bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processes of change in cognitive–behavioural treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder: Current status and some future directions
Authors: Polman Annemiek , Bouman Theo K. , van Hout Wiljo J.P.J. , de Jong Peter J. , den Boer Johan A.
Published: August 2009

The present paper discusses theoretical and methodological issues involved in the processes of change in cognitive–behavioural treatment (CBT) of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment outcome studies showed that CBT is effective in reducing obsessive–compulsive symptoms. However, why and how CBT works cannot be corroborated by comparing pre‐ and post‐assessment. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in theory driven process studies. By showing patterns of change over time, process studies can contribute to our insight into the actual mechanisms of change during treatment. We review process research in the field of OCD and discuss methodological issues involved in process studies for this particular disorder. It is concluded that studying the processes of change harbours promising possibilities for bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

Process studies can contribute to the scientific underpinning of treatment.

Process studies can provide clinicians with useful information for application of treatment.

Decreases in dysfunctional beliefs seem related to successful treatment of OCD.
Click‐iT™ assay with improved DNA distribution histograms
Authors: Hamelik Ronald M. , Krishan Awtar
Published: August 2009

The Click‐iT™ Assay developed and commercialized by Invitrogen is based on incorporation of a new 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine analog, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) into newly synthesized DNA and its recognition by azide dyes via a copper mediated “click” reaction. This relatively convenient and useful procedure depends on fixation of cells with paraformaldehyde and staining of the DNA with 7‐aminoactinomycin‐D (7‐AAD). Both of these procedures result in DNA histograms with broad coefficients of variation (CV's). In this report, we have shown that after EdU incorporation, nuclei isolated by lysis can be incubated with the Click‐iT™ Assay and stained with propidium iodide for generation of DNA histograms with low CV's. This modified procedure results in better DNA histograms by replacing 7‐AAD with propidium iodide and also saves processing time by eliminating the fixation and permeabilization steps. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Genetic and environmental influences on restrained eating behavior
Authors: Schur Ellen , Noonan Carolyn , Polivy Janet , Goldberg Jack , Buchwald Dedra
Published: August 2009

Objective:

We examined the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to restrained eating.

Method:

Restrained eating was assessed by the Restraint Scale in a survey mailed to all twins enrolled in the University of Washington Twin Registry. We used structural equation modeling to estimate genetic and nongenetic contributions to restrained eating.

Results:

1,196 monozygotic (MZ), 456 same‐sex dizygotic (DZ) twins, and 447 opposite‐sex twins were included in analyses. Restraint Scale scores were more closely correlated in MZ twins (rmale = .55, rfemale = .55) than in same‐sex DZ twins (rmale = .31, rfemale = .19). Based on structural equation modeling, the estimated heritability for restrained eating, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and sex, was 43% (95% confidence interval 35–50%). There was little evidence for common environmental effects.

Discussion:

These results indicate an inherited component to restrained eating. Genes could influence restrained eating directly or through inherited mediators such as personality factors or tendencies to gain weight. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a critical mediator of IL‐13‐driven allergic inflammation
Authors: Miyata Masanori , Nakamura Yuki , Shimokawa Naomi , Ohnuma Yuko , Katoh Ryohei , Matsuoka Shuji , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki , Masuyama Keisuke , Nakao Atsuhito
Published: August 2009

Both thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL‐13 are essential cytokines for the development of allergic inflammation. However, a causal link between TSLP and IL‐13 has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether IL‐13 induces TSLP expression and whether the induction contributes to the development of allergic inflammation. We found that IL‐13 induced TSLP expression in mouse nasal tissue specimens in a Stat6‐dependent manner. In addition, intranasal challenge of mice with IL‐13 induced TSLP expression in the nasal epithelium. Importantly, intranasal IL‐13 challenge induced eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal mucosa in mice, which was inhibited by the blockade of TSLP activity with anti‐TSLP Ab. These findings suggest that TSLP is an important mediator of IL‐13‐driven allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Taken together with the recent findings that IL‐13 is a critical downstream element for TSLP‐driven allergic inflammation, TSLP may function both upstream and downstream of IL‐13, thus providing an additional rationale as to why TSLP plays such a central role in the development of allergic inflammation.
Characterization of biochar from fast pyrolysis and gasification systems
Authors: Brewer Catherine E. , Schmidt‐Rohr Klaus , Satrio Justinus A. , Brown Robert C.
Published: August 2009

