bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The longitudinal relationship between the use of ergonomic measures and the incidence of low back complaints
Authors: van der Molen Henk F. , Frings‐Dresen Monique H.W. , Sluiter Judith K.
Published: March 2010

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints among construction workers.

Methods

An initial questionnaire was sent to a cohort of bricklayers, carpenters, and pavers in 2000. Workers who reported no musculoskeletal complaints were selected (n = 539) and divided into groups that either used or did not use ergonomic measures. The incidence of low back complaints among members of the two groups was re‐assessed with a follow‐up questionnaire administered in 2005.

Results

A total of 12.4% of the construction workers reported regular use of ergonomic measures at baseline and during follow‐up. The 4.5‐year incidence of regular or sustained low back complaints was 17.3%. Frequent use of ergonomic measures was associated with a 15% (RR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.46–1.55) reduced risk of reporting regular or sustained low back complaints among construction workers after a 4.5‐year period.

Conclusions

This study did not find a statistically significant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints. Sustained use of effective ergonomic measures among a large group of young construction workers is necessary to provide possible evidence for a significant and relevant primary preventive effect of the use of ergonomic measures on low back complaints in the long term. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 635–640, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychosocial work factors and shoulder pain in hotel room cleaners
Authors: Burgel Barbara J. , White Mary C. , Gillen Marion , Krause Niklas
Published: March 2010

Background

Hotel room cleaners have physically demanding jobs that place them at high risk for shoulder pain. Psychosocial work factors may also play a role in shoulder pain, but their independent role has not been studied in this group.

Methods

Seventy‐four percent (941 of 1,276) of hotel room cleaners from five Las Vegas hotels completed a 29‐page survey assessing health status, working conditions, and psychosocial work factors. For this study, 493 of the 941 (52%) with complete data for 21 variables were included in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Fifty‐six percent reported shoulder pain in the prior four weeks. Room cleaners with effort–reward imbalance (ERI) were three times as likely to report shoulder pain (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.95–4.59, P = 0.000) even after adjustment for physical workload and other factors. After adjustment for physical workload, job strain and iso‐strain were not significantly associated with shoulder pain.

Conclusions

ERI is independently associated with shoulder pain in hotel room cleaners even after adjustment for physical workload and other risk factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:743–756, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ovarian reserve tests and their utility in predicting response to controlled ovarian stimulation in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Wu Julie M. , Takahashi Diana L. , Ingram Donald K. , Mattison Julie A. , Roth George , Ottinger Mary Ann , Zelinski Mary B.
Published: March 2010

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is an alternative to natural breeding in nonhuman primates; however, these protocols are costly with no guarantee of success. Toward the objective of predicting COS outcome in rhesus monkeys, this study evaluated three clinically used ovarian reserve tests (ORTs): day 3 (d3) follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) with d3 inhibin B (INHB), the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT), and the exogenous FSH Ovarian Reserve Test. A COS was also performed and response was classified as either successful (COS+) or unsuccessful (COS−) and retrospectively compared with ORT predictions. FSH and INHB were assessed for best hormonal index in conjunction with the aforementioned tests. INHB was consistently more accurate than FSH in all the ORTs used. Overall, a modified version of the CCCT using INHB values yielded the best percentage of correct predictions. This is the first report of ORT evaluation in rhesus monkeys and may provide a useful diagnostic test before costly follicle stimulations, as well as predicting the onset of menopause. Am. J. Primatol. 72:672–680, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on the performance of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene membranes
Authors: Li Nana , Xiao Changfa , Zhang Zhiying
Published: March 2010

Porous, flat membranes of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared by thermally induced phase separation, with mineral oil as a diluent and poly(ethylene glycol) with a weight‐average molecular weight of 20,000 (PEG20000) as an additive. Through the control of the rheological behavior, crystallite size, and pore structure, the influential factors, including the diluent, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) content, and cooling rate, were investigated. The results suggested that PEG could decrease the viscosity of UHMWPE/diluent apparently. The crystal density decreased when mineral oil was added, which made the melting point and crystallinity of UHMWPE lower. The crystallization rate and crystallinity also increased with the addition of PEG. However, the addition of excess PEG restrained crystal growth. PEG20000 in membranes could be extracted absolutely through the soaking of the membranes with fresh water for 7 days. With increasing PEG content, both porosity and pure water flux first increased and then decreased, reaching a maximum at a PEG mass fraction of 10%. The cooling rate had a direct effect the crystal structure. A slow cooling rate was good for crystal growth and diluent integration. Therefore, the pure water flux increased along with the temperature of the cooling medium, whereas porosity first increased and then decreased, reaching a maximum at 40°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A simple method for forecast of cooling time of high‐density polyethylene during gas‐assisted injection molding
Authors: Liang Shui‐Po , Yang Bin , Fu Xiao‐Rong , Yang Wei , Sun Nan , Hu Sheng , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: March 2010

Gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM) is an innovative plastic processing technology, which was developed from the conventional injection molding, and has currently found wide industrial applications. About 70% of the whole gas‐assisted injection molding cycle is actually occupied by the cooling stage. The quality and production efficiency of molded parts are considerably affected by the cooling stage. Hence, it is necessary to study the solidification behaviors during the cooling stage. In this work, a simple experimental method was designed to simulate the solidification behaviors of high‐density polyethylene during cooling stage of GAIM. The enthalpy transformation approach, coupled with the control‐volume/finite difference techniques, was adopted to deal with the transient heat transfer problems with phase change effects. In situ measurements of the temperature decreases in the cavity were also carried out. Reasonable agreements between the experimental values and the simulated results such as cooling time, cooling rates, and temperature curves were obtained, which proved that this simple experimental method was effective. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Cell Secretion Mediated by Granule‐Associated Vesicle Transport: A Glimpse at Evolution
Authors: Crivellato Enrico , Nico Beatrice , Gallo Valentina Patrizia , Ribatti Domenico
Published: March 2010

Regulated secretion allows extrusion of cell products stored in specialized membrane‐bound organelles called secretory granules or secretory vesicles. Regulated secretion provides basic functions in living organisms, and in a phylogenetic perspective, it is recognizable in the most primitive eukaryotic forms. This article is an attempt to trace the evolutionary history of a special type of secretory pattern, which has been referred to as vesicle‐mediated degranulation or piecemeal degranulation (PMD). First described in the early 70s of the last century in inflammatory cells, such as the basophils, mast cells, and eosinophils, this regulated secretory route has subsequently been recognized in endocrine cells, in particular in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. This vesicle‐mediated degranulation is held to mobilize small and specific aliquots of granule‐associated material for selective paracrine or endocrine transport to the cell exterior. PMD has been identified in many vertebrate classes. By contrast, no data are available for invertebrates. We speculate that this pattern of cell secretion emerged early in phylogenesis, when the first metazoans appeared. In this review article, we will first revise the concept of vesicle‐mediated degranulation in the light of the most recent experimental discoveries and theoretical implications. Then, the distribution of this secretory mode among vertebrates and its molecular basis will be highlighted. Finally, the potential occurrence of PMD in invertebrates, its biological significance from an evolutionary perspective and the future direction of investigations will be briefly sketched. Anat Rec 293:1115–1124, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resolution of the Atropochiral Biminap Ligand and Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Abdellah Ibrahim , Debono Nathalie , Canac Yves , Vendier Laure , Chauvin Remi
Published: March 2010

Enantiomeric resolution of the rac‐biminap ligand is achieved through fractional crystallization of four diastereoisomeric palladium complexes involving ortho‐metallated enantiomerically pure (R)‐dimethyl(1‐naphthylethyl)amine as a chiral auxiliary. After decomplexation, the absolute configuration of (R)‐biminap and (S)‐biminap has been unambiguously attributed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, and their stereochemical purity is confirmed by measurement of their optical rotation and by re‐derivatization with the initial resolving chiral complex. Palladium complexes of biminap are shown to efficiently catalyze Tsuji–Trost allylic substitution of 3‐acetoxy‐1,3‐diphenylpropene by sodium dimethyl malonate. In the asymmetric version using the enantiomerically pure (R)‐biminap ligand, significant solvent and anion effects are evident, and an ee up to 90 % is obtained.
Recent studies of iron deficiency during brain development in nonhuman primates
Authors: Golub Mari S.
Published: March 2010

Recent studies of the effects of developmental iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia in nonhuman primates have provided new insights into this widespread and well‐recognized human nutritional deficiency. The rhesus monkey was the animal model in these experiments, which used extensive hematological and behavioral evaluations in addition to noninvasive brain measures. Two important findings were as follows: 1) different behavioral consequences depending on the timing of ID relative to brain developmental stages and 2) the potential for long‐lasting changes in brain iron regulatory systems. Further work in this model, including integration with studies in humans and in laboratory rodents, is ongoing.
Oligodendrogenesis: The role of iron
Authors: Badaracco Maria Elvira , Siri Maria Victoria Rosato , Pasquini Juana Maria
Published: March 2010

Iron seems to be an essential factor in myelination and oligodendrocyte (OLGc) biology. However, the specific role of iron in these processes remains to be elucidated. Iron deficiency (ID) imposed to developing rats has been a relevant model to understand the role of iron in oligodendrogenesis and myelination. During early development ID causes specific changes in myelin composition, including a lower relative content of cholesterol, proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin basic protein 21 (MBP21). These changes could be a consequence of the adverse effects of ID on OLGc development and function. We subsenquently studied the possible corrective effect of a single intracranial injection (ICI) of apotransferrin (aTf) on myelin formation in ID rats OLGc migration and differentiation after an ICI of aTf was evaluated at 3 days of age. ID increased the number of proliferating and undifferentiated cells in the corpus callosum (CC), while a single aTf injection reverts these effects, increasing the number of mature cells and myelin formation. Overall, results of a series of studies supports the concept that iron may affect OLGc development at early stages of embryogenesis rather than during late development. Myelin composition is altered by a limited iron supply, changes that can be reverted by a single injection of aTf.
Metabolic responses of Taxus media transformed cell cultures to the addition of methyl jasmonate
Authors: Exposito Oscar , Syklowska‐Baranek Katarzyna , Moyano Elisabeth , Onrubia Miriam , Bonfill Mercedes , Palazon Javier , Cusido Rosa M.
Published: March 2010

