bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allelic loss but absence of mutations in the polyspecific transporter gene BWR1A on 11p15.5 in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Albrecht Steffen , Hartmann Wolfgang , Houshdaran Farzad , Koch Arend , Gärtner Barbara , Prawitt Dirk , Zabel Bernhard U. , Russo Pierre , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Pietsch Torsten 
Published: May 2004

AbstractChromosomal region 11p15.5 shows frequent maternal allelic loss in embryonal tumors, including rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Wilms' tumor (WT) and hepatoblastoma (HB), consistent with the presence of at least one tumor suppressor gene in this region, which should be paternally imprinted, i.e., expressed from the maternal allele only. The BWR1A gene encodes a polyspecific transmembrane transporter and is located on 11p15.5. It is highly expressed in liver, paternally imprinted and was found to be mutated in an RMS cell line, making it a plausible tumor suppressor gene for HB. We therefore screened 62 HBs, 3 HB cell lines and 1 pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma for BWR1A mutations using single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Allelic loss on 11p15.5 was assessed by PCR‐based microsatellite analysis in 56 of the cases for which constitutional DNA was available. BWR1A mRNA expression was determined in 14 HBs by differential RT‐PCR of matched cDNA samples from tumor and normal liver. Western blot analysis was performed on 4 tumors and matching normal liver tissue. Except for sequence polymorphisms (in exons 2, 3 and 10 as well as in introns 6 and 7), no mutations were found. Thirteen HBs (23%) had allelic loss on 11p15.5; this included BWR1A in 12 but it was telomeric to BWR1A in 1. Expression of BWR1A mRNA was reduced in 11 out of 14 cases by 19—92%, independent from allelic loss of 11p15.5. By Western blot analysis, all 4 tumors and matching liver samples displayed a 48–51 kd band corresponding to BWR1A. These results make it unlikely that BWR1A is the target of the allelic deletions in HB. However, similar to the putative 11p15.5 tumor suppressor H19, BWR1A appears to be reduced in expression. Reduced expression in the absence of mutations may contribute to HB development; however, to understand the significance of this finding will require further studies on the function of BWR1A, specifically its role in liver development. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomarkers of dietary fatty acid intake and the risk of breast cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Saadatian‐Elahi Mitra , Norat Teresa , Goudable Joëlle , Riboli Elio 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe use of the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue, erythrocyte membranes, serum and plasma as biological markers of fatty acid intake was recently introduced in epidemiological studies. The biomarkers of fatty acid intake have the advantage of providing quantitative measurement independent of energy intake and of the subject's memory. We performed a meta‐analysis of published results of epidemiological studies of the composition of fatty acids in biological samples and breast cancer risk. The analysis was based on 3 cohort and 7 case‐control studies including 2,031 cases and 2,334 controls. The summary statistic used was the average of the relative risk estimated for each level of the fatty acid on study, weighted by the inverse of its variance. Random effect models were assumed when the test for heterogeneity was significant. Overall relative risks were estimated for studies including pre‐ and post‐menopausal breast cancer and separately for post‐menopausal women. In cohort studies, a significant protective effect was found for total n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while total monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid (C18:1 n‐9c) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were significantly associated with an increase of breast cancer risk. Total saturated fatty acids were significantly associated with breast cancer risk in cohort studies only in postmenopausal women. For case‐control studies, the only finding was for alpha linolenic acid (C18:3, n‐3), which showed an inverse association bordering on statistical significance. The findings of cohort studies fit well with hypotheses derived from experimental animal studies. More epidemiological cohort studies that integrate biological markers of dietary fatty acid intake are needed in order to determine the contribution of different types of fatty acids in the etiology of breast cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability of southeastern Queensland rainfall and climate indices
Authors: Murphy Bradley F. , Ribbe Joachim 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe variability of climate indices and rainfall in southeastern (SE) Queensland (Qld) is studied. Using high‐resolution gridded rainfall data for all of Australia and global sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs), the relationship between Australia‐wide rainfall (and in SE Qld in particular) and SST indices and the southern oscillation index (SOI) have been investigated. It is found that SE Qld is more subject to the breakdown of correlations between the SOI and rainfall than any other part of Australia. Model predictions suggest that this is probable in the future.Considering only time scales longer than interannual, it was found that SSTs in the central tropical Pacific Ocean (TPO; represented by the Niño‐4 index) correlated best with SE Qld rainfall. Eastern TPO (Niño‐3) SSTs and the SOI produced successively weaker correlations. The time series of the second modes of variability of SSTs over the Pacific and Indian Oceans were shown to have limited impact on SE Qld rainfall variability.The data were split into periods before and after 1946, when Australian mean rainfall changed. Whereas the SOI correlations with rainfall in SE Australia were similar in both periods, in SE Qld the correlations were very weak in the earlier period (0.06) but very strong in the later period (0.72). The Niño‐4 index correlated better than the Niño‐3 index in both periods, but both indexes showed smaller changes from the earlier to the later periods than the SOI. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society.
