bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From trace evidence to bioinformatics: Putting bryophytes into molecular biology education
Authors: Fuselier Linda , Bougary Azhar , Malott Michelle
Published: January 2011

Students benefit most from their science education when they participate fully in the process of science in the context of real‐world problems. We describe a student‐directed open‐inquiry lab experience that has no predetermined outcomes and requires students to engage in all components of scientific inquiry from posing a question through evaluating and reporting results. Over 5 weeks, students learn how bryophytes are used in forensics and become proficient in important molecular biology lab skills including DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and genotyping. For this portion of the experience, there is no specialized equipment necessary outside of gel electrophoresis supplies and a thermocycler. In an optional extension of the experience, students sequence a plastid intron and use introductory bioinformatics skills to identify species related to their forensics case. Students who participated in the lab experience performed well on content‐based assessment, and student attitudes toward the experience were positive and indicative of engaged learning. The lab experience is easily modified for higher or lower level courses and can be used in secondary education. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 38–46, 2011
Bridging the educational research‐teaching practice gap: Curriculum development, Part 1: Components of the curriculum and influences on the process of curriculum design
Authors: Anderson Trevor R. , Rogan John M.
Published: January 2011

This article summarizes the major components of curriculum design: vision, operationalization of the vision, design, and evaluation. It stresses that the relationship between these components is dynamic, and that the process of curriculum design does not proceed via a linear application of these components. The article then summarizes some of the major influences on curriculum design: policy, local context, societal expectations, research trends, and technology. Then, it provides examples of how these influences affect the design of a curriculum and ends with a comprehensive set of questions that instructors could use to guide their curriculum development process. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 68–76, 2011
Exploring separable components of institutional confidence
Authors: Hamm Joseph A. , PytlikZillig Lisa M. , Tomkins Alan J. , Herian Mitchel N. , Bornstein Brian H. , Neeley Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2011

Despite its contemporary and theoretical importance in numerous social scientific disciplines, institutional confidence research is limited by a lack of consensus regarding the distinctions and relationships among related constructs (e.g., trust, confidence, legitimacy, distrust, etc.). This study examined four confidence‐related constructs that have been used in studies of trust/confidence in the courts: dispositional trust, trust in institutions, obligation to obey the law, and cynicism. First, the separability of the four constructs was examined by exploratory factor analyses. Relationships among the constructs were also assessed. Next, multiple regression analyses were used to explore each construct's independent contribution to confidence in the courts. Finally, a second study replicated the first study and also examined the stability of the institutional confidence constructs over time. Results supported the hypothesized separability of, and correlations among, the four confidence‐related constructs. The extent to which the constructs independently explained the observed variance in confidence in the courts differed as a function of the specific operationalization of confidence in the courts and the individual predictor measures. Implications for measuring institutional confidence and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison and critical analysis of robotized technology for monoclonal antibody high‐throughput production
Authors: Chiarella Pieranna , Leuener Melanie , Fasci Christian , de Marco Ario , Santini Maria Paola , Fazio Vito M. , Sawyer Alan M.
Published: January 2011

We have previously demonstrated how to transform the conventional method of hybridoma production and screening into a fast, high‐throughput technology. Nevertheless, there were still open questions related to automated procedures and immunization protocols that we address now by comparing the hybridoma production work‐flow in automated and manually executed processes. In addition, since the animals' antibody responses to single or multiple antigen challenge affect monoclonal antibody throughput, different immunization and fusion strategies were tested. Specifically, the results obtained with multiplexing (multiple target antigens injected into a single animal) and single antigen immunization followed by splenocyte pooling immediately before fusion were compared with conventional methods. The results presented here demonstrate that the optimal protocol consists of automated somatic‐cell fusion and hybridoma dilution followed by manual plating of hybridoma cells. Additionally, more specific and productive hybridoma clones were obtained with multiplexed immunization in a single animal with respect to the splenocyte pooling from single antigen immunized animals. However, in terms of overall antibody yield, the conventional method consisting of single immunization for each single animal assured ten times more specific hybridoma cell lines than the strategy based on the multiple antigen immunization followed by separate fusion step. In conclusion, the most productive approach for recovering a large number of suitable antibodies relies on single antigen immunization followed by automated fusion and dilution steps and manual plating. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
The effect of early prenatal hypercapnia on the vascular network in the chorioallantoic membrane of the chicken embryo
Authors: Verhoelst Eva , Ketelaere Bart De , Decuypere Eddy , Baerdemaeker Josse De
Published: January 2011

