bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of mesenchymal stem cells transplanted to osteonecrosis of femoral head
Authors: Yan Zuoqin , Hang Donghua , Guo Changan , Chen Zhengrong
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival and differentiation status of MSCs transplanted to ONFH. Traumatic ONFH was surgically produced in skeletally mature mongrel dogs. Osteonecrosis was treated with either saline (control) or autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation after decompression. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to track the transplanted MSCs, the differentiation of MSCs were evaluated by fluorescent double‐labeling with GFP between osteocalcin or von Willebrand factor (vWF) at 2nd, 8th, and 12th week after the transplantation. It was demonstrated that GFP‐positive cells were present in the necrotic area up to 12 weeks after the transplantation, their number increased from 15% at 2nd week to 38% at 12th week (p < 0.05). Neither osteocalcin nor vWF was detected by immunocytochemistry in GFP‐labeled MSCs in vitro, but osteocalcin was immunohistochemically positive in 90% of the GFP‐labeled MSCs in vivo, while vWF was still negative. The vWF expression was of no significant difference between the control group and MSCs‐transplanted group. The percentages of trabeculae bone volume were 9.36% and 8.42% at 2nd week (p > 0.05), 22.82% and 14.72% at 8th week, and 31.08% and 20.66% at 12th week (p < 0.05) in MSCs‐transplanted group and control group, respectively; new trabeculae bone in MSCs‐transplanted group was significantly increased as compared to that of control group at 8th and 12th week. The results demonstrated that the transplanted MSCs could survive, proliferate, and differentiate into osteoblasts directly, which contributed to the accelerated repair process. The possible mechanism is site‐dependant differentiation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 442–446, 2009
Biochemical changes in new plantain and cooking banana hybrids at various stages of ripening
Authors: Sakyi‐Dawson Esther , Asamoah‐Bonti Prudence , Amponsah Annor George
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: New varieties of plantain and cooking banana with higher yields and improved pest and disease resistance are continuously being bred. There is therefore the need to study their properties during postharvest ripening. This work investigates the effects of ripening on the dry matter content, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, browning potential, starch content and reducing and non‐reducing sugar contents of new FHIA 19 and FHIA 20 plantain and FHIA 03 cooking banana hybrids.

RESULTS: The starch and ascorbic acid contents of all hybrids decreased as ripening progressed. The starch and dry matter contents of the FHIA 03 cooking banana were reduced from about 750 to < 100 g kg−1 and from 260 to 190 g kg−1 respectively after stage 9 of ripening, when samples had more black than yellow colour. The FHIA 03 cooking banana had the highest content of non‐reducing sugars. The titratable acidity of the FHIA 03 cooking banana was higher than that of the FHIA 19 and FHIA 20 plantains. The browning potential of all hybrids decreased after stage 7 of ripening, when samples were yellow with black spots. The FHIA 19 plantain had the lowest browning potential.

CONCLUSION: Significant reductions in the dry matter, ascorbic acid and starch contents of the plantain and cooking banana hybrids were observed during the progress of ripening. The cooking banana variety contained lower levels of dry matter, ascorbic acid and starch than the plantain varieties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of different internal‐diameter column combinations in comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography in flavour and fragrance analysis
Authors: Cordero Chiara , Bicchi Carlo , Galli Mario , Galli Stefano , Rubiolo Patrizia
Published: October 2008

A series of OV1‐OV1701 column sets, in which the two dimensions differ in id and/or film thickness, were adopted to separate components of the volatile and semivolatile fraction of samples of plant origin. In particular two applications are presented: a target analysis approach to determine volatile suspected allergens in a medium‐complexity fragrance and in sandalwood essential oil, and a fingerprint analysis approach to compare herbal extracts. Some basic chromatographic parameters of these combinations, i. e. net separation measure (SGC×GC), degree of orthogonality and a suitable number of modulations per peak, were also estimated by analysing two test mixtures: FAME (C4:0–C24:0) and suspected volatile allergens. Experimental results show that 0.25 mm homologous id column combination, despite their lower separation power, have good capacity to separate and resolve medium‐to‐complex fractions from samples of plant origin, demonstrating: (i) good system orthogonality, maximized through proper exploitation of stationary‐phase selectivity and (ii) reduced 2‐D column overloading effects due to the increased 2‐D mass loadability, thus facilitating the analysis of mixtures whose components differ significantly in relative abundance.
Selective adsorption of D‐ and L‐phenylalanine on molecularly‐imprinted polymerized organogels formed using polymerizable gelator N‐octadecyl maleamic acid
Authors: Zhang Shengzu , Fu Xinjian , Wang Hong , Yang Yajiang
Published: October 2008

