bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced expression of the Rassf1a gene and its aberrant DNA methylation in pancreatic duct adenocarcinomas induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐oxopropyl)amine in hamsters
Authors: Shimizu Kyoko , Itsuzaki Yumi , Fujii Hiromasa , Honoki Kanya , Tsujiuchi Toshifumi
Published: September 2007

Alterations of the Rassf1a gene were investigated in pancreatic duct adenocarcinomas (PDAs) induced by N‐nitrosobis(2‐oxopropyl)amine (BOP) in hamsters. Female Syrian golden hamsters received 70 mg/kg BOP, followed by repeated exposures to an augmentation pressure regimen consisting of a choline‐deficient diet combined with a sequential course of DL‐ethionine, L‐methionine, and 20 mg/kg BOP. A total of 15 PDAs were obtained, and total RNAs were assessed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression of the Rassf1a was significantly reduced in PDAs (P < 0.005) compared with normal pancreatic tissues. For analysis of methylation status, bisulfite sequencing was performed. Normal tissues were all unmethylated in the 5′ upstream region of Rassf1a. In contrast, four PDAs were highly methylated, correlating with reduced expression of the Rassf1a gene. Using reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, mutations were detected in 3 out of 15 PDAs (20%). These results suggested that alterations of the Rassf1a gene may be involved in development of PDAs induced by BOP in hamsters. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Independent activation of Akt and NF‐kappaB pathways and their role in resistance to TNF‐α mediated cytotoxicity in gliomas
Authors: SudheerKumar P. , Shiras Anjali , Das Gowry , Jagtap Jayashree C. , Prasad Vandna , Shastry Padma
Published: September 2007

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute a substantial mass in gliomas. The activated macrophages secrete various cytokines that affect diverse functions of tumors. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Akt and NF‐κB pathways in resistance to TNF‐α mediated cell death in human gliomas using monolayers and multicellular spheroids (MCS) as in vitro models. Akt and NF‐κB are constitutively expressed and intimately involved in progression of gliomas. The activation of these pathways also renders the tumors resistant to conventional treatments including chemotherapy. While PI3K/Akt is shown to regulate the NF‐κB activation in diverse systems, other studies place NF‐κB upstream of Akt activation. Using a stable IκBα mutant LN‐18 cell line and pharmacological inhibitors to PI3K/Akt (LY294002) and Akt (Akt2), we provide evidence that Akt and NF‐κB are activated independently on stimulation with TNF‐α and both the pathways contribute towards resistance to TNF‐α mediated cell death. TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation independent of PI3K/Akt pathway was also confirmed in human glioma cell lines‐LN‐229 and U373MG. We also show that NF‐κB and Akt are activated during spheroidogenesis and their expression is further enhanced on stimulation with TNF‐α implicating their involvement in resistance to cell death. The findings thus underscore the relevance of spheroids as appropriate in vitro models for studying the signaling pathways in drug induced resistance. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HDAC3 overexpression and colon cancer cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Spurling Colleen C. , Godman Cassandra A. , Noonan Emily J. , Rasmussen Theodore P. , Rosenberg Daniel W. , Giardina Charles
Published: September 2007

An immunohistochemical analysis of human colorectal adenocarcinomas showed that cancer cells express widely varying levels of HDAC3. The SW480 colon cancer cell line was found to express high levels of HDAC3 compared to other colon cancer cell lines. p21 was poorly induced in SW480 cells relative to the lower HDAC3‐expressing HT‐29 cells. RNAi‐induced reduction of HDAC3 in SW480 cells increased their constitutive, butyrate‐, TSA‐, and TNF‐α‐induced expression of p21, but did not cause all the gene expression changes induced upon general histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition. SW480 cells with lower HDAC3 expression appeared to be poised for gene expression responses with increased histone H4‐K12 acetylation, but not K5, K8, or K16 acetylation. Even though p21 was readily activated in HT29 cells, HDAC3 siRNA nonetheless stimulated p21 expression in these cells to a greater degree than HDAC1 and HDAC2 siRNA. SW480 cells with lower HDAC3 levels displayed an enhanced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition by butyrate, but without changes in apoptosis or sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. As reported for other colon cancer cell lines, butyrate induced the rapid downregulation of the secretory cell differentiation markers mucin 2 and intestinal trefoil factor in SW480 cells. Interestingly, selective HDAC3 inhibition was sufficient to downregulate these genes. Our data support a central role for HDAC3 in regulating the cell proliferation and differentiation of colon cancer cells and suggest a potential mechanism by which colon cancers may become resistant to luminal butyrate. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphism of XRCC1 and the frequency of mutation in codon 249 of the p53 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma among guangxi population, China
Authors: Long Xi Dai , Ma Yun , Huang Hong Dong , Yao Jin Guang , Qu De Ying , Lu Yun Long
Published: September 2007

