bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the structural parameters of polyacrylonitrile fibers containing nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Mikołajczyk Teresa , Rabiej Stanisław , Boguń Maciej
Published: April 2006

The structural parameters and strength properties of a new generation of polyacrylonitrile fibers have been analyzed. These fibers, after being carbonized, can be used in biomaterial engineering. They are characterized by a high tensile strength of 31–43 cN/tex. An advantageous influence of nanoparticles added to the fiber matter on the degree of crystallinity has been found. When nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite are incorporated into these fibers, their degree of crystallinity increases by about 5%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 760–765, 2006
The Bingel Monoadducts of La@C82: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemistry
Authors: Feng Lai , Wakahara Takatsugu , Nakahodo Tsukasa , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Piao Qiuyue , Maeda Yutaka , Lian Yongfu , Akasaka Takeshi , Horn Ernst , Yoza Kenji , Kato Tatsuhisa , Mizorogi Naomi , Nagase Shigeru
Published: April 2006

The reaction of La@C82 with diethyl bromomalonate in the presence of base (the Bingel reaction) generated five monoadducts which have been fully characterized. It was found that four of them (mono‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐D) are ESR‐inactive, suggesting singly bonded regioisomers. In contrast, the fifth product (mono‐E) is ESR‐active, indicating that it possesses a cyclic moiety between the appended malonate group and the fullerene cage, analogous to conventional Bingel adducts. The differences in the molecular structures of mono‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐E result in varying thermal stabilities and electrochemical behavior. In particular, the singly bonded monoadducts undergo the retro‐Bingel reaction either under thermal treatment or during electron transfer on the cyclic voltammetric timescale. However, mono‐E shows remarkable thermal stability and perfect reversibility under the same experimental conditions.
Development of a class of multiple time‐stepping schemes for convection–diffusion equations in two dimensions
Authors: Lin R. K. , Sheu Tony W. H.
Published: April 2006

In this paper we present a class of semi‐discretization finite difference schemes for solving the transient convection–diffusion equation in two dimensions. The distinct feature of these scheme developments is to transform the unsteady convection–diffusion (CD) equation to the inhomogeneous steady convection–diffusion‐reaction (CDR) equation after using different time‐stepping schemes for the time derivative term. For the sake of saving memory, the alternating direction implicit scheme of Peaceman and Rachford is employed so that all calculations can be carried out within the one‐dimensional framework. For the sake of increasing accuracy, the exact solution for the one‐dimensional CDR equation is employed in the development of each scheme. Therefore, the numerical error is attributed primarily to the temporal approximation for the one‐dimensional problem. Development of the proposed time‐stepping schemes is rooted in the Taylor series expansion. All higher‐order time derivatives are replaced with spatial derivatives through use of the model differential equation under investigation. Spatial derivatives with orders higher than two are not taken into account for retaining the linear production term in the convection–diffusion‐reaction differential system. The proposed schemes with second, third and fourth temporal accuracy orders have been theoretically explored by conducting Fourier and dispersion analyses and numerically validated by solving three test problems with analytic solutions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing the quality of teaching: An Australian perspective
Authors: Dearn John M.
Published: April 2006

In Australia a major national reform of universities is currently under way that is resulting in tension between government control and market forces.
Quest for quality: The UK experience
Authors: Smith Brenda M.
Published: April 2006

In the United Kingdom both institutions and government have taken initiatives to enhance student learning on a broad scale.
A Simple and Efficient Route to Prepare Inorganic Compound/Polymer Composites in Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Wang Jiaqiu , Zhang Chengliang , Liu Zhimin , Ding Kunlun , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: April 2006

Summary: A simple and efficient route to prepare inorganic compound/polymer composites in CO2‐based supercritical solution is presented. By this method, using polymeric hollow spheres as a substrate and Eu(NO3)3 as precursor, Eu2O3/polymer composites are successfully fabricated via the decomposition of the precursor in a supercritical CO2/ethanol mixture at 120 °C. The resulting composites are characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is indicated that besides being decorated on the outer surface of the polymer spheres, Eu2O3 nanoparticles are imbedded in the shell and further into the hollow cavity of the polymer spheres. The loading content and particle size of Eu2O3 on the polymer spheres can be controlled by changing the concentration of precursor in the solutions. The photoluminescence spectrum of the composites exhibit two peaks at 592 and 615 nm, which indicates that the composites can be used as optical material to emit red light. This method is also extended to the preparation of other inorganic compound/polymer composites with different functions.

Eu2O3 nanoparticles are decorated on the outer surface of the polymer spheres.

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Eu2O3 nanoparticles are decorated on the outer surface of the polymer spheres.
Fabrication of Micropatterned Gold Nanoparticle Arrays as a Template for Surface‐Initiated Polymerization of Stimuli‐Responsive Polymers
Authors: Jung Jaeyoen , Kim Ki Woo , Na Kyunga , Kaholek Marian , Zauscher Stefan , Hyun Jinho
Published: April 2006

Summary: This paper demonstrates a new, reliable, and simple method for fabricating micropatterned nanoparticle arrays that can serve as templates for the surface‐initiated polymerization of polymer brushes. As a proof of concept, we micropatterned gold nanoparticles (Au‐NPs, ≈10 nm) onto glass, silicon, polystyrene, and gold surfaces by a simple three‐step process: (1) microcontact printing of soluble polymer, (2) incubation with a solution of Au‐NPs, and (3) lift‐off of the template in a mixture of ethanol and deionized water. 40 µm wide features were successfully fabricated without any significant defects or nonspecific adsorption on the background. To demonstrate the utility of these Au‐NP templates, we subsequently polymerized N‐isopropylacrylamide by surface‐initiated polymerization, using a surface‐bound initiator.

