bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Diversity in Himalayan Elsholtzia Species
Authors: Mathela Chandra S. , Padalia Rajendra C. , Joshi Subhash C. , Singh Krishna K. , Bisht Dinesh S. , Pant Anil K. , Kharkwal Harendra
Published: December 2009

The terpenoid composition of essential oils from the leaves of five Elsholtzia species, viz., E. eriostachya Benth., E. cristata Willd., E. polystachya Benth., E. flava Benth., and E. pilosa Benth., collected from the Himalayan region (India), was examined by GC, GC/MS, and NMR analyses. Comparison of the results with previous reports revealed new chemotypes. Cluster analysis was carried out in order to discern the similarities and differences within the essential‐oil compositions at their subspecies/chemotype level. Based on the major constituents of the essential oils, six chemical groups were obtained.
Negotiating the community college institutional accountability environment: A Deweyan perspective
Authors: Harbour Clifford P. , Day Michael
Published: December 2009

Institutional accountability programs may present ethical dilemmas for community college leaders. Some of these dilemmas may be resolved by relying on the authority of the traditional mission. However, in some instances, the mission may be inadequate to check this form of state encroachment. We propose that campus leaders review John Dewey's philosophy of education to gain insights into how their institutions might negotiate dilemmas not addressed by the traditional mission.
Ethical issues for community college student affairs professionals
Authors: Hornak Anne M.
Published: December 2009

This chapter presents an overview of student affairs in community colleges, developmental theories related to ethical and moral development, a review of the major ethical codes and standards for student affairs professionals, and a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas. It also includes some brief practitioner scenarios for analysis.
Ethics in an online environment
Authors: Garza Mitchell Regina L.
Published: December 2009

The blending of technology and education introduces ethical issues for colleges. In particular, those involved with online education may encounter unique dilemmas that have college‐wide implications. In order for ethical decisions to be made in regard to online education, colleges must cultivate a culture of trust, define clearly the correct and incorrect usages of electronic material, and develop a clear understanding of privacy in the college's online environment.
Ultrastructural localization of high‐affinity choline transporter in the rat anteroventral thalamus and ventral tegmental area: Differences in axon morphology and transporter distribution
Authors: Holmstrand Ericka C. , Asafu‐Adjei Josephine , Sampson Allan R. , Blakely Randy D. , Sesack Susan R.
Published: December 2009

The high‐affinity choline transporter (CHT) is a protein integral to the function of cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). We examined the ultrastructural distribution of CHT in axonal arborizations of the mesopontine tegmental cholinergic neurons, a cell group in which CHT expression has yet to be characterized at the electron microscopic level. By using silver‐enhanced immunogold detection, we compared the morphological characteristics of CHT‐immunoreactive axon varicosities specifically within the anteroventral thalamus (AVN) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We found that CHT‐immunoreactive axon varicosities in the AVN displayed a smaller cross‐sectional area and a lower frequency of synapse formation and dense‐cored vesicle content than CHT‐labeled profiles in the VTA. We further examined the subcellular distribution of CHT and observed that immunoreactivity for this protein was predominantly localized to synaptic vesicles and minimally to the plasma membrane of axons in both regions. This pattern is consistent with the subcellular distribution of CHT displayed in other cholinergic systems. Axons in the AVN showed significantly higher levels of CHT immunoreactivity than those in the VTA and correspondingly displayed a higher level of membrane CHT labeling. These novel findings have important implications for elucidating regional differences in cholinergic signaling within the thalamic and brainstem targets of the mesopontine cholinergic system. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1908–1924, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoglossal motor neurons display a reduced calcium increase after axotomy in mice with upregulated parvalbumin
Authors: Paizs Melinda , Engelhardt József I. , Katarova Zója , Siklós László
Published: December 2009

Motor neurons that exhibit differences in vulnerability to degeneration have been identified in motor neuron disease and in its animal models. The oculomotor and hypoglossal neurons are regarded as the prototypes of the resistant and susceptible cell types, respectively. Because an increase in the level of intracellular calcium has been proposed as a feature amplifying degenerative processes, we earlier studied the calcium increase in these motor neurons after axotomy in Balb/c mice and demonstrated a correlation between the susceptibility to degeneration and the intracellular calcium increase, with an inverse relation with the calcium buffering capacity, characterized by the parvalbumin or calbindin‐D28k content. Because the differential susceptibility of the cells might also be attributed to their different cellular environments, in the present experiments, with the aim of verifying directly that a higher calcium buffering capacity is indeed responsible for the enhanced resistance, motor neurons were studied in their original milieu in mice with a genetically increased parvalbumin level. The changes in intracellular calcium level of the hypoglossal and oculomotor neurons after axotomy were studied electron microscopically at a 21‐day interval after axotomy, during which time no significant calcium increase was detected in the hypoglossal motor neurons, the response being similar to that of the oculomotor neurons. The hypoglossal motor neurons of the parental mice, used as positive controls, exhibited a transient, significant elevation of calcium. These data provide more direct evidence of the protective role of parvalbumin against the degeneration mediated by a calcium increase in the acute injury of motor neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1946–1961, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Fe‐Doped Apatite‐Type Lanthanum Silicates
Authors: Kharlamova Tamara , Pavlova Svetlana , Sadykov Vladislav , Chaikina Marina , Krieger Tamara , Ishchenko Arcady , Pavlyukhin Yurii , Petrov Sergei , Argirusis Christos
Published: December 2009

