bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio‐Based Nanocomposites from Corn Oil and Functionalized Organoclay Prepared by Cationic Polymerization
Authors: Lu Yongshang , Larock Richard C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA reactive organic montmorillonite clay (VMMT), modified with (4‐vinylbenzyl) triethylammonium cations, has been prepared and used as a nanofiller to reinforce a corn‐oil‐based polymer resin. The polymer resin was prepared by the cationic polymerization of conjugated corn oil, styrene and divinylbenzene, using boron trifluoride diethyl etherate modified with Norway fish oil as the initiator. The results indicate that the VMMT is intercalated in the corn‐oil‐based polymer resins. When compared with the pure polymers, these novel nanocomposites reinforced with 2 to 3 wt.‐% VMMT exhibit significant improvements in modulus, strength, strain and toughness. Furthermore, incorporating VMMT into the corn‐oil‐based polymer matrix also leads to improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites over the pure resins of up to 400 °C.magnified image
Improved survival of rat ischemic cutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps after VEGF gene transfer
Authors: Antonini Andrea , Zacchigna Serena , Papa Giovanni , Novati Federico , Pascone Michele , Giacca Mauro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWhen harvesting microsurgical flaps, the main goals are to obtain as much tissue as possible based on a single vascular pedicle and a reliable vascularization of the entire flap. These aims being in contrast to each other, microsurgeons have been looking for an effective way to enhance skin and muscle perfusion in order to avoid partial flap loss in reconstructive surgery. In this study we demonstrate the efficacy of VEGF 165 delivered by an Adeno‐Associated Virus (AAV) vector in two widely recognized rat flap models. In the rectus abdominis miocutaneous flap, intramuscular injection of AAV‐VEGF reduced flap necrosis by 50%, while cutaneous delivery of the same amount of vector put down the epigastric flap's ischemia by >40%. Histological evidence of neoangiogenesis (enhanced presence of CD31‐positive capillaries and α‐Smooth Muscle Actin‐positive arteriolae) confirmed the therapeutic effect of AAV‐VEGF on flap perfusion. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Assessment of the microsurgical skills: 30 minutes versus 2 weeks patency
Authors: Ilie Vlad , Ilie Victor , Ghetu Nicolae , Popescu Sidonia , Grosu Oana , Pieptu Dragos 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the amount of training needed by a trainee, with no background in microsurgery, in order to achieve proper skills for microvascular anastomosis. A protocol based on the rat femoral artery was established to provide a quantitative representation. Five inexperienced subjects started performing microvascular anastomosis. Patency was assessed at 30 min. The final assessment was performed at 2 weeks when rats were reoperated and the patency below the anastomosis was checked. The experiment was discontinued for one subject when he/she succeeded to have two series of four anastomosis with 100% patency at 2 weeks. The results were: 47.5% patency rate at 30 min and 7.5% at 2 weeks (series 1–2); 67.5 and 32.5% (3–4); 82.5 and 35% (5–6); 100 and 70% (7–8); 100 and 87.5% (9–10). Two trainees obtained 100% patency at 2 weeks after series 9–10. Other three needed two more series. There is a significant statistic difference (P < 0.01) between the results at 30 min and 2 weeks for the series (1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8). The patency rate at 2 weeks reflects in a better way the microsurgical skills of a trainee. For long term functioning anastomosis, the training period needs an extension beyond that necessary for 100% patency at 30 min. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Microsurgical treatment of injury to peripheral nerves in upper and lower limbs: A critical review of the last 8 years
Authors: Portincasa A. , Gozzo G. , Parisi D. , Annacontini L. , Campanale A. , Basso G. , Maiorella A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNerve injuries to the upper and inferior limbs represent a common event due both to home and working accidents. Minor traumas can lead to severe disabilities if a wrong treatment is carried out. From 1997 to 2005, 920 patients were observed with a total of 1,200 major or minor nerves injuries operated. In 852 cases acute lesions treated. In 68 patients we reviewed old injuries. In 707 patients direct nerve suture and in 145 patients nerve grafts were carried out. One to 8 years follow up observed. Different protocols were adopted according to the injury: simple cut, complex lesion or surgical revision. Results were evaluated during the follow up period with different