bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power Generation and Electrochemical Analysis of Biocathode Microbial Fuel Cell Using Graphite Fibre Brush as Cathode Material
Authors: You S.‐J. , Ren N.‐Q. , Zhao Q.‐L. , Wang J.‐Y. , Yang F.‐L.
Published: July 2009

To improve cathodic efficiency and sustainability of microbial fuel cell (MFC), graphite fibre brush (GFB) was examined as cathode material for power production in biocatalysed‐cathode MFC. Following 133‐h mixed culturing of electricity‐producing bacteria, the MFC could generate a reproducible voltage of 0.4 V at external resistance (REX) of 100 Ω. Maximum volumetric power density of 68.4 W m–3 was obtained at a current density of 178.6 A m–3. Upon aerobic inoculation of electrochemically active bacteria, charge transfer resistance of the cathode was decreased from 188 to 17 Ω as indicated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Comparing investigations of different cathode materials demonstrated that biocatalysed GFB had better performance in terms of half‐cell polarisation, power and Coulombic efficiency (CE) over other tested materials. Additionally, pH deviation of electrolyte in anode and cathode was also observed. This study provides a demonstration of GFB used as biocathode material in MFC for more efficient and sustainable electricity recovery from organic substances.
Narrow framing: Professions, sophistication, and experience
Authors: Liu Yu‐Jane , Wang Ming‐Chun , Zhao Longkai
Published: July 2009

We document support for the narrow framing effect proposed by Tversky, A. and Kahneman, D. (1981). Our findings that traders in an options market frame complicated investment decisions into simpler ones support the narrow framing effect. Traders' professionalism, sophistication, and trading experience are negatively correlated with the degree of narrow framing, implying that these factors help to reduce investors' behavioral bias. Our study bridges the gap between the psychological literature and financial literature in terms of the relationship between experience/sophistication and narrow framing. The article sheds light on the decision‐making process in an options market, and the relationship between narrow framing and sophistication/experience. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:203–229, 2010
Correcting “winner's curse” in odds ratios from genomewide association findings for major complex human diseases
Authors: Zhong Hua , Prentice Ross L.
Published: July 2009

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) provide an important approach for identifying common genetic variants that predispose to human disease. However, odds ratio (OR) estimates for the reported findings from GWAS discovery data are typically affected by a bias away from the null sometimes referred to the “winner's curse”. Also standard confidence intervals (CIs) may have far from the desired coverage rates. We applied a bias reduction method to GWAS findings from several major complex human diseases, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, type I diabetes, and type II diabetes. We found the simple bias correction procedure allows one to estimate bias‐adjusted ORs that have substantial consistency with ORs from subsequent replication studies, and that corresponding selection‐adjusted CIs appear to help quantify the uncertainty of the findings. Selection‐adjusted ORs and CIs can provide a reliable summary of GWAS data, and can help to choose single nucleotide polymorphisms for subsequent validation studies. Genet. Epidemiol. 34:78–91, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge as a mediator between HRM practices and innovative activity
Authors: Lopez‐Cabrales Alvaro , Pérez‐Luño Ana , Cabrera Ramón Valle
Published: July 2009

The objective of this paper is to test how human resources management (HRM) practices and employees' knowledge influence the development of innovative capabilities and, by extension, a firm's performance. Results confirm that HRM practices are not directly associated with innovation unless they take into account employees' knowledge. Specifically, our analyses establish a mediating role for the uniqueness of knowledge between collaborative HRM practices and innovative activity, a positive influence of knowledge‐based HRM practices on valuable knowledge, and a positive contribution of innovations to the company's profit. We tested hypotheses in a sample of firms from the most innovative Spanish industries through structural equation modeling. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge processes and learning outcomes in MNCs: an empirical investigation of the role of HRM practices in foreign subsidiaries
Authors: Simonin Bernard L. , Özsomer Ayşegül
Published: July 2009

By examining the case of American and European firms operating in Japan, this article contributes to the central debate of how and when multinational corporations (MNCs) learn from their foreign subsidiaries. Through structural equation modeling, we assess how specific human resource management (HRM) practices (critical thinking encouragement, supervisory encouragement, learning incentives, deployment of internal mechanisms and processes, expatriation, and corporate training) enhance (1) knowledge transfer outflows from the subsidiary to other parts of the MNC and (2) the subsidiary's performance in its local market. We find learning orientation to be a key antecedent of all HRM practices we investigated. From a practical point of view, a noticeable finding relates to the lack of effects of critical thinking encouragement on market knowledge acquisition and dissemination when (1) there is a significant presence of expatriates in the subsidiary and (2) when local managers have access to training programs at headquarters (HQ) and other affiliates. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transferring subsidiary knowledge to global headquarters: subsidiary senior executives' perceptions of the role of HR configurations in the development of knowledge stocks
Authors: Yamao Sachiko , Cieri Helen De , Hutchings Kate
Published: July 2009

