bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Isocyanides in the Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles
Authors: Lygin Alexander V. , de Meijere Armin
Published: February 2011

Review: ca. 200 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Polyketide Natural Products and Analogues as Promising Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dalby Stephen M. , Paterson Ian
Published: February 2011

Review: 90 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Weapons in Disguise—Activating Mechanisms and Protecting Group Chemistry in Nature
Authors: Kwan Jason C. , Luesch Hendrik
Published: February 2011

Review: [78 refs.]
ChemInform Abstract: Dopaminergic Neuroprotection and Reconstruction of Neural Network Tiara
Authors: Kitamura Yoshihisa
Published: February 2011

Review: 54 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanochemical Synthesis of Organic Compounds and Rapidly Soluble Materials
Authors: Dushkin A. V.
Published: February 2011

Review: 46 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recognition of Chemical Identity of Organic Adsorbates on Solid Surfaces at the Nanoscale by Molecular STM Tips
Authors: Nishino Tomoaki , Umezawa Yoshio
Published: February 2011

Review: 43 refs.
Soil Microbial Abundances and Enzyme Activities in Different Rhizospheres in an Integrated Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland
Authors: Ge Ying , Zhang Chongbang , Jiang Yueping , Yue Chunlei , Jiang Qinsu , Min Hang , Fan Haitian , Zeng Qiang , Chang Jie
Published: February 2011

Rhizosphere microorganism is an important bio‐component for wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands (CWs). Microbial abundance and enzyme activities in the rhizospheres of nine plant species were investigated in an integrated vertical‐flow CW. The abundance of denitrifiers, as well as urease, acid, and alkaline phosphatase activities were positively correlated to plant root biomass. The abundance of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, ammonifiers, denitrifiers, and phosphorus decomposers, related to nutrient removal efficiencies in CWs, greatly varied among rhizospheres of different plant species (p < 0.05). Significant differences in rhizosphere enzyme activity among plant species were also observed (p < 0.05), with the exception of catalase activity. The principal component analysis using the data of microbial abundance and enzyme activity showed that Miscanthus floridulus, Acorus calamus, and Reineckia carnea were candidates to be used in CWs to effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater.
Azamacrocyclic Metal Complexes as CXCR4 Antagonists
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Narumi Tetsuo , Ozaki Taro , Sohma Akira , Ohashi Nami , Hashimoto Chie , Itotani Kyoko , Nomura Wataru , Murakami Tsutomu , Yamamoto Naoki , Tamamura Hirokazu
Published: February 2011

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a member of the seven transmembrane GPCR family, which is implicated in multiple diseases, including HIV infection, cancers, and rheumatoid arthritis. Low‐molecular‐weight nonpeptidic compounds, including AMD3100 and various pyridyl macrocyclic zinc(II) complexes, have been identified as selective antagonists of CXCR4. In the present study, structure–activity relationship studies were performed by combining the common structural features of alkylamino and pyridiyl macrocyclic antagonists. Several new zinc(II) or copper(II) complexes demonstrated potent anti‐HIV activity, strong CXCR4‐binding activity, and significant inhibitory activity against Ca2+ mobilization induced by CXCL12 stimulation. These results may prove useful in the design of novel CXCR4 antagonists, and the compounds described could potentially be developed as therapeutics against CXCR4‐relevant diseases or chemical probes to study the biological activity of CXCR4.
Medical care of type 2 diabetes in German Disease Management Programmes: a population‐based evaluation
Authors: Stark Reneé G. , Schunk Michaela V. , Meisinger Christine , Rathmann Wolfgang , Leidl Reiner , Holle Rolf ,   for the KORA Study Group
Published: February 2011

Objective

Type 2 diabetes disease management programmes (DDMPs) are offered by German social health insurance to promote healthcare consistent with evidence‐based medical guidelines. The aim of this study was to compare healthcare quality and medical endpoints between diabetes management programme participants and patients receiving usual care designated as controls.

Methods

All patients with type 2 diabetes (age range: 36–81) in a cross‐sectional survey of a cohort study, performed by the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg, received a self‐administered questionnaire regarding their diabetes care. Physical examination and laboratory tests were also performed. The analysis only included patients with social health insurance and whose participation status in a diabetes disease management program was validated by the primary physician (n = 166). Regression analyses, adjusting for age, sex, education, diabetes duration, baseline waist circumference and clustering regarding primary physician were conducted.

Results

Evaluation of healthcare processes showed that those in diabetes disease management programmes (n = 89) reported medical examination of eyes and feet and medical advice regarding diet [odds ratio (OR): 2.39] and physical activity (OR: 2.87) more frequently, received anti‐diabetic medications (OR: 3.77) and diabetes education more often (OR: 2.66) than controls. Both groups had satisfactory HbA1c control but poor low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol control. Blood pressure goals (<140/90 mmHg) were achieved more frequently by patients in diabetes disease management programmes (OR: 2.21).

