bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction of mass spectrometric isotope ratio measurements for isobaric isotopologues of O2, CO, CO2, N2O and SO2
Authors: Kaiser Jan , Röckmann Thomas
Published: November 2008

Gas isotope ratio mass spectrometers usually measure ion current ratios of molecules, not atoms. Often several isotopologues contribute to an ion current at a particular mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z). Therefore, corrections have to be applied to derive the desired isotope ratios. These corrections are usually formulated in terms of isotope ratios (R), but this does not reflect the practice of measuring the ion current ratios of the sample relative to those of a reference material. Correspondingly, the relative ion current ratio differences (expressed as δ values) are first converted into isotopologue ratios, then into isotope ratios and finally back into elemental δ values. Here, we present a reformulation of this data reduction procedure entirely in terms of δ values and the ‘absolute’ isotope ratios of the reference material. This also shows that not the absolute isotope ratios of the reference material themselves, but only product and ratio combinations of them, are required for the data reduction. These combinations can be and, for carbon and oxygen have been, measured by conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometers. The frequently implied use of absolute isotope ratios measured by specially calibrated instruments is actually unnecessary. Following related work on CO2, we here derive data reduction equations for the species O2, CO, N2O and SO2. We also suggest experiments to measure the required absolute ratio combinations for N2O, SO2 and O2. As a prelude, we summarise historic and recent measurements of absolute isotope ratios in international isotope reference materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring the Tanford transition in β‐lactoglobulin by 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonate and mass spectrometry
Authors: Santambrogio Carlo , Grandori Rita
Published: November 2008

The fluorescent dye 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) is known to interact with proteins by conformation‐specific hydrophobic interactions and rather nonspecific electrostatic interactions. To which category the complexes detectable by mass spectrometry (MS) belong is still the subject of debate. Here, the Tanford transition in β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) is exploited as an experimental device to expose hydrophobic binding sites by an increase in pH, rather than, as usually done, by lowering the pH. Complex formation is monitored by electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS and fluorescence spectroscopy. Both techniques reveal stronger ANS binding to BLG at pH 7.9 than at pH 5.9, suggesting that dye binding inside the calyx, which is known to be hydrophobically driven in solution, can contribute to the complexes detected by ESI‐MS. Electrostatic interactions between the protein and the ANS sulfonate group can only be weaker at pH 7.9 than at pH 5.9, supporting the interpretation of the results by the protein conformational change. Lysozyme is used as a negative control, which shows no variation in the interaction with ANS in the same range of pH, in the absence of conformational changes. However, comparison of MS and fluorescence data at variable pH for BLG and myoglobin (Mb) suggests that conformation‐specific ANS binding to proteins is detectable by ESI‐MS only inside well‐structured cavities of folded structures, like the BLG calyx and apoMb heme pocket. Indeed, ANS interactions with highly dynamic structures or molten globules, although detectable in solution, are easily lost in the gas phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion planning in urban environments
Authors: Ferguson Dave , Howard Thomas M. , Likhachev Maxim
Published: November 2008

We present the motion planning framework for an autonomous vehicle navigating through urban environments. Such environments present a number of motion planning challenges, including ultrareliability, high‐speed operation, complex intervehicle interaction, parking in large unstructured lots, and constrained maneuvers. Our approach combines a model‐predictive trajectory generation algorithm for computing dynamically feasible actions with two higher level planners for generating long‐range plans in both on‐road and unstructured areas of the environment. In the first part of this article, we describe the underlying trajectory generator and the on‐road planning component of this system. We then describe the unstructured planning component of this system used for navigating through parking lots and recovering from anomalous on‐road scenarios. Throughout, we provide examples and results from “Boss” an autonomous sport utility vehicle that has driven itself over 3,000 km and competed in, and won, the DARPA Urban Challenge. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A re‐evaluation of the ‘quantile approximation method’ for random effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Jackson Dan , Bowden Jack
Published: November 2008

The quantile approximation method has recently been proposed as a simple method for deriving confidence intervals for the treatment effect in a random effects meta‐analysis. Although easily implemented, the quantiles used to construct intervals are derived from a single simulation study. Here it is shown that altering the study parameters, and in particular introducing changes to the distribution of the within‐study variances, can have a dramatic impact on the resulting quantiles. This is further illustrated analytically by examining the scenario where all trials are assumed to be the same size. A more cautious approach is therefore suggested, where the conventional standard normal quantile is used in the primary analysis, but where the use of alternative quantiles is also considered in a sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitellogenin induction by a mixture of steroidal estrogens in freshwater fishes and relevant risk assessment
Authors: Zhang Hui , Kong Fan‐Xiang , Wang Shi‐He , Yu Yang , Zhang Min
Published: November 2008

The study method on combined effects of environmental contaminant mixture and ecological risk assessment was discussed. Batch tests were conducted to assess the in vivo potency of binary mixtures of estrogens using plasma vitellogenin concentrations in male crucian carp as the endpoint. The estrogenic potencies of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE2) were determined following 14 day exposure to the individual chemicals and equipotent binary mixtures. A Nonlinear regression was obtained and 95% confidence limits of effect concentration were achieved using the bootstrap method. Concentration‐response curve for fixed ratio binary mixtures of E2 and EE2 was compared with those for individual chemicals, using the biomathematical models of concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA). A complete overlap was found for the CA predictions with the 95% confidence interval of the best‐fit regression line of the observed responses, and the IA predictions was shown lower than the observations. The observed mixture effects were considerably higher than those of the hormone alone and far exceeded the 95% confidence interval of the estrogen regression lines. The predicted effects of binary mixtures at different mixture ratios indicated that the potential impact of components on mixture would depend predominantly on its concentration, the mixture ratio and its relative potency. Results suggested that E2 and EE2 acted together in an additive manner and the combined effects can be accurately predicted in whole range of exposure concentration by the models of CA and IA, the model of CA might be realistic, but more useful for ecological risk assessment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Contact dermatitis caused by sunless tanning treatment with dihydroxyacetone in hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs
Authors: Kimura Tohru
Published: November 2008

