bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiles of strengths and weaknesses in dyslexia and other learning difficulties
Authors: Everatt John , Weeks Sally , Brooks Peter
Published: July 2007

A total of 83 children with different special educational needs (SEN) assessments were contrasted with a control group (N = 40) without special needs on measures that aimed to identify potential areas of strengths as well as weaknesses in these SEN groups. Carefully selected groups of dyslexics, dyspraxics, children with specific language difficulties, moderate learning disabilities, attention deficits and emotional/behavioural disorders were assessed on measures of literacy, phonological and verbal skills, non‐verbal ability, problem behaviour scales and cognitive interference. Scores indicated that individual measures were relatively poor at specifically differentiating one SEN group from the controls and that all SEN groups presented evidence of literacy deficits despite potentially different causes for such acquisition difficulties. For most of the six SEN groups targeted, assessments that considered strengths as well as weaknesses provided a profile that specifically differentiated the group from the controls in contrast to the other SEN groups tested. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Course and predictors of rehospitalization in adolescent anorexia nervosa in a multisite study
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Grigoroiu‐Serbanescu Maria , Boyadjieva Svetlana , Neumärker Klaus‐Jürgen , Winkler Metzke Christa
Published: July 2007

Objective:

The course and clinical predictors of rehospitalization were studied in a large sample of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa who had been treated at five European sites and been followed‐up.

Method:

Two‐hundred and twelve adolescent patients first admitted for in‐patient treatment, aged 10–18 (Mean 14.9) years and 94.8% female, were followed‐up for an average of 8.3 years after first admission at sites in (former East and West Berlin, Zurich, Sofia, and Bucharest). Clinical history data were collected by use of standardized item‐sheets at first admission. Semi‐structured interviews including ratings of eating pathology and psychosocial outcome were performed at follow‐up.

Results:

About 44.8% (95/212) of the patients required at least one readmission. Rates of rehospitalization were significantly higher at the Eastern sites (Sofia and Bucharest). Significant predictors of readmission were paternal alcoholism, history of anorexia nervosa in the family, eating disorder in infancy, periodic overactivity, lower weight increase at first admission, and lower BMI at first discharge. In a model of logistic regression analysis, five variables (paternal alcoholism, eating disorder in infancy, periodic overactivity, low weight increase during first admission, and low BMI at first discharge) correctly classified 69% of the participants into cases with single or repeated admissions. Patients with repeated admissions had a less favorable long term outcome and had higher rates of persisting psychopathology at follow‐up.

Conclusion:

Rehospitalization reflects the chronic course in a sizable proportion of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa. Family psychopathology may have an effect both in terms of genetic vulnerability and environmental stress leading to unfavorable courses. The strong effect of insufficient weight gain during first admission and lower BMI at first discharge emphasizes the importance of adequate interventions. Readmissions carry the risk for later poor psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Crosstalk analysis model for traces crossing split ground plane and its reduction by stitching capacitor
Authors: Xiao Fengchao , Nakada Yohei , Murano Kimitoshi , Kami Yoshio
Published: July 2007

Crosstalk and its reduction by using stitching capacitors for traces crossing split ground plane are investigated in this paper. While two traces cross the same slot in the ground plane, the crosstalk between them will be of very high level, even if they are far apart. By examining the measured S‐parameter and near‐magnetic field, we concluded that the crosstalk is due to magnetic or inductive coupling between the trace and the slot in the ground. We therefore developed an equivalent circuit model for characterizing the crosstalk. The validity of the equivalent circuit model is verified by comparison with measurement results. The reduction of crosstalk by stitching the split ground plane with capacitors is discussed on the basis of the developed equivalent circuit model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(8): 26– 34, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20338
Proposal for a transmission line analytical method using multi‐objective optimization
Authors: Iijima Yosuke , Murakawa Masahiro , Kasai Yuji , Takahashi Eiichi , Higuchi Tetsuya
Published: July 2007

Recently, simulations are increasingly important in the design and development of high‐speed transmission circuits, and simulations of high‐precision transmission lines based on actual measurements are essential. Therefore, in this paper, the authors propose a method of determining transmission line characteristics for implementing high‐precision transmission simulations from transmission line measurement results. The authors had previously proposed a method of creating an equivalent circuit model from transmission line characteristics. Combining that method with the method proposed in this paper enables high‐precision simulations based on actual measurements to be performed with a circuit simulator such as SPICE according to a procedure that (1) measures transmission lines, (2) determines transmission line characteristics, and (3) creates an equivalent circuit model. The method that is proposed in this paper for determining transmission line characteristics has two features: (1) fitting that simultaneously uses actually measured frequency characteristics and time‐based response waveform and (2) fitting that uses multi‐objective optimization. Specifically, the authors apply multi‐objective optimization using a genetic algorithm to simultaneously fit multiple sets of frequency characteristics and time‐based response waveforms. As a result, trial‐and‐error with weightings among the characteristics is unnecessary and fitting is automated. The results when the proposed method was actually verified by using micro‐strip lines clearly showed that a high‐precision simulation could be performed with respect to both the frequency and time axes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(8): 8–17, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20343
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Tetra‐ and Pentanuclear Lanthanide Hydroxido Clusters
Authors: Datta Simmi , Baskar Viswanathan , Li Henan , Roesky Peter W.
Published: July 2007