models: motor evaluation in six levels (BMRC), sensitive evaluation in five levels (HIGHET), and global evaluation with four grades (from the worst to the best result). Nerve healing is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by many parameters related both to the patient characteristics and nerve lesion. Functional and esthetical outcomes vary also according to: age, cultural and economic condition, health status, and smoking.1, 2 Post operative rehabilitation is mandatory to obtain an acceptable functional result. Nerve injuries to the upper and inferiorlimbs represent a challenge for the microsurgeon. Ultimate success in nerve surgery is judged by functional as well as cosmetic parameters. Only patients with the appropriate indication should be operated and always by a skilled surgeon. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
The cephalic and external jugular veins: Important alternative recipient vessels in left‐sided microvascular breast reconstruction
Authors: Casey William J. , Rebecca Alanna M. , Smith Anthony A. , Craft Randall O. , Buchel Edward W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: The internal mammary and thoracodorsal vessels are the standard recipient sites in microsurgical breast reconstruction. We review our series of venous outflow alternatives when these vessels are inadequate or unusable. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of all free breast reconstructions was performed from July 2003 through December 2005. Outcomes were measured with regard to re‐exploration, flap failure, and fat necrosis, with attention to the timing and side of reconstruction, as well as the presence or absence of radiation therapy. Results: A total of 141 free breast reconstructions were performed during the study period. In seven cases (5%), alternative venous outflow vessels were selected (cephalic or external jugular vein). Nine anastamotic complications occurred, all of which involved the left internal mammary group (statistically significant for venous thrombosis, P = 0.0063) and three flaps failed. All cephalic and external jugular veins remained patent with no flap failures or fat necrosis within this group. Conclusion: The cephalic vein and external jugular vein are excellent alternatives for venous outflow in free breast reconstruction if neither the internal mammary nor thoracodorsal veins are sufficient, especially in left‐sided reconstruction. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Branching and Crosslinking in Coordination Terpolymerizations
Authors: Dias Rolando C. S. , Costa Mário Rui P. F. N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA general kinetic method, based upon population balances of generating functions, is applied to the prediction of the microstructure and molecular size of non‐linear terpolymers obtained through the coordination polymerization of two monovinyl monomers and a non‐conjugated diene. A rather complex kinetic scheme involving crosslinking and long‐chain branching is considered. It is shown that even in these conditions it is possible to carry out the prediction of molecular size and mass distributions, sequence size distributions, and z‐average mean‐square radius of gyration of the polymers. The influence of some kinetic parameters on the properties of the products is studied, considering a homogeneous operation in a semi‐batch reactor. The used simulation method is able to predict these properties before and after gelation whenever it occurs.magnified image
Pharmacologic evaluation of pressor and visceromotor reflex responses to bladder distension
Authors: Su Xin , Riedel Erin S. , Leon Lisa A. , Laping Nicholas J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAimsSeveral mechanisms that are involved in acute rat bladder nociception were examined. The nociceptive response was measured by analyzing both cardiovascular and visceromotor reflex responses to urinary bladder distension. The contributions of µ‐opioid receptor, κ‐opioid receptor, sodium channels, muscarinic receptors, and cyclooxygenase, were explored with morphine, U50,488, mexiletine, oxybutynin, and naproxen, respectively.MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats were acutely instrumented with jugular venous, carotid arterial, and bladder cannulas. Needle electrodes were placed directly into the abdominal musculature to measure myoelectrical activity subsequent to repeated phasic urinary bladder distension (60 mmHg for 20 sec in 3 min intervals) under 1% isoflurane. Drugs were administered by i.v. bolus injection 2 min prior to distension.ResultsThe analgesics morphine (ID50 0.69 mg/kg), U50,488 (1.34 mg/kg), and mexiletine (2.60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the visceromotor reflex response to noxious urinary bladder distension. Oxybutynin also attenuated reflex