bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malpighiales phylogenetics: Gaining ground on one of the most recalcitrant clades in the angiosperm tree of life
Authors: Wurdack Kenneth J. , Davis Charles C.
Published: August 2009

The eudicot order Malpighiales contains ∼16000 species and is the most poorly resolved large rosid clade. To clarify phylogenetic relationships in the order, we used maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and parsimony analyses of DNA sequence data from 13 gene regions, totaling 15604 bp, and representing all three genomic compartments (i.e., plastid: atpB, matK, ndhF, and rbcL; mitochondrial: ccmB, cob, matR, nad1B‐C, nad6, and rps3; and nuclear: 18S rDNA, PHYC, and newly developed low‐copy EMB2765). Our sampling of 190 taxa includes representatives from all families of Malpighiales. These data provide greatly increased support for the recent additions of Aneulophus, Bhesa, Centroplacus, Ploiarium, and Rafflesiaceae to Malpighiales; sister relations of Phyllanthaceae + Picrodendraceae, monophyly of Hypericaceae, and polyphyly of Clusiaceae. Oxalidales + Huaceae, followed by Celastrales are successive sisters to Malpighiales. Parasitic Rafflesiaceae, which produce the world's largest flowers, are confirmed as embedded within a paraphyletic Euphorbiaceae. Novel findings show a well‐supported placement of Ctenolophonaceae with Erythroxylaceae + Rhizophoraceae, sister‐group relationships of Bhesa + Centroplacus, and the exclusion of Medusandra from Malpighiales. New taxonomic circumscriptions include the addition of Bhesa to Centroplacaceae, Medusandra to Peridiscaceae (Saxifragales), Calophyllaceae applied to Clusiaceae subfamily Kielmeyeroideae, Peraceae applied to Euphorbiaceae subfamily Peroideae, and Huaceae included in Oxalidales.
Population structure and phylogeography of the mistletoesTristerix corymbosusandT. aphyllus(Loranthaceae) using chloroplast DNA sequence variation
Authors: Amico Guillermo C. , Nickrent Daniel L.
Published: August 2009

The mistletoeTristerix corymbosus(Loranthaceae) is present in the temperate forest and Chilean matorral biomes of Chile and northwest Patagonia. The closely related cactus‐specific species,T. aphyllus, occurs only in the matorral biome. The population structure of these mistletoes was examined to determine whether the distribution of haplotypes corresponds mostly to geographic zone, biome, or other biotic factors. Samples from 108 individuals in 26 localities ofT. corymbosusand 13 individuals in four localities ofT. aphylluswere collected. Sequences were obtained from two chloroplast genome regions: theatpB‐rbcLspacer and thetrnL‐Fregion. Haplotypes were analyzed using parsimony and Bayesian trees as well as parsimony networks. All methods placed the haplotypes in four clades, one of which corresponded toT. aphyllusand the others toT. corymbosus. WithinT. corymbosus, the different clades did not correlate with biome, geographical region, host, or any apparent morphological feature of the mistletoe. The morphologically distinct cactus parasiteT. aphylluslikely arose in sympatry from an unspecialized tree parasite,T. corymbosus, after a host switch. The present day haplotype distribution is complex and resulted from post‐glaciation migrations from multiple Pleistocene refugia.
Breeding system and pollination ecology of introduced plants compared to their native relatives
Authors: Harmon‐Threatt Alexandra N. , Burns Jean H. , Shemyakina Lyudmila A. , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: August 2009

Identifying how plant–enemy interactions contribute to the success of introduced species has been a subject of much research, while the role of plant–pollinator interactions has received less attention. The ability to reproduce in new environments is essential for the successful establishment and spread of introduced species. Introduced plant species that are not capable of autonomous self‐fertilization and are unable to attract resident pollinators may suffer from pollen limitation. Our study quantifies the degree of autogamy and pollination ecology of 10 closely related pairs of native and introduced plant species at a single site near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Most of these species pairs had similar capacities for autogamy; however, of those that differed, the introduced species were more autogamous than their native congeners. Most introduced plants have pollinator visitation rates similar to those of their native congeners. Of the 20 species studied, only three had significant pollen limitation. We suggest that the success of most introduced plant species is because they are highly autogamous or because their pollinator visitation rates are similar to those of their native relatives. Understanding and identifying traits related to pollination success that are key in successful introductions may allow better understanding and prediction of biological invasions.
Evolution of lamina anatomy in the palm family (Arecaceae)
Authors: Horn James W. , Fisher Jack B. , Tomlinson P. Barry , Lewis Carl E. , Laubengayer Karen
Published: August 2009

