bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What US prosecutors and defence attorneys know and believe about eyewitness testimony
Authors: Wise Richard A. , Pawlenko Nell B. , Safer Martin A. , Meyer David
Published: November 2008

The present study compared what prosecutors and defence attorneys know about eyewitness testimony, what they believe jurors know about eyewitness testimony, and what legal safeguards they think are necessary to educate jurors about eyewitness factors. A total of 73 prosecutors and 1184 defence attorneys completed a survey about eyewitness testimony. Both groups of attorneys had extensive experience practicing law and trying criminal cases. Prosecutors were significantly less knowledgeable than the defence attorneys on almost every issue including the weak relationship between eyewitness confidence and accuracy at trial, jurors' inability to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate eyewitnesses and the benefits of sequential lineups. The prosecutors were less willing than the defence attorneys to permit eyewitness expert testimony and were less sceptical of jurors' knowledge of eyewitness testimony. We highlight issues from the survey that are relevant to the training of prosecutors and defence attorneys about eyewitness testimony. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum Dots Decorated with Magnetic Bionanoparticles
Authors: Fernández Belén , Gálvez Natividad , Cuesta Rafael , Hungría Ana B. , Calvino José J. , Domínguez‐Vera José M.
Published: November 2008

A new class of water‐soluble, fluorescent, magnetic quantum dots––magnetoferritin bioconjugate––is prepared. The nanostructures are patterned mainly as dimer particles as characterized by high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Magnetic (high spontaneous magnetization values, superparamagnetism) and fluorescent (narrow emission peaks, uniform brightness) properties of both nanoblocks are maintained in the final nanostructure.
Electronic Transport Properties of Ensembles of Perylene‐Substituted Poly‐isocyanopeptide Arrays
Authors: Finlayson Chris E. , Friend Richard H. , Otten Matthijs B. J. , Schwartz Erik , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Rowan Alan E. , Samorì Paolo , Palermo Vicenzo , Liscio Andrea , Peneva Kalina , Müllen Klaus , Trapani Sara , Beljonne David
Published: November 2008

The electronic transport properties of stacks of perylene‐bis(dicarboximide) (PDI) chromophores, covalently fixed to the side arms of rigid, helical polyisocyanopeptides, are studied using thin‐film transistors. In device architectures where the transistor channel lengths are somewhat greater than the average polymer chain length, carrier mobilities of order 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 350 K are found, which are limited by inter‐chain transport processes. The influence of π–π interactions on the material properties is studied by using PDIs with and without bulky substituents in the bay area. In order to attain a deeper understanding of both the electronic and the electronic‐transport properties of these systems, studies of self‐assembly on surfaces are combined with electronic characterization using Kelvin probe force microscopy, and also a theoretical study of electronic coupling. The use of a rigid polymer backbone as a scaffold to achieve a full control over the position and orientation of functional groups is of general applicability and interest in the design of building blocks for technologically important functional materials, as well as in more fundamental studies of chromophoric interactions.
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) change their activity patterns in response to frugivory
Authors: Masi Shelly , Cipolletta Chloé , Robbins Martha M.
Published: November 2008

The most important environmental factor explaining interspecies variation in ecology and sociality of the great apes is likely to be variation in resource availability. Relatively little is known about the activity patterns of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), which inhabit a dramatically different environment from the well‐studied mountain gorillas (G. beringei beringei). This study aims to provide a detailed quantification of western lowland gorillas' activity budgets using direct observations on one habituated group in Bai Hokou, Central African Republic. We examined how activity patterns of both sexes are shaped by seasonal frugivory. Activity was recorded with 5‐min instantaneous sampling between December 2004 and December 2005. During the high‐frugivory period the gorillas spent less time feeding and more time traveling than during the low‐frugivory period. The silverback spent less time feeding but more time resting than both females and immatures, which likely results from a combination of social and physiological factors. When compared with mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas spend more time feeding (67 vs. 55%) and traveling (12 vs. 6.5%), but less time resting (21 vs. 34%) and engaging in social/other activities (0.5 vs. 3.6%). This disparity in activity budgets of western lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas may be explained by the more frugivorous diet and the greater dispersion of food resources experienced by western lowland gorillas. Like other apes, western lowland gorillas change their activity patterns in response to changes in the diet. Am. J. Primatol. 71:91–100, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biocompatibility of polyglycidol with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chun , Royappa A. Timothy , Tundel Sofia , Tsukamoto Kana , Sharma Venkatanarayanan
Published: November 2008

Polyglycidol (PGly), a hyperbranched water‐soluble polyether with numerous terminal hydroxyl groups, has structural similarities with polyethylene glycol. Our laboratory is exploring drug delivery using hyperbranched PGly‐cytokines conjugates. Using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a tumor derived human B cell line, HBL‐1; various PGly concentrations were tested for cytotoxicity. Our data indicated that hyperbranched PGly was similar in toxicity to PEG 8000, a commercial polymer. It was concluded that hyperbranched PGly did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity and showed promise for use as a biocompatible polymer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mining transcriptome data for function–trait relationship of hyper productivity of recombinant antibody
Authors: Charaniya Salim , Karypis George , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: November 2008