Synthesis of PNIPAAm brushes from micropatterned Au‐NP.

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Synthesis of PNIPAAm brushes from micropatterned Au‐NP.
Die Parkinson‐Krankheit: Molekulare Mechanismen und Genetik
Authors: Büeler Hansruedi
Published: April 2006

Aus den vorangegangenen Abschnitten geht hervor, dass die molekularen Mechanismen, welche dem dopaminergen Nervenzelltod zugrunde liegen, bei sporadischer und genetischen Formen der PK ähnlich und überlappend sind. Oxidativer Stress, Dysfunktion und Degeneration der Mitochondrien sowie ungenügender Abbau von neurotoxischen Proteinen spielen bei der PK eine zentrale pathologische Rolle. Darüber hinaus kann Dopamin den Nervenzelltod beschleunigen, indem es durch kovalente Bindung toxische α‐Synuklein‐Fibrillen stabilisiert und die Löslichkeit und E3‐Ligase‐Aktivität von Parkin reduziert. Dadurch wird zumindest teilweise die Selektivität der Neurodegeneration bei der PK erklärt. Rezessive “Parkinson‐Gene” schützen Mitochondrien und Neuronen gegen oxidativen und proteotoxischen Stress und verhindern Apoptose. Dominante “Parkinson‐Gene” haben eine gegenteilige Wirkung. Mutationen im Gen für α‐Synuklein beschleunigen die Bildung von toxischen α‐Synuklein‐Fibrillen, welche Dopaminvesikel permeabilisieren, Proteasomenaktivität hemmen und mitochondriale Apoptose induzieren können. Parkin scheint eine besonders wichtige Funktion für das Überleben dopaminerger Neuronen einzunehmen, einerseits als Schutzfaktor gegen oxidativen Stress und mitochondriale Degeneration, andererseits (als E3‐Ligase) beim kontrollierten Abbau neurotoxischer Substratproteine (z.B. α‐Sp22, CDCrel‐1 und Pael‐R). In Zukunft werden die bereits geschaffenen und neue Tiermodelle der PK ohne Zweifel weiter dazu beitragen, die molekularen und zellulären Mechanismen des dopaminergen Nervenzelltods besser zu verstehen und damit gezieltere und effektivere Therapien für die PK zu entwickeln.
Hydrogen bonding, steric effects and thermodynamics of partitioning
Authors: Abraham Michael H. , Dearden John C. , Bresnen Gaynor M.
Published: April 2006

The descriptors in the Abraham solvation equation, especially the solute hydrogen bond acidity descriptor, A, have been compared to values of ΔHo and ΔSo for partitioning in the water–cyclohexane and water–octanol systems obtained by Dearden and Bresnen. It is shown that effects on ΔHo and ΔSo due to internal hydrogen bonding parallel very closely effects on A values for substituted phenols and substituted benzoic acids, thus suggesting a common structural origin. Steric effects of ortho‐substituted methyl groups in phenols, benzoic acids and acetanilides on ΔHo and ΔSo also parallel effects on the Abraham solvation parameters. Some of these steric effects, such as those in 2,6‐dimethylacetanilide, can be very large. Both the thermodynamics of partitioning and the Abraham descriptors suggest that in 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoic acid there is only one internal hydrogen bond, and that 2‐nitroresorcinol behaves as though it had two internal hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the acid–base and conformational properties of histidine residues in human prion protein (125–228) by means of pKa calculations and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Langella Emma , Improta Roberto , Crescenzi Orlando , Barone Vincenzo
Published: April 2006

A thorough study of the acid–base behavior of the four histidines and the other titratable residues of the structured domain of human prion protein (125–228) is presented. By using multi‐tautomer electrostatic calculations, average titration curves have been built for all titratable residues, using the whole bundles of NMR structures determined at pH 4.5 and 7.0. According to our results, (1) only histidine residues are likely to be involved in the first steps of the pH‐driven conformational transition of prion protein; (2) the pKa's of His140 and His177 are ≈7.0, whereas those of His155 and His187 are < 5.5. 10‐ns long molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on five different models, corresponding to the most significant combinations of histidine protonation states. A critical comparison between the available NMR structures and our computational results (1) confirms that His155 and His187 are the residues whose protonation is involved in the conformational rearrangement of huPrP in mildly acidic condition, and (2) shows how their protonation leads to the destructuration of the C‐terminal part of HB and to the loss of the last turn of HA that represent the crucial microscopic steps of the rearrangement. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ROUSSEAU'S READING OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS AND THE THEOLOGY OF COMMERCIAL SOCIETY
Authors: WOKLER ROBERT
Published: April 2006