The unique properties of tree building in Arecaceae strongly constrain their architectural lability. Potentially compensating for this limitation, the extensive diversification of leaf anatomical structure within palms involves many characters whose alternate states may confer disparate mechanical or physiological capabilities. In the context of a recent global palm phylogeny, we analyzed the evolution of 10 such lamina anatomical characters and leaf morphology of 161 genera, conducting parsimony and maximum likelihood ancestral state reconstructions, as well as tests of correlated evolution. Lamina morphology evolves independently from anatomy. Although many characters do optimize as synapomorphic for major clades, anatomical evolution is highly homoplasious. Nevertheless, it is not random: analyses indicate the recurrent evolution of different cohorts of correlated character states. Notable are two surface layer (epidermis and hypodermis) types: (1) a parallel‐laminated type of rectangular epidermal cells with sinuous anticlinal walls, with fibers present in the hypodermis and (2) a cross‐laminated type of hexagonal cells in both layers. Correlated with the cross‐laminated type is a remarkable decrease in the volume fraction of fibers, accompanied by changes in the architecture and sheath cell type of the transverse veins. We discuss these and other major patterns of anatomical evolution in relation to their biomechanical and ecophysiological significance.
Emergent properties of plants competing in silico for space and light: Seeing the tree from the forest
Authors: Hammond Sean T. , Niklas Karl J.
Published: August 2009

A spatially explicit, reiterative algorithm (SERA) is presented and used to predict multiple aspects of plant population and community dynamics. Using simple physical principles and empirically derived relationships, SERA provides an analytical venue to test alternative hypotheses about individual functional traits governing ecological or evolutionary processes at the population or community level of complexity. Our analyses show that, as a result of competition for light and space, individual‐level features scale up to produce species ensemble properties such as the scaling of self‐thinning, size‐dependent mortality, realistic size–frequency distributions, and a broad spectrum of empirically observed relationships for the species examined. SERA also predicts the competitive exclusion of conifers by angiosperms and the age at which reproductive maturity is achieved by different species. SERA serves as a null hypothesis by demonstrating that biologically complex phenomena, including widely observed scaling relationships at the species‐ensemble level, can emerge from the operation of simple and transparent “rules” governing competition for space and light.
Improving English Proficiency of Post-Graduate International Nursing Students Seeking Further Qualifications and Continuing Education in Foreign Countries
Authors: Chiang Vico , Crickmore Barbara-Lee
Published: August 2009

Post-graduate international nursing students who seek continuing education are accepted by nursing programs in a number of Western countries. Teaching experience from an Australian school of nursing program reflected that although these students demonstrated the minimum English proficiency required by the university, advanced English and communication proficiency related to clinical practice was required when they received clinical placements in an unfamiliar environment.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(7):329–336.
Identifying Genetics and Genomics Nursing Competencies Common Among Published Recommendations
Authors: Greco Karen E. , Salveson Catherine
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this article is to identify published recommendations for genetics and genomics competencies or curriculum for nurses in the United States and to summarize genetic and genomic nursing competencies based on common themes among these documents. A review of the literature between January 1998 and June 2008 was conducted. Efforts were also made to access the gray literature. Five consensus documents describing recommendations for genetics and genomics competencies for nurses meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Twelve genetics and genomics competencies were created based on common themes among the recommendations. These competencies include: demonstrate an understanding of basic genetic and genomic concepts, provide and explain genetic and genomic information, refer to appropriate genetics professionals and services, and identify the limits of one's own genetics and genomics expertise. The competencies represent fundamental genetics and genomics competencies for nurses on the basis of common themes among several consensus recommendations identified in the literature.
Application of the Newell Liberal Arts Model for Interdisciplinary Course Design and Implementation
Authors: Haas Barbara Ann , Sheehan Judith M. , Stone Jennie Ann M. , Hammer-Beem Marji J.
Published: August 2009

Health professions faculty think that interdisciplinary education is critical for students pursuing careers as health care professionals. Initial attempts at interdisciplinary education by simply combining students into groups without adequate curriculum adaptation, preparation, and planning have been ineffective. Applying the liberal arts interdisciplinary model, developed by William Newell, a transdisciplinary faculty team in the College of Health Professions of the University of New England identified the course content, design, and instructional processes necessary to create an interdisciplinary elective course. The eight-step model and how it was applied to the development of an ethics course for seven different health care professional disciplines is presented. The result of this applied design approach was a course that assisted the transition of health care professional students previously accustomed to studying and working within their own discipline to communicate, cooperate, and collaborate across discipline-specific lines.
The Relationship of Nursing Students' Spiritual Care Perspectives to Their Expressions of Spiritual Empathy
Authors: Chism Lisa Astalos , Magnan Morris A.
Published: August 2009

Guided by Chism's Middle-Range Theory of Spiritual Empathy, the overarching purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which nursing students' spiritual care perspectives account for their expressions of spiritual empathy. In this descriptive correlational study, spiritual care perspectives accounted for 8.6% of the variance in nursing students' (
N
= 223) expressions of spiritual empathy after controlling for relevant demographic and spirituality variables. Findings of the study suggest that the provision of spiritual care in nursing practice depends, in part, on nurses clarifying their own spiritual care perspectives.
Personal Background Preparation Survey for Early Identification of Nursing Students at Risk for Attrition
Authors: Johnson Craig W. , Johnson Ronald , Kim Mira , Mckee John C.
Published: August 2009