In the past decade we have witnessed a drastic increase in the productivity of mammalian cell culture‐based processes. High‐producing cell lines that synthesize and secrete these therapeutics have contributed largely to the advances in process development. To elucidate the productivity trait in the context of physiological functions, the transcriptomes of several NS0 cell lines with a wide range of antibody productivity were compared. Gene set testing (GST) analysis was used to identify pathways and biological functions that are altered in high producers. Three complementary tools for GST—gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set analysis (GSA), and MAPPFinder, were used to identify groups of functionally coherent genes that are up‐ or downregulated in high producers. Major functional classes identified include those involved in protein processing and transport, such as protein modification, vesicle trafficking, and protein turnover. A significant proportion of genes involved in mitochondrial ribosomal function, cell cycle regulation, cytoskeleton‐related elements are also differentially altered in high producers. The observed correlation of these functional classes with productivity suggests that simultaneous modulation of several physiological functions is a potential route to high productivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1654–1669. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Tools and Tactics for the Optical Detection of Mercuric Ion
Authors: Nolan Elizabeth M. , Lippard Stephen J.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
High‐density sphere packing for discrete element method simulations
Authors: Labra Carlos , Oñate Eugenio
Published: November 2008

The first step in a discrete element simulation is the discretization of the domain into a set of particles. The cost of generating a good cylindrical or spherical packing has resulted in a great number of approaches during the last years. A new algorithm is proposed for high‐density packing using a scheme that minimizes the distance between each particle. Using the support of a finite element mesh, less time is needed in order to achieve a low porosity configuration. In addition, a boundary constraint is introduced. The application of the same optimization scheme is used as a condition to force a good surface definition. The results obtained show a high efficiency for the generation of low porosity packing, achieving values smaller than 10% in 2D cases and 30% in 3D cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual stability: Constructing a simulation model
Authors: Voorhees Burton
Published: November 2008

After a discussion of the importance of stability and instability for complex systems theory, we define the concept of virtual stability as a state in which a system employs self‐monitoring and adaptive control to maintain itself in a configuration that would otherwise be unstable. The energy expended in this gains the system an increase in its flexibility of behavioral response to environmental changes. A model designed to illustrate virtual stability is presented, followed by a brief discussion of the evolutionary advantage this capacity provides. This leads to the suggestion that such advantage gives an argument both for the directionality of evolution and for the emergence of self‐consciousness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Enhancement of attachment and cognitive development of young nursery‐reared chimpanzees in responsive versus standard care
Authors: van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bard Kim A. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Ivan Krisztina
Published: November 2008

Forty‐six nursery‐reared chimpanzee infants (22 females and 24 males) receiving either standard care (n = 29) or responsive care (n = 17) at the Great Ape Nursery at Yerkes participated in this study. Standard care (ST) consisted primarily of peer‐rearing, with humans providing essential health‐related care. Responsive care (RC) consisted of an additional 4 hr of interaction 5 days a week with human caregivers who were specially trained to enhance species‐typical chimpanzee socio‐emotional and communicative development. At 9 months, ST and RC chimpanzees were examined with the Bayley Scales for Infant Development to assess their Mental Development Index (MDI). At 12 months, the chimpanzees were assessed with their human caregivers in the Ainsworth Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). In this first study to use the SSP in chimpanzees, nursery‐reared chimpanzees exhibited the definite patterns of distress, proximity seeking, and exploration that underpin the SSP for human infants. In ST chimpanzees the attachment classification distribution was similar to that of human infants raised in Greek or Romanian orphanages. RC chimpanzees showed less disorganized attachment to their human caregivers, had a more advanced cognitive development, and displayed less object attachment compared to ST chimpanzees. Responsive care stimulates chimpanzees' cognitive and emotional development, and is an important factor in ameliorating some of the adverse effects of institutional care. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 173–185, 2009
On the Immobilisation of Catechol Phosphane Palladium Complexes on Titania
Authors: Chikkali Samir , Gudat Dietrich , Mallissery Samith Komath
Published: November 2008

Two isomeric bis(phosphane) palladium chloride complexes with functional catechol phosphane ligands were immobilised on different specimens of TiO2. The solid materials were characterised by 31P NMR spectroscopy both when dry and as suspensions in various solvents. The NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrated that the resistance towards leaching varies strongly with the nature of the carrier material and that the surface‐bound complexes may become detached from the support in certain circumstances in the presence of solvents that are sufficiently polar or contain reactive components such as amines.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Effect of Ligand Spacer on Metallosupramolecular Architectures: From a Dinuclear Copper(II) Double Helicate to a Tetranuclear Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Halder Partha , Banerjee Priya Ranjan , Zangrando Ennio , Paine Tapan Kanti
Published: November 2008

