bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Alternative Procedural Explanation Types on Procedural Knowledge Acquisition during Knowledge-Based Systems Use
Authors: Smedley Georgia , Sutton Steve G.
Published: October 2007

This study applies Adaptive Character of Thought-Rational (ACT-R), a theory of cognitive skill acquisition, to identify two techniques theorized to provide learners with a simplified and situation-responsive set of production rules to use in a problemsolving context. The two techniques are abstraction (an optimization technique that produces a generalized rule set) and goal structuring (another optimization technique that produces a differentiated rule set). Accordingly, abstraction and goal structuring explanations were provided to users through a knowledge-based system (KBS). Due to cognitive effort constraints on procedural learning, a subset of volunteer participants was extracted for analysis based on an exhibition of attentive learning behavior. Results of the study found that while intermediary stages of development were not detectable, participants receiving goal-structuring explanations exhibited better problem solving performance, and the joint presentation of abstraction explanations led to further problem solving improvements. Abstraction explanations did not lead to improved problem solving, however, when provided in absence of goal-structuring explanations. These findings extend ACT-R to a new venue, increase understanding of ACT-R theory, and provide developers of KBS with more substantive knowledge on optimization of KBS explanation design when knowledge transfer to less expert users is an objective.
The Effects of User Characteristics on Query Performance in the Presence of Information Request Ambiguity
Authors: Ashkanasy Neal , Bowen Paul L. , Rohde Fiona H. , Wu Chiu Yueh Alice
Published: October 2007

This paper investigates the effects of personality characteristics on individuals' abilities to compose queries from information requests containing various types of ambiguity. In particular, this research examines the effects of user personality characteristics on query performance in the presence of information requests that contained no extraneous, syntactic, or both extraneous and syntactic ambiguities. The results indicate that personality characteristics significantly affect users' abilities to compose accurate queries. Neuroticism, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness significantly affected the number of errors made in the query formulations. Conscientiousness affected the length of time taken to compose the queries and neuroticism affected the confidence users had in the accuracy of their queries. Although several personality dimensions affected query performance, no significant interactions between personality dimensions and ambiguity were detected. Furthermore, both query complexity and information request ambiguity exhibited greater impacts on query performance than personality characteristics. Hence, organizations should attempt to train users to deal with query complexity and information request ambiguity before modifying their training programs for personality characteristics.
Signal Words and Signal Icons in Application Control and Information Technology Exception Messages—Hazard Matching and Habituation Effects
Authors: Amer T. S. , Maris Jo-Mae B.
Published: October 2007

Information technology (IT) users encounter signal words (e.g., “Warning”) and signal icons (e.g., an exclamation point) in “exception messages.” The first of two experiments reported in this paper examines the “arousal strength” associated with signal words and icons that commonly appear in exception messages. An elicitation exercise was completed by 316 participants, in which each viewed exception messages containing combinations of signal words and icons and provided their perception as to the severity of a computer problem communicated. The results allow “hazard matching”; whereby, the severity of hazard implied by the exception message can be matched to the level of the hazard. The second experiment reports a strong habituation effect in that users exhibit decreased attention to an exception message after repeated exposure, with a corresponding decrease in compliance. The effect was also found to be mitigated by increasing the arousal strength of the exception message.
Accounting Software Assets: A Valuation Model for Software
Authors: Ben-Menachem Mordechai , Gavious Ilanit
Published: October 2007

Enterprise Information Technology Systems are major corporate assets upon which corporate management and operations are heavily dependent. Current accounting standards for the treatment of these assets have not kept pace with advances in technology, such as models for creating and evolving IT. Capitalizable costs according to the standards are principally primary development costs and exclude system evolution. This weakness of the standards creates a disproportionate downward bias in the book value of software and in current earnings, as costs incurred for on-going systems evolution is five to twenty times the costs incurred for first release. We present a quantitative valuation model for IT systems based upon engineering measurements of software that allow the fair value of software to be based on all costs incurred by the system. Costs are collected by an automatic tool and stored in an inventory system of enterprise software assets. To total costs is added the effect of each individual module's relative significance to the enterprise. The model also provides a systematic algorithm for software amortization, based on the decrease in its usability.
Examining Performance Measurement from an Integrated Perspective
Authors: Burney Laurie L. , Matherly Michele
Published: October 2007

This paper introduces system comprehensiveness, a variable reflecting the diversity of performance measurement (PM) categories captured in a PM system. Using this variable, we synthesize the information systems and management accounting literatures into an integrated model of PM systems. Based on survey responses from 646 experienced financial managers, our integrated model results provide evidence that system comprehensiveness partially explains how participation leads to job-relevant information. Furthermore, our findings indicate that system comprehensiveness is associated with employee outcomes through the mediating effect of jobrelevant information. These results suggest that organizations benefit from PM systems that incorporate a broader set of measures. Also, by linking the two research streams, this paper provides a richer understanding of how participation improves employee outcomes. Along this line, we identify a variety of future research opportunities that, if approached from a cross-disciplinary perspective, could further enhance our understanding of PM systems.
How Top Management Teams Use Management Accounting Systems to Implement Strategy
Authors: Naranjo-Gil David , Hartmann Frank
Published: October 2007