During 2004 and 2005 orientations, all 187 and 188 new matriculates, respectively, in two southwestern U.S. nursing schools completed Personal Background and Preparation Surveys (PBPS) in the first predictive validity study of a diagnostic and prescriptive instrument for averting adverse academic status events (AASE) among nursing or health science professional students. One standard deviation increases in PBPS risks (p< 0.05) multiplied odds of first-year or second-year AASE by approximately 150%, controlling for school affiliation and underrepresented minority student (URMS) status. AASE odds one standard deviation above mean were 216% to 250% those one standard deviation below mean. Odds of first-year or second-year AASE for URMS one standard deviation above the 2004 PBPS mean were 587% those for non-URMS one standard deviation below mean. The PBPS consistently and significantly facilitated early identification of nursing students at risk for AASE, enabling proactive targeting of interventions for risk amelioration and AASE or attrition prevention.
Informed consent in clinical trials: Perceptions and experiences of a sample of South African researchers
Authors: Van Loon Katherine , Lindegger Graham
Published: August 2009

The implementation of informed consent (IC) in clinical trials presents many challenges, especially in developing countries. This study explored the experiences and reported practices regarding the implementation of IC in clinical trials in South Africa. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders in clinical trials in two provinces. The interviews were analysed to identify themes and issues relating to IC. The findings show that IC practices involve attention being paid to both formal requirements and informal practices to attain IC. Research assistants or trial counsellors were found to play a critical role in facilitating the IC process. It is recommended that more recognition be given to the important role of trial counsellors in clinical trials, and that they be given more formal training, support and supervision.OpsommingDie implementering van ingeligte toestemming (IT) in kliniese proewe bied menige uitdagings, veral in ontwikkelende lande. Hierdie studie het die ervarings en vermelde praktyke betreffende die implementering van IT in kliniese proewe in Suid-Afrika ondersoek. Data is ingewin deur middel van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met 'n verskeidenheid van rolspelers in kliniese proewe in twee provinsies. Onderhoude is ontleed om herhalende temas rakende IT te identifiseer. Bevindings toon dat IT-benaderings die voldoening aan formele vereistes sowel as die gebruikmaking van informele metodes behels. Daar is bevind dat navorsingsassistente 'n kritieke rol in die fasilitering van die IT-proses speel. Daar word aanbeveel dat meer erkenning gegee word aan die rol van proefvoorligters in kliniese proewe, dat hulle meer formele opleiding ondergaan, dat hulle beter ondersteuning ontvang en dat daar beter oor hulle toesig gehou word.
Psychological type and the pulpit: An empirical enquiry concerning preachers and the SIFT method of biblical hermeneutics
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Robbins Amanda , Village Andrew
Published: August 2009

A sample of 389 experienced preachers completed a measure of psychological type. They then read Mark 1:29–39 and recorded their evaluations of the four refl ections on this passage proposed by Francis (1997) and which were derived from the SIFT method of biblical hermeneutics and liturgical preaching. Three main conclusions are drawn from these data. First, compared with the United Kingdom population norms, preachers within this sample were signifi cantly more likely to prefer introversion, intuition, feeling and judging. Second, preachers were four times more likely to prefer a sensing interpretation of the text rather than a thinking interpretation, emphasising the richness of the narrative rather than facing the theological questions posed by it. Third, there was little evidence to suggest that preachers were less likely to appreciate interpretations consonant with their less preferred or inferior function than those consonant with their most preferred or dominant function. In this sense, the richness of the SIFT method should be accessible to preachers of all psychological types.
Isolation of Mononuclear Cells from Tonsillar Tissue
Authors: Johnston Andrew , Sigurdardottir Sigrun L. , Ryon Judith J.
Published: August 2009

Located on the inside of the throat, the paired palatine tonsils form part of the first major barrier protecting the digestive and respiratory tracts from potentially invading microorganisms. The tonsils have a surface of stratified squamous epithelium that extends into deep and branched crypts lined by reticulated epithelium, which in parts may only be one cell thick. Organized in the sub‐epithelial space are B cell rich lymphoid follicles. T cells are mostly located in the extra‐follicular spaces with a very high CD4:CD8 T cell ratio. In addition to the T and B cell subsets, six phenotypes of dendritic cells (DC) have been identified in the tonsils: Langerhans cells in the squamous epithelium, germinal center DC, and follicular DC in the germinal center, and another three DC phenotypes that are located in the extra‐follicular area (interdigitating DC, plasmacytoid DC, and lympho‐epithelial symbiosis‐DC). Here, we describe the isolation of tonsil mononuclear cells from fresh human tonsil. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 86:7.8.1‐7.8.4. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phage Display Selection, Analysis, and Prediction of B Cell Epitopes
Authors: Freund Natalia Tarnovitski , Enshell‐Seijffers David , Gershoni Jonathan M.
Published: August 2009

