bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of repeated biopsy of the prostate in predicting disease progression in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance
Authors: Al Otaibi Mohammed , Ross Philip , Fahmy Nader , Jeyaganth Suganthiny , Trottier Helen , Sircar Kanishka , Bégin Louis R. , Souhami Luis , Kassouf Wassim , Aprikian Armen , Tanguay Simon
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND.

Active surveillance (AS) with deferred treatment is an established management option for patients with prostate cancer and favorable clinical parameters. The impact of repeat biopsy after diagnosis was examined in a cohort of men with prostate cancer on AS.

METHODS.

In all, 186 men with prostate cancer with favorable parameters or who refused treatment were conservatively managed by AS. Of these, 92 patients had at least 1 biopsy after diagnosis. Patients were followed every 3 to 6 months with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and physical examination and were offered rebiopsy annually or if there were any changes on physical examination or in the PSA value. Disease progression while on AS was defined as having ≥1 of the following: ≥cT2b disease, ≥3 positive cores, >50% of cancer in at least 1 core, or a predominant Gleason pattern of 4 in rebiopsies.

RESULTS.

The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 67 years (range, 49–78 years). The median follow‐up was 76 months (range, 20–169 months). Of the 92 patients who underwent repeat biopsies, 42 patients, 25 patients, 13 patients, 10 patients, and 2 patients had 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 rebiopsies, respectively. A total of 34 patients (36%) demonstrated disease progression on rebiopsy. The first rebiopsy was positive for cancer in 48 patients (52.2%) and negative in 44 patients (47.8%). The 5‐year actuarial progression‐free probability was 82% for patients with a negative first repeat biopsy compared with 50% for patients with a positive first rebiopsy (P = .02). A PSA doubling time <67 months was associated an increased risk of disease progression on biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS.

Negative rebiopsy in patients with prostate cancer on AS is associated with low‐volume disease. The result of first repeated biopsy appears to have a strong impact on disease progression. Patients with a positive first repeated biopsy should be considered for treatment. An intensive biopsy protocol within the first 2 years is required to identify and treat those patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Clinical and biologic features and treatment outcome of children with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Fan Ying , Pounds Stanley , Geiger Terrence L. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Razzouk Bassem I.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with hyperleukocytosis often is associated with early complications. To the authors' knowledge, no recently published study has evaluated the management and clinical course in this regard, especially in relation to pediatric patients.

METHODS.

The authors reviewed 579 patients with newly diagnosed pediatric AML who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1968 to 2002 and carefully examined 106 patients with initial leukocyte counts ≥100 ×109/L and French‐American‐British (FAB) AML subtypes other than M3. These patients with hyperleukocytosis were divided into 2 groups—‘before’ (early period; 70 patients) and ‘after’ (late period; 36 patients) the initiation of the AML‐83 protocol—to address potential differences in supportive measures (including leukoreduction).

RESULTS.

Forty‐five patients (42.5%) had early complications that were associated strongly with M4 and M5 FAB subtypes and had higher initial leukocyte counts than the patients without complications. Early deaths were less common in the late period (2.8%) than in the early period (22.9%; P = .01), although the incidence of early complications was similar. The late period was associated with a shorter time for referral (P = .0018), a longer time from admission to chemotherapy initiation (P < .0001), and lower white blood cell counts at chemotherapy initiation (P < .0001). In the late period, patients with or without hyperleukocytosis had similar complete remission rates. However, those with hyperleukocytosis had a lower postremission 10‐year event‐free survival rate (21.2% vs 41.7%; P = .0228).

CONCLUSIONS.

With improved management, including supportive care, early mortality in patients with AML and hyperleukocytosis decreased remarkably in the more recent period. However, better postremission treatment is required to improve long‐term survival. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Randomized phase 2 study of irinotecan plus cisplatin versus gemcitabine plus vinorelbine as first‐line chemotherapy with second‐line crossover in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Han Ji‐Youn , Lee Dae Ho , Song Jung Eun , Lee Sung Young , Kim Hyae Young , Kim Heung Tae , Lee Jin Soo
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND.

The current study was performed to compare the nonplatinum‐based combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GV) with the combination of irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) as first‐line chemotherapy with second‐line crossover in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS.

Patients were randomly assigned to received either irinotecan at a dose of 65 mg/m2 plus cisplatin at a dose of 30 mg/m2 (Arm A) or gemcitabine at a dose of 900 mg/m2 plus vinorelbine at a dose of 25 mg/m2 (Arm B), each of which was administered on Days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks as the first‐line therapy followed by crossover at the time of disease progression.

RESULTS.