In this paper we investigate how top management teams (TMTs) use management accounting systems (MAS) for strategy implementation. Consistent with upper echelon theory we argue that professional and administrative TMTs differ in their use of MAS, which in turn affects the implementation of strategic policies. We extract three dimensions of MAS use from extant research on the MAS-strategy relationships. We further distinguish between sets of strategic objectives aimed at cost reduction and flexibility enhancement as part of an overall firm strategy. Hypotheses are developed and tested in a survey study among 884 TMT members in all 218 general hospitals in Spain, forming 92 complete TMTs. Overall, we find systematic differences between professional and administrative TMTs in their use of MAS and its effects on strategy implementation. In a secondary analysis, we explore whether the observed differences in the use of MAS are consistent with the coercive-enabling framework recently introduced into the management accounting literature. We find considerable support for the validity of this framework in our sample. Overall, the paper contributes to the growing literature on the role of MAS in supporting strategy implementation. We extend this literature by explicitly recognizing the role of TMT composition in both strategy implementation and the use of MAS and by providing evidence of the validity of the coerciveenabling framework of MAS in a cross-sectional analysis.
Performance Measure Properties and the Effect of Incentive Contracts
Authors: Bouwens Jan , Lent Laurence van
Published: October 2007

Using data from a third-party survey on compensation practices at 151 Dutch firms, we show that less noisy or distorted performance measures and higher cash bonuses are associated with improved employee selection and better-directed effort. Specifically, (1) an increase in the cash bonus increases the perceived selection effects of incentive contracts, but does not independently affect the perceived amount and direction of effort that employees deliver, and (2) performance measure properties directly impact both effort and the selection functioning of incentive contracts. These results hold after controlling for an array of incentive contract design characteristics and for differences in organizational context. Our estimation procedures address several known problems with using secondary datasets.
Capital Budgeting when Managers Value both Honesty and Perquisites
Authors: Mittendorf Brian
Published: October 2007

It has long been recognized that padding of budgets is a concern that can complicate the practice of resource allocation. At the same time, experimental evidence suggests budget padding is somewhat restrained by a managerial preference for honesty. This paper models the confluence of these two incentives and considers the effect on optimal budgeting policies. In the model, budgetary transfers are established so as to reduce the manager's gain from padding which, in turn, forces the manager to think twice before seeking more funds. An effect of this optimal contract is that when facing a manager whose preference for honesty is uncertain, the firm encourages honesty but is resigned to the fact that padding may appear. Contrary to casual intuition, the extent of equilibrium budget padding is not necessarily monotonic in either the extent of information asymmetry or the prevalence of managers who value honesty.
Assessing the Impact of Benchmarking Antecedents on Quality Improvement and its Financial Consequences
Authors: Maiga Adam S. , Jacobs Fred A.
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study is to assess whether firms involved in quality benchmarking projects achieve greater actual quality improvements if they have in place the benchmarking antecedents identified by Elnathan et al. (1996). To show the financial impact of these results, we further assess the effect of quality improvement on profitability, both through relative cost improvement and through other means. To this end, we collected data from 457 manufacturing business units with qualitybenchmarking projects and analyzed the variable relationships using structural equation modeling. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between benchmarking antecedents and quality improvement and a significant impact of quality improvement on relative costs improvement, which in turn is significantly associated with profitability. However, the direct relationship between benchmarking antecedents and relative costs improvement or profitability is not significant, nor is the direct relationship between quality improvement and profitability. These relations are further analyzed within the context of quality and cost systems. Specifically, a comparison between the TQM/Non-ABC group and the Non-TQM/Non-ABC group shows that the TQM/Non-ABC group outperforms the Non-TQM/Non-ABC group and that the Non-TQM/ABC group outperforms the Non-TQM/Non-ABC group. Results show differences between groups, indicating the importance of cost and quality systems in improving manufacturing business unit performance. The implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Presenting with Unusual Morphology in an Adolescent Female: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Smock Kristi J. , Yaish Hassan M. , Cairo Mitchell S. , Lones Mark A. , Willmore-Payne Carlynn , Perkins Sherrie L.
Published: October 2007

We report the case of an 18-year-old female initially diagnosed with CD5-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in an inguinal lymph node in 1999 who subsequently relapsed with classic-morphology mantle cell lymphoma with involvement of the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and spleen in 2004. Both the 1999 and 2004 lesions were retrospectively positive for Cyclin D1 by immunohistochemistry and positive for t(11:14) (q13;q32) by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and both lesions had identical B-cell receptor gene rearrangements by polymerase chain reaction. This case of a CD5-negative large cell or pleomorphic blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma arising in an 18-year-old represents a very early incidence for this type of lymphoma, which is usually not seen in younger patients.
Key Mechanisms of Early Lung Development
Authors: Kimura Jun , Deutsch Gail H.
Published: October 2007