Combinatorial phage display libraries of random peptides can be used to discover the epitopes of antibodies through a procedure termed “biopanning.” The affinity isolation of phage‐displayed epitope peptidomimetics allows molecular definition of the epitopes of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Panels of MAb‐specific peptides allow computational prediction of B cell epitopes. Epitope profiles recognized by polyclonal serum samples can also be generated. Detailed step by step protocols and discussion of applications are provided. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 86:9.8.1‐9.8.30. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Growth and Maintenance of Quail Fibrosarcoma QM5 Cells
Authors: Tran Anh , Berard Alicia , Coombs Kevin M.
Published: August 2009

This appendix describes techniques for culturing quail fibrosarcoma QM5 cell lines, one of the preferred cell lines in which many avian reovirus studies take place. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 14:A.4G.1‐A.4G.7. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Event report training: An examination of the efficacy of a new intervention to improve children's eyewitness reports
Authors: Krackow Elisa , Lynn Steven Jay
Published: August 2009

This study tested the efficacy of Event Report Training (ERT), a training procedure designed to improve children's memory reports and decrease suggestibility. Children (N = 58) participated in two forensically relevant play events. Two weeks later, children received ERT or participated in control procedures, after which they received a memory interview. Results indicated that ERT decreased suggestibility to abuse‐related questions in preschoolers; their responses were highly accurate and age differences were eliminated. ERT did not increase the amount of information preschoolers provided in response to open‐ended questions. However, with ERT 7‐ to 8‐year‐olds reported 32% more information which included a 32% increase in actions, without an accompanying increase in incorrect information. Due to school‐aged children's high accuracy rates, it was impossible to gauge the effectiveness of ERT in reducing suggestibility. The failure to obtain an effect of ERT in preschoolers' open‐ended recall is discussed in terms of their cognitive‐developmental limitations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osmolyte controlled fibrillation kinetics of insulin: New insight into fibrillation using the preferential exclusion principle
Authors: Nayak Arpan , Lee Chuang‐Chung , McRae Gregory J. , Belfort Georges
Published: August 2009

Amyloid proteins are converted from their native‐fold to long β‐sheet‐rich fibrils in a typical sigmoidal time‐dependent protein aggregation curve. This reaction process from monomer or dimer to oligomer to nuclei and then to fibrils is the subject of intense study. The main results of this work are based on the use of a well‐studied model amyloid protein, insulin, which has been used in vitro by others. Nine osmolyte molecules, added during the protein aggregation process for the production of amyloid fibrils, slow‐down or speed up the process depending on the molecular structure of each osmolyte. Of these, all stabilizing osmolytes (sugars) slow down the aggregation process in the following order: tri > di > monosaccharides, whereas destabilizing osmolytes (urea, guanidium hydrochloride) speed up the aggregation process in a predictable way that fits the trend of all osmolytes. With respect to kinetics, we illustrate, by adapting our earlier reaction model to the insulin system, that the intermediates (trimers, tetramers, pentamers, etc.) are at very low concentrations and that nucleation is orders of magnitude slower than fibril growth. The results are then collated into a cogent explanation using the preferential exclusion and accumulation of osmolytes away from and at the protein surface during nucleation, respectively. Both the heat of solution and the neutral molecular surface area of the osmolytes correlate linearly with two fitting parameters of the kinetic rate model, that is, the lag time and the nucleation rate prior to fibril formation. These kinetic and thermodynamic results support the preferential exclusion model and the existence of oligomers including nuclei and larger structures that could induce toxicity. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Cloning, expression, and identification of anti‐carbofuran single chain Fv gene
Authors: Wang Hong , Yang Jinyi , Liu Xixia , Liang Yan , Lei Hongtao , Shen Yudong , Xu Xiaoyan , Sun Yuanming , Xu Zhenlin , He Yongsheng
Published: August 2009

Phage display method was used to clone anti‐carbofuran (CBF) single chain Fv (scFv) gene. The heavy chain and light chain variable region genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction from the CBF‐specific hybridoma cell lines 5D3 and assembled as a scFv DNA fragment with linker peptide (Gly4Ser)3. The scFv DNA fragment was cloned into M13 phagemid vector pCANTAB5E and the anti‐CBF antibody libraries were then constructed. After one round of panning with CBF‐ovalbumin (CBF‐OVA) as a conjugate, antigen‐binding positive recombinant phage clones were successfully selected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive phages were used to infect Escherichia coli HB2151 cells and the expression of the soluble scFv antibodies was then induced by IPTG. The scFv antibody was about 31 kDa by SDS‐PAGE and showed HRP‐anti‐E‐tag antibody‐recognized activity by Western blotting. The indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA) showed that the recombinant scFv antibody could competitively combine with CBF, with the IC50 value of 1.07 ng/mL. The cross reactivity studies showed that the anti‐CBF scFv antibody, similar to the parent monoclonal antibody, poses high specificity to CBF and has little reactivity to the analogs. Taken together, these findings suggest that the recombinant scFv antibody can be used for further developing immunoassay method for CBF. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Using modal series to analyze the transient response of oscillators
Authors: Khatibi Mahmood , Shanechi Hasan Modir
Published: August 2009

