bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy evaluation: Emerging processes and methods
Authors: Patrizi Patricia A.
Published: December 2010

This chapter offers reflections on and lessons about methods for conducting strategy evaluation based on and extracted from various strategy evaluations. The approach offered builds on both reflective practice and developmental evaluation. The chapter operationalizes the Minztberg framework for the social sector and addresses issues such as how to consider strategy boundaries, the strategy‐making entity, sources and types of data, unit of analysis, and types of analysis. It offers ideas about how to apply the approach in evaluations of both a retrospective or prospective nature. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Predicting toxic gas concentrations at locations remote from the fire source
Authors: Wang Z. , Jia F. , Galea E. R. , Patel M. K.
Published: December 2010

A toxicity model capable of predicting toxic gas concentrations within fire enclosures utilizing the concept of the local equivalence ratio (LER) was recently developed. This paper describes an enhancement of the original model that improves its accuracy in predicting species concentrations at remote locations from the room of fire origin. The enhanced technique involves dividing the CFD computational domain into two regions for species calculation, a control region (CR) and a transport region. Toxic gas concentrations in the CR are calculated using the formulation developed in the earlier study whereas in the transport region, gas concentrations are determined as a result of the mixing of hot combustion gases with fresh air. The concept of a critical equivalence ratio, which is derived from the effective heat release rate (or combustion efficiency) of the fire scenario being simulated, is introduced to perform the domain division. Predictions of temperatures and species concentrations at various locations made by the new model are compared with the results from two experiments. Compared with the earlier model, the modified model provides considerable improvements in the predictions of toxic species levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent genomic loss at chr16p13.2 is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Andersen Claus Lindbjerg , Lamy Philippe , Thorsen Kasper , Kjeldsen Eigil , Wikman Friedrik , Villesen Palle , Øster Bodil , Laurberg Søren , Ørntoft Torben Falck
Published: December 2010

Genomic alterations play important roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize recurrent copy‐number alterations (CNAs) associated with clinical outcome of CRC by the use of single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, genomic quantitative PCR (qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Colorectal neoplasia specimens and paired germline samples from 144 patients (40 adenomas and 104 carcinomas) as well as 40 CRC cell lines were investigated. This large dataset revealed frequent loss, including homozygous loss, at chr16p13.2 (from 5.9 to 7.42Mb). The loss was observed in 30% of adenomas and even more frequently in carcinomas, 56%, indicating that the loss define a subset of adenomas with a propensity for invasion. Consistent with this, the loss occurred twice as frequent in villous (40%) as in tubular adenomas (20%). The loss occurred independently of microsatellite stability and could be validated by qPCR in an independent sample cohort (n = 71). In Stage II/III, microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC it was associated with poor recurrence free survival (hazard ratio 2.4; p = 0.02; Multivariate Cox regression analysis). No transcriptional consequences of the losses were observed, and the only gene, A2BP1, located in the region showed no mutations. Correlation with other CNAs was established for chr3p22 in carcinomas and chr20p (inverse) in adenomas. FISH documented the chr16p13.2 region to be involved in complex structural rearrangements that included translocation to chr3p22 in some cases. The findings indicate that structural rearrangements involving chr16p13.2 are very frequent in colorectal neoplasia, often lead to homozygous deletion, and are associated with poor clinical outcome.
Two survivin polymorphisms are cooperatively associated with bladder cancer susceptibility
Authors: Kawata Naoko , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Horikawa Yohei , Inoue Takamitsu , Tsuruta Hiroshi , Maita Shinya , Satoh Shigeru , Mitobe Yoko , Narita Shintaro , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: December 2010

Abnormal survivin expression has been reported to be involved in many types of cancer. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), C‐31G, located in the promoter region of survivin reportedly may alter the mRNA level, while the significance of the nonsynonymous SNP A9194G in exon 4 has not yet been clarified. Here, the association between the two survivin SNPs and bladder cancer susceptibility and progression was investigated in 235 patients with bladder cancer and 346 healthy controls. Regarding the C‐31G SNP, subjects with the CC genotype had a significantly higher risk of bladder cancer compared to those with the GG + CG genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, p = 0.001]. Regarding the A9194G SNP, the presence of the G allele was associated with a significantly reduced risk with a gene dosage effect (OR = 0.69, p = 0.002). Using the C‐A haplotype as a reference, the G‐G haplotype was associated with a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.11, p = 0.00006), indicating the cooperative effect of the two SNPs. Immunohistological evaluation of surgical specimens showed that cancer cells of the C‐31G CC genotype had significantly higher nuclear survivin expression than those of the C‐31G GG + CG genotype. With reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, a significantly higher survivin mRNA expression level was observed in surgical specimens with an increase in the number of the C‐31G
C allele (p = 0.016). These results indicate that the two SNPs have a significant and cooperative influence on bladder cancer susceptibility.
Vinyl Dibromides: Versatile Partners in Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Legrand Frédéric , Jouvin Kévin , Evano Gwilherm
Published: December 2010

