bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Priority Problems of the Forest Dependent Poor in Nepal
Authors: Luintel Harisharan , Bhattarai Basundhara
Published: June 2009

This paper deals with the priority problems and their underlying causes of the forest and tree dependent poor - resource-poor farmers, landless, small artisan and urban/peri-urban poor - in Nepal, from their own and support agencies' perspectives. The paper is based on a survey conducted in seven districts of Nepal wherein 79 poor people and 65 staff members of support institutions were interviewed. The authors have identified the priority of the identified problems according to the frequency of their reference by the poor. These issues are discussed in seven categories, ranging from daily food insecurity to entrepreneurship development. The results demonstrate that the forest-dependent poor have diverse and complex livelihood related problems, which are frequently, but may not directly and exclusively, linked to forestry, per se. As such there is a need for a more continuous holistic and political approach encompassing not only economic but also cultural and social aspects for poverty reduction, in contrast with the existing technical, sectoral and linear approaches. Key words: forest and tree-dependent poor, priority problems, policy, Nepal doi: 10.3126/jfl.v5i1.1974 Journal of Forest and Livelihood 5(1) February, 2006 pp.1-13
Wound healing after craniotomy: a randomized trial comparing scalp clips to artery forceps for scalp hemostasis
Authors: Langford Peter , Wolfe Rory , Danks R. Andrew
Published: June 2009

Object

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, investigators looked at wound healing after craniotomy. The hypothesis was that the self-closing plastic scalp clips used for hemostasis on the skin edge might lead to localized microscopic tissue damage and subsequent delayed wound healing.

Methods

The trial consisted of 2 arms in which different methods were used to secure scalp hemostasis: 1) the routinely used plastic clips (Scalpfix, Aesculap); and 2) the older method of artery forceps placed on the galea. Participants were restricted to those > 16 years of age undergoing craniotomies expected to last > 2 hours. Repeat operations were not included. One hundred fifty patients were enrolled. They were visited at 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively by an observer blinded to the method used, and the wounds were assessed for macroscopic epithelial closure, signs of infection, and hair regrowth by using a predefined assessment scale.

Results

The results showed no significant difference in wound healing between the 2 groups at either 3 weeks (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27–1.11; p = 0.09) or 6 weeks (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.39–1.58; p = 0.50). The length of operation was found to be a significant factor affecting wound healing at 6 weeks (OR/hour 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.92; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The use of Aesculap Scalpfix self-retaining plastic scalp clips on the skin edge during craniotomy surgery does not appear to affect wound healing significantly to the postoperative 6-week mark.
Gamma Knife surgery for lymphocytic hypophysitis
Authors: Ray Dibyendu Kumar , Yen Chun Po , Vance Mary Lee , Laws Edward R. , Lopes Beatriz , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: June 2009

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a relatively uncommon autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the pituitary gland. It most frequently occurs in women of child-bearing age. The authors report on their experience with a patient who presented with diplopia and marked enlargement of the pituitary gland. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis. The disease proved refractory to resection, and any attempt at withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy resulted in a return of the patient's symptoms and enlargement of the sellar contents.

The patient underwent Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to the sella and both cavernous sinuses. After GKS, the patient was able to discontinue steroid therapy without return of her symptoms. Follow-up MR images demonstrated no evidence of recurrence of lymphocytic hypophysitis.

For persistent lymphocytic hypophysitis, GKS is a reasonable treatment option.
Seismic observations of glaciogenic ocean waves (micro-tsunamis) on icebergs and ice shelves
Authors: MacAyeal Douglas R. , Okal Emile A. , Aster Richard C. , Bassis Jeremy N.
Published: June 2009

Seismometers deployed over a 3 year period on icebergs in the Ross Sea and on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, reveal that impulsive sources of ocean surface waves are frequent (e.g. ∼200 events per year in the Ross Sea) in the ice-shelf and iceberg-covered environment of coastal Antarctica. The 368 events recorded by our field deployment suggest that these impulsive events are generated by glaciological mechanisms, such as (1) small-scale calving and edge wasting of icebergs and ice-shelf fronts, (2) edge-on-edge closing and opening associated with iceberg collisions and (3) possibly the impulsive opening of void space associated with ice-shelf rifting and basal crevasse formation. The observations described here provide a background of glaciogenic ocean-wave phenomena relevant to the Ross Sea and suggest that these phenomena may be exploited in the future (using more purposefully designed observation schemes) to understand iceberg calving and ice-shelf disintegration processes.
Linear stability analysis of an ice sheet interacting with the ocean
Authors: Wilchinsky Alexander V.
Published: June 2009