In the Troisième Dialogue Rousseau suggests that all his writings pursued a single theme—to the effect, as he puts it, that “Nature made mankind happy and good but…. society depraves and renders it miserable.” Emile, in particular, he adds, “is nothing but a treatise on the original goodness of mankind.” He no doubt conceived Emile in that vein, since the opening line of its first book heralds precisely the claim that in the Dialogues he would declare to be his works' chief contention: “Everything is good when it springs from the hands of our Creator; everything degenerates when shaped by the hands of man.” Yet if on his own testimony we accept that this was the guiding thread of his philosophy as a whole, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that the text which most fully elaborates Rousseau's central principle, and which on account of the attention he there devotes to it lies at the nexus of his whole career, is the Discours sur l'inégalité.
Characteristics of salt inclusions in polar ice from Dome Fuji, East Antarctica
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Igarashi Makoto , Hondoh Takeo
Published: April 2006

We studied the depth profile of the chemical properties, number concentration and average diameter of micro‐inclusions in Antarctic ice from Dome Fuji. Analysis of the data indicated that the distribution of inclusions was not significantly modified during ice sheet flow, although a main constituent Na2SO4·10H2O changed into another solid phase in the deep ice. In the chemical form, sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate were dominant in the interglacial and early‐glacial ice, but were not detected in the glacial‐maximum ice. Instead, the sulfate in the glacial‐maximum ice was mainly in the form of calcium sulfate. This is strong support for the hypothesis that the neutralization regime of acid aerosols in the atmosphere and snowpack dramatically changed from chemical reaction with sea salt to that with dust during glacial maxima.
Homogeneous nucleation and droplet growth in supersaturated argon vapor: The cryogenic nucleation pulse chamber
Authors: Fladerer Alexander , Strey Reinhard
Published: April 2006

We built a cryogenic nucleation pulse chamber for measuring homogeneous nucleation rates of argon. First measurements show that the growth rate of argon droplets at nucleation conditions is rather high so that nucleation and growth could not yet be decoupled. Nevertheless, the experiments permit an estimate of the onset of nucleation corresponding to a nucleation rate of J=107(±2)cm−3s−1 at temperatures 52<T∕K<59 and supersaturations around S≈10. Despite their preliminary nature these experiments indicate a severe failure of the classical nucleation theory, which predicts nucleation rates on the order of 10−28–10−13cm−3s−1 for the quoted conditions. Recent calculations based on density functional theory can only partially explain the discrepancy. In addition to the first nucleation experiments, we obtained and analyzed growth curves for argon droplets from constant angle Mie-light scattering. The good agreement of the experimental growth curves with model calculations according to Fuchs and Sutugin [Highly Dispersed Aerosols (Ann Arbor Science, Ann Arbor, MI, 1970)] permits a near-quantitative description of the experimental light-scattering signal. The procedure provides an estimate for the number density of the droplets along with a measure of their polydispersity.
Analytical reaction-diffusion model and the modeling of nitrogen-enhanced negative bias temperature instability
Authors: Yang J. B. , Chen T. P. , Tan S. S. , Chan L.
Published: April 2006

An analytical reaction-diffusion (RD) model within the framework of the standard RD model is proposed to describe the negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) process in a wide time scale covering the three regimes of reaction, transition, and diffusion. The experimental NBTI results for the nitrided gate oxides at various nitrogen concentrations are well described by this analytical model. The modeling of nitrogen-enhanced NBTI degradation based on this model has provided us some very useful information. It has shown that with increasing nitrogen concentration, the initial neutral defect density and/or forward reaction rate increase̸s, leading to the enhancement of interface trap generation in all the three regimes. At the same time, the diffusion of H species in nitrided oxides also increases, causing a further enhancement of interface trap generation in the diffusion regime.
Standardization of sample preparation, staining and sampling methods for automated sperm head morphometry analysis of boar spermatozoa
Authors: García‐Herreros M. , Aparicio I. M. , Barón F. J. , García‐Marín L. J. , Gil M. C.
Published: April 2006

The accuracy of computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) depends on the careful preparation, fixation and staining of spermatozoa. The efficiency of CASMA may be enhanced by developing optimized protocols. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sperm washing and the use of three staining techniques [rapid Panoptic, Hemacolor and Harris's Haematoxylin (HH)] on image‐processing accuracy and boar sperm head morphometry. Sperm washing had a significant effect on samples stained with rapid Panoptic, increasing the percentage of correctly binarized sperm heads and the contrast between cells and background. However, rapid Panoptic yielded the lowest percentage of properly digitized sperm heads. HH provided the highest cell/background contrast, and also greater sperm head staining intensity, but discrimination of sperm midpieces was considered insufficient. Hemacolor occupied an intermediate position, providing acceptable colour intensity and satisfactory cell/background contrast. Use of different staining procedures prompted dimensional differences in sperm head morphometry. Significant differences between animals were observed for all morphometric parameters. Low within‐animal variation coefficients reflected a homogeneous sperm head population. Between‐animal variation coefficients were relatively high for Hemacolor and HH, and significantly high for the rapid Panoptic stain. Using Panoptic and HH, stable morphometric measurements required at least 100 properly digitized sperm heads rather than 200, while Hemacolor required only 50 spermatozoa. These results indicate that both washing of semen and staining procedures significantly affect the accuracy of image processing and sperm head dimensions. Hemacolor and HH proved to be the best staining techniques for evaluating sperm head dimensions in boar.
Helminthes could influence the outcome of vaccines against TB in the tropics
Authors: ELIAS D. , AKUFFO H. , BRITTON S.
Published: April 2006

