bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Monomethyl Itaconate Grafted Poly(propylene) (PP) and Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) as Compatibilizers for PP/EPR Blends
Authors: Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad , Quijada Raúl , López‐Manchado Miguel A.
Published: December 2003

The use of grafted poly(propylene) (PP) and a random copolymer of ethylene and propylene (EPR) with an itaconic acid derivative, monomethyl itaconate (MMI), as compatibilizer for PP/EPR blends was analyzed. The grafting reaction was performed at 190 °C in a Brabender Plasticorder. 2,5‐Dimethyl‐2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy) hexane was the radical initiator for the functionalization of PP; dicumyl peroxide was used as the radical initiator for the modification of EPR. The obtained degree of grafting was 1.5% by weight for PP and 1.2% by weight for EPR. The compatibilizing effect of modified polymers on the processability, morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties of the blends was of interest. Compatibilization substantially improved the toughness and deformation with little effect on the tensile modulus and strength. Moreover, this effect was particularly evident when both polymeric phases were grafted. Regarding compatibilization, the viscosity of the blends increased due to the high interfacial adhesion. Morphological studies showed that the particle size of the rubbery phase was reduced and the dispersion in the matrix improved by compatibilization. The grafted polymers behaved as nucleating agents, accelerating the PP crystallization.

Change in complex viscosity with angular frequency at 180 °C for unmodified and MMI‐functionalized PP/EPR (70/30) blends.

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Change in complex viscosity with angular frequency at 180 °C for unmodified and MMI‐functionalized PP/EPR (70/30) blends.
Influence of Catalyst Content on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins Initiated by a Cationic Latent Thermal Catalyst at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Seo Min‐Kang
Published: December 2003

The effect of catalyst content on the thermal and mechanical properties of diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/BPH system was investigated at elevated temperatures. The contents of the catalyst, N‐benzylpyrazinium hexafluoroantimonate (BPH), examined were 0.5, 1, and 3 wt.‐% and the elapsed heating time was varied from 0 to 1 024 h. As a result, the thermal‐oxidative resistance and mechanical properties, including flexural strength, elastic modulus in flexure, and impact strength showed a maximum value at 1 wt.‐% BPH. By increasing the elapsed time to 4 h, the thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens were also improved. These results showed that the internal structure of the epoxy system was stabilized and post‐cured as the elapsed time increased, resulting in an improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of the specimens.

Impact strength of the DGEBA/BPH system as a function of BPH content and elapsed heating time.

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Impact strength of the DGEBA/BPH system as a function of BPH content and elapsed heating time.
Blown Soybean Oil Ceramer Coatings for Corrosion Protection
Authors: Teng Ganghua , Soucek Mark D.
Published: December 2003

A series of ceramer coatings were formulated using blown soybean oil as the organic phase, and sol‐gel precursors [titanium(IV) isopropoxide, titanium(IV) diisopropoxide bisacetoacetonate, and zirconium propoxide] as the inorganic phase. The corrosion resistance of the ceramer coatings was evaluated using failure‐at‐scribe and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on aluminium after exposure in a Prohesion Chamber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA) were also used to evaluate the coatings after exposure. The ceramer coatings demonstrated higher pull‐off adhesion, impedance modulus (after exposure), and lower failure‐at‐scribe than the blown soybean oil film. It was surmised that the addition of sol‐gel precursor enhanced the corrosion protective properties of the ceramer coatings via a self‐assembling layer of metal‐oxo clusters at the film substrate (aluminium) interface.

Impedance modulus of TIP‐based ceramer coatings as a function of exposure time.

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Impedance modulus of TIP‐based ceramer coatings as a function of exposure time.
The relationship between anomie and unethical retail disposition
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark S. , Kuntze Ronald
Published: December 2003

Despite potential competitive and customer service advantages of liberal return policies, retailers have tightened policies in response to fraudulent consumer behavior. This article suggests that changes in consumer behavior/retail return policies may be the result of a larger social phenomenon: consumer anomie. This research explores consumer anomie within the context of retailing. Two studies assess the relationships between anomie, materialism, rationalization techniques, and fraudulent marketplace behaviors. Factor analysis corroborates previous research indicating that modern‐day anomie is essentially cynicism. Consumers high in cynicism are more materialistic and more likely than other consumers to employ rationalization techniques in order to justify engaging in unethical retail disposition. Consumers high in cynicism are also found to hold more favorable views toward engaging in fraudulent marketplace behaviors that permit them to benefit at the seller's expense. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some continuous dependence results on the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Yang Yongfu , Gao Hongjun
Published: December 2003

Continuous dependence on a modelling parameter are established for solutions to a problem for a complex Ginzburg–Landau equation. We establish continuous dependence on the coefficient of the cubic term, and also on the coefficient of the term multiplying the Laplacian. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A binding site for germ cell nuclear factor within c‐mos regulatory sequences
Authors: Zilz Alexandra , Cooper Geoffrey M.
Published: December 2003