Conclusions

German diabetes disease management programmes are associated with improved healthcare processes and blood pressure control. Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol control must be improved for all patients with diabetes. Further research will be required to assess the long‐term effects of this diabetes disease management programme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogenases and the Global H2 Cycle
Authors: Thauer Rudolf Kurt
Published: February 2011

This essay for EurJIC's cluster issue on hydrogenases introduces the reader into the global H2 cycle and the structure and function of the three different types of hydrogenase involved in proton reduction and H2 oxidation. The mechanism, biosynthesis, evolution, and application of hydrogenases are shortly addressed, which are topics dealt with in more depth in the individual contributions.
Strategies for the reduction of 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds in vegetable oils
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand , Pudel Frank , Fehling Peer , Vosmann Klaus , Freudenstein Anne
Published: February 2011

For the reduction of 3‐monochloro‐1,2‐propanediol fatty acid esters (3‐MCPD esters) and related compounds in edible fats and oils three different strategies are conceivable: removal of critical reactants from the raw material, changing of the refining process or removal of formed 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds from the refined product. This paper discusses these possibilities and shows that different raw materials have different capabilities to form 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds, whereas palm oil, but also corn oil or coconut oil possess the highest potential for the formation. Washing of the raw material before the refining process with water or ethanol (75%) reduced the capability for the formation of 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds in palm oil for about 20 and 25%, respectively. The paper shows that chloride and DAGs seem to be important precursors for the formation of 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds. A hypothesis was defined that a content of 4% DAGs could be a threshold for a higher potential of the raw material for the formation of the esters. Using acid solutions (formic acid) instead of water for the generation of strip steam during deodorization resulted in a reduction of the formation of glycidyl esters for about 35%.

Practical application: In a first statement the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) but also others recommended to search for alternative techniques for the production of edible oils to ensure lower levels of 3‐MCPD esters and related compound. Changing the selection criteria for the raw material, improving the raw material before refining or removal of 3‐MCPD esters and related compounds after refining have the advantage that the refining process which has been optimized over the last 100 years regarding oil quality does not need to be changed.
Negotiating dual identities: The impact of group‐based rejection on identification and acculturation
Authors: Badea Constantina , Jetten Jolanda , Iyer Aarti , Er‐rafiy Abdelatif
Published: February 2011

We propose that to understand how rejection perceptions affect immigrants' acculturation orientations, we need to take account of perceptions of rejection and group identification with both the host society and the country of origin. In line with previous work, we found among Romanians and Moroccan immigrants in France that perceived French rejection directly affected French identification and acculturation orientations. In addition, perceived rejection by the country of origin (Romanians and Moroccans in the country of origin) negatively affected immigrants' identification with this group. In turn, identification with the country of origin positively predicted endorsement of integration and separation orientations, and negatively predicted endorsement of assimilation. Overall, results suggest that identification with the country of origin is an additional important factor in determining acculturation decisions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking self and ingroup: Self‐anchoring as distinctive cognitive route to social identification
Authors: van Veelen Ruth , Otten Sabine , Hansen Nina
Published: February 2011

The present paper investigates how cognitive projection processes instigate social identification. We complement the classical self‐stereotyping approach (i.e., conforming to prototypical group norms) by investigating self‐anchoring (i.e., projection from self to group) as a distinct cognitive route to social identification. Self‐anchoring has mainly been investigated as predictor of intergroup differentiation. Surprisingly, no reliable link has been provided yet between self‐anchoring and social identification. In Study 1, we provide first evidence for this positive link. In Study 2, we add self‐stereotyping to our model and show that self‐anchoring is still positively related to social identification when controlling for self‐stereotyping. Additionally, we show that self‐anchoring is positively related to affective components of identification, while self‐stereotyping is positively related to cognitive components. Moreover, we examined the impact of self‐concept stability on self‐anchoring. Self‐concept stability was positively related to self‐anchoring, and hence to social identification (Study 1), independently from self‐stereotyping (Study 2). In the discussion, we argue that disentangling self‐anchoring from self‐stereotyping is important as it increases our insight in how people identify, and how this may vary depending on self‐concept and group context. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retention behavior and selectivity of a latex nanoparticle pseudostationary phase for electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Palmer Christopher P. , Keeffer Allison , Hilder Emily F. , Haddad Paul R.
Published: February 2011

The retention characteristics and separation selectivity of a novel latex nanoparticle (NP) pseudostationary phase (PSP) for electrokinetic chromatography have been characterized. The anionic NPs have very low or no affinity for cationic solutes, but show significant interactions and retention based on hydrophobic interactions. Retention factors of alkyl‐phenyl ketones increase linearly with the concentration of the NPs and have zero or near zero y‐intercepts as expected for electrokinetic chromatography with non‐micellar PSPs. The retention factors of these solutes and representative pharmaceuticals decrease logarithmically with increases in the concentration of ACN in the background electrolyte, as expected for reversed‐phase retention. Linear solvation energy relationship analysis indicates that the NPs are less cohesive than would be expected for polymeric PSPs with similar structure but that the overall separation selectivity can be expected to be similar to polymer PSPs with similar backbone chemistry. The results indicate that the hydrophobic core of the NPs is non‐cohesive and is highly accessible to solutes, whereas the ionic head groups are not as accessible and do not contribute substantially to retention or selectivity.
Ecosystem valuation: some principles and a partial application
Authors: Morse‐Jones Sian , Luisetti Tiziana , Turner R. Kerry , Fisher Brendan
Published: February 2011