Tetra‐ and pentanuclear lanthanide clusters having dibenzoylmethanido and o‐nitrophenolato as ligands in the coordination sphere were prepared. Treating [LnCl3·6H2O] (Ln = Er, Tm) with dibenzoylmethane and o‐nitrophenol in the presence of triethylamine yielded the pentanuclear lanthanide clusters HNEt3+[Ln5(μ3‐OH)4(μ4‐OH)(Ph2acac)7(o‐O2NC6H4O)3Cl]– (Ln = Er, Tm). Under the same reaction conditions but using Yb and Lu as center metals, tetranuclear lanthanide clusters [Ln4(μ3‐OH)2(Ph2acac)8(o‐O2NC6H4O)2] (Ln = Yb, Lu) were obtained. The structures of all new compounds were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The anions of the pentanuclear lanthanide cores are square pyramidal. Each triangular face of the square pyramid is capped by one μ3‐O moiety. In the square base, four lanthanide atoms are linked by one μ4‐O atom. The formation of the hydroxido bridges can be explained by deprotonation of the coordinated water molecules.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Neuroblastomas have distinct genomic DNA profiles that predict clinical phenotype and regional gene expression
Authors: Mosse Yael P. , Diskin Sharon J. , Wasserman Nora , Rinaldi Katherine , Attiyeh Edward F. , Cole Kristina , Jagannathan Jayanti , Bhambhani Karishma , Winter Cynthia , Maris John M.
Published: July 2007

Neuroblastoma is a heterogeneous neoplasm that has served as a paradigm for the clinical utility of somatically acquired genomic aberrations. DNA copy number alterations (CNA) are currently used to predict prognosis, including MYCN amplification and deletions at chromosome bands 1p36 and 11q23. We predicted that genome‐wide assessment of DNA aberrations in neuroblastoma tumors would provide a more precise estimation of clinical phenotype, and could be used to predict outcome. We measured CNAs in a representative set of 82 diagnostic tumors on a customized high‐resolution BAC array‐based CGH platform supplemented with additional clones across 1p36, 2p24, 3p21‐22, 11q14‐24, and 16p12‐13, and integrated these data with RNA expression data. We used an unbiased statistical method to define a set of minimal common regions (MCRs) of aberration. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering identified four distinct genomic subclasses. First, a subset of tumors with a clinically benign phenotype showed predominantly whole chromosome gains and losses. Second, tumors with MYCN amplification had a unique genomic signature of 1p deletion and 17q gain, but few other rearrangements. Third, tumors with an aggressive clinical phenotype without MYCN amplification, showed multiple structural rearrangements. Most notable were deletions of 3p, 4p, and 11q and gain of 1q, 2p, 12q, and 17q. Lastly, there was a subset of tumors with an aggressive clinical phenotype and no detectable DNA CNAs. The genomic subsets were highly correlated with patient outcome, and individual MCRs remained prognostic in a multivariable model. DNA signature patterns embed important prognostic information in diagnostic neuroblastoma samples, and can identify candidate cancer‐related genes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relevance of translocation type in myxoid liposarcoma and identification of a novel EWSR1‐DDIT3 fusion
Authors: Bode‐Lesniewska B. , Frigerio S. , Exner U. , Abdou M. T. , Moch H. , Zimmermann D. R.
Published: July 2007

The clinical course of myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (MRCL) is characterized by frequent local recurrences and metastases at unusual sites. MRCLs carry specific translocations, t(12;16) or rarely t(12;22), linking the FUS or the EWSR1 gene with the DDIT3 gene, respectively. Nine FUS/DDIT3 and three EWSR1/DDIT3 variants of fusion transcripts have been described thus far. In search of prognostic markers for MRCL, we analyzed the translocation types of 31 patients and related them to the event free and overall survival. Using break‐apart FISH and RT‐PCR combined with DNA sequencing, we detected FUS/DDIT3 fusions in 30 sarcomas, while an EWSR1/DDIT3 translocation was identified in one tumor. FUS/DDIT3 type II (exons 5‐2) was most commonly detected (20 cases), followed by type I (7‐2) (7 cases) and type III (8‐2) (3 cases). A single tumor carrying a t(12;22) translocation expressed a hitherto unknown EWSR1‐DDIT3 fusion transcript (13‐3) linking the complete RNA‐binding domain of EWSR1 with a short piece of the 5′‐UTR and the entire open reading frame of the DDIT3 gene. Interestingly, five of six patients with type I (7‐2) FUS/DDIT3 fusions displayed local recurrences and/or metastatic spread within the first 3 years, generally requiring chemotherapeutical treatment (median disease‐free survival 17 months). In contrast, 9 of 13 patients with type II FUS/DDIT3 translocations remained at 3 years disease‐free (median disease‐free survival 75 months). Since the total number of patients is still limited, further studies are required to verify a putative association of type I FUS/DDIT3‐fusion transcripts with a prognosis of MRCL. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetric power distribution: Theory and applications to risk measurement
Authors: Komunjer Ivana
Published: July 2007

