bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolism: Cellular Organization
Authors: Karp Peter D.
Published: March 2008

The field of pathway bioinformatics is concerned with the representation and the manipulation of metabolic information within computers. By organizing genome information into pathways, pathway bioinformatics places genes and their products into a mechanistic framework. This article describes how metabolic pathways are represented in a computer, and it describes the BioCyc (SRI International, Menlo Park, CA) collection of pathway/genome databases for several hundred organisms. Each BioCyc database describes the genome and the metabolic network of a single organism. This article describes computational algorithms for computing with pathway data. Pathway visualization algorithms help scientists comprehend this complex information space and facilitate analysis of large‐scale omics datasets. Pathway analysis algorithms predict the metabolic network of an organism from its genome, identify the genes coding for missing enzymes in metabolic pathways, and enable the comparison of metabolic networks from multiple organisms. They also allow the prediction of the metabolic capabilities of an organism and identify potential drug targets within the metabolic network.
Stem Cell Fates: Control by Small Molecules
Authors: Hilcove Simon , Xu Yue , Ding Sheng
Published: March 2008

Stem cells hold great promise for the treatment of many devastating diseases and will also provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that control developmental and regenerative processes. Realization of the therapeutic potential of stem cells will require a better understanding of the signaling pathways that control stem cell fate as well as an improved ability to manipulate stem cell proliferation, differentiation and reprogramming. Cell‐based phenotypic and pathway screens of synthetic compounds have led recently to the discovery of several small molecules that can be used to control stem cell fate. Such molecules will not only provide new insights into stem cell biology but will also facilitate the development of therapeutic agents for regenerative medicine.
Protein and
DNA
Thermostability
Authors: Berezovsky Igor N.
Published: March 2008

Adaptation to different environmental temperatures establishes specific requirements on the stability of DNA and protein macromolecules. Organismal strategies of thermophilic adaptation, structure‐ and sequence‐based, and their physical origins provide a consistent picture of the evolution of protein thermostability. A strong correlation between the optimal growth temperature (OGT) and the frequency of ApG dinucleotides in both sense and antisense strands of genomic DNA along with the absence of any “thermophilic” bias in the nucleotide composition highlights a key role of base stacking in the thermostabilization of the DNA double helix. The codon bias provides an excess of ApG pairs, which ensures the thermophilic adaptation of genomic DNA. The concentration of seven amino acids, Ile, Val, Tyr, Trp, Arg, Glu, Leu (IVYWREL), serves as a universal proteomic predictor of the OGT prokaryotes. The IVYWREL combination manifests a generic “thermophilic” trend in amino acid composition: the increase of hydrophobic and charged residues at the expense of polar ones. This so‐called “from both ends of the hydrophobicity scale” trend is a result of the positive (stabilizing the native state) and the negative (destabilizing misfolded conformations) components of protein design. The pressure to preserve energies of important native and non‐native contacts results in a correlation in mutations of amino acid residues involved into these contacts. A comparison of energy (Myiazawa–Jernigan potential) and substitution (BLOSUM62) matrices reveals a high rate of substitutions between amino acids that strongly attract each other (native contacts) and between residues that strongly repel each other (non‐native contacts).
The role of working memory components in multimedia comprehension
Authors: Gyselinck Valérie , Jamet Eric , Dubois Véronique
Published: March 2008

This article argues that conducting experiments involving the ability to control and even manipulate the cognitive load in working memory (WM; storage and or processing load) should make it possible to identify the processes involved during the integration of information coming from multiple sources. Some experiments using the dual‐task paradigm are reviewed, and an original experiment using complex multimedia material is presented. Overall, the experiments show that even in cases where subjects have to navigate between different types of information and have to integrate various items of information, the verbal storage component of WM is important in permitting comprehension. Visuospatial WM is in addition involved as soon as visuospatial processing is required. Storage of verbal information does not however depend on the modality of presentation and the classical modality effect appears to depend on individual differences. Some theoretical and practical implications of these results are drawn. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive processes in children's multimedia text learning
Authors: Segers Eliane , Verhoeven Ludo , Hulstijn‐Hendrikse Nanneke
Published: March 2008

The cognitive processes underlying children's multimedia text learning were studied using a self‐paced task and authentic school texts with mostly representational pictures in an elementary school setting. Both the quantity and quality of learning were assessed immediately following intervention and 1 week later. In a within‐subjects design, all of the children were taught four lessons of a different format: (1) written presentation only; (2) written presentation accompanied by pictures; (3) oral presentation only and (4) oral presentation accompanied by pictures. With respect to the quantity of learning, a short‐term modality effect was found with oral presentation producing better results than written presentation when accompanied by pictures. A multimedia effect was found for only the oral conditions. With respect to the quality of the children's learning, an initial short‐term modality effect was found but reversed 1 week following intervention with no evidence of a multimedia effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive processes in comprehension of science texts: the role of co‐activation in confronting misconceptions
Authors: van den Broek Paul , Kendeou Panayiota
Published: March 2008

