bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature and moisture on embryonic diapause of the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Authors: Andrews Robin M. , Donoghue Susan 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe development of lizard embryos is typically initiated at fertilization and continues until birth or hatching. In contrast, embryonic development of some chameleons is arrested at the gastrula stage, and embryos remain at this stage for months after the eggs are laid. Our research tested the hypothesis that increased temperature, moisture, or both, are associated with the resumption of development by diapausing embryos of Chamaeleo calyptratus, the veiled chameleon. After 40 days of incubation at 25°C in a relatively dry substrate, eggs were subjected to: 1) no change in temperature or moisture, 2) no change in temperature but change from a dry to a wet substrate, 3) change to a warmer temperature but no change in substrate moisture, or 4) an increase in both temperature and substrate moisture. Overall, embryos initiated development after 50–60 days to 80 or more days of incubation. Neither substrate moisture nor water uptake by eggs was related to the interval when development resumed. In contrast, development was initiated about 10 days earlier for eggs in the high temperature treatment compared to eggs in the low temperature treatment. Our results suggest that neither water availability nor water uptake by eggs affect the length of diapause but that an increase in ambient temperature initiates development of diapausing embryos of C. calyptratus. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:629–635, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baseline and stress‐induced glucocorticoids during reproduction in the variable flying fox, Pteropus hypomelanus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)
Authors: Reeder Deeann M. , Kunz Thomas H. , Widmaier Eric P. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBaseline and stress‐responsive glucocorticoid (GC) levels were assessed during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and lactation in female variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) and in males over the same time period. Animals were maintained in a breeding colony in captivity. High levels of both cortisol and corticosterone were detected, with total plasma GC levels being among the highest documented in vertebrates (up to 3000 ng/ml in individual animals, with cortisol being the primary GC, accounting for ≈78% of total GCs), and significantly greater in males than in females. Plasma levels of cortisol and corticosterone showed nearly identical profiles within each sex, with the exception of females in late pregnancy, in which corticosterone, but not cortisol, increased significantly. Baseline levels of plasma cortisol were highest in September (when pups were between 1 and 2 months of age) in both sexes, which may be related to the approaching onset of the mating period. There was a continuum in the magnitude of the response to stress (handling and sampling) over time in females, with the greatest stress response in early pregnancy, a dampened response during late pregnancy, and no significant stress response during lactation. Surprisingly, males failed to exhibit elevated GCs after this stress, but did have significant stress‐induced hyperglycemia and suppression of plasma testosterone levels. This may be due to their high (perhaps maximal) baseline levels, which suggests that being in a breeding group was chronically stressful for males. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:682–690, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of a FTZ‐F1 homologue from the pituitary of the orange‐spotted grouper, epinephelus coioides
Authors: Zhang Weimin , Li Xin , Zhang Yong , Zhang Lihong , Tian Jing , Ma Guangzhi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA FTZ‐F1 homologue was cloned from the pituitary cDNA library of the orange‐spotted grouper. The full‐length cDNA of the orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 spanned 1735 bp including a poly (A) tail. The open reading frame encodes a protein of 468 amino acids. Sequence analysis indicated that it had a structure typical of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamily, and the FTZ‐F1 box, a characteristic of the FTZ‐F1 family. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 was closely related to medaka FTZ‐F1 and did not belong to either the SF–1/Ad4BP group or the LRH–1/FTF group. Virtual Northern Blot detected a major transcript of about 1.7 kb and a minor transcript of 2.2 kb of FTZ‐F1 in the orange‐spotted grouper pituitary gland. The expression of FTZ‐F1 homologue gene in different tissues and during embryonic development of the orange‐spotted grouper was determined using one‐step RT‐PCR coupled with Southern blot analysis. In addition to the pituitary gland, the orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 was also expressed in the hypothalamus, forebrain, heart, liver, kidney, and ovary. The stronger signal from the gel image indicated that the expression level of FTZ‐F1 homologue gene was higher in the ovary of stage 3 than stage 2. During embryonic development, mRNA for the orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 homologue was present in newly fertilized eggs, but disappeared in embryos at 50 min post fertilization. The orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 homologue mRNA reappeared in embryos at 1.5 hr post fertilization. Its expression level was increased from late blastula to neurula stages. Taken together, results of the current study suggest that the orange‐spotted grouper FTZ‐F1 homologue exhibits characteristics indicative of both the LRH‐1/FTF‐ and the SF–1/Ad4BP‐like genes, and may also play important roles in the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonadal axis, cholesterol metabolism, and embryogenesis. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:691–699, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Jewish ethnicity and Black race: Contrasting influences on the prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Donegan William L. , Tjoe Judy A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFor reasons that are incompletely understood, race and ethnicity are associated with differing mortality from breast cancer. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate racial and ethnic influences on survival of women with breast cancers and to identify influential factors.MethodsA population of 766 racially and ethnically defined women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers in a clinical practice were prospectively evaluated and observed on a continuing basis. Survivals were compared with multiple demographic and clinicopathologic variables.ResultsCompared to White, non‐Jewish patients, no significant difference was found in survival of Jewish patients. Stage of cancers at diagnosis and measures of tumor biology were also comparable. By contrast, the survival of Black patients was significantly worse than that of White patients. Advanced tumor stage at diagnosis, unfavorable tumor biology and poor ancillary health all appeared to contribute to the poor survival of Black women.ConclusionNo adverse influence of Jewish ethnicity was found on the prognosis of breast cancer. The poor prognosis of Black women compared to White women appeared to be the result of multiple untoward influences. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:61–67. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in esophageal cancer
Authors: Kleespies Axel , Guba Markus , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Bruns Christiane J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis of many solid malignancies. The influence of angiogenesis and VEGF expression on progression and recurrence of esophageal cancer has been investigated over the last years. This article reviews the prognostic significance of VEGF expression, microvessel density (MVD), and lymphangiogenic factors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Barrett's dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus, their predictive value for treatment response to chemo‐radiotherapy and new anti‐angiogenic treatment strategies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:95–104. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer: Role of cryotherapy
Authors: Goldberg Stephanie R. , Neifeld James P. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCarcinoma of the gallbladder is the most common malignancy of the biliary tree. There is no standard surgical approach to the treatment of gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy with partial or complete hepatic lobectomy has resulted in high morbidity and poor long‐term survival. This report describes cryotherapy of the gallbladder fossa as an alternative to liver resection in the treatment of gallbladder cancer.MethodsA group of patients underwent cryotherapy to the gallbladder fossa for local control of gallbladder cancer. Portal lymph node dissection was performed at the same time and patients with positive lymph nodes received post‐operative chemotherapy and radiation; negative node patients were observed.ResultsSeven patients underwent surgery. Gallbladder cancer had been incidentally found in all patients. Median hospital stay was 4 days. Five patients had positive nodes. Complications included biliary stricture, pleural effusion, congestive heart failure exacerbation, and pulmonary embolus. Mean disease‐free survival for patients with T2 tumors was 11.7 months. Mean disease‐free survival for patients with T3 tumors was 16.3 months. Mean disease‐free survival for lymph node positive patients was 14.8 months compared to 13 months for node negative patients. No local recurrences have been detected in the gallbladder fossa.ConclusionsThis study suggests cryotherapy to the gallbladder fossa done concomitantly with portal lymph node dissection may represent a safe and effective alternative to hepatic resection in the treatment of gallbladder cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:91–94. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IV‐DSA is a new diagnostic tool for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Watanabe Osamu , Shimizu Tadao , Imamura Hiroshi , Kinoshita Jun , Utada Yoshihito , Okabe Toshihiro , Kimura Kiyomi , Hirano Akira , Aiba Motohiko , Ogawa Kenji 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to know whether intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV‐DSA) is useful to detect axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer and to evaluate the anigiogenesis of lymph nodes in the axilla.Patients and MethodsForty three primary breast cancer patients (N0: 26 cases, N1: 5 cases, N2: 2 cases) who underwent IV‐DSA between January and November 2000 were included in the study. Infinix CB apparatus (Toshiba, Japan) was used to collect IV‐DSA images and when a mass became stained in the axilla, it was considered to be metastatic. The angiogenesis was studied by examining microvessel density (MVD) after lymph node immunostaining for factor VIII. Primary tumor was detected by IV‐DSA in all 43 cases.ResultsAxillary lymph node metastases were detected by IV‐DSA in 34.9% of cases (15/43), and by pathology in 37.2% (16/43). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the diagnostic method were 75.0% (12/16), 88.9% (24/27), and 83.7% (36/43), respectively. MVD, calculated after immunostaining for factor VIII, was significantly lower in the in metastatic region of lymph nodes identified by DSA (88.5 ± 35.0) than in metastasis‐free lymph nodes (141.1 ± 34.0, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIV‐DSA is useful in the diagnosis of axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer. Our results suggest that the primary factors involved in the mechanism of DSA display may be different from high/low MVC values. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:75–79. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed preoperatively as hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yamamoto Masakazu , Ariizumi Shunichi , Otsubo Takehito , Katsuragawa Hideo , Katagiri Satoshi , Nakano Masayuki , Takasaki Ken 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundSome cases of mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on preoperative imaging and clinical findings. We investigated the backgrounds of such cases.MethodsSixty‐seven patients with mass‐forming ICC underwent surgery from 1980 to 2002. Twenty‐four of these patients received a diagnosis of HCC preoperatively. We compared the group diagnosed as HCC and that diagnosed as ICC. ICC was diagnosed histopathologically in all 67 patients.ResultsThe specific clinical findings included high rates of associated hepatitis C virus infection, high levels of serum alpha fetoprotein, lower levels of serum CA19‐9, small dimension of the tumor, hypervascular staining on angiography or computed tomography, lower rates of lymph node metastasis, and high rates of HCC occurrence in the group diagnosed as HCC. None of the patients underwent extrahepatic bile duct resection and most patients did not undergo lymph node dissection in the group diagnosed as HCC. The rates of mucus secretion and the ductal expression of mucin core protein‐1 (MUC1) were significantly different between the subgroups. The cumulative survival rates were significantly better in the group diagnosed as HCC than in the group diagnosed as ICC.ConclusionPatients with ICC given a preoperative diagnosis of HCC had distinct clinical features and could be treated with the same operation as HCC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:80–83. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid Ring‐Opening Polymerization of D,L‐Lactide by Microwaves
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liao Liqiong , Liu Lijian 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: Poly(D,L‐lactide) with a molar mass of 105 g · mol−1 and a yield over 90% was produced in 10 min by the ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide under microwave irradiation with forward power of 255 W. A degradation of the poly(D,L‐lactide) was also induced by microwaves with a power level over 340 W. The molar mass of poly(D,L‐lactide) was dependent upon the competition between the polymerization of D,L‐lactide and the degradation of the resulting polymer.Profiles of molar mass versus microwave irradiation time (1.8 g DLLA, 0.1% Sn(Oct)2).magnified imageProfiles of molar mass versus microwave irradiation time (1.8 g DLLA, 0.1% Sn(Oct)2).
Attachment of Polymer Films to Aluminium Surfaces by Photochemically Active Monolayers of Phosphonic Acids
Authors: Pahnke Jörg , Rühe Jürgen 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: We describe a simple photochemical process that allows the covalent attachment of a variety of different polymers at room temperature onto aluminium surfaces. The system is based on a photoreactive benzophenone derivative that is bound to aluminium surfaces by a phosphonic acid anchor. The synthesis of the phosphonic acid is described and the immobilization of this compound is studied by X‐ray photoelectron and FT‐IR spectroscopy. After deposition of the polymeric coating, UV light illumination at 365 nm, and solvent extraction of the substrate, polymer monolayers are obtained that are chemically bound to the surface.Covalent attachment of polymers to the aluminium‐bound benzophenone phosphonic acid.magnified imageCovalent attachment of polymers to the aluminium‐bound benzophenone phosphonic acid.
The Use of a Low‐Molar‐Mass Self‐Assembled Template to Direct the Crystallisation of Poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Siripitayananon Jintana , Wangsoub Supatra , Olley Robert H. , Mitchell Geoffrey R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: We show that small quantities of dibenzylidene sorbitol dispersed in poly(ε‐caprolactone) provide a self‐assembling nanoscale framework to yield high levels of crystal orientation. During modest shear flow of the melt, the additive forms highly extended nanoparticles which adopt a preferred alignment with respect to the flow field and, on cooling, polymer crystallisation is directed by these particles. We speculate that atomistic level epitaxy is unlikely to be the only directing influence.SAXS pattern of PCL/DBS in the melt at 80 °C and subjected to a shear flow of 10 s−1 for 1 000 shear units. The flow direction is vertical.magnified imageSAXS pattern of PCL/DBS in the melt at 80 °C and subjected to a shear flow of 10 s−1 for 1 000 shear units. The flow direction is vertical.
Nature of the Ring‐Banded Spherulites in Blends of Aromatic Poly(ether ketone)s
Authors: Chen Jian , Yang Decai 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: The ring‐banded spherulites in liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) (LC‐PAEK) and poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) blends with a higher content (>50%) of LC‐PAEK are investigated by polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The results indicate that the light core and rings of the ring‐banded spherulites under PLM are mainly composed of an LC‐PAEK phase, while the dark rings consist of coexisting phases of PEEK and a small amount of LC‐PAEK. The formation of the ring‐banded spherulites is attributable to structural discontinuity caused by a rhythmic radial growth.PLM image of ring‐banded spherulites in a 70:30 LC‐PAEK/PEEK blend caused by rhythmic growth.magnified imagePLM image of ring‐banded spherulites in a 70:30 LC‐PAEK/PEEK blend caused by rhythmic growth.
Polymerization of Styrene in Cyclodextrin Channels: Can Confined Free‐Radical Polymerization Yield Stereoregular Polystyrene?
