bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of spatio‐temporal Bayesian models in disease mapping
Authors: Ugarte M. D. , Goicoa T. , Ibáñez B. , Militino A. F.
Published: July 2009

In the last few decades there has been an improvement in the statistical methods used to display the geographical patterns of mortality and disease incidence. These methods consider spatial models to smooth the classical standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Nowadays, interest relies on extending these spatial models to incorporate time trends and spatio‐temporal interactions due to the availability of historical high quality mortality registers recorded during the last 20 years. In this work, alternative Bayesian spatio‐temporal models are fitted using MCMC techniques. The performance of these models is analyzed through a simulation study with two objectives in mind: the first one is to evaluate the relative bias and relative standard error of the posterior mean relative risks, and the second one is to investigate recent Bayesian decision rules to detect raised‐risk areas in a spatio‐temporal context. The simulation study is based on mortality data due to colorectal cancer in males from Navarra, Spain, corresponding to four 5‐year time windows. When there are a number of high‐risk areas in some of the time periods we conclude that the bias of the posterior mean relative risks could be substantial. The decision rules to detect these high‐risk areas should be determined with caution. A final rule combining alternative threshold and cutoff values for the different time periods seems to be needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning of factorial experiments with one control treatment in a block design with nested rows and columns for environmental research
Authors: Łacka Agnieszka , Kozłowska Maria
Published: July 2009

We presented principles for the planning of factorial experiments concerned with protection of the environment, carried out on heterogeneous experimental material or, for example, in the case of non‐uniform or, particularly, low levels of disease or pest infection. A block design with nested rows and columns (NRC) is proposed. We supposed that there are a levels of experimental factor A and b levels of experimental factor B. Hence ab experimental combinations and one control treatment are applied to experimental units. We assumed a mixed linear model resulting from randomization of blocks, rows and columns. We proposed stratum analysis and obtained the efficiency factors of estimation of treatment contrasts in the strata. We described a NRC design having certain properties. We considered type S designs, designs possessing C‐property and presented constructions of type S NRC designs and NRC designs possessing C‐property. A necessary and sufficient condition is obtained for a type S NRC design to be design possessing C‐property. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of gas radiation on radiative heat transfer in urban street canyon model
Authors: Yamada Noboru , Hasegawa Yutaka , Maruyama Shigenao
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we describe the results of numerical simulation of radiative heat transfer between the human body and an urban street canyon (building walls, pavement, and the sky) in the presence of participating non‐gray gas mixtures consisting of H2O and CO2. The ambient temperature in typical summer conditions and the concentration of gas mixtures during summer in Tokyo were assumed. Further, the parallel infinite plane model and simple urban street canyon model were used. The results show that the participating gas significantly affects the infrared radiation field in an urban street canyon. The radiation flux emitted by the participating gas is approximately 35% of the total radiation flux incident on the human body surface. This causes a homogenization of the infrared radiation field surrounding the human body. Gas radiation plays an important role in the heat transfer between the human body and the environment under hot and humid summer conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20258
Influence of air‐flow imbalance and refrigerant flow path pattern on an evaporator's performance
Authors: Kaga Kunihiko , Kotoh Satoru , Ogushi Teturo , Yoshida Hideo
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the influence of air flow imbalance on performance of an evaporator and the effect of the refrigerant flow path pattern. To estimate the influence, we applied a thermal network method that takes refrigerant quality distribution in the heat exchanger into account. The prediction shows that performance of the evaporator falls by 6% with a 40% imbalance of air flow rate for a simple 2 rows and 2 paths heat exchanger. Also, the prediction shows that the performance level will be recovered to when the air flow distribution is uniform by optimizing refrigerant flow path pattern. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20260
Forty keratin‐associated β‐proteins (β‐keratins) form the hard layers of scales, claws, and adhesive pads in the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Dalla Valle Luisa , Nardi Alessia , Bonazza Giulia , Zuccal Chiara , Emera Deena , Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: July 2009