Over the last decade, the poultry sector has sought to develop novel ways to monitor chicken embryonic growth, health, and quality to control and optimize egg incubation conditions, particularly the concentration of dissolved gasses (O2, CO2). One of the parameters, which may change under different gas concentrations, is the angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), the organ for gas exchange of the chicken embryo. In this study, a newly developed methodology was used to quantify the angiogenesis in the CAM under normal and early hypercapnic conditions (i.e., increased CO2 concentrations). Two experiments were conducted in which the same CO2 profile was applied. The development of the vascular system was monitored from embryonic day (ED) 10 until ED 14 in Experiment 1, and until ED 16 in Experiment 2. This development was characterized by two different parameters—the vascular fraction (VF) as a measure for the density of the vascular network and the fractal dimension (FD) as a measure for the degree of branching of the vascular network. Moreover, in Experiment 2, embryo weights were compared between both groups. The proposed methodology showed that differences in the development of the vascular system could be observed across groups but also as function of the ED. Both VF and FD and the embryo weights were shown to be higher in the hypercapnia group compared to the control group. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Starch self‐processing in transgenic sweet potato roots expressing a hyperthermophilic α‐amylase
Authors: Santa‐Maria Monica C. , Yencho Craig G. , Haigler Candace H. , Thompson William F. , Kelly Robert M. , Sosinski Bryon
Published: January 2011

Sweet potato is a major crop in the southeastern United States, which requires few inputs and grows well on marginal land. It accumulates large quantities of starch in the storage roots and has been shown to give comparable or superior ethanol yields to corn per cultivated acre in the southeast. Starch conversion to fermentable sugars (i.e., for ethanol production) is carried out at high temperatures and requires the action of thermostable and thermoactive amylolytic enzymes. These enzymes are added to the starch mixture impacting overall process economics. To address this shortcoming, the gene encoding a hyperthermophilic α‐amylase from Thermotoga maritima was cloned and expressed in transgenic sweet potato, generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation, to create a plant with the ability to self‐process starch. No significant enzyme activity could be detected below 40°C, but starch in the transgenic sweet potato storage roots was readily hydrolyzed at 80°C. The transgene did not affect normal storage root formation. The results presented here demonstrate that engineering plants with hyperthermophilic glycoside hydrolases can facilitate cost effective starch conversion to fermentable sugars. Furthermore, the use of sweet potato as an alternative near‐term energy crop should be considered. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Microalgae as sources of high added‐value compounds—a brief review of recent work
Authors: Guedes A. Catarina , Amaro Helena M. , Malcata F. Xavier
Published: January 2011

Microalgae have found commercial applications as natural sources of valuable macromolecules, including carotenoids, long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phycocolloids. As photoautotrophs, their simple growth requirements make them attractive for bioprocesses aimed at producing high added‐value compounds that are in large demand by the pharmaceutical market. A few compounds synthesized by microalgae have indeed proven to possess anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral features; astaxanthin, a known antioxidant produced byHaematococcus pluvialis, is an illustrative example with important anti‐inflammatory and antitumoral roles. From a chemical standpoint, several such compounds are polysaccharides or long chain fatty acids, where the latter can be either saturated or unsaturated. Additionally, their chemical structures are often atypical, whereas their concentrations can exceed those found in many other natural sources. The productivity and biochemical composition of microalgae depend strongly on the mode of cultivation, medium composition, and nutrient profile. Consequently, numerous efforts aimed at elucidating the practical impacts of the aforementioned parameters have been developed. This review accordingly covers the knowledge produced in the last two decades on the uses of microalgae to obtain physiologically active compounds, and on the optimization of the underlying production and purification processes. It also identifies major gaps and opportunities in this field that should be addressed or exploited in the near future. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Patterns of motor branching of the musculocutaneous nerve in human fetuses and clinical significance
Authors: Kervancioglu Piraye , Orhan Mustafa , Kilinc Nihal
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this morphologic study is to investigate the course and the branching pattern of motor branches of musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) in human fetuses. Twenty upper limbs (10 right, 10 left) of spontaneously aborted formalin‐fixed fetuses were dissected under a stereomicroscope to determine motor branches for the biceps brachii and brachialis and the communicating branches between the MCN and median nerve (MN). The MCN entered the proximal and middle part of coracobrachialis in 13/20 and 5/20 of arms, respectively, and the remaining 2/20 did not pierce coracobrachialis. The communication between MCN and MN was observed in 5/20 of the arms and detected only in the distal part of the coracobrachialis. The most frequently observed innervation is the type wherein a single branch to biceps brachii, which bifurcated for supplying the short and long heads (12/20). For the innervation of brachialis, the most frequent type was a single branch from the main trunk of the MCN (15/20). During the dissections, the distance between the acromion and the emerging point of the motor branches was measured. The mean distance between the acromion and the emerging point of the all motor branches for biceps brachii in all types of specimens was 33.8 ± 6.1% of acromion‐lateral epicondyle length and for brachialis was 50.6 ± 11.5% of acromion‐lateral epicondyle length. The data of the MCN variations in the human fetus may be useful for the clinicians and pediatric surgery. Clin. Anat. 24:168–178, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of the Anaerobic Process for the Biogas Production
Authors: Rojas Christian , Uhlenhut Frank , Schlaak Michael , Borchert Axel , Steinigeweg Sven
Published: January 2011