In this paper, we investigate the effects of readers' incorrect knowledge on the on‐line comprehension processes during reading of science texts, with an eye towards examining the conditions that encourage revision of such knowledge. We employed computational (Landscape Model) and empirical (think‐aloud and reading times) methods to compare comprehension processes by readers with correct and incorrect background knowledge, respectively. Science texts were presented in either regular or refutation versions; Prior research using off‐line methods suggests that refutation versions promote revision in readers with incorrect knowledge. The results of the current study indicate that incorrect knowledge systematically influences both type and content of processing. Moreover, simultaneous activation of correct and incorrect conceptions during reading plays an essential role in knowledge revision: The computational simulations show that refutation texts create optimal circumstances for co‐activation of the incorrect and correct conceptions and the empirical data show that such a co‐activation is associated with inconsistency detection and revision activities by the readers with incorrect knowledge. These findings provide insights in the effects of misconceptions on the on‐line text processing and have important implications for the development of methods for achieving revision during reading. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Morphological Model for the Solvent‐Enhanced Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS Thin Films
Authors: Nardes Alexandre Mantovani , Janssen René A. J. , Kemerink Martijn
Published: March 2008

The well‐known enhanced conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films that is obtained by addition of high‐boiling solvents like sorbitol to the aqueous dispersion used for film deposition is shown to be associated with a rearrangement of PEDOT‐rich clusters into elongated domains, as evidenced from STM and AFM. Consistently, temperature dependent conductivity measurements for sorbitol‐treated films reveal that charge transport occurs via quasi 1D variable range hopping (VRH), in contrast to 3D VRH for untreated PEDOT:PSS films. The typical hopping distance of 60–90 nm, extracted from the conductivity measurements is consistent with hopping between the 30–40 nm sized grains observed with scanning probe microscopy.
Strontium Barium Niobate as a Multifunctional Two‐Dimensional Nonlinear “Photonic Glass”
Authors: Molina Pablo , Ramírez María de la O , Bausá Luisa E.
Published: March 2008

The ability of Strontium Barium Niobate crystal as a two‐dimensional nonlinear optical multiple‐wavelength‐and‐direction converter is demonstrated, showing how harmonic generation can be obtained in an extremely large spectral range. The whole visible spectral region can be continuously generated without any angle or temperature tuning by using different nonlinear schemes involving SHG and THG in different configurations. The dominant frequency conversion mechanisms acting in each case are experimentally determined. The system can act as a nonlinear prism since the SHG conical radiation from 430 to 680 nm can be dispersed into an external angle range of 36°. Conical nonlinear processes are also demonstrated under intracavity conditions from a diode pumped Nd3+:SBN laser crystal. Different harmonic generated rings appear simultaneously inside the cavity, while the crystal is lasing at 1063 nm. The system constitutes the first experimental example of a two‐dimensional generalized nonlinear photonic glass on a tunable solid state laser and can be useful for novel optical multifunctional devices such as nonlinear prism self‐frequency converted solid state lasers.
Bubble dynamics investigation in a slurry bubble column
Authors: Wu Chengtian , Suddard Kelsey , Al‐dahhan Muthanna H.
Published: March 2008

The application of four‐point optical probe has been for the first time extended to a slurry system in a 10.2‐cm ID column. Bubble dynamics (local gas holdup, bubble chord length, bubble velocity, bubble frequency, and specific interfacial area) were investigated using an air–water‐catalyst system under atmospheric pressure. With an increase in solids loading, the local gas holdup, specific interfacial area, and bubble frequency decreased, while the bubble velocity changed slightly. Bubble chord length increased noticeably, and the bubble chord length distribution spread more widely at high solids loading. It has also been found that the probe orientation is important for an investigation using probes, especially in the wall region of the column. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Mediators' alert: Now, certification goes global
Authors: Meyer Judith
Published: March 2008

A new Netherlands‐based initiative intends to certify mediators' training, qualifications, and general fitness for the work they do. The International Mediation Institute is soliciting comments this month on its proposed standards. Regular Alternatives contributor Judith Meyer, of Haverford, Pa., is an officer of the commission overseeing the efforts, and describes why the effort is underway and what it hopes to accomplish.
A phase I/IItrial of MYO‐029 in adult subjects with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Wagner Kathryn R. , Fleckenstein James L. , Amato Anthony A. , Barohn Richard J. , Bushby Katharine , Escolar Diana M. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Pestronk Alan , Tawil Rabi , Wolfe Gil I. , Eagle Michelle , Florence Julaine M. , King Wendy M. , Pandya Shree , Straub Volker , Juneau Paul , Meyers Kathleen , Csimma Cristina , Araujo Tracey , Allen Robert , Parsons Stephanie A. , Wozney John M. , LaVallie Edward R. , Mendell Jerry R.
Published: March 2008

Objective

Myostatin is an endogenous negative regulator of muscle growth and a novel target for muscle diseases. We conducted a safety trial of a neutralizing antibody to myostatin, MYO‐029, in adult muscular dystrophies (Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, and limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy).