A linear stability analysis of a two-dimensional flow of an isothermal ice sheet interacting with the ocean is considered. The set of boundary conditions determining motion of the grounding line is adopted to describe hydrostatic equilibrium of ice in water and a cubic dependence of the mass flow rate on ice thickness. The numerical analysis shows that the zero-growth (zero-eigenvalue) mode found for linear bed slopes and constant accumulation rates indeed determines neutral equilibrium and separates stable and unstable solutions. It is also argued that, provided some conditions of regularity of the solutions are satisfied, finding only one stable and one unstable solution would be enough to ascertain that the condition determining a zero eigenvalue also determines neutral equilibrium. This supports the intuitive understanding of ice-sheet stability: ice sheets are stable on bed slopes that ensure that the mass flow rate at the grounding line increases faster than the cumulative ice accumulation rate at the surface when the grounding line is perturbed; and ice sheets are unstable otherwise.
A comparative modeling study of the Brunt Ice Shelf/ Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue system, East Antarctica
Authors: Humbert Angelika , Kleiner Thomas , Mohrholz Chris-Oliver , Oelke Christoph , Greve Ralf , Lange Manfred A.
Published: June 2009

Two diagnostic, dynamic/thermodynamic ice-shelf models are applied to the Brunt Ice Shelf/Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue system, located off Caird Coast, Coats Land, Antarctica. The Brunt Ice Shelf/Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue system is characterized as a thin, unbounded ice shelf with an atypical and highly heterogeneous structure. In contrast to other ice shelves, a composite mass of icebergs that calved at the grounding line and were then locked within fast (sea) ice exists between the fast-moving Stancomb-Wills Ice Stream and the slow-moving Brunt Ice Shelf. We simulate the present flow regime of the ice shelf that results from the ice-thickness distribution and the inflow at the grounding line with two different models, and compare the model results with feature tracking and InSAR flow velocities. We then incorporate two observed features, a rift and a shear margin, into the models with two different approaches, and demonstrate the effects of variations in numerical values for the shear strength and viscosity in these zones on the simulated velocity field. A major result is that both kinds of implementation of the rifts lead to similar effects on the entire velocity field, while there are discrepancies in the vicinity of the rifts.
Biological Hydrogen Production from Corn-Syrup Waste Using a Novel System
Authors: Hafez Hisham , Nakhla George , El Naggar Hesham
Published: June 2009

The reported patent-pending system comprises a novel biohydrogen reactor with a gravity settler for decoupling of SRT from HRT. The biohydrogenator was operated for 100 days at 37 °C, hydraulic retention time 8 h and solids retention time ranging from 2.2–2.5 days. The feed was a corn-syrup waste generated as a byproduct from an industrial facility for bioethanol production located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The system was initially started up with a synthetic feed containing glucose at concentration of 8 g/L and other essential inorganics. Anaerobicaly-digested sludge from the St. Mary’s wastewater treatment plant (St. Mary, Ontario, Canada) was used as the seed, and was heat treated at 70 °C for 30 min to inhibit methanogens. After 10 days, when the hydrogen production was steady, the corn-syrup waste was introduced to the system. Glucose was the main constituent in the corn-syrup; its concentration was varied over a period of 90 days from 8 to 25 g/L. The change in glucose concentration was used to study the impact of variable organic loading on the stability of hydrogen production in the biohydrogenator. Hydrogen production rate increased from 10 L H2/L·d to 34 L H2/L·d with the increase of organic loading rate (OLR) from 26 to 81 gCOD/L·d, while a maximum hydrogen yield of 430 mL H2/gCOD was achieved in the system with an overall average of 385 mL H2/gCOD.
MULTI-CULTURAL VALUES AND BORDERS
Authors: Nikiforova Basia
Published: June 2009

The presumption of this paper is the view of multi‐culturalism as a concept grounded on an assumption, rather than data, and legitimized by proclamation, rather than legislation. Multi‐culturalism as a socio‐political construction is not only “a multi‐cultural and multi‐religious mosaic”, but it has its own values. The new borders inside the European Union (EU) are non‐territorial, which confirms the new paradigm about the weakening factor of territorial belonging as such. Nowadays, values become a more and more powerful source of demarcation. The aim of this article is to challenge the problem and its consequences for the identity and perception of values in the new European situation, in which borders are merely symbolic. Multi‐culturalism is the revalorization of ethnocentric tradition and the creation of post‐materialist values such as individual self‐expression, personal transformation, openness and solidarity to others, gender and racial equality, greater tolerance for an ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.
THE CONCEPT OF CIVILIZATIONAL BOUNDARY
Authors: Pawluczuk Włodzimierz
Published: June 2009

In this paper the concept of the boundary of civilizations is discussed on the example of Polish‐Belarusian and Polish‐Ukrainian borderlands. The author starts from the assumption, shared by many historians and sociologists, that civilizations are real cultural entities based on certain long‐lasting patterns of symbolical order. Those patterns are closely related to respective religions like Catholicism and Orthodoxy, but they act even though people's religiosity is weak. The differences between Western Christian and Eastern Christian patterns remain important in a secularized world as well. The author analyses how these civilization differences influence both cross national and political identities in countries, situated on the boundary of civilizations. He shows, in particular, how symbolic patterns shape the identity of Catholic minority in modern Belarus and that of Orthodox minority in today's Poland.
BELARUS: A BORDERLAND CIVILIZATION OR CIVILIZATION OUTSKIRTS? SOCIOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Authors: Titarenko Larissa
Published: June 2009

