bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Full‐Profile‐Matching Solution for High‐Throughput Analysis of Multiphase Samples Through Powder X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Baumes Laurent A. , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: March 2009

Finding a clear route to new structures: The design of an adaptable time warping (ATW) methodology (see figure) for automatically, quickly, and reliably deciphering X‐ray diffraction patterns is described.

magnified image

Few solutions that aim to identify crystalline materials from the analysis of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data have been reported to date. A careful inspection of the powder XRD data, and the corresponding highlight of specific failures when it has been used for the determination of the crystallographic phases of zeolites among mixtures, has allowed the creation of the recently proposed strategy: adaptable time warping (ATW). Herein, the design process is thoroughly detailed in a step‐by‐step manner, which allows a deep understanding of the motivations, improvements, and the resulting remarkable properties of our methodology. Because the use of high‐throughput (HT) techniques for the discovery or for increasing the breadth of the synthetic routes of new microporous crystalline structures makes the reliability of search–match methods a critical factor to be assessed, a meticulous evaluation of the reliability and the robustness is provided and supported by both empirical comparisons and mathematical proof. The results offered by our methodology, which clearly outperforms the well‐established solutions, open the way towards total automation of such a routine procedure, eliminating laborious and time‐consuming controls, preliminary treatments, and settings. Consequently, the proposed solution is of great interest and appears to be very promising, not only because of the numerous potential applications of XRD in materials science, but also the possible expansion of the solution to several other characterization techniques.
Scale‐up study of spouted beds using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Béttega Rodrigo , Corrêa Ronaldo Guimarães , Freire José Teixeira
Published: March 2009

This work presents a numerical study of the hydrodynamic of spouted beds using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Scaling relationships proposed by He et al. [He et al., Chem. Eng. Sci. 1997;52:329–339] for spouted bed systems based on similitude method are numerically investigated using CFD simulation. In the present work it is verified that the spouted bed scale‐up relationships of He et al. [He et al., Chem. Eng. Sci. 1997;52:329–339] produce good numerical results when all of the scale‐up relationships are satisfied. It is also verified the behaviour of the numerical results when the scaling procedure is applied in a practical condition. In this case, the properties of fluid and solid are kept constant, which is a real situation of a scale‐up procedure in a spouted bed used for drying of grains. In this work it is possible to verify that CFD simulation is a useful tool to evaluate similitude methods in spouted bed (multiphase flow) systems. The commercial package FLUENT 6.3.26 was used in all simulations.
Identification of the state of a wet spouted bed through time‐frequency analysis of pressure fluctuation time series
Authors: Oliveira W.P. , Souza C.R.F. , Lim C.J. , Grace J.R.
Published: March 2009

The feasibility of detecting instability in wet spouted beds via pressure fluctuation (PF) time‐series analyses was investigated. Experiments were carried out in a cylindrical Plexiglas column of diameter 150 mm with a conical base of internal angle 60°, an inlet orifice diameter of 25 mm and glass beads of diameter 2.4 mm. Transducers at several axial positions measured PF time series with incremental addition of aqueous sucrose solutions of different concentrations. Liquid addition affected the spouted bed dynamics, causing irregular spouting, increased voidage in the annulus, increased fountain height, irregular annulus height, channelling, agglomeration, and adhesion of particles to the column walls. Autocorrelations indicated the appearance of periodicities in the PF signals with increasing sucrose addition. Dominant peaks in power‐spectral density developed at low frequencies with changing system dynamics. The results indicate that PF signals furnish relevant information on system dynamics, useful for monitoring and control of spouted bed operations such as particle coating and drying of paste‐like materials.
Clinical Efficiency and Safety Analysis of Transcatheter Closure of Multiple Atrial Septal Defects in Adults
Authors: Song Zhi‐Yuan , He Guo‐Xiang , Shu Mao‐Qin , Hu Hou‐Yuan , Tong Shi‐Fei , Ran Bo‐Li , Liu Jian‐Ping , Li Yong‐Hua , Jing Tao
Published: March 2009

Background

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is currently a reliable alternative to surgery, even though challenging in patients with multiple ASDs.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency and safety of transcatheter closure in multiple ASDs.

Methods

Multiple ASDs were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The occlusive condition and distance between 2 adjacent ASDs were measured by TTE examination. Then, the number and size of the occluder(s) was determined. TTE examinations were performed after transcatheter closure as follow‐up.