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multinational, randomized study included 116 subjects divided into sequential dose‐escalation cohorts, each receiving MYO‐029 or placebo (Cohort 1 at 1mg/kg; Cohort 2 at 3mg/kg; Cohort 3 at 10mg/kg; Cohort 4 at 30mg/kg). Safety and adverse events were assessed by reported signs and symptoms, as well as by physical examinations, laboratory results, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and in subjects with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, funduscopic and audiometry examinations. Biological activity of MYO‐029 was assessed through manual muscle testing, quantitative muscle testing, timed function tests, subject‐reported outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging studies, dual‐energy radiographic absorptiometry studies, and muscle biopsy.

Results

MYO‐029 had good safety and tolerability with the exception of cutaneous hypersensitivity at the 10 and 30mg/kg doses. There were no improvements noted in exploratory end points of muscle strength or function, but the study was not powered to look for efficacy. Importantly, bioactivity of MYO‐029 was supported by a trend in a limited number of subjects toward increased muscle size using dual‐energy radiographic absorptiometry and muscle histology.

Interpretation

This trial supports the hypothesis that systemic administration of myostatin inhibitors provides an adequate safety margin for clinical studies. Further evaluation of more potent myostatin inhibitors for stimulating muscle growth in muscular dystrophy should be considered. Ann Neurol 2008
Nanoclay and long‐fiber‐reinforced composites based on epoxy and phenolic resins
Authors: Zhou Gang , Movva Siva , Lee L. James
Published: March 2008

In this study, high‐performance thermoset polymer composites are synthesized by using both long fibers and nanoclays. Epoxy and phenolic resins, the two most important thermoset polymers, are used as the polymer matrix. The hydrophobic epoxy resin is mixed with surface modified nanoclay, while the hydrophilic phenolic resin is mixed with unmodified raw nanoclay to form nanocomposites. Long carbon fibers are also added into the nanocomposites to produce hybrid composites. Mechanical and thermal properties of synthesized composites are compared with both long‐fiber‐reinforced composites and polymer‐ layered silicate composites. The optimal conditions of sample preparation and processing are also investigated to achieve the best properties of the hybrid composites. It is found that mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy and phenolic nanocomposites can be substantially improved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Überlegungen zur Verortung der Nanotechnologie in einem wissenschafts‐ und technikgeschichtlichen Kontinuum
Authors: Woyke Andreas
Published: March 2008

Reflections about an embedding of nanotechnology in a continuum of the history of science and technology. Nanotechnology is not a completely new technology, we can rather understand it as a continuation and extension of chemical technology. Along this line, it is not only problematic to characterize nanotechnology as a new ‘key technology’ but also the definition of nanotechnology as looking at a particular causality between properties and dimensions of materials seems hardly new. For embedding nanotechnology in such a greater historical context, the development of colloid chemistry at the beginning of the 20th century by Richard Zsigmondy and Wolfgang Ostwald is shown as an important reference point. Modern theories of supramolecular chemistry as those constituted by Jean‐Marie Lehn and others refer to this line of research in colloid chemistry and lead currently to scientific foundations of some nanotechnological fields. The historical embedding of nanotechnology can hence be used as a contribution for a more realistic evaluation of the technological possibilities as well as for a critical estimation of technological visions.
Crystal structures of peptide enantiomers and racemates: Probing conformational diversity in heterochiral Pro‐Pro sequences
Authors: Saha Indranil , Chatterjee Bhaswati , Shamala Narayanaswamy , Balaram Padmanabhan
Published: March 2008

Multiple conformational states in heterochiral diproline sequences have been characterized in the solid state by the determination of the crystal structures of seven tripeptides in enantiomeric and racemic forms. The sequences of the type Piv‐DPro‐LPro‐DXxx‐NHMe (D‐L‐D) [DXxx = DVal 1, DLeu 3, and DPhe 5] and their corresponding enatiomeric L‐D‐L sequences [LXxx = LVal 2, LLeu 4, and LPhe 6] have been investigated. Single crystals have been obtained for the pure enantiomers 1, 2, 3, 4 and for the racemates 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6. For Xxx = Leu, mirror image conformations (type II/II′ β‐turns) at Pro‐Leu segment are obtained. For Xxx = Val, a LPro‐DPro type II β‐turn in 2 and an open/extended structure is obtained in the solvated form of the enantiomer 1. For Xxx = Phe, suitable crystals could not be obtained for enatiomeric peptides. The racemate 5/6 revealed a cis peptide bond between the diproline segment with the absence of any intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Crystal structures of enantiomers and racemates prove useful in characterizing the multiple conformational states that are accessible to Pro‐Pro segments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 537–543, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Structural insights into the elastin mimetic (LGGVG)6 using solid‐state 13C NMR experiments and statistical analysis of the PDB
Authors: Kumashiro Kristin K. , Ohgo Kosuke , Niemczura Walter P. , Onizuka Allen K. , Asakura Tetsuo
Published: March 2008