The concept of civilizations plays an important role in the current scientific literature. Some authors select a particular number of civilizations. For other authors it is an open question how many civilizations exist: the answer depends on the criteria applied. The paper discusses the concept of the borderland civilization that relates to the countries (space) and people (cultural communities living in this space), situated “between” the two “key cultural groupings” (in Samuel Huntington's sense) and inevitably combines some features from both of them. The author argues that, firstly, the population on today's Polish‐Lithuanian‐Belarusian border constitutes a particular borderland civilization where the local identity dominates over national or ethnic identities. Although other identities might be in use here, the population of this borderland region primarily considers itself as “local” where multi‐ethnic, multi‐cultural and multi‐religious communities have existed for centuries. Secondly, the current Belarus itself can be viewed as a case of a borderland subcivilization: throughout its history it has been constantly influenced by Latin (Western) and Byzantine (Eastern) civilizations that resulted in Belarusian cultural pluralism, high level of religious and ethnic tolerance, and local self‐identification of the population. Therefore, there is no “choice” for Belarus to belong to one “pure” civilization: it is destined to exist in the borderland. From this approach, current Belarus is not “civilization outskirts”: it is a sub‐civilization with all the attributes such as culture, values, ideas of history, and supra‐national socio‐cultural community of people.
Supply-demand integrated management model for effective farmer-buyer coordination: case of the Hawaii avocado industry
Authors: Krishnakumar Jyotsna , Chan-Halbrendt Catherine , Radovich Theodore , Sullivan Pauline , Love Ken
Published: June 2009

The paper presents possible solutions to small farmers in the agricultural sector in a small island setting grappling with challenges of enhancing their local industry and import substitution through a supply-demand chain framework. In 2005, Hawaiian farms produced approximately 363,200 kg of avocados. However, Hawaiian demand for these fruits required an additional 908,000 kg of avocados that were supplied through imports. At the same time, it is worth noting; almost 49% of locally produced avocados did not reach the market. These facts clearly suggest inefficiencies in the local avocado supply chain. Review of the literature on supply chain management suggests a sustainable avocado industry requires an integrated supply and demand chain management system. Hence, a modified conceptual model of supply-chain management called the Supply Demand Integrated Management (SDIM) model is proposed in this paper. Traditional supply chains contain three functional components: supply coordination, physical production and logistic management. In the new model, we propose adding R4D (Research for Development), a public good provided by the government to agricultural industries as an integral part of the supply-demand chain system. It articulates the significance of research and supply chain partnerships between small growers, industry groups, and public agencies. A well-integrated demand/supply chain in the avocado industry allows sharing of vital market information which can contribute to long-term strategic decisions that help local avocado growers increase their competitiveness against foreign imports. It also provides metrics in terms of consumer satisfaction, profitability, competitiveness, self-sufficiency, import substitution and sustainability. The SDIM model as applied to the avocado industry suggests two hypotheses relevant to the current situation. The hypotheses are: (1) There is a lack of coordination between what the farmers are growing and the chefs' (a high-end customer/buyer) preferences; (2) Forming an avocado farmer cooperative will enhance the profitability of local farmers. Survey data was collected from Hawaiian chefs and avocado farmers. Data was analysed using a Duncan multi-range test and a mathematical model, respectively, to test the hypotheses. The test revealed a lack of coordination between what the farmers are growing and buyer preferences. The results from the mathematical model suggested that formation of an avocado marketing cooperative would enhance the profitability of local farmers. Thus, the SDIM framework expands existing body of knowledge about supply chain management and provides useful information to local avocado growers that can help strengthen their supply and demand chain management.
Contexto actual de los sistemas de costes de la calidad desarrollados y aplicados a proyectos de construcción: la necesidad de medición de la calidad en el diseño
Authors: Dzul L. A. , Gracia S.
Published: June 2009

Este trabajo presenta un análisis de las metodologías desarrolladas para el seguimiento y control de los costes de la calidad en proyectos de construcción, proporcionando un contexto actual de esta herramienta de calidad en esta industria. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y análisis de las publicaciones sobre sistemas de costes de la calidad aplicados a proyectos de construcción (QPMS, QPTS, QCM, CQCQS, PCM y PROMQACS). Estos enfoques propuestos se han venido desarrollando desde los años ochenta. Dichos sistemas muestran un aspecto común referente a su aplicación en la fase del proyecto; se realiza a partir del inicio de la construcción en el sitio, y no toman en cuenta los costes de la calidad dentro de los procesos de diseño. Para complementar este contexto, se realizó una revisión de publicaciones de prácticas reales de los procesos de diseño, donde se destacan los principales problemas durante dicha fase. Este trabajo muestra un entendimiento de la necesidad de la medición de los costes de la calidad en el diseño de proyectos y, por consiguiente, las limitaciones de los sistemas propuestos actualmente de costes de calidad en la industria de la construcción. Destacando la importancia de una herramienta de planificación de la calidad en una línea de mejora continua, en un entorno donde el número de publicaciones sobre costes de la calidad es limitado, debido al número y complejidad de los procesos típicos de un proyecto de construcción.
Proceso constructivo del Rockódromo Arena de Madrid, España
Authors: Alvarez M. A. , Córdoba F. J. , Pelluz F. J. , Díaz E. , Sánchez M. , Barbero J. M.
Published: June 2009

