bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and physical modifications to poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces affect adhesion of Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Wang Lin , Sun Bing , Ziemer Katherine S. , Barabino Gilda A. , Carrier Rebecca L.
Published: October 2009

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone elastomer is extensively used in soft lithography processes to fabricate microscale or nano scale systems for microfluidic or cell culture applications. Though PDMS is biocompatible, it is not an ideal material for cell culture due to its poor cell adhesion properties. In this study, PDMS surfaces were modified to promote intestinal cell adhesion, in the interest of testing feasibility of using microfabricated PDMS systems for high throughput drug screening. Modification techniques included changing chemical composition of PDMS (i.e., varying curing to mixing agent ratio, and oxidization of PDMS surface by oxygen plasma), surface treatment of PDMS by coating with charged molecules (i.e., poly‐D‐lysine, L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine, and a layer bylayer coating), and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (i.e., laminin, fibronectin, and collagen). The influence of these modifications on PDMS properties, including elastic modulus and surface properties (wettability, chemical composition, topography, and protein adsorption) were characterized. Modification techniques were all found to change PDMS properties and influence the attachment and proliferation of Caco‐2 cells over three days of culture to varying degrees. Generally, Caco‐2 cells preferred to attach on collagen‐coated, fibronectin‐coated, and fibronectin‐coated oxygen‐plasma treated PDMS. The results highlight the importance of considering multiple physical and chemical factors that may be influenced by biomaterial modification and result in altered cell attachment to microfabricated systems, including surface hydrophobicity, chemical composition, stiffness, and topography. This study provides a foundation for further miniaturization, utilizing soft lithography techniques, of Caco‐2 cell‐based system for high‐throughput screening of drug intestinal absorption during lead optimization in drug discovery. The understanding of different surface modifications on adjusting cell adhesion on PDMS allows systemic design of Biomicroelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMS) with tunable cell adhesion properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Fabrication and characterization of novel hybrid organic/inorganic microparticles to apply in bone regeneration
Authors: Jayasuriya A. Champa , Bhat Archana
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize the novel hybrid organic/inorganic microparticles (MPs) to apply in bone regeneration. These hybrid MPs were fabricated using a scale‐up method we have developed to increase the yield of chitosan (CS) MPs. The MPs were based on the CS and consist of inorganic components such as dibasic calcium phosphate (CaHPO4) or calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Tripolyphosphate (TPP) has been used as a cross‐linking agent to form cross‐links between the amine groups in CS and phosphate groups in TPP. Four types of hybrid MPs were fabricated: CS; CS‐10%CaHPO4; CS‐20%CaHPO4; CS‐10% CaCO3. SEM images revealed that all types of MPs were approximately spherical in shape and most of them were with a diameter range of 30–60 μm. XRD reveals the evidence of having CaHPO4 or CaCO3 in the CS‐10%CaHPO4, CS‐20%CaHPO4, or CS‐10%CaCO3 MPs, respectively. All types of MPs have shown the existence of cross‐links according to FTIR. We have studied the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment on the surfaces of all types of MPs compared to control wells at 4, 8, 25, and 48 h. The attached MSCs on all types of MPs were increased more than two‐fold at 48 h compared with that of 4 h. These hybrid MPs have a great potential to apply as a bone‐void filler or bone tissue engineering scaffold to treat the bone defects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
The phenotypic responses of human anterior cruciate ligament cells cultured on poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and chitosan
Authors: Shao Hung‐Jen , Chen Chiang Sang , Lee Yu‐Tsang , Wang Jyh‐Horng , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the phenotypic responses of human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cells on two biodegradable materials: poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and chitosan. ACL cells cultured on PCL displayed phenotypes that were well spread with a developed cytoskeleton. In comparison, chitosan was not an appropriate substrate to support the attachment and spreading of ACL cells, which was attributed to the low fibronectin (FN) adsorption of chitosan. However, ACL cells cultured on chitosan exhibited a dramatic effect on increasing transcripts of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) and collagen III. After coating FN on chitosan surface, cell morphology and the mRNA levels of all tested genes had the similar levels on PCL and FN‐coated chitosan. This indicates the expression of TGF β1 and collagen III mRNA of human ACL cells was seem to correlate closely with the adhesion behavior of human ACL cells and was influenced by the underlying substrate properties. Since an ideal scaffold used in ACL tissue engineering is not only for cell attachment but also for extracellular matrix deposition during ligament regeneration, chitosan may be considered as a scaffold for ACL tissue engineering, which can upregulate the expression of specific genes of matrix production and wound healing in human ACL cells to synthesize more quantity of FN and TGF β1 proteins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Role of estrogenic compounds (diethylstibestrol, 17β‐estradiol, and bisphenol A) in the phosphorylation of substrate by protein kinase Cα
Authors: Kang Jeong‐Hun , Niidome Takuro , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: October 2009