A total of 146 patients were enrolled (75 patients in Arm A and 71 patients in Arm B); 138 patients were evaluable for tumor response and toxicity. During first‐line therapy, IP was found to result in more grade 2+ nausea and vomiting (toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) (41% vs 12%; P = .0001) and alopecia (36% vs 10%; P = .0003). Pneumonitis was noted only with GV therapy (7% vs 0%; P = .058). During second‐line therapy, IP was found to result in more grade 3 diarrhea (17% vs 2%; P = .039) and GV featured more cases of grade 3+ neutropenia (78% vs 40%; P = .0003). IP tended to generate more tumor responses (38% vs 26% as first‐line therapy, and 30% vs 13% as second‐line therapy) compared with GV. IP also demonstrated a favorable trend in median progression‐free survival (4.6 months vs 3.8 months as first‐line therapy and 4.5 months vs 2.6 months as second‐line therapy) and overall survival (15.9 months vs 13.1 months; P = .3), but this difference was not statistically significant. The majority of patients who were refractory to IP also failed to respond to GV in the second‐line setting.

CONCLUSIONS.

The platinum‐based IP regimen appeared to be superior to the GV combination in terms of response rate. However, given the similar survival and better tolerability of the nonplatinum GV regimen, either treatment sequence would appear to be acceptable for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Update on vegetable lecithin and phospholipid technologies
Authors: van Nieuwenhuyzen Willem , Tomás Mabel C.
Published: May 2008

This paper reviews the production technologies for sourcing lecithins from the oil‐bearing seeds soybean, rapeseed and sunflower kernel. The phospholipid composition is measured by newly developed HPLC‐LSD and 31P‐NMR methods. The phospholipid compositions of the three types of lecithin show small differences, while the fatty acid composition is largely equivalent to the oil source. Regulatory specifications (FAO/WHO, EU, FCC) and DGF and AOCS analytical methods for product quality are compiled. Phospholipid modifications by enzymatic hydrolysis, solvent fractionation, acetylating and hydroxylation processes result in lecithins with specific enhanced hydrophilicity and oil‐in‐water emulsifying properties. New available phospholipase and lipase enzymes represent opportunities for the esterification of phospholipids with special omega fatty acids and serine groups. Application characteristics are given for use in yellow fat spreads, baked goods, chocolate, agglomerated instant powders, liposome encapsulation, animal feed, food supplements and pharmaceutics.
Classification of the fragrance properties of chemical compounds based on support vector machine and linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Luan F. , Liu H. T. , Wen Y. Y. , Zhang X. Y.
Published: May 2008

Classification models of the fragrance properties of chemical compounds were performed using linear and non‐linear models. The dataset was divided into three classes on the basis of their fragrances: apple, pineapple and rose. The three‐class problem was first explored by a linear classifier approach, using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). A more accurate prediction model, the non‐linear machine‐learning technique, support vector machine (SVM), was subsequently investigated. Descriptors calculated from the molecular structures alone were used to represent the characteristics of compounds. The model containing four descriptors founded by SVM showed better predictive ability than LDA. The accuracy in the prediction for the three datasets was 96.6%, 80.0% and 100% for SVM, respectively. The results indicate that SVM can be used as a powerful modelling tool for QSAR studies and the selected descriptors can represent the fragrances of these chemical compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of spin‐orbit coupling on magnetic properties of discrete and extended magnetic systems
Authors: Dai Dadi , Xiang Hongjun , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: May 2008

In accounting for the magnetic properties of discrete and extended compounds with unpaired spins, it is crucial to know the nature of their ground and low‐lying excited states. In this review we surveyed quantum mechanical descriptions on how these states are affected by spin‐orbit coupling and attempted to provide a conceptual framework with which to think about spin‐orbit coupling and its applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Analysis of electronic structures and chemical bonding of metal‐rich compounds. I. Density functional study of Pt metal, LiPt2, LiPt, and Li2Pt
Authors: Lee Changhoon , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan , Köhler Jürgen
Published: May 2008

First principles density functional theory calculations were carried out for the series of metal‐rich compounds, LiPt2, LiPt, and Li2Pt, and elemental Pt for comparison, to probe the bonding picture that captures the essence of their electronic structures. Our analysis shows that the 5d‐electron configuration of Pt in these compounds is close to (5d)10, and the electrons released from the Li atoms in the Li/Pt binary compounds are delocalized among the Pt0 atoms and Li+ ions through the interactions of the Pt 5d orbitals of each Pt with the Pt 6s/6p of neighboring Pt atoms and the Li 2s/2p orbitals of neighboring Li atoms. The electron counting schemes best representing the electronic structures of Pt metal, LiPt2, LiPt and Li2Pt are Pt0 (d10), Li+[Pt0 (d10)]2(e−), Li+[Pt0 (d10)](e−), and (Li+)2[Pt0 (d10)](2e−), respectively, and hence the Pt atoms of the Li/Pt binary compounds are predicted to exist as partially negative anions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Differentiation of Candida dubliniensis from Candida albicans on rosemary extract agar and oregano extract agar
Authors: de Loreto Érico Silva , Pozzatti Patrícia , Alves Scheid Liliane , Santurio Deise , Morais Santurio Janio , Alves Sydney Hartz
Published: May 2008