Authors: Uyar Tamer , Rusa Mariana , Tonelli Alan E. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: Modeling of polystyrenes (PS) with various stereosequences in the narrow cylindrical channels corresponding to those found in γ‐cyclodextrin inclusion compounds (CD ICs) has been conducted. Based on the conformational modeling of stereoisomeric polystyrenes (PSs) in narrow channels, it was suggested that polystyrene with unusual microstructures might be produced by the constrained polymerization of styrene monomer in its γ‐CD‐IC crystals. The in‐situ polymerization of styrene inside the narrow channels of its γ‐CD‐IC crystals was performed in both organic and aqueous media. The 13C NMR spectrum of PS synthesized inside the γ‐CD channels in an aqueous medium shows some differences when compared to the 13C NMR spectrum of PS synthesized in toluene. These are presumably because of differences in their stereosequences. Here, we report our preliminary findings.Schematic of cyclodextrin inclusion compound (CD‐IC) channels with included polymer guests.magnified imageSchematic of cyclodextrin inclusion compound (CD‐IC) channels with included polymer guests.
Polybenzimidazoles for High Temperature Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Kim Hyoung‐Juhn , An Seong Jin , Kim Ju‐Yong , Moon Jin Kyoung , Cho Sung Yong , Eun Yeong Chan , Yoon Hae‐Kwon , Park Youngmi , Kweon Ho‐Jin , Shin Eun‐Mi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: Fuel cells were designed for high temperature operations. Poly[2,2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] (PBI) was synthesized in a solution of P2O5, CH3SO3H, and CF3SO3H. The PBI was dissolved in a mixture of CF3CO2H and H3PO4 and the solution was used for the preparation of Pt catalyst slurry for membrane electrode assembly. The single cell showed a current density of 280 mA · cm−2 at a cell voltage of 0.5 V with feeds of H2 and O2 at 160 °C and without external humidification.
magnified image
Organically Modified Layered Titanate: A New Nanofiller to Improve the Performance of Biodegradable Polylactide
Authors: Hiroi Ryoichi , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Okamoto Masami , Shiroi Takashi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: The preparation and characterization of a new type of nanocomposite material that is based on biodegradable polylactide (PLA) and organically modified layered titanate, is reported. Layered titanate, modified with a N‐(cocoalkyl)‐N,N‐[bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)]‐N‐methylammonium cation, was used as a new nanofiller (OHTO) for the nanocomposite preparation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that titanate layers were intercalated and nicely distributed in the PLA matrix. The materials properties of neat PLA improved remarkably after nanocomposite preparation.UV/vis transmission spectra of neat PLA and a nanocomposite.magnified imageUV/vis transmission spectra of neat PLA and a nanocomposite.
On the β Transition in High Density Polyethylene: the Effect of Transcrystallinity
Authors: Alon Yaara , Marom Gad 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSummary: Transcrystallinity in UHMWPE fiber‐reinforced HDPE composites promotes a significant β transition that is untypical of high‐density polyethylene. Surface profiling by atomic force microscopy identifies two distinct morphologies in the composite without a boundary phase between them, which coincide with the transcrystalline layer and with the bulk spherulitic matrix. As a result, the claim that attributes this transition to loose chain folds at the lamella surface is favored.Atomic force microscopy scan of the transcrystalline layer above the fiber with the impression of the fiber in the center.magnified imageAtomic force microscopy scan of the transcrystalline layer above the fiber with the impression of the fiber in the center.
Quantification of vessel wall motion and cyclic strain using cine phase contrast MRI: In vivo validation in the porcine aorta
Authors: Draney Mary T. , Arko Frank R. , Alley Marcus T. , Markl Michael , Herfkens Robert J. , Pelc Norbert J. , Zarins Christopher K. , Taylor Charles A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractArtery wall motion and strain play important roles in vascular remodeling and may be important in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. In vivo observations of circumferentially nonuniform wall motion in the human aorta suggest that nonuniform strain may contribute to the localization of vascular pathology. A velocity‐based method to investigate circumferential strain variations was previously developed and validated in vitro; the current study was undertaken to determine whether accurate displacement and strain fields can be calculated from velocity data acquired in vivo. Wall velocities in the porcine thoracic aorta were quantified with PC‐MRI and an implanted coil and were then time‐integrated to compute wall displacement trajectories and cyclic strain. Displacement trajectories were consistent with observed aortic wall motion and with the displacements of markers in the aortic wall. The mean difference between velocity‐based and marker‐based trajectory points was 0.1 mm, relative to an average pixel size of 0.4 mm. Propagation of error analyses based on the precision of the computed displacements were used to demonstrate that 10% strain results in a standard deviation of 3.6%. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to accurately quantify strain from low wall velocities in vivo and that the porcine thoracic aorta does not deform uniformly. Magn Reson Med 52:286–295, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.