development differs between the sexes. Males, who frequently depart to seek mating opportunities, have larger MB calyx collars (which receive optic input) than females. In contrast, females have augmented predominantly antenna‐innervated MB calyx lips, which may be useful for nestmate recognition and interactions on the nest. Sex differences in MB development increased with age. After accounting for age and sex effects, social aggression was positively correlated with MB calyx volume for both sexes. We found little evidence for relationships among sex, age, or behavior and the volumes of peripheral sensory processing structures. We discuss the implications of gender‐ and age‐related effects on brain volume in relation to male and female life history and reproductive success. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Notch signaling is necessary for GATA3 function in the initiation of T cell development
Authors: Hozumi Katsuto , Negishi Naoko , Tsuchiya Izumi , Abe Natsumi , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Suzuki Daisuke , Yamamoto Masayuki , Engel James D. , Habu Sonoko
Published: March 2008

GATA3 and Notch1 are essential for T cell development at the earliest stage, but their mutual roles in this process remain to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrated that impairment of T lymphopoiesis in hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) of GATA3‐deficient fetal liver (FL) on day 11.5 of gestation (E11.5) was rescued only by introduction of both GATA3 and the intracellular region of Notch1 but not by either alone. However, the introduction of GATA3 only was sufficient for T cell induction in GATA3‐deficient FL cells at the advanced stage, where Notch signaling is well detectable. This indicates that Notch signaling is necessary for GATA3 to function for T cell fate specification but is not sufficient without GATA3. On the other hand, Notch signaling is sufficient for blockage of B cell development without GATA3, suggesting that T cell fate specification at the branching point does not result simply from the developmental arrest of B cell lineage by Notch signaling.
Interleukin‐10 regulates TNF‐α−converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM‐17) involving a TIMP‐3 dependent and independent mechanism
Authors: Brennan Fionula M. , Green Patricia , Amjadi Parisa , Robertshaw Heidi J. , Alvarez‐Iglesias Montserrat , Takata Masao
Published: March 2008

IL‐10 is a potent anti‐inflammatory molecule, which regulates TNF‐α at multiple levels. We investigated whether IL‐10 also modulated the activity of the TNF‐α‐converting enzyme (TACE). Using an ex vivo fluorogenic assay we observed that LPS rapidly induced TACE activity in monocytes coinciding with release of soluble TNF‐α. In the presence of IL‐10, TNF‐α production and activation of surface TACE was significantly inhibited. Paradoxically, both LPS with or without IL‐10 led to accumulation of surface TACE (albeit catalytically inactive) over a 24 h period. We investigated whether this was mediated through induction of endogenous tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3). We found that the inhibition of TACE activity at 2 h by IL‐10 was not TIMP‐3 dependent but that the late accumulation of surface TACE was prevented with TIMP‐3 antibodies. Furthermore, induction of endogenous TIMP‐3 was observed by western blotting in both LPS‐ and in LPS with IL‐10‐treated monocytes from 6 to 8 h of culture. These results indicate that IL‐10 further regulates TNF‐α by modulating TACE activation at early time points and by contributing to the induction of TIMP‐3, the natural inhibitor of active TACE, at later time points. These observations add to our understanding of inflammation and the importance of homeostatic regulators of these events.
Capillary electrochromatographic separation of peptides using a macrocyclic polyamine for molecular recognition
Authors: Chen Tse‐Hsien , Misra Tarun Kumar , Liu Chuen‐Ying
Published: March 2008

A macrocyclic polyamine, 1,5,9,13,17,21,25,29‐octaazacyclodotriacontane ([32]ane‐N8), in the bonded phase was employed as a molecular receptor for CEC separation of oligopeptides. Parameters affecting the performance of the separations were considered. Baseline separation for the mixture of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, [Sar1, Thr8]‐angiotensin II, β‐casomorphin bovine, β‐casomorphin human, oxytocin acetate, tocinoic acid, vasopressin, and FMRF amide could be achieved using phosphate buffer (30 mM, pH 7) as the mobile phase. Column efficiency with average theoretical plate numbers of 69 000 plates/m and RSDs of <1% (n = 6) was achieved. [Met5]‐enkephalin and [Leu5]‐enkephalin, which have identical pI values and similar masses could be completely separated using acetate buffer (30 mM) with pH gradient (pH 3 inlet side and pH 4 outlet side). The results suggest that the mechanism for the peptide separation was mediated by a combination of electrophoretic migration and chromatographic retention involving anion coordination and anion exchange. After long‐term use, the deviation of the EOF of the column after more than 600 injections was still within 6.0% of that for a freshly prepared column.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia associated with trisomy 13: Sonographic findings
Authors: Müngen Ercüment , Dundar Özgür , Muhcu Murat , Haholu Aptullah , Tunca Yusuf
Published: March 2008