Using bioinformatic methods we have detected the genes of 40 keratin‐associated β‐proteins (KAβPs) (β‐keratins) from the first available draft genome sequence of a reptile, the lizard Anolis carolinensis (Broad Institute, Boston). All genes are clustered in a single but not yet identified chromosomal locus, and contain a single intron of variable length. 5′‐RACE and RT‐PCR analyses using RNA from different epidermal regions show tissue‐specific expression of different transcripts. These results were confirmed from the analysis of the A. carolinensis EST libraries (Broad Institute). Most deduced proteins are 12–16 kDa with a pI of 7.5–8.5. Two genes encoding putative proteins of 40 and 45 kDa are also present. Despite variability in amino acid sequences, four main subfamilies can be described. The largest subfamily includes proteins high in glycine, a small subfamily contains proteins high in cysteine, a third large subfamily contains proteins high in cysteine and glycine, and the fourth, smallest subfamily comprises proteins low in cysteine and glycine. An inner region of high amino acid identity is the most constant characteristic of these proteins and maps to a region with two to three close β‐folds in the proteins. This β‐fold region is responsible for the formation of filaments of the corneous material in all types of scales in this species. Phylogenetic analysis shows that A. carolinensis KAβPs are more similar to those of other lepidosaurians (snake, lizard, and gecko lizard) than to those of archosaurians (chick and crocodile) and turtles. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:11–32, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examining the relationship between resilience and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Levine Stephen Z. , Laufer Avital , Stein Einat , Hamama‐Raz Yaira , Solomon Zahava
Published: July 2009

To extend the literature the present study aims to examine the interrelationships between resilience (defined by a lack of posttraumatic stress disorder following trauma) and posttraumatic growth. Two studies were conducted of Israeli: (a) adolescents exposed to terror (N = 2908), and (b) citizens and army personnel following the second Lebanon War (N = 588). Across studies the results showed that high levels of resilience were associated with the lowest posttraumatic growth scores. The results imply that although growth and resilience are both salutogenic constructs they are inversely related. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
PTSD symptoms, satisfaction with life, and prejudicial attitudes toward the adversary among Israeli civilians exposed to ongoing missile attacks
Authors: Besser Avi , Neria Yuval
Published: July 2009

Few studies have examined the consequences of exposure to ongoing missile attacks in civilian populations. The authors examine the relationships between such exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), satisfaction with life, and prejudicial attitudes toward the adversary. By using a stratified probability sampling, 160 adults, exposed to repeated missile attacks in southern Israel, were compared to 181 adults from areas outside the range of these attacks. Exposed participants reported more PTSD symptoms and less satisfaction with life, as compared to unexposed participants. The associations between PTSD and satisfaction with life and between PTSD and prejudicial attitudes were significantly stronger among the exposed participants, as compared to those who were not exposed to the attacks. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Psychological consequences of forced evacuation on children: Risk and protective factors
Authors: Slone Michelle , Shoshani Anat , Paltieli Tal
Published: July 2009

Children's psychological distress and symptoms after forced evacuation from the Gaza Strip in Israel were studied. Fifty families living in temporary residences 2 weeks postevacuation were assessed for general political and evacuation life events exposure as risk factors and family support and hardiness as protective factors. The hypothesis predicting a positive correlation between forced evacuation events and political life events and symptom levels was confirmed. Perceived family support served as a significant predictor of symptomatology, but not family hardiness, substantiating parents' role in aiding children's coping.
Diabetes‐related changes in hearing
Authors: Austin Donald F. , Konrad‐Martin Dawn , Griest Susan , McMillan Garnett P. , McDermott Daniel , Fausti Stephen
Published: July 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Determine the effects on hearing of diabetes mellitus (DM) severity.

Study Design:

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among Veterans to investigate the relationship of diabetes severity and hearing in randomly selected subjects with (165) and without (137) DM and who had no more than a moderate hearing loss.

Methods:

Subjects were classified by three age tertiles (<50, 50–56, and 57+ years). Diabetes severity was classified as insulin‐dependent (IDDM), noninsulin‐dependent (NIDDM), or no DM. Other DM measures included concurrent serum glucose, serum HbA1c, duration of disease, and several measures of DM‐related complications. Pure‐tone thresholds were measured in both ears of each subject at frequencies from 250 Hz through 14,000 Hz. Outcome measures were adjusted for age and frequency and analyzed for differences between subject groups using analysis of variance. Contrasts of the mean NIDDM and IDDM thresholds at each frequency to the DM group, and controlled for the effects of frequency, age, and interactions were modeled.

Results:

There was greater hearing loss in younger tertile DM subjects compared to those without DM. Significant hearing differences were at all frequencies for NIDDM subjects, but for IDDM subjects, differences were at 1,000 Hz and below, and 10,000 Hz and above. Over age 50 years, there were significant associations between hearing at low frequencies and IDDM only. Self‐report of prior noise exposure did not explain observed differences.