The polymerizable gelator N‐octadecyl maleamic acid (ODMA) can self‐assemble in selected polymerizable organic solvents, such as 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methylacrylic acid (MAA) to form thermally stable polymerizable organogels. A mixture consisting of HEMA and MAA as the monomer and functional monomer, PEG dimethacrylates (PEG200DMA) as the crosslinker, BOC‐L‐phenylalanine (BPA) or L‐phenylalanine ethyl ester (PEE) as the chiral templates, was gelatinized by ODMA firstly and subsequently polymerized by in situ UV irradiation or thermal initiation. The molecularly imprinted polymerized organogels were obtained after the removal of the templates through ethanol extraction. Selective adsorption of D‐ and L‐phenylalanine was performed on the polymerized organogels. The results indicate rather high adsorption efficiency obtained for L‐phenylalanine compared with that for D‐phenylalanine, which was found to be dependent on the concentrations of ODMA, content of template, and the method of polymerization. Herein, the concentration of ODMA in the organogels played an important role for the adsorption efficiency of D‐ and L‐phenylalanine.
Simple and rapid extraction, separation, and detection of alkaloids in beverages
Authors: Copper Christine L. , Newman Carl I. D. , Collins Greg E.
Published: October 2008

Implementation of an uncomplicated SPE process for the rapid extraction and preconcentration of the alkaloids, colchicine, strychnine, aconitine, and nicotine, from water, apple juice, and nonfat milk samples is presented. When coupled to analysis via micellar EKC (MEKC), the total analysis time per sample was less than 15 min for the water and juice samples and less than 20 min for the milk. The SPE process allowed for anywhere from a three to a fourteen‐fold improvement in the LOD for each alkaloid when compared to detecting the alkaloids in a nontreated water sample matrix. Following SPE, the LODs for colchicine, strychnine, and nicotine were sufficient to meet levels from 150 to 5000 times more dilute than the LD50 for a 50 kg individual drinking 12 oz of a contaminated beverage. Aconitine, on the other hand, was detected at approximately the LD50 level. The percent recoveries for the SPE ranged from 37% to as high as 99%. Nicotine attained the highest recovery efficiencies, followed by colchicine, and finally, aconitine and strychnine, which were nearly identical. The greatest recovery efficiencies were achieved from apple juice and water, whereas nonfat milk yielded the lowest.
Great expectations: Resolving conflicts of leadership style preferences
Authors: Ruderman Marian N.
Published: October 2008

Ask someone in one country or culture what he or she looks for in an effective leader, and the answer is likely to be different from that of someone in another country or culture. In today's increasingly global business environment, this variance in leadership expectations can become a problem. Today, being successful as a leader means taking the disparate expectations of leadership into account.
The nexus effect: When leaders span group boundaries
Authors: Yip Jeffrey , Wong Serena , Ernst Christopher
Published: October 2008

In this age of global interconnection, leaders need to go beyond their traditional focus on managing and protecting group boundaries and work toward boundary‐spanning leadership–bridging intergroup boundaries in order to achieve a shared vision or goal. The experiences of leaders in three different sectors shed some preliminary light on the collective solutions that can be achieved when leaders facilitate collaborative practices acrossdiverse and even divided groups.
Involvement of Singlet Oxygen in the Solid‐State Photochemistry of P3HT
Authors: Manceau Matthieu , Rivaton Agnès , Gardette Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2008

We studied the role that singlet oxygen plays in the solid‐state photochemistry of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The photosensitized formation of singlet oxygen by solid‐state P3HT and its subsequent reactivity on the polymer were investigated. Using a fluorescent probe, it was found that singlet oxygen (1O2) could be produced by irradiation of P3HT by photosensitization, with no oxidation of the polymer. In addition, 1O2 was directly formed on P3HT via a chemical reaction, again with no oxidation of the polymer. These results give strong evidence that 1O2 is not the principal photo‐oxidative degradation intermediate of P3HT, which conflicts with previous reports.

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Does corporate ownership structure matter for economic growth? A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Kapopoulos Panayotis , Lazaretou Sophia
Published: October 2008

The role of corporations in allocating resources has been of great importance in the debate about the manner in which enterprises should be governed to enhance economic growth. Corporate governance features seem to be central to the dynamics by which successful firms and economies improve their performance over time as well as relative to each other. In this paper we try to clarify the relationship between corporate ownership structure and output growth by using the data of La Portaet al.(J. Finance1999; LIV: 471–517) on ownership structure of large‐ and medium‐sized corporations in 27 economies. To search for empirical linkages, we use cross‐country growth regressions. The evidence provided in the paper suggests that an environment with a higher percentage of directly and indirectly widely held companies and a lower degree of state than private ownership is associated with a higher growth rate of per capita income. We also conclude that a higher degree of institutional investment does not seem to enhance the growth performance of an economy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stock market perceptions of the motives for mergers in cases reviewed by the UK competition authorities: an empirical analysis
Authors: Arnold Malcolm , Parker David
Published: October 2008

A number of studies have considered the motivation of managers to follow a merger strategy. However, as far as we are aware none has looked at the influence of competition regulation on merger motives using stock market data and event study techniques. Data drawn from 63 merger cases in the UK between 1989 and 2003 are examined for the stock market's perceptions of what motivated managers to pursue their initial merger bid. The findings suggest that the Synergy and Hubris dominate as motivations for mergers and that, unintentionally, competition policy may help to reduce the number of mergers motivated by Managerialism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of heterocyclic amines from thermally processed meats selected from a small‐scale population‐based study
Authors: Busquets Rosa , Mitjans David , Puignou Lluís , Galceran Maria Teresa
Published: October 2008

