bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of p53 and p21 in normal development and hyperthermia‐induced malformations
Authors: Hosako Hiromi , Francisco Liezl E. , Martin Gail S. , Mirkes Philip E.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermia (HS) is a well‐studied teratogen that induces serious malformations, including neural tube defects. Our previous studies have shown that HS induces apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Prior to activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, HS also activates p53 and its target genes. In the present study, we determine whether p53 and/or p21 play a role as teratogen suppressors or inducers of HS‐induced malformations.METHODS: Pregnant mice carrying all threep53orp21genotype embryos were exposed to HS on day 8.5. Subsequently, fetuses were collected on day 15.5, and genotyped. In addition to genotype, we also determined the number of resorptions and dead fetuses as well as the number and types of external malformations.RESULTS: In the absence of HS exposure, fetuses exhibiting exencephaly and spina bifida were observed in approximately 11% ofp53−/− fetuses, whereas no malformations were observed amongp21−/− fetuses. Exposure to HS resulted in an increase in exencephaly and polydactyly in fetuses of all threep53genotypes. However, the incidence of these malformations was statistically significantly higher inp53−/− compared top53+/− andp53+/+ fetuses. Exencephaly was the only malformation observed inp21fetuses exposed to HS, with an approximately 2‐fold increase amongp21+/− and a 3‐fold increase amongp21−/− compared top21+/+ fetuses.CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that p53 plays a role in normal development and has shown, for the first time that p53 and p21 function to suppress HS‐induced malformations.Birth Defects Res (Part B)86:40‐47, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innovative Konzepte im Massivbau
Authors: Hegger Josef , Bertram Guido , Dreßen Tobias , Horstmann Michael , Roggendorf Thomas
Published: January 2009

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden stellvertretend für neue Konzepte im Massivbau die vier Themenbereiche innovative Gebäudekonzepte, Spannbetonträger aus UHPC, Hüllsysteme aus Textilbeton und Slim‐Floor‐Konstruktionen sowie deren Anwendung vorgestellt.
Eigenschaften und Anwendung von Textilbeton
Authors: Curbach Manfred , Jesse Frank
Published: January 2009

Textilbeton ist ein neuer Verbundwerkstoff mit besonderen Eigenschaften. Dieser Beitrag soll dem Bedarf nach einer allgemeinverständlichen Einführung in das Konstruieren mit Textilbeton für Praktiker entgegenkommen. Da Textilbeton den vorhandenen Erfahrungsbereich in vielerlei Hinsicht verlässt, sollen seine besonderen Eigenschaften sowie Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zur Stahlbetonbauweise erläutert werden. Im Einzelnen werden Anforderungen an die Fasermaterialien, typische Materialien und Technologien für die Herstellung von textilen Bewehrungen und Textilbeton erläutert. Die Diskussion verschiedener Fallbeispiele existierender Anwendungen dient der Demonstration der Besonderheiten und der Leistungsfähigkeit dieses Verbundwerkstoffs und wichtiger Grundprinzipien für das Konstruieren mit Textilbeton. Die Zusammenstellung typischer Kennwerte soll dem Leser ermöglichen, eigene Überlegungen zum Einsatz dieses innovativen Verbundwerkstoffs anzustellen.
Damage Detection and Base Flipping in Direct DNA Alkylation Repair
Authors: Yang Cai‐Guang , Garcia Kristel , He Chuan
Published: January 2009

The foreign lesion: The mechanistic questions for DNA base damage detection by repair proteins are discussed in this Minireview. Repair proteins could either probe and locate a weakened base pair that results from base damage, or passively capture an extrahelical base lesion in the first step of damage searching on double‐stranded DNA. How some repair proteins, such as AGT (see figure), locate base lesions in DNA is still not fully understood.

magnified image

To remove a few damaged bases efficiently from the context of the entire genome, the DNA base repair proteins rely on remarkably specific detection mechanisms to locate base lesions. This efficient molecular recognition event inside cells has been extensively studied with various structural and biochemical tools. These studies suggest that DNA base damage can be located by repair proteins by using two mechanisms: a repair protein can probe and detect a weakened base pair that results from mutagenic or cytotoxic base damage; alternatively, a protein can passively capture and stabilize an extrahelical base lesion. Our chemical and structural studies on the direct DNA repair proteins hAGT, C‐Ada and ABH2 suggest that these proteins search for weakened base pairs in their first step of damage searching. We have also discovered a very unique base‐flipping mechanism used by the DNA repair protein AlkB. This protein distorts DNA and favors single stranded DNA (ssDNA) substrates over double‐stranded (dsDNA) ones. Potentially, it locates base lesions in dsDNA by imposing a constraint that targets less rigid regions of the duplex DNA. The exact mechanism of how AlkB and related proteins search for damage in ssDNA and dsDNA still awaits further studies.
Secondary Interactions in Phosphane‐Functionalized Group 4 Cycloheptatrienyl–Cyclopentadienyl Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Büschel Susanne , Jungton Ann‐Katrin , Bannenberg Thomas , Randoll Sören , Hrib Cristian G. , Jones Peter G. , Tamm Matthias
Published: January 2009

