bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of small molecules using fullerene‐derivatized silica as energy‐absorbing material
Authors: Szabo Zoltan , Vallant Rainer M. , Takátsy Anikó , Bakry Rania , Najam‐ul‐Haq Muhammad , Rainer Matthias , Huck Christian W. , Bonn Günther K.
Published: April 2010

In spite of the growing acceptance of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for the analysis of a wide variety of compounds, including polymers and proteins, its use in analyzing low‐molecular‐weight molecules (<1000m/z) is still limited. This is mainly due to the interference of matrix molecules in the low‐mass range. Here the derivatized fullerenes covalently bound to silica particles with different pore sizes are applied as thin layer for laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometric analysis. Thus, an interference of intrinsic matrix ions can be eliminated or minimized in comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art weak organic acid matrices. The desorption/ionization ability of the developed fullerene–silica materials depends on the applied laser power, sample preparation and pore size of the silica particles. Thus, fullerene–silica serves as an LDI support for mass spectrometric analysis of molecules (<1500 Da). The performance of the fullerene–silica is demonstrated by the mass analysis of variety of small molecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, phospholipids and drugs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of dopamine D1 receptor with N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor is important for the membrane localization of the receptor
Authors: Chen Sheng , Liu Fang
Published: April 2010

The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) plays important roles in regulating motor coordination, working memory, learning, and reward. In the mammalian brain, D1R is localized predominantly in dendritic spines. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the transport, sorting, and targeting of D1R to dendritic spines are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the interaction between D1R and N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor (NSF) and show that the interaction is mediated by aa 387–401 of the D1R C‐terminal tail. Interfering D1R and NSF interaction by coexpressing GFP‐D1R aa 387–401 fusion protein reduces D1R membrane localization and inhibits D1R mediated cAMP accumulation. Treatment of hippocampal neurons with Tat‐D1R aa 387–401 decreases the synaptic localization of D1R and the cell surface expression of D1R, but not the cell surface expression of α7 nicotinic receptor. Our data indicate that the interaction between NSF and D1R is important for the membrane localization of D1R. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Balancing cognition and emotion: Innovation implementation as a function of cognitive appraisal and emotional reactions toward innovation
Authors: Choi Jin Nam , Sung Sun Young , Lee Kyungmook , Cho Dong‐Sung
Published: April 2010

Focusing on the role of emotions in understanding employee behavior, the present study identifies employees' emotional reactions toward innovation as a mediating process that explains the effects of institutional environment on collective innovation use in work units. We further employed the appraisal theory of emotion and affective events theory (AET) to conceptualize the relationships between cognitions and emotions involving innovation. This expanded conceptual model was tested using multi‐source data from 1150 employees and managers of 81 branches of a Korean insurance company that were implementing a new practice called Life‐Long Learning. Two contextual factors (management involvement and training for innovation) significantly predicted employees' collective cognitive appraisal of the innovation (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use). Collective cognitive appraisal in turn predicted employees' positive and negative emotions toward the innovation, which completely mediated the effects of contextual factors and cognitive appraisal on implementation effectiveness (consistent and committed use of the innovation in the branch). This study highlights the critical role of emotions in the context of innovation implementation, and shows the need for greater attention to emotional processes in examining organizational innovations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The changing face of malignant melanoma
Authors: Reintgen Christian , Shivers Steven , Reintgen Michael , Giuliano Rosemary , Reintgen Douglas
Published: April 2010

Background and Objectives

There is currently an epidemic of malignant melanoma occurring in the United States. At the same time there has been a heightened awareness for early detection of melanoma in the professional ranks as well as in the lay population. A database review was performed to investigate the changing patterns of melanoma presentation during a 2 decade time period in the State of Florida.

Methods

This report is based on data collected in a prospective fashion from three institutions that shared a single melanoma database initially established in 1987. Four 5‐year time periods were arbitrarily selected for the study: 1989–1993, 1994–1998, 1999–2003, and 2004–2008. Patients were grouped by their date of initial diagnosis.

Results

A total of 7,580 patients were registered in the database during the study intervals. Multiple group comparisons by Chi‐Square analysis showed that there were significant differences among the four groups in tumor thickness at diagnosis, stage of disease at diagnosis and disease‐free survival (DFS). The DFS rate for all patients diagnosed with melanoma has progressively improved over the last 20 years (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Even though there is an epidemic of malignant melanoma occurring in the United States, it appears that patients are being diagnosed earlier with thinner lesions that are capable of being cured with simple surgical techniques. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:443–446. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term clinical outcome of pelvic exenteration in patients with advanced gynecological malignancies
Authors: Fotopoulou Christina , Neumann Ulf , Kraetschell Robert , Schefold Joerg C. , Weidemann Henning , Lichtenegger Werner , Sehouli Jalid
Published: April 2010

Background and Objectives

We evaluated the outcome of pelvic exenteration in women with locally advanced primary or recurrent gynecological malignancies.