Understanding the economic value of nature and the services it provides to humanity has become increasingly important for local, national and global policy, and decision‐making. However, problems arise in that it is difficult to obtain meaningful values for goods and services that ecosystems provide which have no formal market, or are characteristically intangible. Additional problems occur when economic methods are applied inappropriately and when the importance of ecosystem maintenance for human welfare is underestimated. In this article, we provide clarification to practitioners on important considerations in ecosystem services valuation. We first review and adapt definitions of ecosystem services in order to make an operational link to valuation methods. We make a distinction between intermediate and final ecosystem services and also identify non‐monetary ways to incorporate regulatory and support services into decision‐making. We then discuss the spatially explicit nature of ecosystem service provision and benefits capture, and highlight the issues surrounding the valuing of marginal changes, nonlinearities in service benefits, and the significance of non‐convexities (threshold effects). Finally, we argue for a sequential decision support system that can lead to a more integrated and rigorous approach to ecosystem valuation and illustrate some of its features in a coastal ecosystem management context. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bivariate compound Poisson model for the occurrence of foreshock and aftershock sequences in Turkey
Authors: Özel Gamze
Published: February 2011

In this paper, a bivariate compound Poisson model is proposed and the probabilistic characteristics of this model, such as the joint probability function, covariance, and correlation coefficient are derived. Then, an algorithm is prepared in Oracle database to obtain the probabilities quickly. As an application, mainshocks with surface wave magnitudes, that occurred in Turkey between 1900 and 2009, their foreshock and aftershock sequences in the coordinates (39–42°N) and (26–45°E) are studied. The joint probability function, covariance, and correlation coefficient of total numbers of foreshock and aftershock sequences are obtained from the bivariate compound Poisson process using this data set. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A locally conservative, discontinuous least‐squares finite element method for the Stokes equations
Authors: Bochev Pavel , Lai James , Olson Luke
Published: February 2011

Conventional least‐squares finite element methods (LSFEMs) for incompressible flows conserve mass only approximately. For some problems, mass loss levels are large and result in unphysical solutions. In this paper we formulate a new, locally conservative LSFEM for the Stokes equations wherein a discrete velocity field is computed that is point‐wise divergence free on each element. The central idea is to allow discontinuous velocity approximations and then to define the velocity field on each element using a local stream‐function. The effect of the new LSFEM approach on improved local and global mass conservation is compared with a conventional LSFEM for the Stokes equations employing standard C0 Lagrangian elements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen Mass Transport in Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Electrodes
Authors: St‐Pierre J.
Published: February 2011

An oxygen transport model derived for limiting current density operation was employed to explore its use for hydrogen transport. Limiting current data obtained from a variety of fuel cell designs (alkaline, proton exchange membrane, sulphuric acid) demonstrated the model's validity and allowed determination of the hydrogen mass transport coefficient, a key cell performance parameter. Under specific operating conditions, the proposed model is consistent with the continuous stirred tank reactor and the logarithmic mean concentration difference models. The proposed model is preferable because it is more general and derived from a specific physical mechanism. Experimental precautions needed to ensure well‐defined limiting currents without the presence of artefacts were reemphasized and expanded. Model use for predictive purposes is also briefly discussed.
LOHAS: loss‐of‐heterozygosity analysis suite
Authors: Yang Hsin‐Chou , Chang Lun‐Ching , Huggins Richard M. , Chen Chun‐Houh , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: February 2011

Detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) plays an important role in genetic, genomic and cancer research. We develop computational methods to estimate the proportion of homozygous SNP calls, identify samples with structural alterations and/or unusual genotypic patterns, cluster samples with close LOH structures and map the genomic segments bearing LOH by analyzing data of genome‐wide SNP arrays or customized SNP arrays. In addition to cancer genetics/genomics, we also apply the methods to study long contiguous stretches of homozygosity (LCSH) in general populations. The LCSH analysis aids in the identification of samples with complex LCSH patterns indicative of nonrandom mating and/or meiotic recombination cold spots, separation of samples with different genetic backgrounds and sex, and mapping of regions of LCSH. Affymetrix Human Mapping 500K Set SNP data from an acute lymphoblastic leukemia study containing 304 cancer patients and 50 normal controls and from the HapMap Project containing 30 African trios, 30 Caucasian trios and 90 independent Asian samples were analyzed. We identified common gene regions of LOH, e.g., ETV6 and CDKN1B, and identified frequent regions of LCSH, e.g., the region that encompasses the centromeric gene desert region of chromosome 16. Unsupervised analysis separated cancer subtypes and ethnic subpopulations by patterns of LOH/LCSH. Simulation studies considering LOH width, effect size and heterozygous interference fraction were performed, and the results show that the proposed LOH association test has good test power and controls type 1 error well. The developed algorithms are packaged into LOHAS written in R and R GUI. Genet. Epidemiol. 35: 247‐260, 2011.  © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effectiveness of behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in older adults: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Samad Zara , Brealey Stephen , Gilbody Simon
Published: February 2011

Objective

To systematically review the effectiveness of behavioural therapy in depressed older adults.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to July 2009. Reference lists of systematic reviews and identified studies from the search strategy were also screened. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural therapy compared with waiting list controls or other psychotherapies in older adults (aged ≥55 years) with clinical depression were included. One author independently identified studies for inclusion. Two authors extracted data and assessed the included studies for risk of bias. Estimates of depression were combined using a random effects model and the I2 statistic to examine heterogeneity.

Results

Four RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. For post‐treatment self‐rated depression symptoms, behavioural therapy was not significantly more effective than a waiting list control [standardised mean difference (SMD) of −0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.35 to 0.30, p = 0.21, n = 117], cognitive therapy (SMD of 0.23, 95% CI −0.24 to 0.70, p = 0.33, n = 134) or brief psychodynamic therapy (SMD of −0.37, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.11, p = 0.13, n = 69). For post‐treatment clinician‐rated depression, behavioural therapy was not significantly more effective than cognitive therapy or brief psychodynamic therapy but was significantly more effective than a waiting list control (weighted mean difference (WMD) of −5.68, 95% CI −7.71 to −3.66, p < 0.001, n = 117).

Conclusions

Behavioural therapy in depressed older adults appears to have comparable effectiveness with alternative psychotherapies. Further research is recommended with the need for larger sample sizes, more clarity on trial design and the intervention, longer term follow‐up and concomitant economic evaluations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic accuracy of clathrin heavy chain staining in a marker panel for the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Di Tommaso Luca , Destro Annarita , Fabbris Valentina , Spagnuolo Gaia , Laura Fracanzani Anna , Fargion Silvia , Maggioni Marco , Patriarca Carlo , Maria Macchi Roberto , Quagliuolo Michela , Borzio Mauro , Iavarone Massimo , Sangiovanni Angelo , Colombo Massimo , Roncalli Massimo
Published: February 2011

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines recommend the use of all available markers for improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To determine whether clathrin heavy chain (CHC), a novel HCC marker, is effective in combination with glypican 3 (GPC3), heat shock protein 70, and glutamine synthetase, we compared the performances of a three-marker panel (without CHC) and a four-marker panel (with CHC) in a series of small HCCs (≤2 cm) and nonsmall HCCs by core biopsy with a 20- to 21-gauge needle. The series included 39 nonsmall HCCs and 47 small HCCs (86 in all); the latter showed a well-differentiated histology [small grade 1 (G1)] in 30 cases (63.8%). The panel specificity was analyzed with the adjacent/extranodular cirrhotic liver (n = 30) and low-grade (n = 15) and high-grade dysplastic nodules (n = 16) as a control group. Absolute specificity (100%) for HCC was obtained only when at least two of the markers were positive (which two markers were positive did not matter). The addition of CHC to the panel increased the diagnostic accuracy for small HCCs (from 76.9% to 84.3%), and there was an important gain in sensitivity (from 46.8% to 63.8%). The four-marker panel had lower rates of accuracy (67.4%) and sensitivity (50%) for small G1 HCCs versus nonsmall G1 HCCs (93.9% and 88.2%, respectively). In seven cases (including six small G1 HCCs), there was no staining with any of the markers. Cirrhotic control livers were stained for CHC in four cases (13.3%) and for GPC3 in one case (3.3%).

Conclusion:

The addition of CHC to the panel supports the diagnosis of small HCCs in challenging nodules on thin core biopsy samples. Small G1 HCCs include a group of earlier tumors characterized by a more silent phenotype and the progressive acquisition of the markers under study. The search for additional markers for early HCC diagnosis is warranted. (Hepatology 2011;)
Elevated Dickkopf-2 levels contribute to the abnormal phenotype of human osteoarthritic osteoblasts
Authors: Chan Thomas F. , Couchourel Denis , Abed Élie , Delalandre Aline , Duval Nicolas , Lajeunesse Daniel
Published: February 2011

The Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for osteogenesis and regulates terminal osteoblast differentiation. Although osteoarthritic (OA) osteoblasts show an abnormal phenotype and poor in vitro mineralization, the mechanism leading to this situation still remains unknow. Recent evidence indicates that Wnt signaling may be altered in OA osteoblasts. In this study we determined whether an alteration of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is responsible for the abnormal phenotype of OA osteoblasts. Expression of the Wnt signaling antagonist Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) was similar in normal and OA osteoblasts, whereas DKK2 expression was higher in OA osteoblasts than in normal osteoblasts. OA osteoblasts showed a decrease of Wnt3a-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling, measured by the TOPflash reporter assay and by Western blot analysis, compared with normal osteoblasts. Correcting DKK2 levels in OA osteoblasts by siRNA techniques enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Elevated DKK2 levels could be explained by elevated transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in OA osteoblasts, and exogenous TGF-β1 increased DKK2 expression in normal osteoblasts, whereas ablating TGF-β1 expression in OA osteoblasts reduced DKK2 expression. Inhibiting TGF-β1 or DKK2 expression corrected the abnormal phenotype of OA osteoblasts. In vitro mineralization of OA osteoblasts also was increased by DKK2 siRNA. We conclude that elevated TGF-β1 levels in OA osteoblasts can stimulate DKK2 expression, which, in turn, is responsible, at least in part, for their abnormal phenotype. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
IGF-1R signaling in chondrocytes modulates growth plate development by interacting with the PTHrP/Ihh pathway
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Cheng Zhiqiang , ElAlieh Hashem Z , Nakamura Eiichiro , Nguyen Minh-Thanh , Mackem Susan , Clemens Thomas L , Bikle Daniel D , Chang Wenhan
Published: February 2011

Systemic derangements and perinatal death of generalized insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) knockout mice preclude definitive assessment of IGF-1R actions in growth-plate (GP) chondrocytes. We generated cartilage-specific Igf1r knockout (CartIgf1r−/−) mice to investigate local control of chondrocyte differentiation in the GP by this receptor. These mice died shortly after birth and showed disorganized chondrocyte columns, delayed ossification and vascular invasion, decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and increased expression of parathyroid hormone–related protein (Pthrp) RNA and protein in their GPs. The increased Pthrp expression in the knockout GPs likely was due to an increase in gene transcription, as determined by the increased activity of a LacZ reporter that was inserted downstream of the endogenous PTHrP promoter and bred into the knockout mice. To circumvent the early death of CartIgf1r−/− mice and investigate the role of IGF-1R during postnatal growth, we made tamoxifen (Tam)–inducible, cartilage-specific Igf1r knockout (TamCartIgf1r−/−) mice. At 2 weeks of age and 7 to 8 days after Tam injection, the TamCartIgf1r−/− mice showed growth retardation with a disorganized GP, reduced chondrocyte proliferation, decreased type 2 collagen and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) expression, but increased expression of PTHrP. Consistent with in vivo observations, in vitro knockout of the Igf1r gene by adenoviral expression of Cre recombinase suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and increased Pthrp expression. Our data indicate that the IGF-1R in chondrocytes controls cell growth, survival, and differentiation in embryonic and postnatal GPs in part by suppression of Pthrp expression. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Trabecular bone of growth plate origin influences both trabecular and cortical morphology in adulthood
Authors: Wang Qingju , Ghasem-Zadeh Ali , Wang Xiao-Fang , Iuliano-Burns Sandra , Seeman Ego
Published: February 2011

Skeletal fragility is common at metaphyseal regions of long bones. The cortices of this region are derived by coalescence of trabeculae around the periphery of the growth plate, not by periosteal apposition, as occurs in the diaphyses. We therefore hypothesized that trabecular bone in childhood predicted both cortical and trabecular morphology in adulthood. To test this hypothesis, we measured distal radial and tibial structure using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in 61 daughter-mother pairs, mean age 12.5 years (range 7 to 19 years) and 44.1 years (range 32 to 50 years), respectively. The daughters' trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), thickness, number, and separation predicted the corresponding traits in their mothers. Their trabecular BV/TV also predicted their mothers' cortical thickness (r = 0.32, p = .02). By contrast, the daughters' cortical thickness did not predict their mothers' cortical thickness. The daughters had higher trabecular BV/TV than their mothers (mean ± SD, radius 0.134 ± 0.024 versus 0.124 ± 0.033, p = .03; tibia 0.145 ± 0.021 versus 0.135 ± 0.032, p < .01) owing to greater trabecular number, not thickness, and less trabecular separation. Abnormalities in the development of metaphyseal trabecular bone are likely to influence fragility in both trabecular and cortical bone of this region in adulthood. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Leukocyte‐mediated cell dissemination and metastasis: Findings from multiple types of human tumors
Authors: Man Yan‐gao , Mason Jeffrey , Harley Russell , Kim Yeon Ho , Zhu Kangmin , Gardner William A.
Published: February 2011

Our previous studies revealed that leukocyte infiltration could trigger human breast and prostate tumor invasion through focal disruptions of the tumor capsule, which selectively favors monoclonal proliferation of tumor progenitors or a biologically more aggressive cell clone overlying the focal disruptions. Our current study, involving multiple types of human tumors, further shows that leukocyte infiltration could also trigger tumor metastasis through the following pathways: [1] more leukocytes migrate to focally disrupted tumor capsules, which forms leukocyte aggregates surrounding newly formed tumor cell clusters, [2] the physical movement of leukocytes into proliferating tumor cells disrupts the intercellular junctions and cell‐surface adhesion molecules, causing the disassociation of tumor cells from the tumor core, [3] leukocytes are conjoined with some of these tumor cells through plasma membrane fusion, creating tumor cell–leukocyte chimeras (TLCs), and [4] the leukocyte of TLCs impart migratory capacity to associated tumor cell partners, physically dragging them to different tissue sites. Our findings suggest a novel pathway for tumor cell dissemination from the primary sites and the subsequent journey to new sites. Our findings also provide a unique explanation for the cellular mechanism of leukocytes on tumor invasion and metastasis. If confirmed, our hypothesis and technical approach may significantly facilitate early detection and intervention of tumor invasion and metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1154–1167, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MicroRNA identity and abundance in developing swine adipose tissue as determined by solexa sequencing
Authors: Li Guoxi , Li Yanjie , Li Xinjian , Ning Xiaomin , Li Meihang , Yang Gongshe
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ∼22‐nt regulatory RNAs that regulate the stability and translation of cognate mRNAs. MiRNAs participate in the regulation of adipogenesis, and identification of the full repertoire of miRNAs expressed in adipose tissue is likely to significantly increase our understanding of adipose tissue growth and development. Here, we adopted a deep sequencing approach to determine the identity and abundance of miRNAs in developing swine adipose tissue. Via this approach, we identified the sequences and relative expression levels of 227 conserved miRNAs (of which 59 were novel) and 66 potential porcine miRNAs. The expression levels displayed a large range, as reflected by the number of sequence reads, which varied from several counts for rare miRNAs to several million reads for the most abundant miRNAs. The abundant miRNAs principally belonged to 32 miRNA gene families, including miR‐143, miR‐103, let‐7, and miR‐148. Of the conserved miRNAs, 93 miRNAs were up‐regulated and 33 miRNAs were down‐regulated in the adult pig adipose tissue. Moreover, we observed sequence variants and seed edits of the miRNAs. KEGG pathway analysis and GO term enrichment suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are involved in adipose tissue development, signal transduction, cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix communication, neural development and function, and lipid metabolism including carboxylic acid, oxoacid, fatty acid, steroid, glycerolipid, alcohol and phospholipid metabolism. Our results expand the number of known porcine miRNAs and provide a thorough account of the miRNA transcriptome in porcine adipose tissue. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1318–1328, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newly cleaned physician uniforms and infrequently washed white coats have similar rates of bacterial contamination after an 8‐hour workday: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Burden Marisha , Cervantes Lilia , Weed Diane , Keniston Angela , Price Connie S. , Albert Richard K.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND:

Governmental agencies in the United Kingdom and Scotland have recently instituted guidelines banning physicians' white coats and the wearing of long‐sleeved garments to decrease nosocomial transmission of bacteria.

OBJECTIVE:

Our aim was to compare the degree of bacterial and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of physicians' white coats with that of newly laundered, standardized short‐sleeved uniforms after an 8‐hour workday and to determine the rate at which bacterial contamination of the uniform ensued.

DESIGN:

The design was a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:

The setting was a university‐affiliated public safety‐net hospital.

PARTICIPANTS:

One hundred residents and hospitalists on an internal medicine service participated.

INTERVENTION:

Subjects wore either a physician's white coat or a newly laundered short‐sleeved uniform.

MEASUREMENTS:

Bacterial colony count and the frequency with which methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from both garments over time were measured.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were found in bacterial or methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of physicians' white coats compared with newly laundered short‐sleeved uniforms or in contamination of the skin at the wrists of physicians wearing either garment. Colony counts of newly laundered uniforms were essentially zero, but after 3 hours of wear they were nearly 50% of those counted at 8 hours.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bacterial contamination occurs within hours after donning newly laundered short‐sleeved uniforms. After 8 hours of wear, no difference was observed in the degree of contamination of uniforms versus infrequently laundered white coats. Our data do not support discarding long‐sleeved white coats for short‐sleeved uniforms that are changed on a daily basis. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Back to the Roots: Prediction of Biologically Active Natural Products from Ayurveda Traditional Medicine
Authors: Polur Honey , Joshi Tejal , Workman Christopher T. , Lavekar Gandhidas , Kouskoumvekaki Irene
Published: February 2011

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine is one of the most ancient, yet living medicinal traditions. In the present work, we developed an in silico library of natural products from Ayurveda medicine, coupled with structural information, plant origin and traditional therapeutic use. Following this, we compared their structures with those of drugs from DrugBank and we constructed a structural similarity network. Information on the traditional therapeutic use of the plants was integrated in the network in order to provide further evidence for the predicted biologically active natural compounds. We hereby present a number of examples where the traditional medicinal use of the plant matches with the medicinal use of the drug that is structurally similar to a plant component. With this approach, we have brought to light a number of obscure compounds of natural origin (e.g. kanugin, norruffscine, isoazadirolide) that could provide the basis and inspiration for further lead development. Apart from the identification of novel natural leads in drug discovery, we envisage that this integrated in silico ethnopharmacology approach could find applications in the elucidation of the molecular basis of Ayurveda medicine and in drug repurposing.
High‐field MRS of the human brain at short TE and TR
Authors: Boer Vincent O. , Siero Jeroen C.W. , Hoogduin Hans , van Gorp Jetse S. , Luijten Peter R. , Klomp Dennis W.J.
Published: February 2011

In vivo MRS of the human brain at 7 tesla allows identification of a large number of metabolites at higher spatial resolutions than currently possible at lower field strengths. However, several challenges complicate in vivo localization and artifact suppression in MRS at high spatial resolution within a clinically feasible scan time at 7 tesla. Published MRS sequences at 7 tesla suffer from long echo times, inherent signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) loss, large chemical shift displacement artifacts or long repetition times because of excessive radiofrequency (RF) power deposition. In the present study a pulse‐acquire sequence was used that does not suffer from these high field drawbacks. A slice selective excitation combined with high resolution chemical shift imaging for in‐plane localization was used to limit chemical shift displacement artifacts. The pulse‐acquire approach resulted in a very short echo time of 1.4 ms. A cost function guided shimming algorithm was developed to constrain frequency offsets in the excited slice, therefore adiabatic frequency selective suppression could be employed to minimize artifacts from high intensity lipids and water signals in the excited slice. The high sensitivity at a TR of 1 s was demonstrated both on a supraventricular slice as well as in an area very close to the skull in the frontal cortex at a nominal spatial resolution of 0.25 cc within a feasible scan time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilization of calcium oxide onto chitosan beads as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Fu Chun‐Chong , Hung Tien‐Chieh , Su Chia‐Hung , Suryani Devi , Wu Wen‐Teng , Dai Wei‐Chen , Yeh Yea‐Tyam
Published: February 2011

A biopolymer, chitosan, was used as a novel substrate for the immobilization of calcium oxide (CaO). CaO immobilized onto chitosan beads was employed as a heterogeneous catalyst to produce biodiesel catalytically, through transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. To obtain a stable immobilized catalyst, the chitosan beads with immobilized CaO were cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde. Two crosslinking parameters, crosslinking time and glutaraldehyde concentration, were studied to reveal the optimal immobilization conditions, which were 30 min and 0.22 mol L−1, respectively. Under those conditions, an immobilized catalyst with a very low degree of CaO leaching could be obtained. The immobilized CaO catalyst obtained was investigated by being used to catalyze the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. The transesterification rate, which was affected by catalyst loading, molar ratio of methanol to oil and temperature, was investigated by using response surface methodology. A maximum reaction rate of 0.6 h−1 was obtained at 60 °C, methanol to oil molar ratio of 13.4 and catalyst loading of 13.78 wt%. Under these reaction conditions, the equilibrium conversion of soybean oil was 97% after 3 h of reaction time. In addition, the immobilized catalyst could be reused at least five times. This study developed an easy and energy‐efficient process for preparing a chitosan‐based immobilized CaO catalyst, which is promising for potential applications including biodiesel production. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Property tailoring of phenol–formaldehyde matrices by control of reactant molar ratio and thermoplastic modification
Authors: Gabilondo Nagore , Martin Loli , Retegi Aloña , Mondragon Inaki , Berglund Lars A
Published: February 2011

High modulus, strength and thermal stability make phenol–formaldehyde resins (PFRs) interesting as matrices for nanocomposites. Four PFR matrices synthesized with different formaldehyde (F) to phenol (P) molar ratios were investigated, as well as the influence of thermoplastic modification on their mechanical properties. The effectiveness of a specific curing cycle for obtaining macrovoid‐ and microvoid‐free specimens by controlling the thickness of samples is demonstrated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results reveal that F content increases the presence of oxidized linkages as benzophenones and fully substituted aromatic structures. PFR matrices with highest F content present the highest values of main transition temperature and flexural modulus up to an F/P ratio of 1.8, revealing the achievement of a densely crosslinked and rigid structure. A selected PFR matrix was modified with 5, 10 and 15 wt% of two poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) thermoplastics of differing molecular weight. Phase separation occurs before gelation in all cases leading to different morphologies, observed using atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy, depending on PVB content: PVB‐rich particles in PFR‐rich matrix for 5 wt% and co‐continuous dual morphology for 10 and 15 wt% for both PVBs. Strength improvement is achieved for PFR matrices modified with 5 wt% of PVB associated with a tailored particulate morphology with a particle size of around 1.2 µm. Finally, 5 and 10 wt% PVB‐modified PFR materials exhibit a very high thermal stability with degradation temperatures very close to those for neat PFR matrix. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of band structure and transition matrix elements on polarization properties of the photoluminescence of semipolar and nonpolar InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Schade L. , Schwarz U. T. , Wernicke T. , Weyers M. , Kneissl M.
Published: February 2011

Partial or full linear polarization is characteristic for the spontaneous emission of light from semipolar and nonpolar InGaN quantum wells. This property is an implication of the crystalline anisotropy as a basic property of the wurtzite structure. The influence of this anisotropy on the band structure and the transition matrix elements was calculated by a ${\bf k}\cdot {\bf p}$‐method for arbitrary quantum well orientations with respect to the c‐axis; results are shown here in detail. Optical polarization is a direct consequence of a broken symmetry, mainly affecting the transition matrix elements from the conduction to the valence bands. Furthermore, the strain of the InGaN quantum well strongly depends on the crystal orientation of the substrate, resulting in a valence band mixing. The composition of the eigenfunctions has emerged to be most important for the polarization dependence of strained semipolar and nonpolar InGaN QW. The matrix elements, in combination with the thermal occupation of the bands, determine the polarization of the spontaneously emitted light. Our photoluminescence measurements of nonpolar QW match well with this model. However, in contrast to calculations with standard band parameters, the two topmost subbands show a larger separation in the emitted energy.
Sampled‐data H∞ filtering for stochastic genetic regulatory networks
Authors: Shen Bo , Wang Zidong , Liang Jinling , Liu Xiaohui
Published: February 2011

This paper is concerned with the sampled‐data Hinfty filtering problem for a class of stochastic genetic regulatory networks with both extrinsic and intrinsic disturbances. The extrinsic disturbance and intrinsic noises are described, respectively, by an unknown signal with finite energy and a set of scalar Brownian motions. The expression levels of the mRNA and protein of the considered genetic regulatory network are sampled and then transmitted to the filter in order to estimate the states of the genetic network under consideration. The corresponding filtering error dynamics is then represented by means of a system with time‐varying delay. By constructing a simple yet practical Lyapunov functional that reflects all the information about the system complexity, sufficient conditions are established so as to guarantee both the exponential mean‐square stability and the H∞ performance for the filtering error dynamics. It is shown that the desired sampled‐data H∞ filter exists if certain matrix inequalities are solvable where the solvability can be readily checked by using the available software. Finally, a simulation example is employed to show the effectiveness of the filtering scheme proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensus strategy for a class of multi‐agents with discrete second‐order dynamics
Authors: Qin Jiahu , Gao Huijun , Zheng Wei Xing
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates consensus strategies for a group of agents with discrete second‐order dynamics under directed communication topology. Consensus analysis for both the fixed topology and time‐varying topology cases is systematically performed by employing a novel graph theoretic methodology as well as the classical nonnegative matrix theory. Furthermore, it is shown that the necessary and sufficient condition for the agents under fixed communication topology to reach consensus is that the communication topology has a spanning tree; and sufficient conditions for the agents to reach consensus when allowing for the dynamically changing communication topologies are also given. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE INFLUENCE OF HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY ON FOOD WEB STRUCTURE IN FLOODPLAIN LAKES
Authors: Reid M. A. , Delong M. D. , Thoms M. C.
Published: February 2011

Hydrological connectivity is an important driver of ecosystem structure in floodplain rivers; however, little is known of how hydrological connectivity affects the structure and functioning of food webs in these systems. This study examines aquatic food web structure in 10 floodplain lakes on a dryland river floodplain in eastern Australia across a connectivity gradient. Results for fishes suggest that benthic carbon sources are more important in high connectivity billabongs than in low connectivity billabongs and that pelagic sources are more important in low connectivity billabongs than in high connectivity billabongs. Fishes in less connected billabongs were also found to feed at higher trophic levels than in more connected billabongs. We hypothesize that in high connectivity billabongs, where suitable benthic primary sources are abundant, common fish species such as carp and bony bream feed as detritivores or herbivores; while in low connectivity billabongs, where benthic sources are less abundant, the same species feed as planktivores, insectivores or piscivores. This dietary difference may also be promoted by greater predation efficiency in less structurally complex low connectivity billabongs. The feeding behaviour of these fish species subsequently influences the trophic positions of fishes higher in the food chain and ultimately the total food chain lengths that high and low connectivity billabongs support. The results of this study highlight the importance of hydrological connectivity to the structure of food webs in these systems and the potential for them to be affected by water resource development. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin monolayer of rubrene on Au(111) induced by charge transfer
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Qing , Kong Hui‐Hui , Song Xin , Liu Lei , Wang Li
Published: February 2011

An ultrathin self‐assembly monolayer of rubrene on Au(111) has been fabricated and studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. The apparent thickness of such monolayer is 0.08 nm and close to the radius of a carbon atom. Moreover, the rubrene molecules within the second layer prefer adsorbing on to the positions corresponding to the herringbone structure underneath the Au(111)–() while the Au surface is fully covered by a monolayer of rubrene. With the assistant with theoretical simulations, we reveal that small apparent height of such monolayer is due to the coupling between the molecular orbitals and the gold surface. About 0.237 electron per rubrene molecule is transferred to the surface, and as a consequence, an interfacial dipole is formed on the rubrene/Au interface. The formation of such interfacial dipole induced by charge transfer from molecules to surfaces is believed to be applied in organic molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.