The proto‐oncogene c‐mos is specifically expressed in male and female germ cells. Previous studies have shown that the orphan nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP‐TF) contributes to the repression of c‐mos in somatic cells by binding to an inverted hexamer repeat within the c‐mos regulatory region. In the present study, we demonstrate that another nuclear receptor superfamily member, germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF), binds to a sequence overlapping the c‐mos COUP‐TF binding site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with recombinant GCNF and both wild‐type and mutant c‐mos oligonucleotides demonstrated the binding of GCNF to an extended half site, CCAAGTTCA, which overlaps the first hexamer of the COUP‐TF binding site. Transient transfection assays in NIH 3T3 cells further demonstrated that GCNF fused to a VP16 activation domain stimulated transcription from reporter constructs containing the c‐mos GCNF binding site. Since GCNF is expressed in male and female germ cells at the same stages of development at which c‐mos is transcribed, these results suggest that GCNF may serve as a regulator of c‐mos transcription. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 55–64, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse RanBPM is a partner gene to a germline specific RNA helicase, mouse vasa homolog protein
Authors: Shibata Norito , Tsunekawa Naoki , Okamoto‐Ito Shino , Akasu Ryuko , Tokumasu Ako , Noce Toshiaki
Published: December 2003

Germ cell‐specific ATP‐dependent RNA helicase, the product of the mouse vasa homolog (Mvh), has been shown to play an essential role in the development of the male germ cell. In male Mvh knockout mice, premeiotic germ cells arrest at the zygotene stage. To investigate the role of MVH protein in the progression of meiosis, we searched for genes encoding partners that interact with MVH in testicular germ cells. Using the yeast two‐hybrid system, we found that MVH interacts with mouse RanBPM, a Ran–GTP binding protein involved in microtubule nucleation. RanBPM is predominantly expressed in the testis, especially in maturating spermatocytes. Within the cell, RanBPM and MVH are closely associated with perinuclear RNA–protein complexes and chromatoid bodies. The interaction of MVH with RanBPM points to a functional relationship between translational regulation and the microtubule nucleation during meiosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 1–7, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germ cell‐less expression in medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Scholz Stefan , Domaschke H. , Kanamori A. , Ostermann K. , Rödel G. , Gutzeit H.O.
Published: December 2003

The gene germ cell‐less (gcl) plays an important role in the early differentiation of germ cells in Drosophila. We isolated the gcl homolog of the model teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes) using degenerated primers and an ovary cDNA bank. The predicted amino acid sequence of medaka gcl showed 92, 68 and 31% overall identity to mouse, human and Drosophila gcl respectively. RT‐PCR revealed stronger expression in the ovary and weaker expression in testis, brain, heart, liver and muscle tissue. Expression in early embryos indicates the presence of maternal mRNA. By in situ hybridisation (ISH), gcl could not be detected in embryos. In contrast to vasa, ISH revealed expression of gcl in the ovary but not in the testis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 15–18, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of heat shock on in vitro development and intracellular oxidative state of bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Sakatani Miki , Kobayashi Shu‐Ichi , Takahashi Masashi
Published: December 2003

We investigated the effects of heat shock on developmental competence of bovine embryos and intracellular oxidative state. After in vitro fertilization, embryos were exposed to heat shock at 41°C for 6 hr on days 0, 2, 4, and 6, respectively. On day 2, cleavage rate was not significantly different in all groups. However, the percentage of embryos developing to blastocyst stage after exposure to heat shock on day 0 (18.8 ± 4.3%) and day 2 (23.6 ± 3.7%) were significantly decreased compared with control (37.5 ± 4.0%), day 4 (40.0 ± 7.4%), and day 6 (38.1 ± 2.0%). In addition, the total cell number of blastocysts was significantly decreased by heat shock on day 0 (107.5 ± 6.6) and day 2 (112.8 ± 5.7) compared with the control (143.2 ± 9.4). To evaluate intracellular oxidative state by heat shock, embryos exposed to heat shock on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 were incubated with 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCHFDA) and fluorescence of oxidized DCHFDA by reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected under fluorescent microscope. The intensity of fluorescence was significantly increased when embryos were exposed to heat shock on days 0 and 2. However, heat shock on day 4 and day 6 did not increase the fluorescence intensity. These results indicate that (1) heat shock to earlier stage embryos causes a decrease in development to blastocysts and cell proliferation and (2) the decrease in development by heat shock could be involved in an increase of intracellular oxidative stress. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 77–82, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular study of mouse peri‐implantation development using the in vitro culture of aggregated inner cell mass
Authors: Alarcón Vernadeth B. , Marikawa Yusuke
Published: December 2003