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hotspot mutation in codon 249 of the p53 gene has been associated with exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). While the polymorphism of DNA repair gene X‐ray repair cross‐complementary group 1 (XRCC1) Arg399Gln may be related with AFB1‐DNA adducts and gene mutations. Five hundred one HCCs were included in this study to investigate the role of the XRCC1 codon 399 polymorphism on hotspot mutation in codon 249 of the p53 gene. The genotypes of XRCC1 codon 399 and p53 codon 249 were examined by PCR‐RFLP. The HCC patients with XRCC1 genotypes with 399 Gln (namely: XRCC1‐AG/GG) exhibited a significantly higher frequency of the p53 hotspot mutations in codon 249 than those with the wild‐type homozygote of XRCC1 [namely: XRCC1‐AA, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 6.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.34–10.57]. Compared with those individuals who did express XRCC1‐AA as reference (OR = 1), moreover, individuals featuring XRCC1‐AG/GG and AFB1‐DNA adducts did experience a significantly greater frequency of the hotspot mutation in codon 249 of the p53 gene (adjusted OR = 28.37, 95% CI = 13.19–61.02, P < 0.01). This study suggests that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and AFB1‐DNA adducts are associated with the increased frequency of the p53 mutations in codon 249. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Recumbent” gait: Relationship to the phenotype of “astasia‐abasia”?
Authors: Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , F. Abdo Wilson , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: September 2007

Psychogenic gait disorders can present in many different ways. Among patients with a pure psychogenic gait disorder, buckling of the knee is the most common feature, followed by astasia‐abasia. Here, we describe one such patient with a very unusual gait disturbance that might be regarded as a variant of astasia‐abasia. The patient characteristics are described and discussed in a historical context. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Height as a potential indicator of early life events predicting Parkinson's disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Ragonese Paolo , D'Amelio Marco , Callari Graziella , Aiello Fabio , Morgante Letterio , Savettieri Giovanni
Published: September 2007

Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between height in young adult age and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. We included 266 persons affected by idiopathic PD. Patients were matched by age and sex to 266 controls by a random selection from the municipality of residence. We collected information about height preceding PD from official documents where these characteristics referred to young adult age (nearly 30 years). We compared height in cases and controls by calculating differences in mean distribution and by χ2 analyses. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression models. Mean height was significantly lower in persons affected by PD compared to controls (P = 0.03). Difference was significant only in men (P = 0.001). Logistic regression models showed an inverse association between height and PD (OR 0.35; CI 0.16, 0.79; P < 0.01 comparing individuals in the highest percentiles of height with those in the lowest). Our results indicate an association between height and PD in men. Considering that dopamine sensitivity in the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis is related to adult height, our findings suggest a relationship between PD and factors modulating somatic growth early in life. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
α‐Amido boronic acids: A synthetic challenge and their properties as serine protease inhibitors
Authors: Matteson Donald S.
Published: September 2007

This review includes a personal account of the history of the development of the α‐amido boronic acid synthesis and related chemistry in the author's laboratory, as well as a review of some of the more significant developments that have occurred elsewhere more recently. The simple initial target, suggested by biochemist G. E. Lienhard, proved much more elusive to reach than anticipated.1 The circuitous effort that ultimately revealed the deceptively simple successful route,1 for which there is still no alternative, will be described. The properties of these compounds as enzyme inhibitors will be described very briefly. More extensive reviews of the enzyme inhibiting properties of α‐amido boronic acids have appeared recently.2 © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 2, 233–246, 2008
The attempted and actual assault scale (attacks)
Authors: Bowers Len , Nijman Henk , Palmstierna Tom
Published: September 2007

The Attempted and Actual Assault Scale (Attacks) was designed to record the nature and severity of inpatient assaults. To explore the psychometric properties of the Scale, a videotape of interpersonal assaults was compiled with clips from regular television broadcasts. During a meeting of the European Violence in Psychiatry Research Group (EVIPRG), 22 members from 14 different countries were instructed to rate the videotaped assaults on both the MOAS and the Attacks. Inter‐rater reliability – in terms of intra‐class correlation coefficients – was 0.70 for Attacks and 0.48 for MOAS severity scores. Attacks severity scores turned out to be significantly associated with the judgments of the raters about the severity of the observed assaults (Spearman's ρ = 0.70). It is concluded that the psychometric properties of the newly developed Attacks are promising. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The generalizability of the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire
Authors: Gerevich József , Bácskai Erika , Czobor Pál
Published: September 2007

Aggressive and hostile behaviours and anger constitute an important problem across cultures. The Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), a self‐rating scale was published in 1992, and has quickly become the gold‐standard for the measurement of aggression. The AQ scale has been validated extensively, but the validation focused on various narrowly selected populations, typically, on samples of college students. Individuals, however, who are at risk of displaying aggressive and hostile behaviours may come from a more general population. Therefore, it is important to investigate the scale's properties in such a population. The objective of this study was to examine the factorial structure and the psychometric properties of the AQ scale in a nationally representative sample of the Hungarian adult population.