Dedifferentiated Taxus media cell cultures presenting the same genetic characteristics as the parent culture were established from transformed roots. Two transformed cell lines were studied: Rol C, carrying the T‐DNA of A. rhizogenes 9,402 and TXS, carrying both the T‐DNA of A. rhizogenes and the txs transgene of T. baccata under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter. In the second part of a previously optimized two‐stage system, the transformed cell lines were cultured in a production medium supplemented with the elicitor methyl jasmonate. Taxane production in the transformed cultures was compared with an untransformed T. media cell line cultured in the same conditions. The highest taxane production was observed in the TXS cell line when cultured in the optimized production medium with methyl jasmonate, being 265% greater than in the untransformed control and 170% greater than in the Rol C cell line. However, txs expression and the activity of the enzyme taxadiene synthase in the TXS cells were lower than in the line carrying only the rol genes (Rol C). It is also noteworthy that the taxane production as well as the txs gene expression and TXS activity in all the cell lines, both transformed and untransformed, were clearly dependent on the elicitor action. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Combining high‐throughput screening of caspase activity with anti‐apoptosis genes for development of robust CHO production cell lines
Authors: Dorai Haimanti , Ellis Dawn , Keung Yun Seung , Campbell Marguerite , Zhuang Minhong , Lin Chengbin , Betenbaugh Michael J.
Published: March 2010

A set of anti‐apoptotic genes were over‐expressed, either singly or in combination, in an effort to develop robust Chinese Hamster Ovary host cell lines suitable for manufacturing biotherapeutics. High‐throughput screening of caspase 3/7 activity enabled a rapid selection of transfectants with reduced caspase activity relative to the host cell line. Transfectants with reduced caspase 3/7 activity were then tested for improved integrated viable cell count (IVCC), a function of peak viable cell density and longevity. The maximal level of improvement in IVCC could be achieved by over‐expression of either single anti‐apoptotic genes, e.g., Bcl‐2Δ (a mutated variant of Bcl‐2) or Bcl‐XL, or a combination of two or three anti‐apoptotic genes, e.g., E1B‐19K, Aven, and XIAPΔ. These cell lines yielded higher transient antibody production and a greater number of stable clones with high antibody yields. In a 5 L fed‐batch bioreactor system, BΔ31‐1, a stable clone expressing Bcl‐2Δ, had a product titer that was 180% as compared to an optimal clone (Con‐1) from the control cell line. Although lactate accumulated to more than 5 g/L in the control culture, its concentration was reduced in the anti‐apoptotic BΔ31‐1 cultures to below 1 g/L, confirming our earlier findings that cells over‐expressing anti‐apoptotic genes consume the lactate that would otherwise accumulate as a by‐product in the culture medium. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use the high throughput caspase screening method to identify CHO host cell lines with superior anti‐apoptotic characteristics. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
His‐tagged protein purification by metal‐chelate affinity extraction with nickel‐chelate reverse micelles
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yan , Feng Xu‐Dong , Sun Yan
Published: March 2010

Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) was used as a transition metal ion chelator and introduced to the nonionic reverse micellar system composed of equimolar Triton X‐45 and Span 80 at a total concentration of 30 mmol/L. Ni(II) ions were chelated to the HDEHP dimers in the reverse micelles, forming a complex denoted as Ni(II)R2. The Ni(II)‐chelate reverse micelles were characterized for the purification of recombinant hexahistidine‐tagged enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expressed in Escherichia coli. The affinity binding of EGFP to Ni(II)R2 was proved by investigation of the forward and back extraction behaviors of purified EGFP. Then, EGFP was purified with the affinity reverse micelles. It was found that the impurities in the feedstock impeded EGFP transfer to the reverse micelles, though they were little solubilized in the organic phase. The high specificity of the chelated Ni2+ ions toward the histidine tag led to the production of electrophoretically pure EGFP, which was similar to that purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. A two‐stage purification by the metal‐chelate affinity extraction gave rise to 87% recovery of EGFP. Fluorescence spectrum analysis suggests the preservation of native protein structure after the separation process, indicating the system was promising for protein purification. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Investigation of beta‐glucans binding to human/mouse dectin‐1 and associated immunomodulatory effects on two monocyte/macrophage cell lines
Authors: Wu Mei‐Li , Huang Tzou‐Chi , Hung Hui‐Ju , Yu Jou‐Hui , Chung Wen‐Bin , Chaung Hso‐Chi
Published: March 2010