Methods

All pelvic exenteration procedures performed between 01/2003 and 06/2009 were evaluated. Extent of surgical radicality, operative techniques, and outcome were evaluated. Kaplan–Meier curves were calculated for Overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Forty‐seven patients (median age: 52.5 years) were evaluated. Ten of 47 patients (21.3%) had a primary and 37(78.7%) a relapsed cancer. Most common (80.8%) site of origin was the cervix. Patients (80.8%) had undergone previous pelvic irradiation. A total exenteration was performed in 32/47 patients (68%). A complete tumor resection was obtained in 23 patients (49%). Thirty‐three patients (70.2%) had at least one major complication, including ileus (8.5%), intestinal‐fistula (29.8%), ureteral anastomotic insufficiency (6.4%), abscess (6.4%), and cardiothrombotic events (23.4%). At a median follow‐up of 7 months (range: 1–42), 22/47 patients (46.8%) died and 22/47 (46.8%) experienced a relapse. Median OS was 4 months (range: 0.1–16) and 22 months (range: 6–42) for patients with versus without postoperative tumor residuals, respectively (P = 0.0006), while median PFS was 4 months (range:0.1–16) versus 12months (range: 6–42) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Radical pelvic exenteration due to advanced pelvic malignancies may be associated with a high morbidity. Complete tumor resection is associated with a significantly higher overall and PFS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:507–512. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finding Inspiration in the Protein Data Bank to Chemically Antagonize Readers of the Histone Code
Authors: Campagna‐Slater Valérie , Schapira Matthieu
Published: April 2010

Members of the Royal family of proteins are readers of the histone code that contain aromatic cages capable of recognizing specific sequences and lysine methylation states on histone tails. These binding modules play a key role in epigenetic signalling, and are part of a larger group of epigenetic targets that are becoming increasingly attractive for drug discovery. In the current study, pharmacophore representations of the aromatic cages forming the methyl‐lysine (Me‐Lys) recognition site were used to search the Protein Data Bank (PDB) for ligand binding pockets possessing similar chemical and geometrical features in unrelated proteins. The small molecules bound to these sites were then extracted from the PDB, and clustered based on fragments binding to the aromatic cages. The compounds collected are numerous and structurally diverse, but point to a limited set of preferred chemotypes; these include quaternary ammonium, sulfonium, and primary, secondary and tertiary amine moieties, as well as aromatic, aliphatic or orthogonal rings, and bicyclic systems. The chemical tool‐kit identified can be used to design antagonists of the Royal family and related proteins.
Loss of SED1/MFG‐E8 results in altered luminal physiology in the epididymis
Authors: Raymond Adam S. , Elder Brooke , Ensslin Michael , Shur Barry D.
Published: April 2010

SED1/MFG‐E8, herein referred to as SED1, is a bimotif adhesive protein with ascribed functions in a range of cell–cell interactions, including sperm‐egg binding. In the male reproductive tract, SED1 is secreted by the initial segment of the epididymis, where it coats sperm and subsequently facilitates binding to the egg zona pellucida. We have recently reported that SED1‐null epididymides show an unexpected incidence of spermatic granulomas, reflecting breakdown of the epithelium and a consequent autoimmune response against sperm antigens. However, spermatic granulomas are most often manifest in the distal segments of the epididymis, whereas the bulk of SED1 is expressed in the proximal epididymis. In some models, the presence of granulomas in the distal epididymis is associated with an underlying defect in the maintenance of luminal fluid homeostasis. Herein, we report that SED1‐null epididymal fluid is both hypo‐osmotic and alkaline, relative to wildtype epididymal fluid. Furthermore, the SED1‐null epididymal epithelium exhibits various hallmarks of disrupted fluid reabsorption and pH regulation, including altered morphology of clear cells, increased intracellular vesicles, and apical distribution of VATPase. Results indicate that the SED1‐null epididymal pathologies are not the secondary consequences of defective testes or efferent ducts or of improper epididymal differentiation, unlike that seen in other epididymal models. The expression and distribution of various ion exchangers, channels, and enzymes that mediate fluid transport and pH regulation are examined in wildtype and SED1‐null epididymides, and models to account for how SED1 functions in luminal fluid dynamics are discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 550–563, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fully sequential procedures for comparing constrained systems via simulation
Authors: Andradóttir Sigrún , Kim Seong‐Hee
Published: April 2010

We consider the problem of finding the system with the best primary performance measure among a finite number of simulated systems in the presence of a stochastic constraint on a single real‐valued secondary performance measure. Solving this problem requires the identification and removal from consideration of infeasible systems (Phase I) and of systems whose primary performance measure is dominated by that of other feasible systems (Phase II). We use indifference zones in both phases and consider two approaches, namely, carrying out Phases I and II sequentially and carrying out Phases I and II simultaneously, and we provide specific example procedures of each type. We present theoretical results guaranteeing that our approaches (general and specific, sequential and simultaneous) yield the best system with at least a prespecified probability, and we provide a portion of an extensive numerical study aimed at evaluating and comparing the performance of our approaches. The experimental results show that both new procedures are useful for constrained ranking and selection, with neither procedure showing uniform superiority over the other.© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Competing with channel partners: Supply chain conflict when retailers introduce store brands
Authors: Heese Hans Sebastian
Published: April 2010

