bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemical composition of essential oils of Silphium perfoliatum L.
Authors: Kowalski R. , Wolski T.
Published: December 2004

The content and chemical composition of essential oil of leaves, inﬂorescences and rhizomes of Silphium perfoliatum L. were studied in this paper. The mean content of oil in leaves amounted to 0.19% v/w per dry matter; inﬂorescences contained 0.27% v/w of oil per dry matter, while the rhizomes contained 0.41% v/w. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of distilled oils were carried out using the GC and GC–MS technique. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from inﬂorescences and leaves is quite similar, although in the inﬂorescence oil the dominant constituent is the bicyclic monoterpene α‐pinene (16.0–20.9%), and in the leaf oil the prevailing components are the bicyclic sesquiterpene caryophyllene oxide (8.5–34.7%) and the monocyclic sesquiterpene germacrene D (6.4–24.3%). In the rhizome oil from Silphium perfoliatum L., the dominating compounds are the tricyclic sesquiterpenes 7‐β‐H‐silphiperfol‐5‐ene (5.7–14.9%), isocomene (2.8–14.4%), modhephene (2.3–9.9%), 7‐a‐H‐silphiperfol‐5‐ene (1.2–9.7%), which considerably differentiates this oil from those obtained from the leaves and inﬂorescences. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil composition of Hyssopus ofﬁcinalis L. subsp. angustifolius (Bieb.) Arcangeli from Turkey
Authors: Özer Hakan , Şahin Fikrettin , Kılıç Hamdullah , Güllüce Medine
Published: December 2004

The oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Hyssopus ofﬁcinalis L. subsp. angustifolius (Bieb.) Arcangeli from Turkey was analysed by GC–MS. Thirty‐four components were characterized, representing 91.0% of the total components detected. The major constituents were identiﬁed as pinocarvone (36.3%), pinocamphone (19.6%), β‐pinene (10.6%), 1,8‐cineole (7.2%) and isopinocamphone (5.3%). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aromatic plants of tropical central Africa. Part L. Volatile components of Clerodendrum buchholzii Gürke from Cameroon
Authors: Nyegue M. A. , Belinga‐Ndoye C. F. , Amvam Zollo P. H. , Agnaniet H. , Menut C. , Bessière J. M.
Published: December 2004

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of fresh leaves of Clerodendrum buchholzii Gürke grown in Cameroon was investigated by GC–FID and GC–MS. The major compounds were benzaldehyde (96%) and octen‐3‐ol, which were also determined by the AEDA method as the key odourants of this sample. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel regions of chromosomal amplification at 6p21, 5p13, and 12q14 in gastric cancer identified by array comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Gorringe Kylie L. , Boussioutas Alex , Bowtell David D. L.
Published: December 2004

Gastric cancer (GC) frequently displays changes in DNA copy number, but few studies have precisely correlated specific genetic alterations with changes in gene expression. We undertook both array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and expression analyses of 20 primary GCs using a cDNA microarray with more than 9,300 genes. Diverse clinical and histopathologic tumor subtypes, including signet‐ring tumors and tumors at the gastroesophageal junction, were analyzed. All tumors showed changes in gene copy number, with the majority showing multiple changes. Regions of gain and loss were generally consistent with previous cytogenetic reports; however, the use of aCGH greatly increased the resolution of measured genomic change. By comparing gene expression and high‐resolution measurement of gene copy number directly, we were able to identify several regions of high‐level gain associated with substantially increased gene expression that have not been defined previously in GC. Novel candidate oncogenes included dual‐specificity tyrosine‐(Y)‐phosphorylation‐regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) and protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7). © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution chromosome arm 5p array CGH analysis of small cell lung carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Coe Bradley P. , Henderson Laura‐Jane , Garnis Cathie , Tsao Ming‐Sound , Gazdar Adi F. , Minna John , Lam Stephen , MacAulay Calum , Lam Wan L.
Published: December 2004

Genomic amplification of regions on chromosome arm 5p has been observed frequently in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), implying the presence of multiple oncogenes on this arm. Although conventional comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) detects gross chromosomal copy number changes, gene discovery requires a higher‐resolution approach in order to identify regions of alteration precisely. To identify candidate genes on this chromosome arm, we developed a high‐resolution, 10‐clone‐per‐megabase bacterial artificial chromosome CGH array for 5p and examined a panel of 15 SCLC cell lines. Utilization of this CGH array has allowed the fine‐mapping of breakpoints to regions as small as 200 kb in a single experiment. In addition to reporting our observations of aberrations at the well‐characterized SKP2 and TERT loci, we describe the identification of microdeletions that have escaped detection by conventional screens and the identification TRIO and ANKH as novel putative oncogenes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a SRC‐like tyrosine kinase gene, FRK, fused with ETV6 in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia carrying a t(6;12)(q21;p13) translocation
Authors: Hosoya Noriko , Qiao Ying , Hangaishi Akira , Wang Lili , Nannya Yasuhito , Sanada Masashi , Kurokawa Mineo , Chiba Shigeru , Hirai Hisamaru , Ogawa Seishi
Published: December 2004

