bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melting behavior, isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of EPPE/mLLDPE blends
Authors: Qin Jianglei , Deng Kuilin , Li Zhiting
Published: March 2008

Melting behavior and crystallization kinetics of easy processing polyethylene (EPPE) and the blends of EPPE/mLLDPE were studied using differential scanning calorimetry at various crystallization temperature and cooling rates. The Avrami analysis was employed to describe the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization process of pure polymers and their blends, and a method developed by Mo was applied for comparison. Kinetic parameters such as the Avrami exponent (n), the kinetic crystallization rate constant (k and kc), the peak temperatures (Tp), and the half‐time of crystallization (t1/2), etc. were determined. The appearance of double melting peaks and the double crystallization peaks of the polymers showed that the main chain and the branches crystallize seperately, but the main chains of two polymers can crystallize together and mLLDPE act as nuclei while EPPE crystallizes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Spectral characterization of lysozyme adsorption on dye‐affinity beads
Authors: Basar Nilgün , Uzun Lokman , Güner Ali , Denizli Adil
Published: March 2008

Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached magnetic poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [mPHEMA] beads were prepared by suspension polymerization of HEMA in the presence of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanopowder. Average diameter size of the mPHEMA beads was 150–200 μm. The characteristic functional groups of Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached mPHEMA beads were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and Raman scattering spectrometer. The lysozyme adsorption and desorption characteristics of Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached mPHEMA beads were also investigated using FTIR and Raman spectroscopic techniques. When the Raman spectrum of lysozyme adsorbed mPHEMA is evaluated characteristic Amide‐I band appears at 1657 cm−1. The intensity of this band decreases in the spectrum of lysozyme desorbed mPHEMA sample. When the characteristic bands of lysozyme adsorbed and desorbed mPHEMA samples are compared, the band intensities of desorbed sample are lower than those of lysozyme adsorbed sample except for the band appearing at 656 cm−1 (Tyr vCS). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of silane and MAPE coupling agents on the properties and interfacial adhesion of wood‐filled PVC/LDPE blend
Authors: Prachayawarakorn J. , Khunsumled S. , Thongpin C. , Kositchaiyong A. , Sombatsompop N.
Published: March 2008

Composite samples were prepared from Poly(vinyl chloride)/low‐density polyethylene (PVC/LDPE) blend, compatibilized by PA20 (methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate copolymer), and reinforced by different levels of rubber‐wood sawdust. To improve the mechanical properties of the composites, Silane A‐137 (Octyltriethoxy silane), Silane A‐1100 (γ‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane), or MAPE (maleic anhydride‐grafted‐polyethylene) were introduced. It was found that the additions of Silane A‐137, Silane A‐1100, and MAPE could improve tensile and impact properties of the composites, regardless of the sawdust contents. Physical or chemical interactions for all coupling agents with the wood‐PVC/LDPE composites used were proposed in this work. Silane A‐137 or MAPE tended to give better improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites than Silane A‐1100, because of the presence of the nonpolar chain ends of Silane A‐137 or MAPE molecules. Besides, the addition of either Silane A‐137 and MAPE or Silane A‐1100 and MAPE at different ratios into the wood‐PVC/LDPE composites was also studied. The experimental results suggested that the optimum mechanical properties could be obtained using Silane A‐137 : MAPE of 1% : 2% wt sawdust. The morphological and thermal properties of the composites were also examined using SEM and DMA techniques, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and properties of tung oil‐based composites using spent germ as a natural filler
Authors: Pfister Daniel P. , Baker Jeffrey R. , Henna Phillip H. , Lu Yongshang , Larock Richard C.
Published: March 2008

Novel biocomposites have been prepared by the free radical polymerization of a tung oil‐based resin using spent germ, the coproduct of wet mill ethanol production, as a filler. The effect of filler particle size, amount of filler, amount of crosslinker, and molding pressure on the resulting composites has been investigated. When compared to the pure resin, an increase in storage modulus is observed when filler is added to the matrix. The thermal stabilities of the resulting composites lie between the stabilities of the resin and the spent germ. Decreasing the particle size results in an increase in both the storage modulus and the mechanical properties of the composites. As the amount of crosslinker, divinylbenzene, increases, an improvement in the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties is observed. The composites prepared are mainly composed of renewable resources, possess good thermal and mechanical properties, and have potential applications in the construction and automotive industries. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Conducting polymer blends prepared from polyaniline with n‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid zinc salt as the secondary dopant
Authors: Chao Liang , Han Yu‐Kai , Hiseh Bi‐Zen , Huang Ying‐Jie , Hsieh Tar‐Hwa , Lin Ching‐Mao , Lin Shih‐Zen , Tseng Po‐Hao , Ho Ko‐Shan
Published: March 2008

