bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of SCPOF preform doped with rare earth complexes
Authors: Wu Wenxuan , Xu Jie , Luo Yanhua , Yang Jiwen , Ming Hai , Chen Biao , Zhang Qijin
Published: October 2008

Segmented‐cladding fibers (SCF) consist of a uniform core of high refractive index and a cladding with regions of high and low refractive index alternating angularly, which can effectively realize single mode with a large core diameter. Because polymer optical fibers are usually of large diameter, theoretical model for SCF was further extended to segmented‐cladding polymer optical fibers (SCPOF) doped with rare earth complex in this article. On the basis of the physical principle, a material model for SCPOF was established, from which refractive index and glass transition temperature of polymer materials was predetermined for the core and cladding of SCPOF, respectively. According to the model, a preform for SCPOF was fabricated with the core doped with Eu(DBM)3Phen that has characteristic emission at 613 nm under excitation at 365 nm. From results of fluorescence photograph, it is clearly seen that the expected preform has been obtained by a two‐step method developed in this work. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Structural and thermal characterization of hybrid materials based on TEOS and DCN
Authors: Trejo‐Durán M. , Martínez‐Richa A. , Vera‐Graziano R. , Alvarado‐Méndez E. , Castaño V. M.
Published: October 2008

Solution and solid‐state Silicon‐29 NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (WAXS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetric were used for the characterization of organic–inorganic hybrids, obtained from 4‐[[5‐dichloromethylsilyl]pentyl]oxy]‐cyanobenzene (DCN) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Presence of reaction intermediates during chemical reactions was characterized by NMR. The hybrids are mainly composed of a siloxane copolymer with silicate units. Copolymer has pendant groups of pentyl‐oxy‐cyanobenzene that behave as chromophores. The nature of ordered–disordered phases was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Ordered phase has a mesogenic structure containing the siloxane copolymer. The disordered phase is mainly silica glass. Molecular modeling for an idealized section of the copolymer suggests that pentyl‐oxy‐cyanobenzene side‐chains align as rigid mesogens along the polymer backbone. Hybrids present self diffraction patterns in coherent luminous rings forms. These patterns indicate the presence of nonlinear optic (NLO) properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Influence of silicon carbide filler on mechanical and dielectric properties of glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Suresha B. , Chandramohan G. , Renukappa N. M. , Siddaramaiah
Published: October 2008

Fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites (FRPCs) have emerged as an important material for automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications because of their light weight, design flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and improved mechanical performance. In this study, glass‐epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled glass‐epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composite systems have been fabricated using hand lay‐up technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, and hardness have been investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. From the experimental investigations, it has been found that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the glass reinforced epoxy composite increased with the inclusion of SiC filler. The results of the SiC (5 wt %)‐G‐E composite showed higher mechanical properties compared to G‐E system. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (permittivity), tan delta, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of these composites have been evaluated. A drastic reduction in dielectric constant after incorporation of conducting SiC filler into epoxy composite has been observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs of the fractured samples revealed various aspects of the fractured surfaces. The failure modes of the tensile fractured surfaces have also been reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of thermoresponsive polymeric micelles of PNIPAAm‐b‐OMMA as a drug carrier for loading and controlled release of prednisolone
Authors: Li Wei , Tu Weixia , Cao Dapeng
Published: October 2008

We synthesized a drug delivery system of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐oligo(methyl methacrylate) (PNIPAAm‐b‐OMMA) via polycondensation of two homopolymers in 1,4‐dioxane. The products are characterized by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR spectra and TEM. The PNIPAAm‐b‐OMMA copolymer micelles in aqueous solution present the same lower critical solution temperature (LCST) as the unmodified PNIPAAm, owing to the formation of a core–shell micellar structure that the hydrophilic shell shields the hydrophobic inner OMMA core from interacting with water. The micelle carriers exhibit two heterogeneous microdomains: a hydrophobic inner core capable of highly solubilizing hydrophobic prednisolone molecules, plus a hydrated outer shell that stabilizes this micellar structure below its LCST. Moreover, the micelle carriers show reversible thermoresponsive aggregation/dispersion in response to temperature cycles through the LCST. By using the antiinflammation drug prednisolone as model drug, it is found that the PNIPAAm‐b‐OMMA drug carrier could prolong the release time and control the release amount by changing the temperature. Accordingly, this copolymer micelle may provide as an effective drug carrier for drug control and release. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Multifunctional peroxide as alternative crosslink agents for dynamically vulcanized epoxidized natural rubber/polypropylene blends
Authors: Thitithammawong A. , Nakason C. , Sahakaro K. , Noordermeer J. W. M.
Published: October 2008