Theoretical literature in finance has shown that the risk of financial time series can be well quantified by their expected shortfall, also known as the tail value‐at‐risk. In this paper, I construct a parametric estimator for the expected shortfall based on a flexible family of densities, called the asymmetric power distribution (APD). The APD family extends the generalized power distribution to cases where the data exhibits asymmetry. The first contribution of the paper is to provide a detailed description of the properties of an APD random variable, such as its quantiles and expected shortfall. The second contribution of the paper is to derive the asymptotic distribution of the APD maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and construct a consistent estimator for its asymptotic covariance matrix. The latter is based on the APD score whose analytic expression is also provided. A small Monte Carlo experiment examines the small sample properties of the MLE and the empirical coverage of its confidence intervals. An empirical application to four daily financial market series reveals that returns tend to be asymmetric, with innovations which cannot be modeled by either Laplace (double‐exponential) or Gaussian distribution, even if we allow the latter to be asymmetric. In an out‐of‐sample exercise, I compare the performances of the expected shortfall forecasts based on the APD‐GARCH, Skew‐t‐GARCH and GPD‐EGARCH models. While the GPD‐EGARCH 1% expected shortfall forecasts seem to outperform the competitors, all three models perform equally well at forecasting the 5% and 10% expected shortfall. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delivery of rapamycin by PLGA nanoparticles enhances its suppressive activity on dendritic cells
Authors: Haddadi Azita , Elamanchili Praveen , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Das Saswati , Shapiro James , Samuel John
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rapamycin delivery by poly (D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles on the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). DCs were generated from mouse bone marrow and exposed to particulate and soluble rapamycin without any additional treatment, or with pre‐ or posttreatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining was performed on DC cultures to assess the viability of DCs during study. Surface phenotype of DCs was characterized for the expression of maturation markers, that is, MHC class II, CD86, and CD40 by flow cytometry. Cell culture supernatants were analyzed for the production of TGF‐β, IL‐12, and IL‐10 cytokines using sandwich ELISA method. DCs from Balb/C mice were cocultured with T cells from C57BL/6 mice and allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction was assessed by [3H]‐Thymidine incorporation. Unlike free rapamycin that has shown little if any effect on the expression of maturation markers in immature DCs, PLGA encapsulated rapamycin decreased the expression of all maturation markers under the study, that is, MHC class II, CD86, and CD40, significantly. LPS pre‐ or posttreated DCs demonstrated decreased expression of MHC class II, CD86, and CD40 in the presence of soluble or encapsulated rapamycin. The cytokine secretion profiles revealed high levels of TGF‐β and very low levels of IL‐10 and IL‐12 production. Rapamycin in soluble or encapsulated form significantly inhibited mixed lymphocyte reaction in DCs. The inhibitory effect of rapamycin on the maturation of DCs with respect to DC phenotype, cytokine production, and functional effects on the proliferation of T cells was significantly increased by PLGA delivery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Maintaining dimensions and mechanical properties of ionically crosslinked alginate hydrogel scaffolds in vitro
Authors: Kuo Catherine K. , Ma Peter X.
Published: July 2007

Ionically crosslinked alginate hydrogels are attractive scaffolds because of their biocompatibility and mild gelation reaction that allows for gentle cell incorporation. However, the instability of ionically crosslinked hydrogels in an aqueous environment is a challenge that limits their application. This report presents a novel method to control the dimensions and mechanical properties of ionically crosslinked hydrogels via control of the ionic concentration of the medium. Homogeneous calcium‐alginate gels were incubated in physiological saline baths adjusted to specific calcium ion concentrations. Swelling and shrinking occurred at low and high ionic concentrations of the medium, respectively, while an “optimal” intermediate calcium ion concentration of the medium was found to maintain original size and shape of the hydrogel. This optimal calcium ion concentration was found to be a function of crosslinking density and polymer concentration of the hydrogel and chemical composition of the alginate. The effects of optimal and high calcium ion concentrations of the medium on swelling behavior, calcium content, dry weight, and mechanical properties of the immersed hydrogels were investigated. It was found that the resulting hydrogel composition and mechanical properties depended on not only the calcium concentration of the medium, but also the crosslinking density and polymer concentration of the gel. In an 8‐week experiment, controlled dimensions and mechanical properties of alginate gels in an aqueous environment were demonstrated. This new technique significantly enhances the potential of alginate hydrogels for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Setting properties and in vitro bioactivity of strontium‐enriched gelatin–calcium phosphate bone cements
Authors: Panzavolta S. , Torricelli P. , Sturba L. , Bracci B. , Giardino R. , Bigi A.
Published: July 2007