We examine the role played by subsidiaries' human resource (HR) practices in the development of subsidiaries' knowledge stocks (defined as human and social capital) and the association of such knowledge stocks with knowledge transfer from subsidiaries to headquarters in multinational corporations (MNCs). Drawing on a survey of 151 Australian subsidiary senior executives of U.S., German, and Japanese MNCs, our findings suggest that the role of subsidiaries' HR practices lies in nurturing ties between a subsidiary and its external stakeholders and in accumulating knowledge of strategic importance not only for the subsidiary but also for its headquarters. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute cognitive effects of donepezil in young, healthy volunteers
Authors: Zaninotto Ana LC , Bueno Orlando FA , Pradella‐Hallinan Márcia , Tufik Sérgio , Rusted Jenny , Stough Con , Pompéia Sabine
Published: July 2009

Objective

The acute nootropic potential of donepezil in young healthy volunteers has not been adequately investigated mainly because in previous studies: (1) effects were assessed before peak‐plasma concentration (Tmax) was reached; (2) only a few cognitive processes were assessed. Here we investigated a myriad of cognitive effects of augmentation of acetylcholine using an acute dose of donepezil in healthy adults at theoretical Tmax.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, placebo controlled, parallel group design study of cognitive effects of acute oral donepezil (5 mg). Subjects were tested twice after donepezil ingestion: 90 min (time that coincides with previous testing in the literature) and 210 min. (theoretical Tmax). The test battery included tasks that tap cognitive domains that are sensitive to acetylcholine manipulations.

Results

At both testing times donepezil improved long‐term recall of prose, objects recall, recall of spatial locations, and integration of objects with their locations, some effects having been related to self‐reported mood enhancement. However, improvement of performance in the central executive measure (backward digit span) occurred only at Tmax.

Conclusion

Positive cognitive effects of acute donepezil can be observed in various cognitive domains including mood, but its full nootropic potential is more clearly found close to theoretical peak‐plasma concentration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of cognitive dysfunction in chronic schizophrenia by augmentation of atypical antipsychotics with buspirone, a partial 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist
Authors: Piškulić Danijela , Olver James S. , Maruff Paul , Norman Trevor R.
Published: July 2009

Objectives

To assess effects of a semi‐acute administration of buspirone in comparison to a placebo on cognitive function and negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

In a 6‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, independent groups study 18 subjects (14 males, four females) received in random order either placebo or buspirone (15–30 mg/day). A neuropsychological assessment using the Hopkins verbal learning test (HVLT) simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT), n‐back spatial working memory task and the stroop colour and word test was performed at baseline and final visit. Symptom rating scales were administered at testing weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6.

Results

Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in performance on tests over time. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo and buspirone treatments on either cognitive function measures or symptom ratings.

Conclusion

Semi‐acute adjunct treatment with buspirone may be too short to be clinically efficacious in patients with schizophrenia. Intrinsic activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors by atypical antipsychotics may hinder the ability of buspirone to further improve cognitive functions. Buspirone did not affect clinical outcomes for this chronically ill group of patients being treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the effect of degradation media on the physical and mechanical properties of porous PLGA 85/15 scaffolds
Authors: Perron Josee K. , Naguib Hani E. , Daka Joseph , Chawla Attar , Wilkins Ruth
Published: July 2009

This study investigates the effect of PLGA 85/15 scaffold on the cell growth and viability of a cell line, and the degradation of the scaffold in different media. The cell line used was human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60). Three different media were considered: distilled water, a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, and HL‐60 cell line. Porous PLGA 85/15 scaffolds were prepared with an optimized gas foaming/salt leaching technique using a NaCl/polymer mass ratio of five, a saturation pressure of 5.52 MPa and a saturation time of 12 h. The cell growth and viability were not impaired by the presence of the scaffold. The mass change of the scaffold due to degradation over the period was varied only by 4% across all three media. The average macropore size and molecular weight decreased as the degradation time increased in each medium. The scaffolds maintained mechanical and structural integrity throughout the study in all three media over the degradation period studied, and the change of Young's modulus of the scaffold under wet condition was not significant. Overall, PBS solution most strongly affected physical and mechanical properties, followed by dH2O and HL‐60 cells. The distinct variations of the scaffold's properties using different media, demonstrated the importance of carefully selecting the medium to perform in vitro studies. The medium must replicate the actual environment where the scaffold would be used, to represent accurately the changes in properties that the scaffold would be undergoing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
In vitro comparison of the cytotoxicity of acetal resin, heat‐polymerized resin, and auto‐polymerized resin as denture base materials
Authors: Ata Secil Ozkan , Yavuzyılmaz Hüsnü
Published: July 2009