Apatite‐type lanthanum silicates (ATLS) doped by Fe were prepared by using mechanical activation, and the effect of the nature of the dopant raw materials on the formation of ATLS was considered. Genesis of the formation of apatite was studied by XRD, IR, HRTEM, and Mössbauer and UV/Vis electron spectroscopy. The possibility of a partial substitution of Si in the apatite with a dopant and the mechanism of formation of ATLS in the course of mechanical activation depend on the dopant parent compound. The structural compatibility of La2O3, La(OH)3, and apatite was shown to favor the rapid formation of apatite‐type silicate by a cluster‐topotactic mechanism during mechanical activation, and the formation of an amorphous ferrosilicate intermediate in the case of the La(NO3)3/SiO2 precursor favors dopant incorporation into the apatite. However, dopant incorporation into the apatite structure was shown to be partially or fully hampered through milling when FeO(OH) and α‐Fe2O3 are used as reagents. Using crystalline hydrates as dopant precursors was shown to result in the formation of apatite through a dissociative mechanism.
Tocopherols and tocotrienols in grape seeds from 14 cultivars grown in Korea
Authors: Wie Minjung , Sung Jeehye , Choi Youngmin , Kim Younghwa , Jeong Heon‐Sang , Lee Junsoo
Published: December 2009

In this study, the tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3) contents of grape seeds from 14 different varieties grown in Korea were analyzed using saponification extraction followed by normal‐phase liquid chromatography. α‐T, γ‐T, α‐T3, and γ‐T3 were detected in all samples. The total concentration of tocopherol and tocotrienol was in the range of 4.8–9.9 mg/100 g seed (35.3–68.8 mg/100 g oil basis). The Muscat Bailey A cultivar had the highest total tocopherol and tocotrienol contents, followed by Canner and Naples. γ‐T3 ranged from 1.6 to 4.9 mg/100 g seed (11.2 to 53.81 mg/100 g oil basis) and was the main isomer, followed by α‐T3 in most of the samples. Analytical method validation parameters including accuracy and precision were determined. Overall recovery from grape seeds was close to 100%.
Biosorption of nickel (II) from effluent of electroplating industry by immobilized cells of Bacillus species
Authors: Tahir Arifa , Shehzadi Rabia , Mateen Bushra , Univerdi Saleh , Karacoban Ozer
Published: December 2009

In this study, Ni (II) biosorption capacity of immobilized cells of Bacillus sp. was investigated. Biosorption of Ni (II) was carried out in batch experiments and the important environmental conditions were optimized. The uptake of metal was rapid, and equilibrium was attained within 270 min. Bacillus strains (ten cultures) were isolated from nickel electroplating effluent by heat shock method. These isolates were grown up in nutrient broth supplemented with Ni (II)(50 mg/L). The culture, exhibiting maximum biosorption capacity (qmax: 118 mg/g), was selected and labeled Bacillus Bio‐4. In order to develop an economical biosorption process cell mass of Bacillus, Bio‐4 was immobilized in Na‐alginate. It was concluded from the results that biosorption of nickel is highly dependent on the type of sorbent and experimental conditions employed. Our results demonstrate that 6.0 mg immobilized cells (18 mg cell biomass in 3.0 mL of 1% Na alginate) had a maximum biosorption capacity of 113 mg Ni(II) per liter of suspension at pH 8.0, 100 rpm and 25°C. The Ni (II) removal was estimated to be 97.4%.
Mid‐Pleistocene pozzolanic volcanic ash in ancient Roman concretes
Authors: Jackson Marie , Deocampo Daniel , Marra Fabrizio , Scheetz Barry
Published: December 2009

The extraordinarily durable concretes of Imperial Age (27 B.C. through 3rd century A.D.) monument construction in Rome contain scoriaceous, highly potassic, altered volcanic ash from the Pozzolane Rosse ignimbrite, erupted at 456±3ka from the Alban Hills volcano as pozzolanic mortar aggregate. Stratigraphic, micromorphological, and chemical investigations demonstrate that during the relatively warm, humid period preceding marine isotope stage 11, intensive hydrolytic pedogenesis produced dense illuvial clay coatings in the upper horizon of the ignimbrite. Moderately altered ash of the Pozzolane Rosse transitional Bt to Bw soil horizon has opal coatings overlain by limpid, illuvial halloysite coatings. Less weathered ash from a lower C horizon apparently was altered in ground water. Where the ignimbrite filled certain paleovalleys, zeolitic alteration produced phillipsite and chabazite textures. Builders selected ash from these intermediate and least altered horizons for the highest‐quality mortars of the Imperial Age, as for the Forum and Markets of Trajan (A.D. 107 to 113). The alumina‐ and alkali‐rich compositions of cementitious complexes give some preliminary insights as to why the reaction of hydrated lime with the altered, alkali‐rich Pozzolane Rosse ash produced pozzolanic cements that have remained resistant to decay for nearly 2000 years. The results of the geological analyses fully confirm empirical observations made by Esther B. Van Deman in 1912 regarding the durability of the ancient mortars and the technical choices of Roman builders. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The lithology of Ogallala gravels and hunter‐gatherer procurement strategies along the Southern High Plains eastern escarpment of Texas, USA
Authors: Hurst Stance , Johnson Eileen , McCoy Zaneta Martinez , Cunningham Doug
Published: December 2009