Es wird eine Simulation des anaeroben Prozesses in Biogasanlagen beschrieben, die es erlaubt den Prozess für den Einsatz verschiedener realer Substrate zu optimieren. Als Basis zur Modellierung wird das ADM1‐Modell (Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1) verwendet. Es wurden Batch‐Versuche mit verschiedenen Substraten sowie Experimente in einem kontinuierlichen Laborreaktor durchgeführt. Anhand der experimentellen Ergebnisse erfolgten eine Parametrisierung und Modifikationen im Modell. Es zeigte sich, dass eine Unterteilung des Substrates in verschieden schnell abbaubare Klassen zu einer guten Übereinbestimmung zwischen der Simulation des anaeroben Abbaus und den experimentellen Ergebnissen führt.
The concept of spatially‐encoded single‐scan NMR
Authors: Freeman Ray
Published: January 2011

Spatially‐encoded single‐scan NMR offers an enormous improvement in speed for multidimensional NMR measurements. A typical two‐dimensional experiment can be completed in less than a second. This review offers a simple and largely pictorial description of the basic concepts underpinning this ingenious technique, and outlines the relationship to conventional NMR methodology. Simple vector model descriptions are presented with the goal of understanding the basic spin physics of this complex experiment. Detailed and more mathematical treatments can be found in the original publications of Frydman and coworkers, listed among the cited references. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 38A: 1–6, 2011.
Huddling behavior as critical phase transition triggered by low temperatures
Authors: Canals Mauricio , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: January 2011

Huddling is a grouping behavior where animals maintain close bodily contact and save energy. We tested the hypothesis that this thermoregulatory behavior behaves as a system with continuous (second‐order phase) transition called critical when the environmental temperature (driving parameter) is near a critical value. To do so, we followed theoretical and experimental approaches, examining data from geometrical models, metabolic rate during huddling in small mammals, and also conducting an experiment on thermoregulatory huddling behavior with white mice. Our results support all predictions for systems under continuous‐phase transition triggered by low temperatures, a phenomenon reported for first time in a biological system. We suggest that huddling behavior in social animals, a recognized adaptive behavior, may be considered a self‐organized system coupled with an external driving parameter. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
BFD‐based failure detection and localization in IP over OBS/WDM multilayer network
Authors: Fu Minglei , Le Zichun , Zhu Zhijun
Published: January 2011

Optical burst switching (OBS), which takes advantage of both high capacity of optical fiber and sophisticated control of electronics, has been considered as a promising paradigm for the modern Internet. In this paper, the recovery procedures for IP over OBS/WDM multilayer network are addressed, which focus on the failure detection and failure localization. Bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) mechanism which provides low‐overhead, short‐duration detection of failures in the path between adjacent forwarding engines, including the interfaces, data link(s) is introduced for the failure detection and localization in the IP over OBS/WDM multilayer network, especially at the OBS/WDM layer. The unique feature of OBS and the easy‐to‐implement merit of BFD make it feasible for BFD adopted at OBS/WDM layer. Besides, BFD is a highly cost effective method when compared with traditional methods such as detecting the Loss of Light of each wavelength. Not only the implementation details of BFD‐based failure detection for the OBS/WDM layer are demonstrated in this paper, but also how the BFD localizes failures such as fiber failure, link failure and node failure. Moreover, extensive simulations have been done at different scenarios such as single failure and multiple failures. And the numerical results concerning the performance of BFD‐based failure detection and localization in terms of failure detection and localization time and BDP lost rate verified the proposed solution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucosamine and osteoarthritis: time to quit?
Authors: Muniyappa Ranganath
Published: January 2011

Glucosamine (2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose), an amino monosaccharide derivative of glucose, is a precursor of the glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans that make up articular cartilage. The notion that augmenting the intake of the precursor molecule, glucosamine, may directly stimulate articular proteoglycan synthesis to modulate osteoarthritis has provided the rationale for its widespread use. Theoretically, exogenous glucosamine may augment glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage. There is a simultaneous theoretical concern that it might also induce insulin resistance in insulin‐sensitive tissues.

In a previous issue of DMRR, Simon et al. conclude that typical doses of oral glucosamine have no significant effects on glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity. On the basis of the results from clinical, animal, and cell‐based studies they conclude that oral glucosamine neither augments the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway nor reduces insulin‐mediated glucose uptake. In recent meta‐analyses restricted to well‐designed randomized controlled trials that include adequate allocation concealment or to non‐industry‐funded studies, oral glucosamine fails to show any significant clinical benefit in individuals with osteoarthritis. These data should raise serious questions from patients and their health care providers about its continued use. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pax6 regulates craniofacial form through its control of an essential cephalic ectodermal patterning center
Authors: Compagnucci Claudia , Fish Jennifer L. , Schwark Manuela , Tarabykin Victor , Depew Michael J.
Published: January 2011

