bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytically Active Vegetable‐Oil‐Based Thermoplastic Hyperbranched Polyurethane/Silver Nanocomposites
Authors: Karak Niranjan , Konwarh Rocktotpal , Voit Brigitte
Published: December 2009

Sunflower oil‐based HBTPU/Ag and LTPU/Ag nanocomposites have been prepared by in situ catalytic reduction of a silver salt. The virgin polymer and their nanocomposites are soluble in various polar organic solvents and amenable for both solution‐casting and hot pressing. XRD, TEM, and UV spectroscopic analyses ascertained well‐dispersed, narrow‐sized Ag nanoparticles. Tensile testing, dynamic mechanical, thermogravimetric, and DSC analyses showed desirable mechanical and thermal features with improvement upon incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and the presence of a hyperbranched component in the nanocomposites. RSM has been used to evaluate the catalytic efficacy of the nanocomposites.

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Small molecule antagonists for chemokine CCR3 receptors
Authors: Willems Lianne I. , IJzerman Ad P.
Published: December 2009

The chemokine receptor CCR3 is believed to play a role in the development of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Despite the conflicting results that have been reported regarding the importance of eosinophils and CCR3 in allergic inflammation, inhibition of this receptor with small molecule antagonists is thought to provide a valuable approach for the treatment of these diseases. This review describes the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of small molecule CCR3 antagonists as reported in the scientific and patent literature. Various chemical classes of small molecule CCR3 antagonists have been described so far, including (bi)piperidine and piperazine derivatives,N‐arylalkylpiperidine urea derivatives and (N‐ureidoalkyl)benzylpiperidines, phenylalanine derivatives, morpholinyl derivatives, pyrrolidinohydroquinazolines, arylsulfonamides, amino‐alkyl amides, imidazole‐ and pyrimidine‐based antagonists, and bicyclic diamines. The (N‐ureidoalkyl)benzylpiperidines are the best studied class in view of their generally high affinity and antagonizing potential. For many of these antagonists subnanomolar IC50values were reported for binding to CCR3 along with the ability to effectively inhibit intracellular calcium mobilization and eosinophil chemotaxis induced by CCR3 agonist ligandsin vitro. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 30, No. 5, 778–817, 2010
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors: Scope of their use and development in cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Khan Mohammed Naseer A. , Lee Yong Sup
Published: December 2009

The traditional nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exert their effect by inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) as well as COX‐2 enzymes. As COX‐1 is responsible for maintaining normal biological functions, the nonselective inhibition of these enzymes caused side effects including gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Recently developed selective COX‐2 inhibitors could reduce these adverse effects, but the evidence of cardiovascular side effects including an increased risk of myocardial infarction began to emerge, and some of the COX‐2 inhibitors were eventually withdrawn from the market and this led to the downfall of this research. So, the discovery of novel COX‐2 inhibitors with their safety profile became the biggest challenge in pharmaceutical research. However, recent mechanistic and clinical studies revolutionized this area by indicating the fact that COX‐2 is involved in apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Epidemiological data suggest that selective COX‐2 inhibitors might prevent the development of cancers. Moreover, COX‐2 is found to be overexpressed in many cancers thus making it an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of a number of malignancies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the medicinal chemistry aspects of COX‐2 inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy and recent reports on these inhibitors as anticancer agents. We attempted to cover only the COX inhibitors that showed anticancer activity, although a number of potent COX‐2 inhibitors have been reported without their anticancer effects. Furthermore, structure–activity relationships (SAR) of different classes of compounds for COX‐2 inhibition as well as anticancer activity, and their future applications are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 161–201, 2011
Emerging technologies in the delivery of erythropoietin for therapeutics
Authors: Murua Ainhoa , Orive Gorka , Hernández Rosa Ma , Pedraz José Luis
Published: December 2009

Deciphering the function of proteins and their roles in signaling pathways is one of the main goals of biomedical research, especially from the perspective of uncovering pathways that may ultimately be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Over the last half century, a greatly expanded understanding of the biology of the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (Epo) has emerged from regulator of the circulating erythrocyte mass to a widely used therapeutic agent. Originally viewed as the renal hormone responsible for erythropoiesis, recent in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials demonstrate that many other tissues locally produce Epo independent of its effects on red blood cell mass. Thus, not only its hematopoietic activity but also the recently discovered nonerythropoietic actions in addition to new drug delivery systems are being thoroughly investigated in order to fulfill the specific Epo release requirements for each therapeutic approach. The present review focuses on updating the information previously provided by similar reviews and recent experimental approaches are presented to describe the advances in Epo drug delivery achieved in the last few years and future perspectives. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 284–309, 2011
The use of vascularized jejunum flap for vaginal reconstruction: Clinical experience and results in 22 patients
Authors: Özkan Ömer , Akar Münire Erman , Özkan Özlenen , Çolak Taner , Kayacan Nurten , Taskin Ömür
Published: December 2009