Conclusions:

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss, and this difference is manifest particularly in adults <50 years old. Laryngoscope, 2009
Simulation of the mean urban heat island using 2D surface parameters: empirical modelling, verification and extension
Authors: Balázs Bernadett , Unger János , Gál Tamás , Sümeghy Zoltán , Geiger János , Szegedi Sándor
Published: July 2009

The spatial distribution of the annual mean urban heat island (UHI) intensity was simulated applying empirical models based on datasets from urban areas of Szeged and Debrecen, using simple and easily determinable urban surface cover variables. These two cities are situated on the Alföld (Great Hungarian Plain) and have similar topographic and climatic conditions. Temperature field measurements were carried out, Landsat satellite images were evaluated, and then one‐ and multiple variable models were constructed using linear regression techniques. The selected multiple‐parameter models were verified using independent datasets from three urban settlements. In order to obtain some impression of the mean UHI patterns in other cities with no temperature measurements available, the better model was extended to urban areas of four other cities situated in geographical environments similar to Szeged and Debrecen. The main shortcoming of typical empirical models, namely that they are often restricted to a specific location, is overcome by the obtained model since it is not entirely site but more region specific, and valid in a large and densely populated area with several settlements. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Valuing meteorological information
Authors: Leviäkangas Pekka
Published: July 2009

This paper approaches the value of meteorological information from the perspectives of value engineering, pricing or valuation techniques and information economics. The value of information can be looked at from at least two angles: the value of information to the decision maker and the value of information realized through the impact occurring as a result actions and decisions based on information. The value of information is not a singular, uniform concept. It consists of multiple attributes weighed in different ways by different actors who evaluate information according to their own particular preferences. When designing information value chains the value build‐up and relative importance of different attributes in different sections of the chain cannot be neglected. There are multiple methods and techniques for measuring the value, but these must be applied with care, being aware of the relevant attributes and in which part of the information value chain the measurement takes place. With the valuation tools described in this paper, the valuation problem can be clarified and appropriate methods selected. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Developing Soft Skills to Manage User Expectations in IT Projects: Knowledge Reuse among IT Project Managers
Authors: Petter Stacie , Randolph Adriane B.
Published: July 2009

This research explores information technology (IT) project managers’ reuse of knowledge associated with soft skills when managing user expectations. Through interviews with IT project managers, several themes emerged: novelty of problems, conditions within the organization, types of available knowledge, and methods for reusing knowledge. Within this study, we discovered the need for additional research on how social norms and organizational conditions encourage or inhibit knowledge reuse. Furthermore, we identified a difference in the usefulness of knowledge captured in formal repositories according to levels of project management experience. The findings confirm, extend, and illuminate the current research associated with knowledge reuse in IT project management.
Photoreactive particle prepared from natural rubber and 1,9‐nonandioldimethacrylate
Authors: Pukkate Nanthaporn , Horimai Tatsuya , Wakisaka Osamu , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Kawahara Seiichi
Published: July 2009

Photoreactive particle was prepared by graft copolymerization of 1,9‐nonandioldimethacrylate (NDMA) onto deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) particles in latex stage. First, NDMA was mixed with α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) as a coupling agent to form an inclusion complex to stabilize a carbon–carbon double bond of NDMA as a bifunctional monomer. Second, the inclusion complex was graft‐copolymerized onto natural rubber (NR) in latex stage with potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, after deproteinization with urea in the presence of surfactant. A terminal vinyl group of NDMA was used for the graft copolymerization, while the other remained in the resulting polymer, due to the coupling effect of the α‐CD. The products, after washing α‐CD out, were characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), 1H NMR and solid‐state 13C NMR measurements. The amount of residual carbon–carbon double bond after graft copolymerization was investigated in relation to the amount of rubber and reaction temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4111–4118, 2009
The mental adjustment to cancer scale: a psychometric analysis in Spanish cancer patients
Authors: Costa‐Requena Gema , Gil Francisco
Published: July 2009

Objective: The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale was used to assess the cognitive responses to a cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to replicate the factorial structure of the Spanish version of the scale and ascertain the correlations between dimensions of the MAC and socio‐demographic characteristics or medical variables.

Material and Methods: The sample included 693 cancer outpatients. In order to validate the MAC questionnaire was applied a principal component analysis. The dimensions of the questionnaire were compared and correlated with socio‐demographic characteristics (age and gender), medical variables (cancer site, time since diagnosis) and distress.

Results: After the MAC factorial analysis, 28 items were included in five factors: Hopeless, Anxiety, Resignation/Fatalism, Illness Acceptance and Self‐Safety Behaviour. In relation to the variables, the women cope with cancer with more Illness Acceptance and Resignation subscales than men. More mature ages were related with Hopeless, Resignation and Self‐Safety Behaviour, also correlated negatively with Anxiety. The cancer site showed significant differences on the Hopeless and a tendency on Resignation subscale. Time since diagnosis did not correlate significantly with any subscales in the Spanish version of the MAC. Distress was reflected in the Anxiety and Hopeless subscales, and moreover it was related negatively with Self‐Safety Behaviour.

