bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compulsive buying: A cognitive–behavioural model
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Bolton Jessica V.
Published: February 2009

Compulsive buying (CB) has only relatively recently become a topic of interest for researchers and clinicians alike. This hiatus means that (unlike other impulse control disorders) there is currently little theoretical guidance for clinicians attempting to intervene with CB clients and no established model for researchers to evaluate, distil and refine. The current paper summarizes and organizes the main extant identified factors in the CB literature into four distinct phases: (1) antecedents; (2) internal/external triggers; (3) the act of buying; and finally, (4) post‐purchase. The relationships and interactions between the identified phases are then hypothesized, within the proposed cognitive–behavioural model. The model distinguishes the key cognitive, affective and behavioural factors within each phase and identifies how CB can become self‐reinforcing over time. The over‐arching treatment implication is that CB can be re‐conceptualized as chronic and repetitive failure in self‐regulation efforts, and that psychological interventions can accommodate this in attempting to facilitate change. A successful case example is provided of a ‘co‐dependent compulsive buyer’ using the model, with psychometric evaluation of key aspects of CB and mental health at assessment, termination and 6‐month follow‐up. The research and clinical implications of the proposed model are discussed, alongside identified short‐comings and the need for psychological services to respond appropriately to CB clients seeking help. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrophilic Activation of Aldehydes “On Water”: A Facile Route to Dipyrromethanes
Authors: Zoli Luca , Cozzi Pier Giorgio
Published: February 2009

Shaken …︁ and stirred: Dipyrromethane, an important building block in porphyrin chemistry, can be easily accessed by a reaction performed on water in the absence of Lewis acids. Thus, a variety of substituted dipyrromethanes were prepared in moderate to good yields using a range of aldehydes.

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Design and implementation of optimized architecture for computing the 2D‐DWT for JPEG2000 compression
Authors: Souani Chokri , Gazzah Ihsen , Besbes Kamel
Published: February 2009

To obtain an effective and efficient system, a multitude of architectural solutions must be assessed and their performances compared. Design and evaluation of several hardware architectures require enormous time for their development and the evaluation. In this paper, an exploration of possible architectures for the 2D‐discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is accomplished. Particularly, filters used by the standard JPEG2000 are studied: the lossy 9/7 and the lossless 5/3 filters. The designs have been coded with high description level using Handel‐C language and the target hardware is Xilinx FPGA of the Virtex‐4 family. It is known that the technique of in‐place calculation of the 2D‐DWT by lifting scheme allows saving space memory, but the problem is that the computed coefficients are not stored in consecutive addresses, and a system for address decoding becomes necessary. The address decoding must be made at every new decomposition level. We propose then a new simple and efficient technique that allows storing the calculated coefficients in a homogeneous space memory and in consecutive addresses. No additional memory or address decoding is necessary. Finally, the designed system allows a rather high throughput and optimized number of hardware resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aminotroponiminate Zinc Complexes with Different Leaving Groups as Catalysts for the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Alkenes
Authors: Löhnwitz Karolin , Molski Matthias J. , Lühl Anja , Roesky Peter W. , Dochnahl Maximilian , Blechert Siegfried
Published: February 2009

The (aminotroponiminato)phenylzinc complexes {N‐isopropyl‐2‐(isopropylamino)troponiminato}phenylzinc, [{ATI(iPr)2}ZnPh], {N‐isopropyl‐2‐(isopropylamino)‐5‐(phenylsulfanyl)troponiminato}phenylzinc, [{PhS‐ATI(iPr)2}ZnPh], {N‐cyclohexyl‐2‐(cyclohexylamino)troponiminato}phenylzinc, [{ATI(Cy)2}ZnPh] and the corresponding bis(trimethylsilyl)amido compounds [{ATI(iPr)2}ZnN(SiMe3)2], [{PhS‐ATI(iPr)2}ZnN(SiMe3)2], and [{ATI(Cy)2}ZnN(SiMe3)2] were prepared and fully characterized. These compounds were obtained by reaction of the corresponding aminotroponimines with ZnPh2 and [Zn{N(SiMe3)2}2], respectively. The new complexes were compared with the corresponding methylzinc complexes, which were previously reported, to study the influence of the substituents of the zinc atom in the catalytic hydroamination/cyclization reaction. In the presence of equimolar amounts of [PhNMe2H][B(C6F5)4] it was shown that the methyl und phenyl compounds show comparable activities, while those bearing a bis(trimethylsilyl)amido group are significantly slower. Obviously the size of the leaving group and the nature of the formed by‐product have a significant influence on the reaction rate.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Rhodium(I) Complexes of New Ferrocenyl Benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene Ligands: The Importance of the Chelating Effect for Ketone Hydrosilylation Catalysis
Authors: Gülcemal Süleyman , Labande Agnès , Daran Jean‐Claude , Çetinkaya Bekir , Poli Rinaldo
Published: February 2009