Dectin‐1, a specific pattern recognition receptor for β‐1,3/β‐1,6‐glucans, is expressed mainly on phagocytes. Human dectin‐1 (hDectin‐1) and mouse dectin‐1 (mDectin‐1) were separately expressed on HEK293 cell surfaces for examination of the binding abilities of a synthetic particulate β‐glucan (pβG), a product extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in this study. The binding of zymosan‐FITC to hDectin‐1 and mDectin‐1 was inhibited by pβG at similar concentrations for 50% inhibition of binding (IC50). However, the kinetics of the time course and dose response to zymosan stimulation observed for U937 and J774A.1 differed. Superoxide anion production was increased in U937 but reduced in J774A.1 when cells were treated with pβG, zymosan, or laminarin, whereas ovalbumin endocytosis was enhanced in U937 and J774A.1 treated either with pβG, zymosan, laminarin, or barley‐glucan. These results indicate that the binding affinity of pβG to hDectin‐1 is similar to the binding affinity to mDectin‐1, and that stimulation by pβG as well as various forms of β‐1,3‐glucans on U937 and J774A.1 resulted in upregulation of cell activity and ovalbumin endocytosis. Additionally, other coreceptors on U937 and J774A.1 may be involved in directing different responses to superoxide anion production in these two types of cells. These results will likely contribute to further investigations on identifying the biological forms of β‐glucans capable of binding its specific receptor as the effective immunomodulators. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
A device for separated and reversible co‐culture of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chen Michael Q. , Whittington R. Hollis , Day Peter W. , Kobilka Brian K. , Giovangrandi Laurent , Kovacs Gregory T. A.
Published: March 2010

A novel technique is introduced for patterning and controllably merging two cultures of adherent cells on a microelectrode array (MEA) by separation with a removable physical barrier. The device was first demonstrated by separating two cardiomyocyte populations, which upon merging synchronized electrical activity. Next, two applications of this co‐culture device are presented that demonstrate its flexibility as well as outline different metrics to analyze co‐cultures. In a differential assay, the device contained two distinct cell cultures of neonatal wild‐type and β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) knockout cardiomyocytes and simultaneously exposed them with the β‐AR agonist isoproterenol. The beat rate and action potential amplitude from each cell type displayed different characteristic responses in both unmerged and merged states. This technique can be used to study the role of β‐receptor signaling and how the corresponding cellular response can be modulated by neighboring cells. In the second application, action potential propagation between modeled host and graft cell cultures was shown through the analysis of conduction velocity across the MEA. A co‐culture of murine cardiomyocytes (host) and murine skeletal myoblasts (graft) demonstrated functional integration at the boundary, as shown by the progression of synchronous electrical activity propagating from the host into the graft cell populations. However, conduction velocity significantly decreased as the depolarization waves reached the graft region due to a mismatch of inherent cell properties that influence conduction. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
A simple apparatus for measuring cell settling velocity
Authors: Wang Zhaowei , Belovich Joanne M.
Published: March 2010

Accurate cell settling velocity determination is critical for perfusion culture using a gravity settler for cell retention. We have developed a simple apparatus (a “settling column”) for measuring settling velocity and have validated the procedure with 15‐μm polystyrene particles with known physical properties. The measured settling velocity of the polystyrene particles is within 4% of the value obtained using the traditional Stokes' law approach. The settling velocities of three hybridoma cell lines were measured, resulting in up to twofold variation among cell lines, and the values decreased as the cell culture aged. The settling velocities of the nonviable cells were 33–50% less than the corresponding viable cells. The significant variation of settling velocities among cell populations and growth phases confirms the necessity of routine measurement of this property during long‐term perfusion culture. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
β‐Aminopeptidase‐Catalyzed Biotransformations of β2‐Dipeptides: Kinetic Resolution and Enzymatic Coupling
Authors: Heck Tobias , Reimer Artur , Seebach Dieter , Gardiner James , Deniau Gildas , Lukaszuk Aneta , Kohler Hans‐Peter E. , Geueke Birgit
Published: March 2010

We have previously shown that the β‐aminopeptidases BapA from Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica and DmpA from Ochrobactrum anthropi can catalyze reactions with non‐natural β3‐peptides and β3‐amino acid amides. Here we report that these exceptional enzymes are also able to utilize synthetic dipeptides with N‐terminal β2‐amino acid residues as substrates under aqueous conditions. The suitability of a β2‐peptide as a substrate for BapA or DmpA was strongly dependent on the size of the Cα substituent of the N‐terminal β2‐amino acid. BapA was shown to convert a diastereomeric mixture of the β2‐peptide H‐β2hPhe‐β2hAla‐OH, but did not act on diastereomerically pure β2,β3‐dipeptides containing an N‐terminal β2‐homoalanine. In contrast, DmpA was only active with the latter dipeptides as substrates. BapA‐catalyzed transformation of the diastereomeric mixture of H‐β2hPhe‐β2hAla‐OH proceeded along two highly S‐enantioselective reaction routes, one leading to substrate hydrolysis and the other to the synthesis of coupling products. The synthetic route predominated even at neutral pH. A rise in pH of three log units shifted the synthesis‐to‐hydrolysis ratio (vS/vH) further towards peptide formation. Because the equilibrium of the reaction lies on the side of hydrolysis, prolonged incubation resulted in the cleavage of all peptides that carried an N‐terminal β‐amino acid of S configuration. After completion of the enzymatic reaction, only the S enantiomer of β2‐homophenylalanine was detected (ee>99 % for H‐(S)‐β2‐hPhe‐OH, E>500); this confirmed the high enantioselectivity of the reaction. Our findings suggest interesting new applications of the enzymes BapA and DmpA for the production of enantiopure β2‐amino acids and the enantioselective coupling of N‐terminal β2‐amino acids to peptides.
Giant Vesicles: Preparations and Applications
Authors: Walde Peter , Cosentino Katia , Engel Helen , Stano Pasquale
Published: March 2010