Strontium is known to reduce bone resorption and stimulate bone formation. We have investigated the effect of strontium on the setting properties and in vitro bioactivity of a biomimetic gelatin–calcium phosphate bone cement. Gelatin‐α‐TCP powders, with a gelatin content of 15 wt %, were prepared by grinding and sieving the solid compounds obtained by casting gelatin aqueous solutions containing α‐TCP. 5 wt % of CaHPO4·2H2O were added to the cement powders before mixing with the liquid phase, with a L/P ratio of 0.3 mL/g. Strontium was added as SrCl2·6H2O in different amounts up to 5 atom %. X‐ray diffraction analysis, mechanical tests, and SEM investigations were carried out on the cements after different times of soaking in physiological solution. The presence of strontium affects both the initial and the final setting times of the cements, which increase with the ion content. The microstructural modifications observed in the SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces are in agreement with the increase of the total porosity, and with the slight reduction of the compressive strength of the aged cements, on increasing strontium content. The rate of transformation of α‐TCP into calcium deficient hydroxyapatite increases on increasing strontium content. SEM reveals that MG63 osteoblasts grown on the cements show a normal morphology and biological tests demonstrate very good rate of proliferation and viability in every experimental time. In particular, strontium stimulates Alkaline Phosphatase activity, Collagen type I, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin expression. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of low surface energy fluoropolymers as potential barrier coatings in oral care
Authors: Churchley David P. , Barbu Eugen , Ewen Richard J. , Shen Zhihao , Kim Yongchul , McHugh Mark A. , Zhang Zhong Yi , Nevell Thomas G. , Rees Gareth D. , Tsibouklis John
Published: July 2007

A series of low surface energy fluorinated homopolymers and copolymers has been synthesized and characterized using thermal, optical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Their utility as barrier technologies in oral care has been considered, and aqueous nanosuspensions of the materials have been deposited as films on model dental hard surfaces in the presence and absence of a salivary pellicle. Calcium hydroxyapatite has been used as a model for enamel, as has PMMA due to its widespread use in denture fabrication. Surface energy determinations, combined with XPS studies, have provided insights into the molecular‐level organization at the surface of the film structures. Studies of solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide have identified the polymers that are suitable for processing in this medium. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Accelerated calcification in electrically conductive polymer composites comprised of poly(ε‐caprolactone), polyaniline, and bioactive mesoporous silicon
Authors: Whitehead Melanie A. , Fan Dongmei , Akkaraju Giridhar R. , Canham Leigh T. , Coffer Jeffery L.
Published: July 2007

In this study the fabrication and characterization of an electrically conductive composite material comprised of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), polyaniline (PANi), and bioactive mesoporous silicon (BioSilicon™) is discussed. The influence of PANi and silicon on calcium phosphate induction was assessed via ex vitro calcification analyses (by acellular simulated body fluid (SBF) exposure) both with and without electrical bias. Acceleration of calcium phosphate formation is one possible desirable feature of “smart” synthetic scaffolds for selected orthopedic‐relevant applications. In addition, electrical stability assays were performed in growth medium (DMEM) to determine the stability of such structures to bias in an authentic electrolyte during a typical cell experiment. The cytocompatibility of the composites was evaluated in vitro using human kidney fibroblasts (HEK 293) cell proliferation assays, along with more orthopedically relevant mesenchymal stem cells from mouse stroma. Importantly, these composites demonstrate accelerated calcification in SBF when electrical bias is applied cathodically to the scaffold. Furthermore, these scaffolds exhibit noncytotoxic behavior in the presence of fibroblasts over an 8‐day culture period, and attachment of stromal cells to the semiconducting scaffold was directly imaged via scanning electron microscopy. Overall, these results suggest that materials of this type of composition have potential merit as a biomaterial. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Mechanisms that mediate stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation
Authors: Zhang Haojian , Wang Zack Z.
Published: July 2007

Stem cells have two common properties: the capacity for self‐renewal and the potential to differentiate into one or more specialized cell types. In general, stem cells can be divided into two broad categories: adult (somatic) stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Recent evidence suggested that tumors may contain “cancer stem cells” with indefinite potential for self‐renewal. In this review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation, and discuss how these mechanisms may be relevant in cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 709–718, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wound repair and proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells regulated by CTNNAL1
Authors: Xiang Yang , Tan Yu‐Rong , Zhang Jian‐Song , Qin Xiao‐Qun , Hu Bi‐Bo , Wang Yue , Qu Fei , Liu Hui‐Jun
Published: July 2007