Helminthes, infections widespread in the tropics, are known to elicit a wide range of immunomodulation characterized by dominant Th2 type immune responses, chronic immune activation as well as up‐regulated regulatory T cell activity. Such a wide range of immunomodulation caused by helminthes may have an impact on the host's ability to cope with subsequent infections and/or may affect the efficacy of vaccination. Indeed studies conducted in humans living in helminth‐endemic areas and in animal models showed that helminth infection makes the host more permissive to mycobacterial infections and less able to benefit from vaccination. These observations have fundamental practical consequences if confirmed by large and appropriately controlled clinical studies. Eradication of worms could offer an affordable, simple and novel means to reduce the burden of the tuberculosis problem that at the moment seems to be getting out of control in sub‐Saharan Africa. This information would also be of great relevance in the design of vaccines against diseases of major public health importance, including malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Comparison of cytokine plasma levels in human African trypanosomiasis
Authors: Courtin David , Jamonneau Vincent , Mathieu Jean‐François , Koffi Mathurin , Milet Jacqueline , Yeminanga Claude Sese , Kumeso Victor Kande Betu , Cuny Gérard , Bilengue Constantin Miaka Mia , Garcia André
Published: April 2006

Background  Immunological studies suggest that human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is associated with inflammatory responses. A better understanding of the complex cytokine interactions regulating HAT infections is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of generalized immunosuppression.

Method  We determined levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ protein levels in plasma samples from three groups of individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo: (i) HAT cases; (ii) seropositive individuals for whom parasite detection was negative and (ii) controls.

Results  Plasma levels of six cytokines were significantly higher in HAT cases than in both controls (P < 0.003) and seropositive individuals (P < 0.016). IL‐2 and IL‐10 concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.02) in the seropositive group than in the control one.

Conclusion  Human African trypanosomiasis leads to the development of strong cytokine responses, indicating the potential involvement of IL‐2 and IL‐10 in the phenomenon of seropositivity without parasitological confirmation. This strongly suggests the involvement of immunity in this particular aspect of HAT epidemiology.
The roles of landscape context, niche breadth, and range boundaries in predicting species responses to habitat alteration
Authors: Swihart Robert K. , Lusk Jeffrey J. , Duchamp Joseph E. , Rizkalla Carol E. , Moore Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2006

Extant species in human‐dominated landscapes differ in their sensitivity to habitat loss and fragmentation, although extinctions induced by environmental alteration reduce variation and result in a surviving subset of species with some degree of ‘resistance’. Here, we test the degree to which variable responses to habitat alteration are (1) essentially an inherent property of a taxon subject to constraints imposed by its geographical range, as suggested by Swihart et al. (2003), (2) a function of the landscape in which a species occurs, or (3) a function of spatial trends occurring on large scales. We used data collected on 33 vertebrate species during 2001–04 across the upper Wabash River basin, Indiana, in 35 square ‘landscapes’, each 23 km2 in size. Six species of forest rodent, six species of grassland rodents, seven species of bats, eight species of aquatic turtles, and six species of amphibians were sampled at 504, 212, 590, 228, and 625 patches, respectively. The fraction of patches of primary habitat (e.g. forests for tree squirrels, wetlands for aquatic turtles) occupied by a target species was used as a response variable. On a basin‐wide scale, 47% of variation in proportional occupancy among species could be explained by taxon‐specific variables; occupancy rates were related positively to niche breadth and negatively to the proximity of a geographical range boundary. After controlling for species effects, landscape‐level occupancy rates varied significantly for 16 of 33 species, with variation partitioned among landscape variables alone (mean = 11% of variation), spatial trend variables alone (26%), and both variable sets jointly (8%). Among landscape variables, percentage forest cover positively affected occupancy rates of three bat species and a tree squirrel. Variation in occupancy rates among landscapes was consistent with large‐scale spatial trends for 13 species. Our findings demonstrate the general importance of niche breadth as a predictor of species responses to habitat alteration and highlight the importance of viewing the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation at multiple spatial scales.
Predicting invasions by woody species in a temperate zone: a test of three risk assessment schemes in the Czech Republic (Central Europe)
Authors: Křivánek Martin , Pyšek Petr
Published: April 2006

To assess the validity of previously developed risk assessment schemes in the conditions of Central Europe, we tested (1) Australian weed risk assessment scheme (WRA; Pheloung et al. 1999); (2) WRA with additional analysis by Daehler et al. (2004); and (3) decision tree scheme of Reichard and Hamilton (1997) developed in North America, on a data set of 180 alien woody species commonly planted in the Czech Republic. This list included 17 invasive species, 9 naturalized but non‐invasive, 31 casual aliens, and 123 species not reported to escape from cultivation. The WRA model with additional analysis provided best results, rejecting 100% of invasive species, accepting 83.8% of non‐invasive, and recommending further 13.0% for additional analysis. Overall accuracy of the WRA model with additional analysis was 85.5%, higher than that of the basic WRA scheme (67.9%) and the Reichard–Hamilton model (61.6%). Only the Reichard–Hamilton scheme accepted some invaders. The probability that an accepted species will become an invader was zero for both WRA models and 3.2% for the Reichard–Hamilton model. The probability that a rejected species would have been an invader was 77.3% for both WRA models and 24.0% for the Reichard–Hamilton model. It is concluded that the WRA model, especially with additional analysis, appears to be a promising template for building a widely applicable system for screening out invasive plant introductions.
Small‐dose perfluorocarbon reduces the recruitment pressure needed to open surfactant‐deficient atelectatic lungs
Authors: Houmes R.‐J. , Lachmann R. A. , Haitsma J. J. , Lachmann B.
Published: April 2006

Background:  This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a small dose of perfluorocarbon on the recruitment pressure needed to open atelectatic lung areas.