There is considerable interest in preparing cell‐sized giant unilamellar vesicles from natural or nonnatural amphiphiles because a giant vesicle membrane resembles the self‐closed lipid matrix of the plasma membrane of all biological cells. Currently, giant vesicles are applied to investigate certain aspects of biomembranes. Examples include lateral lipid heterogeneities, membrane budding and fission, activities of reconstituted membrane proteins, or membrane permeabilization caused by added chemical compounds. One of the challenging applications of giant vesicles include gene expressions inside the vesicles with the ultimate goal of constructing a dynamic artificial cell‐like system that is endowed with all those essential features of living cells that distinguish them from the nonliving form of matter. Although this goal still seems to be far away and currently difficult to reach, it is expected that progress in this and other fields of giant vesicle research strongly depend on whether reliable methods for the reproducible preparation of giant vesicles are available. The key concepts of currently known methods for preparing giant unilamellar vesicles are summarized, and advantages and disadvantages of the main methods are compared and critically discussed.
Looking to the future: Change leaders for tomorrow's community colleges
Authors: Wallin Desna L.
Published: March 2010

Creating a culture of change is a challenge to any leader. Change leadership in tomorrow's successful colleges will foster leaders who can anticipate change, analyze the environment, act decisively and collaboratively, and affirm the value of positive change.
Dynamic leadership development in community college administration: Theories, applications, and implications
Authors: Basham Matthew J. , Mathur Raghu P.
Published: March 2010

Leaders and managers in community colleges need to be flexible in their everyday job roles and responsibilities. Teams are widely used to serve specific purposes in community college administration. Adopting the research of several Harvard scholars, the authors remind community college administrators when creating dynamic teams to keep a careful balance of leaders and managers.
Leading from the middle: Preparing leaders for new roles
Authors: Ebbers Larry , Conover Kitty S. , Samuels Anisha
Published: March 2010

This chapter describes a multitude of leadership programs designed to provide administrators serving in the middle part of the organization with opportunities for new skill development and enhancement of existing skills.
Beyond the headlines: Wounding and the community college presidency
Authors: Floyd Deborah L. , Maslin‐Ostrowski Pat , Hrabak Michael R.
Published: March 2010

A framework for understanding the human side of leadership, especially wounding and leadership struggles, is described with an emphasis on stories of community college presidents. Practical advice and recommendations are offered to better equip aspiring and practicing community college presidents for leadership challenges. A key message is that when a leader experiences a crisis, this stressful situation can be used as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Epilogue: Change leadership and leadership development
Authors: Cloud Robert C.
Published: March 2010

Change leadership and leadership development are critically important to the continuing success of public community colleges everywhere. Transactional and transformational leadership, the more traditional models, are no longer adequate to meet the pressing financial and operational challenges in two‐year institutions. Current and aspiring leaders must understand the culture of change that permeates community college campuses and embrace the opportunities inherent in that culture.
Gypsum Crystallization in the Presence of Cr3+ and Citric Acid
Authors: Sargut S. T. , Sayan P. , Kiran B.
Published: March 2010

Reactive crystallization of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) was investigated at pH 3.5 and 65 °C in the presence of citric acid and Cr3+ ions. Concentrations of both additives varied between 0 and 4000 ppm. The combined effect of additives on crystal size distributions, filtration characteristics, and crystal morphology were investigated and discussed. It was found that the effect of citric acid on gypsum morphology was suppressed in the presence of Cr3+ ions. The change of morphology is related to the complex formation between Cr3+ ions and citric acid at high ion concentrations.
Effect of Sonocrystallization on the Habit and Structure of Gemfibrozil Crystals
Authors: Ambrus R. , Amirzadi N. N. , Sipos P. , Szabó‐Révész P.
Published: March 2010

Specially engineered drug particles can solve solubility and formulation problems, which are major challenges for the pharmaceutical industry. Ultrasound irradiation induces acoustic streaming, and highly localized temperature and pressure within the fluid, which can lead to a reduction in crystal size and the inhibition of agglomeration. This study covers properties inherent to particle engineering as well as methods for microparticle production and characterization. Melt emulsification and solvent diffusion using ultrasound to complete with drying are presented on the example of poorly water‐soluble Gemfibrozil. Differences in particle size were found depending on the processing parameters applied. During structural characterizations, strong interactions were detected between the drug and the stabilizers. Amorphous or crystalline Gemfibrozil could be obtained.
New Crystalline Solvates of Atorvastatin Calcium
Authors: Jin Y. S. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2010