Candida dubliniensis is a recently described pathogenic species which shares many phenotypic features with Candida albicans and therefore, may be misidentified in microbiological laboratories. Because molecular methods can be onerous and unfeasible in routine mycological laboratories with restricted budgets such as those in developing countries, phenotypic techniques have been encouraged in the development of differential media for the presumptive identification of these species. We examined the colony morphology and chlamydospore production of 30 C. dubliniensis isolates and 100 C. albicans isolates on two new proposed media: rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract agar (REA) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) extract agar (OEA). These substrates are traditionally used as spices and medicinal herbs. In both of these media, all C. dubliniensis isolates (100%) showed rough colonies with peripheral hyphal fringes and abundant chlamydospores after 24 to 48 hr of incubation at 25°C. In contrast, under the same conditions, all isolates of C. albicans (100%) showed smooth colonies without hyphal fringes or chlamydospores. In conclusion, REA and OEA offer a simple, rapid, and inexpensive screening media for the differentiation of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:172–177, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical role of recurrently elevated macro creatine kinase type 1
Authors: Hsiao Ju‐Feng , Ning Hsiao‐Chen , Gu Po‐Wen , Lin Wei‐Yee , Chu Pao‐Hsien
Published: May 2008

The typical creatine kinase (CK) isoenzymes include CK‐BB, CK‐MB, and CK‐MM. Macro CK type 1, one of the atypical CK enzymes, has been identified in human serum, but the clinical significance still remains uncertain. In our laboratory, 105 patients who expressed serum macro CK isoenzyme type 1 were identified from March 2004 to March 2007. We found that macro CK type 1 recurred after at least one month in 16 patients. Clinical diagnoses were myopathy in 14 patients, sepsis in one, and acute coronary syndrome in one. The averages of serum total CK and macro CK type 1 were 9,132 and 1,925 (U/L), respectively. The linear regression analysis between recurrent macro CK type 1 and total CK revealed a good correlation (y=3.5054x+2381.3, R2=0.7822, P<0.001). Three patients had critical illness, including one respiratory failure and two mortalities. Good linear correlation is documented between total CK and recurrent macro CK type 1. In conclusion, the macro CK type I isoenzyme recurred primarily in patients with myopathy. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:186–191, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Making a life in the organizational sciences: no one ever said it was going to be easy
Authors: Ferris Gerald R. , Ketchen David J. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: May 2008

A stimulating article by Glick et al. has provoked a number of responses in this journal. We contribute our opinions to this interchange because we think that the situation is not nearly as bleak as Glick et al. and others would have us believe. In order to corroborate our contentions, we report the results of a survey of accomplished organizational scientists that directly addresses a number of the issues over which we and Glick et al. disagree. Overall, we readily acknowledge that making a life in our field is challenging, as are most activities worth doing. However, we are confident that vast opportunities exist for nascent scholars, as well as for those established scholars who continue to direct their efforts toward generating knowledge within our field. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman analysis for the identification of pigments from 19th and 20th century paintings
Authors: Aibéo Cristina L. , Goffin Stien , Schalm Olivier , van der Snickt Geert , Laquière Nathalie , Eyskens Peter , Janssens Koen
Published: May 2008

In this article, results using confocal µ‐Raman to analyse the cross‐section of paint samples are presented. Results obtained with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with an energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (µ‐XRF) are mentioned and compared to the ones obtained with confocal (MRS). In some cases, pigment identification was possible only by combining analytical results from different techniques.

The samples were drawn from five paintings belonging to the Academy of Fine Arts of Antwerp, which are part of a collection of 34 paintings made by students from the Academy between 1819 and 1920. Since, on the one hand, the painting techniques and materials, especially pigments, used in this period are still not completely known, and on the other hand, this collection constitutes a very important and reliable resource of information, these paintings were chosen for a systematic investigation. They represent the evolution of painting in Belgium over approximately a century. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarized Raman scattering in helimagnetic β‐MnO2
Authors: Yu X. L. , Chen J. , Wu S. X. , Liu Y. J. , Li S. W.
Published: May 2008

A rutile β‐MnO2 film was grown on MgO substrate using plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) monitored by reflection high‐energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Polarized Raman spectra at various temperatures were obtained to investigate the influence of the helimagnetic structure on the vibrational modes of β‐MnO2. A red shift of Eg modes indicates a gradual formation of spin angles between neighboring Mn4+ ions. The intensities of the Eg and A1g modes with y‐polarized incidence increase remarkably below the Néel temperature. A new view as vibrational mode projection (VMP) indicates the interactions between the magnetic component of incident light and the helimagnetic structure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPMA Copolymer–Doxorubicin–Gadolinium Conjugates: Synthesis, Characterization, and in vitro Evaluation
Authors: Zarabi Bahar , Nan Anjan , Zhuo Jiachen , Gullapalli Rao , Ghandehari Hamidreza
Published: May 2008

This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer–gadolinium (Gd)–doxorubicin (Dox) conjugates. Copolymers of HPMA were derivatized to incorporate side chains for Gd chelation and Dox conjugation. The conjugates were characterized by their side chain contents, T1 relaxivity (r1), stability, and in vitro cytotoxicity. High stability and relaxivity of these conjugates coupled with low toxicity show their potential for monitoring the in vivo fate of HPMA‐based drug delivery systems by magnetic resonance imaging techniques.

