bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal disease in Arima syndrome is nephronophthisis as in other Joubert‐related Cerebello–oculo–renal syndromes
Authors: Kumada Satoko , Hayashi Masaharu , Arima Kunimasa , Nakayama Hiroshi , Sugai Kenji , Sasaki Masayuki , Kurata Kiyoko , Nagata Michio 
Published: September 2004

AbstractClinicopathological features of the renal disease in Arima syndrome were studied in five autopsy cases. All cases showed insidious development of end‐stage renal disease during childhood, preceded by polyuria/polydipsia, anemia, and growth failure. Decreased urinary concentrating ability and excessive sodium loss were the characteristic laboratory findings. Gross examination showed that both kidneys were small and showed multiple cysts of various sizes. The histological examinations revealed chronic sclerosing tubulo‐interstitial nephropathy with cystic tubuli predominantly located at cortico‐medullary areas. These observations suggest that the renal disease in Arima syndrome is in accordance with nephronophthisis both clinically and pathologically. Contrary to the previous literature which described that Arima syndrome can be distinguished from other Joubert‐related cerebello–oculo–renal syndromes by its unique renal disease, i.e., cystic dysplastic kidney (CDK), our study indicates that the phenotype of the renal disease is common among these syndromes as well as abnormalities in other organs, suggesting the underlying similar molecular mechanisms. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feeling at risk: How women interpret their familial breast cancer risk
Authors: van Dijk Sandra , Otten Wilma , van Asperen Christi J. , Timmermans Danielle R.M. , Tibben Aad , Zoeteweij Moniek W. , Silberg Sylvia , Breuning Martijn H. , Kievit Job 
Published: September 2004

AbstractWomen's inaccuracy in recalling their breast cancer risk, even immediately after genetic counseling, has received much attention. However, scarce data are available about how women describe their risk in their own words and about what the risk information actually means to them. The present study aims to address interpretations questions and to assess whether these are congruent with the objective risk. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 123 women immediately after their (initial) counseling session. N‐Vivo software was used to describe the data. The level of accuracy of recall depended strongly on the leniency of the criterion applied. For example, the level of verbal accuracy ranged from 25.8% (an exact match with the verbal label) to 98.4% (a more global awareness of having a high versus a low risk). In assessing the significance of personal risk information, we identified a wide variety of risk beliefs, and stress and coping responses. In general, women associated their risk with the medical options, for example, breast screening, that were available for them given their risk status. The results indicate that the accuracy of recall might be a limited outcome measure for the effectiveness of genetic counseling. First, this is because the level of accuracy of recall depends on how rigorously accuracy is defined. Secondly, because the probability of occurrence is just one of the elements comprising perceived risk, accuracy might rather apply to the distress, and to risk management behaviors that are elicited by the risk information. These beliefs that women hold about their risk status, and concomitant levels of stress should play a prominent role in genetic counseling. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel nitrogen‐containing flame retardant
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Ping , Li Wei‐Yi , Wang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe lowering of ignitability and flammability of polyethylene (PE) and the production of fire‐retarding materials has become an urgent problem because of the demand of fire safety. In our article, a new charring agent (CA), a derivative of triazines, was synthesized by charging 2‐amino‐4,6‐dichloro‐s‐triazines and diethylenetriamine into a reactor to conduct the solution polycondensation reaction, and the synthetic conditions of monomer and CA, such as temperature, time, etc., were investigated. Both the monomer and the resulting polymer were characterized by mass spectrum (MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1HNMR, and elemental analysis. The intrinsic viscosities and flame‐retardancy property of CA were also studied. It was found that the incorporation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and CA into low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) has a distinct effect on thermal and flame‐retardancy behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1556–1561, 2004
Novel sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone ketone) derived from bisphenol S
Authors: Li Xianfeng , Na Hui , Lu Hui 
Published: September 2004

AbstractA series of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s derived from bisphenol S were prepared by nucleophilic polycondensation. They showed high thermal resistance and good solubility. Most of the polymers were easily cast into tough membranes. The swelling of the membranes (6.02–16.02%) was lower than that of Nafion membranes, and the ion‐exchange capacity of the membranes (0.67–1.44) was higher than that of Nafion membranes. The proton conductivity of the membranes was 0.022–0.125 s/cm. They could be used as proton‐exchange membranes in fuel cells. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1569–1574, 2004
Influence of mixing procedures and mica addition on properties of NR/BR vulcanizates. I
Authors: Castro Daniele F. , Suarez João Carlos Miguez , Nunes Regina C. R. , Visconte Leila L. Y. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractElastomeric compositions of natural rubber (NR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR) in a 1 : 1 ratio (w/w), with mica in the range 0–30 phr, were investigated. For all compositions the same formulation was used but two different additives incorporation sequences were followed. The results of the tests showed that the mechanical performance is sequence‐dependent, as the two elastomers have very different rheometric characteristics. It was also observed that mica, when present in amounts of 20 and 30 phr, improves the mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) permitted the observation of the fracture behavior of each composition, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) suggested different migration tendencies of the additives in each phase, thus corroborating the differences found for the mechanical properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1575–1585, 2004
Chitosan supported palladium catalyst. VI. Nitroaniline degradation
Authors: Vincent Thierry , Peirano Francisco , Guibal Eric 
Published: September 2004

