bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as a critical tool for revealing new properties of snake venom phospholipase A2
Authors: Liu Shuqing , Zhang Cuili , Xu Yue‐Fei , Yang Fan , Sun Ming‐Zhong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractResults from high‐performance liquid chromatography/nano‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/nESI‐MS/MS) coupled to two‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D SDS‐PAGE) indicated that the monomer and dimer of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) coexisted in crude Chinese Agkistrodon blomhoffii Ussurensis snake venom (ABUSV). Then, an acidic PLA2 with the accurate molecular mass of 13979.6 Da was purified from ABUSV (mo‐ABUSV‐aPLA2). MS/MS‐derived peptides from ABUSV‐aPLA2 were compared with other homologous snake venom PLA2s, which in turn showed that ABUSV‐aPLA2 is a novel snake venom PLA2. Meanwhile, the ABUSV‐aPLA2 dimer (di‐ABUSV‐aPLA2) was also obtained. MS/MS analysis identified the same peptides from di‐ABUSV‐aPLA2 as from mo‐ABUSV‐aPLA2, which indicates that di‐ABUSV‐aPLA2 is a homodimer. One Ca2+ ion is contained per ABUSV‐aPLA2. The Ca2+ ion is critical for both the hydrolytic activity and the structure of ABUSV‐aPLA2. Pro‐Q Emerald and Pro‐Q Diamond specific glycoprotein and phosphoprotein staining combined with MS/MS analysis indicated that the ABUSV‐aPLA2 is both a glycoprotein and a phosphoprotein, which to our knowledge is the first such report for a snake venom PLA2 and thus provides new threads for the study of the functions and structures of snake venom PLA2s. One phosphorylation site and the size of the glycan chain are determined by using HPLC/nESI‐MS/MS and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) MS. The delicate utilization of ESI‐MS can exert tremendous impact on protein sciences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of outsourcing new technologies on integrative capabilities and performance
Authors: Weigelt Carmen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOutsourcing plays an important role for firms adopting new technologies. Although outsourcing provides access to a new technology, it does not guarantee that a firm can subsequently integrate the technology with existing business processes and leverage it in the marketplace. This distinction, however, has rarely been made in the literature. In the context of business process enhancing technologies, this study builds on the resource‐based and knowledge‐based views to study the impact of outsourcing on firms' subsequent performance in the market and their integrative capabilities, that is, a firm's capacity to use and assimilate a new technology with its business processes and build upon it. The study argues that greater reliance on outsourcing may reduce a firm's learning by doing, internal investment, and tacit knowledge applications, thereby impeding a firm's integrative capabilities and performance in the market. The study uses survey and archival data on banks' outsourcing strategies for Internet adoption to test for the performance consequences of outsourcing, which are found to be negative. However, the findings also show that outsourcing is less detrimental for firms with experience in prior related technology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why top management team characteristics matter when employing a chief operating officer: a strategic contingency perspective
Authors: Marcel Jeremy J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCritics of the CEO/COO duo have stressed that this arrangement burdens the firm with increased costs and decreases the CEO's effectiveness. This study adopts an upper echelon perspective to argue that the presence of a COO may also create TMT‐level information‐processing benefits that can improve firm performance in certain conditions. Data from a sample of 153 firms in five industries highlight a strong positive relationship between the presence of a COO and two established measures of firm performance: return on assets and market‐to‐book ratio. The data also suggest that those relationships are contingent on the broader characteristics of the TMT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun Nanoparticle–Nanofiber Composites via a One‐Step Synthesis
Authors: Saquing Carl D. , Manasco Joshua L. , Khan Saad A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA facile approach to synthesize and incorporate metal nanoparticles (NPs) into electrospun polymer nanofibers (NFs) wherein the electrospinning polymer acts as both a reducing agent for the metal salt precursor, as well as a protecting and templating agent for the ensuing NPs, is reported. Such a true one‐step process at ambient conditions and free of organic solvents is demonstrated using a system comprising AgNO3 and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) at electrospinnable molecular weights of 600, 1000, or 2000 kDa. The PEO transforms Ag+ into AgNPs, a phenomenon that has not been previously possible at PEO molecular weights less than 20 kDa without the addition of a separate reducing agent and stabilizer or the application of heat. Results from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry analyses support the formation of pseudo‐crown ethers in high molecular weight PEO as the mechanism in the development of NPs. The AgNPs reduce fiber diameter and enhance fiber quality (reduced beading) due to increased electrical conductivity. Interestingly, several of the NFs exhibit AgNP‐localized nanochain formation and protrusion from the NF surface that can be attributed to the combined effect of applied electrical field on the polymer and the differences between the electrical conductivity and polarizability of the polymer and metal NPs.
