bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Behavioral Assessment for the New Jersey Health Wellness Promotion Act
Authors: Sheffet Amiram M. , Ridlen Sylvia , Louria Donald B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To determine baseline use rates for health-promoting behaviors of the recently adopted New Jersey Health Wellness Promotion Act and to examine the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the use of preventive services included in the Act.

Design.

A random telephone survey of 3094 households was conducted using questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System supplemented by questions related to provisions of the Act.

Setting.

All New Jersey households.

Subjects.

State representative adult sample of 1246 subjects.

Measures.

Rates for getting timely screening tests, for obtaining influenza immunizations, and engaging in selected health-promoting behaviors.

Results.

Rates for receiving recommended screening tests ranged from 0.88 for blood pressure testing to 0.29 for osteoporosis screening. According to bivariate analysis, having insurance was the most consistent determinant associated with receiving preventive services but was associated only with sigmoidoscopy, mammography, and Pap smear testing in the multivariate modeling. Reminders were significantly associated with respective screening tests. Age was positively associated with receiving the majority of tests. Gender, ethnicity, education, and income affected receipt sporadically. Half the respondents were overweight and a quarter were current smokers.

Conclusions.

Receipt of appropriate screening tests and adoption of health-promoting behaviors fell short of desired goals. Having health insurance increased receipt rates, but was not enough to achieve usage goals. Procedure-specific reminders may improve usage rates.
Observed, GIS, and Self-Reported Environmental Features and Adolescent Physical Activity
Authors: Jago Russell , Baranowski Tom , Baranowski Janice C.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Examine associations among observed, self-reported, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) environmental features and physical activity among adolescent males.

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Boy Scout troops and neighborhoods in Houston, Texas.

Subjects.

Two hundred and ten 10- to 14-year-old Boy Scouts.

Measures.

Accelerometry to obtain minutes of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous activity per day. GIS sources were used to identify the numbers of parks, gymnasiums, trails, bus stops, grocery stores, and restaurants within a 1-mile radius of participant residences as well as residential density, connectivity, and crime. Participants provided a self-report of their environment.

Analysis.

Principal component analysis was used to reduce the number of GIS and self-reported items. Four factors were previously obtained from direct observations of the neighborhoods. Correlations were conducted among factors and physical activity. Regression models were run in which minutes of sedentary behavior, light, or moderate to vigorous physical activity were the dependent variables and environmental factors were the independent variables. Nonsignificant variables were removed in a backward deletion process.

Results.

Three GIS factors, Parks, Crime, and Gyms, were obtained as were two self-reported factors: difficulty and access and safety. Factor scores were interrelated and associated with the four observed factors. Only observed sidewalk characteristics were correlated with physical activity and were retained in the regression models.

Conclusion.

Environmental factors were interrelated. Only sidewalk characteristics were associated with sedentary behavior and light intensity physical activity.
Integrating the Perceived Neighborhood Environment and the Theory of Planned Behavior When Predicting Walking in a Canadian Adult Sample
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , Brown Shane G. , McIntyre Carolyn A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To integrate the characteristics of the perceived environment with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to determine (1) whether the TPB mediates relations among environmental characteristics and walking, and (2) whether the environment moderates TPB-walking relations.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

South Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Subjects.

Random sample of 351 adults (36% response rate).

Measures.

Participants completed measures of the perceived neighborhood environment, the TPB, and walking behavior that was assessed using an adapted Godin leisure time questionnaire.

Results.

Results using structural equation modeling indicated that the TPB mediated the environment-walking relationship. Specifically, retail land-mix use and neighborhood aesthetics were associated with walking through affective and instrumental attitudes. Results using moderated regression analyses showed that recreation land-mix use moderated the intention-behavior relationship, with those individuals who perceived closer access to recreation facilities having a larger intention-behavior relationship. A significant moderating effect for crime on the instrumental attitude-intention relationship was also identified, but the effect size was small to trivial.

Conclusions.

These results suggest that the perceived neighborhood may influence walking through attitudes and may also influence the intention-behavior gap. Prospective studies using objective walking and environment data are required to improve the veracity of the findings and to identify possible causal relationships.
Defining Community Boundaries in Health Promotion Research
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Funk Laura M. , Allan Diane
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

A means for integrating subjective experience in the operationalization of community boundaries is described and examined, and a community typology incorporating both psychosocial and structural resources is developed and applied.

Design.

Small-area sense of belonging was used to delineate broader community boundaries, which were compared with administrative boundaries. Community differences on participation and health were analyzed by using analysis of variance and post hoc tests.

Setting.

Data were from face-to-face interviews with residents of a relatively disadvantaged area of a medium-sized Canadian city.

Subjects.

A sample of 910 individuals was drawn from a population listing of those aged 35 to 65 years in the project area (44% response rate).

Measures.

Measures include sense of belonging; income; community participation; and mental, physical, and perceived health.

Results.