Elastin is a crosslinked hydrophobic protein found in abundance in vertebrate tissue and is the source of elasticity in connective tissues and blood vessels. The repeating polypeptide sequences found in the hydrophobic domains of elastin have been the focus of many studies that attempt to understand the function of the native protein on a molecular scale. In this study, the central residues of the (LGGVG)6 elastin mimetic are targeted. Using a combination of a statistical analysis based on structures in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank (PDB), 1D cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning (CPMAS) NMR spectroscopy, and 2D off‐magic‐angle‐spinning (OMAS) spin‐diffusion experiments, it is determined that none of the residues are found in a singular regular, highly ordered structure. Instead, like the poly(VPGVG) elastin mimetics, there are multiple conformations and significant disorder. Furthermore, the conformational ensembles are not reflective of proteins generally, as in the PDB, suggesting that the structure distributions in elastin mimetics are unique to these peptides and are a salient feature of the functional model of the native protein. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 668–679, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Engineering Nanorafts of Calixarene Polyphosphonates
Authors: Clark Thomas E. , Makha Mohamed , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Rohrs Henry , Atwood Jerry L. , Raston Colin L.
Published: March 2008

The water‐soluble calix[4]arene bearing p‐substituted phosphonic acid groups is accessible in five steps in overall 62 % yield, with the hydrogen‐bonding prowess of the acidic groups dominating its self‐assembly processes. These include the formation of 3.0(3) nm and 20(2) nm nanorafts of the calixarene in water using spinning disc processing, stabilized by acetonitrile, and nanorafts in the gas phase (≤20 molecules). The 20(2) nm particles transform into 3.0(3) nm particles prior to crystallization into a compact bilayer, whereas crystallization in the presence of large organic molecules gives an expanded bilayer interposed by layers of water molecules.
Efficient stem cell labeling for MRI studies
Authors: Küstermann E. , Himmelreich U. , Kandal K. , Geelen T. , Ketkar A. , Wiedermann D. , Strecker C. , Esser J. , Arnhold S. , Hoehn M.
Published: March 2008

Iron oxide particles are especially suited for cell tracking experiments due to their extraordinarily molar relaxivity as compared with other paramagnetic nuclei. We have compared different iron oxide particles (Sinerem, Endorem and magnetic microspheres) for their suitability to label embryonic stem cells (D3 cell line). In addition to detectability thresholds, particular attention has been paid to the evaluation of long‐term stability of the labelling procedure (up to 4 weeks) as well as to toxic and other adverse effects on cell viability. Comparative studies were performed using neural progenitor cells (C17.2) and dendritic cells. The present study indicates strong dependence of the label efficiency and stability on the iron oxide particles and cell lines in use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential projections from the vestibular nuclei to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus in pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Pakan Janelle M.P. , Graham David J. , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Wylie Douglas R.W.
Published: March 2008

The pigeon vestibulocerebellum is divided into two regions based on the responses of Purkinje cells to optic flow stimuli: the uvula‐nodulus responds best to self‐translation, and the flocculus responds best to self‐rotation. We used retrograde tracing to determine whether the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus receive differential mossy fiber input from the vestibular and cerebellar nuclei. From retrograde injections into the both the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus, numerous cells were found in the superior vestibular nucleus (VeS), the cerebellovestibular process (pcv), the descending vestibular nucleus (VeD), and the medial vestibular nucleus (VeM). Less labeling was found in the prepositus hypoglossi, the cerebellar nuclei, the dorsolateral vestibular nucleus, and the lateral vestibular nucleus, pars ventralis. In the VeS, the differential input to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus was distinct: cells were localized to the medial and lateral regions, respectively. The same pattern was observed in the VeD, although there was considerable overlap. In the VeM, the majority of cells labeled from the flocculus were in rostral margins on the ipsilateral side, whereas labeling from uvula‐nodulus injections was distributed bilaterally throughout the VeM. Finally, from injections in the flocculus but not the uvula‐nodulus, moderate labeling was observed in a paramedian area, adjacent to the medial longitudinal fasciculus. In summary, there were clear differences with respect to the projections from the vestibular nuclei to functionally distinct parts of the vestibulocerebellum. Generally speaking, the mossy fibers to the flocculus and uvula‐nodulus arise from regions of the vestibular nuclei that receive input from the semicircular canals and otolith organs, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:402–417, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear factor I gene expression in the developing forebrain
Authors: Plachez Céline , Lindwall Charlotta , Sunn Nana , Piper Michael , Moldrich Randal X. , Campbell Christine E. , Osinski Jason M. , Gronostajski Richard M. , Richards Linda J.
Published: March 2008

