bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Behavior with Environmental Quality Information Costs
Authors: Bougherara Douadia , Piguet Virginie
Published: December 2009

Formally, eco-labels are modeled as tools that enable the mitigation of informational asymmetry on product environmental quality. We argue that even in the presence of an eco-label, markets for eco-friendly products may still be inefficient. We model eco-friendly goods as goods with environmental quality information costs. We induce buyers' preferences in laboratory posted offer markets with information costs on products' quality. We analyze the effect of varying information costs on market efficiency and consumer information demand. We also test for the effect of self-declared labels. We find that a low information cost introduces a friction not high enough to lead to adverse selection whereas a high information cost drives out high quality products. We find self-declared labels have a positive effect on market efficiency but only sellers benefit from self-declared labels. We find that demand for information follows the classic law of demand and that it is a non linear function of product price as theoretically expected. We also find that, when information costs are high, demand for information decreases when sellers use self-declared labels: either buyers use self-declared labels as an information-revelation device or reputational affects feedbacks are a substitute for information demand. We draw implications for the design of eco-labels.
Labeling Policies and Market Behavior: Quality Standard and Voluntary Label Adoption
Authors: Bottega Lucie , Delacote Philippe , Ibanez Lisette
Published: December 2009

This paper focus's on the third-party certifiers' strategy when choosing a required label quality, and the consequent market outcome. We consider two different objectives of the certifier: maximizing global demand for the labeled product (wide public policy), or maximizing global quality of the market (global quality policy). In a duopoly set up with firms bearing different costs with respect to quality provision, firms always opt for differentiation strategies: only one adopts the label. However, the labeling firm is not necessarily the most efficient one. In the case of a wide public policy, the efficient firm will produce labeled products only if costs of labeling are sufficiently low. In the case of a global quality policy, the low cost firm will always push the high-cost firm into the labeling program.
Impact of Environmental, Societal and Health Information on Consumers' Choices for Nanofood
Authors: Marette Stéphan , Roosen Jutta , Bieberstein Andrea , Blanchemanche Sandrine , Vandermoere Frederic
Published: December 2009

An experiment was conducted in Germany to evaluate the impact of environmental, societal and health information about nanotechnology on consumers' willingness to pay for two types of orange juice produced by means of nanotechnologies. Participants had to choose successive messages revealing information about potential but uncertain impacts. Results show that health information is of priority for participants and it significantly decreases WTP for both juices, while societal and environmental information does not significantly influence WTP. Based on a welfare simulation, we determine the economic value of nano-product introduction and additional information about health consequences of nanotechnology applications. Information about health impacts is necessary for guaranteeing a welfare improvement. However, as many participants are reluctant regarding these food innovations, the profit variations suggest that the emergence of these new products is unlikely.
Public vs. Private Eco-Labeling of Environmental Credence Goods: Maximizing the Gains from International Integration
Authors: Sheldon Ian M , Roe Brian E
Published: December 2009

Using a model of vertical product differentiation, we analyze the welfare gains from economic integration when countries harmonize their eco-labeling and certification policies for environmental credence goods. Specifically, we show that harmonized mandatory, exclusive discrete labeling will not maximize the gains from economic integration, i.e., the choice of eco-labeling regime can have a negative effect on market structure if firms choose to exit, reducing the range and quality of goods in the integrated market, and thereby reducing aggregate environmental benefits. In contrast, under a harmonized mandatory, non-exclusive discrete labeling regime, private certification increases the likelihood of maximizing the gains from international economic integration.
Wasteful Labeling
Authors: Mahenc Philippe
Published: December 2009

The role of labeling is to solve the adverse selection problem caused by unsubstantiated claims from firms. The problem however is likely to remain unsolved if the labeling agency is not trustworthy. The agency can be suspected to divert the fees charged for labeling from their primary purpose of collecting information in order to raise excessive revenue. This paper addresses this issue and shows that labeling may be wasteful if the agency is likely to be untrustworthy. To award firms green labels, the agency may charge fees that exceed the Ramsey level at which the revenue needed for collecting information is raised with a minimal loss in terms of efficiency.
Competition May Reduce the Revenue in a First Price Auction with Affiliated Private Values
Authors: Menicucci Domenico
Published: December 2009

There is a widespread belief that in auctions with private values, the seller's revenue is increasing in the number of bidders. We show that there exists an auction setting with symmetric and affiliated private values in which the seller's expected revenue in a first price auction is decreasing in the number of bidders who participate in the auction.
Multilateral Approaches to Deliberating Internet Governance
Authors: Singh J P
Published: December 2009

This essay tackles the question of how increased interactions among multiple actors facilitated by the Internet shape patterns of global governance, especially for the Internet itself. The paper argues that in global governance the types of actors, along with their collective understandings and deliberations, shape two different types of multilateral global orders: statist multilateralism and networked multilateralism. This paper employs the language of global governance rather than that of international regimes to distinguish three keys terms for understanding governance: global order, legitimacy and deliberations. These concepts are applied to the case of Internet governance, to the Internet Corporation on Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) which is characterized as statist multilateralism, the networked scenarios of the World Summit for the Information Society (WSIS), and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The conclusion does not predict the demise of statist multilateralism (as do many analysts examining WSIS and IGF processes) but argues that these newer arrangements are analytically useful for understanding alternative governance arrangements likely to emerge in the future. As such, the concept of networked multilateralism could usefully be applied to cases other than the Internet.
Herbal remedies are the main etiologic factor in melanosis coli, a case series study
Authors: Kav Taylan , Bayraktar Yusuf
Published: December 2009