In this paper, a new form of Modal series is used to obtain the transient time‐domain response of oscillators. It is applicable to n‐dimensional systems and is not dependent on the existence of a small parameter in circuit's model. In addition, it provides an approximate analytical expression for the transient response instead of numerical solutions. It is valuable since the transient response of oscillators is not frequency stationary and therefore the FFT of numerical methods may not be so useful. The Colpitts oscillator is selected as a case study and a closed‐form expression for its transient response is derived which approximates the real response up to the steady state. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression analysis of Sulf1 in the chick forebrain at early and late stages of development
Authors: García‐López Raquel , Soula Cathy , Martínez Salvador
Published: August 2009

Sulfatase 1 is a secreted enzyme that modulates the sulfation state of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which are potential key regulators of diverse developmental signals during embryonic patterning. In the present work, we have analyzed the Sulf1 gene expression pattern during chicken forebrain development. Our results indicate that, at early developmental stages, chicken Sulf1 is expressed in the alar and basal plate of the secondary prosencephalon (telencephalon and hypothalamus, respectively) as well as in the diencephalic basal and floor plates. Later in development, Sulf1 is expressed by a subset of nuclei derived from these regions. Developmental Dynamics 238:2418–2429, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning and expression of candidate sexual development genes in the cane toad (Bufo marinus)
Authors: Abramyan John , Feng Chun‐Wei , Koopman Peter
Published: August 2009

The development of the reproductive system in bufonids (true toads) is unique in several respects: sexual differentiation occurs later than in other anurans, and toads develop a Bidder's organ, a rudimentary ovary that can be manipulated in males to produce mature oocytes. To illuminate the genesis of this unusual reproductive system, we isolated from the cane toad (Bufo marinus) the orthologues of several known vertebrate sex‐determining genes, determined their primary structure, and studied their expression by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization of tissue sections. We report here that cane toad Sox9, Dmrt1, and p450aromatase (Cyp19a1) are highly homologous to their counterparts in other vertebrates. They show profiles of expression that generally follow patterns observed in other taxa, but with some novel features. Our data suggest that these genes likely play key roles in sex determination and early gonad development in bufonids. Developmental Dynamics 238:2430–2441, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous enantioselective determination of fenamiphos and its two metabolites in soil sample by CE
Authors: Lecoeur‐Lorin Marie , Delépée Raphaël , Morin Philippe
Published: August 2009

The enantioseparation of fenamiphos and its two main metabolites (fenamiphos sulfoxide and fenamiphos sulfone) were simultaneously achieved by CE by using a dual CD system. A mixture of 25 mM carboxymethyl‐β‐CD and 10 mM hydroxypropyl‐α‐CD was added to the acetic acid/ammonia (ionic strength=50 mM, pH 5) buffer and was suitable for the baseline resolution of all stereoisomers of analytes. A further addition of 5% methanol to the BGE increased significantly the resolution between the diastereoisomers of fenamiphos sulfoxide. An overimposed pressure (0.2 psi) was applied during the analysis in order to have better peak efficiencies and small run time. The composition of the sample solvent was found to be a crucial parameter. An amount of 15% MeOH added to the sample was a good alternative to ensure the total solubility of fenamiphos and the baseline separation of fenamiphos sulfoxide enantiomers. The extraction of pesticides from soil samples was also investigated. A methanolic extraction allowed recovering 50–75% of pesticides, which were detected by CE at the parts per million concentration level (3–100 mg/kg) with a good precision (5.1–13.2% RSD). This method was applied to soil samples and was found to be suitable to monitor the enantiomeric degradation of fenamiphos in environmental samples.
Optimal load curtailment using multi‐objective fuzzy linear programming method
Authors: Liu Sige , Fan Mingtian , Zhou Xiaoxin , Cheng Haozhong
Published: August 2009

In this paper, the optimal load curtailment (OLC) problem is formulated as a multi‐objective optimization framework, which objectives include maximizing the security margin and minimizing the cost incurred for load curtailment. A new and comprehensive multi‐objective fuzzy linear programming (MFLP) method is developed to solve this presented OLC model. Using the MFLP method, objectives and constrains of the OLC model are fuzzied and their enforcements are maximized. The MFLP model can deal with the uncertainties that exist in certain variables and overcome the limitations of minor constraint violations in normal LP model. The effectiveness of the developed method is tested on the modified IEEE 30 bus system and the IEEE 118 bus system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐grid fictitious domain method for direct simulation of flows involving non‐interacting particles of a very small size
Authors: Dechaume A. , Finlay W. H. , Minev P. D.
Published: August 2009

