bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Zhang Zhe , Begum Shahnaz , Palermo Robert , Best Simon , Ulmer Karen M. , Levine Marshall , Zinreich Eva , Messing Barbara P. , Gold Dorothy , Wu Annie A. , Niparko Kevin J. , Kowalski Jeanne , Hirata Richard M. , Saunders John R. , Westra William H. , Pai Sara I.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as a causative factor in 20% to 25% of all head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Ongoing research suggests that the presence of HPV DNA in HNSCC predicts a positive prognosis with respect to disease‐free and overall survival. However, most studies have been limited by the heterogeneity in treatment regimens and/or anatomic subsites of tumor origin. In this study, we correlate clinical outcomes with HPV status for patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas who were uniformly treated with a concurrent chemoradiation treatment protocol.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Demographic and clinicopathologic parameters, including age at diagnosis, gender, race, smoking and alcohol history, tumor stage and grade, locoregional recurrence, metastatic spread, recurrence‐free survival, overall survival and disease‐specific death, were obtained from medical charts and established databases. These parameters were correlated with HPV status of the tumors established by in situ hybridization analysis.

Results:

HPV positivity correlated with improved clinical outcomes regarding locoregional control (P = .042), recurrence‐free survival (P = .009), overall survival (P = .017), and disease‐specific death (P = .09). Advanced T stage was a significant risk factor for recurrence and death independent of HPV status.

Conclusions:

In patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma uniformly treated with chemoradiation, the presence of HPV is a favorable prognostic indicator with respect to recurrence and overall survival. However, advanced T stage was an independent risk factor for recurrence and death that can to some degree offset this benefit.
Brief history of the Triological Society and The Laryngoscope
Authors: Lucente Frank E. , Miller Robert H. , Pensak Myles L. , Crumley Roger L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Brookhouser Patrick E. , Blaugrund Stanley M. , Neel H. Bryan
Published: June 2009

.
Adaptive finite element approximations on nonmatching grids for second‐order elliptic problems
Authors: Chen Hongsen , Ewing Richard E. , Qin Guan
Published: June 2009

In this article we consider a finite element approximation for a model elliptic problem of second order on non‐matching grids. This method combines the continuous finite element method with interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method. As a special case, we develop a finite element method that is continuous on the matching part of the grid and is discontinuous on the nonmatching part. A residual type a posteriori error estimate is derived. Results of numerical experiments are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Numerical study of homotopy‐perturbation method applied to Burgers equation in fluid
Authors: Ganji D.D. , Ganji S.S. , Karimpour S. , Ganji Z.Z.
Published: June 2009

In this article, the problem of Burgers equation is presented and the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is employed to compute an approximation to the solution of the system of nonlinear differential equations governing on the problem. Comparison is made between the HPM and Exact solutions. The obtained solutions, in comparison with the exact solutions, admit a remarkable accuracy. A clear conclusion can be drawn from the numerical results that the HPM provides highly accurate numerical solutions for nonlinear differential equations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Psychographic clustering of blood donors in Egypt using Kohonen's self‐organizing maps
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: June 2009

Blood donation has historically been marketed as one of the purest examples of altruistic or pro‐social behavior. The recruitment of blood donors is, however, a challenge as transfusion centers worldwide strive to attract and retain blood donors. This study uses self‐organizing maps (SOM) to examine the effect of various psychographic and cognitive factors on blood donation in Egypt. SOM is a machine learning method that can be used to explore patterns in large and complex datasets for linear and nonlinear patterns. The results show that major variables affecting blood donation are related to altruistic values, perceived risks of blood donation, blood donation knowledge, attitudes toward blood donation, and intention to donate blood. The study also shows that SOM models are capable of improving clustering quality while extracting valuable information from multidimensional data.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential diagnosis and discussion of a large nasal neoplasm from a late Bronze Age Athenian male
Authors: Smith S. Kirkpatrick
Published: June 2009

An adult male from the late Bronze Age of Athens, Greece, was found to have a large neoplasm in the nasal cavity. The characteristics of the lesion suggest that it was an osteoma of the ethmoid. Secondary infections of the paranasal sinuses are present as a result of the tumour blocking the sinus drainage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling and biocompatibility of sodium alginate/poly(γ‐glutamic acid) hydrogels
Authors: Huang Mei‐Hua , Yang Ming‐Chien
Published: June 2009