The SRC family of kinases is rarely mutated in primary human tumors. We report the identification of a SRC‐like tyrosine kinase gene, FRK (Fyn‐related kinase), fused with ETV6 in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia carrying t(6;12)(q21;p13). Both reciprocal fusion transcripts, ETV6/FRK and FRK/ETV6, were expressed. In ETV6/FRK, exon 4 of ETV6 was fused in‐frame to exon 3 of FRK, producing a chimeric protein consisting of the entire oligomerization domain of ETV6 and the kinase domain of FRK. The ETV6/FRK protein was shown to be constitutively autophosphorylated on its tyrosine residues. ETV6/FRK phosphorylated histones H2B and H4 in vitro to a greater extent than did FRK, suggesting it had elevated kinase activity. ETV6/FRK could transform both Ba/F3 cells and NIH3T3 cells, which depended on its kinase activity. Moreover, ETV6/FRK inhibited ETV6‐mediated transcriptional repression in a dominant‐negative manner. This report provides the first evidence that a SRC‐like kinase gene, FRK fused with ETV6, could directly contribute to leukemogenesis by producing an oncoprotein, ETV6/FRK, with dual functions: constitutive activation of the ETV6/FRK tyrosine kinase and dominant‐negative modulation of ETV6‐mediated transcriptional repression. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of myelodysplastic syndromes with complex karyotypes by high‐resolution comparative genomic hybridization and subtelomeric CGH array
Authors: Martínez‐Ramírez Angel , Urioste Miguel , Melchor Lorenzo , Blesa David , Valle Laura , de Andrés Sara Alvarez , Kok Klaas , Calasanz Maria José , Cigudosa Juan Cruz , Benítez Javier
Published: December 2004

Molecular cytogenetic techniques enabled us to clarify numerical and structural alterations previously detected by conventional cytogenetic techniques in 37 patients who had myelodysplastic syndromes with complex karyotypes. Using high‐resolution comparative genomic hybridization (HR‐CGH), we found the most recurrent alterations to be deletion of 5q (70%), 18q (35%), 7q (32%), 11q (30%), and 20q (24%), gain of 11q (35%) and 8q (24%), and trisomy of chromosome 8 (19%). Furthermore, in 35% of the patients, 20 amplifications were identified. These amplifications were shown by FISH to involve some genes previously described as amplified in hematological malignancies, such as ERBB2, MLL, and RUNX1. In addition, two other genes, BCL6 and BCL2, which are classically related to apoptosis and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, were shown for the first time to be involved in amplification. Genomic alterations involving different subtelomeric regions with losses in 4p16, 5p15.3, 6q27, 18p11.3, and 18q23 and gains in 1p36.3 and 19p13.3 were detected by HR‐CGH. Array CGH analysis of the subtelomeric regions in some samples was able to confirm a number of these alterations and found some additional alterations not detected by conventional CGH. ©2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The World of the Living and the World of the Dead
Authors: Pfälzner Peter
Published: December 2004

Archaeologists discovered Syria's first untouched royal tomb during excavations of the palace complex of Qatna. The burial chambers allow new insights into the ancestral cult and burial practices of the ancient Near East
Zhuangzi and the Cultivation of Life
Authors: Jäger Hendrik
Published: December 2004

What is the intellectual consciousness of the Chinese culture? A philosophical and literary masterpiece of Daoism gives us an insight into ancient Chinese philosophy — “The Perfect Book of Nanhua”
The Eating Instruments of Spore‐Feeders
Authors: Betz Oliver
Published: December 2004

Biologists find research on insect mouthparts revealing because the complex interaction of food preferences and body structure provides insights into the process of evolution
When the Skylark Abandons the Meadow
Authors: Mückschel Claus , Frede Hans Georg , Köhler Wolfgang , Kuhlmann Friedrich , Otte Annette , Wolters Volkmar
Published: December 2004

Modern agriculture harms animals and plants by endangering biodiversity. New computerised models help to design a land use model that meets human requirements as well as preserving the ecosystem
Interview with the Sociable Honeybee
Authors: Tautz Jürgen , Riederer Markus
Published: December 2004

Honeycombs support the exchange of information in a bee colony. In the darkness of the beehive signals are transmitted and received. This results in a communication network that could easily measure up to a modern telephone network
Of Mud Flats, Mixed Mud Flats and Sand Flats
Authors: Rullkötter Jürgen
Published: December 2004

The extended tidal mud flats found in various climate zones are a result of the tides. Using the southern North Sea as their research area, scientists study how ecological processes operate in the threatened “Wadden Sea” habitat
Monitoring of gallbladder and gastric coordination by EPI
Authors: Marciani Luca , Bush Debbie , Wright Peter , Wickham Martin , Pick Barbara , Wright Jeff , Faulks Richard , Fillery‐Travis Annette , Spiller Robin C. , Gowland Penny A.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To assess for the first time the potential of echo‐planar magnetic resonance imaging (EPI) for measuring simultaneously both gallbladder and gastric emptying.