Conclusions: The MAC scale was a valid and acceptable tool for Spanish cancer patients, however, these findings provide a factorial structure different from the original MAC scale. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Short‐form Supportive Care Needs Survey Questionnaire (SCNS‐SF34‐J)
Authors: Okuyama Toru , Akechi Tatsuo , Yamashita Hiroko , Toyama Tatsuya , Endo Chiharu , Sagawa Ryuichi , Uchida Megumi , Furukawa Toshiaki A.
Published: July 2009

Purpose: Provision of supportive care to meet patients' individual needs is instrumental to enhancing their quality of life. We therefore need an appropriate assessment tool to measure such needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric property of the Japanese version of the Short‐form Supportive Care Needs Survey questionnaire (SCNS‐SF34‐J).

Subjects and methods: The forward–backward translation method was used to develop the Japanese version of SCNS‐SF34, originally developed by Boyes et al. in Australia. Randomly selected ambulatory female patients with breast cancer participated in this study. They were asked to complete the SCNS‐SF34‐J and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ‐C 30. The validity and the reliability of SCNS‐SF34‐J were evaluated statistically.

Results: Complete data were available from 408 patients. A five‐factor solution that accounted for 74.6% of the total variance was reproduced. The results confirmed the five‐factor structure found in the original SCNS development study, consisting of Health system and Information needs, Psychological needs, Physical needs, Care and Support needs, and Sexuality needs. Cronbach's alpha coefficients, which are the measures of the internal consistency, were above 0.85 for all of five subscales. Significant correlations were also found for corresponding subscales in each of the instruments. The anticipated differences in supportive care needs between groups divided by the patient characteristics, such as the disease stage, were found to be significant.

Conclusion: The results indicated that SCNS‐SF34‐J is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the supportive care needs of Japanese cancer patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological factors and preferences for communicating prognosis in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Franssen Sanne J. , Lagarde Sjoerd M. , van Werven Jochem R. , Smets Ellen M. A. , Tran Khe T. C. , Plukker John Th. M. , van Lanschot J. Jan B. , de Haes Hanneke C. J. M.
Published: July 2009

Objective: Discussing prognosis is often confronting and complex for cancer patients. This study investigates how patients' psychological characteristics relate to their preferences concerning the disclosure of prognosis.

Methods: One hundred and seventy‐six esophageal cancer patients participated in the study. They had undergone esophagectomy within the past 28 months and did not have evidence of cancer recurrence. Patients completed a questionnaire eliciting their preferences for prognostic information. Sociodemographic characteristics, involvement preferences, anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, striving for quality of life (QOL) or quantity of life and trust in physicians were explored as predictors for (a) wanting to be informed about prognosis and (b) the initiation of discussion about prognosis.

Results: Patients wanting all prognostic information had more fear for the disease to recur (p<0.05) and were inclined to be more actively involved during consultation (p<0.001). Post hoc analyses showed that patients with worse QOL scores reported more fear of recurrence. Anxiety, depression, trust and tendency to strive for QOL or quantity of life were not related to preferences concerning prognostic information.

Conclusions: The more fear patients have for esophageal cancer to recur, the more information they want about prognosis. Thus, patient's fear for recurrent disease is not a reason for withholding prognostic information. Results also suggest that there is no harm in asking patients what information they want. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family communication, genetic testing and colonoscopy screening in hereditary non‐polyposis colon cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: McCann Siobhan , MacAuley Domhnall , Barnett Yvonne , Bunting Brendan , Bradley Aoife , Jeffers Lisa , Morrison Patrick J.
Published: July 2009

Objective: Genetic testing and colonoscopy is recommended for people with a strong history of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, families must communicate so that all members are aware of the risk. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing family communication about genetic risk and colonoscopy among people with a strong family history of CRC who attended a genetic clinic with a view to having a genetic test for hereditary non‐polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC).

Methods: Interviews were held with 30 people with a high familial risk of colon cancer. The transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results: The family context, family history and perceptions about family duties and responsibilities were important motivators for communication about risk, genetic testing and colonoscopy and influenced participation in genetic testing and screening programmes. Participants reported usually communicating openly with their relatives about genetic risk and colonoscopy. Individuals felt a duty towards affected relatives and to their own children. The influence of the spouse and other relatives, particularly those affected by CRC, was also important. Colonoscopy was perceived to be embarrassing, unpleasant and sometimes painful. While there was sometimes anxiety about the result of the colonoscopy the results were usually reassuring.

