bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating genotoxicity data to identify a mode of action and its application in estimating cancer risk at low doses: A case study involving carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Eastmond David A.
Published: January 2008

In the new USEPA cancer risk assessment guidelines, mode of action (MoA) information, combined with a determination of whether or not a chemical is mutagenic, plays an important role in determining whether a linear or nonlinear approach should be used to estimate cancer risks at low doses. In this article, carbon tetrachloride (CT) is used as an example to illustrate how mixed genotoxicity data can be evaluated and used to identify a likely MoA. CT is essentially negative in inducing gene mutations in Salmonella, but is consistently positive in inducing recombination and aneuploidy in fungi. Negative or equivocal results were seen in most in vitro and in vivo studies in mammals, including mutation studies in transgenic mice. However, DNA adducts, primarily those derived from oxidation‐ and lipid‐peroxidation‐derived products as well as DNA double‐strand breaks and micronucleated cells, have been seen repeatedly in the liver of CT‐treated animals. On the basis of the weight of evidence, CT should not be considered a directly mutagenic agent. Mutagenic as well as other genotoxic effects, as they occur, will most likely be generated through indirect mechanisms resulting from oxidative and lipid peroxidative damage and/or damage occurring during necrosis or apoptosis. As key events in this process are expected to occur in a nonlinear fashion, the expected relationship between CT dose and carcinogenic response in the liver is likely to be nonlinear with a steep dose response. This conclusion is consistent with rodent cancer bioassay results in which steep nonlinear dose responses have been seen. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent developments in frameworks to consider human relevance of hypothesized modes of action for tumours in animals
Authors: Meek M.E. Bette
Published: January 2008

This paper summarizes recent developments in the continuing evolution of Human Relevance Frameworks to systematically consider the weight of evidence of hypothesized modes of action in animals and their potential human relevance for both cancer and non‐cancer effects. These frameworks have been developed in initiatives of the International Life Sciences Institute Risk Sciences Institute and the International Programme on Chemical Safety engaging large numbers of scientists internationally. They are analytical tools designed to organize information in hazard characterization as a basis to clarify the extent of the weight of evidence for mode of action in animals and human relevance and subsequent implications for dose‐response. They are also extremely helpful in identifying critical data gaps. These frameworks which are illustrated by an increasing number of case studies, have been widely adopted into international and national guidance and assessments and continue to evolve, as experience increases in their application. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance analysis of a generic system model for uncoded IDMA using serial and parallel interference cancellation
Authors: Nagy Oliver , Reed Mark C. , Shi Zhenning
Published: January 2008

This paper shows how to accurately describe a fully synchronised interleave division multiple access (IDMA) scheme without channel coding by a matrix model. This model allows the derivation of the optimal detector and provides additional insights into the IDMA principle, and we show that the matrices are structured and sparse. We use BER and EXIT charts to study the performance of parallel and serial interference cancellation schemes and demonstrate that the latter converges faster and is independent of the scrambling code. Any bit interleaved DS‐CDMA system can be viewed as a special case of IDMA, and an IDMA receiver can therefore be used to detect DS‐CDMA signals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of generic side mirror of a car using large eddy simulation with polyhedral meshes
Authors: Afgan I. , Moulinec C. , Laurence D.
Published: January 2008

The flow structure around a generic side mirror of a car is numerically investigated via large eddy simulation (LES) incorporating polyhedral meshes. The aspect ratio defined as height to radius of the cylinder is 3 and the Reynolds number based on cylinder diameter and free stream velocity is 3.2 × 105. The aim of the current paper is not only to show the advantage of the use of polyhedral mesh to model the generic car mirror via LES but also to obtain fluctuating pressure spectra for noise prediction. LES has been an obvious choice for the simulation as it is very suitable for bluff body flows with small effects of boundary layers. It is easier, more flexible and far less time consuming to mesh the current geometry using unstructured mesh rather than a structured conforming mesh. However, central differencing scheme holds better kinetic energy conservation properties on polyhedral cells than on non‐conforming tetrahedral cells. Three different grids were tested with local prismatic layer refinements near solid walls. The flow was found to be fully three dimensional with an upstream laminar separation. The stagnation point was located at zero degrees for both the cylinder and the sphere. Pressure spectra were monitored at particular locations upstream of the body and in its wake. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order essentially local extremum diminishing schemes for environmental flows
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Heng
Published: January 2008