To study the mechanisms of mouse peri‐implantation development, we explored the in vitro culture of the isolated inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst. As previously reported, individually cultured ICM recapitulated several early embryological events, such as the formation of primitive endoderm, epiblast, and proamniotic cavity. However, we found that the timing and efficiency of these morphogenetic processes significantly varied among the ICM. Due to this unpredictability in developmental potential, individually cultured ICM may be unsuitable for further analysis. By contrast, we found that when five ICM were fused into a single mass, such aggregates (5× ICM) underwent efficient and synchronous morphogenesis. The synchronous nature of 5× ICM development was also demonstrated by the temporal and spatial pattern of apoptotic cell death. TUNEL assay showed that a number of the epiblast cells committed apoptosis in 48 hr of culture, which took place after primitive endoderm differentiation but prior to proamniotic cavity formation. In situ hybridization analysis showed that Oct4 was downregulated and α‐fetoprotein was upregulated in the primitive endoderm of the cultured 5× ICM. In addition, RT‐PCR analysis revealed the expression of various primitive endodermal genes, but not of extraembryonic ectodermal markers in the cultured 5× ICM. Taken together, we propose that the 5× ICM is a useful in vitro tool to study the mechanisms of peri‐implantation development of the mouse embryo. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 83–90, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Families and children with hearing loss: Grief and coping
Authors: Kurtzer‐White Ellen , Luterman David
Published: December 2003

Parental coping with the diagnosis of their child's hearing impairment has not received a great deal of research attention, despite the evident importance of it. Parental coping has been changing with the inception of newborn screening as we move from a parent‐initiated model of diagnosis to an institution‐initiated model. Coping now begins without any preparation, and without any time for parents to “enjoy” their child as “normal.” The grief models, based on the death experience, usually employed to describe parental reactions to the diagnosis may also be inappropriate. Death grief is terminable whereas parental grief is chronic. There is not sufficient research on the long‐term effects of chronic grief and how that impacts on parent‐child bonding. There is evidence that our screening endeavors have far outstripped our habilitation efforts, leaving parents with a diagnosis but without support. This gap must be closed. MRDD Research Reviews 2003;9:232–235. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early intervention after universal neonatal hearing screening: Impact on outcomes
Authors: Yoshinaga‐Itano Christine
Published: December 2003

This article summarizes the developmental outcomes of Colorado children with significant hearing loss. Some of the research compares children born in hospitals that have implemented universal newborn hearing screening programs for newborns. Other research compares the developmental outcomes of children who have been early‐identified with hearing loss. Early‐identification is defined as identification of hearing loss within the first six months of life. Late identification in the Colorado studies is defined as age of identification of hearing loss after the age of six months. In a few of the Colorado studies, age at initiation of intervention was used. Within the Colorado system, age of identification can be interpreted as almost synonymous with age of intervention, as the vast majority of children enter intervention services with two months after the identification of the hearing loss. Children who were early‐identified and had early initiation of intervention services (within the first year of life) had significantly better vocabulary, general language abilities, speech intelligibility and phoneme repertoires, syntax as measured by mean length of utterance, social‐emotional development, parental bonding, and parental grief resolution. Two other studies (Nebraska and Washington state) of early‐ versus later‐initiation of intervention services report findings similar to the Colorado studies. Direct comparisons with the historical literature are not possible because the developmental delays of what would now be termed “later‐identified” were too low to report developmental ages for the birth through five‐year‐old population. MRDD Research Reviews 2003;9:252–266. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of carotid plaque composition using multicontrast MRI and registered histology
Authors: Clarke Sharon E. , Hammond Robert R. , Mitchell J. Ross , Rutt Brian K.
Published: December 2003

MRI is emerging as a promising modality for monitoring carotid atherosclerosis. Multiple MR contrast weightings are required for identification of plaque constituents. In this study, eight MR contrast weightings with proven potential for plaque characterization were used to image carotid endarterectomy specimens. A classification technique was developed to create a tissue‐specific map by incorporating information from all MR contrast weightings. The classifier was validated by comparison with micro‐CT (calcification only) and with matched histological slices registered to MR images using a nonlinear warping algorithm (other components). A pathologist who was blinded to the classifier results manually segmented digitized histological images. The sensitivity of the classifier, as determined by pixel‐by‐pixel comparison with the pathologist's segmentation and micro‐CT, was 60.4% for fibrous tissue, 83.9% for necrosis, 97.6% for calcification, and 65.2% for loose connective tissue. The corresponding values for specificity were 87.9%, 75.0%, 98.3%, and 94.9%, respectively. In conclusion, multicontrast MRI was successfully used in conjunction with a supervised classification algorithm to identify plaque components in endarterectomy specimens. Furthermore, this methodology will provide a framework for comparing different classification algorithms, and determining which combination of MR contrasts will be most valuable for in vivo plaque imaging. Magn Reson Med 50:1199–1208, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proton high‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR analysis of fresh and previously frozen tissue of human prostate
Authors: Wu Chin‐Lee , Taylor Jennifer L. , He Wenlei , Zepeda Andrea G. , Halpern Elkan F. , Bielecki Anthony , Gonzalez R. Gilberto , Cheng Leo L.
Published: December 2003