Methods:  In 12 Yorkshire pigs (body weight, 9 kg), lung injury was induced by whole lung lavage. After 1 h of conventional ventilation, an open lung maneuver was performed to obtain Pao2 values equal to the pre‐lavage Pao2 values (±10%). After 1 h of ventilation at the lowest possible airway pressure that stabilized the recruited lung volume, the animals were disconnected from the ventilator to allow the lung to collapse. Six animals received a 5 ml/kg intratracheal dose of perfluorocarbon and a second open lung maneuver was performed. Six animals served as controls and received no perfluorocarbon but also underwent a second open lung maneuver.

Results:  In both groups, an open lung maneuver resulted in a significant increase in oxygenation. The peak pressures needed to open the lung after 1 h of mechanical ventilation in the perfluorocarbon and control groups were 43.8 ± 8.4 cmH2O and 46.6 ± 4 cmH2O, respectively. The addition of perfluorocarbon significantly reduced the opening pressure to 34.5 ± 6.3 cmH2O (P < 0.01), whereas the opening pressure in the control group, 45.0 ± 0.2 cmH2O, did not change.

Conclusion:  The instillation of a small amount of perfluorocarbon significantly reduces the opening pressures needed to recruit atelectatic lung areas.
Association between chronic hepatitis B virus infection and interleukin‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α gene promoter polymorphisms
Authors: Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Sung Won , Hwang Il Lan , Yoon Seung Kew , Lee June Hyuk , Park Choon Sik , Lee Jong Eun , Hahm Ki Baik , Kim Jin Hong
Published: April 2006

Background:  The reasons for the viral persistence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) are unknown, but are probably related to host immune factors. Cytokines play a significant role in immune defense. The present study was undertaken to investigate the association between HBV infection and polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin(IL)‐10 gene promoter.

Methods:  A total of 412 Korean patients with HBV infection (72 inactive carriers, 261 witih chronic hepatitis, 79 with liver cirrhosis) and 204 healthy individuals who recovered from HBV infection, were studied. The polymorphisms in IL‐10 gene promoter (−1082, −819, −592), and TNF‐α gene promoter (−308, −238) were assessed by single base primer extension assay.

Results:  The frequency of C/C genotype at position −592 of IL‐10 gene promoter was higher in the HBV clearance group than that in the persistence group in univariate analysis (12.7% vs 7.5%, P = 0.036). The IL‐10 gene promoter −592 C/C genotype was related to clearance of HBV infection in logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.003). Genotype frequencies of TNF‐α gene promoter at position −308 and −238 were not different between the clearance and the persistence group in univariate analysis, but in multivariate analysis after adjusting for age and sex, −308G/−238G homozygotes were associated with HBV persistence (P = 0.005). Genotype distributions of both gene promoters in inactive carriers were similar to those in patients with chronic progressive liver disease.

Conclusions:  The carriers of the −592A allele in the IL‐10 promoter and −308G/−238G haplotype homozygotes in the TNF‐α promoter region have higher risk of persistent HBV infection.
High dose vitamin K3 infusion in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sarin Shiv K , Kumar Manoj , Garg Sanjay , Hissar Syed , Pandey Chandana , Sharma Barjesh C
Published: April 2006

Background and Aim:  The survival of patients with unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis is dismal. Current therapeutic options have limited efficacy. Vitamin K has been shown to have antitumor effect on HCC cells both in cell lines and patients with advanced HCC. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of high dose vitamin K3 in the treatment of advanced HCC with portal vein thrombosis.

Methods:  Forty‐two consecutive patients with advanced HCC (Stage C according to BCLC staging system) with portal vein thrombosis were randomized into two groups: (i) high dose vitamin K3 (n = 23); and (ii) placebo (n = 19). The vitamin K3 was administered by i.v. infusion of 50 mg/day with daily increase of dose by 50 mg for 6 days, followed by 20 mg i.m. twice daily for 2 weeks.

Results:  Of the 23 patients treated with vitamin K, one (4.3%) achieved complete response and three (13%) partial response, for a total of four (17.4%) objective responders overall. The overall mean survival was 8.9 ± 8.8 months (median: 6; range 1–37 months) in the vitamin K group and 6.8 ± 5.3 months (median: 5; range 1.5–21 months) in the placebo group (P = 0.552). The mean duration of survival was longer in patients in the vitamin K group who achieved objective response (22.5 ± 12.2; median: 21; range 11–37 months) as compared to patients not achieving objective response (6.1 ± 4.6; median: 5; range 1–16 months) (P = 0.0.002). Portal vein thrombosis resolved with complete patency in one (4.35%) patient.