Ogallala gravels are an important lithic material source for stone tool manufacture across the Great Plains. The lithology of eight gravel sample locations along the eastern escarpment of the Southern High Plains has been examined to quantify the composition and variability in Ogallala deposits. In addition, three Ogallala gravel quarry sites have been analyzed to determine how the lithology of Ogallala gravels influenced procurement and tool production strategies. Results indicate deposits of Ogallala gravels differ in their composition related to their position on the landscape, and the types of rocks vary by size and shape. Investigation of the quarry sites has revealed that the lithology of Ogallala gravels had an impact on testing and the initial stages of lithic reduction. Different rock types, however, may have more of an influence on later stages of tool manufacture at nearby campsites and other locations where Ogallala gravels are not as dense. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Irradiation enhances hippocampus‐dependent cognition in mice deficient in extracellular superoxide dismutase
Authors: Raber Jacob , Villasana Laura , Rosenberg Jenna , Zou Yani , Huang Ting Ting , Fike John R.
Published: December 2009

The effects of ionizing irradiation on the brain are associated with oxidative stress. While oxidative stress following irradiation is generally viewed as detrimental for hippocampal function, it might have beneficial effects as part of an adaptive or preconditioning response to a subsequent challenge. Here we show that in contrast to what is seen in wild‐type mice, irradiation enhances hippocampus‐ dependent cognitive measures in mice lacking extracellular superoxide dismutase. These outcomes were associated with genotype‐dependent effects on measures of oxidative stress. When cortices and hippocampi were analyzed for nitrotyrosine formation as an index of oxidative stress, the levels were chronically elevated in mice lacking extracellular superoxide dismutase. However, irradiation caused a greater increase in nitrotyrosine levels in wild‐type mice than mice lacking extracellular superoxide dismutase. These paradoxical genotype‐dependent effects of irradiation on measures of oxidative stress and cognitive function underscore potential beneficial effects associated with chronic oxidative stress if it exists prior to a secondary insult such as irradiation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Six New Triterpenoid Glycosides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Authors: Liu Jie‐Qing , Wang Cui‐Fang , Chen Jian‐Chao , Tu Shang‐Hui , Gu Hong‐Fei , Hu Wen‐Xiang , Qiu Ming‐Hua
Published: December 2009

Six new triterpenoid glycosides, gynosaponins I–VI (1–6, resp.), together with three known compounds, ginseng Rb1 (7), gypenoside XLIX (8), and gylongiposide I (9), were isolated from the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Based on ESI‐MS, IR, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data (HMQC, HMBC, COSY, and TOCSY), the structures of the new compounds were determined as (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (1), (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)] [α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (2), (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranosyl‐20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (3), (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranosyl‐20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)] [α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (4), (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 3‐O‐{[β‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (5), and (3β,12β,20S)‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐ene 3‐O‐{[β‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)] [α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (6).
Polymeric Colorants: Statistical Copolymers of Indigo Building Blocks with Defined Structures
Authors: Voss Gundula , Drechsler Markus , Eller Steffen , Gradzielski Michael , Gunzelmann Daniel , Mondal Svastik , van Smaalen Sander , Voertler Claus S.
Published: December 2009

Statistical copolymers of indigo (1a) and N‐acetylindigo (1b) building blocks with defined structures were studied. They belong to the class of polymeric colorants. The polymers consist of 5,5′‐connected indigo units with keto structure and N‐acetylindigo units with uncommon tautomeric indoxyl/indolone (=1H‐indol‐3‐ol/3H‐indol‐3‐one) structure (see 2a and 2b in Fig. 1). They formed amorphous salts of elongated monomer lengths as compared to monomeric indigo. The polymers were studied by various spectroscopic and physico‐chemical methods in solid state and in solution. As shown by small‐angle‐neutron scattering (SANS) and transmission‐electron microscopy (TEM), disk‐like polymeric aggregates were present in concentrated solutions (DMSO and aq. NaOH soln.). Their thickness and radii were determined to be ca. 0.4 and ca. 80 nm, respectively. From the disk volumes and by a Guinier analysis, the molecular masses of the aggregates were calculated, which were in good agreement with each other. Defined structural changes of the polymer chains were observed during several‐weeks storage in concentrated DMSO solutions. The original keto structure of the unsubstituted indigo building blocks reverted to the more flexible indoxyl/indolone structure. The new polymers were simultaneously stabilized by intermolecular H‐bonds to give aggregates, preferentially dimers. Both aggregation and tautomerization were reversible upon dissolution. The polymers were synthesized by repeated oxidative coupling of 1,1′‐diacetyl‐3,3′‐dihydroxybis‐indoles 5 (from 1,1′‐diacetyl‐3,3′‐bis(acetyloxy)bis‐indoles 6) followed by gradual hydrolysis of the primarily formed poly(N,N′‐diacetylindigos) 7 (Scheme). N,N′‐Diacetylbis‐anthranilic acids 9 were isolated as by‐products.
Unusual p‐Coumarates from the Stems of Vaccinium myrtillus
Authors: Hybelbauerová Simona , Sejbal Jan , Dračínský Martin , Rudovská Iva , Koutek Bohumír
Published: December 2009