Materials and Methods

Eight healthy subjects ingested 500 mL of an acid‐stable liquid test meal containing 15% olive oil and flavoring. Every 20 minutes for three hours thereafter, a rapid EPI multislice set was acquired across the whole abdomen, using a dedicated whole‐body 0.5‐T EPI scanner.

Results

The bile in the gallbladder and the test meal in the stomach appeared bright in the EPI images, aiding localization and region of interest analysis. We measured the gallbladder emptying curve and fitted the data to a simple analytical model. The mean fasted gallbladder volume was 25 ± 4 mL, comparable to previously published MRI and ultrasound values. Gastric emptying data fitted well to a linear model linear (R2 = 0.99), and we observed an exponential (R2 = 0.98) relationship between gallbladder and gastric volumes for the first 90 minutes.

Conclusion

This study shows the potential of EPI to monitor simultaneously and noninvasively the emptying of the gallbladder and of the gastric lumen. No contrast enhancing agents are needed. This method could overcome the limitations of previous gamma scintigraphy and ultrasound techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:82–85. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurostimulation systems: Assessment of magnetic field interactions associated with 1.5‐ and 3‐Tesla MR systems
Authors: Baker Kenneth B. , Nyenhuis John A. , Hrdlicka Greg , Rezai Ali R. , Tkach Jean A. , Shellock Frank G.
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To evaluate magnetic field interactions at 1.5‐ and 3‐Tesla for implantable pulse generators (IPGs) and radiofrequency (RF) receivers used for implantable neurostimulation systems.

Materials and Methods

Measurements of magnetically induced displacement force and torque were determined for 10 devices (seven IPGs, three RF receivers) used for neurostimulation systems. Displacement force and torque were assessed at various positions in 1.5‐ and 3‐Tesla MR systems using standardized techniques.

Results

Four IPGs exhibited force ratios (magnetic attraction force/device weight) greater than 1.0, with the overall magnitude of the force ratio increasing significantly when comparing the 1.5‐Tesla to the 3‐Tesla MR system. Of the seven IPGs tested, one exhibited a torque ratio (magnetic induced torque/product of the device weight and length) greater than 1.0. The RF receivers displayed relatively strong magnetic field interactions at both 1.5‐ and 3‐Tesla, exhibiting force and torque ratios greater than 1.0.

Conclusions

The neurostimulation implants tested exhibited varying degrees of magnetic field interactions, with four of the seven IPGs and the three RF receivers exhibiting at least one MR‐induced force or torque value greater than the effect of gravity. These findings have important implications for patients with these implants who are referred for MRI examinations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:72–77. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative single‐voxel spectroscopy: The reciprocity principle for receive‐only head coils
Authors: Jost Gregor , Harting Inga , Heiland Sabine
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To correct MR spectra for local changes in the coil sensitivity for a widely used coil setup, consisting of a transmitting body coil and a receive‐only head coil.

Materials and Methods

The method relies on the reciprocity principle for the body coil and a correction factor for signal amplitudes between body coil and head coil. The correction is based either on the local flip angle dependence of the stimulated echo acquisition mode signal (TFC) or on the automatic RF calibration (RFC). Water phantoms of different volumes were used to simulate variable coil loads, and B1 field inhomogeneities were assessed by varying the voxel position. Furthermore, the correction was tested by longitudinal measurements in one volunteer.

Results

The correction in vitro yields a reduction of the variation coefficient of the water signal by about 77% (TFC) and 66% (RFC) for different coil loads, as well as 55% (TFC) for variable voxel positions. Slightly lower reductions were assessed for the variation coefficients of the metabolite signals in vivo.

Conclusion

This approach adequately compensates for local changes in coil sensitivity, when acquiring MR spectra with a receive‐only head coil. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:66–71. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imaging of small vessels using photoacoustics: An in vivo study
Authors: Siphanto Ronald I. , Kolkman Roy G.M. , Huisjes Arjan , Pilatou Magdalena C. , de Mul Frits F.M. , Steenbergen Wiendelt , van Adrichem Leon N.A.
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

The ability to correctly visualize the architectural arrangement of microvasculature is valuable to many diverse fields in medicine. In this study, we applied photoacoustics (PA) to obtain high‐resolution images of submillimeter blood vessels.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Short laser pulses are used to generate ultrasound from superficial blood vessels in several animal models. From these ultrasound waves the interior of blood vessels can be reconstructed.

Results

We present results from a novel approach based on the PA principle that allows specific in vivo visualization of dermal blood vessels without the use of contrast agents or ionizing radiation.

