bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotoxicity analysis of two hydroxyfuranones, byproducts of water disinfection, in human cells treated in vitro
Authors: Liviac Danae , Creus Amadeu , Marcos Ricard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn general, water for human consumption is chemically disinfected, usually by adding chlorine. As well as producing safe drinking water however, the chlorine treatment, also results in a number of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). One important class of these DBPs is made up of hydroxyfuranones (HFs). In this article, we report the results of a recent investigation to assess the genotoxicity of two HFs, namely mucobromic acid (MBA) and mucochloric acid (MCA), in cultured human cells. The comet assay is used to measure the induction of primary DNA damage and to determine the DNA repair kinetics and the ability of the tested compounds to cause oxidative damage. In addition, the micronucleus (MN) assay is applied to evaluate chromosome damage. The results of the comet assay reveal that both HFs are clearly genotoxic leading to high levels of DNA breaks, and that MBA is more effective than MCA. According to the comet results, the DNA damage induced by MBA repairs well over time, but not the one induced by MCA. Furthermore, HFs produce high levels of oxidized bases. In contrast, the results from the MN assay, which measures the induction of clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects, are mainly negative for the two HFs tested, although MCA is able to increase significantly the frequency of micronuclei in binucleated TK cells, at the concentration of 10 μM. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative mutagenic effects of structurally similar flavonoids quercetin and taxifolin on tester strains Salmonella typhimurium TA102 and Escherichia coli WP‐2 uvrA
Authors: Makena Patrudu S. , Pierce Samuel C. , Chung King‐Thom , Sinclair Scott E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuercetin (QT) and Taxifolin (TF) are structurally similar plant polyphenols. Both have been reported to have therapeutic potential as anti‐cancer drugs and antioxidants. Mutagenic effects of QT and TF were evaluated using Salmonella typhimurium TA102 and Escherichia coli WP‐2 uvrA tester strains. Either in the presence or absence of S9 mix, QT was mutagenic to TA102 and WP2 uvrA. However, the mutagenicity of QT was significantly enhanced in the presence of S9 mix. Likewise, in the presence of Iron (Fe2+) and NADPH generating system (NGS) and absence of S9 mix, QT induced significantly high mutations in both TA102 and WP‐2 uvrA. Mutagenicity of QT decreased in both strains in the presence of Iron (Fe2+) or NGS alone. TF was not mutagenic in the presence or absence of S9 mix in both TA102 and WP‐2 uvrA 2, regardless of the presence of iron or NGS. Incorporation of antioxidants (ascorbate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) and/or iron chelators (desferroxamine (DF) and ethylenediamine‐tetraacetate (EDTA)) in the test systems markedly decreased QT‐induced mutations in both tester strains. These results suggest that QT but not TF, could induce mutations in the presence or absence of rat liver S9 or Iron (Fe2+) and NGS in both tester strains by redox cycling and Fenton reactions to produce oxygen free radicals. Our results indicate that a minor structural variation between the two plant polyphenols could elicit a marked difference in their genotoxicities. These results provide a basis for further study into the potential use of QT in combination with iron supplements. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of inorganic nutrients on maintenance of genomic stability
Authors: Cheng Wen‐Hsing 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMaintenance of genome stability is of fundamental importance for counteracting carcinogenesis. Many human genome instability syndromes exhibit a predisposition to cancer. An increasing body of epidemiological evidence has suggested a link between nutrient status and risk of cancer. Like other chemicals, nutrients can be toxic when consumed in excess. It has become clear that both nutritional deficiency and toxicity can compromise the integrity of the genome. This article focuses on roles of inorganic trace nutrients, including selenium, copper, zinc, and iron, in the redox regulation of genome stability and how they relate to the pathologies of genomic instability syndromes and cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vertical vibration isolator having piecewise‐constant restoring force
Authors: Araki Yoshikazu , Asai Takehiko , Masui Takeshi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe present a vertical vibration isolator having a piecewise‐constant restoring force, which belongs to a class of passive and nonlinear vibration isolators. In vertical vibration isolation, direct use of low‐stiffness elements leads to unacceptably large deformations due to self‐weight. To overcome the difficulty, we apply a combination of constant‐force springs, each of which sustains a constant load regardless of its stretch. By arranging the constant‐force springs, so that the isolator has a piecewise‐constant restoring force, we alleviate the problem of the excessive deformation caused by self‐weight, provide stability at the static equilibrium state along with the self‐centering capability, and realize a large stroke while keeping the mechanism simple and compact. Further, we attempt to limit the response acceleration within a tolerance regardless of the frequency spectrum and the magnitude of earthquake ground motions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the present isolator through shaking table tests and numerical simulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of fire‐retardant intumescent mats for fire and heat protection of glass fibre‐reinforced polyester composites: Thermal barrier properties