A red‐shift of the UV–vis spectra of n‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid doped polyaniline (PANI (DBSA)0.5), resulting from the secondary doping of polyaniline backbones, was found in the presence of n‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid zinc salt (Zn(DBS)2). It is proved to behave as steric hindrance spacers to induce the extension of the conjugation length through the straightening effect on the polyaniline backbones and the obtained mixtures (PANI(DBSA)0.5 plus Zn(DBS)2) can be used as master batch materials (MB‐13) for blending with regular polypropylene polymer (PP). The thermal degradation accompanied with loss of conductivity for MB‐13 can be delayed to over 250°C when enough Zn(DBS)2 was secondarily doped on PANI(DBSA)0.5., which allow the performance of its blending with other nonconducting/regular polymers possible. Below 80 rpm, increasing shear rates would induce higher viscosity difference between the MB‐13 and PP matrix, resulting in elongation of MB‐13 in the PP matrix and higher conductivities of the polyblends. The deviation from the Taylor equation, which is used to estimate the degree of elongation for a polyblend, started when shear rate is over 80 rpm. The leakage of Zn(DBS)2 out of MB‐13 can be confirmed by comparing the DSC thermograms and X‐ray diffraction patterns with that of neat PP. Gradual deformation for the conductive fillers (MB‐13) and a well‐defined and expanded layered structure can be found when processing time is below 15 min with 60 rpm shear rate. The layers started to shrink back after 15 min of procession with the loss of the Zn(DBS)2 from MB‐13 in the PP matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Molecular dynamics simulations on the blends of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and poly(bisphenol‐A‐ether sulfone)
Authors: Jawalkar S. S. , Nataraj S. K. , Raghu A. V. , Aminabhavi T. M.
Published: March 2008

Molecular simulations are the most important tools to predict the properties of polymers and their blends. In this work, we have predicted the blend incompatibility of poly(n‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(bisphenol‐A‐ether sulfone) (PES). Atomistic simulations were performed to compute the Flory‐Higgins interaction parameter over all the compositions ranging from 90 to 10% of the individual polymers, which confirmed that the blends are incompatible (Bhattacharya et al., J Membr Sci 2003, 227, 23). Kinetics of phase separation was examined via density profiles calculated using MesoDyn approach. For incompatible blends, the critical value of 0.32 computed from the Flory‐Huggins theory agreed with the value of 0.29, suggesting the validity of our approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Interfacial structure of poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 nanocomposites prepared through photocatalytic polymerization
Authors: Wang Jiao , Ni Xiuyuan
Published: March 2008

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 nanocomposites have been prepared by the polymerization with photoexcited TiO2 nanoparticles as initiator. To reveal the interfacial structure, the composites obtained are investigated by FTIR and XPS analysis. The bound PMMA displays triply split IR bands attributed to the carbonyl stretching mode, meanwhile great changes also occur in the IR range closely related to the conformation of PMMA. Based on the area of the nonassociated and associated PMMA carbonyl stretching peaks in the FTIR spectrum, it is calculated out that the bound PMMA is constituted of 70% repeating units in nonassociated state and 30% units associated to TiO2 inorganic nanoparticles. Moreover, XPS analysis show that Ti2p doublet of the composites shift to lower binding energy by 1.0 eV, indicating the interaction between Ti atoms of TiO2 and oxygen atoms of PMMA. According to the observation that the interaction involves both carboxyl and carbonyl groups of PMMA, a bidentate complex is approved. In addition, compared with the extracted PMMA, certain backbone chains of bound PMMA have to change their rotational conformations from gauche to trans so as to bond to the surface active centers at TiO2 nanoparticles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Melt rheological properties of reactive compatibilized HDPE/PET blends
Authors: Li Shu‐Cai , Lu Li‐Nong
Published: March 2008

Melt rheological properties of high density polyethylene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (HDPE/PET) blends compatibilized by an ethylene–butyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (EBAGMA) were studied by means of a HAAKE torque rheometer and a capillary rheometer. The phase morphology of the blends was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the melts of blends behave pseudoplasticity. The addition of EBAGMA strengthens the interfacial adhesion between HDPE and PET and improves the phase dispersion due to reactive compatibilization. It was observed that the balance torque, melt viscosity, and sensitivity of melt viscosity to shear rate of the melts increase with increasing content of EBAGMA, but the melt flow index and activation energy decrease. At the same time, the plasticizing time is shortened indicating that the processability of the compatibilized blends has been improved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of molecular weight distribution on flow properties of commercial polyolefins
Authors: Zahedi Mostafa , Ahmadi Mostafa , Nekoomanesh Mehdi
Published: March 2008

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of molecular weight distribution on some conventional flow properties of polyolefins like melt flow index, melt flow ratio, and power law index. The study is designed in two steps. First, the statistical correlation analysis was carried out for proper choice of input variables for each output property and to find the most relevant mathematical forms of the considered parameters for the modeling section. Then the considered property was correlated to the entire molecular weight distribution using spline functions. The best fit was achieved by variation of the number of spline nodes and their values. The proposed methodology is able to be coupled with a polymerization model to correlate the polymerization conditions to the final properties of the product and design a polymerization control loop. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Response error and processing biases in confidence judgment
Authors: Merkle Edgar C. , Sieck Winston R. , van Zandt Trisha
Published: March 2008