Conclusions

We show PA images of externalized blood vessels and demonstrate in vivo PA imaging of vasculature through layers of skin varying in thickness. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:354–362, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional optical detection based on pH dependent fluorescence lifetime
Authors: Gannot Israel , Ron Izhar , Hekmat Farid , Chernomordik Victor , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

Detection of possible alterations of physiological parameters (e.g., pH and temperature), resulting from malignant transformation of initially healthy tissue, can be a powerful diagnostic tool for earlier cancer detection. Such variations can be observed by comparing these parameters with those of healthy tissue surrounding the abnormality. Time‐resolved spectroscopy of specifically targeted fluorescent labeled antibodies can be sensitive to such variations and provide a high resolution functional image of the region of interest. The goal of this study was to establish a forward experimental setup for calibration of the lifetime dependencies of near‐IR fluorescent dyes on physiological parameters, and to develop analytical solutions, taking into account the effects of light propagation in turbid media (e.g., tissue), that was able to extract an original lifetime fluorescence signal from time‐of‐flight intensity distributions, measured in vivo from a deeply embedded live organ for further analysis.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Tissue‐like phantoms with embedded fluorescent dyes and background optical properties simulating those of live tissues were designed and created. Fluorescence decay curves were measured for different fluorophore positions, and pH values. Those measurements were made with a system based on a time‐correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) instrument and a tunable femtosecond Ti‐Sapphire system built by our group.

Results

Decay curves were recorded for fluorophore depths of up to 5 mm and source‐detector separation of 7 mm. It was shown that a forward model, based on the random walk theory, adequately described the experimental data. Measured pH dependencies of the fluorescence lifetime were characterized for two different dyes.

Conclusions

Good correlation between experimental data and predictions of the theoretical model allows the use of close‐form analytical solutions to separate the effects of photon time delays due to multiple scattering in tissues from the original intensity fluorescence time decay curve, determined by the fluorophore itself and its immediate surroundings. It is the latter dependence that can be diagnostically important. Experimentally obtained scaling between lifetime and a parameter of interest can be used in vivo to obtain a map of physiological parameter changes which can serve as a base for an in vivo specific diagnostic system. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:342–348, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluorescein angiography for the detection of metastases of ovarian tumor in the abdominal cavity, a feasibility pilot
Authors: Aalders Maurice C.G. , Sterenborg Dick J.C.M. , Vange Nine van der
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

The growth and progression of ovarian tumor metastases at the peritoneal surfaces of the abdominal cavity are coupled with neovascularization. Newly formed tumor vessels show a more diffuse pattern and are more permeable for macromolecules than normal vessels. We investigated the possibility to detect (small) ovarian metastases in the abdominal cavity by means of fluorescein angiography.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Eighteen patients known with ovarian cancer or with suspicion for this disease received sodium fluorescein intravenously in different doses (0.4–1.6 ml of a 25% solution), whereafter fluorescence detection by laparoscope was carried out. The distribution pattern of fluorescein was gained from 0 to 120 min by pooling the data collected in different patients at various time intervals.

Results

Three phases could be discriminated, that is, rapid filling of blood vessels after administration of fluorescein, diffuse extravasation of fluorescein into surrounding tissues, and clearance of fluorescein from vessels and surrounding tissue. Differences in accumulation of fluorescein could be visualized only after 1 hour or more. Fluorescence imaging more then 60 minutes after administration of fluorescein did not give additional information compared to the inspection using white light, which was confirmed by histology. These observations were dose‐independent.

Conclusions

The concentration gradient differences of fluorescein between healthy and pathological tissue in the abdominal cavity are too small to indicate tumor neovascularization. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:349–353, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excimer laser ablation for valvular angioplasty in pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum
Authors: Moskowitz William B. , Titus Jack L. , Topaz On
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

The prognosis for infants with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) is poor and they present a major management challenge. Mechanical penetration of the atretic pulmonary valve is an applicable option for decompression of the right ventricle and optimization of left ventricular function. The utilization of laser energy for debulking and vaporization of the atretic valve tissue is a relevant approach due to the potential for controlled, precise mode of energy distribution.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

A 4‐month‐old female with PA/IVS whose failure to thrive was accompanied by critical hemodynamic abnormalities received successful percutaneous pulmonary valve plate ablation by a 0.9 mm pulsed‐wave ultraviolet excimer laser catheter (308 nm wavelength, fluence 50 mJ/mm2; 30 Hz). A “step‐by‐step” lasing technique was applied whereby the tip of the emitting laser catheter is advanced ahead of a guide wire that serves mainly as support for positioning of that catheter.

Results

Adequate penetration of the atretic tissue enabled introduction of balloon dilations resulting in patency of the atretic valve, decompression of the right ventricle, improved right and left ventricular hemodynamics, and oxygenation. To further investigate the effect of excimer laser energy on atretic valvular tissue this laser was applied in a specimen of heart from an infant who died because of PA/IVS. Histopathologic examination of the irradiated tissue revealed no laser‐induced injury to the pulmonary valve.