Once limited to the preparation of alkynes, the chemistry of 1,1—dibromoalkenes has clearly undergone a renaissance through the application of palladium and copper catalysis. Remarkably efficient, innovative, and reliable methods have been recently designed around this chemistry, which has found many applications for the preparation of sophisticated building blocks as well as natural and/or biologically active products. This review article highlights major developments in this area.
Ica‐expression and gentamicin susceptibility of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm on orthopedic implant biomaterials
Authors: Nuryastuti Titik , Krom Bastiaan P. , Aman Abu T. , Busscher Henk J. , van der Mei Henny C.
Published: December 2010

Ica‐expression by Staphylococcus epidermidis and slime production depends on environmental conditions such as implant material and presence of antibiotics. Here, we evaluate biofilm formation and ica‐expression of S. epidermidis strains on biomaterials involved in total hip‐ and knee arthroplasty [polyethylene (PE), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), stainless steel (SS)]. Ica‐expression, assayed using real‐time RT‐PCR, was highest on PE as confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Yet biofilm formation by S. epidermidis was most extensive on SS, with less slime production. Ica‐expression and slime production were minimal on PMMA. After 3 h of continued growth of 24 h old biofilms in the presence of gentamicin, biofilms on PE showed lower susceptibility to gentamicin, relative to the other materials, presumably as a result of the stronger ica‐expression. A higher gentamicin concentration further decreased metabolic activity on all biomaterials. It is concluded that the level of biomaterial‐induced ica‐expression does not correlate with the amount of biofilm formed, but initially aids bacteria in surviving antibiotic attacks. Once antibiotic treatment has started however, also the antibiotic itself induces slime production and only if its concentration is high enough, killing results. Results suggest that biomaterial‐associated infections in orthopedics by S. epidermidis on PE may be more difficult to eradicate than on PMMA or SS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Difference between dogs and rats with regard to osteoclast‐like cells in calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite‐induced osteoinduction
Authors: Akiyama Norihiro , Takemoto Mitsuru , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Neo Masashi , Hirano Masahiro , Nakamura Takashi
Published: December 2010

Material‐induced osteoinduction is reported in comparatively large animals such as dogs and pigs; however, it does not often occur in small animals such as rodents. In this study, we implanted porous calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) in the dorsal muscles of dogs and rats and compared the two species, with emphasis on multinucleated cells, by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In CDHA extracted from dogs, numerous TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells were detected after 2 weeks and new bone formation was observed after 4 weeks. In contrast, in rats, only a small number of TRAP‐positive cells were detected and no bone formation was observed within 6 weeks. CDHA was more degraded in dogs than in rats. TEM observation of the multinucleated cells in CDHA extracted from dogs after 3 weeks revealed osteoclast‐like features such as ruffled borders. However, CDHA extracted from rats did not exhibit osteoclast‐like features. RT‐PCR evaluation showed that the expression of cathepsin K was higher in dogs than in rats. These results indicate that TRAP‐positive cells might be one of the main factors responsible for the cross‐species difference in material‐induced osteoinduction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Proteinoid/hydroxyapatite hybrid microsphere composites
Authors: Tallawi Marwa
Published: December 2010

Organic/hydroxyapatite (HA) hybrid composites are promising materials for orthopedic applications. Proteinoid/HA hybrid microsphere composite is an ideal material for bioresorbable and biocompatible three‐dimensional scaffolds. Proteinoids are thermally condensed mixtures of amino acids, forming microspheres via self‐assembly of proteinoid chains. Synthesis of an onion‐type multilayer proteinoid/HA hybrid composite is achieved by thermally condensing a mixture of amino acids in the presence of commercially available HA. Proteinoid/HA microsphere composite of about 40 μm are achieved as a result of heterogeneous nucleation of HA on proteinoids chains. The formation mechanism is based on the interaction between calcium ions of HA and carboxyl side groups of proteinoid. The morphology was gleaned by scanning electron microscopy, and the organic and inorganic constituents were characterized by several analytical methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Biohybrid nanofiber constructs with anisotropic biomechanical properties
Authors: Bonani W. , Maniglio D. , Motta A. , Tan W. , Migliaresi C.
Published: December 2010

