bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vinorelbine Plus Cisplatin Versus Docetaxel Plus Gemcitabine in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Phase III Randomized Trial
Authors: Georgoulias Vassilis , Ardavanis Alexandros , Tsiafaki Xanthi , Agelidou Athina , Mixalopoulou Penelope , Anagnostopoulou Ourania , Ziotopoulos Panagiotis , Toubis Michael , Syrigos Kostas , Samaras Nikolaos , Polyzos Aris , Christou Anna , Kakolyris Stylianos , Kouroussis Charalambos , Androulakis Nikolaos , Samonis George , Chatzidaki Dora
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To compare the activity and tolerability of docetaxel/gemcitabine (DG) and vinorelbine/cisplatin (VC) combinations in chemotherapy-naïve non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced NSCLC were randomly assigned to receive either DG (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 [days 1 and 8] plus docetaxel 100 mg/m2 [day 8]) or VC (vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 [days 1 and 8] plus cisplatin 80 mg/m2 [day 8]) and prophylactic recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 μg/m2 subcutaneously [day 9 through 15]) every 3 weeks.

Results

A total of 413 randomly assigned patients were analyzed for response and toxicity (DG, n = 197; VC, n = 192). Median survival was 9.0 and 9.7 months (P = .965) for DG and VC arms, respectively; the corresponding 1-year survival rates were 34.3% and 40.8%, respectively. Overall response rate was 30% (95% CI, 23.9% to 36.3%) and 39.2% (95% CI, 32.5% to 45.9%; P = .053) for DG and VC, respectively. Toxicity was as follows (DG v VC): grade 2 to 4 anemia, 34% v 55% (P = .0001); grade 3 to 4 neutropenia, 16% v 37% (P = .0001); febrile neutropenia, 6% v 11% (P = .009); and grade 3 to 4 nausea and vomiting, 1% v 15% (P = .003). Nephrotoxicity occurred in 8% and ototoxicity in 2% of VC-treated patients. There were five and six treatment-related deaths in the DG and VC arms, respectively. Quality of life was improved in DG but not in VC patients.

Conclusion

Although the two regimens produced comparable overall survival, the DG regimen had a better toxicity profile. Therefore, DG could be used in the first-line setting of advanced NSCLC, especially for patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Clinical and Biological Characterization and Outcome According to the Nodal or Extranodal Primary Origin
Authors: López-Guillermo Armando , Colomo Luis , Jiménez Mónica , Bosch Francesc , Villamor Neus , Arenillas Leonor , Muntañola Ana , Montoto Silvia , Giné Eva , Colomer Dolors , Beà Silvia , Campo Elías , Montserrat Emili
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To study the main clinicobiologic features, response, and outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) according to the primary site, lymph node, or different extranodal organs of the disease.

Patients and Methods

We included 382 patients consecutively diagnosed with DLBCL in a single institution during a 13-year period. Morphology, immunophenotyping, proliferation index, differentiation profile, bcl-2/JH rearrangement, and clinical characteristics were analyzed according to the primary site of the lymphoma.

Results

Sites of the disease were: lymph node, 222 cases (58%); Waldeyer's ring (WR), 42 (11%); and extranodal sites, 118 (31%), including GI tract in 45 cases. Primary extranodal cases, particularly GI, showed a bcl-6 expression more frequently than nodal cases. Patients with primary WR or GI lymphomas presented with early-stage disease, no marrow infiltration, normal serum lactate dehydrogenase, and low- to low/intermediate-risk international prognostic index (IPI) more frequently than the remainder. Complete response (CR) rate was 63%, with WR and GI lymphomas having a higher CR rate (85% and 80%, respectively) than the other groups. In the whole series, 5-year overall survival (OS) was 52%. Patients with WR or GI lymphomas showed better OS (5-year OS: 77% and 68%, respectively) than patients with nodal or other extranodal sites. In the multivariate analysis, IPI, bulky disease, and β2-microglobulin were the main variables to predict OS; no nodal or extranodal site maintained their prognostic value.

Conclusion

In the present series, the primary site of disease was associated with particular clinicopathologic features and outcome, though the latter largely depended on other factors.
Golgi polarization in a strong electric field
Authors: Pu Jin , Zhao Min
Published: February 2005

Directional cell migration requires proper cell polarization. The redistribution of the Golgi apparatus is an important event in the polarization and migration of many types of cells, as a polarized Golgi supplies membrane components for leading edge protrusion. Direct current electric fields induce directional cell migration in a wide variety of cells. Here we show that electric fields of 300 mV/mm induce robust Golgi polarization and directional cell migration in CHO cells. Asymmetric Src and PI 3-kinase signalling as well as actin polymerization are essential for electric field-induced Golgi polarization and directional cell migration. The Golgi polarizes at the same time as cells change morphology and migrate directionally in response to an electric field. Golgi polarization in turn significantly reinforces and maintains optimal electrotaxis. It is not known whether electrical signals, when contradicting other directional cues, are still able to polarize cells and direct cell migration. Most strikingly, Golgi polarization and cell migration simply follow the direction of an applied electric field and ignore all other cues generated by wounding a monolayer of CHO cells. Thus, an electric field of 300 mV/mm is the predominant cue to polarize the Golgi and direct cell migration mediated by PI 3-kinase and Src signalling.
Identification of a novel tubulin-destabilizing protein related to the chaperone cofactor E
Authors: Bartolini Francesca , Tian Guoling , Piehl Michelle , Cassimeris Lynne , Lewis Sally A. , Cowan Nicholas J.
Published: February 2005