Conclusions

Thus, laser ablation and penetration of an atretic pulmonary valve is feasible and safe. The penetration of the atretic valve with the laser catheter enables subsequent introduction of various sizes balloon dilations. The application of available laser sources for treatment of congenital heart diseases is reviewed. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:327–335, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
He‐Ne laser effects on blood microcirculation during wound healing: A method of in vivo study through laser Doppler flowmetry
Authors: Núñez Silvia Cristina , Nogueira Gessé E.C. , Ribeiro Martha S. , Garcez Aguinaldo S. , Lage‐Marques José L.
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

Low‐intensity laser therapy (LILT) is widely used for wound healing promotion and its mechanism of action may be due to an enhancement of blood supply. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood flow alterations in a wound healing model, using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) associated with a normalized perfusion parameter.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An injury was provoked in 15 rats and blood flow was measured periodically over a period of 21 days. Control groups were established to evaluate LDF and He‐Ne laser effects on microcirculation. A 1 J/cm2 dose was utilized, with 6 mW/cm2 irradiance.

Results

The results demonstrated flow alterations provoked by lesion, and inflammatory response (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between groups.

Conclusions

The results did not show a significant sustained effect on microcirculation with this He‐Ne dose. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:363–368, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CHOP activation by photodynamic therapy increases treatment induced photosensitization
Authors: Wong Sam , Luna Marian , Ferrario Angela , Gomer Charles J.
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducible transcription factor involved in the development of apoptosis, growth arrest, and differentiation. CHOP deficient (chop − / − ) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exposed to ER stresses such as tunicamycin exhibit decreased apoptosis and reduced toxicity when compared to chop + / + control cells. Overexpression of the 70 kDa heat shock stress protein (HSP‐70) can inhibit apoptotic pathways. The biological significance of photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocols that induce cellular damage resulting in differential CHOP and stress protein expression patterns was examined.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Wild type mouse radiation induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) cells as well as MEFs with chop + / + and chop − / − genotypes were used with either a mitochondrial and ER localizing porphyrin (PH) photosensitizer or a lysosomal localizing chlorin (NPe6) photosensitizer. PDT induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and stress protein expression patterns were determined as a function of cell type and photosensitizer.

Results

PH mediated PDT induced expression of CHOP and 78 kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP‐78), but not HSP‐70 while NPe6 mediated PDT induced protein expression of HSP‐70 but did not activate CHOP or GRP‐78 expression. Enhanced apoptosis and toxicity were observed in chop + / + cells following exposure to tunicamycin or PH mediated PDT when compared to identical treatments in chop − / − cells. NPe6 mediated PDT induced minimally detectable apoptosis in both chop + / + and chop − / − cells and only a modest increase in survival for chop − / − cells.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that PDT activation of CHOP, GRP‐78, and HSP‐70 varied as a function of photosensitizer subcellular localization and that a single oxidative stress response was not observed following PDT. We also show that CHOP expression increased apoptosis following PH mediated PDT and that increased CHOP expression is associated with enhanced PDT photosensitization. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:336–341, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histomorphometric study of the healing of human oral mucosa after gingivoplasty and low‐level laser therapy
Authors: Damante Carla A. , Greghi Sebastião L.A. , Sant'Ana Adriana C.P. , Passanezi Euloir , Taga Rumio
Published: December 2004

Background and objectives

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of diode laser irradiation on the healing of human oral mucosa.

Materials and Methods

After gingivoplasty, the right hemi‐arch (test group) of 16 patients was irradiated with a diode laser. The left side (control group) was not irradiated. Incisional biopsies were performed on both sides at 7, 14, 21, and 60 days after surgery and morphometrically analyzed by light microscopy.

Results

Epithelium width ranged from 260.6 to 393.5 μm. Volume densities of basal (20.2%), prickle cell (55.6%), and cornified (24.2%) layers remained stable. The peak number of neutrophils were 6 cells/mm2and the mononuclear cells were 44 cells/mm2. Collagen fibers (80%) and fibroblasts (14%) occupied the main volume of connective tissue. The one‐way ANOVA and the paired Student'st‐test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low‐level laser therapy did not accelerate the healing of oral mucosa after gingivoplasty. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:377–384, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subsurface tissue lesions created using an Nd:YAG laser and a sapphire contact cooling probe
Authors: Ramli Rahayu , Chung Chia‐Chun , Fried Nathaniel M. , Franco Nicholas , Hayman Michael H.
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives

This study investigates deep laser coagulation of tissue in combination with contact cooling of the tissue surface for potential use in noninvasive procedures in urology.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A laser probe was designed and tested for simultaneous Nd:YAG laser irradiation and sapphire contact cooling of liver and skin tissue samples, ex vivo. Gross and histologic examination was used to quantify thermal lesion dimensions.