Synthetic implant materials often lack of the anisotropic mechanical properties and cell‐interactive surface which are shown by natural tissues. For example, engineered vascular grafts need to be developed to address the mechanical and biological problems associated with the graft materials. This study has demonstrated a double‐electrospinning fabrication process to produce a poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐fibroin multilayer composite which shows well‐integrated nanofibrous structure, endothelial‐conducive surface and anisotropic mechanical property, suitable as engineered vascular constructs. Electrospinning parameters such as voltage, solution concentration, feed rate, and relative humidity were optimized to obtain defect‐free, uniform nanofibers. To mimic the different mechanical properties of natural vessels in the circumferential and longitudinal directions, a rotating cylinder was used as collector, resulting in the production of constructs with anisotropic properties. The combination of the collector shape and the collector rotation allows us to produce a tubular structure with tunable anisotropic mechanical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and uniaxial tensile tests were used to characterize the electrospun constructs. Cell cultures with primary endothelial cells demonstrated that cells showed spread morphology and strong adhesion on fibroin richer surfaces. The platform for producing robust multilayer scaffolds with intermixing nanofiber structure, tunable anisotropy ratio, and surface with specific compositions may hold great potential in tissue engineering applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Metabotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptors modulate feeding behavior in the calcisponge Leucandra aspera
Authors: Ramoino Paola , Ledda Fabio D. , Ferrando Sara , Gallus Lorenzo , Bianchini Paolo , Diaspro Alberto , Fato Marco , Tagliafierro Grazia , Manconi Renata
Published: December 2010

Here, we report the presence of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic system in the calcisponge Leucandra aspera and examine the cellular localization of the components of this system, including GABA‐like receptors using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that GABA plays a functional role as a messenger in regulating sponge‐feeding behavior. We found that both GABAB R1 and R2 subunits are present in the choanocytes of sponges as well as in the eso‐ and endopinacocytes. The functional role of GABA in the feeding behavior of this sponge was tested. The involvement of GABA receptors in the endocytic processes in L. aspera was demonstrated with dextran conjugated to Texas Red as a marker for material ingestion and by treating isolated sponge cells with a GABAB receptor agonist and an antagonist. The amount of dextran that was ingested increased in dissociated sponge cells when the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen was used, and this stimulatory effect was prevented by treatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist phaclofen. The baclofen effect on uptake was blocked by treatment with pertussis toxin, thus indicating a role for G proteins in modulating feeding behavior in L. aspera. Moreover, we found evidence that GABA receptors are involved in the consumption of dissolved organic matter by sponge cells. These findings suggest that GABA receptors and their functional role are highly conservative traits in the animal kingdom prenervous system evolution. J. Exp. Zool. 315:132–140, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal and spatial SOX9 expression patterns in the course of gonad development of the caudate amphibian Pleurodeles waltl
Authors: Dumond Hélène , Al‐Asaad Imane , Chesnel Amand , Chardard Dominique , Boizet‐Bonhoure Brigitte , Flament Stéphane , Kuntz Sandra
Published: December 2010

The SOX family of transcription factors is thought to regulate gene expression in a wide variety of developmental processes. Namely, SOX9 expression is conserved in vertebrate sex determination or differentiation. Nevertheless, information about caudate amphibians is lacking. In this study, we provide data on Pleurodeles waltl, a species that displays a ZZ/ZW genetic mode of sex determination and a temperature‐dependent mechanism of female‐to‐male sex reversal. Phylogenetic analysis of SOX9 P. waltl ortholog reveals that the deduced protein segregates from the group of anuran and could be more closely related to amniote than to anamniote. However, SOX9 lacks the PQA‐rich domain present in amniotes. In larvae, SOX9 is expressed in both sexes in gonad–mesonephros complexes as soon as stage 42, before gonad differentiation. At stage 5460d at which testis differentiation is already in progress, analyses of isolated gonads reveal a male‐enriched expression of SOX9, which was quantified by real‐time PCR. At the end of metamorphosis (stage 56), SOX9 shows a nuclear localization only in the testis. In adults, SOX9 is still expressed in testes and ovaries. In the ovary, SOX9 is found in oocytes from stage I to stage VI but it is never detected in the nucleus. Our results suggest that in P. waltl, like in non mammalian vertebrates, SOX9 could play a role during the late phase of gonad differentiation rather than in sex determination. Its role in germ cells of the adult ovary has still to be elucidated. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:199–211, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of victim intoxication and victim attire on police responses to sexual assault
Authors: Goodman‐Delahunty Jane , Graham Kelly
Published: December 2010

Limited research exists on the impact of contextual factors such as victim intoxication and victim attire on police processing of a case of sexual assault. The effects of these variables were examined in a simulated sexual assault case. Participants were 125 detectives from the New South Wales Police Department. Officers read controverted witness statements and viewed photographs pertaining to an investigation of a report of date rape. Contrary to findings in earlier studies, complainant intoxication, ‘provocative’ dress, and gender of the officer had no influence on the likelihood of charging the alleged offender. Factors predictive of pressing charges were the perceived credibility of the complainant and culpability of the alleged offender. Credibility and guilt judgements were themselves influenced by the level of rape myth acceptance endorsed by the officers. Rape myth acceptance also exerted a number of other effects on case evaluations. Implications for future studies and education and training programmes for police on sexual assault were discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression and induction of small heat shock proteins in rat brain and cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Kirbach Britta Bartelt , Golenhofen Nikola
Published: December 2010