Two new bis(N,O‐bidentate) Schiff base ligands with asymmetric spacers between the donor sites have been synthesized. The asymmetric ligand H2L1 self‐assembles with copper(II) ions to give rise to a dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2L12] (1), while a more flexible ligand H2L2, having an additional methylene group in the spacer, forms a tetranuclear copper(II) cluster [Cu4L24] (2). Both complexes have been characterized by different analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study of 1 shows a dinuclear copper(II) double‐stranded helicate with the two heterotopic ligands oriented head‐to‐head (HH), with a separation of 7.687(3) Å between the distorted tetrahedral copper(II) centers. The bis(bidentate) ligand strands wrap around the copper centers with a similar relative orientation (HH) to give rise to a double‐helical structure. The intramolecular face‐to‐face π–π interaction stabilizes the double‐helical structure of the molecule. In the tetranuclear complex 2, the four copper(II) centers, separated by 7.288(2)–8.239(2) Å, define a slightly distorted tetrahedron.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Ruthenium Complexes Containing Pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde Azine as a Synthon in the Synthesis of Bi‐/Trimetallic Complexes
Authors: Dwivedi Sudhakar D. , Singh Ashish K. , Singh Sanjay K. , Sharma Sanjeev , Chandra Manish , Pandey Daya S.
Published: November 2008

Ruthenium complexes [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(PPh3)(κ2‐paa)]PF6 (paa = pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde azine) and [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(κ1‐dppm)(κ2‐paa)]BF4 [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane] have been employed as a synthon in the synthesis of homo/hetero bi‐/trimetallic complexes. It is the uncoordinatedN,N‐donor site on paa in complex [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(PPh3)(κ2‐paa)]PF6, and N,N‐donor site on paa and pendant phosphorus in [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(κ1‐dppm)(κ2‐paa)]BF4 that allows for their incorporation into bi‐/trimetallic systems. The resulting complexes have been characterized by analytical, spectral and electrochemical studies. Molecular structures of homo‐bimetallic complex [(PPh3)(η5‐C5H5)Ru(μ‐paa)Ru(η6‐C10H14)Cl](PF6)2 and hetero‐bimetallic complex [(PPh3)(η5‐C5H5)Ru(μ‐paa)Rh(η5‐C5Me5)Cl](PF6)2 have been authenticated crystallographically. Complexes exhibit absorptions throughout the visible region and complicated electrochemical behaviour. Metal‐based RuII/RuIII oxidations in the bimetallic complexes do not vary as in the trimetallic complexes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Preparation of New Bis(8‐aminoquinoline) Ligands and Comparison with Bis(8‐hydroxyquinoline) Ligands on Their Ability to Chelate CuII and ZnII
Authors: Deraeve Céline , Maraval Alexandrine , Vendier Laure , Faugeroux Vanessa , Pitié Marguerite , Meunier Bernard
Published: November 2008

New bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligands linked on the C2 carbon atom of both quinolines have been prepared. When the linker includes a one‐atom amino group, the corresponding compound is an excellent chelator of CuII ions and forms a mononuclear species with high metal ion selectivity relative to ZnII chelation. This selectivity for CuII ions was not observed for a bis(8‐hydroxyquinoline) analogue. The chelating properties of these ligands are compared to those of the bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligands with different linkers between their N8 nitrogen atoms. The N8‐linked bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligands have a higher affinity for CuII when the linker includes a three‐atom unit or when the linker is linked directly through the N8 atom. Other ligands, including that with a dimethylamino linker on C2, are less efficient and seem to chelate CuII and ZnII with an affinity that is similar to that for dipicolylamine. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Prins Cyclization in Ionic Liquid Hydrogen Fluoride Salts: Facile and Highly Efficient Synthesis of 4‐Fluorinated Tetrahydropyrans, Thiacyclohexanes, and Piperidines
Authors: Kishi Yuichiro , Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: November 2008

Prins cyclization of homoallylic alcohols with various aldehydes was investigated in ionic liquid hydrogen fluoride (HF) salts, which played roles as a reaction medium, a catalyst, and a fluorine source. The reaction afforded the corresponding 4‐fluorinated tetrahydropyrans in excellent yields with a high stereoselectivity (cis form exclusively). When benzaldehydes having a strongly electron‐donating group at the para position were used, the stereoselectivity was lost in this system. In order to apply this method to the synthesis of other 4‐fluorinated heterocyclic compounds, we also carried out thia‐Prins and aza‐Prins cyclization in HF salt and successfully obtained 4‐fluorinated thiacyclohexanes and piperidines, respectively.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Comparing the applicability of CGE‐on‐the‐chip and SDS‐PAGE for fast pre‐screening of mouse serum samples prior to proteomics analysis
Authors: Grunert Tom , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Miller Ingrid , Müller Mathias , Allmaier Günter
Published: November 2008