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Cellulose Swelling by Aprotic and Protic Solvents: What are the Similarities and Differences?
Authors: Fidale Ludmila C. , Ruiz Naiara , Heinze Thomas , Seoud Omar A. El
Published: May 2008

The swelling of microcrystalline, native and mercerized cotton and eucalyptus celluloses by 16 aprotic solvents was investigated. The number of moles of solvent/anhydroglucose unit, nSw, correlates well with solvent molar volume, basicity and dipolarity/polarizability. Swelling is sensitive to cellulose crystallite size, surface area and the presence of its chains in parallel or anti‐parallel arrangements. Use of solvatochromic parameters is a superior alternative to the use of other descriptors, such as Hildebrand's solubility parameters and Gutmann's donor numbers. The calculated nSw for 28 protic and aprotic solvents correlated well with their experimental counterparts, although hydrogen bond donation by the solvent was not included.

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Modification of Polyethylene by VUV Irradiation in the Presence of Trimethylsilane and Oxygen
Authors: Daschiel Ute , Spanring Julia , Ebel Maria F. , Svagera Robert , Schröttner Hartmuth , Kern Wolfgang
Published: May 2008

The photoassisted modification of LDPE by VUV irradiation in a reactive trimethylsilane/oxygen atmosphere was investigated. The modified LDPE surface was investigated by FT‐IR, XPS, contact‐angle measurements and electron microscopy. Attachment of alkylsilyl and Si–O units to LDPE was observed. Best results were obtained using an equimolar trimethylsilane/oxygen mixture. Low‐energy surfaces were obtained after a few minutes of irradiation at an intensity of 1.7 mW · cm−2. After prolonged irradiation, the thickness of the modified polyethylene layer is approximately 700 nm. Surface modifications of this type may be of interest to obtain protective and barrier layers on polyolefins.

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Boundedness and exponential stabilization in a signal transduction model with diffusion
Authors: Winkler Michael
Published: May 2008

The influence of diffusion in a model arising in the description of signal transduction pathways in living cells is investigated. It is proved that all solutions of the corresponding semilinear parabolic system, consisting of four equations, are global in time and bounded. Under the additional assumption that certain two of the diffusion coefficients are equal, it is furthermore demonstrated that all solutions approach a spatially homogeneous steady state as t → ∞. This equilibrium is uniquely determined by the initial data, and the rate of convergence is shown to be at least exponential. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution of Volterra's population model via block‐pulse functions and Lagrange‐interpolating polynomials
Authors: Marzban H. R. , Hoseini S. M. , Razzaghi M.
Published: May 2008

A numerical method for solving Volterra's population model for population growth of a species in a closed system is proposed. Volterra's model is a nonlinear integro‐differential equation where the integral term represents the effects of toxin. The approach is based on hybrid function approximations. The properties of hybrid functions that consist of block‐pulse and Lagrange‐interpolating polynomials are presented. The associated operational matrices of integration and product are then utilized to reduce the solution of Volterra's model to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. The method is easy to implement and computationally very attractive. Applications are demonstrated through an illustrative example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a spatial generalization of the Kolosov–Muskhelishvili formulae
Authors: Bock S. , Gürlebeck K.
Published: May 2008

The main goal of this paper is to construct a spatial analog to the Kolosov–Muskhelishvili formulae using the framework of the hypercomplex function theory. We prove a generalization of Goursat's representation theorem for solutions of the biharmonic equation in three dimensions. On the basis of this result, we construct explicitly hypercomplex displacement and stress formulae in terms of two monogenic functions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interspecific analysis of the glycosidases of the sperm plasma membrane in Drosophila
Authors: Intra Jari , Cenni Federica , Pavesi Giulio , Pasini Maria , Perotti Maria‐Elisa
Published: May 2008

We have studied the presence of four sperm glycosidases, α‐mannosidase, α‐l‐ fucosidase and two β‐hexosaminidase isoforms, in 11 species of the genus Drosophila spanning approximately an evolutionary 60 MY period, and in Scaptodrosophila lebanonensis, belonging to the ancestor genus Scaptodrosophila. These enzymes had been previously identified in Drosophila melanogaster as putative receptors for glycoconjugates of the egg surface. Alpha‐mannosidase and β‐hexosaminidases are intrinsic proteins of the sperm plasma membrane in species closely related to D. melanogaster as well as in the divergent species D. willistoni, D. hydei, D. virilis, and S. lebanonensis. Alpha‐l‐fucosidase is restricted to the species of the genus Drosophila. Alpha‐mannosidase and β‐hexosaminidases have been purified and characterized in all species. Their molecular masses and optimal pHs are similar in all the species, whereas interspecific differences in enzyme activities were detected. Cross‐species comparison of kinetic parameters indicated a relationship between enzyme efficiency and phylogenetic relatedness. Beta‐hexosaminidases were the most efficient enzymes. Lectin cytochemistry suggested the presence of carbohydrate residues complementary to the glycosidases on the eggshell at the site of sperm entry in all species. Bioinformatic analysis of the coding sequences of β‐hexosaminases and α‐l‐fucosidase and of their predicted products showed no evidence of positive selection of the genes coding for these enzymes and a high degree of sequence identity of the predicted polypeptides among the species of the genus Drosophila. Collectively, our findings indicate that the Drosophila sperm glycosidases are structurally and functionally conserved and strengthen the hypothesis of their involvement in the interactions with the egg surface. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 85–100, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of polyhydroxyurethane/silica nanocomposites via in situ surface‐initiated polymerization
Authors: Tang Zhaobin , Liu Peng , Guo Jinshan , Su Zhixing
Published: May 2008