Private‐label products are of increasing importance in many retail categories. While national‐brand products are designed by the manufacturer and sold by the retailer, the positioning of store‐brand products is under the complete control of the retailer. We consider a scenario where products differ on a performance quality dimension and we analyze how retailer–manufacturer interactions in product positioning are affected by the introduction of a private‐label product. Specifically, we consider a national‐brand manufacturer who determines the quality of its product as well the product's wholesale price charged to the retailer. Given the national‐brand quality and wholesale price, the retailer then decides the quality level of its store brand and sets the retail prices for both products. We find that a manufacturer can derive substantial benefits from considering a retailer's store‐brand introduction when determining the national brand's quality and wholesale price. If the retailer has a significant cost disadvantage in producing high‐quality products, the manufacturer does not need to adjust the quality of the national‐brand product, but he should offer a wholesale price discount to ensure its distribution through the retailer. If the retailer is competitive in providing products of high‐quality, the manufacturer should reduce this wholesale price discount and increase the national‐brand quality to mitigate competition. Interestingly, we find the retailer has incentive to announce a store‐brand introduction to induce the manufacturer's consideration of these plans in determining the national‐brand product quality and wholesale price. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Adaptive mesh refinement applied to the scalar transported PDF equation in a turbulent jet
Authors: Olivieri D. A. , Fairweather M. , Falle S. A. E. G.
Published: April 2010

This paper describes a novel solution method for the transported probability density function (PDF) equation for scalars (compositions). In contrast to conventional solution methods based on the Monte Carlo approach, we use a finite‐volume method combined with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) applied in both physical and compositional space. The obvious advantage of this over a uniform grid is that fine meshes are only used where the solution requires high resolution. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by a number of tests involving a turbulent jet flow with up to two scalars (both reacting and non‐reacting). We find that the AMR calculation can be at a fraction of the computer cost of a uniform grid calculation with the same accuracy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of Polycaprolactone‐graft‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐methoxy polyethylene glycol monomethacrylate) as non‐viral gene vector
Authors: Guo Shutao , Qiao Yong , Wang Weiwei , Xing Jinfeng , Deng Liandong , Dong Anjie , Xu Jianqing
Published: April 2010

Polycaprolactone‐graft‐Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐methoxy polyethylene glycol monomethacrylate) (PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐mPEGMMA)) was synthesized by combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐mPEGMMA) was characterized by FTIR,1H NMR, and GPC. PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐mPEGMMA) with expected composition and structure was achieved. pH‐ and thermo‐sensitive properties of the PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐mPEGMMA) nanoparticles prepared by the nanoprecipitation method were investigated by TEM and DLS. With increase in the temperature, the size of PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐mPEGMMA) nanoparticles is decreased under base environment. Furthermore,in vitrotransfection and toxicity assays were tested in 293T cells. The results indicate that PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐PEGMMA) has lower cytotoxicity at N/P ratios less than 10 with transfection efficiency concomitantly reducing at N/P ratios less than 20 compared to PCL‐graft‐PDMAEMA as the control. However, PCL‐graft‐P(DMAEMA‐co‐PEGMMA) presents higher transfection efficiency at N/P ratios more than 20 compared to PCL‐graft‐PDMAEMA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐eclampsia: fitting together the placental, immune and cardiovascular pieces
Authors: James Joanna L , Whitley Guy S , Cartwright Judith E
Published: April 2010

The success of pregnancy is a result of countless ongoing interactions between the placenta and the maternal immune and cardiovascular systems. Pre‐eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that arises from multiple potential aberrations in these systems. The pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia is established in the first trimester of pregnancy, when a range of deficiencies in placentation affect the key process of spiral artery remodelling. As pregnancy progresses to the third trimester, inadequate spiral artery remodelling along with multiple haemodynamic, placental and maternal factors converge to activate the maternal immune and cardiovascular systems, events which may in part result from increased shedding of placental debris. As we understand more about the pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia, it is becoming clear that the development of early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia, as well as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), does not necessarily arise from the same underlying pathology. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrity and Identity: Moral Identity Differences and Preferred Interpersonal Reactions
Authors: Miller Marisa L. , Schlenker Barry R.
Published: April 2010

Moral identity affects interpersonal relationships by guiding how people perceive and respond to feedback, evaluate others and select task partners and friends. Self–described principled participants (high scorers on the Integrity Scale) more strongly preferred principled–prototypic others over expedient ones and believed it possible to be more principled in one's beliefs (Study 1), preferred evaluators who regarded them as principled over expedient (Study 2), had friends who saw them as principled and paired up with friends who were themselves principled (Study 3). In contrast, expedient individuals did not display mirror–image reactions but saw merit in being both expedient and principled; they were accepting of any relevant feedback and partner preferences. Moral identity is a key link between ethical beliefs and behaviours. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incurious Motives to Seek Information about Potential Threats
Authors: Litman Jordan A. , Lunsford George D.
Published: April 2010