In this comparative study, a set of 13 mouse sera was investigated, which had to be checked in a fast way for homogeneity prior to complex, time‐consuming and expensive proteomics analysis. SDS‐PAGE and CGE‐on‐the‐chip were compared in terms of handling, time consumption and significance of detecting differences. SDS‐PAGE was a system giving good information on the samples at first sight and discrepancies for one sample were observed immediately after staining. The time consumption of up to 20 h was rather high (separation and staining procedure with 14×14 cm gels) in SDS‐PAGE. CGE‐on‐the‐chip system exhibited differences for two samples and, most important, analysis time was reduced to only 1 h. Of importance is that the serum protein pattern obtained by both methods may not represent the same proteins. Sample preparation was equal for both analytical techniques but necessary sample amount was only half of the material in the case of CGE‐on‐the‐chip. Statistical evaluation indicated highly critical values for only one sample in SDS‐PAGE and for two samples in the CGE‐on‐the‐chip system, both in good agreement with visual observations. Three samples showed limited homogeneity with both methods. Five and six samples, respectively, were indicated as noticeable with one of the used methods.
Highly Stable Pd‐Based Catalytic Nanoarchitectures for Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Hu F. P. , Shen P. K. , Li Y. L. , Liang J. Y. , Wu J. , Bao Q. L. , Li C. M. , Wei Z. D.
Published: November 2008

The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) aqueous solution so as to make enlarged micropores on the nanotube walls. Normally, there are no chemical bonds between the metal nanoparticles and the support. Therefore, the large contact area between metal nanoparticles and the support would decrease the possibility of nanoparticle agglomeration or their detachment from the support. The obtained large micropores to which the meal nanoparticles are attached can efficiently achieve the above advantages. In the experiment, the catalytic activity and the stability of Pd supported on HF treated MWCNTs (Pd/MWCNTHF) catalyst are evaluated by potential cycling for ethanol oxidation. The voltammetric data suggest that the obtained enlarged micropores on the treated nanotube walls can anchor the metal nanoparticles so effectively that it can overcome the agglomeration or detachment from the surface of the MWCNT. Pd/MWCNTHF catalyst shows improved stability.
Fault‐slip analysis in the metaophiolites of the Voltri Massif: constraints for the tectonic evolution at the Alps/Apennine boundary
Authors: Federico Laura , Spagnolo Chiara , Crispini Laura , Capponi Giovanni
Published: November 2008

The metaophiolitic Voltri Massif underwent a complex tectono‐metamorphic evolution, resulting from subduction to collision events during the Alpine orogenic cycle, and was subsequently involved in the first stages of the Apennine Orogeny. So this is a key area to investigate the late orogenic Alpine tectonics and its time relationship with the first Apenninic deformation events.

We performed detailed mapping, fault‐slip analysis and study of fault rocks in a study area located at the eastern border of the Voltri Massif. Here we recognized two main generations of reverse shear zones (RSZ). The first one (RSZ1) is associated to mylonites and protomylonites in greenschist to low‐greenschist metamorphic facies and is characterized by a ductile to ductile–brittle behaviour; RSZ1 display either top‐to‐N–NW or to‐SW kinematics. The second generation of reverse shear zones (RSZ2) is characterized by fault breccia, crush breccia or protocataclasite; RSZ2 sense of tectonic transport ranges from top‐to‐NW, ‐SW and ‐NE.

RSZ1 structures are locally folded by 10 m‐scale, open chevron folds with fold axes gently plunging to SW that likely represent the last phases of deformation during Alpine collision.

RSZ2 structures locally reactivate RSZ1, with a more brittle behaviour and produce a huge volume of fault rock. They are coeval with low‐greenschist to zeolite‐facies metamorphic conditions. The RSZ2 fit a transpressional regime active at the eastern border of the Voltri Massif at least during the late Oligocene–early Miocene. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High speed unsupervised fluorescence lifetime imaging confocal multiwell plate reader for high content analysis
Authors: Talbot Clifford B. , McGinty James , Grant David M. , McGhee Ewan J. , Owen Dylan M. , Zhang Wei , Bunney Tom D. , Munro Ian , Isherwood Beverly , Eagle Rob , Hargreaves Andre , Dunsby Chris , Neil Mark A. A. , French Paul M. W.
Published: November 2008

We report an automated optically sectioning fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) multiwell plate reader for high content analysis (HCA) in drug discovery and accelerated research in cell biology. The system utilizes a Nipkow disc confocal microscope and performs unsupervised FLIM with autofocus, automatic setting of acquisition parameters and automated localisation of cells in the field of view. We demonstrate its applications to test dye solutions, fixed and live cells and FLIM‐FRET. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhancement of bone formation in hydroxyapatite implants by rhBMP‐2 coating
Authors: Schnettler Reinhard , Knöß Peter D. , Heiss Christian , Stahl Jens‐Peter , Meyer Christof , Kilian Olaf , Wenisch Sabine , Alt Volker
Published: November 2008