Thermochemical processing of biomass produces a solid product containing char (mostly carbon) and ash. This char can be combusted for heat and power, gasified, activated for adsorption applications, or applied to soils as a soil amendment and carbon sequestration agent. The most advantageous use of a given char depends on its physical and chemical characteristics, although the relationship of char properties to these applications is not well understood. Chars from fast pyrolysis and gasification of switchgrass and corn stover were characterized by proximate analysis, CHNS elemental analysis, Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area, particle density, higher heating value (HHV), scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence ash content analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a photo‐acoustic detector (FTIR‐PAS), and quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) using direct polarization and magic angle spinning. Chars from the same feedstocks produced under slow pyrolysis conditions, and a commercial hardwood charcoal, were also characterized. Switchgrass and corn stover chars were found to have high ash content (32–55 wt %), much of which was silica. BET surface areas were low (7–50 m2/g) and HHVs ranged from 13 to 21 kJ/kg. The aromaticities from NMR, ranging between 81 and 94%, appeared to increase with reaction time. A pronounced decrease in aromatic CH functionality between slow pyrolysis and gasification chars was observed in NMR and FTIR‐PAS spectra. NMR estimates of fused aromatic ring cluster size showed fast and slow pyrolysis chars to be similar (∼7–8 rings per cluster), while higher‐temperature gasification char was much more condensed (∼17 rings per cluster). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Gellan gum: A new biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Oliveira J. T. , Martins L. , Picciochi R. , Malafaya P. B. , Sousa R. A. , Neves N. M. , Mano J. F. , Reis R. L.
Published: August 2009

Gellan gum is a polysaccharide manufactured by microbial fermentation of the Sphingomonas paucimobilis microorganism, being commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. It can be dissolved in water, and when heated and mixed with mono or divalent cations, forms a gel upon lowering the temperature under mild conditions. In this work, gellan gum hydrogels were analyzed as cells supports in the context of cartilage regeneration. Gellan gum hydrogel discs were characterized in terms of mechanical and structural properties. Transmissionelectron microscopy revealed a quite homogeneous chain arrangement within the hydrogels matrix, and dynamic mechanical analysis allowed to characterize the hydrogels discs viscoelastic properties upon compression solicitation, being the compressive storage and loss modulus of ∼40 kPa and 3 kPa, respectively, at a frequency of 1 Hz. Rheological measurements determined the sol‐gel transition started to occur at approximately 36°C, exhibiting a gelation time of ∼11 s. Evaluation of the gellan gum hydrogels biological performance was performed using a standard MTS cytotoxicity test, which showed that the leachables released are not deleterious to the cells and hence were noncytotoxic. Gellan gum hydrogels were afterwards used to encapsulate human nasal chondrocytes (1 × 106 cells/mL) and culture them for total periods of 2 weeks. Cells viability was confirmed using confocal calcein AM staining. Histological observations revealed normal chondrocytes morphology and the obtained data supports the claim that this new biomaterial has the potential to serve as a cell support in the field of cartilage regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Interplay between 20S proteasomes and prion proteins in scrapie disease
Authors: Amici Manila , Cecarini Valentina , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Angeletti Mauro , Barocci Simone , Rossi Giacomo , Fioretti Evandro , Keller Jeffrey N. , Maria Eleuteri Anna
Published: August 2009

Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting the central nervous system in sheep. The key event in such neurodegeneration is the conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into the pathological isoform (PrPSc). Misfolded prion proteins are normally degraded by the proteasome. This work, analyzing models of scrapie disease, describes the in vivo relationship between the proteasome and prions. We report that the disease is associated with an increase of proteasome functionality, most likely as a means of counteracting the increased levels of oxidative stress. Here, we show that prions coprecipitate with the 20S proteasome and that they colocalize within the same neuron, thus raising the possibility that PrP interacts with the proteasome in both normal and diseased brain, affecting substrate trafficking and proteasome functionality. This interaction, inducing proteasome activation, leads to different neuronal alterations and triggers apoptosis. Furthermore, testing the effects of isolated PrPC on purified 20S proteasomes, we obtain a concentration‐ and proteasome composition‐dependent decrease in the complex activity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Taurine treatment inhibits CaMKII activity and modulates the presence of calbindin D28k, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the brain
Authors: Junyent F. , Romero R. , de Lemos L. , Utrera J. , Camins A. , Pallàs M. , Auladell C.
Published: August 2009

Taurine, 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid, is present at high concentrations in many invertebrate and vertebrate systems and has several biological functions. In addition, it has been related to a neuroprotective role against several diseases such as epilepsy. In the present work, we treated mice with taurine and examined its effects on the expression of proteins in the hippocampus associated with calcium regulation. Taurine treatment alters the presence of calbindin‐D28k, calretinin, and parvalbumin in the brain, mainly in the hippocampus. It also reduced CaMKII activity, indicating that taurine could alter calcium signaling pathways. However, the activity of calpain, a protease related to apoptosis induced by calcium signalling, did not change. The concentration of taurine in the hippocampus was also unaffected by the treatment. These results provide new insight into the role of taurine in calcium homeostasis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FTY720 ameliorates MOG‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing both cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Rundle Jon , Patel Ryan , Marshall Ian , Stretton Jennifer , Eaton Rachel , Richardson Jill C. , Gonzalez Maria I. , Philpott Karen L. , Reynolds Richard
Published: August 2009

