bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lime Application for Neutralizing Fertilizer Acidity on Growth and Yield of Maize in Alfisols
Authors: Kavya, D  , Prakash,  S. S  , Yogesh, G. S  , Fathima, P. S  , Mahesh, H.B
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya during Kharif 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of lime application for neutralizing fertilizer acidity on growth and yield of maize in Alfisols. There were eight treatments that include 500 kg lime (T3) and 250 kg granular dolomite (T4) + FYM and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF and FYM + 100 and 50% fertilizer acidity neutralization with lime (T5 and T6) and granular dolomite (T7 and T8), absolute control (T1) and FYM + 100 % RDF (T2). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that application of lime @ equivalent to 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with 100% RDF and FYM (T5) recorded significantly higher plant height (221.56 cm), number of leaves (13.01 plant-1), leaf area (6389 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (168.74 g plant-1) which was on par with T8, T6, T7 and T4. Similarly, significantly higher yield parameters like cob length (21.98 cm), cob girth (20.01 cm), number of rows cob-1 (16.86), number of kernels row-1 (36.98) and test weight (35.98 g) were recorded in T5 when compared to T2, T3 and T1. Kernel and stover yield (81.57 and 90.67 q ha-1, respectively) was observed to be significantly higher in T5 treatment which was on par with T6 which clearly indicated that 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with lime along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and FYM is necessary for obtaining higher growth and yield of maize.
Duration of Illness and Resilience as Determinants of Life Satisfaction amongst Patients with Eye Pathologies
Authors: Apakama Akunne Ijeoma , Onwuegbuna Arinze Anthony , Nwafor Chidozie Edwin , Uzozie Chukwudi Charles , Isu Fidelis Nkama , Onyekwe Arinze Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

Aim: To determine how duration of disease and resilience as determinants correlate with life satisfaction amongst eye pathology patients
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey amongst eye patients at Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha, South East, Nigeria using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Information such as the socio -demographics, duration of disease and questions aimed at assessing the resilience and life satisfaction scores of these patients were collected.
Results: A total of 137 patients in the age range 15 to 88years, and with disease duration ranging from 1 to 23 years were enrolled. Gender and age of the participants were controlled as covariate. There was significant correlation between duration of eye pathology diagnosis and life satisfaction r= -0.22, p= 0.01, and resilience and life satisfaction r= 0.30, p= 0.01. In other words as the duration of eye pathology diagnosis increases, the more likely that the patient will report lesser life satisfaction. In contrast, patients who report higher resilience were more likely to also report higher life satisfaction.
Conclusion: Life satisfaction amongst eye pathology patients is significantly determined by duration of eye disease and resilience.
Synthesis and Properties of the LiMn2O4 Cathode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Qian , Li Pinjiang , Guo Qian
Published: April 2024

Spinel LiMn2O4 was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state method with lithium salt and manganese salt as raw materials, which were mixing with anhydrous ethanol as solvent under stirring, and calcining at high temperature in in the oxygen atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the size of lithium manganese particles with spinel structure was 80 to 200 nm, and the particle size distribution was uniform. The results showed that the prepared LiMn2O4 sample sintered at 700°C exhibited superior electrochemical performance when used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with a voltage window of 2.5–4.8 V. The first charge-discharge specific capacity and first discharge capacity can reach 158.0 mAh‧g-1 and 138.4 mAh‧g-1, respectively, at 0.1 A‧g-1 current density, and the first Coulomb retention efficiency is 87.6%. The discharge specific capacity of the LiMn2O4 material can be maintained at 114 mAh‧g-1 when the test current density was returned to 0.1 A‧g-1 after 60 cycles.
Seasonal Correlation in Prevalence of Termite on Wheat Crop and Weather Parameters
Authors: Piploda Sanju , Jat B. L. , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Priyanka . , Dalal Pappu Lal
Published: April 2024

The field experiment were conducted at instructional farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner during Rabi, 2021-22 and 2022-23 to know the seasonal incidence of termite in wheat and their relation to weather parameters. The incidence of the termite in wheat field was observed throughout the crop season however, the maximum population of termite i.e. 88.20 and 98.68 per stick was recorded in the second week of March and last week of February during Rabi, 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively. The infestation of termite in wheat crop was recorded from seedling stage (50th SMW) to till maturity stage (10th SMW) which was ranged from 2.78 to 27.10 and 3.67 to 28.32 per cent plant damage during both the years of study. The termite population per stick and per cent plant damage by termite had significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperatures and evaporation during both the years while, with bright sunshine hours only during first year and non-significant correlation during second year. Whereas, with the morning and evening relative humidity it had significant negative correlation during both the years. The multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis explained that alone evaporation accounted about 84.60 and 92.70 per cent variation in termite population and 89.00 and 89.30 per cent variation in per cent plant damage by termite during both the years.
Robust adaptive sliding mode control for uncertain time‐delay systems
Authors: Xia Yuanqing , Chen Jie , Liu Guo‐Ping , Wang Lin , Rees David
Published: August 2008