Twice as reactive: The coordination chemistry of phosphane‐functionalized Zr and Hf cycloheptatrienyl–cyclopentadienyl complexes gives rise to unusual secondary interactions associated with the presence of Lewis acidic 16‐electron sandwich moieties. These structures can develop weak dative bonds as exemplified by the noncovalent Pd→Zr interaction in the heterobimetallic {Zr2Pd} complex (see picture).

magnified image

Phosphane‐functionalized cycloheptatrienyl–cyclopentadienyl Group 4 metal complexes of the type [(η7‐C7H7)M(η5‐C5H4PR2)] (M=Ti (9); M=Zr (10); M=Hf (11); R=Ph (a); R=iPr (b)) have been prepared by the reduction of [(η5‐C5H4PR2)TiCl3] or [(η5‐C5H4PR2)2MCl2] (M=Zr, Hf) with magnesium in the presence of cycloheptatriene (C7H8). In the solid state, the Ti complex 9 a and the complex 11 b are monomeric, whereas 10 a, 10 b, and 11 a form dimers, in which the sandwich units are linked by long ZrP or HfP bonds. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the metal–phosphane interaction is weak, and accordingly, both the Ti complex 9 b and the Zr complex 10 b act as monodentate phosphane ligands upon reaction with [{(cod)RhCl}2] (cod=η4‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene). The X‐ray crystal structures of [(cod)Rh(9 b)Cl] (12) and [(cod)Rh(10 b)Cl] (13) reveal that only the latter exhibits a secondary intramolecular Cl–metal interaction. The complex [(10 b)2Pd] (14) was obtained by reaction of [(η5‐C5H5)Pd(η3‐C3H5)] with two equivalents of 10 b. The solid‐state structure of 14 reveals a T‐shaped Pd0 center with a long PdZr bond of 2.9709(3) Å, which can be interpreted as a weak noncovalent Pd0→Zr+IV bond, as indicated by the calculated relaxed force constant of 5.68 N m−1.
In vitro setup to study permeability characteristics of contrast agents by MRI
Authors: Heilmann Melanie , Vautier Julien , Robert Philippe , Volk Andreas
Published: January 2009

An experimental setup consisting of a hollow fiber module (HFM) was developed for the in vitro study of contrast agent (CA) permeability. Controllable flow and known fiber characteristics allowed permeability studies under well‐defined conditions with CAs of different molecular weight (MW). In the MRI experiments performed at 4.7 T, the system was perfused at a constant flow rate (5 ml/min) with water and four CA of different MW: Gd‐DOTA (MW = 0.6 kDa), P846 (3.5 kDa), P792 (6.5 kDa) and P717 (50.5 kDa). R1 time courses were measured with a saturation‐recovery multi‐gradient‐echo snapshot sequence in the fiber‐free HFM input and the fiber‐filled center. Concentration time courses were calculated, and CA extravasation was analyzed with a pharmacokinetic model yielding exchange rate constant kie. Only Gd‐DOTA (kie = 2.37 ± 0.16 min−1) and P846 (kie = 0.58 ± 0.17 min−1) showed quantifiable extravasation. P717 perfusion yielded an intra‐capillary volume fraction of 15.6 ± 2.7% compared with 12% estimated from the HFM manufacturer's specifications. In conclusion, the experimental setup allowed classification of in vitro permeability characteristics for CAs with different MW and therefore holds potential for systematic comparison of CAs currently under development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling 3D and 1D fluid–structure‐interaction models for wave propagation in flexible vessels using a finite volume pressure‐correction scheme
Authors: Papadakis George
Published: January 2009

In this paper, a method is presented for the coupling of three‐dimensional (3D) and one‐dimensional (1D) fluid–structure‐interaction models for wave propagation phenomena in flexible vessels. The method is based on the hyperbolic nature of the 1D problem. More specifically, the two Riemann invariants of the 1D problem are expressed in terms of average velocity and pressure and the value of the invariant that approaches the 3D domain provides a non‐linear constraint between the two variables that is used as a boundary condition for the 3D problem. It is assumed that the distribution of the Riemann invariant is uniform in the vessel cross section. The implementation of the boundary condition in the context of a pressure‐correction solution method in a finite volume mesh is described in detail. Computations of pressure pulse propagation within an elastic cylindrical vessel showed that the wave propagates smoothly from the 3D to the 1D domain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What predicts the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in a population‐based cohort of adult healthy subjects?
Authors: Bo S. , Rosato R. , Ciccone G. , Gambino R. , Durazzo M. , Gentile L. , Cassader M. , Cavallo‐Perin P. , Pagano G.
Published: January 2009

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS), the concurrence of hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and visceral obesity, increases cardiovascular risk and mortality. Predictors of MS were previously evaluated in patients without the full syndrome, but with some of its traits. This might confound the resulting associations.

Methods

The relationship between baseline variables and MS development was evaluated in healthy middle‐aged subjects without any MS component at baseline, over a 4.5‐year follow‐up.