Melanosis coli is a brown to black discoloration of the colon mucosa usually associated with long-term ingestion of laxatives. However, melanosis coli can be found in patients with no history of laxative use. Regular use of herbal remedies could be the major source of anthranoid laxatives in such patients. We designed a prospective case series study to identify the clinical characteristics and etiology of melanosis coli in affected patients. This study took place in Ankara, Turkey, between 08/2005 and 11/2006. Patients with endoscopic diagnosis of melanosis coli were interviewed for demographical data and use of herbal remedies. A total of 380 colonoscopies were performed during this period. Melanosis coli was diagnosed endoscopically in 12 patients (3.17%), 11 of whom were found to have characteristic pigment-laden macrophages in histopathological examination. Herbal remedies were the main etiological factor in the development of melanosis coli in 10 out of 11 patients. Diffuse involvement was found in 2 patients who had a history of long-term use. In 8 patients, melanosis coli was located in the left side of the colon. Although melanosis coli is a harmless discoloration of colonic mucosa resulting from complementary or alternative medicine, we believe that this association with herbals was overlooked or not inquired in patients. Therefore, it should be emphasized that “natural” or “alternative” is not equal to “safe”.
Role of Phosphatidyl-Serine in Bone Repair and Its Technological Exploitation
Authors: Merolli Antonio , Santin Matteo
Published: December 2009

In the 1970s, morphological evidence collected by electron microscopy linked mineral deposition (“calcification” or “mineralization”) in newly-forming bone to membrane-encapsulated particles of a diameter of approximately 100 nm (50–200 nm) that were called “matrix vesiscles”. As the characterisation of these vesicles progressed towards their biochemical composition, the role of lipids in the biomineralization process appeared to be crucial. In particular, a group of cell-membrane phospholipids were identified as major players in the crystal formation process. Indeed, in the 1980s it became clear that phosphatidylserine, together with proteins of the annexin family, was among the most important molecules in binding calcium ions and that this phospholipid was involved in the regulation of the early stages of mineralization in vivo. During the same period of time, the number of surgical implantations of orthopaedic, dental and maxilo-facial devices requiring full integration with the treated bone prompted the study of new functionalisation molecules able to establish a stable bonding with the mineral phase of the host tissue. In the late 1990s studies started that aimed at exploiting the potential of calcium-binding phospholipids and, in particular, of the phosphatidylserine as functionalisation molecules to improve the osteointegration of artificial implants. Later, papers have been published that show the potential of the phophatidylserine and phosphatidylserine-mimicking coating technology to promote calcification both in vitro and in vivo. The promising results support the future clinical application of these novel osteointegrative biomaterials.
Comparison of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Proteins of Chianina and Holstein Cattle Breed Milk Samples Through Proteomics Methods
Authors: Murgiano Leonardo , Timperio Anna Maria , Zolla Lello , Bongiorni Silvia , Valentini Alessio , Pariset Lorraine
Published: December 2009

Identification of proteins involved in milk production is important to understand the biology of lactation. Many studies have advanced the understanding of mammary function and milk secretion, but the critical molecular mechanisms implicated in milk fat secretion is still incomplete. Milk Fat Globules are secreted from the apical surface of the mammary cells, surrounded by a thin membrane bilayer, the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), formed by proteins which have been suggested to be cholesterolemia-lowering factors, inhibitors of cancer cell growth, vitamin binders, bactericidal, suppressors of multiple sclerosis. Using a proteomic approach, we compared MFGM from milk samples of individuals belonging to two different cattle breeds, Chianina and Holstein, representative of selection for milk and meat traits, respectively. We were able to isolate some of the major MFGM proteins in the examined samples and to identify differences between the protein fractions of the two breeds. We detected differences in the amount of proteins linked to mammary gland development and lipid droplets formation, as well as host defence mechanisms. We have shown that proteomics is a suitable, unbiased method for the study of milk fractions proteins and a powerful tool in nutritional genomics.
Aptamer-Functionalized Nano-Biosensors
Authors: Chiu Tai-Chia , Huang Chih-Ching
Published: December 2009

Nanomaterials have become one of the most interesting sensing materials because of their unique size- and shape-dependent optical properties, high surface energy and surface-to-volume ratio, and tunable surface properties. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can bind their target ligands with high affinity. The use of nanomaterials that are bioconjugated with aptamers for selective and sensitive detection of analytes such as small molecules, metal ions, proteins, and cells has been demonstrated. This review focuses on recent progress in the development of biosensors by integrating functional aptamers with different types of nanomaterials, including quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), metallic NPs, and carbon nanotubes. Colorimetry, fluorescence, electrochemistry, surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and magnetic resonance imaging are common detection modes for a broad range of analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity when using aptamer bioconjugated nanomaterials (Apt-NMs). We highlight the important roles that the size and concentration of nanomaterials, the secondary structure and density of aptamers, and the multivalent interactions play in determining the specificity and sensitivity of the nanosensors towards analytes. Advantages and disadvantages of the Apt-NMs for bioapplications are focused.
Novel Absolute Displacement Sensor with Wide Range Based on Malus Law
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Xiaoping , Lin Yonggang
Published: December 2009