Commonly used dicumyl peroxide (DCP) in combination with coagent, triallyl cyanurate (TAC), as a crosslinking agent is well acceptable for dynamically vulcanized rubber phase of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). However, it generally produces volatile decomposition products, which cause a typical unpleasant smell and a blooming phenomenon. In this work, influence of two types of multifunctional peroxides: 2,4‐diallyloxy‐6‐tert‐butylperoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine (DTBT) and 1‐(2‐tert‐butylperoxyisopropyl)‐3‐isopropenyl benzene (TBIB), on properties of TPVs based on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/polypropylene (PP) blends were investigated. The conventional peroxide/coagent combinations, i.e., DCP/TAC and tert‐butyl cumyl peroxide (TBCP)/α‐methyl styrene (α‐MeS) were also used to prepare the TPVs for a comparison purpose. The TPVs with multifunctional peroxide, DTBT, provided good mechanical properties and phase morphology of small dispersed vulcanized rubber domains in the PP matrix which were comparable with the DCP/TAC cured TPVs. However, the TPVs with TBIB/α‐MeS and TBCP/α‐MeS showed comparatively low values of the tensile properties as well as rather large phase morphology. The results were interpreted by three main factors: the kinetic aspects of the various peroxides, solubility parameters of respective peroxide/coagent combinations in the ENR and PP phases, and the tendency to form unpleasantly smelling byproducts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Conducting polymer composites of multiwalled carbon nanotube filled doped polyaniline
Authors: Yılmaz Faris , Küçükyavuz Zuhal
Published: October 2008

A multiwalled carbon nanotube (c‐MWNT)/polyaniline (PANI) composite was synthesized by an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization process. With the carbon nanotube loading increased from 0 to 30 wt %, the conductivity also increased and became weakly temperature‐dependent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies showed that the synthesis by an in situ process led to effective site‐selective interactions between the quinoid ring of the PANI and the multiwalled nanotubes, facilitating charge‐transfer processes between the two components. The morphological analysis indicated that the c‐MWNTs were well dispersed and isolated, and the tubes became crowded proportionally to the weight percentage of c‐MWNTs used in the composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Circular dichroism and UV‐resonance Raman investigation of the temperature dependence of the conformations of linear and cyclic elastin
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Scaffidi Jonathan P. , Asher Sanford A.
Published: October 2008

We used electronic circular dichroism (CD) and UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy at 204 nm excitation to examine the temperature dependence of conformational changes in cyclic and linear elastin peptides. We utilize CD spectroscopy to study global conformation changes in elastin peptides, while UVRR is utilized to probe the local conformation and hydrogen bonding of Val and Pro peptide bonds. Our results indicate that at 20 °C cyclic elastin predominantly populates distorted β‐strand, β‐type II and β‐type III turn conformations. At 60 °C, the β‐type II turn population increases, while the distorted β‐strand population decreases. Linear elastin predominantly adopts distorted β‐strand and β‐type III turn conformations with some β‐type II turn population at 20 °C. Increasing temperature to 60 °C results in a small increase in the turn population. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 52–60, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Controlling cell position in complex heterotypic 3D microtissues by tissue fusion
Authors: Rago Adam P. , Dean Dylan M. , Morgan Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2008

Tissue fusion and cell sorting are processes fundamental to developmental biology with applications in tissue engineering. We have designed a fusion assay to investigate the factors governing the fusion of microtissues and the cell sorting that occurs after fusion. Normal human fibroblast (NHF) spheroids were self‐assembled and cultured for 1, 4, or 7 days, then combined in trough shaped recesses. Over a 24‐h period the spheroids fused to become a rod shaped microtissue and the kinetics and extent of fusion could be quantified by assessing rod contraction. By varying the amount of spheroid culture time prior to fusion (1–7 days), the rate of fusion, the coherence of the building units (as measured by fusion angle) and the steady state length of the structure could be easily controlled. Longer pre‐culture times for the spheroids resulted in slower fusion, less coherence and increased length of rod microtissues. The fusion kinetics and steady length of rods formed by smaller versus larger spheroids (∼100 vs. 300 µm diameter) were indistinguishable, even though smaller spheroids had twice the surface area and greater numbers of contacts between units. Both small and large spheroids were strongly influenced by spheroid pre‐culture time. Pre‐culture time could also be used to control cell sorting and cell position when combinations of NHFs and H35s, a rat hepatocyte cell line, were fused to form heterotypic microtissues. Control of fusion and cell position are important parameters for creating functional heterotypic microtissues as well as the use of microtissues as building units to create larger tissue structures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1231–1241. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of hydrolysis parameters in full‐scale anerobic digesters
Authors: Batstone D.J. , Tait S. , Starrenburg D.
Published: October 2008