Factors that regulate the microtubule cytoskeleton are critical in determining cell behavior. Here we describe the function of a novel protein that we term E-like based on its sequence similarity to the tubulin-specific chaperone cofactor E. We find that upon overexpression, E-like depolymerizes microtubules by committing tubulin to proteosomal degradation. Our data suggest that this function is direct and is based on the ability of E-like to disrupt the tubulin heterodimer in vitro. Suppression of E-like expression results in an increase in the number of stable microtubules and a tight clustering of endocellular membranes around the microtubule-organizing center, while the properties of dynamic microtubules are unaffected. These observations define E-like as a novel regulator of tubulin stability, and provide a link between tubulin turnover and vesicle transport.
Development of new cement composite materials for construction
Authors: Rossi P
Published: February 2005

For almost ten years ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) has been developed throughout the world. After a reviewing and carrying out a critical analysis of the different UHPFRCs which exist, and some prospects related to these materials, a new cementitious composite, patented by the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC) in France, is presented. This UHPFRC has such good mechanical behaviour in tension that it is possible to construct structures or manufacture structural members without reinforcement in addition to the fibres.
Age-forming of beam structures ’ analysis of springback using a unified viscoplastic model
Authors: Jackson M J , Peddieson J , Foroudastan S
Published: February 2005

A unified viscoplastic constitutive equation is combined with the Bernoulli-Euler beam equations to create a model to describe autoclave age forming of beam structures used in aerospace structures. Predictions of ‘springback’ based on the model are obtained numerically and compared with experimental data for pure aluminium and 7075 aluminium alloy. Accurate predictions are found between model simulations and experimental observations. Issues related to extensions of the methodology to more complicated geometries are discussed.
An investigation of the relationship between thermal relaxations and the impact performance of rotationally moulded linear low density polyethylenes
Authors: Pick L T , Harkin-Jones E
Published: February 2005

The objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of how thermal relaxations in linear low density polyethylenes are related to the crack initiation energy of rotomoulded parts. Trials were carried out on two Ziegler-Natta catalysed linear low density polyethylenes (LIDPE) and two metallocene catalysed linear low-density polyethylenes (mLLDPE). Instrumented impact tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were carried out on each material at a wide range of temperatures. The frequency of impact at each test temperature was determined, and the DMTA results were shifted to a corresponding frequency. A correlation can be seen between changes in loss modulus and crack initiation energy with temperature. When comparing the crack initiation energy of the samples and the tan Δ values, it can be seen that the β transition affects the way in which the polymer behaves under impact. A method for predicting impact performance over a wide temperature range is proposed.
Infrared thermometry measurement of temperature distribution in the microwave regeneration of diesel particulate filters
Authors: Kong J , Henrichsen M , Shih A J
Published: February 2005

Infrared thermometry was applied to study the temperature distribution in microwave heating of diesel particulate filters. In situ non-contact temperature measurement tests were conducted using an integrated four-channel fibre-optic infrared temperature measurement and a microwave heating system. Silica light pipes, which are transparent to electromagnetic fields, were used to collect the infrared radiation from specified locations inside a filter during heating. The temporal and spatial temperature distributions in four microwave-heated diesel particulate filters with different soot and catalyst loading conditions were measured. Experimental results show the non-uniform heating inside filters. Catalyst coating, soot loading, and microwave power level all affect the heating rate and temperature distribution. Using 1 kW of microwave power, heating for 600 s can raise the temperature above 200°C in the soot-laden, catalysed filter.
A basic study on a urea-selective catalytic reduction system for a medium-duty diesel engine
Authors: Kusaka J , Sueoka M , Takada K , Ohga Y , Nagasaki T , Daisho Y
Published: February 2005

NOx conversion performance of a urea-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system comprising V2O5/TiO2 catalyst under steady state operating conditions of an 8-litre, common-rail turbo direct injection (TDI) diesel engine was investigated. It was shown that the urea-SCR system achieves 70–90 per cent NOx conversion under medium and high load conditions at 1440 r/min and that NOx conversion is low under low load conditions because of the low catalyst temperatures and the NO/NO2 ratio being higher than unity. It was also shown that NOx conversion exceeds 90 per cent when the catalyst temperature is higher than 530 K. To investigate the details of the chemistry and thermofluid dynamics within the urea-SCR system, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code that incorporates detailed surface chemistry was developed based on the modified subroutines of CHEMKIN-II. The spatial variations of chemical species including NO and NH3 in a thin catalyst channel was calculated using the model. The calculated result of NO conversion showed relatively good agreement with experimental results.
A New One-pot Synthesis of α-Amino Phosphonates Catalyzed by Butyldimethyl(1-phenylethyl)ammonium Bromide
Authors: Reddy K Rosi , Reddy K Srinivasa , Reddy Ch Venkateshwar , Mahesh M , Raju P V K , Reddy V V Narayana
Published: February 2005