Dihydroxyacetone (DHAT) is a color additive that is added to sunless tanning products to produce an artificial tan. Although this agent has been used extensively as safe sunless tanning, no published data are available to judge whether the abuse of DHAT causes a potential hazard to the human skin. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether frequent treatment with DHAT solutions had a deleterious effect on the wide skin surface of hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs. The skin reactions to the DHAT‐treatment were investigated by daily clinical observations and histopathological examinations (21 and 42 days after the beginning of the DHAT‐treatment). Clinical observations showed that skin color changes were apparent within 6 h after the first treatment with 5% DHAT solutions, with maximal darkening between 12 and 24 h. Twenty‐one days after the beginning of the treatment with 5% DHAT solutions, the skin developed irritant dermatitis, and then the skin lesions gradually became severe during this study. Histopathological examinations showed entire epidermal thickening, 21 days after the beginning of the treatment with 5% DHAT solutions. Forty‐two days after the beginning of the treatment with 5% DHAT solutions, the skin exhibited remarkable epidermal degeneration (hyperplastic and dyskeratotic changes) and moderate inflammatory reactions in the dermis. In severe dermatitic sites, I found focal epidermal necrosis or interepidermal blister formation beneath the thickened parakeatotic corneum. Throughout this study, there were no clinical and histopathological changes in the sites treated with vehicle alone. These results revealed that the skin coloring generated by frequent wide treatments with DHAT caused severe contact dermatitis which was associated with the damaged stratum corneum. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Synthesis and Characterization of Heterobimetallic Aluminum‐Germanium(IV) Disulfides
Authors: Yang Zhi , Ma Xiaoli , Zhang Zhensheng , Roesky Herbert W. , Magull Jörg , Ringe Arne
Published: November 2008

Three heterobimetallic aluminum‐germanium(IV) disulfides are synthesized. The reaction of {LAl[(SLi)2(THF)2]}2 (1) (L = HC(CMeNAr)2, Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) with Ph2GeCl2, Me2GeCl2, and GeCl4, respectively, in THF afforded LAl(μ‐S)2GePh2 (2), LAl(μ‐S)2GeMe2 (3) and LAl(μ‐S)2Ge(μ‐S)2AlL (4) in good yields. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 were investigated by elemental analysis, NMR, EI‐MS and 3 was also characterized by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis.
Neues aus der Chemie des Berylliums
Authors: Dehnicke Kurt , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: November 2008

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Beryllium

A review of recent results in coordination chemistry of beryllium halides is given. In accordance with the editors' objective, this Research Report is not a complete review of the literature in this field, but the important literature close to it is considered. The following subjects are presented:

(i) Syntheses and structural characterizations of tetraphenylphosphonium salts of [BeCl4]2−, [Be2Cl6]2−, and the unique [Be2F6]2− ion, which are soluble in organic solvents like dichloromethane or acetonitrile. (Ph4P)2[Be2F6]·2CH3CN is also extensively studied by IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations (DFT).

(ii) Application of (Ph4)2[Be2Cl6] to prepare donor acceptor complexes with N‐donor ligands D to give complexes [BeCl3(D)]− which are isoelectronical with the corresponding boron compounds [BCl3(D)], including quantum chemical calculations.

(iii) Molecular complexes of the type [BeCl2(D)2] with D = phosphorane imines HNPR3 or Me3SiNPR3.

(iv) Phosphoraneiminato complexes of beryllium, among these the first example [BeCl(μ‐NPEt3)]4 with a Be4N4 heterocubane skeleton.

(v) Azido complexes of several types, including the unique examples with adamantane‐like structure [Be4X4(μ‐N3)6]2− with X = Cl, Br.

(vi) Monocationic complexes [BeCl(12‐crown‐4)]+[SbCl4]− and [BeCl(PMDETA)]+Cl− (PMDETA = pentamethyl‐diethylenetriamine).

(vii) Dicationic complexes with O‐donor ligands H2O and OSMe2. [Be(OH2)4]Cl2, [Be(OSMe2)4]Cl2, and mixed ligand complexes like [Be(OH2)2(OSMe2)2]Cl2.

(viii) Molecular and anionic oxo‐complexes, particularly with μ‐OSiMe3 groups, among these the tetramethyl‐trioxosilanato complex (Ph4P)2[Be4(μ‐Cl)2Cl4(OSiMe2OSiMe2O)2].
Strontium Nitriminotetrazolates – Suitable Colorants in Smokeless Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg , Tarantik Karina R. , Thoma Ines D.
Published: November 2008