The polyhydroxyurethane/silica nanocomposite (PHU/SN) was prepared by the in situ surface‐initiated polymerization of a five‐membered cyclic carbonate, 2,2‐bis[p‐(1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one‐4‐yl‐methoxy)phenyl]propane (B5CC) and hexamethylene diamine, from the surfaces of the aminopropyl silica nanoparticles (APSN) for the first time. The percentage of grafting (PG%) and the grafting efficiency (GE%) of 27% and 19% were calculated from the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively, after the free polyhydroxyurethane was washed off. The chemical grafting of the polymer was also confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and the morphology of the silica nanoparticles in the nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and three‐body abrasive wear behaviour of SiC filled glass‐epoxy composites
Authors: Suresha B. , Chandramohan G. , Kishore  , Sampathkumaran P. , Seetharamu S.
Published: May 2008

Fiber/filler reinforced polymer composites are known to possess high strength and attractive wear resistance in dry sliding conditions. How these composites perform in abrasive wear situations needs a proper understanding. Hence, in this research article the mechanical and three‐body abrasive wear behaviour of E‐glass fabric reinforced epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled E‐glass fabric reinforced epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composites are investigated. The mechanical properties were evaluated using Universal testing machine. Three‐body abrasive wear tests are conducted using rubber wheel abrasion tester wherein two different loads and four varying abrading distances are employed. The results showed that the wear volume loss is increased with increase in abrading distance and the specific wear rate decreased with increase in abrading distance/load. However, the presence of SiC particulate fillers in the G‐E composites showed a promising trend. The worn surface features, when examined through scanning electron microscopy, show higher levels of broken glass fiber in G‐E system compared to SiC‐ filled G‐E composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
The structure of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on glass fiber surfaces: Characterization by FTIR, SEM, and contact angle measurements
Authors: Sever Kutlay , Seki Yoldas , Tavman Ismail H. , Erkan Gökhan , Cecen Volkan
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this article is to determine the structure of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ‐GPS) on glass fiber surfaces. The interfacial adhesion of glass fiber–polymer can be improved by the silane treatment of the glass fiber. To change the composition of the glass and regenerate to the hydroxyl groups, activation pretreatment of heat cleaned woven glass fabric was performed using a 10% (v/v) hydrochloric acid aqueous solution for different durations before silane treatment. The treatment of silanization of heat cleaned and acid activated glass fibers with (γ‐GPS) were conducted at various time intervals. These fibers would be used to quantify the relationship between contact angle of glass fiber surface and the interfacial shear strength of the fiber–polymer interface. The effect of acid activation on glass surface and the interaction between glass fibers and silane coupling agent were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiments, in conjunction with electron photomicrographs of glass surfaces treated with coupling agent, are interpreted in an attempt to explain the stability of coupling agent‐glass interfaces. From SEM analysis, it was clearly observed that agglomerations of silane agent in the cavities among the heat cleaned fibers are available. However, this case was not observed for the silanization of acid activated glass fibers. In addition, contact angle measurements on glass fibers were performed to evaluate surface structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
H2O2 activation by heteropolyacids with defect structures: the case of γ‐[(XO4)W10O32]n− (X = Si, Ge, n = 8; X = P, n = 7)
Authors: Sartorel Andrea , Carraro Mauro , Bagno Alessandro , Scorrano Gianfranco , Bonchio Marcella
Published: May 2008

DFT calculations including relativistic and solvent effects have been carried out for elucidating geometries and energies of tetra‐protonated, site‐defective, polyoxotungstates with general formula γ‐[(XO4)W10O32]n− (X = Si, Ge, n = 8; X = P, n = 7). Converging spectroscopic and computational evidence point to a unique role played by the lacunary structure, and allow to address the electronic and structural factors dictating the protonation sites and equilibria of these complexes, as well as their impact on H2O2 activation. In all cases, the evolution of the four terminal WO functions, bordering the site defect on the polyoxotungstate surface, towards a bis‐aquo, bis‐oxo structure is preferred over the formation of four terminal hydroxo ligands. Substitution of these WOH2 functions with peroxo ligands and their involvement in the oxygen transfer to an alkene acceptor is also supported by DFT calculations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photochemistry of six‐ and five‐membered‐ring α,β‐unsaturated lactones in cryogenic matrices
Authors: Fausto Rui , Breda Susana , Kuş Nihal
Published: May 2008