N‐[(1‐Phosphanylferrocen‐1′‐yl)methyl]‐N′‐[(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)methyl]‐5,6‐di‐X‐benzimidazolium tetrafluoroborate salts (X = H, 5a and Me, 5b), precursors of new phosphane‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene bifunctional ligands, and related ferrocenyl 5,6‐di‐X‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene iodide salts (X = H, 6a and Me, 6b), precursors of monodentate benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene ligands, have been prepared for the first time. Cationic rhodium(I) complexes 7a and 7b and neutral rhodium(I) complexes 8a and 8b have been obtained in good yields and have been fully characterised. Cationic rhodium(I) complexes 10a and 10b were prepared from 8a and 8b, for comparison with complexes 7, but not isolated. All complexes showed good activities for the catalytic hydrosilylation of acetophenone derivatives. The activities are much greater than for related imidazol‐2‐ylidene systems, and the cationic complexes are more active than the neutral complexes; the highest activity is observed for the more soluble complex 7b. The use of bidentate ligands proved to be essential for obtaining good selectivities of the desired alcohol.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Fast derivatization of the non‐protein amino acid ornithine with FITC using an ultrasound probe prior to enantiomeric determination in food supplements by EKC
Authors: Domínguez‐Vega Elena , Martínez‐Girón Ana Belén , García‐Ruiz Carmen , Crego Antonio L. , Marina María Luisa
Published: February 2009

An EKC method for the determination of ornithine (Orn) enantiomers has been developed after a fast pre‐capillary derivatization with FITC. The derivatization step was needed to provide a chemical moiety to the Orn molecule, enabling a sensitive UV detection and the interaction with the CDs used as chiral selectors. To accelerate the derivatization reaction, an ultrasound probe was used. For the development of the chiral method, the influence of different experimental conditions (type and concentration of the chiral selector, temperature, and separation voltage) was investigated. Due to the anionic nature of the analyte (FITC‐Orn), five neutral CDs were employed as chiral selectors. The native γ‐CD showed the highest chiral separation power, observing that a low concentration of this CD (1 mM), using a working temperature of 25°C and a separation voltage of 20 kV, enabled to obtain the highest enantioresolution for Orn and its separation from other amino acids usually present in food supplements. After optimizing the method for the preconditioning of the capillary, the analytical characteristics of the chiral method were established. Linearity, LOD and LOQ, precision, and accuracy were evaluated previously to the determination of Orn enantiomers contained in ten commercial food supplements. No interferences from other amino acids present in these samples were observed.
Development of a non‐aqueous electrophoresis method for the simultaneous determination of tricyclic antidepressants in human serum
Authors: Acedo‐Valenzuela María‐Isabel , Galeano‐Díaz Teresa , Rodríguez Antonio Silva , Martínez Rita Carabias , Álvarez Javier Domínguez
Published: February 2009

In the present work we report a non‐aqueous electrophoresis method (NACE) for the separation and determination of eight tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in human serum. Separation is carried out in 1 M acetic acid, 50 mM ammonium acetate and 10 mM SDS in ACN. Standards and samples were prepared in 0.8 M acetic acid in ACN and introduced by electrokinetic injection. The interactions between TCAs and acetate ions were studied and deduced from comparison of both the actual experimental and theoretical mobility. The establishment of calibration curves in the presence or absence of serum matrix, between 20 and 200 ng/mL, together with the determination of most important analytical parameters and a study of robustness were performed. Validation of the CE method was carried out with serum samples spiked with the analytes. The NACE determination method offers better resolution and higher sensitivity than the determination of TCAs in aqueous media.
Large volume stacking using an EOF pump in NACE‐MS
Authors: Kim Jihye , Chun Man‐Seog , Choi Kihwan , Chung Doo Soo
Published: February 2009

Large volume stacking using an EOF pump (LVSEP) is realized for CE with ESI‐MS. In LVSEP of anions, the adverse effects of a long sample matrix plug were overcome by pumping the plug out of the separation capillary to the inlet vial using the EOF under a potential of reverse polarity. Therefore, it was necessary to supply a backup run buffer from the outlet end of the capillary, which was not trivial in most ESI‐MS configurations. We solved this difficulty simply by placing a vial supplying a backup run buffer during the matrix removal and sample stacking process. In addition, methanol was used as the run buffer solvent enabling a bare fused‐silica capillary to meet the requirement of suppressed EOF. This LVSEP CE/ESI‐MS has been successfully applied to six anionic analytes, achieving 400‐fold enrichment in the detection sensitivity by using a conventional sheath liquid CE/ESI‐MS interface without any physical modification.
Improved simultaneous enantioseparation of β‐agonists in CE using β‐CD and ionic liquids
Authors: Huang Lu , Lin Jin‐Ming , Yu Lishuang , Xu Liangjun , Chen Guonan
Published: February 2009