Three members of the Nuclear Factor I (Nfi) gene family of transcription factors; Nfia, Nfib, and Nfix are highly expressed in the developing mouse brain. Nfia and Nfib knockout mice display profound defects in the development of midline glial populations and the development of forebrain commissures (das Neves et al. [1999] Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96:11946–11951; Shu et al. [2003] J Neurosci 23:203–212; Steele‐Perkins et al. [2005] Mol Cell Biol 25:685–698). These findings suggest that Nfi genes may regulate the substrate over which the commissural axons grow to reach targets in the contralateral hemisphere. However, these genes are also expressed in the cerebral cortex and, thus, it is important to assess whether this expression correlates with a cell‐autonomous role in cortical development. Here we detail the protein expression of NFIA and NFIB during embryonic and postnatal mouse forebrain development. We find that both NFIA and NFIB are expressed in the deep cortical layers and subplate prenatally and display dynamic expression patterns postnatally. Both genes are also highly expressed in the developing hippocampus and in the diencephalon. We also find that principally neither NFIA nor NFIB are expressed in callosally projecting neurons postnatally, emphasizing the role for midline glial cell populations in commissure formation. However, a large proportion of laterally projecting neurons express both NFIA and NFIB, indicating a possible cell‐autonomous role for these transcription factors in corticospinal neuron development. Collectively, these data suggest that, in addition to regulating the formation of axon guidance substrates, these genes also have cell‐autonomous roles in cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:385–401, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical typing of primary tumors on fine‐needle aspiration cytologies of lymph nodes
Authors: Casimiro Onofre Alexandre Sherlley , Pomjanski Natalia , Buckstegge Birgit , Böcking Alfred
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of immunocytochemistry as an ancillary method on routine FNACs of enlarged lymph nodes, using different markers. In a validating cohort study all patients had confirmatory histological and/or clinical follow‐up. 10 FNACs were analyzed for the differentiation of Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) from metastatic carcinoma (MC), 30 cases to identify the sites of metastatic unknown primary tumors and 16 cases were checked to confirm clinical suspicion of a specific MC. Accuracy to differentiate NHL from MC was 100%, 92.3% to identify a primary tumor site of MC, and 100% to confirm a clinical suspicion of a specific MC. In 7 cases, the site of the primary tumor remained clinically unknown. Application of immunocytochemical markers on the same slide used for microscopic diagnosis is a useful tool in the routine assessment of FNACs of lymph nodes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:207–215. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of thin‐layer preparations in endometrial cytology: Immunocytochemical expression of PTEN, beta‐catenin and p53 for benign endometrial lesions
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Oda Tomohiro , Moriya Takuya , Yanoh Kenji , Miyake Yasuyuki , Ohno Eiji
Published: March 2008

This article focuses on the characteristic features of morphology and molecular biology of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 immunocytochemistry in normal endometrium (proliferative, secretory, and atrophic) and endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) using thin‐layer specimens. During a 6‐month period, 120 endometrial samples were collected directly using the Uterobrush and a thin‐layer specimen was prepared. Immunocytochemical expression of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 were investigated using 30 cases each of proliferative endometrium (PE), secretory endometrium (SE), atrophic endometrium (AE), and EGBD.

PTEN expression of normal endometrial glandular epithelial cells changes with the hormonal status; PE produce very high expression, SE creates attenuation or disappearance of PTEN expression and AE diminished more in comparison with SE. PTEN expression of EGBD showed a tendency towards attenuation compared with PE, but showed high expression in comparison with SE and AE. As for the immunoreactivity of beta‐catenin, in all phases (PE, SE, AE, and EGBD), it was observed in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells, but not nuclei, and showed strong membranous staining. As for the p53 immunoreactivity, p53 positivity was not observed in the glandular epithelial cells in all phases (PE, SE, AE, and EGBD) with the exception of some metaplastic cells. The presence of p53 immunoreactivity of a weak, low ratio in metaplastic cells was unexpected. In the current study, the expression manner of PTEN, beta‐catenin, and p53 immunocytochemistry was observed in the normal endometrium (PE, SE, and AE) and EGBD. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:216–223. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disseminated subcutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia farcinica diagnosed by FNA biopsy and 16S ribosomal gene sequencing
Authors: Angeles Ronald M. , LaSala Rocco P. , Fanning Cristina V.
Published: March 2008