Este proyecto parte de la necesidad de consolidar el recinto del Rockódromo de la Casa de Campo de Madrid mediante la construcción de un Pabellón Arena, un Pabellón auxiliar y un Túnel de conexión. El propósito de la obra consiste en la posibilidad de albergar en el Pabellón unos usos múltiples que permitan su funcionamiento como lugar de espectáculos, con una capacidad de 10.800 asientos, así como de usos feriales. Se ha proyectado una cubierta como el elemento más identificador, con una tipología de “rueda de bicicleta”, para cubrir el Pabellón Arena, que debido a su diafanidad y versatilidad puede ser capaz de suministrar la luz que requieren este tipo de edificios.
Digital Cities
Authors: Leach Neil
Published: June 2009

Code, it would seem, is everywhere. We are beginning to understand that much of our natural environment is based on rule‐based behaviours, from the emergent swarm intelligence of flocks of birds and schools of fish, to the complex patterns of snowflakes, ferns, seashells and zebra skins. And nothing escapes. Not even the human body. The human genome is being mapped out and sequenced by scientists to provide a genetic blueprint of human life itself. In this context, it is hardly surprising that architects are now beginning to explore similar principles in the design studio. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parametricism: A New Global Style for Architecture and Urban Design
Authors: Schumacher Patrik
Published: June 2009

Though parametricism has its roots in the digital animation techniques of the mid‐1990s, it has only fully emerged in recent years with the development of advanced parametric design systems. Patrik Schumacher explains why parametricism has become the dominant, single style for avant‐garde practice today and why it is particularly suited to large‐scale urbanism as exemplified by a series of competition‐winning masterplans by Zaha Hadid Architects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chlorofilia, the Los Angeles Jungle
Authors: Leach Neil
Published: June 2009

When, in 2007, the History Channel invited architects to explore the future of the US metropolis, Hernan Diaz Alonso chose the medium of film to explore the dark side of the city of angels. Neil Leach asked Alonso how he went about challenging the conventional masterplan and provoking with his dystopian view. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
I've Heard About … (A Flat, Fat, Growing Urban Experiment): Extract of Neighbourhood Protocols
Authors: Roche François
Published: June 2009

Urban models are conventionally planned and intended to control urban systems. François Roche's vision is to the contrary: it is for an unpredictable organic urbanism. A biostructure develops its own adaptive behaviour, based on growth scripts and open algorithms. It is entirely reflexive, responding to human occupation and expression rather than being managed or operated at human will. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Digital Breeder for Designing Cities
Authors: Batty Michael
Published: June 2009

The idea that inspired designs mirror processes of biological evolution is fast gaining ground as we learn more about how complex systems such as cities function. Michael Batty illustrates how cities can now be grown in ‘digital laboratories’ and, by imposing realistic constraints on their form, begin to breed ‘good designs’ that emerge from continual feedbacks that reinforce the best and iron out the worst. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Limits of Urban Simulation: An Interview with Manuel DeLanda
Authors: Leach Neil
Published: June 2009

What is the potential for applying digital simulation for research in urban planning and development? Neil Leach pursues this question with influential ‘street philosopher’, one‐time programmer and professor Manuel DeLanda. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swarm Urbanism
Authors: Leach Neil
Published: June 2009

As dense human settlements, cities can be regarded as manifestations of emergent behaviour ‐ not unlike like that of a colony of ants or a flock of birds. Neil Leach explores how software programs that display a similar emergent logic to cities might lend themselves to the development of a new computational methodology for modelling urban form. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial Design Economies
Authors: Chiaradia Alain
Published: June 2009

The digital revolution has enabled an influx of data that has allowed us to analyse cities in ways that could never previously be anticipated. How, though, might this data be constructively applied in a manner that could shape and improve not only urban patterns, but also people's economic and social prospects? Alain Chiaradia looks at how space syntax spatial analyses might enable spatial design economies in the future, with special reference to London and the Borough of Tower Hamlets in particular. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
iPhone City
Authors: Bratton Benjamin H
Published: June 2009

Is the iPhone and a whole new generation of mobiles and PDAs eclipsing the physical city? Whereas once the metropolis alone brought together people, markets, goods, transport and information, the iPhone and similar handheld devices are changing spatial interaction. From Los Angeles, Benjamin H Bratton ruminates on the full impact of this technological shift. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alice Tully Hall, New York
Authors: Merkel Jayne
Published: June 2009