FTY720, an oral sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, has shown efficacy in phase II trials in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Although this molecule is thought to immunosuppress by inhibiting lymphocyte egress from the lymph nodes, the full spectrum of FTY720's actions has not yet been uncovered. In this study, we investigated the effects of FTY720 treatment on disease severity and histopathology of MOG‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the dark agouti (DA) rat, a model that closely mimics several features of MS. The effects of FTY720 on T‐cell subsets, anti‐MOG antibody production, and mRNA expression of a number of cytokines and other genes were also examined. Commencement of treatment before disease onset prevented the appearance of clinical disease. Therapeutic treatment after established disease reduced clinical scores and substantially attenuated inflammation, demyelination, and axon loss. EAE suppression was associated with a reduction in all measured T‐cell subsets in blood and spleen and a significant decrease in serum IgG2a levels. However, in the lymph nodes, all T‐cell subsets except for naïve T cells and recent thymic emigrants remained unaffected. In addition, FTY720 treatment led to a significant inhibition in interferon‐γ, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the MOG‐EAE spinal cord. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FTY720‐mediated S1P receptor modulation ameliorates chronic relapsing MOG‐EAE by suppressing both cellular and humoral immune responses. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A deficit of brain dystrophin 71 impairs hypothalamic osmostat
Authors: Benabdesselam Roza , Sene Abdoulaye , Raison Danièle , Benmessaoud‐Mesbah Ouahiba , Ayad Ghazi , Mornet Dominique , Yaffe David , Rendon Alvaro , Hardin‐Pouzet Hélène , Dorbani‐Mamine Latifa
Published: August 2009

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and mdx mice, devoid of dystrophin proteins, show altered ionic homeostasis. To clarify dystrophin's involvement in the central control of osmotic stimuli, we investigated the effect of the disruption of Dp71, the major form of dystrophin in the brain, on the hypothalamoneurohypophysis system (HNHS) osmoregulatory response. Dp71 and Dp140 are the principal DMD gene products in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and neurohypophysis (NH). They are present in astrocyte and pituicyte end‐feet, suggesting involvement in both intrinsic osmosensitivity of the SON and vasopressin (AVP) release from the NH. In Dp71‐null mice, the cellular distribution of Dp140 was modified, this protein being detected on the membrane of magnocellular soma. The plasma osmolality of Dp71‐null mice was lower than that of wild‐type mice under normal conditions, and this difference was maintained after salt loading, indicating a change in the set point for osmoregulation in the absence of Dp71. The increase in AVP levels detected in the SON and NH of the wild‐type was not observed in Dp71‐null mice following salt loading, and the increase in AVP mRNA levels in the SON was smaller in Dp71‐null than in wild‐type mice. This suggests that Dp71 may be involved in the functional activity of the HNHS. Its astrocyte end‐feet localization emphasizes the importance of neuronal–vascular–glial interactions for the central detection of osmolality. In the SON, Dp71 may be involved in osmosensitivity and definition of the “osmostat,” whereas, in the neurohypopohysis, it may be involved in fine‐tuning AVP release. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in hot days and heat waves in China during 1961–2007
Authors: Ding Ting , Qian Weihong , Yan Zhongwei
Published: August 2009

Based on the daily maximum temperature (DMT) records at 512 stations during 1961–2007, the geographical patterns and temporal variations of hot days (HDs) and heat waves (HWs, including those persisting for 3–5 days and longer) over mainland China were studied. The HD (and hence HW) was defined in two ways, one by an absolute criterion, DMT > 35 °C, as applied in the nationwide meteorological agencies and another in a relative sense, DMT > the 90th percentile threshold of a local daily temperature distribution around the day. Two centers of high frequencies (over 5 days per year) of the absolute HDs during June–September were found in the regions of Xinjiang and the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The highest frequencies of the absolute HWs were about 1.5 times per year in the Xinjiang region and to the south of the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The frequencies of the relative HWs were about 1–1.5 times per year in most of China. The HDs and HWs increased significantly during the studied period in most of China, especially over the southeastern coast and northern China (by over 4 days per decade for relative HDs and 0.4 times per decade for relative HWs), but decreased significantly at some stations in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Over most of China except northwestern China, the frequency of HDs was high during the 1960s–1970s, low in the 1980s, and high afterwards, with strong interannual variations. A remarkable increasing trend of HDs occurred after the 1990s in all regions. The changes in HDs and HWs were closely related to those in rain days and atmospheric circulation patterns at the interannual and interdecadal scales. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Pepper antioxidant composition as affected by organic, low‐input and soilless cultivation
Authors: Flores Pilar , Hellín Pilar , Lacasa Alfredo , López Alicia , Fenoll Jose
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to study the effects of organic (O), low‐input (LI) and soilless (SL) cultivation on pepper nutritional quality and antioxidant activity. For that, 24 commercial greenhouses were selected following strict criteria in order to reduce the influence of environmental conditions and realistically reflect commercial production systems. Fruits were harvested at two maturity stages (green and red) and three harvesting times during two consecutive years.

