bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histidine affinity chromatography of homo‐oligonucleotides. Role of multiple interactions on retention
Authors: Sousa A. , Sousa F. , Prazeres D. M. F. , Queiroz J. A.
Published: March 2009

The recent application of histidine–agarose affinity supports in plasmid purification takes advantage of the biorecognition of nucleic acid bases by the histidine ligand. This consideration prompted the need for better understanding the interactions involved in affinity chromatography of plasmid DNA with the histidine–agarose support. In this work, we used synthetic homo‐deoxyoligonucleotides with different sizes (1–30 nucleotides long), to explore the effect of several conditions like hydrophobic character of the individual bases, presence of secondary structures, temperature, pH and salt concentration on the mechanism of retention of nucleic acids to histidine–agarose support. One of the most striking results shows that histidine interacts preferentially with guanine, and the presence of secondary structures on polyA and polyG oligonucleotides has a significant influence on retention. Otherwise, the temperature manipulation has not shown a direct influence on oligonucleotide retention, only inducing conformational changes on secondary structures. Overall, the results obtained provide valuable information for the future development and implementation of histidine and other amino acids as ligands in chromatography for the purification of plasmid DNA and other nucleic acids, by improving the knowledge of the interactions involved as well as of the parameters influencing the retention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of tectoridin in rat plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography and its application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Liu Taiming , Chen Zhuo , Guo Yuyi , Jiang Xuehua , Ma Guo
Published: March 2009

A simple, specific and sensitive HPLC method with UV detection was developed and validated for the determination of tectoridin in rat plasma for the first time. Chromatographic separation was performed on a WelchromTM C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, i.d., 5 µm) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1, using a mixture of methanol–2% HAc aqueous solution (31:69, v/v) as the mobile phase with UV detection at 266 nm. The calibration curves for tectoridin were linear over the concentration range of 1.10–274.40 µg mL−1 in rat plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracies (RE) were within −3.23% and 4.11%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were not more than 2.74 and 4.72%, respectively. The present method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of tectoridin in rats after intravenous administration of three different doses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse × pig chimeric antibodies expressed in Baculovirus retain the same properties of their parent antibodies
Authors: Jar Ana M. , Osorio Fernando A. , López Osvaldo J.
Published: March 2009

The development of hybridoma and recombinant DNA technologies has made it possible to use antibodies against cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases in humans. These advances in therapy, as well as immunoprophylaxis, could also make it possible to use these technologies in agricultural species of economic importance such as pigs. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an arterivirus causing very important economic losses to the industry. Passive transfer of antibodies obtained by biotechnology could be used in the future to complement or replace vaccination against this and other pig pathogens. To this end, we constructed and studied the properties of chimeric mouse × pig anti‐PRRSV antibodies. We cloned the constant regions of gamma‐1 and gamma‐2 heavy chains and the lambda light chain of pig antibodies in frame with the variable regions of heavy and light chains of mouse monoclonal antibody ISU25C1, which has neutralizing activity against PRRSV. The coding regions for chimeric IgG1 and IgG2 were expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Both chimeric antibodies recognized PRRSV in ELISA as well as in a Western‐blot format and, more importantly, were able to neutralize PRRSV in the same fashion as the parent mouse monoclonal antibody ISU25C1. In addition, we show that both pig IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies could bind complement component C1q, with IgG2 being more efficient than IgG1 in binding C1q. Expressing chimeric pig antibodies with protective capabilities offers a new alternative strategy for infectious disease control in domestic pigs. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
An evaluation of an online student portfolio for the development of engineering graduate attributes
Authors: Palmer Stuart , Holt Dale , Hall Wayne , Ferguson Clive
Published: March 2009

An online student portfolio was evaluated as a means for engaging students with the concept of graduate attributes, and for documenting student attainment of graduate attributes. Students rated the portfolio system as easy to use, and indicated that it helped them to appreciate the skills and knowledge they had developed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 447–456, 2011
The Puzzle of RNAs that Target Gene Promoters
Authors: Younger Scott T. , Corey David R.
Published: March 2009

Setting the right target: Most researchers who use small RNAs in mammalian cells assume that mRNA will be the target. Recent studies suggest that small RNAs can also target chromosomal DNA.

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Few discoveries have had the impact of RNAi. Most researchers who use small RNAs to control gene expression in mammalian cells assume that mRNA will be the target. Recent studies, however, have suggested that small RNAs can also target chromosomal DNA.
[2,3]‐Wittig Rearrangement of Enantiomerically Enriched 3‐Substituted 1‐Propenyloxy‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐yl Carbanions: Effect of Heteroatoms and Conjugating Groups on Planarization of an α‐Oxy‐Benzylcarbanion through a Double Bond
Authors: Sasaki Michiko , Ikemoto Hidaka , Kawahata Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Takeda Kei
Published: March 2009

Don't get trapped: The effect of conjugating electron‐withdrawing groups and α‐anion‐stabilizing heteroatom substituents on configurational stability of chiral carbanions through a double bond was examined on the basis of extent of chirality transfer in intramolecular trapping in [2,3]‐Wittig rearrangement of chiral 3‐substituted 1‐propenyloxy‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐yl carbanions (see scheme).

