bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Glucose Biofuel Cells Using an Electrochemical Noise Device
Authors: Tan Yueming , Xie Qingji , Huang Jinhua , Duan Weisheng , Ma Ming , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: May 2008

An electrochemical noise (ECN) device was utilized for the first time to study and characterize a glucose/O2 membraneless biofuel cell (BFC) and a monopolar glucose BFC. In the glucose/O2 membraneless BFC, ferrocene (Fc) and glucose oxidase (GOD) were immobilized on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/Au electrode with a gelatin film at the anode; and laccase (Lac) and an electron mediator, 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) diammonium salt (ABTS), were immobilized on a MWCNTs/Au electrode with polypyrrole at the cathode. This BFC was performed in a stirred acetate buffer solution (pH 5.0) containing 40 mmol/L glucose in air, with a maximum power density of 8 μW/cm2, an open‐circuit cell voltage of 0.29 V, and a short‐circuit current density of 85 μA/cm2, respectively. The cell current at the load of 100 kΩ retained 78.9% of the initial value after continuous discharging for 15 h in a stirred acetate buffer solution (pH 5.0) containing 40 mmol/L glucose in air. The performance decrease of the BFC resulted mainly from the leakage of the ABTS mediator immobilized at the cathode, as revealed by the two‐channel quartz crystal microbalance technique. In addition, a monopolar glucose BFC was performed with the same anode as that in the glucose/O2 membraneless BFC in a stirred phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) containing 40 mmol/L glucose, and a carbon cathode in Nafion‐membrane‐isolated acidic KMnO4, with a maximum power density of 115 μW/cm2, an open‐circuit cell voltage of 1.24 V, and a short‐circuit current density of 202 μA/cm2, respectively, which are superior to those of the glucose/O2 membraneless BFC. A modification of the anode with MWCNTs for the monopolar glucose BFC increased the maximum power density by a factor of 1.8. The ECN device is highly recommended as a convenient, real‐time and sensitive technique for BFC studies.
Development of chamaejasmin microemulsion and its biological activity against Aphis craccivora and Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Tang Xiaorong , Hou Taiping
Published: May 2008

Chamaejasmin is the mixture of many natural insecticidal ingredients from the ethanol extract of Stellera chamaejasme root. 1,5‐Diphenyl‐1‐pentanone is one of major insecticidal components. Chamaejasmin microemulsion was prepared and its insecticidal activity against Aphis craccivora and Culex pipiens pallens and its stability were evaluated. The results showed that it had good insecticidal activity and good stability. Its median lethal concentration (LC50) values (24 h after treatment) were 47.93 mg/l and 31.78 mg/l, respectively. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that after the prepared microemulsion was stored at 54 ±2 ˚C for 14 days or at room temperature for 12 months, its insecticidal activity had no significant changes. The content of 1,5‐diphenyl‐1‐pentanone in the microemulsion was 0.27%. This is the first report of insecticidal activity of Stellera chamaejasme against Culex pipiens pallens. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Day Care for older dementia patients: favorable effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms and caregiver stress
Authors: Mossello Enrico , Caleri Veronica , Razzi Elena , Di Bari Mauro , Cantini Claudia , Tonon Elisabetta , Lopilato Eugenia , Marini Monica , Simoni David , Cavallini Maria Chiara , Marchionni Niccolò , Biagini Carlo Adriano , Masotti Giulio
Published: May 2008

Objective

To assess the effects of Day Care (DC) on older subjects with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods

Thirty patients with dementia, consecutively admitted to a DC, were compared with 30 patients, matched for age and cognitive function, who received usual home care (HC). Primary caregivers were compared as well. At baseline and after 2 months, patients were assessed for cognitive and functional status, behavioral and psychological symptoms [Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)] and psychotropic drugs use, and caregivers were evaluated for care burden [Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI)] and depressive symptoms.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, NPI score significantly decreased in DC group, with a reduction of psychotropic drugs prescription, whereas it increased in HC. No significant between‐group difference was observed for cognitive and functional change. CBI significantly decreased in DC, but not HC, caregivers, with no significant between‐group difference in depressive symptoms change.