Butyldimethyl(1-phenylethyl)ammonium bromide is found to be an efficient catalyst for the three-component reaction of an aldehyde, aromatic amine, and trimethylphosphite in refluxing CH2Cl2 to afford corresponding α-amino phosphonate in high yield.
Novel Unsymmetrical Achiral Banana-shaped Molecules Having Different Lengths of Alkyl Terminal Chains
Authors: Ogino Kumiko , Kang Sungmin , Doi Takayuki , Takahashi Takashi , Takezoe Hideo , Watanabe Junji
Published: February 2005

New unsymmetrical banana-shaped molecular series having different lengths of alkyl flexible chain on both side wings designated by “P-(n1, n2)-OPIMB”, are studied comparing with the symmetric banana molecules in P-n-O-PIMB homologues.
What is Economic Sociology and Should any Economists Care?
Authors: Gibbons Robert
Published: February 2005

The introduction to the Symposium on Sociology and Economics highlights some of the prominent themes from economic sociology that are illustrated in the symposium papers and suggests which kinds of economists might find these themes interesting.
Autopsy on an Empire: Understanding Mortality in Russia and the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Brainerd Elizabeth , Cutler David M
Published: February 2005

Male life expectancy at birth fell by over six years in Russia between 1989 and 1994. Many other countries of the former Soviet Union saw similar declines, and female life expectancy fell as well. Using cross-country and Russian household survey data, we assess six possible explanations for this upsurge in mortality. Most find little support in the data: the deterioration of the health care system, changes in diet and obesity, and material deprivation fail to explain the increase in mortality rates. The two factors that do appear to be important are alcohol consumption, especially as it relates to external causes of death (homicide, suicide, and accidents) and stress associated with a poor outlook for the future. However, a large residual remains to be explained.
Identity and the Economics of Organizations
Authors: Akerlof George A , Kranton Rachel E
Published: February 2005

The economics of organizations is replete with the pitfalls of monetary rewards and punishments to motivate workers. If economic incentives do not work, what does? This paper proposes that workers' self-image as jobholders, coupled with their ideal as to how their job should be done, can be a major work incentive. It shows how such identities can flatten reward schedules, as they solve “principal agent” problem. The paper also identifies and explores a new tradeoff: supervisors may provide information to principals, but create rifts within the workforce and reduce employees' intrinsic work incentives. We motivate the theory with examples from the classic sociology of military and civilian organizations.
The Impact of Social Structure on Economic Outcomes
Authors: Granovetter Mark
Published: February 2005

The author focus here on sociologists' contributions to the impact of social structure and networks on the economy. Sociologists have developed core principles about the interactions of social structure, information, ability to punish or reward, and trust that frequently recur in their analyses of political, economic and other institutions. The author begins by reviewing some of these principles. Building on these, he then discusses how social structures and social networks can affect economic outcomes like hiring, price, productivity and innovation.
Ecologies of Organizations: Diversity and Identity
Authors: Hannan Michael T
Published: February 2005

This essay introduces the basic methodology of organizational ecology and sketches some key insights arising from that work. For example, the paper will consider the extent of diversity of organizational forms; whether organizations can easily shift their defining characteristics; what happens to organizations as they age; the extent to which organizations can find niches that protect them against competitive pressures; and questions of how best to define the identity of organizations.
A Sociological Perspective on Gender and Career Outcomes
Authors: Reskin Barbara F , Bielby Denise D
Published: February 2005

Both economists and sociologists have documented the association between gender and career outcomes. The challenge for both disciplines lies not in showing that gender is linked to employment outcomes, but in explaining the associations.
Data Watch The American Time Use Survey
Authors: Hamermesh Daniel S , Frazis Harley , Stewart Jay
Published: February 2005

We discuss the new American Time Use Survey (ATUS), an on-going household survey of roughly 1,200 Americans per month (1,800 per month in the first year, 2003) that collects time diaries as well as demographic interview information from respondents who had recently been in the Current Population Survey. The characteristics of the data are presented, as are caveats and concerns that one might have about them. A number of novel uses of the ATUS in economic research, including in the areas of macroeconomics, national income accounting, labor economics, and others, are proposed to illustrate the magnitude of this new survey's possible applications.
Antidepressant-Induced Sweating
Authors: Marcy Todd R , Britton Mark L
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of excessive sweating probably caused by paroxetine, review the literature on antidepressant-induced sweating, and provide recommendations for the management of antidepressant-induced sweating.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 59-year-old white female presented to a pharmacist-staffed pharmacotherapy clinic with episodes of excessive sweating. The episodes occurred primarily on her head and back of the neck. Other etiologies were ruled out and paroxetine was discontinued. Paroxetine had been initiated at least 7 months prior to the reporting of symptoms. Sweating symptoms gradually improved until resolution 5 weeks following discontinuation of paroxetine. The Naranjo probability scale indicated a causal relationship is probable.