responses to noxious urinary bladder distension to 41% of the maximal pressor response and 32% of the control visceromotor reflex response (3.01 and 5.05 mg/kg), respectively, indicating a role of muscarinic receptors in bladder nociception. Naproxen did not attenuate the pressor response, but moderately inhibited visceromotor reflex to 45% of control at 30 mg/kg (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCurrent results using the rat urinary bladder distension model are consistent with previous research demonstrating a role of the analgesics (morphine, U50,488, and mexiletine) in the inhibition of visceral nociceptive transmission. The utility of the reflex responses to urinary bladder distension may provide a method useful to examine mechanisms which target the bladder sensory pathway. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:249–253, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Politicians win again in San Diego county. County manager charter defeated but by much reduced majority
Authors: Hoopes Charles 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOur readers will remember thta the San Diego county manager charter, when first up in 1917, was defeated by a vot eof more than two to one. Following revelations by a grand jury a second manager charter was presented this year. The campaign was marked by the united opposition of city and county politicians although there was little actual criticism of charter provisions. It is another evidence of how strongly the politicians are entrenched in our unreconstructed counties
STATE SUPERVISION OF LOCAL INDEBTEDNESS
Authors: Lancaster Lane W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe creation and tetirememnt of local debt in the United States has been considered by our States as a problem for constitutional and legislative treatment. In view of the facts that eleven billion dollars' worth of state and municipal securities are now in the hands of investros and thet this sum is being added to at the rate of form fifty to seventy‐five millions per month, the charactor of these legal restrictions is an intersting subject of investigation
A Boston charter referendum
Authors: McCaffrey George H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractUnder a law passed by the Massachusetts legislature, the citizens of Boston will vote in November upon an amendment to their city charter. The amendment relates to the city council, and the voters must decide whether they will return to the old ward representation or will adopt a system of five boroughs, three councilmen to be chosen from each borough. Redrawing of ward boundaries, to be undertaken by a legislative commission, creates an irregular situation.
Legislative “war” in Rhode Island
Authors: Hubbard C. C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAs we go to press the Republican senators are still in “exile” in Massa‐achusetts, following a “gas attack” in the senate chamber. The chairman of the Republican state committee, a Rhode Island gambler, and a Boston man of unsavory reputition have been indicated as being responsible for placing the “bomb.“ The attorney general, who secured the indictment, is a Democrat.
Reliable entertainment: Spanish consumers' preferences regarding a film's country of origin
Authors: García‐Álvarez Ercilia , Filimon Nela , López‐Sintas Jordi 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

This article contributes to the study of cinema audiences in Europe by analyzing the actual behavior of Spanish moviegoers and their level of satisfaction. We modeled moviegoers' choice of film by country of origin (U.S.A., Spain, and other countries) according to a set of determinants: (1) consumers' interpretation of several sources of information, (2) motivations and (3) choice rules. We found three clear consumer stereotypes related to each type of film: (1) U.S.A. films were preferred by almost everyone (especially families and younger audiences); (2) Spanish films had audiences composed of middle‐age and middle‐class moviegoers; and (3) European productions were preferred by a social or intellectual elite. U.S.A. films dominate the Spanish market for the reason that they provide most of what moviegoers prefer, namely, familiar, reliable entertainment in Spanish; three characteristics that are not satisfied by Spanish and European films. Additionally, we discuss the implications for the European cultural policy.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ethylene–acrylate–(maleic anhydride) terpolymer on mechanical properties and morphology of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polyamide‐6 blends