Lung morphogenesis requires the integration of multiple regulatory factors, which results in a functional air-blood interface required for gas exchange at birth. The respiratory tract is composed of endodermally derived epithelium surrounded by cells of mesodermal origin. Inductive signaling between these 2 tissue compartments plays a critical role in formation and differentiation of the lung, which is mediated by evolutionarily conserved signaling families used reiteratively during lung formation, including the fibroblast growth factor, hedgehog, retinoic acid, bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling pathways. Cells coordinate their response to these signaling proteins largely through transcription factors, which determine respiratory cell fate and pattern formation via the activation and repression of downstream target genes. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in null mutant and transgenic mice models have greatly facilitated the identification and hierarchical classification of these molecular programs. In this review, we highlight select molecular events that drive key phases of pulmonary development, including specification of a lung cell fate, primary lung bud formation, tracheoesophageal septation, branching morphogenesis, and proximal-distal epithelial patterning. Understanding the genetic pathways that regulate respiratory tract development is essential to provide insight into the pathogenesis of congenital anomalies and to develop innovative strategies to treat inherited and acquired lung disease.
Ethylene
Authors: Resnick Josephine S , Chang Caren
Published: October 2007

Ethylene is a simple hydrocarbon gas that has profound effects on plant growth and development. As an important growth regulator, ethylene plays a role in many processes, including fruit ripening, abscission, senescence and stress responses. Recent advances, particularly from studies in
Arabidopsis thaliana
, have deepened our understanding of ethylene biosynthesis and signalling at the molecular level, and are beginning to address ethylene's interactions with other signalling pathways.
The market potential for gift baskets of Hawaiian food products in China
Authors: Hu Wuyang , Cox Linda J. , Edwards Quincy A.
Published: October 2007

China is an emerging market for U.S. agricultural products. However, producers in Hawaii face challenges in entering this market due to their small volume and lack of expertise. A marketing strategy involving packaging food products in handmade containers as Hawaiian gift baskets may hold some potential for these producers. This paper analyzes the results of a survey done in China involving gift baskets with various attributes using conditional (CL), rank‐ordered (RL), and mixed rank‐ordered (MRL) logit models. The MRL model identified heterogeneity among the preferences of survey respondents. Some respondents are willing to pay a large positive amount for a gift basket in a handmade container. Moreover, if a basket is labeled as containing Hawaii‐grown food products, an additional large positive value can be added to the basket. This methodology can be used to investigate heterogeneous preferences and identify the value of attributes to various market segments. [JEL Code: M310, D12]. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 553–565, 2007.
Food consumption and demographics in Japan: Implications for an aging population
Authors: Bittencourt Mauricio V.L. , Teratanavat Ratapol P. , Chern Wen S.
Published: October 2007

This study estimates a cross‐sectional model based on the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) to examine the determinants of food consumption patterns in Japan over life‐cycle periods. The test of structural changes, the analysis of the effects of demographic characteristics, and the estimation of expenditure and price elasticities are conducted from a random sample of 1,281 households from a Japanese household survey in 1997. Results show that each economic or noneconomic factor has a different impact on food consumption over a lifetime. Changes in consumption of some food groups can be explained by price and income effects where others can be explained by demographic characteristics. Financial constraint is not binding and residential location is likely to have little or no impact on predicting consumers' food choices at different periods of their lives. Other key factors that affect consumption pattern include family size, number of children, lifestyle, and health concern. [EconLit citations: C310, D120, D910.] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 529–551, 2007.
A developmental classification of malformations of the brainstem
Authors: Barkovich A. James , Millen Kathleen J. , Dobyns William B.
Published: October 2007

Objective

With advances in imaging and genetics, malformations of the brainstem are being more commonly identified. We describe and classify brainstem anomalies in 138 patients ascertained over a period of 10 years

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging studies and, where available, clinical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Malformations were segregated according to magnetic resonance findings and classified when possible by embryological mechanisms

Results

The most common location for anomalies was the pons, which was involved in 114 patients. The midbrain was involved in 45 patients, whereas the medulla was involved in 14. In 53 patients, more than 1 region was affected (all 3 regions in 6 patients, midbrain and pons in 39, and medulla and pons in 8). The malformations were divided into four groups: (1) malformations with abnormal brainstem segmentation, (2) malformations with segmental hypoplasia, (3) postsegmentation malformations, and (4) malformations associated with abnormal cortical organization