Conclusions: The family context and the experience of the family history can have an impact on communication, genetic testing and screening in HNPCC and this should be explored during counselling. Some individuals might benefit from support in communicating with relatives about genetic risk. Ways of improving the individual's experience of colonoscopy should also be examined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms of post‐traumatic stress in children with cancer: does personality trump health status?
Authors: Phipps Sean , Jurbergs Nichole , Long Alanna
Published: July 2009

Objective: To examine the symptoms of post‐traumatic stress (PTSS) in children as a function of health status (cancer vs healthy) and adaptive style.

Methods: Children with cancer (N=199) and healthy acquaintance control children (N=108) completed a standardized measure of PTSS. Measures of trait anxiety and defensiveness were obtained to characterize the adaptive style of respondents.

Results: Within the cancer group, levels of PTSS did not differ as a function of diagnosis, time since diagnosis, or whether children were on‐ or off‐treatment. The only cancer‐related factor associated with elevated PTSS was a history or relapse or recurrence. Children with cancer reported significantly fewer symptoms of re‐experiencing/intrusion than did healthy children, but also reported greater symptoms of numbing/avoidance. However, there were no differences in total PTSS scores between children with cancer and controls. In contrast, a significant effect of adaptive style on PTSS was observed, with children identified as repressors or low anxious obtaining lower scores on total PTSS and all PTSS subscales than high‐anxious children, regardless of health status. Estimates of the number of children meeting criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder did not differ between children with cancer and healthy children, and were low in both groups.

Conclusions: Children with cancer report levels of PTSS that are not higher than that of their healthy peers. Personality factors such as adaptive style are a much more salient determinant of PTSS than is health history. These findings raise further questions regarding the value of a traumatic stress model for understanding the experiences of children with cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The L49F mutation in alpha erythroid spectrin induces local disorder in the tetramer association region: Fluorescence and molecular dynamics studies of free and bound alpha spectrin
Authors: Song Yuanli , Pipalia Nina H. , Fung L. W.‐M.
Published: July 2009

The bundling of the N‐terminal, partial domain helix (Helix C′) of human erythroid α‐spectrin (αI) with the C‐terminal, partial domain helices (Helices A′ and B′) of erythroid β‐spectrin (βI) to give a spectrin pseudo structural domain (triple helical bundle A′B′C′) has long been recognized as a crucial step in forming functional spectrin tetramers in erythrocytes. We have used apparent polarity and Stern–Volmer quenching constants of Helix C′ of αI bound to Helices A′ and B′ of βI, along with previous NMR and EPR results, to propose a model for the triple helical bundle. This model was used as the input structure for molecular dynamics simulations for both wild type (WT) and αI mutant L49F. The simulation output structures show a stable helical bundle for WT, but not for L49F. In WT, four critical interactions were identified: two hydrophobic clusters and two salt bridges. However, in L49F, the region downstream of Helix C′ was unable to assume a helical conformation and one critical hydrophobic cluster was disrupted. Other molecular interactions critical to the WT helical bundle were also weakened in L49F, possibly leading to the lower tetramer levels observed in patients with this mutation‐induced blood disorder.
Detailed insights from microarray and crystallographic studies into carbohydrate recognition by microneme protein 1 (MIC1) of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Garnett James A. , Liu Yan , Leon Ester , Allman Sarah A. , Friedrich Nikolas , Saouros Savvas , Curry Stephen , Soldati‐Favre Dominique , Davis Benjamin G. , Feizi Ten , Matthews Stephen
Published: July 2009

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is among the most widespread parasites. The broad host cell range of the parasite can be explained by carbohydrate microarray screening analyses that have demonstrated the ability of the T. gondii adhesive protein, TgMIC1, to bind to a wide spectrum of sialyl oligosaccharide ligands. Here, we investigate by further microarray analyses in a dose‐response format the differential binding of TgMIC1 to 2‐3‐ and 2‐6‐linked sialyl carbohydrates. Interestingly, two novel synthetic fluorinated analogs of 3′SiaLacNAc1–4 and 3′SiaLacNAc1–3 were identified as highly potent ligands. To understand the structural basis of the carbohydrate binding specificity of TgMIC1, we have determined the crystal structures of TgMIC1 micronemal adhesive repeat (MAR)‐region (TgMIC1‐MARR) in complex with five sialyl‐N‐acetyllactosamine analogs. These crystal structures have revealed a specific, water‐mediated hydrogen bond network that accounts for the preferential binding of TgMIC1‐MARR to arrayed 2‐3‐linked sialyl oligosaccharides and the high potency of the fluorinated analogs. Furthermore, we provide strong evidence for the first observation of a CF···HO hydrogen bond within a lectin‐carbohydrate complex. Finally, detailed comparison with other oligosaccharide‐protein complexes in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) reveals a new family of sialic‐acid binding sites from lectins in parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
C‐terminal deletion of leucine‐rich repeats from YopM reveals a heterogeneous distribution of stability in a cooperatively folded protein
Authors: Kloss Ellen , Barrick Doug
Published: July 2009