The paper presents a novel wide range absolute displacement sensor based on polarized light detection principle. The sensor comprises of two sets of polarized light detecting systems which are coupled by pulleys. The inherent disadvantage in optic system like light source intensity drift is solved and absolute measurement with wide-range is achieved. A prototype and the relevant test bed have been built. The test results are in good agreement with expectation. Its measurement range is 540 mm, and its linearity is better than 0.05%.
Sensor for Distance Estimation Using FFT of Images
Authors: Lázaro José L. , Cano Angel E. , Fernández Pedro R. , Luna Carlos A.
Published: December 2009

In this paper, the problem of how to estimate the distance between an infrared emitter diode (IRED) and a camera from pixel grey-level intensities is examined from a practical standpoint. Magnitudes that affect grey level intensity were defined and related to the zero frequency component from the FFT image. A general model was also described and tested for distance estimation over the range from 420 to 800 cm using a differential methodology. Method accuracy is over 3%.
Wood Polymer Composites Technology Supporting the Recovery and Protection of Tropical Forests: The Amazonian Phoenix Project
Authors: Branciforti Marcia  C. , Marinelli Alessandra  L. , Kobayashi Marcio , Ambrosio Jose  D. , Monteiro Marcos  R. , Nobre Antonio  D.
Published: December 2009

The Amazon Rain Forest has attracted worldwide attention due its large scale services to climate and also due to the green house gas emissions arising from deforestation. Contributing to the later and detrimental to the former, timber logging in the region has very low efficiency (only 16% in the production chain). Such timber extraction, often referred to as selective logging, has been claimed as a sustainable extractive industry, because the forest is said to restore itself through regenerative growth. But forest regeneration in the Amazon occurs naturally only in a very limited scale, resulting that large scale, low efficiency logging poses a big treat to the functional integrity of the biome, supplying to the market only a fraction of what it could if done differently. So, instead of extracting big centennial logs from the forests, the Amazonian Phoenix project proposes that large expanses of degraded lands be reforested using pioneer plants species from the forest itself. These plants have the capacity to heal gaps in the canopy, being able to grow and produce woody biomass in very extreme conditions. The idea is to mimic the regenerative dynamics of the natural ecosystem in short cycle agrosilvicultural production areas, utilizing a variety of technologies to transform raw fibers from these fast growth native plants into a variety of materials with high aggregated value. This communication presents the research on natural fibers by the Polymeric Composites Group within the Amazonian Phoenix Project. Sustainable technologies employing materials with good and responsible ecological footprints are important and necessary stimulus for a change in the destructive economical activities present in the Amazon frontiers. The relatively well established wood polymer composites technology, for example, is a good candidate solution. Two research and development fields are proposed: the first one considers production systems with simple and cheap machinery, to facilitate technology assimilation by rural communities in the Amazon. The second one aims at developing composite materials with advanced production technology, like profile and sheet extrusion and injection molding. The source of the fibers would be both the short cycle agrosilviculture with softwood species, on already deforested lands, and the hardwood residues from operating sawmills. Preliminary results show that softwood fibers act as potentially important reinforcement for synthetic plastics.
Phase Diffusion of a q-Deformed Oscillator
Authors: Birol Turan , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür Esat
Published: December 2009

We examine the problem of phase diffusion rate in a U(1) global phase symmetry broken system, from the perspective of q-deformed oscillators where the deformation parameter represents the anharmonicity. It is shown that broken phase symmetry states, described by deformed coherent states, suffer phase diffusion at a rate determined by the deformation parameter. Analytical discussions are given for the case of weak deformations, while detailed numerical results are presented when strong anharmonicity is present in the system.
Increased Plasma-Immune Cytokines throughout the High-Dose Melphalan-Induced Lymphodepletion in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Window for Adoptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Condomines Maud , Veyrune Jean-Luc , Larroque Marion , Quittet Philippe , Latry Pascal , Lugagne Cécile , Hertogh Catherine , Kanouni Tarik , Rossi Jean-François , Klein Bernard
Published: December 2009