The ideal reconstructive method for a vagina should provide a durable, stable coverage, a patent tube passage for sexual intercourse, and a natural esthetic contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity in both the recipient and donor sites, and should be a single stage procedure obviating the use of stents, obturators, and lubrication. Twenty‐two patients with absence of the vagina underwent vaginal reconstruction using the jejunal segment transfer technique. Two flaps required re‐operation due to venous compromise postoperatively. The flaps were salvaged with venous anastomosis revisions. The overall flap success rate was thus 100%. No urinary tract or gastrointestinal system complication was observed in any case, nor any instance of vaginal introitus. The average follow‐up period was 19 months (between 3 and 48 months). Both the depth and diameter of the neovagina were satisfactory postoperatively. After the immediate postoperative period, the only major and embarrassing problem was hypersecretion of the jejunal segment, but this gradually diminished, especially after the first 3 months. Those patients who engaged in sexual intercourse reported good patency and had no complaints in that regard. In conclusion with its evident advantages, the jejunal segment can serve as a reliable option for vaginal reconstruction. It provides quite satisfactory results from both the cosmetic and functional points of view. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Free medial plantar artery perforator flap for finger pulp reconstruction: Report of a series of 10 cases
Authors: Huang Shu‐Hung , Wu Sheng‐Hua , LAI Ching‐Hung , Chang Chih‐Hau , Wangchen Hsuan , Lai Cheng‐Sheng , Lin Sin‐Daw , Chang Kao‐Ping
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

Treatment of composite tissue loss in the finger pulp is often difficult. The purpose of this report is to present our experience on using medial plantar artery perforator flap for repair of finger pulp defects and to restore fingertip sensation after traumatic injury.

Patients and methods:

The free medial plantar artery perforator (MPAP) flaps were performed for digital pulp reconstruction in ten patients (eight fingertips and two thumbtips) between June, 2006 and December, 2007. This flap blood supply was perforator vessel of medial plantar artery, which was through the intermuscular septum between the abductor hallucis muscle and the flexor digitorum muscle. The recipient vessels were digital artery and dorsal digital vein. The flap was not reinnervated during transfer procedures. The donor sites were closed primarily in all cases.

Results:

Flap size ranged from 15 × 25 mm to 60 × 20 mm. All flaps were survival. Partial loss occurred in one flap, due to venous congestion caused by excessive stitch tension. The donor sites healed unevenfully in eight cases, but mild wound dehiscence occurred in two cases. The follow‐ups ranged from 6 to 29 months with the mean of 18.1 months. The mean of s‐2PD and m‐2PD were 8.8 mm and 6.8 mm at patients' last visits, respectively.

Conclusion:

MPAP flaps are good in terms of general morbidity, cosmetic results, and durability. This flap is a valuable alternative method of repairing the glabrous finger pulp and tip defects. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Comparison of the effects of inhalation, epidural, spinal, and combined anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation
Authors: Bozkurt Mehmet , Kulahci Yalcin , Zor Fatih , Sen Huseyin , Acikel Cengiz Han , Deveci Mustafa , Turegun Murat , Sengezer Mustafa
Published: December 2009

Background:

This experimental study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of different anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation.

Methods:

Fifty male Sprague‐Dawley rats (130–150 g body weight) were divided into five experimental groups containing ten animals each. Group I, group II, and group III were designated as inhalation, epidural, and spinal anesthesia groups, respectively. Group IV was designated as a combination group for inhalation and epidural anesthesia. Group V was a combination group of inhalation and spinal anesthesia.

Results:

Group III and group V showed significant increases in the number of rolling and sticking leucocytes and in RBC volume (peripheral stasis) when compared with group I. Blood flow and velocity significantly increased without peripheral stasis in groups II and IV when compared with group I. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the numbers of rolling, sticking, and transmigrating leucocytes or in functional capillary perfusion, group IV had better flow hemodynamics in the peripheral microcirculation when compared with group I.

Conclusions:

The inhalation and epidural anesthesia combination was determined to be the ideal anesthesia technique for improved peripheral microcirculation. Spinal anesthesia, either separately or in combination with inhalation anesthesia, has adverse effects on microcirculation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Application of fetal neural stem cells transplantation in delaying denervated muscle atrophy in rats with peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Gu Shihui , Shen Yundong , Xu Wendong , Xu Lei , Li Xiaokang , Zhou Guoming , Gu Yudong , Xu Jianguang
Published: December 2009