Results

The transcatheter procedure was successful in 15 patients with multiple ASDs, using a single occluder in 9 patients and 2 occluders in the remaining 6 patients. Overall, 21 ASD occluders were implanted. During a follow‐up period of 6 mo to 5 y, a slight residual shunt was found in 1 patient without any symptoms; a moderate residual shunt was identified at the inferior vena cava and the occluder was removed by surgery 1 mo after procedure. Other complications, including endocarditis, arrhythmia, thromboembolism, and atrioventricular valve damage were not recorded in any of the 15 patients during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Transcatheter closure of multiple ASDs is safe and efficient. Two occluders are necessary for the distance of 2 ASDs more than 7 mm, and a single occluder is sufficient for those 7 mm or less. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kit and foxd3 genetically interact to regulate melanophore survival in zebrafish
Authors: Cooper Cynthia D. , Linbo Tor H. , Raible David W.
Published: March 2009

We have investigated the role of foxd3 activity in conjunction with signaling by the kit tyrosine kinase receptor in zebrafish black pigment cell (melanophore) development. As loss‐of‐function of these molecules individually has distinct effects on melanophore number, we have examined the phenotype of double mutants. Individuals with a null mutation in kit have fewer melanophores than wild‐type, with cells lost through death. When kit mutants are injected with foxd3 antisense morpholino oligonucleotides or crossed with a foxd3 zebrafish mutant, they have more melanophores than their uninjected or foxd3+ counterparts. Examination of foxd3 loss‐of‐function in two additional kit mutants that differentially alter kit‐dependent migration and survival indicates a change in melanophore number in survival mutants only. Consistently, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridinetriphosphate nick end‐labeling) analysis confirms a partial rescue of melanophores from cell death. Ectopic expression of foxd3 indicates that foxd3 promotes early melanophore death only when kit is inactive. Taken together, these data suggest a kit‐dependent role for foxd3 in the regulation of melanophore survival. Developmental Dynamics 238:875–886, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional control of Rohon‐Beard sensory neuron development at the neural plate border
Authors: Rossi Christy Cortez , Kaji Takao , Artinger Kristin Bruk
Published: March 2009

Rohon‐Beard (RB) mechanosensory neurons are among the first sensory neurons to develop, and the process by which they adopt their fate is not completely understood. RBs form at the neural plate border (NPB), the junction between neural and epidermal ectoderm, and require the transcription factor prdm1a. Here, we show that prior to RB differentiation, prdm1a overlaps extensively with the epidermal marker dlx3b but shows little overlap with the neuroectodermal markers sox3 and sox19a. Birthdating analysis reveals that the majority of RBs are born during gastrulation in zebrafish, suggesting that it is during this period that RBs become specified. Expression analysis in prdm1a and neurogenin1 mutant and dlx3b/dlx4b morpholino‐injected embryos suggests that prdm1a is upstream of dlx3b, dlx4b, and neurogenin1 at the NPB. mRNA for neurogenin1 or dlx3b/dlx4b can rescue the lack of RBs in prdm1a mutants. Based on these data, we suggest a preliminary gene regulatory network for RB development. Developmental Dynamics 238:931–943, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case studies of ends‐out gene targeting in Drosophila
Authors: Chen Haiyang , Ma Zhiguo , Liu Zhonghua , Tian Yuan , Xiang Yanhui , Wang Chao , Scott Matthew P. , Huang Xun
Published: March 2009

Ends‐in and ends‐out gene replacement approaches have been successfully used to disrupt Drosophila genes involved in a variety of biological processes. These methods combine double‐strand breaks and homologous recombination to replace a targeted chromosome region with a designed DNA sequence. Unfortunately, these methods require large numbers of single animal crosses, making them both time consuming and labor intensive. Here, we designed a single complete targeting vector for use in a mass crossing ends‐out gene targeting study. Importantly, our gene targeting method included a balancer chromosome to block endogenous homologous chromosome pairing and to promote pairing between the foreign targeting DNA fragment and the targeted chromosome. This technique provided successful and efficient gene replacement, greatly facilitating the gene knockout procedure. genesis 47:305–308, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unexpected Thermal Reactivity of Phosphirano‐[1,2]thiaphosphole P–W(CO)5 Complexes
Authors: Maurer Stefan , Jikyo Tamaki , Maas Gerhard
Published: March 2009

Spiro[fluorene‐9,6′‐[2]thia[1]phosphabicyclo[3.1.0]hex[3]enes] 7a–c have been obtained in one step from 3,5‐diaryl‐1,2‐thiaphospholes and 9‐diazofluorene or its 2,7‐dibromo derivative. The bicyclic phosphiranes are stable against water and resist attempts at sulfuration or selenation of the phosphorus atom. However, cleavage of the P–C ring fusion with hydrogen chloride followed by hydrolysis led to the monocyclic 2‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,2‐thiaphosphole 2‐oxides 8a–c. Phosphiranes 7a–c also react to form the hexacarbonyltungsten‐(P–W) complexes 10a–c readily and in high yields. These complexes rearrange in toluene solution at 50–80 °C to form the spiro[fluorene‐9,2′‐[1]phospha[6]thiabicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐3‐ene]‐W(CO)5‐(P–W) complexes 11a–c, which are the first representatives of ring‐fused thiaphosphiranes. Compound 11a is readily desulfurated with tributylphosphane to form the highly oxygen‐sensitive spiro[fluorene‐9,2′‐[2H]phosphole] 13, which is reconverted into 11a upon treatment with sulfur. Bicyclic 1,3,2‐dithiaphospholanes 12a–c are formed as minor byproducts of the thermal isomerization of phosphiranes 10. Compound 10a slowly rearranges in solution to give 12a as the sole product. Compounds 12 may result from a formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of an α,β‐unsaturated thione, formed by partial decomposition of 10, with a dipolar valence isomer of 10 or 11, featuring aW(CO)5‐complexed thiocarbonyl‐phospha‐ylide dipole (R2C=S+–P–R). W(CO)5 complexation is not a prerequisite for the cycloaddition reaction: the uncomplexed phosphirano‐thiaphosphole 7a reacts with thiobenzophenone in the same way to form the bicyclic 1,3,2‐dithiaphospholane 18 in high yield. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Monitoring changes in the volatile profile of cheese crackers during storage using GC–MS and PTR–MS
Authors: Pozo‐Bayón Maria‐Ángeles , Martín‐Álvarez Pedro J. , Reineccius Gary A.
Published: March 2009