In hydrolysis‐limited anerobic systems, the key parameters describing degradation are degradability extent (fd), and the lumped apparent first order coefficient (khyd). These are often measured in biological methane potential (BMP) tests. Using modern techniques, it should also be possible to estimate these parameters in full‐scale systems, especially where inputs are dynamic. In this study, we evaluated fd and khyd values and uncertainty based on nonlinear parameter estimation from (i) BMP tests and (ii) effluent gas and solids from two full‐scale digesters fed with highly variable feed flows and concentrations (up to 6 kg COD m−3 day−1). The substrate was thermally hydrolyzed activated sludge, and the inoculum for BMP tests was from the full‐scale digesters. While identifiability of both parameters in the BMP tests was generally good, only fd could be well identified using continuous data. For khyd using continuous data, normally only a lower limit could be found (upper was unbounded). In addition, parameters as estimated on different outputs (VS and gasflow) and two different digesters were consistent, with an fd value of 0.45–0.55, and a khyd value of >5 day−1. Gradual changes in fd over the 450 days could be related to upstream changes. fd values as estimated in BMP tests were consistent (if conservative) with continuous estimates, with a fd in BMP of 0.4–0.5. khyd values were an order of magnitude lower (0.15–0.25 day−1 vs. >5 day−1), and this translated to very poor model performance when BMP‐estimated values were used in the continuous model. This means that while BMP testing may be used for project feasibility analysis, values obtained should not be used for dynamic modeling. The parameter confidence regions found were highly nonlinear, especially for continuous systems, indicating that iterative or sampling techniques are required for an estimate of real parameter uncertainty. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1513–1520. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic modeling of a bi‐enzymatic system for efficient conversion of lactose to lactobionic acid
Authors: Van Hecke Wouter , Bhagwat Aditya , Ludwig Roland , Dewulf Jo , Haltrich Dietmar , Van Langenhove Herman
Published: October 2008

A model has been developed to describe the interaction between two enzymes and an intermediary redox mediator. In this bi‐enzymatic process, the enzyme cellobiose dehydrogenase oxidizes lactose at the C‐1 position of the reducing sugar moiety to lactobionolactone, which spontaneously hydrolyzes to lactobionic acid. 2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt is used as electron acceptor and is continuously regenerated by laccase. Oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor and is fully reduced to water by laccase, a copper‐containing oxidase. Oxygen is added to the system by means of bubble‐free oxygenation. Using the model, the productivity of the process is investigated by simultaneous solution of the rate equations for varying enzyme quantities and redox mediator concentrations, solved with the aid of a numerical solution. The isocharts developed in this work provide an easy‐to‐use graphical tool to determine optimal process conditions. The model allows the optimization of the employed activities of the two enzymes and the redox mediator concentration for a given overall oxygen mass transfer coefficient by using the isocharts. Model predictions are well in agreement with the experimental data. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1475–1482. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel, Q‐PCR Based Approach to Measuring Endogenous Retroviral Clearance by Capture Protein A Chromatography
Authors: Zhang Min , Lute Scott , Norling Lenore , Hong Connie , Safta Aurelia , O'Connor Deborah , Bernstein Lisa J. , Wang Hua , Blank Greg , Brorson Kurt , Chen Qi
Published: October 2008

Quantification of virus removal by the purification process during production is required for clinical use of biopharmaceuticals. The current validation approach for virus removal by chromatography steps typically involves time‐consuming spiking experiments with expensive model viruses at bench scale. Here we propose a novel, alternative approach that can be applied in at least one instance: evaluating retroviral clearance by protein A chromatography. Our strategy uses a quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR) assay that quantifies the endogenous type C retrovirus‐like particle genomes directly in production Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell culture harvests and protein A pools. This eliminates the need to perform spiking with model viruses, and measures the real virus from the process. Using this new approach, clearance values were obtained that was comparable to those from the old model‐virus spike/removal approach. We tested the concept of design space for CHO retrovirus removal using samples from a protein A characterization study, where a wide range of chromatographic operating conditions were challenged, including load density, flow rate, wash, pooling, temperature, and resin life cycles. Little impact of these variables on CHO retrovirus clearance was found, arguing for implementation of the design space approach for viral clearance to support operational ranges and manufacturing excursions. The viral clearance results from Q‐PCR were confirmed by an orthogonal quantitative product‐enhanced reverse transcriptase (Q‐PERT) assay that quantifies CHO retrovirus by their reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme activity. Overall, our results demonstrate that protein A chromatography is a robust retrovirus removal step and CHO retrovirus removal can be directly measured at large scale using Q‐PCR assays. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1438–1447. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Five year maintenance of the inducible expression of anthranilate synthase in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots
Authors: Peebles Christie A.M. , Sander Guy W. , Li Mai , Shanks Jacqueline V. , San Ka‐Yiu
Published: October 2008

Transgenic hairy root cultures have the potential to be an industrial production platform for a variety of chemicals. This report demonstrates the long‐term stability of a transgenic Catharanthus roseus hairy root line containing the inducible expression of a feedback‐insensitive anthranilate synthase (AS). After 5 years in liquid culture, the presence of the inserted AS gene was confirmed by genomic PCR. The inducible expression of AS was confirmed by enzyme assay and by changes in terpenoid indole alkaloid concentrations. This report also demonstrates that it may take as long as 2 years for the metabolite profile to stabilize. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1521–1525. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability of staging, prognosis, and comorbidity data collection in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) multicenter outcomes database
Authors: Kho Michelle E. , Lepisto Eva M. , Niland Joyce C. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , LaCasce Ann S. , Weeks Jane C.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

Clinical trials and outcomes studies often rely on nonphysicians to abstract complex data from medical records, but the reliability of these data are rarely assessed.