RESULTS: Pepper antioxidant activity mainly stemmed from water‐soluble compounds, including organic acids and phenolic compounds. Only some differences in sugars and malic and citric acid concentrations were detected between the O and LI systems. Sugars, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and hydrophilic antioxidant activity were higher in the SL system. In spite of these differences, overall differences between harvesting times or between years were far greater than those due to the cropping system.

CONCLUSION: The main differences in the nutritional quality of pepper fruits were observed between the soil (O and LI) and SL (the most favourable) systems. The results highlight the importance of comparing different harvesting times and years in order to study the effect of cropping system on a specific crop. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect and moderation of gender identity congruity: Utilizing “real women” advertising images
Authors: Feiereisen Stéphanie , Broderick Amanda J. , Douglas Susan P.
Published: August 2009

The present article examines the predictive ability of gender identity congruity in explaining women's responses to advertising appeals. The contributions of the article are twofold: (1) to demonstrate whether advertisements that are congruent with female consumers' gender identities elicit strong positive responses and (2) to identify the factors that moderate/mediate the impact of gender identity congruity on consumer responses to advertisements. The research findings provide evidence of the ability of gender identity congruity to elicit positive responses to advertising appeals. The relationship between gender identity congruity and responses to the advertisement is mediated by advertising involvement. The moderating roles of national culture, physical concern, and physical view are also supported. Overall, the congruity theory provides a powerful framework to examine consumer responses to gender portrayals in advertising. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coarse‐graining of multiscale crack propagation
Authors: Belytschko Ted , Song Jeong‐Hoon
Published: August 2009

A method for coarse graining of microcrack growth to the macroscale through the multiscale aggregating discontinuity (MAD) method is further developed. Three new features are: (1) methods for treating nucleating cracks, (2) the linking of the micro unit cell with the macroelement by the hourglass mode, and (3) methods for recovering macrocracks with variable crack opening. Unlike in the original MAD method, ellipticity is not retained at the macroscale in the bulk material, but we show that the element stiffness of the bulk material is positive definite. Several examples with comparisons with direct numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties in computational dynamics using random matrices and polynomial chaos decompositions
Authors: Soize Christian
Published: August 2009

A new generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties is proposed for computational model in structural linear dynamics and can be extended without difficulty to computational linear vibroacoustics and to computational non‐linear structural dynamics. This method allows the prior probability model of each type of uncertainties (model‐parameter uncertainties and modeling errors) to be separately constructed and identified. The modeling errors are not taken into account with the usual output‐prediction‐error method, but with the nonparametric probabilistic approach of modeling errors recently introduced and based on the use of the random matrix theory. The theory, an identification procedure and a numerical validation are presented. Then a chaos decomposition with random coefficients is proposed to represent the prior probabilistic model of random responses. The random germ is related to the prior probability model of model‐parameter uncertainties. The random coefficients are related to the prior probability model of modeling errors and then depends on the random matrices introduced by the nonparametric probabilistic approach of modeling errors. A validation is presented. Finally, a future perspective is introduced when experimental data are available. The prior probability model of the random coefficients can be improved in constructing a posterior probability model using the Bayesian approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of internationalization of Chinese firms—empirical study based on strategic approach
Authors: Deng Xinming
Published: August 2009

In this study, firstly we provide an analytical framework for international activities, which are of theoretically significant importance to research and understand the patterns of internationalization. Then, we take 500 top Chinese enterprises as study objects and analyse deeply the behaviour of their FDI (foreign direct investment) scenario from three aspects, namely motivations, entry modes and location choices. The results reveal that: (1) Chinese companies' internationalization is still at the early stage and has not reached the upstream value chain of internationalization; (2) the internationalization business of Chinese companies is diversified in destinations; (3). Chinese companies' modes of entering overseas markets are flexible and most companies have actively tried diverse entry modes with more adaptability; (4) the rapid increase of the FDI by the transnational strategic assets‐seeking companies shows that Chinese companies are inclined to protect and improve competitive advantages through obtaining new assets rather than making use of existing competitive advantages as before. Some implications of findings are also discussed finally.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of molar mass and solution properties of cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose derivatives by multi‐angle laser light scattering with simultaneous refractive index detection
Authors: Gao Wei , Liu X Michael , Gross Richard A
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: A complete understanding of the molar mass and solution properties of raw materials in bio/pharmaceutical products under bio‐application and natural conditions ensures process control, product performance and quality. Biopolymers including polymeric cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose derivatives (e.g. Polyquaterium‐10 or Polymer JR) have long been used in health care formulations including shampoos, lotions, eye drops and contact lens multi‐purpose solutions. Previously reported molar masses and conformation of Polymer JR were based on size exclusion chromatography‐related techniques, which required highly concentrated buffered salt solutions and organic solvent modifiers to prevent undesirable interactions, and did not represent the isotonic conditions in products and applications.