The combination of hydroxyapatite (HA) implants serving as osteoconductive scaffold with growth factors is an interesting approach for the improvement of bone defect healing. The purpose of this study was to test whether recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) coating of solid HA‐implants improves bone formation in a cortical bone defect. Cylindrical trephine mill defects (diameter: 9.8 mm, depth: 10 mm) were created into the cortical tibia shaft of minipigs and subsequently filled either by plain HA cylinders (Endobon®) or by rhBMP‐2‐coated HA cylinders. Fluorochrome labeling for the evaluation of time‐dependent bone formation was done on days 8, 9, and 10 postsurgery with tetracyclin‐100, at days 25 and 30 with alizarin‐komplexon, and finally on days 32, 37, 73, and 79 with calcein green. Twelve weeks after implantation, the tibiae were harvested and were prepared for standard histological staining, fluorochrome analysis, and histomorphometry. Coating of HA implants with rhBMP‐2 led to significant enhanced new bone formation of 84.7% (±4.6%) of the implant area with almost complete bony incorporation compared with only 27.7% (±8.5%) in the uncoated HA implants (p = 0.028). In both types of implants, osteoconduction of HA led to bone ingrowth of the surrounding host bone into the implants. However, only rhBMP‐2‐coated implants showed multitopic de novo bone formation reflecting the osteoinductive properties of rhBMP‐2 in all areas of the HA implant. This study showed that the coating of HA ceramic implants with rhBMP‐2 can significantly enhance new bone formation attributable to its osteoinductive effects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Coralline hydroxyapatite is a suitable bone graft substitute in an intra‐articular goat defect model
Authors: Koëter S. , Tigchelaar S. J. , Farla P. , Driessen L. , van Kampen A. , Buma P.
Published: November 2008

Intra‐articular defects can be filled with an autologous bone graft taken from the iliac crest. This can be indicated after trauma or following correcting osteotomy. Patients may encounter donor site morbidity after this procedure. In this in vivo study, we studied if coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA) is a suitable material to replace autologous bone graft to fill a defect in the femoral trochlea of goats. CHA did not evoke any negative reaction in the synovium, and the articular cartilage was comparable to controls. In the bone graft group, we found scattered areas of (enchondral formed) bone. Most bone graft had been resorbed or remodeled, and the scarce remnants were incorporated into new bone. Resorption of CHA was limited or absent and most CHA was surrounded by new bone. In areas with fragmented CHA, close to the joint surface, numerous giant cells were found. The study shows that in this animal model, CHA inserted in a defect that directly communicates with the joint space incorporates into bone. This study did not show any negative effects of CHA in a joint environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Dual functions for LTBP in lung development: LTBP‐4 independently modulates elastogenesis and TGF‐β activity
Authors: Dabovic Branka , Chen Yan , Choi Jiwon , Vassallo Melinda , Dietz Harry C. , Ramirez Francesco , von Melchner Harald , Davis Elaine C. , Rifkin Daniel B.
Published: November 2008

The latent TGF‐β binding proteins (LTBP) ‐1, ‐3, and ‐4 are extracellular proteins that assist in the secretion and localization of latent TGF‐β. The null mutation of LTBP‐4S in mice causes defects in the differentiation of terminal air‐sacs, fragmented elastin, and colon carcinomas. We investigated lung development from embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) to day 7 after birth (P7) in order to determine when the defects in elastin organization initiate and to further examine the relation of TGF‐β signaling levels and air‐sac septation in Ltbp4S−/− lungs. We found that defects in elastogenesis are visible as early as E14.5 and are maintained in the alveolar walls, in blood vessel media, and subjacent airway epithelium. The air‐sac septation defect was associated with excessive TGF‐β signaling and was reversed by lowering TGF‐β2 levels. Thus, the phenotype is not directly reflective of a change in TGF‐β1, the only TGF‐β isoform known to complex with LTBP‐4. Reversal of the air‐sac septation defect was not associated with normalization of the elastogenesis indicating two separate functions of LTBP‐4 as a regulator of elastic fiber assembly and TGF‐β levels in lungs. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 14–22, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the impact of magnetic permeability and loss of magnetic composite materials on RFID miniaturization for conformal medical applications
Authors: Martin Lara , Yang Li , Staiculescu Daniela , Li Haiying , Ooi S. L. , Wong C. P. , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: November 2008

The successful implementation of a flexible magnetic composite material has enabled the investigation of the potential impact on RFID (radio frequency identification) and RF passives miniaturization, considering both material/fabrication properties and geometric design parameters. The benchmarking structure is a short‐circuited quarter‐wavelength rectangular patch antenna for RFID UHF band (400–930 MHz). The antenna is electromagnetically modeled in HFSS full wave EM (electromagnetic) software and optimized using statistical tools, and it is found that the permeability of a practical magnetic composite can enable miniaturization by a factor larger than 3, something that could be replicated for other large‐size RF passives, such as integrated inductors. The impact of the magnetic loss of the composite on the miniaturized antenna performance is also evaluated and the material is reformulated to meet the loss requirements. Then a real RFID tag is implemented for 480 MHz frequency band and good performance of the miniaturized antenna is proven both in planar and conformal configurations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SHOX gene is expressed in vertebral body growth plates in idiopathic and congenital scoliosis: Implications for the etiology of scoliosis in turner syndrome
Authors: Day Gregory , Szvetko Attila , Griffiths Lyn , McPhee I. Bruce , Tuffley John , LaBrom Robert , Askin Geoffrey , Woodland Peter , McClosky Eamonn , Torode Ian , Tomlinson Francis
Published: November 2008