Injury to peripheral nerves always results in progressive skeletal muscle atrophy and poor functional recovery. Previous studies have demonstrated that transplanting neural stem cells (NSCs) into peripheral nerve can differentiate into neurons and delay muscle atrophy. However, the mechanism was not very clear. In this study, we transplanted the fetal NSCs to the injured nerve and examined new formed neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the denervated muscle and arrest of muscle atrophy. In our study, two pregnant Fischer rats were used to harvest fetal NSCs, 70 rats were randomly divided into NSC‐transplanted and control groups, five rats without surgery were used as the normal control. A volume of 5 μl culture media with or without fetal NSCs (5 × 106) were transplanted into distal tibial nerve stump after the nerve was transected in two groups, respectively. Three, five, and seven months after denervation, the dry weight of gastrocnemius muscle was found significant heavier, and the fiber area was more retained in NSC‐transplanted group comparing to the control group (P < 0.05). Neurons were found in the distal tibial nerves even 7 months after fetal NSCs transplantation. Newly formed NMJs were detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the results of electrophysiological analysis and retrograde tracing manifested that the neural pathway between muscle and differentiated neurons was integrity. In conclusions, our study demonstrated that fetal NSCs transplanted into peripheral nerves could differentiate into neurons and form functional NMJs with denervated muscle, which may be beneficial for the treatment of muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
“Corporate” governance in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Jegers Marc
Published: December 2009

The economics‐based theoretical and related empirical literature on the governance of nonprofit organizations is brought together and integrated in a way easily accessible for noneconomists. This literature is scattered in academic journals covering economics, health economics, management, and accounting, and in the more nonprofit‐geared research publications. After defining corporate governance, I present in a nontechnical way the most appropriate economic framework for studying governance problems: the principal‐agent theory. Most of the economic literature deals with the role and influence of the board and its relation to the organization's management and performance. This is reflected in the article's structure. The board's functioning, composition, and committee structure are first discussed, followed by a review of the literature on incentive‐based remuneration schemes, disclosure of financial information, and the use of debt to mitigate agency problems between the board and management. The literature dealing with donors and subsidizing authorities in governance relations is then presented. The article concludes with a number of practical implications of the scholarly obtained results to date, as well as some suggestions for further theoretical and empirical research.
Leadership succession and the emergence of an organizational identity threat
Authors: Balser Deborah B. , Carmin JoAnn
Published: December 2009

Leadership succession, and the associated changes that new leaders make, can have profound impacts on nonprofit organizations. Despite its importance, there is limited research that examines succession from the point of view of employees and considers how their interpretations of organizational identity and proposed change shape their responses to leadership transitions. In this article, we examine the dynamics that ensued when the founder of Friends of the Earth, a nonprofit environmental organization, stepped down. The case shows how the succession process can expose latent disagreement about an organization's identity and give rise to internal conflict. These patterns suggest that leaders must be attentive to different and often conflicting interpretations of an organization's identity.
Structure, power, and discourses of development in Spanish NGOs
Authors: Martínez Beltrán Roca
Published: December 2009

Because of its recent and rapid growth, the Spanish development apparatus provides an appropriate arena for studying nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This article uses case studies of three NGOs—Manos Unidas, Intermón Oxfam, and Madre Coraje—to explore the tension between the internal and external dynamics that affect these organizations. Although powerful external forces promote structural isomorphism with its attendant bureaucratization and professionalization, several internal factors—youth, small size, certain ideologies, charismatic leaders, and privileging identification with the organization rather than expertise when recruiting participants—resist these homogenizing processes. DiMaggio and Powell's iron cage hypothesis (1983) therefore can be only partially confirmed. We suggest an intriguing, intimate connection between charisma and democracy.
A five‐gene signature as a potential predictor of metastasis and survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hao Jun‐Mei , Chen Juan‐Zhi , Sui Hong‐Mei , Si‐Ma Xue‐Qing , Li Guang‐Qiu , Liu Chao , Li Ji‐Liang , Ding Yan‐Qing , Li Jian‐Ming
Published: December 2009

To understand the molecular mechanisms of metastasis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), we isolated single cell‐derived progenies (SCPs) from SW480 cells in vitro and compared their metastatic potential in an orthotopic CRC tumour model in vivo. Two groups of SCPs with the capability of high and low metastasis, respectively, were obtained. By analysing the gene expression profiles of high (SCP51), low (SCP58) metastatic SCPs, and their parental cell line (SW480/EGFP), we demonstrated that 143 genes were differentially expressed either between SCP51 and SCP58 or between SCP58 and SW480/EGFP. Gene‐annotation enrichment analysis of DAVID revealed 80 genes in the top ten clusters of the analysis (gene enrichment score > 1). Of the 80‐gene set, 32 genes are potentially involved in metastasis, as revealed by Geneclip. Five putative metastatic genes (LYN, SDCBP, MAP4K4, DKK1, and MID1) were selected for further validations. Immunohistochemical analysis in a cohort of 181 CRC clinical samples showed that the individual expression of LYN, MAP4K4, and MID1, as well as the five‐gene signature, was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis in CRC patients. More importantly, the individual expression of LYN, MAP4K4, SDCBP, and MID1, as well as the five‐gene signature, was significantly correlated with overall survival in CRC patients. Thus, our five‐gene signature may be able to predict metastasis and survival of CRC in the clinic, and opens new perspectives on the biology of CRC. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complications and risk factors of infection in pediatric hemato‐oncology patients with totally implantable access ports (TIAPs)
Authors: Nam So‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Yeon , Kim Seong‐Chul , Kim In‐Koo
Published: December 2009

Background

Totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) are widely used in pediatric hematology–oncology patients. We investigated the incidence of complications, causes of TIAP removal, and risk factors for infection.