The accuracy of numerical simulation is greatly affected by the applied convective schemes for high Reynolds number environmental flows. The convection for any scalar equation should theoretically be a purely transport process. Simple monotonic convective schemes produce smooth and stable solutions. However, the results are not reliable and possibly introduce excessive artificial diffusion (AD). We develop a new high‐order monotonic formulation of essentially local extremum diminishing (ELED) schemes, using a simple algorithm to minimize the AD introduced by the convective schemes. The high‐order scheme is based on the Quadratic Upstream Interpolation for Convective Kinematics formula in order to compare the results with Simple High‐Accuracy Resolution Program. The resulting algorithm is applied to a two‐dimensional standing interfacial wave problem and extended to three‐dimensional turbulent coastal upwelling flows using large eddy simulation (LES). These examples allow sharp density interfaces in the domain, which may cause severe dispersion errors when high‐order schemes are used, whereas most monotonic schemes produce significant AD. When a finer grid is used, the AD based on the Jameson, Schmidt and Turkel formula (Int. J. Comput. Fluid Dyn. 1995; 4:171–218) drops dramatically. The new high‐order ELED schemes exhibit comparable accuracy to other high‐order monotonic schemes and introduce less diffusion in the unsteady environmental flow simulations. The current results of LES show that the energy transfer inherent in the monotonic convection schemes may contribute non‐negligibly to the turbulence. It is found that a dynamic‐mixed model is able to compensate the effect of the convection schemes and provides correct flow behaviors in reality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilized formulations for incompressible flows with thermal coupling
Authors: Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Ramakrishnan Srinivas , Sathe Sunil
Published: January 2008

We present applications of the stabilized finite element formulations developed for incompressible flows with thermal coupling to 2D and 3D test problems. The stabilized formulations are based on the streamline‐upwind/Petrov–Galerkin and pressure‐stabilizing/Petrov–Galerkin stabilizations and are supplemented with discontinuity capturing (DC), including the discontinuity‐capturing directional dissipation. The stabilization and DC parameters associated with these formulations are also presented. The coupled fluid mechanics and temperature equations are solved with a direct coupling technique. The test problems computed include 2D and 3D natural convection, as well as a simplified 3D model of air circulation in a small data center. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rupture of radiation‐induced internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma—Spontaneous occlusion of carotid artery due to long‐term embolizing performance
Authors: Cheng Kai‐Yuan , Lee Ka‐Wo , Chiang Feng‐Yu , Ho Kuen‐Yao , Kuo Wen‐Rei
Published: January 2008

Background

Rupture of internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a lethal complication in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Angiography is the best diagnostic and treatment method. The aim of embolization is to block the pseudoaneurysm; but sometimes, total occlusion of great vessels is ineludible. We describe a case of NPC post‐radiation therapy and with ruptured pseudoaneurysm treated by angio‐embolization.

Methods

The patient had received embolization with numerous tools such as stent grafts, balloons, and bare stents with or without filter protection.

Results

After failing to pass through the narrow lumen by embolizing tools, the right ICA finally occluded spontaneously by self‐thrombosis.

Conclusion

Although the angio‐embolization is a good method to resolve the problems of ruptured pseudoaneurysm, there is still high mortality and morbidity. Being aware of the clinical presentations and the changes of images may alert us to predict the happening earlier. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy–specific and overall treatment outcomes in patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face with periorbital involvement
Authors: DeMartelaere Sheri L. , Roberts Dianna , Burgess Michael A. , Morrison William H. , Pisters Peter W. T. , Sturgis Erich M. , Ho Viet , Esmaeli Bita
Published: January 2008

Background

Recent isolated case reports have suggested a potential role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with angiosarcoma. The goal of this report was to investigate the overall treatment outcomes and the neoadjuvant chemotherapy–specific outcomes in patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face with periorbital involvement.

Methods

Our tumor database was searched for patients with angiosarcoma and periorbital involvement seen at our institution between 1981 and 2005.

Results

Twenty‐one patients were identified,15 of whom had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 6 of whom had a traditional approach of surgery followed by adjuvant therapy.

Fourteen of 15 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy had complete clinical response. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy made definitive surgery unnecessary for 9 patients. The median disease‐free interval for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group was 11.8 months (mean, 38.1 months; range, 2.4–239.6 months). Nine of the 15 patients had recurrences. The time from end of treatment to recurrence ranged from 2.6 to 24.5 months (median, 12.7 months).

Five of the 6 patients who had primary surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy had a complete clinical response, and the median disease‐free interval was 31.8 months (mean, 35.9 months; range, 2.7–85 months). Two later developed recurrences, one at 2.7 months and the other at 31.8 months after the end of treatment.

Conclusion

On the basis of this series, the authors conclude that neoadjuvant chemotherapy for periorbital angiosarcoma is a potentially attractive option and in some patients may obviate the need for major surgery, thereby preserving the eye and/or ocular adnexal structures. Given the propensity for recurrence and poor survival, the authors strongly recommend that these patients receive multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment at a major cancer center. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Association of tumor satellite distance with prognosis and contralateral neck recurrence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Lin , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Lin Chih‐Feng , Lou Pei‐Jen
Published: January 2008

Background

The margin status is an important prognosticator for the survival of patients with tongue cancer. Although a positive margin is associated with a poor prognosis, those with clear margins do not always have good clinical outcomes.

Methods

We investigated the margin status, pattern of tumor invasion (POI), and tumor satellite distance (TSD) in 119 freshly treated tongue cancers and assessed their association with the characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Results

A close or clear margin and POI were not associated with overall survival. Tumor satellites occurred in 92% of tumors and were significantly associated with betel nut exposure. Patients with TSD ≤0.5 mm had significantly better overall survival. Patients with TSD >0.5 mm had a higher incidence of local recurrence, shorter intervals to neck recurrence, and a higher propensity to contralateral or bilateral cervical nodal metastasis.