Previous studies showed that random error can explain overconfidence effects typically observed in the literature. One of these studies concluded that, after accounting for random error effects in the data, there is little support for cognitive‐processing biases in confidence elicitation. In this paper, we investigate more closely the random error explanation for overconfidence. We generated data from four models of confidence and then estimated the magnitude of random error in the data. Our results show that, in addition to the true magnitude of random error specified in the simulations, the error estimates are influenced by important cognitive‐processing biases in the confidence elicitation process. We found that random error in the response process can account for the degree of overconfidence found in calibration studies, even when that overconfidence is actually caused by other factors. Thus, the error models say little about whether cognitive biases are present in the confidence elicitation process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid treatment of a symptomatic popliteal pseudoaneurysm due to type‐I endoleak after previous endovascular exclusion
Authors: de Koning Heleen D. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Reijnen Michel M.P.J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose: The development of endovascular repair of popliteal aneurysms has provided an alternative, minimally invasive way of treatment. We present a case of a late type‐I endoleak, after previous exclusion of a popliteal pseudoaneurysm, leading to rupture and massive hematoma, which was excluded in a hybrid procedure. Case Report: A 95‐year‐old woman presented with progressive swelling with skin ulceration and necrosis cranial to the medial side of her left knee. Four years earlier, a left popliteal pseudoaneurysm was excluded with a stent‐graft. Rupture of the popliteal artery with massive hematoma was demonstrated by ultrasound examination and a spiral computed tomography scan, with high suspicion of a type‐I endoleak. Endovascular repair of the endoleak with a polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stent‐graft was followed by surgical resection of the damaged skin and evacuation of the hematoma. Conclusion: Type‐I endoleaks after endovascular exclusion of popliteal pseudoaneurysms do occur and may lead to rupture. A symptomatic pseudoaneurysm may be successfully treated by a hybrid procedure. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel approach for quantitative analysis of intracoronary optical coherence tomography: High inter‐observer agreement with computer‐assisted contour detection
Authors: Tanimoto Shuzou , Rodriguez‐Granillo Gaston , Barlis Peter , de Winter Sebastiaan , Bruining Nico , Hamers Ronald , Knappen Michiel , Verheye Stefan , Serruys Patrick W , Regar Evelyn
Published: March 2008

Objective: This study aims to examine observer‐related variability of quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT) derived measurements from both in vitro and in vivo pullback data. Background: Intravascular OCT is a new imaging modality using infrared light and offering 10 times higher image resolution (15 μm) compared to intravascular ultrasound. The quantitative analysis of in vivo intracoronary OCT imaging is complicated by the presence of blood, motion artifacts and the large quantity of information that has to be processed. Methods: We developed a standardized, automated quantification process for intracoronary OCT pullback data with inter‐observer variability assessed both in vitro by using postmortem human coronary arteries and in vivo by studying simple and complex coronary pathology and outcomes following stent implantation. The consensus between measurements by two observers was analyzed using the intraclass and interclass correlation coefficient and the reliability coefficients. Bland–Altman plots were generated to assess the relationship between variability and absolute measurements. Results: In vitro OCT assessment was performed in nine postmortem coronary arteries. The time needed for semiautomated contour detection of a 15‐mm long coronary segment was ∼40 min. The absolute and relative difference between lumen area measurements derived from two observers was low [0.02 ± 0.10 mm2; (0.3 ± 0.5)% respectively] with excellent correlation confirmed by linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.99; P < 0.001). Similarly, in vivo measurements demonstrated a high correlation with the main source of inter‐observer variation occurring as a result of coronary dissection and motion artifact. The absolute and relative difference between measurements were 0.11 ± 0.33 mm2 (1.57 ± 0.05)% for lumen area (R2 = 0.98; P < 0.001), 0.17 ± 0.68 mm2 (1.44 ± 0.08)% for stent area (R2 = 0.94; P < 0.001), and 0.26 ± 0.72 mm2 (14.08 ± 0.37)% for neointimal area (R2 = 0.78; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Highly accurate computer‐assisted quantitative analysis ofintracoronary OCT pullbacks is feasible with low inter‐observer variability. The presented approach allows for observer independent analysis of detailed vessel structures, and may be a valuable tool for future longitudinal studies incorporating OCT. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High energy excimer laser to treat coronary in‐stent restenosis in an underexpanded stent
Authors: Noble Stéphane , Bilodeau Luc
Published: March 2008

Balloon refractory calcific coronary plaques remain a technical challenge. Stent underexpansion is known as a major cause of restenosis and thrombosis. We report a case of in‐stent restenosis 5 months after stent suboptimal implantation in a noncompliant calcific atherosclerotic plaque which could not be disrupted by repeated prolonged high‐pressure balloon inflations. High‐energy excimer laser use altered underlying lesion morphology, allowing full stent apposition. Advances in equipment and technique have allowed more frequent use of high energy excimer laser technology during percutaneous coronary angioplasty with very low rates of complications. Laser technology represents a useful tool to overcome resistant lesions during percutaneous coronary interventions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in hemodynamics
Authors: Cavendish Jeffrey J. , Carter Luther I. , Tsimikas Sotirios
Published: March 2008