Procedure

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, demographic, and surgical characteristics in 225 pediatric hematology–oncology patients implanted with 238 TIAPs between January 2004 and December 2005.

Results

Except for 20 patients lost to follow‐up, the mean maintenance period was 724.8 ± 500.6 days (range: 17–2,124). Mechanical complications occurred in seven patients (2.9%). The causes of TIAP removal were termination of use in 130 patients (59.6%), death from primary disease with TIAP in situ in 35 (14.7%), infection in 35 (14.7%), and obstruction in 4 (1.8%). Early infections occurred in nine patients at mean 37.77 ± 16.44 days (range: 17–56). Late infections occurred in 26 patients at mean 334.5 ± 257.82 days (range: 68–997). Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors of early infection were re‐implantation (P = 0.022) and long operation time (P = 0.045). The risk factors of late infection were ANC <500/mm3 (P = 0.011) and platelet count <50,000/mm3 (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, re‐implantation was a significant risk factor of early infection (P = 0.033, OR 4.528) and low platelet count (<50,000/mm3) was the independent risk factor for late infection (P = 0.005, OR 4.24).

Conclusions

Correct procedure and careful use decreases the incidence of early infection and leads to the prevention of re‐implantation. Initial thrombocytopenia was attributable to bone marrow suppression caused by hematologic malignancies or severe infection. Thus, this condition is of value in predicting late infection. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:546–551. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contingent triple‐screening for Down syndrome in the second trimester: a feasibility study in Mainland Chinese population
Authors: Xie Zhenwei , Lu Shiming , Li Hui
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To explore the efficacy of contingent triple‐screening for Down syndrome (DS), that is, performing triple‐screening in pregnant women with DS risks between 1/270 and 1/1000 at routine double‐screening, in a Mainland Chinese population.

Methods

Maternal serum concentrations of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), free‐beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free β‐hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3) were measured by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 24 double‐screening false‐negative (DSFN) and 322 double‐screening true‐negative (DSTN) pregnancies with DS risks between 1/270 and 1/1000 at routine double‐screening performed at 15–20 weeks' gestation. DS risk of each pregnancy was calculated by computer software. The detection rate (DR), false‐positive rate (FPR), and costs of contingent triple‐screening were calculated and compared with routine double‐screening methods.

Results

Six of 24 DSFN and 3 of 322 DSTN were contingent triple‐screening positive. Compared with routine double‐screening, DR of contingent triple‐screening increased by 10% (from 50% to 60%) without a significant increase of FPR (p > 0.05). When compared with routine triple‐screening, uE3 costs in contingent triple‐screening were reduced by more than 84.3%.

Conclusions

Second‐trimester maternal serum contingent triple‐screening could be effective and suitable for prenatal care in Mainland China. Governments and Health Agencies of other developing countries may also find this strategy cost‐effective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cystoscopy for severe lower urinary tract obstruction—initial experience of a single center
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Duarte Sergio , Bunduki Victor , Giron Amilcar Martins , Srougi Miguel , Zugaib Marcelo
Published: December 2009

Objective

To report the experience with fetal cystoscopy and laser fulguration of posterior urethral values (PUV) for severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).

Methods

Between July 2006 and December 2008, fetal cystoscopy was offered to 23 patients whose fetuses presented with severe LUTO, favorable urinary analysis and gestational age <26 weeks. Fetal urinary biochemistry was evaluated before and after cystoscopy. All infants were followed 6–12 months after birth. Abnormal renal function was defined when serum creatinine higher than 50 µmol/L (2 Standard Deviation) or the necessity of dialysis or renal transplantation. Autopsy was always performed whenever fetal or neonatal deaths occurred.

Results

Eleven patients decided to undergo fetal therapy and 12 elected to continue with expectant observation. There was no difference between both groups in gestation age at diagnosis and referral examinations. Urethral atresia was diagnosed in 4/11 (36.4%) fetuses by fetal cystoscopy. At 26 weeks, fetuses that were managed expectantly presented with worse urinary biochemistry results (p < 0.05). Survival rates and percentage of infants with normal renal function were significantly higher in the cystoscopic group than in the expectant group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Percutaneous fetal cystoscopy is feasible using a thinner special cannula for prenatal diagnosis and therapy of LUTO. Prenatal laser ablation of the PUV under cystoscopy may prevent renal function deterioration improving postnatal outcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural basis for regulation of poly‐SUMO chain by a SUMO‐like domain of Nip45
Authors: Sekiyama Naotaka , Arita Kyohei , Ikeda Yoshihiro , Hashiguchi Kohtaro , Ariyoshi Mariko , Tochio Hidehito , Saitoh Hisato , Shirakawa Masahiro
Published: December 2009