Sodium alginate (Alg) hydrogel films were crosslinked with either calcium poly(γ‐glutamate) (Ca‐PGA) or CaCl2. The hydrophilicity of the resulting hydrogel films was evaluated through swelling tests, water retention capacity tests, and water vapor permeation tests. The swelling ratio, water retention capacity, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of Alg/Ca‐PGA were higher than those of Ca‐Alg. The swelling ratio of Alg/Ca‐PGA was 651 and 190% at pH 7.4 and pH 1.2, respectively. The tensile strength of Alg/Ca‐PGA hydrogel was lower than that of Ca‐Alg. The results of hemocompatibility test showed that Alg/Ca‐PGA caused shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) than Ca‐Alg. Both Ca‐Alg and Alg/Ca‐PGA exhibited almost no adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA), whereas the adsorption of human plasma fibrinogen (HPF) of Ca‐Alg was 10 times of that of Alg/Ca‐PGA. In addition, Alg/Ca‐PGA exhibited platelet adhesion higher than Ca‐Alg. Furthermore, both Alg/Ca‐PGA and Ca‐Alg exhibited no cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of RAFT‐polymers via thiol‐ene reactions: A general route to functional polymers and new architectures
Authors: Boyer Cyrille , Granville Anthony , Davis Thomas P. , Bulmus Volga
Published: June 2009

An investigation into the aminolysis of ω‐end groups of RAFT‐polymers and simultaneous thiol‐ene reactions with ene‐bearing compounds is described. Three different polymers, P(MMA), P(HPMA), and P(NIPAAm), with low PDIs were synthesized using dithiobenzoate and trithiocarbonate RAFT agents. P(NIPAAm) synthesized with trithiocarbonate RAFT agent and P(HPMA) synthesized with dithiobenzoate RAFT agent were both functionalized with a methacrylate‐modified mannose and a maleimide‐modified biotin via one‐pot simultaneous aminolysis and thiol‐ene reactions with product yields above 85%. The presence of ene‐compounds during aminolysis was shown to prevent the formation of disulfide interchain crosslinking. Using the same approach, P(MMA), P(HPMA), and P(NIPAAm) were converted to (meth)acrylate macromonomers with high yields (>80%). In the case of P(MMA), the simultaneous aminolysis and thiol‐ene addition prevented any intrachain side reactions, i.e., thiolactone formation. New architectures such as graft and block copolymers were successfully generated from the macromonomers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3773–3794, 2009
Glaser coupling of polymers: Side‐reaction in Huisgens “click” coupling reaction and opportunity for polymers with focal diacetylene units in combination with ATRP
Authors: Duxbury Christopher J. , Cummins David , Heise Andreas
Published: June 2009

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used in combination with Glaser type coupling, allowing the clean and efficient formation of symmetrically coupled polymers with a central diacetylene unit. The feasibility of the clean acetylene coupling was investigated with alkyne terminated poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(styrene) obtained by ATRP. The latter allowed subsequent ATRP to be carried out from the coupled products, offering opportunities for the formation of well defined functional materials with central diacetylene units. Glaser coupling was also observed as a side reaction in Huisgens‐type “click” reactions of polymeric alkynes with hindered surface azide groups. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3795–3802, 2009
Functionalized random copolymers from versatile one‐pot click chemistry/ATRP tandems approaches
Authors: Damiron Denis , Desorme Mylène , Ostaci Roxana‐Viorela , Al Akhrass Samer , Hamaide Thierry , Drockenmuller Eric
Published: June 2009

Two complementary tandem strategies based on the one‐pot combination of click chemistry and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are studied. Initially, functionalized random copolymers are obtained by copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and propargyl methacrylate simultaneously to the click chemistry coupling of a monofunctional azide. Then, an approach based on the copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and 11‐azido‐undecanoyl methacrylate simultaneously to the click chemistry coupling of a monofunctional alkyne is also investigated. For both the approach, polymerization and click chemistry coupling are catalyzed by CuBr and bipyridine (Bipy) in diphenylether at 90 °C. The [Bipy]/[CuBr] ratio is varied from 2 to 25 and the ratio of functionalized comonomer from 20 to 70 mol %. Both the tandem strategies proceed with good yields (50–80%) and allow a good control over the characteristics of the resulting random copolymers and macromolecular brushes (Mn ∼ 15,000–40,000 g/mol and PDI ∼ 1.3–2.0) as well as quantitative click functionalization as characterized by 1H NMR and size exclusion chromatography analyses. Although the click process is generally completed at the early stage of the process, the rate of polymerization depends on the amount of bipyridine involved. It was found that extending most of the polymerization process out of the click reaction regime results in a better control of the polymerization, preventing the significant occurrence of side reactions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3803–3813, 2009
“Living” radical polymerization of styrene catalyzed by cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes bearing nonlabile ligands
Authors: Aguilar‐Lugo C. , Le Lagadec R. , Ryabov Alexander D. , Valverde G. Cedillo , Morales S. Lopez , Alexandrova L.
Published: June 2009

