bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Universal Influenza A and B Duplex Real‐time RT‐PCR Assay
Authors: Lee Hong Kai , Loh Tze Ping , Lee Chun Kiat , Tang Julian Wei‐Tze , Chiu Lily , Koay Evelyn Siew‐Chuan
Published: August 2012

A high throughput universal influenza A and B duplex real‐time RT‐PCR was developed to meet effectively the heightened surveillance and diagnostic needs essential in managing influenza infections and outbreaks. Primers and probes, designed to target highly conserved regions of the matrix protein of influenza A and the nucleoprotein of influenza B, were optimized using the high‐throughput LightCycler 480 II system. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were characterized using RNA transcripts diluted serially, archived non‐influenza respiratory viruses, and proficiency test samples. Eighty‐nine clinical samples were tested in parallel against existing influenza A and B monoplex assays. Once validated, the duplex assay was applied prospectively on 2,458 clinical specimens that were later subtyped. In April 2011, the emergence of an influenza B variant necessitated the inclusion of an additional modified probe for influenza B and revalidation of the revised protocol. The lower detection limits of the assay were 50 copies/PCR. There was no cross‐reactivity against any non‐influenza respiratory virus and all proficiency testing materials were identified correctly. The parallel testing revealed a 98.9% overall agreement. Routine application of the assay revealed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of influenza A/H1N1/2009, A/H3N2 and influenza B. Assay Cq values correlated well between the pre‐ and post‐revision protocols for influenza A (r2 = 0.998) and B (r2 = 0.999). The revised protocol detected three additional novel influenza B variant cases in 200 specimens reported previously as influenza B negative. This in‐house assay offers a highly sensitive and specific option for laboratories seeking to expand their influenza testing capacity. J. Med. Virol. 84:1646–1651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IL28B polymorphism is not associated with HCV protease diversity in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Osinusi Anu , Chary Aarthi , Winters Mark A. , Naggie Susanna , Masur Henry , Polis Michael A. , Kottilil Shyam , Holodniy Mark
Published: August 2012

Recent studies have demonstrated that IL28B polymorphisms predict therapeutic responses in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐treated patients; however, the effect on HCV viral diversity, particularly on the HCV protease gene, is not clear. This study sought to evaluate the effect of IL28B polymorphisms on HCV diversity at NS3/4 protease region, which may influence therapeutic response to an HCV protease inhibitor based regimen. Twenty‐two patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV genotype 1, treatment‐naïve on stable HIV antiretroviral therapy initiating interferon‐based treatment were evaluated. Plasma HCV NS3 gene diversity was analyzed by clonal analysis at baseline and end of treatment. IL28B (rs12979860) genotypes were tested for associations with virologic outcomes and diversity parameters. There was similar baseline NS3 diversity in patients with CC (favorable) genotype compared to those with CT/TT (unfavorable) genotypes. There was no significant association between IL28B genotype and baseline NS3 nucleotide p‐distance, dS‐dN, amino acid p‐distance, or nucleotide changes. Among patients without a sustained virologic response, between baseline and follow‐up there was a significant trend towards decreased diversity after treatment among patients with favorable genotype, which was not observed in unfavorable genotypes. In patients treated with peginterferon/ribavirin therapy, IL28B polymorphism was not associated with enhanced NS3 diversity at baseline. Among non‐SVR patients with the less favorable genotype, there was no change in diversity after treatment. This suggests that IL28B genotype is unlikely to have a negative impact on subsequent HCV PI efficacy in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV patients who have previously failed HCV therapy. J. Med. Virol. 84:1522–1527, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Increased circulation of hepatitis A virus genotype IIIA over the last decade in St Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Mukomolov Sergey , Kontio Mia , Zheleznova Nina , Jokinen Sari , Sinayskaya Eugenia , Stalevskaya Anna , Davidkin Irja
Published: August 2012

The current study, covering the period 2004–2009, is a part of long‐term monitoring for hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains circulating in St Petersburg, Russia. The HAV RNA was isolated directly from the sera of hepatitis A patients and RT‐PCR was carried out using primer pairs for VP1/2A and VP1 genomic regions. PCR products were sequenced and 324 nucleotides from VP1/2A and 332 from the VP1 region were used for phylogenetic analysis. The results show that the IA subtype was the most common circulating subtype during the follow‐up period, as found in the previous study: almost 90% of the isolated HAV strains belonged to the IA subtype. The large hepatitis A food‐borne outbreak in St Petersburg in 2005 was caused by HAV IA. However, the proportion of HAV isolates belonging to subtype IIIA significantly increased in the period 2001–2009 (7.9%) compared to the period 1997–2000 (none found). The subtype IIIA was first found in St Petersburg in 2001 among a group of intravenous drug users. The increase in its circulation during the decade suggests that this previously unusual genotype has been permanently introduced into the general population of St Petersburg. These results indicate the usefulness of molecular epidemiological methods for studying changes in the circulation of HAV strains. J. Med. Virol. 84:1528–1534, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of transmitted HIV‐1 drug resistance among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in El Salvador, Central America
Authors: Murillo Wendy , Lorenzana de Rivera Ivette , Albert Jan , Guardado María Elena , Nieto Ana Isabel , Paz‐Bailey Gabriela
Published: August 2012