A representative sample of 1200 subjects was selected by a two‐step procedure. The dimensionality and factorial composition of the AQ scale was investigated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Since spurious associations and increased factorial complexity can occur when the analysis fails to consider the inherently categorical nature of the item level data, this study, in contrast to most previous studies, estimated the correlation matrices subjected to factor analysis using the polychoric correlations. The resulting factors were validated via sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathological scales obtained from the respondents.

The results showed that based on the distribution of factor loadings and factor correlations, in the entire nationally representative sample of 1200 adult subjects, from the original factor structure three of the four factors (Physical and Verbal Aggression and Hostility) showed a good replication whereas the fourth factor (Anger) replicated moderately well. Replication further improved when the sample was restricted in age, i.e. the analysis focused on a sample representing the younger age group, comparable to that used in the original Buss–Perry study. Similar to the Buss–Perry study, and other investigations of the AQ scale, younger age and male gender were robustly related to physical aggression. In addition, level of verbal aggression was different between the two genders (with higher severity in males) whereas hostility and anger were essentially the same in both genders.

In conclusion, the current study based on a representantive sample of adult population lends support to the use of the AQ scale in the general population. The authors suggest to exclude from the AQ the two inverse items because of the low reliability of these items with regard to their hypothesized constructs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing the length of mental health instruments through structurally incomplete designs
Authors: Smits Niels , Cuijpers Pim , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Smit Johannes H.
Published: September 2007

This paper presents structurally incomplete designs as an approach to reduce the length of mental health tests. In structurally incomplete test designs, respondents only fill out a subset of the total item set. The scores on the unadministered items are estimated using methods for missing data. As an illustration, structurally incomplete test designs recording, respectively, two thirds, one half, one third and one quarter of the complete item set were applied to item scores on the Centre of Epidemiological Studies‐Depression (CES‐D) scale of the respondents in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The resulting unobserved item scores were estimated with the missing data method Data Augmentation. The complete and reconstructed data yielded very similar total scores and depression classifications. In contrast, the diagnostic accuracy of the incomplete designs decreased as the designs had more unobserved item scores. The discussion addresses the strengths and limitations of the application of incomplete designs in mental health research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prophylactic antibiotics in urodynamics: A systematic review of effectiveness and safety
Authors: Latthe Pallavi M. , Foon Richard , Toozs‐Hobson Philip
Published: September 2007

Aims

To assess the effectiveness and safety of administering prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) after urodynamic studies (UDS).

Methods

The CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHI, LILIACS (up to January 2007), TRIP database, The National Library for Health, the citation lists of review articles, conference abstracts (2004–2006) and hand search of reference lists to identify relevant reviews and articles. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics with placebo or nothing in reducing bacteriologically proven UTI after invasive cystometry were included. Two reviewers extracted data independently and the results were expressed as peto odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals using fixed effects model in ReV Man 4.2.8 software.

Results

Eight RCTs with 995 patients were included. The majority of the patients were female. The studies were methodologically poor. The primary outcome in all but one study was newly acquired infection defined as colony count >105/ml in urine tested post UDS. On meta‐analysis, there was 40% reduction in the risk of significant bacteriuria with administration of prophylactic antibiotics (Peto odds ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.61). The antibiotics used differed in dose, type and duration. One minor skin rash and one major anaphylactic reaction requiring steroid injection therapy was reported in the treatment group. One would need to give prophylactic antibiotics to 13 individuals undergoing UDS to prevent one significant bacteriuria of unknown clinical significance.

Conclusion

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in urodynamics reduces the risk of significant bacteriuria. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:167–173, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the origin of bladder sensing: Tr(i)ps in urology
Authors: Everaerts Wouter , Gevaert Thomas , Nilius Bernd , De Ridder Dirk
Published: September 2007

The mammalian TRP family consists of 28 channels that can be subdivided into 6 different classes: TRPV (vanilloid), TRPC (canonical), TRPM (Melastatin), TRPP (Polycystin), TRPML (Mucolipin), and TRPA (Ankyrin). TRP channels are activated by a diversity of physical (voltage, heat, cold, mechanical stress) or chemical (pH, osmolality) stimuli and by binding of specific ligands, enabling them to act as multifunctional sensors at the cellular level. Currently, a lot of scientific research is devoted to these channels and their role in sensing mechanisms throughout the body. In urology, there's a growing conviction that disturbances in afferent (sensory) mechanisms are highly important in the pathogenesis of functional problems. Therefore, the TRP family forms an interesting new target to focus on. In this review we attempt to summarize the existing knowledge about TRP channels in the urogenital tract. So far, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPM8, and TRPA1 have been described in different parts of the urogenital tract. Although only TRPV1 (the vanilloid receptor) has been extensively studied so far, more evidence is slowly accumulating about the role of other TRP channels in the (patho)physiology of the urogenital tract. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:264–273, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of cystometric methods in female rats
Authors: Smith Phillip P. , Hurtado Eric , Smith Christopher P. , Boone Timothy B. , Somogyi George T.
Published: September 2007