Cationic substitutionally inert cyclometalated ruthenium (II) and osmium (II) complexes, ([Mt(o‐C6H4‐2‐py)(LL)2]PF6), where LL‐1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), were used for radical polymerization of styrene. Gradual modification of the complexes within the series allowed comparison of the catalytic activity and the redox properties. There was no correlation between the reducing powers of the complexes and their catalytic activities. The osmium compound of the lowest reduction potential was not active. All the ruthenium complexes catalyzed the polymerization of styrene in a controlled manner; but the level of control and the catalytic activity were different under the same polymerization conditions. [Ru(o‐C6H4‐2‐py)(phen)2]PF6 demonstrated the best catalytic performance though its redox potential was the highest. It catalyzed the “living” polymerization with a reasonable rate at a catalyst‐to‐initiator ratio of 0.1. 1 equiv. of Al(OiPr)3 accelerated the polymerization and improved the control, but higher amount of Al(OiPr)3 did not speed up the polymerization and moved the process into the uncontrollable regime. Under the most optimal conditions, the controlled polymerization occurs fast without any additive and the catalyst degradation. Added free ligands inhibited the polymerization suggesting that the catalytically active ruthenium intermediates are generated via the reversible dechelation of bidentate phen or bipy ligands. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3814–3828, 2009
Convenient and useful synthesis of N‐carboxyanhydride monomers through selective cyclization of urethane derivatives of α‐amino acids
Authors: Koga Koichi , Sudo Atsushi , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: June 2009

A new convenient synthesis of N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) of α‐amino acids was achieved by selective cyclization of urethane derivatives of α‐amino acids. The urethanes were readily synthesized via N‐carbamoylation of α‐amino acids by bis(4‐nitrophenyl)carbonate quantitatively. These urethanes having 4‐nitrophenoxy moiety were tolerant to air and moisture to allow their facile purification and storage. When the obtained urethanes were heated in 2‐butanone at 60 °C, they underwent the selective cyclization via intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the carboxyl moiety to the urethane moiety with releasing 4‐nitrophenol, leading to the successful formation of the corresponding NCAs. Addition of carboxylic acids remarkably stabilized the formed NCAs during the reaction, allowing their isolation in high yields. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3839–3844, 2009
End‐functionalized polystyrene by ATRP: A facile approach to primary amino and carboxylic acid terminal groups
Authors: Hegewald Jan , Pionteck Jürgen , Häußler Liane , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: June 2009

Monoamino‐terminated and monocarboxylic acid‐terminated polystyrenes containing active halogenated end groups were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using the so‐called initiator method and protective group chemistry. α‐Chloropropionates were synthesized and utilized as initiators containing the tert‐butoxycarbonyl (t‐BOC)‐protected amino and the tert‐butyl (t‐Bu)‐protected carboxylic acid function, respectively. Optimum polymerization conditions were attained using CuCl/N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as catalyst and 10 vol % n‐butanol as homogenizing agent at 110 °C. However, targeting larger quantities an alternative route was established employing 50 vol % N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). Subsequent hydrolysis of the ω‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl polystyrenes afforded well‐defined polymers with quantitative deprotection of the functional groups. Comparatively, thermolytic cleavage of the protective sites was studied. 1H NMR verified the quantitative removal of the t‐BOC‐protecting groups. Furthermore, the resulting α‐amino‐ω‐chloro polystyrenes were reacted with Sanger reagent to confirm the existence of the thereby converted primary amino groups. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3845–3859, 2009
Melt‐crystallization mechanism of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes prepared by in situ polymerization
Authors: Antoniadis G. , Paraskevopoulos K. M. , Bikiaris D. , Chrissafis K.
Published: June 2009

A series of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PET/MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization using different amounts of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The polymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was carried out by the two‐stage melt polycondensation method. The intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the composites is ranged between 0.31 and 0.63 dL/g depending on the concentration of the MWCNTs. A decrease of IV was found by increasing MWCNTs content. This is due to the reactions taking place between the two components leading to branched and crosslinked macromolecules. These reactions are, mainly, responsible for thermal behavior of nanocomposites. The melting point of the nanocomposites was shifted to slightly higher temperatures by the addition till 0.55 wt % of MWCNTs while for higher concentration was reduced. The degree of crystallinity in all nanocomposites was, also, reduced by increasing MWCNTs amount. However, from crystallization temperature, it was found that MWCNTs till 1 wt % can enhance the crystallization rate of PET, whereas at higher content (2 wt %), the trend is the opposite due to the formation of crosslinked macromolecules. From the extended crystallization analysis, it was proved that MWCNTs act as nucleating agents for PET crystallization. Additionally, the crystallization mechanism due to the existence of MWCNT becomes more complicated because two mechanisms with different activation energies are taking place in the different degrees of crystallization, depending on the percentage of MWCNT. The effect of molecular weight also plays an important role. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1452–1466, 2009
Annealing behavior of the novel morphology of poly(butylene succinate) lath‐shaped single crystals
Authors: Duan Jiufang , Guo Baohua
Published: June 2009

Lamellar single crystals of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with novel morphologies were prepared from a chloroform/methanol solution by self‐seeding methods. Crystal structures and morphologies were investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lath‐shaped crystal and hexagonal‐shaped crystals coexist in one PBS single crystal and this has a lamellar thickness of around 5–6 nm as determined by AFM. The thickening of lamellae from 5–6 to 7–9 nm occurred during heating from 41 to 84 °C. In situ temperature‐controlled AFM observations demonstrated that the lath‐shaped crystal sections melted first and then the hexagonal sections while the edge of the single crystals remained regular during annealing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1492–1496, 2009
CONOPS and autonomy recommendations for VTOL small unmanned aerial system based on Hurricane Katrina operations
Authors: Pratt Kevin S. , Murphy Robin , Stover Sam , Griffin Chandler
Published: June 2009