Interpretation

The malformations of the brainstem identified in this study were diverse and complex. This proposed classification organizes them into groupings based on known genetics and embryological events. Use of this system will help clinicians and scientists to better understand these disorders and, ultimately, to better counsel families of affected patients. Ann Neurol 2007
Reinforcing effect of organoclay in rubbery and glassy epoxy resins, part 1: Dispersion and properties
Authors: Ngo T.‐D. , Ton‐That M.‐T. , Hoa S. V. , Cole K. C.
Published: October 2007

The reinforcing effect of organoclay in two epoxy matrices, one rubbery and one glassy, was studied. The rubbery and glassy epoxy matrices were chosen to have a very similar chemistry to minimize its impact on the comparison of properties. The epoxy resin was EPON™ 828, and the two hardeners were amine‐terminated polyoxypropylene diols, having different average molecular weights (MW) of 2000 and 230 g/mol, namely Jeffamine® D‐2000 and Jeffamine® D‐230, respectively. The nanocomposites were prepared with the organoclay Cloisite® 30B from Southern Clay Products. The quality of dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation was analyzed by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the curing reactivity and the thermal stability of the epoxy resin systems, respectively. Tensile properties and hardness of epoxy resin and epoxy nanocomposites were measured according to ASTM standards D638‐02 and D2240‐00, respectively. Fracture surfaces were also analyzed by FEGSEM. These two epoxy systems as well as their nanocomposites display totally different physical and mechanical behavior. It is found that the quality of clay dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation, and the mechanical behavior of the glassy and rubbery epoxy nanocomposites are distinct. The results also indicate that the presence of the clay does not significantly affect the Tg of either the rubbery or the glassy epoxy; however, the fracture surface and mechanical properties were found to be influenced by the presence of nanoclay. Finally, several different reinforcing mechanisms are proposed and discussed for the rubbery and glassy epoxy nanocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Preparation of a nanosilica‐modified negative‐type acrylate photoresist
Authors: Lin Dar‐Jong , Don Trong‐Ming , Chen Chin‐Chung , Lin Bing‐Yi , Lee Chih‐Kang , Cheng Liao‐Ping
Published: October 2007

A new type of negative photoresist, which incorporated nanosized silica into a photosensitive acrylic resin, was developed. First, free‐radical polymerization was employed to synthesize the acrylic resin, poly[methyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid/3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate], and then a silica precursor, prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane in a sol–gel process, was introduced into the as‐formed resin solution. After the addition of photosensitive monomers and photoinitiators, a negative‐type organic–inorganic photoresist was produced. The morphology of the UV‐cured photoresist, as observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, indicated that the size of the silica domain in the material could be reduced from 300 to about 50 nm by appropriate dosage of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate. Thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal mechanical analysis were used to evaluate the thermal and dimensional stabilities of the cured photoresists. It was found that the thermal decomposition temperature and glass‐transition temperature increased, whereas the thermal expansion coefficients before and after the glass transition decreased, with increasing silica content. The incorporation of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate also enhanced the thermal and dimensional stabilities; however, the level of enhancement was moderate for the thermal decomposition temperature and thermal expansion coefficient and low for the glass‐transition temperature. In addition, a photoresist coated on a copper substrate demonstrated high hardness (5H) and strong adhesion (100%) with a resolution of 30 μm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Properties of surface‐modified multiwalled carbon nanotube filled poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite films
Authors: Jin Sang Hyun , Yoon Kwan Han , Park Young‐Bin , Bang Dae Suk
Published: October 2007

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared by in situ polymerization. To improve the dispersion of MWCNTs in the PET matrix, functionalized MWCNTs having acid groups (acid‐MWCNTs) and acetic groups (acetic‐MWCNTs) on their surfaces were used. The functional groups were confirmed by infrared spectrometry. Scanning electron microscopy showed that acetic‐MWCNTs had a better dispersion in the PET matrix than pristine MWCNTs and acid‐MWCNTs. A reaction between PET and acetic‐MWCNTs was confirmed by a shift of the Raman G band to a higher frequency and an increase of the complex viscosity in the rheological properties. The composites containing functionalized MWCNTs showed a large increase in their tensile strengths and moduli. The values of the strengths and moduli of the PET/acetic‐MWCNT composites were higher than those of the PET/acid‐MWCNT composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Experimental results for the rheological and rheo‐optical behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/liquid‐crystalline polymer blends
Authors: Cidade M. T. , Menon A. R. , Leal C. R. , Pillai C. K. S.
Published: October 2007