The two previously unreported esters 1 and 2 of pentane‐2,4‐diol and p‐coumaric acid (=3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enoic acid) along with 13 known compounds including 6 oleanane‐ and ursane‐type triterpenoids were isolated from MeOH extracts of the stems of Vaccinium myrtillus. The structures of the new compounds were assigned as (2S,4R)‐4‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)pentan‐2‐yl (2E)‐p‐coumarate (1) and its aglycone 2 on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analyses of the isolated and synthesized compounds and molecular modelling experiments. This is the first report on the occurrence of a chiral pentane‐2,4‐diol linker between the phenol‐derived acid and a glycoside part in natural products.
Modelling reactive solute transport from groundwater to soil surface under evaporation
Authors: Nakagawa K. , Hosokawa T. , Wada S.‐I. , Momii K. , Jinno K. , Berndtsson R.
Published: December 2009

Two‐stage soil column experiments involving capillary rise and evaporation were conducted to improve understanding of salt and water movement from groundwater to soil surface. In total, 64 soil columns were placed in a tank partly filled with water in order to mimic the groundwater table in soil. Each soil column was analysed by dividing it into 27 segments to analyse pore water and ion distribution in both liquid and solid phases after prescribed time periods. The water and solute transport behaviour in the columns was simulated by a one‐dimensional numerical model. The model considers the cation exchange of four cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+) in both dissolved and exchangeable forms and anion retardation for one anion (SO42−). The Cl− is treated as a conservative solute without retardation. The numerical results of the cation distributions in both liquid and solid phases, anions in the liquid phase, and volumetric water contents were in relatively good agreement with the experimental results. To achieve a better model fit to these experimental results, a variable cation exchange capacity (CEC) distribution may be required. When a simple calculation scheme for evaporation intensity was applied, better predictions in terms of daily variation were achieved. The soil water profile displayed a steady state behaviour approximately 10 days after the start of the experiments. This was in agreement with numerical results and calculated distribution of velocity vectors. The final model includes cation exchange, anion retardation, and unsaturated water flow. Consequently, the model can be applied to study sequential irrigation effects on salt accumulation or reactive transport during major ion concentration changes in groundwater. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidermal growth factor receptor expression affects the efficacy of the combined application of saponin and a targeted toxin on human cervical carcinoma cells
Authors: Bachran Diana , Schneider Stefanie , Bachran Christopher , Urban Romy , Weng Alexander , Melzig Matthias F. , Hoffmann Corinna , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Fuchs Hendrik
Published: December 2009

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a very promising approach since it is overexpressed in about 90% of cervical tumors. Here, we quantified the toxic effect of SE, a targeted toxin consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF) as targeting moiety and the plant toxin saporin‐3, on 3 common human cervical carcinoma cell lines (HeLa, CaSki and SiHa) and recently established lines (PHCC1 and PHCC2) from 2 different individuals. A human melanocytic and a mouse cell line served as negative control. Additionally, we combined SE with saponinum album, a saponin composite from Gypsophila paniculata, which exhibited synergistic properties in previous studies. The cell lines, except for SiHa cells, revealed high sensitivity to SE with 50% cell survival in the range of 5–24.5 nM. The combination with saponin resulted in a remarkable enhancement of cytotoxicity with enhancement factors ranging from 9,000‐fold to 2,500,000‐fold. The cytotoxicity of SE was clearly target receptor specific since free EGF blocks the effect and saporin‐3 alone was considerably less toxic. For all cervical carcinoma cell lines, we evinced a clear correlation between EGFR expression and SE sensitivity. Our data indicate a potential use of targeted toxins for the treatment of cervical cancer. In particular, the combination with saponins is a promising approach since efficacy is drastically improved.
The protease inhibitor, elafin, induces p53‐dependent apoptosis in human melanoma cells
Authors: Yu Kyung Sook , Lee Yangsoon , Kim Chung Mi , Park Eui‐Chul , Choi Juhyun , Lim Dae‐Sik , Chung Young‐Hwa , Koh Sang Seok
Published: December 2009

