bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are single‐parent families different from two‐parent families in the treatment of adolescent bulimia nervosa using family‐based treatment?
Authors: Doyle Angela Celio , McLean Carmen , Washington Blaine N. , Hoste Renee Rienecke , le Grange Daniel
Published: August 2008

Objective:

To examine whether family‐based treatment (FBT) for adolescent bulimia nervosa (BN), which emphasizes family involvement in helping to reduce binge eating and purging behaviors, is differentially efficacious in single‐parent families versus two‐parent families.

Method:

Forty‐one adolescents (97.6% female; 16.0 ± 1.7 years old) with either BN (n = 18) or subthreshold BN (n = 23) were randomized to FBT as part of a larger randomized controlled trial studying treatments for adolescent BN.

Results:

Two‐parent (n = 27; 65.9%) and single‐parent (n = 14; 34.2%) families were compared on demographic variables, presence of comorbid psychiatric illnesses, and symptoms of BN at baseline, post, and 6‐month follow‐up. ANOVA and chi‐square analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between two‐parent and single‐parent families on any variables with the exception of ethnicity, for which a greater proportion of Caucasians and Hispanic families had two‐ parent families compared with African‐American families (χ2 = 8.68, p = .01).

Discussion:

These findings suggest that FBT may be an appropriate and efficacious treatment for single‐parent families as well as two‐parent families, despite the reliance on parental intervention to reduce bulimic symptoms and normalize eating patterns. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Mathematical Model of Growth and Heterologous Hantavirus Protein Production of the Recombinant Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sidorenko Y. , Antoniukas L. , Schulze‐Horsel J. , Kremling A. , Reichl U.
Published: August 2008

A segregated mathematical model was developed for the analysis and interpretation of cultivation data of growth of the recombinant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on multiple substrates (glucose, maltose, pyruvate, ethanol, acetate, and galactose). The model accounts for substrate consumption, plasmid stability, and production level of a model protein, a modified nucleocapsid protein of the Puumala virus. Recombinant nucleocapsid proteins from different Hantaviruses have previously been demonstrated as suitable antigens for diagnostics as well as for sero‐epidemiological studies. The model is based on a system of 10 nonlinear ordinary differential equations and accounts for the influence of various factors, e.g., selective pressure for enhancing plasmid stability by formaldehyde or the toxic effects of the intracellular accumulation of the heterologous protein on cell growth and product yield. The model allows the growth of two populations of cells to be simulated: plasmid‐bearing and plasmid‐free yeast cells, which have lost the plasmid during cultivation. Based on the model, sensitivity studies in respect to parameter changes were performed. These enabled, for example, the evaluation of the impact of an increase in the initial concentration of nutrients and growth factors (e.g., vitamins, microelements, etc.) on the biomass yield and the heterologous protein production level. As expected, the productivity of the heterologous protein in S. cerevisiae is closely correlated with plasmid stability. The 25 free model parameters, including the yield coefficients for different growth stages and dynamic constants, were estimated by nonlinear techniques, and the model was validated against a data set not used for parameter estimation. The simulation results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.
Induction of Stress Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during Starvation
Authors: Klockow C. , Stahl F. , Scheper T. , Hitzmann B.
Published: August 2008

In order to analyze the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to starvation on a gene expression level, microarray experiments were performed using a yeast whole genome array. It is well known that under stress conditions like heat, high salt concentrations, pressure or the presence of toxins, special stress response genes are induced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This includes the genes encoding the typical heat shock proteins as well as numerous genes concerning cell membrane composition, central carbon metabolism or cell cycle. In this contribution, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae starvation‐stress response is analyzed. Starvation is a living condition often experienced by yeast in natural surroundings. As Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an eukaryote, many results from the gene expression analysis are valid for mammalians as well. The understanding of response of the yeast to the absence of a nutrient is also important for the development of feeding strategies in cultivations. Therefore, knowledge about the gene expression during starvation is important for both research and industrial applications. The regulation of 233 genes, which are involved in the stress response according to the literature, was examined via microarray experiments. In addition, a screening was carried out identifying 115 genes, which are hitherto not known to be comprised in the stress response, but which were significantly up‐regulated during starvation.
Enhanced Asymmetric Reduction of Ethyl 3‐Oxobutyrate by Baker's Yeast via Substrate Feeding and Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Fow K.‐L. , Poon L. C. H. , Sim S. T. , Chuah G. K. , Jaenicke S.
Published: August 2008

The moderate enantioselectivity of wild form baker's yeast can be considerably increased either by using continuous feeding to maintain a low substrate concentration throughout the reaction, or by the selective inhibition of competing enzymatic pathways. The reduction of ethyl 3‐oxobutyrate to ethyl (S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate was used as a model reaction. With the substrate feeding method, the enantioselectivity could be increased from 75 % to as high as 98 %. The increased selectivity originates from the much higher substrate binding constant of the (R)‐specific enzymes, so that these enzymes remain essentially inactive if a low concentration of ethyl 3‐oxobutyrate is maintained in the bioreactor. Alternatively, the enantioselectivity of baker's yeast can be improved by selectively blocking competing enzymatic pathways. It was found that vinyl acetate is a selective inhibitor for the (R)‐specific enzymes. Ethyl (S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate with an enantiomeric excess of 98 % was obtained by pre‐incubation of baker's yeast in 100 mM of vinyl acetate solution for 1 h. These results suggest that by selecting appropriate process conditions, natural baker's yeast can be a competitive biocatalyst for the large‐scale production of chiral secondary alcohols.
Production of Taxol fromPhyllosticta spinarum, an endophytic fungus ofCupressus sp.
Authors: Senthil Kumaran R. , Muthumary J. , Hur B. K.
Published: August 2008