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The effect of conjugating electron‐withdrawing groups and α‐anion‐stabilizing heteroatom substituents on configurational stability of chiral carbanions through a double bond was examined on the basis of extent of chirality transfer in intramolecular trapping in [2,3]‐Wittig rearrangement of chiral 3‐substituted 1‐propenyloxy‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐yl carbanions.
A Cobalt Metallacrown Anion Host with Guest‐Dependent Redox Activity
Authors: Jones Leigh F. , Kilner Colin A. , Halcrow Malcolm A.
Published: March 2009

Two bowl‐shaped cavities, each having three OH− hydrogen‐bond donors at its base, are present in double‐cone‐shaped metallacrown anion host [Co6(μ‐OH)6(μ‐L)6]m+ (1m+; HL=3{5}‐(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐5{3}‐(tert‐butyl)pyrazole). Depending on its affinity for the anions present, it can be isolated in its CoIII3CoII3 (m=3; e.g., 1(ClO4)3) and CoIII2CoII4 (m=2; e.g., 1(BF4)2⋅n H2O) oxidation states. See picture for photographs of isolated salts.

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Reaction of cobalt(II) salts with one equivalent of 3{5}‐(pyrid‐2‐yl)‐5{3}‐(tert‐butyl)pyrazole (HL) and NaOH in EtOH affords salts of [Co6(μ‐OH)6(μ‐L)6]m+ (2m+, m=2 or 3). This is formed from alternating tetrahedral and octahedral cobalt centers, giving a double‐cone‐shaped molecule with two bowl‐shaped cavities. Each cavity has three OH− hydrogen‐bond donors at its base, giving them an affinity for inorganic anions. Reactions with CoX2 (X−=ClO4− or CF3SO3−) afford products with the stoichiometry 2X3. In contrast, when salts of fluorinated anions are used, the products have the formulae 2Y2⋅n H2O (Y−=BF4−, PF6−, or SbF6−; n≈2). The connectivity and topology of the metallacrown were confirmed by crystal structures of three of these salts. Magnetic measurements imply that the tricationic products have the oxidation state CoIII3CoII3, while the dications are formulated as CoIII2CoII4. Solutions of 2X3 contain purely 23+ according to NMR spectroscopy, ES mass spectrometry, and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, but solutions of 2Y2⋅n H2O contain more than one significant component. The 23+/22+ couple in MeCN is irreversible at room temperature by cyclic voltammetry, occurring near −1.1 V versus ferrocene/ferrocenium. Importantly, the 2Y2⋅n H2O compounds do not exhibit this process in the presence of 0.1 M [NBu4][BPh4] as base electrolyte, but they do show it when the appropriate [NBu4]Y salt is used (where the Y− ions are present in 103‐fold excess). Conversely, the 2X3 complexes exhibit a strong 23+/22+ reduction under both experimental conditions. Hence, the isolation of 23+ or 22+ in the presence of different anions appears to be controlled by the affinity of those anions for the metallacrown.
Atomically Monodispersed and Fluorescent Sub‐Nanometer Gold Clusters Created by Biomolecule‐Assisted Etching of Nanometer‐Sized Gold Particles and Rods
Authors: Zhou Renjia , Shi Minmin , Chen Xiaoqiang , Wang Mang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: March 2009

From nanocrystals to atomic clusters: Fluorescent gold clusters (Au8) are synthesized by etching gold nanocrystals with the assistance of biomolecules, such as amino acids, peptides, proteins, and DNA (see picture). The gold clusters exhibit strong blue fluorescence as well as solvent‐dependent emission properties when dissolved in various organic solvents. They show potential applications in biological labeling and photoluminescence‐based sensors.

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Atomically monodispersed gold clusters were synthesized by etching gold nanocrystals (particles and rods) with the assistance of biomolecules (amino acids, peptides, proteins, and DNA) under sonication in water. The resulting gold clusters were exclusively composed of eight atoms, as demonstrated by photoluminescence, optical absorption, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The gold clusters exhibited solvent‐dependent photoluminescence properties when exposed to organic solvents, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, or N,N‐dimethylformamide, which was attributed to the rich surface properties of the clusters. This strategy, based on top‐down etching, offers an approach to create metal clusters from nanomaterials, which show great potential applications in biological labeling/imaging and sensors that utilize photoluminescence properties as the response.
Unprecedented Sulfone‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks and Gas‐Sorption Properties
Authors: Neofotistou Eleftheria , D. Malliakas Christos , N. Trikalitis Pantelis
Published: March 2009

Gas storage: A new, sulfone‐functionalized dicarboxylate‐based ligand (see figure) is capable of directing the formation of novel metal–organic frameworks with unprecedented organic and inorganic secondary building units. A high CO2 uptake with remarkable selectivity over CH4, N2, and H2 was observed at near‐ambient temperature.