Post‐translational modification by small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) provides an important regulatory mechanism in diverse cellular processes. Modification of SUMO has been shown to target proteins involved in systems ranging from DNA repair pathways to the ubiquitin‐proteasome degradation system by the action of SUMO‐targeted ubiquitin ligases (STUbLs). STUbLs recognize target proteins modified with a poly‐SUMO chain through their SUMO‐interacting motifs (SIMs). STUbLs are also associated with RENi family proteins, which commonly have two SUMO‐like domains (SLD1 and SLD2) at their C terminus. We have determined the crystal structures of SLD2 of mouse RENi protein, Nip45, in a free form and in complex with a mouse E2 sumoylation enzyme, Ubc9. While Nip45 SLD2 shares a β‐grasp fold with SUMO, the SIM interaction surface conserved in SUMO paralogues does not exist in SLD2. Biochemical data indicates that neither tandem SLDs or SLD2 of Nip45 bind to either tandem SIMs from either mouse STUbL, RNF4 or to those from SUMO‐binding proteins, whose interactions with SUMO have been well characterized. On the other hand, Nip45 SLD2 binds to Ubc9 in an almost identical manner to that of SUMO and thereby inhibits elongation of poly‐SUMO chains. This finding highlights a possible role of the RENi proteins in the modulation of Ubc9‐mediated poly‐SUMO formation. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry: a tool to characterize synthetic polyaminocarboxylate ferric chelates used as fertilizers
Authors: Orera Irene , Orduna Jesús , Abadía Javier , Álvarez‐Fernández Ana
Published: December 2009

Fertilizers based on synthetic polyaminocarboxylate ferric chelates have been known since the 1950s to be successful in supplying Fe to plants. In commercial Fe(III)‐chelate fertilizers, a significant part of the water‐soluble Fe‐fraction consists of still uncharacterized Fe byproducts, whose agronomical value is unknown. Although collision‐induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a valuable tool for the identification of such compounds, no fragmentation data have been reported for most Fe(III)‐chelate fertilizers. The aim of this study was to characterize the CID‐MS2 fragmentation patterns of the major synthetic Fe(III)‐chelates used as Fe‐fertilizers, and subsequently use this technique for the characterization of commercial fertilizers. Quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight (QTOF) and spherical ion trap mass analyzers equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source were used. ESI‐CID‐MS2 spectra obtained were richer when using the QTOF device. Specific differences were found among Fe(III)‐chelate fragmentation patterns, even in the case of positional isomers. The analysis of a commercial Fe(III)‐chelate fertilizer by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ESI‐MS(QTOF) revealed two previously unknown, Fe‐containing compounds, that were successfully identified by a comprehensive comparison of the ESI‐CID‐MS2(QTOF) spectra with those of pure chelates. This shows that HPLC/ESI‐CID‐MS2(QTOF), along with the Fe(III)‐chelate fragmentation patterns, could be a highly valuable tool to directly characterize the water‐soluble Fe fraction in Fe(III)‐chelate fertilizers. This could be of great importance in issues related to crop Fe‐fertilization, both from an agricultural and an environmental point of view. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase intramolecular anion rearrangements of some trimethylsilyl‐containing systems revisited. A theoretical approach
Authors: Wang Tianfang , Bowie John H.
Published: December 2009

Ab initio calculations at the CCSD(T)/6‐311++G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory have been carried out for three prototypical rearrangement processes of organosilicon anion systems. The first two are reactions of enolate ions which involve oxygen–silicon bond formation via three‐ and four‐membered states, respectively. The overall reactions are:

The ΔG (reaction) values for the two processes are +175 and +51 kJ mol−1, with maximum barriers (to the highest transition state) of +55 and +159 kJ mol−1, respectively. The third studied process is the following: (CH3O)C(CH2)Si(CH3)2CH → (CH3)2(C2H5)Si− + CH2CO, a process involving an SNi reaction between ‐CH and CH3O‐ followed by silicon–carbon bond cleavage. The reaction is favourable [ΔG(reaction) = −39 kJ mol−1] with the barrier for the SNi process being 175 kJ mol−1. The previous experimental and the current theoretical data are complementary and in agreement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Commentary on ‘Designs for dose–escalation trials with quantitative responses’
Authors: O'Quigley John
Published: December 2009

Bailey (Statist. Medi 2009; this issue) puts the focus on efficiency in dose‐finding studies and shows that some quite simple modifications to much current experimentation can lead to significant efficiency gains. Efficiency has not been the main focus of interest in this field, in particular when dealing with situations requiring other than healthy volunteers. Dr Bailey's results are important, both in theory and in practice and also raise the question as to what ought to be the guiding principle to statistical workers in this field. Safety, although escaping any simple definition, has mostly guided experimentation in dose‐finding studies; one reason being that the concept is one on which clinicians and statisticians can come to some broad agreement. Finding such agreement may still be the single major difficulty in these studies, alongside the establishment of criteria that all of the scientists involved believe are the most appropriate and useful ones. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Current Understanding and Clinical Status
Authors: Salem Husein K. , Thiemermann Chris
Published: December 2009

