bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free latissimus dorsi flap transfer for subtotal scalp and cranium defect reconstruction: Report of 7 cases
Authors: Hierner Robert , van Loon Johann , Goffin Jan , van Calenbergh Frank 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObject: The purpose of the paper is to review the results of free latissimus dorsi transfer for scalp and cranium reconstruction in case of large defects with exposed brain tissue, deperiosted cranial bone, and dura that cannot be reconstructed with local flaps or skin grafts. Methods: Free latissimus dorsi transfer was carried out in an interdisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery and plastic surgery in seven patients with subtotal and total scalp defects (two reconstruction after tumor removal, two reconstructions after longstanding osteitis, 2× tissue break down after irradiation, 1× defect reconstruction after high voltage injury). There were three male and four female patients. The age ranged from 36 to 72 years. Reconstruction was carried out with a muscle flap (1×) or a myo‐cutaneous flap (6×) in combination with a split thickness skin mesh (1:1.5) graft, done in a single‐stage procedure. In a retrospective clinical study the following criteria were evaluated: 1) flap healing, 2) esthetic result, and 3) complications. All flaps healed primarily, and all wound remained closed without any signs of infection. Complete wound healing was achieved after 4–8 weeks, depending on the healing of the skin grafts. Secondary skin grafting was necessary in two patients, revision of the donor site in two patients. From an esthetic point of view four patients complained about the appearance of the retroauricular skin island. After removal of the skin island 6 months after the initial operation, all patient judged the result as good or acceptable. Conclusion: Besides the free omentum flap, the free latissimus dorsi transfer is the only option for coverage of subtotal or total scalp defects. Compared to the omentum flap, the latissimus dorsi offers more tissue, has less donor site morbidity, and secondary surgery such as cranial bone reconstruction is possible. Contrary to most authors, our preferred donor vessels are maxillary artery and the external jugular vein. To avoid any vascular compression we are using a myo‐cutaneous flap. The skin island must be removed secondarily. In patients were no bone reconstruction is possible or planned, the deepithelialized skin paddle can be used for correction of a contour defect. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Validation of microsurgical models in microsurgery training and competence: A review
Authors: Chan Woan‐Yi , Matteucci Paolo , Southern Stephen J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMicrosurgery has expanded the scope of many surgical specialties and is evolving into an integral part of training programmes. The complexity of microsurgery requires considerable time and resources for adequate training and practice. This article reviews the validation of microsurgical models for microsurgery training and competence. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Effect of conduit repair on aberrant motor axon growth within the nerve graft in rats
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Kubo Tateki , Matsuda Ken , Hattori Ryo , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Yano Kenji , Hosokawa Ko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAfter peripheral nerve injury, minimizing axonal misdirection has been a matter of importance to obtain good functional outcomes. In general, it becomes more challenging as the nerve defect length is longer. As previous works suggested that a conduit repair leaving a short gap could induce some target‐specific reinnervation, we expected that a distally placed conduit combined with nerve graft would enhance the specificity of reinnervation, especially in dealing with a long gap. To test this, a 14‐mm‐long gap was created in the rat sciatic nerves and repaired with either 1) whole nerve graft (WG), 2) interfascicular nerve grafts (FG), or 3) whole nerve graft combined with distally placed silicone tube leaving a 5‐mm gap (TUBG). At the end of follow up, the extent of target specific reinnervation (measurement of the compound muscle action potentials evoked by stimulation of the sciatic nerve and its tibial and common peroneal fascicles) and the accuracy of motoneuronal projection (sequential retrograde labeling of the common peroneal motor pool) were assessed. Both assessments revealed that groups FG and TUBG had a similar selectivity, which was significantly higher than in group WG. Consistent with these results, the functional recovery as assessed by walking track analysis showed no significant difference between groups FG and TUBG, whereas those were significantly superior to group WG. In contrast, histomorphometric assessment of the regenerating axons and wet muscle weight showed no significant difference among the three groups. In conclusion, conduit repair would have some effects on reducing motor axonal misdirection, and it might be more effective when used in the management of a large defect in combination with nerve graft. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Identification of novel and known ovary‐specific genes including ZP2, in a marsupial, the stripe‐faced dunnart