Reduced SHOX gene expression has been demonstrated to be associated with all skeletal abnormalities in Turner syndrome, other than scoliosis (and kyphosis). There is evidence to suggest that Turner syndrome scoliosis is clinically and radiologically similar to idiopathic scoliosis, although the phenotypes are dissimilar. This pilot gene expression study used relative quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) of the SHOX (short stature on X) gene to determine whether it is expressed in vertebral body growth plates in idiopathic and congenital scoliosis. After vertebral growth plate dissection, tissue was examined histologically and RNA was extracted and its integrity was assessed using a Bio‐Spec Mini, NanoDrop ND‐1000 spectrophotometer and standard denaturing gel electrophoresis. Following cDNA synthesis, gene‐specific optimization in a Corbett RotorGene 6000 real‐time cycler was followed by qRT‐PCR of vertebral tissue. Histological examination of vertebral samples confirmed that only growth plate was analyzed for gene expression. Cycling and melt curves were resolved in triplicate for all samples. SHOX abundance was demonstrated in congenital and idiopathic scoliosis vertebral body growth plates. SHOX expression was 11‐fold greater in idiopathic compared to congenital (n = 3) scoliosis (p = 0.027). This study confirmed that SHOX was expressed in vertebral body growth plates, which implies that its expression may also be associated with the scoliosis (and kyphosis) of Turner syndrome. SHOX expression is reduced in Turner syndrome (short stature). In this study, increased SHOX expression was demonstrated in idiopathic scoliosis (tall stature) and congenital scoliosis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 807–813, 2009
Macromol. Chem. Phys. 22/2008
Authors: Gröhn Franziska
Published: November 2008

Cover: The cover shows solutions consisting of dendrimer macroions and multivalent dye counterions prepared for small‐angle neutron scattering. The results reveal that “electrostatic self‐assembly” leads to nanoassemblies such as cylinders and spheres. Further details on the concept can be found in the article by Franziska Gröhn on page 2295. The images on the cover were photographed by Katja Klein.
Long‐lasting in vivo inotropic effects of the K+ channel blocker 3,4‐diaminopyridine during fatigue‐inducing stimulation
Authors: Van Lunteren Erik , Moyer Michelle , Pollarine Jennifer
Published: November 2008

Blocking K+ channels with aminopyridines enhances muscle contractile performance in vitro, but the improvements are relatively short‐lasting during fatigue‐inducing stimulation. We hypothesized that in vivo inotropic actions persist over long periods of fatigue‐inducing stimulation. The effects of 3,4‐diaminopyridine (DAP) were evaluated for rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. DAP increased twitch force by 105%. There was a significant leftward shift in the force–frequency relationship, with force values being increased at frequencies up to and including 20 HZ. During repetitive fatigue‐inducing 20‐HZ stimulation, DAP‐induced force increases were large and persisted significantly for at least 30 minutes. Thus, DAP substantially improves contractile performance of EDL muscle in vivo for much longer periods during fatigue‐inducing contractions than in vitro. These data provide support for a potential role for aminopyridines as inotropic agents in applications such as functional electrical stimulation, in which low to medium stimulation frequencies are typically utilized. Muscle Nerve 38: 1616–1622, 2008
Increased expression of acetylcholine receptors in the diaphragm muscle of mdx mice
Authors: Ghedini Paulo C. , Viel Tânia A. , Honda Luciana , Avellar Maria Christina W. , Godinho Rosely O. , Lima‐Landman Maria Teresa R. , Lapa Antônio J. , Souccar Caden
Published: November 2008

The absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and in the mutant mdx mouse causes muscle degeneration and disruption of the neuromuscular junction. Based on evidence from the denervation‐like properties of these muscles, we assessed the ligand‐binding constants of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the mRNA expression of individual subunits in membrane preparations of diaphragm muscles from adult (4‐month‐old) and aged (20‐month‐old) control and mdx mice. The concentration of nAChRs as determined by the maximal specific [125I]‐α‐bungarotoxin binding (Bmax) in the muscle membranes did not change with aging in both animal strains. When compared to age‐matched control groups, the Bmax in mdx muscles was increased by 65% in adults, and by 103% in aged mice with no alteration of toxin affinity for nAChRs. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction assays showed that mRNA transcripts for the nAChR α1, γ, α7, and β2, but not the ϵ subunits, were more abundant in mdx than in control muscles. The results indicate increased expression of extrajunctional nAChRs in the mdx diaphragm and reflect impairment of nAChR regulation in dystrophin‐deficient muscles. These observations may be related to the resistance to nondepolarizing muscle relaxants and the high sensitivity to depolarizing agents reported in DMD patients. Muscle Nerve 38: 1585–1594, 2008
Responses of human motoneurons to high‐frequency stimulation of Ia afferents
Authors: Bawa Parveen , Chalmers Gordon
Published: November 2008