METHODS.

We used standardized charts of patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma to assess the reliability of key clinical data elements abstracted by 6 clinical research associates (CRAs), 3 project staff, and 3 medical oncologists. We assessed reliability on 5 variables: MD‐reported and rater‐determined disease stage; International Prognostic Index (IPI; low‐low intermediate, intermediate‐high, high); Charlson comorbidity index score; and presence of any item from the Charlson index. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0‐0.20 were indicative of “slight”, 0.21‐0.40 indicated “fair”, 0.41‐0.60 indicated “moderate”, 0.61‐0.80 “substantial” and >0.80 “almost perfect” reliability.

RESULTS.

By outcome, the ICC (95% confidence interval) values for MD‐reported stage, rater‐determined stage, and IPI were 0.86 (0.67, 0.94), 0.82 (0.59, 0.93), and 0.80 (0.55, 0.92), respectively. In contrast, the ICC (95% confidence interval) of the Charlson score, or presence of any Charlson comorbidity item was 0.47 (0.03, 0.75) and 0.61 (0.23, 0.83), respectively. Reliability varied by rater group; no rater group was consistently more reliable than others.

CONCLUSIONS.

Trained CRAs abstracted key clinical variables with a very high degree of reliability, and performed at a level similar to study trainers and oncologists. Elements of the Charlson index were less reliable than other data types, possibly because of inherent ambiguity in the index itself. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Prostate cancer risk assessment
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R.
Published: October 2008

Prostate cancer risk assessment has become increasingly complex, with a long and growing menu of risk assessment tools available. Instrument selection for clinical practice and research must balance accuracy, validation, and applicability.
Noise‐induced sampling of alternative Hamiltonian paths in quantum adiabatic search
Authors: Gaitan Frank
Published: October 2008

We numerically simulate the effects of noise‐induced sampling of alternative Hamiltonian paths on the ability of quantum adiabatic search (QuAdS) to solve randomly generated instances of the NP‐complete problem N‐bit Exact Cover 3. The noise‐averaged median runtime is determined as the noise‐power and number of bits N are varied, and power‐law and exponential fits are made to the data. Noise is seen to slowdown QuAdS, though a downward shift in the scaling exponent is found for N > 12 over a range of noise‐power values. We discuss whether this shift might be connected to arguments in the literature that suggest that altering the Hamiltonian path might benefit QuAdS performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Characterization of tumor cell dissemination patterns in preclinical models of cancer metastasis using flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry
Authors: Goodale David , Phay Carolina , Postenka Carl O. , Keeney Michael , Allan Alison L.
Published: October 2008

The inability to sensitively detect metastatic cells in preclinical models of cancer has created challenges for studying metastasis in experimental systems. We previously developed a flow cytometry (FCM) method for quantifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in mouse models of breast cancer. We have adapted this methodology for analysis of tumor dissemination to bone marrow (BM) and lymph node (LN), and for analysis of these samples by laser scanning cytometry (LSC). Our objective was to implement these methodologies for characterization of tumor cell dissemination in preclinical models of cancer metastasis. Human cancer cells were injected into mice via mammary fat pad (MFP; spontaneous metastasis), tail vein (TV; targets lung), or intracardiac (IC; targets bone) routes. At several time points postinjection (4 h to 8 weeks), mice were sacrificed and blood, LNs, and BM were collected. Samples were immunomagnetically enriched and labeled with human leukocytic antigen–fluorescein isothiocyanate and CD45‐PE antibodies (FCM/LSC), and propidium iodide (FCM) prior to quantitative analysis. Following MFP injection, CTCs increased over time, as did disseminated cells to the LN. Interestingly, tumor cells also spontaneously disseminated to BM, peaking at 2 weeks postinjection. Following TV injection, CTCs were initially high but decreased rapidly by 1 week before increasing to peak at endpoint. Combined with an observed concurrent increase in disseminated cells to LN and BM, this suggests that tumor cells may shed into the circulation from lung metastases that establish following initial cell delivery. Following IC injection, CTCs increased over time, peaking at 4 weeks. Tumor cells in the BM (most prevalent site of metastasis after IC injection) remained at moderate levels until peaking at endpoint. Combined use of FCM and LSC allows sensitive quantification of disseminated tumor cells in preclinical models of metastasis. These methods will be valuable for future studies aimed at testing new therapeutics in the metastatic setting. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Ex vivo expansion of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells for immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Trzonkowski Piotr , Szaryńska Magdalena , Myśliwska Jolanta , Myśliwski Andrzej
Published: October 2008