Aims

Rat cystometry is a common model used to investigate urinary storage and voiding function. The effect of cystometric instrumentation in rat studies might be a source of deviation from normal physiologic responses. We hypothesized that transurethral catheterization would produce obstruction‐related changes, and that suprapubic catheterization would limit volume‐related functions as well as disrupt normal urothelial sensory function. We investigated the influence of transurethral and suprapubic catheterization on storage and voiding in the rat model.

Methods

Three groups of female SD rats 250–300 g under urethane anesthesia were studied. Cystometric and pseudoaffective responses to physiologic voiding with and without suprapubic catheter placement, and cystometry via suprapubic and transurethral catheterization were studied.

Results

In free‐voiding animals, per‐void volume was 1.8 ± 0.2 ml with an average flow rate of 0.18 ml/sec, and intercontraction interval (ICI) 60 min. Suprapubic catheterization decreased the ICI and per‐void volume consistent with capacity reduction. Suprapubic cystometry did not significantly alter parameters compared to voiding except for a shortened ICI. Bladder pressures and somatic responses were increased, and urine flow impaired by transurethral cystometry. Terazosin did not significantly improve voiding parameters.

Conclusions

Other than volume‐related parameter changes probably related to surgical compromise of bladder capacity, suprapubic catheterization does not alter the cystometric and physiologic responses to voiding when compared to normal, uninstrumented voiding. Transurethral cystometry appears to be obstructive and may activate nociceptive reflexes. For this reason, whenever possible, urodynamic testing using the rat model should employ suprapubic catheterization. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:324–329, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FFT‐based spectral element analysis for the linear continuum dynamic systems subjected to arbitrary initial conditions by using the pseudo‐force method
Authors: Lee Usik , Cho Jooyong
Published: September 2007

In this paper, a fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based spectral element method (SEM) is developed for the linear continuum dynamic systems subjected to arbitrary, non‐null initial conditions. In the FFT‐based SEM, the original equations of motion subjected to arbitrary initial conditions are transformed into a new set of equations of motion subjected to completely null initial conditions by using the pseudo‐force method so that the conventional spectral element analysis can be applied to obtain desired dynamic responses. A simply supported beam and a cantilevered beam are considered as the illustrative problems to evaluate the FFT‐based SEM. The dynamic responses obtained by using the FFT‐based SEM are shown to be in good agreement with the analytical solutions obtained by using the mode superposition method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully discrete nonlinear Galerkin method for the 3D Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Guermond J.‐L. , Prudhomme Serge
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (i) We show that the Fourier‐based Nonlinear Galerkin Method (NLGM) constructs suitable weak solutions to the periodic Navier–Stokes equations in three space dimensions provided the large scale/small scale cutoff is appropriately chosen. (ii) If smoothness is assumed, NLGM always outperforms the Galerkin method by a factor equal to 1 in the convergence order of the H1‐norm for the velocity and the L2‐norm for the pressure. This is a purely linear superconvergence effect resulting from standard elliptic regularity and holds independently of the nature of the boundary conditions (whether periodicity or no‐slip BC is enforced). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Error estimates for a discontinuous Galerkin method with interior penalties applied to nonlinear Sobolev equations
Authors: Sun Tongjun , Yang Danping
Published: September 2007

A Discontinuous Galerkin method with interior penalties is presented for nonlinear Sobolev equations. A semi‐discrete and a family of fully‐discrete time approximate schemes are formulated. These schemes are symmetric. Hp‐version error estimates are analyzed for these schemes. For the semi‐discrete time scheme a priori L∞(H1) error estimate is derived and similarly, l∞(H1) and l2(H1) for the fully‐discrete time schemes. These results indicate that spatial rates in H1 and time truncation errors in L2 are optimal. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Numerical solution of the one‐dimensional heat equation on the bounded intervals using fundamental solutions
Authors: Tatari Mehdi , Dehghan Mehdi , Razzaghi Mohsen
Published: September 2007

We present a numerical method for the solution of heat equation with sufficiently smooth initial condition, using fundamental solutions of heat equation in terms of singularities. In this work various aspects of this method such as efficiency, stability, and convergency are given and a comparison with some well‐known finite difference methods will be obtained. Numerical results are reported to support the superiority of the developed method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
A numerical method based on integro‐differential formulation for solving a one‐dimensional Stefan problem
Authors: Ang Whye‐Teong
Published: September 2007