This study was designed to extend to humans the findings of classical studies on anesthetized cats, which have examined the discharge of spinal motoneurons in response to high‐frequency stimulus trains delivered to Ia afferents. Experiments were conducted on the monosynaptic pathway in the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and soleus muscles. Subjects maintained a rhythmic discharge of a single motor unit (SMU) in either the FCR or soleus while homonymous Ia afferents were stimulated with either a single‐ or multipulse train. An n@IPI stimulus train had n pulses (n = 2–4) and an interpulse interval (IPI) of 1–8 ms. For each condition and motor unit, surface electromyographic (EMG) activity was averaged, and peristimulus–time histograms (PSTHs) were constructed for the SMU. The magnitude of the EMG was high for IPI = 1 ms, low for IPI = 2–3 ms, and high for IPI = 4–8 ms. SMU responses showed a similar pattern, which indicated that the increased EMG response was due to the presence of multiple peaks in a PSTH. The key results indicate that: (1) a short, high‐frequency stimulus train enhances the discharge probability of a motoneuron above that observed with a single pulse; and (2) the increased motoneuron responses are significantly greater for the FCR than for the soleus muscle. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 38: 1604–1615, 2008
Construction of an efficient evaluative instrument for Myasthenia Gravis: The MG composite
Authors: Burns Ted M. , Conaway Mark R. , Cutter Gary R. , Sanders Donald B.
Published: November 2008

We assessed the performance of items from the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG), MMT (Manual Muscle Test), and MG‐ADL (Myasthenia Gravis – Activities of Daily Living) scales, using data from two recently completed treatment trials of generalized MG. Items were selected that were relevant to manifestations of MG, meaningful to both the physician and the patient, and responsive to clinical change. After the 10 items were chosen, they were weighted based on input from MG experts from around the world, considering factors such as quality of life, disease severity, risk, prognosis, validity, and reliability. The MG Composite is easy to administer, takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and requires no equipment. Weighting of the response options of the 10 items should result in ordinal scores that better represent MG status and are more responsive to meaningful clinical change. To better determine its suitability for clinical use and for treatment trials, the MG Composite will be tested prospectively at several academic medical centers and will be used as a secondary measure of efficacy in pending clinical trials of MG. Muscle Nerve 38: 1553–1562, 2008
Characterization of breast cancers and therapy response by MRS and quantitative gene expression profiling in the choline pathway
Authors: Morse David L. , Carroll Danielle , Day Sam , Gray Heather , Sadarangani Pooja , Murthi Shiva , Job Constantin , Baggett Brenda , Raghunand Natarajan , Gillies Robert J.
Published: November 2008

Tumor choline metabolites have potential for use as diagnostic indicators of breast cancer phenotype and can be non‐invasively monitored in vivo by MRS. Extract studies have determined that the principle diagnostic component of these peaks is phosphocholine (PCho), the biosynthetic precursor to the membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). The ability to resolve and quantify PCho in vivo would improve the accuracy of this putative diagnostic tool. In addition, determining the biochemical mechanisms underlying these metabolic perturbations will improve the understanding of breast cancer and may suggest potential molecular targets for drug development. Reported herein is the in vivo resolution and quantification of PCho and glycerophosphocholine (GPC) in breast cancer xenografts in SCID mice via image‐guided 31P MRS, localized to a single voxel. Tumor metabolites are also detected using ex vivo extracts and high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy and are quantified in the metastatic tumor line, MDA‐mb‐231. Also reported is the quantification of cytosolic and lipid metabolites in breast cells of differing cancer phenotype, and the identification of metabolites that differ among these cell lines. In cell extracts, PCho and the PtdCho breakdown products, lysophosphatidylcholine, GPC and glycerol 3‐phosphate, are all raised in breast cancer lines relative to an immortalized non‐malignant line. These metabolic differences are in direct agreement with differences in expression of genes encoding enzymes in the choline metabolic pathway. Results of this study are consistent with previous studies, which have concluded that increased choline uptake, increased choline kinase activity, and increased phosholipase‐mediated turnover of PtdCho contribute to the observed increase in PCho in breast cancer. In addition, this study presents evidence suggesting a specific role for phospholipase A2‐mediated PtdCho catabolism. Gene expression changes following taxane therapy are also reported and are consistent with previously reported changes in choline metabolites after the same therapy in the same tumor model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A face‐based smoothed finite element method (FS‐FEM) for 3D linear and geometrically non‐linear solid mechanics problems using 4‐node tetrahedral elements
Authors: Nguyen‐Thoi T. , Liu G. R. , Lam K. Y. , Zhang G. Y.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a novel face‐based smoothed finite element method (FS‐FEM) to improve the accuracy of the finite element method (FEM) for three‐dimensional (3D) problems. The FS‐FEM uses 4‐node tetrahedral elements that can be generated automatically for complicated domains. In the FS‐FEM, the system stiffness matrix is computed using strains smoothed over the smoothing domains associated with the faces of the tetrahedral elements. The results demonstrated that the FS‐FEM is significantly more accurate than the FEM using tetrahedral elements for both linear and geometrically non‐linear solid mechanics problems. In addition, a novel domain‐based selective scheme is proposed leading to a combined FS/NS‐FEM model that is immune from volumetric locking and hence works well for nearly incompressible materials. The implementation of the FS‐FEM is straightforward and no penalty parameters or additional degrees of freedom are used. The computational efficiency of the FS‐FEM is found better than that of the FEM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of antimicrobial sutures by preirradiation grafting onto polypropylene monofilament
Authors: Gupta Bhuvanesh , Jain Rachna , Singh Harpal
Published: November 2008