In this study, approaches to improve chiral resolutions in simultaneous enantioseparation of β‐agonists by CE via a CD inclusion complexation modified with ionic liquids (ILs) are described. Different types of ILs, including tetraalkylammonium‐based ILs, alkylimidazolium‐based ILs and alkylpyridinium‐based ILs, were examined and compared for controlling the EOF in order to improve resolutions of β‐agonists enantiomers. In this regard, tetraalkylammonium‐based ILs were more effective because they could be used at much higher concentrations than other types of ILs. N‐octylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate gave poor resolutions of β‐agonists enantiomers. In addition, when different ILs were mixed to use, they would present particular properties of their own. Moreover, the presence of ILs was essential in the chiral separations of (±) salbutamol, (±) cimaterol and (±) formoterol, which were reportedly not enantioseparated by using the buffer electrolytes containing only β‐CD as a chiral selector.
Use of centromeric and telomeric DNA probes in in situ hybridization for differentiation of micronuclei induced by lomefloxacin
Authors: Attia Sabry M.
Published: February 2009

Classification of micronuclei induced by lomefloxacin, a difluorinated quinolone bactericidal agent, in mouse bone marrow was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using DNA probes for the centromere repeated minor satellite DNA and the telomeric hexamer repeat (5′‐TTAGGG‐3′). Colchicine and mitomycin C were used as a positive control aneugen and clastogen, respectively, and these compounds produced the expected responses. Single doses of 40, 80, 160, or 320 mg/kg lomefloxacin were given via oral intubations and bone marrow was sampled at 24 and 48 hr after treatment. The micronuclei showed significant increases in both sampling times after doses of 320 mg/kg. A statistically significant increase of micronuclei frequency was also detected for 160 mg/kg lomefloxacin at 48 hr aftertreatment. The responses were directly correlated with bone‐marrow cytotoxicity. Following treatment with 160 and 320 mg/kg lomefloxacin, 48.2 and 50.0% of the induced micronuclei, respectively, showed double labeling with centromeric signals and several telomeric signals, indicating that the induced micronuclei were composed of whole chromosomes. Similarly, 51.8 and 50.0% of the induced micronuclei, respectively, were centromere‐negative, demonstrating that lomefloxacin not only induces chromosome loss but also chromosome breakage. The results also showed that chromosomes can be enclosed in a micronucleus before and after centromere separation. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of the potential of lomefloxacin to induce aneugenic effect in mice. However, given the high doses used in this study, the clinical significance of this finding is uncertain. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MMP‐9 controls Schwann cell proliferation and phenotypic remodeling via IGF‐1 and ErbB receptor‐mediated activation of MEK/ERK pathway
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sharmila , Shubayev Veronica I.
Published: February 2009

Phenotypic remodeling of Schwann cells is required to ensure successful regeneration of damaged peripheral axons. After nerve damage, Schwann cells produce an over 100‐fold increase in metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), and therapy with an MMP inhibitor increases the number of resident (but not infiltrating) cells in injured nerve. Here, we demonstrate that MMP‐9 regulates proliferation and trophic signaling of Schwann cells. Using in vivo BrdU incorporation studies of axotomized sciatic nerves of MMP‐9−/− mice, we found increased Schwann cell mitosis in regenerating (proximal) stump relative to wild‐type mice. Treatment of cultured primary Schwann cells with recombinant MMP‐9 suppressed their growth, mitogenic activity, and produced a dose‐dependent, biphasic, and selective activation of ERK1/2, but not JNK and p38 MAPK. MMP‐9 induced ERK1/2 signaling in both undifferentiated and differentiated (using dbcAMP) Schwann cells. Using inhibitors to MEK and trophic tyrosine kinase receptors, we established that MMP‐9 regulates Ras/Raf/MEK—ERK pathways through IGF‐1, ErbB, and PDGF receptors. We also report on the early changes of MMP‐9 mRNA expression (within 24 h) after axotomy. These studies establish that MMP‐9 controls critical trophic signal transduction pathways and phenotypic remodeling of Schwann cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aquaporin‐4 orthogonal arrays of particles are the target for neuromyelitis optica autoantibodies
Authors: Nicchia Grazia Paola , Mastrototaro Mauro , Rossi Andrea , Pisani Francesco , Tortorella Carla , Ruggieri Maddalena , Lia Anna , Trojano Maria , Frigeri Antonio , Svelto Maria
Published: February 2009

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which in autoantibodies produced by patients with NMO (NMO‐IgG) recognize a glial water channel protein, Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) expressed as two major isoforms, M1‐ and M23‐AQP4, in which the plasma membrane form orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). AQP4‐M23 is the OAP‐forming isoform, whereas AQP4‐M1 alone is unable to form OAPs. The function of AQP4 organization into OAPs in normal physiology is unknown; however, alteration in OAP assemblies is reported for several CNS pathological states. In this study, we demonstrate that in the CNS, NMO‐IgG is able to pull down both M1‐ and M23‐AQP4 but experiments performed using cells selectively transfected with M1‐ or M23‐AQP4 and native tissues show NMO‐IgG epitope to be intrinsic in AQP4 assemblies into OAPs. Other OAP‐forming water‐channel proteins, such as the lens Aquaporin‐0 and the insect Aquaporin‐cic, were not recognized by NMO‐IgG, indicating an epitope characteristic of AQP4‐OAPs. Finally, water transport measurements show that NMO‐IgG treatment does not significantly affect AQP4 function. In conclusion, our results suggest for the first time that OAP assemblies are required for NMO‐IgG to recognize AQP4. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.,
Nerve growth factor attenuates proliferation of astrocytes via the p75 neurotrophin receptor
Authors: Cragnolini Andrea B. , Huang Yangyang , Gokina Pradeepa , Friedman Wilma J.
Published: February 2009