Results

From a population‐based cohort of 1658 subjects, 241 individuals showed no MS components and 201 (83.4%) of them participated in a follow‐up screening. At baseline, patients who developed the MS (n = 28/201; 13.9%) showed significantly higher Homeostasis Model Assessment‐Insulin Resistance score (HOMA‐IR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values, and lower exercise level than subjects who did not. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, after multiple adjustments, the only baseline variable significantly (p < 0.01) associated with the MS was CRP (OR = 4.05; 95% CI 2.23–7.38; p < 0.001). Results did not change after adjusting for weight gain. The area under the receiver‐operating curve was 0.83 for CRP after multiple adjustments. The optimal cut‐off point of baseline CRP values was 2.1 mg/L, with 86% (95% CI 81–90) sensitivity and 75% (69–81) specificity in predicting the MS. Baseline CRP resulted associated with after‐study glucose values in a multiple regression model (β = 0.14; 0.08–0.20; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher baseline CRP values confer a significant increased risk of developing the MS in healthy subjects, independently of weight gain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological effects of prevention: do participants of a type 2 diabetes prevention program experience increased mental distress?
Authors: Giel Katrin E. , Enck Paul , Zipfel Stephan , Schrauth Markus , Bury Anna , Graf Marjo , Kümmerle Sabine , Guthoff Martina , Stefan Norbert , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas
Published: January 2009

Objective

To evaluate the mental health outcome of a lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and to exclude possible harmful psychological effects.

Background

There is little empirical data on potential harmful effects of prevention programs. However, information, education, diagnostic procedures, phenotyping and risk assessment may cause or intensify psychological distress such as anxiety, depression or somatization in vulnerable individuals.

Methods

The Tuebingen Lifestyle Intervention Program (TULIP) for the prevention of type 2 diabetes has assessed mental health outcome in the participants after 9 months of program participation using the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R (SCL‐90‐R). The 24‐months lifestyle intervention TULIP comprises regular exercise and changes in nutrition and assesses both, a broad range of somatic parameters as well as psychometric variables. For an interim analysis of psychological outcome, complete data sets of the SCL‐90‐R assessed at baseline and after 9 months of intervention were available for 195 participants (125 females, 70 males; age: 46.1 ± 10.6 years). Data on somatization, anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress were compared to baseline levels.

Results

SCL‐90‐R scores of the TULIP‐participants did not significantly differ from the German healthy reference population. Compared to baseline, a significant decrease in SCL‐90‐R scores was found for anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress at re‐assessment after 9 months.

Conclusion

The interim analysis on mental health outcome of a type 2 diabetes prevention program comprising extensive phenotyping and risk assessment rules out adverse psychological effects, suggesting rather beneficial changes concerning symptoms of anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of license plate using matched filter
Authors: Yamaguchi Jun'Ichi , Kita Tetsuya , Ishihara Yutaka
Published: January 2009

In this paper the authors describe a license plate (LP) detection method that can eliminate the restrictions on LP position, three‐dimensional rotation and size. In the method, LP reference images, which replaced characters on the plate image by rectangles, are prepared beforehand. Using a frontal LP image, they are calculated by perspective projection at regular direction intervals and are calculated by a process of expanding and shrinking at regular size intervals. Using an input image of a vehicle passing through a scene and one reference image, a correlation map as a distribution of matching degree is obtained by a matched filter. By using the matched filter with every reference image, the correlation maps corresponding to the reference images are obtained. Detecting the highest value in all correlation maps, the matched reference image and the coordinates as LP position are decided. Furthermore, the shape of the LP in the input image is detected by fitting the LP frame, which is calculated using the matched reference image. In the paper, the proposed method is explained and an example of the experimental results is given. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(9): 20–27, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10004
Recurrent neural networks with multi‐branch structure
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro , Furuzuki Takayuki
Published: January 2009

Universal Learning Networks (ULNs) provide a generalized framework for many kinds of structures in neural networks with supervised learning. Multi‐Branch Neural Networks (MBNNs) which use the framework of ULNs have already been shown to have better representation ability in feedforward neural networks (FNNs). The multi‐branch structure of MBNNs can be easily extended to recurrent neural networks (RNNs) because the characteristics of ULNs include the connection of multiple branches with arbitrary time delays. In this paper, therefore, RNNs with multi‐branch structure are proposed and are shown to have better representation ability than conventional RNNs. RNNs can represent dynamical systems and are useful for time series prediction. The performance evaluation of RNNs with multi‐branch structure was carried out using a benchmark of time series prediction. Simulation results showed that RNNs with multi‐branch structure could obtain better performance than conventional RNNs, and also showed that they could improve the representation ability even if they are smaller‐sized networks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(9): 37–44, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10157
State estimation for sound environment with unknown structure by introducing fuzzy theory
Authors: Ikuta Akira , Masuike Hisako , Ohta Mitsuo
Published: January 2009