Taxol production during the cultivation on a modified liquid and potato dextrose broth medium was indicated for the first time to occur in Phyllosticta spinarum, an endophytic fungus isolated from the needles of Cupressus sp. The presence of taxol in the fungal culture filtrate was confirmed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods of analysis. The amount of taxol produced by this fungus was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The maximum amount of taxol production was obtained in this fungus when grown on M1D medium (235 μg/L) followed by PDB medium (125 μg/L). The results indicate that P. spinarum is an excellent candidate for taxol production. The production rate was 4.7 × 103‐fold higher than that found in the culture broth of an earlier reported fungus, Taxomyces andreanae. The fungal taxol extracted also showed a strong cytotoxic activity in the in vitro culture of human cancer cells tested in an apoptotic assay.
Mechanism of Biosorption of Heavy Metals by Mucor rouxii
Authors: Yan G. , Viraraghavan T.
Published: August 2008

Fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Mucor rouxii are capable of removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The role various functional groups play in the cell wall of M. rouxii in metal biosorption of lead, cadmium, nickel and zinc was investigated in this paper. The biomass was chemically treated to modify the functional carboxyl, amino and phosphate groups. These modifications were examined by means of infrared spectroscopy. It was found that an esterification of the carboxyl groups and phosphate and a methylation of the amine groups significantly decreased the biosorption of the heavy metals studied. Thus, the carboxylate, amine and phosphate groups were recognized as important in the biosorption of metal ions by M. rouxii biomass. The role the lipids fraction play was not significant. The study showed that Na, K, Ca and Mg ions were released from the biomass after biosorption of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn, indicating that ion exchange was a key mechanism in the biosorption of metal ions by M. rouxii biomass.
Female faculty: Challenges and choices in the United States and beyond
Authors: Samble Jennifer N.
Published: August 2008

It is useful to examine the challenges that female faculty members face in international institutions as well as in American colleges and universities.
Female faculty in male‐dominated fields: Law, medicine, and engineering
Authors: Ward LaWanda
Published: August 2008

Female professors continue to face challenges in the male‐dominated academic disciplines of law, medicine, and engineering.
Summary and recommendations
Authors: Niskodé‐Dossett Amanda Suniti
Published: August 2008

As the conditions of faculty work change, so does the culture of higher education
Nomogram for deciding adjuvant treatment after surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gross Neil D. , Patel Snehal G. , Carvalho Andre L. , Chu Pen‐Yuan , Kowalski Luis P. , Boyle Jay O. , Shah Jatin P. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: August 2008

Background.

The application of appropriate adjuvant treatment after surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is predicated on accurate patient risk stratification.

Methods.

A nomogram for estimating locoregional recurrence–free survival (LRFS) after treatment of OCSCC was constructed from a cohort of 590 patients with OCSCC who were treated at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The nomogram was validated using a series of 417 patients with OCSCC who were treated at Hospital do Cancer AC Camargo (HACC) in São Paulo, Brazil.

Results.

Despite significant differences between the MSKCC and HACC cohorts, the nomogram was able to predict LRFS from OCSCC with a concordance index of 0.693. Further statistical analysis showed that the nomogram was well calibrated.

Conclusions.

This preliminary nomogram is the first prognostic model developed and externally validated to predict the likelihood of LRFS after treatment for an individual patient with OCSCC and may have practical utility for deciding adjuvant treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Atelectasis after free rectus transfer and abdominal wall reconstruction
Authors: Lo Jamie O. , Weber Stephen M. , Andersen Peter E. , Gross Neil D. , Gosselin Marc , Wax Mark K.
Published: August 2008

Background.

Atelectasis is commonly encountered in patients undergoing rectus abdominus tissue transfer. Primary closure of the anterior rectus sheath may contribute to this process. Augmentation of the closure with mesh may decrease the incidence of Atelectasis.

Methods.

In this retrospective review 32 patients with preoperative and postoperative augmentation were compared to 23 who had primary closure of the anterior rectus sheath.

Results.

Augmentation consisted of acellular dermis (25) ormesh (7). Postoperative atelectasis was radiographically detected in: 91% (n = 29) of augmented patients versus 83% (n = 19) of primary closure patients. Major atelectasis in 41% (n= 13) of augmented patients versus 61% (n = 14) of primary closure patients p <.05. The incidence of atelectasis was independent of skin flap size and operative times.

Conclusions.