The new compounds strontium 5‐nitriminotetrazolate dihydrate (1), strontium bis(1‐hydro‐5‐nitriminotetrazolate) tetrahydrate (2), strontium bis(1‐methyl‐5‐nitriminotetrazolate) monohydrate (3) and strontium bis(2‐methyl‐5‐nitraminotetrazolate)·x H2O (x = 2–4) (4) were synthesized by the reactions of strontium hydroxide octahydrate and 5‐nitriminotetrazole (5), 1‐methyl‐5‐nitriminotetrazole (6) and 2‐methyl‐5‐nitraminotetrazole (7), respectively. The compounds were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The solid state structures of 1, 2, 3 and 4 were determined using low temperature X‐ray diffraction. In addition, the sensitivities (impact, friction, electrical discharge) of 1–4 were investigated and their use as red colorants in pyrotechnic compositions was tested.
Bis(3‐endo‐camphoryl)phosphinic Acid, a Non‐Racemic Helical Supramolecular Host with Aquapores
Authors: Beckmann Jens , Duthie Andrew , Rüttinger Roman , Schwich Torsten
Published: November 2008

Bis(3‐endo‐camphoryl)phosphinic acid (1) was prepared by the reaction of the lithium enolate of D‐(+)‐camphor and phosphorous trichloride followed by an oxidative work up. Compound 1 crystallizes from wet toluene as monohydrate 1·H2O, which was investigated by X‐ray crystallography. Molecules of 1 are associated by strong hydrogen bonds giving rise to the formation of a supramolecular helix. The interior channel of the helix is filled by a one‐dimensional (1D) string of water molecules that are also associated by hydrogen bonding. The 1D string adopts a twisted zigzag conformation. Although the hydrogen bond networks are not cross‐linked both the screw of the helix and the twist of the 1D string of water molecules are left‐handed (M) and controlled by the chiral camphoryl residues situated on the exterior of the helix. The overall supramolecular structure is strongly reminiscent of aquaporin‐1, a significant membrane‐channel protein responsible for the transport of water into the cells.
Zur Kristallchemie der Oxometallate des Hafniums
Authors: Müller‐Buschbaum Hanskarl
Published: November 2008

Der Beitrag zeigt Hf4+ in Oxiden und Oxometallaten mit typischer und untypischer Koordination. HfO6‐Oktaeder existieren außer in den Oxiden des Hafniums in verschiedenen Hf‐Molydaten und ‐Vanadaten. Ein spezielles Merkmal ist die Bildung komplexer Baugruppen um die zueinander isolierten HfO6‐Oktaeder. Beobachtet wurden [HfO3(Mo6O21)]8−‐, [HfO3(Mo12O39)]8−‐ und [HfO3(Rb2O15)]30−. HfO6‐Oktaeder sind ferner in Polyederketten eingelagert. Ein interessanter Gesichtspunkt der Hafnium‐Oxometallate sind Hf/O‐Polyeder mit Koordinationszahlen C.N. > 6. Es sind zum Beispiel zweifach überkappte trigonale Prismen (hp/ht‐HfMo2O8) und dreifach überkappte trigonale Prismen (hp/ht‐HfO2, (Cotunnit‐Typ), die repräsentativ für die C.N. = 8 bzw. C.N. = 9 sind. In fluoritverwandten Verbindungen (Ca2Hf7O16) liegt Hf4+ innerhalb eines fragmentierten Würfels (eine Ecke fehlt). Schließlich treten in einer weiteren trigonalen Form von HfMo2O8 hexagonale HfO12‐Antiprismen (C.N. = 12) auf. In der gleichen Kristallstruktur ist Hafnium trigonal prismatisch (C.N. = 6) koordiniert. Hf hat ferner keine Probleme, mit anderen Elementen statistische Verteilungen einzugehen, es adaptiert die Kristallstruktur des Pyrochlors und der Perowskite unterschiedlichster Verzerrung. Zum Schluß wird über eine fast sauerstofffreie Substanz (Hf9Mo4NiO0,84) berichtet, die interessante Metallcluster aufweist.
M(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)I4 (M = Cd, Hg): Tetraiodide, Iodide–Iodine Adduct, or an Inclusion Compound of Iodine in MI2@(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)?
Authors: Striebinger Ralph , Walbaum Christine , Pantenburg Ingo , Meyer Gerd
Published: November 2008

M(benzo‐18‐crown‐6)I4 (M = Cd, Hg) are obtained as red columnar crystals from the reactions of benzo‐18‐crown‐6 (b18c6), cadmium and mercury iodide, respectively, and iodine in molar ratios of 1:1:2 in acetonitrile. They both crystallize with the orthorhombic crystal system, P212121, a = 833.7(1), b = 1610.9(1), c = 1846.8(1) pm, V = 2480.3(1) 106·pm3, Z = 4, for M = Cd and a = 823.4(1), b = 1616.5(1), c = 1866.1(1) pm, V = 2483.8(2) 106·pm3 for M = Hg. The crystal structures consist of [M(b18c6)]I2 molecules which are connected to a slightly lengthened iodine molecule via a secondary contact, according to the formulation I2@[MI2@(b18c6)].
Preparation and Conformation of Organo‐Bridged Bis[tris(arylchalcogenolato)tin] Compounds – An Experimental and Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Nayek Hari Pada , Niedermeyer Heiko , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: November 2008

Seven organo‐bridged bis[tris(arylchalcogenolato)tin] compounds with the general formulae (R′E)3Sn–R–Sn(ER′)3 (R = –(CH2)4–, 1,4‐bis(methyl)benzene, 4,4′‐bis(methyl)biphenyl; R′ = Ph, 1‐Np, 2‐Np; E = S, Se) were synthesized and characterized by means of X‐ray diffractometry as well as NMR spectroscopy. Three different conformations of the arylchalcogenolato groups ER′ with respect to the bridging group R were rationalized and explained by means of quantum chemical investigations.
Gewellt und eben – La6(C2)‐Oktaederschichten in Lanthancarbidchloriden
Authors: Mattausch Hansjürgen , Simon Arndt , Kienle Lorenz , Köhler Jürgen , Hoch Constantin , Nuss Jürgen
Published: November 2008