AbstractA chitosan‐supported palladium catalyst was prepared by immobilization of palladium on glutaraldehyde crosslinked chitosan followed by in situ chemical reduction. This catalyst was successfully used for the degradation of 4‐nitroaniline (4‐NA) in the presence of sodium formate, used as the hydrogen donor. The reaction product was 1,4‐phenylenediamine. The degradation was favored by acidic pH. A 10 to 15 excess of formate (compared to 4‐NA) is required to achieve complete degradation of the substrate. The reaction appears to be limited to the external layers of the catalyst: small particle size is required to optimize the degradation kinetics. Alternatively, an increase of catalyst dosage is required to increase kinetic rates but at the expense of palladium consumption. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1634–1642, 2004
Applying Tikhonov regularization to process the kinetic data of polymerization
Authors: Yeow Y. Leong , Pradhana Stephanus I , Tan Heather C. L. , Leong Yee‐Kwong 
Published: September 2004

AbstractMost experimental polymerization kinetic data are in the form of degree of polymerization versus time plots. However, to explore kinetic models it is more useful to have the data as polymerization rate versus degree of polymerization plots. Converting degree of polymerization into rate is an ill‐posed problem in that if inappropriate methods are used the noise in the data will be amplified, leading to unreliable results. This paper describes a procedure, based on Tikhonov regularization, to perform this conversion. The procedure is independent of kinetic models and keeps noise amplification under control. Its performance is demonstrated using several sets of published polymerization kinetic data. In each case the computed rates are used to determine the parameters in the rate expression proposed in the original papers. Modified rate expressions will also be explored. The ease with which such investigations can be performed highlights the advantages of this new procedure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1625–1633, 2004
SiC microsphere derived from phenolic resin—Ethyl silicate heterogeneous precursors with carbothermic reduction
Authors: Narisawa Masaki , Ukon Hiroshi , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Okamura Kiyohito , Kurachi Yasuo 
Published: September 2004

AbstractHeterogeneous precursors for SiC particles were synthesized from viscous phenolic resin and tetraethyl orthosilicate with hastening ethanol removal process in a concentrated state. In the pyrolysis products, spherical carbon domains with diameter of several micrometers were embedded in the SiO2‐C matrix. After the carbothermic reduction process at 2073 K, SiC‐C spheres were obtained with an SiC yield of ∼80%, while the carbon domains acted as templates of the SiC‐C spheres with complete disappearance of the SiO2‐C matrix area. After the carbon burned out, some of the spheres possessed a hollow structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1612–1618, 2004
Controversies concerning the anatomical definition of the conduction tissues
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Moorman Antoon F.M. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractConduction across the atrioventricular junctions had long been controversial, with arguments raging as to whether such conduction was myogenic or neurogenic. The landmark study of Tawara in 1906 established the existence of an axis of histologically specialized myocardial cells contained within fibrous sheaths as being responsible for rapid conduction from the atrial to the ventricular myocardium. Keith and Flack then demonstrated that the atrial impulse was generated in the sinus node, with subsequent slowing within the atrioventricular node of Tawara. The detailed reviews of Aschoff and Monckeberg then emphasized the morphological features that permit unequivocal recognition of the nodes, along with rapidly conducting tracts. It is now pertinent that we remember these original criteria for anatomical recognition as we discuss the steps involved in the development of these conducting structures from their embryologic primordiums. In this review, we restate the criteria of Aschoff and Monckeberg, then discuss their relevance to the developmental issues, emphasizing that all myocardial cells have the potential to conduct. The important issues, therefore, are the changes that occur as the heart itself changes from a solitary muscular tube, already possessing the capacity t generate an electrocardiogram, to the four‐chambered structure we recognize in postnatal life. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 280B:8–14, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of intravenous [l4C]‐palonosetron in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Stoltz Randall , Parisi Simona , Shah Ajit , Macciocchi Alberto 
Published: September 2004