Conclusion

TSD is associated with local recurrence, contralateral neck metastasis, and the overall survival of patients with tongue cancer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Can biomarkers play a role in the decision about treatment of the clinically negative neck in patients with head and neck cancer?
Authors: Takes Robert P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Pablo Rodrigo Juan , Devaney Kenneth O. , Fagan Johannes J. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: January 2008

For most patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, a treatment decision concerning the neck is required. Since detection of small metastases in lymph nodes is difficult, many of the patients with no detectable metastases receive elective treatment of the neck. Additional information on the metastatic potential of the primary tumor before treatment may be useful to reduce the number of these elective procedures. Biomarkers may supply such information. Molecules involved in several pathways have been studied, but the complexity of the metastatic process makes it unlikely that a single marker for metastasis can de identified. Techniques allowing the study of many factors simultaneously seem to be the most promising ones. In recent years, microarray expression profiling and comparative genomic hybridization studies have yielded interesting results. If these results can be confirmed in larger studies, they may play a role in future clinical decision making on treatment of the clinically N0 neck. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Increased midsagittal tongue velocity as indication of articulatory compensation in patients with lateral partial glossectomies
Authors: Rastadmehr Orchid , Bressmann Tim , Smyth Ron , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: January 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of partial lateral glossectomy on midsagittal tongue movement during speech.

Methods

Using B‐mode ultrasound, the midsagittal tongue movement of 10 patients with lateral partial glossectomy during a standardized reading passage was analyzed before and after surgery. Six normal adults served as control speakers. The main outcome measure was the tongue velocity during speech. The technique of defect reconstruction (local vs flap) was included as a covariate in the analysis.

Results

Following the surgery, all patients significantly increased the velocity of the midsagittal tongue movements during the reading passage.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the patients with partial glossectomy compensated for the lateral tongue resections by increasing the velocity of the residual tongue during speech. The study provides first insights into the biomechanical aspects of spontaneous articulatory compensation following lateral tongue resections. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Heterotrimeric Gαq11 co‐immunoprecipitates with surface‐anchored GRP78 from plasma membranes of α2M*‐stimulated macrophages
Authors: Misra Uma Kant , Pizzo Salvatore Vincent
Published: January 2008

We have previously shown that a fraction of newly expressed GRP78 is translocated to the cell surface in association with the co‐chaperone MTJ‐1. Proteinase and methylamine‐activated α2M (α2M*) bind to cell surface‐associated GRP78 activating phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C coupled to a pertussis toxin‐insensitive heterotrimeric G protein, generating IP3/calcium signaling. We have now studied the association of pertussis toxin‐insensitive Gαq11, with GRP78/MTJ‐1 complexes in the plasma membranes of α2M*‐stimulated macrophages. When GRP78 was immunoprecipitated from plasma membranes of macrophages stimulated with α2M*, Gαq11, and MTJ‐1 were co‐precipitated. Likewise Gαq11 and GRP78 co‐immunoprecipitated with MTJ‐1 while GRP78 and MTJ‐1 co‐immunoprecipitated with Gαq11. Silencing GRP78 expression with GRP78 dsRNA or MTJ‐1 with MTJ‐1 dsRNA greatly reduced the levels of Gαq11 co‐precipitated with GRP78 or MTJ‐1. In conclusion, we show here that plasma membrane‐associated GRP78 is coupled to pertussis toxin‐insensitive Gαq11 and forms a ternary signaling complex with MTJ‐1. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 96–104, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactivity of alkylated phosphorothionates with steel: a tribological and surface‐analytical study
Authors: Heuberger Roman , Rossi Antonella , Spencer Nicholas D.
Published: January 2008

Phosphorothionates are anti‐wear lubricant additives and potential replacements for zinc dialkyldithiophosphates. In this study, ball‐on‐disc tests have been carried out combinatorially under extreme pressure (EP) conditions (100–350 MPa at 10 N load). The tests were performed in oil containing triphenyl phosphorothionates substituted with alkyl chains of different lengths. Imaging, small‐area and angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed following the tribotest to probe the modification, removal and growth of the surface film. The films were composed, depending on the test conditions, of (i) iron phosphate, (ii) iron phosphates with sulphates or (iii) a mixture of iron phosphates with sulphides and sulphates. With increasing load, the dimensional wear coefficients decreased. Upon increasing temperature from 30 to 150°C, the wear became more severe. These findings suggest the formation of a tribochemical film with some EP performance, despite the severe tribological test conditions applied in this work. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan Biotinylation and Electrodeposition for Selective Protein Assembly
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Wen , Liu Yi , Lewandowski Angela T. , Wu Li‐Qun , Wu Hsuan‐Chen , Ghodssi Reza , Rubloff Gary W. , Bentley William E. , Payne Gregory F.
Published: January 2008

An alternative route to protein assembly at surfaces based on using the unique capabilities of biological materials for the spatially selective assembly of proteins is described. Specifically, the stimuli‐responsive properties of aminopolysaccharide chitosan are combined with the molecular‐recognition capabilities of biotin‐streptavidin binding. Biotinylated chitosan retains its stimuli‐responsive properties and is capable of electrodepositing at specific electrode addresses. Once deposited, it is capable of binding streptavidin, which can mediate the subsequent assembly of biotinylated proteins. Spatially selective protein assembly using biotinylated Protein A and fluorescently‐labeled antibodies is demonstrated.