Authors: Kandare Everson , Chukwudolue Christian , Kandola Baljinder K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis study investigates the use of integral, hybrid intumescent thermal barriers (mats) to provide surface protection to the core fibre‐reinforced polyester composite structural integrity when exposed to a fire or heat source. Glass fibre‐reinforced composites protected by intumescent mats/fabrics containing silicate fibres, expandable graphite and in some cases borosilicate glass bounded together by an organic matrix have been evaluated for fire performance under a constant heat flux of 50kW/m2. The effect of insulative fabric thickness as well as chemical composition on the flammability of the resultant hybrid composites is evaluated. Glass fibre‐reinforced polyester (GRP) composites without any surface protection have a relatively higher time‐to‐ignition and peak heat release rate values when compared with core composites protected by insulative fabrics. Thermograms representing the variation of temperature on the reverse side of the hybrid composites with time when exposed to a constant heat flux show that the inclusion of intumescent surface barriers results in retarded temperature increments within the core GRP composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cone calorimeter testing of S2 glass reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Morgan Alexander B. , Gagliardi Nicholas A. , Price William A. , Galaska Mary L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWith the ever increasing demand for fuel savings on vehicles, there is a strong push to replace metal with polymeric + fiber (carbon/glass) composites. However, the replacement of metal with polymeric composites can lead to additional fire risk. Our study focused on glass fiber reinforced polymer composites meant for vehicular structural applications, and flammability performance of these composites was studied by cone calorimetery. The effects of fiberglass loading, nanocomposite use (clay, carbon nanofiber) and polymer type (epoxy, phenolic) were studied under a heat flux of 50kW/m2 to better understand the potential effects that these variables would have on material flammability. It was found that as fiberglass loading increased, flammability decreased, but at a cost to structural integrity of the residual polymer + fiber char. The use of nanocomposites has little effect on reducing flammability in this set of samples, but the use of phenolic resins in comparison with epoxy resins was found to yield the greatest improvements in flammability performance. Further, the phenolic system yielded a higher level of structural integrity to the final polymer + fiberglass char when compared with the other polymer systems of low heat release. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hiring for retention and performance
Authors: Barrick Murray R. , Zimmerman Ryan D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis study evaluated the usefulness of several pre‐hire variables to predict voluntary turnover and job performance. Analyses showed that applicants who knew current employees, had longer tenure with previous employers, were conscientious and emotionally stable, were motivated to obtain the job, and were confident in themselves and their decision making were less likely to quit, and had higher performance within six months after hire. Results also indicated that pre‐hire attitudes (employment motivation and personal confidence) did not predict turnover and performance beyond biodata (pre‐hire embeddedness in the organization and habitual commitment) and the personality traits (conscientiousness and emotional stability). For all predictors but personality, the strength of the relationships weakened over time up to two years after hire. Nonetheless, organizations can avoid voluntary turnover and increase performance by basing hiring decisions on the set of predictors analyzed in this study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Employer‐supported volunteering benefits: Gift exchange among employers, employees, and volunteer organizations
Authors: Booth Jonathan E. , Park Kyoung Won , Glomb Theresa M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUsing gift exchange theory to explain the growing trend of employers offering employer‐supported volunteering (ESV) benefits, this article discusses the creation of exchange relationships between the employer and employee and between the volunteer organization and employee. Hypotheses derived from the employee's perspective are tested with a nationally representative sample of volunteers (n=3,658). Findings suggest that ESV benefits are positively related to hours volunteered by the employee. Volunteer hours predict employee perceptions of skill acquisition, and such perceptions are positively related to perceptions of job success and employer recognition. We discuss the implications of these findings for business, employees, and volunteer organizations, with an emphasis on human resource management policy and practice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taking advantage of social comparisons in performance appraisal: The relative percentile method
Authors: Goffin Richard D. , Jelley R. Blake , Powell Deborah M. , Johnston Norman G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSocial comparison theory (Festinger, 1954) implies that it may be more efficacious for job performance raters to compare an employee to other employees rather than to use typical “absolute” rating standards. We assessed whether the incorporation of social comparisons into performance appraisals, using the relative percentile method (RPM), would predict criterion variance beyond that predicted by more traditional absolute ratings of performance. A sample (N=170) of managers involved in an assessment center was used, and the center provided criteria by which the relative criterion‐related validity of social‐comparative versus noncomparative (absolute) appraisals could be assessed. Overall, in consonance with a preponderance of earlier research, social‐comparative (RPM) performance appraisals showed incremental criterion‐related validity over traditional absolute performance appraisal methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of expatriate demographic characteristics on adjustment: A social identity approach