Adhesion molecules play vital roles in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or airway inflammation. Our previous study indicated that adhesion molecule catenin alpha‐like 1 (CTNNAL1) is relevant closely to asthma susceptibility, but its biological function or significance is still unclear. In the present study, we observed the temporal and spatial distribution of CTNNAL1 expression in mouse lung tissue with the OVA‐sensitized asthma model and found that the level of CTNNAL1 mRNA showed a prominent negative correlation with pulmonary resistance (RL). To study the function of CTNNAL1 in airway, effects of CTNNAL1 on proliferation and wound repair activity of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) was investigated with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technique. The results showed that: (1) CTNNAL1 ASO could decelerate the repairing velocity and proliferation of HBEC; (2) CTNNAL1 expression was increased on the edge cells of mechanic wounded area in culture; (3) extracellular matrix component fibronectin (Fn) obviously promoted wound repair activity and proliferation of HBEC, which could be blocked by CTNNAL1 ASO; (4) Western blot showed that Fn could promote FAK phosphorylation, which also be inhibited by CTNNAL1 ASO. In conclusion, the level of CTNNAL1 mRNA expression is highly correlated to airway resistance; CTNNAL1 may contribute to the wound repair and proliferation of HBEC. Furthermore, it may serve to Fn mediated cell‐extracellular adhesion and its signal transduction. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 920–930, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secretion of atherogenic risk factor apolipoprotein B‐100 is increased by a potential mechanism of JNK/PKC‐mediated insulin resistance in liver cells
Authors: Jin Un‐Ho , Kang Yun‐Jeong , Chang Young‐Chae , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: July 2007

Apolipoprotein B‐100 (ApoB) is the main protein of the atherogenic lipoproteins and plasma ApoB levels reflect the total numbers of atherogenic lipoproteins. Induction of insulin resistance was accompanied by a considerable rise in the production of hepatic very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) containing ApoB and triglyceride. Increased plasma levels of ApoB and triglyceride in VLDL are common characteristics of the dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, we investigate whether phorbol 12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA)‐induced insulin resistance affects the increase of ApoB secretion. PMA increased ApoB secretion and transcriptional level of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). PMA treatment also resulted in increase of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) serine312 (Ser312) and serine1101 (Ser1101) phosphorylation and induction of IRS1 degradation. Additionally, PMA induced activation of c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (α, βI, δ, ζ, θ), and reduced AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog (AKT) activation in a time dependent manner. PMA‐induced ApoB secretion, MTP promoter activities, and IRS1 degradation was significantly decreased by treatment of JNK and PKCs inhibitors. Orthovanadate, a potent tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, increased tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 and decreased ApoB secretion of Chang liver cells although PMA was co‐treated. From the results, it was concluded that PMA‐induced insulin resistance, through induction of serine phosphorylation of IRS1 mediated by activated JNK and PKCs, increases ApoB secretion in Chang liver cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 908–919, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some thoughts about translational regulation: Forward and backward glances
Authors: Kozak Marilyn
Published: July 2007

This review discusses the need to re‐examine some popular but unproven ideas about regulation of translation in eukaryotes. Translational control is invoked often on superficial grounds, such as a discrepancy between mRNA and protein levels which could be explained instead by rapid turnover of the protein. It is essential to verify that there is translational control (i.e., essential to rule out alternative mechanisms) before asking how translation is regulated. Many of the postulated control mechanisms are dubious. It is easy to create artifactual regulation (a slight increase or decrease in translation) by over‐expressing recombinant RNA‐binding proteins. The internal‐initiation hypothesis is the source of other misunderstandings. Recent claims about the involvement of internal ribosome entry sequences (IRESs) in cancer and other diseases are discussed. The scanning model for initiation provides a more credible framework for understanding many aspects of translation, including ways to restrict the production of potent regulatory proteins which would be harmful if over‐expressed. The rare production in eukaryotes of dicistronic mRNAs (e.g., from retrotransposons) raises questions about how the 3′ cistron gets translated. Some proposed mechanisms are discussed, but the available evidence does not allow resolution of the issue. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 280–290, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Apin, a secreted protein highly expressed in tooth‐associated epithelia
Authors: Moffatt Pierre , Smith Charles E. , St‐Arnaud René , Nanci Antonio
Published: July 2007

We previously reported expression of a protein by enamel organ (EO) cells in rat incisors, originally isolated from the amyloid of Pindborg odontogenic tumors called Apin. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the Apin gene and its protein in various species, assess tissue specificity, and clarify its localization within the EO. Northern blotting and RT‐PCR revealed that expression of Apin was highest in the EO and gingiva, moderate in nasal and salivary glands, and lowest in the epididymis. The protein sequences deduced from the cloned cDNA for rat, mouse, pig, and human were aligned together with those obtained from four other mammal genomes. Apin is highly conserved in mammals but is absent in fish, birds, and amphibians. Comparative SDS–PAGE analyses of the protein obtained from bacteria, transfected cells, and extracted from EOs all indicated that Apin is post‐translationally modified, a finding consistent with the presence of predicted sites for phosphorylation and O‐linked glycosylation. In rodent incisors, Apin was detected only in the ameloblast layer of the EO, starting at post‐secretory transition and extending throughout the maturation stage. Intense labeling was visible over the Golgi region as well as on the apices of ameloblasts abutting the enamel matrix. Apin was also immunodetected in epithelial cells of the gingiva which bind it to the tooth surface (junctional epithelium). The presence of Apin at cell‐tooth interfaces suggests involvement in adhesive mechanisms active at these sites, but its presence among other epithelial tissues indicates Apin likely possesses broader physiological roles. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 941–956, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energetic trade‐offs between immunity and reproduction in male japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Authors: Boughton Raoul K. , Bridge Eli S. , Schoech Stephan J.
Published: July 2007