Data revealed the similarity of community boundaries based on sense of belonging with administrative boundaries. The communities differed significantly in income, community activities attended, and two health measures. The typology indicated the community rich in both income and sense of belonging had higher participation and health than did communities low in both or with mixed resources.

Conclusions.

Psychosocial indicators can be used to delineate community boundaries, which may be similar to administrative boundaries. A typology including both psychosocial and structural components can be a helpful preliminary step in interpreting area differences.
The Association of Corporate Work Environment Factors, Health Risks, and Medical Conditions with Presenteeism among Australian Employees
Authors: Musich Shirley , Hook Dan , Baaner Stephanie , Spooner Michelle , Edington Dee W.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To investigate the impact of selected corporate environment factors, health risks, and medical conditions on job performance using a self-reported measure of presenteeism.

Design.

A cross-sectional survey utilizing health risk appraisal (HRA) data merging presenteeism with corporate environment factors, health risks, and medical conditions.

Setting.

Approximately 8000 employees across ten diverse Australian corporations.

Subjects.

Employees (N = 1523; participation rate, 19%) who completed an HRA questionnaire.

Measures.

Self-reported HRA data were used to test associations of defined adverse corporate environment factors with presenteeism. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression modeling assessed the relative associations of corporate environment factors, health risks, and medical conditions with increased odds of any presenteeism.

Results.

Increased presenteeism was significantly associated with poor working conditions, ineffective management/leadership, and work/life imbalance (adjusting for age, gender, health risks, and medical conditions). In multivariate logistic regression models, work/life imbalance, poor working conditions, life dissatisfaction, high stress, back pain, allergies, and younger age were significantly associated with presenteeism.

Conclusions.

Although the study has some limitations, including a possible response bias caused by the relatively low participation rate across the corporations, the study does demonstrate significant associations between corporate environment factors, health risks, and medical conditions and self-reported presenteeism. The study provides initial evidence that health management programming may benefit on-the-job productivity outcomes if expanded to include interventions targeting work environments.
Evaluation of United States Department of Agriculture—Sponsored Consumer Materials Addressing Food Security
Authors: Tolma Eleni , John Robert , Garner Jane
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Food insecurity in the United States is a major public health issue. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the availability and quality of printed materials addressing food security targeted to special populations by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Design.

Nutrition education resources addressing food security available from USDA websites were selected for analysis.

Setting.

Not applicable.

Participants.

The review team consisted of project staff (n = 6), two of who were fluent in Spanish.

Method.

Selection criteria were established to identify the food-security materials, and a group of reviewers assessed the quality of each publication both quantitatively and qualitatively. A consensus meeting among the reviewers was held to make final determinations of the quality of the materials. The quantitative data analysis consisted of basic descriptive statistics.

Results.

Among the 27 materials initially identified, 20 were either irrelevant or of low relevance to food security. Moreover, very few of them were intended for minority populations. The quality of most of the materials ranged from “average” to “good.” Some of the major weaknesses include readability level, lack of cultural relevance, and inadequate coverage of food insecurity.

Conclusion.

Very few materials on food insecurity are of high quality. In the development of such materials, emphasis should be given to the readability level, content, and cultural relevance.
Baseline Characteristics and Recruitment Strategies in a Randomized Clinical Trial of African-American Light Smokers
Authors: Okuyemi Kolawole S. , Cox Lisa Sanderson , Nollen Nicole L. , Snow Tricia M. , Kaur Harsohena , Choi Won , Nazir Niaman , Mayo Matthew S. , Ahluwalia Jasjit S.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study describes the design, recruitment, and baseline data of the first smoking-cessation clinical trial for African-American light smokers, Kick It at Swope II (KIS-II).

Design.

KIS-II was a randomized trial testing the efficacy of nicotine gum (vs. placebo gum) in combination with counseling (motivational interviewing or health education).

Setting.

This study was conducted at an urban community-based clinic serving predominantly lower-income African-Americans.

Subjects.

African-Americans who smoked 1 to 10 cigarettes per day were eligible. Of 1933 individuals screened, 1012 (52%) were eligible and 755 (75%) were enrolled in the study.

Measures.

Baseline assessment included smoking history and psychometric measures.

Analysis.

The majority of participants were women (67%) with a mean age of 45.1 years (SD = 10.7). Participants smoked on average 7.6 cigarettes (SD = 3.21) per day, had a mean exhaled carbon monoxide level of 13.9 ppm (SD = 8.9) and a mean serum cotinine level of 244.2 ng/mL (SD = 154.4), and reported high levels of motivation and confidence to quit smoking.

Conclusion.

African-American light smokers were motivated to stop smoking and to enroll in a smoking-cessation program. Characteristics of our sample suggest African-American light smokers are an appropriate group for inclusion in smoking-cessation interventions.
Associations of Children's Perceived Neighborhood Environments with Walking and Physical Activity
Authors: Hume Clare , Salmon Jo , Ball Kylie
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine associations between children's perceptions of the neighborhood environment and walking and physical activity.

Design.

Cross-sectional study of a school-based sample.

Setting.

Elementary schools in Melbourne, Australia.