Conclusions

A 2‐month period of DC assistance is effective in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia patients and in alleviating caregivers' burden. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of hepatic stellate cells after phagocytosis of lymphocytes: A novel pathway of fibrogenesis
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Doron Sarit , Wald Ori , Horani Amjad , Eid Ahmed , Pappo Orit , Friedman Scott L. , Safadi Rifaat
Published: May 2008

Increased CD8-T lymphocytes and reduced natural killer (NK) cells contribute to hepatic fibrosis. We have characterized pathways regulating the interactions of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with specific lymphocyte subsets

in vivo

and

in vitro

. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to characterize human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHLs) obtained from healthy controls and from patients with either hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) with advanced fibrosis. Liver sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. To investigate

in vitro

interactions, PBLs from healthy controls or patients with HCV cirrhosis were co-cultured with an immortalized human HSC line (LX2 cells) or with primary HSCs. Significant alterations in lymphocyte distribution were identified in IHLs but not PBLs. The hepatic CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells were significantly reduced in HBV/HCV patients. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and infiltration of CD4, CD8, and NK cells were readily apparent in liver sections from patients with cirrhosis but not in healthy controls. Lymphocytes from each subset were in proximity to HSCs primarily within the periportal regions, and some were directly attached or engulfed. In culture, HSC activation was stimulated by HCV-derived CD8-subsets but attenuated by NK cells. Confocal microscopy identified lymphocyte phagocytosis within HSCs that was completely prevented by blocking intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and integrin molecules, or by irradiation of HSCs. LX2 knockdown of either Cdc42 or Rac1 [members of the Rho-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) family] prevented both phagocytosis and the activation of HSC by HCV-derived lymphocytes.

Conclusion:

The CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells are significantly decreased in livers with advanced human fibrosis. Moreover, disease-associated but not healthy lymphocytes are engulfed by cultured HSCs, which is mediated by the Rac1 and Cdc42 pathways. Ingestion of lymphocytes by HSCs in hepatic fibrosis is a novel and potentially important pathway regulating the impact of lymphocytes on the course of hepatic fibrosis. (Hepatology 2008.)
Hepatocellular adenomas: Magnetic resonance imaging features as a function of molecular pathological classification
Authors: Laumonier Hervé , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Laurent Christophe , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Balabaud Charles , Trillaud Hervé
Published: May 2008

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are a group of benign tumors forming three molecular pathological subgroups: (1) hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α)–inactivated, (2) β-catenin–activated, and (3) inflammatory. Some HCAs present both β-catenin activation and inflammation. We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for correlations between features on imaging and pathological classification of HCAs. We included 50 cases for which pathology specimens were classified into three groups based on immunohistochemical staining. Two characteristic MRI profiles were identified corresponding to HNF-1α–inactivated and inflammatory HCAs. Fifteen HCAs were HNF-1α–inactivated. The corresponding lesions showed (1) diffuse signal dropout on T1-weighted chemical shift sequence due to steatosis, (2) isosignal or slight hypersignal on T2-weighted (T2W) images, and (3) moderate enhancement in the arterial phase, with no persistent enhancement in the portal venous and delayed phases. For the diagnosis of HNF-1α–inactivated HCA, the positive predictive value of homogeneous signal dropout on chemical shift images was 100%, the negative predictive value was 94.7%, the sensitivity was 86.7%, and the specificity was 100%. Twenty-three HCAs were inflammatory and showed (1) an absence or only focal signal dropout on chemical shift sequence; (2) marked hypersignal on T2W sequences, with a stronger signal in the outer part of the lesions, correlating with sinusoidal dilatation areas; and (3) strong arterial enhancement, with persistent enhancement in the portal venous and delayed phases. Marked hypersignal on T2W sequences associated with delayed persistent enhancement had a positive predictive value of 88.5%, a negative predictive value of 84%, a sensitivity of 85.2%, and a specificity of 87.5% for the diagnosis of inflammatory HCA.