The use of the pressure sensor coronary guidewire is expanding into the peripheral circulation as well as into the realm of valvular heart disease. Small mechanistic studies and case reports have described the use of pressure wire technology in the renal and femoral arteries as well as in mechanical aortic valves. The use of this technology to measure hemodynamically significant stenoses in noncoronary locations will be discussed and a review of basic and more advanced hemodynamics in relation to problems encountered in clinical practice will be provided. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct Formation of Element Chlorides from the Corresponding Element Oxides through Microwave‐Assisted Carbohydrochlorination Reactions
Authors: Nordschild Simon , Auner Norbert
Published: March 2008

A series of technically and economically important element chlorides—such as SiCl4, BCl3, AlCl3, FeCl2, PCl3 and TiCl4—was synthesized through reactions between hydrogen chloride and the corresponding element oxides in the presence of different carbon sources with microwave assistance. This process route was optimized for demonstration purposes for tetrachlorosilane formation and successfully demonstrates the broad applicability of various silicon oxide‐containing minerals and materials for carbohydrochlorination. The chlorination reaction occurs at lower temperatures than with conventional heating in a tubular oven, with substantially shorter reaction times and in better yields: quantitatively in the case of tetrachlorosilane, based on the silicon content of the starting material. The experimental procedure is very simple and provides basic information about the suitability of element compounds, especially element oxides, for carbohydrochlorination. According to the general reaction sequence element oxide→element→element chloride used in today's technology, this one‐step carbohydrochlorination with hydrogen chloride is considerably more efficient, particularly in terms of energy input and reaction times, avoiding the isolation of the pure elements required for chlorination to give the element chlorides with use of the more corrosive and toxic chlorine gas.
Review of peripheral neuropathy in plasma cell disorders
Authors: Silberman Jeannine , Lonial Sagar
Published: March 2008

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs frequently in patients with plasma cell disorders, a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from the unregulated production of monoclonal proteins. This occurs both due to the dysproteinemia itself and as a consequence of the therapies used to treat the underlying plasma cell disorder. This comprehensive review of PN associated with plasma cell disorders will address both disease and therapy related PN, its pathogenesis and management with particular attention to multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) and amyloidosis. An understanding of this topic is critical for health care providers treating patients with plasma cell disorders due to the high frequency with which it occurs, the implications it has on selecting therapies for the underlying disorder and to best guide management of the neuropathy itself. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saturated fat intake predicts biochemical failure after prostatectomy
Authors: Strom Sara S. , Yamamura Yuko , Forman Michele R. , Pettaway Curtis A. , Barrera Stephanie L. , DiGiovanni John
Published: March 2008

Previous reports show that obesity predicts biochemical failure after treatment for localized prostate cancer. Since obesity is associated with increased fat consumption, we investigated the role that dietary fat intake plays in modulating obesity‐related risk of biochemical failure. We evaluated the association between saturated fat intake and biochemical failure among 390 men from a previously described prostatectomy cohort. Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire collecting nutrient information for the year prior to diagnosis. Because fat and energy intake are highly correlated, the residual method was used to adjust fat (total and saturated) intakes for energy. Biochemical‐failure‐free‐survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Crude and adjusted effects were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. During a mean follow‐up of 70.6 months, 78 men experienced biochemical failure. Men who consumed high‐ saturated fat (HSF) diets were more likely to experience biochemical failure (p = 0.006) and had significantly shorter biochemical‐failure‐free‐survival than men with low saturated fat (LSF) diets (26.6 vs. 44.7 months, respectively, p = 0.002). After adjusting for obesity and clinical variables, HSF‐diet patients were almost twice as likely to experience biochemical failure (hazard ratio = 1.95, p = 0.008) compared to LSF diet patients. Men who were both obese and consumed HSF diets had the shortest biochemical‐failure‐free‐survival (19 months), and nonobese men who consumed LSF diets had the longest biochemical‐failure‐free‐survival (46 months, p < 0.001). Understanding the interplay between modifiable factors, such as diet and obesity, and disease characteristics may lead to the development of behavioral and/or targeted interventions for patients at increased risk of progression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perinatal factors and the risk of testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Cook Michael B. , Graubard Barry I. , Rubertone Mark V. , Erickson Ralph L. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: March 2008