Subjects.

280 children aged 10 years (response rate 78%).

Measures.

A self-report survey assessed children's perceptions of the neighborhood physical and social environments and their weekly walking frequency. Physical activity was also objectively measured using accelerometers.

Results.

Multiple linear regression analyses showed a positive association between walking frequency and the number of accessible destinations in the neighborhood among boys; having a neighborhood that was easy to walk/cycle around and perceiving lots of graffiti were positively associated with walking frequency among girls. Perceiving lots of litter and rubbish was positively associated with boys' overall physical activity, but no environmental variables were associated with girls' overall physical activity.

Conclusion.

Several different environmental factors were associated with walking and physical activity. Perceptions of the neighborhood environment were more strongly associated with girls' walking than with objectively-measured physical activity. Future studies should confirm these findings using objective measures and prospective study designs.
Plant functional type mapping for earth system models
Authors: Poulter B. , Ciais P. , Hodson E. , Lischke H. , Maignan F. , Plummer S. , Zimmermann N. E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The sensitivity of global carbon and water cycling to climate variability is coupled directly to land cover and the distribution of vegetation. To investigate biogeochemistry-climate interactions, earth system models require a representation of vegetation distributions that are either prescribed from remote sensing data or simulated via biogeography models. However, the abstraction of earth system state variables in models means that data products derived from remote sensing need to be post-processed for model-data assimilation. Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVM) rely on the concept of plant functional types (PFT) to group shared traits of thousands of plant species into usually only 10–20 classes. Available databases of observed PFT distributions must be relevant to existing satellite sensors and their derived products, and to the present day distribution of managed lands. Here, we develop four PFT datasets based on land-cover information from three satellite sensors (EOS-MODIS 1 km and 0.5 km, SPOT4-VEGETATION 1 km, and ENVISAT-MERIS 0.3 km spatial resolution) that are merged with spatially-consistent Köppen-Geiger climate zones. Using a beta (ß) diversity metric to assess reclassification similarity, we find that the greatest uncertainty in PFT classifications occur most frequently between cropland and grassland categories, and in dryland systems between shrubland, grassland and forest categories because of differences in the minimum threshold required for forest cover. The biogeography-biogeochemistry DGVM, LPJmL, is used in diagnostic mode with the four PFT datasets prescribed to quantify the effect of land-cover uncertainty on climatic sensitivity of gross primary productivity (GPP) and transpiration fluxes. Our results show that land-cover uncertainty has large effects in arid regions, contributing up to 30% (20%) uncertainty in the sensitivity of GPP (transpiration) to precipitation. The availability of PFT datasets that are consistent with current satellite products and adapted for earth system models is an important component for reducing the uncertainty of terrestrial biogeochemistry to climate variability.
The effect of a localized geothermal heat source on deep water formation
Authors: Vincze M. , Várai A. , Barsy E. , Jánosi I. M.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. In a simplified two-dimensional model of a buoyancy-driven overturning circulation, we numerically study the response of the flow to a small localized heat source at the bottom. The flow is driven by differential thermal forcing applied along the top surface boundary. We evaluate the steady state solutions versus the temperature difference between the two ends of the water surface in terms of different characteristic parameters that properly describe the transition from a weak upper-layer convection state to a robust full-depth deep convection. We conclude that a small additional bottom heat flux underneath the "cold" end of the basin is able to initiate full-depth convection even when the surface heat forcing alone is not sufficient to maintain this state.
BCIA Meets the Challenges of Growth in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
Authors: Shaffer Fred , Crawford Judy
Published: November 2011

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) certifies individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and progressively recertifies those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. Increased national and international interest in our field has been accompanied by closer scrutiny of clinical efficacy and professional conduct. BCIA has expanded its international outreach in order to raise the standards of biofeedback and neurofeedback education and practice throughout the world. This article answers frequent questions about the growth of international certification, continuing education, ethics, and marketing your practice.
Biofeedback-Based Mental Training in the Military—The “Mental Gym™” Project
Authors: Oded Yuval
Published: November 2011

The “Mental Gym™” is a practical mental training program that helps participants to cope better with stressors and to be able to keep an emotional and physical balance in their everyday tasks. This new multidisciplinary training combines a number of methodologies: biofeedback, neurofeedback, mindfulness, stress inoculation techniques, imagery, and various problem solving and attentional training methods. This article describes the process and obstacles of implementing the Mental Gym project with military pilots and elite unit personnel. Through examples of some of the training protocols, the author also shares insights from ten years of experience in providing an effective “tool box” for enhancing psychophysiological and cognitive flexibility in the military setting.
Biofeedback/Mindfulness Training for the Advanced High School Musician
Authors: Trechak Ann A
Published: November 2011

The author summarizes 35 years of utilizing psychophysiological training to assist in the pursuit of optimal music performance. She integrates systematic musical instruction with self-regulation training, drawing on EEG biofeedback training, heart rate variability training, and other biofeedback modalities. This integration of musical skills training and biofeedback assisted over one hundred high school age musicians to earn “All State” status, enabled numerous wind musicians to gain national recognition, and assisted two autistic children in becoming musical prodigies.
Improving Optimal Performance—And Life—For Young Athletes
Authors: Todd Troy
Published: November 2011