This sensuous redesign of a 40‐year‐old concert hall at the Julliard School is the first major project completed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in their planned remodelling of the entire Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York. Jayne Merkel believes this lively, elegant, personal and welcoming building bodes well for the dozen other public places and performance spaces that the architects will be renovating there over the next few years. It also suggests that the most respectful way to treat historic structures may be to meet them head‐on. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel Biological Futures
Authors: Spiller Neil
Published: June 2009

Neil Spiller looks beyond the digital and envisions a surreal future of ‘biological parallelism’ that pushes the boundary of architecture deep into the natural sciences, potentially creating ‘huge rafts of new architectural flora and fauna’. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FREEZE: A Celebration of Design in the Modern North
Authors: Firley Eric
Published: June 2009

Brian Carter reports from Anchorage, in Alaska, where he co‐curated an art and architectural event in early 2009 that set out to celebrate the climate, landscape and light of the icy north. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transfer of occupational health problems from a developed to a developing country: Lessons from the Japan–South Korea experience
Authors: Park Jungsun , Hisanaga Naomi , Kim Yangho
Published: June 2009

Many corporations move their manufacturing facilities or technologies from developed to developing countries. Stringent regulations have made it costly for industries to operate in developed, industrialized countries. In addition, labor costs are high in these countries, and there is increasing awareness among the general public of the health risks associated with industry. The relocation of hazardous industries to developing countries is driven by economic considerations: high unemployment, a cheaper labor force, lack of regulation, and poor enforcement of any existing regulations make certain countries attractive to business. The transfer of certain industries from Japan to Korea has also brought both documented occupational diseases and a new occupational disease caused by chemicals without established toxicities. Typical examples of documented occupational diseases are carbon disulfide poisoning in the rayon manufacturing industry, bladder cancer in the benzidine industry, and mesothelioma in the asbestos industry. A new occupational disease due to a chemical without established toxicities is 2‐bromopropane poisoning. These examples suggest that counter‐measures are needed to prevent the transfer of occupational health problems from a developed to a developing country. Corporate social responsibility should be emphasized, close inter‐governmental collaboration is necessary and cooperation among non‐governmental organizations is helpful. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:625–632, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐terminal truncated pyroglutamyl β amyloid peptide Aβpy3‐42 shows a faster aggregation kinetics than the full‐length Aβ1‐42
Authors: D'Arrigo Cristina , Tabaton Massimo , Perico Angelo
Published: June 2009

We tested directly the differences in the aggregation kinetics of three important β amyloid peptides, the full‐length Aβ1‐42, and the two N‐terminal truncated and pyroglutamil modified Aβpy3‐42 and Aβpy11‐42 found in different relative concentrations in the brains in normal aging and in Alzheimer disease. By following the circular dichroism signal and the ThT fluorescence of the solution in phosphate buffer, we found substantially faster aggregation kinetics for Aβpy3‐42. This behavior is due to the particular sequence of this peptide, which is also responsible for the specific oligomeric aggregation states, found by TEM, during the fibrillization process, which are very different from those of Aβ1‐42, more prone to fibril formation. In addition, Aβpy3‐42 is found here to have an inhibitory effect on Aβ1‐42 fibrillogenesis, coherently with its known greater infective power. This is an indication of the important role of this peptide in the aggregation process of β‐peptides in Alzheimer disease. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 861–873, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online“ date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Synthesis and assembly of a full‐length human monoclonal antibody in algal chloroplasts
Authors: Tran Miller , Zhou Bin , Pettersson Pär L. , Gonzalez Maria J. , Mayfield Stephen P.
Published: June 2009

Monoclonal antibodies can be effective therapeutics against a variety of human diseases, but currently marketed antibody‐based drugs are very expensive compared to other therapeutic options. Here, we show that the eukaryotic green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is capable of synthesizing and assembling a full‐length IgG1 human monoclonal antibody (mAb) in transgenic chloroplasts. This antibody, 83K7C, is derived from a human IgG1 directed against anthrax protective antigen 83 (PA83), and has been shown to block the effects of anthrax toxin in animal models. Here we show that 83K7C heavy and light chain proteins expressed in the chloroplast accumulate as soluble proteins that assemble into complexes containing two heavy and two light chain proteins. The algal‐expressed 83K7C binds PA83 in vitro with similar affinity to the mammalian‐expressed 83K7C antibody. In addition, a second human IgG1 and a mouse IgG1 were also expressed and shown to properly assemble in algal chloroplast. These results show that chloroplasts have the ability to fold and assemble full‐length human mAbs, and suggest the potential of algae as a platform for the cost effective production of complex human therapeutic proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 663–673 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynein‐2 and ciliogenesis in Tetrahymena
Authors: Asai David J. , Rajagopalan Vidyalakshmi , Wilkes David E.
Published: June 2009