DISCUSSION:

Excessive sweating has been associated with antidepressants including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and venlafaxine. In some patients, these symptoms require therapeutic intervention such as dose reduction, antidepressant substitution, antidepressant discontinuation, or addition of an agent to control sweating. Agents that have been reported successful in controlling the sweating include benztropine and cyproheptadine.

CONCLUSIONS:

We recommend a patient-specific approach for the management of antidepressant-induced sweating. First, consider dose reduction or a trial off antidepressant medication. In patients in whom this is inappropriate or ineffective, substitution of another antidepressant should be considered. If episodes of excessive sweating persist, consider treatment of sweating symptoms with benztropine or cyproheptadine in the absence of contraindications.
Parkin Mediates Nonclassical, Proteasomal-Independent Ubiquitination of Synphilin-1: Implications for Lewy Body Formation
Authors: Lim Kah Leong , Chew Katherine C. M. , Tan Jeanne M. M. , Wang Cheng , Chung Kenny K. K. , Zhang Yi , Tanaka Yuji , Smith Wanli , Engelender Simone , Ross Christopher A. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: February 2005

It is widely accepted that the familial Parkinson's disease (PD)-linked gene product, parkin, functions as a ubiquitin ligase involved in protein turnover via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Substrates ubiquitinated by parkin are hence thought to be destined for proteasomal degradation. Because we demonstrated previously that parkin interacts with and ubiquitinates synphilin-1, we initially expected synphilin-1 degradation to be enhanced in the presence of parkin. Contrary to our expectation, we found that synphilin-1 is normally ubiquitinated by parkin in a nonclassical, proteasomal-independent manner that involves lysine 63 (K63)-linked polyubiquitin chain formation. Parkin-mediated degradation of synphilin-1 occurs appreciably only at an unusually high parkin to synphilin-1 expression ratio or when primed for lysine 48 (K48)-linked ubiquitination. In addition we found that parkin-mediated ubiquitination of proteins within Lewy-body-like inclusions formed by the coexpression of synphilin-1, α-synuclein, and parkin occurs predominantly via K63 linkages and that the formation of these inclusions is enhanced by K63-linked ubiquitination. Our results suggest that parkin is a dual-function ubiquitin ligase and that K63-linked ubiquitination of synphilin-1 by parkin may be involved in the formation of Lewy body inclusions associated with PD.
Memory Reconsolidation Engages Only a Subset of Immediate-Early Genes Induced during Consolidation
Authors: von Hertzen Laura S. J. , Giese K. Peter
Published: February 2005

The relationship between memory consolidation and reconsolidation at the molecular level is poorly understood. Here, we identify three immediate-early genes that are differentially regulated in the mouse hippocampus after contextual fear conditioning and reactivation of the context-shock memory: serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1),SGK3, and nerve growth factor-inducible gene B (NGFI-B). The upregulation ofSGK1expression was not specific for the context-shock association and therefore not suitable for a comparison of contextual memory consolidation and reconsolidation.SGK3expression was upregulated during both consolidation and reconsolidation. Analysis ofSGK3expression showed that expression changes elicited by a context-shock association during consolidation can subsequently be recapitulated during reconsolidation and that the transcriptional changes induced by retrieval depend on the remoteness of the memory. On the other hand, we found thatNGFI-Bis regulated during consolidation but not reconsolidation. This consolidation-specific regulation occurs in hippocampal area CA1. Our discovery of a consolidation-specific transcription indicates that reconsolidation is only a partial recapitulation of consolidation at the transcriptional level. Such partial rather than total recapitulation may have evolved as a more economic and reliable mechanism for organisms to modify memory.
Pakistan in 2004: Running Very Fast to Stay in the Same Place
Authors: Kennedy Charles H.
Published: February 2005

During 2004, Pakistan's civilianizing military regime continued its attempts to balance two seemingly irreconcilable goals: to democratize and stabilize Pakistan's deeply divided political system and to maintain official support, despite nearly unanimous domestic opposition, for U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and Iraq. This delicate balancing act was further complicated by the A. Q. Khan nuclear weapons affair.
North Korea in 2004: From Brisk Diplomacy to Impasse
Authors: Park Kyung-Ae
Published: February 2005