The use of acellular dermis or mesh to augment the abdominal wall appears to reduce the high incidence of postoperative atelectasis following rectus‐free flap harvest. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
The inclusion challenge with reduced‐load professionals: The role of the manager
Authors: Lirio Pamela , Lee Mary Dean , Williams Margaret L. , Haugen Leslie K. , Kossek Ellen Ernst
Published: August 2008

Increased interest in reduced‐load (part‐time) work among professionals who want to have a life beyond work has led to new challenges for managers who must sustain productivity while also supporting employees. However, to date, little attention has been focused on exactly how managers facilitate effective implementation of these alternative work arrangements. This study presents findings from an interview study of 83 cases of reduced‐load professionals in 43 organizations in the United States and Canada. Analysis of the interviews with both professionals and their managers surfaced recurrent themes that led to identification of five clusters of behaviors and five clusters of dispositions that capture the nature of managerial support in implementing reduced‐load work. The ten categories of behaviors and dispositions expand on existing notions of supervisory support and provide new insight into the role of managers in fostering inclusiveness. Additional quantitative analyses found significant relationships between the success of the reduced‐load arrangements and specific managerial behaviors and dispositions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When do committed employees retire? The effects of organizational commitment on retirement plans under a defined‐benefit pension plan
Authors: Luchak Andrew A. , Pohler Dionne M. , Gellatly Ian R.
Published: August 2008

The question of when committed employees retire is important to consider under a defined‐benefit pension plan, which credits employees with benefits of lower overall value for retiring either too early or too late. We find employees with higher levels of affective commitment more likely to plan to retire later and past the age when it is most financially attractive for them to leave the organization. In contrast, employees with moderate to high levels of continuance commitment plan to retire earlier and at ages when it is most attractive for them to do so. Implications for HR policy and practice are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Women at work: Differences in IT career experiences and perceptions between South Asian and American women
Authors: Adya Monica P.
Published: August 2008

A growing minority representation in the information technology (IT) workforce coupled with a “youth bulge” in developing Asian countries are indicative of increasing diversity in the U.S. IT workforce. For researchers and practitioners, this diversity raises new management concerns. To better comprehend these emerging issues, this study compares career experiences and perceptions of South Asian women in the U.S. IT workforce with those of American women IT professionals. In doing so, it contrasts social, cultural, and individual factors that impact these career experiences. Interviews revealed that while most women from South Asia did not identify career genderization in the workplace, American IT professionals perceived greater stereotyping and discrimination. Although both groups equally felt the pressures of worklife balance, the impact of these pressures on long‐term commitment to IT careers was felt differently across the two groups. Differences also are evident in perceptions of IT work, mentoring relationships, and coping mechanisms relied upon by the two groups. The article concludes with recommendations for improved diversity integration in the workforce and provides suggestions for future research in multicultural settings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
X‐ray computed tomography of peat soils: measuring gas content and peat structure
Authors: Kettridge Nicholas , Binley Andrew
Published: August 2008

The potential of using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) to (i) analyse individual biogenic gas bubbles entrapped within peats and (ii) produce reliable descriptors of peat structure is examined. Existing approaches used to study biogenic gas bubbles measure the gas content of volumes of peat many orders of magnitude larger than most bubbles, and are, therefore, of little use in helping to understand bubble dynamics. In many peatland studies, the description of peat structures is derived from only a few relatively basic metrics; principally the porosity, the bulk density, and the von Post humification scale. CT is applied to identify and quantitatively analyse the size, location and shape of individual gas bubbles entrapped during the saturation of a 200 cm3 sample of S. fuscum. 3421 gas bubbles were identified, ranging in size from 0·1 mm3 to 99·9 mm3. These gas bubbles were non‐randomly distributed, clustered predominantly in the vertical plane. When analysing the peat structure, Sphagnum peat and water are shown to be indistinguishable within CT scans. Peat samples were therefore prepared prior to scanning by flushing the peat with lead (II) nitrate solution to increase the linear attenuation of the Sphagnum. Sphagnum stems and branches were analysed, producing metrics of the peat structure; including stem and branch lengths, radii and orientation. In a 100 cm3 sample of S. magellanicum, the length of all Sphagnum stems totalled 1·82 m, with an average radius of 0·65 mm. The Sphagnum stems and branches were both preferentially orientated in the horizontal direction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protecting your firm from FX risk
Authors: Ehrlich Michael , Anandarajan Asokan
Published: August 2008

Recent oil‐price hikes are hurting U.S. businesses. But Europe seems protected—perhaps by the rising value of the euro against the U.S. dollar. So U.S.‐based managers need to compensate for the falling value of the dollar when planning their business strategies.