Nocardia is an infrequent but significant cause of infections in the immunocompromised host. Clinical syndromes are varied and ranges from pulmonary, disseminated, cutaneous, and CNS involvement. Here we describe a case of disseminated subcutaneous nodules in a patient with multiple myeloma caused by Nocardia farcinica. The diagnosis was made by FNA biopsy which revealed gram positive filamentous bacilli in background of acute inflammation on smears. This was confirmed by 16S ribosomal gene sequencing. Prompt identification of N. farcinica is important because of its intrinsic resistance to broad spectrum cephalosporins and high risk of dissemination. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:266–269. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enriched environment restores impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation and water maze performance induced by developmental lead exposure in rats
Authors: Cao Xiujing , Huang Shenghai , Ruan Diyun
Published: March 2008

Lead (Pb2+) exposure in children can induce long lasting deficits in cognitive function and has been modeled in experimental animals. Based on previous studies which demonstrated that learning impairments resulting from developmental Pb2+ exposure were reversible if the animals were provided with an enriched environment, here, we asked if environmental enrichment (EE) could also reverse long‐term potention (LTP) impairment induced by lead. Rats drank 1,500 ppm lead acetate (PbAc) solution or distilled water throughout gestation and lactation. After weaning at postnatal Day 22, one half of the control and lead‐exposed male offspring were given the environmental enrichment treatment through all the experiments until tested. Electrophysiological and Morris water maze test were performed at 8 weeks of age. The result showed that the impaired learning ability induced by lead could be reversed by EE. Furthermore, our results revealed that EPSP LTP and PS LTP impairments induced by lead were also reversible by EE experience. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 307–313, 2008.
Notch2 is required for the proliferation of cardiac neural crest‐derived smooth muscle cells
Authors: Varadkar Prajakta , Kraman Matthew , Despres Daryl , Ma Ge , Lozier Julie , McCright Brent
Published: March 2008

Mutations in Notch receptors and their ligands have been identified as the cause of human congenital heart diseases, indicating the importance of the Notch signaling pathway during heart development. In our study, we use Cre‐Lox technology to inactivate Notch2 in several cardiac cell lineages to determine the functional requirements for Notch2 during mammalian heart development. Inactivation of Notch2 in cardiac neural crest cells resulted in abnormally narrow aortas and pulmonary arteries due to a decrease in smooth muscle tissue. The reduction in smooth muscle tissue was not due to cell migration defects but instead was found to be caused by less proliferation in smooth muscle cells during mid to late gestation. Our findings demonstrate that Notch2 is required cell autonomously for proper formation of the heart outflow tract and provides insights into the role of Notch2 in vascular smooth muscle development and the cardiovascular defects associated with Alagille syndrome. Developmental Dynamics 237:1144–1152, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Polymerization of Tetrahydrofuran Initiated by Niobium(V) and Tantalum(V) Halides
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Repo Timo
Published: March 2008

The halides MX5 (M = Nb, Ta, X = F, Cl, Br) (1) are effective in promoting the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (thf). The polymerization reactions promoted by MCl5 and MBr5 proceed via the ionic species 3, which forms from MX5(thf) (2) by attack of the incoming monomer to the metal‐bonded thf. The metal‐bonded thf of 3 is not involved in the immediately successive steps of the reaction. The [TaF6]– anion is not formed when the polymerization is initiated by TaF5. The activities of the promoters increase according to the series TaBr5 < NbCl5 < TaCl5 < TaF5. The latter possesses high activity and produces high molar mass poly(tetrahydrofuran) (67100 g/mol). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Optimization of industrial‐scale deodorization of high‐oleic sunflower oil via response surface methodology
Authors: Martinčič Vito , Golob Janvit , de Greyt Wim , Verhé Roland , Knez Sergej , Van Hoed Vera , Žilnik Ljudmila Fele , Potočnik Klemen , Hraš Andreja Rižner , Ayala José Vila
Published: March 2008

Optimization of industrial‐scale deodorization of high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) via response surface methodology is presented in this study. The results of an experimental program conducted on an industrial‐scale deodorizer were analyzed statistically. Predictive models were derived for each of the oil quality indicators (QI) in dependence on the studied variable deodorization process parameters. The deodorization behavior of some minor components was analyzed on a pilot‐scale deodorizer. For comparison, a similar experimental program was also performed on the laboratory‐scale. The results of this study demonstrate that optimization of the deodorization process requires a suitable compromise between often mutually opposing demands dictated by different oil QI. The production of HOSO with top‐quality organoleptic and nutritional values (high tocopherol and phytosterol contents and low free and trans fatty acid contents) and high oxidative stability demands deodorization temperatures in the range between 220 and 235 °C and a total sparge steam above 2.0% (wt/wt in oil). The response surface methodology provides the tools needed to identify the optimum deodorization process conditions. However, the laboratory‐scale experiments, while showing similar response characteristics of QI in dependence on the process parameters and thus helpful as a guide, are of limited value in the optimization of an industrial‐scale operation.
Efficient stabilization of bulk fish oil rich in long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Drusch Stephan , Groß Nina , Schwarz Karin
Published: March 2008