The p75 neurotrophin receptor has been implicated in the regulation of multiple cellular functions that differ depending on the cell context. We have observed that p75NTRis strongly induced on astrocytes as well as neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region after seizures; however, the function of this receptor on these glial cells has not been defined. We have employed a primary culture system to investigate the effects of neurotrophins on astrocytes. Treatment of hippocampal astrocytes with nerve growth factor (NGF) caused a reduction in cell number, but did not elicit an apoptotic response, in contrast to hippocampal neurons. Instead, activation of p75NTRby NGF attenuated proliferation induced by mitogens such as EGF or serum. These studies demonstrate the cell type specificity of neurotrophin functions in the brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine enhances mesenchymal stem cell survival
Authors: Liu Xian‐Bao , Wang Jian‐An , Ogle Molly E. , Wei Ling
Published: February 2009

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising approach in the therapy of ischemic heart or CNS diseases; however, the poor viability of MSCs after transplantation critically limits the efficacy of this new strategy. Prolyl hydroxylase inhibition followed by HIF‐1α up‐regulation participates in the regulation of apoptosis and cell survival, which have been shown in cancer cells and neurons. The role of prolyl hydroxylase inhibition by dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) in regulation of cell survival has not been investigated in MSCs. In the present investigation with MSCs, apoptosis and cell death induced by serum deprivation were assessed by caspase‐3 activation and trypan blue staining, respectively. The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and PI3K/Akt cell survival pathway were evaluated. DMOG significantly attenuated apoptosis and cell death of MSCs, stabilized HIF‐1α and induced downstream glucose transport 1 (Glut‐1) synthesis. DMOG treatment reduced mitochondrial cytochrome c release, nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), and promoted Akt phosphorylation. A specific PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin, blocked Akt phosphorylation and abrogated the beneficial effect of DMOG. These data suggest that the DMOG protection of MSCs may provide a novel approach to promote cell survival during cell stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 903–911, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Target identification of microRNAs expressed highly in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Li Steven Shoei‐Lung , Yu Sung‐Liang , Kao Li‐Pin , Tsai Zong Yun , Singh Sher , Chen Bo Zhi , Ho Bing‐Ching , Liu Yung‐Hsien , Yang Pan‐Chyr
Published: February 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length that negatively regulate the post‐transcriptional expression by translational repression and/or destabilization of protein‐coding mRNAs. The impact of miRNAs on protein output was recently shown that although some targets were repressed without detectable changes in mRNA levels, those translationally repressed by more than a third also displayed detectable mRNA destabilization, and, for the more highly repressed targets, mRNA destabilization usually comprised the major component of repression. Thus, comparative profilings of miRNAs and mRNAs from the same samples of different cell types may identify the putative targets of miRNAs. In this investigation, both miRNA and mRNA profiles from the undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell line hES‐T3 (T3ES), hES‐T3 derived embryoid bodies (T3EB), and hES‐T3 differentiated fibroblast‐like cells (T3DF) were compared, and 58 genes were found to be targets of four hES cell‐specific miRNAs miR‐302d, miR‐372, miR‐200c and/or miR‐367 by inverse expression levels (highly negative correlation) of miRNAs to their target mRNAs. Approximately half of these 58 targets are involved in gene transcription. Three common target genes TRPS1, KLF13 and MBNL2 of three highly expressed miRNAs miR‐302d, miR‐372, and miR‐200c were identified, and the target sites of both miR‐302d and miR‐372 in the 3′UTR of TRPS1, KLF13, and MBNL2 genes were confirmed by the luciferase assay. The highly expressed mRNAs and miRNA target mRNAs involved in KEGG pathways among T3ES, T3EB, and T3DF cells were also compared, and the expression levels of target mRNAs predicted by abundantly expressed miRNAs were found to be three‐ to sixfold lower than those of non‐target mRNAs involved in the same signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1020–1030, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trafficking and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Jun , Zhuge Ying , Velazquez Omaida C.
Published: February 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population of stem/progenitor cells with pluripotent capacity to differentiate into mesodermal and non‐mesodermal cell lineages, including osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, myocytes, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, epithelial cells, and neurons. MSCs reside primarily in the bone marrow, but also exist in other sites such as adipose tissue, peripheral blood, cord blood, liver, and fetal tissues. When stimulated by specific signals, these cells can be released from their niche in the bone marrow into circulation and recruited to the target tissues where they undergo in situ differentiation and contribute to tissue regeneration and homeostasis. Several characteristics of MSCs, such as the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages and the ability to be expanded ex vivo while retaining their original lineage differentiation commitment, make these cells very interesting targets for potential therapeutic use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The feasibility for transplantation of primary or engineered MSCs as cell‐based therapy has been demonstrated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the signals that control trafficking and differentiation of MSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 984–991, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnolol induces apoptosis via inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lee Dae‐Hee , Szczepanski Miroslaw‐Jerzy , Lee Yong J.
Published: February 2009

