bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pacific–North American pattern associated diabatic heating and its relationship to ENSO
Authors: Yu B.
Published: November 2007

The Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern associated atmospheric diabatic heating is examined by linearly isolating the influence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Both the vertically integrated and three‐dimensional (3D) diabatic heating are calculated on the basis of NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. The PNA‐related heating is dominated by anomalies in the eastern Pacific, with a north–south dipole structure in mid‐latitudes and in the northern subtropics. The tropical heating anomalies are rather weak, remarkably different from those related to ENSO variability, and may be characterized by the heating nonlinearity with anomalies in the vicinity of the western Pacific. The results provide further evidence of the independence of the PNA on ENSO from the diabatic heating point of view. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
The effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on the cellular activity of SaOS‐2 cells
Authors: Martino Carlos F. , Belchenko Dmitry , Ferguson Virginia , Nielsen‐Preiss Sheila , Qi H. Jerry
Published: November 2007

Although pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been used for treatments of nonunion bone fracture healing for more than three decades, the underlying cellular mechanism of bone formation promoted by PEMFs is still unclear. It has been observed that a series of parameters such as pulse shape and frequency should be carefully controlled to achieve effective treatments. In this article, the effects of PEMFs with repetitive pulse burst waveform on the cellular activity of SaOS‐2 osteoblast‐like cells were investigated. In particular, cell proliferation and mineralization due to the imposed PEMFs were assessed through direct cell counts, the MTT assay, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. PEMF stimulation with repetitive pulse burst waveform did not affect metabolic activity and cell number. However, the ALP activity of SaOS‐2 cells and mineral nodule formation increased significantly after PEMF stimulation. These observations suggest that repetitive pulse burst PEMF does not affect cellular metabolism; however, it may play a role in the enhancement of SaOS‐2 cell mineralization. We are currently investigating cellular responses under different PEMF waveforms and Western blots for protein expression of bone mineralization specific proteins. Bioelectromagnetics 29:125–132, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro electrical impedance spectroscopy of human dentine: The effect of restorative materials
Authors: Rivas Berta , Botta Pablo M. , Varela Purificación , Martín Benjamín , Fondado Alfonso , Rivas Jose
Published: November 2007

The influence of different restorative materials on in vitro dielectric properties of sound dentine was investigated. The studied samples were three‐layer materials consisting of successive disks of dentine and silver amalgam or nanohybrid composite resin. Before being tested, the samples were maintained in physiological solution never more than 48 h from the extraction. Also, sections of intact dentine were similarly prepared for electrical measurements. Complex dielectric permittivity of these specimens was determined in a wide frequency range using the parallel‐plate capacitor technique. Very similar dielectric responses of intact dentine and amalgam‐dentine material were observed. This is explained on the basis of high dc conductivity exhibited by both samples. In contrast, resin‐dentine specimen revealed a much more insulating behavior. A simple theoretical model for heterogeneous systems could be applied to these dental three‐layer materials. The dielectric properties of restored dentine are strongly dependent on the kind of restorative material employed in each case. This suggests that electrical data should be used carefully in caries diagnosis on restored teeth. Bioelectromagnetics 29:163–168, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sodium butyrate stimulates monoclonal antibody over‐expression in CHO cells by improving gene accessibility
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Sharfstein Susan T.
Published: November 2007

Sodium butyrate treatment can increase the specific productivity of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells; however, it dramatically decreases cell growth and frequently leads to apoptosis. We have studied the responses of several Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells lines with different specific productivities (qP) to sodium butyrate treatment. Cell clones with lower productivities exhibited greater enhancement from butyrate treatment than cells with higher productivities. As we observed previously in cell clone characterization (Jiang et al., 2006. Biotechnol Prog 22: 313–318), heavy chain (HC) mRNA levels correlate very well with specific productivity and are amplified by butyrate treatment, indicating that sodium butyrate regulates the HC transcription. Sodium butyrate is an inhibitor of histone deacetylation, and possibly, increases gene transcription by enhancing gene accessibility to transcription factors. In this study, we applied DNase I footprinting to probe the HC and LC gene accessibility. We determined that more HC and LC gene copies are accessible by DNase I in sodium butyrate‐treated CHO cells than in untreated controls, demonstrating that sodium butyrate regulates gene transcription by improving gene accessibility. However, the increase in accessibility did not correlate with the increase in transcript abundance, suggesting that butyrate enhances transcription by other mechanisms as well. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 189–194. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individual and combined effects of the rolA, B, and C genes on anthraquinone production in Rubia cordifolia transformed calli
Authors: Shkryl Yuri N. , Veremeichik Galina N. , Bulgakov Victor P. , Tchernoded Galina K. , Mischenko Natalia P. , Fedoreyev Sergei A. , Zhuravlev Yuri N.
Published: November 2007