In Study 1, 20 incurious worry reduction motive (IWRM) items were administered to 280 participants along with curiosity and worry scales. With factor analysis, two six–item scales were developed: focus on distress (IWRM–FD) and focus on relief (IWRM–FR). IWRM–FD was associated with wanting positive news about threats, whereas IWRM–FR was related to wanting negative news to be free from further worry. Neither the curiosity nor worry scales predicted wanting information. In Study 2, the IWRM scales were administered to 170 participants along with a coping inventory. IWRM–FD correlated with avoidant–coping, whereas IWRM–FR was associated positively with active–coping and advice–seeking. The results suggest that IWRM–FD reflects a desire to minimize distress, whereas IWRM–FR motivates identifying and dealing directly with problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Dating to Mating and Relating: Predictors of Initial and Long–Term Outcomes of Speed–Dating in a Community Sample
Authors: Asendorpf Jens B. , Penke Lars , Back Mitja D.
Published: April 2010

We studied initial and long–term outcomes of speed–dating over a period of 1 year in a community sample involving 382 participants aged 18–54 years. They were followed from their initial choices of dating partners up to later mating (sexual intercourse) and relating (romantic relationship). Using Social Relations Model analyses, we examined evolutionarily informed hypotheses on both individual and dyadic effects of participants’ physical characteristics, personality, education and income on their dating, mating and relating. Both men and women based their choices mainly on the dating partners’ physical attractiveness, and women additionally on men's sociosexuality, openness to experience, shyness, education and income. Choosiness increased with age in men, decreased with age in women and was positively related to popularity among the other sex, but mainly for men. Partner similarity had only weak effects on dating success. The chance for mating with a speed–dating partner was 6%, and was increased by men's short–term mating interest; the chance for relating was 4%, and was increased by women's long–term mating interest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality and the Prediction of Team Performance
Authors: O'Neill Thomas A. , Allen Natalie J.
Published: April 2010

Although much is known about personality and individuals’ job performance, only a few studies have considered the effects of team–level personality on team performance. Existing research examining the effects of personality on team performance has found that, of the Big Five factors of personality, Conscientiousness is often the most important predictor. Accordingly, we investigated the criterion validity of lower–level Conscientiousness traits to determine whether any one trait is particularly predictive of team performance. In addition to Conscientiousness, we examined the criterion validity of the other Big Five personality factors. We found that Conscientiousness and its facets predicted team performance. Agreeableness, Extraversion and Neuroticism were not predictive of team performance, whereas Openness had a modest negative relation with team performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Right–Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation Differentially Moderate Intergroup Effects on Prejudice
Authors: Duckitt John , Sibley Chris G.
Published: April 2010

Research has shown that two individual difference dimensions, Right–Wing authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), consistently predict prejudice. Traditionally it has been assumed that RWA and SDO both index generalized dispositions to dislike outgroups and those who differ, and therefore predict prejudice similarly. An alternative approach suggests that RWA and SDO express different motivational bases for prejudice that differentially interact with intergroup conditions to predict prejudice. This was tested by investigating students’ reactions to varying descriptions of a bogus immigrant group. As hypothesized, the degree to which RWA and SDO predicted opposition to the immigrants was differentially contingent on the degree to which the immigrants were described as economically competitive, socially threatening (deviant) and socio–economically disadvantaged. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiotherapy, based on the Bobath concept, may influence the gait pattern in persons with limb‐girdle muscle dystrophy: a multiple case series study
Authors: Øygard Kjellaug , Hæstad Helge , Jørgensen Lone
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose. There are few studies on possible effects of physiotherapy for adults with muscular dystrophy. The aim of this study was to examine if treatment based on the Bobath concept may influence specific gait parameters in some of these patients. Methods. A single‐subject experimental design with A–B–A–A phases was used, and four patients, three with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and one with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), were included. The patients had 1 hour of individually tailored physiotherapy at each working day for a period of 3 weeks. Step length, step width and gait velocity were measured during the A–B–A–A phases by use of an electronic walkway. Walking distance and endurance were measured by use of the ‘6 minute walk test’. Results. The three LGMD patients, who initially walked with a wide base of support, had a narrower, velocity‐adjusted step width after treatment, accompanied with the same or even longer step length. These changes lasted throughout follow‐up. Moreover, two of the patients were able to walk a longer distance within 6 minutes after the treatment period. The fourth patient (with FSHD) had a normal step width at baseline, which did not change during the study. Conclusions. The results indicate that physiotherapy treatment based on the Bobath concept may influence the gait pattern in patients with LGMD. However, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy to patients with muscular dystrophies, we call for larger studies and controlled trials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis and network representation of hotspots in protein interfaces using minimum cut trees
Authors: Tuncbag Nurcan , Salman F. Sibel , Keskin Ozlem , Gursoy Attila
Published: April 2010