The actual sound environment system exhibits various types of linear and nonlinear characteristics, and it often contains an unknown structure. Furthermore, observations in the sound environment often contain fuzziness due to several causes. In this paper, a method for estimating the specific signal for a sound environment system with unknown structure and fuzzy observation is proposed by introducing a fuzzy theory and a system model of the conditional probability type. The effectiveness of the proposed theoretical method is confirmed by applying it to an actual problem of the sound environment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(9): 45– 53, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10158 Copyright
Wideband measurement of discharge current caused by air discharge through hand‐held metal piece from charged human body
Authors: Mori Ikuko , Taka Yoshinori , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: January 2009

In IEC 61000‐4‐2 for electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity testing, an ESD gun is used to simulate the ESD events from a charged human body. A gun of this kind injects into a device being tested the discharge current through a lumped resistor from a charged lumped capacitor. In actual ESD events from charged human bodies, however, the charge distributed on the body surface is discharged through a spark from the fingertip, and its situation is essentially different from that of the ESD gun. To understand the behavior of the above‐mentioned discharge current, using a 6‐GHz digital oscilloscope, we previously measured the current through a hand‐held metal piece from a charged human body, and proposed an equivalent circuit model for calculating the discharge current with a time‐invariant spark resistance. In this study, with respect to the approaching speed of the hand‐held metal piece, we measured discharge currents through a metal piece from a human body with a charge voltage ranging from 200 V to 1000 V, and estimated the resultant voltage waveforms from the above‐mentioned equivalent circuit model. Through these results, in conjunction with the metal piece speed, we demonstrated the dependence on the charge voltage of current peak, current rise time, time‐varying spark resistance, spark length, and breakdown field. We confirmed also that the spark resistance value at the current peak time enables one to calculate the discharge current, which supports the validity of the previously proposed circuit model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(9): 54– 61, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10159
A study on reverse power flow from home cogeneration system
Authors: Minagata Atsushi , Kato Takeyoshi , Suzuoki Yasuo
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses reverse power flow from a home cogeneration system (H‐CGS) in terms of energy conservation and influence on electric power systems. Data for actual electricity and hot‐water demand observed in a family including two adults and two children for a year were used as a case study for a typical installation. When the reverse power flow is allowed except for during late night, in consideration of the influence on the electric power system, the reduction in annual primary energy consumption can be increased by about 40% relative to that in the operation without reverse power. The reverse power flow is large during the daytime in winter season, because the power output of H‐CGS is large in order to meet the large hot‐water demand. Even if reverse power is allowed throughout a day, the primary energy conservation is almost the same as that in part‐time reverse power operation, while the reverse power during late night is as large as that during daytime. Finally, the economic value of reverse power flow as a measure for reducing CO2 emission was evaluated. The result shows that the economic value of reverse power flow in PR operation corresponds to 23,000 yen/t‐C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(10): 11– 19, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10162
Ruthenium η6‐Hexamethylbenzene Complexes Containing Dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate Ligands
Authors: Cheung Wai‐Man , Chiu Wai‐Hang , Williams Ian D. , Leung Wa‐Hung
Published: January 2009

Treatment of [Ru(η6‐C6Me6)Cl2]2 with AgOTf (OTf– = triflato) followed by K[N(R2PQ)2] gave the 16‐electron complexes [Ru(η6‐C6Me6){η2‐N(R2PQ)2}][OTf] [Q = S, R = Ph (1) or iPr (2); Q = Se, R = Ph (3) or iPr (4)] which were isolated as air‐stable blue or dark green crystals. For complex 1, when the crude product was recrystallised from CH2Cl2/hexane in air, orange crystals of [Ru(η6‐C6Me6){η3‐N(Ph2PS)2}][OTf] (1a) were isolated as a minor product. The reaction of compound 1 with ammonia, hydrazine hydrate and 4,4′‐bipyridyl(4,4′‐bpy) gave the 18‐electron adducts [Ru(η6‐C6Me6){η2‐N(Ph2PS)2}L][OTf] [L = NH3 (5), N2H4 (6)] and dinuclear[{Ru(η6‐C6Me6)[η2‐N(Ph2PS)2]}2(μ‐4,4′‐bpy)][OTf]2 (7), respectively. Treatment of compound 2 with Li[BEt3H] and NaBH4 afforded the ethyl [Ru(η6‐C6Me6){N(iPr2PS)2}Et] (8) andhydride [Ru(η6‐C6Me6){η2‐N(iPr2PS)2}H] (9) compounds, respectively. Formal potentials for Ru[N(R2PQ)2] complexes have been determined. The structures for complexes 1, 1a, 5, 6, 8 and 9 have been established by X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Dinitrogen Activation by the Ti2N2 Molecule: A Matrix Isolation Study
Authors: Manceron Laurent , Hübner Olaf , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2009

Herein we report on matrix isolation experiments carried out for the reaction of Ti2(μ‐N)2 with N2 in Ne and pure N2 matrices. N2 complexes with various degrees of N2 activation are formed in the course of this reaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of Two Complementary Molecular Moulds
Authors: Barattin Régis , Gourdon André
Published: January 2009