High-dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment for patients with multiple myeloma. However, lymphocyte reconstitution is impaired after HDM. Recent work has suggested that the lymphopenia period occurring after various immunosuppressive or chemotherapy treatments may provide an interesting opportunity for adoptive antitumor immunotherapy. The objective of this study was to determine an immunotherapy window after HDM and ASCT, evaluating T cell lymphopenia, and measuring circulating immune cytokine concentrations in patients with multiple myeloma. The counts of T cell subpopulations reached a nadir at day 8 post-ASCT (day 10 post-HDM) and recovered by day 30. IL-6, IL-7, and IL-15 plasma levels increased on a median day 8 post-ASCT, respectively, 35-fold, 8-fold, and 10-fold compared with pre-HDM levels (p ≤ 0.05). The increases in IL-7 and IL-15 levels were inversely correlated to the absolute lymphocyte count, unlike monocyte or myeloid counts. Furthermore, we have shown that CD3 T cells present in the ASC graft are activated, die rapidly when they are cultured without cytokine in vitro, and that addition of IL-7 or IL-15 could induce their survival and proliferation. In conclusion, the early lymphodepletion period, occurring 4–11 d post-HDM and ASCT, is associated with an increase of circulating immune cytokines and could be an optimal window to enhance the survival and proliferation of polyclonal T cells present in the ASC autograft and also of specific antimyeloma T cells previously expanded in vitro.
CTLA4Ig Alters the Course of Autoimmune Disease Development in Lyn−/− Mice
Authors: Oracki Sarah A. , Tsantikos Evelyn , Quilici Cathy , Light Amanda , Schmidt Thomas , Lew Andrew M. , Martin Joanne E. , Smith Ken G. , Hibbs Margaret L. , Tarlinton David M.
Published: December 2009

Lyn-deficient (Lyn−/−) mice develop an age-dependent autoimmune disease similar to systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by the production of IgG anti-nuclear Ab. To determine the extent to which this autoimmune phenotype is driven by T cell costimulation, we generated Lyn−/− mice expressing a soluble form of the T cell inhibitory molecule, CTLA4 (CTLA4Ig). Surprisingly, although CTLA4Ig prevented myeloid hyperplasia, splenomegaly and IgG anti-nuclear Ab production in Lyn−/− mice, it did not inhibit immune complex deposition and tissue destruction in the kidney. In fact, regardless of CTLA4Ig expression, Lyn−/− serum contained elevated titers of IgA anti-nuclear Ab, although generally IgA deposition in the kidney was only revealed in the absence of self-reactive IgG. This demonstrated that activation of autoreactive B cell clones in Lyn−/− mice can still occur despite impaired costimulation. Indeed, CTLA4Ig did not alter perturbed Lyn−/− B cell development and behavior, and plasma cell frequencies were predominantly unaffected. These results suggest that when self-reactive B cell clones are unimpeded in acquiring T cell help, they secrete pathogenic IgG autoantibodies that trigger the fulminant autoimmunity normally observed in Lyn−/− mice. The absence of these IgG immune complexes reveals an IgA-mediated axis of autoimmunity that is not sufficient to cause splenomegaly or extramedullary myelopoiesis, but which mediates destructive glomerulonephritis. These findings have implications for the understanding of the basis of Ab-mediated autoimmune diseases and for their treatment with CTLA4Ig.
Limitless Energy
Authors: Ottmar Martin , Wylie Lisa
Published: December 2009

As society's need for sources of energy continues to skyrocket, materials science is finding itself at the forefront of the search to provide technologies and methods that can meet the demand. As our authors and readers devote ever more effort to finding the answers, Advanced Materials has made a few developments to try and shed a little light on the subject.
The incidence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children and adults: A critical review of published reports
Authors: Terrell Deirdra R. , Beebe Laura A. , Vesely Sara K. , Neas Barbara R. , Segal Jodi B. , George James N.
Published: December 2009

Reports of the incidence of ITP are few and their methodology is variable. Accurate estimates of the incidence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are important to understand the medical and public health impact of the disease. To critically review all published reports on the incidence of ITP in children and adults, all articles identified on the Medline database (searched January 1, 1966‐August 7, 2009) that reported data on the incidence of ITP were retrieved. Articles which directly estimated the incidence of ITP were selected for review. Eight articles reported the incidence of acute ITP in children. After review, four were determined to have the strongest estimates, based on the method of patient identification and study design. The lowest incidence estimate in these four studies was 2.2 per 105 children/year (95% confidence interval 1.9, 2.4) and the highest incidence estimate was 5.3 per 105 children/year (95% confidence interval 4.3, 6.4). Three studies reported the incidence of ITP in adults. The estimate from the article with the strongest methodology reported an incidence estimate of 3.3 per 105 adults/year. The current strongest estimate of the incidence of acute ITP in children is between 1.9 and 6.4 per 105 children/year; for adults the current strongest estimate of the incidence of ITP is 3.3 per 105 adults/year. An important limitation of these studies is that they are primarily from Europe and may not be generalizable to all regions. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Host immunity affects survival in myelodysplastic syndromes: Independent prognostic value of the absolute lymphocyte count
Authors: Jacobs Nisha L. , Holtan Shernan G. , Porrata Luis F. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Tefferi Ayalew , Steensma David P.
Published: December 2009

The prognostic significance of the peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has been carefully examined in lymphoid malignancies, but the importance of the baseline ALC in chronic myeloid neoplasms is less clear. In a recent analysis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with deletion of chromosome 5q, we observed that an ALC < 1.2× 109cells/L at diagnosis is independently associated with poorer survival. Clinicopathological data from 503 patients with non‐del(5q) MDS evaluated at Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2007 were reviewed to determine the prognostic impact of ALC at diagnosis in non‐del(5q) MDS. Patients with MDS and an ALC at diagnosis ≥1.2× 109(N= 248) experienced a superior overall survival (OS) compared with patients with an ALC < 1.2× 109/L (N= 255, median OS of 26.6 months versus 18.5 months,P< 0.001, respectively). ALC at diagnosis was an independent predictor for OS when compared with the International Prognostic Scoring System and the WHO‐based Prognostic Scoring System. This study suggests that ALC at diagnosis is a prognostic factor for OS in MDS, and argues in favor of further studies to assess the role of host immunity in MDS clinical outcomes. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silicon nanoparticles with chemically tailored surfaces
Authors: Heintz Andrew S. , Fink Mark J. , Mitchell Brian S.
Published: December 2009