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental abnormality with sonographic and macroscopic features similar to those seen in a partial hydatidiform mole, and which has usually been reported with a normal female karyotype. We report a case of prenatally suspected PMD associated with trisomy 13. Sonography performed at 17 weeks' gestation showed multiple cystic spaces in the placenta resembling molar tissue, and a fetus with postaxial polydactyly and an atrial septal defect. An amniocentesis revealed a fetal karyotype of 46,XY,der(13), t(13;13)(q11;q11)[20]/47,XY,+13[11], consistent with trisomy 13. Cordocentesis confirmed the cytogenetic diagnosis. Histopathologic examination of the placenta following termination of the pregnancy at 22 weeks' gestation showed enlarged stem villi with loose connective tissue and cistern formation and no evidence of trophoblastic hyperplasia or stromal trophoblastic inclusions, which was consistent with PMD. PMD should be considered in the differential diagnoses of a placenta showing multiple cystic lesions on prenatal sonography, and karyotypic analysis should be performed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
The effect of wrist position on the relative motion of tendon, nerve, and subsynovial connective tissue within the carpal tunnel in a human cadaver model
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Zhao Chunfeng , Zhao Kristin D. , Zobitz Mark E. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of wrist position on the relative motion of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon, subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT), median nerve, and flexor retinaculum during simulated active finger motion. The relative motion of each tissue was measured by fluoroscopy in 10 human cadavers. Measurements were obtained for wrist positions of neutral (0 degree extension), 30 and 60 degrees of flexion, and 30 and 60 degrees of extension. The shear strain index (SSI) was defined as the difference in motion between two tissues (tendon, SSCT, or nerve) divided by tendon excursion, expressed as a percentage. The motion of the tendon, SSCT, and nerve in the 60 degree flexed position was significantly less than the motion in all other wrist positions (p < 0.001). The SSI at 60 degrees of flexion for tendon–SSCT and tendon–nerve were significantly increased compared with all other positions (p < 0.001). Because the SSCT and tendon are physically connected, a decrease in SSCT motion relative to the tendon would increase the shear strain on the SSCT with tendon motion. Thus, this result suggests that the SSCT may be predisposed to shear injury from activity done in 60 degrees of wrist flexion. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1153–1158, 2008
Assigning cardinal weights in multi‐criteria decision making based on ordinal ranking
Authors: Alfares Hesham K. , Duffuaa Salih O.
Published: March 2008

A methodology is proposed to convert ordinal ranking of a number of criteria into numerical weights. Specifically, a simple mathematical expression is developed to provide the weight for each criterion as function of its rank and the total number of criteria. The proposed methodology is empirically developed, evaluated, and validated based on a set of experiments involving students and faculty at the authors' university. Given only criteria ranks provided by a decision maker, this methodology can be used to determine relative weights for any set of criteria. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel group of multi‐GAP‐domain proteins
Authors: Ruan Yibing , Sensen Christoph W. , van der Hoorn Frans A.
Published: March 2008