The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the possibilities of stabilizing a bulk oil rich in long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids under ambient conditions. Combinations of different antioxidants (α‐, γ‐ and/or δ‐tocopherol, rosmarinic acid and rosemary extract rich in carnosic acid) as well as lecithin and citric acid were systematically investigated. Efficient stabilization was achieved by choosing a combination of tocopherols rich in γ‐ or δ‐tocopherol and low in α‐tocopherol, by including tocopherol‐sparing synergists like ascorbyl palmitate and carnosic acid from rosemary extract and metal‐chelating agents. For carnosic acid, a concentration of 400 mg/kg oil provides sufficient protection; the concentration of the metal chelator should be adapted to the concentration of metal ions present in the oil. As an alternative ingredient with metal‐chelating and tocopherol‐sparing activity, lecithin may be included in the formulation, but its poor solubility in bulk oils limits its use.
Formation of oxidation compounds in sunflower and olive oils under oxidative stability index conditions
Authors: Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria , Martín‐Polvillo Manuel , Velasco Joaquín , Dobarganes Carmen
Published: March 2008

The objective of this work was to study the evolution of oxidation under oxidative stability index (OSI) conditions using the Rancimat apparatus. Sunflower oils with different degrees of unsaturation (conventional high‐linoleic sunflower oil, genetically modified high‐oleic sunflower oil, and a 1 : 1 mixture of both of them) and virgin olive oil were used. The sunflower oils were tested at 100 °C, while the olive oil was assayed at 100, 110 and 120 °C. Samples were analyzed at different time points and conductivity values, until the induction period (IP) was overpassed. A combination of adsorption and size‐exclusion chromatography was used for the quantification of oxidized triacylglycerol (TG) monomers, dimers and polymers. Additionally, peroxide values (PV) and ultraviolet absorption at 270 nm (K270), as well as losses of tocopherols, were measured. The results showed that oxidized TG monomers were the only group of oxidation compounds that increased during the early oxidation stage. The end of the IP was marked by the initiation of polymerization after the exhaustion of tocopherols. In comparison with reported results obtained at room temperature, the main difference found was that the amounts of oxidation compounds at the end of the IP were much lower at OSI test temperatures. With the exception of the K270 values, the results also showed that the IP endpoints provided by the OSI test were slightly higher than those obtained by quantification of oxidized TG monomers or by PV determination.
Development and initial validation of an instrument for human capital planning
Authors: Zula Kenneth J. , Chermack Thomas J.
Published: March 2008

This article reports on development and validation of an instrument for use in human capital approaches for organizational planning. The article describes use of a team of subject matter experts in developing a measure of human capital planning, and use of exploratory factor analysis techniques to validate the resulting instrument. These data were obtained from a national survey of 494 human resource management and human resource development respondents. The article presents an instrument for assistance with human capital planning as a strategic human resource management tool and further reports on the initial validity and reliability measures resulting from the analysis. In addition, the usefulness of this instrument for human resource management and human resource development professionals is explored.
The effects of an ethics training program on attitude, knowledge, and transfer of training of office professionals: A treatment‐ and control‐group design
Authors: Frisque Deloise A. , Kolb Judith A.
Published: March 2008

This study examines the effects of ethics training on the attitudes, knowledgebased scores, and analysis of ethical dilemmas among office professionals. A treatment‐and control‐group design was used with variables of interest measured before, immediately after, and ninety days following completion of a six‐hour ethics training workshop. A Web‐based research randomizer was used with an electronic file to identify full‐time office professionals at a large university in the northeastern United States. Seventy‐one participants were assigned to the treatment (training) group, twenty to the control group. Results indicate significant differences in attitude and analysis of ethical dilemmas between the two groups.
Effectiveness and tolerability of mirtazapine and amitriptyline in alcoholic patients with co‐morbid depressive disorder: a randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Altintoprak A. Ender , Zorlu Nabi , Coskunol Hakan , Akdeniz Fisun , Kitapcioglu Gul
Published: March 2008

Objective

Studies indicate that serotoninergic and noradrenergic pathophysiological mechanisms may underlie both alcohol abuse/dependence and depressive disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and tolerability of two serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressant drugs‐mirtazapine and amitriptyline, for the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence co‐morbid with depressive disorder in a randomized, double‐blind treatment setting.

Methods

Forty‐four patients were included in the study. Twenty‐four patients were randomized to mirtazapine and twenty to amitriptyline groups. Thirty‐six of them completed the study. The 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and alcohol craving questionnaire were used at baseline and, at days 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 to estimate the effectiveness of the antidepressant treatment. Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was used in the assessment of alcohol dependence. The tolerability was assessed with the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU).

Results

There was significant improvement in HDRS and alcohol craving scores with both the drugs. However there were no statistical differences between treatment groups. Mirtazapine was tolerated better than amitriptyline treatment.