Epigenetic Reprogramming by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Primates
Authors: Sparman Michelle , Dighe Vikas , Sritanaudomchai Hathaitip , Ma Hong , Ramsey Cathy , Pedersen Darlene , Clepper Lisa , Nighot Prashant , Wolf Don , Hennebold Jon , Mitalipov Shoukhrat 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We recently demonstrated that somatic cells from adult primates could be reprogrammed into a pluripotent state by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, the low efficiency with donor cells from one monkey necessitated the need for large oocyte numbers. Here, we demonstrate nearly threefold higher blastocyst development and embryonic stem (ES) cell derivation rates with different nuclear donor cells. Two ES cell lines were isolated using adult female rhesus macaque skin fibroblasts as nuclear donors and oocytes retrieved from one female, following a single controlled ovarian stimulation. In addition to routine pluripotency tests involving in vitro and in vivo differentiation into various somatic cell types, primate ES cells derived from reprogrammed somatic cells were also capable of contributing to cells expressing markers of germ cells. Moreover, imprinted gene expression, methylation, telomere length, and X-inactivation analyses were consistent with accurate and extensive epigenetic reprogramming of somatic cells by oocyte-specific factors.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Stepwise Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Promotes Tendon Regeneration by Secreting Fetal Tendon Matrix and Differentiation Factors
Authors: Chen Xiao , Song Xing-Hui , Yin Zi , Zou Xiao-Hui , Wang Lin-Lin , Hu Hu , Cao Tong , Zheng Minghao , Ouyang Hong Wei 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are ideal seed cells for tissue regeneration, but no research has yet been reported concerning their potential for tendon regeneration. This study investigated the strategy and efficacy of using hESCs for tendon regeneration as well as the mechanism involved. hESCs were first induced to differentiate into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which had the potential to differentiate into the three mesenchymal lineages and were positive for MSC surface markers. hESC-derived MSCs (hESC–MSCs) regenerated tendon tissues in both an in vitro tissue engineering model and an in vivo ectopic tendon regeneration model, as confirmed by the expression of tendon-specific genes and structure. In in-situ rat patellar tendon repair, tendon treated with hESC–MSCs had much better structural and mechanical properties than did controls. Furthermore, hESC–MSCs remained viable at the tendon wound site for at least 4 weeks and secreted human fetal tendon-specific matrix components and differentiation factors, which then activated the endogenous regeneration process in tendon. Moreover, no teratoma was found in any samples. These findings demonstrate a safe and practical strategy of applying ESCs for tendon regeneration and may assist in future strategies to treat tendon diseases.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Toxicology evaluation of Atlantic Canadian seafood processing plant effluent
Authors: Jamieson Bryan Lee , Gonçalves Alex Augusto , Gagnon Graham A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to carry out an acute aquatic toxicity assessment on select effluent samples from Atlantic Canadian seafood processing plants. Raw effluent acute aquatic toxicity for the flatfish and salmon effluents was assessed using the acute lethality test and Microtox™ test. The effectiveness of dissolved air flotation treatment (DAF) in removing acute toxicity from these effluents was evaluated using the Microtox™ test. The salmon effluent failed the acute lethality test using rainbow trout while the flatfish effluent showed acute toxicity in the Microtox™ test with a 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) of 38.84%. Subsequent treatment by DAF of the flatfish and salmon effluents increased IC50 values by 20% and 26% respectively. The findings of this study indicate that all of the processing effluents sampled showed characteristics that could potentially degrade effluent receiving waters and acute toxicity was demonstrated in the two raw finfish effluents. Application of DAF treatment was successful in significantly increasing Microtox™ IC50 values, thereby reducing acute toxicity, but failed to entirely remove acute toxicity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Lead(II) Framework Containing Infinite Pb–O–Pb Linkage Extended by Novel Pb–μ1,1‐(N)CS–Pb Bridges