North Korea marked the beginning of 2004 with a flurry of diplomatic offensives, which led to its participation in two six-party talks, two summit meetings with China and Japan, and its first-ever military talks with South Korea. However, this brisk diplomacy went into a holding pattern in the second half of the year with no substantial progress in the nuclear talks. The stalemate was reinforced by passage of the U.S. North Korean Human Rights Act, South Korea's nuclear experiments, and hostile rhetoric toward North Korea voiced in the U.S. presidential election campaigns.
China in 2004: Stability above All
Authors: Gallagher Mary E.
Published: February 2005

After the acute crisis of SARS the previous year, 2004 in China opened with no notable reappearance of the virus. The economy was the country's biggest problem, with leaders in Beijing attempting to curb overheating by imposing macroeconomic administrative restrictions. Jiang Zemin's retirement from the Central Military Commission allowed the new leadership of Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao to press forward with new policies of “scientific development.” These policies professed to be more balanced and more egalitarian; however, their implementation seemed to require renewed restrictions on dissent.
Nepal and Bhutan in 2004: Two Kings, Two Futures
Authors: Hutt Michael
Published: February 2005

As small states located on the south side of the eastern Himalaya, Nepal and Bhutan are superficially very similar. In both countries, a monarchy is in the process of renegotiating its position and role, and in both, the current political dispensation faces strong challenges. However, there are also distinct differences in how political developments are proceeding in Nepal and Bhutan.
Electrochemistry of Proton Conducting Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ball Reviewed by Sarah C.
Published: February 2005

Work presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Proton Conducting Membrane Fuel Cells is reviewed here. For these fuel cells to become commercially successful there are a number of challenges to be met. For instance, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell needs more active catalysts and cheaper, more durable, membranes. In addition, an improved understanding of the deterioration mechanisms of the membrane electrode assemblies is required. New work on all these aspects is described here. Work on direct methanol fuel cells is also reported, focusing on more effective anode catalysts and new proton conducting membrane materials with reduced permeability to methanol.
Bucco‐Lingual Crestal Bone Changes After Immediate and Delayed Implant Placement
Authors: Covani Ugo , Bortolaia Claudia , Barone Antonio , Sbordone Ludovico
Published: February 2005

Background: Implants placed immediately after tooth extraction offer several advantages, but many authors have reported problems in filling the residual gap between the implant and the socket walls. Barrier and grafting techniques have been tested and yield varying results, so it has been suggested that the timing of implant placement may be important for success. The aim of this study was to analyze bone healing and coronal bone remodeling around 35 implants, 20 placed immediately after tooth removal and 15 placed 6 to 8 weeks after extraction.

Methods: All the implants were submerged and placed within the alveoli confines, leaving circumferential defects because the implants did not contact the bone at their coronal aspects; stabilization was achieved in the bone apically. After implant placement the mean distance from buccal bone to lingual bone was 10 mm (SD 1.522) for immediate implants and 8.86 mm (SD 2.356) for delayed implants. No membrane or filling materials were used. Primary flap closure was accomplished in all cases.

Results: At second‐stage surgery all peri‐implant defects were filled, and the mean distance from buccal bone to lingual bone was 8.1 mm (SD 1.334) for immediate implants and 5.8 mm (SD 1.265) for delayed implants. This pattern of coronal bone remodeling, showing a narrowing of the bucco‐lingual width, was clinically similar for the two groups, although it should be noted that the delayed implants exhibited smaller bucco‐lingual bone width already at the first measurement: it can be speculated that early remodeling may start immediately after tooth extraction and continue, non‐uniformly, even after delayed implant placement.

Conclusions: This study suggests that circumferential defects could heal clinically without any guided bone regeneration (GBR) in both experimental groups, and that the procedure was virtually free from complications in the postoperative period, probably because of the absence of barrier membranes and/or grafting materials. Histologically, periimplant defects of over 1.5 mm heal by connective tissue apposition, rather than by direct bone‐to‐implant contact, but clinically this healing may be very successful. No histological analysis was carried out in the present study, but even the largest residual gaps were filled with hard tissue that could not be probed. Thus, such outcomes can be considered clinically successful. The different rate of bone remodeling around immediate or delayed implants could have implications for the preferred timing of implant placement in sites of high esthetic concern. J Periodontol 2004;75:1605‐1612.
Characterization of Streptococcus constellatus Strains Recovered From a Brain Abscess and Periodontal Pockets in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: da Silva Rafael Marques , Caugant Dominique A. , Josefsen Roger , Tronstad Leif , Olsen Ingar
Published: February 2005

Background: There have been a number of reports of brain abscesses suggesting an odontogenic etiology. However, no efforts have been made to compare brain abscess isolates with isolates from the oral cavity using highly discriminative methods. We report a brain abscess caused by Streptococcus constellatus in an immunocompromised patient where oral infection (periodontitis) was suspected to be implicated.

Methods: The brain abscess and oral isolates were compared by means of one phenotypic and three genetic (restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP], ribotyping, and random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD]) fingerprinting techniques.

Results: The phenotypic method and RFLP showed identical profiles between brain and periodontal isolates, while ribotyping and RAPD showed very close similarity, with only one band difference in one of the three ribotypes and in one of the three polymorphic RAPD.