The synthesis of two complementary molecular moulds is described. These molecules comprise a polyaromatic central part and four lateral bulky tert‐butylphenyl or di‐tert‐butylphenyl groups so that when they are deposited onto a surface, a cavity prone to metallic moulding is created. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Phosphonium Coupling in the Direct Bond Formations of Tautomerizable Heterocycles via C–OH Bond Activation (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 4/2009)
Authors: Kang Fu‐An , Sui Zhihua , Murray William V.
Published: January 2009

The cover picture shows the single‐step direct transformations of inosine into C6‐functionalized nucleosides by base‐promoted or palladium‐catalyzed phosphonium couplings. Since the pioneering work by Fox et al. in 1958, the functionalization of nucleosides has been routinely carried out in a multi‐step sequence including protection, activation, functionalization, and deprotection. As the first direct bond formation through C–OH bond activation of tautomerizable heterocycles with PyBroP, this new, mild, efficient, chemoselective, and versatile phosphonium coupling methodology has solved a long‐standing synthetic challenge of a single‐step transformation in nucleoside chemistry. Details of the discovery, mechanism, scope, and application of this technology are presented in the Microreview by F.‐A. Kang et al. on p. 461 ff.
A novel technique for NACE coupled with simultaneous electrochemiluminescence and electrochemical detection for fast analysis of tertiary amines
Authors: Yuan Baiqing , Huang Jianshe , Sun Jinying , You Tianyan
Published: January 2009

A simultaneous electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and electrochemical (EC) detection scheme for NACE was presented for fast analysis of tertiary amines. Both ECL and EC signals were generated at the same Pt electrode. Triethylamine (TEA), tripropylamine (TPrA), chlorpromazine, promethazine, and dioxopromethazine (DPZ) were selected to validate NACE–ECL/EC dual detection strategy. The linear ranges for TEA and TPrA were 0.01–500 and 0.01–10 μM with the detection limits of 8.0 and 5.0 nM (S/N=3), respectively. The RSDs (n=6) of the migration time and the ECL intensity for 1 μM TEA and 0.5 μM TPrA were 0.1 and 2.8%, and 0.2 and 1.8% with theoretical plate numbers of 180 000 and 700 000 per meter, respectively. These two analytes could be separated within 92 s and the Pt electrode did not need reactivation during the experiments. Chlorpromazine, promethazine, and DPZ could be well separated by NACE. The proposed method was also demonstrated for fast determination of DPZ in human urine with simple sample preparation. The results indicated that NACE–ECL/EC had the advantages of simple and fast analysis with more information, wide linear range, high sensitivity, and compatibility with real urine sample.
A novel competitive fluorescent multiplex STR polymorphism assay for rapid, reliable and single‐tube screening of 22q11.2 copy‐number aberrations
Authors: Yang Chi , Shen Li , Xu Zhengfeng , Wu Xiaojian , Mo Xuming , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Dongjin , Wang Yaping , Peng Yuzhu , Cao Li , Jiang Yongzhong , Gu Haitao , Chen Shilin , Bian Xuming , Liu Juntao , Qiao Di , Yi Long
Published: January 2009

Copy‐number aberrations of the 22q11.2 region can lead to varied resulting and complex phenotypes. Routine screening for these common constitutional chromosomal abnormalities requires powerful tools. A competitive fluorescent multiplex STR polymorphism assay (CFMSA) was built for detecting these aberrations. With the introduction of an internal reference and distinguishable STR polymorphism markers, this competitive fluorescent multiplex STR polymorphism assay provides complementary information about polymorphism and gene dosage in one tube simultaneously, thereby enhancing the assay sensitivity. It was first tested in 110 normal controls, and was proven to have highly polymorphic and reliable gene dosage information. Then, 476 subjects with congenital heart defect were screened according to the testing strategy of the American Heart Association, and 17 deletions and 1 duplication of 22q11.2 were correctly identified. It is expected that this assay will serve as a cost‐effective alternative to existing assays for routine, large‐scale screening in all at‐risk individuals with either deletion or duplication in 22q11.2.
A local domain‐free discretization method to simulate three‐dimensional compressible inviscid flows
Authors: Zhou C. H. , Shu C.
Published: January 2009

In this paper, the domain‐free discretization method (DFD) is extended to simulate the three‐dimensional compressible inviscid flows governed by Euler equations. The discretization strategy of DFD is that the discrete form of governing equations at an interior point may involve some points outside the solution domain. The functional values at the exterior‐dependent points are updated at each time step by extrapolation along the wall normal direction in conjunction with the wall boundary conditions and the simplified momentum equation in the vicinity of the wall. Spatial discretization is achieved with the help of the finite element Galerkin approximation. The concept of ‘osculating plane’ is adopted, with which the local DFD can be easily implemented for the three‐dimensional case. Geometry‐adaptive tetrahedral mesh is employed for three‐dimensional calculations. Finally, we validate the DFD method for three‐dimensional compressible inviscid flow simulations by computing transonic flows over the ONERA M6 wing. Comparison with the reference experimental data and numerical results on boundary‐conforming grid was displayed and the results show that the present DFD results compare very well with the reference data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural differences in conceptual models of ride comfort for high‐speed trains
Authors: Lee Joo Hwan , Jin Beom Suk , Ji Yong Gu , Yun Myung Hwan
Published: January 2009