Immunosuppressants are powerful drugs, capable of triggering severe adverse effects. Hence, there is tremendous interest in replacing them with less‐toxic agents. Adoptive therapy with CD25+CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) holds promise as an alternative to immunosuppressants. Tregs have been described as the most potent immunosuppressive cells in the human body. In a number of experimental models, they have been found to quench autoimmune diseases, maintain allogeneic transplants, and prevent allergic diseases. A major stumbling block in their clinical application is related to Treg phenotype and the very limited number of these cells in the periphery, not exceeding 1–5% of total CD4+ T cells. Recent progress in multicolor flow cytometry and cell sorting as well as cellular immunology has found ways of overcoming these obstacles, and has opened the doors to the clinical application of Tregs. In the review, we describe Treg sorting and expansion techniques that have been developed in recent years. In the experience of our laboratory, as well as some published reports, Treg adoptive therapy is a promising tool in immunosuppressive therapy, and should be considered for clinical trials. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Malignant first branchial cleft cysts presented as submandibular abscesses in fine‐needle aspiration: Report of three cases and review of literature
Authors: Bhanote Monisha , Yang Grace C. H.
Published: October 2008

Malignant branchial cleft cyst is a rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, there have been one case of malignant first branchial cleft cyst and 13 cases of malignant second branchial cleft cysts in the literature that fulfill Khafif's modified criteria since 1982. We have encountered three such cases, presenting as unilateral submandibular abscesses, refractory to antibiotics, from men of 52, 53, and 61 years of age. Fine‐needle aspiration was reported as “abscess” in the first case, “atypical squamous cystic lesion” in the second case, and “atypical first branchial cleft cyst” in the third case. Histopathology showed Type II malignant first branchial cleft cysts with in situ squamous‐cell carcinoma in one patient and in situ and invasive squamous‐cell carcinoma in the other two patients. Patients are alive and disease‐free 3–4.5 years post‐surgery and ‐radiation. Awareness of this extremely rare entity can potentially avoid underdiagnosis by the cytopathologist and overtreatment by the surgeons. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective study of the diagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration for breast lesions and implications for future use
Authors: Day Christina , Moatamed Neda , Fimbres Amber M. , Salami Nikki , Lim Susan , Apple Sophia K.
Published: October 2008

In recent years, the use of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of breast lesions has declined in many institutions. We sought to evaluate the role of FNA for breast lesions and the annual rate of the procedure at our institution over a 4½ year period (May 2002–October 2006). A total of 831 FNAs were performed, with 258 (31%) having histologic follow‐up. The number of FNAs obtained was 159 from 5/02 to 4/03, 192 from 5/03 to 4/04, 194 from 5/04 to 4/05, 191 from 5/05 to 4/06, and 95 from 5/06 to 10/06. Each case was placed into one of four categories: nondiagnostic (9%), benign (77.5%), atypical/suspicious (5.5%), or malignant (8%). Surgical tissue was available for 37% of nondiagnostic cases, 22% of benign cases, 80% of atypical/suspicious cases, and 72% of malignant cases. The overall sensitivity and specificity for FNA was 83 and 92% respectively. The overall positive and negative predictive values were 83 and 92% respectively. There were no false‐positive cases, indicating a positive predictive value of 100% for a Dx of malignancy. For cases with surgical follow‐up, the false‐negative rate was 5.4%. Although there is a national trend away from FNAs of breast lesion, this has not been the experience at our institution. Although FNA may not be ideal in the initial evaluation of suspicious lesions, we argue that FNA for clinically benign palpable lesions and recurrent carcinomas has significant value. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytology of metastatic appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid in pleural effusion fluid: A case report
Authors: Zafar Samiah , Chen Hua , Sun Wei , Das Kasturi
Published: October 2008

Goblet cell appendiceal carcinoid (GCAC) is a rare neoplasm. We described the case of a 72‐year‐old man who presented with symptoms related to ascites. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass involving the base of the appendix, ascites and concomitant pleural effusion. Thoracentesis of the pleural fluid showed metastatic GCAC. The appendiceal mass was biopsied and diagnosed as a GCAC. We describe the cytologic features of the metastatic GCAC to pleural fluid. To our knowledge this is the first such described case. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xenopus BTBD6 and its Drosophila homologue lute are required for neuronal development
Authors: Bury Frédéric J. , Moers Virginie , Yan Jiekun , Souopgui Jacob , Quan Xiao‐Jiang , De Geest Natalie , Kricha Sadia , Hassan Bassem A. , Bellefroid Eric J.
Published: October 2008

BBP proteins constitute a subclass of CUL3 interacting BTB proteins whose in vivo function remains unknown. Here, we show that the Xenopus BBP gene BTBD6 and the single Drosophila homologue of mammalian BBP genes lute are strongly expressed in the developing nervous system. In Xenopus, BTBD6 expression responds positively to proneural and negatively to neurogenic gene overexpression. Knockdown of BTBD6 in Xenopus or loss of Drosophila lute result in embryos with strong defects in late neuronal markers and strongly reduced and disorganized axons while early neural development is unaffected. XBTBD6 knockdown in Xenopus also affects muscle development. Together, these data indicate that BTBD6/lute is required for proper embryogenesis and plays an essential evolutionary conserved role during neuronal development. Developmental Dynamics 237:3352–3360, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction and modulation of smooth muscle differentiation in Xenopus embryonic cells
Authors: Barillot Wilfrid , Tréguer Karine , Faucheux Corinne , Fédou Sandrine , Thézé Nadine , Thiébaud Pierre
Published: October 2008