The previously observed improvement in spectral resolution of tissue proton NMR with high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) was speculated to be due largely to freeze‐thawing artifacts resulting from tissue storage. In this study, 12 human prostate samples were analyzed on a 14.1T spectrometer at 3°C, with HRMAS rates of 600 and 700 Hz. These samples were measured fresh and after they were frozen for 12–16 hr prior to thawing. The spectral linewidths measured from fresh and previously frozen samples were identical for all metabolites except citrate and acetate. The metabolite intensities of fresh and freeze‐thawed samples depend on the quantification procedures used; however, in this experiment the differences of means were <30%. As expected, it was found that tissue storage impacts tissue quality for pathological analysis, and HRMAS conditions alone are not sufficiently destructive to impair pathological evaluation. Furthermore, although storage conditions affect absolute metabolite concentrations in NMR analysis, relative metabolite concentrations are less affected. Magn Reson Med 50:1307–1311, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical study of group effects for pile groups in sands
Authors: Yang Zhaohui , Jeremić Boris
Published: December 2003

The OpenSees finite element framework was used to simulate the response of 3×3 and 4×3 pile groups founded in loose and medium dense sands. Several numerical static pushover tests were conducted to investigate the interaction effects for pile groups. The results were then compared with those from centrifuge study. It is shown that our simulations can predict the behaviour of pile groups with good accuracy. Special attention was given to the three dimensional distribution of bending moment. It was found that bending moment develops in the plane perpendicular to the loading direction. In addition, bending moment data from simulations was used to derive p–y curves for individual piles, which were used to illustrate different behaviour of individual piles in the same group. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AMLI preconditioner for the p‐version of the FEM
Authors: Beuchler Sven
Published: December 2003

From the literature it is known that the conjugate gradient method with domain decomposition preconditioners is one of the most efficient methods for solving systems of linear algebraic equations resulting from p‐version finite element discretizations of elliptic boundary value problems. One ingredient of such a preconditioner is a preconditioner related to the Dirichlet problems. In the case of Poisson's equation, we present a preconditioner for the Dirichlet problems which can be interpreted as the stiffness matrix Kh,k resulting from the h‐version finite element discretization of a special degenerated problem. We construct an AMLI preconditioner Ch,k for the matrix Kh,k and show that the condition number of C Kh,k is independent of the discretization parameter. This proof is based on the strengthened Cauchy inequality. The theoretical result is confirmed by numerical examples. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensions of publicness and performance in substance abuse treatment organizations
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J. , Fournier Elizabeth
Published: December 2003

Changes in funding, clientele, and treatment practices of public and privately owned substance abuse treatment
programs, compelled in part by increased cost containment pressures, have prompted researchers' investigations
of the implications of organizational form for treatment programs. These studies primarily probe associations
between ownership status, patient characteristics, and services delivered and do not empirically link
organizational form or structure to treatment outcomes. Data from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation
Study (NTIES) were used to study the relationship of ownership and other dimensions of
“publicness” identified in the public management literature to patient outcomes, controlling for
patient characteristics, treatment experiences, and other program characteristics. A few effects of organizational
form and structure on substance abuse treatment outcomes are statistically significant (primarily improved
social functioning), although the specific contributions of measures of ownership and publicness to explaining
program‐level variation are generally small. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and
Management.
Institutional boundaries and common‐pool resource management: A comparative analysis of water management programs in California
Authors: Heikkila Tanya
Published: December 2003

Policymakers and academics often identify institutional boundaries as one of the factors that shape the
capacity of jurisdictions to manage natural resources such as water, forests, and scenic lands. This article
examines two key bodies of literature—common‐pool resource management theory and local public
economy theory—to explain how the boundaries of political jurisdictions affect natural resource
management. Two empirical methods were used to test hypotheses from the literature, using a study of water
management programs in California. The results demonstrate that institutional boundaries that coincide with
natural resources are likely to be associated with the implementation of more effective resource management
programs. At the same time, where jurisdictions can control through coordination, they can also facilitate more
effective resource management where jurisdictions do not match resource boundaries. © 2004 by the
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C and VEGF‐D, and their receptor VEGFR‐3, during different stages of cervical carcinogenesis
Authors: Van Trappen Philippe O , Steele Dawn , Lowe David G , Baithun Suhail , Beasley Nigel , Thiele Wilko , Weich Herbert , Krishnan Jaya , Shepherd John H , Pepper Michael S , Jackson David G , Sleeman Jonathan P , Jacobs Ian J
Published: December 2003