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Combinatorial and High‐Throughput Methods in Macromolecular Materials Research and Development
Authors: Webster Dean C.
Published: January 2008

Combinatorial and high‐throughput experimentation is used to accelerate the rate of experimentation in macromolecular science. Combinatorial and high‐throughput methods are used in macromolecular science to discover and optimize catalysts for polymerization reactions, discover compositions that have specific desired properties, and systematically explore polymer structure–property relationships. The use of high‐throughput methods can enable the discovery of complex catalyst systems or polymer compositions that would not be feasible using conventional experimental methods. In addition, combinatorial data can be used as inputs into computer models to enable the accurate prediction of material properties as a function of composition.

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Characterization of Solution‐Processed Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotube/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposites
Authors: Almasri Atheer , Ounaies Zoubeida , Kim Yeon Seok , Grunlan Jaime
Published: January 2008

Dispersion of CNTs in polymers can yield impressive property enhancements at low volume fractions, thus maintaining the inherent processability of the polymer. In particular, they can improve the electromechanical response of piezoelectric polymers by lowering the actuation voltage and increasing strain and stress response. In this work, piezoelectric PVDF and DWNTs are solution‐cast into films. SEM of fracture surfaces confirms good dispersion, and electrical conductivity measurements reveal a low percolation threshold (0.23 vol.‐%). The effect of CNTs on storage modulus, Tc, Tm and Tg of PVDF is studied. Electromechanical strain is observed at low actuation voltages, possibly due to enhanced local electric field in the presence of DWNTs.

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Short Palm Tree Fibers Polyolefin Composites: Effect of Filler Content and Coupling Agent on Physical Properties
Authors: Bendahou Abdelkader , Kaddami Hamid , Sautereau Henry , Raihane Mustapha , Erchiqui Fouad , Dufresne Alain
Published: January 2008

Short date palm tree lignocellulosic fibers have been used as a reinforcing phase in commodity thermoplastic matrices [poly(propylene) and low density polyethylene]. Compatibilization of the fibers was carried out with the use of maleic anhydride copolymers. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting composites were characterized using SEM, DSC and tensile tests. The reinforcing capability of the unmodified fibers was found to depend on the nature of the matrix and the main parameter governing the composite behavior was the degree of crystallinity of the matrix. Compatibilization was reported to enhance the mechanical performances for both sets of composites up to a critical amount of compatibilizer beyond which the degree of crystallinity of the matrix decreases.

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Abnormal Transmittance of Refractive‐Index‐Modified ZnO/Organic Hybrid Films
Authors: Tsuzuki Takuya
Published: January 2008

The refractive index of ZnO/organic nanocomposite films was modified in the range from 1.44 to 1.55, while maintaining high visible transparency. The transparency of the nanocomposite films showed an abnormal behaviour as a function of the loading level of inorganic particles, because it did not decrease according to the Beer‐Lambert law, but rather saturated to a near‐constant value at high particle loading levels above ≈8 vol.‐%. On the other hand, the refractive index of the film showed good agreement with the Bruggemann model, linearly increased as particle concentration increased. This result indicates the possibility of fabricating highly transparent nanocomposite films with controlled refractive indices.

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A Block Copolymer for Functionalisation of Polymersome Surfaces
Authors: van Dongen Stijn F. M. , Nallani Madhavan , Schoffelen Sanne , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. , Nolte Roeland J. M. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: January 2008

A block copolymer was designed to functionalise the surface of polystyrene‐based polymersomes via coaggregation. An α,ω‐diacetylene‐functionalised poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was coupled to an azide‐terminated polystyrene via a Cu(I)‐catalysed cycloaddition to produce a PS‐b‐PEG polymer with an acetylene at its hydrophilic extremity. Incorporation of this ‘anchor’ compound in the bilayer of a polymersome places its bio‐orthogonal group at the surface of this aggregate. Its accessibility was demonstrated using an azido‐functionalised Candida antarctica Lipase B (CalB), which retained its activity while immobilised on the polymersome.

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Cellular Uptake of DNA Block Copolymer Micelles with Different Shapes
Authors: Alemdaroglu Fikri E. , Alemdaroglu N. Ceren , Langguth Peter , Herrmann Andreas
Published: January 2008

The cellular uptake of DNA block copolymer micelles composed of DNA‐b‐PPO in Caco‐2 cells was studied. In particular it was investigated if the shape of micelle aggregates influences the internalization. Rod‐like polymeric particles were taken up 12 times more efficiently than their spherical counter parts although they were composed of the same constituents. Furthermore, it was observed that internalization of all the micelle systems was more efficient than the pristine DNA controls. A cytotoxicity assay proved the non‐toxic nature of DNA‐b‐PPO micelle aggregates.