Expression of the protease inhibitor elafin is deregulated in several human cancers. However, functions of the protein in cancer are yet to be established. Here, we show that elafin elicits pro‐apoptotic effects in melanoma cells but not in normal melanocytes. Elafin triggered the intrinsic apoptotic pathway as evidenced by the increased caspase 9 activity and unaltered caspase 8 activity. Caspase 9‐specific siRNA, but not caspase 8‐specific siRNA, dramatically abrogated elafin‐induced apoptosis. Elevated level of p53 was observed, resulting in increased transcriptional activation and consequent expression of downstream effector molecules (Bax, Puma, Noxa, p21). Moreover, the apoptotic effect of elafin was inhibited by p53‐specific siRNA and the p53 inhibitor pifithrin‐α. Elafin treatment of xenograft mice of melanoma cells led to significantly smaller tumor sizes compared with those of untreated control mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased elafin expression in melanoma tissue specimens. Western blot and reverse transcription analyses indicated transcriptional repression of the elafin gene in melanoma cells. Our results collectively indicate that elafin induces apoptosis in melanoma cells through a p53‐dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and that repression of elafin expression in melanoma may contribute to disease progression.
DFT study of the asymmetric nitroaldol (Henry) reaction catalyzed by a dinuclear Zn complex
Authors: Qi Na , Liao Rong‐Zhen , Yu Jian‐Guo , Liu Ruo‐Zhuang
Published: December 2009

We report the mechanism of asymmetric nitroaldol (Henry) reaction catalyzed by a dinuclear Zn complex using density functional theory. The experimentally proposed catalytic cycle is validated, in which the first step is the deprotonation of nitromethane by the ethyl anion of the catalyst, subsequently a CC bond formation step, and then the protonation of the resulting alkoxide. Three mechanistic scenarios (differing in binding modes) have been considered for the CC bond formation step. The origin of the enantioselectivity is discussed. Our calculations supported that the S configurations are the major products, which is in agreement with the experimental observations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Institutional discharges and subsequent shelter use among unaccompanied adults in New York City
Authors: Metraux Stephen , Byrne Thomas , Culhane Dennis P.
Published: December 2009

This study empirically examines the link between homelessness and discharges from other institutions. An administrative record match was undertaken to determine rates of discharge from institutional care for 9,247 unaccompanied adult shelter users in New York City. Cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis was then used to assess associations between different types of institutional discharges and the likelihood of persons subsequently experiencing extended shelter stays. Results show that 28% of the cohort was discharged from institutional care within the 90‐day period preceding their initial shelter entry, with different types of institutional discharge associated with differences in subsequent patterns of shelter use. Based on these findings, transitions from institution to the community are potentially a key intervention point for reducing homelessness and shelter use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adults make a difference: the protective effects of parent and teacher emotional support on emotional and behavioral problems of peer‐victimized adolescents
Authors: Yeung Rachel , Leadbeater Bonnie
Published: December 2009

This longitudinal study investigated the associations between peer victimization and maladaptive outcomes (emotional and behavioral problems) among 580 adolescents concurrently and across a 2‐year period, and proposed that adult emotional support moderated this association. Peer victimization and maladaptive outcomes were assessed from adolescents' self‐reports. Adult emotional support was measured from adolescents' ratings of parent and teacher emotional support. Adolescents who were physically or relationally victimized by their peers were at risk of emotional and behavioral problems. Higher levels of father and teacher emotional support were associated with lower levels of adolescents' emotional and behavioral problems concurrently and across time. Higher levels of mother emotional support were associated with lower levels of emotional problems and moderated the effects of physical victimization on maladjustment for concurrent assessments only. Teacher emotional support moderated the association between relational victimization and emotional and behavioral problems across time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conceptualization and measurement of the neighborhood in rural settings: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: De Marco Allison , De Marco Molly
Published: December 2009

Interest in the effects of neighborhood context on individual wellbeing has increased in recent years. We now know that neighborhood conditions, such as poverty and deprivation, negatively impact residents. However, most of the extant work has taken an urban focus. Less is known about these processes in rural settings. Neighborhood conceptualizations, such as Census tracts and block groups, are standard in the urban neighborhood effects literature. Yet, rural neighborhoods differ from those in urban regions making it unclear how these conceptualizations would fit. This systematic review seeks to summarize how researchers have conceptualized and measured rural neighborhoods. Keyword searches were performed in a variety of databases to compile all relevant peer‐reviewed articles. After examination, 19 articles fit the review criteria. Conceptualizations fell into five categories: administrative units, distance from home, town segments, local‐actor mapped regions, and nongeographical self‐definitions. Discussion of the merits of each for rural community research is provided. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells: A more effective cell proliferation kinetics and metabolism under hypoxia
Authors: dos Santos Francisco , Andrade Pedro Z. , Boura Joana S. , Abecasis Manuel M. , da Silva Cláudia Lobato , Cabral Joaquim M.S.
Published: December 2009