A composite case study illustrates how a multidisciplinary approach can be used to improve athletic performance and overall life functioning. The use of heart rate/respiration biofeedback and QEEG-guided neurofeedback are built on a foundation of cognitive therapy. The elements in the article are taken from several successful cases over the course of several years. The athletes represented in this article range from 18 to 24 years old, are from a variety of sports, and are from higher levels of achievement.
Optimal Performance Field: The Exceptional Performance Training System
Authors: Mattulich Liana
Published: November 2011

The author, an Argentine physician, describes an integrative program for optimal performance, combining multi-modal biofeedback and neurofeedback with “wisdom practices,” acupuncture, and such therapeutic activities as journaling, movement, art, and bibliographic therapy.
Comprehensive Sport Performance Program
Authors: Sherlin Leslie , Gervais Michael , Talley Chris , Walshe Andy
Published: November 2011

Physical and mental providers' interests in working with elite performers that have been traditionally dominated by clinical presentations are increasing. This leads many practitioners to wonder how the approach to the elite performer may differ from any other client. The Athlete High Performance team assembled by Red Bull North America demonstrates a model that has a comprehensive and integrative methodology to assess and work toward a goal of allowing an athlete to perform optimally. This brief article provides an introduction to the model.
Repair of Damaged Connectors of Tunneled Cuffed Catheters with a Two-Piece Adaptor for Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Letachowicz Krzysztof , Letachowicz Waldemar , Weyde Wacław , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Kusztal Mariusz , Wątorek Ewa , Klinger Marian
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Although catheter use exposes the patient to several complications, tunneled cuffed catheters are widely applied for temporary or long-term vascular access. The aim of the study was to establish the rate of tunneled dialysis catheter damage and report our experience with breakage repair.

Methods

All 363 cuffed tunneled hemodialysis catheters inserted into 309 patients from May 2000 to December 2008 were followed up. When connector damage was encountered, repair with a two-piece adaptor for peritoneal dialysis was attempted.

Results

Mechanical breakage occurred in 33 (9.1%) of catheters with an incidence of 0.36/1000 catheter-days. The most frequent was connector damage, found in 25 cases (67.6%). Catheter repair using a peritoneal dialysis Luer adaptor was performed with good early and long-term outcome.

Conclusions

Tunneled catheter breakage is a relatively rare complication. Catheter repair using the adaptor for peritoneal dialysis is easy to perform, safe, and cost-effective.
Metal-Insulator Transition Temperatures and Excitonic Phases in Vanadium Oxides
Authors: Pergament A. L.
Published: November 2011

The possibility of applying the excitonic insulator model to the description of metal-insulator transitions in vanadium oxide Magneli phases is investigated. Based on the Animalu transition metal model potential, the equation for the constant of Coulomb interaction in the theory of excitonic insulator is modified. It is shown that this theory allows the transition temperatures of all the oxides to be calculated. The conformity of the theory with the experimental data concerning the effective mass values for electrons in vanadium oxides is discussed.
Activity of Ceftaroline against Aerobic Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Pathogens: Effect of Test Method Variability
Authors: Citron Diane M. , Warren Yumi A. , Tyrrell Kerin L. , Goldstein Ellie J. C.
Published: November 2011

Ceftaroline is a new cephalosporin with bactericidal activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as well as gram-negative pathogens. Variations of in vitro test conditions were found to affect ceftaroline activity, with 5% NaCl inhibiting growth and/or reducing the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae, and streptococci, while an inoculum of 106 CFU/mL raised MICs of some E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and M. catarrhalis strains.
Numerical Identification of Key Design Parameters Enhancing the Centrifugal Pump Performance: Impeller, Impeller-Volute, and Impeller-Diffuser
Authors: Djerroud Massinissa , Dituba Ngoma Guyh , Ghie Walid
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the numerical investigation of the effects that the pertinent design parameters, including the blade height, the blade number, the outlet blade angle, the blade width, and the impeller diameter, have on the steady state liquid flow in a three-dimensional centrifugal pump. Three cases were considered for this study: impeller, combined impeller and volute, and combined impeller and diffuser. The continuity and Navier-Stokes equations with the k-ε turbulence model and the standard wall functions were used by means of ANSYS-CFX code. The results achieved reveal that the selected key design parameters have an impact on the centrifugal pump performance describing the pump head, the brake horsepower, and the overall efficiency. To valid the developed approach, the results of numerical simulation were compared with the experimental results considering the case of combined impeller and diffuser.
Predisposing Factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis in Children and Adolescents with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Candelaria Gabriela de Toledo Passos , Belangero Vera Maria Santoro
Published: November 2011