Normal patterning and morphogenesis of the complex skeletal structures of the skull requires an exquisite, reciprocal cross‐talk between the embryonic cephalic epithelia and mesenchyme. The mesenchyme associated with the jaws and the optic and olfactory capsules is derived from a Hox‐negative cranial neural crest (CNC) population that acts much as an equivalence group in its interactions with specific local cephalic epithelial signals. Craniofacial pattern and morphogenesis is therefore controlled in large part through the regulation of these local cephalic epithelial signals. Here, we demonstrate that Pax6 is essential to the formation and maturation of the complex cephalic ectodermal patterning centers that govern the development and morphogenesis of the upper jaws and associated nasal capsules. Previous examinations of the craniofacial skeletal defects associated with Pax6 mutations have suggested that they arise from an optic‐associated blockage in the migration of a specific subpopulation of midbrain CNC to the lateral frontonasal processes. We have addressed an alternative explanation for the craniofacial skeletal defects. We show that in Pax6SeyN/SeyN mutants regional CNC is present by E9.25 while there is already specific disruption in the early ontogenetic elaboration of cephalic ectodermal expression, associated with the nascent lambdoidal junction, of secreted signaling factors (including Fgf8 and Bmp4) and transcription factors (including Six1 and Dlx5) essential for upper jaw and/or nasal capsular development. Pax6 therefore regulates craniofacial form, at stages when CNC has just arrived in the frontonasal region, through its control of surface cephalic ectodermal competence to form an essential craniofacial patterning center. genesis 49:307‐325, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A method for abstraction and reproduction of environment based on frequency characteristic
Authors: Hyodo Shoyo , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: January 2011

With progress in information technology, recording and reproduction technologies for sound and images have been improved. In addition, recording and reproduction technologies for haptic displays are developing. This paper proposes a method for abstraction and reproduction of the environmental stiffness based on the frequency characteristic. In the proposed method, environmental position response from a force input is measured. Then, the Fourier‐transformed position response divided by the Fourier‐transformed force input is calculated for abstraction of the environmental frequency characteristic. The control system for reproduction of the environment is designed on the basis of the abstracted environmental frequency characteristic. A finite impulse response (FIR) filter is utilized for the reproduction of the environmental frequency characteristic. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is shown by experimental results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 23–31, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10300
A study of imprint mold materials suited for B2O3‐La2O3‐based glass
Authors: Yasui Manabu , Omata Yukiko , Sugimoto Koh‐ichi , Kaneko Satoru , Hirabayashi Yasuo , Takahashi Masaharu , Maeda Ryutaro
Published: January 2011

The reactivity between nanoimprint mold materials and optical glass has been investigated by measuring the contact angle between these materials in a nitrogen atmosphere at high temperatures up to 1000 °C. Since low‐softening‐temperature optical glass was chosen in this study, the thermal upper limit of the contact angle measurement was set as 800 °C. As mold materials, electrodeposited Ni‐W alloy containing 40 wt‐% W and glasslike carbon (GC) were chosen. In the case of GC, the contact angle did not change greatly at temperatures up to 800 °C, and an obvious reactant phase in the interface layer between the GC and the molten glass was observed. In the case of the Ni‐W alloy, the contact angle decreased with increasing temperature, and no reactant phase was observed at the interface. This indicates that the Ni‐W alloy is suitable as a mold material for B2O3‐La2O3‐based optical glass. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 17–22, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10301
Genetic effects on transpiration, canopy conductance, stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit, and cavitation resistance in loblolly pine
Authors: Aspinwall Michael J. , King John S. , Domec Jean‐Christophe , McKeand Steven E. , Isik Fikret
Published: January 2011