AbstractPalonosetron (Aloxí(R), Onícít(R)) is a potent, single stereoisomeric 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist developed to prevent chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting. The pharmacokinetics and metabolic disposition of a single intravenous [14C]‐palonosetron (10 µg/kg, 0.8 µCi/kg) bolus dose were evaluated in six healthy volunteers (three males, three females) using serial blood, plasma, urine and fecal samples obtained over 10 days. The safety, tolerability and cardiac effects were assessed. Radiolabeled metabolic characterization revealed that unchanged palonosetron accounted for 71.9% of the total radioactivity in plasma over 96 h, with an extensive distribution volume (8.34 l/kg) and mean plasma elimination half‐life of 37 h. Approximately 83% of the dose was recovered in urine (∼40% as unchanged drug, with 50% metabolized; M9 and M4 were the major metabolites) and 3.4% in feces. Hydrolysis of urine samples suggests that the metabolites are not β‐glucuronide or sulfate conjugates of the parent drug or metabolites. The blood to plasma concentration ratio of the total radioactivity was 1.2, on average, indicating little selective partitioning in erythrocytes. Palonosetron was generally well tolerated; headache was the most frequently reported adverse event. Electrocardiograms and 72 h Holter monitoring revealed no clinically significant changes. Palonosetron circulates in plasma mainly as the parent drug. Renal elimination is the primary excretion route, with parent drug and metabolites M9 and M4 accounting for the majority of palonosetron disposition. These results indicate that both renal and hepatic routes are involved in the elimination of palonosetron from the body. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dice of fate: thecsdgene and how its allelic composition regulates sexual development in the honey bee,Apis mellifera
Authors: Beye Martin 
Published: September 2004

AbstractPerhaps 20% of known animal species are haplodiploid: unfertilized haploid eggs developinto males and fertilized diploid eggs into females. Sex determination in such haplodiploid species does not rely on a difference in heteromorphic sex chromosome composition but the genetic basis has been elucidated in some hymenopteran insects (wasps, sawflies, ants, bees). In these species, the development into one sex or the others depends on an initial signal whether there is only one allele or two different alleles of a single gene, thecomplementary sex determiner(csd), in the zygotic genome. The gene has been most‐recently identified in the honey bee and has been found to encode an arginine serine‐rich (SR) type protein. Heterozygosity generates an active protein that initiates female development while hemizygosity/homozygosity results in a non‐active CSD protein and default male development. I will discuss plausible models of how the molecular decision of male and female is made and implemented. Comparison to hierarchies of dipteran insects suggests that SR‐type protein has facilitated the differentiation of sex‐determining systems and hierarchies. BioEssays 26:1131–1139, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microvascular development: learning from pancreatic islets
Authors: Konstantinova Irena , Lammert Eckhard 
Published: September 2004