Transmitted drug resistance has important implications for the successful use and management of therapy among persons infected with HIV. We estimated the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance in 145 samples from female sex workers (n = 47) and men who have sex with men (n = 98) in El Salvador. Samples were collected during March to September 2008, using a respondent driven sampling. The HIV‐1 pol gene was sequenced to identify drug resistance mutations and transmitted drug resistance was scored as recommended by World Health Organization. Specimens were classified as recent or established infections using the Immunoglobulin G‐Capture BED‐Enzyme Immunoassay. The overall prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 9.4% (95% CI: 4.7–16.1%), and was 5.9% for non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 4.2% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and 0.8% for protease inhibitors. Transmitted drug resistance prevalence was 10.3% (95% CI: 2.8–24.2%) among female sex workers, and 9.0% (95% CI: 3.6–17.6%) among men who have sex with men. Nineteen patients were classified as having recent infection (16.2%, 95% CI: 10.1–24.2%), while 98 patients (83.8%, 95% CI: 75.8–89.9%) were classified as having established infections. Transmitted drug resistance among recent and established infections was similar at 10.5% and 9.2%, respectively. This study shows that the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance is moderate among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in El Salvador. These results highlight the importance of transmitted drug resistance surveillance in a representative sample of recently infected patients following the World Health Organization guidelines. J. Med. Virol. 84:1514–1521, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circulation of HIV‐1 subtype A within the subtype C HIV‐1 epidemic in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ragupathy Viswanath , Casado Concepción , Jacob Saramma Mini , Samuel Narasappa Mathew , Lopez‐Galindez C.
Published: August 2012

The HIV‐1 epidemic in India is caused mainly by subtype C viruses that are transmitted sexually and by injecting drug use. The state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India has an HIV‐1 median prevalence of 16.8% among injecting drug users, 6.6% in men who have sex with men, and 4.6% in female sex workers. In the rural district of Namakkal, a prevalence >3% was detected among antenatal women. The goal of this study was to determine the HIV‐1 molecular epidemiology in Tamil Nadu. Blood samples were collected from 40 high‐risk HIV‐seropositive individuals from Chennai and Namakkal. HIV‐1 subtype was determined by envelope nucleotide sequencing. Among the samples studied, 85% were subtype C, however, a cluster of subtype A samples (12.5%) and one subtype E recombinant form CRF01_AE (close to the Thailand strains) were detected. The average genetic distance of subtype C samples from Chennai and Namakkal were 9.44 ± 0.77% and 11.8 ± 0.7%, respectively indicating an evolved epidemic. This pilot study confirmed that subtype C was predominant in these regions but an outbreak of subtype A was detected in Namakkal. These results stress the importance of periodic monitoring of circulating HIV‐1 subtypes in South India. J. Med. Virol. 84:1507–1513, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor exerts antinociceptive effects by reducing excitability of colon‐projecting dorsal root ganglion neurons in the colorectal distention‐evoked visceral pain model
Authors: Li Qianpeng , Zhang Xirong , Liu Kejing , Gong Liping , Li Jingxin , Yao Wei , Liu Chuanyong , Yu Shuyan , Li Yan , Yao Zhenyu , Ma Xuelian
Published: August 2012

The mechanism underlying visceral pain is still largely unclear. Recently, much attention has focused on a potential modulatory role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in visceral pain. In the present study, we investigated the expression of BDNF in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) primary sensory neurons and its role in a colorectal distention (CRD)‐induced model of visceral pain. Results obtained from enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) revealed that BDNF protein was upregulated after CRD. An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) assay confirmed that BDNF played an antinociceptive role in this model. Application of BDNF directly to DRG neurons decreased their hypersensitivity when evoked by CRD. Pretreatment with k252a partially blocked the effect of BDNF. These findings suggest that BDNF might be a novel analgesic agent for the treatment of visceral pain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Part‐time versus full‐time employment status differences: A replication and extension
Authors: Jackofsky Ellen F. , Peters Lawrence H.
Published: August 2012

Two groups of part‐time employees were compared to full‐time employees on several organizationally relevant reactions and behaviours in order to replicate and extend research on potential employment status differences. After controlling for demographics, it was found that there were mean differences between the groups; however, no evidence was found for differences in how the various groups ‘process’ organizational experience. Based on the results, implications for managing part‐versus full‐time employees are discussed.
Salary increment allocation and individual differences
Authors: Vecchio Robert P. , Terborg James R.
Published: August 2012