On the role of statistics in climate research
Authors: Zwiers Francis W. , von Storch Hans 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe review the role of statistical analysis in the climate sciences. Special emphasis is given to attempts to construct dynamical knowledge from limited observational evidence, and to the ongoing task of drawing detailed and reliable information on the state, and change, of climate that is needed, for example, for short‐term and seasonal forecasting. We conclude with recommendations of how to improve the practice of statistical analysis in the climate sciences by drawing more efficiently on relevant developments in statistical mathematics. Copyright © 2004 Environment Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An agricultural drought risk‐assessment model for corn and soybeans
Authors: Wu Hong , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Wilhite Donald A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAn agricultural drought risk‐assessment model was developed for Nebraska, USA, for corn and soybeans on the basis of variables derived from the standardized precipitation index and crop‐specific drought index using multivariate techniques. This model can be used to assess real‐time agricultural drought risk for specific crops at critical times before and during the growing season by retaining previous, and adding current, weather information as the crops pass through the various development stages. This model will be helpful to decision makers, ranging from agricultural producers to policy makers and from local to national levels.The results of the model validation using three different datasets show that the risk‐assessment accuracy improves as the crop develops. At the end of April, before corn is planted, the average assessment accuracy rate of drought risks on final yield is 60%. At the beginning of July, when corn is at the vegetative stage, the average assessment accuracy rate reaches 76%. In late July, when corn is at the ovule stage, the rate increases to 85%. The rates are 89% in the second half of August and the end of September, when corn is at the reproduction and ripening stages respectively. The model assessment accuracy for soybeans is lower than that for corn at the same growth stages because weather has less impact on soybeans than on corn. A reliable assessment, with 80% assessment accuracy rate, begins at mid‐August, when soybeans are at pod formation stage. In early September and October, when soybeans are at pod fill and ripening stages respectively, the model is able to assess risks on soybean yield with 83% and 81% accuracy rates respectively. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Pyrrole‐substituted alkyl silanes as new adhesion promoters on oxidic substrates
Authors: Cai Xuediao , Jaehne Evelin , Adler Hans‐Juergen P. 
Published: May 2004

Abstractω‐(Pyrrol‐1‐yl alkyl) dimethylchlorosilanes with different chain length were synthesized and characterized with IR, NMR and elemental analysis. The growth of self‐assembled monolayers of ω‐(pyrrol‐1‐yl alkyl) dimethylchlorosilanes on oxide surfaces has been investigated. The order gradually improved with adsorption time and highly ordered SAMs were obtained for nearly 2 days adsorption time. Characterization of the films has been performed with contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, SPR and grazing incident FTIR. The chemical deposition of polypyrrole on the modified surface was investigated. The thickness of polypyrrole layer was influenced by the concentration of monomer, the deposition time, and the ratio of monomer to oxidant.