Authors: Ding Bin , Liu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhao Xiao‐Jun , Yang En‐Cui , Du Gui‐Xiang , Wang Xiu Guang 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA novel lead(II) framework [Pb2(μ1,1‐NCS)(NCS)(ADA)]n (1) can be isolated under hydrothermal conditions, by using N‐(2‐carbamoylmethyl)iminodiacetic acid (H2ADA), lead(II) oxide, and NH4NCS. Compound 1 contains the subunits of infinite Pb–O–Pb double chains. Further NCS– anions adopt two different coordination modes: for one thing a μ1,1‐(N) bridging and for another thing a terminal N‐coordination mode. These μ1,1‐NCS– ligands join adjacent PbII atoms forming novel Pb–μ1,1‐(N)CS–Pb bridges, which further extend these Pb–O–Pb double chains into a layered structure. Additionally, an emission band is observed at 481 nm in the solid‐state fluorescence spectrum of 1.
Measurement of d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase activity in cell homogenates derived from d‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria patients
Authors: Wickenhagen W. V. , Salomons G. S. , Gibson K. M. , Jakobs C. , Struys E. A. 
Published: March 2009

Summaryd‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric aciduria (d‐2‐HGA) is a neurometabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate (d‐2‐HG) in physiological fluids. Recent findings revealed that mutations in the D2HGDH gene, encoding d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, cause d‐2‐HGA. So far, a functionalenzyme assay to determine d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase activity, converting d‐2‐HG into 2‐ketoglutarate (2‐KG), has been unavailable. We have now developed a unique enzyme assay for the determination of d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase activity in cells derived from d‐2‐HGA patients and controls. The enzyme assay was performed using enantiomerically pure stable‐isotope‐labelled d‐2‐hydroxy[3,3,4,4‐2H4]glutarate. This substrate is convertedby d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase into 2‐[3,3,4,4‐2H4]ketoglutarate, which is subsequently converted into l‐[3,3,4,4‐2H4]glutamate by l‐glutamate dehydrogenase, present in saturating amounts in cell homogenates. Enzyme activities were quantified using LC‐MS/MS. The mean activities in control fibroblast and lymphoblast homogenates were 298 ± 207 and 1670 ± 940 pmol/h per mg protein, respectively. In fibroblast and lymphoblast cell lines derived from patients with pathogenic mutations in the D2HGDH gene, considerably decreased enzyme activities (e.g. <41 pmol/h per mg protein) were found compared with controls. This enzyme assay will have additional utility in further differentiating patients with d‐2‐HGA and l‐2‐HGA and in assessing the residual activities linked to pathogenic mutations in the D2HGDH gene.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a comprehensive magnetic resonance study of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Astley Susan J. , Aylward Elizabeth H. , Olson Heather Carmichael , Kerns Kimberly , Brooks Allison , Coggins Truman E. , Davies Julian , Dorn Susan , Gendler Beth , Jirikowic Tracy , Kraegel Paul , Maravilla Kenneth , Richards Todd 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A comprehensive neuropsychological/psychiatric, MR imaging, (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) assessment was administered to children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to determine if global and/or focal abnormalities could be identified, and distinguish diagnostic subclassifications across the spectrum. The four study groups included: 1. FAS/Partial FAS; 2. Static Encephalopathy/Alcohol Exposed (SE/AE); 3. Neurobehavioral Disorder/Alcohol Exposed (ND/AE); and 4. healthy peers with no prenatal alcohol exposure. fMRI outcomes are reported here. The neuropsychological/psychiatric, MRI, and MRS outcomes are reported separately. fMRI was used to assess activation in seven brain regions during performance of N-back working memory tasks. Children across the full spectrum of FASD exhibited significant working memory deficits and altered activation patterns in brain regions that are known to be involved in working memory. These results demonstrate the potential research and diagnostic value of this non-invasive MR tool in the field of FASD.