Cervical carcinogenesis has well‐defined stages of disease progression including three grades of pre‐invasive lesions—cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1–3 (CIN 1–3)—and invasive cervical cancer. However, the biological properties of CIN lesions prone to develop invasive disease are not well defined. Recent observations suggest that early invasive disease spreads to regional lymph nodes in several tumour types and that growth factors (VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D) involved in new lymphatic vessel formation may play a crucial role in this process. The present study has assessed the expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, and their receptor VEGFR‐3, in 152 cervical lesions (33 CIN 1, 33 CIN 2, 37 CIN 3, and 49 squamous cell carcinomas) to determine whether expression of lymphangiogenic factors occurs prior to invasion. The presence of lymphatic vessels was determined using LYVE‐1 and podoplanin staining, as well as double immunostaining for LYVE‐1/CD34 and podoplanin/CD34. In situ hybridization was performed to determine VEGFR‐3 mRNA expression. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, and VEGFR‐3 expression through the different stages of cervical carcinogenesis. Significant differences in protein expression for VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, and VEGFR‐3 were found between CIN 1–2 and CIN 3 (p < 0.001 for all), but not between CIN 3 and cervical cancer. More than 50% of the CIN 3 lesions showed moderate to strong staining for VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, whereas most of the early pre‐cancerous lesions (CIN 1 and 2) were negative. In cervical cancer, similar observations to those in CIN 3 were found. VEGFR‐3 mRNA expression was found in the cytoplasm of epithelial neoplastic cells and VEGFR3 protein expression was found in more than 50% of CIN 3 lesions and cervical cancers, compared with 15% in CIN 1 and 2. These findings suggest an autocrine growth stimulation pattern via VEGFR‐3. Adjacent CIN 3 was present in nine cervical cancers and displayed strong expression for VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, and VEGFR‐3. These results suggest that in cervical carcinogenesis a switch to the lymphangiogenic phenotype may occur at the stage of CIN 3. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In lymph node‐negative invasive breast carcinomas, specific chromosomal aberrations are strongly associated with high mitotic activity and predict outcome more accurately than grade, tumour diameter, and oestrogen receptor
Authors: Janssen Emiel AM , Baak Jan PA , Guervós Marta Alonso , van Diest Paul J , Jiwa M , Hermsen Mario AJA
Published: December 2003

The objectives of this study were to analyse whether specific chromosomal gains and losses in lymph‐node negative breast cancer correlate with other features and to evaluate their prognostic value. Seventy‐six lymph node‐negative breast carcinomas (median follow‐up 46 months; range 9–105 months) were used. Histological grade, tumour type, maximal tumour diameter, oestrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR), mitotic activity index (MAI), and mean nuclear area (MNA) were assessed. Whole genome DNA analysis was performed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Chromosomal aberrations were compared with classical and other prognostic features. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate survival analysis (Cox model) were used to assess the prognostic value of the CGH and other data. Fifteen (21.4%) out of 70 patients (six cases were lost to follow‐up) developed locoregional (n = 3) or distant metastases (n = 12). The following criteria were prognostic for (any) recurrence (in decreasing significance): 3q gain, simultaneous gain at 1q and 8q, MAI < versus ≥ 10, MNA < versus ≥ 63 μm. Loss of 1p occurred significantly more often in the large group of ductal breast carcinomas with a MAI ≥ 10 (n = 38) than in cancers with a MAI < 10. Moreover, 8/15 (53%) patients with recurrences had a gain at 3q, as opposed to three (5.5%) of the 55 recurrence‐free patients. This association was even stronger in ductal carcinomas (hazard ratio = 10.9, p < 0.0001). Cox regression revealed that the 3q gain was the strongest prognostic factor; other features did not have additional prognostic value. In conclusion, loss of 1p is associated with a high MAI. A gain of 3q is a stronger predictor of recurrence than grade, MAI, and other features in invasive breast cancers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma: Results from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) study SIOPEL‐1 and review of the world experience
Authors: Otte J.B. , Pritchard J. , Aronson D.C. , Brown J. , Czauderna P. , Maibach R. , Perilongo G. , Shafford E. , Plaschkes J.
Published: December 2003

Background

For hepatoblastoma (HB) that remains unresectable by partial hepatectomy after chemotherapy, total hepatectomy with orthotopic liver transplantation (LTX) has been advocated as the best treatment option. The role of LTX in the overall management of HB is still, however, unclear.

Procedure

The results of LTX from the first study of HB by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, SIOPEL‐1, were analyzed. In addition, the world experience of LTX for HB was extensively reviewed. Twelve patients in the SIOPEL‐1 study underwent a LTX. Median (range) follow‐up at Dec. 31, 2001 was 117 months (52–125) since LTX.

Results

Overall survival at 10 years post‐LTX was 85% for the seven children who received a “primary LTX” and 40% for the 5 children who underwent a “rescue LTX” after previous partial hepatectomy. In the world experience (147 cases), the overall survival rate at 6 year post‐LTX was 82% for 106 patients who received a “primary LTX” and 30% for 41 patients who underwent a “rescue LTX.” Multivariate analysis of patients undergoing primary LTX showed that only macroscopic venous invasion had a significant impact (P‐value: 0.045 with a hazard ratio of 2.96) on overall survival.

Conclusions

Orthotopic LTX has added a new dimension to the treatment of HB unresectable by partial hepatectomy. Because of the rarity of the disease and to optimize results, children with extensive HB should be treated in centers with surgical expertise in pediatric major liver resection and LTX, in close collaboration with pediatric oncologists, radiologists, and histopathologists. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004;42:74–83. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic epidemiology of neuroblastoma: A study of 426 cases at the Institut Gustave‐Roussy in France
Authors: Shojaei‐Brosseau Taraneh , Chompret Agnès , Abel Anne , de Vathaire Florent , Raquin Marie‐Anne , Brugières Laurence , Feunteun Jean , Hartmann Olivier , Bonaïti‐Pellié Catherine
Published: December 2003

Background

Genetic susceptibility to neuroblastoma (NB) is now highly probable and the likelihood that it may also confer a higher risk of other cancer types has been suggested. The aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of inherited cases and penetrance associated with a carrier status, and to investigate the hypothesis that susceptibility cancer genes might be non‐specific.