The use of thermoplastic/liquid‐crystalline polymer (LCP) blends is recognized as a good strategy for reducing viscosity and improving mechanical properties relative to pure thermoplastics. This improvement, however, is only noticeable if the LCP fibrillates, in situ, during processing and the fibrils are kept in the solid state. In this article, we report a morphological, rheological, and rheo‐optics study performed with two blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with a LCP, Rodrun LC3000 (10 and 25 wt % LCP content), and we show that the obtained droplet‐shape relaxation time (the time the deformed droplet took to regain its spherical form after the cessation of flow) allowed for the explanation of the morphological observations. In fact, the droplet‐shape relaxation time was higher for the blend with higher LCP content, for the higher experimentally accessible shear rates, and still increased at the highest shear rate, which explained the fibrils of the LCP dispersed phase observed in this blend, whereas for the lower LCP content blend, the droplet‐shape relaxation time reached a low‐value plateau for higher shear rates, which explained the absence of fibrillation in this blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Pricing VIX futures: Evidence from integrated physical and risk‐neutral probability measures
Authors: Lin Yueh‐Neng
Published: October 2007

This study derives closed‐form solutions to the fair value of VIX (volatility index) futures under alternate stochastic variance models with simultaneous jumps both in the asset price and variance processes. Model parameters are estimated using an integrated analysis of integrated volatility and VIX time series from April 21, 2004 to April 18, 2006. The stochastic volatility model with price jumps outperforms for the short‐dated futures, whereas additionally including a state‐dependent volatility jump can further reduce out‐of‐sample pricing errors for other futures maturities. Finally, adding volatility jumps enhances hedging performance except for the short‐dated futures on a daily‐rebalanced basis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 27:1175–1217, 2007
Neural correlates of noncanonical syntactic processing revealed by a picture‐sentence matching task
Authors: Kinno Ryuta , Kawamura Mitsuru , Shioda Seiji , Sakai Kuniyoshi L.
Published: October 2007

It remains controversial whether the left inferior frontal gyrus subserves syntactic processing or short‐term memory demands. Here we devised a novel picture‐sentence matching task involving Japanese sentences with different structures to clearly contrast syntactic reanalysis processes. Using event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), activations under three main conditions were directly compared: a canonical/subject‐initial active sentence (AS), a noncanonical/subject‐initial passive sentence (PS), and a noncanonical/object‐initial scrambled sentence (SS). We found that activation in the dorsal region of the left inferior frontal gyrus (dF3t) was enhanced more by the noncanonical processing under the PS and SS conditions than by the canonical processing under the AS condition, and this enhancement was independent of domain‐general factors, such as general memory demands and task difficulty. Moreover, the left posterior superior/middle temporal gyrus (pSTG/MTG) showed more enhanced responses to object‐initial sentences under the SS condition than to subject‐initial sentences under the AS and PS conditions, which were not significantly affected by task difficulty. Furthermore, activation in the left lateral premotor cortex (LPMC) increased under the AS, PS, and SS conditions, in that order. It is possible that task difficulty affects the left LPMC, but the three distinct activations patterns suggest that these frontal and temporal regions work in concert to process syntactic structures, with their respective contributions dynamically regulated by linguistic requirements. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer metastasis facilitated by developmental pathways: Sonic hedgehog, Notch, and bone morphogenic proteins
Authors: Bailey Jennifer M. , Singh Pankaj K. , Hollingsworth Michael A.
Published: October 2007

This review will highlight the significance of three critical pathways in developmental biology and our emerging understanding of their roles in regulating tumor metastasis: Bone morphogenic protein (BMP), Notch and Sonic hedgehog (SHH). We will discuss parallels between their known roles in development and how these processes can be used by tumor cells to create microenvironments that enhance tumor metastasis. That tumor cells usurp pathways critical to the developing embryo is not surprising, as many of the normal developmental programs include processes that are also seen during tumor progression to a metastatic phenotype, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), tissue specific morphogenesis, cellular motility and invasion. BMPs are involved in EMT, contribute to tissue specific morphogenesis, and are expressed in highly‐metastatic tumor cells. BMPs have also been hypothesized to have a role in the establishment of a pre‐neoplastic niche. Notch and SHH facilitate neovascularization, angiogenesis, EMT and can contribute to the maintenance of highly‐metastatic tumor stem cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 829–839, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra‐articular electrotransfer of plasmid encoding soluble TNF receptor variants in normal and arthritic mice
Authors: Bloquel C. , Denys A. , Boissier M. C. , Apparailly F. , Bigey P. , Scherman D. , Bessis N.
Published: October 2007

Background

Anti‐inflammatory gene therapy is promising in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have previously demonstrated that intra‐muscular (i.m.) electrotransfer (ET) of plasmids encoding three different human tumor necrosis factor‐α‐soluble receptor I variants (hTNFR‐Is) exert protective effects in an experimental RA model. However, such a systemic approach could be responsible for side effects. The present study aimed at performing an intra‐articular (i.a.) gene therapy by electrotransfer using the hTNFR‐Is plasmids.