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Effect of the tube shape on gas and particle flow in spouted beds with a porous draft tube
Authors: Nagashima Hiroshi , Ishikura Toshifumi , Ide Mitsuharu
Published: March 2009

Flow characteristics of a spouted bed with a porous draft tube have been investigated experimentally. In this study, both a cylindrical tube and a conical–cylindrical tube were used as the draft tube. As a result, the efficiency of gas–solid contact and solids circulation rate in the bed were considerably improved by inserting a conical–cylindrical porous draft tube into the bed. Moreover, it was confirmed that the gas flow rate through the annulus reached nearly the level of a conventional spouted bed by using conical–cylindrical porous draft tube.
Simulation of coal gasification in a pressurized spout‐fluid bed gasifier
Authors: Li Qianjun , Zhang Mingyao , Zhong Wenqi , Wang Xiaofang , Xiao Rui , Jin Baosheng
Published: March 2009

Based on an Eulerian–Eulerian method, a three‐dimensional kinetic model involving mass transfer, momentum transfer, heat transfer, and chemical reaction is developed to simulate the process of coal gasification in a 2 MWth pressurized spout‐fluid bed of 450 mm in diameter with bed pressure up to 0.5 MPa. The effects of operating pressure and bed temperature on coal gasification are investigated. The high operating pressure is beneficial to coal gasification due to the fact that the fluidization in the reactor becomes better. On one hand, a higher bed temperature can accelerate the rate of reaction. On the other hand, more air will be taken in the gasifier to keep the higher bed temperature which will consume part of combustible gases produced by coal pyrolysis or gasification. Experimental verification was carried out in a 2 MWth thermal input pressurized spout‐fluid bed under the same operating condition. The comparison of calculation results with experimental results shows that most of the calculation errors are within the range of 15%.
Mass transfer during air humidification in spouted beds
Authors: Kmiec Andrzej , Englart Sebastian , Ludwinska Agnieszka
Published: March 2009

This article presents the results obtained from analysing the impacts of bed media, static bed height, and the water‐to‐air mass flow ratios on the mass transfer coefficient and Colburn factor. The experimental data were compared with the correlations for mass transfer and the analogy between heat and mass transfer in conical spouted beds described earlier in literature. Moreover, the aim of the article is to present some new correlations of dimensionless groups for description of mass transfer and analogy of heat and mass transfer in sprayed spouted beds, which were developed by the authors.
Analysis on chaotic nature of a pressurized spout‐fluid bed by information theory based Shannon entropy
Authors: Zhong Wenqi , Wang Xiaofang , Li Qianjun , Jin Baosheng , Zhang Mingyao , Xiao Rui , Huang Yaji
Published: March 2009

Pressure fluctuation measurements were conducted in a pressurized spout‐fluid bed of 100 mm in diameter with bed pressure up to 0.4 MPa. Information theory based Shannon entropy analysis of pressure fluctuation was developed to recognize chaotic nature of gas–solid flows. It was found that both Shannon entropy and Shannon entropy increment rate were pronounced with the flow patterns and transitions. Moreover, Shannon entropy increment rate could describe the change of chaotic nature with operating conditions. Increasing chaotic nature was observed with increasing fluidizing gas flow rate. When elevating bed pressure, stable flow regions became large and the chaotic nature was weakened.
Multiobjective differential evolution for scheduling workflow applications on global Grids
Authors: Talukder A. K. M. Khaled Ahsan , Kirley Michael , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: March 2009

Most algorithms developed for scheduling applications on global Grids focus on a single Quality of Service (QoS) parameter such as execution time, cost or total data transmission time. However, if we consider more than one QoS parameter (e.g. execution cost and time, which may be in conflict) then the problem becomes more challenging. To handle such scenarios, it is convenient to use heuristics rather than a deterministic algorithm. In this paper, we have proposed a workflow execution planning approach using Multiobjective Differential Evolution (MODE). Our goal was to generate a set of trade‐off schedules according to two user specified QoS requirements (time and cost), which will offer more flexibility to users when estimating their QoS requirements. We have compared our results with a well‐known baseline algorithm ‘Pareto‐archived Evolutionary Strategy (PAES)’. Simulation results show that the modified MODE is able to find significantly better spread of compromise solutions compared with that of PAES. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Excited‐State Lifetimes in a G⋅C DNA Duplex are Nearly Independent of Helix Conformation and Base‐Pairing Motif
Authors: de La Harpe Kimberly , Crespo‐Hernández Carlos E. , Kohler Bern
Published: March 2009

DNA photophysics: Femtosecond transient absorption experiments reveal that excited states produced by UV light in a duplex DNA oligonucleotide decay at essentially the same rate in B and Z helix conformers (see figure).