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Responsive Backbones Based on Alternating Triazole‐Pyridine/Benzene Copolymers: From Helically Folding Polymers to Metallosupramolecularly Crosslinked Gels
Authors: Meudtner Robert M. , Hecht Stefan
Published: January 2008

Step‐growth polymerization using Cu‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions, commonly referred to as “click chemistry,” has been used to prepare poly[(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl‐1,3‐pyridine)‐alt‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl‐1,3‐phenylene)]s. The recently discovered strong preference of the 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (BTP) subunits to adopt an anti–anti conformation enables the extended heteroaromatic polymer strands to adopt a helical conformation, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Addition of various transition metal ions leads to coordinative crosslinking and therefore efficient gelation of the polymer solutions. The integration of the BTP scaffold in the main chain of the described polymers illustrates a synthetically inspired approach to readily access new functional macromolecules with potential applications as sensing and magnetic/emissive materials.

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Facile Fabrication of Monolayered Hollow Submicrospheres of PANI on Surfaces of Modified Polymer Films
Authors: Zhong Wenbin , Wang Yongxin , Yan Yan , Yang Wantai
Published: January 2008

Summary: A novel strategy was developed in order to prepare monolayered polyaniline (PANI) submicrospheres on polymer substrates. The strategy involved two main steps, i.e., photografting of acrylate acid (AA) onto the surface of a polypropylene (PP) film, and subsequent oxidative polymerization of aniline on the grafted surface. It was found that the PANI monolayered hollow submicrospheres were immobilized on the surface of the PP film when the molar ratio of AA to aniline was about 1:1.6. A possible formation mechanism of the hollow PANI submicrosphere iss discussed.
Microsurgical reconstruction of obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Chen Liang , Gu Yu‐Dong , Wang Huan
Published: January 2008

The incidence of obstetric brachial plexus palsy is not declining. Heavy birth weight of the infant and breech delivery are considered two important risk factors and Caesarean section delivery seems to be a protective factor. There are two clinical appearances, that is, paralysis of the upper roots and that of total roots, and Klumpke's palsy involving the C8 and T1 roots is rarely seen. Computed tomography myelography (CTM) is still the best way of visualizing nerve roots. Surgical intervention is needed for 20–25% of all patients and clinical information is decisive for the indication of surgery. Most often, a conducting neuroma of the upper trunk is encountered, and it is believed that neuroma resection followed by microsurgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus gives the best results. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Expression and localization of the µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) in the equine cumulus–oocyte complex and its involvement in the seasonal regulation of oocyte meiotic competence
Authors: Dell'Aquila Maria Elena , Albrizio Maria , Guaricci Antonio Ciro , De Santis Teresa , Maritato Filippo , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Colenbrander Ben , Guerra Lorenzo , Casavola Valeria , Minoia Paolo
Published: January 2008

The µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) was identified in equine oocytes, cumulus and granulosa cells. By RT‐PCR, a 441bp fragment was observed. By immunoblotting, a 65 kDa band was detected in samples of winter anestrous whereas in cells recovered in breeding season, two bands, 65 and 50 kDa, were found. The 65 kDa band was significantly more intense in winter anestrous specimens. In samples recovered in the breeding season, this band significantly decreased with the raise of follicle size and was heavier in compact oocytes and cumulus cells. The protein was localized on the oolemma and within the cytoplasm of oocytes and cumulus cells. In vitro oocyte maturation rate (MR), analyzed by confocal microscopy for nuclear chromatin, microfilaments and microtubules, was reduced after the addition of 3 × 10−8 M β‐endorphin in medium without additional hormones. Inhibitory effects of 10−3 M Naloxone in oocytes collected in anestrous and spring transition were observed, both in presence and absence of hormones added to culture medium. Increased MRs were observed in oocytes collected in anestrous and cultured in presence of 10−8 M Naloxone. The exposure to 10−3 M Naloxone induced significant intracellular calcium increases in cumulus cells recovered all over the year. β‐Endorphin 3 × 10−8 M induced significant calcium increases only in cumulus cells recovered in fall transition and anestrous. Naloxone 10−8 M did not induce intracellular calcium modifications. We conclude that the MOR is differentially expressed in equine cumulus–oocyte complexes in the different seasons of the year and plays a role in the seasonal regulation of meiotic competence of equine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1229–1246, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of local neutralization of basic fibroblast growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor by a specific antibody on the development of the corpus luteum in the cow
Authors: Yamashita Hiromichi , Kamada Daichi , Shirasuna Koumei , Matsui Motozumi , Shimizu Takashi , Kida Katsuya , Berisha Bajram , Schams Dieter , Miyamoto Akio
Published: January 2008