Methods and results

We evaluated targeting of mice joints by CCD optical imaging after i.a. ET of a luciferase‐encoding plasmid and we showed that ET led to strongly increased transgene expression in a plasmid dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, articular and seric hTNFR‐Is was detectable for 2 weeks. As expected, systemic hTNFR‐Is rates were lower after i.a. ET than after i.m. ET. A longer protein secretion could be achieved with several i.a. ETs. Also, we observed that hTNFR‐Is expression within arthritic joints was slightly higher than in normal joints.

Conclusions

In collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), a mouse model for RA, we demonstrated that hTNFR‐Is/mIgG1‐encoding plasmid i.a. ET decreased joint destruction in the ankles. In conclusion, our results suggest that local TNFR‐Is gene therapy may play a role in decreasing joint destruction in CIA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Taguchi method for the characterization of calcareous deposits formed by pulse cathodic protection
Authors: Zamanzade M. , Shahrabi T. , Gharacheh E. A.
Published: October 2007

In this study, the Taguchi method, a powerful tool to design optimization for quality, is used to find the optimal process parameters of pulse cathodic protection system for the calcareous deposits' formation. An orthogonal array, main effect and the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio are employed to investigate the process parameters in order to achieve optimum final current density. Through this study also the main process parameters that affect the calcareous deposits' formation can be found. Experiments were carried out to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. From the results, chronoamperometric measurements have been used to evaluate the influence of pulse cathodic protection on decreasing the required cathodic current for protection and also decreasing the surface coverage. The morphology of the formed deposits has been evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis of the formed deposits has been performed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It is found that the different environmental conditions, i.e., Ca2+ concentration, Mg2+ concentration, rotation speed, and temperature significantly affect the final required current density of the pulse cathodic protection. The optimum levels of parameters at different frequencies are also presented.
Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification assay for simultaneous detection of Parkinson's disease gene rearrangements
Authors: Scarciolla Oronzo , Brancati Francesco , Valente Enza Maria , Ferraris Alessandro , De Angelis Maria Vittoria , Valbonesi Stefano , Garavaglia Barbara , Uncini Antonino , Palka Giandomenico , Stuppia Liborio , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: October 2007

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common disorder caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and other brain areas. Mutations in several genes have been associated with both autosomal dominant PD and recessive early onset Parkinsonism (EOP). Genomic rearrangements such as deletions or multiplications of one or more exons represent a common mutational mechanism for most of these genes and are not detectable with routine mutation screening techniques. MLPA (Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification), is a cheap, simple, rapid, and sensitive tool to detect exon dosage alterations and specific point mutations in selected genes. We tested the recently developed PD‐MLPA assay by using 13 positive control samples carrying known mutations in SNCA, LRRK2, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ‐1 genes. We then applied this technique to screen 16 EOP patients who were then cross‐tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR). All the mutations present in the positive control samples were clearly detected by MLPA. Moreover, three novel Parkin rearrangements were identified among EOP patients and confirmed by qPCR. Only two samples generated false positive duplications of LRRK2 exon 1 and UCH‐L1 exon 9, respectively. These results show that PD‐MLPA assay can simultaneously and effectively detect rearrangements in most PD genes (SNCA, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ‐1) as well as the LRRK2 G2019S common mutation. Thus, the use of this novel platform can improve the analysis of such mutations, facilitating comprehensive genetic testing in PD and EOP. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Paradoxical kinesia at war
Authors: Schlesinger Ilana , Erikh Ilana , Yarnitsky David
Published: October 2007

Paradoxical kinesia is the sudden transient ability of a patient with Parkinson's disease to perform a task he was previously unable to perform, usually when facing an immediate threat. The sensory cues governing this behavior and the prevalence in real life situations are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of paradoxical kinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients whose residential area was suddenly a war zone, under a life threatening missile attack, necessitating immediate evacuation. Fifty PD patients were interviewed during and immediately following the war. Only two patients experienced paradoxical kinesia, one war related and the other historical, both in response to visual cues. In contrast, an auditory stimulus in the form of a frightening loud siren, warning patients of an imminent missile attack, did not induce paradoxical kinesia. When questioned about their general function during wartime, patients reported significant increases in OFF time (P < 0.01), dyskinesia (P < 0.009), anxiety (P < 0.002), and depression (P < 0.01) as compared with their performance before the war. Paradoxical kinesia is uncommon, even in the face of danger. Visual, but not auditory, triggers appear to be needed to prompt its occurrence. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Nocturia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Appell Rodney A. , Sand Peter K.
Published: October 2007