Physiological uniformity and genetic effects on canopy‐level gas‐exchange and hydraulic function could impact loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation sustainability and ecosystem dynamics under projected changes in climate. Over a 1‐year period, we examined genetic effects on mean and maximum mid‐day canopy conductance (Gs, Gsmax) and transpiration (E, max‐E) within a juvenile loblolly pine plantation composed of ‘genotypes’ (e.g. different genetic entries) from each of the three different genetic groups (clones, full‐sibs, open‐pollinated). We also compared reference canopy conductance (Gs−ref or Gs at a vapour pressure deficit (D) = 1 kPa), maximum E (Emax) in response to D, stomatal sensitivity to D, specific hydraulic conductivity (ks), and cavitation resistance among genotypes. Based on genetic and physiological principles, we hypothesized that (1) within genotypes, physiological uniformity will increase as inherent genetic diversity decreases and (2) genotypes with greater ks and higher canopy‐level gas‐exchange rates will be more sensitive to increases in D, and more susceptible to loss of ks. In our results, high‐ and low‐genetic diversity genotypes showed no differences in E and Gs uniformity over time. However, E and max‐E were significantly different among genotypes, and genotypes showed significant seasonal variability in Gs and Gsmax. Additionally, there were significant differences in Emax, Gs−ref, Gs sensitivity to D, and the pressure at which 50% loss of ks occurs (P50) among individual genotypes. We found no relationship between mean hydraulic conductivity parameters and overall Gs−ref or Gs sensitivity. However, the genotype full embolism point (P88) and loss of ks rate (LCrate) both showed a significant positive relationship with genotype Gs−ref during the spring, indicating that genotypes with higher Gs were less resistant to cavitation. Overall, genetic effects on canopy‐level gas‐exchange and cavitation resistance were significant, implying that physiological differences among genotypes might affect stand water use, carbon gain, drought tolerance, and hydrologic processes. Contrary to our expectations, uniformity in physiological process rates did not increase as inherent genetic diversity decreased, suggesting that clonal genotypes exhibit high physiological plasticity under plantation conditions. Lastly, our results imply that genotypes with higher spring‐time gas‐exchange rates may be more susceptible to catastrophic loss of ks. With changes in climate expected to continue, physiological differences among genotypes may affect loblolly pine plantation carbon and water cycling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urbanization alters watershed hydrology in the Piedmont of North Carolina
Authors: Boggs J. L. , Sun G.
Published: January 2011

The ecohydrologic effects of urbanization that is dominated by forests clearing are not well understood in the southeastern United States. We utilized long‐term monitoring data to quantify the annual water balance, stormflow characteristics, and seasonal flow patterns of an urbanized watershed (UR) (0·70 km2) and compared it to a fully forested watershed (FOR) (2·95 km2) in central North Carolina. The goal of this study was to assess how past urbanization altered watershed hydrology and to offer reference data for urban watershed planning. The mean annual discharge coefficient (discharge/precipitation) in the UR and FOR from 2000 to 2007 was 0·42 and 0·24, respectively. The UR generated about 75% more stormflow than the FOR. The UR had a lower mean evapotranspiration (ET) rate (58%) than the FOR (77%). Peakflow rates and stormflow volume of the UR were higher (e.g. 76·6 mm/day versus 5·8 mm/day for peakflow rate and 77·9 mm/day versus 7·1 mm/day for stormflow volume) than the FOR, especially during the growing season. Growing season precipitation minus discharge normalized by precipitation (P − Q)/P (i.e. normalized ET ± change in water storage) was higher in the FOR compared to the UR. Differences between the two watersheds occurred mostly during the growing season and became smaller during the dormant season. We conclude that intensive urbanization elevated watershed peakflow rates and annual discharge volumes partially due to reduction in ET during the growing season. Maintaining ET capacity of vegetation in an urbanizing watershed is important in development planning for reducing stormflow and watershed degradation. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A new method for AERMOD with missing sounding data
Authors: Jiang Lei , Li Shibei , Wu Wenjun , Ding Feng , Wang Xinhua , Xu Yisheng , Lan Ru
Published: January 2011

In this article, an experimental formula method of using surface observation data to estimate the potential temperature profile for AERMIC(AMS/EPA Regulatory Model Improvement Committee) Model (AERMOD) was developed. This method's validity was tested by comparison of hourly averaged concentrations predicted by AERMOD for four field sites (Clifty Creek, Bowline, Lovett, and Westvaco) datasets in US in the convective boundary layer (CBL) using estimated potential temperature and sounding data. When predicting the hourly averaged concentrations, the CBL were divided into convective and near neutral cases based on the values of Monin‐Obukhov length (L). Q‐Q plots and some statistical measures such as Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R), Fractional Bias (FB), Normalized Mean Square Error (NMSE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Index of Agreement (D) and Robust Highest Concentration (RHC) were used. The statistical results and Q‐Q plots indicated that the concentrations in the CBL using estimated potential temperature had a good relationship and agreement, a little bias, accepted predicted highest concentrations with those derived from sounding data. The statistical results and Q‐Q plots in the neutral case were better than those in the convective case. We can conclude that this method was feasible in planetary boundary layer (PBL) for AERMOD. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Eating in eating disorders
Authors: Treasure Janet , Cardi Valentina , Kan Carol
Published: January 2011

The aim of this paper is to bring eating back into the centre of the eating disorder discourse. The ability to interrogate and understand the central processes of appetite has increased considerably since the discovery of leptin and the ability to observe brain function with scanning methodologies. This has led to substantial progress in understanding the biological causative and maintaining factors in eating disorders, opening up the possibility of translating the latest findings into new forms of treatment. The biological mechanisms underpinning symptoms evolution and course of illness will first be described, follows by a discussion on integrating the research evidence in fear and feeding into patient care. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Simulation of free surface flows using the flux‐difference splitting scheme on the hybrid Cartesian/immersed boundary method
Authors: Shin Sangmook , Bae Sung Yong , Kim In Chul , Kim Yong Jig , Yoon Hyeon Kyu
Published: January 2011