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Deletion of Pax7 changes the tunica muscularis of the mouse esophagus from an entirely striated into a mixed phenotype
Authors: Wörl Jürgen , Breuer Christian , Neuhuber Winfried L.
Published: March 2009

The mechanisms responsible for the different amounts of striated muscle in mammalian esophagi are still enigmatic. A recent ultrastructural analysis in mouse esophagus pointed to a particular role of satellite cells during postnatal growth of striated muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate satellite cell development and the influence of Pax7 on this process. Developing and adult esophagi of wild‐type and mice carrying a targeted mutation in Pax7 were analyzed by electron microscopy. We found a gene dose‐dependent delayed development of striated muscle and a severe loss of satellite cells in Pax7+/− and Pax7−/− esophagi. In contrast to the entirely striated wild‐type esophagus, Pax7−/− mutants developed a mixed phenotype with predominantly smooth muscle caudally. We conclude that Pax7‐dependent myogenic progenitor cells are of prime importance for striated muscle formation and the degree of smooth‐to‐striated muscle conversion during esophageal ontogeny. Developmental Dynamics 238:864–874, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A thirteen‐year follow‐up study of young Norwegian adults with dyslexia in childhood: reading development and educational levels
Authors: Undheim Anne Mari
Published: March 2009

As part of a larger follow‐up study, 75 students were diagnosed with dyslexia at 10 years of age. At the end of secondary school, grades for the whole cohort of 16‐year olds were examined. At age 23 the whole study group responded to a questionnaire and the subgroup with dyslexia who responded to this questionnaire were invited to come for testing and interviews. The persistence of dyslexia into young adulthood and educational levels were examined. The results showed that almost all students still suffered dyslexia and showed lower decoding ability. However, they only showed slightly lower educational attainment levels compared with a representative sample of half the cohort (n=530) they were part of. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) is associated with informant stress
Authors: Nygaard Harald A. , Naik Mala , Geitung Jonn T.
Published: March 2009

Objective

To study the association between informant stress and appraisal of patients' cognitive functioning as reported by the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly—IQCODE.

Methods

Routinely collected data from a geriatric outpatient department (207 dyads) during the years 1995–1998 were analysed. Relative stress scale (RSS) has been categorised for possible low, intermediate and high risk of psychiatric morbidity and caregivers were combined to four groups (female and male spouses and female and male non‐spouses, respectively). The relationship between IQCODE (dependent) and categorised RSS and informant groups and patient age was further studied by means of the general linear model (GLM—UNIANOVA).

Results

In general, spouses reported better cognitive functioning than non‐spouses. There was a significant association between IQCODE and RSS (p < 0.001), and the composite variable informant group and informant gender (p < 0.001). The main effect of the interaction term RSS × informant group + informant gender was not significant. Post hoc test, however, revealed a significant effect of the interaction term RSS × female spouses (p < 0.001) on IQCODE.

Conclusion

IQCODE is associated with informant stress. Categorisation of RSS score into groups of low, intermediate and high risk for psychiatric morbidity can be a valuable contribution to a more meaningful application of RSS in general practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does social capital determine health? Evidence from eight transition countries
Authors: d'Hombres B. , Rocco L. , Suhrcke M. , McKee M.
Published: March 2009

There is growing interest in the role of social relationships in explaining patterns of health. We contribute to this debate by investigating the impact of social capital on self‐reported health for eight countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States. We rely on three indicators of social capital at the individual level (trust, participation in local organisations, social isolation) and employ alternative procedures to estimate consistently the impact of social capital on health. The three social capital indicators are choice variables and are hence, by definition, endogenously determined. We attempt to circumvent the endogeneity problems by using instrumental variable estimates. Our results show that the individual degree of trust is positively and significantly correlated with health, this being true with least squares estimators as well as when relying on instrumental variable estimators with (and without) community fixed effects. Similarly, social isolation is negatively and significantly associated with health, irrespective of the procedure of estimation. On the other hand, the effect of being a member of a Putnamesque organisation is more ambiguous and usually not significantly related to health. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of a novel germline p53 mutation in a patient with glioblastoma and colon cancer
Authors: Yamada Hidetaka , Shinmura Kazuya , Yamamura Yasuhiro , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Nakamura Toshio , Tsuneyoshi Toshihiro , Yokota Naoki , Maekawa Masato , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: March 2009

Germline mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been identified in patients with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and patients with Li‐Fraumeni‐like syndrome (LFL). However, to date, germline p53 mutations in patients not fulfilling the criteria of LFS or LFL have been reported only very rarely. In our study, a novel germline c.584T>C (p.Ile195Thr) mutation of the p53 gene was found in a 21–year‐old male with a glioblastoma and colon cancer. He had no family history of cancer within second‐degree relatives, and loss of the wild‐type p53 allele and overexpression of p53 protein were observed in both tumors. Functional analyses revealed transactivation and growth suppressive function activities of the Thr195‐type p53 to be impaired. These results suggest germline p53 mutations to possibly be responsible for a subset of young adult patient with multiple malignant tumors, even those not meeting the clinical criteria for LFS or LFL. © 2009 UICC
Laryngeal cancer risk associated with smoking and alcohol consumption is modified by genetic polymorphisms in ERCC5, ERCC6 and RAD23B but not by polymorphisms in five other nucleotide excision repair genes
Authors: Abbasi Rashda , Ramroth Heribert , Becher Heiko , Dietz Andreas , Schmezer Peter , Popanda Odilia
Published: March 2009