The primary objective of this work was to determine the feasibility of using PTR–MS ion profiles to monitor changes in the volatile profile of cheese crackers during storage. This was done by obtaining PTR–MS ion profiles of cheese crackers during the early shelf‐life of the product (first 4 months of storage) and comparing these data to those obtained using a more traditional approach, i.e. purge and trap–GC–MS (PT–GC–MS). The PTR–MS profile of the samples was monitored for 47 ion masses, mainly corresponding to low molecular weight compounds or fragments of low mass. From the application of multivariate statistical analysis (cluster analysis, PCA, ANOVA) to the PTR–MS data of the samples of different storage times, it was shown that the age of the sample was an important factor for their classification. It was possible to differentiate two main groups of samples, the first group included samples of age <3 months (1, 1.5 and 2 months). This group had low ion intensities relative to the second group. The second group comprised samples of age ≥3 months (3 and 4 months) that showed higher ion intensities. PT–GC–MS data on the same samples found 38 volatile compounds, primarily aldehydes, that increased during storage. A good correlation was found between changes in some PTR–MS masses and major volatile compounds of crackers. The compounds that increased were generally products of autoxidation. It appears that a PTR–MS could be a useful tool for monitoring volatile changes during storage in cheese crackers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Musings on the future of accreditation
Authors: Crow Steven
Published: March 2009

The changing landscape of American higher education presents serious challenges to the future of accreditation.
Protein or amino acid deprivation differentially regulates the hepatic forkhead box protein A (FOXA) genes through an activating transcription factor-4–independent pathway #
Authors: Su Nan , Thiaville Michelle M. , Awad Keytam , Gjymishka Altin , Brant Jason O. , Yang Thomas P. , Kilberg Michael S.
Published: March 2009

The FOXA (forkhead box A) proteins (FOXA1, FOXA2, and FOXA3) play a critical role in the development of the liver, and they also regulate metabolism in adult hepatic tissue. The liver responds to changes in nutrient availability by initiating a number of stress signaling pathways. The present studies demonstrated that in mouse dams fed a low-protein diet hepatic expression of FOXA2 and FOXA3 messenger RNA, but not FOXA1, was induced. Conversely, fetal liver did not exhibit this regulation. Amino acid deprivation of HepG2 hepatoma cells also enhanced transcription from the FOXA2 and FOXA3 genes. In contrast, endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibited the expression of FOXA1, only slightly induced FOXA2, and had no effect on FOXA3. The FOXA2 and FOXA3 messenger RNA induction by amino acid deprivation did not require activating transcription factor 4, a critical component of the conventional amino acid response (AAR) pathway, but their induction was partially dependent on CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β. Simultaneous knockdown of both FOXA2 and FOXA3 by small interfering RNA did not affect the activation of other amino acid responsive genes, suggesting that the FOXA proteins are not required for the known AAR pathway. Collectively, the results document that the hepatic FOXA family of genes are differentially regulated by amino acid availability. (Hepatology 2009.)
OX40 costimulation can abrogate Foxp3+ regulatory T cell‐mediated suppression of antitumor immunity
Authors: Kitamura Naomi , Murata Satoshi , Ueki Tomoyuki , Mekata Eiji , Reilly R. Todd , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Tani Tohru
Published: March 2009

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in maintaining immunological tolerance that is one of the main obstacles to overcome for improving antitumor immunity. Recently, the Treg has been shown to constitutively express OX40 (CD134), which is a member of the TNF‐receptor family that is transiently expressed on effector T cells after TCR triggering, and through which the signal enhances effector T‐cell proliferation and memory T‐cell development. However, little is known about the role of OX40 costimulation to Tregs in tumor immunology. Here we show that OX40 signaling modulates the function of naturally occurring Tregs in vitro and in vivo. Foxp3 expression on Tregs was reduced by OX40 costimulation, but not by IL‐2 stimulation. Tregs suppressed the proliferation of naïve CD4+ CD25− T cells after TCR triggering, in contrast, OX40 costimulated Tregs that reduced Foxp3 expression reversed the suppressive function. In addition, Tregs inhibited the proliferation of TCR‐stimulated (primed) CD4+ T cells and naïve CD8+ T cells after TCR‐mediated activation, however, Tregs with OX40 costimulation lost their suppressive function. Interestingly, Tregs minimally suppressed the proliferation or the cytokine secretion of Ag‐specific CD8+ T cells after Ag‐restimulation. Furthermore, Tregs suppressive function to the antitumor effect was reversed by OX40 costimulation in vivo. Our data indicate that, in addition to controlling effector T‐cell function, OX40 costimulation directly controls Treg‐mediated suppression in tumor immunity. © 2009 UICC
ING2 is upregulated in colon cancer and increases invasion by enhanced MMP13 expression
Authors: Kumamoto Kensuke , Fujita Kaori , Kurotani Reiko , Saito Motonobu , Unoki Motoko , Hagiwara Nobutoshi , Shiga Hideaki , Bowman Elise D. , Yanaihara Nozomu , Okamura Shu , Nagashima Makoto , Miyamoto Kotaro , Takenoshita Seiichi , Yokota Jun , Harris Curtis C.
Published: March 2009