Estrogenic compounds can activate protein kinase C (PKC), which is a calcium and phospholipid‐dependent serine/threonine kinase. In the present study, we investigated the role of 17β‐estradiol (E2), diethylstibestrol (DES), and bisphenol A (BPA) in the phosphorylation of substrate by PKCα using the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The level of phosphorylated peptide was low in the absence of phosphatidylserine (PS). Moreover, reduction of phosphorylation ratios was identified in the presence of diacylglycerol (DAG) and Ca2+ or PS and Ca2+ after adding E2, DES, and BPA. However, no change in phosphorylation ratios was found in the presence of DAG and PS. Addition of E2, DES, and BPA also had no influence on the phosphorylation reaction of substrate by cell or tissue lysate samples. Our study suggests that E2, DES, and BPA can bind to the C2 domain of PKCα but have no effects on the phosphorylation reaction of substrates in the presence of DAG and PS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:318–323, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20294
Platelet‐activating factor interaction with the human erythrocyte membrane
Authors: Mrówczyńska Lucyna , Hägerstrand Henry
Published: October 2009

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a soluble signal messenger present in blood at nanomolar concentration. PAF has a wide spectrum of biological activities and is produced by and effective in different cell types. Owing to its important physiological role, we wanted to characterize membrane intercalation and interaction of PAF‐16 (1‐O‐hexadecyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine) by studying its capacity to induce during short‐term incubations at high concentrations cell shape alterations, phosphatidylserine exposure, and hemolysis in human erythrocytes. Our results showed that PAF‐16 at micromolar concentrations rapidly (≤1 min) induces stable but wash‐sensitive echinocytosis and hemolysis, but no substantial phosphatidylserine exposure. In conclusion, our study characterizes PAF‐16 as a highly membrane partitioning non‐permeable molecule accumulating in the outer membrane leaflet. These membrane interacting properties of PAF should, also at physiological concentrations, be important part of its nature as a membrane affector molecule. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:345–348, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20297
Upregulation of oxidative stress markers in human microvascular endothelial cells by complexes of serum albumin and digestion products of glycated casein
Authors: Deo Permal , Glenn Josephine V. , Powell Lesley A. , Stitt Alan W. , Ames Jennifer M.
Published: October 2009

The extent of absorption of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is not fully known. The possible physiological impact of these absorbed components on inflammatory processes has been studied little and was the aim of this investigation. Aqueous solutions of bovine casein and glucose were heated at 95°C for 5 h to give AGE‐casein (AGE‐Cas). Simulated stomach and small intestine digestion of AGE‐Cas and dialysis (molecular mass cutoff of membrane = 1 kDa) resulted in a low molecular mass (LMM) fraction of digestion products, which was used to prepare bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐LMM‐AGE‐Cas complexes. Stimulation of human microvascular endothelial cells with BSA‐LMM‐AGE‐Cas complexes significantly increased mRNA expression of the receptor of AGE (RAGE), galectin‐3 (AGE‐R3), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and a marker of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK‐1), as well as p65NF‐κB activation. Cells treated with LMM digestion products of AGE‐Cas significantly increased AGE‐R3 mRNA expression. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production increased significantly in cells challenged with BSA‐LMM‐AGE‐Cas and LMM‐AGE‐Cas. In conclusion, in an in vitro cell system, digested dietary AGEs complexed with serum albumin play a role in the regulation of RAGE and downstream inflammatory pathways. AGE‐R3 may protect against these effects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:364–372, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20301
Protecting king cash from fraud
Authors: Burnett Royce D. , Friedman Mark , Quintana Olga
Published: October 2009

In today's troubling economic environment, many executives are scrambling to maintain a healthy cash position. But cutting cash‐related expenses is only part of the solution. The authors take a comprehensive look at the different kinds of cash fraud and show you how to stop it. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing cash if hyperinflation hits
Authors: Wolf Fran , Tackett James A.
Published: October 2009

In an effort to prevent further widespread economic collapse, the U.S. government began an ultra‐aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus. Officials have pumped trillions of dollars into the financial sector, creating a skyrocketing national debt. Many fear the result will be runaway inflation, with the cost of goods and services soaring out of control

If this happens, how can companies manage cash to compensate? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The treasurer: How to weather our current crisis
Authors: Anandarajan Asokan , Ehrlich Michael
Published: October 2009

We are enduring the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Traditional sources of liquidity and investments have dried up. And we are living in a state of flux, where the rules can be changed overnight—as the federal government constantly announces new amendments to the bailout plans.