The so‐called stress response involving up‐regulation of heat shock proteins (Hsps) is a powerful mechanism of cells to deal with harmful conditions to which they are exposed throughout life, such as hyperthermia, hypoxia, or oxidative stress. Some members of the group of small Hsps (sHsps) seem to play a neuroprotective role in the brain. Here we analyzed the expression of all 11 sHsps in the rat brain by using RNA in situ hybridization and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Additionally, we investigated sHsps in cultured neurons exposed to heat shock. We found seven sHsps to be expressed in the rat brain, with HspB5 (αB‐crystallin), HspB6 (Hsp20), and HspB11 (Hsp16.2) showing the highest expression levels (4–24% of reference genes) followed by HspB1 (Hsp25) and HspB8 (Hsp22; 0.1–2% of reference genes), all being widely expressed in the brain areas investigated. HspB2 (MKBP) and HspB3, however, showed selective expression in only some regions (B2: cortex and hippocampus, B3: cortex and cerebellum). Whereas HspB5 was expressed mainly in the white matter, HspB6 showed the greatest expression in the cerebellar cortex, and HspB11 was widely distributed over the whole brain. In cultured hippocampal neurons, heat shock led to an increase of HspB1 and HspB8 mRNA and additionally HspB5 protein. Our data indicate that the sHsps induced by heat shock, HspB1, B5, and B8, might be especially involved in neuroprotection under stress conditions. The other sHsps showing constant neuronal expression may play a constitutive role or may be up‐regulated and important in types of stresses other than heat shock. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered expression of miRNA‐21 and its targets in the hippocampus after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Redell John B. , Zhao Jing , Dash Pramod K.
Published: December 2010

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates many different signaling cascades throughout the brain that impact both pathophysiological and neuroprotective processes. Cellular mechanisms that can modulate these processes may play an important role in determining the nature and extent of the damage suffered after TBI and therefore influence overall outcome after injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an important class of noncoding regulatory RNAs providing an epigenetic mechanism for the regulation of protein expression levels of target genes. We report that miR‐21 expression is significantly up‐regulated in the hippocampus after rodent TBI, with expression levels peaking by 3 days postinjury and returning to near sham levels by 15 days postinjury. In situ localization of miR‐21 transcripts indicates widespread expression in normal brain, with a pronounced increase in expression after TBI evident throughout the cortex and hippocampus, including the dentate gyrus and CA3 cell layer. We used a combination of the miRanda, TargetScan, and PicTar prediction algorithms to identify 99 potential target genes that possess miR‐21 binding sites within their 3′ untranslated regions. Analysis of these genes' annotated Gene Ontology molecular function and biological process terms revealed an overrepresentation of genes involved in enzyme‐linked receptor signaling, transcriptional regulation, and developmental processes. These results suggest that increased miR‐21 expression in the hippocampus may influence multiple components of TBI pathophysiology. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural analysis of glutamate‐immunopositive synapses onto the rat jaw‐closing motoneurons during postnatal development
Authors: Paik Sang Kyoo , Park Sook Kyung , Jin Jong Kil , Bae Jin Young , Choi Su Jung , Yoshida Atsushi , Ahn Dong Kuk , Bae Yong Chul
Published: December 2010

The excitatory synapses on the jaw‐closing (JC) motoneurons mediate the neuronal input that ensures smooth and rhythmic movements of the jaw. Recently, we have shown that the neurotransmitter phenotype of the inhibitory boutons onto JC motoneurons shifts from GABA to glycine, and new inhibitory synapses onto JC motoneurons are continuously formed during postnatal development (Paik et al. [2007] J. Comp. Neurol. 503:779–789). To test whether the developmental pattern of the excitatory synapses onto JC motoneurons differs from that of the inhibitory synapses, we studied the distribution of glutamate‐immunopositive boutons onto the rat JC motoneurons during postnatal development by using a combination of retrograde labeling with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), postembedding immunogold staining, and quantitative ultrastructural analysis. The analysis of 175, 281, and 465 boutons contacting somata of JC motoneurons at postnatal days P2, P11, and P31, respectively, revealed that the number of glutamate‐immunopositive (Glut+) boutons increased by 2.6 times from P2 to P11 and showed no significant change after that, whereas the length of apposition of these boutons increased continuously from P2 to P31, suggesting that the time course for the development of Glut+ boutons differed from that for Glut− boutons, most of which were immunopositive for GABA and/or glycine. Our findings indicate that excitatory and inhibitory synapses onto JC motoneurons exhibit distinctly different developmental patterns that may be closely related to the maturation of the masticatory system. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The seven deadly sins of strategic change
Authors: Kingen Ron , Wilkerson Patrick
Published: December 2010