This in vitro study aims to evaluate three different base materials (acetal, heat‐polymerized, and auto‐polymerized resins) on L‐929 mouse fibroblast cells over 1 h‐, 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 7‐day periods. The hypothesis was that acetal resin would show higher cytotoxic effect than heat‐polymerized and auto‐polymerized acrylic resins, as it seems possible that residual formaldehyde might be leaching from the material into the cell culture medium. The samples were produced according to the manufacturer's protocol. Then they were placed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Ham's F12 (DMEM/F12) for 1 h, 1, 3, 5, 7 days. After the incubation periods, cytotoxicity of the extracts to cultured fibroblasts (L‐929) was measured by MTT assay. The degree of cytotoxicity of each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells with a control. Statistical significance was determined by one‐way ANOVA. Tukey and Tamhane tests were used as a post‐hoc method to determine differences among the groups. Statistically significant difference was found among test groups at all time incubation periods (p = 0.000). The auto‐polymerized resin performed higher cytotoxic effect than heat‐polymerized resin and it was statistically significant at 1‐day period (p < 0.05). The highest cytotoxic effect of acetal resin was observed at 5‐day incubation period. In conclusion, the hypothesis was verified, since acetal resin showed more cytotoxic effect on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days than heat‐ and auto‐polymerized resins. Cell survival rates (% of control) of acetal resin were 58, 54, and 60%, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Does longstanding nicotine exposure impair bone healing and osseointegration? An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Gotfredsen Klaus , Lindh Christian H. , Berglundh Tord
Published: July 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of longstanding nicotine exposure on bone healing and osseointegration of titanium implants. Materials and Methods: 20 female rabbits received either nicotine (n = 10) or saline (n = 10) administered subcutaneously via mini‐osmotic pumps for 32 weeks. The pump delivered 6 μg/kg/min of nicotine for the animals in the test group. Blood samples were collected and plasma cotinine levels were measured monthly. Six months after the commencement of nicotine or saline administration three osteotomy preparations, one in right, femoral condyle and two in the right tibia were made. One experimental implant was placed in the femur site and one in the most distal preparation of the tibia. The remaining site in the tibia was left empty. The osteotomy preparation and implant installation procedure was repeated in the left leg of the rabbits after 2 weeks. The implants in the tibial site were subjected to removal torque test (RMT) 2 weeks later. Block biopsies of the two other osteotomy sites were prepared for histological analysis. Results: Although no differences in RMT values were found between test and control groups, there was a significant increase in RMT between 2 and 4 weeks within each group. The histomorphometric analysis of bone‐to‐implant contact and bone density in the bone defects revealed no differences between the test and the control group after 2 or 4 weeks of healing. Conclusion: Longstanding (6 months) nicotine exposure did not impair bone healing and osseointegration of titanium implants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Evaluation of quantitative importance of egg lipids and fatty acids during embryos and larvae development in marine pelagophil teleosts: with an emphasis on Dentex dentex
Authors: Samaee Seyed‐Mohammadreza , Estévez Alicia , Giménez Gemma , Lahnsteiner Franz
Published: July 2009

Quantitative compositin of Dentex dentex eggs lipid classes (LCs) and fatty acid (FA)s were measured and correlated to embryo and larva viability parameters (egg buoyancy, floating rate (FR), hatching rate, HR and survival rate, SR, at 0–5 days post hatch, dph) through 43 formulated models (38 using FAs, as independent variable, [R2=0.641–0.859] and 5 using LC [R2=0.459–0.739]). The sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine and 20:2(n–6) were significantly correlated with FR; phosphatidylserine+phosphatidylinositol with SR at 1 dph; steryl ester+waxes/triacylglycerol with HR and SR at 0 dph; 14:0 with SR at 1–5 dph; 18:1(n–9), ∑18:1, 20:5(n–3)/20:4(n–6), ∑monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), 20:5(n–3), 22:6(n–3)/20:5(n–3) and 18:3(n–3) with SR at 2–5 dph; 20:5(n–3)+20:4(n–6) with FR and SR at 2–5 dph. It was also found that a 14:0, 18:1(n–9), ∑MUFA, 18:2(n–6), 18:3(n–3), 20:5(n–3), 22:6(n–3)/20:5(n–3) and 20:5(n–3)/20:4(n–6) equal to 3.3, 16.5, 32.5, 9, 1.3, 8, 1.5 and 7, respectively, perhaps can provide a SR at 3 and 5 dph of >70%. The results indicated the importance of the egg LCs and FAs quantitative composition for common dentex embryonic and larval development and a potential use of these factors to predict egg quality in teleosts. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:735–751, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in gene expression between sonoporation in tumor and in muscle
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Che , Liao Zhe‐Kang , Yang Shu‐Jyuan , Lin Win‐Li , Shieh Ming‐Jium , Hwang Lih‐Hwa , Chen Wen‐Shiang
Published: July 2009

Background

Ultrasound (US) is a novel and effective tool for the local delivery of genes into target tissues. US can temporarily change the permeability of a cell membrane and thus enhance the delivery of naked DNA into cells. In the present study, the efficiencies of gene expression mediated by US delivery in orthotopic liver tumor, subcutaneous tumor and muscle tissue were evaluated by changing the contrast agent concentrations and US exposure durations.

Methods

Plasmid DNA coding for luciferase, interleukin‐12 or enhanced green fluorescence protein was mixed with SonoVue® and injected intratumorally or intramuscularly. The injection sites were then exposed to US (20% duty cycle and 0.4 W/cm2 intensity).