So, the role of the treasurer has changed from managing liquidity to managing emergencies. What special hazards must the treasurer now avoid? And what strategies can he or she adopt to weather the current storm? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cash buyer beware!
Authors: Johnson Leigh Redd , Rudolph Holly R.
Published: October 2009

In January of this year, two executive officers of Pharmed Group were sentenced to nine years in prison for fraud. They had stolen more than $5 million in cash from a corporate customer.

How did Pharmed, a health care supplier, get away with this fraud for several years? And what lessons should cash managers learn from this case? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The amazon law: Will you pay web sales tax?
Authors: Sonnier Blaise M.
Published: October 2009

Increased sales taxes can certainly impact a company's cash flow. Unfortunately, in this recession, tax revenues have dropped for the states, so they are looking for ways to boost taxes. One idea is to tax sales made over the Internet by state residents. New York has led the way with the 2008 “Amazon Law,” taxing online purchases by state residents if the online retailer has “affiliates” in New York. And many other states have considered similar legislation. Will your company soon be paying more Web sales tax? What strategies might help avoid this obligation? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to measure and manage liquidity today
Authors: Sagner James S.
Published: October 2009

There has been a lot of debate about the current liquidity crisis. But there has been very little assistance or insight to help businesses cope in these difficult times. The author gives some much‐needed guidance on measuring and managing liquidity that you can put to work right now. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bridging the expectations gap
Authors: Dickins Denise , Higgs Julia L.
Published: October 2009

The term expectations gap describes the difference between investors' ideas of a financial statement audit and what standards actually require. Despite many changes in auditing standards, investors still misunderstand the auditor's report. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cancer survivor adaptation model: conceptualizing cancer as a chronic illness
Authors: Naus Mary J. , Ishler Marilyn D. , Parrott, Charlotte E. , Kovacs Stephanie A.
Published: October 2009

A model of cancer as a chronic illness is proposed as a new direction for quality of life research. In the cancer survivor adaptation (CSA) model, adjustment to cancer survivorship is a life‐long process involving three interacting components. Personal context incorporates cancer survivorship and personal characteristics across biological, psychological, and social domains. The adaptation process involves a specific cognitive mechanism of change, where the ongoing appraisal of goals and world assumptions occur in the context of the cancer survivor's personal memories and sense of self. Finally, quality of life outcomes are viewed as multidimensional and personally weighted for importance, with expectations for both positive and negative physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual adjustments over time. Research and clinical implications are explored. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–10, 2009.
Testing an approach to OSL dating of Late Devensian glaciofluvial sediments of the British Isles
Authors: Thrasher I. M. , Mauz B. , Chiverrell R. C. , Lang A. , Thomas G. S. P.
Published: October 2009

In the British and Irish Isles, the understanding of expansion and retreat of the last ice sheet in Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 has been hindered by a lack of chronological control for the timing of its maximum extent and subsequent retreat stages. In this research, a suite of lithofacies from a former distal ice marginal sandur at Orrisdale, Isle of Man, were identified and selected for optically stimulated luminescence dating. Different‐size fractions of quartz grains were extracted from selected lithofacies types with the aim of identifying which depositional environments and grain size fractions are best suited for optical dating. Tests have been undertaken to identify the luminescence properties of this quartz, including preheat dose recovery and constant‐wave optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) decay curve fitting. Equivalent dose distributions for all samples were wide and positively skewed, indicative of heterogeneous bleaching. A comprehensive statistically based decision‐making protocol has been defined in order to find the appropriate statistical model for burial dose estimation. Ages in the range of 17–14 ka have been obtained which agree with the expected geologically constrained chronology. The Orrisdale Formation is contemporaneous with Heinrich Event 1 and the Killard Point Stadial identified in eastern Ireland ca. 16.4 ka. The suggested approach for OSL dating of glaciofluvial sediments has the potential for much wider application to high latitude or temperate areas where there is an abundance of such sediments and where improved chronological control is much needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplexed concentration quantification using isotopic surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering
Authors: Perera Pradeep N. , Deb Shirshendu K. , Jo Davisson V. , Ben‐Amotz Dor
Published: October 2009

The recently developed isotopically edited internal standard approach for surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) based chemical quantification is extended to demonstrate multiplexed detection of four different isotopic variants of a single chromophore. More specifically, it is shown that rhodamine‐6G (R6G) with 0, 2, 4, or 6 deuterium substitutions may be reliably quantified in either two‐ or three‐component mixtures. Thus, one isotopic species of known concentration may be used as an internal standard to determine the concentrations of two other isotopic components in a mixture. The concentrations of isotopic R6G SERRS chromophores are determined using partial least squares calibration and shown to yield a predictive accuracy of about ± 10% of the total R6G concentration (over 1–50 nM concentration range). These results set the stage for the use of such isotopic variants as tags for the SERRS/SERS quantitation of mixtures containing proteins, peptides, and other compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of hydrogen bond on the vibrational dynamics of genistein free and complexed with β‐cyclodextrins
Authors: Crupi Vincenza , Majolino Domenico , Paciaroni Alessandro , Rossi Barbara , Stancanelli Rosanna , Venuti Valentina , Viliani Gabriele
Published: October 2009