Heterocyclic amines (HAs) are potent mutagens that form at high temperatures in cooked, protein‐rich food. Due to their frequent intake, these compounds are considered a risk factor for human cancer. Cooking conditions and eating habits strongly influence the level of HA exposure. Thus, it is difficult to assess the intake of HAs in a large population. Food‐frequency questionnaires (FFQs), designed to provide data on parameters that affect HA formation, were used to survey a small population (459 persons) from Barcelona (NE Spain). Subsequently, the most‐consumed food items named were cooked according to the preferences of the population surveyed and analyzed for HAs using SPE and LC‐MS/MS. In the population studied, the estimated intake via consumption of 13 meat dishes was 285.6 ng of mutagenic HAs per capita and day. PhIP (2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine) was the HA to which the population was most exposed, mainly from fried chicken and griddled beef. When the co‐mutagens norharman and harman are included, the mean daily intake of HAs rises to 475.6 ng per capita and day. A novel putative DMIP regioisomer was detected in the cooked meats, which was analyzed in the present study by multistage MS.
Daily intake of thiamine correlates with the circulating level of endothelial progenitor cells and the endothelial function in patients with type II diabetes
Authors: Wong Ching‐Yuen , Qiuwaxi Jianati , Chen Hua , Li Sheung‐Wai , Chan Hiu‐Ting , Tam Sidney , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Lau Chu‐Pak , Kwong Yok‐Lam , Tse Hung‐Fat
Published: October 2008

Our objective was to determine the relationships between levels of different dietary nutrients intake with circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and vascular endothelial function in type II diabetic patients. We studied the daily dietary nutrients intake, the numbers of circulating CD34+/KDR+ EPC and CD133+/KDR+ EPC and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in 88 diabetic patients without prior cardiovascular diseases and 91 sex‐ and age‐matched controls. Compared with controls, diabetic patients had lower CD133+/KDR+ EPC count (48.3 ± 5.2 vs. 84.6 ± 7.6/μL, p < 0.001), CD34+/KDR+ EPC count (311 ± 41 vs. 412 ± 36/μL, p = 0.045), and FMD (2.54 ± 0.37% vs. 5.46 ± 0.47%, p < 0.001). After adjusted for age, sex, smoking history, body weight, hemoglobin A1c level, total calorie intake, other dietary vitamin intake, use of antihypertensives, and lipid lowering agents, a higher intake of thiamine was significantly associated with a higher level of circulating CD34+/KDR+ EPC (β = 0.49, p = 0.028) and CD133+/KDR+ EPC (β = 0.45, p = 0.037) in diabetic patients, but not in controls. Furthermore, an increased intake of thiamine from 1st to 4th quartile in diabetic patients independently predicted an absolute increase in FMD by 1.29% (p = 0.026, relative increase = 63.5%). This study demonstrated that daily thiamine intake was positively correlated with the circulating number of EPCs and FMD in patients with type II diabetes, independent of other dietary nutrients intake.
Higher‐resolution convection schemes for flow in porous media on highly distorted unstructured grids
Authors: Lamine Sadok , Edwards Michael G.
Published: October 2008

Higher‐resolution schemes are presented for convective flow approximation on highly distorted unstructured grids. The schemes are coupled with continuous full‐tensor Darcy‐flux approximations. A sequence of non‐uniform and distorted grid formulations are developed and compared for a range of unstructured meshes with variable grid spacing. The higher‐order schemes are constructed using non‐uniform grid slope limiters such that they are stable with a local maximum principle, ensuring that solutions are free of spurious oscillations. Benefits of the resulting schemes are demonstrated for classical test problems in reservoir simulation including cases with full‐tensor permeability fields. The test cases involve a range of unstructured grids with variations in grid spacing, orientation and permeability that lead to flow fields that are poorly resolved by standard simulation methods. The higher‐order formulations are shown to effectively reduce numerical diffusion, leading to improved resolution of concentration and saturation fronts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilized four‐node tetrahedron with nonlocal pressure for modeling hyperelastic materials
Authors: Areias P. , Matouš K.
Published: October 2008

Non‐linear hyperelastic response of reinforced elastomers is modeled using a novel three‐dimensional mixed finite element method with a nonlocal pressure field. The element is unconditionally convergent and free of spurious pressure modes. Nonlocal pressure is obtained by an implicit gradient technique and obeys the Helmholtz equation. Physical motivation for this nonlocality is shown. An implicit finite element scheme with consistent linearization is presented. Finally, several hyperelastic examples are solved to demonstrate the computational algorithm including the inf–sup and verifications tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needs assessment of runaway females in Iran from an occupational therapy perspective
Authors: Malekpour Maryam
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess, from an occupational therapy perspective, the occupational performance needs of runaway females between 15 and 33 years old, residing in the state‐run shelters in Mashhad, Iran. The inclusion criteria were: (1) participants who were 15 years old or above; (2) participants who resided in one of the state‐run shelters in Mashhad; and (3) participants who could read, comprehend and write in Farsi.

A written survey was completed by 44 runaway females (response rate: 36.6%). The findings revealed the occupational needs of this population to be as follows: vocational needs to find a meaningful job, emotional needs to manage depression and hopelessness, social participation needs to manage family and peer/friend relationships and peer interactions with the opposite sex to find an appropriate mate and educational needs to continue their education. Participants were from one area of Iran, so the results of the study cannot be generalized to runaway females residing in shelters in other areas of the country. Future research could include a qualitative design to explore more in‐depth needs of this population. Also, a larger population of runaway females nationwide should be included in a study to increase generalizability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous lung stem cells and contribution to disease
Authors: Snyder JC , Teisanu RM , Stripp BR
Published: October 2008

Epithelial branching during the process of lung development results in the establishment of distinct functional zones, each of which is characterized by a unique cellular composition and repertoire of local progenitor cells. Significant new insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms of epithelial maintenance that provide insights into the pathophysiology of lung disease have been made in recent years. This review focuses on the complex structure–function relationship in the airway epithelium, how this epithelium is maintained in the normal state and repaired following injury, and how deregulation may contribute to airway disease and cancer. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastrointestinal stem cells in development and cancer
Authors: Brabletz S , Schmalhofer O , Brabletz T
Published: October 2008

An enormous body of knowledge about the biology of stem cells and their role in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer formation has been gained in the last 20 years. This review gives a comprehensive overview on knowledge about localization and regulation of normal gastrointestinal stem cells and links it to our understanding of gastrointestinal tumourigenesis and malignant progression in the light of the cancer stem cell concept. The focus is on intestinal stem cells and newly identified stem cell factors, such as the β‐catenin target gene Lgr5. The basis of intestinal stem cell regulation is a permanent crosstalk between epithelial and underlying mesenchymal cells in the intestinal stem cell niche. This crosstalk is mediated by crucial pathways, including the Wnt, Hedgehog (HH), Notch, PI3K and BMP pathways. Disturbances in this fine‐regulated interaction can both initiate intestinal tumours and, in association with additional genetic alterations or environmental activation of embryonic processes such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), lead to tumour invasion and metastasis. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of umbilical vein blood flow
Authors: Fernandez Susana , Figueras Francesc , Gomez Olga , Martinez Josep Maria , Eixarch Elisenda , Comas Montserrat , Puerto Bienvenido , Gratacos Eduard
Published: October 2008

Objectives

To assess the intra‐ and interobserver reliability of the umbilical vein (UV) diameter, time‐averaged maximum velocity (TAMX) and umbilical vein blood flow (BF).

Methods

Sixty‐three consecutive singleton pregnancies between 24 and 42 weeks were evaluated by two independent operators. UV diameter and TAMX were measured. UV flow was calculated as UV area × 60 × TAMX × 0.5. Reliability analyses were performed by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for agreement. Differences between and within observers were explored and agreement limits calculated by means of the Bland–Altman test.

Results

Satisfactory Doppler parameters were successfully obtained from all fetuses. The intraobserver ICCs for UV diameter, TAMX, and BF were 0.7, 0.59, and 0.55, respectively, whereas the interobserver ICCs were 0.65, 0.46, and 0.60, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals of the intraobserver differences were (+0.15, − 0.14), (+8.0, − 7.9), and (+150, − 138.7), respectively. The 95% confidence intervals of the interobserver differences were (+0.16, − 0.16), (+8.5, − 8.2), and (+138.8, − 141.9), respectively.

Conclusions

Noninvasive Doppler calculation of umbilical vein blood flow and its components are reliable enough for clinical use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) as a stand‐alone test for rapid aneuploidy detection in amniotic fluid cells
Authors: Kooper Angelique J. A. , Faas Brigitte H. W. , Kater‐Baats Ellen , Feuth Ton , Janssen Jasper C. J. A. , van der Burgt Ineke , Lotgering Fred K. , Geurts van Kessel Ad , Smits Arie P. T.
Published: October 2008

Objective

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic application of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) as a stand‐alone test for targeted detection of common chromosomal aneuploidies (i.e. 13, 18, 21, X and Y) in amniotic fluid cells in routine prenatal clinical practice.

Methods

In this evaluation study, the MLPA test using kit P095 was performed on 1000 consecutive amniotic fluid samples and the results obtained were compared with traditional karyotyping (TK), the gold standard.

Results

The absolute specificity and sensitivity of the MLPA test were 100%. The test yielded a rapid reporting time: 94% within three working days and 5% within seven working days. The test failure rate was 0.8%. The percentage of abnormalities undetectable using this specific test was 2.4%: abnormal foetal ultrasound (N = 9), increased risk first trimester screening (N = 2), advanced maternal age (N = 3) or other reason for referral (N = 10). These abnormalities can be categorised in clinically significant (N = 8), clinically uncertain (N = 4) and clinically nonsignificant (N = 12).

Conclusions

MLPA P095 is suitable as a stand‐alone test for the rapid and efficient detection of the most common chromosomal aneuploidies in routine prenatal clinical practice. A flow chart for integrating the MLPA test into the cytogenetic laboratory workflow is presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of ultrasonographers training on prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases: a 12‐year population‐based study
Authors: Pézard Ph. , Bonnemains L. , Boussion F. , Sentilhes L. , Allory P. , Lépinard C. , Guichet A. , Triau S. , Biquard F. , Leblanc M. , Bonneau D. , Descamps Ph.
Published: October 2008

Objective

Since 1998, French multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis centers (CPDPN) offer a training opportunity to first‐level screening sonographers. This study measures the impact of this training on prenatal detection rates of congenital heart diseases (CHDs).

Methods

We analyzed the sensitivity of screening sonographers by comparing CHD prenatal diagnoses and CHDs observed after birth in the area of Angers from 1994 to 2006. Two groups of sonographers were compared, those who attended the training (n = 19) and those who did not (control group. n = 21). The evolution of CHD detection rate was compared between two successive periods of 6 years each.

Results

Of 947 CHDs, 438 (46%) were detected prenatally. The control group sensitivity was 16 versus 37% for the sonographers who had attended the training course (p < 0.001).

Between the two study periods, detection rates for all CHDs and significant CHDs remained unchanged in the control group, whereas they improved significantly in the other group (respectively 54% vs 33% and 75% vs 38%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study supports the hypothesis of a beneficial effect of CPDPN on prenatal diagnosis of CHDs. These centers not only fulfill their primary purpose but also operate as learning centers in which screening sonographers may improve their practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of detailed first trimester ultrasound examination in abnormal fetal nuchal translucency
Authors: Bronshtein Moshe , Zimmer Etan Z. , Blazer Shraga
Published: October 2008

Objective

To determine the value of a first trimester fetal ultrasound examination in cases of an increased nuchal translucency (NT).

Method

A detailed fetal ultrasound examination was performed within 4 days of a detection of a first trimester increased NT.

Results

As many as 23 fetuses were evaluated. Severe anomalies were detected in eight and mild anomalies were detected in six fetuses. Two fetuses had trisomy 13, one had trisomy 21, and 16 fetuses had a normal karyotype. A chromosomal analysis was not available in four fetuses with major anomalies due to parental decision. In one fetus, craniosynostosis was detected only at 24 weeks' gestation.

Conclusions

The current study shows that a first trimester targeted scan of fetuses with an increased NT in an experienced center can shorten the parental decision‐making process and spare parents a prolonged period of diagnostic uncertainty and anxiety, particularly when a structural anomaly is clearly diagnosed in the first trimester. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exfoliation targeted toughness enhancement in polypropylene‐blend‐ montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Bagcioglu Cuneyt , Altuntas Esra , Şen Sinan , Bora İslier M , Ersoy Osman G , Ersoy Nuri , Nugay Turgut , Nugay Nihan
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Both exfoliated and toughened polypropylene‐blend‐montmorillonite (PP/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion in a twin‐screw extruder. Special attention was paid to the enhancement of clay exfoliation and toughness properties of PP by the introduction of a rubber in the form of compatibilizer toughener: ethylene propylene diene‐based rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (EPDM‐g‐MA).

RESULTS: The resultant nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and Izod impact testing methods. It was found that the desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure could be achieved for all compatibilizer to organoclay ratios as well as clay loadings. Moreover, a mechanism involving a decreased size of rubber domains surrounded with nanolayers as well as exfoliation of the nanolayers in the PP matrix was found to be responsible for a dramatic increase in impact resistance of the nanocomposites.

CONCLUSION: Improved thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the resultant nanocomposites promise to open the way for highly toughened super PPs via nanocomposite assemblies even with very low degrees of loading. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of proteins to predict the molecular basis for the observed gender susceptibility in a rat model of alcoholic steatohepatitis by 2‐D gel proteomics
Authors: Banerjee Atrayee , Russell William K. , Jayaraman Arul , Ramaiah Shashi K.
Published: October 2008

Females are reported to be highly susceptible to alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) compared to the males. Although a variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain this higher sensitivity of females, the precise mechanism is not well understood. The objective of this study was to identify changes in global protein expression in liver tissues of male and female rats with pathologically evident ASH by 2‐DE (dimensional electrophoresis). ASH was induced in the SD (Sprague‐Dawley) rats by feeding ethanol (EtOH) containing Lieber‐DeCarli diet for 6 wk followed by a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Higher liver injury in females in the ASH group as compared to the males was confirmed by HE stained liver sections. As identified by 2‐DE, 22 protein‐spots were differentially expressed in the females in the ASH group as compared to the males. Following identification of these proteins by MALDI‐MS, they were mainly categorized into metabolism and oxidative stress‐related proteins. The expression pattern of a few of these oxidative stress‐related proteins like Ferritin Heavy chain (Ferritin‐H chain), ER stress protein 60 (ER 60) and Heat‐shock protein‐60 (HSP 60) were verified by Western blotting. To conclude, the current study has identified a set of proteins that highlights potential novel mechanisms associated with higher liver injury noted in the female rat ASH model.
Proteomic analysis of circulating monocytes in Chinese premenopausal females with extremely discordant bone mineral density
Authors: Deng Fei‐Yan , Liu Yao‐Zhong , Li Li‐Ming , Jiang Chen , Wu Shan , Chen Yuan , Jiang Hui , Yang Fang , Xiong Ji‐Xian , Xiao Peng , Xiao Su‐Mei , Tan Li‐Jun , Sun Xiao , Zhu Xue‐Zhen , Liu Man‐Yuan , Lei Shu‐Feng , Chen Xiang‐Ding , Xie Jing‐Yun , Xiao Gary G. , Liang Song‐Ping , Deng Hong‐Wen
Published: October 2008

Osteoporosis (OP) is a major public health problem, mainly characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD). Circulating monocytes (CMCs) may serve as progenitors of osteoclasts and produce a wide variety of factors important to bone metabolism. However, the specific action mechanism of CMCs in the pathogenesis of OP is far from clear. We performed a comparative protein expression profiling study of CMCs in Chinese premenopausal females with extremely discordant BMD, identified a total of 38 differentially expressed proteins, and confirmed with Western blotting five proteins: ras suppressor protein1 (RSU1), gelsolin (GSN), manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1(GPX1), and prolyl 4‐hydroxylase β subunit (P4HB). These proteins might affect CMCs' trans‐endothelium, differentiation, and/or downstream osteoclast functions, thus contribute to differential osteoclastogenesis and finally lead to BMD variation. The findings promote our understanding of the role of CMCs in BMD determination, and provide an insight into the pathogenesis of human OP.
A rapid approach for phenotype‐screening and database independent detection of cSNP/protein polymorphism using mass accuracy precursor alignment
Authors: Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , van Dongen Joost T. , Wienkoop Stefanie , Steinfath Matthias , Hummel Jan , Erban Alexander , Sulpice Ronan , Regierer Babette , Kopka Joachim , Geigenberger Peter , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: October 2008

The dynamics of a proteome can only be addressed with large‐scale, high‐throughput methods. To cope with the inherent complexity, techniques based on targeted quantification using proteotypic peptides are arising. This is an essential systems biology approach; however, for the exploratory discovery of unexpected markers, nontargeted detection of proteins, and protein modifications is indispensable. We present a rapid label‐free shotgun proteomics approach that extracts relevant phenotype‐specific peptide product ion spectra in an automated workflow without prior identification. These product ion spectra are subsequently sequenced with database search andde novoprediction algorithms. We analyzed six potato tuber cultivars grown on three plots of two geographically separated fields in Germany. For data mining about 1.5 million spectra from 107 analyses were aligned and statistically examined in approximately 1 day. Several cultivar‐specific protein markers were detected. Based onde novo‐sequencing a dominant protein polymorphism not detectable in the available EST‐databases was assigned exclusively to a specific potato cultivar. The approach is applicable to organisms with unsequenced or incomplete genomes and to the automated extraction of relevant mass spectra that potentially cannot be identified by genome/EST‐based search algorithms.
In vivo proteome dynamics during early bovine myogenesis
Authors: Chaze Thibault , Meunier Bruno , Chambon Christophe , Jurie Catherine , Picard Brigitte
Published: October 2008

Myogenesis is a complex process of which the underlying mechanisms are conserved between species, including birds and mammals. Despite a good understanding of the stages of myogenesis, many of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of proliferation of the successive myoblast generations, the cellular transitions cell proliferation/alignment of myoblasts/fusion of myoblasts into myotubes/differentiation of myofibres and the control of total myofibre number still remain unknown. An in vivo proteomic analysis of the semitendinosus muscle from Charolais foetuses, at three specific stages of myogenesis (60, 110 and 180 days postconception), was conducted using 2‐DE and MS. Expression profiles of more than 170 proteins were revealed and analysed using two way hierarchical clustering and statistical analysis. Our studies identify, for the first time, distinct proteins of varied biological functions and protein clusters with myogenic processes, such as the control of cell cycle activity and apoptosis, the establishment of cellular metabolism and muscle contractile properties and muscle cell reorganisation. These results are of fundamental interest to the field of myogenesis in general, and more specifically to the control of muscle development in meat producing animals.
Quantitative structure activity relationship of IA3‐like peptides as aspartic proteinase inhibitors
Authors: Padrón‐García Juan Alexander , Alonso‐Tarajano Manuel , Alonso‐Becerra Esther , Winterburn Tim J. , Ruiz Yasser , Kay John , Berry Colin
Published: October 2008

The IA3 polypeptide inhibitor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae interacts potently and selectively with its target, the S. cerevisiae vacuolar aspartic proteinase (ScPr). Upon encountering the enzyme, residues 2–32 of the intrinsically unstructured IA3 polypeptide become ordered into an almost‐perfect alpha‐helix. In previous IA3 mutagenesis studies, we identified important characteristics of the enzyme inhibitor interactions and generated a large dataset of variants with Ki values determined experimentally at pH 3.1 and 4.7. Using this information, the three‐dimensional structure of each variant was modelled in silico with the correct protonation for each experimental pH value. A set of descriptors of the inhibitor/ScPr interactions was then calculated and used to establish mathematical models relating the variant sequences to their inhibitory activities at each pH. Cross‐validation, external‐set validation and five separate selections of the training and test samples confirmed the robustness of the equations. A major contributor to the structure‐activity relationship was the free energy of binding calculated by the FoldX program. The mathematical models were challenged further (i) by in silico alanine‐scanning mutagenesis of residues 2–32 in IA3 and relating binding energy to experimentally derived inhibition constants for selected representatives of these variants; and (ii) by predicting inhibitory‐potencies for two novel IA3‐variants. The predictions of the equations for these new IA3‐variants with ScPr matched almost precisely the kinetic data determined experimentally. The models described represent valuable tools for the future design of novel inhibitor variants active against ScPr and other aspartic proteinases. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local descriptors of protein structure: A systematic analysis of the sequence‐structure relationship in proteins using short‐ and long‐range interactions
Authors: Hvidsten Torgeir R. , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Fidelis Krzysztof
Published: October 2008

Local protein structure representations that incorporate long‐range contacts between residues are often considered in protein structure comparison but have found relatively little use in structure prediction where assembly from single backbone fragments dominates. Here, we introduce the concept of local descriptors of protein structure to characterize local neighborhoods of amino acids including short‐ and long‐range interactions. We build a library of recurring local descriptors and show that this library is general enough to allow assembly of unseen protein structures. The library could on average re‐assemble 83% of 119 unseen structures, and showed little or no performance decrease between homologous targets and targets with folds not represented among domains used to build it. We then systematically evaluate the descriptor library to establish the level of the sequence signal in sets of protein fragments of similar geometrical conformation. In particular, we test whether that signal is strong enough to facilitate correct assignment and alignment of these local geometries to new sequences. We use the signal to assign descriptors to a test set of 479 sequences with less than 40% sequence identity to any domain used to build the library, and show that on average more than 50% of the backbone fragments constituting descriptors can be correctly aligned. We also use the assigned descriptors to infer SCOP folds, and show that correct predictions can be made in many of the 151 cases where PSI‐BLAST was unable to detect significant sequence similarity to proteins in the library. Although the combinatorial problem of simultaneously aligning several fragments to sequence is a major bottleneck compared with single fragment methods, the advantage of the current approach is that correct alignments imply correct long range distance constraints. The lack of these constraints is most likely the major reason why structure prediction methods fail to consistently produce adequate models when good templates are unavailable or undetectable. Thus, we believe that the current study offers new and valuable insight into the prediction of sequence‐structure relationships in proteins. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High pressure reveals structural determinants for globin hexacoordination: Neuroglobin and myoglobin cases
Authors: Capece L. , Marti M. A. , Bidon‐Chanal A. , Nadra A. , Luque F. J. , Estrin D. A.
Published: October 2008

The influence of pressure on the equilibrium between five‐(5c) and six‐coordination (6c) forms in neuroglobin (Ngb) and myoglobin (Mb) has been examined by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at normal and high pressure. The results show that the main effect of high pressure is to reduce the protein mobility without altering the structure in a significant manner. Moreover, our data suggest that the equilibrium between 5c and 6c states in globins is largely controlled by the structure and dynamics of the C‐D region. Finally, in agreement with the available experimental data, the free energy profiles obtained from steered MD for both proteins indicate that high pressure enhances hexacoordination. In Ngb, the shift in equilibrium is mainly related to an increase in the 6c→5c transition barrier, whereas in Mb such a shift is primarily due to a destabilization of the 5c state. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smoking cessation: advice and treatment in general practice
Authors: McEwen Andy , Vangeli Eleni
Published: October 2008

The authors describe the the benefits of smoking cessation and discuss the advice and drug treatments that can be provided in primary care. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Exciton quantum confinement effect in nanostructures formed by laser radiation on the surface of CdZnTe ternary compound
Authors: Medvid A. , Mychko A. , Strilchyk O. , Litovchenko N. , Naseka Yu. , Onufrijevs P. , Pludonis A.
Published: October 2008

Self‐organizing structures of nanometer size are observed on the surface of CdZnTe crystal irradiated by strongly absorbed Nd:YAG laser radiation (LR) at intensities within 4–12 MW/cm2. The effect of exciton quantum confinement manifested by a shift to higher energies of the A0,X exciton band of the photo‐luminescent spectrum is present in structures of 10–15 nm in diameter at the top of nano‐hills. A graded band gap structure with optical window is formed at the top of nano‐hills. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the relative stability of cobalt‐ and nickel‐based amidinate complexes against β‐migration
Authors: Li Jiaye , Wu Jinping , Zhou Chenggang , Han Bo , Lei Xinjian , Gordon Roy , Cheng Hansong
Published: October 2008

We present a first‐principles study on the relative stability of cobalt‐ and nickel‐based amidinate complexes against β‐migration using density functional theory. Factors that influence the reactivity of these compounds were carefully addressed and the calculated molecular structures are in excellent agreement with the available crystal structural data. Reaction energies as well as activation barriers of β‐migration were evaluated. The predicted relative stability of the selected compounds is consistent with experimental observations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Coupled cluster response theory in parameter subspaces
Authors: Boman Linus , Koch Henrik
Published: October 2008

We introduce a response function formalism that enables smaller number of parameters than that defined in standard coupled cluster response theory. This is essential in the development of reduced scaling methods. The formalism is general and it applies to all parameterizations at all levels of the coupled cluster hierarchy. We show that to achieve physically reasonable results the parameterization must fulfill certain criteria. The linear response functions are derived and discussed in the context of optimized virtual orbitals and Cholesky decomposition of the cluster amplitudes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
TCE plume remediation via ISCR‐enhanced bioremediation utilizing EHC® and KB‐1®
Authors: Peale James G. D. , Bakkom Erik , Lakhwala Fayaz , Mueller James , Molin Josephine
Published: October 2008

Groundwater below an operating manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, was impacted by chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), with concentrations indicative of a dense, nonaqueous‐phase liquid (DNAPL) release. The downgradient plume stretched under the adjacent Willamette River, intersecting zones of legacy impacts from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP). An evaluation of source‐area and downgradient plume treatment remedies identified in situ bioremediation as most likely to be effective for the CVOC plume, while leaving the legacy impacts for other responsible parties. With multiple commercially available products to choose from, the team developed and implemented a bench test to identify the most appropriate technology, which was further evaluated in a field pilot study. The results of the testing demonstrated conclusively that bioremediation enhanced by in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) using EHC® and KB‐1® was most appropriate for this site, providing outstanding results. The following describes the implementation and results of the tests. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the physical stability, groundwater seepage control, and faunal changes associated with an AquaBlok® sediment cap
Authors: Barth Edwin F. , Reible Danny , Bullard Andrew
Published: October 2008

Active sediment caps are being considered for addressing contaminated sediment areas in surface‐water bodies. A demonstration of an active cap designed to reduce advective transport of contaminants using AquaBlok® (active cap material) was initiated in a small study area of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. The cap remained physically stable, demonstrated the ability to divert groundwater flow, and was recolonized with native organisms after 30 months of monitoring following cap placement. However, the long‐term performance of active caps associated with harsh environmental conditions, hydrogeological settings, and subsurface gas production needs to be further evaluated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remediation of fly ash landfills through plantation
Authors: Ram Lal C. , Jha Sangeet K. , Tripathi Ramesh C. , Masto Reginald E. , Selvi Vetrivel A.
Published: October 2008

In India, a significant area of land is occupied by preexisting coal‐fired thermal power plants (TPPs) for the storage of fly ash slurry in ash ponds. However, the area available for storage of fly ash at these TPPs is limited. In addition, this type of fly ash disposal poses a problem due to restricted land availability and potential contamination issues. A viable alternative is the reclamation of fly ash ponds by plantation. A study at the Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Station (RSTPS) in Andhra Pradesh, India, on reclamation of a portion of an ash‐filled, low‐lying area has been performed. This article describes the characteristics of the RSTPS pond ash, ash leachates, and improvements in the fertility status of the reclaimed area over a three‐year period. Furthermore, morphometric observations of different planted species indicate that these types of ash‐filled, low‐lying areas can be suitably reclaimed and the nutrient‐rich leachate from ash‐filled areas potentially can be used for irrigation purposes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fractal compression and adaptive sampling: reducing the image acquisition time in scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Cheng Marvin H.‐M. , Chiu George T.‐C. , Reifenberger Ronald
Published: October 2008

In typical scanning probe microscope experiment a three‐dimensional image of a substrate is obtained. For a given scanning mechanism, the time needed to image an area depends mainly on the number of samples and the size of the image. The imaging speed is further compromised by drifts associated with the substrate and the piezoscanner. It is therefore desirable to improve the imaging speed with limited impact to the effective resolution of the resulting image. By utilizing an adaptive sampling scheme with fractal compression technique, we have demonstrated that the number of the required samples can be significantly reduced with minimal impact to the image quality. SCANNING 30: 463–473, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reusing web contents: a DOM approach
Authors: Álvarez‐Sabucedo L. M. , Anido‐Rifón L. E. , Santos‐Gago J. M.
Published: October 2008

This paper addresses the development of new web sites by reusing already existing contents from external sources. Unlike common links, which retrieve the whole web resource, we propose an approach where partial retrieval is possible. In our case, the unit for reuse is a node in a DOM tree. A suitable proposal for extracting just one single node is presented. This solution permits the partial reuse of external and heterogeneous web contents with no need for client (browser) modifications and with only minor changes for web servers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.