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a state of hypercoagulability. In this paper, we sought to determine risk factors for the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in children with NS. The “with DVT” group included patients with decompensated NS and diagnosed with DVT. The “without DVT” group included the same patients, six to eighteen months prior to the episode of DVT, with decompensated NS but without DVT. Different prediction variables were analyzed. The odds ratio for the occurrence of DVT in patients with triglyceride levels ≥300 mg/dL was 3.14 (95% CI 1.14 to 8.64). For hematocrit levels ≥43% and for the presence of infection or a severe systemic event, the odds ratio was 4.37 (95% CI 1.23 to 15.53). The presence of significant risk factors for the occurrence of DVT in children with NS may serve as a warning for the occurrence of venous thrombosis.
Sleep Apnea Syndrome Represents a Risk for Glaucoma in a Veterans' Affairs Population
Authors: Boyle-Walker Megan , Semes Leo P. , Clay Olivio J. , Liu Lei , Fuhr Patti
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To determine whether the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) represents a risk-factor for glaucoma. Design. Retrospective records review. Methods. Records in an electronic database which exists at the Birmingham, Alabama Veterans' Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) permit data retrieval and sorting based on diagnostic and procedural codes. Deidentified data of those having had an eye examination and a diagnostic code (ICD-9) for either sleep apnea or glaucoma were included. Statistical Analyses. SPSS version 19 was used to produce crosstabs and to conduct a bivariate logistic regression that examined the relationship between SAS and glaucoma. Results. A total of 70,960 unique records were included for analysis. Of the 2,725 patients with a diagnosis of sleep apnea, 228 (8.37%) also had a diagnosis of glaucoma. Diagnosis of glaucoma was present in 3,410 patients among 68,235 patients (5.00%) without sleep apnea. Bivariate logistic regression analysis yielded an odds ratio of 1.736 () suggesting that individuals with SAS are more likely to have a coexisting diagnosis of glaucoma than individuals without SAS. Conclusions. Results of this investigation suggest that SAS may represent a significant risk factor for glaucoma and this should be considered when managing patients who report that diagnosis.
Gait Recognition Based on Invariant Leg Classification Using a Neuro-Fuzzy Algorithm as the Fusion Method
Authors: Sadoghi Yazdi Hadi , Fariman Hessam Jahani , Roohi Jaber
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a human gait recognition algorithm based on a leg gesture separation. Main innovation in this paper is gait recognition using leg gesture classification which is invariant to covariate conditions during walking sequence and just focuses on underbody motions and a neuro-fuzzy combiner classifier (NFCC) which derives a high precision recognition system. At the end, performance of the proposed algorithm has been validated by using the HumanID Gait Challenge data set (HGCD), the largest gait benchmarking data set with 122 objects with different realistic parameters including viewpoint, shoe, surface, carrying condition, and time. And it has been compared to recent algorithm of gait recognition.
A Convenient Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Approach Toward Highly Stable Squaraine Dyes with Reduced H‐Aggregation
Authors: Yan Zhengquan , Xu Hongyao , Guang Shanyi , Zhao Xian , Fan Weiliu , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: November 2011

A generic and effective approach for solving the aggregation effect observed with optical materials in solid state or in a solution with a poor solvent was explored by designing two types of squaraine‐containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquoixane (POSS)‐based hybrids. It is expected that incorporation of “huge” inorganic POSS nanoparticles into optical materials via covalent bonding can effectively decrease the strong dipole–dipole and π–π stacking interactions, inhibit intermolecular charge transfer between adjacent squaraine molecules, and improve optical, thermal and chemical stability of the resultant materials. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results indicate that the molecular design strategy is rational and efficacious. The resultant organic–inorganic hybrid optical materials effectively eliminate the aggregation of organic optical chromophoric groups by hindering intermolecular charge transfer and decreasing dipole–dipole and π–π stacking interaction between the chromophores, and exhibit good optical stability, i.e., the absorption peaks of H1 and H2 display only a slight blue‐shift, even in the solid. Simultaneously, the hybrids also show significantly enhanced thermal, and chemical stabilities in comparison with the precursor organic optical materials.
Titanium‐Mediated Direct Carbon‐Carbon Double Bond Formation to α‐Trifluoromethyl Acids: A New Contribution to the Knoevenagel Reaction and a High‐Yielding and Stereoselective Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethylacrylic Acids
Authors: Liu Yanmei , Lai Hua , Rong Bo , Zhou Tie , Hong Jia , Yuan Chao , Zhao Shujing , Zhao Xiaolong , Jiang Biao , Fang Qiang
Published: November 2011

An efficient strategy for a high‐yielding and stereoselective synthesis of α‐trifluoromethyl unsaturated carboxylic acids directly from the reactions of 3,3,3‐trifluoropropanoic acid (CF3CH2COOH) with various aryl aldehydes in the presence of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) is reported here for the first time, which is a valuable expansion for the classical Knoevenagel reaction. Because these compounds may have potential applications in organic electronics and can be easily converted to the corresponding fluorinated alcohols and amino acids with excellent bioactivity, this route should be a good choice for the preparation of α‐trifluoromethyl‐containing derivatives.
Highly Enantioselective Co‐Catalytic Direct Aldol Reactions by Combination of Hydrogen‐Bond Donating and Acyclic Amino Acid Catalysts
Authors: Ma Guangning , Bartoszewicz Agnieszka , Ibrahem Ismail , Córdova Armando
Published: November 2011