Sheets of La6(C2) Octahedra in Lanthanum Carbide Chlorides – undulated and plane

The reaction of Ln, LnCl3 (Ln = La, Ce) and C yields the hitherto unknown compounds La8(C2)4Cl5, Ce8(C2)4Cl5, La14(C2)7Cl9, La20(C2)10Cl13, La22(C2)11Cl14, La36(C2)18Cl23 and La2(C2)Cl. The gold‐ resp. bronze‐coloured metallic compounds are sensitive to moisture. The reaction temperatures are 1030 °C, 1000 °C, 970 °C, 1020 °C, 1020 °C, 1080 °C and 1030 °C in the order of compounds given, which mostly crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 7.756(1) Å, b = 16.951(1) Å, c = 6.878(1) Å, β = 104.20(1)° (La8(C2)4Cl5), a = 7.669(2) Å, b = 16.784(3) Å, c = 6.798(1) Å, β = 104.05(1)° (Ce8(C2)4Cl5), a = 7.669(2) Å, b = 16.784(3) Å, c = 6.789(1) Å, β = 104.05(3)° (La20(C2)10Cl13), a = 7.770(2) Å, b = 47.038(9) Å, c = 6.901(1) Å, β = 104.28(3)° (La22(C2)11Cl14) and a = 7.764(2) Å, b = 77.055(15) Å, c = 6.897(1) Å, β = 104.26(3)° (La36(C2)18Cl23), respectively. La14(C2)7Cl9‐(II) crystallizes in Pc with a = 7.775(2) Å, b = 29.963(6) Å, c = 6.895(1) Å, β = 104.21(3)° and La2(C2)Cl in C2/c with a = 14.770(2) Å, b = 4.187(1) Å, c = 6.802(1) Å, β = 101.50(3)°. The crystal structures are composed of distorted C2 centered La‐octahedra which are condensed into chains via common edges. Three and four such chains join into ribbons, and these are connected into undulated layers with Cl atoms between them. The variations of the structure principle are analyzed systematically.
Synthese, Strukturen, EPR‐ und NMR‐Untersuchungen von N,N′‐o‐Phenylen‐bis(N″,N″‐dialkyl‐N‴‐benzimidoyl‐thioureato)‐Komplexen des NiII und CuII (alkyl = C2H5, i‐C4H9) sowie des Benzo[b]pyrimido‐[1,6‐d][1,4]diazepin‐12‐ium‐dichlorocuprats(I)
Authors: Rodenstein Axel , Creutzburg Dirk , Schmiedel Peter , Griebel Jan , Hennig Lothar , Kirmse Reinhard
Published: November 2008

Synthesis, Structures, EPR and NMR Investigations of N,N′‐o‐Phenylen‐bis(N″,N″‐dialkyl‐N‴‐benzimidoyl‐thioureato) Complexes of NiII and CuII (alkyl = C2H5, i‐C4H9) and of Benzo[b]pyrimido‐[1,6‐d][1,4]diazepin‐12‐ium‐dichlorocuprate(I)

The synthesis of NiII and CuII complexes of the quadridentate N,N′‐o‐phenylen‐bis(N″,N″‐dialkyl‐N‴‐benzimidoyl‐thiourea) ligands H2L1 (alkyl = C2H5) and H2L2 (alkyl = i‐C4H9) and the crystal structures of CuIIL1 and NiIIL2 are reported. CuIIL1 crystallizes triclinic, $P{\bar 1}$ (Z = 2) and NiIIL2 crystallizes orthorhombic, Pbca (Z = 8). CuIIL2 could not be obtained as a pure compound; instead of this benzo[b]pyrimido‐[1,6‐d][1,4]diazepin‐12‐ium‐dichlorocuprate(I) was isolated and characterized by NMR investigations (1H, 13C, APT, H,H COSY, HSQC, HMBC) and by X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes monoclinic, P21/n with Z = 4. The CuII complexes were studied by EPR; CuIIL1 in liquid and frozen solutions, CuIIL2 in diamagnetically diluted CuII/NiIIL2 powders. The well‐resolved 14N and the 63,65Cu hyperfine couplings were used to analyze the spin‐density distribution in the first coordination sphere.
Cluster Complexes as anti‐Werner Complexes
Authors: Meyer Gerd
Published: November 2008

The nomenclature which Alfred Werner introduced in coordination (complex) chemistry is imposed on cluster compounds, especially on those which contain endohedral atoms to enhance the electron count for intra‐cluster bonding. Formulae are written in a way that, beginning with the central atom, the sequence of coordination spheres is illustrated. For example, the iodide so far mostly written as Cs4Pr6I13C2, a formula which tells nothing about the structure, is then rewritten as follows, {(C2)Pr6}I13Cs4. Cs2Mo6Cl14 would be [{□Mo6}Cl8iCl6a]Cs2. Square brackets, [ ], are used for an anionic or cationic complex which ideally exists in solution, braces, { }, are reserved for clusters with intra‐cluster metal‐metal and/or metal‐interstitial bonding. Whenever feasible other nomenclatures are included, for example Niggli's way to hint at connections as in {(C2)Dy4/1Dy2/2}2{ODy2/2Dy2/2}2I24, or the Schäfer–Schnering nomenclature for ligand functionalities as in {Mo6}Cl8iCl2aCl4/2a‐a. This way of considering cluster complexes as anti‐Werner complexes is especially useful when coordination numbers and polyhedra of endohedral atoms are considered in a systematic way.
Topological Analysis of Mesoporous Solids and Their Ordered Pore Structures by Periodic Nodal Surfaces, PNS
Authors: Zürn Anke , von Schnering Hans Georg
Published: November 2008