RESULTS: This paper describes the characterization of Polymer JR in saline using a new approach that combines micro‐batch mode multi‐angle laser light scattering with simultaneous refractive index measurements (MB‐MALLS‐RI). Mass‐average molar mass, z‐average radius of gyration and second virial coefficient values in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were obtained and are discussed in detail.

CONCLUSION: The molar mass and solution properties of Polymer JR in PBS, with the same pH and ionic strength as most health care solution products, can be characterized using the MB‐MALLS‐RI technique. The approach is practical and can be widely used for the analysis of other cationic biopolymers. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Human plasma carboxylesterase 1, a novel serologic biomarker candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Na Keun , Lee Eun‐Young , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Kim Kwang‐Youl , Lee Hanna , Jeong Seul‐Ki , Jeong An‐Sung , Cho Sang Yun , Kim Sun A. , Song Si Young , Kim Kyung Sik , Cho Sung Won , Kim Hoguen , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: August 2009

To identify and characterize a serologic glycoprotein biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), multi‐lectin affinity chromatography was used to isolate intracellular N‐linked glycoprotein fractions from five paired non‐tumor and tumor tissues. From the series of 2‐D DIGE targeted differentially expressed N‐linked glycoproteins, we identified human liver carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1), which was remarkably down‐regulated in tumor tissues, a finding confirmed by Western blot, a quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, and immunohistochemical staining of non‐tumor and tumor tissues from total 58 HCC patients. To investigate whether hCE1 is also present in human plasma, we employed a magnetic bead‐based immunoprecipitation followed by nano‐LC‐MS/MS analysis, and we found for the first time that hCE1 is present in human plasma as opposed to that in liver tissues. That is, from normalization of hCE1 signal by the immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, hCE1 levels were increased in plasma specimens from HCC patients than in plasma from other disease patient groups (e.g. liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, cholangiocarcinoma, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer). From the receiver operating characteristic analysis in HCC, both sensitivity and specificity were shown to be greater than 70.0 and 85.0%, respectively. Thus, the high‐resolution proteomic approach demonstrates that hCE1 is a good candidate for further validation as a serologic glycoprotein biomarker for HCC.
Synthesis and photoisomerization of poly(1‐methylpropargyl ester)s carrying azobenzene moieties
Authors: Qu Jinqing , Jiang Feng , Chen Huanqin , Sanda Fumio , Masuda Toshio
Published: August 2009

Optically active 1‐methylpropargyl esters bearing azobenzene groups, namely, (S)‐(−)‐3‐methyl‐3‐{4‐[4‐(n‐butyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl}oxy‐1‐propyne (1), (S)‐(−)‐3‐methyl‐3‐{4‐[4‐(n‐hexyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl}oxy‐1‐propyne (2), and (S)‐(−)‐3‐methyl‐3‐{4‐[4‐(n‐octyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl}oxy‐1‐propyne (3) were synthesized and polymerized with Rh+(nbd)[η6‐C6H5B−(C6H5)3] (nbd, norbornadiene) as a catalyst to afford the corresponding poly(1‐methyloropargyl ester)s with moderate molecular weights (Mn = 24,000–31,300) in good yields (79–84%). Polymers were soluble in common organic solvents including toluene, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, THF, and DMSO, whereas insoluble in diethyl ether, n‐hexane, and methanol. Large optical rotations and strong CD signals demonstrated that all the polymers take a helical structure with a predominantly one‐handed screw sense. The helical structure of the polymers changed with the addition of MeOH and heat. The trans‐azobenzene of the polymer side chains isomerized into cis on UV irradiation, which was accompanied with drastic helical conformational changes of the polymer backbone. The cis‐azobenzene moiety reisomerized into trans on visible‐light irradiation, which induced the recovery of chiral geometry of azobenzene moieties in the side chain. Conformational analysis revealed that the polymers form a tightly twisted right‐handed helical structure with a dihedral angle of 70° at the single bond of the main chain. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4749–4761, 2009
Synthesis of dendrimer‐like copolymers based on the star[Polystyrene‐Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether)] terpolymers by click chemistry
Authors: Wang Guowei , Luo Xiaolan , Zhang Yannan , Huang Junlian
Published: August 2009