We observed that treatment of prostate cancer cells for 24 h with magnolol, a phenolic component extracted from the root and stem bark of the oriental herb Magnolia officinalis, induced apoptotic cell death in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. A sustained inhibition of the major survival signal, Akt, occurred in magnolol‐treated cells. Treatment of PC‐3 cells with an apoptosis‐inducing concentration of magnolol (60 µM) resulted in a rapid decrease in the level of phosphorylated Akt leading to inhibition of its kinase activity. Magnolol treatment (60 µM) also caused a decrease in Ser(136) phosphorylation of Bad (a proapoptotic protein), which is a downstream target of Akt. Protein interaction assay revealed that Bcl‐xL, an anti‐apoptotic protein, was associated with Bad during treatment with magnolol. We also observed that during treatment with magnolol, translocation of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane occurred and the translocation was accompanied by cytochrome c release, and cleavage of procaspase‐8, ‐9, ‐3, and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). Similar results were observed in human colon cancer HCT116Bax+/− cell line, but not HCT116Bax−/− cell line. Interestingly, at similar concentrations (60 µM), magnolol treatment did not affect the viability of normal human prostate epithelial cell (PrEC) line. We also observed that apoptotic cell death by magnolol was associated with significant inhibition of pEGFR, pPI3K, and pAkt. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms of the apoptotic activity of magnolol involves its effect on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mediated signaling transduction pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1113–1122, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PACKMOL: A package for building initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Martínez L. , Andrade R. , Birgin E. G. , Martínez J. M.
Published: February 2009

Adequate initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations consist of arrangements of molecules distributed in space in such a way to approximately represent the system's overall structure. In order that the simulations are not disrupted by large van der Waals repulsive interactions, atoms from different molecules must keep safe pairwise distances. Obtaining such a molecular arrangement can be considered a packing problem: Each type molecule must satisfy spatial constraints related to the geometry of the system, and the distance between atoms of different molecules must be greater than some specified tolerance. We have developed a code able to pack millions of atoms, grouped in arbitrarily complex molecules, inside a variety of three‐dimensional regions. The regions may be intersections of spheres, ellipses, cylinders, planes, or boxes. The user must provide only the structure of one molecule of each type and the geometrical constraints that each type of molecule must satisfy. Building complex mixtures, interfaces, solvating biomolecules in water, other solvents, or mixtures of solvents, is straightforward. In addition, different atoms belonging to the same molecule may also be restricted to different spatial regions, in such a way that more ordered molecular arrangements can be built, as micelles, lipid double‐layers, etc. The packing time for state‐of‐the‐art molecular dynamics systems varies from a few seconds to a few minutes in a personal computer. The input files are simple and currently compatible with PDB, Tinker, Molden, or Moldy coordinate files. The package is distributed as free software and can be downloaded from http://www.ime.unicamp.br/∼martinez/packmol/. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Brief problem‐solving training for family caregivers of persons with recent‐onset spinal cord injuries: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elliott Timothy R. , Berry Jack W.
Published: February 2009

Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of a brief individualized problem‐solving intervention for family with caregivers of persons with recent‐onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Family caregivers were randomly assigned to a usual care control group (N=30) or an intervention group (N=30) in which participants were to receive three face‐to‐face problem‐solving training sessions (PST), educational materials, and telephone contacts as requested over the first year of caregiving. The participants included 60 caregivers (49 women, 11 men). The Social Problem‐Solving Inventory‐Revised, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, and the SF‐36 were administered at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Caregivers in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in dysfunctional problem‐solving styles scores over time; there were no observable effects for PST on caregiver depression. There was also some indication that the intervention had beneficial effects on caregiver social and physical functioning. An intervention for new caregivers featuring brief PST, education, and contact may be associated with lower dysfunctional problem‐solving styles over time and may promote certain aspects of caregiver quality of life. We also discuss limitations and implications of the present study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–17, 2009.
In vitro regulation of proliferation and differentiation within a postnatal growth plate of the cranial base by parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP)
Authors: Wealthall Rosamund J.
Published: February 2009

Parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP) is known to be an important regulator of chondrocyte differentiation in embryonic growth plates, but little is known of its role in postnatal growth plates. The present study explores the role of PTHrP in regulating postnatal chondrocyte differentiation using a novel in vitro organ culture model based on the ethmoidal growth plate of the cranial base taken from the postnatal day 10 mouse. In vitro the ethmoidal growth plate continued to mineralize and the chondrocytes progressed to hypertrophy, as observed in vivo, but the proliferative zone was not maintained. Treatment with PTHrP inhibited mineralization and reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the hypertrophic zone in the ethmoidal growth plates grown ex vivo, and also increased the proliferation of non‐hypertrophic chondrocytes. In addition, exogenous PTHrP reduced the expression of genes associated with terminal differentiation: type X collagen, Runx2, and ALP, as well as the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PPR). Activation of the protein kinase A pathway using 8‐Br‐cAMP mimicked some of these pro‐proliferative/anti‐differentiative effects of PTHrP. PTHrP and PPR were found to be expressed within the ethmoidal growth plate using semi‐quantitative PCR, and in other cranial growth plates such as the spheno‐occipital and pre‐sphenoidal synchondroses. These results provide the first functional evidence that PTHrP regulates proliferation and differentiation within the postnatal, cranial growth plate. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 688–697, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pim‐3 is expressed in endothelial cells and promotes vascular tube formation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Hanqin , Min Xinwen , Wang Yinfang , Tang Jie , Cheng Jishun , Li Dongfeng , Chen Xin , Cheng Fanjun , Wang Nanping , Yang Handong
Published: February 2009

Pim‐3 is a member of proto‐oncogene Pim family that encodes serine/threonine kinases. Pim proteins regulate both apoptosis and cellular metabolism by phosphorylating their substrates. Here, we report for the first time that Pim‐3 is highly expressed at mRNA and protein levels in endothelial cells (ECs). We found that Pim‐3 is concentrated at the cellular lamellipodia and co‐localized with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Pim‐3 was dispersed from lamellipodia when ECs were treated with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization. In addition, small‐interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated gene knockdown of Pim‐3 significantly impaired EC spreading, migration, and proliferation, leading to a reduction in tube‐like structure formation in a Matrigel assay. These results provide the novel evidence that Pim‐3 plays an essential role in EC spreading and migration, suggesting that Pim‐3 may be an important molecular target for the development of small‐molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 82–90, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Employee engagement carries ENSR through organizational challenges and economic turmoil
Authors: Kelleher Bob
Published: February 2009

Employee engagement is a two‐way street at ENSR, which invests in employees with the expectation of high individual and unit performance in return. How it adapted its employee‐centered strategy to changing internal needs and external circumstances, and maintained an environment of trust and transparency, is a lesson to other companies in how to weather weak economies and leverage strong economies for competitive advantage. A cyclical methodology keeps the engagement strategy current. Changes in focus have been implemented through targeted training; an extensive communication protocol; and effective decision‐making tools related to individual developmental strategies, business‐unit investment and performance improvement planning, and selection and retention practices for high‐performing employees. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Talent sourcing solutions in today's fragmented media reality
Authors: Adam Matthew
Published: February 2009

Gone are the days when a company could count on the Sunday classifieds to reach all its potential job candidates. Job seekers are using a plethora of new media tools, and it's time for employers to do the same. The author discusses recruiting strategies for conveying the employment brand, creating positive touch points to build relationships with job seekers not yet ready to apply, and reaching the large field of passive candidates not yet actively seeking a new employer. The author also discusses ways to turn a company jobs Web site into a powerful recruiting platform and provides ten online tools for driving applicant traffic to the site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal injuries in the insensate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap: Case series and literature review on mechanisms of injury
Authors: Enajat Morteza , Rozen Warren M. , Audolfsson Thorir , Acosta Rafael
Published: February 2009

With the increasing use of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, complications that are particularly rare (less than 1%) may start to become clinically relevant. During DIEP flap harvest, cutaneous nerves innervating the flap are necessarily sacrificed, resulting in reduced sensibility. This impaired sensibility prevents adequate thermoregulatory reflexes, like vasodilatation, sweating, and protective behaviors, leaving the reconstructed breast considerably more susceptible to thermal insult. We present four DIEP flap cases who sustained postoperative thermal injury to the reconstructed breast. All four cases were operated on between 2001 and 2008, over the course of 600 DIEP flaps in our unit (an incidence of 0.7%). The injuries occurred between 2 and 18 months after reconstruction. Two patients sustained thermal injury while sunbathing, one while staying in a warm environment, and one sustained the injury while taking a shower. No flap losses ensued, but these were not without morbidity. A literature review discusses other similar cases in the literature and describes the mechanisms for these findings. As a majority of patients will regain both fine‐touch and heat sensation by 3 years postoperatively, it is pertinent that prophylactic measures be instituted during this period, such as the avoidance of sunbathing and the use of cooler shower temperatures for the first 3 years postoperatively. While performing sensory nerve coaptation is the gold standard for maximizing the success of sensory regeneration, this is not always sought and the 0.7% incidence of thermal injury we have encountered suggest the role for greater consideration of such injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
The distal superficial femoral arterial branch to the sartorius muscle as a recipient vessel for soft tissue defects around the knee: Anatomic study and clinical applications
Authors: Herrera Fernando A. , Lee Charles K. , Kiehn Mark W. , Hansen Scott L.
Published: February 2009