Procedure

The family history of 426 children treated for NB at the Institut Gustave Roussy was obtained. The excess of relatives affected by NB or early‐onset cancer (EOC) was sought using the standardized incidence ratio (SIR). The risk of NB among sibs was estimated taking into account the age of patients' sibs. Estimation of penetrance in hereditary cases and of the proportion of sporadic cases was obtained using segregation analysis of proband sibships.

Results

There was a positive family history of NB or ganglioneuroma in 5 of the 426 cases (1.2%). A highly significant excess of NB was found among relatives (SIR = 11.4, 95% CI: 3.7–26.5). The excess of EOC (SIR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.92–1.58) was non‐significant, but it was of borderline significance among first‐degree relatives (SIR = 1.70, 95% CI = 0.99–2.72). The risk of NB among sibs was estimated at 0.2% (95% CI = 0.004–1.0%). Penetrance in hereditary cases was estimated at 11.4% and the proportion of inherited cases, 3.5%.

Conclusions

The genetic factors heightening susceptibility to NB are most probably dominantly inherited with low penetrance and are involved in only a very small fraction of NB patients. The overall risk in sibs is very low and this should reassure parents with regard to their other children. We found some arguments for the existence of non‐specific genetic susceptibility, which would slightly in crease the probability of developing any cancer. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable outcome in 20‐year follow‐up of children with very‐low‐risk ALL and minimal standard therapy, with special reference to TEL–AML1 fusion
Authors: Kanerva Jukka , Saarinen‐Pihkala Ulla M. , Niini Tarja , Riikonen Pekka , Möttönen Merja , Mäkipernaa Anne , Salmi Toivo T. , Vettenranta Kim , Knuutila Sakari
Published: December 2003

Background

As the treatment results of childhood ALL have improved, avoidance of late effects has become increasingly important. Identification of favorable prognostic factors helps to achieve this goal.

Procedure

We studied the prognostic value of TEL–AML1 fusion and a risk factor composed of age, white blood cell count (WBC), lymphomatous features, and hemoglobin level (Hb). We also compared outcome between two cohorts; cohort 1 (n = 100) diagnosed 1975–1981, and cohort 2 (n = 102) 1989–1991. Both cohorts were retrospectively divided in two groups: very‐low‐risk (WBC <10 × 109/L, age 2 to <10 years, no lymphomatous features, Hb < 90 g/L), and non‐low‐risk (=the remainder). We performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of TEL–AML1 fusion of the marrow samples obtained at diagnosis.

Results

The median follow‐up is 20 years in cohort 1, and 8 years in cohort 2. In both cohorts, the very‐low‐risk category comprised one‐fourth of the children. TEL–AML1 fusion was more frequent in the very‐low‐risk (35%) than in the non‐low‐risk group (17%) (P = 0.03). The 8‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of children with the fusion was better than of those without, 74 vs. 54% (P = 0.040). The 8‐year EFS in the very‐low‐risk group was 76% in cohort 1, and 79% in cohort 2 (n.s.). In the non‐low‐risk groups, EFS was 39 vs. 64% (P = 0.02), respectively.

Conclusions

Our data support the reported association of TEL–AML1 fusion with a favorable outcome although the risk group had a greater impact. These very‐long‐term follow‐up data also indicate that children with very‐low‐risk ALL (slow disease) had a favorable outcome already in the late 1970s, and may be over treated with the contemporary ALL protocols. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐conventional therapies in childhood cancer: Guidelines for distinguishing non‐harmful from harmful therapies: A report of the SIOP Working Committee on Psychosocial Issues in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Jankovic Momcilo , Spinetta John J. , Gentil Martins Antonio , Pession Andrea , Sullivan Michael , D'Angio Giulio J. , Eden Tim , Weyl Ben Arush Myriam , X Sutaryo , Punkko Leena‐Riitta , Epelman Claudia , Masera Giuseppe
Published: December 2003

This is the 11th official document of the SIOP Working Committee on Psychosocial Issues in Pediatric Oncology, instituted in 1991. There is a tendency for some physicians to make blanket statements against the use of non‐proven, non‐conventional therapies, even when these therapies are not harmful. There is an equal and opposite tendency on the part of many parents to do all that they possibly can for their children, including using any non‐conventional therapy they feel might do some good. The health care team must open a healthy dialogue with parents that will lead to a clear distinction between those complementary therapies that are harmful and those that are not, indeed, might even be helpful psychologically if not therapeutically. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methotrexate pharmacokinetics and survival in osteosarcoma
Authors: Aquerreta Irene , Aldaz Azucena , Giráldez Joaquín , Sierrasesúmaga Luis
Published: December 2003

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) and tumor response in terms of survival in children with osteosarcoma.