Voiding at night, or nocturia, is a common reason for interrupted sleep in the adult population. The condition affects both men and women, with an incidence that increases dramatically with age. Nocturia has a negative impact on quality of life, affecting both morbidity and mortality. Effective diagnosis of the condition is dependent on a clear understanding of its underlying etiology. In general, the causes of nocturia fall into three categories: diurnal polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, and low bladder capacity. In some individuals, however, nocturnal polyuria and low bladder capacity may both contribute to the overall symptomatology of nocturia. Addressing any underlying conditions that contribute to nocturia is the first step in treating the condition. Lifestyle and behavioral changes may provide benefit in some individuals, but for many, the only option is pharmacotherapy. Antimuscarinic agents are first‐line therapies for overactive bladder and are often used in the management of nocturia. Pharmacological and physicochemical differences between available antimuscarinic agents, however, translate into different safety and tolerability profiles, which may make some agents more suitable for use in certain populations, including the elderly. Careful selection of the most appropriate antimuscarinic medication is therefore central in optimizing treatment outcomes. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemokine CXCL12 enhances proliferation in pre‐B‐ALL via STAT5 activation
Authors: Mowafi Frida , Cagigi Alberto , Matskova Ludmila , Björk Olle , Chiodi Francesca , Nilsson Anna
Published: October 2007

Background

CXCL12 (SDF‐1α) is a chemokine, which plays an important role in normal B‐cell lymphopoesis, migration and homing to the bone marrow (BM) and previous studies have suggested a role for CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in the pathogenesis of ALL.

Purpose

CXCL12 levels in serum were evaluated from ALL‐children and controls. The biological effect of recombinant CXCL12 on primary leukaemic cells was investigated. Signalling via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis was further characterized in an in vitro model using the pre‐B leukaemic cell line Nalm‐6.

Results

The serum level of CXCL12 in children at diagnosis of pre‐B‐ALL is significantly higher than in healthy children (4.8 (0–32) ng/ml vs. 0 (0–3.2) ng/ml, P < 0.001). After completed chemotherapy, CXCL12 decreases to levels comparable to those found in the control group. In addition, we found that recombinant CXCL12 enhances pre‐B leukaemic cell proliferation in vitro. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is able to initiate functional signalling and we show that STAT5 is activated in CD19+ leukaemic cells from BM of ALL patients and in the leukaemic cell line Nalm‐6.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CXCL12 may have a role in leukaemic cell proliferation and survival during childhood ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:812–817. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thiourethane‐based thiol‐ene high Tg networks: Preparation, thermal, mechanical, and physical properties
Authors: Li Qin , Zhou Hui , Wicks Douglas A. , Hoyle Charles E.
Published: October 2007

Thiourethane‐based thiol‐ene (TUTE) films were prepared from diisocyanates, tetrafunctional thiols and trienes. The incorporation of thiourethane linkages into the thiol‐ene networks results in TUTE films with high glass transition temperatures. Increases of Tg were achieved by aging at room temperature and annealing the UV cured films at 85 °C. The aged/annealed film with thiol prepared from isophorone diisocyanate and cured with a 10,080‐mJ/cm2 radiant exposure had the highest DMA‐based glass transition temperature (108 °C) and a tan δ peak with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 22 °C, indicating a very uniform matrix structure. All of the initially prepared TUTE films exhibited good physical and mechanical properties based on pencil hardness, pendulum hardness, impact, and bending tests. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5103–5111, 2007
Kirchhoff index of linear hexagonal chains
Authors: Yang Yujun , Zhang Heping
Published: October 2007

The resistance distance rij between vertices i and j of a connected (molecular) graph G is computed as the effective resistance between nodes i and j in the corresponding network constructed from G by replacing each edge of G with a unit resistor. The Kirchhoff index Kf(G) is the sum of resistance distances between all pairs of vertices. In this work, according to the decomposition theorem of Laplacian polynomial, we obtain that the Laplacian spectrum of linear hexagonal chain Ln consists of the Laplacian spectrum of path P2n+1 and eigenvalues of a symmetric tridiagonal matrix of order 2n + 1. By applying the relationship between roots and coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of the above matrix, explicit closed‐form formula for Kirchhoff index of Ln is derived in terms of Laplacian spectrum. To our surprise, the Krichhoff index of Ln is approximately to one half of its Wiener index. Finally, we show that ${Kf(G)\over W(G)}>{1\over 5}$ holds for all graphs G in a class of graphs including Ln. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Photoemission studies of Mn/ZnO(000‐1) interface
Authors: Zou C. W. , Wu Y. Y. , Sun B. , Gao W. , Xu P. S.
Published: October 2007

The O‐terminated ZnO(000‐1) surface and Mn/ZnO(000‐1) interface have been investigated by synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) systematically. Our results show that ordered O‐polar ZnO(000‐1) surface can be prepared by annealing in an oxygen ambience and this polar surface expresses good chemical stability. At room temperature, metallic Mn film is deposited onto the cleaned ZnO(000‐1)surface and grows in a layer‐by‐layer mode. During the process of Mn film deposition a downward Fermi level movement is observed, and the final resultant Schottky barrier height is 1.07 ± 0.05 eV. High temperature annealing is performed and the interfacial reaction happens evidently. The interfacial chemical reaction and the effect of interfacial dipole layer have been briefly discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved continuous medium technique for structural frame analysis
Authors: Laier José Elias
Published: October 2007