A numerical method based on an integro‐differential formulation is proposed for solving a one‐dimensional moving boundary Stefan problem involving heat conduction in a solid with phase change. Some specific test problems are solved using the proposed method. The numerical results obtained indicate that it can give accurate solutions and may offer an interesting and viable alternative to existing numerical methods for solving the Stefan problem. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Composite spectral method for solution of the diffusion equation with specification of energy
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Ramezani Mehdi
Published: September 2007

Many physical subjects are modeled by nonclassical parabolic boundary value problems with nonlocal boundary conditions replacing the classic boundary conditions. In this article, we introduce a new numerical method for solving the one‐dimensional parabolic equation with nonlocal boundary conditions. The approximate proposed method is based upon the composite spectral functions. The properties of composite spectral functions consisting of terms of orthogonal functions are presented and are utilized to reduce the problem to some algebraic equations. The method is easy to implement and yields very accurate result. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
An empirical investigation of the link between market orientation and church performance
Authors: White Darin W. , Simas Clovis F.
Published: September 2007

Will the same marketing tools and strategies used in the for‐profit world of business work in a church environment? George Barna, America's most well recognized and respected authority on business and religion has spent the last 20 years writing over a dozen books attempting to convince church leaders to adopt a market‐oriented philosophy. Yet, to date, there has been no scientific inquiry aimed at testing this assumption. This research provides the first known scholarly study of the church sector which empirically examines the relationship between market orientation and performance. Gray et al.'s (1998) five‐dimension market orientation scale was adapted to the church sector and was found to be both valid and reliable. Using a sample of 230 church leaders from the five largest Christian denominational families in the United States, the authors found tentative evidence to suggest market orientation is correlated with improved overall church performance. Increases in market orientation were effective in garnering higher levels of visitors to the various church service offerings. However, it was also discovered that the majority of market‐oriented churches struggle to transition these visitors into long‐term, financially committed members. Finally, the results indicate that a fairly large percentage of modern churches in the U.S. have adopted a market‐oriented culture. Directions for future research, limitations of the study and managerial implications of the findings are subsequently identified and discussed.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An intellectual capital perspective of competitive advantage in nonprofit organisations
Authors: Kong Eric , Prior Daniel
Published: September 2007

Very little systematic research has focused on applying the concept of intellectual capital (IC) within the nonprofit context; particularly in the highly competitive nonprofit environment. Based on a review of the existing literature, this paper firstly contributes to filling this gap by building an argument that IC can be utilised as a competitive tool in nonprofit organisations (NPOs). Secondly, an IC conceptual framework is proposed that explicitly links the attainment of competitive advantage with positive outcomes for NPOs. Finally, the paper discusses how the IC conceptual framework can be effectively utilised to foster competitive advantage in the nonprofit sector.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving media campaigns promoting physical activity: the underutilized role of gender
Authors: Graham Dan J. , Graham Judy F.
Published: September 2007

As the obesity epidemic worsens in the United States and globally, resources are increasingly being allocated to address this public health threat.

Media campaigns promoting physical activity are receiving funding from government and private sources, and some of these campaigns have achieved modest success. Still, more can be done to increase the effectiveness of these campaigns.

Drawing on facets of consumer behavior, psychology, and public policy, this work represents a cross‐disciplinary theoretical analysis suggesting that the effectiveness of media‐based campaigns promoting physical activity could be enhanced by making use of gender‐specific advertising.

Research is reviewed suggesting that gender differences in information processing styles and values lead to gender‐specific responses to media campaigns.

Recommendations are made to help practitioners improve physical activity campaigns by crafting advertisements that specifically appeal to the unique preferences of each gender.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the effectiveness of cigarette warning labels: findings from the United States and United Kingdom arms of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Hassan Louise M. , Shiu Edward , Thrasher James F. , Fong Geoffrey T. , Hastings Gerard
Published: September 2007

This paper explores the effectiveness of cigarette warning labels across two countries, one (the UK) with new and stricter legislation where text based labels have been made more prominent and one (the USA) with less stringent regulation, where labels are less visible. Using longitudinal data from the two countries, the research seeks to investigate the impact of the different types of warning labels on the information processing by consumers. This paper assesses the effectiveness of warning labels in terms of: consumer attention, elaboration, contemplation on quitting and behavioural compliance. This study provides a comprehensive examination of these key factors in a fixed causal sequence. Structural equation modelling was used to test this model based on longitudinal panel survey data from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey. Analysis of a sample of 901 US smokers and 1459 UK smokers yielded results in full support of all hypothesised relationships in the model proposed for both countries. Findings suggest that the new European Union policy of more prominent warning labels has a direct effect on influencing behavioural compliance by smokers.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensation seekers and civic participation: exploring the influence of sensation seeking and gender on intention to lead and volunteer
Authors: Wymer Walter , Self Donald , Findley Carolyn Sara (Casey)
Published: September 2007

Approximately 1100 extreme sports participants were surveyed to identify the relationship between sensation seeking and gender on current civic participation, motivation for volunteer involvement, intention to participate in the future, and a preference for leadership.