Atorvastatin calcium (ATC) is widely prescribed as a cholesterol‐lowering agent and is presently the world's best‐selling medicine. A large number of crystalline forms of ATC have been published in patents. In this work, two new crystalline solvates were discovered. Common crystallization methods were used to generate these forms from amorphous ATC. The following methods were applied for characterization: XRPD, DSC, TG, optical microscopy and FT‐Raman spectroscopy. The analytical results were distinct from those of the previously reported crystalline polymorphs, solvates and amorphous forms.
Insight into Crystallization Mechanisms of Polymorphic Hydrate Systems
Authors: Tian F. , Qu H. , Louhi‐Kultanen M. , Rantanen J.
Published: March 2010

Polymorphic anhydrate systems have been well studied but until now little attention has been paid to polymorphic hydrate systems. The incorporation of water molecules can complicate the whole polymorphic system and thus impede the control of the crystallization process. In this work, nitrofurantoin monohydrate polymorphs which have the same chemical composition and molar ratio of water but different crystal packing arrangements, have been investigated. The metastable nitrofurantoin monohydrate was found to be difficult to crystallize, where both evaporative and cooling crystallization failed in its production. The possible phase conversion of the nitrofurantoin hydrate polymorphic system was also investigated in a liquid‐assisted ball milling process. High‐energy solids, e.g., amorphous and cocrystals, have often been created during high‐energy ball milling. Metastable nitrofurantoin monohydrate, however, was again not observed during the whole milling process, in contrast to another polymorphic hydrate system, namely niclosamide. During milling of niclosamide anhydrate in ethyl acetate‐water mixture the metastable niclosamide monohydrate was formed immediately upon milling (2 min). Under further milling, the metastable niclosamide hydrate started converting to the stable niclosamide hydrate (from 30 min onwards).
Chromatography‐Crystallization Hybrid Process for Artemisinin Purification from Artemisia annua
Authors: Qu H. , Christensen K. B. , Fretté X. C. , Tian F. , Rantanen J. , Christensen L. P.
Published: March 2010

The feasibility of using a chromatography‐crystallization hybrid separation process for isolation and purification of artemisinin from the herbal plant Artemisia annua was studied. After separating the crude extracts of Artemisia annua by flash column chromatography, a two‐step antisolvent crystallization process was used for further isolation and purification. The two‐step antisolvent crystallization process was designed based on the solubility of artemisinin in different solvents and solvent mixtures. The first step crystallization process was to remove impurities from the solution and the second step to isolate artemisinin. The crystallization behavior of the two polymorphs of artemisinin during the antisolvent crystallization process was also studied by performing crystallization in solutions of artemisinin in acetonitrile and acetone, respectively. It was observed that the formation of the two polymorphs of artemisinin in acetone solution follows the Ostwald's rule of stages. Fast feeding of the antisolvent (water) resulted in crystallization of the metastable triclinic form which then transformed to the stable orthorhombic form through a solvent‐mediated transformation mechanism. The stable orthorhombic form crystallized out when water was fed slowly. Crystallization from acetonitrile always yielded the stable orthorhombic form regardless of the feeding rate of the antisolvent. Finally, a chromatography‐crystallization hybrid separation process was proposed and tested. The results of the present work demonstrated the feasibility of combining the advantages of column chromatography and crystallization to improve efficiency of the isolation of artemisinin from Artemisia annua.
Application of Classical Resolution for Separation of DL‐Serine
Authors: Sistla V. S. , von Langermann J. , Lorenz H. , Seidel‐Morgenstern A.
Published: March 2010

For resolution of chiral compound‐forming substances diastereomeric salt formation is the most important classical separation technique. Diastereomeric salts possess different physical and chemical properties, e.g., solubilities, which facilitate the effective separation via crystallization. A maximum recovery of both diastereomeric salts is usually unachievable when there is a lack of quantitative information regarding solubility and metastable zone width. The present work provides experimental results for the formation of diastereomeric salts of DL‐serine. As basic thermodynamic data binary melting and ternary solubility phase diagrams are shown and discussed. A plan for a series of crystallization processes is suggested for the recovery of both salts in pure form with a maximum possible yield.
Closed Crystalline Tubes as a Container System
Authors: Schuster A. , Stelzer T. , Petersen S. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2010

Hollow crystalline glucose anhydrate needles are produced based on a technique to produce hollow crystal needles by phase transformation of solvate crystals into non‐solvates. The fascinating characteristic of the glucose anhydrate needles is the possibility of closing them by a simple drying process. This creates great potential for future applications as a container system, e.g., for pharmaceutical substances. The hollowness of the needles has already been proven, but the filling of the needles has not been investigated. Due to the lack of a direct method to demonstrate the possibility of filling the needles, two indirect methods are presented to demonstrate a successful technique to enclose substances in these needles. On the one hand, the filling is proven by fluorescence microscopy of glucose anhydrate needles with enclosed rhodamine 6G. Here it is possible to visualize the fluorescence dye by observation of the broken needles. On the other hand, the concentration of included ibuprofen is examined by the means of UV spectroscopic measurements. A significant concentration of the enclosed drug is detected following the extraction out of the needle interior.
Small Noncytotoxic Carbon Nano‐Onions: First Covalent Functionalization with Biomolecules
Authors: Luszczyn Joanna , Plonska‐Brzezinska Marta E. , Palkar Amit , Dubis Alina T. , Simionescu Agneta , Simionescu Dan T. , Kalska‐Szostko Beata , Winkler Krzysztof , Echegoyen Luis
Published: March 2010