Active angiogenesis and progesterone (P) synthesis occur in parallel during development of the corpus luteum (CL). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are known to stimulate angiogenesis and P synthesis in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of bFGF or VEGF on the CL development in the cow by using a specific antibody against bFGF or VEGF. bFGF antibody, VEGF antibody, or saline as a control (n = 4 cows/treatment) were injected directly into the CL immediately after ovulation (Day 1), and the treatment was continued for 3 times/day over 7 days. Luteal biopsies were applied on Day 8 of the estrous cycle to determine the expression of genes associated with P synthesis and angiogenesis. Intraluteal injections with the bFGF antibody or the VEGF antibody markedly decreased the CL volume, plasma P concentration and StAR mRNA expression. bFGF antibody treatment decreased the mRNA expression of bFGF, FGF receptor‐1, VEGF120, and angiopoietin (ANPT)‐1, and increased ANPT‐2/ANPT‐1 ratio. However, VEGF antibody treatment decreased ANPT‐2 mRNA expression and ANPT‐2/ANPT‐1 ratio. These results indicate that local neutralization of bFGF or VEGF changes genes regulating angiogenesis and P synthesis, and remarkably suppresses the CL size and P secretion during the development of CL in the cow, supporting the concept that bFGF and VEGF control the CL formation and function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1449–1456, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stages of smoking acquisition of young Taiwanese adolescents: Self‐Efficacy and decisional balance
Authors: Chen Huey‐Shys , Horner Sharon D. , Percy Melanie S. , Sheu Jiunn‐Jye
Published: January 2008

The objective of this study was to assess relationships of the stages of smoking acquisition with self‐efficacy and decisional balance in young Taiwanese adolescents. A random sample of 401 students was recruited. Students who were at the precontemplation stage had higher self‐efficacy to resist smoking initiation than those who were at the decision‐making or maintenance stages. Ratings of benefits of smoking were significantly higher for those in the maintenance stage than in the precontemplation or decision‐making stages. In a discriminant function analysis, self‐efficacy and decisional balance correctly predicted 77.4% of membership in the three stages. Health educators could use stage‐specific skills and strategies based on self‐efficacy and decision balance constructs to develop smoking prevention programs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:119–129, 2008
Pursuing common agendas: A collaborative model for knowledge translation between research and practice in clinical settings
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer L. , Kirkham Sheryl Reimer , Khan Koushambhi Basu , McDonald Heather , Semeniuk Pat , Tan Elsie , Anderson Joan M.
Published: January 2008

There is an emerging discourse of knowledge translation that advocates a shift away from unidirectional research utilization and evidence‐based practice models toward more interactive models of knowledge transfer. In this paper, we describe how our participatory approach to knowledge translation developed during an ongoing program of research concerning equitable care for diverse populations. At the core of our approach is a collaborative relationship between researchers and practitioners, which underpins the knowledge translation cycle, and occurs simultaneously with data collection/analysis/synthesis. We discuss lessons learned including: the complexities of translating knowledge within the political landscape of healthcare delivery, the need to negotiate the agendas of researchers and practitioners in a collaborative approach, and the kinds of resources needed to support this process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:130–140, 2008
Development and testing of the diabetes self‐management instrument: A confirmatory analysis
Authors: Lin Chiu‐Chu , Anderson Robert M. , Chang Chao‐Sung , Hagerty Bonnie M. , Loveland‐Cherry Carol J.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a new instrument for measuring self‐management of adults with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected from 634 diabetic adults recruited from three teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Construct validity was determined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Tests of internal consistency and test–retest were used to assess the reliability of the diabetes self‐management instrument (DSMI). Initial results of CFA did not fully support the proposed five‐factor model. After the model was modified, the fit indices indicated that this model fits the data best. This model was further cross validated in a second sample. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the DSMI total scale was .94. The test–retest correlations for the DSMI total scale were acceptable (r = .73, p < .01). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:370–380, 2008
Preparation of interpenetrating polymer network composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(acrylamide) hydrogels as a support of enzyme immobilization
Authors: Lee Yeol , Kim Dae Nyun , Choi Dongkil , Lee Woojin , Park Jinwon , Koh Won‐Gun
Published: January 2008

Poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)‐based interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogels were prepared for the application of enzyme immobilization. Poly(acrylamide)(PAAm) was chosen as the other network of IPN hydrogel and different concentration of PAAm networks were incorporated inside the PEG hydrogel to improve the mechanical strength and provide functional groups that covalently bind the enzyme. Formation of IPN hydrogels was confirmed by observing the weight per cent gain of hydrogel after incorporation of PAAm network and by attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) analysis. Synthesis of IPN hydrogels with higher PAAm content produced more crosslinked hydrogels with lower water content (WC), smaller Mc and mesh size, which resulted in enhanced mechanical properties compared to the PEG hydrogel. The IPN hydrogels exhibited tensile strength between 0.2 and 1.2 MPa while retaining high levels of hydration (70–81% water). For enzyme immobilization, glucose oxidase (GOX) was immobilized to PEG and IPN hydrogel beads. Enzyme activity studies revealed that although all the hydrogels initially had similar enzymatic activity, enzyme‐immobilizing PEG hydrogels lost most of the enzymatic activity within 2 days due to enzyme leaching while IPN hydrogels maintained a maximum 80% of the initial enzymatic activity over a week due to the covalent linkage between the enzyme and amine groups of PAAm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of nanostructured polyaniline dispersed smart anticorrosive composite coatings
Authors: Alam Javed , Riaz Ufana , Ahmad Sharif
Published: January 2008