Surgical treatment of traumatic pediatric humeral diaphyseal fractures with titanium elastic nails
Authors: Garg Sumeet , Dobbs Matthew B. , Schoenecker Perry L. , Luhmann Scott J. , Gordon J. Eric 
Published: March 2009

Background Nearly all pediatric humeral shaft fractures can be successfully treated with closed methods. Some patients, however, require internal fixation either because of an inability to maintain an adequate reduction, significant soft tissue injury, or concomitant fractures. Methods This is a retrospective review of all traumatic humeral shaft fractures treated at our hospitals between 1999 and 2006. Thirteen pediatric patients ranging in age from 4.8 to 16.7 years (mean age 12.0 years) were treated surgically with titanium elastic nails (TENs). Relative surgical indications included open fractures, inability to maintain an acceptable reduction, the presence of ipsilateral forearm fractures (floating elbow), concomitant lower extremity fractures, and closed head injury. Two patients had associated radial nerve injury at presentation. Results The patients were followed for a mean of 29 months. All fractures healed in good alignment. There were no intraoperative complications, including neurologic or vascular injury, and no patient developed an infection postoperatively. Two patients had nail migration, one of whom developed nail protrusion through the skin. One patient with preoperative radial nerve injury ultimately underwent tendon transfer to restore wrist extension. Of the 13 patients, 12 reported a full return to sports and other activities with no limitations or discomfort. Conclusions When surgical stabilization of pediatric humeral shaft fractures is indicated, TEN fixation is effective and has a high rate of union and a low rate of complications. This technique is familiar to most orthopaedic surgeons treating pediatric fractures. Level of evidence Level of evidence: IV (case series)
The Morse–Bott inequalities via a dynamical systems approach
Authors: BANYAGA AUGUSTIN , HURTUBISE DAVID E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLet f:M→ℝ be a Morse–Bott function on a compact smooth finite-dimensional manifold M. The polynomial Morse inequalities and an explicit perturbation of f defined using Morse functions fj on the critical submanifolds Cj of f show immediately that MBt(f)=Pt(M)+(1+t)R(t), where MBt(f) is the Morse–Bott polynomial of f and Pt(M) is the Poincaré polynomial of M. We prove that R(t) is a polynomial with non-negative integer coefficients by showing that the number of gradient flow lines of the perturbation of f between two critical points p,q∈Cj of relative index one coincides with the number of gradient flow lines between p and q of the Morse function fj. This leads to a relationship between the kernels of the Morse–Smale–Witten boundary operators associated to the Morse functions fj and the perturbation of f. This method works when M and all the critical submanifolds are oriented or when ℤ2 coefficients are used.