It is known that the rolA, rolB, and rolC genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes T‐DNA affect processes of plant development and activate the synthesis of secondary metabolites in transformed plant cells. Although a synergistic activity of the rol genes on root formation is well‐documented, little is known about their individual and combined action on secondary metabolism. In the present investigation, we provide evidence indicating that individual rolA, rolB, and rolC genes are capable of increasing biosynthesis of anthraquinones (AQs) in transformed calli of Rubia cordifolia. The stimulatory effect was due to the increased transcription of a key gene of AQ biosynthesis, the isochorismate synthase (ICS) gene. The strongest AQ‐stimulating activity was shown for an R. cordifolia culture expressing rolB at high levels, where rolB ensured a 15‐fold increase of AQ accumulation compared with the control, non‐transformed calli. A tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor abolished the rolB‐induced increase of AQ production, thus indicating the involvement of tyrosine (de)phosphorylation in the rolB‐mediated AQ stimulation. The rolA‐ and rolC‐expressing cultures produced 2.8‐ and 4.3‐fold higher levels of AQs, respectively, when compared with the control calli. However, the effect of rolA, rolB, and rolC on AQ biosynthesis was not synergistic because rolA and rolC apparently attenuated the stimulatory effect of rolB on AQ biosynthesis. Therefore, the rol‐gene‐mediated signals that promote root formation and those which activate biosynthesis of secondary metabolites seem to have a point of divergence. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 118–125. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multivariate models for prediction of rheological characteristics of filamentous fermentation broth from the size distribution
Authors: Petersen Nanna , Stocks Stuart , Gernaey Krist V.
Published: November 2007

The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate that principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) can be used to extract information from particle size distribution data and predict rheological properties. Samples from commercially relevant Aspergillus oryzae fermentations conducted in 550 L pilot scale tanks were characterized with respect to particle size distribution, biomass concentration, and rheological properties. The rheological properties were described using the Herschel–Bulkley model. Estimation of all three parameters in the Herschel–Bulkley model (yield stress (τy), consistency index (K), and flow behavior index (n)) resulted in a large standard deviation of the parameter estimates. The flow behavior index was not found to be correlated with any of the other measured variables and previous studies have suggested a constant value of the flow behavior index in filamentous fermentations. It was therefore chosen to fix this parameter to the average value thereby decreasing the standard deviation of the estimates of the remaining rheological parameters significantly. Using a PLSR model, a reasonable prediction of apparent viscosity (µapp), yield stress (τy), and consistency index (K), could be made from the size distributions, biomass concentration, and process information. This provides a predictive method with a high predictive power for the rheology of fermentation broth, and with the advantages over previous models that τy and K can be predicted as well as µapp. Validation on an independent test set yielded a root mean square error of 1.21 Pa for τy, 0.209 Pa sn for K, and 0.0288 Pa s for µapp, corresponding to R2 = 0.95, R2 = 0.94, and R2 = 0.95 respectively. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 61–71. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth of HfO2 by Liquid Injection MOCVD and ALD Using New Hafnium‐Cyclopentadienyl Precursors
Authors: O'Kane R. , Gaskell J. , Jones A. C. , Chalker P. R. , Black K. , Werner M. , Taechakumput P. , Taylor S. , Heys P. N. , Odedra R.
Published: November 2007

Thin films of HfO2 are deposited by liquid injection metal‐organic (MO) CVD and atomic layer deposition (ALD) using the new cyclopentadienyl precursors [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)] (mmp = OCMe2CH2OMe). Both precursors evaporate at moderate temperatures, making them very suitable for MOCVD and ALD applications. Thin films of HfO2 are deposited by MOCVD in the temperature range 400–650 °C, and by ALD in the temperature range 300–450 °C, using both [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)] . Analysis by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films are deposited with an essentially amorphous microstructure, but subsequent annealing above 700 °C in dry air crystallizes the films into the α‐ or monoclinic phase. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) shows that residual carbon (0–5 at.‐ %) is present in the oxide films and that the HfO2 films grown by MOCVD generally contain more carbon than those grown by ALD. The dielectric properties of the as‐deposited HfO2 films are evaluated using [Al/HfO2/SiO2/n‐Si] MOS capacitor structures with various HfO2 thicknesses ranging from 1.7 nm to 102 nm. The calculated permittivity (ϵox), assuming the presence of a 1 nm native SiO2 interlayer, is found to be ϵox ∼ 14 for a HfO2 film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)], whilst for a film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)], ϵox is found to be ∼10. Equivalent oxide thicknesses of 2.5 and 0.78 nm are measured for HfO2 films deposited by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)], respectively. The leakage current density for a film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] remains very low (<10–6 A cm–2) up to 2.5 MV cm–1, whereas the leakage current density is significantly higher for the MOCVD‐grown films.
Temperature‐Controlled Synthesis and Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Nanoplatelets
Authors: Barreca D. , Ferrucci A. P. , Gasparotto A. , Maccato C. , Maragno C. , Tondello E.
Published: November 2007

Zinc oxide nanoplatelets are successfully grown on Si(100) by CVD starting from a second‐generation ZnII precursor, Zn(hfa)2·TMEDA (Hhfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoro‐2,4‐pentanedione; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine). The synthesis is performed in a nitrogen + wet oxygen atmosphere under optimized conditions, at temperatures between 250 and 500 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and glancing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) analyses indicate a direct correlation between morphology and microstructure. The formation of ZnO nanoplatelets, whose characteristics depend on the deposition temperature, is proposed to result from the synergistic combination of a vapor/solid (VS) mechanism and a preferential direction‐conducting growth. The chemical composition is analyzed by means of X‐ray photoelectron and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies (XPS, EDXS). Finally, the photocatalytic performances of ZnO nanoplatelets in the decomposition of the azo‐dye Orange II are investigated and compared to those of uniform ZnO coatings synthesized in the absence of water vapor. The obtained results show a higher activity in the case of nanoplatelets due to their peculiar morphology.
Overview of Coating Growth Mechanisms in MOCVD Processes as Observed in Pt Group Metals
Authors: Igumenov I. K. , Gelfond N. V. , Morozova N. B. , Nizard H.
Published: November 2007