Dynein‐2 is the motor responsible for retrograde intraflagellar transport. In situ, dynein‐2 comprises four subunits: the dynein‐2 heavy chain (DYH2); the dynein‐2 intermediate chain; the dynein‐2 light‐intermediate chain (D2LIC); and dynein light chain 8 (Rompolas et al. 2007. Chlamydomonas FAP133 is a dynein intermediate chain associated with the retrograde intraflagellar transport motor. J Cell Sci 120:3653–3665). In contrast to what has been reported in other model organisms, when the DYH2 gene or the D2LIC gene was disrupted in Tetrahymena, the cells continued to produce motile cilia that were not swollen or filled with material [Rajagopalan et al.2009. Dynein‐2 affects the regulation of ciliary length but is not required for ciliogenesis in Tetrahymena thermophila. Mol Biol Cell 20:708–720]. When compared to wildtype cells, the dynein‐2 mutants were found to have cilia that were at a lower density, shorter, and much more variable in length. One possible explanation for these effects is that the dynein‐2 knockout cells grow cilia too slowly to enable them to achieve normal length and density before the cell divides. In the present study, dynein‐2 knockout cells were deciliated and then allowed to regrow their cilia for 22 hr under conditions in which the cells did not divide. When dynein‐2 was disabled, three effects were observed: (1) a decreased rate of cilia growth; (2) a lower cilia density that did not change over time; and (3) a wide distribution of cilia lengths that increased over time. These results confirm the importance of dynein‐2 in regulating ciliary length in Tetrahymena. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of age and survival in patients with gastroesophageal cancer undergoing surgery with or without preoperative therapy
Authors: Braiteh Fadi , Correa Arlene M. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Rice David C. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Walsh Garrett L. , Roth Jack A. , Mehran Reza J. , Swisher Stephen G. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Meticulous selection of patients for esophageal cancer surgery is critical, because major surgical intervention can cause considerable consequences. For this study, the authors explored their institution's large surgical experience to examine the impact of age on long‐term patient survival and surgical complications.

METHOD:

Six hundred consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery (409 patients received preoperative therapy, and 191 patients underwent surgery first) were analyzed. All demographic information (including American Society of Anesthesiology risk scores) and therapy‐related information was collected retrospectively. Multiple statistical methods were used to assess survival rates and surgical complications and their correlation with patient age. Twenty‐one patients (30‐day mortality) first were excluded (n = 600) and then were included (n = 621) in the analysis.

RESULTS:

By using the median age (≤60 years) as the cutoff point and creating 2 subgroups (ages 61 years to 70 years and aged >70 years) in patients older than the median age, univariate analysis demonstrated a higher risk of death with increasing age (P = .019). In multivariate analysis, increasing age was an independent prognosticator of poor overall survival (P = .041). The inclusion of 30‐day mortality did not alter the results. Surgical complications were statistically significantly higher in older patients compared with younger patients in the following categories: aspiration pneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cardiovascular, neurologic, and miscellaneous complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

The data in this study demonstrated that patients aged ≤60 years who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer achieved the best overall survival and experienced fewer surgical complications than patients aged >70 years. Age was identified as an important variable in the selection of patients for esophageal cancer surgery. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Computational modelling of endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Wolters B. J. B. M. , Rutten M. C. M. , Schurink G. W. H. , van de Vosse F. N.
Published: June 2009

To better understand the effects of endoleak on the aneurysm intrasac pressure, previously, in a small number of studies, numerical models have been developed for the simulation of endoleak based on coupled fluid–structure interaction (FSI). Although such models can provide useful information on the fluid dynamics and structural deformations in aneurysms after endovascular repair (EVAR), they may computationally be too expensive if one is solely interested in the effects of endoleak on the risk of aneurysm rupture. To assess the value of computationally more efficient lumped parameter models in the simulation of endoleak, in the current study, a lumped parameter‐based computational model of an incompletely excluded abdominal aortic aneurysm is developed as well as one based on coupled FSI. Both models are used to study the aneurysm intrasac pressure as a function of the degree of endoleak and the stent‐graft compliance. Based on the agreement of the results of the two models it is concluded that the lumped parameter modelling method provides a useful alternative to coupled FSI for modelling the aneurysm intrasac pressure in the presence of endoleak. The modelled pressure could be used as a boundary condition for solid stress analyses to predict the risk of aneurysm rupture after EVAR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of urinary concentrations of pseudoephedrine and its metabolite cathine in relation to doping control
Authors: Deventer K. , Van Eenoo P. , Baele G. , Pozo O. J. , Van Thuyne W. , Delbeke F. T.
Published: June 2009

Until the end of 2003 a urinary concentration of pseudoephedrine exceeding 25 µg/mL was regarded as a doping violation by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. Since its removal from the prohibited list in 2004 the number of urine samples in which pseudoephedrine was detected in our laboratory increased substantially. Analysis of 116 in‐competition samples containing pseudoephedrine in 2007 and 2008, revealed that 66% of these samples had a concentration of pseudoephedrine above 25 µg/mL. This corresponded to 1.4% of all tested in competition samples in that period. In the period 2001–2003 only 0.18% of all analysed in competition samples contained more than 25 µg/mL. Statistical comparison of the two periods showed that after the removal of pseudoephedrine from the list its use increased significantly. Of the individual sports compared between the two periods, only cycling is shown to yield a significant increase.