The dendrimer‐like copolymers [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]n (n ≥ 2) based on the star[Polystyrene‐Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether)] [star(PS‐PEO‐(PEEGE‐OH))] terpolymers were synthesized by click chemistry. First, the star‐shaped copolymers star[PS‐PEO‐(PEEGE‐Alkyne)] (also termed as [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]1) were synthesized by the reaction of hydroxyl end group at PEEGE arm (on star[PS‐PEO‐(PEEGE‐OH)]) with propargyl bromide. Then, the small molecule 1,4‐diazidobutane (DAB) with two azide groups and pentaerythritol tetrakis (2‐azidoisobutyrate) (PTAB) with four azide groups were synthesized and reacted with [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]1 by the click chemistry for dendrimer‐like [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]2 and [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]4, respectively. However, in the latter case, only the [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]3 was formed as the main product because of the steric effect. The final dendrimer‐like [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]n copolymers were characterized by SEC and 1H‐NMR in detail. Comparing with the SEC of their precursor [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]1, the curves of [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]2 was shifted to the shorter elution time, while that of [PEEGE‐(PS/PEO)]n (n ≥ 3) was shifted to the longer elution time, which was attributed to the different hydrodynamic volume derived from their separate structures and compositions in THF solution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4800–4810, 2009
Fuel‐Rich Explosive Energy Release: Oxidizer Concentration Dependence
Authors: Carney Joel R. , Lightstone James M. , McGrath Thomas P. , Lee Richard J.
Published: August 2009

Small‐scale detonation experiments were conducted in a controlled atmosphere chamber to investigate the post‐detonation reactivity of a fuel‐rich, plastic bonded explosive. The atmosphere surrounding these 20 g explosive charges was varied in oxygen content from 0.2 to 100% with the total pressure held constant at 101 kPa. The performance of this small‐scale explosive charge is sensitive to the changing atmospheric conditions, perhaps more so than a larger charge size, due to burning inefficiencies corresponding to a scaling effect (increased surface area to volume ratio). Time‐resolved optical emission spectroscopy was used to contrast the dependence of the post‐detonation combustion properties on external oxygen content. The dominant near‐ultraviolet and visible emission features evolve from aluminum (Al) and aluminum monoxide (AlO) when oxygen is present. The time evolution of AlO emission was used to estimate the aluminum particle burning times, which lengthen from 6 to 31 μs as the oxygen content is reduced from 100 to 1%. The absence of AlO spectral features below 1% oxygen levels imply that the emission spectroscopy applied to this detonation environment is most sensitive to the aerobic component of the post‐detonation combustion. Pressure and optical pyrometry measurements recorded during the same experiments exhibit the strong dependence of the early time energy release on the oxygen content in the surrounding atmosphere. Numerical simulations of the detonation and subsequent multiphase flow expansion predict the position of the fuel particles to extend beyond the detonation products and, in some cases, beyond the shock front during the timescales covered in these experiments, stressing the importance of mixing with ambient oxygen for early combustion to occur.
Present and future challenges and limitations in protein–protein docking
Authors: Pons Carles , Grosdidier Solène , Solernou Albert , Pérez‐Cano Laura , Fernández‐Recio Juan
Published: August 2009

The study of protein–protein interactions that are involved in essential life processes can largely benefit from the recent upraising of computational docking approaches. Predicting the structure of a protein–protein complex from their separate components is still a highly challenging task, but the field is rapidly improving. Recent advances in sampling algorithms and rigid‐body scoring functions allow to produce, at least for some cases, high quality docking models that are perfectly suitable for biological and functional annotations, as it has been shown in the CAPRI blind tests. However, important challenges still remain in docking prediction. For example, in cases with significant mobility, such as multidomain proteins, fully unrestricted rigid‐body docking approaches are clearly insufficient so they need to be combined with restraints derived from domain–domain linker residues, evolutionary information, or binding site predictions. Other challenging cases are weak or transient interactions, such as those between proteins involved in electron transfer, where the existence of alternative bound orientations and encounter complexes complicates the binding energy landscape. Docking methods also struggle when using in silico structural models for the interacting subunits. Bringing these challenges to a practical point of view, we have studied here the limitations of our docking and energy‐based scoring approach, and have analyzed different parameters to overcome the limitations and improve the docking performance. For that, we have used the standard benchmark and some practical cases from CAPRI. Based on these results, we have devised a protocol to estimate the success of a given docking run. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ranolazine: novel add‐on treatment for stable angina
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Connolly Derek
Published: August 2009

Ranolazine is a new anti‐anginal drug with a novel mode of action. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin discusses the clinical data relating to its efficacy and safety, and Dr Connolly describes its place in angina management. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Passivity‐based control of multilevel cascade inverters: High‐performance with reduced switching frequency
Authors: Noriega‐Pineda D. , Espinosa‐Pérez G. , Cárdenas V. , Alvarez‐Ramírez J.
Published: August 2009