Laryngeal cancer is known to be associated with smoking and high alcohol consumption. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) plays a key role in repairing DNA damage induced by these exposures and might affect laryngeal cancer susceptibility. In a population‐based case‐control study including 248 cases and 647 controls, the association of laryngeal cancer with 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 8 NER genes (XPC, XPA, ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC4, ERCC5, ERCC6 and RAD23B) was analyzed with respect to smoking and alcohol exposure. For genotyping, sequence specific hybridization probes were used. Data were evaluated by conditional logistic regression analysis, stratified for age and gender, and adjusted for smoking, alcohol consumption and education. Pro‐carriers of ERCC6 Arg1230Pro showed a decreased risk for laryngeal cancer (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.85), strongest in heavy smokers and high alcohol consumers. ERCC5 Asp1104His was associated with risk in heavy smokers (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.1–2.5). Val‐carriers of RAD23B Ala249Val had an increased cancer risk in heavy smokers (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.5) and high alcohol consumers (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.4). The combined effect of smoking and alcohol intake affected risk, at high exposure level, for ERCC6 1230Pro carriers (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22–0.98) and RAD23B 249Val carriers (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–4.9). When tested for gene–gene interaction, presence of 3 risk alleles in the XPC‐RAD23B complex increased the risk 2.1‐fold. SNPs in the other genes did not show a significant association with laryngeal cancer risk. We conclude that common genetic variations in NER genes can significantly modify laryngeal cancer risk. © 2009 UICC
Developmental history of care and control, depression and anger: Correlates of maternal sensitivity in toddlerhood
Authors: Burrous C. Emma , Crockenberg Susan C. , Leerkes Esther M.
Published: March 2009

This study examined maternal sensitivity in response to toddler distress in relation to mothers' childhood care and control experiences with parents, maternal depression, and maternal anger. Fifty‐two mothers and infants participated. Mothers reported childhood care and control experiences prenatally. At 2½ years, mothers reported depressive symptoms and anger on questionnaires, and reported maternal behavior in a daily diary for 1 week, yielding ratings of maternal sensitivity to fear and anger. Results were as follows: (a) Mothers' acceptance during childhood correlated negatively with both maternal depression and maternal anger, and positively with maternal sensitivity to fear at 2½ years; (b) maternal anger mediated the association between childhood care and maternal sensitivity to fear at 2½ years; and (c) the interaction of maternal and paternal control during childhood predicted maternal sensitivity to anger at 2½ years, controlling for maternal education. When maternal control was low, paternal control was positively associated with maternal sensitivity to anger whereas when maternal control was high, paternal control was negatively associated with maternal sensitivity to anger. Results are discussed in relation to prior studies, with particular emphasis on attachment theory. Implications for preventive intervention efforts are considered.
Analyzing and interpreting NSSE data
Authors: Chen Pu‐Shih Daniel , Gonyea Robert M. , Sarraf Shimon A. , BrckaLorenz Allison , Korkmaz Ali , Lambert Amber D. , Shoup Rick , Williams Julie M.
Published: March 2009

Drawing on their experience, current and former NSSE research analysts offer helpful tips and recommendations for institutional researchers on how to analyze student engagement data, including ways to work with multiple years of results and interpret effect sizes.
Toward reflective accountability: Using NSSE for accountability and transparency
Authors: McCormick Alexander C.
Published: March 2009

After setting forth a vision of accountability rooted in professional responsibility, the author discusses how a substantial number of institutions report their NSSE results publicly, both on their own as well as using mechanisms provided by others.
Plasma‐sprayed hydroxyapatite coating on carbon/carbon composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and related tests in vivo
Authors: Cao Ning , Dong Jianwen , Wang Qiangxiu , Ma Quansheng , Wang Feng , Chen Huaying , Xue Chengqian , Li Musen
Published: March 2009

The bioactive hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were successfully prepared on carbon/carbon composites (C/C) by means of sand‐blasting pretreatment and plasma‐spraying technology. X‐ray diffraction was employed to analyze the phase constitute of the coatings. Meanwhile, the bond strength between the HA coatings and C/C substrates was determined via shear test. Experimental results show that the coatings constitute HA, CaO, and other amorphous phosphates. The post heat treatment could effectively increase crystallization and purity of the coatings. Through observation and analysis by electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy, it is concluded that the bond strength of the plasma‐sprayed HA coatings on C/C is mainly determined by the interface structure and can be further improved by the post heat treatment. Meanwhile, the implantation in vivo was carried out in hybrid goats. The histological observation revealed that the osteoplaque gradually grew on the surface of the HA coatings and the pure C/C surface was covered by the fibrous tissues. No inflammation symptoms were found in the bone tissue around the implants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Porous beta tricalcium phosphate scaffolds used as a BMP‐2 delivery system for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Sohier Jérôme , Daculsi Guy , Sourice Sophie , de Groot Klaas , Layrolle Pierre
Published: March 2009