Terminal deletions of units from α‐helical repeat proteins have provided insight into the physical origins of their cooperativity. To test if the same principles governing cooperativity apply to β‐sheet‐containing repeat proteins, we have created a series of C‐terminal deletion constructs from a large leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) protein, YopM. We have examined the structure and stability of the resulting deletion constructs by a combination of solution spectroscopy, equilibrium denaturation studies, and limited proteolysis. Surprisingly, a high degree of nonuniformity was found in the stability distribution of YopM. Unlike previously studied repeat proteins, we identified several key LRR that on deletion disrupt nearby structure, at distances as far away as up to three repeats, in YopM. This partial unfolding model is supported by limited proteolysis studies and by point substitution in repeats predicted to be disordered as a result of deletion of adjacent repeats. We show that key internal‐ and terminal‐caps must be present to maintain the structural integrity in adjacent regions (roughly four LRRs long) of decreased stability. The finding that full‐length YopM maintains a high level of cooperativity in equilibrium unfolding underscores the importance of interfacial interactions in stabilizing locally unstable regions of structure.
Robust global stabilization of linear systems with input saturation via gain scheduling
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lin Zongli , Duan Guangren
Published: July 2009

The problem of robust global stabilization of linear systems subject to input saturation and input‐additive uncertainties is revisited in this paper. By taking advantages of the recently developed parametric Lyapunov equation‐based low gain feedback design method and an existing dynamic gain scheduling technique, a new gain scheduling controller is proposed to solve the problem. In comparison with the existing ℋ2‐type gain scheduling controller, which requires the online solution of a state‐dependent nonlinear optimization problem and a state‐dependent ℋ2 algebraic Riccati equation (ARE), all the parameters in the proposed controller are determined a priori. In the absence of the input‐additive uncertainties, the proposed controller also partially recovers Teel's ℋ∞‐type scheduling approach by solving the problem of global stabilization of linear systems with actuator saturation. The ℋ∞‐type scheduling approach achieves robustness not only with non‐input‐additive uncertainties but also requires the closed‐form solution to an ℋ∞ ARE. Thus, the proposed scheduling method also addresses the implementation issues of the ℋ∞‐type scheduling approach in the absence of non‐input‐additive uncertainties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust delay‐dependent guaranteed cost controller design for uncertain nonlinear neutral systems with time‐varying state delays
Authors: Parlakçı M. N. Alpaslan
Published: July 2009

In this paper, the problem of robust delay‐dependent guaranteed cost control for uncertain nonlinear neutral systems with time‐varying state delay is investigated. The control law is chosen to be a memoryless type one. Neither any model transformation nor bounding of any cross terms are utilized. The system under consideration may be subjected to both norm‐bounded uncertainties and nonlinear parameter perturbations. A delay‐dependent sufficient condition is obtained in terms of a matrix inequality for which a cone complementarity problem is introduced to provide a feasible solution set. Two numerical examples have been demonstrated to show the effective application of the proposed method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid Stimulates the Proliferation of Human Hemopoietic Progenitors through the Second Messenger Cyclic ADP-Ribose
Authors: Scarfì Sonia , Fresia Chiara , Ferraris Chiara , Bruzzone Santina , Fruscione Floriana , Usai Cesare , Benvenuto Federica , Magnone Mirko , Podestà Marina , Sturla Laura , Guida Lucrezia , Albanesi Ennio , Damonte Gianluca , Salis Annalisa , De Flora Antonio , Zocchi Elena
Published: July 2009

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a hormone involved in pivotal physiological functions in higher plants, such as response to abiotic stress and control of seed dormancy and germination. Recently, ABA was demonstrated to be autocrinally produced by human granulocytes, β pancreatic cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and to stimulate cell-specific functions through a signaling pathway involving the second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR). Here we show that ABA expands human uncommitted hemopoietic progenitors (HP) in vitro, through a cADPR-mediated increase of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Incubation of CD34+ cells with micromolar ABA also induces transcriptional effects, which include NF-κB nuclear translocation and transcription of genes encoding for several cytokines. Human MSC stimulated with a lymphocyte-conditioned medium produce and release ABA at concentrations sufficient to exert growth-stimulatory effects on co-cultured CD34+ cells, as demonstrated by the inhibition of colony growth in the presence of an anti-ABA monoclonal antibody. These results provide a remarkable example of conservation of a stress hormone and of its second messenger from plants to humans and identify ABA as a new hemopoietic growth factor involved in the cross-talk between HP and MSC.
Importin 13 Serves as a Potential Marker for Corneal Epithelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Wang Hua , Tao Tao , Tang Jing , Mao Yi-Hui , Li Wei , Peng Juan , Tan Gang , Zhou Yue-Ping , Zhong Jing-Xiang , Tseng Scheffer C.G. , Kawakita Tetsuya , Zhao Yong-Xiang , Liu Zu-Guo
Published: July 2009