Inhibitor of growth 2 (ING2) is associated with chromatin remodeling and regulation of gene expression by binding to a methylated histone H3K4 residue and recruiting HDAC complexes to the region. The aim of our study is to investigate the regulation of ING2 expression and the clinical significance of upregulated ING2 in colon cancer. Here, we show that the ING2 mRNA level in colon cancer tissue increased to more than twice than that in normal mucosa in the 45% of colorectal cancer cases that we examined. A putative NF‐κB binding site was found in the ING2 promoter region. We confirmed that NF‐κB could bind to the ING2 promoter by EMSA and luciferase assays. Subsequent microarray analyses revealed that ING2 upregulates expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), which enhances cancer invasion and metastasis. ING2 regulation of MMP13 expression was confirmed in both ING2 overexpression and knock down experiments. MMP13 expression was further induced by coexpression of ING2 with HDAC1 or with mSin3A, suggesting that the ING2‐HDAC1‐mSin3A complex members regulates expression of MMP13. In vitro invasion assay was performed to determine functional significance of ING2 upregulation. ING2 overexpressed cells exhibited greater invasive potential. Taken together, upregulation of ING2 was associated with colon cancer and MMP13‐dependent cellular invasion, indicating that ING2 expression might be involved with cancer invasion and metastasis. Published 2009 UICC.
High prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in the female population of Guatemala
Authors: Vallès Xavier , Murga Gladys Beatriz , Hernández Gabriela , Sabidó Meritxell , Chuy Alejandro , Lloveras Belén , Alameda Francesc , de San José Sílvia , Bosch Francesc Xavier , Pedroza Isabel , Castellsagué Xavier , Casabona Jordi
Published: March 2009

The potential introduction of the newly licensed HPV‐vaccines at affordable prices could play a central role in preventing cervical cancer in middle and low‐income countries, where most of the cases occur. In spite of this, basic epidemiological data about HPV and HPV‐related lesions are still scarce. To determine the prevalence of cervical abnormalities, HPV prevalence, genotype distribution and related risk factors, we carried out a cross‐sectional study in a population from Guatemala that included 297 women from the general population (GP women) and 297 sex workers (SW). All participating women were interviewed and underwent a complete gynecological examination that included collection of cervical cells for cytological diagnosis, HPV DNA detection and typing by PCR methods. Cervical HPV DNA prevalence among GP women and from SW was 38.1% (95% CI: 32.5–43.8) and 67.3% (95% CI: 61.7–72.6), respectively. The prevalence of abnormal cytology among GP women was 7.7% (ASCUS = 1.4%, LSIL = 4.7%, ASC‐H = 0.3% and HSIL = 1.4%) and among SW was 21.6% (ASCUS = 7.5%, LSIL = 10.6%, ASC‐H = 1.4% and HSIL = 2.1%). The most prevalent HPV types among women with normal cytology were HPVs 51 (n = 30), 66 (n = 25) and 16 (n = 25), and among women with HSIL or ASC‐H (n = 14) HPVs 58 (n = 5) and 16 (n = 5). Determinants associated with HPV DNA detection were having had an occasional partner during the last 6 months and smoking habit among GP women, and being a minor among SW. HPV and abnormal cytology prevalence is high among women in Guatemala. The introduction of a HPV vaccination program would prevent an important fraction of HPV‐related disease burden. © 2009 UICC
Design of a multiphase osteochondral scaffold. II. Fabrication of a mineralized collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffold
Authors: Harley Brendan A. , Lynn Andrew K. , Wissner‐Gross Zachary , Bonfield William , Yannas Ioannis V. , Gibson Lorna J.
Published: March 2009

This paper is the second in a series of papers describing the design and development of an osteochondral scaffold using collagen–glycosaminoglycan and calcium phosphate technologies engineered for the regenerative repair of articular cartilage defects. The previous paper described a technology (concurrent mapping) for systematic variation and control of the chemical composition of triple coprecipitated collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and calcium phosphate (CGCaP) nanocomposites without using titrants. This paper describes (1) fabricating porous, three‐dimensional scaffolds from the CGCaP suspensions, (2) characterizing the microstructure and mechanical properties of such scaffolds, and (3) modifying the calcium phosphate mineral phase. The methods build on the previously demonstrated ability to vary the composition of a CGCaP suspension (calcium phosphate mass fraction between 0 and 80 wt %) and enable the production of scaffolds whose pore architecture (mean pore size: 50–1000 μm), CaP phase chemistry (brushite, octacalcium phosphate, apatite) and crosslinking density (therefore mechanical properties and degradation rate) can be independently controlled. The scaffolds described in this paper combine the desirable biochemical properties and pore architecture of porous collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffolds with the strength and direct bone‐bonding properties of calcium phosphate biomaterials in a manner that can be tailored to meet the demands of a range of applications in orthopedics and regenerative medicine. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Rapid screening, in vitro study of metal oxide and polymer hybrids as delivery coatings for improved soft‐tissue integration of implants
Authors: Jarrell John D. , Dolly Brandon , Morgan Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2009