It is shown that Periodic Nodal Surfaces, PNS, give a general and easy to use tool to analyze and characterize mesoporous solids. The comparison of PNS ($Ia{\bar 3}d$ Symmetry) with different MCM‐48 micrographs indicates two different possible structure types, both closely related to the structure of analcime, and the possibility of a polymorphism for MCM‐48.
Social factors influence ovarian acyclicity in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Freeman Elizabeth W. , Guagnano Greg , Olson Deborah , Keele Mike , Brown Janine L.
Published: November 2008

Nearly one‐third of reproductive age African elephants in North America that are hormonally monitored fail to exhibit estrous cycle activity, which exacerbates the nonsustainability of the captive population. Three surveys were distributed to facilities housing female African elephants to determine how social and environmental variables contribute to cyclicity problems. Forty‐six facilities returned all three surveys providing information on 90% of the SSP population and 106 elephants (64 cycling, 27 noncycling and 15 undetermined). Logistic analyses found that some physiological and social history variables were related to ovarian acyclicity. Females more likely to be acyclic had a larger body mass index and had resided longer at a facility with the same herdmates. Results suggest that controlling the weight of an elephant might be a first step to helping mitigate estrous cycle problems. Data further show that transferring females among facilities has no major impact on ovarian activity. Last, social status appears to impact cyclicity status; at 19 of 21 facilities that housed both cycling and noncycling elephants, the dominant female was acyclic. Further studies on how social and environmental dynamics affect hormone levels in free‐living, cycling elephants are needed to determine whether acyclicity is strictly a captivity‐related phenomenon. Zoo Biol 28:1–15, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified method for extracting androgens from avian egg yolks
Authors: Kozlowski Corinne P. , Bauman Joan E. , Caldwell Hahn D.
Published: November 2008

Female birds deposit significant amounts of steroid hormones into the yolks of their eggs. Studies have demonstrated that these hormones, particularly androgens, affect nestling growth and development. In order to measure androgen concentrations in avian egg yolks, most authors follow the extraction methods outlined by Schwabl (1993. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 90:11446–11450). We describe a simplified method for extracting androgens from avian egg yolks. Our method, which has been validated through recovery and linearity experiments, consists of a single ethanol precipitation that produces substantially higher recoveries than those reported by Schwabl (1993. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 90:11446–11450). Zoo Biol 28:137–143, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of diagnostic mutation analyses for phenylketonuria
Authors: Zschocke J. , Aulehla‐Scholz C. , Patton S.
Published: November 2008

DNA sequence analyses have become a major component in the diagnostic work‐up of patients; however, limited consideration appears to be given to the possibility that reported results may in fact be wrong. Over the last four years we have carried out an External Quality Assessment scheme for mutation analysis in phenylketonuria. Each year, three DNA samples with previously characterized genotypes were mailed to participating laboratories. Indications for testing were either confirmation of diagnosis and prediction of disease severity, or carrier analysis. Each year there were several laboratories that failed to identify mutations because of methodological limitations. Of the participating laboratories that used comprehensive mutation detection methods, each year there was at least one that missed at least one mutation. Indeed, in the 2007 scheme almost 8% of reports from laboratories that used comprehensive mutation detection methods such as sequencing of all exons of the PAH gene contained incorrect genotypes. There were also serious deficiencies in the interpretation of genotype data: in the 2007 scheme, 6 out of 10 laboratories that obtained full genotyping marks for interpretation incurred a reduction of marks because information on the expected phenotype was missing or wrong. Several laboratories failed to appreciate the clinical relevance of a mutation associated with mild hyperphenylalaninaemia, which does not require treatment, and some discussed the option of prenatal diagnosis in the respective case. In conclusion, mutation analyses may be prone to errors and this demands careful interpretation of results in relation to clinical and biochemical findings.
Displacement of the Posterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus into Posterolateral Compartment: An Unusual Injury Pattern
Authors: Marx Robert G. , Ryu Jessica H.
Published: November 2008

We report a case of acute ACL injury with an unusual lateral meniscal tear pattern. The entire posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was avulsed from its attachments while remaining in continuity with the body of the meniscus. It was displaced posteriorly and laterally to the popliteus tendon so that it was not immediately visible at the time of arthroscopy. This type of displacement of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus is difficult to identify at arthroscopy and has not previously been described in the literature to our knowledge. We recommend to surgeons who encounter an absent posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to consider this injury pattern.
In situ Polymerization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Nylon-6 Nanocomposites and Their Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Saeed Khalid , Park Soo-Young , Haider Sajjad , Baek Jong-Beom
Published: November 2008

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/nylon-6 nanocomposites (MWNT/nylon-6) were prepared by in situ polymerization, whereby functionalized MWNTs (F-MWNTs) and pristine MWNTs (P-MWNTs) were used as reinforcing materials. The F-MWNTs were functionalized by Friedel-Crafts acylation, which introduced aromatic amine (COC6H4-NH2) groups onto the side wall. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images obtained from the fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites showed that the F-MWNTs in the nylon-6 matrix were well dispersed as compared to those of the P-MWNTs. Both nanocomposites could be electrospun into nanofibers in which the MWNTs were embedded and oriented along the nanofiber axis, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The specific strength and modulus of the MWNTs-reinforced nanofibers increased as compared to those of the neat nylon-6 nanofibers. The crystal structure of the nylon-6 in the MWNT/nylon-6 nanofibers was mostly γ-phase, although that of the MWNT/nylon-6 films, which were prepared by hot-pressing the pellets between two aluminum plates and then quenching them in icy water, was mostly α-phase, indicating that the shear force during electrospinning might favor the γ-phase, similarly to the conventional fiber spinning.
Synthesis of Indium Nanowires by Galvanic Displacement and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Li Haohua , Liang Chaolun , Liu Meng , Zhong Kuan , Tong Yexiang , Liu Peng , Hope Greg A
Published: November 2008