This paper is devoted to robust adaptive sliding mode control for time‐delay systems with mismatched parametric uncertainties. Sufficient conditions for the existence of linear sliding surfaces are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities, by which the corresponding adaptive reaching motion controller is also designed. Simulation studies show the effectiveness of the control scheme. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational allergy and asthma among salt water fish processing workers
Authors: Jeebhay Mohamed F. , Robins Thomas G. , Miller Mary E. , Bateman Eric , Smuts Marius , Baatjies Roslynn , Lopata Andreas L.
Published: August 2008

Background

Fish processing is a common economic activity in Southern Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and host determinants of allergic symptoms, allergic sensitization, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and asthma among workers processing saltwater fish.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 594 currently employed workers in two processing plants involved in pilchard canning and fishmeal processing. A modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was used. Skin prick tests (SPT) used extracts of common airborne allergens, fresh fish (pilchard, anchovy, maasbanker, mackerel, red eye) and fishmeal. Spirometry and methacholine challenge tests (MCTs; tidal breathing method) used ATS guidelines.

Results

Work‐related ocular‐nasal symptoms (26%) were more common than asthma symptoms (16%). The prevalence of atopy was 36%, while 7% were sensitized to fish species and 26% had NSBH (PC20 ≤ 8 mg/ml or ≥12% increase in FEV1 post‐bronchodilator). The prevalence of probable occupational asthma was 1.8% and fish allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis 2.6%. Women were more likely to report work‐related asthma symptoms (OR = 1.94) and have NSBH (OR = 3.09), while men were more likely to be sensitized to fish (OR = 2.06) and have airway obstruction (OR = 4.17). Atopy (OR = 3.16) and current smoking (OR = 2.37), but not habitual seafood consumption were associated with sensitization to fish.

Conclusions

Based on comparison with previous published studies, the prevalence of occupational asthma to salt water fish is lower than due to shellfish. The gendered distribution of work and exposures in fish processing operations together with atopy and cigarette smoking are important determinants of occupational allergy and asthma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:899–910, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the effects of polyethylenimine and maleated polypropylene coupling agents on the properties of cellulose‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: González‐Sánchez C. , González‐Quesada M. , de la Orden M. U. , Urreaga J. Martínez
Published: August 2008

The desire to improve the properties of cellulose‐reinforced composites while producing them by methods as similar as possible to those used on an industrial scale is one of the driving forces in this field of research. In this work, extensive research for determining the mechanical, thermal, rheological, and physical properties of novel cellulose‐reinforced polypropylene composites containing a polyethylenimine (PEI) coupling agent was conducted. A comparison of their properties with those of reference composites without any coupling agent or containing a maleated polypropylene (MAPP) coupling agent was also carried out. The presence of the PEI coupling agent mainly gave rise to a substantial increase in the tensile and flexural strengths and elongations as well as the impact strength, heat deflection temperature (HDT), melt volume flow index, and water absorption of PEI‐containing composites in comparison with composites without any coupling agent added. However, the increases achieved in the tensile and flexural composite strengths and HDT were lower than those achieved with the MAPP coupling agent mainly for composites containing 50 wt % cellulose fibers. On the other hand, PEI‐containing composites exhibited, in most cases, larger elongations and energies required to break in tensile tests as well as larger impact strengths, melt volume flow indices, and water absorption percentages than MAPP‐containing composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of expandable graphite on the properties of intumescent flame‐retardant polyurethane foam
Authors: Thirumal M. , Khastgir Dipak , Singha Nikhil K , Manjunath B. S. , Naik Y. P.
Published: August 2008

Water‐blown rigid polyurethane foam (PUF) with two different particle sizes (180 and 300 μm) of expandable graphite (EG) as a flame‐retardant additive were prepared, and the effects on the mechanical, morphological, water absorption, thermal conductivity, thermal, and flame‐retardant properties were studied. In this investigation, EG content was varied from 5 to 50 php by weight. The mechanical properties of PUF decreased with increasing EG loading in both cases. The water absorption of the PUF increased with an increase in the EG loading mainly because of the collapse of foam cells, as evidenced from the scanning electron microscopy pictures. The thermal conductivity of the EG‐filled PUF showed that the insulation properties decreased with EG loading. The flame‐retardant properties (limiting oxygen index and char yield measurement) of the PUF improved with increasing EG loading. PUF filled with the higher particle size EG showed better mechanical properties and fire‐retardant properties than the PUF filled with the lower particle size EG. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Melting behavior and isothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene/metallocene‐catalyzed polyethylene elastomer blends
Authors: Qin Jianglei , Zhang Shiqi , Li Zhiting
Published: August 2008