The photochemistry of representative six and five‐membered α,β‐unsaturated lactones [α‐pyrone and some of its derivatives, including coumarin and 3‐acetamidocoumarin, 2(5H)‐furanone] isolated in cryogenic inert matrices has been investigated by infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. In these types of molecules, two main competitive photochemical reaction pathways could be identified: ring opening, leading to formation of the isomeric aldehyde‐ketenes, and ring contraction to the corresponding Dewar isomers. For α‐pyrone and 2(5H)‐furanone, the ring‐opening process dominates over the ring‐contraction reaction, the same occurring for derivatives of these compounds bearing a voluminous substituent at position 3. In 2(5H)‐furanone, the ring‐opening reaction requires the simultaneous occurrence of a [1,2]‐hydrogen atom migration. Nevertheless, it was found to be an easy process upon excitation at λ > 235 nm. The ring‐opening reaction was also found to occur much easily in α‐pyrone than in coumarin, and factors explaining this observation were discussed. In turn, the Dewar forms of the studied compounds resulting from the ring‐contraction photoreaction were found to undergo subsequent photo‐elimination of CO2, with formation of the corresponding cycloalkenes. In the matrices, CO2 and the simultaneously formed cycloalkenes were found to exist as associated forms, in which the CO2 molecule is preferentially placed over the cycloalkene ring in a stacked‐type geometry. For coumarin, a third photoreaction channel was observed, leading to the formation of benzofurane and CO. This additional reaction channel corresponds to the photoreaction previously observed for the compound in the gaseous phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early adolescent primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with broncholithiasis
Authors: Hekimoglu Koray , Gundogdu Sadi
Published: May 2008

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), is a rare congenital disease group, and contained Kartageners syndrome. This syndrome is characterized with situs viscerum inversus, sinusitis and bronchiectasis. In some elderly patients, broncholithiasis may be associated with PCD. The coexistence of early adolescence PCD and broncolithiasis has not been reported yet. We report here a case of a 14‐year‐old early adolescent male who had typically presented as PCD‐based Kartageners syndrome and developed broncholithiasis which diagnosed with computed tomography. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:714–716. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intestinal helminth infestation is associated with increased bronchial responsiveness in children
Authors: da Silva Emerson R. , Sly Peter D. , de Pereira Marilyn U. , Pinto Leonardo A. , Jones Marcus H. , Pitrez Paulo M. , Stein Renato T.
Published: May 2008

Non‐atopic asthma is the predominant phenotype in non‐affluent parts of Latin America. We recently reported that infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides increased the risk of non‐atopic asthma in less affluent areas of Brazil but the mechanism is unclear. The present study was conducted to determine whether helminth infestation is associated with heightened bronchial responsiveness (BHR), a common finding in asthma. A random sample of 50 asthmatic and 50 non‐asthmatic controls (mean age 10.1 years) were selected from a larger cohort (n = 1,011) without knowledge of their helminth infestation status. Three stool samples were collected from each child on different days and each sample was analyzed by the Kato‐Katz method for quantitative determination of helminth eggs. Bronchial provocation tests were performed with inhaled 4.5% hypertonic saline using the ISAAC Phase II standardized protocol. There was no difference between the prevalence of positive BHR in the asthmatics (20.4%) compared with the controls (14.6%) (P = 1.0). Helminth infestation was detected in 24.0% of children, with A. lumbricoides being the most common. Children with high load infestation (≥100 eggs/g) were five times more likely to have BHR than children with low load or no infestation. Despite the small sample size the results of the present study suggest that the link between high load helminth infestation and non‐atopic asthma may be mediated via heightened bronchial responsiveness, possibly due to an inflammatory response to the pulmonary phase of the helminth life cycle. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:662–665. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SBA‐15 pore‐width decrease via a one‐ or a two‐step covalent bonding of a Fischer tungsten carbene as measured by N2 sorption
Authors: Ojeda M. Luisa , Velásquez Celso , Campero Antonio , López‐Cortés José G. , Álvarez Cecilio , Esparza J. Marcos , Rojas Fernando
Published: May 2008

The chemical attachment of Fischer tungsten carbene molecules around the cylindrical walls of SBA‐15 causes a pore‐width diminution with respect to the diameters of the voids existing in the pristine substrate. The attachment is made via a bridging unit of aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) that, at its ethoxysilane end, anchors on the SBA‐15 surface while, at its amino end, reacts with the tungsten carbene. The attachment can either be made in a single stage by adding the whole molecule, i.e. bridging + carbene units, or stepwise, i.e. the bridging unit is firstly attached to the silica surface and afterward the carbene group is linked to the amine end of the previous species. A remarkable result is that a uniform pore‐width decrease of 0.30 nm is achieved when the ethoxysilane bridging units are anchored on the SiO2 surface; this decrease being independent of the pore size. An additional decrease of 0.37 nm is observed when the tungsten carbene is fixed to the amine end of the bridging molecule; the total pore‐width decrease is thus 0.67 nm. In turn, the one‐stage insertion of the whole carbene molecules causes a uniform pore‐width decrease of 0.78 nm. The central cores of the functionalized pore entities remain free for the molecular transport of species that are taking place in catalytic, separation, and controlled release processes. The chemical anchoring of molecules on the surface of SBA‐15 pores can be tailor sized and occlude the existing micropores, thus representing important and fundamental industrial applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Performance Properties of Cationic Fabric Softeners Derived from Different Fatty Acids and 1(2‐Hydroxyethylpiperazine)
Authors: Mishra Shilpi , Tyagi V. K.
Published: May 2008