Authors: Au Phil Chi Khang , Whitley Jane , Vaux David , Selwood Lynne , Familari Mary 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDuring the early stages of oogenesis, oocyte‐specific factors, synthesized by and stored within the oocyte, play critical roles during oogenesis, folliculogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development in the mouse. The identification of marsupial maternal factors, expressed specifically in the ovary or oocyte, may provide an insight into the conserved evolutionary mechanisms that drive mammalian oocyte development to cleavage stages. In this study, 10 clones including dunnart ZP2 and c‐mos, isolated by cDNA representational difference analysis, were validated by RT‐PCR for ovary‐specific expression. This novel combination of techniques to isolate ovary‐specific genes has identified three novel genes with ovary‐specific expression. Both dunnart ZP2 and c‐mos exhibited ovary‐specific expression, making this study the first isolation of c‐mos in a marsupial species. Dunnart ZP2 expression was examined in detail by in situ hybridization and results indicate oocyte‐specific expression of dunnart ZP2 in the cytoplasm of oocytes of primordial, primary and secondary follicles with expression being highest in oocytes of primary follicles. ZP2 was not expressed in granulosa cells of any follicles. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 318–325, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An efficient triangular plate element with C1‐continuity
Authors: Kasparek E. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA new method is derived to interpolate the transverse displacement in a triangular domain using the conventional three degrees of freedom per vertex. The shape functions belong to Sobolev space H2 and are adopted to develop an efficient, conformal finite element for thin plates. There are only a few alternative formulations, which likewise satisfy the required C1‐continuity as well as completeness and integrability of curvatures without additional degrees of freedom. These elements are quite stiff and are not of major interest today. Numerical investigations prove the high accuracy and rapid convergence of the new approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient non‐linear reanalysis of skeletal structures using combined approximations
Authors: Amir Oded , Kirsch Uri , Sheinman Izhak 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNon‐linear reanalysis of large‐scale structures usually involves much computational effort, because the set of non‐linear equations must be solved repeatedly during the solution process. Various approximations that are often used for linear reanalysis are not sufficiently accurate for non‐linear problems. In this study, solution procedures based on the combined approximations approach are developed and compared in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Various path‐independent non‐linear analysis and reanalysis problems are considered, including material non‐linearity, geometric non‐linearity and buckling analysis. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedures presented. It is shown that in various cases accurate results can be achieved efficiently. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting the picture: programme awareness amongst film festival customers
Authors: Unwin Elinor , Kerrigan Finola , Waite Kathryn , Grant David 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

This study explores how film festival customers become aware of a festival programme compared to general release films. The purpose of this research is to understand the decision‐making process in the context of cultural offerings consumption, and the role that customer relationship marketing (CRM) plays. An in‐depth interview was conducted with the marketing manager of the festival and three focus groups were conducted amongst infrequent, mid‐range and frequent attendees. Findings show that customers value and desire direct communication and that as attendance frequency increases the range of information sources used decreases. The implications for CRM are that greater use should be made of virtual and physical direct communication and that there are opportunities for targeting communications.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and photopolymerization of divinyl ethers using an iodonium initiator: the effect of temperature
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Cook Wayne D , Chen Fei 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDifferential scanning calorimetry was employed to monitor the thermal polymerization and the photopolymerization kinetics of divinyl ethers by temperature‐ramping and isothermal modes, respectively, with a diphenyl iodonium salt photoinitiator and a thioxanthenone photosensitizer. For thermal polymerization of triethylene glycol divinyl ether (TEGDVE), the peak temperature (i.e. the temperature at the maximum rate) decreased with increased photoinitiator concentration and reduced scanning rate, but the final conversions were all very high (>90%). The exotherm was extremely narrow, suggesting that the reaction was inhibited by a cation scavenger until it was all consumed. The activation energy, determined by the Ozawa method, was 108 ± 7 kJ mol−1. With isothermal photopolymerization of the flexible divinyl ether TEGDVE, the final conversion rose from 30 to 70% with an increase in temperature from 40 to 80 °C. A similar trend but with much lower conversions was observed for a more rigid divinyl ether (bis[4‐(vinyloxy)butyl] terephthalate, BVEBT). For TEGDVE, the activation energy determined from the maximum photocuring rate was 43 ± 4 kJ mol−1, but the activation energy measured at a fixed conversion increased as the conversion rose. A similar value for the activation energy was found for the photocuring of BVEBT. The changes in the dynamic rheology were measured for TEGDVE during its photocuring and the gel point identified. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the cured TEGDVE polymer showed it was a highly crosslinked network with Tg of 23 °C. The vinyl ethers could also be thermally cured by free radicals, but the extent of conversion was less than 33%. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of a novel aromatic–aliphatic hyperbranched polyamide and its application in piezoelectric immunosensors