Conclusions:  Treatment with high dose vitamin K produces objective response in 17% patients with improved survival in patients achieving objective response; however, it does not affect the overall survival.
Risk factors associated with gallstone and biliary sludge formation during pregnancy
Authors: Bolukbas Filiz F , Bolukbas Cengiz , Horoz Mehmet , Ince Ali T , Uzunkoy Ali , Ozturk Adil , Aka Nurettin , Demirci Fuat , Inci Erdal , Ovunc Oya
Published: April 2006

Aim:  To define the risk factors in gallstone and sludge formation, and to investigate the incidence of gallstone and biliary sludge formation during pregnancy in a group of healthy pregnant women.

Methods:  Sixty‐nine healthy pregnant women in early gestation and 28 nulliparous healthy controls were enrolled. Gallbladder volumes, gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF), serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were determined in both groups. In the pregnant group, repeated measurements were performed immediately after delivery and compared with initial levels. Risk factors, which are associated with gallstone and biliary sludge development during pregnancy, were determined by linear regression analysis.

Results:  No statistically significant difference was observed in the assessed parameters of pregnant women in early gestation and controls (both P > 0.05). In the pregnant group, gallstone and biliary sludge development during pregnancy were detected in 6.3% and 10.9% of cases, respectively. The detected parameters were significantly higher early after delivery than in early gestation, while GBEF was lower (both P < 0.001). Lower GBEF was the most significant factor (P < 0.001) associated with gallstone and sludge formation during pregnancy, while multiple childbirths was the other (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:  Decrease in GBEF is the most significant risk factor for newly developed gallstone and sludge in pregnant women, while multiple childbirths is the other but less important risk factor.
Environmentally induced migration: the importance of food
Authors: Olsson Ivan C. , Greenberg Larry A. , Bergman Eva , Wysujack Klaus
Published: April 2006

The decision to migrate or not is regarded as genetically controlled for many invertebrate and vertebrate taxa. Here, we show that the environment influences this decision. By reciprocally transplanting brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) between two sections in a river, we show that both migratory and non‐migratory behaviour can be environmentally induced; migratory behaviour developed in a river section with high brown trout densities and low specific growth rates, whereas non‐migratory behaviour developed in a section with low brown trout densities and high specific growth rates. In a laboratory experiment, we tested the effect of food availability on the development of migratory and non‐migratory body morphologies and found that most brown trout became migrants when food levels were low but fewer did so at high food levels. Thus, the decision to migrate seems to be a plastic response, influenced by growth opportunities.
Influences of diabetes (db/db), obese (ob/ob) and dystrophic (dy/dy) genotype mutations on hind limb bone maturation: a morphometric, radiological and cytochemical indices analysis
Authors: Garris D. R. , Burkemper K. M. , Garris B. L.
Published: April 2006

The influences of single‐gene missense mutations expressing diabetes (db/db), obese (ob/ob) or dystrophia (dy/dy) dysregulated metabolic syndromes on hind limb bone maturation and cytodevelopment in C57BL/KsJ mice were evaluated by radiological, macro‐ and cytomorphometric analysis of the resulting variances in os coxae, femur and tibia osteodevelopment indices relative to control parameters between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Associated with obesity and hyperglycaemic/hyperinsulinaemic states, both db/db and ob/ob mutants demonstrated significant suppression of hind limb maturation (length) and cytodensity indices relative to control growth parameters. By contrast, skeletal growth suppression induced by dy/dy mutation expression was associated with lean body mass and normoglycaemic/hypoinsulinaemic systemic endometabolic indices. In both db/db and ob/ob mutation syndromes, osteovascular, ‐interstitial and ‐cytolipidaemia were prominent cytochemical aberrations of the osteopaenic states relative to the dyslipidaemia/fibrodysplasia characteristic of dy/dy osteomaturation. Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, both ob/ob and db/db groups demonstrated extensive cortical interstitial (laminal) osteolipidaemia and suppressed cytodensities compared to control indices. These data demonstrate that the abnormal hyperglycaemic/hyperinsulinaemic endometabolic states associated with the expression of db/db and ob/ob genomutations promote extensive lipidaemia‐induced osteopaenia, compromising hind limb osteomaturation and cytodensity indices, as compared to the hyperfibritic osteopaenia characteristic of dy/dy mutation syndromes. Recognized therapeutic modulation of the hypercytolipidaemic component of diabetes–obesity syndromes may prove to be effective towards amelioration of the deleterious influences of these expressed hyperglycaemic, dysregulated lipometabolic conditions on osteomaturation and cytodevelopment.
Outcome Expectancies and Risk Behaviors in Maltreated Adolescents
Authors: Nickoletti Patrick , Taussig Heather N.
Published: April 2006

This study examined positive and negative outcome expectancies for risk behaviors, and their association with engagement in risk behaviors, in a sample of 149 maltreated adolescents. “Outcome Expectancies” are evaluative social cognitions about what will occur as a consequence of one's actions. Risk behaviors and outcome expectancies for substance use, sexual behavior, and delinquency were assessed. In all regression models, positive expectancies were significantly related to risk behaviors while negative expectancies, with one exception, were not significantly related. In three of four regression models, significant interactions were found between positive and negative expectancies in predicting risk behaviors. The nature of the interaction differed by type of risk behavior. Beyond demonstrating associations between outcome expectancies and risk behaviors in a maltreated sample, this paper contributes to the study of social information processing by demonstrating significant interactions between positive and negative expectancies.
On the Entropy Generation Formula of Radiation Heat Transfer Processes
Authors: Liu L. H. , Chu S. X.
Published: April 2006