Reversible switching of protein uptake and release at polyelectrolyte multilayers detected by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Müller M. , Kessler B. , Adler H.‐J. , Lunkwitz K. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe reversible switching of uptake and release of the proteins lysozyme (LYZ, IEP = 11.1) and human serum albumin (HSA, IEP = 4.8) at the surface attached polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) consisting of poly(ethylene‐imine) (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAC) is shown. Protein adsorption could be switched by pH setting due to electrostatic interaction. Adsorption of positively charged LYZ at PEM‐6 took place at pH = 7.3, where the outermost PAC layer was negatively charged. Complete desorption was obtained at pH = 4, where the outermost PAC layer was neutral. Additionally the charge state of the last adsorbed PAC layer in dependence of the pH of the medium could be determined in the ATR‐FTIR difference spectra by the ν(COO−) and ν(C=O) band due to carboxylate and carboxylic acid groups. Adsorption of negatively charged HSA at PEM‐7 was achieved at pH = 7.3, where the outermost PEI layer was positively charged. Part desorption was obtained at pH = 10, where the outermost PEI layer was neutral. PEM of PEI/PAC may be used for the development of bioactive and bionert materials and protein sensors.
Nonstoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complexes as colloidal dispersions based on NaPAMPS and their interaction with colloidal silica particles
Authors: Schwarz Simona , Dragan Stela 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPreparation and characterization of some nonstoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complexes (NIPECs) as stable colloidal dispersions by the interaction between poly(sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate) (NaPAMPS) and three strong polycations bearing quaternary ammonium salt centres in the backbone, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and two polycations containing N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐hydroxypropyleneammonium chloride units (PCA5 and PCA5D1), have been followed in this study as a function of the polycation structure and polyelectrolyte concentration. Complex characteristics were followed by polyelectrolyte titration, turbidity and quasi‐ellastic light scattering. Almost monodisperse NIPECs nanoparticles with a good storage stability were prepared when total concentration of polyelectrolyte was varied in the range 0.85‐6.35 mmol/L, at a ratio between charges (n−/n+) of 0.7. NIPECs as a new kind of flocculants were used to flocculate a stable monodisperse silica suspension. The main advantage of NIPECs as flocculants is the broad flocculation window, which is a very important aspect for industrial applications.
Preparation of PA6/nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites and their spinnability
Authors: Zhu Meifang , Xing Qiang , He Houkang , Zhang Yu , Chen Yanmo , Pötschke Petra , Adler Hans‐Jürgen 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn this work, surface modification technique with coupling agents and anchoring polymerization was adopted to tailor the surface properties of nanoscaled titanium dioxide (TiO2). Ethyl glycol sols with TiO2 were prepared in order to simulate the dispersibility of differently modified TiO2 in a molten polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix. The modified TiO2 were melt compounded with PA6 and composites and fibers were prepared. The average filler diameter of 47 nm (in composites) and 44 nm (in fibers) indicated homogeneous dispersion of TiO2 in the matrix, whereas unmodified TiO2 showed agglomerated structures in the PA6 matrix. The mechanical properties of the composite fibers were improved as compared to pure PA6 fibers and composite fibers with unmodified TiO2.
Surface properties and swelling behaviour of hyperbranched polyester films in aqueous media
Authors: Mikhaylova Y. , Pigorsch E. , Grundke K. , Eichhorn K.‐J. , Voit B. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThin films of hydroxyl (POH) and carboxyl (PCOOH) terminated aromatic hyperbranched polyesters (HBPs) were prepared by spin coating on silicon wafers and subsequently annealed above their glass transition temperature (Tg). The surface properties and the swelling behaviour of these films in aqueous buffer solutions were studied as a function of annealing time using contact angle measurements and ellipsometry. Non‐annealed films were hydrophilic with surface free energies of 51 mJ/m2 for POH and 49 mJ/m2 for PCOOH, respectively. The swelling behaviour of the polymer films in buffer solution with pH 7.4 was described in terms of changes of the thickness and effective refractive index of the swollen layer. Under identical conditions a lower water uptake was found for hydroxyl terminated HBPs (POH) which were annealed more then 2 h. The lower water uptake correlates with the surface properties of the films. The annealed films were less hydrophilic. Their surface free energy was 38 mJ/m2 independent of the annealing. Films of carboxyl terminated HBPs (PCOOH) showed similar surface properties after annealing. However, these films were unstable under the same conditions in aqueous solutions. Stable PCOOH films were obtained by additional covalent binding to the substrate using an epoxy silane as a coupling agent.
A polyelectrolyte bearing metal ion receptors and electrostatic functionality for layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly
Authors: Krass Henning , Papastavrou Georg , Kurth Dirk G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA polyelectrolyte (BiPE) containing bipyridine ligands as metal ion receptors and quaternary ammonium groups is described, which can be assembled via electrostatic interactions or metal ion coordination. Electrostatic layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of BiPE with sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) as oppositely charged component results in striated multilayers. The BiPE/PSS multilayers can reversibly bind and release transition metal ions including Fe(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). Formation of 2‐D arrays of metallo‐units is achieved by μ‐contact stamping transition metal salts onto the BiPE/PSS interface. Also, multilayers of BiPE are readily assembled through metal ion coordination. Due to the reversible nature of metal ion coordination, exposure of the multilayers to EDTA causes instant disassembly of the layer, a property needed to implement stimulus triggered release functions. The importance of metal ion coordination for multilayer formation is demonstrated by force‐distance curves measured with AFM.
Conformational transitions and aggregations of regioregular polyalkylthiophenes
Authors: Kiriy Nataliya , Jähne Evelin , Kiriy Anton , Adler Hans‐Juergen 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDiverse conformational transitions and aggregations of regioregular poly (3‐alkylthiophene)s (PATs) in different environment have been studied by means of AFM and UV‐vis‐spectroscopy. In methanol, which is a non‐solvent for both alkyl side groups and aromatic backbone at low polymer concentration, PATs chains fold into compact poorly ordered flat structures. At higher polymer concentration PATs molecules undergo 3D aggregation into near spherical particles. In hexane, which is a selective solvent for alkyl side chains, PATs molecules undergo ordered main‐chain collapse followed by 1D aggregation. Concentration‐independent red shift of λmax and good resolved fine vibronic structure in the electronic absorption spectra indicate that planarization occurs on the single‐molecule level.
Mixed conducting polymers on ion‐conducting sensor glasses – charge transfer in the system polymer/glass
Authors: Jahn Heimo , Kaden Heiner , Berthold Monika 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMixed ion/electron conducting polymer layers based on polypyrrole have been used as internal reference electrodes in all‐solid‐state pH glass electrodes. The effect of the nature and composition of the polymer used and of the deposition technique applied on the performance of the resulting sensor has been studied. For this purpose, crucial sensor properties, e.g. parameters of the calibration function, response behaviour and complex impedance, have been determined experimentally at room temperature. The results show that several properties studied remained nearly uninfluenced by changes of the polymer composition. The zero potential point of the calibration line was found to be the most sensitive parameter. Principally, almost all mixed conducting polymers used seems to result in a stable charge transfer in the system polymer/glass.
Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole dispersions prepared with different dopants
Authors: Lu Yan , Pich Andrij , Adler Hans‐Juergen P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractStable polypyrrole dispersions were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous medium containing different anionic salts ‐ sodium benzoate, potassium hydrogen phthalate and sodium hydrogen succinate. Results of the elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy confirmed that the anionic salts are incorporated in the conducting polymers and functioned as the dopants. The retardation of pyrrole polymerization was observed when a certain amount of the salt was used as dopant. SEM images of polypyrrole dispersions indicate large spherical particles (150‐180nm). The conductivity of polypyrrole composites has also been investigated.
Versatility of potential biomedical use of functional polysuccinates
Authors: Łukaszczyk Jan , Benecki Piotr , Jaszcz Katarzyna , Śmiga Monika 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPolysuccinates with pendant allyl groups (PSAGE) were synthesized by melt copolymerization of succinic anhydride with allyl glycidyl ether and eventually other glycidyl ethers. It was found that PSAGE could be crosslinked by radical copolymerization with methyl methacrylate. Oxidized PSAGE considered as multifunctional epoxy resin was cured with use of glutaric anhydride to form solid material susceptible to hydrolytic degradation to water‐soluble non‐toxic products. Comb‐like amphiphilic polysuccinates containing both pendant poly(oxyethylene) chains and epoxy groups have been synthesized as well and checked for their solubility in water. Properties of PSAGE‐type polymers suggests their potential use as biomaterials and polymeric drug carries.Please note, in the print publication of D. Theis, T. Schmidt, K.‐F. Arndt, Macromol. Symp. 210 (2004), 465, erroneously the DOI 10.1002/masy.200450651 is repeated. There, the DOI should read: 10.1002/masy.200450652
Preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer: an ex vivo proton magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Mahon Marrita M. , deSouza Nandita M. , Dina Roberto , Soutter W. Patrick , McIndoe G. Angus , Williams Andreanna D. , Cox I. Jane 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to obtain 1H MR spectra using magic angle spinning (MAS) techniques from punch biopsies (<20 mg) of preinvasive and invasive cervical disease and to correlate the spectral profiles with sample classification on the basis of histopathology. Tissue samples were obtained at colposcopic examination, during local treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or at hysterectomy. 1H MAS MRS was performed at 25°C while spinning the sample at 4.5 kHz. After measurement, the tissue was immersed in formalin and the pathology determined. Histological examination after 1H MAS MRS defined 27 samples with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 12 with CIN and 39 with only normal tissue. The standardized integrals of the lipid, choline and creatine regions of the spectra were significantly higher in SCC than in normal or CIN tissue. There was no obvious difference in the standardized integral of the region 4.15–3.5 ppm. The acyl fatty acid side‐chain length was longer or less unsaturated in SCC than in normal tissue. Normal tissue from patients with SCC showed significantly higher triglycerides than normal tissue from patients with benign uterine disease but significantly lower triglycerides than SCC tissue. 1H MAS MRS of the uterine cervix ex vivo may be used to differentiate non‐invasive from invasive cervical lesions, increase interpretation of in vivo MRS and provide insights into tumor biology. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voice over IP versus voice over frame relay
Authors: Francis‐Cobley Pauline P. , Coward Adrian D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a comparison of the voice‐enabling features of the Internet protocol (IP) and frame relay (FR) networks. The discussion focuses on the issues that affect the quality of service of voice applications and the relative suitability of IP and FR for delivering voice applications. This independent assessment serves to assist network managers in decision‐making regarding suitable packetized voice solutions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgery of cavoatrial tumor thrombus in nephroblastoma: A report of the SIOP/GPOH study
Authors: Szavay Philipp , Luithle Tobias , Semler Oliver , Graf Norbert , Fuchs Joerg 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackgroundResection of a Wilms tumor extending through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium represents a challenge to the pediatric surgeon. Exact preoperative diagnosis is essential to identify the tumor and its in travascular extension. To achieve a complete excision of the tumor cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia may be required. The feasibility of a complete resection is important as it guides subsequent therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation.ProcedureIn order to define these issues, we reviewed the records of 33 of 1,151. Patients enrolled in the SIOP 93‐01/GPOH Study and the SIOP 2001/GPOH Study who had a tumor thrombus into the inferior venacava and into the right atrium.ResultsThe median age at diagnosis was 3.73 years. Twenty‐four patients had a tumor thrombus into the inferior vena cava, in nine patients the thrombus reached into the right atrium. All patients were operated on; cardiopulmonary bypass was used in nine patients. There were no deaths intraoperatively. Twenty‐nine children are still alive; four patients died, one patient due to aspiration and failed resuscitation, two patients died from a recurrent tumor, and one child due to an unresectable primary tumor.ConclusionOur report suggests that Wilms tumor extending to the inferior vena cava and the right atrium is technical challenging, but with adequate preoperative diagnosis and a multidisciplinary surgical approach including cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia, the prognosis is favorable. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.