The low bone marrow (BM) MSC titers demand a fast ex vivo expansion process to meet the clinically relevant cell dosage. Attending to the low oxygen tension of BM in vivo, we studied the influence of hypoxia on human BM MSC proliferation kinetics and metabolism. Human BM MSC cultured under 2% (hypoxia) and 20% O2 (normoxia) were characterized in terms of proliferation, cell division kinetics and metabolic patterns. BM MSC cultures under hypoxia displayed an early start of the exponential growth phase, and cell numbers obtained at each time point throughout culture were consistently higher under low O2, resulting in a higher fold increase after 12 days under hypoxia (40 ± 10 vs. 30 ± 6). Cell labeling with PKH26 allowed us to determine that after 2 days of culture, a significant higher cell number was already actively dividing under 2% compared to 20% O2 and BM MSC expanded under low oxygen tension displayed consistently higher percentages of cells in the latest generations (generations 4–6) until the 5th day of culture. Cells under low O2 presented higher specific consumption of nutrients, especially early in culture, but with lower specific production of inhibitory metabolites. Moreover, 2% O2 favored CFU‐F expansion, while maintaining BM MSC characteristic immunophenotype and differentiative potential. Our results demonstrated a more efficient BM MSC expansion at 2% O2, compared to normoxic conditions, associated to an earlier start of cellular division and supported by an increase in cellular metabolism efficiency towards the maximization of cell yield for application in clinical settings. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 27–35, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of functional hepatocytes from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Li Weiqiang , Wang Ding , Qin Jie , Liu Chang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiuming , Yu Xinbing , Lahn Bruce T. , Mao Frank Fuxiang , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: December 2009

Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from somatic cells by forced expression of several transcriptional factors. Induced pluripotent stem cells resemble embryonic stem cells in many aspects, such as the expression of certain stem cell markers, chromatin methylation patterns, embryoid body formation and teratoma formation. Therefore, induced pluripotent stem cells provide a powerful tool for study of developmental biology and unlimited resources for transplantation therapy. Here we reported the successful induction of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells and a simple and efficient process for generation of functional hepatocytes from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells by sequential addition of inducing factors. These induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocytes, just as mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived hepatocytes, expressed hepatic lineage markers including CK7, CK8, CK18, CK19, alpha‐fetoprotein, albumin, Cyp7a1, and exhibited functional hepatic characteristics, including glycogen storage, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake and release, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and urea secretion. Although we observed some variations in the efficiency of hepatic differentiation between induced pluripotent stem cells and common mouse embryonic stem cell lines, our results indicate that mouse induced pluripotent stem cells can efficiently differentiate into functional hepatocytes in vitro, which may be helpful for the study of liver development and regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 492–501, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Akt‐1 mediates survival of chondrocytes from endoplasmic reticulum‐induced stress
Authors: Price Jeremy , Zaidi Asifa K , Bohensky Jolene , Srinivas Vickram , Shapiro Irving M , Ali Hydar
Published: December 2009

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionary conserved adaptive mechanism that permits cells to react and adjust to conditions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition to UPR, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways protect a variety of cells from ER stress. The goal of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of chondrocytes to ER stress and to determine the signaling pathways involved in their survival. We found that low concentration of thapsigargin (10 nM) reduced the viability of a chondrocyte cell line (N1511 cells) and that these cells were ∼100 fold more susceptible to thapsigargin‐induced stress than fibroblasts. Interestingly, in thapsigargin and tunicamycin‐stressed chondrocytes induction of the proapoptotic transcription factor CHOP preceded that of the anti‐apoptotic BiP by 12 h. Although both of these agents caused sustained Akt and ERK phosphorylation; inhibition of Akt phosphorylation sensitized chondrocytes to ER stress, while blocking ERK signaling by U0126 had no effect. We found that Akt‐1, but not Akt‐2 or Akt‐3, is predominantly expressed in N1511 chondrocytes. Furthermore, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Akt‐1 sensitized chondrocytes to ER stress, which was associated with increased capsase‐3 activity and decreased BclXL expression. These data suggest that under condition of ER stress, multiple signaling processes regulate chondrocyte's survival‐death decisions. Thus, rapid upregulation of CHOP likely contributes to chondrocyte death, while Akt‐1‐mediated inactivation of caspase 3 and induction of BclXL promotes survival. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 502–508, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 inhibits the maturation and mineralization of osteoblasts
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Hung , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Hung Shih‐Ya , Liu Shing‐Hwa , Lin Yen‐Ming , Fu Wen‐Mei , Yang Rong‐Sen
Published: December 2009

Heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), an important enzyme involved in vascular disease, transplantation, and inflammation, catalyzes the degradation of heme into carbon monoxide and biliverdin. It has been reported that overexpression of HO‐1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis. However, the effect of HO‐1 on osteoblast differentiation is still not clear. We here used adenoviral vector expressing recombinant human HO‐1 and HO‐1 inducer hemin to study the effects of HO‐1 in primary cultured osteoblasts. The results showed that induction of HO‐1 inhibited the maturation of osteoblasts including mineralized bone nodule formation, alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased mRNA expression of several differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and RUNX2. Furthermore, downstream products of HO‐1, bilirubin, carbon monoxide, and iron, are involved in the inhibitory action of HO‐1. HO‐1 can be induced by H2O2, lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐1β in osteoblasts and also in STZ‐induced diabetic mice. In addition, endogenous PPARγ ligand, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin‐J2 (15d‐PGJ2) markedly increased both mRNA and protein levels of HO‐1 in osteoblasts via PI3K‐Akt and MAPK pathways. Blockade of HO activity by ZnPP IX antagonized the inhibitory action on osteocalcin expression by hemin and 15d‐PGJ2. Our results indicate that upregulation of HO‐1 inhibits the maturation of osteoblasts and HO‐1 may be involved in oxidative‐ or inflammation‐induced bone loss. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 757–768, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why can the activation volume of the cycloadduct decomposition in isopolar retro‐Diels–Alder reactions be negative?
Authors: Kiselev Vladimir D.
Published: December 2009