Polypropylene (PP)/metallocene‐catalyzed polyethylene elastomer (mPE) blends were prepared in a twin‐screw extruder. The melting behavior, crystallization behavior, and isothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends were studied with differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that PP and mPE were partially miscible and that the addition of mPE shifted the melting peak of PP to a lower temperature but the crystallization temperature to a higher temperature, demonstrating a dilution effect of mPE on PP. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends were described with the Avrami equation. The values of the Avrami exponent indicated that the nucleation mechanism of the blends was heterogeneous, the growth of spherulites was almost three‐dimensional, and the crystallization mechanism of PP was not affected much by mPE. At the same time, the Avrami exponents of the blends were higher than that of pure PP, and this showed that the addition of mPE helped PP to form more perfect spherulites. The crystallization rate of PP was increased by mPE because the dilution effect of mPE on PP increased the mobility of PP chains. The crystallization activation energy was estimated with the Arrhenius equation, and the nucleation constant was determined by the Hoffman–Lauritzen theory. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Kim Jong‐Il of North Korea: in the shadow of his father
Authors: Post Jerrold M.
Published: August 2008

This paper explores the political personality of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong‐Il, particularly in the context of his succession from his father, the founding leader Kim Il‐Sung. Drawing upon what is known of Kim Jong‐Il's childhood and family life, the paper examines the key personality formations that have shaped his political persona and leadership style, particularly his narcissism, paranoia and lack of empathy. Eccentric, reclusive and self‐indulgent, Kim is depicted as an emotionally volatile, narcissistic personality who indulges in hedonistic behavior while ignoring the privations of his people. Copyright © 2004 Cornell University Press.
Formt die Technik die Musik? Montageästhetik zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Braun Hans‐Joachim , Ungeheuer Elena
Published: August 2008

Does technology shape music? Aesthetics of assembly at the beginning of the 20th century. This article deals with the relationship between assembly in production technology and similar processes in musical composition. Can composers like Eric Satie, Igor Strawinsky or George Antheil, who used assembly methods in some of their compositions, be called assemblers? The authors point out that all three composers used assembly methods in different ways and with different purposes. Applying a theoretical approach inspired by media studies they come to the conclusion that the conditions under which musical works using assembly methods are shaped do not originate in technology but in the aesthetic convictions of the composer. Apart from assembly methods there are many other compositional principles the composer relies on. Technology may inspire music but does not determine the musical outcome.
Tonpsychologie und Musikforschung als Katalysatoren wissenschaftlich‐experimenteller Praxis und der Methodenlehre im Kreis von Carl Stumpf
Authors: Klotz Sebastian
Published: August 2008

Tone psychology and music research as catalysts of experimental‐scientific practice and methodology in the circle of Carl Stumpf. The study of acoustics, harmonics and of music has been providing scientific models since Greek Antiquity. Since the early modern ages, two separate cultures began to emerge out of the study of music: a technical acoustics and an aesthetically and philosophically inspired musical criticism. In the writings of Johann Friedrich Herbart (1811) a scientific approach to musical aesthetics and to music perception is taking shape that reinstalls the listening process as a highly complex and logical phenomenon. By opening music for a scientific psychological investigation, Herbart pioneered the physiologically and acoustically grounded seminal work by Hermann von Helmholtz On the sensations of tone (1863) which the author considered a prerequisite for musical aesthetics and music theory. Helmholtz in turn inspired the philosopher and psychologist Carl Stumpf to further investigate musical perception (beginning in 1883). To Stumpf, it provided a paradigm for experimental psychology as mental functions and phenomena could be studied in detail. These functions and phenomena are the actual objects of scientific study in Stumpf's inductive and descriptive psychology. Combining insights from statistics, ethnology, anthropology, psychoacoustics and the cultural history of mankind, Stumpf and his team developed a new blend of science which absorbs styles of reasoning, analytical procedures and academic convictions from natural history, the natural sciences and the humanities but at the same time identifies shortcomings of these approaches that fail to grasp the complexities of psychic functions. Despite their reliance on the quasi‐objective phonograph and despite their commitment to objectivity, precision and measurement, mental phenomena relating to tonal perception and to music provided too complex a challenge to be easily articulated and shared by the scientific community after 1900. The essay illustrates these tensions against the background of a history of objectivity.
Production, purification, and characterization of human α1 proteinase inhibitor from Aspergillus niger
Authors: Chill Liat , Trinh Loc , Azadi Parastoo , Ishihara Mayumi , Sonon Roberto , Karnaukhova Elena , Ophir Yakir , Golding Basil , Shiloach Joseph
Published: August 2008