This field study examines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) operations conducted as part of an 8‐day structural inspection task following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. From the observations of the 32 flights spread over 12 missions, four key findings are identified for concept of operations (CONOPS) and the next level of artificial intelligence for rotary‐wing SUASs operating in cluttered urban environments. These findings are (1) the minimum useful standoff distance from inspected structures is 2–5 m, (2) omnidirectional sensor capabilities are needed for obstacle avoidance, (3) global positioning system waypoint navigation is unnecessary, and (4) these operations require three operators for one SUAS. Based on the findings and other observations, a crewing organization and flight operations protocol for SUASs are proposed. Needed directions in research and development are also discussed. These recommendations are expected to contribute to the design of platforms, sensors, and artificial intelligence as well as facilitate the acceptance of SUASs in the workplace. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuum limits for classical sequential growth models
Authors: Brightwell Graham , Georgiou Nicholas
Published: June 2009

A random graph order, also known as a transitive percolation process, is defined by taking a random graph on the vertex set {0,…,n − 1} and putting i below j if there is a path i = i1…ik = j in the graph with i1 < … < ik.

Rideout and Sorkin Phys. Rev. D 63 (2001) 104011 provide computational evidence that suitably normalized sequences of random graph orders have a “continuum limit.” We confirm that this is the case and show that the continuum limit is always a semiorder.

Transitive percolation processes are a special case of a more general class called classical sequential growth models. We give a number of results describing the large‐scale structure of a general classical sequential growth model. We show that for any sufficiently large n, and any classical sequential growth model, there is a semiorder S on {0,…,n ‐ 1} such that the random partial order on {0,…,n ‐ 1} generated according to the model differs from S on an arbitrarily small proportion of pairs. We also show that, if any sequence of classical sequential growth models has a continuum limit, then this limit is (essentially) a semiorder. We give some examples of continuum limits that can occur.

Classical sequential growth models were introduced as the only models satisfying certain properties making them suitable as discrete models for spacetime. Our results indicate that this class of models does not contain any that are good approximations to Minkowski space in any dimension ≥ 2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2010
Space and sustainability. Potential for landscape as a spatial unit for assessing sustainability
Authors: Morse Stephen , Vogiatzakis Ioannis , Griffiths Geoff
Published: June 2009

Assessment of sustainable development normally takes place within what can best be termed ‘administrative’ spaces (cities, regions, nation states etc.), where there is some managerial and policy control. Thus recommendations may be derived from an analysis of this space, for example the derivation of indicators and indices, which can feed more readily into decision‐making. They are alternatives to the use of defined ‘administrative’ spaces such as the ecosystem and landscape. The paper questions the viability of landscape as a viable spatial matrix for assessment of sustainability. Joint Character Areas (JCAs) in England were employed as the landscape space, and data were collected to assess environmental quality (via the creation of a Countryside Quality Index, CQI) and social deprivation (via the Townsend Index of Deprivation, TID) for each JCA, as these represent two dimensions of sustainability. Results suggest that when employing JCAs as the spatial matrix it is possible to derive a statistically significant regression between CQI as the independent variable as TDI as the dependent variable. Therefore landscape does have some viability as a space for assessing sustainability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Sustainable development and cultural heritage management in Botswana: towards sustainable communities
Authors: Keitumetse Susan O.
Published: June 2009

Strategies for the management of cultural heritage resources within a sustainable development concept framework are examined. In line with the 1992 Rio Declaration principles of sustainable development, the paper suggests sustainability principles relating to community participation as more relevant for the field of cultural heritage resource management in Botswana. The article illustrates this relevance by exploring and drawing out production and consumption indicators of cultural heritage resources in both their tangible and intangible composition. It concludes that participation principles of sustainable development are more applicable as a point of departure towards integration of sustainability into cultural heritage resource management as communities are carriers and immediate custodians of cultural resources in Africa. Conservation processes that set limits of acceptable change for resource use are suggested within a modified framework that links community interaction with cultural resources at both social and resource management levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Geostatistical analysis in clustering fMRI time series
Authors: Ye Jun , Lazar Nicole A. , Li Yehua
Published: June 2009