Inclusion, or host–guest, complexes are supramolecular assemblies in which two or more molecules hold together and organize by means of intermolecular noncovalent bonds. In the pharmaceutical field, inclusion complexation of drugs with unsubstituted and derivative β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CDs) has proven to be a successful method to improve the dissolution of water insoluble drugs. Genistein (Gen), an isoflavone constituent of Onodis spinosae radix, turned out to be a suitable guest molecule for the encapsulation into β‐CD, resulting in a significant improvement of its aqueous solubility. In the present study, the modifications of the vibrational spectrum of Gen caused by its inclusion into β‐CDs cavity have been characterized by means of Raman scattering experiments. These changes have been interpreted by comparing the experimental data with the vibrational wavenumbers and Raman intensities obtained by simulation for the free and complexed guest molecule. Following this strategy, we have obtained a deeper understanding of the host–guest interactions involved in the formation and stabilization of the complexes, with particular regard to the role played by the guest chemical groups, as well as to disentangle the effects directly related to the complexation process from those ascribed to other factors, such as formation of intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocompatible polymeric monoliths for protein and peptide separations
Authors: Li Yun , Lee Milton L.
Published: October 2009

The concept of biocompatibility with reference to chromatographic stationary phases for separation of biomolecules (including proteins and peptides) is introduced. Biocompatible is a characteristic that indicates resistance to nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules and preservation of their structures and biochemical functions. Two types of biocompatible polymeric monoliths [i. e., polyacrylamide‐ and poly(meth)acrylate‐based monoliths] used for protein and peptide separations are reviewed in detail, with emphasis on size exclusion, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatographic modes. Biocompatible monoliths for enzyme reactors are also included. The two main synthetic approaches to produce biocompatible monoliths are summarized, i. e., surface modification of a monolith that is not inherently biocompatible and direct copolymerization of hydrophilic monomers to form a biocompatible monolith directly. Integration of polyethylene glycol into the poly(meth)acrylate monolith network is becoming popular for reduction of non‐specific protein interactions.
11.7 Tesla magnetic resonance microimaging of laryngeal tissue architecture
Authors: Herrera Victoria L. M. , Viereck Jason C. , Lopez‐Guerra Gerardo , Kumai Yoshihiko , Kobler James , Karajanagi Sandeep , Park Hyoungshin , Hillman Robert , Zeitels Steven M.
Published: October 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

High‐resolution imaging of vocal folds that distinguishes vocal fold (VF) layered microstructure and VF implants would provide a key experimental tool for translational research investigating biomaterial‐based interventions to treat vocal fold scar. To establish proof of concept, we studied whether 11.7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) microimaging provides the needed resolution to resolve vocal fold tissue architecture.

Study Design:

We performed ex vivo MR microimaging of fixed ferret and canine larynges to determine whether changes in the layered architecture can be detected in the presence of scar and subsequent to biomaterial injections into the vocal folds. Serial section histological analyses were done to corroborate MR microimaging findings.

Methods:

Multiple axial and transverse/coronal 300‐μm slices were obtained using an 11.7 T MR spectrometer/500 MHz for proton with gradient‐recalled echo and rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement imaging sequences.

Results:

High‐resolution (39 μm/pixel) MR microimages distinguished VF epithelium, lamina propria, muscle, and cartilage in ferret and canine larynges. In ferret scarred VFs (n = 25), collagen‐rich dense scar tissue was distinguishable from contralateral nonscarred VFs and from normal ferret VFs (n = 25), as confirmed on histology. MR microimaging accurately detected injected autologous fat, hyaluronic acid‐based and polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based implants injected into both ferret and canine VFs. Importantly, MRI accurately showed resorption of PEG implants in ferrets and canines, as confirmed on histology. Additionally, ex vivo MR spectroscopy distinguished fat from PEG‐based implants.