Rate constants of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction of anthracene with tetracyanoethylene, enthalpy of solution of reactants and adduct, enthalpy of the reaction in solution, enthalpy and entropy of activation of the forward and retro‐Diels–Alder reactions were determined in 14 solvents. Temperature and pressure effects on the rate of the decomposition of the adduct formed from 9‐chloroanthracene and tetracyanoethylene were studied. Since the electrostriction effect can be excluded from the consideration of the isopolar Diels–Alder reaction, negative values of the activation volume in the retro‐Diels–Alder reactions can be caused by the different possibilities of penetration of the solvent molecules to large steric branched structures of the transition states and adducts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 117–125, 2010
Molecularly Imprinted PHEMA‐Based Cryogel for Depletion of Hemoglobin from Human Blood
Authors: Derazshamshir Ali , Baydemir Gözde , Andac Müge , Say Rıdvan , Galaev Igor Yu , Denizli Adil
Published: December 2009

A new generation of molecularly imprinted macroporous hydrogels, so‐called cryogels, were prepared for depletion of hemoglobin from human blood. Hb‐PHEMAH cryogels were prepared with gel fraction yields up to 90%, and its morphology and porosity were characterized by FTIR, SEM, swelling studies, flow dynamics and surface area measurements. Selective binding experiments were performed in the presence of competitive proteins Myb and BSA. Hb‐PHEMAH cryogel exhibited a high binding capacity and selectivity for Hb in the presence of Myb and BSA. The selectivity of Hb‐PHEMAH cryogel for Hb was confirmed by HPLC. Hb depletion from blood hemolysate was also studied using SDS‐PAGE. Hb‐PHEMAH cryogel can be reused many times with no apparent decrease in Hb adsorption capacity.

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Complete NMR analysis of oxytocin in phosphate buffer
Authors: Ohno Akiko , Kawasaki Nana , Fukuhara Kiyoshi , Okuda Haruhiro , Yamaguchi Teruhide
Published: December 2009

Complete NMR analysis of oxytocin (OXT) in phosphate buffer was elucidated by one‐dimensional (1D)‐ and two‐dimensional (2D)‐NMR techniques, which involve the assignment of peptide amide NH protons and carbamoyl NH2 protons. The 1H15N correlation of seven amide NH protons and three carbamoyl NH2 protons were also shown by HSQC NMR of OXT without 15N enrichment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal nuclear waste burial policy under uncertainty
Authors: Ayong Le Kama Alain , Fodha Mouez
Published: December 2009

The aim of this paper is to study the optimal nuclear waste burial policy under an uncertainty: the possibility that an accident might occur in the future. The framework is an optimal growth model with pollution disutility. We show, under some conditions on the waste burial policy, that nuclear power may be a long‐term solution for the world energy demand. Under uncertainty on the future safety of the buried waste, the social planner will decide to decrease the rate of waste burying, but the evolution of consumption and hence the evolution of the level of buried waste are ambiguous. Depending on some simple conditions on the balanced growth rate of the economy and on the preference parameters of the households, the optimal amount of buried waste may increase, even if there is a risk of accident in the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, structure characterization, and gas sensitive properties of a copolymer of aniline with phenol
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: December 2009

A new kind of conductive copolymers of aniline with phenol was designed and synthesized by using oxidation polymerization and the results showed that the apparent inherent conductivities of the copolymers are in the range of 10−2 to 10−10 S/cm which covers from conductors to insulators. The results showed that the conductivity of the copolymers strongly depends on synthesis conditions, such as reaction time, molar ratios of oxidizer to monomers and aniline to phenol, concentrations of reactants, and reaction temperature. Compared to the conventional (co)polymers of aniline and its derivatives, the magnitudes of the reversible conductivity changes are very significant, about two orders, and get to the maximum readings in about 5 min when they are exposed to ammonia gas, hydrochloric acid gas, and a various vapors of organic compounds, such as methanol, alcohol, acetone, benzene, toluene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, etc. It should be noted that with the introduction of the weak acidic structural units into the polyaniline chains, the copolymers are reversibly responded to both acidic and basic gases promptly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a new lead for in utero fetal pacing
Authors: Boudjemline Younes , Rosenblatt Jonathan , de La Villeon Grégoire , Bénifla Jean‐Louis , Bonnet Damien , Jouannic Jean‐Marie
Published: December 2009

Background

The results from preliminary studies on fetal pacing preclude an application to the human fetus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of acute fetal cardiac pacing following ultrasound‐guided epicardial anchorage of a new pacing lead dedicated to the fetal heart.