Small carbon nano‐onions (CNOs, 6–8 shells) were prepared in high yield and functionalized with carboxylic groups by chemical oxidation. After functionalization these nanostructures were soluble in aqueous solutions. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2 tetrazolium (MTS) tests showed excellent cytocompatibility of all CNOs analyzed at 30 and 300 μg mL−1, so these carbon nanostructures can be safely used for biological applications. The first covalent functionalization of oxidized CNOs (ox‐CNOs) with biomolecules, by using biotin–avidin interactions is reported here. Multilayers were prepared on a gold surface by layer‐by‐layer assembly and the process was monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Covalent binding of molecules to the short amine‐terminated organosulfur monolayers was assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using total attenuated reflactance mode (FT‐IR/HATR).
Constant vapour pressure evaporation from a fragrance emulsion—effect of surfactant content in the liquid crystal
Authors: Ge Lingling , Friberg Stig. E. , Guo Rong
Published: March 2010

The evaporation paths for constant fragrance vapour pressure were calculated in a model emulsion system of water, surfactant, and linalool.

It was found that the water content of the liquid crystal had a moderate effect on the time during which the fragrance vapour pressure was constant; significantly less of a consequence than the fraction of surfactant in the oil phase in equilibrium with the aqueous and liquid crystal phases.

The results will serve as a guidance for the formulation of optimal fragrance emulsions for the mass market.
Log odds of positive lymph nodes
Authors: Sun Zhe , Xu Yan , Li De Ming , Wang Zhen Ning , Zhu Guo Lian , Huang Bao Jun , Li Kai , Xu Hui Mian
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) is defined as the log of the ratio between the probability of being a positive lymph nodes and the probability of being a negative lymph nodes when one lymph node is retrieved. The value of LODDS staging system on prognostic assessment for gastric cancer patients with R0 resection is still unclear.

METHODS:

Clinicopathologic and prognostic data of 2547 gastric cancer patients underwent D2 or D3 lymphadenectomy with R0 surgery were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS:

Multivariate analysis indentified LODDS stage was an independent prognostic factor, but not pN classification or rN classification. The scatter plots of the relationship between LODDS and the number, the ratio of nodes metastasis, suggested that the LODDS stage had power to divide patients with the same number or ratio of nodes metastasis into different groups. For patients in each of the pN or rN classifications, significant differences in survival could always be observed among patients in different LODDS stages. However, for patients in each LODDS stage, prognosis was highly homologous between those in different pN or rN classifications. A minimum number of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 10 nodes retrieved should be met for patients in the pN0, pN1, pN2, pN3, and rN0‐3 classifications, respectively, unless the hazard risks of death would be underestimated or overestimated. However, LODDS stage could discriminate among 5 groups of patients with highly homologous prognosis, regardless how many nodes retrieved.

CONCLUSIONS:

The LODDS system is more reliable than the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer and American Joint Committee on cancer pN system and the rN system for prognostic assessment. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Loss of SM22 is a characteristic signature of colon carcinogenesis and its restoration suppresses colon tumorigenicity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Yeo Marie , Park Hee Jin , Kim Dong‐Kyu , Kim Young Bae , Cheong Jae Youn , Lee Kwang Jae , Cho Sung Won
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

We previously found the down‐expression of SM22 in an experimental animal model of colorectal cancer by performing a proteomic analysis. In this study, we addressed the expression and molecular mechanisms of SM22 in human colorectal cancer.

METHODS:

To evaluate the expression of SM22 in colon cancers, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed in 13 normal, 14 adenomas, and 44 adenocarcinomas. To address the role of SM22 in colon carcinogenesis, SM22 was restored in the colon cancer cells by the transfection with the pIRES2 vector containing full‐length SM22 cDNA and tested for tumorigenicity in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS:

SM22 was found to be significantly down‐regulated in adenocarcinoma (58%) compared with adenoma (21.4%) and normal (15.3%). The loss of SM22 correlated with poor differentiation of tumor (P = 0.009) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.029). Restoration of SM22 expression inhibited cell migration, colony‐forming ability of cancer cells, and induced retardation of in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft model.