How can U.S. managers protect their companies from rising foreign exchange (FX) risks? The authors offer some vital tools and strategies—and discuss what perils the future may hold. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate social responsibility: The United States vs. Europe
Authors: Danko Dori , Goldberg Jennifer S. , Goldberg Stephen R. , Grant Rita
Published: August 2008

Increasingly, business leaders recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the link between profitability and social behavior. The authors take a critical look at CSR—including arguments for and against it, an approach companies can use, alternative CSR reporting standards, and how Europe differs from the United States. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emodin inhibits TNF‐α‐induced human aortic smooth‐muscle cell proliferation via caspase‐ and mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis
Authors: Heo Sook‐Kyoung , Yun Hyun‐Jeong , Park Won‐Hwan , Park Sun‐Dong
Published: August 2008

Vascular smooth‐muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays a vital role in hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis. It has been reported that emodin, an active component extracted from rhubarb, can stop the growth of cancer cells; however, it is not known if emodin exerts similar anti‐atherogenic effects in TNF‐α treated human aortic smooth‐muscle cells (HASMC). In this study, emodin treatment showed potent inhibitory effects in TNF‐α‐induced HASMC proliferation that were associated with induced apoptosis, including the cleavage of poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP). Moreover, inhibitors of caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 (Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, Z‐IETD‐FMK and Z‐LEHD‐FMK) efficiently blocked emodin‐induced apoptosis in TNF‐α treated HASMC. Therefore, emodin‐induced cell death occurred via caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Emodin treatment resulted in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), as well as a decrease in the expression of an anti‐apoptotic protein (Bcl‐2) and an increase in the expression of an a pro‐apoptotic protein (Bax). Emodin‐mediated apoptosis was also blocked by a mitochondrial membrane depolarization inhibitor, which indicates that emodin‐induced apoptosis occurred via a mitochondrial pathway. Taken together, the results of this study showed that emodin inhibits TNF‐α‐induced HASMC proliferation via caspase‐ and a mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathway. In addition, these results indicate that emodin has potential as an anti‐atherosclerosis agent. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 70–80, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lethality in an anti‐angiogenic tumor gene therapy model upon constitutive but not inducible expression of the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1
Authors: Ganesh Sivanandam Vijayshankar , Stephen Sam Laurel , Hernandez‐Alcoceba Ruben , Alzuguren Pilar , Zabala Maider , van Rooijen Nico , Qian Cheng , Berger Irina , Gross Marie‐Luise , Prieto Jesus , Kochanek Stefan
Published: August 2008

Background

Neoangiogenesis is essential for tumor growth. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that vector‐mediated expression of sflt1 at high levels would result in the blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) function and therefore the inhibition of tumor growth.

Methods

To sequester VEGF, we tested, in a subcutaneous LLC tumor model, ‘gutless’ high‐capacity adenovirus vectors expressing the soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sflt1) in a liver‐specific manner, either in a constitutive or in a RU486 induced manner.

Results

High serum levels of sflt1 were observed upon in vivo injection of both vectors. Despite the differences in expression kinetics, both modes of sflt1 expression resulted in significant though transient suppression of tumor growth. Unexpectedly, constitutive but not intermittent sflt1 expression resulted in ascites and death of all animals. Morphological analyses by light and electron microscopy indicated that the animals had died from a nephropathy, which apparently was due to the blockade of VEGF function.

Conclusions

Although confirming earlier results of toxic effects of prolonged VEGF sequestration, the present study suggests that therapeutic anti‐tumor effects can be achieved without side‐effects with intermittent VEGF blockade or the use of drugs with short half‐lives, as shown by the use of an inducible gene expression system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of hepatitis C virus genotype 6 in Korean patients by analysis of 5′ untranslated region using a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight‐based assay, restriction fragment mass polymorphism
Authors: Oh Heung‐Bum , Kim Soo‐Ok , Cha Choong‐Hwan , Hong Sun Pyo , Folk William R. , Kim Kang Mo , Suh Dong Jin
Published: August 2008

Previous surveys of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Korea have identified types 1 and 2, but little has been said of other genotypes and viral subtypes. In this study, HCV genotypes in Korea were investigated using Restriction Fragment Mass Polymorphism (RFMP) assay, a sensitive and specific method for genotyping based on MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 1,043 independent serum samples from HCV‐infected patients were analyzed. Of interest, 15 subjects (1.4%) were determined to contain HCV genotype 6 and 46 subjects (4.4%) contained mixed genotypes with the most prevalent genotypes being HCV 1b and 2a/c (45.0% and 35.4%, respectively). The 15 subjects with HCV genotype 6 comprised eight cases of subtype 6c, including one case of mixed infection with 1b, three cases of HCV 6a, and six cases of unassigned subtypes. Sequencing corroborated the identity of genotype 6 from 13 subjects, while the line probe assay (LiPA) mis‐identified them as genotype 1b. The majority (7/9) of the genotype 6 patients enrolled for interferon/ribavirin therapy, achieved a sustained virologic response. The ability of the RFMP assay to differentiate various HCV genotypes should enable better analysis of the relationship between HCV genotype and disease prognosis. J. Med. Virol. 80:1712–1719, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiretroviral genotypic resistance in plasma RNA and whole blood DNA in HIV‐1 infected patients failing HAART
Authors: Saracino Annalisa , Gianotti Nicola , Marangi Marianna , Cibelli Donatella C. , Galli Andrea , Punzi Grazia , Monno Laura , Lazzarin Adriano , Angarano Gioacchino ,   on behalf of the Mutations, Salvage (MuSa) Study Group
Published: August 2008