Clustering of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series—either directly or through characteristic features such as the cross‐correlation with the experimental protocol signal—has been extensively used for the identification of active regions in the brain. Both approaches have drawbacks; clustering of the time series themselves may identify voxels with similar temporal behavior that is unrelated to the stimulus, whereas cross‐correlation requires knowledge of the stimulus presentation protocol. In this paper we propose the use of autocorrelation structure instead—an idea borrowed from geostatistics; this approach does not suffer from the deficits associated with previous clustering methods. We first formalize the traditional classification methods as three steps: feature extraction, choice of classification metric and choice of classification algorithm. The use of different characteristics to effect the clustering (cross‐correlation, autocorrelation, and so forth) relates to the first of these three steps. We then demonstrate the efficacy of autocorrelation clustering on a simple visual task and on resting data. A byproduct of our analysis is the finding that masking prior to clustering, as is commonly done, may degrade the quality of the discovered clusters, and we offer an explanation for this phenomenon. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transitions: Combat veterans as college students
Authors: Ackerman Robert , DiRamio David , Mitchell Regina L. Garza
Published: June 2009

Twenty‐five students who served in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars were interviewed. The findings suggest that combat veterans are a student population with special needs and require support from both policymakers and program providers.
Supporting student veterans in transition
Authors: Rumann Corey B. , Hamrick Florence A.
Published: June 2009

This chapter outlines major trends in supporting student veterans at colleges and universities, including ways that campus professionals can initiate programs and services to assist this emerging population of students.
Meeting the needs of women veterans
Authors: Baechtold Margaret , De Sawal Danielle M.
Published: June 2009

The number of women veterans attending college is increasing. Campus professionals need to be aware of how issues pertaining to mental health, sexual assault, and gender identity may influence how these women make transitions to higher education.
Ensuring the success of deploying students: A campus view
Authors: Johnson Teresa
Published: June 2009

The lessons learned by campus personnel at Appalachian State University as they worked to meet the needs of student soldiers who were deployed during earlier conflicts provided a framework for programs and policies when students were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Connections, partnerships, opportunities, and programs to enhance success for military students
Authors: Ford Deborah , Northrup Pamela , Wiley Lusharon
Published: June 2009

This chapter describes how initiatives developed at the University of West Florida provide services for students who are on active duty around the world, as well as those stationed at bases in the region. Descriptions of programs and recommendations are also presented.
Student veterans organizations
Authors: Summerlot John , Green Sean‐Michael , Parker Daniel
Published: June 2009

Involvement in campus organizations can be an important factor in student success. Student veterans organizations are becoming common on college campuses as students who have served in the military seek the sense of community that comes from joining with other veterans in shared purpose.

Addendum.
KLF4 and PBX1 Directly Regulate NANOG Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Chan Ken Kwok-Keung , Zhang Jingyao , Chia Na-Yu , Chan Yun-Shen , Sim Hui Shan , Tan Ker Sin , Oh Steve Kah-Weng , Ng Huck-Hui , Choo Andre Boon-Hwa
Published: June 2009

Insight into the regulation of core transcription factors is important for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control self-renewal and pluripotency of human ESCs (hESCs). However, the transcriptional regulation of NANOG itself in hESCs has largely been elusive. We established a NANOG promoter luciferase reporter assay as a fast read-out for indicating the pluripotent status of hESCs. From the functional cDNA screens and NANOG promoter characterization, we successfully identified a zinc finger transcription factor KLF4 and a homeodomain transcription factor PBX1 as two novel transcriptional regulators that maintain the pluripotent and undifferentiated state of hESCs. We showed that both KLF4 and PBX1 mRNA and protein expression were downregulated during hESC differentiation. In addition, overexpression of KLF4 and PBX1 upregulated NANOG promoter activity and also the endogenous NANOG protein expression in hESCs. Direct binding of KLF4 on NANOG proximal promoter and PBX1 on a new upstream enhancer and proximal promoter were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Knockdown of KLF4/PBX1 or mutation of KLF4/PBX1 binding motifs significantly downregulated NANOG promoter activity. We also showed that specific members of the SP/KLF and PBX family are functionally redundant at the NANOG promoter and that KLF4 and PBX1 cooperated with OCT4 and SOX2, and transactivated synergistically the NANOG promoter activity. Our results show two novel upstream transcription activators of NANOG that are functionally important for the self-renewal of hESC and provide new insights into the expanded regulatory circuitry that maintains hESC pluripotency.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Adiponectin Stimulates Osteoblast Differentiation Through Induction of COX2 in Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Kim Sang Yun , Kim A Young , Lee Eun Jig , Choi Je-Yong , Kim Jae Bum
Published: June 2009

In bone marrow, osteoblasts and adipocytes are differentiated from mesenchymal progenitor cells and their differentiation is reciprocally regulated by largely unknown mechanisms. In this study, we investigated downstream signaling cascades of adiponectin, a member of the adipocytokine family, in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Adiponectin augmented expression of several osteogenic marker genes and increased osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal progenitor cells. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) was potently increased by adiponectin, whereas inhibition of COX2 activity abolished the effect of adiponectin on osteogenesis. In addition, adiponectin rapidly stimulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase via the adiponectin receptor, AdipoR1, which resulted in c-Jun activation for COX2 expression. Adiponectin also stimulated BMP2 expression in a COX2-dependent manner. Moreover, Runx2, a key osteogenic transcription factor, contributed to the acceleration of osteogenesis in the presence of adiponectin. Collectively, the finding that adiponectin could promote osteogenesis through an intracellular signaling cascade in mesenchymal progenitor cells suggests that adiponectin would be a potential therapeutic target for bone-related diseases.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Adenoviral-Mediated Endothelial Precursor Cell Delivery of Soluble CD115 Suppresses Human Prostate Cancer Xenograft Growth in Mice
Authors: Lucas Trevor , Abraham Dietmar , Untergasser Gerold , Zins Karin , Hofer Erhard , Gunsilius Eberhard , Aharinejad Seyedhossein
Published: June 2009