Macroporous beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffolds were evaluated as potential carriers and delivery systems for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Chemical etching was performed to increase the available surface and thus the protein loading. X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectrocopy analyses confirmed the preparation of pure β‐TCP scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed interconnected porosity (64%) and a microporous surface after chemical etching. Scaffolds loaded with 30 and 15 μg of BMP‐2 were implanted respectively into the back muscles and into femoral defects (condyle and diaphysis) of rabbits for 4 weeks. Histological observations confirmed the activity of the BMP‐2 released from the scaffolds. Intramuscularly, bone was formed within the BMP‐2‐loaded scaffold pores. In the bone defects, the effect of released BMP‐2 was similarly noticeable, as evaluated by histomorphometry. The incorporation of BMP‐2 resulted in an amount of newly formed bone that was 1.3 times higher than with unloaded scaffolds. The implant site, however, did not have an effect on bone formation as no statistical differences were measured between cortical (diaphysis) and trabecular (condyle) defects. These results indicate the suitability of chemically etched β‐TCP scaffolds as BMP‐2 carriers, in the context of bone regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Asynchronous DNA replication and origin licensing in the mouse one‐cell embryo
Authors: Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Ward Monika A. , Ward W. Steven
Published: March 2009

To prevent duplicate DNA synthesis, metazoan replication origins are licensed during G1. Only licensed origins can initiate replication, and the cytoplasm interacts with the nucleus to inhibit new licensing during S phase. DNA replication in the mammalian one‐cell embryo is unique because it occurs in two separate pronuclei within the same cytoplasm. Here, we first tested how long after activation the oocyte can continue to support licensing. Because sperm chromatin is licensed de novo after fertilization, the timing of sperm injection can be used to assay licensing initiation. To experimentally skip some of the steps of sperm decondensation, we injected mouse sperm halos into parthenogenetically activated oocytes. We found that de novo licensing was possible for up to 3 h after oocyte activation, and as early as 4 h before DNA replication began. We also found that the oocyte cytoplasm could support asynchronous initiation of DNA synthesis in the two pronuclei with a difference of at least 2 h. We next tested how tightly the oocyte cytoplasm regulates DNA synthesis by transferring paternal pronuclei from zygotes generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into parthenogenetically activated oocytes. The pronuclei from G1 phase zygotes transferred into S phase ooplasm were not induced to prematurely replicate and paternal pronuclei from S phase zygotes transferred into G phase ooplasm continued replication. These data suggest that the one‐cell embryo can be an important model for understanding the regulation of DNA synthesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 214–223, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CTGF enhances migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation via αvβ3 integrin, FAK, ERK, and NF‐κB‐dependent pathway in human chondrosarcoma cells
Authors: Tan Tzu‐Wei , Lai Chih‐Ho , Huang Chun‐Yiu , Yang Wei‐Hung , Chen Hsien‐Te , Hsu Horng‐Chaung , Fong Yi‐Chin , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: March 2009

Tumor malignancy is associated with several features such as proliferation ability and frequency of metastasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a secreted protein that binds to integrins, modulates the invasive behavior of certain human cancer cells. However, the effect of CTGF on migration activity in human chondrosarcoma cells is mostly unknown. Here we found that CTGF increased the migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13 in human chondrosarcoma cells (JJ012 cells). RGD peptide, αvβ3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) but not RAD peptide inhibited the CTGF‐induced increase of the migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation of chondrosarcoma cells. CTGF stimulation increased the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, treatment of JJ012 cells with NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC) or IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK) inhibited CTGF‐induced cell migration and MMP‐13 up‐regulation. Stimulation of JJ012 cells with CTGF also induced IκB kinase α/β (IKK α/β) phosphorylation, IκBα phosphorylation, p65 Ser536 phosphorylation, and κB‐luciferase activity. The CTGF‐mediated increases in κB‐luciferase activities were inhibited by RGD, PD98059, U0126 or FAK, and ERK2 mutant. Taken together, our results indicated that CTGF enhances the migration of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP‐13 expression through the αvβ3 integrin, FAK, ERK, and NF‐κB signal transduction pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 345–356, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing of ethanol fermentation broths by Candida krusei to separate bioethanol by pervaporation using silicone rubber‐coated silicalite membranes
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Morita Tomotake , Nakayama Shunichi , Negishi Hideyuki , Kitamoto Dai , Sakaki Keiji , Oumi Yasunori , Sano Tsuneji , Haraya Kenji , Yanagishita Hiroshi
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Pervaporation employing ethanol‐permselective silicalite membranes as an alternative to distillation is a promising approach for refining low‐concentration bioethanol solutions. However, to make the separation process practicable, it is extremely important to avoid the problems caused by the adsorption of succinate on the membrane during the separation process. In this work, the pervaporation of an ethanol fermentation broth without succinate was investigated, as well as the influence of several fermentation broth nutrient components.