We investigated a postulated trade‐off between reproduction and immune function by comparing the energetic costs of an immune response with phytohemagglutinin challenge (or injection) in castrated (low testosterone [T]) and intact (high T) Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix). Intact birds had higher resting metabolic rate (RMR) and significantly lower immune response than castrates. RMR of intact birds did not change in response to an immune challenge, suggesting that maintenance of reproductive tissues and associated high T is both immunosuppressive and energetically costly. Despite having a greater immune response than intact quail, castrates had a lower pre‐challenge RMR than intact birds and paradoxically tended to decrease RMR during an immune challenge. This paradox may be because of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that are released during immune responses. Cytokines promote energy conservation through malaise and soporific behaviors, possibly explaining the co‐occurrence of a relatively strong immune response and a decrease in nocturnal RMR in castrates. The lower immune response in intact birds may not elicit as great a response of pro‐inflammatory cytokines owing to an already elevated RMR from reproductive state, thus reducing any effect on RMR. The suppressed immune response and elevated RMR in intact birds may be because of T; however, we cannot separate the effects of T per se from the metabolic requirements of reproductive tissues. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:479–487, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Externalization of employment in a service environment: the role of organizational and customer identification
Authors: Johnson Scott A. , Ashforth Blake E.
Published: July 2007

This study investigates the impact of employment externalization (in the form of limited‐term vs. permanent employment status) on customer‐oriented service behavior, and how identification processes may help to resolve the ‘paradox of externalization’ (i.e., organizations relying more on potentially disenfranchised employees to maintain strong connections with their customers). Survey data were obtained from 369 sales, service, and technical support personnel from the Canadian subsidiary of a large international service organization in the high technology sector. Organizational and customer identification fully mediate the relationship between employment status and customer‐oriented service behavior. Additionally, the perceived external image of the organization and the visibility of one's affiliation with the organization moderate the relationships between employment status and organizational and customer identification. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of age on volunteer contributions in a nonprofit organization
Authors: Caldwell Steven D. , Farmer Steven M. , Fedor Donald B.
Published: July 2007

This study examines the role of chronological age and age diversity in relation to the effects of organizational influences on the contributions of 458 volunteers in 74 geographically dispersed teams of a large nonprofit organization. The results indicate that the quality of member selection has a greater positive influence on in‐role performance for older rather than younger volunteers that the quality of training for group members has a greater positive influence on in‐role performance for volunteers who are less dissimilar in age from others in the group, and that the positive effects of chronological age on helping behaviors depend on the mean age of the group such that it is stronger for groups with older age means. The findings are discussed along with their practical implications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induced cross‐protection responses against Cr(III) and Fe(III) ions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fujs Štefan , Ekert Martina , Ščančar Janez , Raspor Peter
Published: July 2007

Stress tolerance of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was examined after exposure to iron and chromium, which are essential minerals in low concentrations but can be toxic if present in high concentrations. Induction of possible cross‐protection responses was performed with the yeast pre‐treatment at the start of cultivation with low concentrations of Fe(III) or Cr(III) ions, which slightly inhibit the growth and the subsequent exposure to sub‐lethal concentrations of Fe(III) or Cr(III) ions in the mid‐exponential phase. No cross‐protection was found if yeasts were pre‐treated with 0.1 mM Cr(III) and subsequent exposure to 2.5 mM Fe(III) ions took place. If pre‐treated with 0.1 mM Fe(III) Saccharomyces cerevisiae conferred protection to subsequent challenges with a sub‐lethal concentration of 2.5 mM Cr(III) ions resulting in higher biomass formation and higher relative cell viability in comparison to cells without pre‐treatment. It is shown for the first time that iron pre‐treatment enhanced yeast condition against chromium related stress via cross‐protection mechanism. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of soil type and plant age on the population size of rhizospheric methanotrophs and their activities in tropical rice soils
Authors: Vishwakarma Pranjali , Kumar Dubey Suresh
Published: July 2007