Antimicrobial sutures were prepared by the radiation grafting of acrylonitrile monomer onto polypropylene (PP) monofilament. The grafted sutures were subsequently hydrolyzed to transform nitrile groups into carboxylic groups for the immobilization of antimicrobial drug, tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The modified sutures show continuous release of drug for a period of 4–5 days. The antimicrobial activity of the sutures was determined against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by the zone of inhibition technique. Zone of inhibition was observed around the drug‐containing sutures in the plate inoculated with Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumonea (K. pneumonea), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results of infection studies in albino rats against S. aureus showed no infection even after fourth postoperative day of surgery. This is because of the release of the TC drug at the site of injury, which inhibits the bacterial growth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model of the influence of energetic disorder on inter‐chain charge carrier mobility in poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene]
Authors: Toman Petr , Nešpůrek Stanislav , Weiter Martin , Vala Martin , Sworakowski Juliusz , Bartkowiak Wojciech , Menšík Miroslav
Published: November 2008

The theoretical model of the inter‐chain charge carrier mobility in poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH–PPV) doped with polar additive is put forward. The polymer chain states of a charge carrier were calculated by means of diagonalization of a tight‐binding Hamiltonian, which includes disorder in both the local energies and transfer integrals. Consequently, the inter‐chain charge carrier transport is taking place on a spatially and energetically disordered medium. Because it is believed that the additive does not significantly influence the polymer supramolecular structure, the polymer conformations were simplified as much as possible. On the other hand, the energetic disorder is rigorously described. The transfer rates between the polymer chains were determined using the quasi‐classical Marcus theory. The model considered the following steps of the charge carrier transport: the charge carrier hops to a given polymer chain. Then, the charge carrier thermalizes to the Boltzmann distribution over all its possible states on this chain. After that, the charge carrier hops to any possible state on one of the four nearest neighboring chains. The results showed that the inter‐chain charge carrier mobility is very strongly dependent on the degree of the energetic disorder. If the energetic disorder is doubled from 0.09 to 0.18 eV, the mobility decreases by two or three orders of magnitude. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dye, fluorophores and pigment coloration of nanofibers produced by electrospinning
Authors: Fantini Diego , Costa Luigi
Published: November 2008

Polymeric nanofibers produced by the electrospinning technique are widely used in industrial scale production. Nanofibers chiefly find applications in filtration media and active–barrier surfaces for medical, biological, and military applications. In such applications, the quantity and the uniformity of the nanofibers distribution play a leading role in the product characteristics. For this reason, there is considerable interest regarding the nanofibers recovering quantification and simplification of the qualitative analysis. With the aim to improve and simplify the nanofibers relevability, a coloration approach for nanofibers has been designed and tested. The coloration has been carried out by organic dyes, pigments, and organic fluorophores and the consequent nanofibers' color has been analyzed by optical analysis, colorimetry, and spectroscopy. The coloration obtained by different dyes has been compared and their effect on the nanofibers relevability has been investigated. Moreover, the leading role of the light scattering phenomenon on the nanofiber coloration efficacy has been investigated by comparing the coloration response of nanofibers and film samples on equal terms of dye content. The study has been carried out using polyamide‐6 (PA6) as the testing polymer but the recovering quantification, the coloration approach, and the interaction between light and nanofibers can be extended to all the electrospinnable polymers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delivery systems for some biologically active 1,2,4‐triazine derivatives: synthesis and release
Authors: Salahuddin N. A. , El‐Barbary A. A. , Abdo N. I.
Published: November 2008

Triazine‐loaded polymer microparticles composed of cross‐linked polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) have been prepared. A series of PMMA cross‐linked polymers were prepared from methylmethacrylate (MMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) by suspension polymerization using different percentages of solvents and cross‐linkers. Biologically active compounds including 4‐amino‐6‐substituted‐3‐thioxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐5‐oxo (or thioxo)‐1,2,4‐triazines (I–IV) were prepared and reacted with PMMA. Since optimization of the polymer delivery system is required to improve clinical applications, the effect of surface area, cross‐linker percentage on the loading, and release of triazines were studied. Alkaline conditions seem to favorably affect triazine release. Triazine hydrochlorides were ion exchanged with sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the intercalation of triazines between the layers of MMT. The presence of mineral domains with an average size of 33 nm was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The release of triazine compounds is more controllable in intercalated layered silicates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.