The extent to which HIV‐1 proviral DNA mutations cause clinically relevant antiretroviral resistance is still controversial. Paired plasma HIV‐1 RNA and whole blood DNA were compared in patients failing HAART to investigate if the additional knowledge of archived mutations could improve the selection of potentially active drugs. Seventy‐three HIV‐1‐infected patients with first/second HAART failure were studied before starting a new regimen based on RNA genotyping. Follow‐up data after a 12‐week therapy were available. DNA genotyping was retrospectively performed on stored whole blood samples and mutational profiles were compared to those from RNA. The mean number of IAS pol mutations was significantly higher in RNA (4.45 ± 2.76) than in DNA (2.88 ± 2.47) (P < 0.001). DNA genotyping provided a 6% increase in detection of resistance‐associated mutations. Among 64/73 patients showing discordant DNA/RNA profiles, 54 (84%) also differed for predicted active drugs. 16/73 (22%) patients had ≥1 mutation revealed by DNA genotyping alone, probably affecting therapy success in 2/16. However, neither RNA/DNA discordance nor detection of isolated DNA mutations were statistically associated with outcome. In conclusion, plasma RNA remains the elective choice for HIV genotyping in patients with therapy failure, even if the detection of proviral resistance‐associated mutations, not simultaneously found in RNA, is a frequent event. Therefore, in some cases DNA plus RNA genotyping might assist in choosing more accurately subsequent antiretroviral regimens. J. Med. Virol. 80:1695–1706, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viruses in community‐acquired pneumonia in children aged less than 3 years old: High rate of viral coinfection
Authors: Cilla Gustavo , Oñate Eider , Perez‐Yarza Eduardo G. , Montes Milagrosa , Vicente Diego , Perez‐Trallero Emilio
Published: August 2008

The occurrence of viral coinfections in childhood pneumonia has received little attention, probably because suitable detection methods have been lacking. Between November 2004 and October 2006, the presence of 14 respiratory viruses in children aged less than 3 years old with community‐acquired pneumonia were investigated using molecular or immunochromatographic techniques and/or viral culture. A total of 315 children (338 episodes) were included, and hospitalization was required in 178 episodes. At least one virus was detected in 66.9% of the episodes and simultaneous detection of two or more viruses was frequent (27% of the episodes with viral detection). The most frequently detected virus was respiratory syncytial virus (n = 67: 33 subgroup A, 33 subgroup B, 1 not typed), followed by human bocavirus (n = 48), rhinovirus (n = 46), human metapneumovirus (n = 39: 13 genotype A2, 8 B1, 5 B2, 1 A1, 12 not genotyped) and parainfluenza viruses (n = 38: 1 type 1, 3 type 2, 22 type 3, 11 type 4 and 1 not typed). The 14 viruses investigated were found in viral coinfections, which were more frequent in children aged less than 12 months. Except for adenovirus, the incidence of which was low, the percentage of viral coinfection ranged between 28.2% and 68.8%. Children with viral coinfection more frequently required hospital admission than those with single viral infection. It is concluded that viral coinfections are frequent in children aged less than 3 years old with community‐acquired pneumonia and can be a poor prognostic factor. J. Med. Virol. 80:1843–1849, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 diversity among inmates of Italian prisons
Authors: Longo Benedetta , Novati Stefano , Montieri Stefania , Pontali Emanuele , Taglia Fabiana , Leo Guido , Babudieri Sergio , Starnini Giulio , Monarca Roberto , Suligoi Barbara , Rezza Giovanni , Ciccozzi Massimo ,   on behalf of the Italian Study Group on HIV in Prison (ISGHP)
Published: August 2008

In Italy, the prevalence of non‐B HIV‐1 subtypes ranges reportedly from 5.4% to 12.6%, yet there are no data on their circulation in prisons, where the prevalence of HIV infection is high. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the circulation of non‐B subtypes and to characterize their determinants in five Italian prisons. To this end an aliquot of samples of blood was taken in the period 2001–2006 from all 262 HIV‐positive inmates in whom antiretroviral treatment had failed. Complete HIV‐1 PR and RT regions were sequenced for all samples and subjected to phylogenetic analysis; 250 (95.4%) sequences clustered with subtype B. The non‐B subtype was found in 4% of Italian prison inmates and 16.7% of non‐Italian prison inmates; the overall percentage increased from 1.8% for inmates infected in 1982–1990 to 4.4% in 1991–1999 and 21.9% in 2000–2006. Factors significantly associated with non‐B subtypes were an exposure to other than injecting drug use and a first positive HIV test in 2000–2006. Non‐B subtypes were distributed within five monophyletic clades. In all cases but one, it was possible to correlate the history of HIV‐exposure to the origin of the clade, with high bootstrap values. In conclusion, although the sample may not be representative of the prison inmate population in Italy, the data suggest strongly that the circulation of non‐B subtypes has apparently increased. Non‐B subtypes were found to have been associated with heterosexual contact and time of the first HIV‐positive test. Knowledge of the different subtypes circulating in prisons may be useful for tracking the epidemiology of HIV infection and for choosing antiretroviral therapy. J. Med. Virol. 80:1689–1694, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phylogenetic reconstruction of HCV genotype 1b dissemination in a small city centre: The Camporeale model
Authors: Ferraro Donatella , Genovese Domenico , Argentini Claudio , Giordano Viviana , Pizzillo Paola , Stroffolini Tommaso , Craxì Antonio , Rapicetta Maria , Di Stefano Rosa
Published: August 2008