A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted in tropical rain‐fed (red soil) and irrigated (black soil) rice agroecosystem during the crop growing season to determine the effect of the type of soil, cultivation practices and the age of plant on MOB (methane oxidizing bacteria) population size and their activities. The average value of MOB population size was 11.7 ± 4.5 × 105 cells g–1soil, with a range of 3.1 ± 0.4 to 21.2 ± 1.0 × 105 cells g–1 soil for red soil, which was lower in comparison to black soil where population size varied between 84.2 ± 3.8 and 289.4 ± 7.0 × 105 cells g–1 soil with an average of 182.8 ± 53.5 × 105 cells g–1 soil. The highest population size was recorded during the grain maturation stage which gradually declined during the grain filling, flowering and tillering stages of the rice plants. The HSD test indicated a significant variation in the MOB population size with the varying ages of the plant. CH4 oxidizing capacity was higher in black soil as compared to red soil. The highest CH4 oxidizing capacity was found at the grain‐filling stage in both the soil types. The differences in soil types and cultivation practices, pattern of variation in MOB population size and methane oxidation were found similar in both the sites under the influence of plant age, even though the detected values differed significantly. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Yeasts colonizing the leaf surfaces
Authors: Sláviková Elena , Vadkertiová Renata , Vránová Dana
Published: July 2007

The yeasts were isolated from the leaf surfaces of ten species of trees. The study site was a forest park (Železná Studnička) of the Small Carpathians mountain range. One hundred and thirty seven yeast strains belonging to 13 genera were isolated from 320 samples of leaves and needles. Seventeen yeast species were isolated, but only seven occurred regularly: Aureobasidium pullulans, Cryptococcus laurentii, Pichia anomala, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Saccharomyces sp., Lachancea thermotolerans, and Rhodotorula glutinis. The remaining species were isolated from the leaves and needles of three or less tree species. A. pullulans, Cr. laurentii, and P. anomala were the most frequently found species and they occurred on leaves and needles of all ten tree species. Saccharomyces sp. occurred in leaf samples collected from eight kinds of trees. M. pulcherrima and L. thermotolerans were found in samples collected from six species of trees. Both these species occurred almost always on the leaves of deciduous trees. Rh. glutinis was the most frequently isolated carotenoids producing species. We have found out that the ascomycetous and basidiomycetous species were present in the leaf samples in approximately equal frequency, contrary to the soil samples taken from this forest park, where the ascomycetous species were found rarely. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Resolving orographic rainfall on the Indian west coast
Authors: Suprit K. , Shankar D.
Published: July 2007

We discuss a method to obtain the spatial estimates of rainfall on the Indian west coast for calculating the surface water budget. The region includes the basin of the Mandovi River, a typical west‐coast river whose catchment area includes the Sahyadris range. The rainfall maps obtained by a multivariate interpolation scheme, with elevation as the third variable, were able to capture the sharp increase in rainfall on the windward slopes and the exponential decay in rainfall on the leeward side. The rainfall maps were used to force a hydrological model and the simulated discharge was within 16% of the observed discharge in 16 of 18 years during 1981–1998; the average error over the 18 years was 8%, which is much less than the estimated error of ∼15–20% in the observed discharge. The Mandovi river discharge provided a reliable and independent validation of the accuracy of the rainfall estimate as the river is purely rain‐fed. The method provides a better estimate of rainfall in the Mandovi basin, and therefore for the Indian west coast, than existing rainfall datasets. The key result is that treating the windward and leeward sides separately by an a priori, subjective extraction of the ridge line can reduce the underestimation of rainfall that is common in mountainous terrain when the data coverage is sparse. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Kinetics of reaction of copper with substituted benzyl chlorides in dipolar aprotic solvents
Authors: Egorov Anatoly M. , Matyukhova Svetlana A.
Published: July 2007

The reaction of copper with benzyl chlorides in dipolar aprotic solvents has been investigated. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the reaction of copper with benzyl chloride in dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylacetamide, and hexamethylphosphoramide have been obtained. Hammett plots of log (k/k°) versus the substituent constant σ gave good correlation. The structure of the organic group has little effect on the rate of reaction of benzyl chloride with copper. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were correlated with donor number of solvent (DN). The ratio kRBr/kRCl and Hammett ρ values provide evidence in favor of the halogen atom transfer mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 547–555, 2007
Kinetics of the CH3O2 + HO2 reaction: A temperature and pressure dependence study using chemical ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Raventós‐Duran M. Teresa , McGillen Max , Percival Carl J. , Hamer Paul D. , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: July 2007

A temperature and pressure kinetic study for the CH3O2 + HO2 reaction has been performed using the turbulent flow technique with a chemical ionization mass spectrometry detection system. An Arrhenius expression was obtained for the overall rate coefficient of CH3O2 + HO2 reaction: k(T) = (3.82+2.79−1.61) × 10−13 exp[(−781 ± 127)/T] cm−3 molecule−1 s−1. A direct quantification of the branching ratios for the O3 and OH product channels, at pressures between 75 and 200 Torr and temperatures between 298 and 205 K, was also investigated. The atmospheric implications of considering the upper limit rate coefficients for the O3 and OH branching channels are observed with a significant reduction of the concentration of CH3OOH, which leads to a lower amount of methyl peroxy radical. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 571–579, 2007
The unusual ability of α‐angelicalactone to form adducts: A kinetic approach
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Estrella , Manso José A. , Pérez‐Prior M. Teresa , García‐Santos M. del Pilar , Calle Emilio , Casado Julio
Published: July 2007