Rhodium, palladium, iridium, and platinum are deposited by means of metal‐organic (MO)CVD using metal beta‐diketonates as precursors. Under some conditions, the microstructure of the deposited metals changes from compact to columnar. The potential causes of structural changes are investigated and a mechanism of contamination is proposed, based on the observation of growth singularities. Several Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt coatings are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution (HR)TEM, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Gratan™ image filter (GIF) in order to observe composition, structure, and to identify the source of eventual structural changes.
Copper Films Deposited by Hot‐Wire CVD and Direct Liquid Injection of CupraSelect
Authors: Papadimitropoulos G. , Davazoglou D.
Published: November 2007

Copper films are deposited on Si substrates covered with W, TiN, and SiLK® using a novel CVD reactor in which reactions are assisted by a heated tungsten filament (hot‐wire (HW)CVD). Liquid hexafluoroacetylacetonate CuI trimethylvinylsilane ((hfac) CuI (tmvs), CupraSelect®) is directly injected at room temperature into the reactor with the aid of a direct liquid injection system using N2 as the carrier gas. The deposition rates of HWCVD Cu films obtained on W and TiN covered substrates are found to increase with filament temperature (65 and 170 °C are used). Moreover, high quality Cu films are deposited on SiLK®, which cannot be done by conventional thermal CVD. Independent of the nature of the substrate, resistivities of HWCVD Cu films are higher than for thermally grown films due to carbon and oxygen contamination caused by the incomplete dissociation of the precursor. W impurities are detected in the HWCVD Cu films confined near the interface Cu film/substrate due to the presence of the filament. Their presence does not, however, degrade catastrophically the film conductivity.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Various Aryl Halides Using ortho‐Alkyl‐Substituted Arylphosphanes and (ortho‐Alkylphenyl)alkylphosphanes under Microwave Heating
Authors: Vuoti Sauli , Autio Juho , Laitila Minna , Haukka Matti , Pursiainen Jouni
Published: November 2007

Mono‐ and dinuclear palladium(II) chloride complexes of various ortho‐alkyl‐substituted aryl‐ and alkylphosphanes were prepared. Subsequently, these were characterized by 1H NMR and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallographic studies and mass spectroscopy. The palladium complexes were screened as potential catalysts for the microwave‐assisted Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of several aryl halides under aerobic conditions. A preliminary study showed that excellent results can be obtained even for electron‐rich bromides and unactivated aryl chlorides with an optimized solvent, base and catalyst loading using specific phosphane ligands. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Coordination Compounds of Alkali Metal Tetrahydroborates with Ethers and Amines
Authors: Gálvez Ruiz Juan Carlos , Nöth Heinrich , Warchhold Marcus
Published: November 2007

The crystal structure of LiBH4(thf) is of the same type as that of LiBH4(OEt2) in that it forms double chains containing seven‐coordinate Li atoms and BH4 groups where one H atom coordinates to three Li atoms. In addition, three H atoms form Li–H–B bridges to three different Li atoms. (NaBH4)2(triglyme) shows a sheet structure with eight‐coordinate Na atoms (2 O and 6 H atoms). All H atoms of the BH4 groups are in bridging positions (1 μ32 and 3 μ21 types) and each triglyme molecule acts as a tris(bidentate) ligand. A more precise structure determination is reported for NaBH4(15‐crown‐5), which contains an asymmetric tridentate BH4 group. The compound crystallizes with half a molecule of pyridine. A tridentate BH4 group is also present in KBH4(18‐crown‐6). In contrast, crystallization of NaBH4(18‐crown‐6) from pyridine gives the salt [Na(py)2(18‐crown‐6)]BH4. The crown ether complex KH2BC5H10(18‐crown‐6) binds through its BH hydrogen atoms to the K atom and there is also a weak K···H–C interaction. In contrast to the bidentate BH4 group in LiBH4(py)3, the BH4 group in LiBH4(py‐4‐Me)3 is tridentate. LiBH4 reacts with py‐2‐Me to produce LiBH4(py‐2‐Me)2, which is dimeric in the solid state with BH4 groups bonding to the Li atoms in a μ32/μ22 manner. The reaction of LiBH4 with 2‐aminopyridine in THF gives the complex LiBH4(thf)2(py‐2‐NH2) in which only the pyridine N atom coordinates to the Li atom. NaBH4 crystallizes from pyridine as NaBH4(py)3, which has a chain structure in the solid state where the BH4 groups show one three‐coordinate H atom of the μ32 type and two two‐coordinate H atoms of the μ22 type. The 1:1 dialkylamine complexes of LiBH4 with HNiPr2 and HNiBu2 have different structures. The former shows a chain structure with BH4 groups bridging two Li atoms with bridges of the μ32 and μ22 type, whereas the latter compound forms double strands with one μ43‐ and μ23‐coordinated H atoms. NaBH4(morpholine)2 forms a three‐dimensional structure with four different Na atoms linked by BH4 groups in a rather unusual manner ― they exhibit mono‐, bi‐, and tridentate functions. LiBH4 adds MeHN‐NH2 in a 2:3 ratio to form the salt [Li2(H2N‐NHMe)3](BH4)2, which contains chains of [Li2(H2N‐NHMe)3]2+ cations separated from BH4– anions. In contrast, LiBH4 reacts with PhNH‐NH2 to give the adduct LiBH4(H2N‐NHPh)2, which associates into chains containing H2BH2LiH2BH2Li units. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Peculiarities of CaO·6Al2O3 Formation by using Low‐Temperature Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Ianoş Robert , Lazău Ioan , Păcurariu Cornelia , Barvinschi Paul
Published: November 2007