Metal‐organic chemistry allows for molecular mixing and creation of a range of submicron phase‐separated structures from normally brittle metal oxides and flexible polymers with improved bioactivity and delivery properties. In this study, we used a high throughput platform to investigate the influence of organic metal oxide doping of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings on cellular bioactivity and controlled release of vanadium compared with titanium oxide coatings without additional PDMS. Metal‐organic‐derived titanium and or vanadium was doped into PDMS and used to form a coating on the bottom of cell culture microplates in the absence of added water, acids, or bases. These hybrid coatings were rapidly screened to establish how titanium and vanadium concentration influences cell proliferation, adhesion, and morphology. We demonstrate that titanium doping of PDMS can be used to improve cell proliferation and adhesion, and that vanadium doping caused a biphasic dose response in proliferation. A 28‐day vanadium and titanium elution study indicated that titanium was not released, but the presence of PDMS in coatings increased delivery rates of vanadium compared with titania coatings without polymer. Hybrid coatings of titanium‐doped polymers have potential for improving wound healing dynamics, soft‐tissue integration of medical implants, and use as controlled delivery vehicles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Identification of tubulins as substrates of serine protease HtrA1 by mixture‐based oriented peptide library screening
Authors: Chien Jeremy , He Xiaoping , Shridhar Viji
Published: March 2009

Serine protease HtrA1 belongs to a family of chymotrypsin‐like proteases that were first identified in bacteria and later in mammalian systems. These proteases were identified as components of protein quality control in prokaryotic systems and as regulators of diverse signaling pathways in mammalian systems. In particular, HtrA1 is implicated in trophoblast cell migration and invasion, tumor progression, chemotherapy‐induced cytotoxicity, osteoarthritis, age‐related macular degeneration, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, systematic analysis of its potential substrates in biological system is still lacking. Therefore, we performed a mixture‐based oriented peptide library screening to identify putative substrates of HtrA1. We identified [AEGR]‐[LAGR]‐[IAMLR]‐[TVIAL] as consensus residues for P1 to P4 sites. We identified several putative substrates of HtrA1 involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In this study, we report on the identification of tubulins as potential substrates of HtrA1, and validated tubulins as in vitro and intracellular substrates of HtrA1. These results provide initial insights into substrate identification and functional characterization of HtrA1 in pathogenesis of various diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 253–263, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of mediator immobilization on the electrochemically assisted microbial dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) and cis‐dichloroethene (cis‐DCE)
Authors: Aulenta Federico , Canosa Andrea , Roma Luigi De , Reale Priscilla , Panero Stefania , Rossetti Simona , Majone Mauro
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: A bioelectrochemical process for trichloroethene (TCE) dechlorination was developed. In this new process, a solid‐state electrode polarized to −450 mV versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), in combination with a redox mediator (i.e., methyl viologen, MV) is employed as an electron donor for the microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE. In this study we compared the performance of the process with the redox mediator immobilized at the surface of electrodes or dissolved in the bulk liquid, using both a culture highly enriched in Desulfitobacterium spp., capable of dechlorinating TCE to cis‐dichloroethene (cis‐DCE), and a culture highly enriched in Dehalococcoides spp. capable of dechlorinating cis‐DCE to ethene.

RESULTS: Short‐term potentiostatic (−450 mV versus SHE) experiments showed that TCE or cis‐DCE was dechlorinated both in the presence of soluble (500 µmol L−1) and immobilized MV. However, TCE or cis‐DCE dechlorination rates with MV‐modified electrodes were remarkably lower than with soluble MV. Both cultures produced significant amounts of H2 in the presence of electrically reduced, soluble MV, whereas no H2 was produced when the mediator was immobilized at the electrode surface, regardless of the potential applied to the electrode, in the range −425 to −500 mV versus SHE.

CONCLUSIONS: The process, operated with modified electrodes, supports the microbial dechlorination of TCE to ethene. Immobilization not only allows retention of the mediator within the system, but also increases process efficiency by preventing bioelectrochemical H2 formation. On the other hand, strategies to increase dechlorination rates with modified electrodes need to be developed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Sulphate bioreduction for the treatment of polluted waters: solid versus liquid organic substrates
Authors: Viggi Carolina Cruz , Pagnanelli Francesca , Toro Luigi
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: In this study a comparison between two continuously operating fixed‐bed column systems was performed in order to select the best operating conditions in terms of organic sources for sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB). The first column system (solid substrate, SS) was filled with a solid reactive mixture containing the organic matter necessary for SRB growth, while the second one (liquid substrate, LS) was filled with inert material and continuously fed by ethanol.