RESULTS: Candida krusei IA‐1 produces an extremely low level of succinate. The decrease in permeate ethanol concentration through a silicone rubber‐coated silicalite membrane during the separation of low‐succinate C. krusei IA‐1 fermentation broth was significantly improved when compared with that obtained using Saccharomyces cerevisiae broth. By treating the fermentation broth with activated carbon, bioethanol was concentrated as efficiently as with binary mixtures of ethanol/water. The total flux was improved upto 56% of that obtained from the separation of binary mixtures, compared with 43% before the addition of activated carbon. Nutrients such as peptone, yeast extract and corn steep liquor had a negative effect on pervaporation, but this response was distinct from that caused by succinate.

CONCLUSION: For consistent separation of bioethanol from C. krusei IA‐1 fermentation broth by pervaporation, it is useful to treat the low nutrient broth with activated carbon. To further improve pervaporation performance, it will be necessary to suppress the accumulation of glycerol. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Muscle senescence in short‐lived wild mammals, the soricine shrews Blarina brevicauda and Sorex palustris
Authors: Hindle Allyson G. , Lawler John M. , Campbell Kevin L. , Horning Markus
Published: March 2009

Red‐toothed (soricine) shrews are consummate predators exhibiting the highest energy turnovers and shortest life spans (ca. 18 months) of any mammal, yet virtually nothing is known regarding their physiological aging. We assessed the emerging pattern of skeletal muscle senescence (contractile/connective tissue components) in sympatric species, the semi‐aquatic water shrew (WS), Sorex palustris, and the terrestrial short‐tailed shrew (STS), Blarina brevicauda, to determine if muscle aging occurs in wild, short‐lived mammals (H0: shrews do not survive to an age where senescence occurs), and if so, whether these alterations are species‐specific. Gracilis muscles were collected from first‐year (n=17) and second‐year (n=17) field‐caught shrews. Consistent with typical mammalian aging, collagen content (% area) increased with age in both species (S. palustris: ∼50%; B. brevicauda: ∼60%). Muscle was dominated by stiffer Type I collagen, and the ratio of collagen Type I:Type III more than doubled with age. The area ratio of muscle:collagen decreased with age in both species, but was considerably lower in adult STS, suggesting species‐specificity of senescence. Extracellular space was age‐elevated in B. brevicauda, but was preserved in S. palustris (∼50 vs. 10% elevation). Though juvenile interspecific comparisons revealed no significance, adult WS myocytes had 68% larger cross‐sectional area and occurred at 28% lower fibers/area than those of adult STS. We demonstrate that age‐related muscle senescence does occur in wild‐caught, short‐lived mammals, and we therefore reject this classic aging theory tenet. Our findings moreover illustrate that differential age adjustments in contractile/connective tissue components of muscle occur in the two species of wild‐caught shrews. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:358–367, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dexamethasone‐conjugated polyethylenimine as an efficient gene carrier with an anti‐apoptotic effect to cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Kim Hyun Ah , Bae Yun Mi , Choi Joon Sig , Lee Minhyung
Published: March 2009

Background

Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid with anti‐inflammatory effects. Dexamethasone can protect ischemic cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. To apply the anti‐apoptotic effect of dexamethasone to ischemic disease gene therapy, dexamethasone‐conjugated polyethylenimine (PEI‐Dexa) was synthesized and evaluated as an anti‐apoptotic gene carrier.

Methods

PEI‐Dexa was synthesized with low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI2K, 2 kDa). The transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of PEI‐Dexa were evaluated by luciferase assay and the MTT assay. To evaluate the anti‐apoptotic effect, PEI‐Dexa/DNA complex was transfected into cells and the cells were treated with H2O2. Cell viability and apoptosis level were measured by the MTT assay and caspase‐3 assay, respectively.

Results

A transfection assay into H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes showed that PEI‐Dexa had the highest transfection efficiency at an 8 : 1 weight ratio (PEI‐Dexa/DNA). At this ratio, PEI‐Dexa had higher transfection efficiency than high molecular polyethylenimine (PEI25K, 25 kDa) and PEI2K. In addition, the cytotoxicity of PEI‐Dexa was lower than that of PEI25K. To evaluate the anti‐apoptotic effect, PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐Luc or PEI2K/pSV‐Luc was transfected into H9C2 cells and the cells were treated with H2O2. PEI‐Dexa was found to reduce caspase‐3 activity and increase cell viability compared to PEI2K. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) can protect ischemic cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Therefore, pSV‐HO‐1 was cloned and transfected into H9C2 cells using PEI‐Dexa. The cells transfected with PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐HO‐1 complex had lower caspase‐3 activity and higher viability than the cells transfected with PEI‐Dexa/pSV‐Luc complex after the H2O2 treatment.

Conclusions

PEI‐Dexa is an efficient gene carrier with an anti‐apoptotic effect and may be useful for anti‐apoptotic gene therapy in combination with pSV‐HO‐1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of pediatric hospital medicine fellowships and training programs
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. ,   Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the structure, components, and training goals of pediatric hospitalist fellowship programs in North America.

DESIGN:

We constructed a 17‐item structured questionnaire to be administered by phone. Questionnaire items focused on documenting goals, training, requirements, and clinical duties of pediatric hospitalist training programs. From February through June 2007, research staff contacted directors of the programs. Responses were analyzed to determine program characteristics, including goals, formal training requirements, clinical rotations, and participation in hospital administrative activities.

RESULTS:

All 8 training programs completed the survey. There appear to be 2 distinct tracks for pediatric hospitalist training programs: clinical or academic specialization. Currently there are no standards or requirements for fellowship training from an external accrediting body and the curriculum for these programs is likely driven by service requirements and speculation on the needs of a future generation of pediatric hospitalists. The stated goals of the programs were quite similar. Seven reported that the provision of advanced training in the clinical care of hospitalized patients, quality improvement (QI), and hospital administration are central goals of their training program. Six reported training in the education of medical students and residents to be a primary goal, while 5 indicated training in health services research as a primary goal.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric hospitalist fellowships are in the very early stages of their development. In time, greater structure across institutions will need to be put in place if they are to succeed in becoming a necessary prerequisite to the practice of hospital medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:157–163. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Subjective realities: Perceptions of identity and conflict in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Langer Arnim , Ukiwo Ukoha
Published: March 2009

Drawing on perceptions survey research conducted in Ghana and Nigeria, this article explores whether differences in the salience of ethnic and religious identities and interethnic and religious attitudes and interaction, might contribute to explaining the different histories of violence and conflict in these two countries. Based on the finding that ethnic identities are more salient in the Nigerian sampled communities than in the Ghanaian ones, whereas national and occupational identities are more salient in Ghana than in Nigeria, the authors suggest that ethnic mobilisation is more likely to be successful in Nigeria than in Ghana. The authors argue that this finding could possibly explain why Nigeria has experienced more incidents of violent conflicts along ethnic lines than Ghana; although the causality is likely to go both ways. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relative influence of phosphorylation and methylation on responsiveness of peptides to MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry
Authors: Gropengiesser Jan , Varadarajan Balamurugan T. , Stephanowitz Heike , Krause Eberhard
Published: March 2009

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of post‐translational protein modifications by mass spectrometry is often hampered by changes in the ionization/detection efficiencies caused by amino acid modifications. This paper reports a comprehensive study of the influence of phosphorylation and methylation on the responsiveness of peptides to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. Using well‐characterized synthetic peptide mixtures consisting of modified peptides and their unmodified analogs, relative ionization/detection efficiencies of phosphorylated, monomethylated, and dimethylated peptides were determined. Our results clearly confirm that the ion yields are generally lower and the signal intensities are reduced with phosphopeptides than with their nonphosphorylated analogs and that this has to be taken into account in MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry. However, the average reduction of ion yield caused by phosphorylation is more pronounced with MALDI than with ESI. The unpredictable impact of phosphorylation does not depend on the hydrophobicity and net charge of the peptide, indicating that reliable quantification of phosphorylation by mass spectrometry requires the use of internal standards. In contrast to phosphorylation, mono‐ and dimethylated peptides frequently exhibit increased signal intensities in MALDI mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). Despite minor matrix‐dependent variability, MALDI methods are well suited for the sensitive detection of dimethylated arginine and lysine peptides. Mono‐ and dimethylation of the arginine guanidino group did not significantly influence the ionization efficiency of peptides in ESI‐MS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corticospinal neurons respond differentially to neurotrophins and myelin‐associated glycoprotein in vitro
Authors: Richter Miranda W. , Roskams A. Jane
Published: March 2009

Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate the survival and outgrowth of corticospinal tract (CST) neurons and other CNS tracts will be a key component in developing novel approaches for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and motor neuron disease (MND). However, the in vivo complexities of these diseases make a systematic evaluation of potential therapeutics that directly affect corticospinal regeneration or survival very challenging. Here, we use Thy1.2 transgenic mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in postnatal day 8 (P8) corticospinal neurons, as a source of CST neurons that have already established synapses in the spinal cord, to assess factors that influence neurite outgrowth and survival of axotomized CST neurons. After culture, YFP‐positive corticospinal neurons represent an enriched neuronal population over other glia and interneurons, survive, and extend processes over time. YFP‐positive CST neurons also continue to express the corticospinal markers CTIP2 and Otx1. CST neurons display different degrees of axon extension, dendritic branch length and elaboration, and neurite elongation in response to neurotrophin‐3 and ciliary neurotrophic factor, and an inhibitory outgrowth response when cultured on myelin‐associated glycoprotein. Some CST neurons are lost with extended culture, which provides a baseline from which we can also assess factors that enhance CST neuron survival. This assay thus allows us to assess independent aspects of CST axonal and dendritic outgrowth kinetics, which allows for the rapid and sensitive investigation of new therapies to address corticospinal neuron outgrowth in the context of CNS injury and neurodegenerative disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.