The preparation of calcium hexaaluminate, CaO·6Al2O3, by solution combustion synthesis was achieved. It was shown that calcium nitrate and aluminium nitrate develop an essentially different behaviour with respect to urea or β‐alanine: urea is the most suitable fuel for aluminium nitrate, whereas β‐alanine is more appropriate for calcium nitrate. An innovative alternative for the combustion synthesis was presented: instead of using a single fuel for both metal nitrates, a two‐fuel mixture containing the most suitable fuel for each metal nitrate was used. It was proved that by using the fuel mixture containing both urea and β‐alanine, the exothermic effect of the combustion reaction was maximized, which ensured the direct formation of pure CaO·6Al2O3 without the need of any additional calcination. Further thermal analysis of the powder evidenced that at around 600 °C the as‐synthesized CaO·6Al2O3 undergoes polymorphic transformation. The use of a single fuel, urea or β‐alanine, does not allow the straight formation of pure calcium hexaaluminate, as X‐ray diffraction analysis showed. Urea leads to the formation of a calcium hexaaluminate contaminated with α‐Al2O3 whereas β‐alanine leads to the formation of an amorphous reaction product, which after annealing at 900 °C with 1 h soaking time turns into γ‐Al2O3.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Mild Synthetic Route to Zinc, Cadmium, and Silver Polymers with (2‐Pyridyl)phosphonic Acid: Synthesis and Analysis
Authors: Fry Julie A. , Samanamu Christian R. , Montchamp Jean‐Luc , Richards Anne F.
Published: November 2007

Five new metal pyridylphosphonate polymers have been prepared, fully characterized, and their room‐temperature luminescence probed. The reaction of (2‐pyridyl)phosphonic acid (2pypo) with ZnX2 (X = Br, Cl) afforded two‐dimensional polymers [Zn(X)(2pypo)]n {X = Cl = (1), X = Br = (2)}, which feature cyclic 12‐membered Zn–O–P cores that are interlinked by bridged oxygen atoms from the phosphonate moiety. From the room–temperature, aqueous reactions of 2pypo and the corresponding metal salts, the one‐dimensional polymers [Cd(μ‐Cl)2(2pypo)]n (3) and [Hg(2pypo)]n (4) were isolated in moderate yield. The one‐dimensional structure of 3 is supported through bridging chlorides and two η2‐phosphonate oxygen atoms, while 4 is a highly symmetrical polymer that exhibits pyridyl nitrogen coordination to the mercury center and uses two μ2‐oxygen atoms to polymerize. Reaction of silver triflate (CF3SO3Ag) with 2pypo afforded a crystalline silver polymer that displays a zig‐zag arrangement of silver atoms with argentophilic interactions and that is stablized through bridged triflate and phosphonate moieties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Enantioselective Synthesis of the Hydroazulene Core of 3α‐Hydroxy‐15‐rippertene
Authors: Kreuzer Thomas , Metz Peter
Published: November 2007

As part of a project directed toward the total synthesis of the tetracyclic diterpene 3α‐hydroxy‐15‐rippertene, a constituent of the defense secretion of higher termites, a fast access to two advanced hydroazulene key intermediates has been achieved by starting from (–)‐isopulegol. A regio‐ and diastereoselective formal hydromethallylation and a regioselective ring expansion served as the key steps in the formation of the seven‐membered ring. Completion of the bicyclic title compounds was then achieved by cyclopentene annulation through diastereoselective conjugate addition of organocuprates and subsequent intramolecular aldol condensations.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Label‐Free Detection of Bisphenol A Using a Potentiometric Immunosensor
Authors: Piao Ming‐Hua , Noh Hui‐Bog , Rahman Md Aminur , Won Mi‐Sook , Shim Yoon‐Bo
Published: November 2007

A potentiometric immunosensor for the label‐free detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed by covalently immobilizing a polyclonal antibody (PAb) onto the surface of a carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‐COOH) membrane. The immunosensor was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The immobilization of PAb and its interaction with antigen (Ag) and BPA were also confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies. Experimental parameters affecting the immuno‐interaction between PAb and its Ag or BPA were examined in terms of pH, antibody concentration, and temperature. The immunosensor showed a specific recognition of BPA with less interference than 4.8% from other common phenolic compounds. A calibration plot was obtained between 1.0 and 30.0 ng/mL and the detection limit was determined to be 0.6 ng/mL. The proposed immunosensor was applied for a real water sample spiked with BPA and the recoveries were in the range between 102.5 and 105.7%.
Hepatitis B virus DNA levels at week 4 of lamivudine treatment predict the 5-year ideal response
Authors: Yuen Man-Fung , Fong Daniel Yee-Tak , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Yuen John Chi-Hang , Fung James , Lai Ching-Lung
Published: November 2007