Human alpha one proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI) was cloned and expressed in Aspergillus niger, filamentious fungus that can grow in defined media and can perform glycosylation. Submerged culture conditions were established using starch as carbon source, 30% dissolved oxygen concentration, pH 7.0 and 28°C. Eight milligrams per liter of active α1‐PI were secreted to the growth media in about 40 h. Controlling the protein proteolysis was found to be an important factor in the production. The effects of various carbon sources, pH and temperature on the production and stability of the protein were tested and the product was purified and characterized. Two molecular weights variants of the recombinant α1‐PI were produced by the fungus; the difference is attributed to the glycosylated part of the molecule. The two glycoproteins were treated with PNGAse F and the released glycans were analyzed by HPAEC, MALDI/TOF‐MS, NSI‐MSn, and GC‐MS. The MALDI and NSI‐ full MS spectra of permethylated N‐glycans revealed that the N‐glycans of both variants contain a series of high‐mannose type glycans with 5–20 hexose units. Monosaccharide analysis showed that these were composed of N‐acetylglucos‐amine, mannose, and galactose. Linkage analysis revealed that the galactosyl component was in the furanoic conformation, which was attaching in a terminal non‐reducing position. The Galactofuranose‐containing high‐mannnose type N‐glycans are typical structures, which recently have been found as part of several glycoproteins produced by Aspergillus niger. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 828–844. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of protein binding affinity and preferred orientations in ion exchange systems using a homologous protein library
Authors: Chung Wai Keen , Hou Ying , Freed Alexander , Holstein Melissa , Makhatadze George I. , Cramer Steven M.
Published: August 2008

A library of cold shock protein B (CspB) mutant variants was employed to study protein binding affinity and preferred orientations in cation exchange chromatography. Single site mutations introduced at charged amino acids on the protein surface resulted in a homologous protein set with varying charge density and distribution. The retention times of the mutants varied significantly during linear gradient chromatography. While the expected trends were observed with increasing or decreasing positive charge on the protein surface, the degree of change was a strong function of the location and microenvironment of the mutated amino acid. Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models were generated using a support vector regression technique that was able to give good predictions of the retention times of the various mutants. Molecular descriptors selected during model generation were used to elucidate the factors affecting protein retention. Electrostatic potential maps were also employed to provide insight into the effects of protein surface topography, charge density and charge distribution on protein binding affinity and possible preferred binding orientations. The use of this protein mutant library in concert with the qualitative and quantitative analyses presented in the article provides an improved understanding of protein behavior in ion exchange systems. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 869–881. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simplified Free‐Radical Reaction Kinetics for p‐Xylene Oxidation to Terephthalic Acid
Authors: Sun W. , Pan Y. , Zhao L. , Zhou X.
Published: August 2008

The kinetic models based on complex free‐radical mechanisms always involve lots of parameters, which result in model overparameterization. In this work, on the basis of free‐radical reaction mechanisms, a simplified kinetics for liquid‐phase catalytic oxidation of p‐xylene (PX) to terephthalic acid (TPA) was developed. By assuming that different peroxy radicals have equivalent reactivity, all the initiation rate constants are identical, and the differences in the rates of termination between various peroxy radicals are neglected, the kinetic model is simplified to include only six parameters that are to be determined by experiment. The kinetic model established in this paper was shown to have satisfactory precision in predicting the concentration profiles. The kinetic model proposed is even simpler than the first‐order kinetic model because the rate constants concerning chain propagation and termination are independent of temperature within the range investigated.
Assignment of the absolute configuration of zwitterionic and neutral macropodumines by means of TDDFT CD calculations
Authors: Guo Yue‐Wei , Kurtán Tibor , Krohn Karsten , Pescitelli Gennaro , Zhang Wen
Published: August 2008

Macropodumines B and C (1, 2) are fused pentacyclic alkaloids previously isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Daphniphyllum macropodum. Macropodumine B (1) possesses an amazing structural feature of a cyclopentadienyl carbanion, stabilized as a zwitterion by an internal iminium cation, which was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. On the basis of the X‐ray geometry, the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by employing the solid‐state CD/TDDFT approach. The absolute configuration of 2 was instead determined by using TDDFT CD calculations on DFT‐optimized geometries, in comparison with CD spectra recorded in solution. Chirality, 2008. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural localization of extranuclear progestin receptors in the rat hippocampal formation
Authors: Waters Elizabeth M. , Torres‐Reveron Annelyn , MCewen Bruce S. , Milner Teresa A.
Published: August 2008