We propose a novel approach to analyze and visualize residue contact networks of protein interfaces by graph‐based algorithms using a minimum cut tree (mincut tree). Edges in the network are weighted according to an energy function derived from knowledge‐based potentials. The mincut tree, which is constructed from the weighted residue network, simplifies and summarizes the complex structure of the contact network by an efficient and informative representation. This representation offers a comprehensible view of critical residues and facilitates the inspection of their organization. We observed, on a nonredundant data set of 38 protein complexes with experimental hotspots that the highest degree node in the mincut tree usually corresponds to an experimental hotspot. Further, hotspots are found in a few paths in the mincut tree. In addition, we examine the organization of hotspots (hot regions) using an iterative clustering algorithm on two different case studies. We find that distinct hot regions are located on specific sites of the mincut tree and some critical residues hold these clusters together. Clustering of the interface residues provides information about the relation of hot regions with each other. Our new approach is useful at the molecular level for both identification of critical paths in the protein interfaces and extraction of hot regions by clustering of the interface residues. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of full‐length class I chitinase from rice revealed by X‐ray crystallography and small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Kezuka Yuichiro , Kojima Masaki , Mizuno Ryoji , Suzuki Kazushi , Watanabe Takeshi , Nonaka Takamasa
Published: April 2010

The rice class I chitinase OsChia1b, also referred to as RCC2 or Cht‐2, is composed of an N‐terminal chitin‐binding domain (ChBD) and a C‐terminal catalytic domain (CatD), which are connected by a proline‐ and threonine‐rich linker peptide. Because of the ability to inhibit fungal growth, the OsChia1b gene has been used to produce transgenic plants with enhanced disease resistance. As an initial step toward elucidating the mechanism of hydrolytic action and antifungal activity, the full‐length structure of OsChia1b was analyzed by X‐ray crystallography and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). We determined the crystal structure of full‐length OsChia1b at 2.00‐Å resolution, but there are two possibilities for a biological molecule with and without interdomain contacts. The SAXS data showed an extended structure of OsChia1b in solution compared to that in the crystal form. This extension could be caused by the conformational flexibility of the linker. A docking simulation of ChBD with tri‐N‐acetylchitotriose exhibited a similar binding mode to the one observed in the crystal structure of a two‐domain plant lectin complexed with a chitooligosaccharide. A hypothetical model based on the binding mode suggested that ChBD is unsuitable for binding to crystalline α‐chitin, which is a major component of fungal cell walls because of its collisions with the chitin chains on the flat surface of α‐chitin. This model also indicates the difference in the binding specificity of plant and bacterial ChBDs of GH19 chitinases, which contribute to antifungal activity. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss,Inc.
Structure–activity relationship of a novel pentapeptide with cancer cell growth‐inhibitory activity
Authors: Kamiya Masakatsu , Oyauchi Keisuke , Sato Yoshinori , Yokoyama Takuya , Wang Mofei , Aizawa Tomoyasu , Kumaki Yasuhiro , Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Imai Kunio , Demura Makoto , Suzuki Koichi , Kawano Keiichi
Published: April 2010

We previously reported that yamamarin, a pentapeptide with an amidated C‐terminus (DILRG‐NH2) isolated from larvae of the silkmoth, and its palmitoylated analog (C16‐DILRG‐NH2) suppressed proliferation of rat hepatoma (liver cancer) cells. In this study, we investigated the structure–activity relationship of yamamarin by in vitro assay and spectroscopic methods (CD and NMR) for various analogs. The in vitro assay results demonstrated that the chemical structure of the C‐terminal part (‐RG‐NH2) of yamamarin is essential for its activity. The CD and NMR results indicated that yamamarin and its analog adopt predominantly a random coil conformation. Moreover, a comparison of NMR spectra of DILRG‐NH2 and C16‐DILRG‐NH2 revealed that the N‐terminal palmitoyl group of C16‐DILRG‐NH2 did not affect the conformation of the C‐terminal part, which is essential for activity. Together, these results should assist in the design of more sophisticated anticancer drugs. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling residential mobility: factors associated with the movement of children in Greater Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Ginsburg Carren , Steele Fiona , Richter Linda M. , Norris Shane A.
Published: April 2010

Conceptualisation of child residential mobility has been influenced by developed country contexts; however, trends and models for movement are likely to differ in transitional societies. This paper uses event‐history analysis to model the residential movements of South African urban children in the Birth to Twenty cohort over their first 14 years of life. Associations with mobility of children are tested over a set of domains relating to the child, the child's primary caregiver, and the child's household. A methodological approach is proposed for analysing repeated moves using multi‐level models, which are adapted to maximise information from children who dropped out of the study or who had long gaps in their residential histories. The results indicate mobility is associated with economic disadvantage with children whose primary caregivers had no formal education and who lived in households with fewer assets and less access to services being more likely to change residence. The study suggests potential risks for mobile children in urban environments who may be more likely to be exposed to disruption or compromised living conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerische Untersuchungen zur Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Spannbeton‐Fertigdecken in Slim‐Floor‐Konstruktio
Authors: Hegger Josef , Roggendorf Thomas , Teworte Frederik
Published: April 2010

Die Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Spannbeton‐Fertigdecken (vorgespannte Hohlplatten) wird bei der Lagerung auf schlanken Trägern durch Beanspruchungen quer zur Spannrichtung herabgesetzt. In der Praxis stellt sich häufig die Frage, wann die Nachgiebigkeit eines Trägers bei der Bemessung der Platten zu berücksichtigen ist und wie sich eine Veränderung der Trägersteifigkeit auswirkt. Dieser Beitrag fasst die Thematik der biegeweichen Lagerung und Großversuche mit Spannbeton‐Fertigdecken auf deckengleichen Stahlträgern zusammen. Im Anschluss werden numerische Untersuchungen beschrieben und Schlussfolgerungen zum Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten der beschriebenen Deckenkonstruktionen abgeleitet.