Silicon nanoparticles are useful materials for optoelectronic devices, solar cells and biological markers. The synthesis of air‐stable nanoparticles with tunable optoelectronic properties is highly desirable. The mechanochemical synthesis of silicon nanoparticles via high‐energy ball milling produces a variety of covalently bonded surfaces depending on the nature of the organic liquid used in the milling process. The use of the C8 reactants including octanoic acid, 1‐octanol, 1‐octaldehyde and 1‐octene results in passivated surfaces characterized by strong SiC bonds or strong SiO bonds. The surfaces of the nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were soluble in common organic solvents and remarkably stable against agglomeration and air oxidation. The luminescence and optical properties of the nanoparticles were very sensitive to the nature of their passivating surface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern‐Mixture Zero‐Inflated Mixed Models for Longitudinal Unbalanced Count Data with Excessive Zeros
Authors: Hasan M. Tariqul , Sneddon Gary , Ma Renjun
Published: December 2009

Analysis of longitudinal data with excessive zeros has gained increasing attention in recent years; however, current approaches to the analysis of longitudinal data with excessive zeros have primarily focused on balanced data. Dropouts are common in longitudinal studies; therefore, the analysis of the resulting unbalanced data is complicated by the missing mechanism. Our study is motivated by the analysis of longitudinal skin cancer count data presented by Greenberg, Baron, Stukel, Stevens, Mandel, Spencer, Elias, Lowe, Nierenberg, Bayrd, Vance, Freeman, Clendenning, Kwan, and the Skin Cancer Prevention Study Group[New England Journal of Medicine323, 789–795]. The data consist of a large number of zero responses (83% of the observations) as well as a substantial amount of dropout (about 52% of the observations). To account for both excessive zeros and dropout patterns, we propose a pattern‐mixture zero‐inflated model with compound Poisson random effects for the unbalanced longitudinal skin cancer data. We also incorporate an autoregressive of order 1 correlation structure in the model to capture longitudinal correlation of the count responses. A quasi‐likelihood approach has been developed in the estimation of our model. We illustrated the method with analysis of the longitudinal skin cancer data.
Protein disulfide isomerase chaperone ERP‐57 decreases plasma membrane expression of the human GnRH receptor
Authors: Yáñez Rodrigo Ayala , Conn P. Michael
Published: December 2009

Retention of misfolded proteins by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a quality control mechanism involving the participation of endogenous chaperones such as calnexin (CANX). CANX interacts with and restricts plasma membrane expression (PME) of the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), a G protein‐coupled receptor. CANX also interacts with ERP‐57 a thiol oxidoreductase chaperone present in the ER. CANX along with ERP‐57 promotes the formation of disulfide bond bridges in nascent proteins. The human GnRH receptor (hGnRHR) is stabilized by two disulfide bond bridges (C14‐C200 and C114‐C196), that, when broken, lead to a decrease in receptor expression at the plasma membrane. To determine if the presence of chaperones CANX and ERP‐57 exerts an influence over membrane routing and second messenger activation, we assessed the effect of various mutants including those with broken disulfide bridges (Cys → Ala) along with the hGnRHR. The effect of chaperones on mutants was insignificant, whereas the over expression of ERP‐57 led to an hGnRHR retention. This effect was further enhanced by cotransfection with cDNA for CANX showing receptor retention by ERP‐57 augmented by CANX, suggesting utilization of these chaperones for quality control of the GnRHR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desymmetrization of 3,3′‐Bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐Based Discotics: The High Fidelity of Their Self‐Assembly Behavior in the Liquid‐Crystalline State and in Solution
Authors: van Houtem Michel H. C. J. , Martín‐Rapún Rafael , Vekemans Jef A. J. M. , Meijer E. W.
Published: December 2009