Several seroepidemiological population‐based surveys carried out in Italy have shown a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Camporeale (CP), a small Sicilian town with a 10.4% prevalence of HCV mostly genotype 1b, probably represents a specific context, since intravenous drug addiction, and sexual promiscuity are almost absent. In order to reconstruct the pattern of introduction and diffusion of HCV in this ecological niche, the NS5 genomic region of 72 HCV genotype 1 isolates (39 from CP and 33 collected throughout Sicily) was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and analyzed by BioEdit, PAUP and BEAST, and their molecular evolution compared. Thirty‐eight HCV genotype 1b isolates from CP were associated in a monophyletic “transmission cluster.” By applying Monte Carlo Markov simulation, it was calculated that HCV was introduced between the end of the 1940s and the beginning of the 1950s. The phylogenetic distance between the CP cluster and other Sicilian isolates confirmed its uniqueness and the local diffusion from a common ancestor. The data obtained from classic phylogenetic analysis, combined with the application of the Bayesian analysis to the study of the coalescence of phylogenetic trees, have shown that, in CP, few HCV native strains have been transmitted in a limited length of time probably through iatrogenic routes, and then have not spread further. J. Med. Virol. 80:1723–1731, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and genotype identification of human JC virus in colon cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Paul Yann , Fung Chiung‐Yau , Chang Fang‐Pei , Huang Wen‐Shih , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Wang Jeng‐Yi , Chang Deching
Published: August 2008

Although JC virus (JCV), a human polyomavirus, has been detected in colon cancers, the association between JCV and colon cancer remains controversial. In Taiwan, the prevalence of JCV infection in colon cancer patients has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate JCV infection in colon cancers in Taiwan. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from 22 colon cancer patients were examined in this study. Nested PCR was performed to detect viral genomic DNA. The product of the nested PCR flanking the JCV regulatory region was sequenced further. Viral large tumor protein, LT, and late capsid protein, VP1, were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Nested PCR revealed JCV genomic DNA in 86.4% (19/22) of the colon cancer tissue samples. Both rearranged and archetypal genotypes of JCV were identified. Expression of JCV LT was positive in 63.6% (14/22) of the examined colon cancer tissue samples but not in any adjacent normal region. Expression of viral capsid protein VP1 was not detected in any of the tissues examined. The current study demonstrates that JCV genomic DNA was present in the examined colon cancer tissues. The genotypes of JCV in colon cancer tissues were also identified. Expression of viral early protein but not structural capsid protein was detected in the examined colon cancer tissues. Furthermore, a high prevalence of JCV infection in colon cancer tissues in Taiwan was also demonstrated. J. Med. Virol. 80:1828–1834, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of signal‐peptide truncations on the functional expression of Escherichia coli γ ‐glutamyltranspeptidase
Authors: Lo Huei‐Fen , Chou Wei‐Mou , Chen Pei‐Jing , Lin Long‐Liu
Published: August 2008

The full‐length Escherichia coli γ ‐glutamyltranspeptidase (EcGGT) gene and five truncations lacking 33, 51, 54, 60, and 78 bp respectively at the 5′ end were prepared by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the expression vector pQE‐30. Isopropyl‐β ‐D‐thiogalactopyranoside induction of E. coli M15 cells bearing the recombinant plasmids resulted in the intracellular production of the expressed proteins, EcGGT, EcGGT/ΔN11, EcGGT/ΔN17, EcGGT/ΔN18, EcGGT/ΔN20, and EcGGT/ΔN26. The overexpressed enzymes were purified to near homogeneity by Ni2+‐NTA resin. The specific activity for EcGGT, EcGGT/ΔN11 and EcGGT/ΔN17 was 5.3, 4.9, and 4.8 U/mg protein respectively, whereas the rest three enzymes had shown no GGT activity under the enzyme assay conditions. More than 94% of the activity was found in the cytoplasmic fraction of E. coli M15 cells harboring pQE‐EcGGT, pQE‐EcGGT/ΔN11 or pQE‐EcGGT/ΔN17. Western blot analysis confirmed that the majority of N‐terminally truncated enzymes were present in the cytoplasm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intervening sequences in 23S rRNA genes and 23S rRNA fragmentation in Taylorella asinigenitalis UCD‐1T strain
Authors: Tazumi Akihiro , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Moore John E. , Millar Cherie B. , Taneike Ikue , Matsuda Motoo
Published: August 2008

