bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth inhibition of the pulmonary metastatic tumors by systemic delivery of the p27kip1 gene using lyophilized lipid‐polycation‐DNA complexes
Authors: Sun Xun , Zhang Hong‐Wei , Zhang Zhi‐Rong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundp27kip1 (p27), a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI), is an important regulator of cell cycle progression and a putative tumor suppressor gene, and plays an important role in the inhibition of genesis and progression of several kinds of cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti‐tumor effects of p27 gene therapy by a nonviral gene delivery strategy on pulmonary metastatic tumors.MethodsA recombinant plasmid composed of a p27 sequence was constructed and identified; it was then formulated with condensing agent protamine sulfate and entrapped into cationic liposomes. The resulting lipid‐polycation‐DNA complexes (LPD) were prepared into lyophilized forms. 5 × 105 of CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were inoculated into female Balb/c mice via the tail vein to establish lung tumor models. On the second day, mice were randomly divided into six groups for different intravenous treatments: phosphate‐buffered saline, empty liposomes, naked pDNA, LPD‐p27 kip1, Cisplatin (DPP), and LPD‐p27 kip1 plus DPP, respectively.ResultsThe growth curve of tumor and the growth inhibition rate of tumor showed that p27‐LPDs could prolong the lifespan of the mice significantly, whereas the combination of p27‐LPDs and DPP could further prolong the lifespan of the tumor‐bearing animals. The histology of tumors examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that p27‐LPDs had a stronger inhibition effect. Significant expression of p27 was detected in tumors using an immunohistochemical technique.ConclusionsLyophilized LPD could be used as a potential in vivo gene delivery carrier for lung cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism underlying apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoform‐dependent lipid efflux from neural cells in culture
Authors: Minagawa Hirohisa , Gong Jiang‐Sheng , Jung Cha‐Gyun , Watanabe Atsushi , Lund‐Katz Sissel , Phillips Michael C. , Saito Hiroyuki , Michikawa Makoto 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe determined the molecular mechanisms underlying apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐isoform‐dependent lipid efflux from neurons and ApoE‐deficient astrocytes in culture. The ability of ApoE3 to induce lipid efflux was 2.5‐ to 3.9‐fold greater than ApoE4. To explore the contributions of the amino‐ and carboxyl‐terminal tertiary structure domains of ApoE to cellular lipid efflux, each domain was studied separately. The amino‐terminal fragment of ApoE3 (22‐kDa‐ApoE3) induced lipid efflux greater than 22‐kDa‐ApoE4, whereas the common carboxyl‐terminal fragment of ApoE induced very low levels of lipid efflux. Addition of segments of the carboxyl‐terminal domain to 22‐kDa‐ApoE3 additively induced lipid efflux in a length‐dependent manner; in contrast, this effect did not occur with ApoE4. This observation, coupled with the fact that introduction of the E255A mutation (which disrupts domain–domain interaction) into ApoE4 increases lipid efflux, indicates that interaction between the amino‐ and carboxyl‐terminal domains in ApoE4 reduces the ability of this isoform to mediate lipid efflux from neural cells. Dimeric 22‐kDa or intact ApoE3 induced higher lipid efflux than monomeric 22‐kDa or intact ApoE3, respectively, indicating that dimerization of ApoE3 enhances the ability to release lipids. The adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) is involved in ApoE‐induced lipid efflux. In conclusion, there are two major factors, intramolecular domain interaction and intermolecular dimerization, that cause ApoE‐isoform‐dependent lipid efflux from neural cells in culture. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An analysis of budget compliance measurement in South African local government best‐practice financial management technical assistance programs, 2001—2003
Authors: Dollery Brian , Graves Nigel 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSouth Africa's local government financial management best‐practice technical assistance program (known as MFMTAP) was to reform municipal financial management; achieve credible, realistic budgets and prevent financial failure. We consider whether a budget compliance procedure, developed by National Treasury (NT) to measure funding requirements compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) focusing on ‘realistic’ revenue budgeting, improves our understanding of technical assistance effectiveness. We assess a metropolitan municipality's compliance before, during and after advisory assistance. The compliance procedure was robust. Potential exists for wider application to assess best‐practice technical assistance (BPTA) program financial reform effectiveness. The findings from this single, important sample suggest that MFMA funding requirements are not being sustained 4 years after MFMTAP commencement, attributable to either BPTA performance or termination effects. We conclude that MFMA financial performance can be assessed by the procedure, from analysis of the metropolitan municipality performance assisted by a BPTA advisor for approximately 3 years. The analysis raises questions about BPTA program reform sustainability, but we add the caveat that conclusions cannot be drawn from a single sample metropolitan municipality, but a larger sample need be used for further methodology development to confirm its efficacy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The political economy of accountability in Timor‐Leste: Implications for public policy