The full resolution of flows involving particles whose scale is hundreds or thousands of times smaller than the size of the flow domain is a challenging problem. A naive approach would require a tremendous number of degrees of freedom in order to bridge the gap between the two spatial scales involved. The approach used in the present study employs two grids whose grid size fits the two different scales involved, one of them (the micro‐scale grid) being embedded into the other (the macro‐scale grid). Then resolving first the larger scale on the macro‐scale grid, we transfer the so obtained data to the boundary of the micro‐scale grid and solve the smaller size problem. Since the particle is moving throughout the macro‐scale domain, the micro‐scale grid is fixed at the centroid of the moving particle and therefore moves with it. In this study we combine such an approach with a fictitious domain formulation of the problem resulting in a very efficient algorithm that is also easy to implement in an existing CFD code. We validate the method against existing experimental data for a sedimenting sphere, as well as analytical results for motion of an inertia‐less ellipsoid in a shear flow. Finally, we apply the method to the flow of a high aspect ratio ellipsoid in a model of a human lung airway bifurcation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Everyday functioning in mild cognitive impairment and its relationship with executive cognition
Authors: Aretouli Eleni , Brandt Jason
Published: August 2009

Objective

Elderly persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at increased risk of dementia and functional impairments. The present study investigated the contribution of three domains of executive cognition to everyday functioning among persons with MCI.

Methods

124 MCI patients and 68 cognitively normal elderly participants were administered a cognitive screening battery. These tests were used to divide patients into four subgroups (amnestic single domain, amnestic multiple domain, non‐amnestic single domain, and non‐amnestic multiple domain). Subjects were then administered 18 executive function tests that assess planning/problem‐solving, working memory, and judgment. Performance of everyday activities and everyday cognition was rated with two informant‐reported measures.

Results

All MCI subtypes had more difficulties in everyday activities than cognitively normal elderly participants. Multiple domain MCI patients had more functional impairments than single domain MCI patients. Contrary to our expectations, only one executive function component, working memory, contributed significantly to functional status after controlling for demographic, health‐related and other cognitive factors.

Conclusions

Functional abilities are compromised in all MCI subtypes. Working memory may be associated with functional impairments, but general cognitive measures account for more unique variance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural differentiation regulated by biomimetic surfaces presenting motifs of extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Cooke M. J. , Zahir T. , Phillips S. R. , Shah D. S. H. , Athey D. , Lakey J. H. , Shoichet M. S. , Przyborski S. A.
Published: August 2009

The interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential during development. To elucidate the function of ECM proteins on cell differentiation, we developed biomimetic surfaces that display specific ECM peptide motifs in a controlled manner. Presentation of ECM domains for collagen, fibronectin, and laminin influenced the formation of neurites by differentiating PC12 cells. The effect of these peptide sequences was also tested on the development of adult neural stem/progenitor cells. In this system, collagen I and fibronectin induced the formation of beta‐III‐tubulin positive cells, whereas collagen IV reduced such differentiation. Biomimetic surfaces composed of multiple peptide types enabled the combinatorial effects of various ECM motifs to be studied. Surfaces displaying combined motifs were often predictable as a result of the synergistic effects of ECM peptides studied in isolation. For example, the additive effects of fibronectin and laminin resulted in greater expression of beta‐III‐tubulin positive cells, whereas the negative effect of the collagen IV domain was canceled out by coexpression of collagen I. However, simultaneous expression of certain ECM domains was less predictable. These data highlight the complexity of the cellular response to combined ECM signals and the need to study the function of ECM domains individually and in combination. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by collagen‐based hydrogel: An in vivo study
Authors: Zheng L. , Fan H. S. , Sun J. , Chen X. N. , Wang G. , Zhang L. , Fan Y. J. , Zhang X. D.
Published: August 2009

Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) relies on inductive media of chondrogenic environment. With proper design, a cellular microenvironment mimicking chondrogenic environment might be created to induce chondrogenesis of MSCs. In this study, bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) were encapsulated in collagen‐based hydrogel, and then enclosed in diffusion‐chambers which allow the body fluid to permeate and preclude the host cells to invade. Then, the chamber with the hydrogel‐BMSCs composite was implanted in the back of rabbits subcutaneously. The specimens in the chamber were harvested for histological, immunohistochemical, and RT‐PCR analyses after 8 weeks. The results showed that cells with the characteristic of chondrocytes were homogenously distributed and the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage has been secreted, indicating the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. As control, nothing was obtained with only BMSCs. Moreover, the expression of collagen type II, indicator of cartilage ECM, was less in tissues with collagen‐alginate‐hydrogel (CAH) than that with collagen‐hydrogel (CH). The results showed that both CH and CAH may induce the chondrogenesis and the induction is materials dependent. From in vitro experiments, TGF‐β is a necessary signal molecule for chondrogenesis, and it was suggested that the material may take in vivo growth factors to trigger chondrogenesis. From the studies, the chondrogenic induction of the hydrogel may be ascribed to that the hydrogel may provide a suitable environment and aggregate the signal molecule for chondrogenesis in vivo. The results would lend valuable reference in clinical for selection of appropriate scaffold for cartilage repair. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Shear‐regulated uptake of nanoparticles by endothelial cells and development of endothelial‐targeting nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Arthur , Sabnis Abhimanyu , Kona Soujanya , Nattama Sivaniaravindapriya , Patel Hemang , Dong Jing‐Fei , Nguyen Kytai T.
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this research project was to develop nanoparticles with improved targeting, adhesion, and cellular uptake to activated or inflamed endothelial cells (ECs) under physiological flow conditions. Our hypothesis is that by mimicking platelet binding to activated ECs through the interaction between platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GP Ibα) and P‐selectin on activated endothelial cells, GP Ibα‐conjugated nanoparticles could exhibit increased targeting and higher cellular uptake in injured or activated endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions. To test this hypothesis, fluorescent‐carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles were selected for the study as a model particle because of its narrow size distribution as a “proof‐of‐concept.” Using confocal microscopy, fluorescent measurements, and protein assays, cellular uptake properties were characterized for these polystyrene nanoparticles. The study also found that conjugation of 100‐nm polystyrene nanoparticles with glycocalicin (the extracellular segment of GP Ibα) significantly increased the particle adhesion on P‐selectin‐coated surfaces and cellular uptake of nanoparticles by activated endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions. The results demonstrate that these novel endothelial‐targeting nanoparticles could be the first step toward developing a targeted and sustained drug delivery system that can improve shear‐regulated particle adhesion and cellular uptake. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Saurolactam inhibits osteoclast differentiation and stimulates apoptosis of mature osteoclasts
Authors: Kim Myung Hee , Ryu Shi Yong , Choi Joon Sig , Min Yong Ki , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: August 2009

The receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) plays a critical role in the differentiation and bone resorptive activity of osteoclasts. Recently, the development of anti‐resorptive agents from natural substances has become a subject of interest. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of 222 natural compounds on the RANKL‐induced tartrate‐resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP; a marker for osteoclast differentiation) activity and multinucleated osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells. We found that saurolactam was one of the compounds inhibiting the RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis; it significantly inhibited the RANKL‐induced TRAP activity and formation of multinucleated osteoclasts without any cytotoxicity. Interestingly, saurolactam prevented RANKL‐induced activation of MAP kinases and NF‐κB, and mRNA expression of osteoclast‐related genes and transcription factors (c‐Fos, Fra‐2, and NFATc1). We also observed the inhibitory effect of saurolactam on the differentiation of mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages into osteoclasts. Furthermore, saurolactam inhibited the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts with the induction of apoptotic signaling cascade and the inhibition of survival signaling pathways such as c‐Src/PI3K/Akt, Ras/ERK, and JNK/c‐Jun. In conclusion, although further studies are needed to determine the precise mechanism and biological efficacy of saurolactam in osteoclast‐mediated bone disorders, our results demonstrate that saurolactam potentially inhibits osteoclast differentiation by preventing the activation of MAP kinases and transcription factors that consequently affect the regulation of genes required for osteoclastogenesis, and the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts by inhibiting osteoclast survival‐related signaling pathways and triggering the apoptotic signaling cascade. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 618–628, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correction of mutant Fanconi anemia gene by homologous recombination in human hematopoietic cells using adeno‐associated virus vector
Authors: Paiboonsukwong Kittiphong , Ohbayashi Fumi , Shiiba Haruka , Aizawa Emi , Yamashita Takayuki , Mitani Kohnosuke
Published: August 2009

Background

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to correct a variety of mutations in human cells by homologous recombination (HR) at high rates, which can overcome insertional mutagenesis and transgene silencing, two of the major hurdles in conventional gene addition therapy of inherited diseases. We examined an ability of AAV vectors to repair a mutation in human hematopoietic cells by HR.

Methods

We infected a human B‐lymphoblastoid cell line (BCL) derived from a normal subject with an AAV, which disrupts the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase1 (HPRT1) locus, to measure the frequency of AAV‐mediated HR in BCL cells. We subsequently constructed an AAV vector encoding the normal sequences from the Fanconi anemia group A (FANCA) locus to correct a mutation in the gene in BCL derived from a FANCA patient.