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common cancer among young men in the United States and Western Europe. Prior evidence suggests that TGCT may arise in perinatal life, although few risk factors have yet been identified. To study the etiology of TGCT, the US Servicemen's Testicular Tumor Environmental and Endocrine Determinants (STEED) case‐control study enrolled participants and their mothers between 2002 and 2005. Five hundred twenty‐seven mothers of cases and 561 mothers of controls provided information on perinatal variables. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) associated with the candidate risk factors. Analyses were conducted for all TGCT together and for each histologic subgroup (seminoma and nonseminoma) separately. Young maternal age (<20 vs. 20–29 years, OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.09–2.10), young paternal age (<25 vs. 25–29 years, OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.08–1.94), maternal parity (3 vs. 1, OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.44–0.90) and breech birth (OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.03–3.56) were associated with risk of TGCT. For seminoma, young maternal age (<20 vs. 20–29 years, OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.10–2.54), young paternal age (<25 vs. 25–29 years, OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.03–2.27), maternal parity (3 vs. 1, OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.35–0.96) and low birth weight (<2,500 g vs. 2,500–4,000 g, OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.00–3.30) were risk factors. Nonseminoma was associated with breech birth (OR = 2.44, 95%CI: 1.25–4.78) and Cesarean section (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.25–3.54). These results support the hypothesis that TGCT may originate in very early life. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow stromal cells enhance prostate cancer cell invasion through type I collagen in an MMP‐12 dependent manner
Authors: Nabha Sanaa M. , dos Santos Emanuel Burck , Yamamoto Hamilto A. , Belizi Abdelfettah , Dong Zhong , Meng Hong , Saliganan Allen , Sabbota Aaron , Bonfil R. Daniel , Cher Michael L.
Published: March 2008

At the cellular level, the process of bone metastasis involves many steps. Circulating cancer cells enter the marrow, proliferate, induce neovascularization, and ultimately expand into a clinically detectable, often symptomatic, metastatic deposit. Although the initial establishment and later expansion of the metastatic deposit in bone require tumor cells to possess invasive capability, the exact proteases responsible for this phenotype are not well known. The objective of our study was to take an unbiased approach to determine which proteases were expressed and functional during the initial interactions between prostate cancer cells and bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells. We found that the combination of human prostate cancer PC3 and BMS cells stimulates the invasive ability of cancer cells through type I collagen. The use of inhibitors for each of the major protease families indicated that 1 or more MMPs was/were responsible for the BMS‐induced invasion. Gene profiling and semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis revealed an increased expression of several MMP genes because of PC3/BMS cell interaction. However, only MMP‐12 showed an increase in protein expression. Downregulation of MMP‐12 expression in PC3 cells by siRNA inhibited the enhanced invasion induced by PC3/BMS cell interaction. In vivo, MMP‐12 was found to be primarily expressed by prostate cancer cells growing in bone. Our data suggest that BMS cells induce MMP‐12 expression in prostate cancer cells, which results in invasive cells capable of degradation of type I collagen. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water content determination in mineral and organic porous media by ML2 theta probe
Authors: Kargas G. , Kerkides P.
Published: March 2008

Evaluation of the ML2 theta probe was performed in a variety of porous media such as mineral soils, peat and composts, combinations of composts, peat and perlite in various volume percentages. This was performed in laboratory columns under temperature‐controlled conditions. A number of previous calibration curves referring to the same principle of soil moisture determination, via the determination of the soil dielectric constant, were comparatively examined together with the calibration curve proposed by the manufacturer. A specific calibration in accord with the manufacturer's linear $\sqrt \varepsilon - \Theta $ curve (where ε denotes the soil dielectric constant and Θ the volumetric water content) was followed. It was shown that for the mineral soils the manufacturer's calibration curve in all cases, except sands, kaolin and perlite, appeared to exhibit an overestimation. The most reliable results were obtained by the present soil‐specific calibration curve. For the organic porous media again, the specific calibration curve was the most reliable. The manufacturer's calibration curve was shown to deviate from the prescribed limits of Θ in many cases. More specifically, it was shown that both overestimations and underestimations could be obtained for the composts, whereas a clear underestimation was observed in the mixtures. Other calibration equations examined appear to give better or worse results compared with those of the manufacturer, always depending on the nature of the porous materials. Soil‐specific calibration is necessary and improves the results in most cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restructuring mood in cyclothymia using cognitive behavior therapy: an intensive time‐sampling study
Authors: Totterdell Peter , Kellett Stephen
Published: March 2008

Hypotheses predicting how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) would change the daily pattern of mood and sleep in a patient with cyclothymia were formulated based on circadian processes. Using a prospective single‐case experimental design, the patient provided mood ratings every 4 hours and sleep reports daily for 49 weeks, including a 4‐week baseline, a 20‐session CBT intervention, and a follow‐up period. Improvements in mood during and after therapy were accounted for by reduced daily mood variability and extended sleep. The patient's energy at different times of day was explained by adjusting the endogenous rhythm in a mathematical circadian model. Treatment of cyclothymia and related bipolar disorders may be enhanced by integrating understanding of circadian mood regulation into CBT treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–18, 2008.
Delivery of noncarrier naked DNA vaccine into the skin by supersonic flow induces a polarized T helper type 1 immune response to cancer
Authors: Lin Chi‐Chen , Yen Meng‐Chi , Lin Chiu‐Mei , Huang Shih‐Shien , Yang Huei‐Jiun , Chow Nan‐Haw , Lai Ming‐Derg
Published: March 2008

Background

DNA vaccine is a new and powerful approach to generate immunological responses against infectious disease and cancer. The T helper type (Th)1 immune response is usually required for generating effective anti‐tumor responses. A microparticulate bombardment system can induce an immune response using very low amounts of DNA. Using nozzle aerodynamics, a low pressure gene gun has been developed to decrease the noise associated with high pressure gene guns. Particles are propelled by supersonic flow through this novel nozzle. To test whether this gun could inoculate a DNA vaccine that stimulates an anti‐tumor Th1 immune response, we examined the effect of direct delivery of naked DNA (i.e. without any carrier) on the anti‐tumor immune response of mice.