Two novel nonsymmetrical disc‐shaped molecules 1 and 2 based on 3,3′‐bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine units were synthesized by means of a statistical approach. Discotic 1 possesses six chiral dihydrocitronellyl tails and one peripheral phenyl group, whereas discotic 2 possesses six linear dodecyloxy tails and one peripheral pyridyl group. Preorganization by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding and subsequent aromatic interactions induce self‐assembly of the discotics. Liquid crystallinity of 1 and 2 was determined with the aid of polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. Two columnar rectangular mesophases (Colr) have been identified, whereas for C3‐symmetrical derivatives only one Colr mesophase has been found.1 In solution, the molecularly dissolved state in chloroform was studied with 1H NMR spectroscopy, whereas the self‐assembled state in apolar solution was examined with optical spectroscopy. Remarkably, these desymmetrized discotics, which lack one aliphatic wedge, behave similar to the symmetric parent compound. To prove that the stacking behavior of discotics 1 and 2 is similar to that of reported C3‐symmetrical derivatives, a mixing experiment of chiral 1 with C3‐symmetrical 13 has been undertaken; it has shown that they indeed belong to one type of self‐assembly. This helical J‐type self‐assembly was further confirmed with UV/Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Eventually, disc 2, functionalized with a hydrogen‐bonding acceptor moiety, might perform secondary interactions with molecules such as acids.
Pack‐years of cigarette smoking as a prognostic factor in patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Janjigian Yelena Y. , McDonnell Kevin , Kris Mark G. , Shen Ronglai , Sima Camelia S. , Bach Peter B. , Rizvi Naiyer A. , Riely Gregory J.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to characterize the relation between the survival of patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pack‐years of cigarette smoking (graded according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system).

METHODS:

Data were analyzed from patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC who had completed a prospective smoking questionnaire. The impact of pack‐years of cigarette smoking, age, sex, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and the presence of weight loss >5% was evaluated on overall survival using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

Smoking history and clinical data were available for 2010 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC (1004 women and 1006 men). Approximately 70% of patients (1409 patients) had smoked >15 pack‐years, 13% (270) were former and current smokers who had smoked ≤15 pack‐years, and 16% (331) were never‐smokers (<100 lifetime cigarettes). Never‐smokers had a longer median survival compared with former or current smokers (17.8 months vs 11.3 months; log‒rank P < .001). Among smokers, patients with a ≤15 pack‐year history of smoking had a longer median survival than patients who had smoked >15 pack‐years (14.6 months vs 10.8 months; log‒rank P = .03). As the number of pack‐years increased, the median overall survival decreased (log‒rank P < .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that a history of smoking was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 1.36; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

More cigarette smoking, measured in pack‐years, was associated with decreased survival after a diagnosis of stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. Trials assessing survival in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC should report a detailed cigarette smoking history for all patients. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Aktueller Stand der Abdichtungstechnik bei zweischaligem Verblendmauerwerk
Authors: Altaha Nasser
Published: December 2009

Bei zweischaligem Verblendmauerwerk dient die Außenschale neben der Fassadengestaltung auch dem dauerhaften Witterungsschutz. Speziell mit Ziegelverblendschalen haben sich die zweischaligen Außenwände in den norddeutschen Regionen mit der höchsten Schlagregenbeanspruchung über viele Jahrzehnte als widerstandfähig und wartungsfrei bewährt.
Issues of testing for hGH: collection
Authors: Uryasz Francis
Published: December 2009

Urine has limitations as a substrate for anti‐doping efforts and within the last decade sports organizations have begun collecting blood samples in cooperation with anti‐doping laboratories. Within the US, authorization to perform a blood draw is determined by the scope‐of‐practice licensure regulations in each state. Blood collection requires equipment not necessary in standard anti‐doping urine collections. There is a need for greater privacy and cleanliness than the usual site for urine collection provides. One of the most challenging aspects of a blood collection is complying with the guidelines for specimen transport. In addition to the standard chain‐of‐custody protocols that collectors must follow for urine, blood samples call for additional handling to ensure they arrive at the anti‐doping laboratory in a condition that allows for analysis. While the invasiveness of the process increases liability risk to the collector, following established standards, guidelines and anti‐doping protocols will minimize risk. One significant advantage of blood over urine in anti‐doping settings is that specimen adulteration or manipulation is nearly impossible. Therefore, for blood‐only collections, sports organizations should explore opportunities for collaboration with the American Red Cross or private blood‐collection centres/clinics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic, Spectral, Structural, and Catalytic Aspects of Some Piano‐Stool Complexes Containing 2‐(2‐Diphenylphosphanylethyl)pyridine
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Yadav Mahendra , Kumar Singh Ashish , Shankar Pandey Daya
Published: December 2009

Reactions of the complexes [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(PPh3)2Cl], [{(η6‐arene)Ru(μ‐Cl)Cl}2] (η6‐arene = C6H6, C10H14, and C6Me6) and [{(η5‐C5Me5)M(μ‐Cl)Cl}2] (M = Rh, Ir) with 2‐(2‐diphenylphosphanylethyl)pyridine (PPh2Etpy) were investigated. Neutral κ1‐P‐bonded complexes [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(κ1‐P‐PPh2EtPy)(PPh3)Cl] (1) and [(η6‐arene)Ru(κ1‐P‐PPh2EtPy)Cl2] [arene = C6H6, (2). C10H14, (3), and C6Me6, (4)] were isolated from the reactions of [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(PPh3)2Cl] and [{(η6‐arene)Ru(μ‐Cl)Cl}2] with PPh2EtPy. Treatment of 1–4 with NH4BF4/NH4PF6 in methanol allows the synthesis of cationic κ2‐P,N‐chelated complexes [(η5‐C5H5)Ru(κ2‐P,N‐PPh2EtPy)(PPh3)]+ (5) and [(η6‐arene)Ru(κ2‐P‐N‐PPh2EtPy)Cl]+ [arene = C6H6, (6), C6H14, (7), and C6Me6 (8)]. On the other hand, the dimers [{(η5‐C5Me5)M(μ‐Cl)Cl}2] (M = Rh or Ir) reacted with PPh2EtPy in methanol to afford cationic κ2‐P,N‐chelated complexes [(η5‐C5Me5)M(κ2‐P‐N‐PPh2EtPy)Cl]+ [M = Rh, (9); Ir, (10)]. Complex 10 reacted with an excess amount of sodium azide or sodium chloride to afford the complexes [(η5‐C5Me5)Ir(κ1‐P‐PPh2EtPy)X2] (X = N3– 11; Cl–, 12), establishing the hemilabile nature of the coordinated PPh2EtPy. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and various physicochemical techniques. The molecular structures of 1, 5, 6, 9, and 10 were determined crystallographically, and the catalytic potentials of 1–10 were evaluated towards transfer‐hydrogenation reactions under aqueous conditions.
Trifluoro‐3‐hydroxy‐1H‐indazolecarboxylic Acids and Esters from Perfluorinated Benzenedicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Pérez Medina Carlos , López Concepción , Claramunt Rosa M. , Elguero José
Published: December 2009