This study focuses on an analysis of the difference in cultural experiences for similar services through analyzing the difference in conceptual models of ride comfort for passengers of KTX (Korea Train eXpress) and TGV (Train a Grand Vitesse). These trains operate with identical platforms; KTX was introduced by K‐TGV (Korea‐TGV) based on TGV (French high‐speed train). For the conceptual models of ride comfort, this study surveyed 200 KTX passengers on the Seoul‐‐Busan line (duration: 2 hours 30 minutes) and surveyed 150 France TGV passengers on the Paris‐‐Marseilles line (duration: 2 hours 40 minutes). The conceptual models of ride comfort were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). In the results of the study, though there were differences in cultural environment (e.g., physical environment, body size, etc.) and cultural mentality (e.g., preference, unconscious rule, etc.), the models of ride comfort for both countries shared similar critical factors. However, there were significant differences in loading values of ride comfort for these critical factors. In particular, there were differences of 1.5 to 2 times between the two models regarding the subfactors seat factor and human fatigue factor. In conclusion, this study elicits that experience factor is the most influential on ride comfort, and cultural factors are applied as essential variables in ride comfort improvement. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulating short‐circuiting flow in a constructed wetland: the implications of bathymetry and vegetation effects
Authors: Min Joong‐Hyuk , Wise William R.
Published: January 2009

Short‐circuiting flow, commonly experienced in many constructed wetlands, reduces hydraulic retention times in unit wetland cells and decreases the treatment efficiency. A two‐dimensional (2‐D), physically based, distributed modelling approach was used to systematically address the effects of bathymetry and vegetation on short‐circuiting flow, which previously have been neglected or lumped in one‐dimensional wetland flow models. In this study, a 2‐D transient hydrodynamics with advection‐dispersion model was developed using MIKE 21 and calibrated with bromide tracer data collected at the Orlando Easterly Wetland Cell 7. The estimated topographic difference between short‐circuiting flow zone and adjacent area ranged from 0·3 to 0·8 m. A range of the Manning roughness coefficient at the short‐circuiting flow zone was estimated (0·022–0·045 s m−1/3). Sensitivity analysis of topographical and vegetative heterogeneity deduced during model calibration shows that relic ditches or other ditch‐shaped landforms and the associated sparse vegetation along the main flow direction intensify the short‐circuiting pattern, considerably affecting 2‐D solute transport simulation. In terms of hydraulic efficiency, this study indicates that the bathymetry effect on short‐circuiting flow is more important than the vegetation effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of the enhancement of field‐scale effective matrix diffusion coefficient in a single fracture using a semi‐analytical power series solution
Authors: Liou Tai‐Sheng
Published: January 2009

A power series solution for convergent radial transport in a single fracture (PCRTSF) is developed. Transport processes considered in PCRTSF include advection and hydrodynamic dispersion in the fracture, molecular diffusion in the matrix, diffusive mass exchange across the fracture‐matrix interface, and mixing effects in the injection and the extraction boreholes. An analytical solution in terms of a power series in Laplace domain is developed first, which is then numerically inverted by de‐Hoog et al.'s algorithm. Four dimensionless parameters determine the behaviour of a breakthrough curve (BTC) calculated by PCRTSF, which are, in the order of decreasing sensitivity, the matrix diffusion factor, two mixing factors, and the Peclet number. The first parameter is lumped from matrix porosity, effective matrix diffusion coefficient, fracture aperture, and retardation factors. Its value increases as the matrix diffusion effect becomes significant. A non‐zero matrix diffusion factor results in a − 3/2 slope of the tail of a log–log BTC, a common property for tracer diffusion into an infinite matrix. Both mixing factors have equal effects on BTC characteristics. However, the Peclet number has virtually no effect on BTC tail. PCRTSF is applied to re‐analyse two published test results that were obtained from convergent radial tracer tests in a discrete, horizontal fracture in Silurian dolomite. PCRTSF is able to fit the field BTCs better than the original channel model does if a large matrix diffusion coefficient is used. Noticeably, the ratio of field‐scale to lab‐scale matrix diffusion coefficients can be as large as 378. This enhancement of the field‐scale matrix diffusion coefficient may be ascribed to the presence of a degraded zone at the fracture‐matrix interface because of karstic effects, or to flow channeling as a result of aperture heterogeneity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of porous poly(L‐lactic acid) scaffold reinforced by chitin fibers
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Liu Xinhui , Dong Wei , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai , Uo Motohiro , Akasaka Tsukasa , Watari Fumio
Published: January 2009