The Rho GTPase‐activating proteins (RhoGAPs) play an essential role in regulating various cellular processes. Rat tGAP1 is the first reported protein that has multiple GAP domains. It is exclusively expressed in male germ cells. However, tGAP1 does not possess GAP activities in vitro. No tGAP1 homology has been identified in other species. In this study, we searched the genomic databases and identified many genes whose protein products possess 2–4 GAP domains in rat, mouse and dog. These genes all showed sequence similarity to tGAP1. The rat tGAP gene loci all locate on chromosome 2 and are all expressed in testes in RT‐PCR analysis. The mouse tGAP gene loci also clustered on chromosome 3 but RT‐PCR analysis showed most are pseudogene loci. Multiple sequence alignment showed that many conserved residues of the “arginine finger” motif within the GAP domains of predicted tGAP proteins have mutated, suggesting that tGAP proteins do not possess GAP activity. We also elucidated the evolutionary relations among the rat tGAP genes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis data, we proposed that tGAP genes and Arhgap20 genes have a common ancestor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1578–1589 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of mRNA and proteins for GnRH I and II and their receptors in primate corpus luteum during menstrual cycle
Authors: Chakrabarti Nilkanta , Subbarao Thenmozhi , Sengupta Anamika , Xu Fuhua , Stouffer Richard L. , Sridaran Rajagopala
Published: March 2008

The differential expression of mRNA and protein of GnRH I, II and their receptors (RI and RII) in the monkey corpus luteum (CL) were measured during different stages of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle as an initial step towards considering the role and regulation of GnRH (I and II) system during luteinization and luteolysis in primates. RT‐PCR confirmed the sequence identity of PCR products and real time PCR quantified specific mRNA expressions. Proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Changes in mRNA expression patterns of GnRH I and II (increased) and GnRH RII (decreased) were maximal at mid‐late to late stages, that is, at CL regression, where as GnRH RI was low during the entire luteal phase. However, RT‐PCR and IHC studies confirmed the presence of GnRH RI at both mRNA and protein levels, respectively. IHC results showed the presence of GnRH I, II and their receptors in steroidogenic cells (granulose‐luteal cells and thecal‐luteal cells) across the luteal phase. Hence, GnRH I and II systems may have a role on both luteinization (from early to mid stages of CL) and luteolysis (from mid‐late to very‐late stages of CL). These novel findings suggest that monkey luteal GnRH system may have a role in fertility regulation in paracrine and/or autocrine manner. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1567–1577 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of Runx3 affects ovulation and estrogen‐induced endometrial cell proliferation in female mice
Authors: Sakuma Atsuko , Fukamachi Hiroshi , Ito Kosei , Ito Yoshiaki , Takeuchi Sakae , Takahashi Sumio
Published: March 2008

Runx3 is a transcription factor that belongs to the Runx family. We studied the function of Runx3 in the mouse ovary and uterus using the Runx3 knockout (Runx3−/−) mouse. Ovaries were collected from 8‐week‐old wild type (wt) and Runx3−/− mice. Histological studies showed that follicles were present at various developmental stages in the Runx3−/− and wt mouse ovaries. The numbers of primary, preantral and antral follicles in the Runx3−/− mice were significantly less than those in the wt mice while the number of primordial follicles in the Runx3−/− mice was not significantly different from that in the wt mice. Corpora lutea were not detected in the Runx3−/− mouse ovary. Gonadotropin treatment in immature female mice induced ovulation in Runx3−/− mice as well as in wt mice, indicating that ovaries of Runx3−/− mice respond to gonadotropin treatment as those in wt mouse ovaries. This suggests that failure of ovulation is due to dysfunction of regulatory mechanism of gonadotropin secretion. In addition, the uteri of Runx3−/− mice were atrophic, showed thin epithelial layers compared with those of the wt mice, and did not respond to estrogen in terms of DNA replication in endometrial epithelial cells. These results suggest that Runx3 takes part in the regulation of reproductive functions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1653–1661, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Over‐expression of FOXM1 transcription factor is associated with cervical cancer progression and pathogenesis
Authors: Chan DW , Yu SYM , Chiu PM , Yao KM , Liu VWS , Cheung ANY , Ngan HYS
Published: March 2008

The Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor plays a crucial role in regulating expression of cell cycle genes which are essentially involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation. Recent studies have reported that aberrant expression of FOXM1 in a variety of human cancers is associated with their aggressive behaviour. However, the functional significance of FOXM1 in human cervical cancer is not known. We have shown that FOXM1 was significantly over‐expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to normal cervical epithelium immunohistochemically (p < 0.001). In addition, intratumoural FOXM1 positivity was increased in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and carcinoma, compared with that in normal epithelium, indicating that FOXM1 is involved in tumour progression. Indeed, this is supported by clinicopathological analysis that the over‐expression of FOXM1 was significantly associated with tumour late stage (p = 0.012) and cell proliferation marker, Ki67 (p < 0.001). Functionally, enforced expression of FOXM1c in FOXM1‐deficient cervical cancer cells (C33A) remarkably enhanced cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth ability. Conversely, depletion of FOXM1 by RNA interference in FOXM1‐over‐expressing cervical cancer cells (SiHa) caused significant inhibition on cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth ability on soft agar. This inhibitory phenomenon was associated with the reduced expressions of cyclin B1, cyclinD1 and cdc25B but increased expression of p27Kip1 and p21Cip1. Our findings suggest a role for FOXM1 in the development and pathogenesis of human cervical SCC. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the feasibility of a three‐point bending setup for the validation of (fatigue) damage models for thin composite laminates
Authors: De Baere I. , Van Paepegem W. , Degrieck J.
Published: March 2008

After developing a damage model, validation of this model is a necessity. This validation should preferably be done under loading conditions which are different from the ones used for the development of the model. This study investigates whether a three‐point bending setup is suited for the validation of fatigue material models for thin fiber‐reinforced composites with a low bending stiffness, developed in uniaxial loading conditions. First, the three‐point bending setup, which can be used for both single‐sided and fully reversed loading, is discussed. Then, some results of experiments are presented. This is followed by the numerical modeling of the bending setup. It may be concluded that the three‐point bending setup, although with very interesting loading conditions, is not ideally suited for model validation, due to the complicated and time‐consuming numerical simulation. The material used for this study was a carbon fabric‐reinforced polyphenylene sulphide. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
An EPR investigation of conductive polyaniline–poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) blends
Authors: Wu K.H. , Lai Y.S. , Shih C.C. , Wang G.P. , Yang C.C.
Published: March 2008

A conductive blend of polyaniline (PANI) with sodium form poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) copolymer (PMMAA) was prepared by in situ dispersion polymerization. The PANI‐PMMAA blends were characterized with UV–vis, FTIR, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The effects of PANI and temperature on the electronic properties of the PANI‐PMMAA blends were studied with EPR technique. The PANI and temperature affect the intermolecular interaction between PANI and PMMAA and then determines the EPR parameters (A/B ratio, g factor, T2, ΔHpp, Ns, and lineshape). POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural heart defects associated with an increased nuchal translucency: 9 years experience in a referral centre
Authors: Clur S. A. , Mathijssen I. B. , Pajkrt E. , Cook A. , Laurini R. N. , Ottenkamp J. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: March 2008

Objective

To investigate the congenital heart disease (CHD) found in association with an increased nuchal translucency (NT) at 11–14 weeks of gestation in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses.

Methods

Patients referred from January 1998 until May 2007 with an increased NT (≥95th percentile) where CHD was diagnosed were included. Chromosome analysis, fetal and postnatal echocardiography were performed. A postmortem examination followed pregnancy termination when possible.

Results

Major CHD was identified in 68 of 967 fetuses with an increased NT (median NT 4.8 mm, range 2.5–22 mm).

Major CHD was found in 34 of 693 fetuses (4.9%) with a normal karyotype and increased NT (median 5.2 mm, range 2.5–9.6 mm). CHD frequency increased from 1.9%, with NT between 2.5 and 3.5 mm, to 27.7% when NT was ≥ 6.5 mm. Septal defects predominated (20%) when NT was ⩽3.5 mm. With NT > 3.5 mm an equal distribution of CHD types was seen.

Major CHD was identified in 34 of the 274 fetuses with an abnormal karyotype and increased NT (median 4.2 mm, range 2.5–22 mm).