Prostate cancer tumor growth and neovascularization is promoted by an interplay between migratory tumor stromal cells such as specialized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs). As vehicles for tumor therapy, human CEPs are relatively easy to isolate from peripheral blood, are able to proliferate long-term in vitro, are amenable to viral manipulation, and preferentially home to regions of ischemia found in growing tumors. We show here that human peripheral blood CEPs expanded ex vivo migrate to prostate cancer cells in vitro and efficiently home to human prostate tumor xenografts in vivo. Infection of precursors ex vivo with an adenovirus constructed to secrete a soluble form of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor CD115 that inhibits macrophage viability and migration in vitro significantly decreases the number of TAMs in xenografts (p < .05), reduces proliferation (p < .01) and vascular density (p < .03), and suppresses the growth of xenografts (p < .03). These data show for the first time that targeting stromal cell processes with cellular therapy has the potential to retard prostate tumor growth.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Cell Surface Molecules Expressed on Early Mouse Endoderm
Authors: Gadue Paul , Gouon-Evans Valerie , Cheng Xin , Wandzioch Ewa , Zaret Kenneth S , Grompe Markus , Streeter Philip R. , Keller Gordon M.
Published: June 2009

The development of functional cell populations such as hepatocytes and pancreatic β cells from embryonic stem cell (ESC) is dependent on the efficient induction of definitive endoderm early in the differentiation process. To monitor definitive endoderm formation in mouse ESC differentiation cultures in a quantitative fashion, we generated a reporter cell line that expresses human CD25 from the Foxa3 locus and human CD4 from the Foxa2 locus. Induction of these reporter ESCs with high concentrations of activin A led to the development of a CD25-Foxa3+CD4-Foxa2+ population within 4-5 days of culture. Isolation and characterization of this population showed that it consists predominantly of definitive endoderm that is able to undergo hepatic specification under the appropriate conditions. To develop reagents that can be used for studies on endoderm development from unmanipulated ESCs, from induced pluripotent stem cells, and from the mouse embryo, we generated monoclonal antibodies against the CD25-Foxa3+CD4-Foxa2+ population. With this approach, we identified two antibodies that react specifically with endoderm from ESC cultures and from the early embryo. The specificity of these antibodies enables one to quantitatively monitor endoderm development in ESC differentiation cultures, to study endoderm formation in the embryo, and to isolate pure populations of culture- or embryo-derived endodermal cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Long-Term Safety and Function of RPE from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Preclinical Models of Macular Degeneration
Authors: Lu Bin , Malcuit Christopher , Wang Shaomei , Girman Sergej , Francis Peter , Lemieux Linda , Lanza Robert , Lund Raymond
Published: June 2009

Assessments of safety and efficacy are crucial before human ESC (hESC) therapies can move into the clinic. Two important early potential hESC applications are the use of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease, an untreatable form of macular dystrophy that leads to early-onset blindness. Here we show long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived RPE in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, which are animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt, respectively. Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant hESC-RPE survived subretinal transplantation in RCS rats for prolonged periods (>220 days). The cells sustained visual function and photoreceptor integrity in a dose-dependent fashion without teratoma formation or untoward pathological reactions. Near-normal functional measurements were recorded at >60 days survival in RCS rats. To further address safety concerns, a Good Laboratory Practice-compliant study was carried out in the NIH III immune-deficient mouse model. Long-term data (spanning the life of the animals) showed no gross or microscopic evidence of teratoma/tumor formation after subretinal hESC-RPE transplantation. These results suggest that hESCs could serve as a potentially safe and inexhaustible source of RPE for the efficacious treatment of a range of retinal degenerative diseases.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Circulating Osteogenic Precursor Cells in Heterotopic Bone Formation
Authors: Suda Robin K. , Billings Paul C. , Egan Kevin P. , Kim Jung-Hoon , McCarrick-Walmsley Ruth , Glaser David L. , Porter David L. , Shore Eileen M. , Pignolo Robert J.
Published: June 2009