Analysis of excretion urine samples after administration of a therapeutic daily dose (240 mg pseudoephedrine) in one administration showed that the threshold of 25 µg/mL can be exceeded. The same samples were also analysed for cathine, which has currently a threshold of 5 µg/mL on the prohibited list. The maximum urinary concentration of cathine also exceeded the threshold for some volunteers. Comparison of the measured cathine and pseudoephedrine concentrations only indicated a poor correlation between them. Hence, cathine is not a good indicator to control pseudopehedrine intake. To control the (ab)use of ephedrines in sports it is recommended that WADA reintroduce a threshold for pseudoephedrine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chaerophyllum azoricum Trel. grown in the Azores archipelago, Portugal: evaluation of the genetic diversity using molecular markers and comparison with volatile oils profiles
Authors: Mendes Marta D. , Trindade Helena , Figueiredo A. Cristina , Pedro Luis G. , Barroso José G.
Published: June 2009

Genetic and chemical differences of nine individuals of Chaerophyllum azoricum were studied to determine whether molecular characters and volatile components could be used as taxonomical markers and to examine the correlation between them. Plant material was analysed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) using 21 and 19 arbitrary primers, respectively, generating 320 RAPD and 310 ISSR markers. The volatiles were isolated from each individual by distillation–extraction and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Terpinolene (20–67%) was the main component of the volatile fraction isolated from the aerial parts of C. azoricum. Individuals harvested on São Jorge Island also had myristicin (4–23%), γ‐terpinene (5–16%), limonene (3–12%) and α‐zingiberene (2–12%) as the main components, whereas individuals collected on Flores Island had acorenone B (12–17%), myristicin (8–9%) and sabinene (4–9%) as the other dominant components. Separate cluster analyses based on molecular markers and on the chemical composition of the volatile fraction grouped, in both cases, the nine accessions in two main groups but with some subclustering differences. The correlation between the genetic diversity based on molecular marker patterns and the volatile chemical analysis of the present study was significant (Pearson's r < 0.44, p ∼ 0.01). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A monetary real‐time conditional forecast of euro area inflation
Authors: Kaufmann Sylvia , Kugler Peter
Published: June 2009

Based on a vector error correction model we produce conditional euro area inflation forecasts. We use real‐time data on M3 and HICP, and include real GPD, the 3‐month EURIBOR and the 10‐year government bond yield as control variables. Real money growth and the term spread enter the system as stationary linear combinations. Missing and outlying values are substituted by model‐based estimates using all available data information. In general, the conditional inflation forecasts are consistent with the European Central Bank's assessment of liquidity conditions for future inflation prospects. The evaluation of inflation forecasts under different monetary scenarios reveals the importance of keeping track of money growth rate in particular at the end of 2005. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting sediment delivery processes using suspended sediment‐discharge hysteresis patterns from nested upland catchments, south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Smith Hugh G. , Dragovich Deirdre
Published: June 2009

In this study, suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and discharge (Q) hysteresis patterns recorded at the outlets of two nested upland catchments in south‐eastern Australia were examined. Detailed monitoring of sediment flux was undertaken in a 1·64 km2 sub‐catchment located within a 53·5 km2 catchment for which sediment yield was measured and the extent of incised channels mapped. The analysis of SSC–Q hysteresis patterns was supplemented by these additional datasets to contribute to the explanation of observed patterns. Clockwise SSC–Q hysteresis loops (with the suspended sediment peak leading the discharge peak) were recorded most frequently at both sites. This was attributed to initial rapid delivery of sediment from channel banks, the dominant sediment source in the sub‐catchment and probably also for the catchment, in conjunction with remobilization of in‐channel fine sediment deposits. Sediment exhaustion effects were considered to enhance clockwise hysteresis, with reduced SSC on the falling limb of event hydrographs. Pronounced exhaustion effects were observed on some multi‐rise events, with subsequent flow peaks associated with much reduced sediment peaks. To compare SSC–Q hysteresis patterns between the two catchments, a dimensionless similarity function (SF) was derived to differentiate paired‐event hysteresis patterns according to the extent of pattern similarity. This analysis, coupled with the other datasets, provided insight into the function of erosion and sediment delivery processes across the spatial scales examined and indicated the dependency of between‐scale suspended sediment transfer on defined flow event scenarios. Quantitative measures of event SSC–Q hysteresis pattern similarity may provide a mechanism for linking the timing and magnitude of process response across spatial scales. This may offer useful insights into the between‐scale linkage of dominant processes and the extent of downstream suspended sediment delivery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation on the bioactivity of ZnO containing nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan cement
Authors: Li Zhang , Yubao Li , Yi Zuo , Lan Wu , Jansen John A.
Published: June 2009

A ZnO containing nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan (n‐HA/CS) cement was developed and its bone formation ability was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The physico‐chemical properties of the cement were determined in terms of pH variation during and after setting, injectability and wettability. The results indicated that, the pH varied from 7.04 to 7.12 throughout the soaking of the cement in distilled water. The injectability was excellent during the first 4 min, but the cement became less injectable or even not injectable at all after 7 min setting. The static contact angle of the cement against water was 53.5 ± 2.7°. The results of immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated that the cement exhibited excellent bone‐like apatite forming ability. In vivo studies, involving the installation of the cement of tibial‐bone defects in rabbit tibia revealed an inflammatory response around the cement at 3 days of implantation. After 4 weeks, the inflammation began to disappear and the cement had bound to the surrounding host bone. Radiological examination also confirmed that the ZnO containing n‐HA/CS cement significantly induced new bone formation. These results suggest that the ZnO containing n‐HA/CS cement may be beneficial to enhance bone regeneration in osseous defect sites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
The influence of surface energy on early adherent events of osteoblast on titanium substrates
Authors: Lai Hong‐Chang , Zhuang Long‐Fei , Liu Xin , Wieland Marco , Zhang Zhi‐Yong , Zhang Zhi‐Yuan
Published: June 2009

Surface energy of implant material is one of the important factors in the process of osseointegration. How surface energy regulates the signaling pathway of osteoblasts, however, is not well understood. Cell adhesion is one of the first steps essential to subsequent proliferation and differentiation of bone cells before tissue formation. Our present study was designed to investigate how surface energy may influence the early adhesion of human alveolar osteoblasts (AOBs). Substrates applied were two groups of titanium disks: (1) hydrophobic sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces; (2) chemically modified hydrophilic SLA (modSLA) ones. Cell morphology and cell attachment were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Defined cytoskeletal actin organization was immunohistochemically examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RT‐PCR was applied to detect and to compare the expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) of osteoblasts cultured on the two groups of substrates. The attachment rates of AOBs cultured on modSLA substrates were significantly higher than the cells on SLA ones within 3 h. AOBs on modSLA developed more defined actin stress fibers after 6 h of attachment. FAK expression was comparably higher on modSLA after 6 h. Within the limitation of the current study, higher surface energy of titanium surfaces enhanced the cell adhesion in the early stage of cell response and may work through influencing the expression of adhesion‐associated molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Celecoxib enhanced the sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs by inhibition of the expression of P‐glycoprotein through a COX‐2‐Independent Manner
Authors: Xia Wenhong , Zhao Tao , Lv Jinghuan , Xu Shan , Shi Junfeng , Wang Shui , Han Xiao , Sun Yujie
Published: June 2009

The P‐glycoprotein (p170, P‐gp) encoded by humanMDR1gene functions as a pump to extrude anticancer drugs from cancer cells. Over‐expression of p170 is closely related to primary and induced drug resistance phenotype of tumor cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is positively correlated with the p170 level, suggesting a potential of COX‐2 specific inhibitors in regulation of cytotoxicity of anticancer agents. Celecoxib is one of the specific inhibitors of COX‐2 and has been widely used in clinic. However, its function in the response of cancer cells to anticancer drugs and the related mechanism are still waiting to be investigated. To explore the correlation of celecoxib and the p170‐mediated drug resistance, the role of celecoxib in drug response of cancer cells was analyzed with flow cytometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and colony formation experiments. Celecoxib (50 µM) was found to significantly enhance the sensitivity of MCF‐7 and JAR/VP16 cells to tamoxifen and etoposide, respectively, by inhibition of p170 expression and increase in intracellular accumulation of the drugs. However, celecoxib did not affect pump function of p170. Enzyme activity and methylation analyses demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of celecoxib on p170 was independent on COX‐2 but closely related to hypermethylation ofMDR1gene promoter. Our study suggested that celecoxib was a potential agent for enhancement of the sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. It also provided a links between epigenetic change ofMDR1and drug response of cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 181–194, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SIRT1: A novel target to prevent atherosclerosis
Authors: Yu Wei , Fu Yu‐Cai , Chen Chun‐Juan , Wang Xin , Wang Wei
Published: June 2009

Atherosclerosis is a chronic immuno‐inflammatory disease associated with blood lipids disorder. Many studies have demonstrated that caloric restriction (CR) can prevent atherosclerosis and extend lifespan. Sir2 protein, mammal's SIRT1, has been reported to at least partly contribute to the protective effect of CR. Hence, we hypothesize that SIRT1 is a key regulator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and that upregulation of SIRT1 in endothelial cells may mimic CR's beneficial effect on vascular health. The recent studies have demonstrated that endothelial SIRT1 is an anti‐atherosclerosis factor and the possible mechanism may be related to inhibit oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced apoptosis, upregulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, and improve endothelium relaxation function. We infer that SIRT1 may be a novel target for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 10–13, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.