Numerical investigations of the shear resistance of prestressed hollow core slabs in slim floor constructions.The shear resistance of prestressed hollow core slabs is considerably reduced due to transverse stresses when the slabs are bedded on slender beams. In practice, open questions are the consideration of a support's flexibility in the design of the slabs and the effect of the beam stiffness. This paper summarises the topic of flexible supports and full‐scale tests with hollow core slabs supported on shallow steel beams. Numerical investigations and conclusions regarding the load bearing behaviour of the described constructions will be discussed in the following.
Membranwirkung von Verbunddecken bei Brand – Stand der Technik
Authors: Mensinger Martin , Schaumann Peter , Stadler Martin , Schaumann Peter , Sothmann Jörg
Published: April 2010

Verbunddecken zeigen im Brandfall durch die Ausbildung einer Membranwirkung ein äußerst gutmütiges Tragverhalten. Nach derzeit geltenden Vorschriften in Deutschland kann dieses Tragverhalten jedoch nicht ohne weiteres berücksichtigt werden. Alle Stahlträger solcher Decken müssen gegen Brandeinwirkung geschützt werden, obwohl dies für die Lastabtragung im Brandfall oft nicht notwendig ist. In Großbritannien wird die Membranwirkung von Verbunddecken im Brand mit dem Verfahren nach Bailey bereits genutzt. Der von Bailey vorgestellte ingenieurmäßige Ansatz stellt ein praktikables Verfahren dar, das sehr gut auch für einfache Bauwerke angewendet werden kann, bei denen ein hoher Rechenaufwand unwirtschaftlich wäre. Um das Verfahren auch in Deutschland anwenden zu können, bedarf es jedoch noch einiger eingehender Untersuchungen.

Membrane action of composite slabs in fire – State of the art. Composite slabs exposed to fire can support loads considerably greater than those calculated using classical design procedures. This is due to the change of the load carrying mechanism from flexural bending at ambient temperature to tensile membrane action in fire. However, this mechanism cannot be simply adopted in the Germany design rules. According to the building regulations all the steel beams have to be protected against fire although it is often not necessary in order to support the loads. In Great Britain tensile membrane action is already used with a design method developed by Bailey. It is a practicable method especially for simple constructions where high calculation effort is uneconomical. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to adopt the method in Germany.
Spatio‐temporal analysis and modeling of short‐term wind power forecast errors
Authors: Tastu Julija , Pinson Pierre , Kotwa Ewelina , Madsen Henrik , Nielsen Henrik Aa.
Published: April 2010

Forecasts of wind power production are increasingly being used in various management tasks. So far, such forecasts and related uncertainty information have usually been generated individually for a given site of interest (either a wind farm or a group of wind farms), without properly accounting for the spatio‐temporal dependencies observed in the wind generation field. However, it is intuitively expected that, owing to the inertia of meteorological forecasting systems, a forecast error made at a given point in space and time will be related to forecast errors at other points in space in the following period. The existence of such underlying correlation patterns is demonstrated and analyzed in this paper, considering the case‐study of western Denmark. The effects of prevailing wind speed and direction on autocorrelation and cross‐correlation patterns are thoroughly described. For a flat terrain region of small size like western Denmark, significant correlation between the various zones is observed for time delays up to 5 h. Wind direction is shown to play a crucial role, while the effect of wind speed is more complex. Nonlinear models permitting capture of the interdependence structure of wind power forecast errors are proposed, and their ability to mimic this structure is discussed. The best performing model is shown to explain 54% of the variations of the forecast errors observed for the individual forecasts used today. Even though focus is on 1‐h‐ahead forecast errors and on western Denmark only, the methodology proposed may be similarly tested on the cases of further look‐ahead times, larger areas, or more complex topographies. Such generalization may not be straightforward. While the results presented here comprise a first step only, the revealed error propagation principles may be seen as a basis for future related work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of Lithium Salts of TriphosphanestBu2P–PLi–PtBu2andtBu2P–PLi–P(NEt2)2with Metal Complexes [(R3P)2MCl2] (M= Ni, Pd, Pt,R3P = Et3P,pTol3P, Ph2EtP,iPr3P)
Authors: Wiśniewska Aleksandra , Baranowska Katarzyna , Grubba Rafał , Matern Eberhard , Pikies Jerzy
Published: April 2010

tBu2P–PLi–PtBu2·2THF reacts with [(R3P)2MCl2] (M= Pt, Pd, Ni;R3P = Et3P,pTol3P, Ph2EtP,iPr3P) to yield isomers of [(1,2‐η‐tBu2P=P–PtBu2)M(PR3)Cl], in which thetBu2P–P–PtBu2ligand adopts the arrangement of a side‐on bonded 1,1‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)diphosphenium cation.tBu2P–PLi–P(NEt2)2·2THF reacts with [(R3P)2MCl2] but does not form complexes with atBu2P–P–P(NEt2)2moiety, however, splitting of a P–P(NEt2)2bond of the parent triphosphane takes place.
Starker Pseudo‐Jahn–Teller‐Effekt in der Struktur von pyH[MnF2(C2O4)(H2O)2]
Authors: Leo Roland , Massa Werner
Published: April 2010