Highly enantioselective co‐catalytic direct aldol reactions by a combination of simple hydrophobic acyclic amino acid and hydrogen‐bond donating catalysts are presented. The corresponding aldol products are formed in high yields with high regio‐, diastereo‐ (anti or syn) and enantioselectivity (up to 99.5:0.5 er). The catalyst loadings can be decreased to as little as 2 mol%.
New Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascades: 4‐exo‐dig Cyclocarbopalladation Reaction Followed by Suzuki–Miyaura or Sonogashira Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Charpenay Mélanie , Boudhar Aicha , Siby Acetou , Schigand Sophie , Blond Gaëlle , Suffert Jean
Published: November 2011

Herein we describe new accesses to dienynes and trienynes using new cascade reactions: 4‐exo‐dig cyclocarbopalladation followed by a Suzuki–Miyaura or Sonogashira cross‐coupling.
Sulfur as a Bridge: Synthesis of Medium Rings via a Bicyclic Sulfonium Ion
Authors: Zhou Hongwei , Xing Yanpeng , Liu Le , Hong Junjie
Published: November 2011

A facile and efficient synthesis of medium rings via a bicyclic sulfonium ion was developed. Spectroscopic evidence for the formation of an intermediate sulfonium moiety is provided. The sulfur atom served as a “bridge” to access the medium ring system and could be removed after use via a Ramberg–Bäcklund process. As a result of the readily available starting materials, simple operation, and mild conditions, these reactions should be an appealing strategy in organic synthesis.
Evidence for involvement of GNB1L in autism
Authors: Chen Ying‐Zhang , Matsushita Mark , Girirajan Santhosh , Lisowski Mark , Sun Elizabeth , Sul Youngmee , Bernier Raphael , Estes Annette , Dawson Geraldine , Minshew Nancy , Shellenberg Gerard D. , Eichler Evan E. , Rieder Mark J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Tsuang Debby W. , Tsuang Ming T. , Wijsman Ellen M. , Raskind Wendy H. , Brkanac Zoran
Published: November 2011

Structural variations in the chromosome 22q11.2 region mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination result in 22q11.2 deletion (del22q11.2) and 22q11.2 duplication (dup22q11.2) syndromes. The majority of del22q11.2 cases have facial and cardiac malformations, immunologic impairments, specific cognitive profile and increased risk for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The phenotype of dup22q11.2 is frequently without physical features but includes the spectrum of neurocognitive abnormalities. Although there is substantial evidence that haploinsufficiency for TBX1 plays a role in the physical features of del22q11.2, it is not known which gene(s) in the critical 1.5 Mb region are responsible for the observed spectrum of behavioral phenotypes. We identified an individual with a balanced translocation 46,XY,t(1;22)(p36.1;q11.2) and a behavioral phenotype characterized by cognitive impairment, autism, and schizophrenia in the absence of congenital malformations. Using somatic cell hybrids and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) we mapped the chromosome‐22 breakpoint within intron 7 of the GNB1L gene. Copy number evaluations and direct DNA sequencing of GNB1L in 271 schizophrenia and 513 autism cases revealed dup22q11.2 in two families with autism and private GNB1L missense variants in conserved residues in three families (P = 0.036). The identified missense variants affect residues in the WD40 repeat domains and are predicted to have deleterious effects on the protein. Prior studies provided evidence that GNB1L may have a role in schizophrenia. Our findings support involvement of GNB1L in ASDs as well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel target for Huntington's disease: ERK at the crossroads of signaling
Authors: Bodai László , Marsh J. Lawrence
Published: November 2011

Activating the ERK pathway (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway) has proven beneficial in several models of Huntington's disease (HD), and drugs that are protective in HD models have recently been found to activate ERK. Thus, the ERK cascade may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in this currently untreatable disorder. HD is caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in the huntingtin (Htt) protein that actuates a diverse set of pathogenic mechanisms. In response to mutant Htt, ERK is activated and directs a protective transcriptional response and inhibits caspase activation. Paradoxically, Htt also interferes with several signaling events of the ERK pathway. Mutant Htt compromises the ERK‐dependent transcriptional response to corticostriatal BDNF signaling. Mutant Htt also hinders glutamate uptake from the synaptic cleft by down‐regulating ERK‐dependent expression of glutamate transporters, leaving cells vulnerable to excitotoxicity. Some of this cellular complexity can be capitalized on to achieve selective activation of ERK, which can be protective.
On the opportunistic nature of transcription and replication initiation in the metazoan genome
Authors: Sequeira‐Mendes Joana , Gómez María
Published: November 2011