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a rare heterogeneous subset of pluripotent stromal cells that can be isolated from many different adult tissues that exhibit the potential to give rise to cells of diverse lineages. Numerous studies have reported beneficial effects of MSCs in tissue repair and regeneration. After culture expansion and in vivo administration, MSCs home to and engraft to injured tissues and modulate the inflammatory response through synergistic downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulation of both prosurvival and antiinflammatory factors. In addition, MSCs possess remarkable immunosuppressive properties, suppressing T-cell, NK cell functions, and also modulating dentritic cell activities. Tremendous progress has been made in preclinical studies using MSCs, including the ability to use allogeneic cells, which has driven the application of MSCs toward the clinical setting. This review highlights our current understanding into the biology of MSCs with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular and renal applications, and provides a brief update on the clinical status of MSC-based therapy.
A method for analyzing the coherence of high school biology textbooks
Authors: Roseman Jo Ellen , Stern Luli , Koppal Mary
Published: December 2009

Because textbooks have the potential to be powerful catalysts for improving science teaching and learning, having reliable methods for analyzing important textbook features, such as their coherence, is essential. This study reports on the development of a method in which trained reviewers, following a set of guidelines defining the ideas to be learned and connections among those ideas drawn from relevant maps published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in the Atlas of Science Literacy (2001), were able to analyze the degree to which four widely used high school biology textbooks provided students and teachers with a coherent account of the important topic of matter and energy transformations in living systems. The study method was found to produce consistent results across reviewers and textbooks and can serve those who evaluate, design, and use science curriculum materials. This work represents an important first step in meeting the need for methods to measure, characterize, and, ultimately, to improve textbook coherence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 47–70, 2010
Urban 5th graders conceptions during a place‐based inquiry unit on watersheds
Authors: Endreny Anna Henderson
Published: December 2009

This study aimed to determine how 33 urban 5th grade students' science conceptions changed during a place‐based inquiry unit on watersheds. Research on watershed and place‐based education was used as a framework to guide the teaching of the unit as well as the research study. A teacher‐researcher designed the curriculum, taught the unit and conducted the research using qualitative data sources such as concept maps, science notebooks and interviews. Most students came to understand that their watershed was part of an urban environment where water drains from the surrounding land into a body of water. Thus, they began to understand how urban land use affects water quality. This study provides evidence for the use of place‐based learning in developing students' knowledge of the National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996) and watersheds. Implications of this study include the use of place‐based learning in urban settings and the experiences needed for students to conceptualize watersheds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 501–517, 2010
Is science me? High school students' identities, participation and aspirations in science, engineering, and medicine
Authors: Aschbacher Pamela R. , Li Erika , Roth Ellen J.
Published: December 2009

This study follows an ethnically and economically diverse sample of 33 high school students to explore why some who were once very interested in science, engineering, or medicine (SEM) majors or careers decided to leave the pipeline in high school while others persisted. Through longitudinal interviews and surveys, students shared narratives about their developing science identities, SEM participation and aspirations. In analysis, three groups emerged (High Achieving Persisters, Low Achieving Persisters, and Lost Potentials), each experiencing different interactions and experiences within science communities of practice in and outside of school and within the extended family. These different microclimates framed students' perceptions of their SEM study, abilities, career options, and expected success, thereby shaping their science identities and consequent SEM trajectories. School science was often hard and discouraging; there were very few science advocates at school or home; and meaningful opportunities to work with real science professionals were scarce, even in schools with science or health academies. Students expressed positive attitudes toward science and non‐science pursuits where they experienced success and received support from important people in their lives. Results underscore the key role communities of practice play in career and identity development and suggest a need for interventions to help socializers better understand the value and purpose of science literacy themselves so as to encourage students to appreciate science, be aware of possible career options in science and enjoy learning and doing science. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 564–582, 2010
Engaging spirituality and an authentic self in the intercultural communication class
Authors: Hamlet Janice D.
Published: December 2009

In this chapter, Hamlet discusses the nature of her spirituality and how it informs and affects her teaching philosophy and pedagogical practices in the multicultural classroom, especially in teaching an intercultural communication course.
Serendipity and stewardship: Teaching with the spirit in a secular classroom
Authors: Hall Bradford “J”
Published: December 2009

Can one appropriately teach with the spirit in a secular classroom? This chapter addresses the question by exploring how the concepts of serendipity and stewardship encourage a form of spirituality that is inclusive and appropriate for the university setting.
The spirit moves where there is a need in higher education
Authors: Fong Mary
Published: December 2009