Authors: Olsen Jesse E. , Martins Luis L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAs demand increases for expatriates to manage far‐flung operations in a global economy, scholars and practitioners are focusing their attention on the factors that contribute to expatriate success. One such factor is the support that expatriates receive from host country nationals (HCNs) with whom they work. Researchers interested in understanding expatriate success have not closely examined the phenomenon from an HCN perspective, however. At the same time, although we have gained a significant understanding of the roles of psychological, organizational, and contextual variables in the international assignment, there is still much to be understood about how expatriates' demographic characteristics affect their experiences in international assignments. Current findings regarding the effects of demographic characteristics often are inconsistent, highlighting the need for more complex theorizing. This article reviews recent research on the effects of expatriate demographic characteristics and proposes a social identity approach to understanding how these characteristics affect HCN support for the expatriate. It also seeks to develop a theory that addresses discrepancies in extant empirical findings, provides propositions to guide future research in the study of expatriates, and discusses implications for both researchers and practitioners. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human colon fibroblasts induce differentiation and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells through the direct paracrine action of keratinocyte growth factor
Authors: Visco Vincenzo , Bava Felice A. , d'Alessandro Federica , Cavallini Marco , Ziparo Vincenzo , Torrisi Maria Rosaria 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe effects exerted by the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on intestinal epithelial cells cultured in vitro are influenced by cell confluence and differentiation through the modulation of keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) expression. In order to better define the contribution of KGF on the intestinal epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation, here we developed a coculture model, able to mimick in vitro the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions of the bowel. In consequence of its ability to produce KGF, demonstrated by real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis, the human colon fibroblast cell line CCD‐18 has been selected as coculture partner for the intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cell line. Analysis of the expression of the differentiation and proliferation markers CEA and Ki67, through double immunofluorescence assays, showed that either the coculture with CCD‐18 cells or the incubation with primary colon fibroblast‐derived conditioned media (CM‐F and CM‐F2) induced an increase in differentiation and proliferation of confluent intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 or HT29 cells, parallel to that obtained by KGF treatment. Use of anti‐KGF blocking antibodies and of a tyrosine kinase KGFR inhibitor demonstrated the contribution of KGF and the direct role of its receptor in the regulation of epithelial growth and differentiation, indicating that KGF is a crucial paracrine factor involved in promoting these effects. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 204–213, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine strongly inhibits glucose uptake in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes without altering GLUT4 translocation from internal pools to the cell surface
Authors: Muruáis Gemma , Lalioti Vassiliki , Sandoval Ignacio V. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractGlucose entry into mammalian cells is facilitated by a family of glucose transport proteins known as GLUTs. Treatment of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with the Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine strongly inhibits insulin‐stimulated/GLUT4‐mediated glucose transport. Inhibition of glucose uptake occurs within 2–6 min of the addition of roscovitine and is slowly reversed. The roscovitine treatment interferes with neither the translocation nor the insertion of GLUT4 into the plasma membrane. These studies support recent evidence showing that insulin‐stimulated Cdk5 is implicated in the regulation of GLUT4‐mediated glucose uptake in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 238–244, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An optimized extended DNA kappa B site that enhances plasmid DNA nuclear import and gene expression