The first crystal structure of an oxalato‐fluoromanganate(III) was determined for pyH[MnF2(C2O4)(H2O)2]: monoclinic, space group I2/a, Z = 4, a = 7.2260(5), b = 15.2398(8), c = 9.916(7) Å, β = 98.22(5)°, R = 0.0297. The pyridinium salt crystallized from hydrofluoric acid solution at low temperature and in the dark. The structure of the anion shows octahedral coordination of MnIII with cis‐position of the fluorine ligands opposite to the bidentate bonded oxalate anion, and remarkable elongation of the H2O–Mn–OH2 axis due to a strong pseudo‐Jahn–Teller effect. The pyridinium cation is fixed to the oxalate anion by a bifurcated hydrogen bond. The anions are linked by strong hydrogen bonds O–H···F and O–H···O to form a 3D network.
Normalization of 2‐Week Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone Values in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Four‐Gland Exploration Compared to Focused‐Approach Surgery
Authors: Mazzaglia Peter J. , Milas Mira , Berber Eren , Siperstein Alan , Monchik Jack M.
Published: April 2010

Background

Elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is commonly seen in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who have undergone parathyroidectomy. This study evaluates differences in 2‐week postoperative PTH levels in patients having focused‐approach surgery versus four‐gland exploration.

Methods

Over 6 years, patients at Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) and the Cleveland Clinic (CCF) who had PHPT and underwent localization studies suggestive of single adenoma were analyzed. At RIH patients underwent focused‐approach surgery, and at CCF routine four‐gland exploration was performed. Postoperative calcium supplementation was routine at RIH and selective at CCF.

Results

There were 308 patients at RIH and 370 at CCF. They were similar in age (59.2 ± 13.0 years at RIH and 60.4 ± 12.9 years at CCF), and sex (76.9 and 80.0% female at RIH and CCF, respectively). The mean preoperative serum calcium measured 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/dl at RIH and 11.1 ± 0.7 mg/dl at CCF (P < 0.001). Preoperative PTH values were similar, measuring 143.8 ± 104.8 pg/ml in the focused‐approach group (RIH) and 157.6 ± 150.3 pg/ml in the four‐gland exploration group (CCF). Preoperative 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D‐25) levels were 24.1 ± 12.0 ng/ml at RIH and 27.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml at CCF; and the prevalence of vitamin D‐25 deficiency (level <20 ng/ml) was 43.9% at RIH and 27% at CCF (P = 0.017). The proportion of patients whose intraoperative PTH value dropped by ≥50% prior to completion of surgery was 95.0% at RIH and 95.5% at CCF. The total gland weight resected per patient was 942 mg at RIH versus 1,394 mg at CCF (P = 0.003). The 2‐week postoperative serum PTH was >65 pg/ml in 18.8% at RIH and in 38.7% at CCF (P < 0.001). The 2‐week postoperative serum calcium values dropped to 9.2 ± 0.6 mg/dl at RIH and to 9.5 ± 0.8 mg/dl at CCF (P < 0.001). The incidence of multigland disease was 5.8% at RIH and 21.9% at CCF (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients with PHPT who underwent a localizing study indicating unilateral disease, a significant proportion had eucalcemic PTH elevation 2 weeks after parathyroidectomy. The elevation was more frequent in the four‐gland exploration group and correlated most strongly with greater adenoma mass.
Comparison of Surgical Care Deficiencies between US Civil War Hospitals and Present‐Day Hospitals in Sierra Leone
Authors: Crompton Joseph , Kingham T. Peter , Kamara T. B. , Brennan Murray F. , Kushner Adam L.
Published: April 2010

Background

Surgery is rapidly becoming a part of public health initiatives in developing countries.

Methods

In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, a team of local surgeons and surgeons from the organization Surgeons OverSeas (SOS) used the WHO Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency Surgical Care to quantify surgical capacity in Sierra Leone. These data were then compared to data collected from the Medical and Surgical History of the Civil War, a work documenting surgical care and hospitals during the US Civil War.

Results

There are 0.2 government hospital surgeons/100,000 people in Sierra Leone compared to 300 surgeons/100,000 soldiers in the Union Army. In Sierra Leone it is rare to have running water, fuel, anesthesia, and reliable X‐rays. In comparison, US Civil War hospitals had reliable running water, fuel, and anesthesia. It is rare to manage open fractures, limb dislocations, amputations, and conditions requiring chest tubes in Sierra Leone, while these procedures were commonly employed in US Civil War hospitals.