Authors: Blunt Peter 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWith a view to establishing the likelihood of the occurrence of state capture and different forms of corruption and the feasibility of their management and prevention, important aspects of the historical, social, economic, political and governance context of Timor‐Leste are examined. This context is found to be conducive to various forms of state capture and systemic grand and petty corruption, and to be resistant to conventional short‐term technocratic anticorruption remedies. While the latter are likely to have public relations benefits that may be helpful to the maintenance of political stability in the short run, it is argued that significant anticorruption progress is a long‐term endeavour, achievable principally through: sustained impartial service delivery that undermines beliefs in patronage; hastening—through general education and the creation of a conducive legal environment for business—the emergence of leaders of integrity and the growth of a middle class; and the establishment of the rule of law. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of carbon black and nanoclay filler loading in chlorobutyl vulcanizates using response surface methodology
Authors: Sridhar V. , Shanmugharaj A.M. , Kim Jin Kuk , Tripathy D.K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this article, an attempt has been made to study the applicability of using organo nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) and carbon black (HAF, N330) in chlorinated isobutyl isoprene rubber vulcanizates. Statistical design of experimentation was adopted so that maximum information can be obtained from a minimum number of experiments. Response surface methodology was applied successfully to rubber compound design using a rotatable central compound design. Compounding trials were carried out at design points, and the rubber vulcanizates were characterized for modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, bound rubber, and free volume parameters τ3 and I3. The experimental data was used to generate mathematical models by multiple linear regression analysis using MATLAB (version 6) package. The variability of the postulated models was tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and R2 tests and was found to be adequate. The accuracy of the models generated was tested by making an experimental trial. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Estimating the extent of near‐surface permafrost using remote sensing, Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories
Authors: Nguyen T‐N. , Burn C. R. , King D. J. , Smith S. L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe extent of near‐surface permafrost, or perennially frozen ground within 3 m of the surface, was estimated for the Mackenzie River delta by determining its association with riparian vegetation communities in the field, and by subsequently mapping these vegetation communities using SPOT‐5 data and the supervised maximum‐likelihood classification technique. Near‐surface permafrost was absent beneath willow–horsetail (Salix‐Equisetum) vegetation communities on point bars and alluvial islands throughout the delta and beneath horsetail (Equisetum) communities in the southern and central delta. Near‐surface permafrost was found beneath all other vegetation communities and land surface types. Multispectral SPOT‐5 data were classified with overall accuracies greater than 80 per cent. Using the remotely sensed vegetation community data, near‐surface permafrost was estimated to occur beneath 93 per cent, 95 per cent and 96 per cent of the land surface within the investigation areas of the southern, central and northern delta, respectively. In contrast to the most recent Permafrost Map of Canada, these results indicate that the Mackenzie Delta is part of the continuous permafrost zone. Copyright © 2009 Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential dermal pesticide exposure affected by greenhouse spray application technique
Authors: Nuyttens David , Braekman Pascal , Windey Stijn , Sonck Bart 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Operator safety is still one of the main problems concerning greenhouse spray applications in South European horticulture. The main objective of this study was to compare potential dermal exposure (PDE) between traditional handheld spray application techniques (i.e. a standard spray gun walking forwards, a spray lance walking forwards and backwards) and novel spray application techniques with spray booms (i.e. a trolley, the Fumimatic and the Fumicar).RESULTS: PDE varied from 19.7 mL h−1 for the Fumimatic to 460 mL h−1 for the spray lance walking forwards. Walking backwards reduced PDE by a factor 7. With the trolley, Fumimatic and Fumicar, PDE was respectively 20, 60 and 8 times lower than with the standard spray gun. With the spray lance, PDE was about 2.5 times higher than with the spray gun. Pesticide distribution over the operator's body was non‐uniform and correlated strongly with the application technique. With the traditional techniques, exposure to the legs and feet represents 60–80% of the total exposure.CONCLUSIONS: Novel spray application techniques using spray booms greatly decrease operator exposure because the operator is not walking directly into the spray cloud and the sprayed crop, and because of their higher capacity. Depending on the type of spray application, different parts of the body need to be protected most. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis analysis of regression models with a continuous outcome