Cells with osteogenic potential can be found in a variety of tissues. Here we show that circulating osteogenic precursor (COP) cells, a bone marrow-derived type I collagen+/CD45+ subpopulation of mononuclear adherent cells, are present in early preosseous fibroproliferative lesions in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and nucleate heterotopic ossification (HO) in a murine in vivo implantation assay. Blood samples from patients with FOP with active episodes of HO contain significantly higher numbers of clonally derived COP cell colonies than patients with stable disease or unaffected individuals. The highest level of COP cells was found in a patient just before the clinical onset of an HO exacerbation. Our studies show that even COP cells derived from an unaffected individual can contribute to HO in genetically susceptible host tissue. The possibility that circulating, hematopoietic-derived cells with osteogenic potential can seed inflammatory sites has tremendous implications and, to our knowledge, represents the first example of their involvement in clinical HO. Thus, bone formation is not limited to cells of the mesenchymal lineage, and circulating cells of hematopoietic origin can also serve as osteogenic precursors at remote sites of tissue inflammation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Diagnosis in the first trimester of placenta accreta with previous Cesarean section
Authors: Yang J. I. , Kim H. Y. , Kim H. S. , Ryu H. S.
Published: June 2009

The prenatal diagnosis of adherent placenta is clinically very important, as this condition can seriously affect perinatal mortality and morbidity. The outcome is generally worse in cases with a history of Cesarean section. Here we report a case of placenta increta associated with previous Cesarean delivery, diagnosed by sonography during the first trimester, enabling earlier counseling of the parents and planning of appropriate treatment. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive modeling of the potential natural vegetation pattern in northeast China
Authors: Liu Huamin , Wang Lixin , Yang Jie , Nakagoshi Nabukazu , Liang Cunzhu , Wang Wei , Lv Yumei
Published: June 2009

Based on the characteristics of natural vegetation distribution in northeast China, using multivariate analysis and geographical information system technology, we established a regional ‘vegetation–environment’ model to simulate geographical distribution of 16 natural vegetation types under present environmental conditions, representing the potential natural vegetation (PNV) of northeast China, on the basis of digital maps of seven environmental variables including climate and topography. Comparison of simulated PNVs distributions with the actual natural vegetation distribution indicated a good agreement, with overall predictive accuracy of 66.9% and overall Kappa value of 0.67. The predictions of model, however, were poor, for only 0.62 of AUC value was yielded. The current resolution and accuracy of the model can be applied to simulate and map the natural vegetation pattern at the regional scale and also used to analyze the effect of climatic changes on natural vegetation.
Urine Desmosine as a Marker of Lung Injury following Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Pilot Study
Authors: Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Starcher Barry , González Della Valle Alejandro , Ma Yan , Jules-Elysee Kethy , Sculco Thomas P.
Published: June 2009

Lung injury following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may occur secondary to embolization of bone debris, fat, and cement. Clinically relevant respiratory failure is rare and is therefore difficult to study. To facilitate future investigations on this subject, we evaluated the utility of the elastin breakdown product desmosine as a potential marker of lung injury during TKA surgery. The goals of this study were to answer (1) if desmosine levels would increase in response to the perioperative insults in patients undergoing TKA and (2) if this increase would differ among unilateral and bilateral TKA procedures. Twenty consecutive patients (ten unilateral and ten bilateral TKAs) were enrolled. Urine samples were collected before surgery and at 1 and 3 days postoperatively and analyzed for levels of desmosine using a validated radioimmunoassay. Baseline desmosine/creatinine ratios were higher in the unilateral as compared to the bilateral TKA group ( p = 0.003). Tourniquet times, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and transfusion requirements among bilateral TKA patients were significantly higher than those of unilateral TKA recipients. Desmosine levels increased in both groups, but the rise was significant only in the bilateral group. We detected a significant increase in urine desmosine levels associated with bilateral but not unilateral TKA surgery. In the context of previous studies, our findings suggest that desmosine may be a marker of postoperative lung injury. Further research is warranted for validation and correlation of desmosine levels to clinical markers and various degrees of lung injury.
Fabrication of Densely Packed AlN Nanowires by a Chemical Conversion of Al2O3Nanowires Based on Porous Anodic Alumina Film
Authors: Yuan Zhi-Hao , Sun Shao-Qing , Duan Yue-Qin , Wang Da-Jian
Published: June 2009

Porous alumina film on aluminum with gel-like pore wall was prepared by a two-step anodization of aluminum, and the corresponding gel-like porous film was etched in diluted NaOH solution to produce alumina nanowires in the form of densely packed alignment. The resultant alumina nanowires were reacted with NH3and evaporated aluminum at an elevated temperature to be converted into densely packed aluminum nitride (AlN) nanowires. The AlN nanowires have a diameter of 15–20 nm larger than that of the alumina nanowires due to the supplement of the additional evaporated aluminum. The results suggest that it might be possible to prepare other aluminum compound nanowires through similar process.
Anionic Surfactants Synthesised from Replenishable Phenolic Lipids
Authors: Bruce Ian E. , Mehta Lina , Porter Michael J. , Stein Bridget K. , Tyman John H. P.
Published: June 2009