Single crystalline indium nanowires were prepared on Zn substrate which had been treated in concentrated sulphuric acid by galvanic displacement in the 0.002 mol L−1In2(SO4)3-0.002 mol L−1SeO2-0.02 mol L−1SDS-0.01 mol L−1citric acid aqueous solution. The typical diameter of indium nanowires is 30 nm and most of the nanowires are over 30 μm in length. XRD, HRTEM, SAED and structural simulation clearly demonstrate that indium nanowires are single-crystalline with the tetragonal structure, the growth direction of the nanowires is along [100] facet. The UV-Vis absorption spectra showed that indium nanowires display typical transverse resonance of SPR properties. The surfactant (SDS) and the pretreatment of Zn substrate play an important role in the growth process. The mechanism of indium nanowires growth is the synergic effect of treated Zn substrate (hard template) and SDS (soft template).
Deficient maternal care resulting from immunological stress during pregnancy is associated with a sex-dependent enhancement of conditioned fear in the offspring
Authors: Schwendener Severin , Meyer Urs , Feldon Joram
Published: November 2008

Activation of maternal stress response systems during pregnancy has been associated with altered postpartum maternal care and subsequent abnormalities in the offspring’s brain and behavioral development. It remains unknown, however, whether similar effects may be induced by exposure to immunological stress during pregnancy. The present study was designed to address this issue in a mouse model of prenatal immune activation by the viral mimic polyriboinosinic–polyribocytidilic acid (PolyI:C). Pregnant mice were exposed to PolyI:C-induced immune challenge or sham treatment, and offspring born to PolyI:C- and sham-treated dams were simultaneously cross-fostered to surrogate rearing mothers, which had either experienced inflammatory or vehicle treatment during pregnancy. We evaluated the effects of the maternal immunological manipulation on postpartum maternal behavior, and we assessed the prenatal and postnatal maternal influences on anxiety- and fear-related behavior in the offspring at the peri-adolescent and adult stage of development. We found that PolyI:C treatment during pregnancy led to changes in postpartum maternal behavior in the form of reduced pup licking/grooming and increased nest building activity. Furthermore, the adoption of neonates by surrogate rearing mothers, which had experienced PolyI:C-induced immunological stress during pregnancy, led to enhanced conditioned fear in the peri-adolescent and adult offspring, an effect that was exclusively seen in female but not male subjects. Unconditioned (innate) anxiety-related behavior as assessed in the elevated plus maze and open field explorations tests were not affected by the prenatal and postnatal manipulations. Our results thus highlight that being raised by gestationally immune-challenged surrogate mothers increases the vulnerability for specific forms of fear-related behavioral pathology in later life, and that this association may be mediated by deficits in postpartum maternal care. This may have important implications for the identification and characterization of early-life risk factors involved in the developmental etiology of fear-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Arthroscopy of the hip in children and adolescents
Authors: Roy Dennis R.
Published: November 2008

Intra-articular abnormalities of the hip, such as labral tears, loose bodies, chondral lesions, ligamentum teres tears and femoral acetabular impingement are increasingly being recognized in the pediatric age group. Evaluation for these abnormalities starts with a good history and physical exam. Radiographic imaging with plain films and magnetic resonance imaging help confirm the clinical impression. Arthroscopy of the hip can be utilized to diagnose and treat these abnormalities. Arthroscopy of the hip is a challenging procedure with a learning curve that requires a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the hip. The hip is a deeply recessed joint that has a large muscular envelope, thick joint capsule and convex and concave surfaces of the femoral head and acetabulum, respectively. The normal anatomy may be distorted due to childhood developmental disorders such as hip dysplasia, Legg–Calve–Perthes Disease and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis that adds additional challenges to the arthroscopist. Isolated intra-articular abnormalities occur rarely and an underlying morphologic abnormality should be identified which also requires management. Complications can be minimized with attention to detail.
Kingella kingae: osteoarticular infections of the sternum in children: a report of six cases
Authors: Luegmair Matthias , Chaker Mourad , Ploton Christine , Berard Jérôme
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Kingella kingae is increasingly recognized as a pathogen of osteoarticular infections (OAI) below the age of 2 years. It was reported that bones and joints which are rarely infected by other pathogens were frequently invaded by K. kingae. Based on a series of six cases, we present the typical clinical and paraclinical manifestation of K. kingae infections of the sternum and sterno-manubrial joint.

Methods

A review of the clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological, and molecular data of six consecutive children admitted to a paediatric unit for OAI of the sternum was done.