Cellular identity and its response to external or internal signalling variations are encoded in a cell's genome as regulatory information. The genomic regions that specify this type of information are highly variable and degenerated in their sequence determinants, as it is becoming increasingly evident through the application of genome‐scale methods to study gene expression. Here, we speculate that the same scenario applies to the regulatory regions controlling where DNA replication starts in the metazoan genome. We propose that replication origins cannot be defined as unique genomic features, but rather that DNA synthesis initiates opportunistically from accessible DNA sites, making cells highly robust and adaptable to environmental or developmental changes.
Tissue engineering of cartilage using a mechanobioreactor exerting simultaneous mechanical shear and compression to simulate the rolling action of articular joints
Authors: Shahin Kifah , Doran Pauline M.
Published: November 2011

The effect of dynamic mechanical shear and compression on the synthesis of human tissue‐engineered cartilage was investigated using a mechanobioreactor capable of simulating the rolling action of articular joints in a mixed fluid environment. Human chondrocytes seeded into polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh or PGA–alginate scaffolds were precultured in shaking T‐flasks or recirculation perfusion bioreactors for 2.5 or 4 weeks prior to mechanical stimulation in the mechanobioreactor. Constructs were subjected to intermittent unconfined shear and compressive loading at a frequency of 0.05 Hz using a peak‐to‐peak compressive strain amplitude of 2.2% superimposed on a static axial compressive strain of 6.5%. The mechanical treatment was carried out for up to 2.5 weeks using a loading regime of 10 min duration each day with the direction of the shear forces reversed after 5 min and release of all loading at the end of the daily treatment period. Compared with shaking T‐flasks and mechanobioreactor control cultures without loading, mechanical treatment improved the amount and quality of cartilage produced. On a per cell basis, synthesis of both major structural components of cartilage, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II, was enhanced substantially by up to 5.3‐ and 10‐fold, respectively, depending on the scaffold type and seeding cell density. Levels of collagen type II as a percentage of total collagen were also increased after mechanical treatment by up to 3.4‐fold in PGA constructs. Mechanical treatment had a less pronounced effect on the composition of constructs precultured in perfusion bioreactors compared with perfusion culture controls. This work demonstrates that the quality of tissue‐engineered cartilage can be enhanced significantly by application of simultaneous dynamic mechanical shear and compression, with the greatest benefits evident for synthesis of collagen type II. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1060–1073. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single pass tangential flow filtration to debottleneck downstream processing for therapeutic antibody production
Authors: Dizon‐Maspat Jemelle , Bourret Justin , D'Agostini Anna , Li Feng
Published: November 2011

As the therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) market continues to grow, optimizing production processes is becoming more critical in improving efficiencies and reducing cost‐of‐goods in large‐scale production. With the recent trends of increasing cell culture titers from upstream process improvements, downstream capacity has become the bottleneck in many existing manufacturing facilities. Single Pass Tangential Flow Filtration (SPTFF) is an emerging technology, which is potentially useful in debottlenecking downstream capacity, especially when the pool tank size is a limiting factor. It can be integrated as part of an existing purification process, after a column chromatography step or a filtration step, without introducing a new unit operation. In this study, SPTFF technology was systematically evaluated for reducing process intermediate volumes from 2× to 10× with multiple mAbs and the impact of SPTFF on product quality, and process yield was analyzed. Finally, the potential fit into the typical 3‐column industry platform antibody purification process and its implementation in a commercial scale manufacturing facility were also evaluated. Our data indicate that using SPTFF to concentrate protein pools is a simple, flexible, and robust operation, which can be implemented at various scales to improve antibody purification process capacity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:962–970. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selling Mobility instead of Cars: New Business Strategies of Automakers and the Impact on Private Vehicle Holding
Authors: Firnkorn Jörg , Müller Martin
Published: November 2011

This article considers the business strategy of an automaker entering the car‐sharing market. Given the high growth of the car‐sharing industry, this could become a new business segment and simultaneously have effects on branding. The considered case is a car‐sharing system called car2go, which was launched by Daimler in 2009. An empirical analysis based on primary data (N = 1881) indicates that private vehicles are reduced as a consumer reaction. This constitutes a potential for environmental gains, as shared and consecutively used cars require less of production resources compared to a higher number of private cars being bought, driven and parked individually. Implications for public policy are that the allocation of public space to car‐sharing systems could result in a net gain of space in cities. Policy makers should also consider the dependency of car‐sharing schemes on municipal support regarding parking spaces and they should anticipate the upcoming electrification. This is the first study on a large‐scale car‐sharing system operated by an automaker using retrospective primary data. It contributes to the assessment of the current trend of car manufacturers launching car‐sharing schemes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, Flk‐1/KDR) protects HEK293 cells against CoCl2‐induced hypoxic toxicity
Authors: Ge Xiaowen , Zhao Le , He Langchong , Chen Wei , Li Xu
Published: November 2011