Results

The results obtained showed that the optimal condition was 50% SonoVue® for tumors and 30% for muscle, with 10 min of US exposure. The expression levels of the transfected DNAs were in the order: muscle > subcutaneous tumor > orthotopic liver tumor.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that muscle tissue is a good target site for producing large amounts of gene products for the purpose of gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible neurochemical changes mediated by delayed intrastriatal glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor gene delivery in a partial Parkinson's disease rat model
Authors: Yang Xin , Mertens Birgit , Lehtonen Enni , Vercammen Linda , Bockstael Olivier , Chtarto Abdelwahed , Levivier Marc , Brotchi Jacques , Michotte Yvette , Baekelandt Veerle , Sarre Sophie , Tenenbaum Liliane
Published: July 2009

Background

Efficient protection of dopaminergic neurons against a subsequent 6‐hydroxydopamine lesion by glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene delivery has been demonstrated. By contrast, the neurorestorative effects of GDNF administered several weeks after the toxin have been less characterized. In particular, whether these were permanent or dependent on the continuous presence of GDNF remains elusive.

Methods

A tetracycline‐inducible adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐1 vector expressing human GDNF cDNA was administered unilaterally in the rat striatum 5 weeks after 6‐hydroxydopamine. Rats were treated with doxycycline (dox) or untreated from the day of vector injection until sacrifice (4 or 14 weeks). A sub‐group was dox‐treated for 7 weeks then untreated until 14 weeks. The motor behavior was assessed by amphetamine‐induced rotations and spontaneous forelimb asymmetry. The amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serine‐40‐phosphorylated TH (S40‐TH) and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) proteins were compared by western blotting and the dopamine levels quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Dox‐dependent behavioral improvements were demonstrated 4 weeks post‐vector injection. At later time points, spontaneous partial recovery was observed in all rats, but no further improvement was found in dox‐treated animals. TH levels were significantly increased in dox‐treated rats at all time points. By contrast, striatal dopamine and S40‐TH were increased at 4 weeks, but not 14 weeks, and AADC remained unchanged. Dox withdrawal after 7 weeks, resulted in TH levels comparable to the controls at 14 weeks.

Conclusions

Delayed GDNF gene delivery only transiently improved dopaminergic function. Over the long term, TH was more abundant, but not functional, and the increase was lost when GDNF gene expression was switched off. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical models of UV total radiation and cloud effect study
Authors: Mateos Villán David , de Miguel Castrillo Argimiro , Bilbao Santos Julia
Published: July 2009

Several empirical models of hourly ultraviolet total radiation (UVT) have been proposed in this study. Measurements of UVT radiation, 290–385 nm, have been recorded at ground level from February 2001 to June 2008 in Valladolid, Spain (latitude 41°40′N, longitude 4°50′W and 840 m a.s.l.). The empirical models have emerged due to the lack of some radiometric variables in measuring stations. Hence, good forecasts of them can be obtained from usual measures in these stations. Therefore, some advantages of the empirical models are that they allow the estimation of past missing data in the database and the forecast of future ultraviolet solar availability. In this study, reported models in the bibliography have been assessed and recalibrated. New expressions have been proposed that allow obtaining hourly values of ultraviolet radiation from global radiation measures and parameters as clearness index and relative optical air mass. The accuracy of these models has been assessed through the following statistical indices: mean bias, mean‐absolute bias and root‐mean‐square errors whose values are close to zero, below 7% and below 10%, respectively. Two new clear sky models have been used to evaluate two new parameters: ultraviolet and global cloud modification factors, which can help to understand the role of the clouds on solar radiation. The ultraviolet cloud modification factor depends on cloudiness in such a way that its value under overcast skies is half of the cloudless skies one. Exponential and potential fits are the best relationships between both cloud factors. Finally, these parameters have been used to build new UV empirical models which show low values of the statistical indices mentioned above. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
European snow cover extent variability and associations with atmospheric forcings
Authors: Henderson Gina R. , Leathers Daniel J.
Published: July 2009

Snow cover in Europe represents an important component of the region's climatic system. Variability in snow cover extent can have major implications on factors such as low‐level atmospheric temperatures, soil temperatures, soil moisture, stream discharge, and energy allocation involved in the warming and melting of the snowpack. The majority of studies investigating Northern Hemisphere snow cover identify European snow cover extent as a portion of the Eurasian record, possibly masking complexities of this subset. This study explores the variability of European snow cover extent from 1967–2007, with the region in question including the area of Europe extending eastward to the Ural Mountains (60°E). Using the 89 × 89 gridded National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northern Hemisphere weekly satellite snow cover product, area estimates of seasonal snow cover were calculated, and their relationship to gridded temperature, precipitation, and sea‐level pressure data analysed. The spatial variability of snow cover extent was also explored using geographical information systems (GIS). The combined results from both surface temperature and precipitation analyses point towards snow cover extent in Europe being primarily temperature dependent. Atmospheric variables associated with extremes in snow cover extent were investigated. Large (small) European snow extent is associated with negative (positive) 850 hPa zonal wind anomalies, negative (positive) European 1000–500 hPa thickness anomalies, and generally positive (negative) Northern European precipitation anomalies. Sea‐level pressure and 500 hPa results indicate strong associations between large (small) snow cover seasons and the negative (positive) phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of urease and nitrification inhibitors added to urea on nitrous oxide emissions from a loess soil
Authors: Khalil Mohammad I. , Gutser Reinhard , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: July 2009