RESULTS: In the SS column 50 ± 10% sulphate abatement was reached at steady state, while metals were totally removed. Blank tests showed that biosorption was mainly responsible for both sulphate and metal removal. In the LS column, sulphate abatement was 70 ± 10% at steady state against 10 ± 5% of an identical column without inoculum (blank liquid substrate, BLS). Comparison with BLS showed that the main mechanism operating in this system was bioprecipitation. Estimated degradation rate constants for both SS and LS columns indicate similar performances (0.008 ± 0.001 and 0.0085 ± 0.0005 d−1 for SS and LS, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: LS column systems offer a valid alternative to conventional SS systems, avoiding the use of potentially harmful wastes as organic sources for SRB metabolism. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Pediatric hospitalists: Training, current practice, and career goals
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. ,   Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the range and frequency of experiences, clinical and nonclinical roles, training, work expectations, and career plans of practicing pediatric hospitalists.

DESIGN:

Mail survey study of a national sample of 530 pediatric hospitalists of whom 67% (N = 338) were from teaching hospitals, 71% (N = 374) were from children's hospitals, 43% (N = 230) were from freestanding children's hospitals, and 69% (N = 354) were from hospitals with ≥250 beds.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 84%. The majority (54%; N = 211) had been practicing as hospitalists for at least 3 years. Most reported that the pediatric inpatient unit (94%) and inpatient consultation service (51%) were a part of their regular clinical assignment. Most did not provide service in the normal newborn nursery (58%), subspecialty inpatient service (52%), transports (85%), outpatient clinics (66%), or as part of an emergency response team (53%). Many participated in quality improvement (QI) initiatives (84%) and practice guideline development (81%).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides the most comprehensive information available regarding the clinical and nonclinical roles, training, work expectations, and career plans of pediatric hospitalists. However, the field is currently a moving target; there is significant flux in the hospitalist workforce and variation in the roles of these professionals in their clinical and nonclinical work environment. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:179–186. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Soluble mediators from human neural stem cells play a critical role in suppression of T‐cell activation and proliferation
Authors: Kim Su‐Young , Cho Hyoung‐Soo , Yang Seung‐Ha , Shin Jin‐Young , Kim Jung‐Sik , Lee Soon‐Tae , Chu Kon , Roh Jae‐Kyu , Kim Seung U. , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: March 2009

Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) can control inflammation in the central nervous system, although the underlying mechanisms are not understood fully. We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of hNSCs on human T cells and the underlying mechanisms. Culture supernatant from an immortalized hNSC cell line, HB1.F3, which has a therapeutic effect on acute stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, suppressed the proliferation of allogeneically or mitogenically stimulated human peripheral T cells, including the CD3+CD103+ subpopulation. CFSE labeling and flow cytometry showed that the suppression of proliferation was caused by cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. The lack of significant change in caspase‐8 levels and the significant reduction in Bcl‐2 expression in the affected T cells suggest that the intrinsic pathway plays a major role in soluble‐factor‐mediated T‐cell apoptosis. The addition of culture supernatant from hNSCs to activated T cells reduced the expression of the activation markers CD69 and CD25 at 24 hr after activation, but at 48 hr only CD69 was down‐regulated. A cytometry bead assay showed that the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐2 decreased significantly, whereas that of IL‐4, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interferon‐γ increased. These results show that hNSCs can negatively affect human peripheral T cells by suppressing their activation and proliferation through soluble mediators, suggesting that hNSCs have a bystander immunomodulatory effect on T cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurotrophic effect of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone on neurite extension and neuronal migration of embryonic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone neurons in chick olfactory nerve bundle culture
Authors: Kanaho Yoh‐Ichiro , Enomoto Masahiro , Endo Daisuke , Maehiro Sayaka , Park Min Kyun , Murakami Shizuko
Published: March 2009

Hypothalamic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons play a pivotal role in regulating the reproductive function of vertebrates. These neurons are known to originate in the olfactory placode and migrate along olfactory‐related axons to reach the forebrain during embryonic development. Although GnRH is suggested to be secreted during such migration, its physiological significance is unknown. This point is difficult to explore in vivo because recent studies suggest that GnRH is an important factor for normal brain development and that modification of the embryonic GnRH system by exogenous GnRH analogue or genetic methods would result in dysgenesis of the brain. Therefore, to study the role of GnRH in the migratory process of GnRH neurons, we established an in vitro chick embryonic olfactory nerve bundle explant model. Embryonic day 7.5–8 olfactory nerve bundles were cultured in a mixture of Matrigel and collagen gel. At day 3 of culture, GnRH neurons extended their unbranched neurites and migrated out from both edges of the explant. The nature of neurite extension and migratory behavior of GnRH neurons was well maintained in the gel containing 25% Matrigel and 50% collagen. With this culture system, we examined the effect of GnRH on the migrating GnRH neurons. Cetrorelix, a GnRH antagonist, was found to inhibit significantly neurite growth and neuronal migration of GnRH neurons, the effects of which were repressed by the addition of chicken GnRH‐I. These results suggest that GnRH functions as one of the regulating factors of GnRH neuronal development by promoting neurite extension and neuronal migration. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Density of cerebellar basket and stellate cells in autism: Evidence for a late developmental loss of Purkinje cells
Authors: Whitney Elizabeth R. , Kemper Thomas L. , Rosene Douglas L. , Bauman Margaret L. , Blatt Gene J.
Published: March 2009