By comparison with skeletal or cardiac developmental programs, little is known regarding the specific factors that promote specification and differentiation of smooth muscle cells from pluripotent cells. We have analyzed the developmental expression of a subset of smooth muscle genes during Xenopus early development and showed that similar to mammals and avians, Xenopus smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM‐MHC) is a highly specific marker of smooth muscle differentiation. Embryonic cells from animal pole explants of Xenopus blastula can be induced by basic fibroblast growth factor, Wnt, and bone morphogenetic protein signals to adopt the smooth muscle pathway. Explants from early embryos that contain neural crest cells can also differentiate into cells expressing smooth muscle genes. We examined the interplay of several transcription factors, that is SRF, myocardin, and GATA6, that induce the expression of SM‐MHC in animal cap cells and found that myocardin‐dependent expression of smooth muscle genes in animal cap cells is synergized by SRF but is strongly antagonized by GATA6. Developmental Dynamics 237:3373–3386, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain‐specific 1B promoter of FGF1 gene facilitates the isolation of neural stem/progenitor cells with self‐renewal and multipotent capacities
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Chao , Lee Don‐Ching , Chen Su‐Liang , Liao Wei‐Chih , Lin Jia‐Wei , Chiu Wen‐Ta , Chiu Ing‐Ming
Published: October 2008

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) has been shown to maintain proliferation and self‐renewal capacities of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vitro. We have previously identified FGF1B as the major transcript of FGF1 gene expressed exclusively in brain areas that are known to be abundant for NSPCs in vivo. The 540‐bp (−540 to +31) sequence upstream of the 1B transcription start site (F1B) is sufficient to drive the expression of a heterologous luciferase reporter in cultured cells. In this study, we report a direct genetic and functional approach to isolate F1B(+) NSPCs using green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene under the control of human F1B promoter. The F1B‐GFP reporter could facilitate the isolation of NSPCs with self‐renewal and multipotent capacities from human glioblastoma tissues, developing or adult mouse brains by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Future work elucidating the mechanisms that control FGF1B expression will help to identify new NSPC‐related genes. Developmental Dynamics 238:302–314, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward understanding the development of scleral ossicles in the chicken, Gallus gallus
Authors: Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: October 2008

Scleral ossicles are dermal bones that are present in the eye of many vertebrates. Despite this, little is understood about their development. This study investigates the cellular dynamics during and after induction, and attempts to identify inducing factors. Both cell death and proliferation were found to play limited roles in mesenchymal condensation formation, but are involved in development of the inducing epithelium overlying the presumptive ossicle. Real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of candidate genes identified significant increases in sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression. In situ hybridization confirmed that SHH is exclusively expressed in the conjunctival (scleral) papillae and not in the mesenchyme. Direct localized inhibition of Hedgehog signaling, by means of cyclopamine, supports the finding that SHH may play a role in scleral ossicle induction. In addition, a nonfluctuating asymmetry with respect to the number of ossicles per eye was found. This study provides significant insight into understanding the development of the neural crest derived dermal bones. Developmental Dynamics 237:3240–3251, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐throughput knock‐in coupling gene targeting with the HPRT minigene and Cre‐mediated recombination
Authors: Kim Tae Moon , Choi Yong Jun , Ko Jun Ho , Hasty Paul
Published: October 2008

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence protein function possibly contributing to phenotype; yet, for most SNPs their potential influence is unknown. Here, we present a technique in mouse embryonic stem cells that enables high‐throughput knock‐in (the placement of coding sequences adjacent to a specific endogenous promoter). Our methodology utilizes gene targeting with a combination of two selection cassettes (SAβgeo and the HPRT minigene) along with site‐specific recombinases (Cre/loxP and FLP/FRT) to efficiently introduce multiple DNA sequences, including enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), adjacent to the DNA topoisomerase 3β (Top3β) promoter. This technology enables rapid and efficient introduction of DNA sequences to a specific location and advances high‐throughput analysis of many SNPs with control for expression and genetic background. genesis 46:732–737, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vegetation controls on soil moisture distribution in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico, during the North American monsoon
Authors: Vivoni Enrique R. , Rinehart Alex J. , Méndez‐Barroso Luis A. , Aragón Carlos A. , Bisht Gautam , Cardenas M. Bayani , Engle Emily , Forman Barton A. , Frisbee Marty D. , Gutiérrez‐Jurado Hugo A. , Hong Song‐ho , Mahmood Taufique H. , Tai Kinwai , Wyckoff Robert L.
Published: October 2008