Because thermal radiation is a long-range phenomenon, the local radiative heat flux is dependent on the temperature distribution of the entire enclosure under consideration and is not determined by the local temperature gradient. In the community of heat transfer, traditionally, the conduction-type formula of entropy generation rate is used to calculate the entropy generation rate of radiation heat transfer. In the present study, three counterexamples are considered. The discrete ordinates method is employed to solve the radiative transfer equation and then solve the radiative entropy generation rate. The results show that the traditional formulas of entropy generation rate for heat transfer generally cannot be used to calculate the local entropy generation rate of radiation heat transfer. Only in optically extremely thick situations, the traditional formula of entropy generation rate for heat transfer can be approximately used to calculate the local entropy generation rate of radiation heat transfer.
EXPLICITLY BROKEN LEPTON NUMBER AT LOW ENERGY IN THE HIGGS TRIPLET MODEL
Authors: DE S. PIRES C. A.
Published: April 2006

We assume that lepton number is explicitly broken at low energy scale (M) in the framework of the Higgs triplet (Δ) model. The scalar sector of the model is developed considering the particular assumption M = vΔ ≈ eV . We show that such assumption infers a particular mass spectrum for the scalars that compose the triplet and cause a decoupling of these scalars from those that compose the standard scalar doublet.
THE NORMALIZATION EFFECT OF NEUTRAL B0MESON ASYMMETRY
Authors: YOON J. C.
Published: April 2006

In the study of CP violation asymmetry in CPLEAR, the decay rate of neutral meson is normalized and its experimental analysis has been well established, while normalization effect has been considered in B physics. After investigation on the normalization effect in BABAR, we conclude that it can be justified to neglect this effect due to the suppressed decays that are contributed from both B0and [Formula: see text].
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Reverse Transcription-PCR Quantification of Cytokeratin mRNA in the Detection of Sentinel Lymph Node Invasion in Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparison with Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Garrel Renaud , Dromard Mathilde , Costes Valérie , Barbotte Eric , Comte Frédéric , Gardiner Quentin , Cartier César , Makeieff Marc , Crampette Louis , Guerrier Bernard , Boulle Nathalie
Published: April 2006

Purpose: The main goal of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas is to limit neck dissections to pN+ cases only. However, intraoperative + diagnosis cannot be routinely done using the current gold standard, serial step sectioning with immunohistochemistry. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) is potentially compatible with intraoperative use, proving highly sensitive in detecting molecular markers. This study postoperatively assessed the accuracy of quantitative RT-PCR in staging patients from their SLN.

Experimental Design: A combined analysis on the same SLN by serial step sectioning with immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR targeting cytokeratins 5, 14, and 17 was done in 18 consecutive patients with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 10 control subjects.

Results: From 71 lymph nodes examined, mRNA levels (KRT) were linked to metastasis size for the three cytokeratins studied (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.89, 0.73, and 0.77 for KRT 5, 14, and 17 respectively; P < 0.05). Histopathology-positive SLNs (macro- and micrometastases) showed higher mRNA values than negative SLNs for KRT 17 (P < 10−4) and KRT 14 (P < 10−2). KRT 5 showed nonsignificant results. KRT 17 seemed to be the most accurate marker for the diagnosis of micrometastases of a size >450 μm. Smaller micrometastases and isolated tumor cells did not provide results above the background level. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for KRT 17 identified a cutoff value where patient staging reached 100% specificity and sensitivity for macro- and micrometastases.

Conclusion: Quantitative RT-PCR for SLN staging in cN0 patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma seems to be a promising approach.
Extrarenal Na
+
Balance, Volume, and Blood Pressure Homeostasis in Intact and Ovariectomized Deoxycorticosterone-Acetate Salt Rats
Authors: Titze Jens , Luft Friedrich C. , Bauer Katharina , Dietsch Peter , Lang Rainer , Veelken Roland , Wagner Hubertus , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Hilgers Karl F.
Published: April 2006

Water-free Na
+
storage may buffer extracellular volume and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in spite of Na
+
retention. We studied the relationship among internal Na
+
, K
+
, water balance, and MAP in Sprague-Dawley rats, with or without deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA) salt, with or without ovariectomy (OVX). The rats were fed a low-salt (0.1% NaCl) or high-salt (8% NaCl) diet for 5 weeks. DOCA salt increased MAP (161±14 versus 123±4 mm Hg;
P
<0.05), and DOCA-OVX salt increased MAP further (181±22 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). DOCA salt increased the total body Na
+
by &40% to 45%; however, water-free Na
+
retention by osmotically inactive Na
+
storage and by osmotically neutral Na
+
/K
+
exchange allowed the rats to maintain the extracellular volume close to normal. DOCA-OVX salt rats showed similar Na
+
retention. However, their osmotically inactive Na
+
storage capacity was greatly reduced and only partially compensated by neutral Na
+
/K
+
exchange, resulting in greater volume retention despite similar Na
+
retention. For every 1% wet weight total body water gain, MAP increased by 2.3±0.2 mm Hg in DOCA salt rats and 2.5±0.3 mm Hg in DOCA-OVX salt rats. Because water-free Na
+
retention buffered total body water content by 8% to 11% wet weight, we conclude that this internal Na
+
escape buffered MAP. Extrarenal Na
+
and volume balance seem to play an important role in long-term volume and MAP control.
Physiological and Clinical Consequences of Relief of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Late After Repair of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Coats Louise , Khambadkone Sachin , Derrick Graham , Sridharan Shankar , Schievano Silvia , Mist Bryan , Jones Rod , Deanfield John E. , Pellerin Denis , Bonhoeffer Philipp , Taylor Andrew M.
Published: April 2006