Results

Liver lesions measured 5.5 ± 0.3 mm in diameter, while preserving the tissue surface to a depth of 2.1 ± 0.2 mm (n = 5). Skin lesions measured 4.3 ± 0.9 mm in diameter, while preserving the skin surface to a depth of 1.1 ± 0.2 mm (n = 6). There were no statistical differences in lesion diameter and layer of preserved tissue between contact (sapphire) cooling and prior non‐contact (cryogen spray) cooling results for a given tissue type (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Noninvasive laser procedures targeting tissue structures for thermal coagulation within a few millimeters of the tissue surface are feasible and may expand the use of combined laser/cooling techniques for applications in urology and general surgery. In vivo animal studies are currently in development to optimize the laser and cooling parameters for potential clinical applications. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:392–396, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unique global solvability in two‐dimensional non‐linear thermoelasticity
Authors: Pawłow Irena , Zaja̧czkowski Wojciech M.
Published: December 2004

The paper is concerned with initial‐boundary value problem in two‐dimensional (2‐D) non‐linear thermoelasticity which arises as a mathematical model of shape memory alloys. The problem has the form of viscoelasticity system with fourth order capillarity‐like term coupled with heat conduction equation with mechanical dissipation.

The corresponding elastic energy is a nonconvex multiple‐well function of strain, with the shape changing qualitatively with temperature. Under assumption on the growth of this energy with respect to temperature we prove global in time existence and uniqueness of solutions for large data. The existence proof is based on parabolic decomposition of the elasticity system and application of the Leray–Schauder fixed point theorem. The main part of the proof consists in deriving a priori Hölder estimates by successive improvement of energy estimates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying predictors of treatment response
Authors: Yoder Paul , Compton Don
Published: December 2004

This article provides a rationale for considering predictors of growth in a treatment group as inadequate to identifying predictors of treatment response. When we interpret predictors of growth in a treatment group as synonymous with predictors of treatment response, we implicitly attribute all of the treated children's growth to the treatment, an untenable assumption under most conditions. We also contend that the use of standard scores in predictors of growth studies does not allow us to differentiate growth from treatment, from growth from other factors. We present two research methodologies that are appropriate methods of identifying predictors of treatment response: (a) single‐subject experimental logic utilized to identify the specific participants in which treatment responses (not just growth) were found, combined with follow‐up group comparison logic to identify the characteristics on which responders and nonresponders differ, and (b) statistical interactions among child/family/context characteristics and randomly assigned group membership. Principles for selecting potential predictors of treatment response are provided. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:162–168.
The impact of developmental speech and language impairments on the acquisition of literacy skills
Authors: Schuele C. Melanie
Published: December 2004

Children with developmental speech/language impairments are at higher risk for reading disability than typical peers with no history of speech/language impairment. This article reviews the literacy outcomes of children with speech/language impairments, clarifying the differential risk for three groups of children: speech production impairments alone, oral language impairments alone, and speech production and oral language impairments. Children at greatest risk for reading and writing disabilities are children with language impairments alone and children with comorbid speech impairments and language impairments. For children with speech impairments alone, there is limited risk for literacy difficulties. However, even when reading skills are within the average range, children with speech impairments may have difficulties in spelling. Children with language impairments are likely to display reading deficits in word decoding and reading comprehension. It is not clear what role early literacy interventions play in the amelioration of reading difficulties in these populations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:176–183.
Self‐injurious behavior and the efficacy of naltrexone treatment: A quantitative synthesis
Authors: Symons Frank J. , Thompson Andrea , Rodriguez Michael C.
Published: December 2004

People with mental retardation, autism, and related developmental disabilities who self‐injure are treated with a wide array of behavioral techniques and psychotropic medications. Despite numerous reports documenting short‐term and some long‐term changes in self‐injury associated with the opiate antagonist naltrexone hydrochloride, no quantitative review of its efficacy has been reported. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of the peer‐reviewed published literature from 1983 to 2003 documenting the use of naltrexone for the treatment of self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Individual‐level results were analyzed given subject and study characteristics. A sample of 27 research articles involving 86 subjects with self‐injury was reviewed. Eighty percent of subjects were reported to improve relative to baseline (i.e., SIB reduced) during naltrexone administration and 47% of subjects SIB was reduced by 50% or greater. In studies reporting dose levels in milligrams, males were more likely than females to respond. No significant relations were found between treatment outcomes and autism status or form of self‐injury. Results are discussed with respect to future efficacy work related to study outcomes and the pharmacological treatment of self‐injury. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:193–200.
Importance of treatment efficacy research on language comprehension in MR/DD research
Authors: Gillum Heather , Camarata Stephen
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this review is to discuss the importance of treatment efficacy research in language comprehension in MR/DD populations. Although receptive language deficit is an integral part of most MR/DD typologies, there have been relatively few studies evaluating the effectiveness or efficacy of treatment for this condition. Recently, there has been increased attention placed on auditory processing in children with disabilities, an aspect of cognition related to receptive language, but there have also been few studies investigating the effectiveness or efficacy of training designed to improve auditory processing. In addition to arguing that additional studies in this area are needed, the review includes several theoretical frameworks for addressing the treatment of receptive language deficits in MR/DD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:201–207.
Joint attention and children with autism: A review of the literature
Authors: Bruinsma Yvonne , Koegel Robert L. , Koegel Lynn Kern
Published: December 2004