Progesterone's effects on hippocampus‐dependent behavior and synaptic connectivity maybe mediated through the progestin receptor (PR). Although estrogen induces PR mRNA and cytosolic PR in the hippocampus, nuclear PR immunoreactivity is undetectable by light microscopy, suggesting that PR is present at extranuclear sites. To determine whether this is the case, we used immunoelectron microscopy to examine PR distribution in the hippocampal formation of proestrus rats. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that PR labeling is present in extranuclear profiles throughout the CA1 and CA3 regions and dentate gyrus, and, in contrast to light microscopic findings, in nuclei of a few pyramidal and subgranular zone cells. Most neuronal PR labeling is extranuclear and is divided between pre‐ and postsynaptic compartments; approximately 30% of labeled profiles were axon terminals and 30% were dendrites and dendritic spines. In most laminae, except in CA3 stratum lucidum, about 15% of PR‐immunoreactive profiles were unmyelinated axons. In stratum lucidum, where the mossy fiber axons course, more than 50% of PR‐labeled profiles were axonal. The remaining 25% of PR‐labeled profiles were glia, some resembling astrocytes. PR labeling is strongly dependent on estrogen priming, insofar as few PR‐labeled profiles were detected in ovariectomized, oil‐replaced females. Synapses formed by PR‐labeled terminals were predominantly asymmetric, consistent with a role for progesterone in directly regulating excitatory transmission. These findings suggest that some of progesterone's actions in the hippocampal formation may be mediated by direct and rapid actions on extranuclear PRs and that PRs are well positioned to regulate progesterone‐induced changes at synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:34–46, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A compact dynamic channel assignment scheme based on Hopfield networks for cellular radio systems
Authors: Dang A. , Zhu S.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, a new channel assignment strategy named compact dynamic channel assignment (CDCA) is proposed. The CDCA differs from other strategies by consistently keeping the system in the utmost optimal state, and thus the scheme allows to determine a call succeeding or failing by local information instead of that of the whole network. It employs Hopfield neural networks for optimization which avoids the complicated assessment of channel compactness and guarantees optimum solutions for every assignment. A scheme based on Hopfield neural network is considered before; however, unlike others, in this algorithm an energy function is derived in such a way that for a neuron, the more a channel is currently being allocated in other cells, the more excitation the neuron will acquire, so as to guarantee each cluster using channels as few as possible. Performance measures in terms of the blocking probability, convergence rate and convergence time are obtained to assess the viability of the proposed scheme. Results presented show that the approach significantly reduces stringent requirements of searching space and convergence time. The algorithm is simple and straightforward, hence the efficient algorithm makes the real‐time implementation of channel assignment based on neural network feasibility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuronal and glial alterations in the cerebellar cortex of maternally deprived rats: Gender differences and modulatory effects of two inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation
Authors: López‐Gallardo M. , Llorente R. , Llorente‐Berzal A. , Marco E.M. , Prada C. , Di Marzo V. , Viveros M.P.
Published: August 2008

Adult animals submitted to a single prolonged episode of maternal deprivation (MD) [24 h, postnatal day 9–10] show behavioral alterations that resemble specific symptoms of schizophrenia. Accordingly, this experimental procedure has been proposed as an animal model of schizophrenia based on the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. We have recently reported that MD‐induced sex‐dependent alterations in the hippocampus of neonatal rats. In view of recent evidence for important implications of the cerebellum in neurodevelopmental psychiatric diseases, we have now addressed possible degenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex of neonatal Wistar rats of both genders. To evaluate the presence of degenerated nerve cells, we used Fluoro‐Jade C staining and for the study of astrocytes, we employed glial fibrillary acidic protein. Further, we analyzed the modulatory actions of two inhibitors of endocannabinoids inactivation, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor N‐arachidonoyl‐serotonin, AA‐5‐HT, and the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor, OMDM‐2 (daily subcutaneous injections during the postnatal period 7–12). The animals were sacrificed at postnatal Day 13. MD induced significant increases in the number of Fluoro‐Jade C positive cells (indicative of degenerating neurons) and in the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells, only in males. The two cannabinoid compounds reversed or attenuated these effects. The present results provide new insights regarding the psycopathological implications of the cerebellum, the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development, and the possible neurodevelopmental basis of gender differences in schizophrenia. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
The Detection of PHIP Effects Allows New Insights into the Mechanism of Olefin Isomerisation during Catalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Viale Alessandra , Santelia Daniela , Napolitano Roberta , Gobetto Roberto , Dastrù Walter , Aime Silvio
Published: August 2008

PHIP (parahydrogen‐induced polarisation) effects in the 1H NMR spectra of the products of Rh‐complex‐catalysed alkyne hydrogenation brings to light the fact that the cis–trans isomerisation of the formed olefin occurs through the formation of a σ‐bonded intermediate stabilised by the reversible addition of a hydrogen molecule at the metal centre. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and Characterization of NiII and PdII Complexes Bearing N,N,S Tridentate Ligands and Their Catalytic Properties for Norbornene Polymerization
Authors: Long Jieming , Gao Haiyang , Song Keming , Liu Fengshou , Hu Hao , Zhang Ling , Zhu Fangming , Wu Qing
Published: August 2008