Results

Culture alone allowed for the detection of K. kingae as the responsible pathogen in three cases, molecular methods in the three other cases. Clinical and laboratory findings, as well as imaging methods, proved to be useful in the diagnostic process.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that infections of the lower sternum and the junction between the manubrium and the xyphoid process are typical, if not pathognomonic, for the organism. A respective diagnostic and therapeutic protocol was established.
Rural Population Change in Developing Countries: Lessons for Policymaking
Authors: Anríquez Gustavo , Stloukal Libor
Published: November 2008

Rural agriculture uses more than one-third of the earth's land and employs more than 40% of the population, a figure that approaches 75% in developing countries. As a result, rural demographic change is of vital importance. This article monitors four driving factors in rural demographic change including the ratio of youth to the aged, the ratio of males to female, fertility levels and migration. Alongside conclusive findings, the authors bring to light the relevance of AIDS-related deaths, urbanisation, and city planning in demographic research.
The New World Looks Younger as the Old World Gets Older: The Fertility Divide between The US and Europe
Authors: Tragaki Alexandra
Published: November 2008

Due to divergent fertility rates, the demographic gap between the US and Europe is steadily increasing. Despite significant regional variation, European fertility rates are currently well below replacement level. On the other side of the Atlantic, the continuing upsurge in fertility is definitely unique within the industrialised world. Demographers are quite perplexed by the exceptional American demographic pattern. The aim of this paper is, first, to examine the differing fertility patterns in the US and Europe; second, to identify possible explanatory factors behind the current divergence; and, finally, to present current challenges and future implications.
Concern in the European Union about Low Birth Rates
Authors: Keilman Nico
Published: November 2008

While the European Union recognises the importance of ageing and falling populations in a number of official documents, the findings require focus. In this article, the author first identifies the documents’ failure to name a target birth rate. Second, he stresses that the often mentioned fertility level of an average of 1.5 children per woman underestimates the real figure. Thirdly, he points out the futility of fertility policies when ageing processes will continue regardless of birth rate changes. In response, policies must be coordinated in a number of areas including gender policy, employment policy, immigration policy, housing policy, family policy and economic policy.
Demographic Change: How Government Support Influences Birth Rates
Authors: Aassve Arnstein
Published: November 2008

The paper reviews recent demographic changes in Europe and puts particular focus on declining birth rates. It is argued that recent demographic patterns are largely driven by changing attitudes and a reorientation of values, but that lack of government support is an important reason why actual demographic behaviour varies across countries. Interestingly, new and modern forms of demographic behaviour, such as cohabitation, out-of-wedlock childbearing and divorce are also associated with higher birth rates, and it is argued that government support and the way welfare provision is organised play a crucial role.
Population ageing and new challenges in health care systems for the elderly in Japan
Authors: Ito Hideki
Published: November 2008

Japan has one of the world's comparatively largest elderly populations. Over time, prevalent traditions of family care have declined while the need for such care, as more patients live to experience chronic and acute illnesses, increases. In order to manage these changes effectively, the Japanese government has experimented with different insurance and health care systems. The author explores long-term care insurance and new medical insurance systems that have been tried thus far with an eye towards their effectiveness and financial impact.
AN INCREASE OF INTELLIGENCE IN SUDAN, 1987–2007
Authors: KHALEEFA OMAR , SULMAN AFRA , LYNN RICHARD
Published: November 2008

Results are reported for mean IQs on the WAIS-R in Sudan in 1987 and 2007. There was a gain of 4·05 Full Scale IQ points over the 20-year period, representing a gain of 2·05 IQ points a decade. The Verbal IQ showed a loss of 1·65 IQ points, while the Performance IQ showed a gain of 7·2 IQ points. These results are broadly consistent with those in economically developed countries in showing that mean IQ on the WAIS-R has increased in Sudan, and the Performance IQ has increased more than the Verbal IQ.
Seasonal variations in the density of and corallivory by Drupella rugosa and Cronia margariticola (Caenogastropoda: Muricidae) from the coastal waters of Hong Kong: ‘plagues’ or ‘aggregations’?
Authors: Morton Brian , Blackmore Graham
Published: November 2008

Sixteen coral sites in the coastal waters of Hong Kong were examined for the corallivorous muricid gastropods Drupella rugosa and Cronia margariticola. These were recorded from all sites where there was significant hard coral cover and observed feeding upon species of Platygyra, Leptastrea, Stylocoeniella, Porites, Favites, Cyphastrea, Goniastrea, Favia, Acropora, Montipora, Pavona, Lithophyllon, Hydnophora, Echinophyllia and Plesiastrea. One large aggregation (~2000 individuals) of, mainly, D. rugosa was observed but much smaller groups (<20 individuals) were more typical. Five sites were chosen for more detailed study and surveyed during winter and summer. Despite being characterized by different coral communities, inter-site densities of D. rugosa were not significantly different and, usually, ~2 individuals · m2 were recorded. Seasonal differences were, however, significant with numbers greater during the summer, possibly related to reproduction. Feeding activity followed a similar pattern and was also largely confined to summer.

Prey selection by Drupella rugosa was complex in the field and changed according to the relative abundance of each coral taxon. Acropora was strongly selected for at all sites where it was present and Montipora, Platygyra and Pavona were usually fed upon in greater proportions than their abundances. Leptastrea, Cyphastrea, Favites, Favia and Goniastrea were fed upon but in proportions lower than suggested by their abundances. Goniopora was never fed upon despite being relatively common. The seasonality of feeding, low density, rarity of large feeding aggregations, prey selection and aspects of the feeding behaviour, that is, generally only consuming the coral's coenenchyme (the polyps surviving), suggest that while D. rugosa is widespread in Hong Kong, and contrary to other views, it poses little, if any, threat to local coral communities. Thus, reported feeding clusters of D. rugosa are probably not ‘plague’ outbreaks but examples of seasonally fostered ‘aggregations’ of feeding (and probably reproducing) individuals. Indeed, no ‘plague-like’ outbreak of any species of Drupella has been reported upon in the literature since 1999.
Tidal shifts in microhabitat use by Gobius cobitis: an adaptation to its feeding strategy?
Authors: Faria C. , Almada V.C.
Published: November 2008

