bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Trace Heavy Metal Ions Using Carbon Nanotube‐ Modified Electrodes
Authors: Morton Jeffrey , Havens Nathaniel , Mugweru Amos , Wanekaya Adam K.
Published: June 2009

A sensitive voltammetric method for detection of trace heavy metal ions using chemically modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) electrode surfaces is described. The CNTs were covalently modified with cysteine prior to casting on electrode surfaces. Cysteine is an amino acid with high affinities towards some heavy metals. In this assay, heavy metals ions accumulated on the cysteine‐modified CNT electrode surfaces prior to being subjected to differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry analysis. The resulting peak currents were linearly related to the concentrations of the metal ions. The method was optimized with respect to accumulation time, reduction time and reduction potential. The detection limits were found to be 1 ppb and 15 ppb for Pb2+ and Cu2+ respectively. The technique was used for the detection of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in spiked lake water. The average recoveries of Pb2+ and Cu2+ were 96.2% and 94.5% with relative standard deviations of 8.43% and 7.53% respectively. The potential for simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions by the modified CNTs was also demonstrated.
On the construction of multivariate extreme value models via copulas
Authors: Durante F. , Salvadori G.
Published: June 2009

Copulas represent a fundamental tool for constructing multivariate probability distributions. Exploiting recent theoretical developments concerning the construction of copulas, we outline several methods for generating multivariate extreme value (MEV) laws having a suitable number of parameters, a feature of great importance in applications. The corresponding random vectors can be efficiently simulated, and easily fitted to empirical data. The use of multivariate return periods for extreme events is also discussed. A practical illustration involving maxima sampled via a network of non‐independent gauge stations is presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of storage conditions on volatile composition of dried rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves
Authors: Díaz‐Maroto M. C. , Pardo E. Alañón , Castillo‐Muñoz N. , Díaz‐Maroto I. J. , Pérez‐Coello M. S.
Published: June 2009

The effects of two different packaging materials for dried spices (polystyrene and glass) and storage conditions (room temperature under light and darkness) on volatile composition of dried rosemary leaves were investigated. The results showed that rosemary samples packaged in polystyrene bottles retained a higher quantity of volatile compounds than those packaged in glass bottles, independently of their storage conditions, light or darkness. However, sensorial analysis did not show statistical differences among samples in overall rosemary aroma. These results reveal that polystyrene bottles could replace the glass bottles normally used for packaging spices, a fact that could indicate a considerable saving of money for companies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical treatment on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transfer due to a stretching hollow cylinder
Authors: Joneidi A. A. , Domairry G. , Babaelahi M. , Mozaffari M.
Published: June 2009

This paper studied on magnetohydrodynamics flow and heat transfer outside a stretching cylinder. Momentum and energy equations are reduced using similarity transformation and converted into a system of ordinary differential equations which are solved analytically by the homotopy analysis method. The effects of the parameters involved, namely the magnetic parameter (M), Prandtl number (Pr) and Reynolds number (Re) on the velocity and temperature fields are investigated.

The obtained results are valid for the whole solutions' domain with high accuracy. These methods can be easily extended to other linear and nonlinear equations and so can be found widely applicable in engineering and sciences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and biological activity of phosphorylated compounds of 2‐substituted benzazoles
Authors: Pareek Sonu , Vyas Sushma , Seth Gita , Vyas P. C.
Published: June 2009

A series of organophosphorus derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction of phosphorylchloride with 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole and 2‐(2′‐hydroxynaphthyl)benzimidazole in the presence of KHCO3 in dry THF in different molar ratios. Newly synthesized derivatives were tested for their insecticidal activity against Periplenata americana. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:246–249, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20533
Structures and vibrational spectroscopic parameters of selenoxopropanedinitrile and selenoxosilanedicarbonitrile: Theoretical study based on density functional theory method
Authors: Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: June 2009

The molecular structures and vibrational spectra in harmonic and anharmonic approximations have been studied for selenoxopropanedinitrile and selenoxosilanedicarbonitrile in the gas phase. Density functional theory method with B3LYP functional and cc‐pVTZ basis set has been employed. Optimized structural parameters and spectroscopic constants, namely, anharmonic, rotational and centrifugal distortion, rotation–vibration coupling, and Coriolis coupling parameters, are reported. Infrared vibrational and Raman frequencies are provided with complete assignments to the fundamental bands, overtones, and combination tones of the molecules. This study shows that silicon for carbon substitution affects mainly those properties that are dependent on the CSe bond. The literature for these molecules is not available and therefore the data from this work would be suitable for their characterizations as and when they are synthesized. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:208–217, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20535
Indium trichloride–catalyzed synthesis of some novel 2,2′‐(N,N′‐diarylamino)‐ 4,4′‐diaryl‐5,5′‐arylidenebisthiazoles and their insecticidal activity
Authors: Gupta Ragini , Sharma Deepti , Verma Prem Singh
Published: June 2009

A series of novel 2,2′‐(N,N′‐diarylamino)‐4,4′‐diaryl‐5,5′‐arylidene‐bisthiazoles 2 were rapidly and smoothly prepared in good yields by using non conventional techniques i.e. microwave or ultrasonic irradiation, through indium trichloride catalyzed electrophilic substitution reaction of 2‐(N‐arylamino)‐4‐arylthiazoles 1 with various arylaldehydes. All the synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of their elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, PMR and Mass). The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for their insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa armigera and gave promising results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:224–231, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20537
Coupled surface water–groundwater model and its application in the arid Shiyang River basin, China
Authors: Hu Li‐Tang , Wang Zhong‐Jing , Tian Wei , Zhao Jian‐Shi
Published: June 2009

The planning and management of water resources in the Shiyang River basin, China require a tool for assessing the impact of groundwater and stream use on water supply reliabilities and improving many environment‐related problems such as soil desertification induced by recent water‐related human activities. A coupled model, integrating rule‐based lumped surface water model and distributed three‐dimensional groundwater flow model, has been established to investigate surface water and groundwater management scenarios that may be designed to restore the deteriorated ecological environment of the downstream portion of the Shiyang River basin. More than 66% of the water level among 24 observation wells have simulation error less than 1·0 m. The overall trend of the temporal changes of simulated and observed surface runoff at the Caiqi gauging station remains almost the same. The calibration was considered satisfactory. Initial frameworks for water allocation, including agricultural water‐saving projects, water diversion within the basin and inter‐basin water transfer, reducing agricultural irrigation area and surface water use instead of groundwater exploitation at the downstream were figured out that would provide a rational use of water resources throughout the whole basin. Sixteen scenarios were modelled to find out the most appropriate management strategies. The results showed that in the two selected management options, the groundwater budget at the Minqin basin was about 1·4 × 108 m3/a and the ecological environment would be improved significantly, but the deficit existed at the Wuwei basin and the number was about 0·8 × 108 m3/a. Water demand for domestic, industry and urban green area would be met in the next 30 years, but the water shortage for meeting the demand of agricultural water use in the Shiyang River basin was about 2·2 × 108 m3/a. It is suggested that more inter‐basin water transfer should be required to obtain sustainable water resource use in the Shiyang River basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of dentin desensitizer with different layers on thermal changes on the pulp during fabrication of provisional restoration
Authors: Gurbulak Aysegul G. , Kiliç Kerem , Zortuk Mustafa , Usumez Aslihan
Published: June 2009

Purpose:

This study investigated the effects of different desensitizers and an adhesive material application on pulpal temperature rise during direct provisional restoration polymerization.

Materials and Methods:

Two dentin desensitizers (Systemp, Ivoclar; BisBlock, Bisco) and a dentin adhesive (Prime Bond, Dentsply) were applied to the dentin surfaces as single layer or double layer. One autopolymerizing methacrylate (Prevision, Heraeus Kulzer) and one light polymerizing composite (Revotek LC, GC) provisional restoration materials were used in this study. A total of 160 dentin disks were prepared from extracted molars. These dentin disks were placed on an apparatus developed to measure temperature rise. After the desensitizer or dentin adhesive application, provisional materials were polymerized according to the manufacturers' instructions. The temperature increase was measured under the dentin disk with a J‐type thermocouple wire that was connected to a data logger. Differences between initial and highest temperature reading were taken, and 10 readings were averaged to determine the mean value in temperature rise. Statistical analysis was performed with three‐way analysis of variance followed by Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results:

Temperature rise varied according to the provisional restoration material used (composite resin, methacrylate) (p < 0.001), the agent thickness (single, double) (p < 0.001), and the agent (desensitizer, adhesive) (p < 0.001). The composite resin‐based provisional material induced higher thermal changes than methacrylate based provisional material (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The thickness of desensitizing agents affected the thermal changes; however, the desensitizers did not affect on the intrapulpal temperature although the type of provisional material used may be effective. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Activation of rapid signaling pathways does not contribute to 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐induced growth inhibition of mouse prostate epithelial progenitor cells
Authors: Li Jia , Fleet James C. , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: June 2009

The active form of vitamin D, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) inhibits the growth of prostate epithelial cells, however the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly delineated. In the current study, the impact of 1,25(OH)2D on the rapid activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and protein kinase C α (PKCα), and the role of these pathways in growth inhibition was examined in immortalized mouse prostate epithelial cells, MPEC3, that exhibit stem/progenitor cell characteristics. 1,25(OH)2D treatment suppressed the growth of MPEC3 in a dose and time dependent manner (e.g., 21% reduction at three days with 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D treatment). However, ERK1/2 activity was not altered by 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D treatment for time points from 1 min to 1 h in either serum‐containing or serum‐free medium. Similarly, PKCα activation (translocation onto the plasma membrane) was not regulated by short‐term treatment of 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D. In conclusion, 1,25(OH)2D did not mediate rapid activation of ERK1/2 or PKCα in MPEC3 and therefore the growth inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)2D is independent of rapid activation of these signaling pathways in this cell type. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 1031–1036, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article was published online 2 June 2009. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected 15 June 2009.
Novel free energy calculations to explore mechanisms and energetics of membrane protein structure and function
Authors: Im Wonpil , Lee Jinhyuk , Kim Taehoon , Rui Huan
Published: June 2009

Understanding the delicate balance of forces governing helix or β‐hairpin interactions in transmembrane (TM) proteins is central to understanding membrane structure and function. These membrane constituent interactions play an essential role in determining the structure and function of membrane proteins, and protein interactions in membranes, and thus form the basis for many vital processes, including TM signaling, transport of ions and small molecules, energy transduction, and cell–cell recognition. “Why does a single‐pass TM helix or β‐hairpin have specific orientations in membranes?” “What are the roles of hydrogen bonds, close packing, and helix‐lipid or β‐hairpin‐lipid interactions in helix or β‐hairpin associations in membranes?” “How do these interactions change the membrane structures?” “How do TM domains transmit signals across membranes?” These are important membrane biophysical questions that can be addressed by understanding the delicate balance of forces governing helix or β‐hairpin interactions with/in membranes. In this work, we summarize a series of helix/β‐hairpin restraint potentials that we have developed, and illustrate their applications that begin to address the complicated energetics and molecular mechanisms of these interactions at the atomic level by calculating the potentials of mean force (PMFs) along reaction coordinates relevant to helix/β‐hairpin motions in membranes and dissecting the total PMF into the contributions arising from physically important microscopic forces. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
A novel osteoclast precursor cell line, 4B12, recapitulates the features of primary osteoclast differentiation and function: Enhanced transfection efficiency before and after differentiation
Authors: Amano Shigeru , Sekine Keisuke , Bonewald Lynda F. , Ohmori Yoshihiro
Published: June 2009

Osteoclasts are bone‐resorbing multinucleated cells differentiated from monocyte/macrophage lineage precursors. A novel osteoclast precursor cell line, 4B12 was established from Mac‐1+c‐Fms+RANK+ cells from calvaria of 14‐day‐old mouse embryos using immunofluorescence and cell‐sorting methods. Like M‐CSF‐dependent bone marrow macrophages (M‐BMMs), M‐CSF is required for 4B12 cells to differentiate into TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells [TRAP(+) MNCs] in the presence of RANKL. Bone‐resorbing osteoclasts differentiated from 4B12 cells on dentine slices possess both a clear zone and ruffled borders and express osteoclast‐specific genes. Bone‐resorbing activity, but not TRAP, was enhanced in the presence of IL‐1α. The number of TRAP(+) MNCs and the number of pits formed from 4B12 cells on dentine slices was fourfold higher than that from M‐BMMs. 4B12 cells were identified as macrophages with Mac‐1 and F4/80, yet lost these markers upon differentiation into osteoclasts as determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The 4B12 cells do not have the potential to differentiate into dendritic cells indicating commitment to the osteoclast lineage. 4B12 cells are readily transfectable with siRNA transfection before and after differentiation. These data show that 4B12 cells faithfully replicate the properties of primary cells and are a useful and powerful model for analyzing the molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 40–53, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Endogenous Jmjd6 gene product is expressed at the cell surface and regulates phagocytosis in immature monocyte‐like activated THP‐1 cells
Authors: Zakharova Liudmila , Dadsetan Sepehr , Fomina Alla F.
Published: June 2009

A jumonji domain containing gene 6 (Jmjd6), previously referred to as phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) gene, plays an important role in cell differentiation and development of multiple organs, although mechanisms of its action are not known. The Jmjd6 gene product was initially identified as a membrane protein that participates in phagocytosis. However, the later findings that recombinant Jmjd6 in expression systems was targeted to the nucleus challenged the role of Jmjd6 as a membrane receptor. Using immunocytochemistry approach we studied the subcellular distribution of endogenous Jmjd6 protein in THP‐1 cells activated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13 acetate (PMA). We found that treatment with PMA stimulated Jmjd6 expression in the cytosol of activated cells. Furthermore, Jmjd6 initially appeared at the cell surface of immature phagocytes (1–2 days after activation) but then translocated into the nucleus of differentiated macrophage‐like cells (5–9 days after activation). Anti‐Jmjd6 antibodies suppressed the engulfment of dead cell corpses by THP‐1 cells expressing the Jmjd6 at the cell surface. These data indicate that Jmjd6 serves as a membrane‐associated receptor that regulates phagocytosis in immature macrophages but is dispensable for phagocytosis and has other functions when it is expressed in the cytosol and nucleus of mature macrophage‐like cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 84–91, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Effects of morphine on testosterone levels in rat C6 glioma cells: Modulation by anastrozole
Authors: Ceccarelli Ilaria , Rossi Antonella , Maddalena Melinda , Weber Elisabetta , Aloisi Anna Maria
Published: June 2009

Rat C6 glioma cells are commonly used to investigate the functions of glial cells. To evaluate the presence of testosterone and its metabolism in rat C6 glioma cells, we cultured them in media with or without the addition of testosterone propionate and anastrozole, a blocker of aromatase, the enzyme needed to transform testosterone into estradiol. The same procedure was repeated with morphine (10 and 100 µM), known to decrease testosterone levels in the brain (in rats) and plasma (in rats and humans). Confluent cells were exposed to the test media for 48 h and then collected. Cell pellets were used to determine testosterone by radioimmunoassay. The C6 cells contained detectable levels of testosterone and the levels increased with the addition of testosterone to the medium. Aromatase blockage by anastrozole increased cellular levels of testosterone regardless of the addition of exogenous testosterone. Both concentrations of morphine dose‐dependently decreased testosterone levels in the C6 cells; this effect was also present with the contemporary administration of anastrozole. Our findings show that testosterone is present in rat C6 glioma cells and can be metabolized by aromatase. Moreover, the presence of morphine in the culture medium strongly decreased testosterone, demonstrating that the glia would be a target of the morphine‐induced hypogonadal effect. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 1–4, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Acute exercise reduces insulin resistance‐induced TRB3 expression and amelioration of the hepatic production of glucose in the liver of diabetic mice
Authors: Lima Athos F. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Pauli José R. , Cintra Dennys E. , Frederico Marisa J.S. , Pinho Ricardo A. , Velloso Lício A. , De Souza Cláudio T.
Published: June 2009

TRB3 (a mammalian homolog of Drosophila) is emerging as an important player in the regulation of insulin signaling. TRB3 can directly bind to Ser/Thr protein kinase Akt, the major downstream kinase of insulin signaling. Conversely, physical exercise has been linked to improved glucose homeostasis and enhanced insulin sensitivity; however, the molecular mechanisms by which exercise improves glucose homeostasis, particularly in the hepatic tissue, are only partially known. Here, we demonstrate that acute exercise reduces fasting glucose in two models diabetic mice. Western blot analysis showed that 8 h after a swimming protocol, TRB3 expression was reduced in the hepatic tissue from diet‐induced obesity (Swiss) and leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) mice, when compared with respective control groups at rest. In parallel, there was an increase in insulin responsiveness in the canonical insulin‐signaling pathway in hepatic tissue from DIO and ob/ob mice after exercise. In addition, the PEPCK expression was reduced in the liver after the exercise protocol, suggesting that acute exercise diminished hepatic glucose production through insulin‐signaling restoration. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanism by which physical activity improves glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 92–97, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
CCL20/CCR6 chemokine/receptor expression in bone tissue from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: Different response of osteoblasts in the two groups
Authors: Lisignoli Gina , Manferdini Cristina , Codeluppi Katia , Piacentini Anna , Grassi Francesco , Cattini Luca , Filardo Giuseppe , Facchini Andrea
Published: June 2009

Subchondral bone remodeling in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mainly characterized by the formation of osteophytes/fibrosis and by the presence of infiltrating cells associated to bone resorption. In this study we analyzed CC (cysteine cysteine motif) chemokine ligand (CCL)20 and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)6 function in subchondral bone tissue and osteoblasts isolated from OA and RA patients. CCL20/CCR6 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques in bone tissue from OA and RA patients. CCL20‐functional tests were performed on osteoblasts isolated from OA and RA patients to evaluate enzymatic response and cell proliferation. Moreover, we assessed Akt phosphorylation as the major signaling pathway for CCL20. In bone tissue biopsies we found that osteoblasts from both OA and RA patients expressed CCR6 while CCL20 was expressed only by RA osteoblasts. Both CCR6 and CCL20 were highly expressed in osteocytes and mononuclear cells from only RA patients. CCL20‐stimulated OA osteoblasts showed a significant increase in β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase release compared to RA. Conversely, a significant increase in cellular proliferation was found only in CCL20‐stimulated RA osteoblasts associated to Akt phosphorylation. These data were confirmed in bone tissue biopsies. This study demonstrates a different expression of CCL20‐positive osteoblasts in OA versus RA disease that seem to be associated with the presence of infiltrating mononuclear cells. Moreover, CCL20 stimulation resulted in a greater proliferative response in RA osteoblasts compared to OA osteoblasts, mediated by Akt signaling, while OA osteoblasts showed increased enzymatic activity, thus suggesting a differential role of this chemokine in OA and RA. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 154–160, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Alterations in the temporal expression and function of cadherin‐7 inhibit cell migration and condensation during chondrogenesis of chick limb mesenchymal cells in vitro
Authors: Kim Dongkyun , Kang Shin‐Sung , Jin Eun‐Jung
Published: June 2009

Endochondral bone formation requires a complex interplay among immature mesenchymal progenitor cells to form the cartilaginous anlagen, which involves migration, aggregation and condensation. Even though condensation of chondrogenic progenitors is an essential step in this process, its mechanism(s) has not been well studied. Here, we show that cadherin‐7 plays a central role in cellular condensation by modulating cell motility and migration. In this study, many mesenchymal cells failed to migrate, and precartilage condensation was inhibited, after knockdown of endogenous cadherin‐7 levels. Exposure of mesenchymal cells to SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK), LiCl (an inhibitor of GSK‐3β) or overexpression of β‐catenin resulted in inhibition of cadherin‐7 levels and, subsequently, suppression of cell migration. Collectively, our results suggest that cadherin‐7 controls cell migration in chick limb bud mesenchymal cells, and that p38MAPK and GSK signals are responsible for regulating cadherin‐7‐mediated cell migration. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 161–170, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Atypical protein kinase C activity is required for extracellular matrix degradation and invasion by Src‐transformed cells
Authors: Rodriguez Elena M. , Dunham Elizabeth E. , Martin G. Steven
Published: June 2009

Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoforms have been shown to mediate Src‐dependent signaling in response to growth factor stimulation. To determine if aPKC activity contributes to the transformed phenotype of cells expressing oncogenic Src, we have examined the activity and function of aPKCs in 3T3 cells expressing viral Src (v‐Src). aPKC activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were found to be elevated in some but not all clones of mouse fibroblasts expressing v‐Src. aPKC activity was inhibited either by addition of a membrane‐permeable pseudosubstrate, by expression of a dominant‐negative aPKC, or by RNAi‐mediated knockdown of specific aPKC isoforms. aPKC activity contributes to morphological transformation and stress fiber disruption, and is required for migration of Src‐transformed cells and for their ability to polarize at the edge of a monolayer. The λ isoform of aPKC is specifically required for invasion through extracellular matrix in Boyden chamber assays and for degradation of the extracellular matrix in in situ zymography assays. Tyrosine phosphorylation of aPKCλ is required for its ability to promote cell invasion. The defect in invasion upon aPKC inhibition appears to result from a defect in the assembly and/or function of podosomes, invasive adhesions on the ventral surface of the cell that are sites of protease secretion. aPKC was also found to localize to podosomes of v‐Src transformed cells, suggesting a direct role for aPKC in podosome assembly and/or function. We conclude that basal or elevated aPKC activity is required for the ability of Src‐transformed cells to degrade and invade the extracellular matrix. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 171–182, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Evolution of archosaurian body plans: skeletal adaptations of an air‐sac‐based breathing apparatus in birds and other archosaurs
Authors: O'Connor Patrick Michael
Published: June 2009

Living birds represent the only extant sauropsid group in which pulmonary air sacs pneumatize the postcranial skeleton. Notable in this regard is an extraordinary degree of variability, ranging from species that are completely apneumatic to those characterized by air within the entire postcranial skeleton. Although numerous factors (e.g., body size) have been linked with “relative” pneumaticity, comparative studies examining this system remain sparse. This project sought to (1) characterize whole‐body patterns of skeletal pneumaticity in distantly related neognath birds and (2) evaluate putative relationships among relative pneumaticity, body size and locomotor specializations. Pneumaticity profiles were established for 52 species representing 10 higher‐level groups. Although comparisons reveal relatively conserved patterns within most lower‐level clades, apparent size‐ and locomotor‐thresholds do impart predictable deviations from the clade norm. For example, the largest flying birds (vultures, pelicans) exhibit hyperpneumaticity (i.e., pneumaticity of distal limb segments) relative to smaller members of their respective clades. In contrast, skeletal pneumaticity has been independently lost in multiple lineages of diving specialists (e.g., penguins, auks). The application of pneumaticity profiling to extinct archosaurs reveals similar trends in body size evolution, particularly when examining patterns of pneumaticity in a size‐diverse assemblage of pterosaurs (flying “reptiles”). As a fundamental organizing system, skeletal pneumaticity may play a role in relaxing constraints on body size evolution by allowing volumetric increases without concomitant increases in body mass. Not only might this be critical for taxa (birds, pterosaurs) exploiting the energetically costly aerial environment, but could be beneficial for any large‐bodied terrestrial vertebrates such as the dinosaurs.J. Exp. Zool. 311A:629–646, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrahigh‐Density Carbon Nanoring Arrays on Silicon Wafer through Templated Solution Deposition Method
Authors: Liu Xikui , Stamm Manfred
Published: June 2009

Ultrahigh‐density carbon nanoring arrays on a silicon wafer are achieved by a novel templated solution deposition method. Initially the silica nanodot arrays obtained from a nanoporous thin film are used as a template to direct the surface dewetting of a phenolic precursor, while further curing and calcination of the phenolic precursor, followed by etching of the silica arrays, results in large area carbon nanoring arrays with a diameter as small as 25 nm. This study provides a simple and robust chemical route to fabricate complex nanoring arrays with ultrahigh density of about one terabit per square inch.

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Dry Spinning Based Spinneret Based Tunable Engineered Parameters (STEP) Technique for Controlled and Aligned Deposition of Polymeric Nanofibers
Authors: Nain Amrinder S. , Sitti Metin , Jacobson Annette , Kowalewski Tomasz , Amon Cristina
Published: June 2009

Polymeric nanofibers are finding increasing number of applications and hold the potential to revolutionize diverse fields such as tissue engineering, smart textiles, sensors, and actuators. Aligning and producing high aspect ratio fiber arrays (length/diameter > 2 000) in the sub‐micron and nanoscale diameters has been challenging due to fragility of polymeric materials, thus making it difficult to deposit them as one dimensional structures functionally interfaced with other systems. Here, we present a pseudo dry spinning technique which allows precise control on fiber diameters and further allows deposition of fiber arrays in aligned configurations. Control on fiber diameters ranging from 50–500 nm and having lengths of several millimeters is achieved by altering the polymeric solution concentration. In the dilute and semi‐dilute unentangled concentration domain droplets or beaded fibers are observed to form. Smooth uniform diameter fibers are observed to form at the onset of semi‐dilute entangled concentration regime. For a given molecular weight, the increase in fiber diameter with increasing solution concentration is attributed to both the increase in the entanglement density and the decrease in the radius of gyration of solvated polymer molecules. Using this technique polymeric fiber arrays in single and multiple layers are demonstrated which can be used towards developing strong textiles, biological scaffolds, and sensor networks.

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Bottom‐up Assembly of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) on Carbon Nanotubes: 2D Building Blocks for Nanoscale Circuits
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Zou Jianhua , Zhai Lei
Published: June 2009

Hierarchical poly(3‐hexylthiophene)(P3HT)/carbon nanotube (CNT) supramolecular structures were fabricated through a bottom‐up CNT induced P3HT crystallization strategy. P3HT nanowires growing perpendicular from CNT surface have uniform width and height. The density and the length of these nanowires can be controlled by tuning the P3HT/CNT mass ratio. The quasi‐isothermal crystallization process monitored by in situ UV–Vis spectroscopy indicates that CNTs can greatly enhance the P3HT crystallization, and the P3HT nanowire formation follows first‐order kinetics. Such bottom‐up strategy provides a general approach to build 2D functional conductive supramolecular structures that will lead to numerous applications in nanoscale electronics.

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Effect of polymorphisms in the 3′ untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of vascular endothelial growth factor gene on gastric cancer and peptic ulcer diseases in Japan
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Yamashita Hiromi , Yoshioka Daisuke , Hirata Ichiro , Arisawa Tomiyasu
Published: June 2009

A complex interaction of host genetic and environmental factors may be relevant in the development of Helicocobacter pylori‐related gastric carcinogenesis. We investigated the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms on the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and peptic ulcer diseases in a Japanese population. The G1612A(rs10434) and C936T(rs3025039) polymorphisms in the 3′ untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of VEGF gene were genotyped in a total of 844 subjects including 385 GC, 143 ulcer including 98 gastric ulcer (GU), 45 duodenal ulcer (DU), and 316 nonulcer subjects. The 1612A carrier held a significantly higher risk of GC when compared to both noncancer and nonulcer (overall noncancer vs. GC; OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.17–2.21, P = 0.0038, nonulcer vs. GC; OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07–2.22, P = 0.0197). The 1612A carrier was more closely associated with an increased risk of noncardiac cancer (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.17–2.21, P = 0.0038), lower third cancer (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.30–3.00, P = 0.002), and Lauren's diffuse‐type cancer (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.24–2.46, P = 0.001), while the same genotype was not associated with the progression of GC. The C936T genotype was not associated with a risk of GC and its progression. Both the G1612A and C936T genotypes were not associated with the risk of peptic ulcer diseases. Our data suggest that the G1612A, but not C936T polymorphisms in the 3′‐UTR of VEGF gene is associated with the susceptibility to GC in the Japanese population. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge management career: Perception versus reality
Authors: Zhang Qiping , J. Froehlich Thomas , Hawamdeh Suliman , Koenig Michael , Srikantaiah T. Kanti
Published: June 2009

The panel will discuss the growing challenges in knowledge management education. Particularly they will debate and share their visions and experiences on following issues:

What are the career opportunities for students graduated from KM program?

What skills and knowledge should we empower our students in KM program?

What are the challenges in KM education?

What are the future trends in KM career and education?

In the first part of the panel, we will report a comparative analysis of top KM programs in terms of their curriculum and job placement. In this, we would include both US and other countries. In the second part of the panel, each panelist will provide a balanced view of academia and industry addressing above issues. Four panelists are not only affiliated with the leading programs in knowledge management education in the states currently, but also have rich experience worldwide outside the academia like government, non‐profit organization, and corporate in the past.
ICT‐mediated diaspora studies: New directions in immigrant information behavior research
Authors: Pyati Ajit , Chu Clara , Fisher Karen , Srinivasan Ramesh , Caidi Nadia , Allard Danielle , Dechief Diane
Published: June 2009

A growing and sizeable area of study within information behavior research focuses on the information needs and behaviors of immigrant populations (see Chu, 1999; Fisher, Durrance & Hinton, 2004; Caidi & Allard 2005; Srinivasan & Pyati, 2007). Some of the unique needs of these populations include information to aid with coping skills and social inclusion, as well as culturally specific information resources. Moreover, immigrant communities have information networks that span national boundaries, which affects their needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

This panel will focus on the role of ICTs in mediating the information environments of immigrant and diasporic communities. While focusing on how ICTs mediate immigrant information needs, this panel also contextualizes immigrant information behavior research within globalization and diaspora studies. For instance, the concept of “e‐diaspora” is a term gaining in popularity, but rarely invoked in relation to immigrant information behavior research. How do new media technologies mediate and influence the information needs and behaviors of immigrant populations? Are localized immigrant information needs mediated by diasporic information sources?

The panelists will focus on ICT‐mediated services for immigrant populations within the context of both local and global information environments. Questions addressed include: In what ways do diasporic information environments shape local immigrant information needs and their social inclusion into the host society? How does the “digital divide” manifest itself in studies of ICT‐mediated immigrant information behavior? The issues addressed by the panel are both timely and critical as evidenced by the ongoing debates in Europe, North America and elsewhere on immigration policy, on integration and identity, and the role of ICTs in a globalized world. This international perspective will be reflected in the composition of the panel.
DRM: Digital rights management or digital restrictions management?
Authors: Smith Kevin L. , Burger Bill , Gay Joshua , Eschenfelder Kristin , Kasprowski Rafal
Published: June 2009

Digital rights management (DRM) constitutes the technological measures by which information providers control user access to electronic products to prevent the downloading or printing of online content in amounts that could substitute for product subscriptions or purchases. DRM limitations on the types of uses and their frequency are encoded directly in the products or the hardware needed to use them. This challenges the fair use provisions of copyright law, which offer room for interpretation on whether particular uses compromise the commercial value of copyrighted content. Since DRM measures are part of licensing agreements between vendors and users, they override fair use. This session will provide the rationale for DRM, explain the conflicts between copyright holder and user rights arising from DRM implementation, discuss legislative issues, and suggest alternatives to DRM that might satisfy both parties.
The Google Online Marketing Challenge: A multi‐disciplinary global teaching and learning initiative using sponsored search
Authors: Jansen Bernard J. (Jim) , Rosso Mark A. , Russell Dan , Detlor Brian
Published: June 2009

Sponsored search is an innovative information searching paradigm. This panel will discuss a vehicle to explore this unique medium as an educational opportunity for students and professors. From February to May 2008, Google ran its first ever student competition in sponsored search, The Google Online Marketing Challenge (http://www.google.com/onlinechallenge/). Similar to other Google initiatives, the extent seems huge. Based on registrations from 61 countries, 629 courses from 468 universities participated, fielding 4,317 student teams of approximately 21,585 total students. The Challenge may be the largest, worldwide educational course ever done. It is certainly on an extremely large scale.
Global perspective on Wikipedia research
Authors: Shachaf Pnina , Hara Noriko , Herring Susan , Callahan Ewa , Solomon Paul , Stvilia Besiki , Matei Sorin
Published: June 2009

This panel will provide a global perspective on Wikipedia research. The literature on Wikipedia is mostly anecdotal, and most of the research has focused attention primarily on the English Wikipedia examining the accuracy of entries compared to established online encyclopedias (Emigh & Herring, 2005; Giles, 2005; Rosenzweig, 2006) and analyzing the evolution of articles over time (Viégas, Wattenberg, & Dave, 2004; Viégas, Wattenberg, Kriss, & van Ham, 2007). Others have examined the quality of contribution (Stvilia et al., 2005). However, only a few studies have conducted comparative analyses across languages or analyzed Wikipedia in languages other than English (e.g., Pfeil, Zaphiris, & Ang, 2006). There is a need for international, cross‐cultural understanding of Wikipedia. In an effort to address this gap, this panel will present a range of international and cross‐cultural research of Wikipedia.

The presenters will contribute different perspectives of Wikipedia as an international sociocultural institution and will describe similarities and differences across various national/language versions of Wikipedia. Shachaf and Hara will present variation of norms and behaviors on talk pages in various languages of Wikipedia. Herring and Callahan will share results from a cross‐language comparison of biographical entries that exhibit variations in content of entries in the English and Polish versions of Wikipedia and will explain how they are influenced by the culture and history of the US and Poland. Stvilia will discuss some of the commonalities and variability of quality models used by different Wikipedias, and the problems of cross‐language quality measurement aggregation and reasoning. Matei will describe the social structuration and distribution of roles and efforts in wiki teaching environments. Solomon's comments, as a discussant, will focus on how these comparative insights provide evidence of the ways in which an evolving institution, such as Wikipedia, may be a force for supporting cultural identity (or not).
Civic engagement, youth, and community: The role of place, education, information, and technology in shaping civic and political discourse (SIG‐KM)
Authors: Faust Leona , Jaeger Paul T. , Jayanandhan Stephanie Raill , Robertson Scott
Published: June 2009

The panel will examine civic engagement and community‐local, transnational, and virtual, and its impact on political participation of young people. Discussion will highlight the role of information, education, technology in reshaping the boundary between personal and public information space. Panelists will redefine civic engagement in this changing landscape as it affects our understanding of place and of political participation of young people, including the role of higher education, public policy, and the presentation of government information in building an informed and active citizenry.

As new information channels emerge in civic and political discourse, issues of trust and authority in e‐government and non‐governmental sources arise for the public and for providers of access to government information. The panel will address credibility in government information sources and examine voter use of the Internet and its impact on their decision‐making processes.

The interplay of new technology in the political process and the public information space will inform the presentations, including how digital tools have created new networks for political discourse; changed participation by voters, candidates, and campaigns; and enabled the use of participatory Web 2.0 technologies in the design of government and library websites. Finally, the panel will assess current digital tools, highlight the design tension between universal access and digital environments, and stress the importance of meeting human needs through participatory design in the future development of digital environments.
Waddling around the digital iceberg: Use of virtual spaces and environments by children, preteens, and teens
Authors: Bilal Dania , Meyers Eric M. , Lee Shari , Large Andrew , Beheshti Jamshid , Vallière Nicole
Published: June 2009

Emerging technologies, including Web 2.0, are offering new opportunities and possibilities for youth to create, organize, represent content, read and learn, exchange and share information, and to fulfill a need to communicate with others. MySpace, YouTube, Google Video, blogs, podcasts, del.icio.us, and Flickr offer seamless functionalities and capabilities that young users find fascinating. Virtual environments available for children, preteens, and teens are growing in popularity. Children of various ages are contributing to the Web not only by creating content, but also by tagging information to represent content.
Enabling multilingual access in digital libraries
Authors: Ruiz Miguel E. , Chen Jiangping , Oard Douglas , Kando Noriko , Peters Carol , Druin Allison
Published: June 2009

This panel aims to promote the application of Multi Lingual Information Access (MLIA) technologies in digital libraries. MLIA has been recognized as an important issue for digital libraries since the early days of research and development of these projects. This panel will give an overview of the issues involved in creating MLIA for digital Libraries. The speakers will present the state‐of‐the‐art of MLIA technologies as well as current digital library projects in Europe, Asia and North America that are planning or have implemented MLIA technologies. The focus of the panel will include discussions on important issues and challenges of implementing MLIA in digital libraries such as understating users' needs, usability issues and users' expectations.
Retrieving and using visual resources: Challenges and opportunities for research and education
Authors: Choi Youngok , Hsieh‐Yee Ingrid , Rasmussen Edie , Smith Martha , Greenberg Jane , Iyer Hemalata
Published: June 2009

Visual resources are used in a variety of settings for many different purposes. Technological advances facilitate numerous applications of digital images and other visual materials in work and leisure, resulting in increasing availability of and demand for such resources. A major challenge for information professionals is to organize digital visual resources effectively to meet the needs of users with different backgrounds and interests. For example, how do we provide access to the content of such resources and design an information system for the general public as well as subject specialists? A related challenge is the education of visual resource professionals because their roles and responsibilities have expanded in the digital era (Iyer, 2007). What knowledge and skills should visual resource professionals of the 21st century possess? How do we prepare them to facilitate the retrieval and use of digital visual resources and manage such resources for short‐term and long‐term access?

The proposed program is designed to facilitate a dialog among practitioners, educators, and a panel of researchers with experience investigating the retrieval and use of visual resources. To provide a context for the dialog, panelists will use the first half of the program to highlight what they have learned from their research and teaching. These brief presentations will be followed by a discussion between the audience and the panelists. The audience will be encouraged to share their views on the following topics and any additional topics of great interest to them:

How do users search for visual resources in the absence of information systems?

How do users find their access to visual resources supported or inhibited by the information systems put in place for them?

What are the opportunities for practitioners, subject specialists, researchers, and educators to collaborate and provide learning experiences with visual resources for LIS students?

What competencies are needed by information professionals in order to build and sustain good visual resource systems?

The program will be of interest to information science educators, specialists in digital asset management, and information professionals who work with visual resources (art and special collections librarians, digital librarians, archivists and museum curators).