A series of new N,N,S tridentate nickel(II) complexes [(ArN = CHC6H4NPh‐2‐SPh)NiBr] (Ar = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl, 1; Ar = 2,6‐dimethylphenyl, 2; Ar = Ph, 3) and palladium(II) complexes [(ArN = CHC6H4NPh‐2‐SPh)PdCH3] (Ar = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl, 4; Ar = 2,6‐dimethylphenyl, 5; Ar = Ph, 6) were synthesized and characterized. X‐ray diffraction analyses of the single‐crystal structures revealed that tridentate complexes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 featured a distorted square‐planar coordination of the central metal. Compared to the bidentate metal complexes bearing anilido–imine ligands, the N,N,S tridentate metal complexes showed better stability. In the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), nickel complexes 1–3 showed moderate activity toward ethylene oligomerization at atmosphere pressure, but the palladium complexes were inactive. However, the nickel complexes exhibited high activity up to 8.20 × 106 g/(mol of Ni) h and palladium complexes showed very high activity up to 2.68 × 108 g/(mol of Pd) h toward norbornene polymerization with MAO as cocatalyst. The obtained polynorbornenes are vinylic addition polymers with high molecular weights. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Open Problems in Chemical Topology
Authors: Fenlon Edward E.
Published: August 2008

The historical origins of chemical topology are highlighted and seven open problems in the discipline are defined. The current state of experimental work towards their solutions is reviewed. Open problems discussed include size and tightness limits on molecular knots, synthesis of knots more complex than the trefoil, measurement of the enantiomerization barrier of a topological rubber glove, and syntheses of a polyethylene trefoil knot, a stable open knot with stoppers, and a molecular Whitehead link.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The effect of cultivar and cultivation on sensory profiles of fresh strawberries and their purées
Authors: Kovačević Danijela Bursać , Vahčić Nada , Levaj Branka , Dragović‐Uzelac Verica
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to delineate and compare the sensory profiles of four different strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), Elsanta, Marmolada, Maya and Queen Elisa, grown in Croatia in both conventional and organic cultivation. Sensory profiles of the fresh fruit and their purées were determined by quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). ANOVA was applied to establish the differences between the intensities of sensory attributes of the fresh strawberries and their purées, arising from the employment of different cultivars and different cultivation types. Seven sensory attributes (out of 14 investigated) showed variations among fresh fruit samples and their purées, two types of cultivation and four cultivars. Sensory attributes, in terms of sour, sweet and harmonious tastes and colour intensity, were compared to the results of experimental physicochemical measurements of titratable acidity (TA), pH, total solids (TS), soluble solids (SS), quality index (SS/TA) and total amounts of anthocyanins, and showed strong correlations between them. The results of this study were also evaluated using multivariate modelling methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA). PCA showed that, regardless of cultivar employed, the attributes best characterizing the fresh samples under evaluation were sweet and harmonious taste, firmness, and floury and aqueous texture, while the purée samples could be best described by earthy and green flavour, off‐odour and off‐flavour, homogeneous texture, strawberry odour, viscous texture and sour taste. PCA of the sensory data showed that the analysed sensory attributes could be clearly linked to different cultivars and different cultivation types, for both the fresh samples and their purées. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PUHCA reform to make IPPs consolidate
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: August 2008

Over the last decade, independent power producers (IPPs), which produce electricity and which are not regulated by the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA),have been a bright spot in the gas‐demand picture. Although today only about 35 percent of electric power is generated by these companies, by the endof the decade this proportion should triple.

The impact on the natural gas industry is substantial. Slightly less than two‐thirds of the electric power that is provided by IPPs is provided by gas (the reminder is hydroelectric). Moreover , new electric generation is forecasted to provide about half of the growth that the gas industry will enjoy for the rest of the decade.Thus, legislation that affects IPPs could sharply affect the growth of the natural gas indusrty. Such legislation , which reforms PUHCA, has been proposed in a Senate bill, the competitive wholesale electric generation bill
Single dose of a dopamine agonist impairs reinforcement learning in humans: Evidence from event‐related potentials and computational modeling of striatal‐cortical function
Authors: Santesso Diane L. , Evins A. Eden , Frank Michael J. , Schetter Erika C. , Bogdan Ryan , Pizzagalli Diego A.
Published: August 2008

Animal findings have highlighted the modulatory role of phasic dopamine (DA) signaling in incentive learning, particularly in the acquisition of reward‐related behavior. In humans, these processes remain largely unknown. In a recent study, we demonstrated that a single low dose of a D2/D3 agonist (pramipexole)—assumed to activate DA autoreceptors and thus reduce phasic DA bursts—impaired reward learning in healthy subjects performing a probabilistic reward task. The purpose of this study was to extend these behavioral findings using event‐related potentials and computational modeling. Compared with the placebo group, participants receiving pramipexole showed increased feedback‐related negativity to probabilistic rewards and decreased activation in dorsal anterior cingulate regions previously implicated in integrating reinforcement history over time. Additionally, findings of blunted reward learning in participants receiving pramipexole were simulated by reduced presynaptic DA signaling in response to reward in a neural network model of striatal‐cortical function. These preliminary findings offer important insights on the role of phasic DA signals on reinforcement learning in humans and provide initial evidence regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of brain mechanisms underlying these processes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudohomophone effects provide evidence of early lexico‐phonological processing in visual word recognition
Authors: Braun Mario , Hutzler Florian , Ziegler Johannes C. , Dambacher Michael , Jacobs Arthur M.
Published: August 2008