In this study, a method is developed to simulate the interaction between free surface flows and moving or deforming boundaries using the flux‐difference splitting scheme on the hybrid Cartesian/immersed boundary method. At each physical time step, the boundary is defined by an unstructured triangular surface grid. Immersed boundary (IB) nodes are distributed inside an instantaneous fluid domain based on edges crossing the boundary. At an IB node, dependent variables are reconstructed along the local normal line to the boundary. Inviscid fluxes are computed using Roe's flux‐difference splitting scheme for immiscible and incompressible fluids. The free surface is considered as a contact discontinuity in the density field. The motion of free surface is captured without any additional treatment along the fluid interface. The developed code is validated by comparisons with other experimental and computational results for a piston‐type wave maker, impulsive motion of a submerged circular cylinder, flow around a submerged hydrofoil, and Rayleigh–Taylor instability. The developed code is applied to simulate wave generation due to a continuously deforming bed beneath the free surface. The violent motion of a free surface caused by sloshing in a spherical tank is simulated. In this case, the free surface undergoes breakup and reconnection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of achiral azaindole‐substituted titanocenes
Authors: Méndez Luis Miguel Menéndez , Deally Anthony , O'Shea Donal F. , Tacke Matthias
Published: January 2011

From the reaction of 1‐methyl‐1 H‐pyr‐rolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (1a),1‐(methoxymethyl)‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (1b), 1‐isopropyl‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (1c), and 1‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (1d) under Vilsmeier–Haak conditions, the corresponding aldehydes in position 3 (2a–2d) were synthesized. These aldehydes were transformed in the corresponding fulvenes (3a–3d) by the Knoevenagel condensation and treated with Li[BEt3H] to obtain the corresponding lithiated cyclopentadienide intermediates (3′a–3′d). These intermediates were, finally transmetallated to titanium with TiCl4 to yield the 7‐azaindol‐3‐yl‐substituted titanocenes bis {[(1‐methyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl] cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride (4a), bis{[(1‐methoxymethyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV)dichloride (4b), bis{[(1‐Isopropyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride (4c), and bis{[(4‐methoxybenzyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride (4d). All the titanocenes had their cytotoxicity investigated through MTT‐based preliminary in vitro testing on the Caki‐1 cell lines to determinate their IC50 values. Titanocenes 4a–4c were found to have IC50 values of 120 ± 10, 83 ± 13, and 54 ± 12, µM respectively, whereas 4d showed no cytotoxic activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:148–157, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20668
Anthropogenic changes in a confined groundwater flow system in the Bangkok Basin, Thailand, part II: how much water has been renewed?
Authors: Yamanaka Tsutomu , Mikita Makoto , Lorphensri Oranuj , Shimada Jun , Kagabu Makoto , Ikawa Reo , Nakamura Toshio , Tsujimura Maki
Published: January 2011

Excessive groundwater pumping from the sedimentary basin underlying the Bangkok metropolitan area, Thailand, has caused not only piezometric level decline but also enhancement of groundwater recharge. Although groundwater renewal has accelerated, it remains unclear how much water in confined aquifers has been renewed owing to the excessive pumping. To reveal the details of the groundwater renewal process, we performed a water budget analysis and virtual tracer experiment using a numerical model of groundwater flow and solute transport. Mean turnover time was 45600 yr prior to the beginning of significant pumping in 1954, which then shortened to 3500 yr in 2001. The renewed water fraction since 1954 was estimated to be only 0·78% in 2007 on average over the whole basin. This is a reflection of the huge storage capacity of the basin, relatively low recharge rate due both to existence of a thick clay (Bangkok clay), and low plain gradient. The spatially distributed renewed water fraction, which was obtained from the virtual tracer experiment, was no more than 1% in most aquifers except for basin margins where the aquifers are exposed, while in the uppermost BK aquifer it exceeded 5% over a wide extent and reached more than 20% at an alluvial fan. The estimated fraction of renewed water was generally consistent with measured 3H concentrations, demonstrating in part the validity of the numerical model used. The results from our studies indicate that modern waters recharged since 1954 have minimal affect on water quality in the main production aquifers. However, water storage and pressure in aquifers respond quickly to increase in pumping rate, potentially affecting land subsidence. Thus, we have to focus on different time‐scales between groundwater quantity and quality management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of substrate binding loop mutations on the structure, kinetics, and inhibition of enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase from plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Maity Koustav , Banerjee Tanushree , Prabakaran Narayanappa , Surolia Namita , Surolia Avadhesha , Suguna Kaza
Published: January 2011

PfENR A372M mutant showing a different conformation of Methionine compared to the Met206 of EcENR by Koustav Maity et al., pp 30–41.
Fibroblast contractility and growth in plastic compressed collagen gel scaffolds with microstructures correlated with hydraulic permeability
Authors: Serpooshan Vahid , Muja Naser , Marelli Benedetto , Nazhat Showan N.
Published: January 2011