During high-tide, the majority of Gobius cobitis exhibit a microhabitat shift, moving up to the mid-intertidal walls and cliffs, a typical blenniid habitat that is not used by this species during low-tide. Observations on feeding behaviour that showed that fish behave as an ambush predator, being capable of hunting fish of considerable size, combined with its movements to typical blenniid habitats, suggest that this species may have a predatory role as a fish predator on the rock intertidal.
Fragmentation and genotypic diversity of the scleractinian coralMontipora capitatain Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Authors: Nishikawa A. , Kinzie R.A. , Sakai K.
Published: November 2008

The fragmentation and genotypic diversity ofMontipora capitatawas determined in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, using field investigations and allozyme electrophoresis. Two stations were established in the Bay, one in the centre (exposed reef edge, EXPO) and the other at the south end (sheltered lagoonal reef, SHEL). Although the number and mean per cent cover of attached colonies did not differ significantly between the two habitats, number and cover of unattached colonies (fragments) were significantly higher at the sheltered habitat. Thirty-seven genotypes were detected in 176 samples using two or three enzyme loci. Although mean genetnumberdid not differ significantly between the two habitats (mean±SE, 8.2±1.2 and 12.2±1.7 in exposed and sheltered reefs, respectively), lower genetic diversity was detected at SHEL (mean NG:N±SE, 0.75±0.08 and 0.50±0.06 for EXPO and SHEL, respectively). There was no evidence of strong clonal structure, i.e. many colonies, but few genets. Sexually produced new genets may account for the high genotypic diversity inM. capitataat these two habitats.
Population dynamics of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens in Zhelin Bay, China
Authors: Huang Changjiang , Lin Xiaoping , Lin Junda , Du Hong , Dong Qiaoxiang
Published: November 2008

Population dynamics of the planktonic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens was investigated at the Zhelin Bay, China, between May 2000 and December 2004. Monthly or seasonal plankton samples were collected from nine stations along the inner to outer bay gradient. Among the 1045 samples collected, P. pungens on average accounted for 2.9% of the total phytoplankton cells, with densities ranging from 0 to 50.94 × 104 cells l−1 and a grand mean of 1.43 × 104 cells l−1. Two hundred and fourteen samples (20.5%) had densities of P. pungens above 104 cells l−1 and 40 samples (3.8%) had densities that were above 105 cells l−1. Results of the grey incidence–regression analysis show that water temperature, zooplankton and salinity were the most important among the 13 environmental factors influencing population density of P. pungens. Water temperature has a highly significant linear relationship with the population density, with 23.8°C or higher being an essential condition for the algal bloom. Grazing by zooplankton was probably the most important factor controlling the algal bloom. With continued decreasing of richness and organism size of the zooplankton community at the Zhelin Bay, P. pungens blooms may become more frequent. The bay has a large-scale mariculture operation, therefore it is important to carefully examine and monitor the potential impacts of toxin-producing P. pungens on human health as well as ecosystem health of the bay.
Spatial and temporal distribution in a tropical hydroid assemblage
Authors: Di Camillo C.G. , Bavestrello G. , Valisano L. , Puce S.
Published: November 2008

The hydroid assemblage of the Siladen Island coral reef (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) is made up of 107 species belonging to 51 genera and 28 families. The study of their spatial distribution has identified three different zones which are well-characterized: (1) the reef flat, where hydroids are mainly represented by cryptic species living in the shady crevices of the corals, epibiontic on sponges or sea grasses; (2) the edge of the reef characterized by hydroids growing mainly on the shady side of the corals, with the exception of the tufts of the large colonies of the stinging zooxanthellateAglaophenia cupressina; and (3) the vertical reef, where hydroids reach their maximum diversity and abundance and are often involved in symbiotic relationships.

The number of hydroid species shows a seasonal trend with a summer minimum (July–September) and a winter maximum (November–February). The strong correlation between these variations and the abundance of rainfall suggests that food availability, strictly related to the seasonal amount of rain, represents the main abiotic factor triggering the hydroid species richness and the abundance of this tropical assemblage.
Seasonal growth and reproduction biology of the Baltic prawn, Palaemon adspersus (Decapoda: Palaemonidae), in the southern Black Sea
Authors: Bilgin Sabri , Samsun Osman , Ozen Ozcan
Published: November 2008

Seasonal growth pattern and reproductive biology of the Baltic prawn, Palaemon adspersus, were studied in the southern Black Sea between February 2002 and January 2004. The seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters, computed from monthly length–frequency distributions, were estimated as L∞ = 62.99 mm TL, K = 1.190 year−1, C = 0.815, and WP = 0.847 for females and as L∞ = 49.63 mm TL, K = 1.085 year−1, C = 0.011, and WP = 0.407 for males. Growth performance index of females (Φ′ = 3.67) was greater than it was for males (Φ′ = 3.43). Based on latitudinal gradients, water temperature negatively affected Φ′ of P. adspersus. Sexual dimorphism in size was evident, females being larger than males. This typically shallow water species was observed in water depths as deep as 30 m. Compared to shallower water depths, larger individuals were observed in deeper water depths. The size at sexual maturity for females (TL50) was estimated as 53.60 mm TL. Ovigerous females were recorded from March to August and juveniles appeared in the benthic population in August. Ovary development was related to photoperiod and occurrence of ovigerous females was linked to increased water temperature.