Sensation seeking was not helpful in identifying current civic involvement. However, sensation seekers reported a significant desire to work with activist and reform‐oriented organizations.

Females reported a significantly higher level of motivation for civic participation than males as well as a greater intention to volunteer in the future.

Both male and female sensation seekers reported a preference for a leadership role.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study: Objectives, methods, population structure, response rates and initial descriptive information
Authors: Hawkins M.M. , Lancashire E.R. , Winter D.L. , Frobisher C. , Reulen R.C. , Taylor A.J. , Stevens M.C.G. , Jenney M.
Published: September 2007

Background

In Britain 75% of individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer survive at least 5 years. The British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study was established to determine the risks of adverse health and social outcomes among survivors. To be eligible individuals were diagnosed with childhood cancer in Britain between 1940 and 1991 and survived at least 5 years. The entire cohort of 17,981 form the basis of population‐based studies of late mortality and the risks/causes of second malignant neoplasms using national registration systems.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was sent to survivors who were alive and aged at least 16 years via their primary care physician.

Results

Of the 14,836 survivors eligible to receive a questionnaire, 10,483 (71%) returned it completed. Of the 13,211 who were mailed a questionnaire by their primary care physician 10,483 (79%) returned it completed. Outline treatment information concerning initial radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery is available.

Conclusions

This is the largest available population‐based cohort of childhood cancer survivors to have included investigation of a wide spectrum of adverse outcomes (the risk of which might be increased as a result of childhood cancer or its treatment). The study should provide useful information for counselling survivors, planning long‐term clinical follow‐up and evaluating the long‐term risks likely to be associated with proposed treatment strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1018–1025. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corticosteroids and increased risk of readmission after acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Strouse John J. , Takemoto Clifford M. , Keefer Jeffrey R. , Kato Gregory J. , Casella James F.
Published: September 2007

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a frequent cause of hospitalization and mortality in children with sickle cell disease. Transfusion is often required to prevent respiratory failure and treatment with dexamethasone may reduce the length of admission and the need for transfusions. We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risk factors for readmission and prolonged hospitalization after different treatments for ACS.

Procedure

We identified patients <22 years of age hospitalized with ACS at Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 1998 to April 2004 using the hospitals discharge database and by reviewing dictated summaries.

Results

We identified 65 patients with 129 episodes of ACS (mean age 12.5 years, range 1.2–21.9 years). Thirty‐nine episodes were treated with corticosteroids and 51 with transfusions. Patients were readmitted within 14 days after 23 episodes (18%). Readmission was strongly associated with report of an inhaler or nebulizer at home [odds ratio (OR) 6.0, P < 0.05], diastolic BP at 48 hr (OR 1.8 per 10 mm increase, P<0.01), corticosteroids (OR 20, P < 0.005), or transfusion (OR 0.03, P < 0.05). Treatment with corticosteroids alone (P < 0.05) and older age (P < 0.001) were associated with longer hospitalization.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a greatly elevated independent risk of readmission after ACS in children with asthma and after treatment with corticosteroids and a protective effect of transfusion. Although dexamethasone has documented efficacy for reducing the duration of ACS, the substantial risk of readmission for pain should limit its use. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1006–1012. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of raw fiber materials, fiber content, and coupling agent content on selected properties of polyethylene/wood fiber composites
Authors: Zhang S.Y. , Zhang Yaolin , Bousmina M. , Sain M. , Choi P.
Published: September 2007

This study investigated the effects of raw fiber materials, fiber content, and coupling agent (CA) content on mixing torque, rheological properties, and crystallization behavior of wood plastic composites (WPC). WPCs were prepared through melt molding processes. This study adopted a response surface strategy of 20 run optimal design for three factors including wood fiber type, fiber content, and CA content. Wood fiber type or wood fiber characteristics influence equilibrium torque and viscosity. The power index n for viscosity as a function of frequency was affected not only by wood fiber content, but also by CA content and wood fiber type. Addition of wood fibers to the system as nucleating agents favors polyethylene crystallization. The values of crystallization enthalpy and melt enthalpy were correlated with wood fiber content and CA content, but they were not affected by wood fiber type. The melt temperatures of polyethylene and composites were comparable. This indicates that the crystallite structure and lamellar thickness are similar. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1678–1687, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of supported vanadium catalyst on ethylene polymerization reactions
Authors: Ghosh Sutapa
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: In the research area of homogeneous Ziegler–Natta olefin polymerization, classic vanadium catalyst systems have shown a number of favourable performances. These catalysts are useful for (i) the preparation of high molecular weight polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions, (ii) the preparation of ethylene/R‐olefin copolymers with high R‐olefin incorporation and (iii) the preparation of syndiotactic polypropylenes. In view of the above merits of vanadium‐based catalysts for polymerization reactions, the development of well‐defined single‐site vanadium catalysts for polymerization reactions is presently an extremely important industrial goal. The main aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of a heterogeneous low‐coordinate non‐metallocene (phenyl)imido vanadium catalyst, V(NAr)Cl3, and its utility for ethylene polymerization.