Conclusions: Gene transfer by genetic recombinational events in the periodontal pocket might have been responsible for the emergence of a strain variant of S. constellatusthat had the potential to cause an abscess at a distant site (brain). The importance of odontogenic sources as potential foci of infection for brain abscesses is discussed. J Periodontol 2004;75:1720‐1723.
Guided Tissue Regeneration Using A Bioabsorbable Membrane: A 21‐Case Series
Authors: Gaffaney Thomas E.
Published: February 2005

Background: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a bioabsorbable membrane in the treatment of intrabony defects, combined with appropriate case selection, produces a significant improvement in the clinical assessment of affected teeth. This study demonstrates success in 21 successive cases.

Methods: Consecutive patients presenting advanced intrabony defects (8 to 15 mm) meeting the predetermined criteria were treated by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with flap debridement and placement of a bioabsorbable copolymer membrane. To evaluate treatment predictability in a variety of patients, only one defect per patient was included in the study. Twentyone patients completed the study, which included baseline measurement and subsequent surgical reentry of the treated site 9 to 18 months postoperatively. Selection of lesions was made following debridement of the defect; i.e., a membrane was placed only after determining that a lesion was a proper candidate for this procedure. Measurements from the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) to the deepest apical aspect of the defects were made and documented with photographs. At the time of reentry, defect depths were again measured from the CEJ to the deepest apical point along with measurements of the residual 3‐walled component of the defect, and photographs were taken. The re‐entry procedure involved an apically positioned and occasionally minor osteoplasty to reduce residual probing depth, when present. Radiographs were taken at baseline and reentry.

Results: The initial mean defect depth, as measured from the CEJ to the base of the lesion, was 10.2 mm. The mean defect depth at the time of reentry was 5 mm. The mean gain in vertical bone fill was 5.2 mm. Perhaps more significantly, in 20 of 21 cases, there was vertical fill to within 1 mm of the 3‐walled component of the residual defect.

Conclusion: When appropriate case selection and management are applied, the use of bioabsorbable membranes does provide for consistent and predictable bone fill, producing clinically relevant reduction in vertical defect depth. J Periodontol 2004;75:1728‐1733.
Laterally Moved, Coronally Advanced Flap: A Modified Surgical Approach for Isolated Recession‐Type Defects
Authors: Zucchelli G. , Cesari C. , Amore C. , Montebugnoli L. , De Sanctis M.
Published: February 2005

Background: Various modifications of the laterally sliding flap have been proposed to reduce the risk of gingival recession at the donor tooth site, but the reported root coverage predictability was quite low. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness with respect to root coverage of a modified surgical approach of the laterally moved flap procedure for the treatment of an isolated type of recession defect.

Methods: One hundred and twenty (120) isolated gingival recessions (Miller Class I or II) with specific features of the keratinized tissue lateral to the defects were treated with a new approach to the laterally moved flap. The main surgical modifications consisted of the coronal advancement of the laterally moved flap and the different thickness during flap elevation. Clinical evaluation was made 1 year after the surgery.

Results: At the 1‐year examination, 97% of the root surface was covered with soft tissue and 96 defects (80%) showed complete root coverage. A statistical and clinically significant increase of keratinized tissue was observed. These favorable results were accomplished with no change in the position of gingival margin or in the height of gingival tissue at the donor tooth/site.

Conclusions: The laterally moved, coronally advanced surgical technique was very effective in treating isolated gingival recessions. It combined the esthetic and root coverage advantages of the coronally advanced flap with the increase in gingival thickness and keratinized tissue associated with the laterally moved flap. The ideal gingival conditions must be present lateral to an isolated recession defect in order to render the proposed surgical technique an highly effective and predictable root coverage surgical procedure. J Periodontol 2004;75:1734‐1741.
Interfacially polymerized nanofiltration membranes: Atomic force microscopy and salt rejection studies
Authors: Mohammad A. Wahab , Hilal Nidal , Abu Seman M. Nizam
Published: February 2005

Interfacial polymerization is one of the main techniques for producing composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes. In this study, five NF membranes were produced through interfacial polymerization under different conditions of reactions, namely varying reaction time, as well as monomer concentrations. The membranes were then imaged using atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM images provided information of the average pore size, pore size distribution, and surface roughness. For some of the membranes, discrete pore sizes were visible. Increasing the reaction time resulted in decreasing water permeabilities but based on AFM imaging the pore size was of similar value. Increasing the monomer concentration also resulted in decreasing water permeabilities. However, based on AFM imaging the pore size differs considerably. Additional permeation experiments were also carried out using NaCl and Na2SO4solutions with membranes identified as NF. By fitting the rejection data using a model such as the Donnan‐steric‐pore model, the variation in effective charge density of the membranes was also determined. The ability to tailor composite NF membranes with the right properties will significantly improve membrane performance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 605–612, 2005
Study on the structure and properties of cyanate ester/bentonite nanocomposites
Authors: Feng Yu , Fang Zhengping , Mao Wei , Gu Aijuan
Published: February 2005