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Hua , Hu Nan , Hu Guizhou , Root Martin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo estimate the multivariate regression model from multiple individual studies, it would be challenging to obtain results if the input from individual studies only provide univariate or incomplete multivariate regression information. Samsa et al. (J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 2005; 2:113–123) proposed a simple method to combine coefficients from univariate linear regression models into a multivariate linear regression model, a method known as synthesis analysis. However, the validity of this method relies on the normality assumption of the data, and it does not provide variance estimates. In this paper we propose a new synthesis method that improves on the existing synthesis method by eliminating the normality assumption, reducing bias, and allowing for the variance estimation of the estimated parameters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using short‐term response information to facilitate adaptive randomization for survival clinical trials
Authors: Huang Xuelin , Ning Jing , Li Yisheng , Estey Elihu , Issa Jean‐Pierre , Berry Donald A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIncreased survival is a common goal of cancer clinical trials. Owing to the long periods of observation and follow‐up to assess patient survival outcome, it is difficult to use outcome‐adaptive randomization in these trials. In practice, often information about a short‐term response is quickly available during or shortly after treatment, and this short‐term response is a good predictor for long‐term survival. For example, complete remission of leukemia can be achieved and measured after a few cycles of treatment. It is a short‐term response that is desirable for prolonging survival. We propose a new design for survival trials when such short‐term response information is available. We use the short‐term information to ‘speed up’ the adaptation of the randomization procedure. We establish a connection between the short‐term response and the long‐term survival through a Bayesian model, first by using prior clinical information, and then by dynamically updating the model according to information accumulated in the ongoing trial. Interim monitoring and final decision making are based upon inference on the primary outcome of survival. The new design uses fewer patients, and can more effectively assign patients to the better treatment arms. We demonstrate these properties through simulation studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Student t‐tests for potentially abnormal data
Authors: Shuster Jonathan J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWhen the one‐sample or two‐sample t‐test is either taught in the class room or applied in practice to small samples, there is considerable divergence of opinion as to whether or not the inferences drawn are valid. Many point to the ‘Robustness’ of the t‐test to violations of assumptions, while others use rank or other robust methods because they believe that the t‐test is not robust against violations of such assumptions. It is quite likely, despite the apparent divergence of these two opinions, that both arguments have considerable merit. If we agree that this question cannot possibly be resolved in general, the issue becomes one of determining, before any actual data have been collected, whether the t‐test will or will not be robust in a specific application. This paper describes statistical analysis system software, covering a large collection of potential input probability distributions, to investigate both the null and power properties of various one‐ and two‐sample t‐tests and their normal approximations, as well as the Wilcoxon two‐sample and sign‐rank one‐sample tests, allowing potential practitioners to determine, at the study design stage, whether the t‐test will be robust in their specific application. Sample size projections, based on these actual distributions, are also included. This paper is not intended as a tool to assess robustness after the data have been collected. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressable Microfluidic Polymer Chip for DNA‐Directed Immobilization of Oligonucleotide‐Tagged Compounds
Authors: Schröder Hendrik , Hoffmann Linda , Müller Joachim , Alhorn Petra , Fleger Markus , Neyer Andreas , Niemeyer Christof M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA microfluidic polymer chip for the self‐assembly of DNA conjugates through DNA‐directed immobilization is developed. The chip is fabricated from two parts, one of which contains a microfluidic channel produced from poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) by replica‐casting technique using a mold prepared by photolithographic techniques. The microfluidic part is sealed by covalent bonding with a chemically activated glass slide containing a DNA oligonucleotide microarray. The dimension of the PDMS–glass microfluidic chip is equivalent to standard microscope slides (76 × 26 mm2). The DNA microarray surface inside the microfluidic channels is configured through conventional spotting, and the resulting DNA patches can be conveniently addressed with compounds containing complementary DNA tags. To demonstrate the utility of the addressable surface within the microfluidic channel, DNA‐directed immobilization (DDI) of DNA‐modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and DNA‐conjugates of the enzymes glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) are carried out. DDI of AuNPs is used to demonstrate site selectivity and reversibility of the surface‐modification process. In the case of the DNA–enzyme conjugates, the patterned assembly of the two enzymes allows the establishment and investigation of the coupled reaction of GOx and HRP, with particular emphasis on surface coverage and lateral flow rates. The results demonstrate that this addressable chip is well suited for the generation of fluidically coupled multi‐enzyme microreactors.