Conclusions:

Ex vivo 11.7 T MR microimaging provided high‐resolution images of ferret and canine laryngeal tissue microstructure, although the superficial lamina propria could not be distinguished. Histology confirmed MR microimaging findings, indicating utility of MR microimaging of modeled scar, implant residence time, and tissue responses, thus providing integrative insight relevant to translational research. Laryngoscope, 2009
Der Kapitalmarkt und die weiße Biotechindustrie
Authors: Schneider Bernd
Published: October 2009

Unternehmen der industriellen Biotechnik finanzieren sich überwiegend aus privater Hand. Kapitalgeber haben noch nicht alle Potenziale dieser Sparte entdeckt.
Adaptive finite element computation of dielectric and mechanical intensity factors in piezoelectrics with impermeable cracks
Authors: Jański Ł. , Scherzer M. , Steinhorst P. , Kuna M.
Published: October 2009

The paper deals with the application of an adaptive, hierarchic‐iterative finite element technique to solve two‐dimensional electromechanical boundary value problems with impermeable cracks in piezoelectric plates. In order to compute the dielectric and mechanical intensity factors, the interaction integral technique is used. The iterative finite element solver takes advantage of a sequence of solutions on hierarchic discretizations. Based on an a posteriori error estimation, the finite element mesh is locally refined or coarsened in each step. Two crack configurations are investigated in an infinite piezoelectric plate: A finite straight crack and a finite kinked crack. Fast convergence of the numerical intensity factors to the corresponding analytical solution is exemplarily proved during successive adaptive steps for the first configuration. Similar tendency can be observed for the second configuration. Furthermore, the computed intensity factors for the kinks are found to coincide well with the corresponding analytical values. In order to simulate the kinks spreading from a straight crack, the finite element mesh is modified automatically with a specially developed algorithm. This forms the basis for a fully adaptive simulation of crack propagation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of churches in creating social capital and improving governance in Papua New Guinea: Lessons for working in fragile situations
Authors: Hauck Volker A.
Published: October 2009

This article researches the different types of contributions of Christian churches to governance and the creation of social capital in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The analysis is done against the background of debates on how to deal with situations of fragility and what role civil society can play in such situations. The article demonstrates what churches, as a sub‐set of civil society, can contribute to enhancing public performance; public policy and decision making; transparency and information sharing; supporting social justice and reconciliation and peace building and examines what capabilities allow churches to shape social capital. Lessons for working with churches are: they are potentially relevant actors to address situations of fragility; most of them have comparative advantages in building governance bottom‐up, while their potential to engage effectively in governance at the national level is more modest; working with them requires knowing and respecting their diversities and divisions—some can be useful partners in an effort to enhance governance and social capital while others might better be disregarded because their theological orientation is not conducive in this regard; many churches which operate in situations of fragility are fragile themselves—while they have strengths in shaping cognitive social capital they can benefit from capacity development support which enhances their structures, systems and other forms of structural social capital. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance accountability in the UN Secretariat – The conflictual way toward more flexibility
Authors: Balint Tim , Schernbeck Sarah , Schneider Simone
Published: October 2009

The article investigates accountability structures in the Secretariat of the United Nations (UN) by emphasizing the institutional design and the interaction between member states and Secretariat. Empirical findings indicate that reform endeavors toward a more performance‐based accountability in the UN Secretariat have fallen short. The article finds that mistrust between Secretariat and member states and among the member states themselves is predominantly responsible for the identified shortcomings and outlines how polarized the legislative organs – namely the member states – are. Evidently, a substantial concern of the countries represented in the G77 is that an empowerment of the Secretariat would ultimately lead to an empowerment of the influential donor countries and the permanent members of the Security Council. Consequently, the authors identify three main challenges that have to be handled in order to move toward a more performance oriented accountability structure: The creation of a trusting environment and strategic partnerships between the governing bodies, the further empowerment of senior managers, and a review of the current performance management system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does The Journal of Pathology deal with conflict of interest?
Authors: Hall Peter A , Poulsom Richard , Wixon Jo
Published: October 2009

Here we outline the approach of The Journal of Pathology to the issue of conflict of interest. We aspire to have a fair and transparent review process where conflict of interest or prejudice does not influence the review and decision‐making process, such that readers can be confident of the objectivity of peer‐review and reliability of content. Transparency and openness from all involved is the cornerstone of this and our processes are intended to prevent, as far as is possible, financial, personal, intellectual, professional, political, religious, racial, gender‐related or other conflicts of interest affecting our peer‐review. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dysregulation of protein synthesis and disease
Authors: Le Quesne John PC , Spriggs Keith A , Bushell Martin , Willis Anne E
Published: October 2009

The regulation of protein synthesis plays as important a role as transcriptional control in the control of gene expression. Once thought solely to act globally, translational control has now been shown to be able to control the expression of most genes specifically. Dysregulation of this process is associated with a range of pathological conditions, notably cancer and several neurological disorders, and can occur in many ways. These include alterations in the expression of canonical initiation factors, mutations in regulatory mRNA sequence elements in 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), such as upstream open reading frames (uORFs), internal ribosome entry segments (IRESs) and micro‐RNA (miR) target sites, and the altered expression of trans‐acting protein factors that bind to and regulate these elements. Translational control is increasingly open for study in both fresh and fixed tissue, and this rapidly developing field is yielding useful diagnostic and prognostic tools that will hopefully provide new targets for effective treatments. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The identification of pregnancies within the general practice research database
Authors: Devine Scott , West Suzanne , Andrews Elizabeth , Tennis Pat , Hammad Tarek A. , Eaton Susan , Thorp John , Olshan Andrew
Published: October 2009