Authors: Gonçalves Cristine , Ardourel Marie‐Yvonne , Decoville Martine , Breuzard Gilles , Midoux Patrick , Hartmann Brigitte , Pichon Chantal 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) transcription factor, which shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus under specific conditions, is a suitable intracellular target to increase the nuclear import of plasmid DNA. We report the design of an optimized and extended NFκB DNA binding sequence that promotes an efficient plasmid nuclear import.MethodsOn the basis of structural studies, the 5′‐CTGGGGACTTTCCAGCTGGGGACTTTCCAGCTGGGGACTTTCCAGG‐3′ segment (termed 3NF) comprising three 10‐bp κB sites (GGGACTTTCC) separated by a 5‐bp optimized spacer (AGCTG) was selected for its capacity to ensure the best structural fit with NFκB and to fix simultaneously three proteins. Plasmids encoding luciferase and bearing this sequence (3NF‐plasmids) were constructed and their nuclear import and gene expression efficiencies compared with that of plasmids containing classical κB motifs.ResultsA high luciferase expression was associated with plasmids containing one (p3NF‐luc) or two (p3NF‐luc‐3NF) 3NF sequences. In situ hybridization experiments and quantitative measurement of the number of plasmid copies demonstrated that the nuclear delivery of 3NF‐plasmids was more efficient than that of 3NF‐free plasmids. Cross‐linked immunoprecipitation showed that 3NF‐plasmids were recognized by NFκB inside cells upon transfection. The nuclear delivery was inhibited with BAY 11‐7085, an inhibitor of NFκB activation. Finally, p3NF‐luc‐3NF, the most efficient construct for in vitro transfection, had a long‐lived luciferase expression in vivo.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study demonstrate the NFκB‐mediated nuclear delivery of 3NF‐plasmids. Due to its high affinity for fixing several NFκB, the 3NF sequence is a very promising helper for a nonviral gene delivery system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated toxicity in neural cultures for effective short interfering RNA design
Authors: Read Martin L. , Mir Sohaib , Spice Rachel , Seabright Ruth J. , Suggate Ellen L. , Ahmed Zubair , Berry Martin , Logan Ann 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundA promising strategy to enhance axon regeneration is to employ short interfering (si)RNA targeting either RhoA or p75NTR, which are components of a signalling cascade triggered by growth inhibitory ligands. However, it is important to profile the biological impact of siRNA on cell homeostasis in order to develop safe and effective therapies.MethodsWe used microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction techniques to analyse the transcriptional effects of siRNA against p75NTR and RhoA in neuronal cell line and primary cultures.ResultsExpression analysis showed that primary rat dorsal root ganglion cells were up to 279‐fold more sensitive than nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells in detecting innate immune responses to siRNA. The sequence and method of synthesis of siRNA critically influenced the magnitude of the innate immune response. Importantly, siRNA sequences were identified that efficiently silenced RhoA and p75NTR mRNA with attenuated induction of the interferon‐responsive gene mx1. Moreover, microarray analysis identified genes related to RhoA function, such as tgfβ2, plod2 and mmp3, with implications for interpretating the ability of RhoA siRNA to promote axon regeneration.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the importance of screening the biological impact of different siRNA sequences not only for their silencing efficacy, but also for potential toxicity. The results of the present study suggest that the toxicity observed was sequence‐dependent because only two out of five siRNA sequences targeting RhoA were identified that did not induce a significant innate immune response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental variability and vulnerable livelihoods: Minimising risks and optimising opportunities for poverty alleviation
Authors: K. Assan Joseph , Caminade Cyril , Obeng Frances 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis that explores theoretical and policy debates on environmental variability, sustainable livelihood strategies, household well‐being and development policy. The paper focuses on communities in vulnerable environments with limited well‐being and poor assets. The study examines the changing livelihood strategies and livelihood options of households located within ecosystems perceived to be experiencing environmental change in Northeastern Ghana. Livelihood diversification as a poverty reduction strategy has been argued to result in improved well‐being or perpetuates a cycle of impoverishment. On‐farm and non‐farm diversification and migration as livelihood strategies are considered as survival strategies in environments experiencing rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. It is argued that diversified livelihoods are operated within a cycle of impoverishment. The paper calls for geographically and locally sensitive policy intervention approaches that can sustainably expand the livelihood options of the poor in changing environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction: Livelihood options for the poor in the changing environment
Authors: Assan Joseph K. , Kumar Pushpam 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEnvironmental variability and climate change has become an enormous challenge of our time. Policy approaches to find sustainable strategies and interventions have become more and more important by the day. Whilst it is difficult to predict the current and future impacts of a phenomenon with such diverse impact streams, it is evident that the livelihood options of the poor and marginal societies in the global south are more likely to experience a significant shift. Again, their environment and the availability of the resources they depend on for their sustenance are predicted to be dwindling. This editorial seeks to bring together diverse approaches and experience from some of the different geographical regions in the global south identified to be most likely to be affected by environmental variability and to examine the various policy options that could facilitate the livelihood options of the poor, enhance their adaptation and reduce poverty. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.