Call admission control with opportunistic scheduling scheme
Authors: Dianati Mehrdad , Tafazolli Rahim , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) , Naik Kshirasagar 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper, a rate‐based admission control scheme for a single shared wireless base station with opportunistic scheduling and adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) is proposed. The proposed admission scheme maintains minimum average rates of the admitted users, i.e., new users will be admitted if the base station has enough resources to support the required minimum average transmission rates of all users. The proposed scheme relies on an analytical model for the average per‐user rates of an opportunistic scheduling in an unsaturated scenario, where some queues may be empty for certain periods of time. We provide extensive simulation results to demonstrate the accuracy of the base analytical model on which our admission scheme relies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of osteoblast‐like cells on hydroxyapatite‐coated porous stainless steel implants by synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Rabionet Mariona , Toque Jay Arre , Ide‐Ektessabi Ari 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe successful application of artificial implants requires osseointegration in the implanted structures. To stimulate bone growth, synthetic hydroxyapatite obtained by the coprecipitation process was coated onto porous stainless steel substrates in order to enhance the biocompatibility and, consequently, mineralization. The substrate of choice was porous 316L stainless steel for its high resistance, mechanical strength and low density due to its foam structure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological response of the fabricated implants cultured with MC3T3‐E1 mouse osteoblast‐like cells by analyzing the variation in the elemental concentration, mainly calcium, along with the cellular differentiation and mineralization. By employing synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SRXRF), intracellular elemental distribution and concentration could be determined, revealing a clear increase in the total calcium content. This preliminary data suggests that synthetic hydroxyapatite on porous stainless steel substrates might be successfully used for biocompatible medical implants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Library optimization in EDXRF spectral deconvolution for multi‐element analysis of ambient aerosols
Authors: Kellogg Robert B. , Willis Robert D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn multi‐element analysis of atmospheric aerosols, attempts are made to fit overlapping elemental spectral lines for many elements that may be undetectable in samples due to low concentrations. Fitting with many library reference spectra has the unwanted effect of raising the analytical uncertainty of overlapping elements. By carefully choosing the order of elemental processing, library reference spectra can be omitted for non‐analyte lines of undetected elements without loss of information, thus lowering the number of library spectra needed for the fit and thereby reducing the uncertainty. The magnitude of the reduction so achieved is shown for blanks and a sample for 64 elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing Drug Users' Risk Environments: Peer Health Advocates as Multi‐level Community Change Agents
Authors: Weeks Margaret R. , Convey Mark , Dickson-Gomez Julia , Li Jianghong , Radda Kim , Martinez Maria , Robles Eduardo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPeer delivered, social oriented HIV prevention intervention designs are increasingly popular for addressing broader contexts of health risk beyond a focus on individual factors. Such interventions have the potential to affect multiple social levels of risk and change, including at the individual, network, and community levels, and reflect social ecological principles of interaction across social levels over time. The iterative and feedback dynamic generated by this multi‐level effect increases the likelihood for sustained health improvement initiated by those trained to deliver the peer intervention. The Risk Avoidance Partnership (RAP), conducted with heroin and cocaine/crack users in Hartford, Connecticut, exemplified this intervention design and illustrated the multi‐level effect on drug users' risk and harm reduction at the individual level, the social network level, and the larger community level. Implications of the RAP program for designing effective prevention programs and for analyzing long‐term change to reduce HIV transmission among high‐risk groups are discussed from this ecological and multi‐level intervention perspective.
Patterns of trematode and nematode lungworm infections in northern leopard frogs and wood frogs from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dare O.K. , Forbes M.R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this study we examined trematode and nematode lung helminths commonly found in two species of host ranid frogs for competitive interactions. We examined 147 adult (breeding and non-breeding) and juvenile northern leopard frogs, and 84 breeding male wood frogs in Bishops Mills, Ontario for Haematoloechus spp. (Trematoda) and Rhabdias sp. (Nematoda) infections. A strong negative association between phyla of helminth was observed in breeding and juvenile northern leopard frogs, and also in breeding wood frogs, but not in non-breeding adult northern leopard frogs. Few hosts carried both types of worm concurrently. Thirteen northern leopard frogs carried dual infections, while 77 carried only one phylum of helminth. Twenty-seven wood frogs carried dual infections, while 54 carried only one phylum of helminth. We also observed spatial segregation of the two phyla in host lungs. Our study informs future research on the dynamics of interactions among lung helminths in these two host species.
Modeling, simulating, and simplifying links between stress, attachment, and reproduction
Authors: Petters Dean , Waters Everett 
Published: March 2009

AbstractJohn Bowlby's use of evolutionary theory as a cornerstone of his attachment theory was innovative in its day and remains useful. Del Giudice's target article extends Belsky et al.'s and Chisholm's efforts to integrate attachment theory with more current thinking about evolution, ecology, and neuroscience. His analysis would be strengthened by (1) using computer simulation to clarify and simulate the effects of early environmental stress, (2) incorporating information about non-stress related sources of individual differences, (3) considering the possibility of adaptive behavior without specific evolutionary adaptations, and (4) considering whether the attachment construct is critical to his analysis.