CONCLUSIONS:

Loss of SM22 is a molecular signature of colon cancer and is closely associated with progression, differentiation, and metastasis of colon cancer. The restoration of SM22 leads to an inhibition of colon carcinogenesis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that SM22 might potentially function as a novel tumor suppressor. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Age/race differences in HER2 testing and in incidence rates for breast cancer triple subtypes
Authors: Lund Mary Jo , Butler Ebonee N. , Hair Brionna Y. , Ward Kevin C. , Andrews Judy H. , Oprea‐Ilies Gabriella , Bayakly A. Rana , O'Regan Ruth M. , Vertino Paula M. , Eley J. William
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Although US year 2000 guidelines recommended characterizing breast cancers by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), national cancer registries do not collect HER2, rendering a population‐based understanding of HER2 and clinical “triple subtypes” (estrogen receptor [ER] / progesterone receptor [PR] / HER2) largely unknown. We document the population‐based prevalence of HER2 testing / status, triple subtypes and present the first report of subtype incidence rates.

METHODS:

Medical records were searched for HER2 on 1842 metropolitan Atlanta females diagnosed with breast cancer during 2003‐2004. HER2 testing/status and triple subtypes were analyzed by age, race/ethnicity, tumor factors, socioeconomic status, and treatment. Age‐adjusted incidence rates were calculated.

RESULTS:

Over 90% of cases received HER2 testing: 12.6% were positive, 71.7% negative, and 15.7% unknown. HER2 testing compliance was significantly better for women who were younger, of Caucasian or African‐American descent, or diagnosed with early stage disease. Incidence rates (per 100,000) were 21.1 for HER2+ tumors and 27.8 for triple‐negative tumors, the latter differing by race (36.3 and 19.4 for black and white women, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

HER2 recommendations are not uniformly adhered to. Incidence rates for breast cancer triple subtypes differ by age/race. As biologic knowledge is translated into the clinical setting eg, HER2 as a biomarker, it will be incumbent upon national cancer registries to report this information. Incidence rates cautiously extrapolate to an annual burden of 3000 and 17,000 HER2+ tumors for black and white women, respectively, and triple‐negative tumors among 5000 and 16,000 respectively. Testing, rate, and burden variations warrant population‐based in‐depth exploration and clinical translation. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Patterns of questionable quality care in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Gore John L. , Porter Michael P.
Published: March 2010

Understanding those factors associated with the rising cost of bladder cancer care may inform guidelines dedicated to defining the best bladder cancer practices. In the care of noninvasive bladder cancer patients, we have yet to define the services that are being underutilized or overutilized.
A phase I study to assess the feasibility and oncologic safety of axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer patients
Authors: Bedrosian Isabelle , Babiera Gildy V. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Kuerer Henry M. , Pantoja Laura , Hunt Kelly K. , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Meric‐Bernstam Funda
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a novel technique to preserve upper extremity lymphatics that may reduce the incidence of lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection. Early reports have suggested that ARM lymph nodes do not contain metastatic disease from breast cancer; however, these studies were conducted in early stage patients with low likelihood of lymph node metastasis. This study reported a phase 1 trial conducted in patients with cytologically documented axillary metastasis undergoing axillary lymph node dissection to determine the feasibility and oncologic safety of ARM.

METHODS:

Thirty patients, 23 (77%) of whom received preoperative therapy (chemotherapy in 22 patients and hormonal therapy in 1 patient), were enrolled. Blue dye was injected in the upper inner ipsilateral arm. The presence of blue lymphatics was noted, and blue lymph nodes were sent separately for pathologic evaluation.

RESULTS:

The average time between blue dye injection and axillary exposure was 35 minutes (range, 15‐60 minutes). Blue lymphatics were identified in 21 patients (70%) and blue lymph nodes in 15 patients (50%). The median number of ARM lymph nodes was 1 (range, 0‐3 lymph nodes) and the median number of axillary lymph nodes was 26 (range, 6‐47 lymph nodes). Axillary metastases were noted in 60% (18 of 30) of patients. Of 11 patients who had axillary metastasis and at least 1 ARM lymph node identified, 2 (18%) had metastasis to the ARM lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS:

ARM appears to be a feasible technique with which to identify upper arm lymphatics during axillary surgery. However, the high prevalence of disease involving ARM lymph nodes in this small cohort suggested that preservation of these lymphatics is not oncologically safe in women with documented axillary lymph node metastasis from breast cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Computer‐assisted Papanicolaou imaging
Authors: Austin R. Marshall
Published: March 2010

Computer‐assisted screening is a valuable tool in Papanicolaou test screening for glandular abnormalities. Data are now available from computer‐assisted screening usng both the FocalPoint Slide Profiler and the ThinPrep Imaging System.
Determining the Three‐Dimensional Electronic Transition Dipole Moment Orientation: Influence of an Isomeric Mixture
Authors: Linke Martin , Theisen Moritz , von Haimberger Theodore , Madjet Mohamed El‐Amine , Zacarias Angelica , Fidder Henk , Heyne Karsten
Published: March 2010

A new mixed experimental and theoretical approach for determining the exact three‐dimensional orientation of electronic transition dipole moments (tdms) within the molecular frame is discussed. Results of applying this method on Chlorophyll a and the dye Coumarin 314 (C314) are presented. For C314 the possible influence of a mixture of E‐ and Z‐isomers in the sample on the determined electronic tdm is investigated. Moreover, the robustness of the method is investigated with the C314 data.