This paper presents an improved constitutive equation of frame in the context of continuous medium technique. This improved constitutive equation, which is a consistent formulation of column global bending, is applicable to a complete class of frameworks including the ideal shear frame panel, for which the beams are assumed to be rigid, and the associated column system, for which the rigidity of beams is negligible. Global buckling and second‐order effects of the frame structure are discussed. The main results can be extended to other types of lateral stiffening elements as built‐up columns. A worked example is presented in order to compare the main results with those obtained by the classic matrix method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hetero‐oligomeric complex of the S100A8/S100A9 protein is extremely protease resistant
Authors: Nacken Wolfgang , Kerkhoff Claus
Published: October 2007

S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 proteins are associated with inflammation and tissue remodelling, both processes known to be associated with high protease activity. Here, we report that homo‐oligomeric forms of S100A8 and S100A9 are readily degraded by proteases, but that the preferred hetero‐oligomeric S100A8/A9 complex displays a high resistance even against proteinase K degradation. S100A12 is not as protease resistant as the S100A8/A9 complex. Since specific functions have been assigned to the homo‐ and heterooligomeric forms of the S100A8 and A9 proteins, this finding may point to a post‐translational level of regulation of the various functions of these proteins in inflammation and tissue remodelling.
c‐Src is a PDZ interaction partner and substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Ligand‐of‐Numb protein X1
Authors: Weiss Andreas , Baumgartner Martin , Radziwill Gerald , Dennler Julia , Moelling Karin
Published: October 2007

The very C‐terminus of c‐Src is a ligand for PDZ domains. In a screen for PDZ domains that interact with c‐Src, we identified one of the PDZ domains of the Ligand‐of‐Numb protein X1 (LNX1), a multiple PDZ domain scaffold and RING type E3 ubiquitin ligase. We demonstrate that the interaction of c‐Src with LNX1 depends on the C‐terminal PDZ ligand of c‐Src. Furthermore, we show that c‐Src phosphorylates LNX1. Moreover, c‐Src itself is ubiquitinated by LNX1, suggesting an interdependent regulation of c‐Src and LNX1.
Effects of Ginkgolide B on 6‐OHDA‐induced apoptosis and calcium over load in cultured PC12
Authors: Meng Haiwei , Li Chuangang , Feng Lei , Cheng Baohua , Wu Fengxia , Wang Xiaohong , Li Zhenping , Liu Shuwei
Published: October 2007

Ginkgolide B, one of the major components of Ginkgo biloba extracts, is a potent platelet‐activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, which is also regarded as having neuroprotective effects on the CNS. The aim of this research is to observe the effects of Ginkgolide B on the PC12 apoptosis induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) and to explore whether these effects are related to the changes of intracellular Ca2+ and Calbindin D28K mRNA in PC12 cells. In the present work, the damage of PC12 cells was induced by 100 μM 6‐OHDA. The cells survival rate was examined by MTT assays. The intracellular free calcium concentration in PC12 cells was measured by using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo‐3/AM. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was employed to determine the expression of Calbindin D28K mRNA in PC12. The data show that the Ginkgolide B inhibited PC12 cells apoptosis induced by 6‐OHDA in a dose‐dependent manner, and decreased the activity of caspase‐3. In addition, Ginkgolide B increased the expression of Calbindin D28K mRNA and inhibited 6‐OHDA‐induced elevation in the intracellular calcium concentration. Our results showed that the Ginkgolide B inhibited the apoptosis of PC12 induced by 6‐OHDA, and the protective effects of Ginkgolide B on PC12 cells are mediated, at least in part, by up‐regulating the Calbindin D28K mRNA and by decreasing the intracellular calcium concentration.
Iron, copper and immunocompetence
Authors: Muñoz Carlos , Rios Ernesto , Olivos Jorge , Brunser Oscar , Olivares Manuel
Published: October 2007

Microminerals including copper and iron are essential to immunity and health in human beings. The development of powerful tools in analytical cell biology and molecular genetics has facilitated efforts to identify specific cellular and molecular functions of trace elements in the maturation, activation and functions of host defence mechanisms. Selected recent reports about the role of copper and iron nutrition on immune functions are critically analysed here. Effects of trace element supplementation on infectious morbidity are also reviewed. While micromineral deficiencies, in general, may have widespread effects on nearly all components of immune response, these effects can be reversed by supplementation. However, the conflicting effects of iron deficiency and iron supplementationin vitroon the defensive systems reveals the urgent need for further additional information on thein vivosituation. In the elderly, vaccination against respiratory infections is likely to protect only 30–70 % of the population. However, it may be possible to modulate immune function and ultimately reduce the severity of infections through micronutrient supplementation. Thus, microminerals contribute to the maintenance of the balance between immunity and health in humans.