Background—

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is a common problem after repair of congenital heart disease. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) can treat this condition without consequent pulmonary regurgitation or cardiopulmonary bypass. Our aim was to investigate the clinical and physiological response to relieving RVOTO.

Methods and Results—

We studied 18 patients who underwent PPVI for RVOTO (72% male, median age 20 years) from a total of 93 who had this procedure for various indications. All had a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient >50 mm Hg on echocardiography without important pulmonary regurgitation (less than mild or regurgitant fraction <10% on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, tissue Doppler echocardiography, and MRI were performed before and within 50 days of PPVI. PPVI reduced RVOT gradient (51.4 to 21.7 mm Hg,
P
<0.001) and right ventricular systolic pressure (72.8 to 47.3 mm Hg,
P
<0.001) at catheterization. Symptoms and aerobic (25.7 to 28.9 mL · kg
−1
· min
−1
,
P
=0.002) and anaerobic (14.4 to 16.2 mL · kg
−1
· min
−1
,
P
=0.002) exercise capacity improved. Myocardial systolic velocity improved acutely (tricuspid 4.8 to 5.3 cm/s,
P
=0.05; mitral 4.7 to 5.5 cm/s,
P
=0.01), whereas isovolumic acceleration was unchanged. The tricuspid annular velocity was not maintained on intermediate follow-up. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (99.9 to 89.7 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.001) fell, whereas effective stroke volume (43.7 to 48.3 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.06) and ejection fraction (48.0% to 56.8%,
P
=0.01) increased. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (72.5 to 77.4 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.145), stroke volume (45.3 to 50.6 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.02), and ejection fraction (62.6% to 65.8%,
P
=0.03) increased.

Conclusions—

PPVI relieves RVOTO, which leads to an early improvement in biventricular performance. Furthermore, it reduces symptoms and improves exercise tolerance. These findings have important implications for the management of this increasingly common condition.
Absence of Clinically Relevant Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Ribavirin and Tenofovir in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ramanathan Srinivasan , Cheng Andrew , Mittan Angelique , Ebrahimi Ramin , Kearney Brian P.
Published: April 2006

This was a 36‐day, open‐label, fixed‐sequence, multiple‐dose drug interaction study in 23 healthy subjects to evaluate the effects of multiple doses of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of ribavirin. Subjects received a 600‐mg once‐daily oral dose of ribavirin on days 1 and 22 and 300‐mg once‐daily oral doses of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on days 17 through 24. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed on days 1 through 4 and 22 through 25. Pharmacokinetics of ribavirin was not altered by its coadministration with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as the point estimates (day 22 [test treatment]/day 1 [reference treatment]), and the 90% confidence interval for maximum observed concentration (0.95; 88.7–101) and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve up to time of last measurable concentration (1.12; 106–117) were within the equivalence bounds of 80% to 125%. Tenofovir pharmacokinetics after ribavirin coadministration was similar to that observed in previous studies. These results indicate that coadministration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and ribavirin does not result in substantial changes to their individual pharmacokinetic profiles.
Neuroprotection from NMDA excitotoxic lesion by Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene delivery to the postnatal rat brain by a modular protein vector
Authors: Peluffo Hugo , Acarin Laia , Arís Anna , González Pau , Villaverde Antoni , Castellano Bernardo , González Berta
Published: April 2006

Background

Superoxide mediated oxidative stress is a key neuropathologic mechanism in acute central nervous system injuries. We have analyzed the neuroprotective efficacy of the transient overexpression of antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn Superoxide dismutase (SOD) after excitotoxic injury to the immature rat brain by using a recently constructed modular protein vector for non-viral gene delivery termed NLSCt. For this purpose, animals were injected with the NLSCt vector carrying the Cu/Zn SOD or the control GFP transgenes 2 hours after intracortical N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) administration, and daily functional evaluation was performed. Moreover, 3 days after, lesion volume, neuronal degeneration and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity were evaluated.

Results

Overexpression of Cu/Zn SOD transgene after NMDA administration showed improved functional outcome and a reduced lesion volume at 3 days post lesion. In secondary degenerative areas, increased neuronal survival as well as decreased numbers of degenerating neurons and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity was seen. Interestingly, injection of the NLSCt vector carrying the control GFP transgene also displayed a significant neuroprotective effect but less pronounced.

Conclusion

When the appropriate levels of Cu/Zn SOD are expressed transiently after injury using the non-viral modular protein vector NLSCt a neuroprotective effect is seen. Thus recombinant modular protein vectors may be suitable for in vivo gene therapy, and Cu/Zn SOD should be considered as an interesting therapeutic transgene.