Authors: Qu Cheng , Su Run , Zhang Qin , Du RongNi , Fu Qiang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) blends are promising for engineering and food‐packaging applications. However, their poor toughness limits their use. In this study, an ethylene–acrylate–(maleic anhydride) terpolymer (E‐AE‐MA) was added to PET/PA‐6 blends in order to improve the toughness.Results: Izod impact tests indicated an excellent toughening effect of E‐AE‐MA. E‐AE‐MA particles were observed to be selectively dispersed at the interface between PET and PA‐6 phases and in the domain of the PA‐6 phase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrated that the formation of E‐AE‐MA layers around PA‐6 particles cut off the interaction between PET and PA‐6, resulting in an enlarged PA‐6 phase domain.Conclusion: Based on the experimental results, a core–shell microstructure, with PA‐6 as a hard core and E‐AE‐MA as a soft shell, could be suggested. The formation of this core–shell microstructure, along with the increased PA‐6 phase domain size, is the main toughening mechanism of E‐AE‐MA in PET/PA‐6 blends. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Nuclear androgen receptors recur in the epithelial and stromal compartments of malignant and non‐malignant human prostate tissue several months after castration therapy
Authors: Wikström Pernilla , Ohlson Nina , Stattin Pär , Bergh Anders 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs changed paracrine support from androgen receptor (AR)‐positive cells in the prostate stroma contribute to castration‐induced glandular involution, we examined if the subsequent relapse to androgen‐independent epithelial cell growth could be related to reactivation of AR signaling in the stroma.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman prostate tissue taken before, within 14 days, and at suspected local tumor relapse after surgical castration therapy was immunostained for AR.RESULTSCastration initially decreased nuclear AR staining in epithelial and stroma cells, in both tumor and non‐malignant tissue, but after some months, it reappeared.CONCLUSIONSLocal tumor relapse was associated with reappearance of nuclear AR not only in tumor epithelial cells but also in the tumor stroma. Reappearance of nuclear AR in non‐malignant prostate cells may be a physiological response to long‐term systemic androgen ablation that could influence tumor growth. Prostate 67: 1277–1284, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo effects of bicalutamide on the expression of TrkA and P75 neurotrophin receptors in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Festuccia Claudio , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Muzi Paola , Pomante Roberto , Ventura Luca , Ricevuto Enrico , Vicentini Carlo , Bologna Mauro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRATIONALENeurotrophine tyrosine kinase receptors (NTR) are expressed in prostate carcinoma (PCa), and their distribution seems to be related to disease malignancy.MATERIAL AND METHODSIn this article we analyzed the expression of NTRK1 (TrkA), NTRK2 (TrkB), NTRK3 (TrkC), and p75NTR in a 102 patient cohort with clinically localized tumors, which had been surgically treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Among these, 61 patients received RP as sole treatment, and 41 patients received neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT) for 120 days with bicalutamide 150 mg/day. In addition, we analyzed the NTR expression in vitro in the androgen receptor positive, androgen‐sensitive cell strains derived from CWR22R.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSWe demonstrated that: (i) TrkA and TrkC levels were significantly upmodulated, whereas (ii) p75NTR seemed to be reduced, and (iii) TrkB expression seemed to be not affected by NHT. TrkA were constitutively activated when its levels were very high. In vitro studies showed that the dehydrotestosterone (DHT) was able to maintain low TrkA and TrkC protein levels. Conversely, DHT was able to maintain p75NTR at high levels. Bicalutamide treatment induced TrkA and TrkC and reduced p75NTR expression. Antiproliferative effects of CEP701 were dependent to TrkA levels. A therapeutical effect of CEP701 was seen in all culture conditions, and bicalutamide seemed to sensitize prostate cancer cells to the effects of a pan TrkA inhibitor CEP701, suggesting that a sequential therapy between these drugs could further increase the efficacy of Trk inhibition. Prostate 67: 1255–1264, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional assignment of MAPK phosphatase domains