RESULTS: Imido vanadium complex V(NAr)Cl3 was synthesized and immobilized onto a series of inorganic supports: SiO2, methylaluminoxane (MAO)‐modified SiO2 (4.5 and 23 wt% Al/SiO2), SiO2 Al2O3, MgCl2, MCM‐41 and MgO. Metal contents on the supported catalysts determined by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy remained between 0.050 and 0.100 mmol V g−1 support. Thermal stability of the catalysts was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Characterization of polyethylene was done by gel permeation chromatography and DSC. All catalyst systems were found to be active in ethylene polymerization in the presence of MAO or triisobutylaluminium/MAO mixture (Al/V = 1000). Catalyst activity was found to depend on the support nature, being between 7.5 and 80.0 kg PE (mol V)−1 h−1. Finally, all catalyst systems were found to be reusable for up to three cycles.

CONCLUSION: Best results were observed in the case of silica as support. Acid or basic supports afforded less active systems. In situ immobilization led to higher catalyst activity. The resulting polyethylenes in all experiments had ultrahigh molecular weight. Finally, this work explains the synthesis and characterization of reusable supported novel vanadium catalysts, which are useful in the synthesis of very high molecular weight ethylene polymers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Polyurethane networks from polyols obtained by hydroformylation of soybean oil
Authors: Petrović Zoran S , Guo Andrew , Javni Ivan , Cvetković Ivana , Hong Doo Pyo
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Vegetable oil‐based polyols are a new class of renewable materials. The structure of oil‐based polyols is very different from that of petrochemical polyols, and it is closely related to the structure of oils. The objective of this work was to analyze the structural heterogeneity of soy‐based polyols and its effect on the properties of polyols and polyurethanes.

RESULTS: A series of polyols with a range of hydroxyl numbers were prepared by hydroformylation and partial esterification of hydroxyls with formic acid. Polyols were reacted with diphenylmethane diisocyanate to obtain polyurethanes of different crosslinking density. Gelation was simulated using the Monte Carlo method with a calculated distribution of functionalities for each polyol.

CONCLUSIONS: Most polyols are powerful crosslinkers since weight average functionality varied from 5 to 2.5 resulting in gel points from 53 to 83% conversion. Heterogeneity of polyols had a negative effect on mechanical properties of rubbery polyurethanes and this should be taken in account when designing polyols for flexible applications. This effect was not pronounced in glassy polyurethanes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphological characterization of attapulgite/poly(methyl methacrylate) particles prepared by soapless emulsion polymerization
Authors: Liu Yushan , Liu Peng , Su Zhixing
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: The synthesis of core–shell inorganic/polymer nanocomposites, in which the polymer shell determines the chemical properties and the interaction with the environment, whereas their physical properties are governed by both the size and shape of the inorganic core and the surrounding organic layer, is an area of increasing research activity.

RESULTS: Core–shell and bead–string shaped attapulgite/poly(methyl methacrylate) (ATP/PMMA) nanocomposite particles were prepared by soapless emulsion polymerization in an aqueous suspension of attapulgite organically modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

CONCLUSION: Transmission electron microscopy analysis results showed that the amounts of the monomer added had no influence on the morphologies of the ATP/PMMA particles. The morphologies only depended on the length/diameter ratio of the attapulgite fibrillar single crystal used. Long ATP needles formed the bead–string structure while short ATP needles formed the core–shell structure. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation of residual stress and adhesion on copper by the effect of chemical structure of polyimides for copper‐clad laminates
Authors: Jang Wonbong , Seo Minbum , Seo Jongchul , Park Sunggook , Han Haksoo
Published: September 2007

BACKROUND: Polyimide films coated on copper are a potential new substrate for fabricating printed circuit boards; however, adhesion between the copper and polyimide films is often poor. The relations between residual stress and adhesion strength according to the development of molecular orientation of polyimide films with different chemical backbone structure coated on copper were studied.