This paper approaches the control problem of (buck‐type) single‐phase multilevel cascade inverters. The main pursued objective is the generation of an output voltage waveform with very low harmonic distortion under reduced switching frequency operation. For developing the proposed controller a pulsewidth modulation‐based design is first considered, in order to obtain a continuous time control law, to later on, using quantization arguments, modify it to achieve the reduced switching frequency. Owing to its proved capacity for generating high‐performance circuit responses, in the high‐frequency step design a passivity‐based approach is followed while for the low‐frequency one a hysteresis‐type scheme is introduced. The usefulness of the scheme is validated via numerical simulations comparing the proposed scheme with a classical PWM‐based design. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fostering a community of practice through a professional development program to improve elementary teachers' views of nature of science and teaching practice
Authors: Akerson Valarie L. , Cullen Theresa A. , Hanson Deborah L.
Published: August 2009

This study explored the development of a community of learners through a professional development program to improve teachers' views of nature of science (NOS) and teaching practice. The Views of Nature of Science questionnaire and interviews were used to assess teachers' conceptions of NOS three times over the course of the study. Notes and videotapes taken during workshops and classroom observations were used to track influence of the community of learners on classroom practice. The community of practice (CoP) was fostered through an intensive summer workshop, monthly school site workshops, and classroom support to aid teachers in incorporating new techniques and reflecting upon their learning and practice. We found that teachers became aware of their changes in views about NOS once they struggled with the concepts in their own teaching and discussed their struggles within the professional development community. The CoP on its own was not sufficient to change teacher's practice or knowledge, but it created a well‐supported environment that facilitated teacher change when paired with NOS modeling and explicit reflection. Cases of three teachers are used to illustrate changes in views and teaching practice common to the teachers in this study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 1090–1113, 2009
Severe diaphragmatic hernia treated by fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion
Authors: Jani J. C. , Nicolaides K. H. , Gratacós E. , Valencia C. M. , Doné E. , Martinez J.‐M. , Gucciardo L. , Cruz R. , Deprest J. A.
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To examine operative and perinatal aspects of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

This was a multicenter study of singleton pregnancies with CDH treated by FETO. The entry criteria for FETO were severe CDH on the basis of sonographic evidence of intrathoracic herniation of the liver and low lung area to head circumference ratio (LHR) defined as the observed to the expected normal mean for gestation (o/e LHR) equivalent to an LHR of 1 or less.

Results

FETO was carried out in 210 cases, including 175 cases with left‐sided, 34 right‐sided and one with bilateral CDH. In 188 cases the CDH was isolated and in 22 there was an associated defect. FETO was performed at a median gestational age of 27.1 (range, 23.0–33.3) weeks. The first eight cases were done under general anesthesia, but subsequently either regional or local anesthesia was used. The median duration of FETO was 10 (range, 3–93) min. Successful placement of the balloon at the first procedure was achieved in 203 (96.7%) cases. Spontaneous preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurred in 99 (47.1%) cases at 3–83 (median, 30) days after FETO and within 3 weeks of the procedure in 35 (16.7%) cases. Removal of the balloon was prenatal either by fetoscopy or ultrasound‐guided puncture, intrapartum by ex‐utero intrapartum treatment, or postnatal either by tracheoscopy or percutaneous puncture. Delivery was at 25.7–41.0 (median, 35.3) weeks and before 34 weeks in 65 (30.9%) cases. In 204 (97.1%) cases the babies were live born and 98 (48.0%) were discharged from the hospital alive. There were 10 deaths directly related to difficulties with removal of the balloon. Significant prediction of survival was provided by the o/e LHR and gestational age at delivery. On the basis of the relationship between survival and o/e LHR in expectantly managed fetuses with CDH, as reported in the antenatal CDH registry, we estimated that in fetuses with left CDH treated with FETO the survival rate increased from 24.1% to 49.1%, and in right CDH survival increased from 0% to 35.3% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

FETO in severe CDH is associated with a high incidence of PPROM and preterm delivery but a substantial improvement in survival. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural basis of the antifungal activity of wheat PR4 proteins
Authors: Bertini Laura , Caporale Carlo , Testa Marco , Proietti Silvia , Caruso Carla
Published: August 2009

PR4 proteins possess antifungal activity against several pathogenic fungi suggesting a pivotal role in defence reactions against plant pathogen attack. We already showed that wheatwin1, a wheat PR protein of class 4, is endowed with ribonuclease activity. In this study we produced three mutants altering the active site and performed comparative analysis with the native protein also in the presence of the ribonuclease inhibitor 5′‐ADP. We characterized the RNA binding site and its interaction with 5′‐ADP by 3D modelling and docking studies. Moreover, in vitro antifungal assays have been carried out in order to study the relationship between antifungal and ribonuclease activities. Finally, localization of wheatwin1 in Fusarium culmorum spores was evaluated using fluorescence light microscope.
Molecular profiling and characterization of luminal‐like and basal‐like in vivo breast cancer xenograft models
Authors: Bergamaschi Anna , Hjortland Geir Olav , Triulzi Tiziana , Sørlie Therese , Johnsen Hilde , Ree Anne Hansen , Russnes Hege Giercksky , Tronnes Sigurd , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Fodstad Oystein , Borresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Engebraaten Olav
Published: August 2009