The best time and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level during an early lamivudine treatment period for predicting the long-term outcome are unknown. We aimed to determine the optimal time and HBV DNA level during an early treatment period for the prediction of the response after a 5-year lamivudine treatment. The HBV DNA levels at the baseline, at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 32, and at yearly intervals until year 5 were measured in 74 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–positive chronic HBV patients receiving lamivudine treatment. Seventeen patients achieved an ideal response [HBV DNA level < 2000 copies/mL (400 IU/mL), HBeAg seroconversion, normal alanine aminotransferase levels, and absence of tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutations] at year 5. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed good predictions as early as week 4. The areas under the curve for weeks 4 and 16 were 0.89 and 0.94, respectively. Predictive indices revealed 4 and 3.6 log copies/mL (2000 and 800 IU/mL, respectively) to be the best cutoff HBV DNA levels for these 2 times, respectively. All patients with HBV DNA levels lower than these respective cutoff levels at the 2 times achieved an ideal response at year 5. Patients with HBV DNA levels above these cutoff values had 83.8% and 87.7% chances of not achieving an ideal response at year 5, respectively.

Conclusion:

The measurement of the HBV DNA levels at week 4 of lamivudine treatment should be performed in all patients to predict the long-term outcome. The treatment can be continued for those with HBV DNA levels of less than 4 log copies/mL (2000 IU/mL). The addition of or switch to alternative antiviral agents should be considered for patients who fail to achieve this early target. (Hepatology 2007.)
Quality of life and everyday activities in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Selmi Carlo , Gershwin Eric M. , Lindor Keith D. , Worman Howard J. , Gold Ellen B. , Watnik Mitchell , Utts Jessica , Invernizzi Pietro , Kaplan Marshall M. , Vierling John M. , Bowlus Christopher L. , Silveira Marina G. , Bossi Ilaria
Published: November 2007

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is generally a slowly progressive disease that may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. However, patients with PBC often suffer from a variety of symptoms long before the development of cirrhosis that include issues of daily living that have an impact on their work environment and their individual quality of life. We therefore examined multiple parameters by taking advantage of the database of our cohort of 1032 patients with PBC and 1041 matched controls. The data were obtained from patients from 23 tertiary referral centers throughout the United States and from rigorously matched controls by age, sex, ethnicity, and random-digit dialing. The data showed that patients with PBC were more likely than controls to have significant articular symptoms, a reduced ability to perform household chores, and the need for help with routine activities. Patients with PBC rated their overall activity similar or superior to that of controls; however, more of them reported limitations in their ability to carry out activities at work or at home and difficulties in everyday activities. PBC cases also more frequently reported limitations in participating in certain sports or exercises and pursuing various hobbies; however, they did not report significant limitations in social activities. In a multivariable analysis, household income, a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, limitations in work activities, a reduction in work secondary to disability, and church attendance were independently increased in PBC cases with respect to controls.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that the quality of life of patients with PBC in the United States is generally well preserved. Nevertheless, patients with PBC suffer significantly more than controls from a variety of symptoms that are beyond the immediate impact of liver failure and affect their lifestyle, personal relationships, and work activities. (Hepatology 2008.)
Identification of adult hepatic progenitor cells capable of repopulating injured rat liver
Authors: Yovchev Mladen I. , Grozdanov Petar N. , Zhou Hongchao , Racherla Harini , Guha Chandan , Dabeva Mariana D.
Published: November 2007

Oval cells appear and expand in the liver when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised. Many different markers have been attributed to these cells, but their nature still remains obscure. This study is a detailed gene expression analysis aimed at revealing their identity and repopulating in vivo capacity. Oval cells were activated in 2-acetylaminofluorene–treated rats subjected to partial hepatectomy or in d-galactosamine–treated rats. Two surface markers [epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and thymus cell antigen 1 (Thy-1)] were used for purification of freshly isolated cells. Their gene expression analysis was studied with Affymetrix Rat Expression Array 230 2.0, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescent microscopy. We found that EpCAM+ and Thy-1+ cells represent two different populations of cells in the oval cell niche. EpCAM+ cells express the classical oval cell markers (alpha-fetoprotein, cytokeratin-19, OV-1 antigen, a6 integrin, and connexin 43), cell surface markers recently identified by us (CD44, CD24, EpCAM, aquaporin 5, claudin-4, secretin receptor, claudin-7, V-ros sarcoma virus oncogene homolog 1, cadherin 22, mucin-1, and CD133), and liver-enriched transcription factors (forkhead box q, forkhead box a2, onecut 1, and transcription factor 2). Oval cells do not express previously reported hematopoietic stem cell markers Thy-1, c-kit, and CD34 or the neuroepithelial marker neural cell adhesion molecule 1. However, oval cells express a number of mesenchymal markers including vimentin, mesothelin, bone morphogenetic protein 7, and Tweak receptor (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 12A). A group of novel differentially expressed oval cell genes is also presented. It is shown that Thy-1+ cells are mesenchymal cells with characteristics of myofibroblasts/activated stellate cells. Transplantation experiments reveal that EpCAM+ cells are true progenitors capable of repopulating injured rat liver.