RESULTS: The effect of chemical structures on properties including the residual stress and the adhesion strength were widely investigated for four different polyimides. Diamine 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and dianhydrides 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA), 4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) were used to synthesize polyimide. In an attempt to quantify the interaction of thermal mismatch with the polyimide films depending on various structures, residual stress experiments between polyimide film and CuSi wafer were carried out over a range of 25–400 °C using in situ thin film stress analysis. A universal test machine was used to conduct 180° peel test (ASTM D903‐98) of polyimide film from cooper foil. The residual stress on CuSi (100) wafer decreased in the order 6FDA‐ODA > BTDA‐ODA > ODPA‐ODA > PMDA‐ODA, and the interfacial adhesion strength decreased in the order BTDA‐ODA (5 N mm−2) > ODPA‐ODA > PMDA‐ODA > 6FDA‐ODA. The results may suggest that the morphological structure, degree of crystallinity of chain orientation and packing significantly relate to the residual stress and adhesion strength in polyimide films. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction was used for characterizing the molecular order and orientation and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for the analysis of components on copper after polyimide films were detached to confirm the existence of copper oxide chemical bonding and to measure the binding energy of elements on the copper surface.

CONCLUSION: In this research, it is demonstrated that BTDA‐ODA polyimide has a low residual stress to copper, good adhesion property, good thermal property and low dielectric constant. Therefore, BTDA‐ODA would be expected to be a promising candidate for a two‐layer copper‐clad laminate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of novel bacterial plasminogen‐binding proteins in the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Xolalpa Wendy , Vallecillo Antonio J. , Lara Martha , Mendoza‐Hernandez Guillermo , Comini Marcelo , Spallek Ralf , Singh Mahavir , Espitia Clara
Published: September 2007

Binding and activation of human plasminogen (Plg) to generate the proteolytic enzyme plasmin (Plm) have been associated with the invasive potential of certain bacteria. In this work, proteomic analysis together with ligand blotting assays identified several major Plg‐binding spots in Mycobacterium tuberculosis soluble extracts (SEs) and culture filtrate proteins. The identity of 15 different proteins was deduced by N‐terminal and/or MS and corresponded to DnaK, GroES, GlnA1, Ag85 complex, Mpt51, Mpt64, PrcB, MetK, SahH, Lpd, Icl, Fba, and EF‐Tu. Binding of Plg to recombinant M. tuberculosis DnaK, GlnA1, and Ag85B was further confirmed by ELISA and ligand blotting assays. The binding was inhibited by ϵ‐aminocaproic acid, indicating that the interaction involved lysine residues. Plg bound to recombinant mycobacterial proteins was activated to Plm by tissue‐type Plg activator. In contrast with recombinant proteins, M. tuberculosis SE enhanced several times the Plg activation mediated by the activator. Interestingly, GlnA1 was able to bind the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin. Together these results show that M. tuberculosis posses several Plg receptors suggesting that bound Plg to bacteria surface, can be activated to Plm, endowing bacteria with the ability to break down ECM and basal membranes proteins contributing to tissue injury in tuberculosis.
Proteomic approach to studying the cytotoxicity of YC‐1 on U937 leukemia cells and antileukemia activity in orthotopic model of leukemia mice
Authors: Chung Jing‐Gung , Yang Jai‐Sing , Huang Li‐Jiau , Lee Fang‐Yu , Teng Che‐Ming , Tsai Sheng‐Chung , Lin Kuei‐Li , Wang Shu‐Fang , Kuo Sheng‐Chu
Published: September 2007

To evaluate the effects of YC‐1 on leukemia cell lines, PI incorporation was used to determine cell viability. YC‐1 induced a dose‐ and time‐dependent decrease in viability and apoptosis in YC‐1‐treated U937 cells. YC‐1‐induced apoptosis is a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐independent pathway. Proteomic analysis showed that the altered proteins include the significant regulation of HSP70, chaperonin, ATP synthase beta chains, and Chain F. Western blotting and immuno‐cytochemistry stain showed that YC‐1 treatment caused a time‐dependent increase in cytosolic Cytochrome c, pro‐caspase‐9, Apaf‐1, and the activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3. Importantly, the in vivo antileukemia effects of YC‐1 were evaluated in BALB/c mice inoculated with WEHI‐3B orthotopic model. YC‐1 enhanced survival rate and prevented the body weight loss in leukemia mice. The enlargement of spleen and lymph nodes were reduced in YC‐1 treated than that in leukemia mice. H‐E stain of spleen sections revealed that infiltration of immature myeloblastic cells into red pulp was reduced in YC‐1‐treated group. The apoptotic cells of splenocyte were significantly increased in YC‐1 treated than that in leukemia mice by Tdt‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Taken together, we conclude that YC‐1 acted against U937 cells in vitro via a mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis pathway, and in orthotopic leukemia model, YC‐1 administered antileukemia activity.