Methods

The luciferase reporter plasmid DNA was delivered using a low‐pressure biolistic device and expressed in C3H/HeN, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice.

Results

Plasmid DNA expression was mainly in the epidermis. Noncarrier naked neu DNA vaccine and gold particle‐coated neu DNA vaccine (at 1 µg per mouse) had similar anti‐tumor effects in C3H mice. However, cytokine profile examination showed the Th1‐bias of the response induced by naked DNA vaccine and the Th2‐bias of the response induced by coated DNA vaccine.

Conclusions

A shift in the immune response to favour enhanced tumor rejection can be achieved by skin delivery of naked DNA vaccine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the editing distance of graphs
Authors: Axenovich Maria , Kézdy André , Martin Ryan
Published: March 2008

An edge‐operation on a graph G is defined to be either the deletion of an existing edge or the addition of a nonexisting edge. Given a family of graphs $\cal G$, the editing distance from G to $\cal G$ is the smallest number of edge‐operations needed to modify G into a graph from $\cal G$. In this article, we fix a graph H and consider Forb(n, H), the set of all graphs on n vertices that have no induced copy of H. We provide bounds for the maximum over all n‐vertex graphs G of the editing distance from G to Forb(n, H), using an invariant we call the binary chromatic number of the graph H. We give asymptotically tight bounds for that distance when H is self‐complementary and exact results for several small graphs H. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58:123–138, 2008
Metabolite identification of arbidol in human urine by the study of CID fragmentation pathways using HPLC coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yuya , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Qiang , Zhong Dafang
Published: March 2008

The metabolism of arbidol in humans was studied using liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) after an oral dose of 300‐mg arbidol. A total of 17 metabolites were identified including the glucuronide arbidol and the glucuronide sulfinylarbidol as the major metabolites.

Arbidol and its metabolites have some common fragmentation patterns as a result of a homolytic bond cleavage. This cleavage will form odd‐electron ions with the loss of a radical. The arbidol fragmentation sequence is first to lose dimethylamine (45 Da), followed by the loss of acetaldehyde (44 Da), and then the phenylthio radical (109 Da). This fragmentation sequence is also observed from N‐demethylarbidol, sulfonylarbidol, and N‐demethylsulfonylarbidol. However, for sulfinylarbidol and N‐demethylsulfinylarbidol, the fragmentation sequence is reversed so that the phenylsulfiny radical (125 Da) was lost first, followed by the loss of dimethylamine (45 Da), and then acetaldehyde (44 Da). The exact masses for arbidol and sulfinylarbidol fragment ions were determined by a quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (Q‐TOF MS).

The phase II metabolites, such as sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of arbidol, N‐demethylarbidol, sulfonylarbidol, and N‐demethylsulfonylarbidol were identified by observing the neutral loss of 80 Da (SO3) or 176 Da (glucuronic acid) from the MS2 spectra. The sulfate and glucuronide conjugates such as sulfinylarbidol and N‐demethylsulfinylarbidol had an unusual fragmentation pattern, in which the phenylsulfinyl radical (125 Da) was lost before the loss of SO3 group (80 Da) or glucuronic acid (176 Da) occurred. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of low‐temperature potato storage and washing and soaking pre‐treatments on the acrylamide content of French fries
Authors: Burch Rachel S , Trzesicka Agnieszka , Clarke Matthew , Elmore J Stephen , Briddon Adrian , Matthews Wendy , Webber Nina
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Since the discovery in 2002 of acrylamide in a wide range of foods, there has been much work done to explore mechanisms of formation and to reduce acrylamide in commercial products. This study aimed to investigate simple measures which could be used to reduce acrylamide formation in home‐cooked French fries, using potatoes from three cultivars stored under controlled conditions and sampled at three time points.

RESULTS: The reducing sugar content for all three cultivars increased during storage, which led to increased acrylamide levels in the French fries. Washing and soaking (30 min or 2 h) raw French fries before cooking led to reductions in acrylamide of up to 23, 38 and 48% respectively. Pre‐treated fries were lighter in colour after cooking than the corresponding controls.