Conclusion:

We have shown that EpCAM+ oval cells are bipotential adult hepatic epithelial progenitors. These cells display a mixed epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype that has not been recognized previously. They are valuable candidates for liver cell therapy. (Hepatology 2007.)
Sonographic evaluation of visceral fat by measuring para‐ and perirenal fat
Authors: Kawasaki Satsuki , Aoki Kazutaka , Hasegawa Osamu , Numata Kazushi , Tanaka Katsuaki , Shibata Naomi , Shimada Sumiko , Okamura Atsushi , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: November 2007

Purpose.

To evaluate a new method of determining visceral fat amount by measuring para‐ and perirenal fat on abdominal sonography.

Methods.

Fifty‐seven patients hospitalized for treatment of their diabetes were examined via waist circumference, abdominal sonography, and CT. On sonography, the thickness of combined para‐ and perirenal fat was measured between the kidney and the inner aspect of the abdominal musculature. Measurements on both sides were averaged as the ultrasound fat thickness (UFT). The visceral fat area was measured on abdominal CT scans at the umbilicus level. Visceral fat deposition was considered elevated above 100 cm2.

Results.

UFT correlated significantly with VFA and waist circumference (p < 0.0001). A VFA of 100 cm2 was equivalent to a UFT of 10 mm. Waist circumference values of 85 cm in males and 90 cm in females were equivalent to UFT measurements of 11 and 10 mm, respectively.

Conclusion.

A UFT of ≥10 mm reflects increased visceral fat deposition. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Electron microscopy and morphometric analyses of microtubules in two differently sized types of axons in the protocerebral tract of a crustacean
Authors: Corrêa Clynton Lourenço , da Silva Paula Grazielle Chaves , Pereira Mário José dos Santos , Allodi Silvana , Martinez Ana Maria Blanco
Published: November 2007

Despite several reports on the morphology and functions associated with the morphometry of the vertebrate axoplasm cytoskeleton, the subject has not been thoroughly explored in invertebrates. In vertebrates, among many other functions, microtubules (MTs) serve as scaffolding for axon assembly, and neurofilaments (NFs) as the elements that determine the axon caliber. Intermediate filaments have never been described by electron microscopy in arthropods, although NF proteins have been revealed in the MT side‐arms of the axoplasm of certain species, such as the crab Ucides cordatus. Thus, it is not known which elements of the cytoskeleton of invertebrates are responsible for determination of the axon caliber. We studied, by electron microscopy and morphometric analyses, the MT and axon area variability in differently sized axons of the protocerebral tract of the crab Ucides cordatus. Our results revealed differences in the distance between MTs, in MT density and number, and in the areas of differently sized axons. The number of MTs increases with the axon area, but this relationship is not directly proportional. Therefore, MT density is greater in smaller axons than in medium axons, similar to the morphometry of the vertebrate axon MT. The distance between MTs is, however, directly related to the axonal area. On the basis of the results shown here, and on previous reports by us and others, we suggest that MTs may be involved in the determination of the axon caliber, possibly due to the presence of NF proteins found in the side‐arms. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell number and sex ratio in unfertilized chicken eggs (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Klein Sabine , Grossmann Roland
Published: November 2007

In chickens and other birds, females have two different sex chromosomes (ZW), whereas males carry two homologous sex chromosomes (ZZ). The primary sex ratio can thus be determined by genetic analysis of the sex chromosome of the ovum before fertilization. Sex diagnosis is more reliable when there are more cells, i.e. sufficient DNA, for the analysis. In this study, eggs from virgin hens were incubated for 3 days and the number of cells in the germinal discs was counted. A median of 2.5 cells was counted with a range of two to 20 cells. We also counted cells in the germinal discs of unfertilized eggs of inseminated hens and recorded a median of three cells and a range of two to 40 cells. Sex diagnosis based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Z and W chromosomes specific fragments from the CHD1 gene in 30 incubated eggs obtained from 35‐week‐old virgin hens gave a ratio of 13 Z to 15 W chromosomes with two samples undetermined.

The unfertilized eggs of three groups of chickens were subjected to sex diagnosis to supplement the sex ratio data of an incubation experiment (see companion paper). The high proportion of Z chromosomes diagnosed in all three groups by two independent gene products suggests a sex difference on developmental potential and/or a sex chromosome segregation biased toward males in unfertilized eggs especially at the beginning of reproduction. J. Exp. Zool. 309:47–54, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial correction of the CFTR‐dependent ABPA mouse model with recombinant adeno‐associated virus gene transfer of truncated CFTR gene
Authors: Mueller Christian , Torrez Daniel , Braag Sofia , Martino Ashley , Clarke Tracy , Campbell‐Thompson Martha , Flotte Terence R.
Published: November 2007