Importin13 (IPO13), the newest member of importin-β family discovered recently, is a unique nucleus-cytoplasm bidirectional transport receptor protein. In this study, IPO13 expression in human corneal tissue, limbal epithelial primary explant and clonal culture was evaluated by immunostaining and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reasgon. IPO13 function was evaluated in the corneal epithelial culture treated with IPO13 inhibitor, or fetal bovine serum (FBS)-containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) medium by colony-forming efficiency, clone growth capacity, MTT, immunostaining, and Western blotting assay. IPO13 protein was expressed mainly in nuclei of limbal epithelial basal cells, but not in the other cell layers of limbus and full thickness of corneal epithelia. IPO13 was expressed in the majority of epithelial cells in early-stage clones and in the margin of late-stage clones. IPO13 was positively expressed in mouse TKE2 progenitor cells cultured in keratinocyte serum-free defined medium, while it became negative in FBS-containing DMEM, which promoted TKE2 cell differentiation. In the presence of IPO13 inhibitor, IPO13 expression and the proliferative capacity decreased in human limbal epithelial clones and mouse TKE2 cells, which were accompanied with the cell differentiation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate for the first time that IPO13 is uniquely expressed by human limbal basal epithelial cells, and plays an important role in maintaining the phenotype, high proliferative potential, and less differentiation of corneal epithelial progenitor cells, suggesting that IPO13 could serve as a novel potential marker for corneal epithelial progenitor cells.
Behaviour improvement during faults of fixed speed stall control induction generator wind turbines
Authors: Garcia Jorge Martínez , Domínguez‐Navarro José A.
Published: July 2009

This paper describes a simple and economical way to improve the behaviour of a stall control wind turbine with fixed speed induction generator during faults. It proposes using the existing thyristor bridge and capacitors in combination with new resistors, to create a self‐exciting system isolated from the grid during faults, controlling the terminal voltage and speed generator in order to reduce the reactive consumption and peak speed. This is possible as a result of the thyristor bridge and resistor acting as a variable load.

Dynamic simulations show that fault ride‐through capability for symmetrical and asymmetrical faults of a stall wind turbine can be achieved by using this proposal. A comparison between this solution and the standard static compensator solution demonstrates that the proposed solution works better, mainly because of the absence of overspeed problems when the overspeed protection is set at around 1.04 p.u. (a typical level for these wind turbines). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
University‐school‐community partnerships for youth development and democratic renewal
Authors: Harkavy Ira , Hartley Matthew
Published: July 2009

Democratic partnerships of universities, schools, and an array of neighborhood and community organizations are the most promising means of improving the lives of our nation's young people. Over the past two decades, many colleges and universities have been experiencing a renaissance in engagement activities. Universities, once ivory towers, have increasingly come to recognize that their destinies are inextricably linked with their communities. Authentic democratic partnerships have three characteristics: they are devised to achieve democratic purposes, the collective work is advanced through inclusive and democratic processes, and the product these partnerships produce benefits all participants and results in a strengthening of the democratic practices within the community.
The connection: Schooling, youth development, and community building—The Futures Academy case
Authors: Taylor Henry Louis , McGlynn Linda Greenough
Published: July 2009

Universities, because of their vast human and fiscal resources, can play the central role in assisting in the development of school‐centered community development programs that make youth development their top priority. The Futures Academy, a K–8 public school in the Fruit Belt, an inner‐city neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, offers a useful model of community development in partnership with the Center for Urban Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The goal of the project is to create opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom to the goal of working with others to make the neighborhood a better place to live. The efforts seek to realize in practice the Dewey dictum that individuals learn best when they have “a real motive behind and a real outcome ahead.”
George Washington Community High School: Analysis of a partnership network
Authors: Bringle Robert G. , Officer Starla D.H. , Grim Jim , Hatcher Julie A.
Published: July 2009