The number of relevant and well‐characterized cell lines and xenograft models for studying human breast cancer are few, and may represent a limitation for this field of research. With the aim of developing new breast cancer model systems for in vivo studies of hormone dependent and independent tumor growth, progression and invasion, and for in vivo experimental therapy studies, we collected primary mammary tumor specimens from patients, and implanted them in immunodeficient mice. Primary tumor tissue from 29 patients with breast cancer was implanted subcutaneously with matrigel in SCID mice, in the presence of continuous release of estradiol. The tumors were transferred into new animals when reaching a diameter of 15mm and engrafted tumors were harvested for morphological and molecular characterization from passage six. Further, gene expression profiling was performed using Agilent Human Whole Genome Oligo Microarrays, as well as DNA copy number analysis using Agilent Human Genome CGH 244K Microarrays. Of the 30 primary tumors implanted into mice (including two implants from the same patient), two gave rise to viable tumors beyond passage ten. One showed high expression levels of estrogen receptor‐α protein (ER) while the other was negative. Histopathological evaluation of xenograft tumors was carried out at passage 10–12; both xenografts maintained the morphological characteristics of the original tumors (classified as invasive grade III ductal carcinomas). The genomic profile of the ER‐positive xenograft tumor resembled the profile of the primary tumor, while the profile obtained from the ER‐negative parental tumor was different from the xenograft. However, the ER‐negative parental tumor and xenograft clustered on the same branch using unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis on RNA microarray expression data of “intrinsic genes”. A significant variation was observed in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes, which were found downregulated in the engrafted tumors compared to the primary tumor. By IHC and qRT‐PCR we found that the downregulation of stroma‐related genes was compensated by the overexpression of such molecules by the mouse host tissue. The two established breast cancer xenograft models showed different histopathological characteristics and profound diversity in gene expression patterns that in part can be associated to their ER status and here described as basal‐like and luminal‐like phenotype, respectively. These two new breast cancer xenografts represent useful preclinical tools for developing and testing of new therapies and improving our knowledge on breast cancer biology.
Controlled impact of a disk on a water surface: cavity dynamics
Authors: BERGMANN RAYMOND , VAN DER MEER DEVARAJ , GEKLE STEPHAN , VAN DER BOS ARJAN , LOHSE DETLEF
Published: August 2009

In this paper we study the transient surface cavity which is created by the controlled impact of a disk of radiush0on a water surface at Froude numbers below 200. The dynamics of the transient free surface is recorded by high-speed imaging and compared to boundary integral simulations giving excellent agreement. The flow surrounding the cavity is measured with high-speed particle image velocimetry and is found to also agree perfectly with the flow field obtained from the simulations.

We present a simple model for the radial dynamics of the cavity based on the collapse of an infinite cylinder. This model accounts for the observed asymmetry of the radial dynamics between the expansion and the contraction phases of the cavity. It reproduces the scaling of the closure depth and total depth of the cavity which are both found to scale roughly as ∝Fr1/2with a weakly Froude-number-dependent prefactor. In addition, the model accurately captures the dynamics of the minimal radius of the cavity and the scaling of the volumeVbubbleof air entrained by the process, namely,Vbubble/h03∝(1 + 0.26Fr1/2)Fr1/2.
The effect of surface tension on the stability of unconfined and confined planar jets and wakes
Authors: REES S. J. , JUNIPER M. P.
Published: August 2009

In this theoretical study, a linear spatio-temporal analysis is performed on unconfined and confined inviscid jet/wake flows with surface tension in order to determine convective/absolute instability criteria. There is a single mode that is due to surface tension and many modes that are due to the jet/wake column. In the unconfined case, the full impulse response is considered in the entire outer flow. On the one hand, the surface tension mode propagates slowly in the cross-stream direction but dominates at the front and back of the wavepacket. On the other hand, the jet/wake column modes propagate more quickly in the cross-stream direction and therefore define the boundaries of the central region of the wavepacket. The flow is particularly unstable when these modes interact. For unconfined flows, it is found that at low and intermediate surface tensions the flow can be more absolutely unstable than that without surface tension but at high surface tensions the flow is stabilized. The effect of confinement has previously been studied but not with the inclusion of surface tension. Confinement and surface tension combined cause the transition from convective to absolute instability to occur even with significant coflow. This effect is examined over an infinite domain of density ratios and confinement.