CONCLUSION: Pre‐treatments such as soaking or washing raw French fries in water reduce acrylamide and colour formation in the final product when cooking is stopped at a texture‐determined endpoint. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
COMT polymorphisms affecting protein expression are risk factors for endometrial cancer
Authors: Hirata Hiroshi , Hinoda Yuji , Okayama Naoko , Suehiro Yutaka , Kawamoto Ken , Kikuno Nobuyuki , Rabban Joseph T. , Chen Lee‐May , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: March 2008

In estrogen metabolic pathways, the COMT enzyme is related to detoxification. COMT gene polymorphisms have been shown to effect enzyme function. We hypothesized that these polymorphisms may be risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC). DNA samples from 150 cases of EC and healthy controls (n = 165) were analyzed by PCR‐RFLP to determine the genotypic frequency of four different polymorphic loci on COMT [codon 62 (rs4633), 102 (rs5031015), 136 (rs4818), 158 (rs4680)]. Genotyping was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. We also conducted haplotype analysis of COMT and investigated the relationship between COMT expression and COMT SNPs in EC tissues by immunohistochemistry. A significant increase in the T/T genotype of codon 62 (C/T) was observed in patients compared to controls (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.31–4.37, P = 0.004). The frequency of the C–G haplotype of codon 62 C/T and codon 158 G/A was significantly higher in controls (P < 0.0001) than in patients. The expression level of COMT protein in EC tissues was significantly lower in COMT codon 62 variant TT and codon 158 variant AA genotype carriers. Therefore, the EC samples with polymorphic variants of COMT lead to lower expression of COMT protein whereas EC samples with wild‐type codon 62 C/C and codon 158 G/G have higher expression of COMT protein. This is the first study demonstrating that polymorphisms in COMT codon 62 and codon 158 altered protein expression levels in EC, suggesting that they may be risk factors for EC in Caucasians. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cis‐acting elements (E‐box and NBE) in the promoter region of three maternal genes (Histone H1oo, Nucleoplasmin 2, and Zygote Arrest 1) are required for oocyte‐specific gene expression in the mouse
Authors: Tsunemoto Kazunobu , Anzai Masayuki , Matsuoka Toshiki , Tokoro Mikiko , Shin Seung‐Wook , Amano Tomoko , Mitani Tasuku , Kato Hiromi , Hosoi Yoshihiko , Saeki Kazuhiro , Iritani Akira , Matsumoto Kazuya
Published: March 2008

We examined the promoter activities of three mouse maternal genes (H1oo, Npm2, and Zar1) in oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos, and examined the promoters for cis‐acting elements of 5′‐flanking region to obtain the best promoter for inducing oocyte‐specific gene expression. For the assay, we injected firefly luciferase gene constructs under the control of the promoters into the oocytes and embryos. Each promoter region showed transcriptional activity in oocytes, but not in fertilized embryos. Deletion analysis showed that a putative E‐box region at position −72 of the H1oo promoter and at the −180 of the Npm2 promoter were required for basal transcriptional activity in oocytes. Moreover, a putative NBE motif (NOBOX DNA binding elements) (−1796) was shown to enhance basal transcriptional activity of the Npm2 promoter. Thus, the E‐box and/or NBE may be key regulatory regions for the expression of the examined maternal genes (H1oo and Npm2) in growing mouse oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1104–1108, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple vitellogenin‐derived yolk proteins in gray mullet (Mugil cephalus): Disparate proteolytic patterns associated with ovarian follicle maturation
Authors: Amano Haruna , Fujita Toshiaki , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Kagawa Hirohiko , Matsubara Takahiro , Sullivan Craig V. , Hara Akihiko
Published: March 2008

Disparate proteolytic patterns of yolk proteins, derived from three types of vitellogenin (VgA, VgB, and VgC), were observed in gray mullet. Immuno‐biochemical analyses of extracts obtained from vitellogenic ovaries (VO) and ovulated eggs (OE) confirmed that a large proportion of VgA‐derived lipovitellin (LvA) was degraded into free amino acids (FAAs) during ovarian follicle maturation. The maturation‐associated alteration of VgB‐derived Lv (LvB) involved only limited proteolysis; the heavy and light LvB chains were dissociated into at least three and one polypeptide fragments, respectively. The native mass of VgC‐derived Lv (LvC) exhibited little difference between VO and OE, although it was apparent that the LvC was ‘nicked’ during maturation, resulting in the appearance of several bands in OE. Similar analyses confirmed that VgA‐derived β′‐component (β′‐cA) and VgB‐derived β′‐c (β′‐cB) decreased during maturation in both quantity and native mass, while phosvitin derived from either VgA (PvA) or VgB (PvB) appeared to be degraded into FAAs. The pattern of maturation‐associated proteolysis of mullet yolk proteins is similar to that reported for other marine teleosts spawning pelagic eggs. However, the depository ratio of the three distinct types of Lv in the mullet VO appeared to be different from that estimated for another marine pelagophil, the barfin flounder. These results support a recent paradigm regarding the significance of Vg multiplicity upon successive physiological events in this group of fishes including the hydration of maturing oocytes, the acquisition of proper egg buoyancy, and the generation of requisite nutrient stocks for each stage of embryogenesis and larval development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1307–1317, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in LH‐ and meiosis‐activating sterol (MAS)‐induced maturation in rat and mouse oocytes
Authors: Motola Shmulik , Cao Xiumei , Popliker Malka , Tsafriri Alex
Published: March 2008

Gonadotropic stimulation of meiotic resumption in mice is dependent upon mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the somatic compartment of the follicle. By contrast, spontaneous resumption of meiosis is independent of MAPK activation. In view of the suggested role of meiosis‐activating sterol (MAS) in oocyte maturation we have (i) compared MAPK activation in rat preovulatory follicles stimulated by LH or by accumulation of endogenous MAS by using an inhibitor of MAS conversion, AY9944; (ii) examined whether stimulation of meiosis by MAS is dependent upon MAPK activation using denuded oocytes (DO) of Mos‐ null mice (hereafter Mos−/−) with oocytes unable to activate MAPK. Rat preovulatory follicles responded to LH or AY9944 stimulation by MAPK activation. Inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation blocked both LH‐ and AY9944 triggered resumption of meiosis. In mouse cumulus‐enclosed oocytes (CEOs) and DOs AY9944 stimulated GVB in wild‐type and Mos−/− mouse CEOs cultured with hypoxanthine (Hx). Addition of MAS or AY9944 to mouse DOs cultured with Hx induced resumption of meiosis only in wild‐type and Mos+/− oocytes, but they were ineffective in Mos−/− oocytes. The observed sluggish activation of MAPK induced by AY9944 in rat follicle‐enclosed oocytes (FEO) may cause the delay in meiotic resumption in response to MAS and AY9944 stimulation. Further, it is incompatible with the suggested role of MAS as an obligatory mediator of LH in the induction of meiotic maturation. MAPK/MOS activation, whether in the somatic compartment or in denuded oocytes, is required for MAS‐ like LH‐, FSH‐, or EGF‐induced resumption of meiosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1533–1541 © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Network virtualization under user control
Authors: Cherkaoui Omar , Halima Elbiaze
Published: March 2008

In this paper, we present the main challenges for offering end‐to‐end virtual network services under user control. This work is motivated by the growing need for end‐to‐end virtual services to support high‐volume data transfer applications such as large data Center, grid applications and storage area networks over multi‐domain networks. The virtualization of network services has to deal with some important issues, such as dynamic provisioning, sharing control, isolation and security. We have developed and implemented a solution called user control Virtual Service that allows the user to deploy and share different virtual services over a multi‐domain network. UCVS is a network‐driven virtual service solution that enables the coordinated provisioning and reuse of physical and virtualized computing, storage and network resources from shared pools. UCVS ensures that applications are dynamically supported throughout multi‐domain infrastructure. UCVS also achieves cross‐technology orchestration, helping further progress towards a service‐oriented infrastructure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of the duration of exclusive breastfeeding among first‐time mothers
Authors: Semenic Sonia , Loiselle Carmen , Gottlieb Laurie
Published: March 2008

Few women currently meet revised WHO recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months postpartum. In this prospective study we aimed to determine the influence of socio‐demographic, psychosocial, and perinatal factors on the length of exclusive breastfeeding among 189 Canadian primiparous mothers. A majority of the participants did not meet their exclusive breastfeeding goals, and only 5% breastfed exclusively for a full 6 months. Breastfeeding self‐efficacy, in‐hospital formula supplementation, prenatal class attendance, and type of delivery independently predicted exclusive breastfeeding duration. Findings underscore the complex interplay of factors influencing breastfeeding, highlight the early postpartum weeks as a critical period for the establishment of exclusive breastfeeding, and suggest the need for a continuum of pre‐ and postnatal strategies for prolonging the exclusive breastfeeding period. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:428–441, 2008
“Distorted into clarity”: A methodological case study illustrating the paradox of systematic review
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete , Voils Corrine I. , Barroso Julie , Lee Eun‐Jeong
Published: March 2008

Systematic review is typically viewed in the health sciences as the most objective—that is, rigorous, transparent, and reproducible—method for summarizing the results of research. Yet, recent scholarship has shown systematic review to involve feats of interpretation producing less certain, albeit valuable, results. We found this to be the case when we tried to overcome the resistance to synthesis of a set of qualitative and quantitative findings on stigma in HIV‐positive women. These findings were difficult to combine largely because of fuzzy conceptualizations of stigma and the volume of unique quantitative findings. Our encounter with findings resistant to synthesis heightened our awareness of the extent to which all systematic reviews are accomplished by practices that paradoxically “distort [research findings] into clarity.” © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:454–465, 2008
Postnatal management of prenatally diagnosed abdominal masses and anomalies
Authors: Heaton Todd E. , Liechty Kenneth W.
Published: March 2008

Rapid advancement in fetal diagnostic imaging has increased our ability to diagnose a multitude of anomalies in the prenatal period. The purpose of this chapter is to review our current understanding of prenatally diagnosed intra‐abdominal lesions, and describe the current guidelines for the postnatal management and subsequent outcome for these lesions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.