Conclusions

A variety of CHD is associated with an increased NT in the first trimester of pregnancy. Conotruncal defects, branchial arch derivative defects, left and right obstructive lesions (inflow and outflow) and shunts were seen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(phenylene sulfide) magnetic composites. II. Crystallization, thermal, and viscoelastic properties
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Lanfeng , Gao Fei , Zhang Ming , Yan Changhao
Published: March 2008

Poly(phenylene sulfide)/ferrosoferric oxide composites (PPS/Fe3O4) with various loading levels were prepared by melt compounding. The crystallization, thermal, and viscoelastic properties were characterized respectively by the DSC, DMA, TGA and parallel plate rheometer. The results reveal that the well‐dispersed Fe3O4 particle restricts the segmental motion of polymer chain, leading to a remarkable increase of the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the PPS due to the strong physical association and interactions between particles and matrix. The presence of the Fe3O4 particles, however, can not facilitate crystallization of PPS, because the particles only play the role of inert filler and have no heterogeneous nucleating effect. The crystallization kinetics, as a result, decreases with increasing particles loadings due to the increasing restriction of the chain mobility and high viscosity. In addition, the rheological percolated network of the Fe3O4 particles is very sensitive to the steady shear deformation, and also to the temperature. The network structure is easily broken by the steady shear flow due to the sharply reduced particle–particle interactions. However, the percolation threshold reduces with increase of temperature, because those interactions are temperature‐dependent. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Organic/inorganic hybrid bismaleimide resin with octa(aminophenyl)silsesquioxane
Authors: Huang Fuwei , Rong Zhuxia , Shen Xuening , Huang Farong , Du Lei , Li Zhongping
Published: March 2008

Octa(aminophenyl)silsesquioxane (OAPS) was prepared in two steps by the nitration of octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS) in fuming nitric acid to form octa(nitrophenyl)silsesquioxane (ONPS), followed by the mild reduction of ONPS with Pd/C as a catalyst. OPS, ONPS and OAPS were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 29Si NMR techniques. Modification of a bismaleimide (BMI) resin with OAPS and dipropargyl ether of bisphenol A (DPBPA) was investigated. The modified resins, OAPS/DPBPA/BMI, were characterized with DSC, FTIR and rheology analyses. The results showed that the modified resins have good processability. The DMA results indicated that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured OAPS/DPBPA/BMI hybrid resins reached 350°C. The decomposition temperature (Td5) of the cured resins decreased but the char yield (Yc, 800°C) increased as the OAPS loading increased, especially in air. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
New PVK‐based nonlinear optical polymers: Enhanced nonlinearity and improved transparency
Authors: Li Zhong'an , Dong Shoucheng , Li Pengcheng , Li Zhen , Ye Cheng , Qin Jingui
Published: March 2008

A series of poly(vinylcarbazole)‐based polymers containing sulfonyl‐based nonlinear optical chromophores as the side chains were prepared conveniently through a postfunctionalization approach. In the polymers, the subtle structure of the chromophore moieties could be easily modified by the introduction of different isolation group, to adjust the property of the resultant polymers. The polymers exhibited good optical transparency, besides their good processability and thermal stability. The poled polymer films exhibited large second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients of d33 values (up to 28.6 pm/V) with excellent thermal stability (about 90% of the maximal SHG coefficients remain at ∼ 110 °C). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2983–2993, 2008
Phosphorus‐containing telechelic polyester‐based ionomer: Facile synthesis and antidripping effects
Authors: Ge Xin‐Guo , Wang Chuan , Hu Zhi , Xiang Xing , Wang Jun‐Sheng , Wang De‐Yi , Liu Cong‐Ping , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: March 2008

The ionomer concept was introduced to the field of flame‐retardant polyesters for the first time. The ionic monomer, sodium salt of 2‐hydroxyethyl 3‐(phenylphosphinyl)propionate (SHPPP), was synthesized by selective esterification of 3‐(hydroxyphenylphosphinyl)propionic acid with ethylene glycol, followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate anhydrous. SHPPP was characterized with 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐based ionomers containing terminal units derived from this ionic monomer, were synthesized by melt polycondensation. The chemical structure of the ionomers was characterized with 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The effects of SHPPP on the thermal properties and melting behaviors of the ionomers were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The flammability of the ionomers was characterized by the limiting oxygen index test. The test results show that the ionomers themselves possess both excellent flame retardancy and antidripping properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2994–3006, 2008