Quaternary ammonium salts (otherwise known as “quats”) commonly form the foundation of formulations in the antimicrobial industry. Many studies have been conducted on the biological activity of surfactants derived from fatty acids viz. lauric acid, myristic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid and palm fatty acid with polyamine, i.e. 1(2‐hydroxyethylpiperazine). The present paper investigates the synthesis and surface‐active properties of esteramide quats derived from the esterification of the above‐mentioned fatty acids and 1(2‐hydroxyethylpiperazine) followed by quaternization using dimethyl sulphate (DMS). These derivatives were fully characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. In addition to the cationic content, surface tension, CMC (critical micelle concentration), fabric softening, rewettability, emulsification and dispersing power were determined as their surface‐active properties.
CREB activates proteasomal degradation of DSCR1/RCAN1
Authors: Seo Su Ryeon , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: May 2008

The cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) is involved in the development and function of the nervous system. Here, we find that CREB decreases the protein level of Regulator of Calcineurin Activity 1 (RCAN1/DSCR1/MCIP1), which is overexpressed in the brain of Down Syndrome (DS) patients. Decrease of RCAN1 by CREB was blocked by proteasome inhibitors, indicating that this decrease is mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Furthermore, we found that the ability of CREB to activate the degradation of RCAN1 depends on its transcriptional activation. Consistently, CREB‐enhanced the ubiquitination and turnover rate of RCAN1. Our results reveal a new regulatory role for CREB in DS pathology through the proteasomal degradation of RCAN1.
Autocrine motility factor stimulates the invasiveness of malignant cells as well as up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression via a MAPK pathway
Authors: Haga Arayo , Funasaka Tatsuyoshi , Deyashiki Yoshihiro , Raz Avraham
Published: May 2008

The autocrine motility factor (AMF) is a multifunctional protein that is involved in tumor progression including enhanced invasiveness via induction of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP3). The increase in MMP3 was found in an AMF‐high production tumor cell line, and c‐Jun, c‐Fos and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were also highly phosphorylated compared with the parent line. AMF stimulation induced the rapid phosphorylation of the cellular MAPK cascade and MMP3 secretion, which was blocked using a specific MAPK inhibitor. Results of this study suggest that AMF stimulation stimulates MMP3 expression via a MAPK signaling pathway.
A correlative light and electron microscopic study of postnatal myelination in the murine corpus callosum
Authors: Vincze András , Mázló Mária , Seress László , Komoly Sámuel , Ábrahám Hajnalka
Published: May 2008

Oligodendroglial cells differ in their ultrastructural appearance depending on their myelin producing and maintaining activity. To better understand the relationship between light and electron microscopic features of myelination, myelin formation in the corpus callosum was studied in young postnatal mice. Immunostaining for myelin basic protein (MBP), which has an important role in myelin compaction, was compared with conventional Luxol Fast Blue myelin staining and with electron microscopic images of unlabeled tissue.

MBP‐immunostaining labeled a few oligodendroglial cells at postnatal day (P)3, and a few axons at P7 in the corpus callosum, below the fronto‐parietal somatosensory cortex. By P10 there were more myelinated axons below the somatosensory cortex and the first MBP‐immunoreaction appeared in the cingulum: labeling appeared even later in the remaining areas of corpus callosum. Electron microscopy revealed numerous medium oligodendroglial cells at P7 in the corpus callosum, below the somatosensory cortex with the first sign of myelination at P10. By P14, there were numerous myelin sheaths with loosely built structure, and the number of myelin sheaths increased continuously thereafter. However, even as late as P28, the presence of both thick, compact and thin, loosely structured myelin sheaths in the same section suggested ongoing myelination. With Luxol Fast Blue myelin staining was first observed in the corpus callosum relatively late, at P14.

Areal differences in myelination of the corpus callosum, seen with MBP‐immunohistochemistry, indicate that myelin formation follows cortical maturation rather than the rostro‐caudal developmental growth of the corpus callosum. Myelination of the afferent and efferent fibers within the cortical areas seems to follow the inside‐out maturational pattern of cortical neurons, with the first myelinated axons always appearing in layers V–VI.