Preverbal communication and joint attention have long been of interest to researchers and practitioners. Both attending to social partners and sharing attentional focus between objects or events and others precede the onset of a child's first lexicon. In addition, these prelinguistic acts also appear to have important implications with regard to learning to socialize. The construct of joint attention has been noted as an early developing area prior to the transition to symbolic communication. Thus, the importance of joint attention in typically developing children, and the lack thereof in children with autism, has interested researchers for use in diagnosis and intervention for autism. That is, joint attention has been gaining momentum as an area that not only helps characterize children with autism, but also as a prognostic indicator and a potential intervention goal. In this paper, the status of the literature about initiation of joint attention by young typically developing children and young children with autism was examined. Empirical studies regarding joint attention behaviors, including eye gaze alternation, the use of protodeclaratives and protoimperatives, and studies that investigated joint attention as a predictor of language acquisition were reviewed. Possible areas for future research for children with autism are discussed. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:169–175.
Synthesis and characterization of novel photosensitive polyimide based on 5‐(2,5‐dioxotetrahydrofuryl)‐3‐methyl‐3‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic anhydride
Authors: Chung Eun Young , Choi Sung Mook , Sim Hyun Bo , Kim Kwang Kyu , Kim Dong Suck , Kim Kyung Jun , Yi Mi Hye
Published: December 2004

A negative type photosensitive polyimide with alicyclic moiety (NPI) was synthesized from 5‐(2,5‐dioxotetrahydrofuryl)‐3‐methyl‐3‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic anhydride and 4,4‐diaminobenzophenone by one‐step polymerization in m‐cresol. Properties of the polyimides were characterized and a photo‐crosslinking mechanism was investigated using DEPT 13C‐NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The negative polyimide showed good photosensitivity on exposure to UV light from a mercury xenon lamp. The polyimide showed remarkable solubility difference after photo‐ irradiation with an exposure dose of 500 mJ/cm2. The resulting negative pattern of the photo‐cured NPI exhibited 10 μm resolution. Glass transition temperature of the photo‐crosslinked polyimide was about 307°C, which increased by 10°C compared to that of the polyimide before UV exposure. Transmittance of NPI after photo‐irradiation was about 87% at 500 nm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of new hydrogels based on the macromolecular reaction of citraconic anhydride copolymers with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS)
Authors: Barsbay Murat , Can Hatice Kaplan , Güner Ali , Rzaev Zakir M. O.
Published: December 2004

This work describes the synthesis and macromolecular reactions of citraconic anhydride (CA)–acrylamide (AAm) binary reactive copolymers with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) as a polyfunctional crosslinker. Copolymers with given composition of poly(CA‐alt‐AAm) were synthesized by radical binary copolymerization with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator in benzene at 70°C in nitrogen atmosphere with initial monomer ratio 1 : 1. It was shown that the network structure is formed in poly(CA‐alt‐AAm)/APTS in water by intermolecular reactions between the anhydride unit and the amine group, as well as between the ethoxysilyl fragment and free carboxyl groups of the CA unit and amide unit of AAm. Swelling parameters such as beginning time of the hydrogel‐formation, initial rate of the swelling, swelling rate constant, equilibrium swelling and equilibrium water content were determined for the copolymer/APTS/water system with certain (2.75 : 1) copolymer/crosslinker ratio. Formation of a hyperbranched network structure through the fragmentation of side‐chain reactive groups in studied systems was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) method. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of epoxy‐functionalized acrylate colloids
Authors: Kramer Thomas , Röder Thorsten , Huber Klaus , Kitzerow Heinz‐Siegfried
Published: December 2004

A synthetic route towards surface modified, monodisperse, spherical particles is presented. The precursor particles exhibit epoxy‐functionalities which can be opened afterwards with an appropriate nucleophile. Via this route, dye labeled particles are obtained. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyroelectric investigations of a hydrogen bonded ferroelectric liquid crystal gel by LIMM
Authors: Li Jianjun , Geschke Dieter
Published: December 2004

The laser intensity modulation method (LIMM) is employed to determine spatially resolved polarization distributions in sandwich cells containing a hydrogen‐bonded ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) gel. At no external electric fields, contributions to the distributions at the surface of the FLC layer are dominating in all the samples with different concentration of gel former. These are attributed to non‐vanishing polarization due to surface interaction. In this case, the effect of hydrogen‐bonded network on the polarization distribution is not visible. In external electric fields, additional contribution to the resulting distribution caused by the induced polarization due to unwinding the FLC helix has been observed. Furthermore, the influence of hydrogen‐bonded network on the polarization distribution is also detected when the gel former content is increased up to 5.0 wt%. Therein the shape of the measured pyrospectra is completely different to other FLC gel samples with lower gel former concentration, where their maximum distributions still locate at the surface of FLC layer which is comparable to the initial field‐free state. These result indicate that the helical structure and orientation director of FLC are able to be stabilized effectively by the gel network even under strong external electric field. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate by a vacuum process
Authors: Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Mizokuro Toshiko , Tanigaki Nobutaka , Hiraga Takashi , Ueno Ichiro
Published: December 2004