Conclusion:

HNF-1α–mutated HCAs and inflammatory HCAs were associated with specific MRI patterns related to diffuse fat repartition and sinusoidal dilatation, respectively. (Hepatology 2008.)
QSAR study of malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase inhibitors using GA‐MLR and a new strategy of consensus modeling
Authors: Li Jiazhong , Lei Beilei , Liu Huanxiang , Li Shuyan , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Mancang , Gramatica Paola
Published: May 2008

Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) of a series of structural diverse malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (MCD) inhibitors have been investigated by using the predictive single model as well as the consensus analysis based on a new strategy proposed by us. Self‐organizing map (SOM) neural network was employed to divide the whole data set into representative training set and test set. Then a multiple linear regressions (MLR) model population was built based on the theoretical molecular descriptors selected by Genetic Algorithm using the training set. In order to analyze the diversity of these models, multidimensional scaling (MDS) was employed to explore the model space based on the Hamming distance matrix calculated from each two models. In this space, Q2 (cross‐validated R2) guided model selection (QGMS) strategy was performed to select submodels. Then consensus modeling was built by two strategies, average consensus model (ACM) and weighted consensus model (WCM), where each submodel had a different weight according to the contribution of model expressed by MLR regression coefficients. The obtained results prove that QGMS is a reliable and practical method to guide the submodel selection in consensus modeling building and our weighted consensus model (WCM) strategy is superior to the simple ACM. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Relationship between smoking and dyslipidemia in western Chinese elderly males
Authors: Tan X.J. , Jiao G.P. , Ren Y.J. , Gao X.R. , Ding Y. , Wang X.R. , Xu H.
Published: May 2008

The relationship between smoking and dyslipidemia was studied in 2,160 elderly Chinese males. Levels of triglycerides (TGs) in current smokers were shown to be significantly higher and levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) lower than for those who had never smoked or had stopped smoking. Interestingly, the level of apoprotein B (apoB) was more frequently abnormal in very heavy smokers compared with light smokers, while low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were more frequently normal in very heavy smokers. When comparing other factors that influence blood lipids, such as alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), and age, smoking had the greatest influence and was shown to be an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:159–163, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SNP analysis using catacleave probes
Authors: Harvey John J. , Brant Steven R. , Knutson Jay R. , Han Myun K.
Published: May 2008

CataCleave” probes are catalytically cleavable fluorescence probes having a chimeric deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐ribonucleic acid (RNA)‐DNA structure that can be used for real‐time detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, and deletions. Fluorescent donor emission is normally quenched by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon binding to the target, if the RNA/DNA hybrid is correctly base‐paired, ribonuclease (RNase) H will cleave the RNA moiety and the probe fragments will dissociate. FRET is lost and the donor fluorescence signal is recovered. A single‐base mismatch within the hybrid region causes probe cleavage to be significantly reduced. We designed CataCleave probes to detect SNPs located in the insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF‐2) gene and at position 702 within the NOD2/CARD15 gene. Probes were also designed to detect a six‐basepair deletion in the amelogenin gene and a partially methylated target DNA. Discrimination between wild‐type and SNP is demonstrated for both genes in homogeneous reactions under isothermal and temperature cycling conditions. These probes were also able to identify a multibase deletion and methylated DNA. Cleavage rates were proportional to target concentration. Probe length and position of fluorescent labels may also be modified for use in multiplexing high‐throughput SNP assays. This represents a novel method for the detection of SNPs. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:192–203, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well‐being
Authors: Shapiro Shauna L. , Oman Doug , Thoresen Carl E. , Plante Thomas G. , Flinders Tim
Published: May 2008

There has been great interest in determining if mindfulness can be cultivated and if this cultivation leads to well‐being. The current study offers preliminary evidence that at least one aspect of mindfulness, measured by the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS; K. W. Brown & R. M. Ryan, 2003), can be cultivated and does mediate positive outcomes. Further, adherence to the practices taught during the meditation‐based interventions predicted positive outcomes. College undergraduates were randomly allocated between training in two distinct meditation‐based interventions, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR; J. Kabat‐Zinn, 1990; n=15) and E. Easwaran's (1978/1991) Eight Point Program (EPP; n=14), or a waitlist control (n=15). Pretest, posttest, and 8‐week follow‐up data were gathered on self‐report outcome measures. Compared to controls, participants in both treatment groups (n=29) demonstrated increases in mindfulness at 8‐week follow‐up. Further, increases in mindfulness mediated reductions in perceived stress and rumination. These results suggest that distinct meditation‐based practices can increase mindfulness as measured by the MAAS, which may partly mediate benefits. Implications and future directions are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–23, 2008.
Focusing the therapist's attention on the patient's strengths: a preliminary study to foster a mechanism of change in outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Flückiger Christoph , Grosse Holtforth Martin
Published: May 2008