Procedure

This study included 44 patients (479 courses) who received a median dose of 5.92 g/m2 of MTX (interquartile range (IQR) 2.37 g/m2) in a 4‐hr infusion. The mean area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) estimated by parametric methods (non‐parametric expectation maximization, NPEM), and the mean concentration at the end of the infusion were considered to be the exposure parameters. Tumor response was recorded as disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and histologic tumor response. The relationship between MTX exposure and survival parameters was analyzed by Cox regression.

Results

The group of 11 patients who were the least exposed to MTX (AUC < 2,400 μmol/Lhr) presented a high DFS, probably due to the shorter interval of time between MTX courses that led to a higher dose density. In patients with AUC > 2,400 μmol/Lhr, an increase in the AUC was related to an increase in the DFS. Significant differences were observed in the DFS between patients whose mean AUC was below or above 4,000 μmol/Lhr (P = 0.024), such that 4,000 μmol/Lhr was considered as the minimum AUC to be aimed at for future patients.

Conclusions

Dose density seems to be an important factor in osteosarcoma response, but this must be confirmed in further studies. In order to improve the response to osteosarcoma in children, it is recommended that the dose of MTX to be increased such as to obtain an AUC higher than 4,000 μmol/Lhr. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of 79 infants with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Sandoval Claudio , Visintainer Paul , Ozkaynak M. Fevzi , Tugal Oya , Jayabose Somasundaram
Published: December 2003

Background

To determine the clinical features and treatment outcomes of infants with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 79 infant ITP patients treated from 1987 to 2002. The data abstracted comprised age, gender, clinical features, and treatment outcomes. A score test for the trend in the odds ratios was used to determine the risk of chronic ITP with advancing age. The infants were compared to a group of contemporaneous older children with regard to bleeding severity and incidence of chronic ITP.

Results

The 34 female and 45 male infants had a median age of 16 months. Seventy‐four presented with purpura, four with viral illnesses, and one was asymptomatic. Eight percent had active mucosal bleeding. The median platelet count was 8,000/μl. Forty infants received intravenous immunoglobulin, nine intravenous anti‐D immunoglobulin, six steroids, and seven were observed without treatment. Fifty‐five (76%) responded to a single course of treatment. Only 9% of infants developed chronic ITP compared to 18% of children between the ages of 25 and 119 months and 47% of children 120 months or older (P < 0.0005).

Conclusions

Infants with ITP respond favorably to treatment and are less likely to develop chronic ITP compared to older children. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing the cell affinity of macroporous poly(L‐lactide) cell scaffold by a convenient surface modification method
Authors: Yang Jian , Wan Yuqing , Tu Chifeng , Cai Qing , Bei Jianzhong , Wang Shenguo
Published: December 2003

In this study, the macroporous poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) cell scaffold was modified for enhancing its cell affinity by an improved surface‐treating medium, a mixture of aqueous 0.25 M NaOH/ethanol. Ethanol was applied as a co‐treating medium to wet the polylactone and assist the hydroxide nucleophilic attack on the ester bond. Low concentration of NaOH could be applied, severe bulk degradation could be avoided and the residual alkali was easy to remove. Treating time could also be shortened. After treatment under optimal conditions, the surface hydrophilicity and surface energy of PLLA were improved significantly and the surface roughness was also changed. Modification of the spherulite structure on PLLA surface was observed with the treating time using a computer‐assisted image analysis system (CAIAS). The results of gel permeation chromatography measurements indicated that only the outer layer of the PLLA was modified and the bulk properties were not altered. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts culture results indicated that the improved surface‐treating medium was effective and convenient for enhancing the cell affinity of PLLA cell scaffold. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical grafting of sulfobetaine onto poly(ether urethane) surface for improving blood compatibility
Authors: Yuan J , Mao C , Zhou J , Shen J , Lin SC , Zhu W , Fang JL
Published: December 2003

Poly(ether urethane)s (PEUs) are widely used as blood‐contact biomaterials because of their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their blood compatibility is still not adequate for more demanding applications. Surface modification is an effective way to improve blood compatibility and retain bulk properties of biomaterials. The purpose of the present study was to design and synthesis a novel non‐thrombogenic biomaterial by modifying the surface of PEU with zwitterionic monomer. In this study, sulfobetaine was grafted onto PEU surface through the following reaction steps: (1) Poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) was reacted at both chain ends with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and OCN–PPO–NCO was obtained; (2) OCN–PPO–NCO was reacted at one chain end with N,N‐dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) and OCN–PPO–N(CH3)2 was formed; (3) the sulfobetaine was prepared by a ring‐opening reaction between OCN–PPO–N(CH3)2 and 1,3‐propanesultone (PSu); (4) the sulfobetaine was grafted onto PEU surface by the reaction between NCO and the N–H bonds of PEU. The surface composition of films and the hydrophilicity on the PEU surface were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and contact angle measurements, respectively. The blood compatibility of PEU was evaluated by platelet‐rich plasma contact experiments and the results were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The state of platelet adhesion and shape variation for the attached platelets was described. The modified surface showed excellent blood compatibility, featured by low platelet adhesion. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
The structural and mechanical properties of polysulfide‐based polyurea
Authors: Dong Wenzhao , Quan Yiwu , Zhang Junsheng , Chen Qingmin
Published: December 2003