Alterations in the cerebellum have been described as a neuropathological feature of autism. Although numerous studies have focused on the Purkinje cell (PC), the projection neuron of the cerebellar cortex, PC function is critically dependent on their innervation by the GABAergic basket cells (BCs) and stellate cells (SCs) in the cerebellar molecular layer. The present study was designed to determine whether there are differences in the packing density of these inhibitory interneurons or whether the ratio of these interneurons to PCs differs in autistic and age‐matched control brains. The GABAergic interneurons were identified by using immunohistochemistry for parvalbumin (PV) in serial sections from the posterior cerebellar lobe of six autistic and four control brains and counted using stereological principles. Prior PC counts in the same area on adjacent sections (Whitney et al., 2008) were available and were used to calculate the number of BCs and SCs per PC. In this sample of brains, no statistically significant difference was detected between the autistic and the control groups in the density of BCs or SCs (P = 0.44 and P = 0.84, respectively) or in the number of BCs or SCs per PC (P = 0.47 and P = 0.44, respectively). The preservation of BCs and SCs, in the presence of the reduced PC numbers as found in at least two, and possibly three, of these six autistic cases (Whitney et al., 2008) suggests that PCs were generated, migrated to their proper location in the PC layer, and subsequently died in the autistic cases that showed a reduction in PCs. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct modes of migration position oligodendrocyte precursors for localized cell division in the developing spinal cord
Authors: Tsai Hui‐Hsin , Macklin Wendy B. , Miller Robert H.
Published: March 2009

Establishment of the cytoarchitecture of the central nervous system reflects the stereotyped cell migration and proliferation of precursor cells during development. In vitro analyses have provided extensive information on the control of proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs), but less is known about the migratory behavior of these cells in vivo. Here we utilize a transgenic mouse line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the proteolipid protein promoter (PLP‐EGFP mice) to visualize directly the behaviors of OPCs in developing spinal cord slices. During early development, OPCs disperse from their origin at the ventricular zone by using saltatory migration. This involves orientation of the cell with a leading edge toward the pial surface and alternating stationary and fast‐moving phases and dramatic shape changes. Once cells exit the ventricular zone, they exhibit an exploratory mode of migration characterized by persistent translocation without dramatic changes in cell morphology. The control of migration, proliferation, and cytokinesis of OPCs appear to be closely linked. In netrin‐1 mutant spinal cords that lack dispersal cues, OPC migration rates were not significantly different, but the trajectories were altered, and numbers of migrating cells were dramatically reduced. In contrast to DNA replication that occurs at the ventricular zone or throughout the spinal cord neuropil, cell division or cytokinesis of OPCs occurs predominantly at the interface between gray and white matters, with the majority of cleavage planes parallel to the pial surface. These studies suggest that positional cues are critical for regulating OPC behavior during spinal cord development. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of overweight and obesity on public health
Authors: Stanley John C.
Published: March 2009

The global prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing, bringing with it increases in mortality and morbidity from a constellation of diseases or comorbidities. In addition major increases in health care costs can be anticipated. At first sight many of the obesity and overweight comorbidities do not seem to have any common mechanism but the metabolic syndrome or the insulin resistance syndrome may provide a unifying mechanism for at least some of them. The public health case for addressing this progressive epidemic of overweight and obesity is unanswerable but this will require a solution to the seemingly intractable problem of persuading people to change their lifestyle.
On the almost sure central limit theorem for randomly indexed sums
Authors: Krajka A. , Wasiura J.
Published: March 2009

Let {Sn, n ≥ 1} be partial sums of independent identically distributed random variables. The almost sure version of CLT is generalized on the case of randomly indexed sums {SNn, n ≥ 1}, where {Nn, n ≥ 1} is a sequence of positive integer‐valued random variables independent of {Sn, n ≥ 1}. The affects of nonrandom centering and norming are considered too (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tensor product characterizations of mixed intersections of non quasianalytic classes and kernel theorems
Authors: Schmets Jean , Valdivia Manuel
Published: March 2009

Mixed intersections of non quasi‐analytic classes have been studied in [12]. Here we obtain tensor product representations of these spaces that lead to kernel theorems as well as to tensor product representations of intersections of non quasi‐analytic classes on product of open or of compact sets (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lung and respiratory muscle function in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Stübgen Joerg‐Patrick , Schultz Cedric
Published: March 2009