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelium‐specific mitogen and a promising inducer of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The VEGF receptors on endothelial cell membrane include the tyrosine kinases VEGFR‐1 (Flt‐1), VEGFR‐2 (Flk‐1/KDR) and VEGFR‐3 (Flt‐4). KDR is a major mediator of mitogenic, angiogenic and permeability‐enhancing effects of VEGF. KDR is upregulated in response to hypoxia, a major inducer of VEGF gene transcription. A HEK293 cell line overexpressing KDR was established under cell hypoxic stress to explore the function of KDR. A hypoxia‐inducing agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was applied to detect whether KDR was able to prevent against chemical hypoxic toxicity. The results indicate that KDR attenuated CoCl2‐induced cell injury in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms may be explained by the increased expression of Bcl‐2, AKT1 and phosphorylated AKT, key members of cell survival pathway, and decreased expression of pro‐apoptosis protein Bax. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Adsorption of Proteins on Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes by Using a Protective Surfactant
Authors: Knyazev Anton , Louise Loïc , Veber Michèle , Langevin Dominique , Filoramo Arianna , Prina‐Mello Adriele , Campidelli Stéphane
Published: November 2011

The dispersion of highly hydrophobic carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes in biological media is a challenging issue. Indeed, the nonspecific adsorption of proteins occurs readily when the nanotubes are introduced in biological media; therefore, a methodology to control adsorption is in high demand. To address this issue, we developed a bifunctional linker derived from pyrene that selectively enables or prevents the adsorption of proteins on single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). We demonstrated that it is possible to decrease or completely suppress the adsorption of proteins on the nanotube sidewall by using proper functionalization (either covalent or noncovalent). By subsequently activating the functional groups on the nanotube derivatives, protein adsorption can be recovered and, therefore, controlled. Our approach is simple, straightforward, and potentially suitable for other biomolecules that contain thio or amino groups available for coupling.
Mechanism Selection for Regiocontrol in Base‐Assisted, Palladium‐Catalysed Direct CH Coupling with Halides: First Approach for Oxazole‐ and Thiazole‐4‐Carboxylates
Authors: Théveau Laure , Verrier Cécile , Lassalas Pierrik , Martin Thibaut , Dupas Georges , Querolle Olivier , Van Hijfte Luc , Marsais Francis , Hoarau Christophe
Published: November 2011

Both base‐assisted non‐concerted metallation–deprotonation (nCMD) and concerted metallation–deprotonation (CMD) have been identified as two potent operating mechanisms in palladium‐catalysed direct CH coupling of oxazole and thiazole‐4‐carboxylate esters with halides through base‐ and solvent‐effect experiments. Novel C2‐ and C5‐selective CMD direct arylation procedures in oxazole‐ and thiazole‐4‐carboxylate series were then designed by controlling the balance between electronic and steric factors. Notably, charge interactions between the palladium catalyst and substrate were identified as a parameter for controlling selectivity and reducing the impact of steric factors in the CMD reaction.
Conformationally Constrained Sequence Designs to Bias Monomer–Dimer Equilibriums in TASP Systems
Authors: Freeman Jon O. , Sherman John C.
Published: November 2011

We have designed template‐assembled synthetic proteins (TASPs) with the intent of controlling their oligomeric state by stabilizing specific helical tertiary structures via histidine metal ion chelation or disulfide incorporation. In solution, cavitein Q4 was previously determined to interconvert between a four‐helix bundle monomer and an eight‐helix bundle dimer. In this paper, we show that judicious mutation of cavitein Q4 can stabilize either the monomeric parallel four‐helix bundle or the dimeric antiparallel eight‐helix bundle structure. Cavitein Q4‐E3H, designed to be dimeric, is indeed biased toward dimerization as a result of incorporation of histidines. Moreover, the addition of nickel was found to further increase the association constant of dimerization. Similarly, a cavitein designed to stabilize the monomeric structure via histidine metal ion chelation (Q4‐H) was found to favor a monomer in solution upon addition of nickel. Lastly, a cavitein intended to stabilize a monomeric structure via disulfide incorporation (Q4‐C2) is reported. Surprisingly, this disulfide cavitein yielded two products upon oxidation suggesting disulfide formation both above the cavitand template and below may be possible. Nevertheless, the two disulfide caviteins were shown to exist as monomers as per their design.
ChemInform Abstract: The Crystal Structures of Two Anhydrous Magnesium Hydroxychloride Phases from in situ Synchrotron Powder Diffraction Data.
Authors: Dinnebier Robert E. , Halasz Ivan , Freyer Daniela , Hanson Jonathan C.
Published: November 2011

The dehydration of 3Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O and 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O phases and the crystal structures of the products Mg(OH)1.7Cl0.3 (I) and MgOHCl (II) are studied by in situ synchrotron poder diffraction data at high temperature.
ChemInform Abstract: The Crystal and Molecular Structure of γ‐P4S6.
Authors: Roedl Thomas , Pfitzner Arno
Published: November 2011

The crystal structure of the title compound, prepared from equimolar amounts of P4S3 and FeCl3 in a 2:1 mixture of CS2 and CHCl3 (Ar, 8 weeks), is determined by single crystal XRD.