Complex wounds surrounding the knee and proximal tibia pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Most of these defects can be managed using local or regional flaps alone. However, large defects with a wide zone of injury frequently require microvascular tissue transfers to aid in soft tissue coverage and closure of large cavities. We describe a unique recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis for free flap reconstruction involving the knee and proximal tibia through anatomic and clinical studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.
Benzylic coupling constants in toluene derivatives by J doubling in the frequency domain and DFT calculations
Authors: Pérez‐Hernández Nury , Álvarez‐Cisneros Celina , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: February 2009

The recently modified J doubling in the frequency domain method (MJDFDM) allowed the determination of 4, 5, 6J in toluene, a series of 4‐mono‐ and 3,5‐disubstituted toluene derivatives, as well as in 4‐picoline. The methyl and aromatic signals were subjected to successive deconvolution processes, which at the end led to singlet signals and afforded the corresponding coupling constant values with a high degree of accuracy. Density functional theory calculation of benzylic coupling constants by addition of the Fermi contact, the spin‐dipole, the diamagnetic spin‐orbit, and the paramagnetic spin‐orbit terms revealed good agreement between predicted and measured values when the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory was used. Evaluation of the substituent effect over the coupling constant was made for all studied compounds and some limitations of the methodology were evidenced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous measurement of pulmonary partial pressure of oxygen and apparent diffusion coefficient by hyperpolarized 3He MRI
Authors: Yu Jiangsheng , Law Michelle , Kadlecek Stephen , Emami Kiarash , Ishii Masaru , Stephen Michael , Woodburn John M. , Vahdat Vahid , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: February 2009

Hyperpolarized 3He (HP 3He) MRI shows promise to assess structural and functional pulmonary parameters in a sensitive, regional, and noninvasive way. Structural HP 3He MRI has applied the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for the detection of disease‐induced lung microstructure changes at the alveolar level, and HP 3He pulmonary partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) imaging measures the oxygen transfer efficiency between the lung and blood stream. Although both parameters are affected in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a quantitative assessment of the regional correlation of the two parameters has not been reported in the literature. In this work, a single acquisition technique for the simultaneous measurement of ADC and pO2 is presented. This technique is based on the multiple regression method, in which a general linear estimator is used to retrieve the values of ADC and pO2 from a series of measurements. The measurement uncertainties are also analytically derived and used to find an optimal measurement scheme. The technique was first tested on a phantom model, and then on an in vivo normal pig experiment. A case study was performed on a COPD patient, which showed that in a region of interest ADC was 29% higher while oxygen depletion rate was 61% lower than the corresponding global average values. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Referenceless phase velocity mapping using balanced SSFP
Authors: Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: February 2009

Phase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) is an established technique for measuring blood flow velocities in vivo. Although spoiled gradient recalled echo (GRE) PC‐MRI is the most widely used pulse sequence today, balanced steady state free precession (SSFP) PC‐MRI has been shown to produce accurate velocity estimates with superior SNR efficiency. We propose a referenceless approach to flow imaging that exploits the intrinsic refocusing property of balanced SSFP, and achieves up to a 50% reduction in total scan time. With the echo time set to exactly one half of the sequence repetition time (TE = TR/2), we show that non‐flow‐related image phase tends to vary smoothly across the field‐of‐view, and can be estimated from static tissue regions to produce a phase reference for nearby voxels containing flowing blood. This approach produces accurate in vivo one‐dimensional velocity estimates in half the scan time compared with conventional balanced SSFP phase‐contrast methods. We also demonstrate the feasibility of referenceless time‐resolved 3D flow imaging (called “7D” flow) in the carotid bifurcation from just three acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radial sliding‐window magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with highly‐constrained projection reconstruction (HYPR)
Authors: Jeong Hyun J. , Cashen Ty A. , Hurley Michael C. , Eddleman Christopher , Getch Christopher , Batjer H. Hunt , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: February 2009

Sufficient temporal resolution is required to image the dynamics of blood flow, which may be critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment of various intracranial vascular diseases, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms. Highly‐constrained projection reconstruction (HYPR) has recently become a technique of interest for high‐speed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE‐MRA). HYPR provides high frame rates by preferential weighting of radial projections while maintaining signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) by using a high SNR composite. An analysis was done to quantify the effects of HYPR on SNR, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and temporal blur compared to the previously developed radial sliding‐window technique using standard filtered backprojection or regridding methods. Computer simulations were performed to study the effects of HYPR processing on image error and the temporal information. Additionally, in vivo imaging was done on patients with angiographically confirmed AVMs to measure the effects of alteration of various HYPR parameters on SNR as well as the fidelity of the temporal information. The images were scored by an interventional radiologist in a blinded read and were compared with X‐ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA). It was found that with the right choice of parameters, modest improvements in both SNR and dynamic information can be achieved as compared to radial sliding‐window MRA. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle proteins during 60‐day bedrest in women: Impact of exercise or nutrition
Authors: Lemoine Jennifer K. , Haus Jacob M. , Trappe Scott W. , Trappe Todd A.
Published: February 2009