Urea fertilizer‐induced N2O emissions from soils might be reduced by the addition of urease and nitrification inhibitors. Here, we investigated the effect of urea granule (2–3 mm) added with a new urease inhibitor, a nitrification inhibitor, and with a combined urease inhibitor and nitrification inhibitor on N2O emissions. For comparison, the urea granules supplied with or without inhibitors were also used to prepare corresponding supergranules. The pot experiments without vegetation were conducted with a loess soil at (20 ± 2)°C and 67% water‐filled pore space. Urea was added at a dose of 86 kg N ha–1 by surface application, by soil mixing of prills (<1 mm) and granules, and by point‐placement of supergranules (10 mm) at 5 cm soil depth. A second experiment was conducted with spring wheat grown for 70 d in a greenhouse. The second experiment included the application of urea prills and granules mixed with soil, the point‐placement of supergranules and the addition of the urease inhibitor, and the combined urease plus nitrification inhibitors at 88 kg N ha–1. In both experiments, maximum emissions of N2O appeared within 2 weeks after fertilization. In the pot experiments, N2O emissions after surface application of urea were less (0.45% to 0.48% of total fertilization) than from the application followed by mixing of the soil (0.54% to 1.14%). The N2O emissions from the point‐placed‐supergranule treatment amounted to 0.64% of total fertilization. In the pot experiment, the addition of the combined urease plus nitrification inhibitors, nitrification inhibitor, and urease inhibitor reduced N2O emissions by 79% to 87%, 81% to 83%, and 15% to 46%, respectively, at any size of urea application. Also, the N2O emissions from the surface application of the urease‐inhibitor treatment exceeded those of the granules mixed with soil and the point‐placed‐supergranule treatments receiving no inhibitors by 32% to 40%. In the wheat growth experiment, the N2O losses were generally smaller, ranging from 0.16% to 0.27% of the total fertilization, than in the pot experiment, and the application of the urease inhibitor and the combined urease plus nitrification inhibitors decreased N2O emissions by 23% to 59%. The point‐placed urea supergranule without inhibitors delayed N2O emissions up to 7 weeks but resulted in slightly higher emissions than application of the urease inhibitor and the urease plus nitrification inhibitors under cropped conditions. Our results imply that the application of urea fertilizer added with the combined urease and nitrification inhibitors can substantially reduce N2O emissions.
Cultural comparison of tourists' safety perception in relation to trip satisfaction
Authors: Tasci Asli D. A. , Boylu Yasin
Published: July 2009

Although safety and security are seen as a priori for a prosperous tourism industry in any destination, safety and security perception and its influence on tourist behaviour have received limited empirical attention from researchers. This study investigated tourists' perception of the safety and security of a destination in relation to the level of satisfaction with their trip, using Turkey and its visitors as a case in point. The stepwise regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between trip satisfaction, safety and security‐related variables, existence of product or service failure, and selected demographic variables. Results showed that positive perception of Turkey's hygiene and health, and safety and security helped visitors to have greater trip satisfaction, especially if they stayed longer and enjoyed their trip without any product or service failure; however, German tourists and tourists with a secondary school degree are more likely to have less trip satisfaction. Practical implications and future research suggestions are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of sudden gains in cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Kelly Kacie A. , Rizvi Shireen L. , Monson Candice M. , Resick Patricia A.
Published: July 2009

This study investigated sudden gains, i.e., rapid and stable improvements, in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that may occur in cognitive–behavioral therapy. Twenty‐nine of 72 participants (39.2%) experienced a sudden gain during treatment. Mixed model ANOVAs analyzed sudden gains impact on clinician‐rated PTSD symptom severity, patient‐rated PTSD symptom severity, and patient‐rated depressive symptom severity. Sudden gains in PTSD symptomology were associated with greater reductions in PTSD symptom severity for the avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal symptom clusters at posttreatment. By 6‐month follow‐up, the sudden gains group had maintained those reductions in symptoms, but the nonsudden gains group had achieved equal reductions in symptom severity. Participants experiencing sudden gains on PTSD measures had lower depression severity at posttreatment and follow‐up.
Penetration of CO2 laser into the otic capsule using a hand‐held, flexible‐fiber delivery system
Authors: Majdani Omid , Wittkopf Justin , Dietrich Mary S. , Labadie Robert F.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objective

Recently, a new, flexible‐fiber, CO2 laser delivery system has been FDA‐cleared for clinical use. However, for otologic surgery, no data have been reported correlating power settings to depth of penetration into the otic capsule—the bone that covers the inner ear. This was the goal of our study.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Eight cadaveric temporal bones were procured as per our institution's protocols. For each specimen, nine different laser holes were burned into the otic capsule using the flexible‐fiber CO2 laser delivery system. Power settings were varied from 10 to 20 W in 2 W increments, and duration of exposure was 100, 200, 300, 400, or 600 milliseconds. Each setting (power and duration) was tested on two specimens. Following laser exposure, each specimen was scanned in a microCT scanner, and the depth of penetration measured from these images.