After five years with no public schools in their community, residents and neighborhood organizations of the Near Westside of Indianapolis advocated for the opening of George Washington Community High School (GWCHS). As a neighborhood in close proximity to the campus of Indiana University‐Purdue University Indianapolis, the Near Westside and campus worked together to address this issue and improve the educational success of youth. In fall 2000, GWCHS opened as a community school and now thrives as a national model, due in part to its network of community relationships. This account analyzes the development of the school by focusing on the relationships among the university, the high school, community organizations, and the residents of the Near Westside and highlights the unique partnership between the campus and school by defining the relational qualities and describing the network created to make sustainable changes with the high school.
The Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative: Working to reverse the obesity epidemic through academically based community service
Authors: Johnston Francis E.
Published: July 2009

The Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative (AUNI) presents a fruitful partnership between faculty and students at a premier research university and members of the surrounding community aimed at addressing the problem of childhood obesity. AUNI uses a problem‐solving approach to learning by focusing course activities, including service‐learning, on understanding and mitigating the obesity culture.
Dayton's neighborhood school centers
Authors: Ferguson Dick
Published: July 2009

When Dayton Public Schools committed to return to neighborhood K–8 schools, the community organized to refocus many youth programs in schools and neighborhoods. This article describes the planning and implementation of Dayton's Neighborhood School Centers. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the University of Dayton, especially the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community. The Fitz Center plays a pivotal role in implementing this highly collaborative effort, including project leadership; community organizing; coaching of five site coordinators at neighborhood school sites; and faculty‐mentored student interns to assist with programming for student success, family support, health and team sports, and extensive service‐learning coordination. The Dayton Foundation, Dayton Public Schools, City of Dayton, Montgomery County, and sixteen foundation and corporate supporters are partners with the Fitz Center in a bold initiative to reconnect five Dayton public elementary schools to their neighborhoods, after more than thirty years of court‐ordered busing, and create full‐service, year‐round opportunities for neighborhood families and youth at these new schools. More than forty programs have been started at each site, all emphasizing youth and community assets.
The president's role in advancing civic engagement: The Widener‐Chester Partnership
Authors: Harris James T.
Published: July 2009

Efforts by metropolitan universities to engage in meaningful and democratic partnerships with community organizations require much time, effort, and considerable resources from the university and its various constituents. Widener University is located in a distressed urban environment. This study, presented from the perspective of the university's president, highlights the challenges associated with engaging in such work and provides insight into possible future directions for advancing an institution‐wide civic engagement agenda. It outlines in detail the initiatives created between Widener and the Chester, Pennsylvania, school district over six years and explains how after many failures, the university came to the conclusion that its best chance for success would be to develop a separately chartered university partnership school. The account forcefully underscores that the costs associated with civic engagement are worth the investment in spite of the number of setbacks and frustrations inherent in this type of work.
Programmatic approaches to assessing and improving animal welfare in zoos and aquariums
Authors: Barber Joseph C.E.
Published: July 2009

There continues to be intense public, professional, and scientific focus on the welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums, but implementing welfare assessment tools consistently throughout this community remains challenging. Indirect measures can be used to assess “welfare potential”—the potential that animals will experience good welfare based on the care that they are provided with. Zoos and aquariums focus on welfare potential with their continued commitment to develop animal care guidelines (e.g. Animal Care Manuals) that can play a role within institutional accreditation or certification. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Animal Welfare Committee has been pursuing approaches to maximize welfare potential by developing the concept of an integrated welfare approach or framework—an attempt to identify recommended animal care programs (e.g. enrichment, nutrition, veterinary care, research, and animal training programs) and their programmatic components. Objectively assessing the influence that animal care recommendations have on the welfare of individual animals is important to determine the efficacy of programmatic approaches. The future of welfare assessment within zoos and aquariums will include population‐level evaluations—tracking emerging trends in health and behavior that come from both formal and informal institutional animal reports. Sharing this information, and performing meta‐analyses of the data using epidemiological approaches, will become easier with advances in technology and database management software. Identifying welfare “red/green flags” throughout captive populations will provide direction for more focused assessments that will ultimately inform the design of more effective animal care programs. Zoo Biol 28:519–530, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Study on Field Emission Characteristics of Planar Graphene Layers Obtained from a Highly Oriented Pyrolyzed Graphite Block
Authors: Lee Seok Woo , Lee Seung S. , Yang Eui-Hyeok
Published: July 2009

This paper describes an experimental study on field emission characteristics of individual graphene layers for vacuum nanoelectronics. Graphene layers were prepared by mechanical exfoliation from a highly oriented pyrolyzed graphite block and placed on an insulating substrate, with the resulting field emission behavior investigated using a nanomanipulator operating inside a scanning electron microscope. A pair of tungsten tips controlled by the nanomanipulator enabled electric connection with the graphene layers without postfabrication. The maximum emitted current from the graphene layers was 170 nA and the turn-on voltage was 12.1 V.