In this study, the previously reported porous three‐dimensional poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds reinforced by the chitin fibers (PLLA/CF) with and without the link were evaluated in vitro. Firstly, pH value of the phosphate buffered saline lixiviums of the PLLA/CF with different content of the chitin fibers was measured to get an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in the PLLA/CF. Then, the cell functions (attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase per unit cell, total protein per unit cell, and osteonectin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin gene expression) of human osteoblast‐like cells (SaOS2) cultured on the PLLA/CF with the link, PLLA/CF without the link and PLLA scaffold were compared. The results showed that the link treatment did not significantly influence the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds, 30% volume content might be an appropriate content of the chitin fibers in PLLA/CF scaffold to keep the pH value of the lixiviums of the scaffolds between 7.0 and 7.2 during the lixiviation time of 16 weeks, the PLLA/CF scaffold was significantly better for the attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the osteoblast than PLLA, the link treatment did not significantly influence these cells activities, which further suggested that PLLA/CF with the link treatment might be an appropriate scaffold for tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Medical‐grade silicone induces release of proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without activating T cells
Authors: Miro‐Mur Francesc , Hindié Mathilde , Kandhaya‐Pillai Renuka , Tobajas Vanessa , Schwartz Simo , Alijotas‐Reig Jaume
Published: January 2009

For more than 40 years, silicone implants had been employed in aesthetic, cosmetic medicine, and plastic surgery. Although adverse reactions produced by these products are rare, cases of immuno‐mediated reactions have been reported. To evaluate the aspects of immuno‐reactivity to medical‐grade silicone dermal filler, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 39 individuals were studied. PBMC used include individuals with silicone injection‐related delayed adverse reactions, with silicone injections, and healthy control. Silicone induced production of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in all three groups. Notably, elevated production of IL‐6 was observed in nonstimulated PBMC and also the percentage of CD4+CD69+ T cells was higher in PHA‐stimulated PBMC from individuals with silicone injection‐related adverse reactions when compared with other two groups. However, IFN‐γ was not released in silicone‐stimulated or silicone+LPS‐stimulated PBMC from any group and no production of IL‐2 was measured indicating no proliferative response of PBMC. Subsequently, no CD4+CD69+ T cells were observed in these conditions. Finally, the inflammatory response in silicone‐stimulated cultures of monocyte‐derived macrophages with autologous lymphocytes is lesser than that observed in PBMC. In conclusion, silicone induces a release of proinflammatory cytokines but does not act as a polyclonal activator of CD4+ T cells. Thus, silicone is mounting an immune response in individuals with silicone‐related adverse effects but is not silicone antigen‐dependent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Treatment of severe amitriptyline intoxication with plasmapheresis
Authors: Kolsal Ebru , Tekin Ishak Özel , Piskin Etem , Aydemir Cumhur , Akyüz Mehmet , Çabuk Hasan , Eldes Nilüfer , Numanoglu Varim
Published: January 2009

Tricyclic antidepressant poisoning is one of the most common causes of serious intoxication. Here, we report a 2‐year‐old girl with severe amitriptyline (70 mg/kg) intoxication. She was in comatose, had generalized tonic clonic seizure, ventricular tachycardia, and wide QRS complexes. Although she did not respond to classical therapies, very good clinical response to plasmapheresis was obtained and she developed no complications. Thus, plasmapheresis may be an effective treatment modality in poisoning with drugs, which bind to plasma proteins with high affinity. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell density‐dependent changes in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization via the P2Y2 receptor in rat bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Ichikawa Jun , Gemba Hisae
Published: January 2009

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are an interesting subject of research because they have characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. We investigated intracellular Ca2+ signaling in rat BMSCs. Agonists for purinergic receptors increased intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i). The order of potency followed ATP = UTP > ADP = UDP. ATP‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was suppressed by U73122 and suramin, but not by pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS), suggesting the functional expression of G protein‐coupled P2Y2 receptors. RT‐PCR and immunohistochemical studies also showed the expression of P2Y2 receptors. [Ca2+]i response to UTP changed with cell density. The UTP‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was greatest at high density. Vmax (maximum Ca2+ response) and EC50 (agonist concentration that evokes 50% of Vmax) suggest that the amount and property of P2Y2 receptors were changed by cell density. Note that UTP induced Ca2+ oscillation at only medium cell density. Pharmacological studies indicated that UTP‐induced Ca2+ oscillation required Ca2+ influx by store‐operated Ca2+ entry. Carbenoxolone, a gap junction blocker, enhanced Ca2+ oscillation. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real‐time PCR studies revealed that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells declined but the mRNA expression level of the P2Y2 receptor increased as cell density increased. Co‐application of fetal calf serum with UTP induced Ca2+ oscillation at high cell density. These results suggest that the different patterns observed for [Ca2+]i mobilization with respect to cell density may be associated with cell cycle progression. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 372–381, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in atomic resolution in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy and 1Å aberration corrected in situ electron microscopy
Authors: Gai Pratibha L. , Boyes Edward D.
Published: January 2009

Advances in atomic resolution in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy for direct probing of gas‐solid reactions, including at very high temperatures (∼2000°C) are described. In addition, recent developments of dynamic real time in situ studies at the Angstrom level using a hot stage in an aberration corrected environment are presented. In situ data from Pt/Pd nanoparticles on carbon with the corresponding FFT/optical diffractogram illustrate an achieved resolution of 0.11 nm at 500°C and higher in a double aberration corrected TEM/STEM instrument employing a wider gap objective pole piece. The new results open up opportunities for dynamic studies of materials in an aberration corrected environment. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smart technology: the leadership challenge
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Lee‐Davies Linda , Kakabadse Andrew
Published: January 2009

This paper takes a lateral approach toward developing discussion around the challenge for the modern‐day leader in the area of fast‐moving technological change. It isolates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a barometer for the typical multi‐level manifestations any leader can expect from the implementation of any new technology.