Results

Of the 72 laser shots, 8 were excluded due to double hits (4), oblique hits (3), or complete penetration (1). After excluding these 8, bone penetration was found to vary from 160 to 670 µm based on power and time settings. Spearman analysis on ranked data showed that time had a greater impact on depth than power. The correlation coefficients for time and power were 0.84 (P = 0.013) and 0.40 (P<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

The flexible‐fiber CO2 laser is effective for otic capsule ablation in this model. High power setting and long pulse duration can lead to complete penetration of the otic capsule potentially causing damage of underlying structures such as the facial nerve, horizontal semicircular canal, and cochlea. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:509–513, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Establishment and characterization of a cancer cell line derived from an aggressive childhood liver tumor
Authors: Chen Tina T.‐L. , Rakheja Dinesh , Hung Jaclyn Y. , Hornsby Peter J. , Tabaczewski Piotr , Malogolowkin Marcio , Feusner James , Miskevich Frank , Schultz Roger , Tomlinson Gail E.
Published: July 2009

Background

Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignancy of childhood. The scarcity of adequate cell models has limited our understanding of this tumor. Here we describe and characterize a new human liver tumor cell line, Hep293TT, derived from an aggressive childhood hepatoblastoma.

Procedures

Hep293TT cells were established using primary tumor tissues from a 5‐year‐old Caucasian female child. This cell line has been maintained for more than 34 months and over 20 subcultures, and was characterized by histopathology, ELISA, genotype, cytogenetics, CGH array, immunohistochemistry, and molecular sequence analyses.

Results

Cells were confirmed to originate from parental tumor cells, secrete α‐fetoprotein, and express hepatic markers and β‐catenin. Hep293TT cells were able to form colonies in soft agar. Tumorigenicity was demonstrated by induction of solid tumors after subrenal capsule injection in immunodeficient mice. Hep293TT cells demonstrated a highly aneuploid karyotype, and a whole genome CGH analysis revealed chromosomal imbalances in every chromosome. Allelotype analysis demonstrated loss of alleles at distal 11p15.5 as is typical of embryonal tumors. Both Hep293TT cells and the primary tumor contain a deletion of 351 nucleotides in β‐catenin, as has been seen in other hepatoblastoma tumors. The cell line expressed β‐catenin protein in both full‐length and partially deleted forms, and expressed NOTCH2 protein characteristic of hepatoblasts. No mutation was detected in the APC, MYH, MLH1, or MSH2 genes.

Conclusion

This cell line, Hep293TT, is a valuable resource for the study of childhood liver cancer and may potentially provide a tool in the development of new agents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1040–1047. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irinotecan and temozolomide for Ewing sarcoma: The Memorial Sloan‐Kettering experience
Authors: Casey Denise A. , Wexler Leonard H. , Merchant Melinda S. , Chou Alexander J. , Merola Pamela R. , Price Anita P. , Meyers Paul A.
Published: July 2009

Background

The prognosis for recurrent/progressive Ewing sarcoma (ES) remains poor. Pre‐clinical, adult phase I and II trials have demonstrated the combination of irinotecan and temozolomide to have schedule‐dependent synergy and significant antitumor activity. A pediatric phase I trial has shown this regimen to be safe and active in advanced ES.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective chart review to identify patients with recurrent/progressive ES treated with irinotecan [20 mg/m2/day × 5(×2)] and temozolomide (100 mg/m2/day × 5) in our institution. The best response achieved, time to progression (TTP), and associated toxicities were recorded.

Results

Twenty patients received a total of 154 cycles of therapy. Of 19 evaluable patients, there were 5 complete and 7 partial responses (a 63% overall objective response). Median TTP for 20 evaluable patients with recurrent/progressive ES was 8.3 months; for the subset of 14 patients with recurrent ES, it was 16.2 months. Median TTP was better for patients who sustained a 2‐year first remission than for those who relapsed <24 months from diagnosis and for patients with primary localized vs. metastatic disease. Significant toxicities included grade 3 diarrhea (7 cycles), grade 3 colitis (1 cycle), grade 3 pneumonitis in one patient receiving concurrent whole‐lung RT, grade 3–4 neutropenia (19 cycles), and grade 3‐4 thrombocytopenia (16 cycles).