Sixty‐seven MBA students were asked to provide salary increment recommendations for a set of employees. Contrary to past evidence of a preference for an adjustment system, the majority of respondents utilized an absolute merit system for determining salary increases (wherein employees of equal merit were assigned raises of equal dollar magnitude independent of initial base salary). Further analysis suggested the importance of an individual's value system in the decision to employ a particular approach to allocating raises.
The organizational tenure — Job involvement relationship: A job‐career experience explanation
Authors: Wagner John A. , Ferris Gerald R. , Fandt Patricia M. , Wayne Sandy J.
Published: August 2012

Research on the job involvement‐organizational tenure relationship has shown no consistent relationship, but recent job and career experience models suggest that a relationship should be found. Using data from three organizations (n = 216), polynomial regression analysis revealed a curvilinear job involvement‐organizational tenure relationship. This finding is discussed with reference to changes in workplace sensemaking that occur as work experience is accumulated.
Mechanical stress and ATP synthesis are coupled by mitochondrial oxidants in articular cartilage
Authors: Wolff Katherine J. , Ramakrishnan Prem S. , Brouillette Marc J. , Journot Brice J. , Mckinley Todd O. , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Martin James A.
Published: August 2012

Metabolic adaptation of articular cartilage under joint loading is evident and matrix synthesis seems to be critically tied to ATP. Chondrocytes utilize the glycolytic pathway for energy requirements but seem to require mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) to sustain ATP synthesis. The role of ROS in regulating ATP reserves under a mechanically active environment is not clear. It is believed that physiological strains cause deformation of the mitochondria, potentially releasing ROS for energy production. We hypothesized that mechanical loading stimulates ATP synthesis via mitochondrial release of ROS. Bovine osteochondral explants were dynamically loaded at 0.5 Hz with amplitude of 0.25 MPa for 1 h. Cartilage response to mechanical loading was assessed by imaging with dihydroethidium (ROS indicator) and a Luciferase‐based ATP assay. Electron transport inhibitor rotenone and mitochondrial ROS scavenger MitoQ significantly suppressed mechanically induced ROS production and ATP synthesis. Our findings indicate that mitochondrial ROS are produced as a result of physiological mechanical strains. Taken together with our previous findings of ROS involvement in blunt impact injuries, mitochondrial ROS are important contributors to cartilage metabolic adaptation and their precise role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis warrants further investigation. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 191–196, 2013
Adsorption of neurotensin‐family peptides on SERS‐active Ag substrates
Authors: Podstawka‐Proniewicz Edyta , Kudelski Andrzej , Kim Younkyoo , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: August 2012

Kinetensin (KN) and its amino acids 1–8 fragment ([des‐Leu9]KN), neuromedin N (NMN), and xenopsin (XP) and its two analogs (XP‐1 and XP‐2) belong to the neurotensin family of peptides and are known to stimulate the growth of human tumors. In this work, we report Fourier transform‐Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies of these peptides and discuss their structures, orientation, and mode of adsorption onto a highly specific, electrochemically roughened SERS‐active Ag electrode that is characterized by the formation of a 50–150 nm Ag island on its surface. We show that the investigated peptides bind preferentially to this surface by substantial electronic overlap between the metal surface and the π‐orbitals of the benzene rings of the Phe, Tyr, and Trp residues, which forces them to take parallel or almost parallel orientations with respect to the surface. In addition, the –CH2–, –CNH2, and –COO‐ molecular fragments are involved in interactions with (binding to or in close proximity with) the Ag surface. The SERS data show that the adsorption modes in each of these cases are very similar. In addition, we show that the specific differences in the amino acid sequences do not significantly affect the orientation of the investigated peptides on the Ag substrate. This result implies that the N‐termini of the neurotensin‐family peptides do not influence the mode for adsorption onto the Ag substrates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Range‐independent background subtraction algorithm for recovery of Raman spectra of biological tissue
Authors: Krishna Hemant , Majumder Shovan K. , Gupta Pradeep K.
Published: August 2012

An important requirement for the use of Raman spectroscopy for tissue diagnostic applications is an appropriate algorithm that can faithfully retrieve weak tissue Raman signals from the measured raw Raman spectra. Although iterative modified polynomial‐fitting‐based automated algorithms are widely used, these are sensitive to the choice of the fitting range, thereby leading to significantly different Raman spectra for different start and stop wavenumber selection. We report here an algorithm for automated recovery of the weak Raman signal, which is range independent. Given a raw Raman spectrum and the choice of the start and the stop wavenumbers, the algorithm first truncates the spectrum to include the raw data within this wavenumber range, linearly extrapolates the truncated raw spectrum beyond the points of truncation on the two sides by using coefficients of linear least‐square fit, adds two Gaussian peaks of appropriate height and width on the extrapolated linear wings on either side and then iteratively smoothens the data with all these add‐ons such that the smaller of the ordinate values of the smoothed and the starting raw data serve as the input to each successive round of iterative smoothing until the added Gaussian peaks are fully recovered. The algorithm was compared with the modified polynomial‐based algorithms using mathematically simulated Raman spectrum as well as experimentally measured Raman spectra from various biological samples and was found to yield consistently range‐independent and artifact‐free Raman signal with zero baseline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Halophilic hydrolases as a new tool for the biotechnological industries
Authors: Delgado‐García Mariana , Valdivia‐Urdiales Blanca , Aguilar‐González Cristóbal Noe , Contreras‐Esquivel Juan Carlos , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl
Published: August 2012

Halophilic micro‐organisms are able to survive in high salt concentrations because they have developed diverse biochemical, structural and physiological modifications, allowing the catalytic synthesis of proteins with interesting physicochemical and structural properties. The main characteristic of halophilic enzymes that allows them to be considered as a novel alternative for use in the biotechnological industries is their polyextremophilicity, i.e. they have the capacity to be thermostable, tolerate a wide range of pH, withstand denaturation and tolerate high salt concentrations. However, there have been relatively few studies on halophilic enzymes, with some being based on their isolation and others on their characterisation. These enzymes are scarcely researched because attention has been focused on other extremophile micro‐organisms. Only a few industrial applications of halophilic enzymes, principally in the fermented food, textile, pharmaceutical and leather industries, have been reported. However, it is important to investigate applications of these enzymes in more biotechnological processes at both the chemical and the molecular level. This review discusses the modifications of these enzymes, their industrial applications and research perspectives in different biotechnological areas. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Tocopherol retention and vitamin E activity in frozen and canned immature seeds of five cultivars of common bean
Authors: Słupski Jacek , Lisiewska Zofia
Published: August 2012

Background

This paper investigates tocopherol retention and vitamin E activity in the seeds of five bean cultivars (flageolet type and grown mostly for their dry seeds) harvested at the wax stage of maturity. Seeds were analyzed raw, cooked and in three products prepared for consumption after 0 and 12 months of storage. These comprised frozen products obtained using the traditional method (blanching–freezing–frozen storage–boiling) and a modified method (boiling–freezing–frozen storage–defrosting and heating in a microwave oven), and canned products.

Result

Total tocopherols in fresh bean seeds were within the range 18.53–25.98 mg kg−1 of edible portion. The most abundant form of tocopherol found in fresh seeds was γ‐T isomer (87–91% of the total), followed by the α‐T (5–7%) and δ‐T (3–5%) forms; the β‐T form was not detected. Cooking resulted in a 13–28% decrease in total tocopherols and a 17–31% reduction in vitamin E activity. In products prepared for consumption after 12 months' storage, total tocopherols and vitamin E activity were 13–53% and 23–60% lower, respectively, than in fresh seeds, with the highest losses being mainly in α‐T content.

Conclusion

The variety and cultivar or method of preservation had no effect on either tocopherol retention or vitamin E activity.
Smoothing the path: Reducing biliary complications, addressing small-for-size syndrome, and making other adaptations to decrease the risk for living donor liver transplant recipients
Authors: Soin Arvinder S.
Published: August 2012

Key Points

1. Over the course of the past 2 decades, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become increasingly successful because many of the technical issues plaguing it have been resolved.

2. Although donor safety remains a concern, most challenges related to the recipient's surgery are now better understood, and they appear surmountable.

3. The following concepts need to be addressed for optimal recipient outcomes to be achieved:

a. Reduction of the risk of small-for-size syndrome in LDLT (ie, the management of 4 factors: the recipient status, the portal pressure and inflow, the venous outflow, and the graft-to-recipient weight ratio/graft quality).

b. Reduction of the risk of surgical complications (biliary complications, reconstitution of the middle hepatic vein outflow in the right lobe graft, and safe hepatic artery and portal vein reconstruction).

c. Other adaptations for improving recipient outcomes (adaptations related to LDLT and adaptations common to deceased donor liver transplantation and LDLT). Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Facile Surface Modification and Application of Temperature Responsive Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐dopamine methacrylamide)
Authors: Park Jung Kyu , Kim Ki Su , Yeom Junseok , Jung Ho Sang , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: August 2012

The temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) [PNIPAAm] has been exploited for various biomedical applications. In this work, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐dopamine methacrylamide) [P(NIPAAm‐co‐DMAAm)] was synthesized for facile surface modification and application to cell sheets. 1H NMR, FT‐IR, and GPC confirmed the successful synthesis of P(NIPAAm‐co‐DMAAm). The lower critical solution temperature was measured to be ca. 29.2 °C by UV–Vis spectroscopy. AFM imaging clearly visualized the transient phase transition of the temperature‐responsive polymer bound on silicon substrate by coordination bond formation. Furthermore, the adhesive and temperature responsive P(NIPAAm‐co‐DMAAm) could be successfully applied to the facile preparation of NIH‐3T3 fibroblast cell sheets.
Manipulating the Crystallization of Methanofullerene Thin Films with Polymer Additives
Authors: Zheng Lidong , Liu Jiangang , Sun Yue , Ding Yan , Han Yanchun
Published: August 2012

Trace amount (1% to 5%) of polymers [polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)] are utilized as additives to manipulate the cold crystallization of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) thin films. Highly crystalline PCBM films made up of well‐connected domains and isolated spherulites with tunable size are produced by adjusting the type, molecular weight, and amount of polymer additives. In the nucleation stage, the polymer additives are demonstrated to have a depressing effect on PCBM nucleation. In the growth stage, we suggest that the PCBM growth rate is determined by PCBM molecular diffusion, which is demonstrated to have close correlations with the molecular mobility and crystallinity of the polymer.
Synthesis of Fluorescent PMMA‐Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Dossi Marco , Ferrari Raffaele , Dragoni Luca , Martignoni Carlotta , Gaetani Paolo , D'Incalci Maurizio , Morbidelli Massimo , Moscatelli Davide
Published: August 2012

The synthesis of PMMA‐based nanoparticles (NPs) covalently labeled with a fluorescent dye is investigated for imaging applications such as cell uptake and biodistribution. Batch emulsion polymerization (BEP) and monomer‐starved semi‐batch emulsion polymerization (MSSEP) are adopted using SDS. Fluorescent properties are added to these NPs using Rhodamine‐B (RhB) as a fluorescent dye covalently bonded to 2‐hyroxyethyl‐acrylate. The resulting HEMA‐RhB monomer is copolymerized with MMA via BEP and MSSEP to synthesize fluorescent NPs. Subsequently, SDS is substituted with a biocompatible surfactant, Tween80, through ionic‐exchange resins. ζ‐Potential measurements confirmed the complete surfactant exchange that leads to biocompatible fluorescent NPs with tunable size and narrow size distribution.

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The Impact of Negative Publicity on Celebrity Ad Endorsements
Authors: Thwaites Des , Lowe Ben , Monkhouse Lien L. , Barnes Bradley R.
Published: August 2012

The article reports on an experiment to test the impact of negative publicity on celebrity ad endorsements. The extent to which negativity influences attitudes toward a celebrity, and to what degree this influences consumers of high–low involvement and image‐related products is examined. Three hypothetical incidents relating to an extramarital affair, a drink‐driving incident, and criticism of the professional integrity for three different celebrities (a television sitcom and film star, a television and radio presenter, and a current affairs television presenter) were developed and investigated using a sample of “Generation Y” consumers. Three different sources of negative information were used, based on rumor, media footage, and celebrity publicly tells all. The findings suggest that the statements had a negative effect on the overall attitudes toward the celebrities but showed variations for different product categories. Interestingly, there were no significant differences based on the source of negative information. Several implications are discussed and directions for future research suggested.
Intronic promoters and their noncoding transcripts: A new source of cancer‐associated genes
Authors: Relle Manfred , Becker Marc , Meyer Ralf G. , Stassen Michael , Schwarting Andreas
Published: August 2012

Recent studies of mammalian genomes suggest that alternative promoters are associated with various disorders, including cancer. Here we present an intronic promoter of the murine proteinase 3 gene, which drives the expression of an alternative mRNA in intron 2 of the prtn3 gene. The proximal promoter sequences were identified and a series of promoter deletion constructs were used to identify the sequence elements that are required for basal promoter activity. Expression of the homeobox transcription factor CUX1 p75 isoform was found to suppress the activity of the alternative PR3 promoter. Data base analyses, multiple alignments and expression data showed that the intronic PR3 promoter is active in leukemia and other tumor cells as well as in mouse embryo, male mammary gland and bone marrow. In the spleen, the transcript is exclusively expressed by Gr‐1int/CD11b+ cells, which are also known as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In humans, an alternative transcript of the PR3‐gene could be detected in the bone marrow and in various cancer cell lines but not in primary leukemia cells, suggesting a species‐overarching function of this kind of promoter. Therefore, the alternative PR3 promoter and its mRNA may be useful tools to investigate the fate of hematopoietic stem cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myasthenia gravis, castleman disease, pemphigus, and anti‐phospholipid syndrome
Authors: Jakubíková Michala , Piťha Jiří , Latta Jan , Ehler Edvard , Schutzner Jan
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease marked by neuromuscular transmission failure at the neuromuscular junction. Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disease characterized by non‐cancerous angiofolicular hyperplasia of lymphatic tissue. Methods and results: We describe a young man with rapid, successive manifestations of myasthenia gravis, a solitary form of Castleman disease, pemphigus vulgaris, and anti‐phospholipid syndrome, which resulted in 2 ischemic cerebrovascular events that caused a severe central neurological deficit. Discussion: We were unable to find a similar case in the literature, but we hypothesize that the temporal concidence of these clinical entities may be related to a common immunological pathway, such as B‐cell activation. Therefore, we treated the patient with an immunosuppressant and anticoagulant treatment, as well as rituximab, a monoclonal antibody therapy against CD20+. Muscle Nerve 47:447‐451, 2013
Error estimation for crack simulations using the XFEM
Authors: Prange C. , Loehnert S. , Wriggers P.
Published: August 2012

The extended finite element method (XFEM) is by now well‐established for crack calculations in linear elastic fracture mechanics. An advantage of this method is its discretization independence for crack simulations. Nevertheless, discretization errors occur when using the XFEM. In this paper, a simple recovery based error estimator for the discretization error in XFEM‐calculations for cracks is presented. The method is based on the Zienkiewicz and Zhu error estimator. Enhanced smoothed stresses incorporating the discontinuities and singularities because of the cracks are recovered to enable the error estimation for arbitrary distributed cracks. This approach also allows the consideration of materials with generally inelastic behaviour. The enhanced stresses are computed by means of a least square fit problem. To assess the quality of the error estimator, global norms and the effectivity index for the global energy norm for examples with known analytical solutions are presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytically enhancing customer retention at Prudential
Authors: Kuntz John M. , Hinshaw Elizabeth E.
Published: August 2012

Increased competition, and changing customer needs, are challenging the life insurance industry. As sales growth of traditional life insurance declines, customer retention and cost containment become more important. This article presents Prudential's integrated approach to analyzing and improving customer retention. Market research, database analysis, and customer‐level financial analysis are used to understand the drivers of customer attrition, identify the customers who are most likely to leave, and determine the value lost to efficiently allocate and focus retention‐marketing efforts.
An emphasis on business, technology, and people cuts turnaround time at HP'S lake stevens division
Authors: Harris Bill
Published: August 2012

The Printed Circuit Layout department at the Lake Stevens Division of the Hewlett‐Packard Company initiated a project to reduce the turnaround time for creating a printed circuit assembly prototype 83 percent in 19 months. This project focused on the business, technical, and people aspects of the required changes. Through a variety of approaches, the division created a process that can deliver a loaded prototype to the engineer within a week of the last engineering design decision made on that board.
Establishing a formal mentoring program for organizational success
Authors: Benabou Charles , Benabou Raphaël
Published: August 2012

The ruthlessly competitive business environment and profound modifications in the nature of work in organizations continue to spur the search for ever more efficient and effective management of human resources. A formal and structured relationship between a mentor and a protégé represents an alternative approach, or an original addition, to traditional training and career management. This article clarifies the concept of mentoring, describes its relevance in the current organizational environment, explains how to manage this learning process, and suggests a set of criteria for evaluating a formally defined mentoring relationship.
Shying away from risk management is risky business
Authors: Rieley James B.
Published: August 2012

Although organizations routinely plan goals, strategies, techniques for identifying and meeting customer needs, ways to implement technology, and avenues of growth, many of them overlook risk — the factors, situations, or elements that potentially endanger their operations. This article shows that by exploring the dynamic relationship between the various forms and levels of risk and implementing an integrated system of risk management, an organization can greatly enhance its chances for achieving viability and success over time.
The people‐machine connection at Texas instruments
Authors: De Weese James A.
Published: August 2012

The pressure is on U.S. industry to make more products better, cheaper, and faster, and the search is on for new ways to accelerate continuous improvement. As a result, many companies are taking a closer look at a continuous improvement process first introduced from Japan in the 1980s called total productive maintenance (TPM). The TPM process is about maintaining total productivity through a comprehensive top‐down and bottom‐up plantwide implementation. In a number of manufacturing sites around the world, teams throughout Texas Instruments, Inc., have used TPM to improve the safety, quality, productivity, and profitability of their manufacturing operations. Lessons learned while manufacturing products and maintaining machines have also been applied to the development of new products, processes, and equipment. The knowledge gained in the TPM process is built right into the new equipment to achieve maximum effectiveness at minimum life‐cycle cost.
The dynamics of introducing performance metrics into an organization
Authors: Thomson Trish
Published: August 2012

Implementation of performance measurement systems is traditionally viewed as a way for public‐ and private‐sector organizations to improve accountability, boost efficiency, and create organizational focus. These systems are also useful in managing organizational change, as they provide a framework for setting goals, driving alignment of people and processes, and chronicling progress in achieving objectives.

This article describes a case study of a state government agency that used performance measurement to improve service and customer relations, then explores how the use of certain change management principles can enhance and accelerate the introduction of performance measurement into any organization.
Experience is the best teacher: Avoiding the pitfalls of “Methodolotry”
Authors: Smith Gerald F.
Published: August 2012

Designed to help businesses achieve their goals, problem‐solving methods have become our masters, driving out the thinking that is the essence of effective problem solving. Although the various problem‐solving methods have their virtues, they also have their limitations, and an overreliance on these techniques can cause dysfunction. Case‐based quality problem solving, a means of extracting useful lessons from past problem‐solving experiences, offers an alternative to the current “methodolotry.” This article illustrates how experience—one's own and others'—can be used to solve quality problems.
A template for accelerating the development of self managed work terms
Authors: Carroll Bob
Published: August 2012

Even though the benefits that can result from self‐managed work teams have been well‐documented, little has been written to outline the steps needed to successfully implement such teams and keep them on track. This article presents a template for establishing a fully self‐managed work team. Although it was created in a manufacturing environment, it can easily be applied to any setting in which the goal is to encourage a group of individuals to work together for a common good.
Out with motivation, in with engagement
Authors: Marcum James W.
Published: August 2012

If their goal is to improve performance, organizational leaders who ask, “What can we do to better motivate our workers?” may be posing the wrong question. Experience and research show that motivation, which relies on manipulation and control, is a flawed concept that does not result in organizational or individual achievement. Engagement, on the other hand, is constructed on self‐determination, interest, enjoyment, participation, and challenge. Stressing learning and involvement, it is a more valuable key to eliciting effective and productive work from today's knowledge workers.
In the Public Eye: Sustainability and the UK's Leading Retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne
Published: August 2012

This paper aims to provide an exploratory case study of the sustainability agendas being publicly reported by the UK's leading retailers and to offer some wider reflections on the ways these retailers are currently addressing and pursuing sustainability agendas. The paper begins with a short discussion of the characteristics of sustainability. The paper draws its empirical material from the most recent information on sustainability posted on the UK's top 10 retailers' corporate web sites. The findings reveal that all the UK's top 10 retailers provide information on a wide range of environmental, social and economic sustainability agendas and that the majority of them essentially argue that by integrating sustainability into their businesses, they are better placed to provide long term growth. More critically, the authors argue that the UK's leading retailers are, at best, adopting a ‘weak’ model of sustainability and that in pursuing continuing growth, they are ignoring the basic fact that present patterns of consumption are unsustainable in the long term. The paper provides an accessible review of, and some reflections on, the sustainability agendas being pursued by the UK's leading retailers and as such it will interest academics and those working in management positions within the retail and the retail supply industries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of surface modification on the structure and properties of a zinc oxide‐filled poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhou Bing , Liu Yanhua , Ma Xiaoyu , Liu Yan , Wang Zichen , Zhu Yanchao
Published: August 2012

Hydrophobic zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a one‐step precipitation reaction in an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate and sodium hydroxide with stearic acid as the modifying agent. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by further in situ polymerization of purified terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol and the ZnO nanoparticles. The surface modification of ZnO and the microstructure and properties of the nanocomposites were investigated using relative contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Measurements of relative contact angle indicated that the surface‐treated ZnO was hydrophobic. Compared to the nanocomposite filled with unmodified ZnO, a significant improvement in thermal stability and crystallinity was observed with the addition of 2 wt% surface‐treated ZnO. The experimental results also suggested that the properties of the nanocomposites were correlated with the dispersion of ZnO in PET and the interfacial interactions between ZnO and PET matrix. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of poly[(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole)‐co‐(monomer with carboxylic acid group(s))] and determination of monomer reactivity ratios: I. Acrylic acid
Authors: Kılıç Esra , Bayramgil Nursel Pekel
Published: August 2012

Copolymers of 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole (VTAz) and acrylic acid (AA) having different mole ratios were synthesized using free radical‐initiated solution polymerization in dimethylformamide at 70 °C with α,α′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator in nitrogen atmosphere. The compositions of the synthesized copolymers for a wide range of monomer feeds were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy through recorded absorption bands for VTAz (1510 cm−1, CN (triazole ring) stretching mode) and AA (1710 cm−1, CO stretching mode) units. The structures of the copolymers were characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The copolymer compositions were also determined from 1H NMR analysis following proton signals of carboxyl group at 11.8–12.5 ppm of AA and of triazole ring at 7.5–8.1 ppm of VTAz. Monomer reactivity ratios for the VTAz‐AA pair were estimated using linear methods, i.e. Fineman–Ross (FR) and Kelen–Tüdös (KT). From FTIR evaluation, monomer reactivity ratios were calculated as r1 = 0.404 and r2 = 1.496 using the FR method and r1 = 0.418 and r2 = 1.559 using the KT method. These values were found to be very close to those obtained from NMR evaluation. The two cases r1r2 < 1 and r1 < r2 indicated the random distribution of the monomers in the final copolymers and the presence of a greater amount of AA units in the copolymer than in the feed, respectively. The observed relatively high activity of complexed growing radical‐AA• … VTAz was explained by the effect of complex formation between carbonyl groups and triazole fragments in chain growth reactions. Thermal behaviours of copolymers with various compositions were investigated using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses. It was observed that thermal stabilities and glass transition temperatures of the copolymers increased resulting from complex formation between acid and triazole units. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Partially overlapping substrate specificities of staphylococcal group A sortases
Authors: Sibbald Mark J. J. B. , Yang Xiao‐Mei , Tsompanidou Eleni , Qu Di , Hecker Michael , Becher Dörte , Buist Girbe , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: August 2012

Sortases catalyze the covalent attachment of proteins with a C‐terminal LPxTG motif to the cell walls of Gram‐positive bacteria. Here, we show that deletion of the srtA genes of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis resulted in the dislocation of several LPxTG proteins from the cell wall to the growth medium. Nevertheless, proteomics and Western blotting analyses revealed that substantial amounts of the identified proteins remained cell wall bound through noncovalent interactions. The protein dislocation phenotypes of srtA mutants of S. aureus and S. epidermidis were reverted by ectopic expression of srtA genes of either species. Interestingly, S. epidermidis contains a second sortase A, which was previously annotated as ``SrtC.'' Ectopic expression of this SrtC in srtA mutant cells reverted the dislocation of some, but not all, cell wall associated proteins. Similarly, defects in biofilm formation were reverted by ectopic expression of SrtC in some, but not all, tested srtA mutant strains. Finally, overexpression of SrtA resulted in increased levels of biofilm formation in some tested strains. Taken together, these findings show that the substrate specificities of SrtA and SrtC overlap partially, and that sortase levels may be limiting for biofilm formation in some staphylococci.
Synthesis of graft copolymers onto styrenic polymer backbone via “grafting from” raft process
Authors: Rajendran Prakash Babu , Raghavachari Dhamodharan
Published: August 2012

A new synthetic methodology is developed for preparing graft copolymers via RAFT polymerization method by the “R group approach” onto styrenic polymers. In this approach, latent sites of the styrenic polymer was brominated first and then converted into macro‐RAFT agents with pyrazole and thio dodecyl as the Z groups. This was used to synthesize graft copolymer such as polystyrene‐graft‐polymethyl methacrylate (PS‐g‐PMMA), polystyrene‐graft‐poly(isobornyl acrylate), polystyrene‐graft‐poly[2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate] (PS‐g‐PAEMA), and poly(para‐methoxystyrene)‐graft‐polystyrene (P(p‐MS)‐g‐PS). The polymers are characterized by gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR, IR, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The morphology of PS‐g‐PMMA in THF was investigated using AFM and island‐like features were noticed. The AFM studies of the PS‐g‐PAEMA graft copolymers revealed the formation of globules and ribbon‐like morphological features. The PS‐g‐PAEMA graft copolymers form complex with Fe(III) in dimethylformamide and the AFM studies suggest the formation of globular superstructures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A Solution‐processible, n‐dopable polypyrrole derivative
Authors: Camurlu Pinar , Eren Esin , Gültekin Cemil
Published: August 2012

In this study, soluble, n‐dopable, florescent, electrochromic polypyrrole derivative was synthesized through both chemical and electrochemical polymerization of 2‐[6‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)hexyl]‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (PyNI). The polymer synthesized through chemical polymerization had PL emission maxima at 471 and 543 nm and exhibited two redox couples at E1/2,p = −1.48 V and E1/2,p = 1.12 V due to n‐type and p‐type doping, respectively. Electrochromic properties of electrochemically synthesized poly(PyNI) (PPyNI) were investigated via spectroelectrochemistry, kinetic studies, coloration efficiency, and colorimetry measurements. The optical band gap of PPyNI was calculated as 2.99 and 2.37 eV. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of PPyNI reflected electronic transitions at 330–418 nm and 704 nm due to π–π* transition and charge carrier band formation, respectively. The polymer exhibited a switching time of 1.63 s and an optical contrast of 33.37%. Furthermore, dual‐type, complementary‐colored polymer electrochromic device in ITO/PPyNI/PEDOT/ITO configuration was assembled and characterized. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Quantifying the elasticity and viscosity of geometrically confined polymer films via thermal wrinkling
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Lin Qinghuang , Stafford Christopher M.
Published: August 2012

We apply thermal wrinkling, which is a surface instability that occurs during thermal annealing of polymer films geometrically confined by a rigid substrate and a flexible superstrate, to study the elasticity and viscosity of chemically crosslinked polymer systems. Specifically, we study the thermal wrinkling of aluminum‐capped polyhydroxystyrene films with different extent of chemical crosslinking and find that that the rate of change of the wrinkling wavelength with annealing time and temperature has unique relationships with the elasticity and viscosity of the polymer network. With the aid of analytical expressions that relate the time‐ and temperature‐dependent evolution of the wrinkle wavelength to the elasticity and viscosity, we are able to quantify the elastic modulus and shear viscosity of geometrically confined polymer thin films as a function of the degree of crosslinking. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Click coupled graphene for fabrication of high‐performance polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Yadav Santosh Kumar , Yoo Hye Jin , Cho Jae Whan
Published: August 2012

An effective technique of using click coupled graphene to obtain high‐performance polymer nanocomposites is presented. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐click coupled graphene sheet (GS) reinforcing fillers are synthesized by the covalent functionalization of graphene oxide with PCL, and subsequently the PCL‐GS as a reinforcing filler was incorporated into a shape memory polyurethane matrix by solution casting. The PCL‐click coupled GS has shown excellent interaction with the polyurethane matrix, and as a consequence, the mechanical properties, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and thermo‐responsive shape memory properties of the resulting nanocomposite films could be enhanced remarkably. In particular, for polyurethane nanocomposites incorporated with 2% PCL‐GS, the breaking stress, Young's modulus, elongation‐at‐break, and thermal stability have been improved by 109%, 158%, 28%, and 71 °C, respectively. This click coupling protocol offers the possibility to fully combine the extraordinary performance of GSs with the properties of polyurethane. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013