Authors: Liu Meihua , Shen Guangyu , Xu Weijian , Shen Guoli 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn aromatic–aliphatic AB2 monomer, 5‐[3‐(4‐aminophenyl)propionylamino]isophthalic acid, prepared from 5‐aminoisophthalic acid and 3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)propionic acid, and the corresponding hyperbranched polyamide were fabricated. Applications in piezoelectric immunosensors as supports for antibody immobilization were studied. The introduction of the hyperbranched polyamide greatly increased the amount of immobilized antibody on the electrode and consequently increased the sensitivity of the complete piezoelectric immunosensor. The investigation of the properties of the sensors indicated that the hyperbranched polyamide was a suitable support for antibody/antigen immobilization. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Application‐directed syntheses of surface‐functionalized organic and inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Klapper Markus , Clark Jr Christopher G , Müllen Klaus 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn overview of the formation of inorganic and organic particles in emulsions is presented. The key aspect in these syntheses is the use of specially designed surface‐active components. Examples of synthesis‐driven approaches to various functional nanoparticles are illustrated. Surfmers based on isophthalic acid give access to particles for highly stabilized emulsions. Amphiphilic block copolymers as emulsifiers result in particles with excellent film‐forming properties or which are applicable as supports for metallocenes. Amphiphilic statistical copolymers are used for the compatibilization of inorganic nanoparticles in hybrid materials. Block and statistical copolymers are versatile stabilizers of non‐aqueous emulsions. In such systems nanoparticles obtained by either water‐sensitive monomers or catalysts can be realized. Surface functionalization with aliphatic or aromatic amines results in latex particles, which are suitable as supports for postmetallocenes or as flocculants in the papermaking process. In each area, the incorporation of the amphiphiles at the nanoparticle surface is not only important for the particle formation itself, but also decisive for the applicability of the particles. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation, characterization and preliminary calcium release study of floating sodium alginate/dextran‐based hydrogel beads: part I
Authors: Bajpai Sunil Kumar , Tankhiwale Rasika 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIonically crosslinked calcium alginate/dextran‐based floating beads were prepared using NaHCO3 as porogen. Various micrometric properties such as tapped density, apparent density, compressibility index, etc., were determined for beads with different compositions. The beads were also evaluated for their mechanical strength. The percent buoyancy of the beads was measured as a function of time in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2 at 37 °C). The beads prepared with higher concentrations of NaHCO3 porogen and CaCl2 crosslinker possessed 100% buoyancy and remained buoyant for nearly 20 h, or even more. Finally, the release of calcium from the beads was observed to follow diffusion‐controlled Higuchi kinetics. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystallization behavior and optical and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene nucleated with rosin‐based nucleating agents
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Dou Qiang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Rosin‐based nucleating agents, as natural products, do not have any toxicity; hence they could be used in the industrial processing of polypropylene for the manufacture of food containers. As a result they have been the subject of considerable scientific interest in the literature. In this paper, the non‐isothermal crystallization behavior, and optical and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nucleated with rosin‐based nucleating agents are reported. Polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction were used to investigate the morphology and crystal structure of iPP with different rosin‐based nucleators. The effects of a 1:1:1 co‐crystal on the properties of iPP were also investigated.Results: The addition of rosin‐based nucleating agents led to the following changes in properties: (a) shortened crystallization half time, (b) decreased size of iPP crystals, (c) slightly increased crystallinity and (d) increased transparency, gloss, flexural modulus and tensile strength. The shrinkage of nucleated iPPs was similar to that of the blank iPP.Conclusion: Rosin‐based nucleating agents in iPP were shown to be effective for nucleating crystals, reducing their size and causing preferential growth along the b‐axis, but suppressing detectable spherulites. The 1:1:1 co‐crystal was effective at 0.2 wt%, a greater concentration giving little additional improvement. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence of asthma‐like symptoms in young children