Soil moisture distributions are expected to be closely tied to ecosystem processes in water‐limited environments of the southwest United States. Nevertheless, few studies have addressed how soil moisture varies across grassland to forest transitions frequently observed in semiarid mountain settings. In this study, we quantify the vegetation controls on surface soil moisture by sampling a range of different ecosystems present in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico. Soil and atmospheric variables were measured during a 2‐week field campaign conducted in late July to early August 2005 during the North American monsoon. Field observations were supplemented by a network of continuous instruments used to assess conditions prior to and after the sampling campaign. Results reveal that soil moisture responds directly to summer precipitation events and is mediated by plant interception, which differs across the grassland–forest continuum. The nature of the spatial and temporal variations in soil moisture changes across the different sampled ecosystems: wetlands, riparian forests, grasslands, ponderosa, deciduous and mixed conifer forests. In particular, statistical analyses of soil moisture distributions indicate that distinct regimes (e.g. probability density functions) exist along the semiarid vegetation gradient, which may not be revealed through simple metrics such as the ecosystem average. Ecosystem differences are further elucidated through comparison of the spatial variations in each vegetation type, indicating higher variability in wetland and grassland sites. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transpiration and stomatal conductance across a steep climate gradient in the southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: McDowell Nate G. , White Sandra , Pockman William T.
Published: October 2008

Transpiration (E) is regulated over short time periods by stomatal conductance (Gs) and over multi‐year periods by tree‐ and stand‐structural factors such as leaf area, height and density, with upper limits ultimately set by climate. We tested the hypothesis that tree structure, stand structure andGstogether regulateEper ground area (Eg) within climatic limits using three sites located across a steep climatic gradient: a low‐elevationJuniperuswoodland, a mid‐elevationPinusforest and a high‐elevationPiceaforest. We measured leaf area : sapwood area ratio (Al:As), height and ecosystem sapwood area : ground area ratio (As:Ag) to assess long‐term structural adjustments, tree‐ring carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) to assess seasonal gas exchange, and whole‐treeEandGsto assess short‐term regulation. We used a hydraulic model based on Darcy's law to interpret the interactive regulation ofGsandEg. Common allometric dependencies were found only in the relationship of sapwood area to diameter for pine and spruce; there were strong site differences for allometric relationships of sapwood area to basal area,Al:AsandAs:Ag. On a sapwood area basis,Edecreased with increasing elevation, but this pattern was reversed whenEwas scaled to the crown usingAl:As.Egwas controlled largely byAs:Ag, and bothEgandGsdeclined from high‐ to low‐elevation sites. Observation‐model comparisons ofEg,Gsand δ13C were strongest using the hydraulic model parameterized with precipitation, vapour pressure deficit,Al:As, height, andAs:Ag, supporting the concept that climate,Gs, tree‐ and stand‐structure interact to regulateEg. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of vegetation, albedo, and solar radiation sheltering on the distribution of snow in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico
Authors: Rinehart Alex J. , Vivoni Enrique R. , Brooks Paul D.
Published: October 2008

The effects of radiation scattering and sheltering on snow distributions are poorly understood in montane regions of the southwestern United States. To examine this, we develop a single‐layer, distributed snow model (DSM) that includes canopy interception, and radiation scattering and sheltering. In our simulations, we distinguish between local and remote controls on shortwave radiation. This allows us to vary the representation of the effective albedo of the surrounding terrain from a vegetated to a snow‐covered landscape and examine the impact this has on snow accumulation and melt. The distributed model is applied to La Jara catchment in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico, during the 2004–2005 winter season. Results indicate that a landscape‐scale albedo controlled by vegetation has little effect on local scale‐processes, such as incoming shortwave radiation and maximum snow water equivalent (SWE). This implies that increases from scattered light are nearly equal to the losses of radiation from remote sheltering. In contrast, when landscape‐scale albedo is controlled by snow cover or by a proposed dynamic method accounting for snow in the vegetation canopy, there are large deviations in the spatiotemporal distributions of shortwave radiation and SWE due to scattered radiation exceeding the sheltering effects of remote topography. Our study results indicate that remote interactions of radiation, vegetation and topography are critical to consider in snow ecohydrological studies in regions with high solar flux and rugged topography. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of DA‐preconditioned FINN for electric power system fault detection
Authors: Itagaki Tadahiro , Mori Hiroyuki , Yamada Takeshi , Urano Shoichi
Published: October 2008

This paper proposes a hybrid method of deterministic annealing (DA) and fuzzy inference neural network (FINN) for electric power system fault detection. It extracts features of input data with two‐staged precondition of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and DA. FFT is useful for extracting the features of fault currents while DA plays a key role in classifying input data into clusters in a sense of global classification. FINN is a more accurate estimation model than the conventional artificial neural networks (ANNs). The proposed method is successfully applied to data obtained by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) power simulator. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(2): 39– 46, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20497
Efficiency evaluation of lightning fault inspection in 66‐kV transmission line
Authors: Narita Tomomi , Yamaguchi Setsuo
Published: October 2008