Cyanate ester (CE)/bentonite (BT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of CE with NH4+‐BT. The nanostructure of CE/BT nanocomposites was studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that partially intercalated and partially exfoliated structures coexisted in CE/BT nanocomposites containing 2.5 wt % BT with respect to that of bulk CE. Below 2.5 wt % BT content, a totally exfoliated and disordered structure was formed in the nanocomposites. The exfoliated BT enhanced the toughness of CE/BT nanocomposites. The impact strength showed a maximum of 7.1kJ/m2 at 1 wt % BT, compared to 3.8kJ/m2 of pure CE. Furthermore, results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggest that CE/BT nanocomposites have higher thermal stability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 632–637, 2005
Cure kinetics of an epoxy/liquid aromatic diamine modified with poly(ether imide)
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Dumon Michel , Dupuy Jerôme , Gérard Jean‐François
Published: February 2005

The cure kinetics and mechanisms of an epoxy oligomer based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), polymerized with a liquid aromatic diamine based on diethyl toluene diamine (DETDA 80), and its blends with poly(ether imide) (PEI) at concentrations of 0–15 wt % were studied with differential scanning calorimetry under dynamic and isothermal conditions. The kinetic analyses were performed with a phenomenological approach. The reaction mechanism of the blends remained the same as that of the neat epoxy. However, the addition of PEI had a marked effect on the cure kinetics in the DGEBA/DETDA 80 system. The rate of reaction decreased with an increase in the thermoplastic content. Diffusion control was incorporated to describe the cure behavior of the blends in the latter stages. Greater diffusion control was observed as the PEI concentration increased and the cure temperature decreased. Polymer blends based on this epoxy/liquid aromatic diamine had not been previously studied from a kinetic viewpoint. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 660–672, 2005
Raman spectroscopic study on the structural changes of polyaniline during heating and cooling processes
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Liu Chen , Shi Gaoquan
Published: February 2005

Polyaniline (PANI) in three ground states—emeraldine base (EB), leucoemeraldine base (LEB), and pernigraniline base (PNB)—were studied by Raman spectroscopy in the temperature scale of −195 to about 375°C. The Raman spectral results demonstrated that a crosslinking reaction occurred on EB chains at high temperatures, whereas the phenyl torsion angles of EB chains decreased during the cooling process. LEB was unstable and was gradually converted to EB during the heating process, although its chain conformation remained stable by cooling. The spectral change tendency of PNB was similar to that of EB during the heating process. Although the torsion angle of PNB also decreased with decreasing temperature, like that of EB, this behavior was hard to observe experimentally because of the relatively “free ” rotation of its phenyl rings. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96:732–739, 2005
The partial retro–inverso modification: A road traveled together
Authors: Chorev Michael
Published: February 2005

In the mid‐1970s, Dr. Murray Goodman was interested in a reversed peptide bond as a surrogate to understand the functional role of the amide bond in aspartame, a dipeptide sweetener. Very soon, realizing the breath and potential of this modification, Murray expanded this activity into a full program and I was fortunate to be part of it. Together we formulated new concepts such as the partially modified retro–inverso and end‐group modified retro–inverso transformations, tested hypotheses, generated novel nomenclature, developed synthetic routes, characterized the preferred conformations of the unique building blocks employed in this modification, the gem‐diaminoalkyl and the C2‐substituted malonyl residues, and studied the biological activity of retro–inverso isomers of bioactive peptides. In the early 1980s several laboratories initiated extensive research targeted at the retro–inverso modification. The revival of this field led to new applications, new methods of synthesis, and new insights on the conformational and topological properties of the retro–inverso modification. Among the fields that embraced the retro–inverso concept were immunology as pertains to subjects such as synthetic vaccines, immunomodulators, and diagnostic tools, and drug delivery field as pertains to targeted and nontargeted cell permeation vectors loaded with bioactive cargo. Doctor Murray Goodman's sudden death leaves behind not only family, friends, and colleagues, but also an impressive record of scientific achievements among which is the revival of the modern era of the retro–inverso transformation. Murray's numerous contributions, excellent leadership, enthusiastic promotion, and outstanding teachings in this field will carry and illuminate his memory far into the future. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Racial differences in exposure and glucuronidation of the tobacco‐specific carcinogen 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK)
Authors: Muscat Joshua E. , Djordjevic Mirjana V. , Colosimo Stephen , Stellman Steven D. , Richie John P.
Published: February 2005

BACKGROUND

In the United States, Blacks who smoke cigarettes have a higher mean blood concentration of the nicotine metabolite cotinine than White smokers. It has not been determined whether there are racial differences in the exposure to the cigarette smoke carcinogen 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK) and in the detoxification of NNK metabolites.