Almost no data exist regarding skeletal muscle responses to real or simulated spaceflight in women. We determined the impact of 60‐day bedrest (BR, n = 8), 60‐day bedrest with exercise‐training (BRE, n = 8), and 60‐day bedrest with a leucine‐enriched, high‐protein diet (BRN, n = 8) on muscle protein composition. Vastus lateralis and soleus muscle biopsies were analyzed for global protein fractions (mixed, sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar) and force‐specific proteins (myosin, actin, collagen). Concentrations (micrograms per milligram muscle wet weight) of these proteins were maintained (P > 0.05) in BR, despite large changes in quadriceps (−21%) and triceps surae (−29%) volume. Neither countermeasure influenced muscle protein content in either muscle (P > 0.05), despite exacerbation (BRN) or prevention (BRE) of atrophy. Pre‐bedrest comparisons showed less myofibrillar protein in the soleus (−16%, P < 0.05), primarily due to less myosin (−12%, P < 0.05) and more collagen (234%, P < 0.05) than the vastus lateralis. Muscle protein composition is tightly regulated in lower limb muscles of women, despite the most extreme weightlessness‐induced atrophy reported in humans. In contrast, men who underwent prolonged unloading were unable to proportionally regulate atrophy of the soleus. These findings have implications for astronauts and clinical conditions of sarcopenia regarding the maintenance of muscle function and prevention of frailty. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Juvenile myasthenia gravis
Authors: Chiang Laura M. , Darras Basil T. , Kang Peter B.
Published: February 2009

Juvenile myasthenia gravis shares a similar pathophysiologic origin with adult myasthenia gravis, but there are important differences, mostly relating to epidemiology, presentation, and therapeutic decision making. Gender ratios and the proportion of seropositive patients differ in the pre‐ and postpubertal age groups. The diagnostic evaluation is similar to that in adults, although special techniques are sometimes necessary to perform single‐fiber electromyography in younger patients. Therapeutic decisions in affected children and adolescents are complicated by the greater long‐term consequences of using steroids, and thus other interventions, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasmapheresis, may play a greater therapeutic role in this population than in adults. Steroid‐sparing agents may contribute to the management of refractory cases, but they should be used with caution due to the risk of malignancy. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Expression of synemin in the mouse spinal cord
Authors: Mizuno Yuji , Guyon Jeffrey R. , Okamoto Koichi , Kunkel Louis M.
Published: February 2009

β‐Synemin was previously identified as an α‐dystrobrevin–interacting protein in muscle. To better understand its function in neural tissue, in situ and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to identify where the synemin isoforms are expressed in the spinal cord of C57BL/6 and dystrophin‐deficient (mdx) C57BL/10 mice. These analyses show that synemin transcript and its encoded protein colocalize in the anterior horn cells and that no differences in synemin expression were found in nerve tissue from C57BL/6 ormdxmice. The expression of synemin mRNA and protein predominantly in the anterior horn cells suggests that synemin performs an essential function in those cells. Because synemin is more highly expressed in the midbrain and pons, its function in neurological cells was further pursued by identifying coexpressed proteins in cells from those regions of the brain. These results show that neurons that express synemin also express tryptophan hydroxylase‐1, a marker of serotoninergic nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Increased H‐reflex excitability is not accompanied by changes in neural drive following 24 days of unilateral lower limb suspension
Authors: Seynnes Olivier R. , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Horstman Astrid M. , Narici Marco V.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the gain in soleus H‐reflex excitability induced by unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) is associated with changes in neural drive to the plantar flexor muscles. Six male subjects (23 ± 2 years, 187 ± 7 cm, 79 ± 9 kg) underwent 24 days of ULLS of the dominant limb. Plantar flexor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, activation capacity (twitch interpolation), soleus maximal electromyographic (EMG) activity, Hoffman (H)‐reflex, and the first volitional (V) wave normalized to the compound muscle action potential (M‐wave) were quantified before and after ULLS. Following ULLS, MVC torque decreased by 15% (P < 0.05). However, neither activation capacity nor EMG activity was significantly altered after the suspension. The V‐wave remained unchanged consistently after ULLS, whereas the H‐reflex increased significantly (+20%). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between changes in H‐reflex and V‐wave over the ULLS period. These findings indicate that 24 days of ULLS can result in a substantial reduction of muscle strength without any apparent change in voluntary activation capacity. H‐reflex and V‐wave findings suggest that the spinal adaptations that underlie the unloading‐induced increase in resting soleus H‐reflex excitability did not significantly affect the efferent motor output to the plantar flexor muscles. Muscle Nerve, 2009