Background

The United States is moving toward active drug safety surveillance using sources such as administrative claims and electronic medical records, but use of these data for studying teratogenicity has been challenging, as they typically do not allow for the easy identification of pregnancies. Our goal was to develop and validate an algorithm for the identification of pregnancies in the general practice research database (GPRD) that could be used to study pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

The algorithm identified pregnancies in women 15–45‐year‐old that were pregnant between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 2006. We identified live births, stillbirths, and spontaneous and elective terminations within a woman's record. We validated the algorithm using the additional clinical details maternity (ACDM) file and de‐identified free‐text records.

Results

We analyzed 16 035 394 records from 3 093 927 individuals and identified 383 184 women who had a total of 580 356 pregnancies. There were 415 221 full‐term live births, 3080 pre‐ or post‐term births, 1834 multi‐fetus deliveries, 86 408 spontaneous abortions or miscarriages, 72 164 elective terminations, and 1649 stillbirths or fetal deaths. A marker of pregnancy care was identifiable for 86.3% of the 580 356 pregnancies. The internal validation steps indicated that the algorithm produced consistent results with the ACDM file.

Conclusions

We were successful in identifying a large number of pregnancies in the GPRD. Our use of a hierarchical approach to identify pregnancy outcomes builds upon the methods suggested in previous work, while implementing additional steps to minimize potential misclassification of pregnancy outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a new natural clay to produce poly(methyl methacrylate)‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Lerari Djahida , Peeterbroeck Sophie , Benali Samira , Benaboura Ahmed , Dubois Philippe
Published: October 2009

Nanocomposites of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) filled with 3 wt% of modified natural Algerian clay (AC; montmorillonite type) were prepared by either in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile or a melt‐mixing process with preformed PMMA via twin‐screw extrusion. The organo‐modification of the AC montmorillonite was achieved by ion exchange of Na+ with octadecyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium bromide. Up to now, this AC montmorillonite has found applications only in the petroleum industry as a rheological additive for drilling muds and in water purification processes; its use as reinforcement in polymer matrices has not been reported yet. The modified clay was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which showed an important shift of the interlayer spacing after organo‐modification. The degree of dispersion of the clay in the polymer matrix and the resulting morphology of nanocomposites were evaluated using XRD and transmission electron microscopy. The resulting intercalated PMMA nanocomposites were analysed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites was not significantly influenced by the presence of the modified clay while the thermal stability was considerably improved compared to unfilled PMMA. This Algerian natural montmorillonite can serve as reinforcing nanofiller for polymer matrices and is of real interest for the fabrication of nanocomposite materials with improved properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of teacher and school psychologist knowledge of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Weyandt Lisa L. , Fulton Katherine M. , Schepman Steve B. , Verdi Genevieve R. , Wilson Kimberly G.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher and school psychologists' knowledge of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). One hundred thirty‐two kindergarten through 12th‐grade general education teachers, special education teachers, and school psychologists responded to a 24‐item questionnaire concerning treatment and possible causes of ADHD. The results supported the hypothesis that school psychologists' knowledge level of ADHD would be significantly greater than the knowledge level of special and general education teachers, but did not support the hypothesis that the knowledge level of special education teachers would be significantly greater than the knowledge level of general education teachers. Increased years of professional experience was negatively associated with increased knowledge about ADHD. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A proteomic analysis of the salt, cadmium and peroxide stress responses inCandida albicansand the role of the Hog1 stress‐activated MAPK in regulating the stress‐induced proteome
Authors: Yin Zhikang , Stead David , Walker Jan , Selway Laura , Smith Deborah A. , Brown Alistair J. P. , Quinn Janet
Published: October 2009

Stress responses are important for the virulence of the major fungal pathogen of humans,Candida albicans. In this study we employed a 2‐DE approach to examine the impact of exposure to peroxide (5 mM H2O2), salt (300 mM NaCl) or cadmium stress (0.5 mM Cd2+) upon theC. albicansproteome. Highly reproducible changes in theC. albicansproteome were observed in response to each stress condition. Significantly more proteins were up‐regulated in response to cadmium (77) than to the salt (35) or peroxide stresses (35). These proteomic changes displayed minimal overlap with those observed in the transcriptome under equivalent conditions and, importantly, revealed functional categories that respond to stress at the protein level but not the transcript level. Six proteins were up‐regulated by all three conditions: Adh1, Atp2, Cip1, Eft2, Ssa1 and Ssb1, which is consistent with the concept that a core stress response exists inC. albicans.This is the first time that a fungal core stress response has been defined at the proteomic level. We have also shown that the Hog1 stress‐activated mitogen‐activated protein kinase, which is activated in response to the stresses examined in this study, makes a major contribution to theC. albicansstress proteome.
Synthesis of miktoarm star amphiphilic block copolymers via combination of NMRP and ATRP and investigation on self‐assembly behaviors
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Zhang Wei , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Jian , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: October 2009