A series of polysulfide‐based polyureas was synthesized, which were based on isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), liquid polysulfide and 2,5‐diamino‐3,6‐dimethylmercaptotoluene (Ethacure‐300). The structure and mechanical properties of these elastomers were investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, stress–strain analysis, water‐resistance and oil‐resistance tests. The results showed that there was phase segregation between soft and hard segments in polysulfide‐based polyurea. With the increase in number‐average relative molar mass and content of liquid polysulfide, the tensile strength decreased while the ultimate elongation increased. The effect of number‐average relative molar mass of polysulfide and hard‐segment content on oil resistance is also discussed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Depolarization behaviour of dilute polymer solutions: II. Angular dependence and analyzer absorption
Authors: Striegel André M
Published: December 2003

Study of the depolarization behaviour of dilute polymer solutions leads to determination of the Cabannes factor, necessary for correcting the Rayleigh ratio used in light‐scattering calculations for deviations due to anisotropy. We present here a method to determine the Cabannes factor for polymers as a simultaneous function of both scattering angle and molar mass, accomplished by coupling size‐exclusion chromatography with depolarization multi‐angle light scattering (SEC/D‐MALS). The depolarization behaviour of brominated polystyrene (PSBr), previously studied at a right‐angle geometry, is seen to possess a non‐trivial angular dependence in addition to being a function of molar mass. We also demonstrate initial attempts at correcting SEC/D‐MALS results for absorption of light by the Polaroid filters that act as analyzers in the optical train of the system. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrophobic surface properties of fluoropolyetherimide blends for pervaporation membranes
Authors: Larhrafi M , Mas A , Toreis N , Blancou H , Schué F
Published: December 2003

The well‐known polyetherimide (ULTEM 1000) is obtained by step‐reaction of bisphenol. A diphthalic anhydride (BAPA) with m‐phenylene diamine and newly related fluorinated poly etherimides synthesized from BAPA and 2,3‐bis(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5‐nonafluoropentyl)butan‐1,4 diamine (NFD) led to compatible blends over the entire range of composition. Miscible one‐phase blends have been suggested by a good correlation of Tg versus NFD monomer unit weight fraction (w) (Fox and Couchman equations) and a regular morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Surface energy of blend films fell from 45.3 to 27.4 mJ m−2 for w ≥ 0.1 corresponding to a NFD molar fraction y ≥ 0.06. Cast‐evaporated films from fluorinated copolyetherimides and blends with y < 0.15 were ductile and gave conveniently hydrophobic non‐porous membranes that withstood the experimental conditions of pervaporation tests. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
A mathematical model of heat transfer of a PU‐based intumescent flame‐retardant coating during combustion in a cabinet
Authors: Jincheng Wang , Shenglin Yang , Guang Li , Jianming Jiang
Published: December 2003

This paper reports studies on the heat transfer of a PU‐based intumescent flame‐retardant coating. A three‐dimensional model has been developed to describe the various physical processes of the system when testing the flame‐retardant (FR) properties, such as char index and weight loss, by the cabinet method. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by comparing predicted and experimental temperature profiles. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal properties and crystallization behaviour of blends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) with chitin and chitosan
Authors: Honma Tomonori , Senda Toshihiko , Inoue Yoshio
Published: December 2003

Blend films of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with chitin and chitosan were prepared as completely biodegradable polyester/polysaccharide composites. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the crystallization of PCL, which had been suppressed by blending with chitin and chitosan, progressed with the elapse of time after film preparation. The suppression of crystallization of PCL by blending with polysaccharides was also observed by solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, FTIR spectra indicated that the extent of hydrogen bonding between PCL and polysaccharides, which suppressed the crystallization of PCL, decreased with elapse of time after film preparation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction indicated that the polysaccharides affected the crystallization of PCL and slightly deformed its crystalline lattice. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphologies and binding characteristics of molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by precipitation polymerization
Authors: Li Ping , Rong Fei , Yuan Chunwei
Published: December 2003

Molecularly imprinted polymers using L‐2‐chloromandelic acid as templates were prepared by precipitation polymerization. The polymer particles exhibited a regular shape in the nanoscale range; moreover, the size and the uniformity of the particles were influenced by the concentration of monomers, polymerization temperature, types and concentrations of initiators. The experimental binding tests indicated that the nanospherical imprinted polymers possessed higher specific affinity to templates in comparison with traditional imprinted polymers prepared by bulk polymerization. Two classes of specific binding sites in the polymer matrix were investigated by the Scatchard method and ‘Hyperchem’ simulation studies. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry