bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of electrospun poly(D,L‐lactide) fibrous scaffold with nanoporous surface on attachment of porcine esophageal epithelial cells and protein adsorption
Authors: Leong Meng Fatt , Chian Kerm Sin , Mhaisalkar Priyadarshini S. , Ong Wey Feng , Ratner Buddy D.
Published: May 2008

Electrospun scaffolds have been increasingly used in tissue engineering applications due to their size‐scale similarities with native extracellular matrices. Their inherent fibrous features may be important in promoting cell attachment and proliferation on the scaffolds. In this study, we explore the technique of fabricating electrospun fibers with nano‐sized porous surfaces and investigate their effects on the attachment of porcine esophageal epithelial cells (PEECs). Porosity was introduced in electrospun poly(D,L‐lactide) fibers by creating vapor‐induced phase separation conditions during electrospinning. The nanoporous fiber scaffolds were mechanically weaker than the conventional solid fiber scaffolds and solvent‐cast films of the same polymer. However, the nanoporosity of the fibers was found to enhance the levels of adsorbed protein from a dilute solution of fetal bovine serum. The amount of protein adsorbed by nanoporous fiber scaffolds was ∼80% higher than the solid fiber scaffolds. This corresponds to an estimated 62% increase in surface area of the porous fibers than the solid fibers. By comparison, the solvent‐cast films adsorbed low levels of protein from the FBS solution. In addition, the porous fibers were found to be advantageous in enhancing initial cell attachment as compared with the solid fibers and solvent‐cast films. It was observed that nanoporous fiber scaffolds seeded with PEECs had significantly greater number of viable cells attached than the solid fiber scaffolds after 10 and 24 h in culture. Hence, our results indicate that nanosized porous surfaces on electrospun fibers enhance both protein adsorption and cell attachment. These findings provide a method to improve cell‐matrix interactions of electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Oligo‐microarray based on oligonucleotide immobilization on glass surface modified with activated acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide copolymer
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Ma Wenli , Zhu Lina , Guo Qiuye , Zhang Bao , Kulageri Shivappa M. , Zheng Wenling
Published: May 2008

Oligo‐microarray can be fabricated on modified surface of glass slides involving immobilization of oligonucleotides. In this study, glass slides were modified with acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide copolymer and EDC (1‐ethyl‐3(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide)/NHS (N‐hydroxysuccinimide) by covalent linkage method, and covalent immobilization of unmodified oligonucleotide on the glass surface was achieved. The platform with binding of stable and sensitive oligonucleotides was prepared for oligo‐microarray fabrication. An optimum concentration of 0.5 g/L was used for spotting. The lengths of 26 to 70 mer oligonucleotides were immobilized on the surface efficiently. The spots were ∼160 nm in diameter and their mean value of fluorescent intensity was measured in the range of 3.2 × 104 to 7.3 × 104 after hybridization. The modified glass surface was scanned by SEM and the dendritic structure was observed. Results showed that the process of preparation of the modified glass surface was simple and cost effective, and the modified surface can be used for the oligo‐microarray fabrication and also attachment of protein, PNA etc. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Competition of fracture mechanisms in monolithic dental ceramics: Flat model systems
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kim Jae‐Won , Bhowmick Sanjit , Thompson Van P. , Rekow E. Dianne
Published: May 2008

Monolithic (single layer) glass‐ceramic restorations often fail from chipping and fracture. Using blunt indentation of a model flat porcelain‐like brittle layer bonded onto a dentin‐like polymer support system, a variety of fatigue fracture modes has been identified and analyzed: outer cone, inner cone, and median cracks developing in the near‐contact region at the occlusal surface; radial cracks developing at the internal cementation surface along the loading axis. Our findings indicate that monolithic glass‐ceramic layers are vulnerable to both occlusal surface damage and cementation internal surface fracture. Clinical issues in the longevity of ceramic restorations are discussed in relation to biting force, physical properties of ceramic crowns and luting cement, and thicknesses of ceramic and cement layers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Boron‐doped diamond: Investigation of the stability of surface‐doping versus bulk‐doping using cyclic cluster model calculations
Authors: Janetzko Florian , Bredow Thomas , Geudtner Gerald , Köster Andreas M.
Published: May 2008

Boron‐doped bulk diamond and the boron‐doped hydrogen terminated (001) surface of diamond were investigated using the cyclic cluster model. Structure and stability of the hydrogen‐terminated (001) surface were calculated and compared with experimental and other theoretical results from the literature. Boron‐doping was modeled by substitution of a carbon atom by a boron atom in different positions with increasing distance from the surface up to boron‐doped bulk diamond. In agreement with experiments on nanoclusters, boron is most stable in the first surface layers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Comparative molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo study of statistical properties for coarse‐grained heteropolymers
Authors: Schluttig Jakob , Bachmann Michael , Janke Wolfhard
Published: May 2008

Employing a simple hydrophobic‐polar heteropolymer model, we compare thermodynamic quantities obtained from Andersen and Nosé‐Hoover molecular dynamics as well as replica‐exchange Monte Carlo methods. We find qualitative correspondence in the results, but serious quantitative differences using the Nosé‐Hoover chain thermostat. For analyzing the deviations, we study different parameterizations of the Nosé‐Hoover chain thermostat. Autocorrelations from molecular dynamics and Metropolis Monte Carlo runs are also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Transition metal dimers as potential molecular magnets: A challenge to computational chemistry
Authors: Fritsch Daniel , Koepernik Klaus , Richter Manuel , Eschrig Helmut
Published: May 2008

Dimers are the smallest chemical objects that show magnetic anisotropy. We focus on 3d and 4d transition metal dimers that have magnetic ground states in most cases. Some of these magnetic dimers have a considerable barrier against re‐orientation of their magnetization, the so‐called magnetic anisotropy energy, MAE. The height of this barrier is important for technological applications, as it determines, e.g., the stability of information stored in magnetic memory devices. It can be estimated by means of relativistic density functional calculations. Our approach is based on a full‐potential local‐orbital method (FPLO) in a four‐component Dirac‐Kohn‐Sham implementation. Orbital polarization corrections to the local density approximation are employed. They are discussed in the broader context of orbital dependent density functionals. Ground state properties (spin multiplicity, bond length, harmonic vibrational frequency, spin‐ and orbital magnetic moment, and MAE) of the 3d and 4d transition metal dimers are evaluated and compared with available experimental and theoretical data. We find exceptionally high values of MAE, close to 0.2 eV, for four particular dimers: Fe2, Co2, Ni2, and Rh2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Insights on protein‐DNA recognition by coarse grain modelling
Authors: Poulain P. , Saladin A. , Hartmann B. , Prévost C.
Published: May 2008

Coarse grain modelling of macromolecules is a new approach, potentially well adapted to answer numerous issues, ranging from physics to biology. We propose here an original DNA coarse grain model specifically dedicated to protein‐DNA docking, a crucial, but still largely unresolved, question in molecular biology. Using a representative set of protein‐DNA complexes, we first show that our model is able to predict the interaction surface between the macromolecular partners taken in their bound form. In a second part, the impact of the DNA sequence and electrostatics, together with the DNA and protein conformations on docking is investigated. Our results strongly suggest that the overall DNA structure mainly contributes in discriminating the interaction site on cognate proteins. Direct electrostatic interactions between phosphate groups and amino acid side chains strengthen the binding. Overall, this work demonstrates that coarse grain modeling can reveal itself a precious auxiliary for a general and complete description and understanding of protein‐DNA association mechanisms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists: Prediction of their binding affinity through a molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area approach
Authors: Grazioso Giovanni , Cavalli Andrea , De Amici Marco , Recanatini Maurizio , De Micheli Carlo
Published: May 2008

A group of agonists for the α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was investigated, and their free energies of binding ΔGbindwere calculated by applying the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) approach. This method, based on molecular dynamics simulations of fully solvated protein–ligand complexes, allowed us to estimate the contribution of both polar and nonpolar terms as well as the entropy to the overall free energy of binding. The calculated results were in a good agreement with the experimentally determined ΔGbindvalues, thereby pointing to the MM‐PBSA protocol as a valuable computational tool for the rational design of specific agents targeting the neuronal α7 nAChR subtypes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Ca2+mobilization mediated by transient receptor potential canonical 3 is associated with thrombin‐induced morphological changes in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells
Authors: Nakao Kenji , Shirakawa Hisashi , Sugishita Aiko , Matsutani Ikkei , Niidome Tetsuhiro , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kaneko Shuji
Published: May 2008

Activated astrocytes show various patterns of Ca2+mobilization under pathological conditions. In the present study we revealed a novel function of astrocytic Ca2+dynamics through investigation of thrombin‐induced unique Ca2+entry. Using 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells, which have been shown to be a good model for detecting morphological dynamics, we observed rapid retraction of bipolar protrusions that were reversibly evoked by 0.03–3 U/mL thrombin. Morphological changes were predominantly dependent on a specific thrombin receptor subtype, proteinase‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1). In parallel, Fura‐2 imaging of intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) showed that thrombin induced heterogeneous Ca2+responses with asynchronous repetitive peaks. These oscillations were found to be a result of repetitive Ca2+release from intracellular stores, followed by refilling of Ca2+from the extracellular region without a direct [Ca2+]iincrease. Pharmacological manipulation with BAPTA‐AM, cyclopiazonic acid, and 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate indicated that Ca2+mobilization was involved in thrombin‐induced morphological changes. We further addressed the role of Ca2+entry using small interfering RNA (siRNA) for transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3). As a result, both thrombin‐induced morphological changes and oscillatory Ca2+responses were significantly attenuated in siRNA‐transfected cells. Inhibition of TRPC3 with pyrazole‐3 also provided support for the contribution of Ca2+influx. Moreover, TRPC3‐mediated Ca2+dynamics regulated thrombin‐induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2. These results suggest a novel function of astrocytic Ca2+dynamics, including Ca2+entry, in the pathophysiological effects of PAR‐1‐mediated astrocytic activation. TRPC3 forms a functional Ca2+channel and might modulate astrocytic activation in response to brain hemorrhaging. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammation in the uterus induces phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and substance P immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia neurons innervating both uterus and colon in rats
Authors: Li Jichang , Micevych Paul , McDonald John , Rapkin Andrea , Chaban Victor
Published: May 2008

In women, clinical studies suggest that pain syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis, which are associated with visceral hyperalgesia, are often comorbid with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. One of the possible explanations for this phenomenon is viscerovisceral cross‐sensitization, in which increased nociceptive input from an inflamed pelvic organ sensitizes neurons that receive convergent input to the same dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from an unaffected visceral organ. Nociception induces up‐regulation of cellular mechanisms such as phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) and substance P (SP), neurotransmitters associated with induced pain sensation. The purpose of this study was to determine, in a rodent model, whether uterine inflammation increased the number of pERK‐ and SP‐positive neurons that received input from both the uterus and the colon. Cell bodies of colonic and uterine DRG were retrogradely labeled with fluorescent tracer dyes microinjected into the colon/rectum and into the uterus. Ganglia were harvested for fluorescent microscopy to identify positively stained neurons. Approximately 6% of neurons were colon specific and 10% uterus specific. Among these uterus‐ or colon‐specific neurons, up to 3–5% of DRG neurons in the lumbosacral neurons (L1–S3 levels) received input from both visceral organs. Uterine inflammation increased the number of pERK‐ and SP‐immunoreactive DRG neurons innervating specifically colon, or innervating specifically uterus, and those innervating both organs. These results suggest that a localized inflammation activates primary visceral afferents, regardless of whether they innervate the affected organ. This visceral sensory integration in the DRG may underlie the observed comorbidity of female pelvic pain syndromes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocytes affect the profile of purines released from cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Zamzow Christina R. , Xiong Wei , Parkinson Fiona E.
Published: May 2008

Adenosine (ADO) is produced by cultured neurons and astrocytes, albeit by different pathways, during in vitro stroke models (Parkinson and Xiong [2004] J. Neurochem. 88:1305–1312). Expression of ecto‐5′ nucleotidase (e‐N), the enzyme responsible for extracellular dephosphorylation of AMP to ADO, is more abundant in astrocytes than neurons. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) evokes ADO release per se from neurons, whereas dephosphorylation of extracellular adenine nucleotides contributes to NMDA‐evoked ADO production in the presence of astrocytes. We used four different cell preparations—cortical rat neurons, cortical rat astrocytes, cocultures of neurons and astrocytes, and transient cocultures of neurons with astrocytes on transwell filters—to show that astrocytes contribute to NMDA‐evoked increases in extracellular ADO. NMDA significantly increased ADO and inosine (INO) production from cultured cortical neurons but only increased extracellular INO production from cocultures. In neurons, the equilibrative nucleoside transport (ENT) inhibitor dipyridamole (DPR) prevented NMDA‐evoked ADO and INO production, whereas the e‐N inhibitor α,β‐methylene ADP (AOPCP) had no effect. Conversely, from both cocultures and transient cocultures DPR significantly decreased NMDA‐evoked INO but not ADO generation. AOPCP inhibited NMDA‐evoked production of both ADO and INO from transient cocultures. In the absence of astrocytes, NMDA evoked release of intracellular ADO and INO from cultured cortical neurons through ENT. However, in the presence of astrocytes, extracellular conversion of adenine nucleotides to ADO contributed significantly to NMDA‐evoked production of this purine. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Men of steel: ascendance of the owner‐manager in the steel industry
Authors: Kakabadse Andrew , Kakabadse Nada , Uldatsov Vlad
Published: May 2008

We analyze a cross‐section of owner‐manager‐led steel companies, principally from developing countries. Utilizing a number of strategic analytical tools derived from steel industry sources as well as researchers' assessments of CEOs' financial legacy, we show that these steel companies have strategies determined by the idiosyncrasies of the dominant shareholder rather than rationalist application. Opportunistic, entrepreneurial behavior increasingly characterizes strategic application in a steel industry shaped by companies in developing nations.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expanding risk management systems: human resources and German banks
Authors: Paul Christopher , Mitlacher Lars
Published: May 2008

The management of HR risks has been in the focus of researchers lately. New regulations — especially in the banking industry — require companies to include HR risks in their risk management systems.

What has been neglected in the academic literature so far is a discussion of how banks respond to these new regulations and include compliance in their HR risk management systems.

What kind of risks emerge with regard to the different HR instruments used in banks is still an issue that has not been investigated in detail so far. Using the special case of German savings banks, which has not yet dealt with this question because of state protection, this paper analyzes how banks respond to the new regulation, using the case study approach.

Based on the empirical material and theoretical insights, the paper explores how HR risk management systems in German savings banks are designed, what risks are included and what implications for the future design of HR risk management systems emerge. Finally, future avenues of research are addressed.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of alginate and microbial transglutaminase as binding ingredients on restructured fish muscle processed at low temperature
Authors: Moreno Helena M , Carballo José , Borderías A Javier
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: In view of the increasing demand for fresh products in Western countries recently, there is considerable interest in commercialising restructured fish products having the appearance of fresh fish. A number of methods have been studied for the purpose of inducing cold gelification. Two of the most common methods, namely addition of alginates and addition of transglutaminases, have been studied mainly in connection with meat products. The present study deals with the use of alginate and transglutaminase as additives in cold gelification of minced hake (Merluccius capensis) muscle. The experiments were targeted on the effects of concentration and combined effects of additional additives on physicochemical characteristics and mechanical properties.

RESULTS: As regards mechanical properties, the effectiveness of sodium alginate was improved by addition of a low concentration (1 g kg−1) of calcium chloride (CaCl2), whereas a higher concentration (10 g kg−1) reduced the binding ability of the alginate. The presence of sodium caseinate (15 g kg−1) in combination with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) was important in helping to increase the work of penetration in fish gels induced at low temperature. Examination of the chemical properties of the muscle gels showed that sodium alginate did not establish covalent protein–protein bonds, while MTGase dramatically increased the number of covalent bonds formed between adjacent muscle proteins.

CONCLUSION: With both ingredients, thermostable fish gels of good quality were produced at temperatures below 10 °C. Gels induced by sodium alginate were considerably improved by addition of 1 g kg−1 CaCl2. However, gels induced by MTGase were better suited for the preparation of restructured products. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein concentrate fromJatropha curcasscrew‐pressed seed cake and toxic and antinutritional factors in protein concentrate
Authors: Makkar Harinder PS , Francis George , Becker Klaus
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND:Jatropha curcasseeds are highly toxic to livestock. The presence of phorbol esters and antinutrients such as trypsin inhibitor, lectin and phytate and the high level of shells in the seed cake prevent its use in animal diets. Using the principle of isoelectric precipitation, the conditions for preparation of the protein concentrate from oil‐containing seed cake and defatted seed cake were optimised and the contents of phorbol esters and antinutrients were determined.

RESULTS:The recovery of protein concentrate was highest when the proteins from the seed cakes were solubilised at pH 11 for 1 h at 60 °C and the precipitation of these proteins was done by lowering the pH to 4. Under these conditions, over 53% of the total proteins present in the seed cakes were recovered in the protein concentrates. The protein contents in the protein concentrates obtained from the oil‐containing seed cake and defatted seed cake were 760 and 820 g kg−1respectively. Substantial amounts of phorbol esters were present in the protein concentrates (0.86–1.48 mg g−1). Trypsin inhibitor was present at an approximately tenfold higher level in the protein concentrates than in the seed cakes. Lectin and phytate were also present at high levels, but their levels were lower than in the seed cakes. Tannins were present in negligible amounts.

CONCLUSION:To make the protein concentrate fromJatrophaseed cake fit for use as an ingredient in livestock feed, phorbol esters must be removed and trypsin inhibitor and lectin inactivated by heat treatment. The adverse effects of phytate could be mitigated by addition of phytase in the diet. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical simulation for the shape reconstruction of a cavity
Authors: Yan Wen‐Jing , Ma Yi‐Chen
Published: May 2008

We consider the inverse problem of reconstructing the interior boundary curve of a cavity from the knowledge of the measurements on the exterior boundary. The domain derivative of the corresponding operator is presented, and this allows the investigation of the regularized Newton method for the solution of the ill‐posed and nonlinear problem. Numerical examples indicate the feasibility of our method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
The homotopy analysis method for explicit analytical solutions of Jaulent–Miodek equations
Authors: Rashidi M.M. , Domairry G. , Dinarvand S.
Published: May 2008

In this work, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied to obtain the explicit analytical solutions for system of the Jaulent–Miodek equations. The validity of the method is verified by comparing the approximation series solutions with the exact solutions. Unlike perturbation methods, the HAM does not depend on any small physical parameters at all. Thus, it is valid for both weakly and strongly nonlinear problems. Besides, different from all other analytic techniques, the HAM provides us a simple way to adjust and control the convergence region of the series solution by means of an auxiliary parameter ħ. Briefly speaking, this work verifies the validity and the potential of the HAM for the study of nonlinear systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Expression profile of early lung adenocarcinoma: identification of MRP3 as a molecular marker for early progression
Authors: Hanada S , Maeshima A , Matsuno Y , Ohta T , Ohki M , Yoshida T , Hayashi Y , Yoshizawa Y , Hirohashi S , Sakamoto M
Published: May 2008

Early lung adenocarcinoma is well‐recognized as a small‐sized non‐invasive adenocarcinoma or localized non‐mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (LNMBAC); however, the molecular events associated with these early lesions are not clear. To determine the genes involved in tumorigenesis at the early stage of lung adenocarcinoma, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of LNMBAC and normal lungs with an oligonucleotide array. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to confirm the expression of detected genes. We identified 183 differentially expressed genes, of which 15 were up‐regulated and 168 down‐regulated. Among them, most up‐regulated genes, such as AQP3 and Claudin‐4, were expressed in both adenocarcinoma cells and type II alveolar pneumocytes, corresponding to the histological similarity between these cell types. However, multidrug resistant protein 3 (MRP3) was only expressed on tumour cell membranes and not in type II alveolar pneumocytes, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the number of MRP3‐positive cells significantly increased from AAH (the precursor lesion of lung adenocarcinoma) to LNMBAC. We conclude that MRP3 could be a novel molecular marker for LNMBAC, whose expression increases during the early progression of tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumour‐promoting activity of altered WWP1 expression in breast cancer and its utility as a prognostic indicator
Authors: Nguyen Huu NS , Ryder WDJ , Zeps N , Flasza M , Chiu M , Hanby AM , Poulsom R , Clarke RB , Baron M
Published: May 2008

WWP1 is a ubiquitin ligase, associated with the post‐translational regulation of several tumour‐promoting and tumour suppressor proteins. Here we show that WWP1 expression is up‐regulated in a subset of breast tumour cell lines and primary breast tumours. We overexpressed WWP1 in MCF10A breast epithelial cells and demonstrated increased cell growth and anchorage‐independent colony formation. RNAi knockdown of WWP1 expression in T47D and MCF7 breast tumour cell lines reduced anchorage‐independent colony formation. We used WWP1 protein expression levels, in combination with its sub‐cellular localization, to classify breast tumours into four categories. Surprisingly, a category with low/absent WWP1 expression displayed a consistently worse prognosis compared with WWP1‐expressing tumours. Importantly, the association with disease‐free survival was independent of the status of other commonly used prognostic indicators. Thus, WWP1 is a prognostic marker and may be a potential therapeutic target for a subset of breast tumours. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disseminated aspergillosis in an adolescent with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zwitserloot Annelies M. , Warris Adilia , van't Hek Louis G. , van Die Lya E. , Verweij Paul E. , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M.C.
Published: May 2008

Disseminated aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients has a mortality rate of almost 100%. Despite the development of new antifungal agents, the outcome of disseminated aspergillosis has only improved slightly, particular in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The use of combination antifungal therapy might improve the dismal outcome of disseminated aspergillosis. We describe a critically ill adolescent with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who was successfully treated with voriconazole and caspofungin for disseminated aspergillosis with involvement of the lung, brain and thyroid gland. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:423–426. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of health‐harming and health‐protective behaviors in adolescents with cancer
Authors: Carpentier Melissa Y. , Mullins Larry L. , Elkin T. David , Wolfe‐Christensen Cortney
Published: May 2008

Background

Given adolescent cancer survivors' increased susceptibility to late effects, it is imperative that we understand factors that influence their engagement in healthy and unhealthy behaviors. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify significant predictors of health‐harming and health‐protective behaviors in adolescent cancer patients.

Procedure

Forty‐two adolescents (ages 12–19 years) currently on‐treatment for cancer and their parents were recruited from outpatient pediatric cancer clinics. Adolescents completed a battery of questionnaires that assessed their health‐behaviors, quality of life, and psychological distress, while parents completed a demographic questionnaire.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that specific demographic, illness, and psychosocial variables significantly predicted health‐harming and health‐protective behaviors. Older adolescent age and unmarried parent status emerged as the best predictors of adolescent health‐harming behaviors, whereas married parent status, increased adolescent time since diagnosis, increased adolescent‐rated quality of life, and increased distress emerged as the best predictors of health‐protective behaviors.

Conclusions

Demographic, illness, and psychosocial variables may help inform the development of interventions designed to promote the initiation and/or maintenance of good health practices among adolescents on‐treatment for cancer. Interventions are needed that target health behaviors while adolescents are approaching treatment completion, in order to help facilitate the practice of good health practices in survivorship. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:525–530. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure of elimination of amyloid‐β from the brain in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: de Silva Prasanna , Carare Roxana O , Weller Roy O
Published: May 2008

Accumulation of amyloid‐β(Aβ) in the brain is a major cause of dementia in Alzheimer's disease.In this article,Dr de Silva,Dr Carare and ProfessorWeller review the mechanisms for the elimination of Aβ from the brain,the reasons why these mechanisms fail in Alzheimer's disease,and how understanding this failure may lead to new approaches to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
UK PD Non‐Motor Group
Authors: O'Connell Nicola
Published: May 2008

Topics covered at the third meeting of the UK PD Non‐Motor Group held in London in March included the link between dopamine agonists and gambling and other impulsive behaviour;speech and swallowing difficulties in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD);and the future of drug therapy for PD.Nicola O'Connell reports. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Hamill Louise , Powis Jane
Published: May 2008

Audit of mental health promotion in primary care

Mental health promotion (MHP) is advocated as part of the National Service Framework for Mental Health1 and the stepped care approach to treatment in the NICE guidelines. Here, the authors present the findings of their study to investigate understanding and implementation of MHP in primary care in a London borough. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
n‐Butanol formation in butyl acrylate containing latexes: Mathematical model
Authors: Goikoetxea Monika , Barandiaran María J. , Asua José M.
Published: May 2008

A mathematical model to describe the formation of n‐butanol during the synthesis of n‐butyl acrylate containing latex and during its storage is presented. The model accounts for the formation of n‐butanol through a mechanism described in a previous work (Goikoetxea et al. J Polym Sci Part A: PolymChem 2007, 45, 5838) which involves the formation of tertiary radicals in the polymer backbone. During polymerization these radicals were formed by backbiting, whereas during storage, radicals formed from unreacted initiator were responsible of the formation of the tertiary radicals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4081–4091, 2008
Synthesis and hydrolytic stability of poly(oxyethylene‐H‐phosphonate)s
Authors: Gitsov Ivan , Johnson Frederick E.
Published: May 2008

Poly(oxyethylene‐H‐phosphonate)s (POE‐H‐Ps), with different poly(oxyethylene) segment lengths, were synthesized via conventional two‐stage polycondensation reaction of dimethyl‐H‐phosphonate and poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs), with nominal molecular weights of 400, 600, and 1000 Da. The changes in the composition of the reaction mixtures during the polycondensation process were followed by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and NMR. It was found that the three PEG fragments yield reproducibly POE‐H‐Ps with the following molecular weights: ∼3000 Da (PEG‐400), ∼6000 Da (PEG‐600), and ∼10,000 Da (PEG‐1000) as measured by SEC, NMR, and VPO. The hydrolytic behavior of POE‐H‐Ps upon storage and in aqueous media with pH 3, 7.4, and 8 was studied for the first time by a combination of NMR and SEC. It was found that the long‐term stability of the polymers in dry state depends on the length of the PEG fragments and decreased in the following order: POE‐H‐P(PEG‐1000) > POE‐H‐P(PEG‐600) > POE‐H‐P(PEG‐400). The hydrolytic transformation of the polymers in aqueous media is affected mostly by the pH of the solution. The degradation products are PEG fragments containing phosphonate end groups—an important prerequisite for the usage of the POE‐H‐Ps as nontoxic drug delivery vehicles and in vivo precursors for PEGylated prodrugs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4130–4139, 2008
CE‐Kennzeichnung von Bauelementen im Metallleichtbau
Authors: Podleschny Ralf
Published: May 2008

Seit Mitte der neunziger Jahre werden europäische Normen für dünnwandige Metall‐Bauelemente erarbeitet. Zunächst beschränkte man sich auf einfache Produktnormen für Trapezprofile und andere verwandte Profilformen. Auf Grundlage dieser Normen konnte jedoch kein CE‐Zeichen vergeben werden. Ende der neunziger Jahre begann dann die Arbeit an einer sehr umfassenden europäischen Norm für Sandwichelemente. Diese Norm ersetzt zukünftig die allgemeinen bauaufsichtlichen Zulassungen in Deutschland und das deutsche Ü‐Zeichen durch das europäische CE‐Zeichen. Parallel wurden weitere europäische Normen realisiert, die nun auch für Trapezprofile die CE‐Zeichen‐Vergabe ermöglichen. Für die meisten Bauelemente des Metallleichtbaus werden im Jahr 2008 CE‐Zeichen verfügbar sein.
Sandwich‐Dachbauteile für Flachdächer
Authors: Berner Klaus
Published: May 2008

Bei den zur Zeit verwendeten Sandwich‐Dachbauteilen ist die äußere Deckschicht prinzipiell immer trapezprofiliert, da die Bauteil‐Längsfugen durch Überlappung der äußeren Deckbleche gut realisierbar sind und durch die Eigenbiegesteifigkeit der profilierten Deckbleche eine Durchbiegungszunahme infolge Kriechverformungen der Kernschichten weitgehend verhindert wird – auch bei langzeitiger Belastung aus Schnee und Eigengewicht. Insbesondere bei Flachdächern von Industriegebäuden ergeben sich jedoch durch die profilierten Deckbleche einige Nachteile, z. B. bei der Abdichtung von Dachdurchbrüchen. Außerdem muss wegen der Regenwasserführung stets eine Verlegung vom First zur Traufe vorgesehen werden, was immer eine Unterkonstruktion mit Pfetten erfordert. Im Rahmen eines Forschungsvorhabens wurden deshalb Sandwich‐Dachbauteile mit ebenen Deckschichten entwickelt, bei denen Dachdurchbrüche einfach abgedichtet werden können und eine Verlegung quer zur Dachneigung – von Binder zu Binder (ohne Pfetten) – möglich ist. Dabei wurden alle erforderlichen Untersuchungen zum Kriechverhalten, zur Abdichtung der Bauteilfugen und zu speziellen Befestigungen durchgeführt und praxisgerechte Lösungen vorgeschlagen.
Abminderung der Knitterspannung bei Sandwichelementen mit Polyurethankern unter erhöhter Temperatur
Authors: Lange Jörg , Mertens René
Published: May 2008

Sandwichelemente, die als Dach‐ oder Fassadenelement verlegt sind, erfahren bei Sonneneinstrahlung große Temperaturdifferenzen zwischen Außen‐ und Innenoberfläche. Bei statisch unbestimmter Lagerung führt dies zu Zwangsschnittgrößen, die bei der Bemessung maßgebend sein können. Zudem verliert das Kernmaterial an Festigkeit und Steifigkeit, wodurch die Knitterspannung herabgesetzt wird. Dieser Effekt wird gemäß EN 14509 durch den Abminderungsfaktor k1 berücksichtigt, der bei Kenntnis der aufnehmbaren Versagensspannung (Knitterspannung) bei 20 °C eine Abschätzung der Knitterspannung bei erhöhten Temperaturen ermöglichen soll. Da der Faktor k1 nur auf Basis des Querzug‐Elastizitätsmoduls gewonnen wird, gibt er die tatsächliche Veränderung der Bettung nur unvollständig wieder. Ergebnis der vorliegenden Untersuchung ist ein modifizierter Abminderungswert für die Ermittlung der Knitterspannung unter erhöhten Temperaturen. Mit ihm ist es möglich, im günstigen Fall größere Stützweiten bei der Verlegung der Bauteile zu ermöglichen und was jedoch wichtiger ist, im ungünstigen Fall Schäden zu vermeiden, die eine kostenintensive Sanierung nach sich ziehen würden.
Captive breeding and rearing of critically endangered Mauritius fodies Foudia rubra for reintroduction
Authors: Cristinacce Andrew , Ladkoo Amanda , Switzer Richard , Jordan Lara , Vencatasamy Vanessa , de Ravel Koenig Frederique , Jones Carl , Bell Diana
Published: May 2008

In‐situ captive rearing of endangered passerines for reintroduction has rarely been used as a conservation tool. Nests of Mauritius fodies threatened with predation by introduced mammalian predators were harvested from the wild, and chicks were reared to independence for release onto an offshore, predator‐free island. The daily probability of the survival was higher in captivity than in the wild, and 69 chicks were reared to fledging of which 47 would have been expected to fledge in the wild. Harvesting of nests probably had little impact on the wild population. Captive breeding trials on Mauritius fodies showed that large numbers of individuals could be produced for a release program from a small number of pairs if enough space was provided. Artificial incubation of passerine eggs and rearing of chicks can be used to increase the productivity of endangered taxa. Zoos can play an important role in in‐situ conservation programs through provision of avicultural expertise and training of local staff. Zoo Biol 27:255–268, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Density‐dependent dispersal may explain the mid‐season crash in some aphid populations
Authors: Mashanova Alla , Gange Alan C. , Jansen Vincent A. A.
Published: May 2008

Aphid population dynamics during the season show a characteristic pattern with rapid increase in numbers at the beginning followed by a sudden drop in the middle of the season. This pattern is usually associated with predation and/or change in food quality during the summer. By developing a mechanistic model of aphid population dynamics we show that this pattern can arise from density‐dependent dispersal behaviour of aphids. The dynamics produced by the model were similar to those observed in real populations of the alder aphid (Pterocallis alni). The two mechanisms required for these oscillations to arise were the perception of density through the number of contacts with other individuals and the inter‐generational transfer of information (the maternal effect). Both mechanisms are examples of delayed density‐dependence and, therefore, this study adds to the evidence that delayed density‐dependence might cause complex population dynamics. To reproduce the seasonal dynamics of the alder aphid with the model, the maternal effect was essential, indicating that this could be an important factor in alder aphid dynamics. According to our model, external regulations (e.g., predation and/or change in food quality) were not required to explain the highly oscillatory population dynamics of aphids during a season.
A novel computational and structural analysis of nsSNPs in CFTR gene
Authors: George Priya Doss C. , Rajasekaran R. , Sudandiradoss C. , Ramanathan K. , Purohit R. , Sethumadhavan R.
Published: May 2008

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are being intensively studied to understand the biological basis of complex traits and diseases. The Genetics of human phenotype variation could be understood by knowing the functions of SNPs. In this study using computational methods, we analyzed the genetic variations that can alter the expression and function of theCFTRgene responsible candidate for causing cystic fibrosis. We applied an evolutionary perspective to screen the SNPs using a sequence homology-based SIFT tool, which suggested that 17 nsSNPs (44%) were found to be deleterious. The structure-based approach PolyPhen server suggested that 26 nsSNPS (66%) may disrupt protein function and structure. The PupaSuite tool predicted the phenotypic effect of SNPs on the structure and function of the affected protein. Structure analysis was carried out with the major mutation that occurred in the native protein coded byCFTRgene, and which is at amino acid position F508C for nsSNP with id (rs1800093). The amino acid residues in the native and mutant modeled protein were further analyzed for solvent accessibility, secondary structure and stabilizing residues to check the stability of the proteins. The SNPs were further subjected to iHAP analysis to identify htSNPs, and we report potential candidates for future studies on CFTR mutations.
Glutamate‐induced glioma cell proliferation is prevented by functional expression of the glutamate transporter GLT‐1
Authors: Vanhoutte Nicolas , Hermans Emmanuel
Published: May 2008

A tetracycline‐dependent inducible system was used to achieve controlled expression of the glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) in C6 glioma cells. Non‐induced cells show modest glutamate uptake and, in the presence of l‐cystine, these cells tend to release substantial amounts of glutamate. Overnight exposure to doxycycline increased d‐[3H]‐aspartate uptake, reaching similar capacity as observed in cultured astrocytes. Efficient clearance of exogenously applied glutamate was evidenced in these cells, even in the presence of l‐cystine. The addition of glutamate (100 μM) to the medium of non‐induced cells significantly increased their proliferation rate, an effect that was blocked when the expression of GLT‐1 was induced. This suggests that impaired glutamate uptake capacity in glioma cells indirectly contributes to their proliferation.
Metabolic and signaling properties of an Itpk gene family in Glycine max
Authors: Stiles Amanda R. , Qian Xun , Shears Stephen B. , Grabau Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2008

We have cloned and characterized four Itpk genes from soybean. All four recombinant Itpk proteins showed canonical Ins(1,3,4)P3 5/6‐kinase activity, but a kinetic analysis raised questions about its biological significance. Instead, we provide evidence that one alternative biological role for soybean Itpks is to interconvert the Cl− channel inhibitor, Ins(3,4,5,6)P4, and its metabolic precursor, Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, within a substrate cycle. The soybean Itpks also phosphorylated Ins(3,4,6)P3 to Ins(1,3,4,6)P4 which was further phosphorylated to Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 by soybean Ipk2. Thus, soybean Itpks may participate in an inositol lipid‐independent pathway of InsP6 synthesis.
The Congressional Debate on Partial-Birth Abortion: Constitutional Gravitas and Moral Passion
Authors: SCHONHARDT-BAILEY CHERYL
Published: May 2008

Automated content analysis is employed to measure the dimensionality of Senate debates on the 2003 Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act and compare these results with the final vote. The underlying verbal conflict leading up to the final roll-call vote contains two important dimensions: (1) an emotive battle over the abortion procedure itself, and (2) the battle over the constitutionality of the bill. Surprisingly, senators appear not to have voted along the first dimension of the verbal conflict, but rather along the second dimension. The analysis of the deliberations of senators not only enables us to understand the complexity of the arguments that is not captured in the vote, but it also uncovers (and measures empirically) the strategies employed by legislators to shape the relevant lines of conflict, and ultimately, the final content of the bill.
Parties' Policy Programmes and the Dog that Didn't Bark: No Evidence that Proportional Systems Promote Extreme Party Positioning
Authors: EZROW LAWRENCE
Published: May 2008

There is extensive theoretical research that explores the linkages between parties' policy positions, on the one hand, and the characteristics of the political system (i.e. voting rules and the number of parties) on the other, but empirical research on this topic is less developed. Building on earlier work by Jay Dow, this article reports empirical analyses exploring the connections between the average party policy extremism in fifteen party systems (defined as the average party policy distance from the party system centre), and two important system-level variables: the proportionality of the electoral laws used to select representatives to the national legislature, and the number of political parties. Contrary to expectations – but consistent with recent theoretical work by Norman Schofield and his co-authors – no evidence is found that average party policy extremism increases under proportional representation, nor that policy extremism increases in countries that feature large numbers of parties. These findings have important implications for political representation and for understanding parties' election strategies.
Recent Economic Perspectives on Political Economy, Part II
Authors: DEWAN TORUN , SHEPSLE KENNETH A
Published: May 2008

In recent years some of the best theoretical work on the political economy of political institutions and processes has begun surfacing outside the political science mainstream in high quality economics journals. This two-part article surveys these contributions from a recent five-year period. In Part I, the focus was on elections, voting and information aggregation, followed by treatments of parties, candidates and coalitions. In Part II, papers on economic performance and redistribution, constitutional design, and incentives, institutions and the quality of political elites are discussed. Part II concludes with a discussion of the methodological bases common to economics and political science, the way economists have used political science research, and some new themes and arbitrage opportunities.
How Different Are Telephoning and Canvassing? Results from a ‘Get Out the Vote’ Field Experiment in the British 2005 General Election
Authors: JOHN PETER , BRANNAN TESSA
Published: May 2008

Can the positive impact of non-partisan ‘Get Out the Vote’ (GOTV) campaigns be generalized to a variety of institutional and cultural contexts? Gerber, Green and colleagues tested for the effects of these campaigns in a series of pioneering field experiments, which show that a face-to-face contact from a non-partisan source, carried out by a field force calling at the homes of citizens seeking to persuade them to vote, can increase voter turnout. Further experiments find that telephoning has an impact ranging from ineffective to positive, depending on the nature of the call; and there are positive, if weaker, results for other forms of intervention, such as door postings and leafleting; none for e-mail; and weakly positive or null impacts from rote telephoning. Many of these results derive from single cases or from a limited number of research sites; however, the culmination of these findings allows political scientists to be confident of the impact and hierarchy of these interventions. Although GOTV studies of this kind cannot adjudicate authoritatively on theories of mobilization, the difference in impact between the types of intervention, in particular the greater success of personalized messages, implies that it is the personal and face-to-face basis of influence that has an effect, rather than the types of message received and the simple provision of information.

So far most of this kind of research has been carried out in the United States, which means that, even with its variety of groups and locations, the range of variation in the institutional frameworks and social conditions is limited to the one-country case.