The surface of bisphenol‐A‐polycarbonate (BAPC) showing a stable amorphous state can be crystallized by the “vapor transportation method”. Crystallized BAPC was employed as the novel simple storage medium and bit patterns were recorded on its surface by laser irradiation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copolymers of (2‐oxo‐2‐tert‐butylamino)ethylene methacrylate and styrene: synthesis, characterization and monomer reactivity ratios
Authors: Erol Ibrahim , Yavuz Fuat
Published: December 2004

The free‐radical copolymerization of (2‐oxo‐2‐tert‐butylamino)ethylene methacrylate (TBAMA) with styrene was carried out in 1,4‐dioxane at 65 ± 1 °C. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 13C‐NMR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopic methods. The copolymer compositions were determined by elemental analysis. The weight‐average and number‐average molecular weights of the copolymers were obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal properties of the polymers were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated according to the general copolymerization equation using Kelen–Tüdõs and Fineman–Ross linearization methods. The thermal decomposition activation energies of the polymers were evaluated by the multiple heating rate kinetics (MHRK) method. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of the copolymers were also investigated on various bacteria and fungi. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic solvent deuterium isotope effect in transesterification of RNA models
Authors: Virtanen Noora , Polari Lauri , Välilä Maria , Mikkola Satu
Published: December 2004

2‐Methylbenzimidazole ribonucleoside arylphosphates (1a,b) and alkylphosphates (2a,b) were synthesized as RNA model compounds containing a minimised number of exchangeable protons. Intramolecular transesterification of these substrates was studied in H2O and D2O solutions over a wide pL range and apparent kinetic solvent deuterium isotope effects of the alkaline cleavage of both substrates and of the cleavage and isomerisation of 2a under neutral and acidic conditions were determined. The observed k/k of 4.9 obtained for the alkaline cleavage of the arylphosphate 1b can be primarily attributed to the ΔpK of the attacking nucleophile. The alkyl leaving group in 2a brings about an additional 1.5‐fold isotope effect (k/k of 7.1 observed), which, considering the pL–dependence of the reaction, can not be explained by a process involving a proton transfer. Differences in solvation of the transition state are tentatively suggested as a source of the difference. In contrast to alkaline cleavage, under neutral and acidic conditions the cleavage and isomerisation of 2a showed no apparent solvent isotope effect. Several examples found in the literature show that intramolecular proton transfer from phosphate to the leaving group in pre‐equilibria may not necessarily result in an observable solvent isotope effect. This may also explain the results obtained in the present work, since intramolecular proton transfer processes take place in transesterification reactions of 2a under neutral and acidic conditions. Relevance of the results obtained in the base catalysed cleavage to hammerhead ribozyme reaction is briefly discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Induced‐fit’ binding of an aryl phosphate by a macrobicyclic dicationic cyclodextrin derivative
Authors: Hauser Steven L. , Smith Paul J.
Published: December 2004

Binding of an aryl phosphate ester with a dicationic cyclodextrin derivative was compared to that with an analogous, more conformationally restricted cyclodextrin. Binding of the latter host occurs with an unexpected increase in binding free energy, resulting from an increase in binding enthalpy. A structural basis for this difference involving ‘induced‐fit’ binding is proposed based on NMR experiments with the free host and the complex. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha2 macroglobulin, a PSA binding protein, is expressed in human prostate stroma
Authors: Lin Victor K. , Wang Shih‐Ya , Boetticher Nicholas C. , Vazquez Dolores V. , Saboorian Hossein , McConnell John D. , Roehrborn Claus G.
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized as a stromal process. The stroma smooth muscle (SM) may alter its phenotype during the progression of BPH. We have identified gene transcripts that may be differentially expressed in BPH using a differential display method. Among the fragments isolated, α2 macroglobulin (α2‐M) is one of the most interesting. α2‐M is a binding protein of a variety of proteinases, including prostatic specific antigen (PSA). It also plays roles in molecular trapping and targeting. In this study, we characterized α2‐M expression in the human prostate.

METHODS

Differential display was used to identify and isolate the differentially expressed transcripts between normal prostate and BPH tissues. RT‐PCR, Western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to confirm and characterize α2‐M expression in the prostate.

RESULTS

Real‐time RT‐PCR results revealed that a 3.2‐fold increase in α2‐M mRNA expression is observed in BPH compared with normal prostate tissue. A 1.9‐fold increase at protein level was also observed. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that α2‐M expression is primarily localized to the stromal compartment. Cultured primary stroma cells maintained α2‐M expression, while prostate epithelial cells had a significantly lower level of α2‐M expression. Furthermore, stromal cells in culture produce and secrete α2‐M in the medium.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified α2‐M expression in the human prostate. An increased α2‐M expression appears to be associated with BPH. Considering the unique features of its protein binding and targeting properties, α2‐M expressed in the prostate may play an important role in regulating benign and malignant prostatic growth. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.