Since α‐angelicalactone (AAL) substantially inhibits the formation of tumors, here its chemical reactivity was compared with that of carcinogenic lactones. Investigation of the electrophilic potential of AAL was carried out by studying the capacity of this lactone to form adducts with NBP, 4‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)pyridine, a substrate with nucleophilic characteristics similar to DNA bases. The formation of the AAL–NBP adduct occurs about 900,000‐fold faster than with β‐propiolactone, the most effective carcinogenic lactone (ΔG#35 = 52 and 87 kJ mol−1, respectively). A stopped‐flow technique was required for this reaction to be monitored. It was concluded that the formation of AAL–NBP adducts takes place through an entropy‐strain‐catalyzed mechanism caused by early lactone ring cleavage. The kinetic results are consistent with the AAL potential as a chemoprotective agent. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 591–594, 2007
Navier–Stokes equations with slip boundary conditions
Authors: Guo Ben‐yu
Published: July 2007

In this paper, we consider incompressible viscous fluid flows with slip boundary conditions. We first prove the existence of solutions of the unsteady Navier–Stokes equations in n‐spacial dimensions. Then, we investigate the stability, uniqueness and regularity of solutions in two and three spacial dimensions. In the compactness argument, we construct a special basis fulfilling the incompressibility exactly, which leads to an efficient and convergent spectral method. In particular, we avoid the main difficulty for ensuring the incompressibility of numerical solutions, which occurs in other numerical algorithms. We also derive the vorticity‐stream function form with exact boundary conditions, and establish some results on the existence, stability and uniqueness of its solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Algebraic properties of evolution partial differential equations modelling prices of commodities
Authors: Sophocleous C. , Leach P. G. L. , Andriopoulos K.
Published: July 2007

Schwartz (J. Finance 1997; 52:923–973) presented three models for the pricing of a commodity. The simplest was a variation on the Black–Scholes equation. The second allowed for a stochastic convenience yield on the commodity and the third added a stochastic variation in the underlying interest rate. We apply the techniques of Lie group analysis to resolve these equations, discuss their peculiar algebraic properties and indicate the route to the addition of other stochastic influences. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long time behavior of a singular perturbation of the viscous Cahn–Hilliard–Gurtin equation
Authors: Bonfoh Ahmed , Grasselli Maurizio , Miranville Alain
Published: July 2007

We consider a singular perturbation of the generalized viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation based on constitutive equations introduced by Gurtin. This equation rules the order parameter ρ, which represents the density of atoms, and it is given on an‐rectangle (n⩽3) with periodic boundary conditions. We prove the existence of a family of exponential attractors that is robust with respect to the perturbation parameter ε>0, as ε goes to 0. In a similar spirit, we analyze the stability of the global attractor. Ifn=1, 2, then we also construct a family of inertial manifolds that is continuous with respect to ε. These results improve and generalize the ones contained in some previous papers. Finally, we establish the convergence of any trajectory to a single equilibriumviaa suitable version of the Łojasiewicz–Simon inequality, provided that the potential is real analytic. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on the universal stability of convective flow with variable viscosity
Authors: Saravanan S. , Brindha D.
Published: July 2007

The stability of convective motion of a fluid driven by volumetric heat sources and applied pressure gradient is investigated. The viscosity of the fluid is assumed to depend linearly on temperature. The sufficient conditions for the existence of such a flow are obtained based on the energy inequalities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient self‐injection of methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis: A study evaluating the introduction of a new type of syringe and exploring patients' sense of empowerment
Authors: Hiley Jennifer , Homer Dawn , Clifford Collette
Published: July 2007

Objectives: To evaluate the introduction of a new type of syringe for patients on a self‐injection of methotrexate (MTX) programme and explore patients' sense of empowerment relating to the self‐injection of MTX.

Methods: Data were collected using a postal questionnaire, which yielded quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaire was sent to all eligible patients in the primary care setting who self‐injected MTX (n = 24).

Results: The response rate was 88% (n = 21). Patients' responses illustrated numerous disadvantages of using the syringe, particularly difficulties with the syringe stopper, syringe handling and leakage potential of the mildly cytotoxic drug MTX. The advantages included the ease of syringe storage and longer use by date. Difficulties in using the syringe, and the amount of support and training from hospital staff were among the factors affecting patients' sense of empowerment.

Conclusions: Although a small study, this work indicates that there may be benefits in a collaboration between hospital staff and the syringe manufacturer, to modify the new syringe to address the problems noted. The potential of cytotoxic MTX spillage being minimized is recognized, making the new syringe more suitable for use by patients with inflammatory arthritis. Patient training may help to alleviate difficulties in using a new syringe, which, in turn, may also increase patients' sense of empowerment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.