The oligomers (m = 1,2,3,4 and 5) in the profile of compounds obtained in the ethoxylation of saturated cardanol with ethylene oxide have been synthesised. The first member which occurs only in traces in the reaction has now been synthesised by an improved method. This monoethoxylate of 3‐pentadecylphenol and a diethoxylate of 5‐pentadecylresorcinol (2‐hydroxyethyl derivatives) have been synthesised by the base‐catalysed reaction with ethylene carbonate. Cardanol and cardol separated from technical cashew nut‐shell liquid (CNSL) have been similarly reacted as have saturated cardanol and saturated cardol obtained by reduction of the side‐chain. Reaction of the anhydrous potassium salt of 3‐pentadecylphenol in dichloromethane with ethylene sulfate has afforded a derivatives having a sulfate group in place of the terminal hydroxyl group and avoiding the use of sulfuric acid. Similarly CNSL and saturated CNSL reacted with ethylene sulfate gave sulfo derivatives which possess excellent surfactancy. By contrast, with sulfuric acid, 3‐pentadecyl phenol monoethoxylate gave a trisulfo product comprising a terminal side‐chain sulfate and a ring disulfonic acid. 3‐Pentadecylphenol reacted with sulfuric acid in carbon tetrachloride to give 4‐hydroxy‐6‐pentadecylphenol‐1,3‐disulfonic acid.
Influence of Temperature on Growth and Peak Oil Biosynthesis in a Carbon‐Limited Medium by Pythium irregulare
Authors: Cantrell Keri B. , Walker Terry H.
Published: June 2009

Kinetic analysis was investigated for a carbon‐limited medium (C/N ratio = 5.0) supporting the growth of the 5,8,11,14,17‐eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5; ω‐3) (EPA)‐accumulating fungal organism Pythium irregulare. The productivity and yield parameters at three temperatures, 14, 21, and 28°C, demonstrated growth‐coupled synthesis for lipid‐free biomass growth and lipid accumulation. For this system, the maximum specific growth rate and theoretical maximum biomass yield based on logistic growth kinetics were used to determine an activation energy of the growth process, Eg, of 36.5 kJ mol−1. At 14, 21, and 28°C, peak lipid yield occurred after culturing for 7, 4, and 3 days, respectively, with peak lipid yields of 8.14, 12.8, and 6.69 g lipid 100 g−1 glucose. At these peak yields, the maximum lipid‐free biomass productivity was achieved at the colder 14°C temperature as well as an increased concentration of EPA—10.9 wt%. Despite these enhancements, the maximum relative lipid production (PR(FA/B)) was achieved at 21°C—19.1%.
Alcohol‐specific socialization practices and alcohol use in Dutch early adolescents
Authors: Koning Ina M. , Engels Rutger C.M.E. , Verdurmen Jacqueline E.E. , Vollebergh Wilma A.M.
Published: June 2009

The present study examined the associations of alcohol‐specific socialization practices and heavy parental drinking with alcohol use in early adolescents. Cross‐sectional nationwide survey data from 2599 parent–adolescent (mean age = 12.16) dyads were used to conduct logistic regression analyses. Onset of alcohol use as well as infrequent and regular drinking were associated with tolerant rules and attitude as reported by adolescents, and by a tolerant attitude as reported by parents. In contrast to former studies including middle and late adolescents, parental alcohol use was not found to be associated with early adolescent alcohol use, nor did parental alcohol use influence the impact of parental rules. Restrictive alcohol‐specific socialization was, independent of parental alcohol use, related to absence of (regular) early adolescent drinking. Thus, this study demonstrated that in early adolescence alcohol‐specific parenting is more important for adolescent drinking than parental alcohol use.
The Reputation of the Corporate Social Responsibility Industry in Australia
Authors: Truscott Rachael A. , Bartlett Jennifer L. , Tywoniak Stephane A.
Published: June 2009

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly seen as an imperative for sustainable business and there is a growing literature on the effect of CSR on corporate reputation. Despite this, a pall of ambiguity and uncertainty remains around what CSR means and how it should be practiced. This paper offers a unique addition to the body of literature to date by revealing that CSR is an emerging industry in Australia, which is in the process of developing its own reputation as a set of business practices. The paper is based on exploratory qualitative research using a case study methodology. Interviews were conducted with key actors within the industry to investigate shared understandings of what CSR means, perceptions of CSR practice and of the industry as a whole, and who is involved in shaping these perceptions. The research revealed that the CSR industry in Australia is in its early stages of development and is therefore in need of increased internal cooperation if it is to develop a strong reputation.
Conclusion: Governance arrangements and policy capacity for policy integration
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Howlett Michael
Published: June 2009

Successful policy integration poses significant challenges to policymakers. The provincial cases studies of Integrated Land Management described in this volume suggest three main lessons. First, integration is often a response to a long period of policy layering or drift that has resulted in a highly disorganized policy regime, with potential for generalized incoherence within and between policy goals and policy means. Second, policy integration will often pose formidable difficulties of multi-level governance. Third, the multiplication of new actors often outstrips the ability of governance mechanisms to cope. Responsive policy-making for large-scale complex policy issues such as ILM requires both sophisticated policy analysis as well as an institutional structure which allows problems to be addressed on a multilevel and multi-sectoral basis.