A Chinese American female professor discusses her teaching challenges and how her Christian faith influenced the educational methods she created to have students introspectively look within their humanness and spirituality as part of their assignments. Her approach to spiritual mentorship is also addressed.
Switching cost minimization in the IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX sleep mode operation
Authors: Wong Gary K. W. , Zhang Qian , Tsang Danny H. K.
Published: December 2009

To prolong the battery lifetime, it is important to continue designing a better energy efficient mechanism for different mobile technologies. Most of the existing works on the IEEE 802.16e sleep mode operation focus on the decision making before a mobile station switching to sleep mode state. The correlation of the decision is mainly on when and how to sleep based on the traffic demands. After the mobile station is switched to sleep mode, the deactivation of it mainly depends on new incoming traffic regardless of the actual amount. Truly, frequent switching can increase the energy cost on the mobile station, which can significantly reduce the battery lifetime. To minimize the switching frequency, we propose a novel approach to resolve this issue by making a heuristic decision during the listening interval. With this aim, we propose a real‐time heuristic algorithm, WAKSLP_DECISION, to accommodate our target. Three main decision criteria are analyzed and designed, namely the probability of buffer overflow, expected delay violation, and battery lifetime expiry, to achieve our goal. We verify the energy consumption performance with simulation experiments to validate our proposed scheme. The result shows that our scheme performs 25–30% better compared with the original standard in terms of energy consumption. We believe this algorithm is practical and implementable without changing the original standard, which can contribute both in the research community and industrial development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid adaptation: a new dimension for evolutionary perspectives in ecology
Authors: Shimada Masakazu , Ishii Yumiko , Shibao Harunobu
Published: December 2009

Although the study of adaptation is central to biology, two types of adaptation are recognized in the biological field: physiological adaptation (accommodation or acclimation; an individual organism's phenotype is adjusted to its environment) and evolutionary–biological adaptation (adaptation is shaped by natural selection acting on genetic variation). The history of the former concept dates to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and has more recently been systemized in the twenty‐first century. Approaches to the understanding of phenotypic plasticity and learning behavior have only recently been developed, based on cellular–histological and behavioral–neurobiological techniques as well as traditional molecular biology. New developments of the former concepts in phenotypic plasticity are discussed in bacterial persistence, wing di‐/polymorphism with transgenerational effects, polyphenism in social insects, and defense traits for predator avoidance, including molecular biology analyses. We also discuss new studies on the concept of genetic accommodation resulting in evolution of phenotypic plasticity through a transgenerational change in the reaction norm based on a threshold model. Learning behavior can also be understood as physiological phenotypic plasticity, associating with the brain–nervous system, and it drives the accelerated evolutionary change in behavioral response (the Baldwin effect) with memory stock. Furthermore, choice behaviors are widely seen in decision‐making of animal foragers. Incorporating flexible phenotypic plasticity and learning behavior into modeling can drastically change dynamical behavior of the system. Unification of biological sciences will be facilitated and integrated, such as behavioral ecology and behavioral neurobiology in the area of learning, and evolutionary ecology and molecular developmental biology in the theme of phenotypic plasticity.
Nonanemic Patients Do Not Benefit from Autologous Blood Donation before Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Boettner Friedrich , Altneu Eric I. , Williams Brendan A. , Hepinstall Matthew , Sculco Thomas P.
Published: December 2009

To avoid the potential risks of allogeneic transfusion during total hip arthroplasty (THA), the use of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) has been utilized. We performed a retrospective chart review of 283 patients undergoing THA that either donated 1 U of autologous blood (188 patients) or did not donate autologous blood before surgery (95 patients) in order to investigate the difference in postoperative transfusion rate (autologous and allogeneic), the incidence of allogeneic transfusion, and the difference in cost of each protocol. In addition, the study compared transfusion rates in patients with and without preoperative anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) ≤ 12.5 g/dL). At 0.75 transfusions per patient versus 0.22 transfusions per patient, the PABD patients had a significantly higher overall transfusion rate. PABD significantly reduced the need for allogeneic blood in anemic patients (Hb ≤ 12.5 g/dL) from 52.6% to 11.8%. PABD did not have the same affect in nonanemic patients (allogeneic transfusion rate 5.7% versus 4.0%). The study demonstrated that nonanemic patients undergoing THA do not benefit from PABD, but it is effective for anemic patients.
Two-dimensional almost-Riemannian structures with tangency points
Authors: Agrachev A.A. , Boscain U. , Charlot G. , Ghezzi R. , Sigalotti M.
Published: December 2009

Two-dimensional almost-Riemannian structures are generalized Riemannian structures on surfaces for which a local orthonormal frame is given by a Lie bracket generating pair of vector fields that can become collinear. We study the relation between the topological invariants of an almost-Riemannian structure on a compact oriented surface and the rank-two vector bundle over the surface which defines the structure. We analyse the generic case including the presence of tangency points, i.e. points where two generators of the distribution and their Lie bracket are linearly dependent. The main result of the paper provides a classification of oriented almost-Riemannian structures on compact oriented surfaces in terms of the Euler number of the vector bundle corresponding to the structure. Moreover, we present a Gauss–Bonnet formula for almost-Riemannian structures with tangency points.
Asymptotic behavior of a Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes system in 2D
Authors: Gal Ciprian G. , Grasselli Maurizio
Published: December 2009