METHODS

A community‐based cross‐sectional survey of 69 Black and 93 White smokers was conducted in lower Westchester County, New York. Information on smoking and lifestyle habits was collected and urinary concentrations of several tobacco smoke biomarkers were compared, including the NNK metabolite 4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanol (NNAL) and its glucuronide (NNAL‐Gluc). A frequency histogram and probit plot of NNAL‐Gluc:NNAL ratios were constructed to determine slow and rapid glucuronidation phenotypes.

RESULTS

The mean concentrations of total NNAL, urinary cotinine, plasma cotinine, and thiocyanate were significantly higher in Black men than in White men for each cigarette smoked. In women, the only biomarker that was significantly elevated in Blacks was plasma cotinine. A higher proportion of White versus Black women was categorized as “rapid” glucuronidators (two‐tailed exact test, P = 0.03). In men, there were no significant differences in NNAL‐Gluc:NNAL phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher rates of lung carcinoma in black men may be due in part to a higher level of exposure to tobacco smoke carcinogens. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Collective communication for the HPJava programming language
Authors: Lim Sang Boem , Carpenter Bryan , Fox Geoffrey , Lee Han‐ku
Published: February 2005

This paper addresses functionality and implementation of a HPJava version of the Adlib collective communication library for data parallel programming. We begin by illustrating typical use of the library, through an example multigrid application. Then we describe implementation issues for the high‐level library. At a software engineering level, we illustrate how the primitives of the HPJava language assist in writing library methods whose implementation can be largely independent of the distribution format of the argument arrays. We also describe a low‐level API called mpjdev, which handles basic communication underlying the Adlib implementation. Finally we present some benchmark results, and some conclusions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using MPI with C# and the Common Language Infrastructure
Authors: Willcock Jeremiah , Lumsdaine Andrew , Robison Arch
Published: February 2005

We describe two different libraries for using the Message Passing Interface (MPI) with the C# programming language and the Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). The first library provides C# bindings that closely match the original MPI library specification. The second library presents a fully object‐oriented interface to MPI and exploits modern language features of C#. The interfaces described here use the P/Invoke feature of the CLI to dispatch to a native implementation of MPI, such as LAM/MPI or MPICH. Performance results using the Shared Source CLI demonstrate only a small performance overhead. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
inAspect: interfacing Java and VSIPL applications
Authors: Alford Torey , Shah Vijay P. , Skjellum Anthony , Younan Nicholas H. , Taylor Clayborne D.
Published: February 2005

In this paper, we discuss the origin, design, performance, and directions of the inAspect high‐performance signal‐ and image‐processing package for Java. The Vector Signal and Image Processing Library (VSIPL) community provides a standardized application programmer interface (API) for high‐performance signal and image processing plus linear algebra with a C emphasis and object‐based design framework. Java programmers need high‐performance and/or portable APIs for this broad base of functionality as well. inAspect addresses PDAs, embedded Java boards, workstations, and servers, with emphasis on embedded systems at present. Efforts include supporting integer precisions and utilizing coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithms—both aimed at added relevance for limited‐performance environments, such as present‐day PDAs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normalization of multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (M‐FISH) images for improving color karyotyping
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ping , Castleman Kenneth R.
Published: February 2005

Background

Multiplex or multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (M‐FISH) is a recently developed cytogenetic technique for cancer diagnosis and research on genetic disorders. By simultaneously viewing the multiply labeled specimens in different color channels, M‐FISH facilitates the detection of subtle chromosomal aberrations. The success of this technique largely depends on the accuracy of pixel classification (color karyotyping). Improvements in classifier performance would allow the elucidation of more complex and more subtle chromosomal rearrangements. Normalization of M‐FISH images has a significant effect on the accuracy of classification. In particular, misalignment or misregistration across multiple channels seriously affects classification accuracy. Image normalization, including automated registration, must be done before pixel classification.

Methods and Results

We studied several image normalization approaches that affect image classification. In particular, we developed an automated registration technique to correct misalignment across the different fluor images (caused by chromatic aberration and other factors). This new registration algorithm is based on wavelets and spline approximations that have computational advantages and improved accuracy. To evaluate the performance improvement brought about by these data normalization approaches, we used the downstream pixel classification accuracy as a measurement. A Bayesian classifier assumed that each of 24 chromosome classes had a normal probability distribution. The effects that this registration and other normalization steps have on subsequent classification accuracy were evaluated on a comprehensive M‐FISH database established by Advanced Digital Imaging Research (http://www.adires.com/05/Project/MFISH_DB/MFISH_DB.shtml).

Conclusions

Pixel misclassification errors result from different factors. These include uneven hybridization, spectral overlap among fluors, and image misregistration. Effective preprocessing of M‐FISH images can decrease the effects of those factors and thereby increase pixel classification accuracy. The data normalization steps described in this report, such as image registration and background flattening, can significantly improve subsequent classification accuracy. An improved classifier in turn would allow subtle DNA rearrangements to be identified in genetic diagnosis and cancer research. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.