The novel trifunctional initiator, 1‐(4‐methyleneoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpip‐eridinoxyl)‐3,5‐bi(bromomethyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene (TEMPO‐2Br), was successfully synthesized and used to prepare the miktoarm star amphiphilic poly(styrene)‐(poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide))2 (PS(PNIPAAM)2) via combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) techniques. Furthermore, the star amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (styrene)‐(poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐b‐4‐vinylpyridine))2 (PS(PNIPAAM‐b‐P4VP)2), was also prepared using PS(PNIPAAM)2 as the macroinitiator and 4‐vinylpyridine as the second monomer by ATRP method. The obtained polymers were well‐defined with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.29). Meanwhile, the self‐assembly behaviors of the miktoarm amphiphilic block copolymers, PS(PNIPAAM)2 and PS(PNIPAAM‐b‐P4VP)2, were also investigated. Interestingly, the aggregate morphology changed from sphere‐shaped micelles (4.7 < pH < 3.0) to a mixture of spheres and rods (1.0 < pH < 3.0), and rod‐shaped nanorods formed when pH value was below 1.0. The LCST of PS(PNIPAAM)2 (pH = 7) was about 31 °C and the LCST of PS(PNIPAAM‐b‐P4VP)2 was about 35 °C (pH = 3). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6304–6315, 2009
Concordance of quality of life assessments following pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Feichtl Rosemarie E. , Rosenfeld Barry , Tallamy Brad , Cairo Mitchell S. , Sands Stephen A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To examine the concordance between pediatric patient's self‐report and parent‐report regarding a patient's quality of life (QoL) prior to and following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to identify potential medical and demographic covariates of concordance.

Patients and Methods: Utilizing the PedsQL 4.0, the longitudinal QoL data were obtained from 68 pediatric HSCT patient–parent dyads prior to and up to two years post‐transplantation.

Results: Reliability based upon Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) indicates a parabolic pattern of concordance being significantly poorer in the acute phase of treatment 3 months post‐HSCT, followed by a return to pre‐transplant levels at subsequent assessments and a substantial rise at one‐ and two‐year follow‐up assessments (Baseline ICC = 0.42; 3 months = 0.11; 6 months = 0.54). Paired t‐tests further indicate that concordance was highest for observable domains of functioning (Physical and School) with greater inter‐rater discrepancies on the subjective domains (Emotional and Social) of QoL at baseline and 6 months post‐transplantation.

Conclusion: Children typically rated their QoL as higher than parents at all time points and in virtually all domains; however, both perspectives are vital in providing a more accurate depiction of a patient's treatment experience. Dyads speaking the same language exhibited higher levels of QoL agreement than those that did not, while concordance among female‐patient‐dyads was more disparate than male‐patient‐dyads. Such findings highlight the importance of implementing psychosocial assessments and possible interventions for patients and parents proactively during the HSCT to effectively address the impact of the treatment and recovery experiences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined effects of chronic nicotine and acute virus exposure on neurotrophin expression in rat lung
Authors: Urrego Fernando , Scuri Mario , Auais Alexander , Mohtasham Lida , Piedimonte Giovanni
Published: October 2009

Strong epidemiologic evidence indicates that tobacco smoke influences frequency and severity of respiratory infections. Previously, we have shown that infection with respiratory syncytial virus upregulates expression of neurotrophic factors and receptors in the lungs, but the effect of tobacco exposure on neurotrophins is unknown. Therefore, we first sought to determine the expression of neurotrophic pathways in lungs of rats chronically exposed to nicotine, and then we studied the interactions between pollution and infection by inoculating virus after nicotine exposure. Expression of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, of their high‐affinity tyrosine kinase receptors (trkA and trkB, respectively), and of the low‐affinity receptor p75NTRwas measured in the lungs of nicotine‐exposed rats both at the mRNA level by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Nicotine increased NGF expression both at the mRNA and protein level and also created a receptor imbalance deriving from increased expression of the pro‐inflammatory p75NTRreceptor without any concomitant change in the high‐affinity trkA receptor. Viral infection after chronic nicotine exposure exerted an additive effect on NGF expression, and resulted in exaggerated neurogenic airway inflammation that was abolished by selective inhibition. In conclusion, nicotine levels comparable to those found in smokers are per se able to upregulate the expression of critical neurotrophic molecules in the respiratory tract, and combination of an acute infection following chronic nicotine exposure produces more severe neurotrophic dysregulation and neurogenic‐mediated inflammation compared to either infection or nicotine alone. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1075–1084. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Working outside the protein‐synthesis rules: insights into non‐ribosomal peptide synthesis
Authors: Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: October 2009