AbstractMicrovascular development is determined by the interplay between tissue cells and microvascular endothelial cells. Because the pancreatic islet is an organ composed mainly of endothelial and endocrine cells, it represents a good model tissue for studying microvascular development in the context of a tissue. In this review, we will describe the special morphology of islet capillaries and its role in the physiologic function of islets: secretion of insulin in response to blood glucose levels. We will speculate on how islet‐secreted VEGF‐A generates a permeable endothelium that allows insulin to pass quickly into the blood stream. In addition, we speculate on how endothelial cells might form a capillary lumen within the islets. At the end, we look at the islet microvasculature from a medical point of view, thus describing its critical role during type I diabetes and islet transplantation. BioEssays 26:1069–1075, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Segments and parasegments in Arthropods: a functional perspective
Authors: Deutsch Jean S. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractI review how both the parasegmental and segmental frames are used in constructing the body plan of the arthropods. The parasegment is the primary genetic unit, as shown by Hox gene expression, and the parasegmental design is maintained in the nerve cord. It is, however, not maintained in the epidermis, where the cuticle grooves are segmental, and in the musculature, which is segmental in organisation. This frame shift is reflected in the sensory and motor nerve connections between the ganglia and the periphery. I suggest that the need for movement in an organism equipped with a hard exoskeleton was the functional constraint that shaped this apparently complex mode of development. BioEssays 26:1117–1125, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant coloration undermines herbivorous insect camouflage
Authors: Lev‐Yadun Simcha , Dafni Amots , Flaishman Moshe A. , Inbar Moshe , Izhaki Ido , Katzir Gadi , Ne'eman Gidi 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe main point of our hypothesis “coloration undermines camouflage” is that many color patterns in plants undermine the camouflage of invertebrate herbivores, especially insects, thus exposing them to predation and causing them to avoid plant organs with unsuitable coloration, to the benefit of the plants. This is a common case of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” and a visual parallel of the chemical signals that plants emit to call wasps when attacked by caterpillars. Moreover, this is also a common natural version of the well‐known case of industrial melanism, which illustrates the great importance of plant‐based camouflage for herbivorous insects and can serve as an independent test for our hypothesis. We claim that the enormous variations in coloration of leaves, petioles and stems as well as of flowers and fruits undermine the camouflage of invertebrate herbivores, especially insects. We assume that the same principle might operate in certain animal–parasite interactions. Our hypothesis, however, does not contrast or exclude other previous or future explanations of specific types of plant coloration. Traits such as coloration that have more than one type of benefit may be selected for by several agents and evolve more rapidly than ones with a single type of advantage. BioEssays 26:1126–1130, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The dawn of bilaterian animals: the case of acoelomorph flatworms
Authors: Baguñà Jaume , Riutort Marta 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe origin of the bilaterian metazoans from radial ancestors is one of the biggest puzzles in animal evolution. A way to solve it is to identify the nature and main features of the last common ancestor of the bilaterians (LCB). Recent progress in molecular phylogeny has shown that many platyhelminth flatworms, regarded for a long time as basal bilaterians, now belong to the lophotrochozoan protostomates. In contrast, the LCB is now considered a complex organism bearing several features of modern bilaterians. Here we discuss an alternative view, in which acoelomorph (Acoela + Nemertodermatida) flatworms, which do not belong to the Platyhelminthes, represent the earliest extant bilaterian clade. Sequences from ribosomal and other nuclear genes, Hox cluster genes, and reinterpretation of some morphological features strongly support the basal position of acoelomorphs arguing against a complex LCB. This reconstruction backs the old planuloid–acoeloid hypothesis and may help our understanding of the evolution of body axes, Hox genes and the Cambrian explosion. BioEssays 26:1046–1057, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A bigger mouse? The rat genome unveiled
Authors: Hancock John M. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractRattus norvegicus is an important experimental organism and interesting to evolutionary biologists. The recently published draft rat genome sequence1 provides us with insights into both the rat's evolution and its physiology. We learn more about genome evolution and, in particular, the adaptive significance of gene family expansions and the evolution of rodent genomes, which appears to have decelerated since the divergence of mouse and rat. An important observation is that some regions of genomes, many in noncoding regions, show very high sequence conservation, while others show unexpectedly fast evolution. Both of these may be pointers to functional significance. BioEssays 26:1039–1042, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leptin leads hypothalamic feeding circuits in a new direction
Authors: Harrold Joanne A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractA decade ago, leptin (from the greek lepto meaning ‘thin’) was identified as the product of the ob gene.1 This adipocyte‐derived hormone was found to suppress feeding and stimulate thermogenesis, and was thus proposed as a mediator in a negative feedback loop that controls body adiposity. This discovery led to a rapid revolution in the understanding of neurobiological mechanisms regulating obesity. However, while leptin's first life was as an adipostat, it is now known to have a wide range of additional neuroendocrine, metabolic and behavioural functions in the CNS and periphery. Remarkably, the pleiotropic nature of the hormone continues to be extended with the recent publication of two papers that expand on leptin's neurobiological actions in the CNS.2,3 They indicate novel regulatory roles for the hormone in both synaptic plasticity and axon guidance. Crucially, in light of the rising incidence of obesity in modern society, both of the studies reveal leptin‐mediated links between nutrition and neurodevelopment, findings that have further implications for leptin's role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. BioEssays 26:1043–1045, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome after implantation of a novel prosthetic anal sphincter in humans
Authors: Finlay I G , Richardson W , Hajivassiliou C A 
Published: September 2004

Abstract

Background
A novel prosthetic anal sphincter (PAS) has been developed that aims to occlude by flattening and angulating the bowel, reproducing the action of the puborectalis muscle. The safety of the PAS has been confirmed in biomechanical, in vitro and long-term animal survival studies. The Medical Devices Agency approved implantation in 12 patients.

Methods
The PAS was placed in the pelvis around the anorectal junction via a transabdominal approach in 12 patients with severe faecal incontinence. The device was activated 6 weeks after surgery. Fibreoptic examination of the mucosa below the device was undertaken at various intervals during review.

Results
At a median follow-up of 59 (range 30–72) months nine of the 12 patients had a functioning PAS. There were no device-related infective complications after the initial operation but one patient developed pseudomembranous colitis and had the device removed. The PAS was effective in restoring continence in ten of 11 patients. Median (range) Cleveland Clinic continence scores improved from 16 (7–20) before to 3 (0–7) after surgery. In two patients the PAS was eventually removed owing to infection after revisional surgery. There was no clinical or histological evidence of gastrointestinal mucosal ischaemia.

Conclusion
The PAS was effective in restoring continence. There was no device-related infection after the initial operation, no device erosion and no clinical or histological evidence of gastrointestinal ischaemia.