Methods

In 12 pregnant ewes, a needle was placed in contact with cardiac chambers under echo‐guidance. Using the lumen of the needle, a 3‐Fr pacing lead was advanced and fixed on the cardiac wall using a built‐in screw. Pacing was attempted using an external pacing system.

Results

Lead insertion was successful in all but one. In the first fetus, the needle was advanced too far into the right ventricle leading to pericardial bleeding. The fetal heart rate was overdriven in all at 220/ min. After assessment, pacing lead was unscrewed and retrieved without any complication. Pregnancy was electively interrupted in six animals. The other six fetuses were delivered vaginally after uneventful pregnancy and autopsy at day 3 did not show any significant injury.

Conclusions

Transcutaneous echo‐guided fetal acute pacing is feasible using a specially designed lead. Additional refinement of both the equipments and the operative technique are needed before considering permanent pacing in the human fetus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjective cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Pullens Marleen J.J. , De Vries Jolanda , Roukema Jan A.
Published: December 2009

Objective: Results from studies examining subjective cognitive dysfunctioning (SCD) in breast cancer (BC) patients are unclear. Therefore, this review examined (i) the prevalence of SCD, (ii) the differences between (treatment) groups in SCD, (iii) the course of SCD, (iv) the relationship of SCD with psychological factors, and (v) the relationship between SCD and objective cognitive dysfunctioning (OCD).

Methods: Through a systematic literature search, we identified 27 studies concerning SCD in BC patients. The methodological quality of these studies was examined according to predefined criteria. The methodological limitations and heterogeneity across studies were taken into account.

Results: Eight studies were graded of high, 12 of moderate, and seven of low quality. Twenty‐one to 90% of the patients reported SCD. The comparison between different (treatment) groups, at different time points of the cancer trajectory, rendered inconclusive evidence regarding the relation of SCD to the cancer itself, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. SCD and OCD were unrelated, but SCD was associated with psychological distress, fatigue, and health status.

Conclusions: SCD does exist in BC patients, but it remains unclear if this is more commonly found in BC patients than in the general population. It is inconclusive if SCD is developed post‐treatment or already exists pretreatment. Since there is a relationship between SCD and anxiety and depression, SCD may be more indicative of emotional distress instead of OCD. Attention toward SCD in future research is warranted in order to draw valid conclusions regarding SCD in BC patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of a novel mechanism for a minimally invasive surgery robot
Authors: Li Jianmin , Wang Shuxin , Wang Xiaofei , He Chao
Published: December 2009

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many advantages compared with open surgery, but there are still many drawbacks in performing MIS. Using robotic technologies, many problems caused by human restrictions, such as fatigue and low precision, can be solved. In this paper, a novel mechanism for a MIS robot is proposed.

Methods

Kinematics analysis was carried out and singularity and isotropy configurations were also investigated, based on kinematics equations. In order to evaluate the performance of the robot, a combined measure gave attention to the mean value and standard deviation of the reciprocal of the condition number. Optimization was achieved by maximizing the combined measure subjected to a set of constraints in the task workspace. The effectiveness of the measure was demonstrated by comparing the performance and volume of the optimized mechanism with those of the mechanism optimized by the Global Condition Index (GCI).

Results

The robot met the volume constraints with the dimensional parametera≤ 115 mm. The combined measure φ was maximized whenais 100 mm. The robots optimized by the GCI and the combined measure showed similar performance in terms of condition number, but the latter had advantages on volume compared with the former.

Conclusions

A novel mechanism that satisfied the incision point constraint of MIS was proposed. A systematic methodology for optimizing the mechanism was developed and the combined measure was effective to evaluate the performance. A prototype was set up based on the outcomes mentioned in the paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of networked control systems with short or long random delays: A new multirate method
Authors: Guan Zhi‐Hong , Yang Chunxi , Huang Jian
Published: December 2009

In this paper, the stabilization of a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with time‐varying delay is discussed where the random delay is less than one sensor period or more than one sensor period but bounded. A new multirate method is proposed to formulate the union model for both short and long random delays. Sufficient conditions on the existence of stabilizing controllers are established when the transition probability matrix is known. V‐K iteration approach is employed to calculate the mode‐dependent and mode‐independent state‐feedback gains of NCSs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signalling reputation in international online markets
Authors: Reuber A. Rebecca , Fischer Eileen
Published: December 2009

Although online technology enables young and small firms to gain access to buyers in foreign markets efficiently, it does not overcome the liability of being an unknown seller among a sea of largely unknown firms. In order to internationalize effectively through online markets, such firms need to establish an online reputation within a context where there are a large number of competitors, most of (or all of) are relatively unfamiliar to customers. The purpose of this article is to explore how they might do so. Drawing on economics‐based signalling theory as well as past research in the areas of strategic management, marketing, and MIS, we hypothesize that firm‐controlled reputation signals with credible commitments—price, advertising, and umbrella branding—will impact reputational performance and moderate the impact of user‐generated reputation signals. We test the hypotheses using data collected about software products sold on the Web site Download.com. Our results show that signalling by advertising and umbrella branding affects reputational performance. The article provides insights about signalling in online markets for managers developing reputation‐building strategies, as well as for international entrepreneurship researchers. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.