We consider a model for the flow of a mixture of two homogeneous and incompressible fluids in a two-dimensional bounded domain. The model consists of a Navier–Stokes equation governing the fluid velocity coupled with a convective Cahn–Hilliard equation for the relative density of atoms of one of the fluids. Endowing the system with suitable boundary and initial conditions, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of its solutions. First, we prove that the initial and boundary value problem generates a strongly continuous semigroup on a suitable phase-space which possesses the global attractor

\mathcal{A}

. Then we establish the existence of an exponential attractors

\mathcal{E}

. Thus

\mathcal{A}

has finite fractal dimension. This dimension is then estimated from above in terms of the physical parameters. Moreover, assuming the potential to be real analytic and in absence of volume forces, we demonstrate that each trajectory converges to a single equilibrium. We also obtain a convergence rate estimate in the phase-space metric.
A kinetic model for coagulation–fragmentation
Authors: Broizat Damien
Published: December 2009

The aim of this paper is to show an existence theorem for a kinetic model of coagulation–fragmentation with initial data satisfying the natural physical bounds, and assumptions of finite number of particles and finite

L^{p}

-norm. We use the notion of renormalized solutions introduced by DiPerna and Lions (1989) [3], because of the lack of
a priori
estimates. The proof is based on weak-compactness methods in

L^{1}

, allowed by

L^{p}

-norms propagation.
Ergodicity of Hamilton–Jacobi equations with a noncoercive nonconvex Hamiltonian in \( R^{2}/Z^{2} \)
Authors: Cardaliaguet Pierre
Published: December 2009

The paper investigates the long time average of the solutions of Hamilton–Jacobi equations with a noncoercive, nonconvex Hamiltonian in the torus

\mathbb{R}^{2}/ \mathbb{Z}^{2}

. We give nonresonance conditions under which the long-time average converges to a constant. In the resonant case, we show that the limit still exists, although it is nonconstant in general. We compute the limit at points where it is not locally constant.

Nous considérons le comportement en temps grand de la moyenne temporelle de solutions d'équations de Hamilton–Jacobi pour un hamiltonien non convexe et non coercif dans le tore

\mathbb{R}^{2}/ \mathbb{Z}^{2}

. Nous mettons en évidence des conditions de non-résonnance sous lesquelles cette moyenne converge vers une constante. Dans le cas où il y a résonnance, nous montrons que la limite existe, bien qu'étant non constante en général. Nous calculons la limite aux points où celle-ci est non localement constante.
The perception of difficulty in project‐work planning and its impact on resource sharing
Authors: Bendoly Elliot , Perry‐Smith Jill E. , Bachrach Daniel G.
Published: December 2009

Managers both competent and willing to share resources can be critical to the performance of the multi‐project settings increasingly common to modern organizations. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from the psychological ownership literature, we examine the impact of project manager (PM) task self‐efficacy and perceptions of project work‐planning difficulty on resource sharing behaviors. In this study we use a laboratory experiment involving practicing PMs to elicit work assignments for their subordinate team‐members across a series of predefined projects. We control for the difficulty of these assignment tasks and follow‐up by inquiring into the willingness of the PMs to share human resources that they’ve assigned to work in these projects. The results from the experiment involving 161 professional PMs suggest that difficulty in project work‐planning in general has a significant impact on sharing behaviors. Consistent with the implications of psychological ownership theory, this relationship is significantly moderated by project managers’ task self‐efficacy. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
ON POSITIVITY OF SEVERAL COMPONENTS OF SOLUTION VECTOR FOR SYSTEMS OF LINEAR FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: AGARWAL RAVI P. , DOMOSHNITSKY ALEXANDER
Published: December 2009

In the classical theorems about lower and upper vector functions for systems of linear differential equations very heavy restrictions on the signs of coefficients are assumed. These restrictions in many cases become necessary if we wish to compareallthe components of a solution vector. The formulas of the integral representation of the general solution explain that these theorems claim actually the positivity ofallelements of the Green's matrix. In this paper we define a principle of partial monotonicity (comparison of only several components of the solution vector), which assumes only the positivity of elements in a corresponding row of the Green's matrix. The main theorem of the paper claims the equivalence of positivity of all elements in thenth row of the Green's matrices of the initial and two other problems, non-oscillation of thenth component of the solution vector and a corresponding assertion about differential inequality of the de La Vallee Poussin type. Necessary and sufficient conditions of the partial monotonicity are obtained. It is demonstrated that our sufficient tests of positivity of the elements in thenth row of the Cauchy matrix are exact in corresponding cases. The main idea in our approach is a construction of an equation for thenth component of the solution vector. In this sense we can say that an analog of the classical Gauss method for solving systems of functional differential equations is proposed in the paper.