Twelve new 3‐hydroxyindazoles, each bearing three fluorine substituents and a CO2R group (R = H, CH3, C2H5) distributed around its 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐positions, have been synthesized. They were studied by NMR in solution (1H, 13C, 15N, 19F) and in the solid state (13C, 15N). In solution, all of them are 3‐hydroxy tautomers: the a form. In the solid state, although the 3‐hydroxy tautomers are still the most frequent, there are some cases of indazolin‐3‐ones – the b form – and one example (12ab) of the very rare case in which both tautomers are present.
A dual‐weighted trust‐region adaptive POD 4D‐VAR applied to a finite‐element shallow‐water equations model
Authors: Chen X. , Navon I. M. , Fang F.
Published: December 2009

We consider a limited‐area finite‐element discretization of the shallow‐water equations model. Our purpose in this paper is to solve an inverse problem for the above model controlling its initial conditions in presence of observations being assimilated in a time interval (window of assimilation). We then attempt to obtain a reduced‐order model of the above inverse problem, based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), referred to as POD 4‐D VAR. Different approaches of POD implementation of the reduced inverse problem are compared, including a dual‐weighed method for snapshot selection coupled with a trust‐region POD approach. Numerical results obtained point to an improved accuracy in all metrics tested when dual‐weighing choice of snapshots is combined with POD adaptivity of the trust‐region type. Results of ad‐hoc adaptivity of the POD 4‐D VAR turn out to yield less accurate results than trust‐region POD when compared with high‐fidelity model. Directions of future research are finally outlined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell face velocity alternatives in a structured colocated grid for the unsteady Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Pascau A.
Published: December 2009

The use of a colocated variable arrangement for the numerical solution of fluid flow is becoming more and more popular due to its coding simplicity. The inherent decoupling of the pressure and velocity fields in this arrangement can be handled via a special interpolation procedure for the calculation of the cell face velocity named pressure‐weighted interpolation method (PWIM) (AIAA J. 1983; 21(11):1525–1532). In this paper a discussion on the alternatives to extend PWIM to unsteady flows is presented along with a very simple criterion to ascertain if a given interpolation practice will produce steady results that are relaxation dependent or time step dependent. Following this criterion it will be shown that some prior schemes presented as time step independent are actually not, although by using special interpolations can be readily adapted to be. A systematic way of deriving different cell face velocity expressions will be presented and new formulae free of Δt dependence will be derived. Several computational exercises will accompany the theoretical discussion to support our claims. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What to expect in today's M&A market
Authors: Venema Bill
Published: December 2009

An attorney and merger‐and‐acquisition dealmaker reveals what to expect in today's market. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are there opportunities for strategic buyers?
Authors: Sánchez Carol M. , Nowak Anastasia , Goldberg Stephen R.
Published: December 2009

Despite the economic downturn and continuing uncertainty, there are still some opportunities for strategic buyers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustained low‐dose growth hormone therapy optimizes bioactive insulin‐like growth factor‐I level and may enhance CD4 T‐cell number in HIV infection
Authors: Andersen Ove , Hansen Birgitte Rønde , Troensegaard William , Flyvbjerg Allan , Madsbad Sten , Ørskov Hans , Nielsen Jens Ole , Iversen Johan , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: December 2009