Despite the best of intentions, efforts to improve organizational performance do not always pan out. This article gives examples and shows how, in their pursuit of excellence in an often‐challenging environment, even the most respected organizations are tempted to commit one or more of the seven deadly sins of strategic change. They are: forgetting about value for the customer, focusing solely on greater profits or market share, treating improvements as “just another program,” neglecting to make continual improvement and learning part of the corporate culture, lacking discipline in the pursuit of growth, favoring training over application, and losing constancy of purpose. Being aware of these pitfalls is the first step in avoiding them, so organizational improvement efforts can stay on the right path to success. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
External nasal valve collapse repair: The limited alar–facial stab approach
Authors: Deroee Armin Farajzadeh , Younes Ahmed A. , Friedman Oren
Published: December 2010

Objectives:

Permanent treatment for external nasal valve collapse (ENCV) is primarily surgical. In some situations, instead of a major operation, the placement of structural alar rim graft may be all that is needed. Alar rim graft placement is usually achieved through a marginal incision as a part of a rhinoplasty. We compared the aesthetic and functional outcomes of a simple technique in which the graft is placed via an external incision in the alar–facial groove with the outcomes of the more commonly used method.

Methods:

All patients who underwent ENCV repair in 2007 and 2008 were reviewed. Fifteen cases in which grafts were placed using the alar–facial stab technique were identified. Twenty cases with marginal incision graft placement in that time period were then randomly selected. All of the patients underwent concurrent additional procedures such as rhinoplasty/septorhinoplasty. The aesthetic and functional assessments of both techniques were explored by means of blinded observers rating the aesthetic outcome and patients rating their functional outcome through the use of questionnaires.

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Results:

A comparison between the patients' subjective results showed no difference between the outcomes of these two techniques (P > .05). The blinded surgeon evaluators could not differentiate between the different approaches utilized in the vast majority of cases studied.

Conclusions:

The alar–facial stab incision with alar rim grafting for treatment of ENCV is a very simple and effective technique that does not require significant rhinoplasty experience and may be performed in the office under local anesthesia. Laryngoscope, 2011
Synergistic Anticancer Effects Achieved by Co‐Delivery of TRAIL and Paclitaxel Using Cationic Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Lee Ashlynn L. Z. , Wang Yong , Pervaiz Shazib , Fan Weimin , Yang Yi Yan
Published: December 2010

Cationic micellar nanoparticles self‐assembled from a biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer have been used to deliver human TRAIL and paclitaxel simultaneously. Polyplexes formed between paclitaxel‐loaded nanoparticles and TRAIL are stable with a size of ≈180 nm and a zeta potential at ≈75 mV. Anticancer effects and apoptotic pathway mechanisms of this drug‐and‐protein co‐delivery system are investigated in various human breast cancer cell lines with different TRAIL sensitivity. The co‐delivery nanoparticulate system induces synergistic anti‐cancer activities with limited toxicity in non‐cancerous cells. An advantage of this co‐delivery is a significantly higher anti‐cancer effect as compared to free drug and protein formulations.

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Shape Recovery Versus Breakup of Deformed Droplets in a Polymer Blend after Uniaxial Extension
Authors: Starý Zdeněk , Musialek Matthias , Münstedt Helmut
Published: December 2010

The morphology development in a PS/LLDPE 95/5 blend after uniaxial elongation at constant stress is investigated with a special attention on the influence of the temperature on the competition between shape recovery and droplet breakup. The lower the recovery temperature, the finer the morphology obtained, i.e. fibril breakup was preferred against shape recovery. This is due to a stronger retraction of matrix molecules at higher temperatures in early stages of recovery which forces the fibrils to shrink back to less deformed states and thus suppresses the droplet breakup. The elasticity of the blend was found to increase with temperature although the elasticity of pure PS is temperature independent. This is explained as a consequence of the temperature dependence of the morphology development.

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New Semifluorinated Siloxane‐Grafted Copolyimides: Synthesis and Comparison with Their Linear Analogs
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Banerjee Susanta , Komber Hartmut , Häußler Liane , Schneider Konrad , Voit Brigitte
Published: December 2010

A siloxane‐grafted new diamino monomer DBPDMS has been prepared and used as a co‐monomer in combination with the fluorinated diamine monomer TFBB to prepare siloxane‐grafted polyimides. The polymers have been characterized by means of GPC, IR, and NMR. Their thermal, mechanical, and surface properties have been evaluated and compared with the homopolyimide and with polyimides where polysiloxane is incorporated in the main chain. DSC revealed melting of the grafted siloxane chain at sub‐ambient temperature and a glass transition corresponding to the main polymer chain at high temperature. Isothermal gravimetric analysis at 350 °C indicated that grafted siloxane moiety can be removed thermally from the polymer chain without affecting the polymer backbone.

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Mono‐, Di‐, or Triazidated Cyclodextrin‐Based Polyrotaxanes for Facile and Efficient Functionalization via Click Chemistry
Authors: Hyun Hoon , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: December 2010

As a feasible way for controlling the density of ligands in polyrotaxanes, azidated polyrotaxanes comprising PEG (MW = 3 000 and 20 000 g · mol−1) and mono‐, di‐, or triazidated α‐cyclodextrins are prepared in a water/DMSO solution in a one‐pot synthesis. The azidated polyrotaxanes are then allowed to conjugate with propargyl‐modified mannose as a ligand via click chemistry. As proven by FTIR spectroscopy and 1H NMR‐spectroscopy, mannose molecules are efficiently introduced into all of the azide moieties of the polyrotaxanes. The results verify the achievement of ligand‐density‐controlled polyrotaxanes. The functionalized polyrotaxanes can be utilized for a variety of biological applications.