Recently, we have developed a model of airway inflammation in a CFTR knockout mouse utilizing Aspergillus fumigatus crude protein extract (Af‐cpe) to mimic allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) 1, an unusual IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity syndrome seen in up to 15% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and rarely elsewhere. We hypothesized that replacement of CFTR via targeted gene delivery to airway epithelium would correct aberrant epithelial cytokine signaling and ameliorate the ABPA phenotype in CFTR‐deficient (CFTR 489X − /−, FABP‐hCFTR + / +) mice. CFTR knockout mice underwent intra‐tracheal (IT) delivery of recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 5 (rAAV5Δ‐264CFTR) or rAAV5‐GFP at 2.58 × 1012 viral genomes/mouse. All mice were then sensitized with two serial injections (200 µg) of crude Af antigen via the intra‐peritoneal (IP) route. Untreated mice were sensitized without virus exposure. Challenges were performed 2 weeks after final sensitization, using a 0.25% solution containing Aspergillus fumigatus crude protein extract delivered by inhalation on three consecutive days. The rAAV5Δ‐264CFTR‐treated mice had lower total serum IgE levels (172513 ng/ml ± 1312) than rAAV5‐GFP controls (26 892 ng/ml ± 3715) (p = 0.037) and non‐treated, sensitized controls (24 816 ± 4219 ng/ml). Serum IgG1 levels also were lower in mice receiving the CFTR vector. Interestingly, splenocytes from rAAV5Δ‐264CFTR‐treated mice secreted less IL‐13, INFg, TNFa, RANTES and GM‐CSF after ConA stimulation. Gene therapy with rAAV5Δ‐264CFTR attenuated the hyper‐IgE response in this reproducible CF mouse model of ABPA, with systemic effects also evident in the cytokine response of stimulated splenocytes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical investigation of the antecedents, behaviors, and outcomes of bad leadership
Authors: Erickson Anthony , Shaw James B. , Agabe Zha
Published: November 2007

This exploratory study identifies actions and behaviors that subordinates attribute to bad leadership and explores the implications these factors have for organizations. Data were obtained through a Web‐based survey that generated 335 respondents who completed at least some of the questions. Results identified the prevalence of bad leaders, behaviors causing a leader to be perceived as bad, the impact of bad leaders on the employee and organization, whether these bad leaders had always been bad, and what happened to the bad leader. An interesting discovery was that the majority of bad leaders were either promoted or rewarded by the organization.
Implications to ethics education of recent neuroscience research on emotions
Authors: Mccuen Richard H. , Shah Gaurav
Published: November 2007

As it is currently taught, instruction in engineering ethics centers on cognitive learning even to the extent of suppressing the involvement of emotions in ethical decision making. The common belief is that emotional involvement will increase the likelihood of poor judgment. Recent neuroscience research with positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging indicates that emotions actually play a significant role in ethical decision making. It then follows that emotions should be part of ethics education: That is, discussions of ethics should not be limited to cognitive thought. Instruction to improve emotional maturity must be accompanied by teaching of cognitive subject matter if long‐term learning is to occur. Emotions influence the solution of ethical problems as they affect the accuracy of the problem assessment and the accuracy, intensity, and duration of an emotive response. Specific emotions that relate to ethical decisions are listed. A theory of emotive learning is presented, and its application to the teaching of engineering ethics is discussed. Strategies for emotive learning are also presented.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide regulates nociceptin expression in sensory neurons
Authors: Acosta Cristian , Davies Alun
Published: November 2007

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an opioid‐related peptide that is markedly up‐regulated in sensory neurons in vivo following peripheral inflammation and plays a key role in pain physiology. To identify substances that up‐regulate N/OFQ expression in sensory neurons, we carried out an in vitro screen using purified adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and identified the potent proinflammatory agent bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a very effective inducer of N/OFQ. The robust response of these neurons to LPS enabled us to identify the components of a putative neuronal LPS receptor complex. In contrast to the immune system, where the functional LPS receptor complex is composed of CD‐14 together with either MD‐2 and TLR4 on myeloid cells or the homologous receptors MD‐1 and RP105 on mature B cells, DRG neurons express the unusual combination of CD‐14, TLR4, and MD‐1. Blocking antibodies against TLR4 and MD‐1 prevented induction of N/OFQ by LPS, and, in immunoprecipitation experiments, MD‐1 coprecipitated with TLR4. Our findings suggest that LPS regulates N/OFN expression in sensory neurons via a novel combination of LPS receptor components and demonstrate for the first time a direct action of a key initiator of innate immune responses on neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow stromal cells protect and repair damaged neurons through multiple mechanisms
Authors: Hokari Masaaki , Kuroda Satoshi , Shichinohe Hideo , Yano Shunsuke , Hida Kazutoshi , Iwasaki Yoshinobu
Published: November 2007