High‐dose recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (2–6 mg/day) regimes may facilitate T‐cell restoration in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, high‐dose rhGH regimens increase insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) to supra‐physiological levels associated with severe side effects. The present study investigated whether lower doses of rhGH may improve T‐cell restoration in patients infected with HIV following an expedient response of total and bioactive (i.e., free) IGF‐I. A previous 16‐week pilot‐study included six HIV‐infected patients on stable HAART to receive rhGH 0.7 mg/day, which increased total (+117%, P < 0.01) and free (+155%, P < 0.01) IGF‐I levels. The study was extended to examine whether continuous use of low‐dose rhGH (0.7 mg/day until week 60; 0.4 mg/day from week 60 to week 140) would maintain expedient IGF‐I levels and improve CD4 T‐cell response. Total and free IGF‐I increased at week 36 (+97%, P < 0.01 and +125%, P < 0.01, respectively) and week 60 (+77%, P = 0.01 and +125%, P < 0.01) compared to baseline levels (161 ± 15 and 0.75 ± 0.11 µg/L). CD4 T‐cell number increased at week 36 (+15%, P < 0.05) and week 60 (+31%, P = 0.01) compared to baseline levels (456 ± 55 cells/µL). Following rhGH dose reduction, total IGF‐I and CD4 T‐cell number remained increased at week 88 (+44%, P = 0.01 and +33%, P < 0.01) and week 140 (+46%, P = 0.07 and +36%, P = 0.02) compared to baseline levels. These data support the notion that low‐dose rhGH regimens may increase expediently total and bioactive IGF‐I and improve T‐cell restoration in patients infected with HIV on HAART. J. Med. Virol. 82:197–205, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographic distribution of hepatitis C virus genotype 6 subtypes in Thailand
Authors: Akkarathamrongsin Srunthron , Praianantathavorn Kesmanee , Hacharoen Nisachol , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi , Poovorawan Yong
Published: December 2009

The nucleotide sequence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 found mostly in south China and south‐east Asia, displays profound genetic diversity. The aim of this study to determine the genetic variability of HCV genotype 6 (HCV‐6) in Thailand and locate the subtype distribution of genotype 6 in various geographic areas. Four hundred nineteen anti‐HCV positive serum samples were collected from patients residing in ‐ the central part of the country. HCV RNA positive samples based on reverse transcriptase‐ polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of the 5′UTR were amplified with primers specific for the core and NS5B regions. Nucleotide sequences of both regions were analyzed for the genotype by phylogenetic analysis. To determine geographic distribution of HCV‐6 subtypes, a search of the international database on subtype distribution in the respective countries was conducted. Among 375 HCV RNA positive samples, 71 had HCV‐6 based on phylogenetic analysis of partial core and NS5B regions. The subtype distribution in order of predominance was 6f (56%), 6n (22%), 6i (11%), 6j (10%), and 6e (1%). Among the 13 countries with different subtypes of HCV‐6, most sequences have been reported from Vietnam. Subtype 6f was found exclusively in Thailand where five distinct HCV‐6 subtypes are circulating. HCV‐6, which is endemic in south China and south‐east Asia, displays profound genetic diversity and may have evolved over a considerable period of time. J. Med. Virol. 82:257–262, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence variations of the VP1 gene of Polyomavirus hominis 1 among Bulgarians
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav , Tsekov Iliya , Kalvatchev Zlatko
Published: December 2009

Polyomavirus hominis 1 (BK virus, BKV) is an important pathogen in the field of transplantation medicine. BKV reactivation among renal‐transplant recipients could cause BK associated nephropathy, which has unfavorable prognosis and is a cause for graft rejection. It is not clear why only few transplanted patients develop BK associated nephropathy while most exhibit asymptomatic viruria. One of the possible reasons lies in the mutations of the VP1 gene, encoding the main structural protein, bearing important determinants for the recognition of specific cellular receptors. The change of amino acid sequence could result in altered pathogenicity of BKV. The amplified sequences of BK in this research were from urines of patients with various clinical conditions along with healthy individuals. Nevertheless the sequence analysis which was undertaken did not show correlation between the viral genotype and the clinical condition. It was demonstrated that the most common BKV genotype in Bulgaria is genotype I and that the strains common in Bulgaria (genotypes I and IV) have typical European origin. Most of the sequenced BKV DNA samples (8/10) were correlated with the highest degree of similarity (81%) to the subcluster Ib. A specific place among the samples is taken by Pr‐9, amplified from the urine of a pregnant woman that has a different evolutionary origins and might establish the beginning of a new distinct BKV strain. J. Med. Virol. 82:325–330, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raman spectroscopic study of the hydrogen‐arsenate mineral pharmacolite Ca(AsO3OH)·2H2O—implications for aquifer and sediment remediation
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Bahfenne Silmarilly , Čejka Jiří , Sejkora Jiří , Plášil Jakub , Palmer Sara J.
Published: December 2009

The removal of arsenate anions from aqueous media, sediments and wasted soils is of environmental significance. The reaction of gypsum with the arsenate anion results in pharmacolite mineral formation, together with related minerals. Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy have been used to study the mineral pharmacolite Ca(AsO3OH)· 2H2O. The mineral is characterised by an intense Raman band at 865 cm−1 assigned to the ν1 (AsO3)2− symmetric stretching mode. The equivalent IR band is found at 864 cm−1. The low‐intensity Raman bands in the range from 844 to 886 cm−1 provide evidence for ν3 (AsO3) antisymmetric stretching vibrations. A series of overlapping bands in the 300‐450 cm−1 region are attributed to ν2 and ν4 (AsO3) bending modes. Prominent Raman bands at around 3187 cm−1 are assigned to the OH stretching vibrations of hydrogen‐bonded water molecules and the two sharp bands at 3425 and 3526 cm−1 to the OH stretching vibrations of only weakly hydrogen‐bonded hydroxyls in (AsO3OH)2− units. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.