Authors: Bisgaard Hans , Szefler Stanley 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, impact, and treatment of asthma‐like symptoms in preschool children in USA and Europe.Study Design7251 households in USA and Europe with at least one child aged 1–5 years were interviewed by telephone for recurrent days troubled by cough, wheeze or breathlessness during the recent 6 winter months.Results9490 young children were identified, 32% of whom were reported to suffer from recurrent days with troublesome cough, wheeze or breathlessness. Detailed interview with the 2700 mothers of the symptomatic children showed that 24% of this interview population suffered weekly symptoms despite current treatment with considerable impact on lifestyle and healthcare resource use. Antibiotics, cough‐ and herbal‐medications were the most commonly used treatments. Anti‐asthmatic and anti‐allergy agents were prescribed in the order: inhaled β2‐agonists > inhaled corticosteroid > oral anti‐histamines > oral corticosteroids. The reported symptom burden was higher in Southern Europe and there were pronounced regional differences in treatment and diagnostic terms.ConclusionsRecurrent days with cough, wheeze or breathlessness in preschool children represents a major cause of morbidity in preschool children despite current treatment. There is a striking lack of international consensus on diagnosis and treatment. This uncontrolled morbidity highlights a significant unmet clinical need in preschool children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007, 42:723–728. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostatic stromal cells derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia specimens possess stem cell like property
Authors: Lin Victor K. , Wang Shih‐Ya , Vazquez Dolores V. , C. Xu Chet , Zhang Sheng , Tang Liping 
Published: June 2007

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThe hyper‐proliferative activity of stromal smooth muscle (SM) cells is believed to be responsible for the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We have observed that those stromal cells can differentiate into unrelated specialized cells. We thus hypothesize that stromal cells derived from adults prostate specimens may contain adult stem cells. To test this hypothesis, human prostate stromal primary cultures were established and used for characterization of their stem cell properties.METHODSImmunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR, and tissue culture techniques were used to characterize the primary cultured human prostate‐derived stromal cells for their stem cell and differentiation properties. The plasticity of these stromal cells was analyzed using cell culture and histology techniques.RESULTSPrimary cultured prostate stromal cells from BPH patient possess polygonal and elongated fibroblast/myofibroblast cellular morphology. They are positive in CD30, CD34, CD44, NSE, CD133, Flt‐1, stem cell factor (SCF), and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), but negative in C‐Kit, stem cell antigen (SCA), SH2, CD11b. Expression of SM myogenic markers in these cells may be induced by sodium butyrate (NaBu) treatment. Induction to osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in these cells is also evident.CONCLUSIONSOur study on primary stromal cells from BPH patients have yielded many interesting findings that these prostate stroma cells possess: (1) mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers; (2) strong proliferative potential; and (3) ability to differentiate or transdifferentiate to myogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic lineages. These cell preparations may serve as a potential tool for studies in prostate adult stem cell research and the regulation of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate 67: 1265–1276, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Definition of an electrostatic relay switch critical for the cAMP‐dependent activation of protein kinase A as revealed by the D170A mutant of RIα
Authors: Abu‐Abed Mona , Das Rahul , Wang Lijun , Melacini Giuseppe 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe Regulatory (R) subunit of Protein Kinase A (PKA) inhibits its kinase activity by shielding the Catalytic (C) subunit from physiological substrates. This inhibition is reversed in response to extra‐cellular signals that increase cAMP levels in the cytoplasm. Upon cAMP binding to R, C is allosterically released from R, activating a spectrum of downstream signaling cascades. Crystallographic data indicated that a series of distinct conformational changes within CBD‐A must occur to relay the cAMP signal from the cAMP binding site to the R:C interaction interface. One critical cAMP relay site within the CBD‐A of R has been identified as Asp170 because the D170A mutation selectively reduces the negative cooperativity between the cAMP‐ and C‐recognition sites (i.e. the KD for the R:C complex in the presence of cAMP is reduced by more than 12‐fold), without significantly compromising the high affinity of R for both binding partners. Here, utilizing an integrated set of comparative NMR analyses we have elucidated how this critical electrostatic switch is able to control the interaction network which transmits the cAMP signal within CBD‐A. The D170A‐induced variations in backbone chemical shifts as well as in hydrogen‐deuterium and hydrogen‐hydrogen exchange profiles show that Asp170 not only plays a pivotal role in controlling the local conformation of the phosphate binding cassette (PBC), where cAMP docks, but also significantly affects the long‐range cAMP‐dependent interaction network that extends from the PBC to the three major sites of C‐recognition. We also found that the D170A mutation promotes partial unfolding, thus assisting the uncoupling of the α‐ and β‐subdomains of CBD‐A as required for the major α‐helical conformational re‐arrangement necessary for C‐binding. Overall, the emerging map of allosteric networks features Asp170 as an essential component of an electrostatic switch mechanism that stabilizes the conformation of the PBC region for optimal interaction with cAMP and that is also crucial for relaying allosteric effects leading to C subunit activation. Taken together, our results consolidate the interdependence between the Asp170 relay site and the R:C interaction interface. Furthermore, they provide insight into the driving forces for the in vivo formation of intermediate PKA ternary complexes. Finally, our current study is relevant for elucidating the antagonistic properties of Rp‐cAMPS on PKA by providing a detailed picture of the long‐range effects of the altered interaction between this analog and the PBC. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.