Authors: Nordle Anna K.L. , Rios Pablo , Gaulton Anna , Pulido Rafael , Attwood Teresa K. , Tabernero Lydia 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are well conserved in most organisms, from yeast to humans. The principal components of these pathways are MAP kinases whose activity is regulated by phosphorylation, implicating various MAPK protein effectors—in particular, protein phosphatases that inactivate MAPKs by dephosphorylation. The molecular basis of binding specificity of such regulatory phosphatases to MAPKs is poorly understood. To try to pinpoint potential functional regions within the sequences and to help identify new family members, we have applied a multimotif pattern‐recognition approach to characterize two MAPK phosphatase subfamilies (tyrosine‐specific and dual specificity) that are crucial in the regulation of MAPKs. We built “fingerprints” for these two subfamilies that are unique to, and highly discriminatory for, each group of proteins. The fingerprints were used in a genome‐wide screen, identifying more than 80 MAPK phosphatase domains, several of which were in partial sequences or unclassified proteins. We confirmed experimentally that one predicted MAPK phosphatase orthologue in Xenopus binds to ERK1/2, suggesting a role in MAPK signaling and thus supporting our functional predictions. Further analysis, mapping the fingerprints on the three‐dimensional structure of MAPK phosphatases, revealed that some of the fingerprint motifs reside in the N‐terminal noncatalytic regions coinciding with reported MAPK binding sites, while others lie within the catalytic phosphatase domain. These results also suggest the presence of putative allosteric sites in the catalytic region for modulation of protein–protein interactions, and provide a framework for future experimental validation. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The helix–coil transition revisited
Authors: Chen Yantao , Zhou Yaoqi , Ding Jiandong 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this article, we perform a dynamic Monte Carlo simulation study of the helix–coil transition by using a bond‐fluctuation lattice model. The results of the simulations are compared with those predicted by the Zimm–Bragg statistical thermodynamic theory with propagation and nucleation parameters determined from simulation data. The Zimm–Bragg theory provides a satisfactory description of the helix–coil transition of a homopolypeptide chain of 32 residues (N = 32). For such a medium‐length chain, however, the analytical equation based on a widely‐used large‐N approximation to the Zimm–Bragg theory is not suitable to predict the average length of helical blocks at low temperatures when helicity is high. We propose an analytical large‐eigenvalue (λ) approximation. The new equation yields a significantly improved agreement on the average helix‐block length with the original Zimm–Bragg theory for both medium and long chain lengths in the entire temperature range. Nevertheless, even the original Zimm–Bragg theory does not provide an accurate description of helix–coil transition for longer chains. We assume that the single‐residue nucleation of helix formation as suggested in the original Zimm–Bragg model might be responsible for this deviation. A mechanism of nucleation by a short helical block is proposed by us and provides a significantly improved agreement with our simulation data. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FireDock: Fast interaction refinement in molecular docking
Authors: Andrusier Nelly , Nussinov Ruth , Wolfson Haim J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHere, we present FireDock, an efficient method for the refinement and rescoring of rigid‐body docking solutions. The refinement process consists of two main steps: (1) rearrangement of the interface side‐chains and (2) adjustment of the relative orientation of the molecules. Our method accounts for the observation that most interface residues that are important in recognition and binding do not change their conformation significantly upon complexation. Allowing full side‐chain flexibility, a common procedure in refinement methods, often causes excessive conformational changes. These changes may distort preformed structural signatures, which have been shown to be important for binding recognition. Here, we restrict side‐chain movements, and thus manage to reduce the false‐positive rate noticeably. In the later stages of our procedure (orientation adjustments and scoring), we smooth the atomic radii. This allows for the minor backbone and side‐chain movements and increases the sensitivity of our algorithm. FireDock succeeds in ranking a near‐native structure within the top 15 predictions for 83% of the 30 enzyme‐inhibitor test cases, and for 78% of the 18 semiunbound antibody‐antigen complexes. Our refinement procedure significantly improves the ranking of the rigid‐body PatchDock algorithm for these cases. The FireDock program is fully automated. In particular, to our knowledge, FireDock's prediction results are comparable to current state‐of‐the‐art refinement methods while its running time is significantly lower. The method is available athttp://bioinfo3d.cs.tau.ac.il/FireDock/.Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.