A transmission line must be immediately inspected when it is struck by lightning, and damaged parts must be found and changed promptly if the damage is serious. However, such cases are now uncommon owing to the effective design of the lightning protection system now in use. Therefore, it is important to compare data on past lightning events and on transmission lines and to formulate criteria for deciding more precisely in which cases an actual inspection should be carried out. The criteria identified are as follows: (1) the insulator voltage exceeds the critical voltage; (2) the arc current and arc duration exceed the characteristic of insulator breakdown; (3) the number of accident phases is more than 3 ground faults per circuit; (4) the tower foot resistance is 10 ohms or more; (5) the lightning current has a positive characteristic. By using these criteria, the number of lightning fault inspections was reduced by 34%. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(2): 15–22, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20724
Heterobimetallic Bisphosphonate Titanium Complexes: Carbene‐Like Carbanions?
Authors: Spichty Martin , Kulicke Klaus J. , Neuburger Markus , Schaffner Silvia , Mueller Juergen F. K.
Published: October 2008

A new class of carbene‐like titanium complexes is easily accessible by means of a dilithiation–transmetallation sequence of a bisphosphonate. The X‐ray structure of the dimeric, organometallic compound 3 reveals a nano‐sized, multi‐layer aggregate with titanium‐metallated, trigonal planar carbon centers being devoid of Li contacts. DFT calculations show that the metallated carbon is a carbanion with only a slight carbene portion (10 %); the carbene character can be easily strengthened or weakened by varying the counterion. We anticipate that the sensitivity and flexibility to influence the electronic character of these carbene‐like carbanions offers a way to design new versatile reagents with variable chemical properties.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The Mechanism of the Stetter Reaction – A DFT Study
Authors: Hawkes Kirsty J. , Yates Brian F.
Published: October 2008

On the basis of Breslow's mechanism for benzoin condensation, a model asymmetric Stetter reaction has been investigated using DFT methods. In contrast to the concerted benzoin condensation, after formation of the Breslow intermediate the Stetter reaction is found to be a two‐step process in which the rate‐determining C–C coupling of the Breslow intermediate and the Michael acceptor precedes final proton transfer. In addition, the enolamine is found to play a significant role in the stereochemistry of the product, with the energy difference between stereoisomers of this intermediate reflected throughout the remainder of the reaction sequence. Consequently, electronic and steric control of the stereochemistry of this intermediate should directly enhance the ee values of the product. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Neutral Ionic Liquid [hmim]Br as a Green Reagent and Solvent for the Mild and Efficient Dehydration of Benzyl Alcohols into (E)‐Arylalkenes Under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Sharma Abhishek , Sharma Naina , Kumar Vinod , Sinha Arun K.
Published: October 2008

A mild and efficient, ionic‐liquid‐assisted, green protocol for the dehydration of benzyl alcohols into the corresponding (E)‐arylalkenes under microwave irradiation has been developed. The method utilizes a neutral and recyclable ionic liquid (1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide) as a reagent and solvent to cleanly provide a wide range of olefins without the need of harsh and expensive Brønsted/Lewis acids. The method was extended to the efficient conversion of acetylated/benzoylated derivatives of benzyl alcohol into their corresponding (E)‐arylalkenes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Dinemasones A, B and C – New Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Dinemasporium strigosum
Authors: Krohn Karsten , Sohrab Md. Hossain , van Ree Teunis , Draeger Siegfried , Schulz Barbara , Antus Sándor , Kurtán Tibor
Published: October 2008

Two new bioactive metabolites 1a and 2a (dinemasones A, B) were isolated in pure form and one as the diacetate 3b of dinemasone C (3a) from the ethyl acetate extract of Dinemasporium strigosum together with the known palmitic acid, ergosterol and the cis and trans isomers of 4‐hydroxymellein. The structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, notably 2D NMR techniques. Their absolute configurations were established by both their carbonyl n–π* CD transitions and the exciton chirality method of their respective dibenzoate derivatives. The dinemasones A, B (1a and 2a) showed antibacterial, antifungal, and antialgal activity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The Combination of Diallylboration and Ring‐Closing Metathesis in the Synthesis of Spiro‐β‐Amino Alcohols and (±)‐Cephalotaxine
Authors: Kuznetsov Nikolai Yu. , Kolomnikova Galina D. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Golovanov Denis G. , Bubnov Yuri N.
Published: October 2008

A convenient and practical methodology for the preparation of various spiro‐β‐amino alcohols has been elaborated. The approach involves allylboration and ring‐closing methathesis to prepare spirobicyclic compounds and their subsequent modification to spiro‐β‐amino alcohols containing four‐ to six‐membered azacycles. N‐Boc‐protected azaspirocyclic olefins reacted with NBS in solvent under reflux to give tricyclic bromocyclocarbamates. The structure of one of the bromides was established by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The dehydrobromination of the tricyclic bromides with tBuOK produced olefins in good yields, which underwent allylic‐type rearrangement in the presence of MgBr2·Et2O. Alkaline hydrolysis of the rearranged carbamates led to diastereomerically pure spiro‐β‐amino alcohols. The structure of the dimethyl‐substituted amino alcohol was proved by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. rac‐(5R*,6S*)‐1‐Azaspiro[4.4]non‐7‐en‐6‐ol was used in the formal synthesis of cephalotaxine.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)