PCR was performed with Taylorella asinigenitalis UCD‐1T using two primer pairs constructed in silico for the amplification of the intervening sequences (IVSs) in the first quarter and central regions of the 23S rRNA gene. Following TA cloning and sequencing, the strain was identified to carry heterogeneous and multiple IVSs. Two similar tandem repeat units of 25 and 24 base pairs (bp) with unknown function(s) were identified within the two IVSs in the central region. Secondary structure models of IVSs, containing stem and loop structures, were demonstrated. Although 16S rRNA and 4–5S RNA species were identified in the purified RNA fraction, no 23S rRNAs were evident, resulting in the occurrence of some smaller RNA fragments from approximately 500 to 1600 bp, in length. Thus, the 23S rRNA primary transcripts may be cleaved into some smaller fragments and IVSs. No IVS transcript was detected by northern blot hybridization analysis. The present and previous results strongly demonstrate the occurrence of heterogeneous and multiple IVSs in 23S rRNA gene sequences and 23S rRNA fragmentation, in T. asinigenitalis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The surface layer protein of Bacillus thuringiensis CTC forms unique intracellular parasporal inclusion body
Authors: Zhu Chenguang , Yu Ziniu
Published: August 2008

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. finitimus strain CTC forms round parasporal inclusion body. The inclusion body protein gene ctc has been cloned and characterized. Sequence homology analysis reveals that the amino acid sequence of CTC protein shows 87% identity with the surface layer (S‐layer) protein Sap (GenBank Z36946) in B. anthracis. In this report, transmission electron microscope observation showed that CTC formed intracellular parasporal inclusion body and sheet structure of S‐layer‐like protein at the spore phase. Furthermore, the ctc gene was transformed into an acrystalliferous B. thuringiensis strain BMB171. The resulting transformant could form parasporal body which had the same shape and molecular weight of protein with that of B. thuringiensis CTC. These results, together with the sequence homology analysis of ctc gene, confirmed that the unique intracellular parasporal inclusion body of B. thuringiensis was comprised of S‐layer protein. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solution structure determination of oligoureas using methylene spin state selective NMR at 13C natural abundance
Authors: Guichard Gilles , Violette Aude , Chassaing Gérard , Miclet Emeric
Published: August 2008

Ability of N,N′‐linked oligoureas containing proteinogenic side chains to adopt a stable helix conformation in solution has been described recently. NMR as well as circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies were employed to gain insight into their specific fold. It is herein proposed to extend the structural information available on these peptidomimetics by an advantageous use of a methylene spin state selective NMR experiment. Homodecoupling provided by the pulse scheme made it possible to readily measure conformation‐dependent 3JHH constants that are difficult if not impossible to obtain with standard NMR experiments. Adding those couplings to the NMR restraints improved the quality of the structure calculations significantly, as judged by a ca 30% decrease of the root mean square deviation (RMSD) obtained over an ensemble of 20 structures. Moreover, accurate determination of individual 1JCH couplings within each methylene group revealed uniform values throughout the oligourea sequence, with 1JCH systematically slightly larger for the pro‐S hydrogen than for the pro‐R. As shown in this study, the methylene spin state selective NMR experiment displays a good intrinsic sensitivity and could therefore provide valuable structural information at 13C natural abundance for peptidomimetic molecules and foldamers bearing diastereotopic methylene protons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Pie‐Shaped and Rugged Aromatic Polyamide Particles
Authors: Yoshioka Yayoi , Asao Katsuya
Published: August 2008

Aromatic polyamide particles were prepared by reacting diamines and diacid chlorides in a reaction solution containing water. They consisted of submicron‐sized pie‐shaped or rugged spherical particles with a narrow size distribution. The surface morphology of these particles was found to vary with the volume of water added, the reaction solvent, and the monomer concentration, but the degree of crystallinity of the particles obtained was almost the same. In addition, the molecular weight of the resulting material depended on the volume of water added and the monomer concentration. During the particle formation process, the degree of crystallinity was set at the initial stage, and thereafter the morphology and the molecular weight changed gradually with reaction time.

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Effect of phosphate electrolyte buffer on the dynamics of water in tendon and cartilage
Authors: Zheng ShaoKuan , Xia Yang
Published: August 2008

A number of NMR spectroscopic and microscopic MRI (µMRI) techniques were used to study proton dynamics in canine tendon and articular cartilage immersed in normal saline solution (NaCl solution) and high‐concentration phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solution. In a proton CPMG experiment on tendons, the T2 relaxation of the tissue was found to be anisotropic and had two populations. When immersed in saline, the T2 values were short and their relative populations were anisotropic. When immersed in PBS, the T2 values increased and their relative populations became isotropic. These phenomena, also verified by proton double‐quantum‐filtered (DQF) NMR spectroscopy, were interpreted as the catalyzing effect of phosphate ions on proton exchange between water molecules. In the experiment on articular cartilage, the immersion of cartilage–bone blocks in PBS resulted in a significant reduction in the laminar appearance of cartilage on MRI (the magic angle effect). The quantitative T2 anisotropy by µMRI at 13 µm pixel resolution and DQF NMR spectroscopy confirmed the substantial effect of PBS on the water dynamics in cartilage tissue blocks. This preliminary study has two important implications. For in vitro cartilage research, this work confirms the importance of the salt solution in which the specimen is stored – not all salts have the same effect on the measurable quantities in NMR and MRI. For in vivo cartilage diagnosis, especially using whole‐body MRI scanners, this work suggests the possibility of using a suitable electrolyte as a novel contrast agent to assess the ultrastructural changes in cartilage due to tissue degradation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiwall carbon nanotube films surface‐doped with electroceramics for sensor applications
Authors: Kukovecz Ákos , Smajda Rita , Őze Mariann , Schaefer Balázs , Haspel Henrik , Kónya Zoltán , Kiricsi Imre
Published: August 2008