Previous research using event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) suggested that phonological processing in visual word recognition occurs rather late, typically after semantic or syntactic processing. Here, we show that phonological activation in visual word recognition can be observed much earlier. Using a lexical decision task, we show that ERPs to pseudohomophones (PsHs) (e.g., ROZE) differed from well‐matched spelling controls (e.g., ROFE) as early as 150 ms (P150) after stimulus onset. The PsH effect occurred as early as the word frequency effect suggesting that phonological activation occurs early enough to influence lexical access. Low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA) revealed that left temporoparietal and right frontotemporal areas are the likely brain regions associated with the processing of phonological information at the lexical level. Altogether, the results show that phonological processes are activated early in visual word recognition and play an important role in lexical access. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural correlates of personally familiar faces: Parents, partner and own faces
Authors: Taylor Margot J. , Arsalidou Marie , Bayless Sarah J. , Morris Drew , Evans Jennifer W. , Barbeau Emmanuel J.
Published: August 2008

Investigations of the neural correlates of face recognition have typically used old/new paradigms where subjects learn to recognize new faces or identify famous faces. Familiar faces, however, include one's own face, partner's and parents' faces. Using event‐related fMRI, we examined the neural correlates of these personally familiar faces. Ten participants were presented with photographs of own, partner, parents, famous and unfamiliar faces and responded to a distinct target. Whole brain, two regions of interest (fusiform gyrus and cingulate gyrus), and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Compared with baseline, all familiar faces activated the fusiform gyrus; own faces also activated occipital regions and the precuneus; partner faces activated similar areas, but in addition, the parahippocampal gyrus, middle superior temporal gyri and middle frontal gyrus. Compared with unfamiliar faces, only personally familiar faces activated the cingulate gyrus and the extent of activation varied with face category. Partner faces also activated the insula, amygdala and thalamus. Regions of interest analyses and laterality indices showed anatomical distinctions of processing the personally familiar faces within the fusiform and cingulate gyri. Famous faces were right lateralized whereas personally familiar faces, particularly partner and own faces, elicited bilateral activations. Regression analyses show experiential predictors modulated with neural activity related to own and partner faces. Thus, personally familiar faces activated the core visual areas and extended frontal regions, related to semantic and person knowledge and the extent and areas of activation varied with face type. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone Disease in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Increased Bone Resorption and Turnover in the Absence of Osteoporosis or Osteomalacia
Authors: Cuthbert Jennifer A. , Pak Charles Y. C. , Zerwekh Joseph E. , Glass Kenneth D. , Combes Burton
Published: August 2008

The role of vitamin D in hepatic osteodystrophy was examined. Eleven unselected patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were assessed for disorders of mineral and vitamin D metabolism. Six were not receiving supplementary vitamin D, and five were being treated with oral vitamin D (50,000 IU daily). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were normal in all patients receiving oral therapy and in 4 of 6 untreated patients. Levels of serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were normal or near normal in all patients. Studies were repeated after 6 months of therapy with parenteral vitamin D2 (100,000 IU i.m. monthly) in 7 patients. Initial bone histomorphometry revealed no evidence of osteomalacia or osteoporosis. However, the bone resorption surface of trabecular bone was increased. This abnormality was no longer present on repeat bone biopsies obtained after parenteral vitamin D therapy, and bone formation had decreased. In addition, trabecular bone volume remained normal in the face of the lower rate of bone formation. Increased bone resorption surface in the absence of osteoporosis or osteomalacia has not been previously described in PBC. Improvement in this bone parameter, associated with the finding of a decrease in the formation of bone and in hydroxyproline excretion in urine after parenteral vitamin D, suggests that increased turnover may be an early feature of the bone disease which complicates PBC and that parenteral vitamin D may retard the rate at which hepatic osteodystrophy develops in chronic cholestatic liver disease.
Complement Components and Activation in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Lindgren Stefan , Laurell Anna-Brita , Eriksson Sten
Published: August 2008

Total complement activity was normal in 18 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis using two hemolytic assays capable of distinguishing between defects in classical and alternative pathways. Activation of the classical pathway was demonstrated in all patients by formation of complexes between C1r, C1s, and C1 inactivator. Large amounts of free C1q, not in complex with C1r and C1s, were demonstrated in the majority of patient sera. Furthermore, C4 levels were within the normal range or slightly subnormal. No evidence for alternative pathway activation was found. Increased mean levels of several complement components, in particular C1 inactivator, C2, C3, factor B, factor H, were noted. A significant correlation between these complement factors, derived mainly from the liver, and ceruloplasmin suggests that this elevation might be secondary to cholestasis. In contrast, no significant correlations with levels of early reacting acute phase reactants, immunoglobulins, or circulating immune complex-like material were observed. It is concluded that activation of the complement system by the classical pathway is common in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Immunosuppressive Serum Factors in Viral Hepatitis. III. Prognostic Relevance of Rosette Inhibitory Factor and Serum Inhibition Factor in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis
Authors: Grauer Wolfgang , Brattig Norbert W. , Schomerus Hans , FrÖSner Gerd , Berg Peter A.
Published: August 2008