Scaffold microstructure is hypothesized to influence physical and mechanical properties of collagen gels, as well as cell function within the matrix. Plastic compression under increasing load was conducted to produce scaffolds with increasing collagen fibrillar densities ranging from 0.3 to above 4.1 wt % with corresponding hydraulic permeability (k) values that ranged from 1.05 to 0.03 μm2, as determined using the Happel model. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that increasing the level of collagen gel compression yielded a concomitant reduction in pore size distribution and a slight increase in average fibril bundle diameter. Decreasing k delayed the onset of contraction and significantly reduced both the total extent and the maximum rate of contraction induced by NIH3T3 fibroblasts seeded at a density of either 6.0 × 104 or 1.5 × 105 cells mL−1. At the higher cell density, however, the effect of k reduction on collagen gel contraction was overcome by an accelerated onset of contraction which led to an increase in both the total extent and the maximum rate of contraction. AlamarBlue™ measurements indicated that the metabolic activity of fibroblasts within collagen gels increased as k decreased. Moreover, increasing seeded cell density from 2.0 × 104 to 1.5 × 105 cells mL−1 significantly increased NIH3T3 proliferation. In conclusion, fibroblast–matrix interactions can be optimized by defining the microstructural properties of collagen scaffolds through k adjustment which in turn, is dependent on the cell seeding density. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
In vitro and in vivo degradation of poly(D, L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)/amorphous calcium phosphate copolymer coated on metal stents
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Oyamada Shizu , Wu Tim , Robich Michael P. , Wu Hao , Wang Xingwei , Buchholz Bryan , McCarthy Stephen , Bianchi Cesario F. , Sellke Frank W. , Laham Roger
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to optimize a novel biodegradable polymer for drug eluting stent (DES) applications. Degradation profiles of different poly(D, L‐lactide ‐co‐glycolide)/amorphous calcium phosphate (PLGA/ACP) composites coated on stents were studied both in vitro and in vivo for three months. For the in vitro study, stents were immersed into the phosphate buffered saline (37°C, pH 7.4) with constant shaking. The polymer weight loss was measured weekly and morphological changes were analyzed. The results demonstrated that approximately 60% of polymer was degraded within the three‐month period and there was no significant difference between the different PLGA/ACP composites. However, the composite of 50% PLGA (65/35) with 50% ACP showed a slightly faster degradation rate than other composites. Morphologically, all stent surfaces changed from a micro‐porous before degradation to a corrugated solid micro‐net‐like structure at two months post degradation. Based on in vitro results, 65% PLGA (65/35) with 35% ACP) coated stents were selected and implanted into rat aortas (n = 12) for the in vivo study. Microscopic observation showed that no composite was found on any of the implanted stents at 12 weeks post implantation, which indicated the selected PLGA/ACP composite is desired for DES applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: , 2011.
A peptidomimetic inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases containing a tetherable linker group
Authors: Cao Yang , Croll Tristan I. , Rizzi Simone C. , Shooter Gary K. , Edwards Helen , Finlayson Kathleen , Upton Zee , Dargaville Tim R.
Published: January 2011

Successful wound repair and normal turnover of the extracellular matrix relies on a balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). When overexpression of MMPs and abnormally high levels of activation or low expression of TIMPs are encountered, excessive degradation of connective tissue and the formation of chronic ulcers can occur. One strategy to rebalance MMPs and TIMPs is to use inhibitors. We have designed a synthetic pseudopeptide inhibitor with an amine linker group based on a known high‐affinity peptidomimetic MMP inhibitor and have demonstrated inhibition of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 activity in standard solutions. The inhibitor was also tethered to a polyethylene glycol hydrogel using a facile reaction between the linker unit on the inhibitor and the hydrogel precursors. After tethering, we observed inhibition of the MMPs although there was an increase in the IC50s that was attributed to poor diffusion of the MMPs into the hydrogels, reduced activity of the tethered inhibitor, or incomplete incorporation of the inhibitor into the hydrogels. When the tethered inhibitors were tested against chronic wound fluid, we observed partial inhibition in proteolytic activity suggesting this approach may prove useful in rebalancing MMPs within chronic wounds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Manual color monitoring to optimize hematopoietic progenitor cell collection on the Fenwal Amicus
Authors: Burgstaler Edwin A. , Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2011