Conclusions

Irinotecan and temozolomide is a well‐tolerated and active regimen for recurrent/progressive ES. Prospective trials are necessary to define the role of this regimen in newly diagnosed ES. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1029–1034. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adrenal function testing in pediatric cancer survivors
Authors: Patterson Briana C. , Truxillo Lauren , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Mertens Ann C. , Meacham Lillian R.
Published: July 2009

Background

Central adrenal insufficiency is observed after cranial radiation therapy for cancer. Screening at risk patients is recommended, but the best screening strategy is unknown.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric cancer survivors who underwent hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal axis testing was conducted. Data included: cancer diagnosis, radiotherapy dose, other endocrinopathies, and adrenal function testing. Adrenal testing included sequential low‐dose corticotropin test (LDCT) and standard‐dose corticotropin test (SDCT). 8 a.m. serum cortisol levels were compared to LDCT results. LDCT results were compared by radiotheroapy dose and according to the presence of endocrine comorbidities.

Results

Seventy‐eight subjects (56% male, mean age at diagnosis 6.5 years) underwent testing. 67.9% had been treated with radiotherapy to the hypothalamus/pituitary. Mean time to diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 6.8 years after cancer diagnosis. Adequate adrenal function was found in 65% of patients by LDCT and 89% by SDCT. Only 21% of patients had basal serum cortisols collected at 8 a.m. Agreement between 8 a.m. baseline cortisol and LDCT was fair. Agreement between random baseline cortisol and LDCT was poor. Prevalence of central adrenal insufficiency diagnosed by LDCT increased with radiotherapy dose (8% for 10–19.9 Gy; 83% for ≥40 Gy) and the number of endocrine comorbidities.

Conclusions

In pediatric cancer survivors, central adrenal insufficiency was common even in patients receiving <40 Gy to the hypothalamus/pituitary. We recommend use of LDCT, not 8 a.m. serum cortisol to screen patients who received >30 Gy of radiotherapy and those with other central endocrinopathies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1302–1307. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary toxocariasis masquerading as metastatic tumor nodules in a child with osteosarcoma
Authors: Lim Yeon‐Jung , Kim Ji‐Hye , Oh Sung Hee , Jeon Seok Chul , Koh Hyun Chul , Lee Young‐Ho
Published: July 2009

A 14‐year‐old male, who completed chemotherapy following limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma approximately 2 years ago, was seen for routine follow‐up. A CT scan revealed new scattered multifocal nodular lesions. An ultrasonography‐guided percutaneous needle biopsy was done to confirm pulmonary metastasis of the underlying osteosarcoma. The lung biopsy showed findings of eosinophilic pneumonia with no evidence of malignancy. Peripheral eosinophilia was also noted. When a more thorough history revealed frequent intake of raw cow liver, we diagnosed pulmonary toxocariasis by ELISA for specific serum IgG antibody. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1343–1345. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteome analysis demonstrates profound alterations in human dendritic cell nature by TX527, an analogue of vitamin D
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela Bomfim , van Etten Evelyne , Lage Kasper , Hansen Daniel Aaen , Moreau Yves , Workman Christopher T. , Waer Mark , Verstuyf Annemieke , Waelkens Etienne , Overbergh Lut , Mathieu Chantal
Published: July 2009

Structural analogues of vitamin D have been put forward as therapeutic agents able to exploit the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, without its undesired calcemic side effects. We have demonstrated that TX527 affects dendritic cell (DC) maturation in vitro, resulting in the generation of a tolerogenic cell. In the present study, we aimed to explore the global protein changes induced by the analogue in immature DC (iDC) and mature human DC and to correlate them with alterations in DC morphology and function. Human CD14+ monocytes were differentiated toward iDC or mature DCs, in the presence or absence of TX527 (10−8 M) (n=4). Protein samples were separated into two different pH ranges (pH4–7 and 6–9), analyzed by 2‐D DIGE and differentially expressed spots (p<0.01) were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF (76.3 and 70.7% in iDC and mature DCs, respectively). Differential protein expression revealed three protein groups predominantly affected by TX527 treatment, namely proteins involved in cytoskeleton structure, in protein biosynthesis/proteolysis and in metabolism. Moreover, protein interactome‐network analysis demonstrated close interaction between these different groups (p<0.001) and morphological and functional analyses confirmed the integrated effect of TX527 on human DCs, resulting in a cell with altered morphology, cell surface marker expression, endocytic and migratory capacity.
Preservation of sliced ham through triclosan active film
Authors: Camilloto Geany Peruch , de Fátima Ferreira Soares Nilda , dos Santos Pires Ana Clarissa , de Paula Filipe Santos
Published: July 2009