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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhou Yong , Li Ni , Zhuang Wen , Wu Xiaoting
Published: December 2010

The association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk is still controversial and ambiguous. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in Chinese Han patients. We extracted the peripheral blood samples in 150 patients with gastric cancer and 150 controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis was performed to detect three VEGF gene polymorphisms (−634 G/C, +936 C/T, and +1612 G/A) in these patients. Patients with gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of 1612 AA genotype (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = 1.80, 21.85; P = 0.004) than controls. Patients with cardia gastric cancer had a significantly lower frequency of AA (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.89; P = 0.04) than those with noncardia gastric cancer. Patients with Lauren's diffuse‐type gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of AA (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.22, 9.55; P = 0.02) than those with Lauren's intestinal‐type gastric cancer. The −634 G/C and +936 C/T gene polymorphisms were not associated with a risk of GC and its progression. This study suggests that the VEGF +1612 G/A gene polymorphisms may be associated with gastric cancer in Chinese Han patients, and that difference in genotype distribution may be associated with the location and Lauren's classification of gastric cancer. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of IL‐1 polymorphisms and IL‐1 serum levels with susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Hui , Dai Qiong , Zhong Li , Zhang Xu , Guo Qing‐Xi , Li Shi‐Ning
Published: December 2010

Previous studies demonstrated that the polymorphism of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) produce alterations of the protein expression and may contribute to oncogenetic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL‐1A gene polymorphisms and NPC susceptibility and the influence of on IL‐1α serum levels in cases versus controls. To test whether the genetic variants of IL‐1A gene modify the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we compared the −889C/T and rs3783553 polymorphisms between 248 patients with NPC and 296 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum IL‐1α levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The rs3783553 (TTCA insertion or deletion) polymorphism of the IL‐1A gene was significantly associated with the susceptibility to NPC. The variant homozygote genotype +/+ was associated with a significantly reduced risk of NPC as compared with the wild homozygote −/− genotype, and the serum IL‐1α levels were significantly lower in individuals with homozygous +/+ genotypes. No association was found between the −889C/T polymorphisms and risk of NPC, and no statistically significant differences were found between rs3783553 polymorphism and clinical pathology indices. The IL‐1A rs3783553 polymorphism might contribute to a risk of developing NPC by affecting the serum IL‐1α secretion in the Chinese population. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integral role of GDF‐9 and BMP‐15 in ovarian function
Authors: Otsuka Fumio , McTavish Kirsten J. , Shimasaki Shunichi
Published: December 2010

The oocyte plays an important role in regulating and promoting follicle growth, and thereby its own development, by the production of oocyte growth factors that predominantly act on supporting granulosa cells via paracrine signaling. Genetic studies in mice demonstrated critical roles of two key oocyte‐derived growth factors belonging to the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, growth and differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) and bone morphogenetic protein‐15 (BMP‐15), in ovarian function. The identification of Bmp15 and Gdf9 gene mutations as the causal mechanism underlying the highly prolific or infertile nature of several sheep strains in a dosage‐sensitive manner also highlighted the crucial role these two genes play in ovarian function. Similarly, large numbers of mutations in the GDF9 and BMP15 genes have been identified in women with premature ovarian failure and in mothers of dizygotic twins. The purpose of this article is to review the genetic studies of GDF‐9 and BMP‐15 mutations identified in women and sheep, as well as describing the various knockout and overexpressing mouse models, and to summarize the molecular and biological functions that underlie the crucial role of these two oocyte factors in female fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:9–21, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Removal of olefinic fat chemical shift artifact in diffusion MRI
Authors: Hernando D. , Karampinos D. C. , King K. F. , Haldar J. P. , Majumdar S. , Georgiadis J. G. , Liang Z.‐P.
Published: December 2010

Diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI has emerged as a key tool for assessing the microstructure of tissues in healthy and diseased states. Because of its rapid acquisition speed and insensitivity to motion, single‐shot echo‐planar imaging is the most common DW imaging technique. However, the presence of fat signal can severely affect DW‐echo planar imaging acquisitions because of the chemical shift artifact. Fat suppression is usually achieved through some form of chemical shift‐based fat saturation. Such methods effectively suppress the signal originating from aliphatic fat protons, but fail to suppress the signal from olefinic protons. Olefinic fat signal may result in significant distortions in the DW images, which bias the subsequently estimated diffusion parameters. This article introduces a method for removing olefinic fat signal from DW images, based on an echo time‐shifted acquisition. The method is developed and analyzed specifically in the context of single‐shot DW‐echo‐planar imaging, where image phase is generally unreliable. The proposed method is tested with phantom and in vivo datasets, and compared with a standard acquisition to demonstrate its performance. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progressive changes inT1,T2and left‐ventricular histo‐architecture in the fixed and embedded rat heart
Authors: Hales Patrick W. , Burton Rebecca A.B. , Bollensdorff Christian , Mason Fleur , Bishop Martin , Gavaghan David , Kohl Peter , Schneider Jürgen E.
Published: December 2010