Previous research has supported the immediate activation of patient's strengths (resource activation) as an important mechanism of change in psychotherapy. We designed a brief (10 min) priming procedure in which therapists' attention was focused on the patients' individual strengths before each therapy session (resource priming). In a preliminary study, the priming procedure was carried out before each of the first five sessions (N=20). Preliminary results indicated that this brief preparatory intervention boosted resource activation as perceived by independent observers, fostered attachment and mastery experiences by the patient, and improved therapy outcome at Session 20. Improvement was assessed in comparison to a pairwise matched, nonrandomized control group of patients treated previously with the same treatment protocol at the same clinic. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–14, 2008.
Tyrosinase and peroxidase production by Rhizopus oryzae strain ENHE obtained from pentachlorophenol‐contaminated soil
Authors: León‐Santiesteban Hugo , Bernal Rosa , Fernández Francisco J , Tomasini Araceli
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a zygomycete isolated from pentachlorophenol (PCP)‐contaminated soil to produce peroxidase and phenoloxidase enzymes, and to determine the effect of tyrosine and PCP on the enzyme activities. The ability of the isolate to tolerate and remove PCP was also studied.

RESULTS: A zygomycete capable of tolerating and removing PCP was isolated from contaminated soil and identified by molecular techniques as Rhizopus oryzae strain ENHE. This fungus produced extra‐ and intracellular tyrosinase and extracellular lignin peroxidase. Tyrosinase activity increased with 0.1 g tyrosine L−1 added to the culture medium. PCP had no effect on tyrosinase activity but increased lignin peroxidase activity. It was shown that R. oryzae ENHE grew until 100 mg PCP L−1 and removed 90% of the initial PCP concentration of 12.5 mg L−1 in 24 h and that the enzymes tyrosinase and lignin peroxidase were probably involved in the PCP removal process.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that R. oryzae ENHE has the potential to be used to produce tyrosinase and lignin peroxidase enzymes. In the few studies that report the production of peroxidase and extracellular tyrosinase by fungi, these enzymes are produced mainly by basidiomycetes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Thriving in a self‐made niche: how to create a successful academic career in organizational behavior
Authors: Eden Dov
Published: May 2008

Granting that organizational behavior may be a field with a weak paradigm, this can be viewed as an advantage rather than as a nemesis that makes success in an academic career nearly impossible for neophytes to the field. The weak paradigm allows many niches to emerge. A niche is an identifiable, circumscribed area of scholarly inquiry that can provide a good match with the individual's qualifications, interests, and career aspirations. Within these niches individual scholars can thrive. There a newcomer can find colleagues with similar interests, form partnerships, exchange information, and, in general, derive support for a career. Characteristics of niches are described and examples are provided. How niches evolve and the notion of creating one's own niche are discussed. The implications of the niche composition of organizational behavior for developing a successful academic career, and advice how to go about doing it, are provided. Tyros will fare much better if they adopt a niche strategy rather than seeing themselves as sitting ducks in a shooting gallery due to the role of chance factors in career advancement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making a life in the physical sciences
Authors: Space Brian
Published: May 2008

As a practicing physical chemist, I argue that the challenges faced by the physical sciences have more parallels with organization science than it might first appear. While the physical sciences do represent a strong paradigm endeavor, many of the same issues that were raised in the article “Making a life in the field of organizational science” arise in physical sciences. An essential difference between the physical sciences and organization science is the essentially capital intensive nature of our research. Ironically, the constant pursuit of the requisite research dollars leads to substantial similarity between the fields. The state of academic physical sciences is analyzed in this context informed by the current state of research funding in the United States. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical phonons in millerite (NiS) from single‐crystal polarized Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Guillaume François , Huang Shanshan , Harris Kenneth D. M. , Couzi Michel , Talaga David
Published: May 2008

Although several fundamental physico‐chemical aspects of nickel sulfides have been studied in detail, particularly for millerite (nickel(II) monosulfide), the most common nickel sulfide mineral, no satisfactory investigation of optical vibrational modes has been reported previously. In this paper, we provide a definitive assignment of the optical phonons in millerite, investigated by polarized Raman spectroscopy on an oriented single crystal. The impact of the power of the incident laser beam on the spectra has also been investigated, revealing evidence for degradation in the quality of the spectra at sufficiently high laser power. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term precision in capillary isoelectric focusing for protein analysis
Authors: Suratman Adhitasari , Wätzig Hermann
Published: May 2008

In order to improve precision in protein analysis, a new rinsing procedure with 3M hydrochloric acid was investigated for linear polyacrylamide‐coated capillaries used in isoelectric focusing. After each run the capillaries were rinsed with hydrochloric acid for 5 min, followed by water for 20 min (Δp = 1030 mbar each). Myoglobin, β‐lactoglobulin, and ovalbumin were used as model proteins; the pH gradient was provided by Pharmalyte (pH 3–10). The resulting method was already successful in avoiding capillary blockages, even for long‐series protein measurements. Further improvements in precision have been obtained by avoiding a complete standstill of liquid within the capillary when the separation system was idle. Pressure (Δp = 300 mbar or more) and high voltage (30 kV) were therefore also applied during storage within a measurement series. The reproducibility of migration time and peak area are further improved with RSD% less than 10% in a long‐term measurement (n = 86).
A Novel Micellar PEGylated Hyperbranched Polyester as a Prospective Drug Delivery System for Paclitaxel
Authors: Kontoyianni Christina , Sideratou Zili , Theodossiou Theodossis , Tziveleka Leto‐Aikaterini , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Paleos Constantinos M.
Published: May 2008

A hyperbranched aliphatic polyester has been functionalized with PEG chains to afford a novel water‐soluble BH40‐PEG polymer which exhibits unimolecular micellar properties, and is therefore appropriate for application as a drug‐delivery system. The solubility of the anticancer drug paclitaxel was enhanced by a factor of 35, 110, 230, and 355 in aqueous solutions of BH40‐PEG of 10, 30, 60, and 90 mg · mL−1, respectively. More than 50% of the drug is released at a steady rate and release is almost complete within 10 h. The toxicity of BH40‐PEG was assessed in vitro with A549 human lung carcinoma cells and found to be nontoxic for 3 h incubation up to a 1.75 mg · mL−1 concentration while LD50 was 3.5 mg · mL−1. Finally, it was efficiently internalized in cells, primarily in the absence of foetal bovine serum, while confocal microscopy revealed the preferential localization of the compound in cell nuclei.

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Bioconjugation of Alkaline Phosphatase to Mechanically Processed, Aqueous Suspendible Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers for Use in Chemiluminescent Detection Assays
Authors: Mark Sonny S. , Stolper Samuel I. , Baratti Carla , Park Jason Y. , Taku Maria A. , Santiago‐Avilés Jorge J. , Kricka Larry J.
Published: May 2008

Aqueous suspendible polymer nanostructures were prepared by simple microtome processing of electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers and were used to immobilize calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by either covalent or noncovalent bioconjugation chemistries. It was found that noncovalent immobilization of ALP to the mechanically cut nanofibers (mean length ≈ 4 µm; mean diameter ≈ 80 nm) using a multi‐stacked, layer‐by‐layer (LBL) approach with the cationic polymer Sapphire II™ resulted in the highest enzyme loading (48.1 ± 0.4 µg · mg−1 nanofiber) when compared to other covalent immobilization methods based on glutaraldehyde crosslinking. The biofunctionalized nanofibers were also characterized for their chemiluminescent activity with the dioxetane substrate, CSPD™. The results indicate that the kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, for the catalytic activity of the nanostructure‐bound ALP enzyme were influenced by the particular types of immobilization methods employed. In terms of the overall catalytic performance of the various immobilized ALP systems, a single‐stacked LBL assembly approach resulted in the highest level of enzymatic activity per unit mass of nanofiber support. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report examining the preparation of mechanically shortened, aqueous dispersed electrospun polymer nanofibers for potential application as enzyme scaffolds in chemiluminescent‐based assay systems.

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Synthesis of polyacrylamide with pendant poly(n‐octyl acrylate) chains using macromer technique and studies on their properties
Authors: Liao Guiying , Jiang Shengbin , Xie Guang‐Yong
Published: May 2008

An amphiphilic graft copolymer of polyacrylamide (PAM) with uniform poly(n‐octyl acrylate) (POA) grafts was synthesized by copolymerization of AM with POA macromer in solution using azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator. The macromer was synthesized by free radical polymerization of octyl acrylate in the presence of different amounts of thioglycolic acid as the chain transfer agent, followed by termination with glycidyl methacrylate. The reactivity ratio and effects of copolymerization conditions on the conversion of macromer or grafting efficiency were studied. The crude products were purified by extraction with toluene and water successively. The purified graft copolymer was characterized by IR, DSC, and TEM. PAM‐g‐POA can bring about microphase separation and exhibits good emulsifying properties and water absorbency. PAM‐g‐POA exhibits a very good compatibilizing effect on the acrylic rubber/poly(vinyl chloride) blends. About 2–3% of the graft copolymer is enough for enhancing the tensile strength of the blends. The tensile strength of the blends is more than twice that without the compatibilizer. DSC and SEM demonstrated the enhancement of compatibility in the presence of the graft copolymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
The primary kinetic hydrogen isotope effect in the deprotonation of a nitroalkane by an intramolecular carboxylate group
Authors: Backstrom Nicholas , Burton Neil A. , Turega Simon , Watt C. Ian F.
Published: May 2008

The rates of racemization of optically active nitropentanoic acid, and 4‐deuteronitropentanoic have been compared. The rate ratio (kie) is kH/kD = 5.68(±0.17) at 31°C, in good agreement with that determined by Lewis et al. for base‐catalysed deprotonations using iodine‐trapping methods. In a more detailed study, optically active 4‐nitro‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid (NPBA) has also been prepared and rates of racemization measured in dimethoxyethane:water. With less than a full equivalent of triethylamine, rates are proportional to [Et3N:]/[NPBA]. For 1 < [Et3N:]/[NPBA] < 2, rates are independent of the ratio, consistent with racemization being dominated by deprotonation of the nitroalkane by the intramolecular carboxylate group. The solvent isotope effect is  = 0.73(±0.04) and rates of exchange with D2O are equal to rates of racemization. Comparison with rates of racemization by acetate of the methyl ester yielded an effective molarity (EM = 13.7) for the intramolecular carboxylate. The kie for racemizations of NPBA and 4‐deutero‐NPBA is kH/kD = 5.78 at 25°C, and for 20 < T < 50°C, E − E = 5.5(±0.1) and AH/AD = 0.63(±1.03). For the acetate catalysed racemizations of the methyl ester, 25°C, kH/kD = 7.43 with E − E = 5.2 kJ mol−1 and AH/AD = 1.08. In neither case is there any indication of a major tunnelling contribution on the isotopic rate ratio. A hitherto unrecognised mode of decomposition of nitronic acids, involving direct reaction with dissolved oxygen, has been identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic growth and PTSD symptomatology among colorectal cancer survivors: a 3‐month longitudinal examination of cognitive processing
Authors: Salsman John M. , Segerstrom Suzanne C. , Brechting Emily H. , Carlson Charles R. , Andrykowski Michael A.
Published: May 2008

Introduction: The experience of cancer can be understood as a psychosocial transition, producing both positive and negative outcomes. Cognitive processing may facilitate psychological adjustment.

Methods: Fifty‐five post‐treatment, colorectal cancer survivors (M=65.9 years old; SD=12.7), an average of 13 months post‐diagnosis, were recruited from a state cancer registry and completed baseline and 3‐month questionnaires assessing dispositional (social desirability), cognitive processing (cognitive intrusions, cognitive rehearsal), and psychological adjustment variables (posttraumatic growth (PTG), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, depression, anxiety, positive affectivity).

Results: PTSD symptomatology was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and negatively associated with positive affectivity. In contrast, PTG scores were unrelated to PTSD symptomatology, depression, anxiety, and positive affectivity. In addition, PTG was independent of social desirability. Notably, after controlling for age at diagnosis and education, multiple regression analyses indicated that cognitive processing (intrusions, rehearsal) was differentially predictive of psychological adjustment. Baseline cognitive intrusions predicted 3‐month PTSD symptomatology and there was a trend for baseline cognitive rehearsal predicting 3‐month PTG.

Conclusions: Additional research is needed to clarify the association between PTG and other indices of psychological adjustment, further delineate the nature of cognitive processing, and understand the trajectory of PTG over time for survivors with colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A basis for understanding fishery management dynamics
Authors: Dudley Richard G.
Published: May 2008

Fishery management complexity conspires to defeat seemingly obvious solutions to overfishing. Management may not adequately include decisions of fishers, management, and politicians. A new, simple, but acceptably complex fish population model is meshed with both fishery activities and management decision making. The population component is based on the common single stock biomass dynamic model. Modifications allow biomass feedback on rates of addition to the stock due to growth and to entry of young fish. Delayed and seasonal entry of new fish biomass is possible. A co‐flow structure tracks age of biomass without using cohorts. Fishers enter the fishery only if catch rates are sufficiently high. When catch rates are low fishers improve their efficiency. Excessive fishing damages ecosystem support of the fish population. Managers attempt to maintain fish stocks at acceptable biomass levels, but lobbying by fishers and varying support of politicians limits their efforts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anomalous Photoluminescence in CdSe Quantum‐Dot Solids at High Pressure Due to Nonuniform Stress
Authors: Grant Christian D. , Crowhurst Jonathan C. , Hamel Sebastien , Williamson Andrew J. , Zaitseva Natalia
Published: May 2008

The application of static high pressure provides a means to precisely control and investigate many fundamental and unique properties of nanoparticles. CdSe is a model quantum‐dot system, the behavior of which under high pressure has been extensively studied; however, the effect of nonuniform stresses on this system has not been fully appreciated. Photoluminescence data obtained from CdSe quantum‐dot solids in different stress environments varying from purely uniform to highly nonuniform are presented. Small deviations from a uniform stress distribution profoundly affect the electronic properties of this system. In nonuniform stress environments, a pronounced flattening of the photoluminescence enegy is observed above 3 GPa. The observations are validated with theoretical calculations obtained using an all‐atom semiempirical pseudopotential technique. This effect must be considered when investigating other potentially pressure‐mediated phenomena.
Fatty Acid Composition of Turkish Rhododendron Species
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M. , Cartagena Michelle , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: May 2008

This study describes work aimed at the rapid evaluation of the fatty acid (FA) composition of Turkish Rhododendron species, particularly the leaves and the flowers of the toxic plants, R. ponticum and R. luteum. The FA profiles of the available parts of three other nonpoisonous Rhododendron species were also investigated. Subtotal extracts obtained (using n‐hexane, chloroform and methanol) from total chloroform:methanol (1:1) extracts were analyzed and compared to each other. Palmitic acid was found to be the most abundant FA in almost all Rhododendron extracts, and the majority of leaf and flower extracts contained significant portions of C18 unsaturated FAs (18:1n‐9, 18:2n‐6, 18:3n‐3). The n‐hexane extracts of R. ponticum leaves and R. luteum flowers were unique, as they contained an unusual series of even‐chain iso FAs (C16–C24). Especially the n‐hexane extracts were found to comprise uncommon FAs with odd‐numbered carbons (C13–C29). Overall, n‐hexane proved to be the best solvent by representing the richest FA profile, whereas chloroform or methanol appeared less suitable for FA analyses. Appreciable intra‐species variations in FA compositions among the leaves as well as other anatomical parts examined were observed. This study highlights the chemotaxonomical importance of the FAs for the genus Rhododendron.
Imino proton exchange rates imply an induced‐fit binding mechanism for the VEGF165‐targeting aptamer, Macugen
Authors: Lee Joon-Hwa , Jucker Fiona , Pardi Arthur
Published: May 2008