Self‐supporting mats of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT buckypaper) are an interesting and versatile nanotube application platform. In the course of our explorations in this field we prepared MWCNT buckypapers with a surface density of 5.6 mg·cm–2 and modified their surface with pyroelectric LiNbO3 and piezoelectric KNbO3 crystals. The temperature and pressure sensitivity of the prepared devices was different than that of the undoped buckypapers: the temperature response increased, the pressure response decreased compared to undoped MWCNT mats. The described method seems to open a new pathway for buckypaper functionalization. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Boron doped graphene nanostructures
Authors: Quandt Alexander , Özdoğan Cem , Kunstmann Jens , Fehske Holger
Published: August 2008

We present results from an ab initio study of metallized semiconducting graphene nanostructures. Our model system consists of an alternating chain of quasi– planar B7 clusters embedded into a semiconducting armchair nanoribbon. We observe the appearance of overlapping bands around the Fermi‐level, with crystal momenta pointing into the direction of these boron chains. This observation could be a vantage point for the development of graphene nanodevices and integrated nanocircuits, based on existing technologies. Unit cell of B7‐doped armchair graphene nanoribbon. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative analysis of dispersion and doping of individual carbon nanotubes in water based solutions using absorption and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Priya B. R. , Byrne H. J.
Published: August 2008

The concentration dependence of the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in water surfactant solution is monitored using absorption and Raman spectroscopy revealing a debundling below ∼0.07 g/l. A quantitative analysis of the doping of individual carbon nanotubes in surfactant at this concentration is conducted by varying the pH from 1 to 13 and monitoring the Raman spectrum. Mixed Gaussian and Lorentzian line shapes were fitted to the radial breathing modes and using a simple protonation model, an equilibrium constant Kp was obtained for each RBM. The protonation rate was related to the optical band gap of the tubes and the number of protons acting per entity was also calculated. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrochemical functionalization of SWNT bundles in acid and salt media as observed by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Rafailov Peter M. , Thomsen Christian , Monev Milko , Dettlaff‐Weglikowska Urszula , Roth Siegmar
Published: August 2008

We carried out electrochemical functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotube mats (buckypaper) in HCl and KCl aqueous solutions by exposing them to electrochemical potentials above the Cl– oxidation potential and high Faradaic currents. Formation of C‐Cl covalent bonds was established by X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Combining results from Raman, XPS and conductivity measurements, we find a significantly higher degree of covalent functionalization in the HCl solution as compared to the KCl one. We also discuss the impact of electrochemical doping and functionalization on the morphology and the conductivity of the SWNT sample. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Carbon diffusion in CVD growth of carbon nanotubes on metal nanoparticles
Authors: Yazyev Oleg V. , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: August 2008

Diffusion of carbon is the crucial step in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on metal nanoparticles. Using first principles techniques we model the binding and diffusion of carbon atoms and dimers on late transition (Ni, Pd, Pt) and coinage (Cu, Ag, Au) metal catalysts. We consider various diffusion mechanisms including both surface and subsurface channels, finding the lowest activation barriers for carbon adatoms on nanoparticles of coinage metals. For these metals, our calculations further show that the diffusion is restricted to the nanoparticle surface when diatomic carbon is initially obtained from the decomposition of the precursor gas. In combination with the results for the binding of CNT fragments to metal nanoparticles, we conclude that coinage metal catalysts, in particular Cu, favor CVD growth of CNTs at low temperatures and with narrow chirality distributions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Professional development of statisticians in the pharmaceutical sector: evolution over the past decade and into the future
Authors: Lewis Trevor
Published: August 2008

The adoption of The International Conference on Harmonization Tripartite Guideline: Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials (ICH‐E9) has provided a foundation for the application of statistical principles in clinical research and raised awareness of the value of a statistical contribution to the wider pharmaceutical R&D process. In addition, over the past decade globalization of the pharmaceutical R&D process and the measures taken to address reduced productivity and spiralling costs have impacted on the roles and career opportunities for statisticians working in the pharmaceutical sector. This has enhanced the need for continuing professional development to equip statisticians with the skills to fully contribute to creating innovative solutions. In the future, key areas of focus are the establishment of professional standards for statistical work and increasing the collaboration between statisticians working in industry, regulatory agencies and academia. In addition, the diversity of roles and potential career paths for statisticians embarking on a career in the pharmaceutical sector emphasizes the importance of mentoring and coaching. For the more experienced statisticians, there are unprecedented opportunities to lead and innovate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.