A technique was developed to improve consistency of MNC transfers from the centrifuge to the collection bag in the Fenwal Amicus. The operator assures that RBCs completely fill the cassette by the end of the transfer by adjusting the RBC offset in succeeding cycles. We compared yields and crosscellular content before and after implementation of the monitoring technique. Retrospective data from 400 consecutive HPC collection procedures (200 for each technique) were compared. In 40 monitored collections, the RBC offset was adjusted to 6–9 mL to ensure that RBCs completely filled the cassette. Collections requiring these adjustments were not associated with a specific diagnosis. Median values were compared between the 40 collections requiring offset adjustment and those performed before implementation of monitoring. Baseline peripheral CD34+ cell (17 vs. 14 cells μL−1), lymphocytes (2 vs. 1.3 × 109/L), WBCs, HCT, and PLTs were significantly higher in the group requiring offset changes. The group requiring offset changes had significantly more CD34+ cells per collection (190.8 × 106 or 2.04 × 106/kg vs. 84.3 × 106 or 0.89 × 106/kg) and more lymphocytes per collection (16.9 × 109 vs. 11.6 × 109). Crosscellular content of the group requiring offset changes was significantly higher for WBCs (41.8 vs. 33.1 × 109), granulocytes (9.6 vs. 7.2 × 109), RBCs (23 vs. 17 mL), and PLTs (2.1 vs. 1.2 × 1011). Manual monitoring is a simple, inexpensive method to optimize each HPC collection to maximize CD34+ cell and lymphocyte yields. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chitosan–silica hybrid‐coated open tubular column for hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Hu Jinmei , Yin Lili , Jia Li
Published: January 2011

A novel and convenient protocol for the preparation of an open‐tubular column coated with chitosan–silica hybrid using chitosan and silane‐coupling agent (γ‐glycidoxy‐propyltrimethoxysilane) was developed for CEC, in which, chitosan was covalently bonded to the inner wall of a fused‐silica capillary using γ‐glycidoxy‐propyltrimethoxysilane as a cross‐linking agent. The stationary phase was hydrophilic due to the chitosan–silica hybrid with abundant amine and hydroxyl functional groups. The chromatographic characteristics of the column were evaluated by the separation of some organic acids and inorganic anions. The column showed good selectivity for nucleotides, aromatic acids, and inorganic anions. The mechanism for the separation of these compounds was primarily based on the hydrophilic and electrostatic interactions combined with the electrophoretic mechanism. The CEC method on the column for the separation of these compounds was compared with CE method in a bare capillary.
Rapid analysis of charge variants of monoclonal antibodies with capillary zone electrophoresis in dynamically coated fused‐silica capillary
Authors: He Yan , Isele Colleen , Hou Weiying , Ruesch Margaret
Published: January 2011

A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed for the rapid analysis of charge heterogeneity of immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The separation was carried out in a short, dynamically coated fused‐silica capillary. A number of separation parameters were investigated and optimized, including pH, concentration of the separation buffer (ε‐amino caproic acid), concentration of the triethylenetetramine (TETA) dynamic coating, the capillary internal diameter and the field strength used for the separation. The effects of between‐run flushing of the capillary and the data acquisition rate were also evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, a fast (<5 min), selective and reproducible separation of mAb charge variants was achieved under a very high electric field strength (1000 V/cm). This method also requires only a short conditioning of the capillary, with between‐run conditioning completed within 2 min. The method was evaluated for specificity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy and precision. The same separation conditions were applied to the rapid separation (2–5 min) of charge variants of multiple monoclonal antibodies with pI in the range of 7.0–9.5. Compared with other existing methods for charge variants analysis, this method has several advantages including a short run time, rapid capillary conditioning and simple sample preparation.
Utilization of elderly donors in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Dayangac Murat , Taner Burcin C. , Yaprak Onur , Demirbas Tolga , Balci Deniz , Duran Cihan , Yuzer Yildiray , Tokat Yaman
Published: January 2011

An accepted definition of donor exclusion criteria has not been established for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The use of elderly donors to expand the living donor pool raises ethical concerns about donor safety. The aims of this study were (1) the comparison of the postoperative outcomes of living liver donors by age (≥50 versus <50 years) and (2) the evaluation of the impact of the extent of right hepatectomy on donor outcomes. The study group included 150 donors who underwent donor right hepatectomy between October 2004 and April 2009. Extended criteria surgery (ECS) was defined as right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein (MHV) harvesting or right hepatectomy resulting in an estimated remnant liver volume (RLV) less than 35%. The primary endpoints were donor outcomes in terms of donor complications graded according to the Clavien classification. Group 1 consisted of donors who were 50 years old or older (n = 28), and group 2 consisted of donors who were less than 50 years old (n = 122). At least 1 ECS criterion was present in 74% of donors: 57% had 1 criterion, and 17% had 2 criteria. None of the donors had grade 4 complications or died. The overall and major complication rates were similar in the 2 donor age groups [28.6% and 14.3% in group 1 and 32% and 8.2% in group 2 for the overall complication rates (P = 0.8) and the major complication rates (P = 0.2), respectively]. However, there was a significant correlation between the rate of major complications and the type of surgery in donors who were 50 years old or older. In LDLT, extending the limits of surgery comes at the price of more complications in elderly donors. Right hepatectomy with MHV harvesting and any procedure causing an RLV less than 35% should be avoided in living liver donors who are 50 years old or older. Liver Transpl 17:548-555, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.