Self-phase modulation of a laser in self created plasma channel
Authors: Panwar A. , Sharma A.K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAn analytical formalism of self focusing and self-phase modulation of an intense short pulse laser in a plasma due to relativistic and ponderomotive nonlinearities is developed. In the paraxial ray approximation, the pulse retains its Gaussian radial profile, however, its spot size varies with the distance of propagation in a periodic manner. It is influenced by self focusing. The frequency of the laser undergoes red shift. For a tanhyperbolic temporal profile of pulse, the red-shift is maximum at the foot of the pulse and decreases slowly as one goes to higher and higher intensity portions. The effect of ponderomotive nonlinearity is very significant in this respect. The maximum downshift occurs at a distance at which the laser acquires a minimum spot size. With retarded time normalized axial intensity increases more atz ~ Rdand the radial intensity is also more narrowly peaked atz ~ Rd, whereRd = 2πr02/λ is the Rayleigh length,r0and λ are the spot size and wavelength of the laser pulse respectively.
Surface plasmon enhanced electron acceleration with few-cycle laser pulses
Authors: Dombi P. , Rácz P. , Bódi B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSurface plasmon enhanced electron acceleration is a recently discovered efficient particle acceleration phenomenon in the nanoscale-confined field of surface electromagnetic waves. For the generation and spatial/spectral control of keV-energy electrons generated, this way few-cycle laser pulses can be utilized particularly well. We present numerical results based on a simple model of this phenomenon analogous to the three-step model of high harmonic generation. We identify those parameter regimes where the emitted electron beam is highly directional and monoenergetic opening the door to novel ultrafast applications and methods.
SESAR: R&D and Project Portfolios for Airline Business Needs
Authors: Brooker Peter 
Published: March 2009

‘Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.Lao-tzu‘In the long run, we're all dead’J. M. KeynesA version of this paper was first presented at the Royal Institute of Navigation NAV 08 Conference held at Church House, Westminster, London in October 2008.SESAR is Europe's ‘Single European Sky Air traffic Research system’, targeted at post-2020. The vision is to integrate and implement new technologies to improve air traffic management (ATM) performance. The focus for planning and executing system operations will increasingly be aircraft navigating high-quality 4D trajectories: a 4D trajectory is the aircraft path, three space dimensions plus time, from gate-to-gate, i.e. including the path along the ground at the airport. A 20+year ATM plan has to use limited information on the success of innovations and the development of large-scale, often safety critical, software, which by its nature can take markedly longer and cost markedly more than early estimates. SESAR must be sufficiently flexible in deployment to maximise financial benefits to individual stakeholdersusing their specific financial criteria. Airline needs are the main ATM system/business drivers. Airlines do not want to commit to developing an ‘ultra-modern system’per se, but rather to one that makes business-sensible investments in new technologies that are indispensable for achieving improved safety and meeting projected capacity requirements. The approach has been to use simple corporate finance ideas to examine the different viewpoints and business environments of air traffic service suppliers (ANSPs) and individual airlines. The key decision-making point is that ANSPs act as an agent for airlines as a whole. The key financial point is that a typical airline has to work hard to survive and needs quick paybacks on investment. The design of the SESAR R&D and project portfolios can learn lessons from information technology systems design and deployment. ‘Real option analysis’ of systems can increase business value by improving the sequencing and partitioning of projects, helping to ensure that the system is adaptable to technological innovation and changes in business needs.
Recent decline of the St Helena Wirebird Charadrius sanctaehelenae
Authors: McCULLOCH NEIL 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe Wirebird Charadrius sanctaehelenae, a plover, is the only surviving bird species endemic to the South Atlantic Island of St Helena. The species is currently dependent on habitats that are wholly anthropogenic or extensively modified by human activity. A census carried out during 2005–2006 showed that the Wirebird has undergone a decline of more than 40% over a five-year period to a total of 235 individuals. The species now qualifies for re-classification as ‘Critically Endangered’. Vegetation surveys support the results of a previous study in suggesting that the decline may be associated with degradation of the Wirebird's favoured grassland habitat due to reduction of livestock numbers. Predation by introduced mammals and birds is also likely to be a factor but this remains unquantified. The Wirebird may face additional threats to its habitat in the future unless potential tourism-related development associated with the proposed construction of an airport on the island is closely regulated.