A surprising shortage of information surrounds the mechanism by which bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) restore lost neurologic functions when transplanted into the damaged central nervous system. To clarify the issue, the BMSC were cocultured with the neurons using two paradigms: the cell‐mixing coculture technique and three‐dimensional coculture technique. The green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing BMSC were cocultured with the PKH‐26‐labelled neurons, using cell mixing coculture technique. GFP‐positive, PKH‐26‐negative cells morphologically simulated the neurons and significantly increased the expression of MAP‐2, Tuj‐1, nestin, and GFAP. GFP/nestin‐positive, PKH‐26‐negative cells increased from 13.6% ± 6.7% to 32.1% ± 15.5% over 7 days of coculture. They further enhanced Tuj‐1 expression when cocultured with neurons exposed to 100 μM of glutamate for 10 min. About 20–30% of GFP‐positive cells became positive for PKH‐26 through coculture with the neurons, but the doubly positive cells did not increase when cocultured with glutamate‐exposed neurons. Alternatively, the BMSC significantly ameliorated glutamate‐induced neuronal damage when cocultured with the three‐dimensional coculture technique. The protective effect was more prominent when coculture was started prior to glutamate exposure than when coculture was started just after glutamate exposure. ELISA analysis revealed that the BMSC physiologically produce NGF, BDNF, SDF‐1α, HGF, TGFβ‐1, and IGF‐1 and significantly enhanced the production of NGF and BDNF when cocultured with glutamate‐exposed neurons. These findings strongly suggest that the BMSC may protect and repair the damaged neurons through multiple mechanisms, including transdifferentiation, cell fusion, and production of growth factors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential activation of c‐fos and caspase‐3 in hippocampal neuron subpopulations following neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia
Authors: Ness Jayne M. , Harvey Cary R. , Washington Jason D. , Roth Kevin A. , Carroll Steven L. , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2007

Neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) induces immediate early gene (IEG) c‐fos expression as well as neuron death. The precise role of IEGs in neonatal HI is unclear. We investigated the temporal and spatial patterns of c‐Fos expression in postnatal day 7 mice after unilateral carotid ligation and exposure to 8% oxygen. mRNA levels of c‐fos quantitated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) increased nearly 40‐fold (log 1.2 ± 0.4) in the ipsilateral hippocampus 3 hr following neonatal HI, then returned to basal levels within 12 hr, although no change was observed in c‐jun mRNA. Frozen coronal brain sections were stained with cresyl violet or used for immunohistochemical detection of c‐Fos, cleaved caspase‐3, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the mature neuron marker NeuN. c‐Fos immunoreactivity increased throughout the injured hippocampus 3 hr after HI but became restricted to the CA2–3 subregion and the dentate gyrus (DG) at 6–12 hr and declined by 24 hr. In contrast, cleaved (activated) caspase‐3 immunoreactivity was most abundant in the ipsilateral CA1 region at 3–6 hr after neonatal HI, then became more prominent in CA2–3 and DG. Double‐labeling experiments showed c‐Fos and cleaved caspase‐3 immunoreactivity localized in spatially distinct neuron subpopulations. Prominent c‐Fos immunoreactivity was observed in surviving CA2–3 and external granular DG neurons, and robust cleaved caspase‐3 immunoreactivity was observed in pyknotic CA1, CA2–3, and subgranular DG neurons. The differential expression of c‐Fos in HI‐resistant hippocampal subpopulations vs. cleaved caspase‐3 in dying neurons suggests a neuroprotective role for c‐Fos expression in neonatal HI. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How do core competencies discriminate? Identification of influencing similarities and differences
Authors: Ljungquist Urban
Published: November 2007

Core competencies are highly valued by managers since, among other things, they underpin competitive advantage. One stream of research in this area has focused on practical processes relating to the identification of single and multiple core competencies. Yet, identification is insufficient for sustaining core competence‐derived competitive advantage, since a core competence needs continuous development. Organizations typically possess multiple core competencies, which most likely have different origins and requirements of the developments. They typically underpin different markets and products; face different degree of dynamic conditions, and so on. Thus, it is our contention that core competencies accordingly ought to be managed separately.

In this paper, we advance existing core competence research by identifying similarities and differences in influences on three core competencies. Three concepts were used to assess the similarities and differences in one case company; the latter to avoid empirical bias. The three concepts are competencies, capabilities, and resources: all commonly applied to core competence issues, such as identification.

All three core competencies were heavy influenced by specific competence attributes: technological developments and customers adaptation, which are fundamental to the case‐company's success. This finding brings in a context‐dependency aspect to core competence management.

The core competencies were also found to have differences in the less context‐dependent influences. The more complex the core competence, the more it is influenced by transfer and adaptation competencies, as well as by organizational capabilities. Resource influence clearly separates a service‐producing core competence, which is mainly influenced by organizational capabilities, from two goods‐producing core competencies which are not so influenced. The more complex of the goods‐producing core competencies is more strongly influenced by both tangible and intangible resources. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the design of process‐oriented knowledge management system for fourth generation R&D
Authors: Kim Seonwoo , Park Yongtae , Seol Hyeonju
Published: November 2007

It is difficult to measure innovation and to define close coordination of adequate technical knowledge and excellent market judgments to satisfy economic and technological constraints simultaneously. However, research on technological innovation models has gradually and continuously evolved over time. Innovation models and R&D systems do not match exactly, but have similar evolutionary trajectories in view of market and managing knowledge. Knowledge management system (KMS) potentially supports successful innovation and R&D systems in response to evolutionary changes at the same time that it minimizes changes in both information systems and organizational structure. First, the evolutionary classification of R&D generations and the corresponding characteristics of respective generations are defined, and KMS and its role in the R&D process are reviewed. We delineate the fourth generation R&D structure and its activities using IDEF0. Finally, the overall framework and detailed sub‐modules are described. The system outline and some sub‐modules are employed for illustration purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.