Conclusions

Government hospitals in present day Sierra Leone lack the infrastructure, personnel, supplies, and equipment to adequately provide emergency and essential surgical care. In a comparison of present day Sierra Leonean and US Civil War hospitals, the US Civil War facilities are equivalent and in many ways superior. It is hoped that such a comparison will aid advocacy efforts so that greater resources are devoted to improving emergency and essential surgical care in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: The Utility of ioPTH Monitoring
Authors: Pitt Susan C. , Panneerselvan Rajarajan , Chen Herbert , Sippel Rebecca S.
Published: April 2010

Background

The aim of the present study was to examine the utility of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring in patients with secondary (2) and tertiary (3) hyperparathyroidism (HPT).

Materials and methods

We identified 105 patients with 2HPT (n = 33) and 3HPT (n = 72) who underwent ioPTH monitoring during parathyroidectomy. Data are reported as mean ± SEM.

Results

The 2HPT patients underwent 17 subtotal, 10 total, and 6 re‐exploratory parathyroidectomies, whereas the 3HPT patients underwent 54 subtotal, 15 limited, and 3 re‐exploratory parathyroidectomies. The percent decrease from the baseline ioPTH level at 5, 10, and 15 min after parathyroid resection, respectively, were 72% ± 3%, 76% ± 3%, and 76% ± 3% in patients with 2HPT, and 52% ± 6%, 60% ± 4%, and 69% ± 4% in patients with 3HPT. IoPTH levels failed to drop >50% from baseline in 5 patients (2HPT: n = 2, 3HPT: n = 3) who were normocalcemic at last follow‐up. IoPTH did not alter the surgical approach in any 2HPT patients, but did alter management in 25% of 3HPT patients (15 limited resections and 3 supernumerary glands). Normocalcemia was achieved in 97% of 2HPT patients and 99% of 3HPT patients; 2 patients developed recurrent disease.

Conclusions

Intraoperative PTH levels fell by >50% in nearly 95% of patients with 2HPT and 3HPT, and the PTH level reliably predicted postoperative cure. Although the use of ioPTH did not alter surgical management in any patient with 2HPT, this rapid PTH assay affected the surgical care of a quarter of the patients with 3HPT, and it may prove to be a useful adjunct in this group of patients.
Germ-line variation at a functional p53 binding site increases susceptibility to breast cancer development
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Desai Kartiki Vasant , Li Yuqing , Banu Shakeela , Lee Yew Kok , Qu Dianbo , Heikkinen Tuomas , Aaltonen Kirsimari , Muranen Taru A. , Kajiji Tasneem Shabbir , Bonnard Carine , Aittomäki Kristiina , von Smitten Karl , Blomqvist Carl , Hopper John L. , Southey Melissa C. , Brauch Hiltrud ,   The GENICA Consortium, Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Beesley Jonathan , Spurdle Amanda B. , Chen Xiaoqing ,   Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group, Czene Kamila , Hall Per , Nevanlinna Heli , Liu Edison T.
Published: April 2010

Multiple lines of evidence suggest regulatory variation to play an important role in phenotypic evolution and disease development, but few regulatory polymorphisms have been characterized genetically and molecularly. Recent technological advances have made it possible to identify bona fide regulatory sequences experimentally on a genome-wide scale and opened the window for the biological interrogation of germ-line polymorphisms within these sequences. In this study, through a forward genetic analysis of bona fide p53 binding sites identified by a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequence analysis, we discovered a SNP (rs1860746) within the motif sequence of a p53 binding site where p53 can function as a regulator of transcription. We found that the minor allele (T) binds p53 poorly and has low transcriptional regulation activity as compared to the major allele (G). Significantly, the homozygosity of the minor allele was found to be associated with an increased risk of ER negative breast cancer (OR = 1.47, P = 0.038) from the analysis of five independent breast cancer samples of European origin consisting of 6,127 breast cancer patients and 5,197 controls. rs1860746 resides in the third intron of the PRKAG2 gene that encodes the γ subunit of the AMPK protein, a major sensor of metabolic stress and a modulator of p53 action. However, this gene does not appear to be regulated by p53 in lymphoblastoid cell lines nor in a cancer cell line. These results suggest that either the rs1860746 locus regulates another gene through distant interactions, or that this locus is in linkage disequilibrium with a second causal mutation. This study shows the feasibility of using genomic scale molecular data to uncover disease associated SNPs, but underscores the complexity of determining the function of regulatory variants in human populations.
Market Share is Correlated with Word-of-Mouth Volume
Authors: Uncles Mark D. , East Robert , Lomax Wendy
Published: April 2010

The volume and impact of positive and negative word of mouth (PWOM, NWOM) are investigated in relation to the market shares of brands. We find that the volumes of PWOM and NWOM are closely related to market share. By contrast, the average impact of instances of PWOM and NWOM shows no direct relationship with market share. When the direct influence of market share is removed, we find that small brands have somewhat more WOM than is warranted by their size, whereas large brands have slightly less, and this effect is stronger in the case of NWOM. The evidence presented here provides norms for evaluating WOM data and assists in the development of WOM metrics.