Two immunosuppressive serum factors, serum inhibition factor (SIF) and rosette inhibitory factor (RIF), were studied in sera from patients with acute and chronic viral hepatitis. In a study of 30 patients with acute viral hepatitis, an association was found between RIF, SIF, and biochemical and virological parameters in 27 patients (90%), 25 of whom recovered completely; two had a protracted course. In three patients, the clinical course was not reflected by the immunosuppressive factors. In 26 patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, 3 had RIF and 7 had SIF of low activity. In patients with HBsAg-positive and -negative chronic active hepatitis, 32 of 47 had RIF and 24 had SIF. SIF activity was significantly increased in HBsAg positive as compared to -negative cases. There was no correlation between RIF and SIF activity at any stage of viral hepatitis. Although SIF was demonstrated in patients with various infectious and other inflammatory diseases, RIF was infrequently detected in nonviral liver disorders, and was not present in any of the nonhepatic diseases tested. It was confirmed that RIF is associated with the β-lipoprotein fraction. RIF was easily separated from SIF by density gradient ultracentrifugation. The evaluation of SIF and RIF may be helpful in determining the outcome of acute viral hepatitis. In chronic hepatitis, RIF was a better indicator of disease activity than was SIF. These clinical data support previous findings that SIF may be related to the immune response whereas RIF is associated with liver cell damage.
The Influence of Vasoactive Agents on Metabolic Activity of the Liver in Cirrhosis: A Study of the Effects of Posterior Pituitary Extract, Vasopressin, and Somatostatin†
Authors: Barbare Jean-Claude , Poupon Raoul , Jaillon Patrice , Bories Philippe , Aussanaire Michele , Darnis François , Michel Henri , Cheymol Georges
Published: August 2008

We studied the influence of posterior pituitary extract, vasopressin, and somatostatin on hepatic elimination function. Hepatic clearance and its two biological determinants, hepatic blood flow and metabolic activity (clearance Vmax/Km), were determined from hepatic indocyanine green elimination at steady-state in cirrhotic patients. Intravenous infusion of posterior pituitary extract (oxytocin, 59%; vasopressin, 41%) at the constant rate of 0.3 unit per kg per hr decreased hepatic clearance (p < 0.05) and Vmax/Km(p < 0.05) but did not change hepatic blood flow. Intravenous infusion of vasopressin (0.3 unit per kg per hr) decreased hepatic clearance (p < 0.05), Vmax/Km(p < 0.05) and hepatic blood flow (p < 0.05). Intravenous infusion of somatostatin (250 μg per hr following a bolus i.v. injection of 250 μg) decreased hepatic clearance (p < 0.05), Vmax/Km(p < 0.05), and hepatic blood flow (p < 0.05). This study shows that the vasoactive agents used in the management of upper digestive bleeding in cirrhotic patients may have deleterious effects on the metabolic activity of the liver in addition to their effects on hemodynamics. The results suggest that the vasoactive substances either increased the fraction of total hepatic blood which bypassed intact hepatocytes or directly impaired metabolic activity of hepatocytes. Reduction in the metabolic activity of the liver produced by vasoactive agents may have important implications in therapy of portal hypertension.
Relationship Between Expression of Hepatitis B Virus Antigens in Isolated Hepatocytes and Autologous Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Naumov Nikolai V. , Mondelli Mario , Alexander Graeme J. M. , Tedder Richard S. , Eddleston Adrian L. W. F. , Williams Roger
Published: August 2008

Previous studies demonstrated that peripheral blood lymphocytes are cytotoxic to autologous hepatocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We examined whether cytotoxicity is specifically directed against hepatocytes expressing HBsAg or HBcAg. Viral antigens were detected by immunofluorescence in isolated hepatocytes before and after exposure to T and non-T lymphocytes from 28 patients with chronic HBV infection in an autologous cytotoxicity assay.

There was significant reduction in the percentage of HBcAg-positive hepatocytes after exposure to T lymphocytes and, to a lesser extent, after exposure to non-T cells; hepatocytes expressing HBsAg were not affected. Other studies showed that many hepatocytes containing HBcAg have IgG of anti-HBc specificity bound to their nuclei. In the present study, there was significant association between the presence of HBcAg and nuclear IgG in isolated hepatocytes. The ratio between the percentages of HBcAg-positive and IgG-positive hepatocytes (reflecting the proportion of hepatocytes containing free-core antigen) correlated significantly with reduction in HBcAg-positive liver cells after exposure to T cells, but not to non-T cells.

These results suggest that hepatocytes in which viral replication is occurring and which express core determinants are susceptible to cell-mediated cytotoxicity and that T-cell cytolysis may be modulated by anti-HBc which is bound to hepatocytes.