Non‐ribosomally synthesized microbial peptides show remarkable structural diversity and constitute a widespread class of the most potent antibiotics and other important pharmaceuticals that range from penicillin to the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. They are assembled independent of the ribosome in a nucleic acids‐independent way by a group of multimodular megaenzymes called non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases. These biosynthetic machineries rely not only on the 20 canonical amino acids, but also use several different building blocks, including D‐configured‐ and β‐amino acids, methylated, glycosylated and phosphorylated residues, heterocyclic elements and even fatty acid building blocks. This structural diversity leads to a high density of functional groups, which are often essential for the bioactivity. Recent biochemical and structural studies on several non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase assembly lines have substantially contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of individual catalytic domains underlying substrate recognition and substrate shuffling among the different active sites as well as peptide bond formation and the regio‐ and stereoselective product release. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of polymers in CVD growth of nanocrystalline diamond films on foreign substrates
Authors: Kromka A. , Potocky S. , Rezek B. , Babchenko O. , Kozak H. , Vanecek M. , Michalka M.
Published: October 2009

Spin coating of PVA polymer with fine grained diamond powder is used as the nucleation treatment for achieving growth of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films. The growth is realized by standard microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The morphology and character of deposited NCD film is strongly related to the growth temperature. The low temperature process (430°C) results in a growth of well‐faceted continuous films. The high temperature process (830 °C) results in voids and openings in the layer. Addition of PVA as the interlayer between the substrate and the seeding polymer composite leads to more openings. The effect is the most pronounced at 830 °C. This is assigned to thermal instability of PVA and oxygen chemistry present in the early beginning of the CVD growth. An optimized seeding process based on the polymer composite procedure at low substrate temperature and low PVA amount allows the diamond growth on extremely soft substrates.
Chemomodulation of the antioxidative enzymes and peroxidative damage in the colon of 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine‐induced rats by ellagicacid
Authors: Umesalma Syed , Sudhandiran Ganapasam
Published: October 2009

Prevention of cancer remains a primary need and new chemopreventive agents must be developed for this purpose. Toward this goal, a chemopreventive study was conducted to evaluate the potential effect of ellagic acid (EA) against 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH‐) induced colon carcinogenesis in experimental rats. Rats were administered with DMH (20mg/kg body weight) subcutaneous injection once a week for 15 weeks and were supplemented with EA (60 mg/kg body weight/day orally). In the present study, the efficacy of EA on the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of enzymic and non‐enzymic antioxidants in DMH‐induced colon‐cancer‐bearing rats were assessed. After the experimental period, frequency of ACF, levels of LPO were found to be increased, whereas a significant decrease in the activities of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione‐S‐transferase) and non‐enzymic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E) were observed in DMH‐induced rats. Supplementation of EA attenuated all these alterations to near normal levels, which indicates the anti‐carcinogenic efficacy of EA. This effect was further confirmed by histopathological studies. The results obtained in the present study suggest EA as an effective chemopreventive agent on colon carcinogenesis induced by DMH. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kaempferol protects HIT‐T15 pancreatic beta cells from 2‐deoxy‐D‐ribose‐induced oxidative damage
Authors: Lee Yun Jung , Suh Kwang Sik , Choi Moon Chan , Chon Suk , Oh Seungjoon , Woo Jeong‐Taek , Kim Sung‐Woon , Kim Jin‐Woo , Kim Young Seol
Published: October 2009

During the progression of Type 2 diabetes, glucose toxicity is likely to contribute importantly to progressive beta cell failure. Oxidative stress is an important aspect of glucose toxicity in pancreatic beta cells, and reducing sugars, such as 2‐deoxy‐D‐ribose (dRib), produce reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, many of the biological properties of flavonoids are likely to be related to their antioxidant and free‐radical scavenging abilities. Accordingly, in the present study, we investigated whether kaempferol (a flavonol) protects beta cells from dRib‐induced oxidative damage. HIT‐T15 cells were cultured with various concentrations of dRib for 24h. Cell survivals, amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation were measured. dRib was found to dose‐dependently reduce cell survival and to markedly increase intracellular ROS levels, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation. However, kaempferol (10 µM) suppressed dRib (20 mM) induced intracellular ROS, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation. So, we demonstrate that kaempferol reduces dRib‐mediated beta cell damage interfering with ROS metabolism and protective effects against lipid peroxidation. Our findings indicate that kaempferol protects HIT‐T15 cells from dRib‐induced associated oxidative damage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.