In addition to the known neuronal and astroglial factors that regulate myelin formation by oligodendroglial cells, we suggest that these cells and their myelin covering may also influence axonal maturation. Light microscopic data obtained with MBP‐immunohistochemistry correlates well with electron microscopic observations but not with Luxol Fast Blue staining which reveals myelinated axons only relatively late in development. Therefore, both MBP‐immunostaining and electron microscopy are useful, alone or in combination, for the detection of myelination, demyelination as well as remyelination processes in animal models and also in humans.
Complete orbits for twist maps on the plane
Authors: KUNZE MARKUS , ORTEGA RAFAEL
Published: May 2008

Twist maps (θ1,r1)=f(θ,r) are considered in this paper, with no assumption on the periodicity of the map in θ. Under appropriate assumptions, the existence of infinitely many bounded (in r) complete orbits is proven. In particular, our results apply to the class of maps where λ>0 and no arithmetic condition has to be imposed on ω1/ω2.
Short Note: Paradigms need hypothesis testing: no evidence for top-down forcing on Adélie and emperor penguin populations
Authors: Barbraud Christophe , Cotte Cedric
Published: May 2008

In their recent review article “Paradigm lost, or is top-down forcing no longer significant in the Antarctic marine ecosystem?” Ainley et al. (2007) questioned why Southern Ocean marine ecologists apparently have shifted to a central paradigm where bottom-up forcing by physics and climate change has become the single most important driver of food web dynamics in the Southern Ocean. Ainley et al. (2007) suggest that top-down forcing (forcing by biotic processes) is no longer considered in the interpretation of ecological research results aimed at understanding ecosystem processes of the Southern Ocean. Based on two examples from the literature they suggest that population trends could better be explained by including species interactions in the modelling rather than by changes in climate related physical processes alone. Nicol et al. (2007) questioned the paradigm shift proposed by Ainley et al. (2007) and made a broad review of the ecological research conducted in the Southern Ocean ecosystems. They concluded that there has been considerable research effort into ecosystem interactions over the last 25 years in the Southern Ocean, and that there seems little evidence that there has been an almost complete shift in paradigms; rather both bottom-up and top-down processes are recognized to govern ecosystems functioning.
Hydrologic response to extreme warm and cold summers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, East Antarctica
Authors: Doran Peter T. , McKay Christopher P. , Fountain Andrew G. , Nylen Thomas , McKnight Diane M. , Jaros Chris , Barrett John E.
Published: May 2008

The meteorological characteristics and hydrological response of an extreme warm, and cold summer in the McMurdo Dry Valleys are compared. The driver behind the warmer summer conditions was the occurrence of down-valley winds, which were not present during the colder summer. Occurrence of the summer down-valley winds coincided with lower than typical mean sea level pressure in the Ross Sea region. There was no significant difference in the amount of solar radiation received during the two summers. Compared to the cold summer, glaciological and hydrological response to the warm summer in Taylor Valley included significant glacier mass loss, and 3- to nearly 6000-fold increase in annual streamflow. Lake levels decreased slightly during the cold summer, and increased between 0.54 and 1.01 m during the warm summer, effectively erasing the prior 14 years of lake level lowering in a period of three months. Lake level rise during the warm summer was shown to be strongly associated with and increase in degree days above freezing at higher elevations. We suggest that strong summer down-valley winds may have been responsible for the generation of large glacial lakes during the Last Glacial Maximum when ice core records recorded annual temperatures significantly colder than present.
Short Note: Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts detected using acid-fast stain in faeces of gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) in Antarctica
Authors: Fredes Fernando , Díaz Angela , Raffo Eduardo , Muñoz Pamela
Published: May 2008

Cryptosporidium is considered to be one of the indicators of environmental contamination and water quality (Garcia 2001, Fayer 2004, Ramirez & Sreevatsan 2006). At the present time the presence of this parasite has been recorded on all the continents, including Antarctica (Fredes et al. 2007a).
Comparing fixed-point and probabilistic sampling designs for monitoring the marine ecosystem near McMurdo Station, Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Morehead Sally , Montagna Paul , Kennicutt Mahlon C.
Published: May 2008

Fixed-point and probabilistic sampling designs were compared to investigate which design best detected known contamination gradients in the marine ecosystem adjacent to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The fixed-point sampling design included transects along historical contamination and physical disturbance gradients. The probabilistic sampling design used randomly selected hexagons spaced at 50 m intervals. In both designs, 15 stations were sampled over a small area (~1 km2) that extended from Winter Quarters Bay to Cape Armitage. Sediment quality triad components (sediment chemical contaminants, sediment toxicity, and a benthic index of biotic integrity) were measured to indicate chemical, toxicological, and biological effects. There were higher correlations between sediment quality triad components for the fixed-point sampling design than for the probabilistic design. The fixed-point design was better at detecting the intensity of alteration because disturbance of the marine ecosystem at McMurdo Station is localized within a small area. Based on these results, a limited fixed-point design with nine stations detected no significant change in macrofaunal community structure over a four year period from 2000–2004. However, the macrofaunal assemblages present in the contaminated portions of Winter Quarters Bay are indicative of a disturbed benthic community that has been subject to organic enrichment and toxic chemical exposure.