Results

Under optimal conditions, approximately 50% of BCL cells were transduced with an AAV serotype 2 (AAV‐2) vector. In FANCA BCL cells, up to 0.016% of infected cells were gene‐corrected by HR. AAV‐mediated restoration of normal genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in FANCA‐mutant cells was confirmed at the DNA, protein and functional levels.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study indicate that AAV vectors may be applicable for gene correction therapy of inherited hematopoietic disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of infrastructures on paid work opportunities and unpaid work burdens on rural women in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Shyamal K.
Published: August 2009

This study deals with two questions: what role infrastructures can play in promoting paid work opportunities for women and what specific type of infrastructure can reduce women's time burden? The study brings empirical evidence on these two questions in a specific country context. Findings from an econometric model that endogenises women's paid and unpaid work show that the impacts of infrastructure on women's work and total time burden depend on the type of a particular infrastructure and availability of other infrastructures. While hard infrastructure shows significant influence on women's work with a lag, a rise in paid work outside home has not been equally compensated by a decline in unpaid work at home. The findings have important policy implications in infrastructure policy design and provision. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal study of determinants of perceived employability
Authors: Wittekind Anette , Raeder Sabine , Grote Gudela
Published: August 2009

Employability is highly important to individuals in coping with job insecurity. Although many employability models have been developed, few studies have tested determinants of employability empirically. This longitudinal study aims to analyze core determinants of perceived employability. These were tested using a sample of 465 employees (time 1) taken from four companies in Switzerland and surveyed at three points in time. In order to include data from all participants, we used multilevel analysis (level 1: time, level 2: person). Results showed that education, support for career and skill development, current level of job‐related skills, and willingness to change jobs were significant predictors of perceived employability. Contrary to our hypotheses, willingness to develop new competencies, opportunity awareness, and self‐presentation skill failed to predict perceived employability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental vibrational spectra (Raman, infrared) and DFT calculations on monomeric and dimeric structures of 2‐ and 6‐bromonicotinic acid
Authors: Karabacak Mehmet , Cinar Mehmet , Ermec Sahin , Kurt Mustafa
Published: August 2009

In this work, the Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of 2‐bromonicotinic acid and 6‐bromonicotinic acid (abbreviated as 2‐BrNA and 6‐BrNA, C6H4BrNO2) have been recorded in the region 4000–400 and 3500–50 cm−1. The optimum molecular geometry, normal mode wavenumbers, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities, corresponding vibrational assignments and intermolecular hydrogen bonds were investigated with the help of B3LYP density functional theory (DFT) method using 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. Reliable vibrational assignments were made on the basis of total energy distribution (TED) calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. From the calculations, the molecules are predicted to exist predominantly as the C1 conformer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy for thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Miyata Hiroshi , Yamasaki Makoto , Takiguchi Shuji , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Nishida Toshiro , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: August 2009

Background and Objectives

Although locoregional failure frequently occurs after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the role of salvage esophagectomy has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of salvage esophagectomy after high‐dose definitive CRT with neoadjuvant CRT.

Methods

From 1994 to 2007, 33 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer underwent salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT, and 115 patients underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery.

Results

The postoperative mortality rate in the salvage group (12%) was higher than in the neoadjuvant group (3.6%, P = 0.059). The rates of postoperative complications were significantly higher in the salvage group than in neoadjuvant group: Anastomotic leakage (39% vs. 22%, respectively, P = 0.049), bleeding (15% vs. 1.7%, respectively, P = 0.002), cardiovascular complications (24% vs. 5.4%, respectively, P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that pretherapy T stage, pretherapy lymph node status, pathological T stage, and operative curability were significant prognostic factors affecting survival of patients who underwent salvage esophagectomy. In particular, patients with cT3–T4 tumors or cN1 tumors before definitive CRT showed worse prognosis after salvage esophagectomy.

Conclusions

Salvage esophagectomy after high‐dose definitive CRT was associated with higher postoperative mortality and morbidity rates compared with neoadjuvant CRT. Only selected patients can be rescued by salvage esophagectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:442–446. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prospective clinical study on early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Authors: Lu Xin , Zhao Haitao , Yang Huayu , Mao Yilei , Sang Xinting , Miao Ruoyu , Xu Yiyao , Du Shunda , Xu Haifeng , Chi Tianyi , Yang Zhiying , Zhong Shouxian , Huang Jiefu
Published: August 2009

Background

To determine more precisely time interval from resection to recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative recurrence.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2007, 178 patients who underwent resection of HCC were followed prospectively for at least 12 months. Recurrence was identified by the digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Demographic, tumor, and disease characteristics were compared between patients with recurrence within 6 months and between 7 and 12 months, and those without recurrence to evaluate for their prognostic significance. Patients with intrahepatic recurrence were treated with trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and re‐assessed by CT scans, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, or MRI.

Results

Recurrence developed in 52 patients between 1 and 6 months, 11 patients between 7 and 12 months, and 115 patients remained disease free for at least 1 year. The recurrence rates of 6 months and 1 year were 29.2% and 35.4%, respectively. No statistically significant difference between was observed. Fourteen (22.2%) patients with recurrence and 11 (9.6%) patients without recurrence had previously presented as multifocal HCC, and the difference is of statistical significance (P = 0.025). The diagnostic accuracy of DSA as validated by other diagnostic methods was 81.8%.

Conclusions

Recurrences are more likely to develop within the first 6 months after resection for HCC. Multifocal HCC is an important risk factor associated with early recurrence of advanced HCC after hepatectomy. DSA may serve as an important surveillance for early detection of intrahepatic recurrence after surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:488–493. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.