Active packaging is an alternative to preserve perishable food. In this work, polyethylene antimicrobial active films containing different levels of triclosan (0, 2000 and 4000 mg kg−1) were developed by extrusion. The films' efficacies were evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Salmonella choleraesuis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth using agar diffusion test and by monitoring the inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus inoculated on sliced cooked ham. The mechanical characteristics of the films were also evaluated with Universal Test Machine (Instron). The incorporation of triclosan did not affect the mechanical properties of antimicrobial films compared to the control film. The average film thickness was 82.0 µm and the tensile strength and elongation to break were 30.3 N and 46.2%, respectively. Films containing triclosan showed an antimicrobial effect in vitro against E. coli and S. aureus, with formation of an inhibition halo for both. However, this result was not observed for L. innocua, S. choleraesuis and P. aeruginosa, although, a decrease in colony density occurred around the film for both incubation temperatures (7 ± 2°C and 35 ± 2°C). Sliced ham packed with the antimicrobial films showed a reduction of 1.5 logarithmic cycles in comparison to ham in contact with a control film after 12 days of storage at 7 ± 2°C, for E. coli and S. aureus. Antimicrobial films present potential for application as active packaging materials, as they showed effective against some pathogenic microorganisms that can be transmitted by foods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of water from inclusions in minerals: design of a new crushing system and on‐line continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Dublyansky Yuri V. , Spötl Christoph
Published: July 2009

An analytical line for stable isotope analyses of water recovered from fluid inclusions in minerals was built and successfully tested. The line is based on the principle of continuous‐flow analysis of water via high‐temperature reduction on glassy carbon. It includes a custom‐designed set of high‐efficiency crushers and a cryo‐focusing cell. This paper provides details of the line design and discusses strategies for line conditioning and mitigation of memory effects. The line allows measurements of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes during a single acquisition. The precision of the analyses depends on the amount of water released from the inclusions. The best results are obtained for samples containing at least 0.1–0.2 µL (0.06–0.11 µmol) H2O. For such samples precision is better than 1.5‰ for δD and 0.5‰ for δ18O (1σ). Smaller amounts of water can be measured but at lower precision. Analyses of modern calcite formed under stable conditions in a deep cave allowed assessment of the accuracy of the analyses. The δD values measured in fluid inclusions of this working standard match the δD value of the parent water, and the oxygen isotope values agree within ca. 0.5‰. This indicates that fluid inclusions trapped in calcite at near‐ambient temperatures (e.g. speleothems and low‐temperatures phreatic calcite) faithfully preserve the original isotopic composition of the parent waters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric characteristics of d4T H‐phosphonate and distamycin conjugates
Authors: Ding Jingjing , Qian Ning , Li Chao , Qiao Renzhong , Zhao Yufen
Published: July 2009

The study of the dissociation of the protonated molecular species [M+H]+ and selected fragment ions allowed proposals for the main fragmentation pathways of the title compounds. The main fragments are formed by expelling a molecule of thymine, thymidine (d4T) or isopropyl. The most striking feature of the tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra is the cleavage of CCO bonds between N‐methylpyrrole and carbonyl groups in the presence of the amidine. Electrospray ionization is proven to be a good method for the structural characterization and identification of these kinds of compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and theoretical investigation on binary anionic clusters of AlmBi
Authors: Sun Zhang , Zhu Qihe , Gao Zhen , Tang Zichao
Published: July 2009

AlmBi (m = 1–12; n = 1–4) binary cluster anions are generated by laser ablation of a sample composed of Al and Bi, and studied by reflectron time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (RTOF‐MS) in the gas phase. Some clusters with magic numbers are present in the mass spectrum. The structures of AlmBi (m + n ≤7) clusters are investigated with the density functional theory (DFT) method and the most likely structures are obtained. The calculations of the binding energy (BE), energy gain (Δ) and HOMO‐LUMO gaps confirm that the Al2Bi cluster has a very stable structure, which agrees well with the experimental results. It is further established that Al2Bi can be considered as a gas‐phase Zintl analogue that follows Wade's rules and is the analogue of Ga2Bi and Sn Zintl ions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissociation of disulfide‐intact somatostatin ions: the roles of ion type and dissociation method
Authors: Mentinova Marija , Han Hongling , McLuckey Scott A.
Published: July 2009

The dissociation chemistry of somatostatin‐14 was examined using various tandem mass spectrometry techniques including low‐energy beam‐type and ion trap collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of protonated and deprotonated forms of the peptide, CID of peptide‐gold complexes, and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) of cations. Most of the sequence of somatostatin‐14 is present within a loop defined by the disulfide linkage between Cys‐3 and Cys‐14. The generation of readily interpretable sequence‐related ions from within the loop requires the cleavage of at least one of the bonds of the disulfide linkage and the cleavage of one polypeptide backbone bond. CID of the protonated forms of somatostatin did not appear to give rise to an appreciable degree of dissociation of the disulfide linkage. Sequential fragmentation via multiple alternative pathways tended to generate very complex spectra. CID of the anions proceeded through CH2S cleavages extensively but relatively few structurally diagnostic ions were generated. The incorporation of Au(I) into the molecule via ion/ion reactions followed by CID gave rise to many structurally relevant dissociation products, particularly for the [M+Au+H]2+ species. The products were generated by a combination of SS bond cleavage and amide bond cleavage. ETD of the [M+3H]3+ ion generated rich sequence information, as did CID of the electron transfer products that did not fragment directly upon electron transfer. The electron transfer results suggest that both the SS bond and an NCα bond can be cleaved following a single electron transfer reaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.