Chemical tissue fixation, followed by embedding in either agarose or Fomblin, is common practice in time‐intensive MRI studies ofex vivobiological samples, and is required to prevent tissue autolysis and sample motion. However, the combined effect of fixation and sample embedding may alter tissue structure and MRI properties. We investigated the progressive changes inT1andT2relaxation times, and the arrangement of locally prevailing cardiomyocyte orientation determined using diffusion tensor imaging, in embeddedex vivorat hearts fixed using Karnovsky's solution (glutaraldehyde–formaldehyde mix). Three embedding media were investigated: (i) standard agarose (n = 3 hearts); (ii) Fomblin (n = 4 hearts); and (iii) iso‐osmotic agarose (n = 3 hearts); in the latter, the osmolarity of the fixative and embedding medium was adjusted to 300 mOsm to match more closely that of native tissue. TheT1relaxation time in the myocardium showed a pronounced decrease over a 48‐h period following embedding in Fomblin (−11.3 ± 6.2%; mean ± standard deviation), but was stable in standard agarose‐ and iso‐osmotic agarose‐embedded hearts. The mean myocardialT2relaxation time increased in all embedded hearts: by 35.1 ± 14.7% with standard agarose embedding, 13.1 ± 5.6% with Fomblin and 13.3 ± 1.4% with iso‐osmotic agarose. Deviation in the orientation of the primary eigenvector of the diffusion tensor occurred in all hearts (mean angular changes of 6.6°, 3.2° and 1.9° per voxel after 48 h in agarose‐, Fomblin‐ and iso‐osmotic agarose‐embedded hearts, respectively), indicative of progressive structural changes in myocardial histo‐architecture, in spite of previous exposure to fast‐acting tissue fixation. Our results suggest that progressive structural changes occur in chemically fixed myocardium, and that the extent of these changes is modulated by the embedding medium, and by osmotic gradients between the fixative in the tissue and the surrounding medium. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An immersed finite element method with integral equation correction
Authors: Rüberg Thomas , Cirak Fehmi
Published: December 2010

We propose a robust immersed finite element method in which an integral equation formulation is used to enforce essential boundary conditions. The solution of a boundary value problem is expressed as the superposition of a finite element solution and an integral equation solution. For computing the finite element solution, the physical domain is embedded into a slightly larger Cartesian (box‐shaped) domain and is discretized using a block‐structured mesh. The defect in the essential boundary conditions, which occurs along the physical domain boundaries, is subsequently corrected with an integral equation method. In order to facilitate the mapping between the finite element and integral equation solutions, the physical domain boundary is represented with a signed distance function on the block‐structured mesh. As a result, only a boundary mesh of the physical domain is necessary and no domain mesh needs to be generated, except for the non‐boundary‐conforming block‐structured mesh. The overall approach is first presented for the Poisson equation and then generalized to incompressible viscous flow equations. As an example of fluid–structure coupling, the settling of a heavy rigid particle in a closed tank is considered. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly efficient optimization mesh movement method based on proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Bogaers A. E. J. , Kok S. , Malan A. G.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we implement the method of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to generate a reduced order model (ROM) of an optimization‐based mesh movement scheme. In this study it is shown that POD can be used effectively to generate an ROM, that accurately reproduces the full order mesh movement algorithm, with a decrease in computational time of over 99%. We further introduce a novel training procedure whereby the POD models are generated in a fully automated fashion. The technology is applicable to any mesh movement method and enables potential reductions of up to four orders of magnitude in mesh movement related costs. The proposed model can be implemented without having to pre‐train the POD model, to any fluid–structure interaction code with an existing mesh movement scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonprofit management practices and work processes to promote gender diversity
Authors: Mastracci Sharon H. , Herring Cedric
Published: December 2010

Nonprofit organizations have long provided an important space for women to establish roles in public life. Using establishment‐level data on for‐profit and nonprofit organizations, we show that the proportions of women in full‐time and mission‐critical positions are higher in nonprofits. In contrast, for‐profit businesses have more women in part‐time jobs and in jobs that are peripheral to the organizational purpose. We also demonstrate that the greater proportions of women in full‐time and mission‐critical positions in nonprofits are due to the use of inclusive work processes and transparent human resource management practices. Our findings provide evidence to pursue the aspects of nonprofit organizations that expand opportunities for working women.
The reliability of diagnostic coding and laboratory data to identify tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial disease among rheumatoid arthritis patients using anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Winthrop Kevin L. , Baxter Roger , Liu Liyan , McFarland Bentson , Austin Donald , Varley Cara , Radcliffe LeAnn , Suhler Eric , Choi Dongsoek , Herrinton Lisa J.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF) therapies are associated with severe mycobacterial infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients. We developed and validated electronic record search algorithms for these serious infections.