Rather than focus on operational change itself, this paper embraces emotional and ethical considerations without specific or cosmetically prescribed answers. Written to provoke individual thought, the text contains a range of catalytic concepts so leaders can develop their own diagnostic/evaluative approach and plan their own tailored strategy using the knowledge they have of their own business.

An interesting and harder result of ethical conflict along with a mixed emotional cost–benefit analysis emerges as a serious matter for leaders to factor into their calculative vision at both tactical and strategic levels. The paper concludes that only through carefully considered leadership development can the paradoxes created by such new technology be effectively handled.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic planning tools and techniques in Jordan: awareness and use
Authors: Aldehayyat Jehad S. , Anchor John R.
Published: January 2009

This paper aims to explore the awareness and use of strategic planning tools and techniques by Jordanian public companies in the financial, service, and industrial sectors. A cross‐sectional survey was employed rather than in‐depth, case study‐type analysis. Single respondents, rather than multiple respondents, participated in the study for each company. This is the first study of the use of strategic planning tools and techniques in Jordan and one of the first in the Middle East as a whole.

The main findings of this research are: that the most used techniques by Jordanian companies are financial analysis (for own business), PEST or STEP analysis, Porter's five‐forces analysis, and analysis of key (critical) success factors; that the managers of these companies have an awareness of most of the techniques surveyed; and that the use of strategy tools and techniques relates more to the size of company and less to the age and nature of business.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From operating efficiency to competitive edge: lessons from small firms in Botswana
Authors: Temtime Z. T.
Published: January 2009

Today's business environment is characterized by stiff competition, rapid technological advancements, and changing requirements of customers and employees. To grow and survive in this turbulent environment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must balance the emphasis they put on the improvement of short‐term operational efficiency and long‐term competitiveness. Due to the apparent lack of resources and expertise, most SMEs pay very little attention to long‐term competitiveness and dynamism. Preoccupied with operational bits and pieces, SMEs lack strategic awareness and orientation.

Strategic awareness is a mental process of continually evaluating organizational and environmental factors and improving on how they are identified, recognized, influenced, and interpreted, and consequently used in making strategic business decisions. The widespread use of short‐term‐oriented, non‐formal business planning practices indicates lack of strategic awareness and competitiveness among SMEs.

This paper examines the degree of emphasis attached by SMEs, during their business planning, to the achievement of long‐term competitive advantages by presenting evidence from a recent empirical study based on data collected from 91 SMEs and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation.

The findings indicated that SMEs put greater emphasis on short‐term profitability and operational efficiency than developing strategic awareness and long‐term competitiveness. Although this could be attributed to the relative lack of resources required for the implementation of strategic planning, policy deployment, and positioning, SMEs should be assisted to think and act strategically if they are to survive and grow in today's turbulent and dynamic markets.

Government agencies, policy‐makers, consultants, non‐governmental organizations, and other small business support agencies must redirect their efforts toward bridging the gap between short‐term operational efficiency and strategic competitiveness and sustainability. This paper provides managerial and policy implications for SMEs, SME support agencies, government and non‐government agencies, and future research.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the temporal dynamics of tourism demand in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Cho Vincent
Published: January 2009

Using the monthly statistics of tourists from four different origins (America, Europe, Asia and Oceania) among seven places in the Asia Pacific region for a period from January 1991 to December 2005, we investigate these 28 time series using the Holt‐Winters method, artificial neural network and numerical graphical plots. Interesting comparisons on level fluctuations, trends and seasonal patterns of the time series among the Asia Pacific region are explored. These findings enable us to understand more about the temporal aspect of tourism demand in the Asia Pacific region. In sum, this paper lays out the importance of understanding the trend and seasonality indices in details. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of prior psychological symptoms and combat exposure to post Iraq deployment mental health in the UK military
Authors: Rona Roberto J. , Hooper Richard , Jones Margaret , Iversen Amy C. , Hull Lisa , Murphy Dominic , Hotopf Matthew , Wessely Simon
Published: January 2009

This study assessed the contribution of baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological distress. From 2004–2006, 67% of a random sample of 2,820 participants who had been assessed for psychological symptoms in 2002 were reassessed. Baseline psychological symptoms, combat exposure, and unit support factors were associated with the outcomes and the effect sizes for combat exposure were marked for PTSD symptoms. Adjustment for baseline psychological symptoms did not modify the pattern of association of group cohesion and combat exposures. The authors concluded that combat exposure and group cohesion have an effect on mental health outcomes independent of previous mental health status, which explains why screening prior to deployment is ineffective.