Modern engineering science and nanotechnology have hastened the development of high performance corrosion‐resistant coatings having a broad spectrum of effectivity under a wider range of hostile environments. The formulation of such coating systems is expected to cause a major revolution in the corrosion world. Conducting polymers have recently proved to be an effective alternative to phosphate–chromate pretreatment that is hazardous due to toxic hexavalent chromium. Moreover, improvements in environmental impact can be achieved by utilizing nanostructured particulates in coating and eliminating the requirement of toxic solvents. The paper reports some preliminary investigations on the corrosion resistance performance of nanostructured methyl orange (MO)‐doped polyaniline (PANI)/castor oil polyurethane (COPU) composite coatings on mild steel (MS). The nanostructure of the MO‐PANI was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion protective performance was evaluated by physico‐mechanical properties, corrosion rate, and open circuit potential measurements. These coatings were found to act as “corrosion sensors” by exhibiting different colors when placed in acid as well as alkaline media. The protective behavior of coatings was attributed to the formation of a passive iron oxide/dopant layer at the metal‐coating interface that impedes the penetration of the corrosive ions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late‐appearing Philadelphia chromosome in childhood acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shah Niketa , Leaker Michael T. , Teshima Ikuko , Baruchel Sylvain , Abdelhaleem Mohamed , Ye Charles C.
Published: January 2008

A 3‐year‐old female was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML‐M2). The disease was refractory to various chemotherapeutic agents. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a clone with trisomy 8 at diagnosis that was replaced by a clone containing a t(11;15) and del(20q) by the end of the second induction. A new clone, characterized by a Philadelphia chromosome, with the minor BCR/ABL p190 transcript, emerged 14 months after diagnosis and remained to the end of disease course. The late occurrence of the Philadelphia chromosome in AML has been documented rarely in adults. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1052–1053. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multimodality treatment of osteosarcoma: Radiation in a high‐risk cohort
Authors: Mahajan Anita , Woo Shiao Y. , Kornguth David G. , Hughes Dennis , Huh Winston , Chang Eric L. , Herzog Cynthia E. , Pelloski Christopher E. , Anderson Pete
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Chemotherapy during radiation and/or bone‐seeking radioisotope therapy (153‐samarium; 1 mCi/kg) during radiation may improve osteosarcoma cancer control.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed our preliminary radiation experience in high‐risk, metastatic, and/or recurrent patients during a consecutive period of 20 months (May 2005–December 2006).

Results

Thirty‐nine high‐risk osteosarcoma patients had radiotherapy; 119 sites were irradiated. A median four sites were irradiated per patient (range 1–14). The median radiation dose and number of fractions of radiation was 30 Gy in 10 fractions (range 10–70 Gy in 4–35 fractions). Chemotherapy, most commonly ifosfamide or methotrexate, was used in 80% (100/119) radiotherapy courses. Of 38 painful sites, 29 had improvement (76%), 4 had no change (10%), and 5 had more pain (13%). Objective and potentially durable responses were documented using PET‐CT and bone scans with persistent and sustained reduction of standard uptake values (SUVs; initial SUV of indication lesion 9.5 became <4 at all subsequent time points) and serial bone scans [improvement in 29/39 (72%); stable 10/39 (25%), worse 1/39 (3%)]. The actuarial 4‐year survival from development of metastasis was 39%.

Conclusions

Our early results suggest that the use of multimodality therapy including chemotherapy with radiation in unresectable osteosarcoma may be beneficial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:976–982. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing and performance evaluation of hollow microspheres filled epoxy composites
Authors: Saha Mrinal C. , Nilufar Sabrina , Major Mosi , Jeelani Shaik
Published: January 2008

Microspheres filled epoxy composites are fabricated, using two types of hollow glass microspheres, namely, Fillite‐500 and K‐15. Fillite‐500 microspheres are relatively stronger and denser (avg. crushed strength ∼17 MPa and density ∼0.45 kg/m3) than K‐15 microspheres (avg. crushed strength ∼2 MPa and density ∼0.15 kg/m3). Each type of microspheres in the range of 10–70 vol% are added into a low viscosity two‐part epoxy resin (SC‐15) system in several steps and are mixed together meticulously to avoid breakage of the microspheres during mixing. The epoxy/microspheres mixture is then cured at room temperature (about 70°F) inside an oven for 24 h followed by post curing at 200°F for 4 h. One of the objectives of this research is to determine the maximum amount of microspheres that can be mixed uniformly without aid of diluents. Microstructural examinations reveal that the microspheres are fairly distributed uniformly through out the epoxy matrix up to 70 vol% for Fillite‐500 and 60 vol% for K‐15. It is found that addition of microspheres results in the reduction of density of the neat epoxy up to 28% with Fillite‐500 and up to 54% with K‐15. Thermo mechanical analysis results show that the coefficient of thermal expansion of epoxy matrix is reduced up to 66% with Fillite‐500 and up to 51% with K‐15.Compressive behavior for the epoxy/Fillite‐500 system is found to be different than the epoxy/K‐15 system. Failure analysis results indicate that the failure processes are also different for both the systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of nanocomposites prepared by melt blending TPU and montmorillonite
Authors: Zou Hua , Ran Qianping , Wu Shishan , Shen Jian
Published: January 2008