Methods

The study used electronic clinical, microbiologic, and pharmacy records from Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) and the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC). We identified suspect tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cases using inpatient and outpatient diagnostic codes, culture results, and anti‐tuberculous medication dispensing. We manually reviewed records to validate our case‐finding algorithms.

Results

We identified 64 tuberculosis and 367 NTM potential cases, respectively. For tuberculosis, diagnostic code positive predictive value (PPV) was 54% at KPNC and 9% at PVAMC. Adding medication dispensings improved these to 87% and 46%, respectively. Positive tuberculosis cultures had a PPV of 100% with sensitivities of 79% (KPNC) and 55% (PVAMC). For NTM, the PPV of diagnostic codes was 91% (KPNC) and 76% (PVAMC). At KPNC, ≥ 1 positive NTM culture was sensitive (100%) and specific (PPV, 74%) if non‐pathogenic species were excluded; at PVAMC, ≥1 positive NTM culture identified 76% of cases with PPV of 41%. Application of the American Thoracic Society NTM microbiology criteria yielded the highest PPV (100% KPNC, 78% PVAMC).

Conclusions

The sensitivity and predictive value of electronic microbiologic data for tuberculosis and NTM infections is generally high, but varies with different facilities or models of care. Unlike NTM, tuberculosis diagnostic codes have poor PPV, and in the absence of laboratory data, should be combined with anti‐tuberculous therapy dispensings for pharmacoepidemiologic research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resurrection of a clinical antibody: Template proteogenomic de novo proteomic sequencing and reverse engineering of an anti‐lymphotoxin‐α antibody
Authors: Castellana Natalie E. , McCutcheon Krista , Pham Victoria C. , Harden Kristin , Nguyen Allen , Young Judy , Adams Camellia , Schroeder Kurt , Arnott David , Bafna Vineet , Grogan Jane L. , Lill Jennie R.
Published: December 2010

A mouse hybridoma antibody directed against a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐superfamily, lymphotoxin‐alpha (LT‐α), was isolated from stored mouse ascites and purified to homogeneity. After more than a decade of storage the genetic material was not available for cloning; however, biochemical assays with the ascites showed this antibody against LT‐α (LT‐3F12) to be a preclinical candidate for the treatment of several inflammatory pathologies. We have successfully rescued the LT‐3F12 antibody by performing MS analysis, primary amino acid sequence determination by template proteogenomics, and synthesis of the corresponding recombinant DNA by reverse engineering. The resurrected antibody was expressed, purified and shown to demonstrate the desired specificity and binding properties in a panel of immuno‐biochemical tests. The work described herein demonstrates the powerful combination of high‐throughput informatic proteomic de novo sequencing with reverse engineering to reestablish monoclonal antibody‐expressing cells from archived protein sample, exemplifying the development of novel therapeutics from cryptic protein sources.
Analysis of the human pituitary proteome by data independent label‐free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Krishnamurthy Divya , Levin Yishai , Harris Laura W. , Umrania Yagnesh , Bahn Sabine , Guest Paul C.
Published: December 2010

Studies of pituitary‐related disorders would be facilitated by enhanced knowledge of the pituitary proteome. To construct a data set of human pituitary proteins, separate protein extracts were prepared from 15 post‐mortem pituitaries and analyzed by data independent label‐free nanoflow liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (nLC‐MSE). The detected mass/time features were aligned and quantified using the Rosetta Elucidator® system and annotated using results from ProteinLynx Global Server. The resulting data set comprised 1007 unique proteins, with stringent identification by a minimum of two distinct peptides. These proteins consisted predominantly of enzymes, transporters, transcription/translation factors, cell structure and secreted proteins.
Building nanostructures using RAFT polymerization
Authors: Boyer Cyrille , Stenzel Martina H. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: December 2010

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is one of the most extensively studied controlled/living radical polymerization methods that has been used to prepare well‐defined nanostructured polymeric materials. This review, with more 650 references illustrates the range of well‐defined functional nanomaterials that can be accessed using RAFT chemistry. The detailed syntheses of macromolecules with predetermined molecular weights, designed molecular weight distributions, controlled topology, composition and functionality are presented. RAFT polymerization has been exploited to prepare complex molecular architectures, such as stars, blocks and gradient copolymers. The self‐assembly of RAFT‐polymer architectures has yielded complex nanomaterials or in combination with other nanostructures has generated hybrid multifunctional nanomaterials, such as polymer‐functionalized nanotubes, graphenes, and inorganic nanoparticles. Finally nanostructured surfaces have been described using the self‐organization of polymer films or by the utilization of polymer brushes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011