bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator Gene Exon Sequence is Normal in a Patient with Edematous Eosinophilic Nasal Polyps
Authors: Bucholtz Gerald A. , Ejercito Victor S. , Burmester James K.
Published: July 2007

Nasal polyps are the most common mass lesions found in the nose and their etiology is unknown. Nasal polyps from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are histologically distinct from nasal polyps from patients without CF. It has been suggested that a mutation (G551D) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene may play a role in nasal polyp formation in patients without CF. To investigate the possibility that this or other CFTR gene exon mutations are required for nasal polyp formation, the CFTR gene exons were sequenced from peripheral blood DNA derived from an adult patient with edematous eosinophilic nasal polyps and no personal or family history of CF. No mutations or deletions were identified in any of the CFTR exons. A single polymorphism (A or G) was found in exon 10, base pair 1540, amino acid 470. This polymorphism was detected in 11 of 16 subjects (69%) with edematous eosinophilic nasal polyps and 10 of 21 normal subjects (48%) without nasal polyps and was not statistically significant (p = 0.316). These results demonstrate that mutations of the CFTR coding region are not a prerequisite for the formation of edematous eosinophilic nasal polyps.
Nasal Nitric Oxide: A Comparison of Measurement Techniques
Authors: Silkoff P.E. , Chatkin J. , Qian W. , Chakravorty S. , Gutierrez C. , Furlott H. , McClean P. , Rai S. , Zamel N. , Haight J.
Published: July 2007

Nasal nitric oxide measurement may be a surrogate marker of upper airway inflammation. There is, however, no standardized measurement technique; and this led us to examine measurement techniques for acceptability and reproducibility. In five subjects we examined the flow dependence of nasal NO. In 13 healthy volunteers, nasal NO was measured on-line by five methods: 1) Tidal nasal and oral breathing: NO sampling during exclusive nasal followed by exclusive oral tidal breathing; 2) Fixed flow exhalation: NO sampling during exclusive nasal followed by exclusive oral exhalation at 100 mL/second from total lung capacity; 3) Nasal-oral aspiration: air aspirated from the mouth via both nares at 100 mL/second with glottis closure; 4) Aspiration from one nares: air aspirated from one nares at 3.3 mL/second using nitric oxide analyzer sample line with velum closure; 5) Nasal Insufflation: NO sampled at one nares as air insufflated into the other nares at a flow of 100 mL/second with velum closure. Acceptability of all methods was assessed by subjects and technicians. Nasal NO concentration showed a significant inverse correlation with transnasal flow rate. All methods showed excellent reproducibility as assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient except tidal breathing, which showed highly variable breath-to-breath NO levels, although mean breath values were reproducible. Mean nasal NO concentrations with methods 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 32.1, 50.2, 62.8, 1381, and 60.0 ppb, respectively. Velum closure was not always achieved in methods 4 and 5, whereas methods 1 and 2 required separate nasal and oral procedures. Method 5 had reduced acceptability. NO concentrations were similar with methods that used the same airflow (2, 3, and 5). Nasal NO can be sampled in different ways with excellent reproducibility. In view of the flow dependence of nasal NO, it is vital to use a constant flow rate, and lower airway NO contribution must be excluded or subtracted. The fixed flow exhalation appears to be the preferred method as it is highly reproducible and acceptable.
Endoscopic Treatment of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Newlands Shawn D. , Weymuller Ernest A.
Published: July 2007

Traditional treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) has included open surgical approaches for the majority of tumors. At the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), endoscopic techniques have been used for the removal of some small JNAs. This report describes the institutional experience in treating these tumors. The medical records of 15 patients at UWMC treated over a 15-year period for JNA were reviewed. Three patients were treated only by an endoscopic approach, and one patient had a combined endoscopic and open procedure. All three of the patients treated only by the endoscopic approach were disease free with a minimum of 24 months follow up. The one patient treated with a combined endoscopic and open approach had recurrence of disease. Endoscopic removal after embolization effectively treated three patients with early stage JNAs. Indications for this procedure are discussed.
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Biopsy of the Sphenoid and Clival Mass
Authors: Kelley Timothy F. , Stankiewicz James A. , Chow James M. , Origitano Thomas C.
Published: July 2007

Abnormalities of the clivus/skull base occur most commonly as a result of disease spread from adjacent structures, but can also occur from primary involvement of the clivus. Traditionally, definitive diagnosis was made by CT guided biopsy or craniotomy. However, lesions can occur in this area that are not amenable to CT guided biopsy or craniotomy. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery can provide a safe method for obtaining a clival biopsy, debulking of tumor tissue, or definitive treatment without the morbidity and mortality of a craniotomy. This study was designed to describe our experience with the endoscopic approach to the skull base and clivus via the sphenoid sinus. A series of seven patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal biopsy of a sphenoid clival lesion. All patients avoided anticipated craniotomy, and definitive pathology was obtained in five of six patients. In two cases, excisional biopsy proved to be therapeutic. There were no deaths, and major complications included one CSF leak and one intraoperative hemorrhage, both of which were controlled immediately. The experience gained with these patients demonstrates the feasibility and safety of this new application of endoscopic sinus surgery for the diagnosis and possible treatment of lesions of the sphenoid and clivus.
Endoscopic Resection of Fibro-Osseous Lesions of the Paranasal Sinuses
Authors: Brodish Brian N. , Morgan Charles E. , Sillers Michael J.
Published: July 2007

Fibro-osseous tumors, including osteomas, ossifying fibro-mas, and fibrous dysplasia, are not uncommon benign lesions arising in the paranasal sinuses. Conventional wisdom advocates resection when these lesions are symptomatic, or when they exhibit rapid growth. Traditionally, resection has been performed via a variety of open approaches. With the advent of sinonasal endoscopy in the mid 1980s, and subsequent advances in technology and surgical techniques, endoscopic management of some of these lesions is now feasible. To date, a search of the literature reveals only three case reports of osteomas resected with endoscopic guidance. We present a series of 10 symptomatic fibro-osseous lesions (nine osteomas and one fibrous dysplasia) occurring in nine patients in which endoscopic techniques were used. Seven ethmoid and frontal recess osteomas were resected transnasally and one sphenoid sinus fibrous dysplasia was resected using a transseptal transsphenoidal approach with the assistance of direct endoscopic visualization. There were two anticipated CSF leaks that were recognized and repaired at the time of surgery. There were no other complications and no tumor recurrence. All patients noted improvement in preoperative symptoms. We discuss patient selection, operative techniques and strategies, and the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscopic approach in the management of paranasal sinus fibro-osseous lesions.
Ultrastructural Localization of NADPH-Diaphorase Activity in the Endothelial Cells of Human Nasal Respiratory Mucosa
Authors: Ruffoli Riccardo , Fattori Bruno , Soldani Paola , Giambelluca Maria A. , Giannessi Francesco
Published: July 2007

The cavernous sinuses are the most peculiar feature of the nasal angioarchitecture, due to their ability to retain a large quantity of blood in reply to a variety of topical and systemic stimuli. Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has seemed to be crucially involved in the nasal vascular regulation. The distribution of NO-synthase (NOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of NO, was studied in the endothelium of nasal blood vessels by the ultracytochemical detection of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) enzymic activity. The endothelium of the cavernous sinuses appeared strongly positive, whereas the endothelium of arterioles was occasionally labeled. The endothelial cells of capillaries and venules were found to be NADPH-d negative. The strong enzymic activity observed in the cavernous sinuses suggests a major role of NO in the capacitance vessels compared to the resistance vessels. The hypothesis of a reciprocal inhibition between the NOS enzymic pathways present in the respiratory epithelium and in the endothelium of cavernous sinuses is put forward. The nasal disorders characterized by anomalous vasomotility and vascular permeability could be caused in part by the irregular control of these complex interactions.
Monoclonal Antibody-Detectable Carbohydrate Epitopes of Human Nasal Secretions are Differentially Expressed in Tissue and Diseases
Authors: Kishioka Chikako , Shimizu Takeshi , Fujita Kenichiro , Ito Yasuhiko , Majima Yuichi , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: July 2007

To study the differential carbohydrate expression of airway secretions, we have produced a series of monoclonal antibodies that recognize human nasal secretory cell products. Mice were immunized with purified nasal secretion from patients with chronic sinusitis (CS) and hybridomas were selected by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining of the maxillary sinus mucosa from patients with CS. Eighteen antibodies were obtained. Antibody HCS 18 reacted with epithelial goblet cells, antibody HCS 4, 5, 6, and 16 stained submucosal gland cells, and antibody HCS 13 and 15 reacted with epithelial goblet cells, submucosal gland cells, and endothelial cells of vessels. The other eleven antibodies recognized epithelial goblet cells and submucosal gland cells. Cross-reactivity of these antibodies with secretory cells in other organs and in other species was determined and the different staining pattern was observed between upper and lower airway tissue, suggesting that secretory products from upper and lower airways may be different. Reactivity of the antibodies with nasal secretory cells was also examined in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) and normal subjects. Antibody HCS 18 weakly reacted with nasal glands in the tissue from CS and AR patients, but minimally reacted with gland cells in normal tissue. Antibody HCS 1 and 7 partially lost their reactivity with nasal epithelium of inferior turbinate from normal subjects and AR patients. These antibodies may be useful to study nasal secretions.
Efficacy and Safety of Levocabastine Nasal Spray for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Hampel Frank C. , Martin Bruce G. , Dolen Jale , Travers Suzanne , Karcher Keith , Holton Denise
Published: July 2007

This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of levocabastine nasal spray, a potent and selective H1-receptor antagonist, in the control of histamine-mediated symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Adults with ≥2 year history of allergic rhinitis due to Mountain Cedar were randomized to treatment with levocabastine nasal spray (0.2 mg twice daily) or placebo for 28 days during the 1994–1995 Mountain Cedar allergy season. Patients assessed the severity of their rhinitis symptoms on a four-point scale twice daily. At the end of the trial, patients also performed a global evaluation of treatment efficacy on a five-point scale. Overall for the 4-week treatment period, levocabastine nasal spray significantly reduced major nasal (runny nose and sneezing) and primary rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing, and itchy/gritty eyes) symptoms compared with placebo on both repeated measures (p = 0.023; p = 0.01) and ANOVA (p = 0.003; p < 0.001) analyses. Global evaluations of treatment efficacy at the end of the trial significantly favored levocabastine over placebo (p = 0.002). Overall, the incidence of adverse events was similar for both treatment groups. In general, most adverse events were mild in intensity, with sinusitis (17% each group), headache (17% placebo, 14% levocabastine), and rhinitis (8% placebo, 2% levocabastine) most commonly reported. Levocabastine nasal spray 0.2 mg twice daily was significantly more effective than placebo in the relief of histamine-mediated symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and was well tolerated over the 28-day treatment period.
Diagnostic Significance of Impression Cytology in Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Şapçi Tarik , Gürdal Canan , Onmuş Hale , Gökdemir Özcan , Özkurt Yelda , Şengör Tomris , Akbulut Uğur Günter
Published: July 2007

Impression Cytology (IC) is a noninvasive and easily repeated technique for investigating many pathologies of the conjunctiva such as dry eye, drug toxicities, and melanoma. In addition to skin tests and determination of serum IgE levels, the presence of eosinophilia in the nasal mucosa and the conjunctiva is an important diagnostic factor in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Eosinophilia can classically be shown by the nasal smear technique as well as IC. The nasal smear is a difficult test to carry out and does not always give adequate results. With this in mind, we collected cells from the nasal mucosa and superior palpebral conjunctiva from 27 patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (17 female, 10 male) using 5 × 5 mm, 0.22 μm pore-sized cellulose acetate paper. The specimens were fixed in 95% alcohol and were then stained with hematoxylin eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stain for examination by light microscopy. Taking the free and intraepithelial eosinophilia into consideration, the specimens were grouped. Of all patients, 92.6% and 85.2% had nasal and conjunctival eosinophilia, whereas 44.4% and 25.9% had nasal and conjunctival mononuclear cells, respectively. Our study has shown that IC is a very reliable and practical technique that offers a valuable alternative test for investigating both the intraepithelial and free eosinophilia in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and other pathologies that cause cytologic changes.
Development of the Paranasal Sinuses in Children with Sinus Disease
Authors: Medina Javier , Tom Lawrence W.C. , Marsh Roger R. , Bilaniuk Larissa T.
Published: July 2007

In a previous report, the authors defined the normal development of the paranasal sinuses. Landmarks and dimensions relevant to functional endoscopic sinus surgery were measured on the computed-tomography images of 145 children who were free of significant sinusitis. The present study compares those normal values to the same measurements in 235 cases of sinus disease. No significant difference was found between normal and diseased groups in any of the 10 dimensions originally reported or in six derived measures. There appears to be no association between sinus disease and any of these dimensions. The previously reported norms are applicable to cases of pediatric sinus disease.
Clinical Value of Olfactory Function Tests after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Short-term Result
Authors: Shin Seung Heon , Park Jae Yul , Sohn Jin Ho
Published: July 2007

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is now the surgical procedure of choice for treating chronic sinusitis in patients of all ages. We performed the olfactory function test before and after FESS and assessed its clinical value. From February 1996 through July 1996, 50 bilateral sinusitis patients had received FESS, butanol threshold test, and odor identification test, performed preoperatively, at postoperative 1 month, and at postoperative 2 months. We analyzed preoperative computed tomography to determine the grade of sinusitis and status of the olfactory cleft. The status of the olfactory cleft significantly influenced the preoperative olfactory threshold score (p < 0.001). At 2 months postoperatively, the subjective symptoms of the patients were improved in 96% and objective olfactory threshold were improved in 68% of patients. There was no correlation between subjective symptoms and olfactory threshold improvement. Our study suggests that the olfactory threshold test may help predict the result of FESS, but for more accurate and reliable assessment, we should consider other objective methods like anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, ciliary beat frequency, and postoperative endoscopic findings.
Studies of Spontaneous Fluctuations in Congestion and Nasal Mucosal Microcirculation and the Effects of Oxymetazoline Using Rhinostereometry and Micromanipulator Guided Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Authors: Grudemo Hans , Juto Jan-Erik
Published: July 2007

The mucosa of the inferior turbinate was studied using rhinostereometry and micromanipulator-guided laser Doppler flowmetry in 10 healthy volunteers. First, spontaneous fluctuations were studied measuring congestion and multiple microcirculatory parameters simultaneously every 2 minutes. The subjects were then challenged with oxymetazoline using the same measuring technique studying the effects of the challenge during 12 minutes. There were spontaneous variations in congestion of up to 2.1 mm and variations in perfusion from 38% to 175% of average. There was no correlation between congestion in itself, or change in congestion, to perfusion or any other microcirculatory parameter. After challenge with oxymetazoline there was a rapid decrease in perfusion at 3 minutes after which there were no significant changes. The congestion decreased gradually throughout the procedure. Because congestion reflects the filling of the venous sinusoids and the flowmetry the state of the superficial vessels, we conclude that there are spontaneous short-term fluctuations in the sympathetic tone with independent actions on the different vessels. After challenge with a sympathomimetic drug, there was a decrease in both swelling and flow, but not synchronized. The combination of rhinostereometry and micromanipulator-guided laser Doppler flowmetry is a useful tool to study the dynamics of intranasal challenge reactions.
Effects of IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β on Ciliary Beat Frequency of Human Nasal Ciliated Epithelial Cells in Vitro
Authors: Rhee Chae-Seo , Hong Soon Kwan , Min Yang-Gi , Lee Chul Hee , Lee Kang Soo , Ahn Soon-Hyun , Park Kwang-Seok , Yi Won Jin
Published: July 2007

Previous reports suggested that several cytokines may influence the ciliary beat of the airway ciliated epithelial cells. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human nasal ciliated epithelial cells. CBF of cultured human nasal ciliated epithelial cells was measured 24 hours after incubating with concentrations of 0.01 ng/mL, 0.1 ng/mL, 1 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, and 100 ng/mL of each recombinant human (rh) cytokine including rhIL-1β, rhTNF-α, and rhTGF-β. CBF was measured with time at concentrations of 1 ng/mL of rhIL-1β, 10 ng/mL of TNF-α, and 1 ng/mL of TGF-β solutions. CBF of the human nasal ciliated epithelial cells increased after addition of rhIL-1β and rhTNF-α. Maximum CBF was observed at 1 ng/mL of rhIL-1β and at 10 ng/mL of rhTNF-α. CBF increased progressively to 4 hours after addition of rhIL-1β and rhTNF-α. Increased CBF sustained for 24 hours and decreased by 2 days. However, no variation of CBF was observed after addition of rhTGF-β, regardless of concentrations and time. The results of this study suggest that during acute inflammation, IL-1β and TNF-α may have a potential role in defense mechanism of human nasal epithelium by regulating CBF of the nasal ciliated epithelial cells.
Video-Endoscope versus Endoscope for Paranasal Sinus Surgery: Influence on Visual Acuity and Color Discrimination
Authors: Tasman Abel-Jan , Feldhusen Friederike , Kolling Gerold H. , Hosemann Werner
Published: July 2007

Endoscopic and video-endoscopic visual acuity and color discrimination were investigated using a standard disk for testing visual acuity and a color discrimination test. A 1-chip-CCD-Camera (CCC) or 3-chip-CCD-Camera plus digital image processing (digivideo) on the endoscope and a 15 inch high resolution video monitor were used. Color discrimination was investigated by comparing the ability to sort colored disks of low chromatic saturation (desaturated Panel D-15 Test), ranging from yellow to red, under direct vision or via monitor using the same 1-CCC- and 3-CCC-system. Visual acuity deteriorated by 1.58 ± 0.16 steps (±SEM) for the 1-CCC and 1.21 ± 0.16 steps for the 3-CCC plus digivideo compared to vision through the endoscope (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Visual acuity was significantly better for the 3-CCC-video-endoscope compared to the 1-CCC-video-endoscope (p = 0.0045). The difference in color discrimination between the naked eye and the 1-CCC-monitor system was not significant. More mistakes were made with the 3-CCC-monitor system. The impairment of image quality with the video endoscope, which is experienced by many surgeons, is reflected in a marked loss of visual acuity in our experiments. Sharpness and contrast of the video-image are significantly enhanced by the 3-CCC plus digital image processing, compared to the 1-CCC. Color discrimination, however, was not impaired by the 1-CCC, indicating that color perception with the video-endoscope can be very good and may not contribute significantly to the loss of image quality.
Acoustic Rhinometry Evaluation of Nasal Response to Histamine and Antigen in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Ohkawa Chikahisa , Ukai Kotaro , Miyahara Yukinori , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: July 2007

The effects of antigen and histamine on the changes of nasal passage patency in 112 guinea pigs with or without allergic rhinitis were evaluated by acoustic rhinometry. The percent change of volume from the nostril to 2 cm into the nasal cavity showed significant reduction of 31.10 ± 4.11% at 10 minutes and 31.10 ± 4.11% at 30 minutes after antigen challenge in sensitized guinea pigs. The pretreatment with ketotifen, an H1-histamine receptor antagonist as well as mast cell stabilizing drug, blocked dose-dependently the effects of antigen on those changes in volume. Furthermore, instillation of 104 μg/mL histamine reduced significantly nasal passage patency to 33.77 ± 4.63% at 10 minutes and 42.76 ± 3.32% at 30 minutes after challenge compared with that before challenge and ketotifen inhibited the effects of histamine, which indicated that histamine is an important mediator of allergic upper airway responses in guinea pigs. These results show that acoustic rhinometry is a useful technique to assess the nasal blockade in allergic guinea pigs.
Nasal Airway Resistance and Olfactory Acuity following Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Ikeda K. , Watanabe K. , Suzuki H. , Oshima T. , Tanno N. , Shimomura A. , Sunose H. , Takasaka T. , Ikeda H. , Yoshimoto T.
Published: July 2007

Rhinological problems after a transseptal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary tumors were prospectively investigated in 25 patients with special reference to nasal airway resistance and olfactory acuity. Five patients showed a significant increase in the unilateral and/or total nasal airway resistance. Endoscopic observation of the nasal cavity revealed the presence of crust formation, hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, or synechiae. Three patients showed a significant deterioration in olfactory acuity. Coronal CT views with good visualization of the olfactory cleft were helpful in evaluating causes of hyposmia postoperatively.
Dyakonov-Tamm wave at the planar interface of a chiral sculptured thin film and an isotropic dielectric material
Authors: Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Polo John A.
Published: July 2007

Surface waves, named here as Dyakonov-Tamm waves, can exist at the planar interface of an isotropic dielectric material and a chiral sculptured thin film (STF). Due to the periodic nonhomogeneity of a chiral STF, the range of the refractive index of the isotropic material is smaller but the range of the propagation direction in the interface plane is much larger, in comparison to those for the existence of Dyakonov waves at the planar interface of an isotropic dielectric material and a columnar thin film. Dyakonov-Tamm waves could therefore be detected more easily than Dyakonov waves.
Numerical analysis of a slit-groove diffraction problem
Authors: Besbes M. , Hugonin J. P. , Lalanne P. , van Haver S. , Janssen O.T.A. , Nugrowati A. M. , Xu M. , Pereira S. F. , Urbach H. P. , van de Nes A. S. , Bienstman P. , Granet G. , Moreau A. , Helfert S. , Sukharev M. , Seideman T. , Baida F. I. , Guizal B. , Van Labeke D.
Published: July 2007

We present a comparison among several fully-vectorial methods applied to a basic scattering problem governed by the physics of the electromagnetic interaction between subwavelength apertures in a metal film. The modelled structure represents a slit-groove scattering problem in a silver film deposited on a glass substrate. The benchmarked methods, all of which use in-house developed software, include a broad range of fully-vectorial approaches from finite-element methods, volume-integral methods, and finite-difference time domain methods, to various types of modal methods based on different expansion techniques.
Application of lipase immobilized on nylon‐6 for the synthesis of butyl acetate by transesterification reaction inn‐heptane
Authors: Pahujani Shweta , Shukla Surendra Kumar , Bag Bhawani Prasad , Kanwar Shamsher S. , Gupta Reena
Published: August 2007

A purified alkaline thermotolerant bacterial lipase fromBacillus coagulansBTS‐3 was immobilized on nylon‐6 matrix activated by glutaraldehyde. The matrix showed ∼ 70% binding efficiency for lipase. The bound lipase was used to perform transesterification inn‐heptane. The reaction studied was conversion of vinyl acetate and butanol to butyl acetate and vinyl alcohol. Synthesis of butyl acetate was used as a parameter to study the transesterification reaction. The immobilized enzyme achieved ∼ 75% conversion of vinyl acetate and butanol (100 mmol/L each) into butyl acetate inn‐heptane at 55°C in 12 h. When alkane of C‐chain lower or higher thann‐heptane was used as an organic solvent, the conversion of vinyl acetate and butanol to butyl acetate decreased. During the repetitive transesterification under optimal conditions, the nylon bound lipase produced 77.6 mmol/L of butyl acetate after third cycle of reuse. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Enzymatic retting of kudzu fibers
Authors: Kawahara Yutaka , Tsuda Tomoyuki , Minami Hideaki , Nishiuchi Shigenori , Endo Rie
Published: August 2007

The enzymatic retting of kudzu fibers was performed with several commercial enzymes, and the effects on the retting were compared with respect to the smoothness of the surface of the fibers and the mechanical properties. The commercial enzymes were classified into two types, that is, cellulase and pectinase. For the cellulase type, enzymatic decomposition occurred almost topochemically because of the cooperation of cellulase with high activity, and then the retting was fully achieved, suppressing the damage to the intercellular matrix (middle lamella) by pectinase. For the pectinase type, decomposition predominately occurred in the middle lamella joining the adjacent fibrous cells. Therefore, the tensile properties of the retted fibers were lowered. In the retting of kudzu fibers, a topochemical process is promising for producing fibers with excellent luster that retain the tensile properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and characterization of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane‐based benzoxazines and their polymers
Authors: Men Weiwei , Lu Zaijun
Published: August 2007

A series of diamine‐based benzoxazine precursors have been prepared using 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane, formaldehyde, and different phenol derivatives including phenol, p‐cresol, and 2‐naphthol. Their chemical structures were identified by FTIR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The curing reactions of those precursors were monitored by FTIR and DSC. The obtained materials exhibited higher glass transition temperature and char yields than the corresponding bisphenol‐A based polybenzoxazines. The polybenzoxazine prepared from phenol showed the highest char yields of 65% and thermal stability with 5 and 10% weight‐loss temperatures at 346 and 432°C, respectively. The polybenzoxazine prepared from 2‐naphthol exhibited the highest glass transition temperature at 244°C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and selective binding characterization of Bisphenol A imprinted polyethersulfone particles
Authors: Yang Kaiguang , Li Bingquan , Zhou Hui , Ma Jiaojiao , Bai Pengli , Zhao Changsheng
Published: August 2007

Bisphenol A (BPA) imprinted polyethersulfone (PES) particles were prepared for the recognition of BPA by means of phase inversion method. During the preparation of the BPA‐imprinted particles, acetone, ethanol and acetone/ethanol solutions were used to extract the template BPA molecules. The SEM morphology and the recognition experiments suggested that the acetone/ethanol provided an efficient way to extract the BPA from the imprinted PES particles. The binding and recognition ability for the imprinted particles disappeared under alkali condition, and they recovered as soon as possible when the solution changed from alkali condition to neutral or acid condition. With the addition of Na+, Mg2+, and Cl−, the binding amounts for the imprinted particles and nonimprinted particles were not changed heavily, which suggested the potential application of the particles in seawater. In the BPA/BPA analogue mixed solution, the imprinted particles showed selectivity for the template molecules BPA. The FTIR results suggested that the PES and BPA interacted through hydrogen bonds. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis, properties, and gas permeation performance of cardo poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing phthalimide side groups
Authors: Chen Guang , Zhang Xiaosa , Zhang Suobo , Chen Tianlu , Wu Yonglie
Published: August 2007

Novel bisphenol monomers (1a‐d) containing phthalimide groups were synthesized by the reaction of phenolphthalein with ammonia, methylamine, aniline, and 4‐tert‐butylanilne, respectively. A series of cardo poly(arylene ether sulfone)s was synthesized via aromatic nucleophilic substitution of 1a‐d with dichlorodiphenylsulfone, and characterized in terms of thermal, mechanical and gas transport properties to H2, O2, N2, and CO2. The polymers showed high glass transition temperature in the range 230–296°C, good solubility in polar solvents as well as excellent thermal stability with 5% weight loss above 410°C. The most permeable membrane studied showed permeability coefficients of 1.78 barrers to O2 and 13.80 barrers to CO2, with ideal selectivity factors of 4.24 for O2/N2 pair and 28.75 for CO2/CH4 pair. Furthermore, the structure–property relationship among these cardo poly(arylene ether sulfone)s had been discussed on solubility, thermal stability, mechanical, and gas permeation properties. The results indicated that introducing 4‐tert‐butylphenyl group improved the gas permeability of polymers evidently. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Structure and properties of cellulose nanocomposite films containing melamine formaldehyde
Authors: Henriksson Marielle , Berglund Lars A.
Published: August 2007

Films of high Young's modulus and low density are of interest for application as loudspeaker membranes. In the present study nanocomposite films were prepared from microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and from MFC in combination with melamine formaldehyde (MF). The prepared materials were studied with respect to structure as well as physical and mechanical properties. Studies in SEM and calculation of porosity showed that these materials have a dense paper‐like structure. The moisture sorption isotherms were measured and showed that moisture content decreased in the presence of MF. Mechanical properties were studied by dynamical mechanical thermal measurements as well as by tensile tests. Cellulose films showed an average Young's modulus of 14 GPa while the nanocomposites showed an average Young's modulus as high as 16.6 GPa and average tensile strength as high as 142 MPa. By controlling composition and structure, the range of properties of these materials can extend the property range available for existing materials. The combination of comparatively high mechanical damping and high sound propagation velocity is of technical interest. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Malnutrition after oesophageal cancer surgery in Sweden
Authors: Martin L , Lagergren J , Lindblad M , Rouvelas I , Lagergren P
Published: August 2007

Background

Oesophageal cancer resection carries a risk of nutritional disorders. The aim of this study was to estimate weight change after surgery in a population-based setting and to identify nutritional problems that might correlate with weight loss.

Methods

Data were collected through the Swedish Esophageal and Cardia Cancer Register, a nationwide registry of oesophageal cancer surgery. Patients who underwent oesophageal cancer surgery between 2001 and 2004 were followed up until April 2005, and data on patient and tumour characteristics and surgical treatment were collected. Six months after surgery the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about weight and a health-related quality of life questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) with an oesophageal-specific module (EORTC QLQ-OES18)).

Results

The response rate to the questionnaire was 76·9 per cent and weight change in 226 patients was analysed. Six months after operation 63·7 per cent had lost more than 10 per cent of their preoperative BMI, and 20·4 per cent had lost more than 20 per cent. Appetite loss, eating difficulties and odynophagia were significantly linked to postoperative weight loss, whereas dysphagia or reflux did not correlate with malnutrition.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is a considerable problem after oesophagectomy, and is linked to appetite loss, eating difficulties and odynophagia.
The value of radio‐anatomical features on non‐contrast CT scans in localizing the source in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Tryfonidis M. , Evans A.L. , Coley S.C. , Hodgson T.L. , Connolly D.J.A. , Romanowski C.A.J. , Patel U.J.
Published: August 2007

Identification of the source of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) can be a challenge in the presence of multiple aneurysms. This study was carried out to assess whether radioanatomical features on noncontrast enhanced computerised tomography (CT) scans may be of value in localizing ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The diagnostic CT scans of 56 consecutive patients, investigated for SAH with cerebral angiography, over a period of six months were available for review. Various radioanatomical features were assessed: (1) pattern of subarachnoid blood (e.g. predominant site and location near major vessel bifurcation), (2) presence of intraparenchymal haematoma, (3) presence of aneurysm contour and (4) hydrocephalus. On the basis of the findings an estimation of the anatomical location of the source of bleeding was made and then compared with the angiogram findings to which the reviewer was blinded. The location of the aneurysm was correctly identified in 89.5% of cases. Careful analysis of the pattern of bleeding was essential for the successful localization of the aneurysm in all these cases. The presence of an aneurysm contour was also associated with correct identification of the source of bleeding (χ2 = 6.067, P = 0.02). Our findings suggest that radioanatomical features on CT scans in SAH can be a valuable aid in the correct identification of the location of the ruptured aneurysm. This would be of particular significance in the presence of multiple intracranial aneurysms. Clin. Anat. 20:618–623, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metal‐Binding Properties of a Dicysteine‐Containing Motif in Protein Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Ahmadibeni Yousef , Hanley Michael , White Millie , Ayrapetov Marina , Lin Xiaofeng , Sun Gongqin , Parang Keykavous
Published: August 2007

Studying the structural consequences of the direct binding of arsenite, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and lead to a number of protein tyrosine kinases led to the discovery of the metal‐binding properties of a dicysteine‐containing motif in the C‐terminal (CT) lobe of the kinases. Of all the synthesized peptides derived from different domains of c‐Src and Csk, only peptides based on a dicysteine‐containing motif located in the CT lobe of the kinase domain—CPESLHDLMCQC and CPESLHDLMC in c‐Src, and CPPAVYDVMKNC in Csk—exhibited significant conformational changes in the presence of all metals, as shown by circular dichroism (CD) analyses. Furthermore, CD analysis of natural enzymes c‐Src, Csk, Fyn, c‐Abl, Lck, EGFR, and c‐Src domains containing the CT lobe in the presence of metals showed a significant concentration‐dependent conformational change. ICP‐MS, 113Cd NMR, 33S NMR, and/or molecular modeling studies of CPESLHDLMC and CPPAVYDVMKNC confirmed the binding between the free sulfhydryl groups of the cysteine residues and CdII or AsIII. UV‐titration studies suggested a high‐affinity interaction between CdII and AsIII and the peptides (Kd values in the range of 0.6–18.3 nM).
Standardization of line‐scan NIR imaging systems
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yu Honglu , MacGregor John F.
Published: August 2007

A simple and easy to use method is proposed for standardizing NIR imaging systems for differences among detectors in the charge‐coupled device (CCD) array and illumination unevenness. The standardization equations are then used to pre‐treat NIR image data to reduce the systematic errors introduced by a line‐scan NIR imaging system. The method requires only easily available homogeneous standards with relatively uniform spectral response. The effectiveness of the standardization in reducing the pixel‐to‐pixel biases and other systematic effects is illustrated with examples, and the improved sensitivity in results obtained from a multivariate image analysis (MIA) based on multi‐way principal component analysis (MPCA) is demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Electronic Structure Required for the Uniaxial Magnetic Properties of the Magnetic Metal SrCo6O11.
Authors: Lee Changhoon , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan , Villesuzanne Antoine
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Thermodynamic Assessment of the Co‐Nd System
Authors: Liu Xuebing , Du Zhenmin , Guo Cuiping , Li Changrong
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Isothermal Section of the Eu—Co—Sb Ternary System at Room Temperature.
Authors: Li J. Q. , Feng X. W. , Liang J. L. , Jian Y. X. , Liu F. S.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
An Experimental Investigation on Combustion Synthesis of Transition Metal Silicides V5Si3, Nb5Si3, and Ta5Si3.
Authors: Yeh C. L. , Chen W. H.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Intramolecular Anionic Diels—Alder Reactions of 1‐Aryl‐4‐oxahepta‐1,6‐diyne Systems in DMSO.
Authors: Kudoh Takayuki , Mori Tomoko , Shirahama Mitsuhito , Yamada Masashi , Ishikawa Teruhiko , Saito Seiki , Kobayashi Hisayoshi
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regiochemistry in the Reductive Opening of Phthalan Derivatives.
Authors: Foubelo Fancisco , Garcia Daniel , Moreno Benjamin , Yus Miguel
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Novel Method of Remotely Triggering a Cyclopropyl Carbinyl to Homo‐Allyl Radical Fragmentation Process.
Authors: Penkett Clive S. , Lane Richard
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Highly Advantageous Metal‐Free Approach to Diaryl Disulfides in Water.
Authors: Carril Monica , SanMartin Raul , Dominguez Esther , Tellitu Imanol
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Palladium Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Chemoselective Hydrogenolysis of Benzylic Epoxides in Water.
Authors: Thiery Emilie , Le Bras Jean , Muzart Jacques
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Highly Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation of Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocycles with Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides.
Authors: Zhu Liangbo , Cheng Liang , Zhang Yuxi , Xie Rugang , You Jingsong
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Asymmetric Vinylogous Mannich Reaction of Dicyanoalkylidenes with α‐Amido Sulfones under Phase‐Transfer Conditions.
Authors: Niess Barbara , Joergensen Karl Anker
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Nitrogen‐Doped Magnetic Carbon Nanoparticles as Catalyst Supports for Efficient Recovery and Recycling.
Authors: Yoon Hyeonseok , Ko Sungrok , Jang Jyongsik
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Titanacyclobutenes of Titanium Vinyl Carbene Complexes? Reactivity of Organotitanium Species Generated by the Reaction of γ‐Chloroallyl Sulfides with a Titanocene(II) Reagent.
Authors: Shono Tomohiro , Kurashige Rie , Mukaiyama Ryo , Tsubouchi Akira , Takeda Takeshi
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Preparatiom of anti‐1,2‐Disubstituted Homopropargylic Alcohols by Addition of Allenyl(cyano)cuprates to Aldehydes.
Authors: Alouane Nacira , Vrancken Emmanuel , Mangeney Pierre
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
An Efficient Method for the α‐Acetoxylation of Ketones.
Authors: Sheng Jinmei , Li Xiaolong , Tang Mingfang , Gao Botao , Huang Guosheng
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Low‐Valent Niobium‐Catalyzed Reduction of α,α,α‐Trifluorotoluenes.
Authors: Fuchibe Kohei , Ohshima Yoshitaka , Mitomi Ken , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Ketones to β‐Nitrostyrenes by Means of 1,2‐Amino‐Alcohol‐Derived Prolinamides as Bifunctional Catalysts.
Authors: Almasi Diana , Alonso Diego A. , Gomez‐Bengoa Enrique , Nagel Yvonne , Najera Carmen
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Selective N‐Monoalkylation of Anilines Catalyzed by a Cationic Ruthenium(II) Compound.
Authors: Naskar Sipra , Bhattacharjee Manish
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Pd(0)‐Catalyzed Amphiphilic Allylation of Aldehydes with Vinyl Epoxide.
Authors: Kimura Masanari , Mukai Ryutaro , Tamaki Takato , Horino Yoshikazu , Tamaru Yoshinao
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Convenient Synthesis of β‐Chlorovinylaldehydes with Bis‐(trichloromethyl) Carbonate.
Authors: Su W. K. , Zhuang Y. G. , Wu D. Z. , Zhong W. H.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Solvent‐Free Cyanosilylation of Ketones with (CH3)3SiCN (TMSCN) Catalyzed by NbF5.
Authors: Kim Sung Soo , Rajagopal Gurusamy , George Soney C.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Samarium Metal Promoted Facile C‐Acetylation of Baylis—Hillman Adducts in the Presence of Iron(III) Chloride and Iodine.
Authors: Li Shaoyu , Li Jian , Jia Xueshun
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A One‐Pot, Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,3‐ and 1,4‐Dienyl Sulfones by Hydrostannylation—Stille Tandem Reaction of Tributyltin Hydride with Acetylenic Sulfones and Alkenyl or Allylic Halides.
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , Chen Guiqin , Hao Wenyan
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Phosphine Containing Oligonucleotides for the Development of Metallodeoxyribozymes.
Authors: Ropartz Loic , Meeuwenoord Nico J. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Rhenium‐ and Gold‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aromatic Aldehydes with Trimethyl(phenylethynyl)silane: Synthesis of Diethynylmethanes.
Authors: Kuninobu Yoichiro , Ishii Eri , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.