The intercalated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending TPU and organic octadecylammonium‐treated MMT (ODA‐MMT) at 150–155°C for 10 min. Compared with those of TPU/montmorillonite composites, the interface interaction and dispersion of TPU/ODA‐MMT nanocomposites were improved remarkably. The tensile strength and tear strength of the TPU/ODA‐MMT nanocomposites were higher than those of pure TPU, and the MMT platelets dispersed on the nanometer scale in TPU matrix had reinforce effect. Due to the “labyrinth” effect of the MMT platelets dispersed on the nanometer scale in the TPU matrix caused by the eximious barrier and strong interaction between the MMT platelets and TPU, the temperature of initial weight loss of the TPU/ODA‐MMT nanocomposites was higher than that of pure TPU and TPU/MMT composites in the second thermodegradation step. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Erosive wear of carbon fabric reinforced polyetherimide composites: Role of amount of fabric and processing technique
Authors: Bijwe J. , Rattan Rekha , Fahim M. , Tiwari Sudhir
Published: January 2008

Plain weave carbon fabric (CF) reinforced Polyetherimide (PEI) composites, hereafter referred to as CF‐PEI composites, containing 40, 55, 65, 75, and 85 vol% of CF were developed using impregnation technique and compression moulding. An additional CF‐PEI composite containing 52 vol% of CF was also fabricated using film technique and compression moulding. These composites were developed in order to explore the effect of fabric content and processing technique on strength properties and erosive wear performance of PEI. These six composites along with unfilled PEI were evaluated for their physical and mechanical properties. The erosive wear performance of these materials was evaluated using angular silica particles as erodent at an impingement angle of 30°. It was observed that fabric content strongly influenced the strength properties as well as erosion resistance. Strength performance, however, did not linearly increase with increase in fabric content. Lowest (40%) and highest (85%) amount of fabric proved least effective in this regard. Similar observations were observed in the case of wear resistance (WR). CF in the range of 55–75 vol% proved optimum for strength properties and wear performance barring PEI, which showed highest WR. Between the two processing techniques, impregnation technique (I) proved far superior to the film technique (F) in both strength and wear performance. A fairly good correlation was observed between erosion resistance and a product of interlaminar shear strength, resilience, and elongation. SEM studies on worn surfaces supported the wear behavior. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization and crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene‐co‐trimethylene terephthalate) copolymers
Authors: Zou Hantao , Li Guang , Jiang Jianming , Yang Shenglin
Published: January 2008

A series of poly(ethylene‐co‐trimethylene terephthalate) (PETT) copolymers were prepared by polycondensation. The synthesized PETT are block copolymers and the content of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) units incorporated into the copolymers are always larger than that fed in the polymerization. The nonisothermal crystallization at the different cooling rates was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry. The copolymers develop the crystallization later and show the lower melting temperature than the corresponding enriched homopolymers. The modified Avrami analysis fit well the nonisothermal crystallization of these polymers. The overall rate of crystallization of PTT is fastest and that of PET is slowest, whereas the copolymers are between them at the same cooling rate. The minor PET units incorporated into PTT polymer chains reduce the crystallization of PTT segments, but the present minor PTT units in the PET chains seem to accelerate the crystallization of PET segments. The Avrami exponent nvaries in the range of 3–4, indicating that the nonisothermal crystallization follows the homogeneous nucleation and two‐ to three‐dimensional growth mechanism. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction analysis explains that the PET and PTT units do not cocrystallize and it is considered as the enriched polymer segments to crystallize during crystallization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonuniformity of phase structure in immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Fortelný Ivan , Lapčíková Monika , Lednický František , Starý Zdeněk , Kruliš Zdeněk
Published: January 2008

This article is focused on the phase structure development in immiscible polymer blends during melt mixing. Nonuniformity of the phase structure, i.e., the coexistence of areas containing particles with markedly different size distribution, was detected in quenched and compression molded samples of a number of various blends prepared by long and intensive mixing in the chamber of a Plasticorder. The same effect was found also for polystyrene/polyamide blends prepared in a twin‐screw extruder. It was shown that neglecting nonuniformity of the phase structure can lead to considerable error in evaluation of the effect of system parameters on the blend morphology. The reasons for the effect were discussed and it was found that inhomogeneous flow field in mixers is a plausible explanation of the nonuniform phase structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers