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Different Grades (different + grade)
Selected AbstractsOil resistant thermoplastic elastomers of nitrile rubber and high density polyethylene blendsPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002D. K. Setua Different grades of oil resistant thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based on blends of nitrile rubber (NBR) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) have been developed. Chemical treatment of HDPE to evolve compatibility with NBR and dynamic vulcanization with different curatives have been studied. Determination of physico-mechanical and thermal properties and relative crystallinity of these blends have been carried out. Oil resistance characteristics of the blends have been evaluated in different commercially used oils and fuels for applications as a substitute for NBR/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blends. [source] VIQ-PIQ Discrepancies in Partial Epilepsy: On the Relation to Lat- eralities of Focal MRI Lesions, P3 Peaks, and Focal Spikes.EPILEPSIA, Issue 2000Osamu Kanazawa Purpose: A number of previous ncurophysiological studies have indicated that the glutamatergic system is important in the induction of epileptiform activity and the dcvelopment of epileptogenesis. Clutamate transport is the primary mechanism of inactivation of syiiaptically released glutamate. GLAST is classified BS an astrocytic transporter and occurs in high concentrations in the ccrebcllum. The pathophysiologic rolc of GLAST in epilepsy is not known in detail. To investigate the role of thc astroglial glutamatc transporter GLAST in epileptogenesis, we compared amygdalu-kindling and pentylenctetrazolc (PTZ) induced seizures in GLAST-deficient mice (GLAST(-/-)) wild-type mice (GLAST(+/+)), and maternal C57Black6/J mice (C57). Purpose: Subtest IQ such as verbal IQ (VIQ) and performance IQ (PIQ) in WAIS or WISC are thought to represent neuropsychological functions of the left and right hemispheres, respectively. The P300 (P3) event-related potential reflects cognitive processes. We do not ye1 know the brain site of P3 origin or how epileptogenic foci (EF) influ- ence P3 potentials. To examine neuropsychological influence by partial epilepsy (PE), we studied VIQ-PIQ discrepancies in PE in relation to lateralities of focal MRI lesions, P3 peaks, and EF. Methods: Thirteen patients showed VIQ-PIQ discrepancies significant at the p7lt;O.O5 level, represented by a>l2-point spread for the WAIS in adults, and a 15-point spread in the WISC in children. We evoked P3 potentials in the individuals with discrepant IQ differences by asking them to keep a mental count of rare tones, including introduction of oddbail tones. EEGs were recorded by the international 10,20 system and P3 peaks were shown in a topographical view by offline analysis. Patients were divided into normal and abnormal groups according to MRI findings, and were examined for the laterali- ties of the dominant side in subtest IQ (conventionally, we regarded higher VIQ as left hemisphere dominant and higher PIQ as right hemisphere dominant), P3 peaks, and EF. We did not correlate results with lert or right handedness. Results: Five patients (38.5%) were in the normal group and 8 patients (61.5%) were in the abnormal group. Concordance of the lateralities in P3 peaks and dominant side in subtest IQ was shown in 1 patient (20%) in the normal group and 5 patients (62.5%) in the abnormal group. In the normal group, all patients showed contralateral P3 peak shift to EF, and all except I patient showed contralateral P3 peak shift to the dominant side in subtest IQ. The other 3 patients in the abnormal group showed unilateral focal cortical dysplasias (FCD), ipsilateral P3 shift, and contralateral dominant side in subtest IQ to the focal MRI lesions. Conclusion: In our partial epilepsy series with VIQ-PIQ discrepancies, concordance of the lateralities in P3 peaks and dominant side in subtest IQ was shown in < half of the patients. Epileptogenic foci seem to have 3 different grades of influence on P3 peak shift and dominant side in subtest IQ according to the severities of accompanying focal MRI lesions: 1. Without MRI lesions, EF can make P3 peak shift contralaterally, but the dominant side in the subtest IQ shift ipsilaterally; 2. With less severe focal MRI lesions such as hippocampal atrophy etc., EF can make not only P3 peaks but also the dominant side in the subtest IQ shift contralaterally; 3. With severe focal MRI lesions such as FCD, EF can make the dominant side in the subtest IQ shift contralaterally, but the P3 peak may shift ipsilaterally. Epileptogenic foci without MRI lesions seem to control ipsilateral P3 potentials. MRI lesions render a hemisphere unlikely to become dominant, but epileptogenic foci can coexist with apparently normal neuropsychological function. [source] Structural Trends in Divalent Benzil Bis(thiosemicarbazone) ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 21 2005David G. Calatayud Abstract Redox-related changes in the biological properties of copper bis(thiosemicarbazones) are induced by the backbone of the ligand. To get information about how these changes depend on the structural parameters, three X-ray structures of complexes with different behaviour of the benzil bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligand have been determined. These include two almost planar copper(II) complexes with different grades of deprotonation in the ligand and a ZnII complex in which the ligand acts as a monoanion and a nitrate group is bonded to the metal ion in a square-based pyramid. The changes in the backbone bond lengths agree with the variation in the ionic radius and with the grade of electronic charge delocalisation in the chelate rings; these have consequences for the coordination sphere, allowing the metal to fit slightly better into the ligand cavity, which in turn may affect the complex stability and the redox potential. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] Discovering hidden knowledge in data classification via multivariate analysisEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 2 2010Yisong Chen Abstract: A new classification algorithm based on multivariate analysis is proposed to discover and simulate the grading policy on school transcript data sets. The framework comprises three major steps. First, factor analysis is adopted to separate the scores of several different subjects into grading-related ones and grading-unrelated ones. Second, multidimensional scaling is employed for dimensionality reduction to facilitate subsequent data visualization and interpretation. Finally, a support vector machine is trained to classify the filtered data into different grades. This work provides an attractive framework for intelligent data analysis and decision making. It also exhibits the advantages of high classification accuracy and supports intuitive data interpretation. [source] Clinical grading of oral mucosa by curve-fitting of corrected autofluorescence using diffuse reflectance spectraHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2010Rupananda Jayachandra Mallia PhD Abstract Background Laser-induced autofluorescence (LIAF) and diffuse reflectance (DR) were collectively used in this clinical study to improve early oral cancer diagnosis and tissue grading. Methods LIAF and DR emission from oral mucosa were recorded on a fiber-optic spectrometer by illumination with a 404-nm diode laser and tungsten halogen lamp in 36 healthy volunteers and 40 lesions of 20 patients. Results Absorption dips in LIAF spectra at 545 and 575 nm resulting from changes in oxygenated hemoglobin were corrected using DR spectra of the same site. These corrected spectra were curve-fitted using Gaussian spectral functions to determine constituent emission peaks and their relative contribution. The Gaussian peak intensity and area ratios F500/F635 and F500/F685 were found to be useful indicators of tissue transformation. The diagnostic capability of various ratios in differentiating healthy, hyperplastic, dysplastic, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were examined using discrimination scatterplots. Conclusions The LIAF/DR technique, in conjunction with curve-fitting, differentiates different grades of dysplasia and SCC in this clinical trial and proves its potential for early detection of oral cavity cancer and tissue grading. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010 [source] Human telomerase catalytic subunit gene re-expression is an early event in oral carcinogenesisHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2004B Luzar Aims:, Detection of telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) mRNA has been used as a surrogate marker for estimation of telomerase activity. The exact role and timing of telomerase re-activation, a key enzyme implicated in cellular immortalization and transformation, in the multistep process of oral carcinogenesis is still unknown. The aim was to test the hypothesis that (i) quantitative rather than qualitative differences exist in the level of hTERT mRNA expression between normal oral mucosa, different grades of oral epithelial abnormalities and squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, and that (ii) hTERT gene re-expression is an important, probably early event in oral carcinogenesis. Methods and results: The relative quantity of hTERT mRNA was analysed in 45 frozen oral epithelia representing different morphological stages of oral carcinogenesis classified according to the Ljubljana classification and in 37 oral squamous cell carcinomas, using a commercially available LightCycler Telo TAGGG hTERT Quantification kit. hTERT mRNA was not detected in normal or reactive hyperplastic oral epithelia, but was present in 43% of atypical hyperplasias (premalignant lesions), 60% of intraepithelial carcinomas and 68% of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Statistical analysis revealed two groups of oral epithelial changes, with significant differences in the levels of hTERT mRNA expression: 1, normal and reactive hyperplastic oral epithelium, and 2, atypical hyperplasia, intraepithelial carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusion:, These data suggest that hTERT gene re-expression represents an early event in the multistep process of oral carcinogenesis, already detectable at the stage of precancerous oral epithelial changes. Nevertheless, other genetic aberrations appear to be necessary for progression of oral epithelial abnormalities towards invasive squamous cell carcinoma. [source] From gene profiling to diagnostic markers: IL-18 and FGF-2 complement CA125 as serum-based markers in epithelial ovarian cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 7 2006Cécile Le Page Abstract We used an oligonucleotide-based DNA microarray to identify potential markers in 39 primary cultures of ovarian cancer specimens compared with 11 primary cultures of normal ovarian epithelia. Differential gene expression of IL-18 and FGF-2 was validated on a subset of samples by quantitative PCR and by IHC, using an independent tissue array of 90 cores of 20 normal ovarian surface epithelia and 70 EOCs representing different grades and pathologies of ovarian disease. We further compared, by ELISA, these two markers with CA125 in sera from 25 cancer-free and 47 ovarian cancer patients. IL-18 and FGF-2 proteins were significantly elevated in tumor tissues (p<0.04) and sera (p<0.05) from patients with ovarian cancer. In combination, the three markers (IL-18, FGF-2, and CA125) showed similar sensitivity in scoring for ovarian cancer (35/45 patients) compared to that of CA125 alone (37/45) and significantly improved the specificity of detection (20/25 patients) compared to each marker individually (15/25 for CA125; 18/25 FGF-2; 16/25 for IL-18). In conclusion we show that a combination of the three serum markers (IL-18, FGF-2 and CA125) is associated with EOC, with higher specificity than CA125 alone. Prospective studies with a large cohort of susceptible ovarian cancer patients will be required to expand these findings. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Characterization and solution properties of a partially hydrolyzed graft copolymer of polyacrylamide and dextranJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008S. Krishnamoorthi Abstract Graft copolymers of dextran (Dx) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were synthesized through the grafting of PAM chains onto a Dx backbone with a ceric-ion-induced solution polymerization technique. By the variation of the amount of the initiator (ceric ammonium nitrate), four different grades of graft copolymers were synthesized. The partial alkaline hydrolysis of Dx- g -PAM was carried out in an alkaline medium. Three grades of partially hydrolyzed products were synthesized through the variation of the amount of alkali. These hydrolyzed graft copolymers were characterized with elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, neutralization equivalent measurements, a rheological technique, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, viscometry, and X-ray diffraction. The flocculation efficiency and viscosifying characteristics of the graft copolymers were enhanced upon their alkaline hydrolysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008. [source] Fine-needle aspiration cytology to distinguish dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma with different gradesJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Chen-Chun Lin Abstract Background:, Distinguishing dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is difficult. The aim of this study was to diagnose HCC and the distinction of liver cell dysplasia from HCC with different grades by interpreting and scoring the cyto-morphological features. Methods:, Eighty-three cirrhotic patients undertook a sonography-guided FNA and subsequent needle biopsy for the tumor. HCC was confirmed in 68 cases and cirrhosis with dysplasia in 15 cases by pathology and follow-up for longer than 2 years. Eighteen cytological features were scored as degree of one, two or three according to their presence or prominence. Results:, Two cases of well-differentiated HCC were diagnosed as negative for HCC initially. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative and accuracy were 97%, 100%, 0%, 3% and 97.6% for FNA cytology in the diagnosis of HCC, respectively. The score of dysplasia was 20.8 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) and lower than 26.2 ± 3.4 in Edmondson's grade I HCC (P < 0.01), 28.9 ± 2.9 in grade II HCC (P < 0.01), and 34.9 ± 4.3 in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01). The score was also significantly lower in grade II HCC than in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01). Conclusions:, FNA yielded a high accuracy in the distinction of dysplasia from HCC with different grades. There is a good correlation in cyto-morphological scores of liver cell dysplasia and HCC with different grades. Dysplasia displayed the lowest score and the score increased in order from dysplasia to grade III/IV HCC. [source] Process similarity and developing new process models through migrationAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 9 2009Junde Lu Abstract An industrial process may operate over a range of conditions to produce different grades of product. With a data-based model, as conditions change, a different process model must be developed. Adapting existing process models can allow using fewer experiments for the development of a new process model, resulting in a saving of time, cost, and effort. Process similarity is defined and classified based on process representation. A model migration strategy is proposed for one type of process similarity, family similarity, which involves developing a new process model by taking advantage of an existing base model, and process attribute information. A model predicting melt-flow-length in injection molding is developed and tested as an example and shown to give satisfactory results. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Identification of the most relevant factors that affect and reflect the quality of granules by application of canonical and cluster analysisJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2002Vitor H. Dias Abstract The production of granules by wet granulation in a fluidized bed was assessed according to two statistical techniques to identify the most relevant factors that affect the quality of the granules. The statistics used include Canonical Analysis and Cluster Analysis. The factors studied, according to a center of gravity design, included the solubility of a model drug, different grades of polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP), the polarity and the rate of administration of the granulation solution, the atomizing air pressure, the inlet air pressure and rate. The properties of the granules considered were the yield, the assay of the drug, the size, the densities (true, bulk and tapped), the friability, the flowability and one compressibility index. Statistical analysis of the factors evaluated has shown that the solubility of the materials and the pressure of the atomizing air in the nozzle were the most critical parameters affecting the quality of the granules. Less relevant were the granulation solution and the grade of PVP. The properties of the granules that best described their quality were the yield and the densities. From the Cluster Analysis it was possible to divide the granules in two clusters, where cluster 1 was identifiable by the yield, the assay, the flowability, and the friability, whereas cluster 2 was better identified by the size of the granules. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:273,281, 2002 [source] So what exactly is a nurse?JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2006L. CLARKE rn dip n dip ed dip theol dmpsa ba msc phd The problematic nature of defining nursing is examined. Contrasts are set out in respect of the work of different grades of practitioner and how these do or do not constitute nursing care. A concept of caring and caring profession is utilized as a backdrop by which it is argued that caring can be defended as an ethical position independently of its objects of care. The paper asserts the existence of different perspectives within mental health nursing and demonstrates how these are influenced by extraneous forces. It concludes by (1) defending universal moral rules that operate independently of situations or the objects to which they apply and (2) that the usefulness of invoking a nursing identity may be less rather than more illuminative in exposing what mental health (psychiatric) ,nursing' is. [source] Alveolar Macrophage Graded Hemosiderin Score from Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Horses with Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage and ControlsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2002Michele Y. Doucet The objective of this study was to determine if a quantitative scoring system for evaluation of hemosiderin content of alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalevolar lavage provides a more sensitive test for the detection of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in horses than does endoscopy of the lower airways. A sample population composed of 74 Standardbred racehorses aged 2,5 years was used. Horses were grouped as either control (EIPH-negative) or EIPH-positive based on history and repeated postexertional endoscopic evaluation of the bronchial airways. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and cytocen-trifuge slides were stained with Perl's Prussian blue. Alveolar macrophages were scored for hemosiderin content by a method described by Golde and associates to obtain the total hemosiderin score (THS). Test performance criteria were determined with a contingency table. All subjects had some degree of hemosiderin in the alveolar macrophages, regardless of group. The distribution of cells among the different grades followed a significantly different pattern for the control group versus horses with EIPH (P < .05). When using a THS of 75 as a cutoff point, the THS test was found to have a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 88%. The level of agreement beyond chance, between the EIPH status and the THS test result was very good (Cohen's kappa = 74%). The conclusion was made that careful assessment and scoring of alveolar macrophages for hemosiderin by means of the Golde scoring system shows promise as a more sensitive approach than repeated postexertional endoscopy alone to detect EIPH. [source] Serum gastrin and pepsinogens do not correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a matched case,control studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2008K. MONKEMULLER Summary Background, Gastrin and pepsinogens reflect the functional state of the gastric mucosa. Aim, To evaluate whether serum gastrin and pepsinogens correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods, In all, 388 patients with heartburn not taking any form of acid suppressive therapy were matched-controlled for age and gender and sub-classified into four groups: group 1 non-erosive reflux disease (NERD); group 2, erosive reflux disease (ERD) Los Angeles (LA) A and B, group 3, ERD LA C and D; group 4 Barrett's oesophagus (BO). Fasting serum was analysed for gastrin 17, pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II und Helicobacter pylori using specific EIA tests (GastroPanel; Biohit, Plc). Statistics: Kruskal,Wallis test and analysis of variance. Results, There was a significant difference among the four groups with respect for pepsinogen I, but not for pepsinogen II, the pepsinogen I pepsinogen II ratio, H. pylori serology and gastrin levels. Pepsinogen I was the lowest in NERD and the highest in BO (median 91.6, mean ± standard deviation 106.2 ± 51.6 vs. median 114.7, mean ± standard deviation 130.4 ± 70.6; P = 0.046). Pepsinogen I levels were higher in H. pylori positive subjects. After adjusting for H. pylori status, the differences in pepsinogen I across patient groups were no longer statistically significant (P = 0.298). Conclusions, Serum gastrin and pepsinogen I and II do not correlate with the different grades of severity of GERD. The non-invasive GastroPanel is not useful for the differentiation of the various forms of GERD. [source] In vitro, high-resolution 1H and 31P NMR based analysis of the lipid components in the tissue, serum, and CSF of the patients with primary brain tumors: one possible diagnostic viewNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 2 2010Niraj Kumar Srivastava Abstract In vitro, high-resolution 1H and 31P NMR based qualitative and quantitative analyses of the lipid components of the tissue, serum, and CSF of patients with primary brain tumors were performed. Proton NMR spectra of the lipid extract of serum (blood specimen collected before the surgical procedure) and surgically discarded tissue showed that the total cholesterol (T.CHOL) and choline containing phospholipids (PL) were significantly higher in quantity in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma multiforme as compared to normal subjects. Serum lipid extracts of grade II/ III gliomas showed a higher quantity of PL than normal subjects. Cholestrol esters (CHOLest) were detectable in the tissue lipid extract of the patients with tumors and absent in normal tissue. There was a reduction in the quantity of CHOLest in the serum lipid extract of the tumor patients as compared to normal subjects. Ratio of PL to T.CHOL in serum lipid extract showed a significant difference between different grades of tumors versus normal subjects, while, a significant difference was observed only in medulloblastoma versus normal subjects in tissue lipid extract. Ratio of CHOL to CHOLest distinguishes the different grades of tumors versus normal subjects as well as between different grades of tumors (except medulloblastoma versus glioblastoma). The ratio of the Ph (total phospholipids except phosphatidylcholine) to PC (phosphatidylcholine) in 31P NMR based study showed a significant difference in all grades of tumors (except medulloblastoma) in normal subjects in tissue lipid extract as well as between different grades of tumors. Medulloblastoma could be differentiated from glioblastoma as well as from normal subjects in serum lipid extract by the ratio of the Ph to PC. Proton NMR spectra of the lipid extract of CSF showed that the CHOL, CHOLest, and PL were present in the patients with tumors, although these were absent in the patients with meningitis, motor neuron disease, and mitochondrial myopathies as well as in normal subjects. PL and T.CHOL provided discrimination between different grades of tumors (except glioblastoma versus medulloblastoma) in the lipid extract of the CSF. This study suggests the role of lipid estimation in CSF and serum as a complementary diagnostic tool for the evaluation of brain tumors preoperatively. NMR-based lipid estimation of post-surgical tumor tissue may also contribute to differentiating the tumor types. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An investigation of human brain tumour lipids by high-resolution magic angle spinning 1H MRS and histological analysisNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 7 2008Kirstie S. Opstad Abstract NMR-visible lipid signals detected in vivo by 1H MRS are associated with tumour aggression and believed to arise from cytoplasmic lipid droplets. High-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H MRS and Nile Red staining were performed on human brain tumour biopsy specimens to investigate how NMR-visible lipid signals relate to viable cells and levels of necrosis across different grades of glioma. Presaturation spectra were acquired from 24 adult human astrocytoma biopsy samples of grades II (8), III (2) and IV (14) using HRMAS 1H MRS and quantified using LCModel to determine lipid concentrations. Each biopsy sample was then refrozen, cryostat sectioned, and stained with Nile Red, to determine the number of lipid droplets and droplet size distribution, and with Haematoxylin and Eosin, to determine cell density and percentage necrosis. A strong correlation (R,=,0.92, P,<,0.0001) was found between the number of Nile Red-stained droplets and the ,1.3,ppm lipid proton concentration by 1H MRS. Droplet sizes ranged from 1 to 10,µm in diameter, and the size distribution was constant independent of tumour grade. In the non-necrotic biopsy samples, the number of lipid droplets correlated with cell density, whereas in the necrotic samples, there were greater numbers of droplets that showed a positive correlation with percentage necrosis. The correlation between 1H MRS lipid signals and number of Nile Red-stained droplets, and the presence of lipid droplets in the non-necrotic biopsy specimens provide good evidence that the in vivo NMR-visible lipid signals are cytoplasmic in origin and that formation of lipid droplets precedes necrosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Molecular, rheological, and crystalline properties of low-density polyethylene in blown film extrusionPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Khokan Kanti Majumder The molecular weight and its distribution, degree of long chain branching and cooling rate strongly influence crystallinity during processing, which in turn determines the processability and the ultimate properties of the blown film. Generally a decrease in the number of branches and molecular weight of the polymer and the cooling rate results in an increase of the crystallinity. Length of the main chain and extent of branching in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are also factors that affect melt rheology and film crystallinity. Long chain branched polyethylene is suitable in the blown film process due to its better melt strength for bubble stability. The objective of this article is to describe the effect of molecular properties (e.g. molecular weight and its distribution, degree of long chain branching etc) of LDPE on film crystallinity at different cooling rates of blown film extrusion. Two different grades of LDPE were selected to investigate molecular characteristics, crystallinity, and rheology. The resins were processed in a blown film extrusion pilot plant using four different cooling rates. Molecular, rheological, and crystalline properties of the resins were key parameters considered in this study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1983,1991, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Polypropylene/Clay nanocomposites: Effect of compatibilizer on the thermal, crystallization and dynamic mechanical behaviorPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 9 2002Sangeeta Hambir Polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites are prepared using different grades of PP, compatibilizers, and organically modified clays. The melt intercalation of the PP is carried out in presence of a compatibilizer. The nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques for the structure and properties. X-ray diffraction results indicate well-defined structures. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates improved thermal stability of PP/clay nanocomposites. Isothermal crystallization studies carried out using differential scanning calorimeter illustrate enhanced crystallization of PP in all the nanocomposites. Optical microscopic study demonstrates that the nanocomposites can be crystallized at higher temperatures, exhibiting well-defined birefringent structures. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals higher storage moduli over a temperature range of ,400C to 1200C for nanocomposites, and the extent of increase in the storage modulus is dependent on the type of compatibilizer used. [source] Differential protein expression in human gliomas and molecular insightsPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 4 2005Vaibhav C. Chumbalkar Abstract Gliomas are the most common of the primary intracranial tumors with astrocytomas constituting about 40%. Using clinically and histologically assessed astrocytomas, we have studied their protein profiles using a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-mass spectrometry approach and identified differentially expressed proteins which may be useful molecular indicators to understand these tumors. Examination of the protein profiles of 27,astrocytoma samples of different grades revealed 72,distinct, differentially expressed proteins belonging to various functional groups such as cytoskeleton and intermediate filament proteins, heat shock proteins (HSPs), enzymes and regulatory proteins. Based on the consistency of their differential expression, 29,distinct proteins could be short-listed and may have a role in the pathology of astrocytomas. Some were found to be differentially expressed in both Grade,III and IV astrocytomas while others were associated with a particular grade. A notable observation was underexpression of Prohibitin, a potential tumor suppressor protein, Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor, Rho-GDI, a regulator of Rho GTPases and HSPs as well as destabilization of glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP, major protein of the glial filaments, in Grade,III malignant tumors. We attempt to explain glioma malignancy and progression in terms of their combined role. [source] Management and Outcome of Patients With Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Major Salivary Gland Origin: A Single Institution's 30-Year Experience,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2008Katri Aro MD Abstract Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is one of the most frequent epithelial malignancies of the salivary glands. Prediction of clinical outcome of MEC is challenging. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 52 cases of MEC of major salivary gland origin diagnosed at the Department of Otolaryngology,Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, during a 30-year period of 1976 to 2005. Criteria used for diagnosis were those of World Health Organization classifications valid at each time point, and criteria for grading were those recommended by Armed Forces Institute of Pathology fascicle (1996). Since 1993, the degree of cell proliferation was used at our institution as an adjunct tool when grading MEC. The majority of cases occurred in the parotid gland (n = 47, 90%) followed by the submandibular gland (n = 5, 10%). Results: We had 39% high-grade (HG), 14% intermediate-grade (IMG), and 44% low-grade (LG) MECs. T categories were T1, n = 18; T2, n = 16; T3, n = 9; T4, n = 9. Forty-nine (94%) patients were treated with curative intent. These patients underwent surgery, and 24 (49%) patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Follow-up time varied from 6 months to 9 years. Forty-five percent of HG-MEC patients and 67% of IMG-MEC patients developed locoregional failures or distant metastases during a 3-year follow-up as opposed to none of the LG-MEC patients. Of MEC patients with N0 neck, two HG-MEC patients and one IMG-MEC (8%) patient developed regional recurrence during follow-up. Conclusions: Patient outcome in the different grades of MEC suggests a need for overview of the treatment protocol, especially with regard to LG-MEC and IMG-MEC. The apparently unusual occurrence of locoregional failures and metastases in LG-MEC suggests a restrictive approach in surgical management. However, the frequent occurrence of such failures in IMG-MEC warrants an aggressive approach with these tumors. [source] Detection of Acute Tubulointerstitial Rejection by Proteomic Analysis of Urinary Samples in Renal Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2005Stefan Wittke This study investigates proteomic analysis of urinary samples as a non-invasive method to detect acute rejection of renal allografts. Capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) was used to analyze urinary samples in 19 patients with different grades of subclinical or clinical acute rejection (BANFF Ia to IIb), 10 patients with urinary tract infection and 29 patients without evidence of rejection or infection. A distinct urinary polypeptide pattern identified 16 out of 17 cases of acute tubolointerstitial rejection, but was absent in two cases of vascular rejection. Urinary tract infection resulted in a different polypeptide pattern that allowed to differentiate between infection and acute rejection in all cases. Potentially confounding variables such as acute tubular lesions, tubular atrophy, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, proteinuria, hematuria, allograft function and different immunosuppressive regimens did not interfere with test results. Blinded analysis of samples with and without rejection showed correct diagnosis by CE-MS in the majority of cases. Detection of acute rejection by CE-MS offers a promising non-invasive tool for the surveillance of renal allograft recipients. Further investigation is needed to establish polypeptide patterns in vascular rejection and to explore whether changes in the urinary proteome occur before the onset of histologically discernible rejection. [source] Comparison of times to achieve fibreoptic intubation with three techniques by different grades of anaesthetists: a manikin studyANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2007I. Hodzovic No abstract is available for this article. [source] Mehraxiales mechanisches Ermüdungsmodell von Ultra-Hochfestem Beton: Experimentelle und analytische UntersuchungenBETON- UND STAHLBETONBAU, Issue 6 2007Jürgen Grünberg Prof. Dr.-Ing. Die besonderen Eigenschaften von ultra-hochfestem Beton (UHPC) gegenüber normalfestem Beton erfordern für numerische Analysen die Entwicklung eines mehraxialen mechanischen Modells. Im Dreiphasenmodell werden sowohl sprödes als auch duktiles Baustoffverhalten durch charakteristische Verläufe der Hauptmeridiane, insbesondere des Druckmeridians der Bruchumhüllenden beschrieben. Die anisotrope Ermüdungsschädigung wird im Hauptspannungsraum durch unterschiedliche Schädigungsraten für den Zug- bzw. Druckmeridian berücksichtigt. In umfangreichen experimentellen Untersuchungen werden zur Kalibrierung des Dreiphasenmodells für UHPC die Modellparameter für die Beschreibung der Hauptmeridianverläufe bestimmt. In dynamischen Untersuchungen werden die Parameter für die anisotrope Schädigung bestimmt. Multiaxial Mechanical Model of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete The special and outstanding characteristics of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) require the development of a multiaxial mechanical model for numerical investigations. With the three phases model it is possible to describe the behaviour of concrete from extremely brittle to more ductile using the characteristic development of the principal meridians, in particular the compressive meridian of the fracture surface. Furthermore, the anisotropic damage due to fatigue is considered in the principal-stressarea by different grades of damage in relation to the tensile and the compressive meridian. In experimental investigations, the necessary parameters are determined to calibrate the three phases model for UHPC by specifying the principal meridians for static loading. In further dynamic investigations the parameters for an anisotropic damage model are determined for fatigue loading. [source] Characterising the local immune responses in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysisBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 13 2008YL Woo Introduction, Immunological competence influences the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to invasive cancer. Information on the local immunological changes during the natural course of CIN is central for the development of new therapies. Objective, This study defines the populations of tissue-infiltrating immune cells in a cross-sectional cohort of different grades of CIN and also in a longitudinal cohort of regressing, persistent and progressing low-grade (LG)-CIN. Design, A cohort of 125 women with LG cytological atypia was recruited, of which 64/125 (51%) women with LG-CIN were followed prospectively for 1 year. Paraffin-embedded entry and exit cervical biopsies were used for immunohistochemistry analysis (CD4, CD8, CD56, FOXP3, CD1a and granzyme B). Results, At recruitment, 74/125 (59%), 39/125 (31%) and 12/125 (10%) women referred with LG smears had histologically proven LG-CIN, high-grade (HG) and normal biopsies, respectively. Seventeen of 64 (24.6%) women with LG-CIN progressed to HG-CIN within 1 year. In both LG-CIN and HG-CIN, the predominant intraepithelial cell population were cytotoxic T cells, while CD4+ and FOXP3+ T cells predominated the stromal compartment. Women with LG-CIN who later on regressed displayed a significantly higher number of cytotoxic (granzyme B+) cells in their entry samples. In addition, the ratio between CD8+ cells and granzyme B+ cells was close to 1, suggesting that all infiltrating CD8+ T cells were highly active. In contrast, this ratio was three-fold lower in women, in whom the lesions persisted or progressed. Conclusions, This study suggests that the early infiltration of lesions by highly cytotoxic effector cells protects against progression. [source] Germ cell-specific heat shock protein 70-2 is expressed in cervical carcinoma and is involved in the growth, migration, and invasion of cervical cellsCANCER, Issue 16 2010Manoj Garg PhD Abstract BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a major cause of death among women worldwide, and the most cases are reported in the least developed countries. Recently, a study on DNA microarray gene expression analysis demonstrated the overexpression of heat shock protein 70-2 (HSP70-2) in cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the association between HSP70-2 expression in cervical carcinogenesis and its potential role in various malignant properties that result in disease progression. METHODS: HSP70-2 expression was examined in various cervical cancer cell lines with different origins and in clinical cervical cancer specimens by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses. A plasmid-based, short-hairpin RNA approach was used specifically to knock down the expression of HSP70-2 in cervical tumor cells in vitro and in vivo to examine the role of HSP70-2 on various malignant properties. RESULTS: RT-PCR and IHC analyses revealed HSP70-2 expression in 86% of cervical cancer specimens. Furthermore, knockdown of HSP70-2 expression significantly reduced cellular growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. A significant association of HSP70-2 gene and protein expression was observed among the various tumor stages (P = .046) and different grades (P = .006), suggesting that HSP70-2 expression may be an indicator of disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggested that HSP70-2 may play an important role in disease progression in cervical carcinogenesis. Patients who had early stage disease and low-grade tumors had HSP70-2 expression, supporting its potential role in early detection and aggressive treatment modalities for cervical cancer management. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source] Association between laminin-8 and glial tumor grade, recurrence, and patient survival,CANCER, Issue 3 2004Julia Y. Ljubimova M.D., Ph.D. Abstract BACKGROUND The authors previously sought to identify novel markers of glioma invasion and recurrence. Their research demonstrated that brain gliomas overexpressed a subset of vascular basement components, laminins, that contained the ,4 chain. One of these laminins, laminin-8, was found to be present in highly invasive and malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (Grade 4 astrocytoma); its expression was associated with a decreased time to tumor recurrence, and it was found in vitro to promote invasion of GBM cell lines. METHODS In the current study, the authors studied glial tumors of different grades in an attempt to correlate laminin-8 expression with tumor recurrence and patient survival. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to detect laminin isoforms of interest. RESULTS Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, the authors confirmed high levels of laminin-8 expression in approximately 75% of the GBM cases examined and in their adjacent tissues, whereas astrocytomas of lower grades expressed for the most part a different isoform, laminin-9, which also was found in low amounts in normal brain tissue and benign meningiomas. Overexpression of laminin-8 in GBM was found to be associated with a statistically significant shorter time to tumor recurrence (P < 0.0002) and a decreased patient survival time (P < 0.015). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that laminin-8, which may facilitate tumor invasion, contributes to tumor regrowth after therapy. Laminin-8 may be used as a predictor of tumor recurrence and patient survival and as a potential molecular target for glioma therapy. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society. [source] 3422: Sources of straylight in the human eyeACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010D DE BROUWERE Purpose Besides refractive aberrations, ocular light scattering is a major parameter affecting image quality on the retina in healthy eyes. Several pathologies in the anterior segment such as corneal scarring and cataract cause significant increase of straylight in the eye. In this study, we link morphologic changes addressed to corneal scarring to a scattering function. Methods Excised rabbit corneas with different grades of scarring following photorefractive keratectomy were optically evaluated for their forward light scattering distribution and consecutively prepared for histology. An absolute parameter for forward scattering was calculated based on the readings in the optical device. We compared this parameter to the relative thickness of the scar tissue observed in the histological data. Results The histological data showed a wide variation of thickness a scar tissue layer in the anterior stroma. The scattering ratio measured using the optical device measuring forward light scattering correlated strongly with the relative thickness of the scar tissue layer with (0.63, Pearson's coefficient), as well as a standard haze exam (measuring backscattered light) (0.51, Pearson's coefficient). The light scattering distribution is narrowly forward peaked (FWHM 30 arcmin), suggesting this light scattering is caused by large particles such as myofibroblasts, oedema or irregular scar tissue in the ablated zone. Conclusion Corneal light scattering associated with the increased amount of haze after excimer laser ablation has a narrowly forward distribution that can be attributed to the subepithelial structures observed in treated corneas. This is in contrast to the origin of scatterers linked to cataract, as small protein aggregates and multilamellar bodies that are scattering over wider angles. [source] Prevalence and characteristics of child physical abuse in Sweden , findings from a population-based youth surveyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2010E-M Annerbäck Abstract Aim:, To examine prevalence rates of child physical abuse perpetrated by a parent/caretaker, abuse characteristics and the extent of disclosures. Methods:, A population-based survey was carried out in 2008 amongst all the pupils in three different grades (n = 8494) in schools in Södermanland County, Sweden. The pupils were asked about their exposure to violence and their experiences of parental intimate-partner violence. Data were analysed with bi- and multivariate models and a comparison between means of accumulating risk factors between three groups were performed. Results:, A total of 15.2% of the children reported that they had been hit. There were strong associations between abuse and risk factors and there was a dose,response relationship between risks and reported abuse. It was shown that children who reported parental intimate-partner violence were at a considerably higher risk for abuse than other children and that only 7% of the children exposed to violence had disclosed this to authorities. Conclusion: Even though child abuse in Sweden has decreased markedly during the last 40 years, violence against children is still a considerable problem. It is a challenge to develop methods of assessment and interventions that will ensure that the violence and its underlying causes are directly addressed. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||