Conclusions

The treatment with either mirtazapine or amitriptyline resulted with the reduction of HDRS and craving scores. The side‐effect profile of mirtazapine was relatively favorable in our study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral decomposition of periodic ground water fluctuation in a coastal aquifer
Authors: Shih David Ching‐Fang , Lin Gwo‐Fong , Jia Yee‐Ping , Chen Yue‐Gau , Wu Yih‐Min
Published: March 2008

This research accomplished by the descriptive statistics and spectral analysis of six kinds of time series data gives a complete assessment of periodic fluctuation in significant constituents for the Huakang Shan earthquake monitoring site. Spectral analysis and bandpass filtering techniques are demonstrated to accurately analyse the significant component. Variation in relative ground water heads with a period of 12·6 h is found to be highly related to seawater level fluctuation. Time lag is estimated about 3·78 h. Based on these phenomena, the coastal aquifer formed in an unconsolidated formation can be affected by the nearby seawater body for the semi‐diurnal component. Fluctuation in piezometric heads is found to correspond at a rate of 1000 m h−1. Atmospheric pressure presents the significant components at periods of 10·8 h and 7·2 h in a quite different type, compared to relative ground water head and seawater level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correcting wind‐induced bias in solid precipitation measurements in case of limited and uncertain data
Authors: Fortin Vincent , Therrien Charles , Anctil François
Published: March 2008

Automatic precipitation gauges tend to underestimate solid precipitation in the presence of wind. Loss as a function of wind speed is typically evaluated by comparing the gauge with a more accurate measurement made using a double‐fence intercomparison reference gauge (DFIR). For small precipitation events, small errors in the observations can induce large errors in the ‘catch’ ratio, i.e. the ratio of the automatic gauge measurement to the DFIR observation. For this reason, precipitation events of less than 3 mm are typically discarded before performing the regression analysis. This can mean discarding more than 90% of the observations. This paper shows how the method of weighted least squares can be used to perform a regression analysis that can take into account the whole sample to provide a more accurate estimation of the relationship between the catch ratio and the wind speed. This methodology is then used to obtain an adjustment curve for a shielded Geonor T‐200B precipitation gauge in Northern Québec. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada.
Using satellite imagery to validate snow distribution simulated by a hydrological model in large northern basins
Authors: Brown Laura , Thorne Robin , Woo Ming‐Ko
Published: March 2008

Owing to the scarcity of hydro‐climatic data in high latitudes, most hydrological models are validated using only discharge data from the basin outlets. In view of the important contribution of snowmelt to northern river flows, there is a need to evaluate model performance in terms of the ability to simulate the seasonal pattern of change in the basin snow cover. The paucity of ground observations renders satellite information a suitable alternative. The moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) global snow‐cover product provided by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) offers one such tool to validate simulated snow coverage in rugged sub‐arctic and boreal terrain. This study examines the usefulness of applying MODIS data to validate the hydrological simulation for two test basins: the Liard (275 000 km2) and the Athabasca (133 000 km2) Basins in Canada. Changing extent of snow cover simulated by the Semi‐distributed Land Use‐based Runoff Processes (SLURP) macro‐hydrologic model was compared with MODIS imagery at four bi‐weekly intervals in 2000 and 2001. The simulated patterns of seasonal snow‐cover change are consistent with the remotely sensed information, with melt beginning from the lower elevations in the east where less snow was accumulated, to the higher elevations in the west bearing more snow. The overall results show the need and the usefulness of MODIS as a tool for validating snow distribution simulated by the hydrological model in large northern basins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal‐on‐metal bearings in total hip arthroplasties: Influence of cobalt and chromium ions on bacterial growth and biofilm formation
Authors: Hosman Anton H. , van der Mei Henny C. , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , Busscher Henk J. , Neut Daniëlle
Published: March 2008

Metal‐on‐metal (MOM) bearings involving cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloys in total hip arthroplasties are becoming more and more popular due to their low wear. Consequences of corrosion products of Co–Cr alloys are for the most part unclear, and the influence of cobalt and chromium ions on biofilm formation has never been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how Co–Cr ions affect bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and architecture. A collection of clinically isolated and commercially available bacterial strains were exposed to Co–Cr concentrations as found in serum and above as found in adjacent tissue. Planktonic growth of bacteria was inhibited by concentrations of 200,000/93,000 μg/L Co–Cr. Co–Cr concentrations up to 20/9.3 μg/L as reported to occur in serum revealed no consistent influence on biofilm formation, but higher concentrations of 200,000/93,000 μg/L significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus and CNS biofilm formation. As indicated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, no dead bacteria were encountered in the biofilms, and the metal ion concentrations used must be classified as growth‐inhibiting and not bactericidal. Long‐term clinical data on infection rates for Co–Cr MOM‐bearings are not yet available, but the current results suggest that Co–Cr ions may yield these prostheses less prone to biofilm formation and subsequent infection. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009