Pulmonary dysfunction is not a well‐recognized feature of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and type of pulmonary and respiratory muscle dysfunction in FSHD. Sixteen patients with moderately advanced FSHD and 16 healthy controls were evaluated. Standard lung and respiratory muscle function tests were performed. Diaphragm muscle inspiratory action was evaluated with transdiaphragmatic pressure measurements. Lung function tests showed an increased residual volume in five patients. There was a significant difference in global respiratory muscle function in patients versus controls; weakness was mild, and it affected expiratory more than inspiratory muscles. There was no significant difference in the diaphragm inspiratory action of patients versus controls. The dystrophic process that underlies FSHD did not significantly involve the muscles of the diaphragm, but it caused mild global respiratory muscle weakness that affected expiratory more than inspiratory muscles. It is probably not necessary to routinely monitor respiratory muscle function in ambulant FSHD patients who lack symptoms or signs of respiratory impairment. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Behavior of fascicles and the myotendinous junction of human medial gastrocnemius following eccentric strength training
Authors: Duclay Julien , Martin Alain , Duclay Alice , Cometti Gilles , Pousson Michel
Published: March 2009

This study is the first in which measurements of thickness, fascicle angle and length, and tendon elongation were combined to examine the impact of eccentric strength training on both muscle architecture and tendinous structures. Eighteen healthy male subjects were divided into an eccentric strength training group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 8). The training program consisted of 18 sessions of eccentric exercises over a 7‐week period. All subjects were tested at baseline and after the last training session. Using ultrasound imaging, the fascicle angle and length and thickness of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) were analyzed at rest (i.e., θp, Flp, and tp, respectively), at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (i.e., θ50, Fl50, and t50, respectively), and during MVC (i.e., θ100, Fl100, and t100, respectively). Tendon elongation (TE) was measured by tracking the proximal displacement of the myotendinous junction of the MG during ramp isometric contraction. During ramp isometric contraction, the slope of the load–deformation relationship of the gastrocnemius tendon above 50% MVC was defined as an index of stiffness. After training, muscle thickness and fascicle angle increased significantly at rest and during contraction, whereas fascicle length increased at rest and did not change during contraction. Furthermore, the stiffness of the gastrocnemius tendon increased significantly. The results suggest that the behavior of muscle architecture and tendon mechanical properties are affected differently by strength training. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Bladder outlet obstruction in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis
Authors: Cameron Anne P. , Gajewski Jerzy B.
Published: March 2009

Aims

Obstructive symptoms such as slow stream, dribbling and straining are often reported by painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) patients. Our hypothesis was that some patients with PBS/IC have an associated measurable bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to dysfunctional voiding and that those patients with more severe PBS/IC are more likely to have BOO.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of female patients diagnosed with PBS/IC based on the NIDDK research definition. Charts were reviewed for clinical symptom severity, ulcer or non‐ulcer PBS/IC on cystoscopy, and pressure‐flow urodynamics (UDPF). Patients were excluded if they had a urinary infection at the time of urodynamics or did not meet study entry requirements. The cut‐off values of ≤12 ml/sec and ≥25 cm of water was used to define BOO.

Results

Of the 231 women: 38 had ulcer PBS/IC and 193 had non‐ulcer PBS/IC. MCC was 269 ml in non‐ulcer PBS/IC and 200 ml in ulcer PBS/IC (P = 0.006). One hundred eleven women (48%) met criteria for obstruction. MCC was 298 ml in the non‐obstructed group and 214 ml in the obstructed group (P < 0.0001). The maximum flow with non‐ulcer PBS/IC was 11.0 ml/sec and in ulcer PBS/IC 8.9 ml/sec (P = 0.04) Detrusor pressure at maximum flow was 33.3 cm H2O, in non‐ulcer, and 37.4 cm H2O in ulcer PBS/IC (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Forty‐eight percent of our PBS/IC patients have BOO, and increasing severity of PBS/IC is associated with higher voiding pressure. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:944–948, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contact mechanics at the nanoscale, a 3D multiscale approach
Authors: Anciaux Guillaume , Molinari Jean‐Francois
Published: March 2009

We present a multiscale coupling method to address contact problems. The components of the model are a molecular dynamics engine, a finite element program and a coupling scheme. We validate the approach, first on Hertzian contact and then with a rough surface contacting a rigid body plane. Various measures are provided to highlight limitations and new opportunities in conducting large‐scale simulations of contact brought by the proposed multiscale approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nonprofit leadership deficit: A case for more optimism
Authors: Johnson Janet L.
Published: March 2009

Recent headlines claim that a looming nonprofit leadership crisis will soon be precipitated by retiring baby boomers. Analysis of baby boom demographics, using national census data on the age distribution and other demographic characteristics of top leaders by sector, confirms the aging nonprofit workforce. However, the issue of whether the aging workforce portends a nonprofit leadership crisis, when analyzed within a theoretical framework of supply and demand in the market for nonprofit executives, reveals flaws in most commentaries about the leadership crisis. Workings of the labor market and nonprofit organizations themselves suggest trends that could be expected to affect labor supply and demand and mitigate a leadership deficit. Reasonable—and likely—market and organizational adjustments, including higher executive pay, increased labor force participation of older workers, skill acquisition of younger workers, possible consolidation of nonprofit organizations, board and volunteer skill sharing, and even venture philanthropy, can be expected to moderate the shock of baby boom retirements, much in the way that schools, job markets, and housing markets have accommodated the movement of this “bulging” generation through earlier decades of their lives.