The 2′‐fluoro/2′‐O‐methyl modified RNA aptamer Macugen is a potent inhibitor of the angiogenic regulatory protein, VEGF165. Macugen binds with high affinity to the heparin‐binding domain (HBD) of VEGF165. Hydrogen exchange rates of the imino protons were measured for free Macugen and Macugen bound to the HBD or full‐length VEGF to better understand the mechanism for high affinity binding. The results here show that the internal loop and hairpin loop of Macugen are highly dynamic in the free state and are greatly stabilized and/or protected from solvent upon protein binding.
Apple polyphenol extracts prevent aspirin-induced damage to the rat gastric mucosa
Authors: D'Argenio Giuseppe , Mazzone Giovanna , Tuccillo Concetta , Grandone Ilenia , Gravina Antonietta G. , Graziani Giulia , Fogliano Vincenzo , Romano Marco
Published: May 2008

Aspirin causes gastroduodenal ulcers and complications. Food bioactive compounds could exert beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract. We evaluated whether apple polyphenol extract (APE) reduced aspirin-induced injury to the rat gastric mucosa. Rats were treated with APE (10− 4 m catechin equivalent) before oral aspirin (200 mg/kg). Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) and heparin-binding epidermal-growth-factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) mRNA and protein expression were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively; malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by HPLC; gastric secretion was evaluated in pylorus-ligated rats. APE decreased acute and chronic aspirin injury both macroscopically and microscopically (approximately 50 % decrease in lesion score; P < 0·05). Aspirin up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and HB-EGF, but not of TGFα; APE reduced aspirin-induced mRNA and protein over-expression of COX-2 and HB-EGF; aspirin significantly increased gastric MDA and this effect was counteracted by APE pre-treatment. APE did not significantly affect gastric acid secretion. In conclusion, APE reduces aspirin-induced gastric injury independently of acid inhibition. We speculate that APE might be of therapeutic use in the prophylaxis of aspirin-related gastropathy.
Thomas Hobbes's Materialism, Language, and the Possibility of Politics
Authors: Dungey Nicholas
Published: May 2008

Thomas Hobbes sought a reconstruction of philosophy, ethics, and politics that would end, once and for all, the bitter disputes that led to the English Civil War. This reconstruction begins with the first principles of matter and motion and extends to a unique account of consent and political obligation. Hobbes intended to produce a unified philosophical system linking his materialist account of human nature to his moral and political theory. However, his materialism gives rise to a set of perceptions, imagination, and desires that contribute to the chaos of the state of nature. The sort of person that emerges from Hobbes's materialist anthropology is unlikely to be able to make the necessary agreements about common meaning and language that constitute the ground of the social contract. Therefore, Hobbes's materialism frustrates the very purpose for which it is conceived.
On the Roots of Rationalism: Strauss's Natural Right and History as Response to Heidegger
Authors: Velkley Richard
Published: May 2008

The essay reconsiders the argument of Leo Strauss in Natural Right and History with “radical historicism” and above all its leading representative, Martin Heidegger. Strauss's critique of such historicism is not motivated by the need to recover a teleological natural philosophy for the grounding of natural right. Strauss's turn to “the fundamental problems coeval with human thought” is in accord with Heidegger's claim that the whole is mysterious. His reservation rather concerns Heidegger's attempt, both longing and hopeful, to show that radical questioning of rationalism can solve the problem of philosophy's homelessness in human affairs, thereby taking further modern efforts to make humans “absolutely at home on earth.” In Strauss's judgment Socratic knowledge of ignorance is more authentically open to the aporetic character of the human relation to Being.
Nooks and Hunched Backs: A Reply to Ruth Abbey
Authors: Franco Paul
Published: May 2008

Let me begin by addressing what seems to be the central issue that Abbey raises about my article: What does looking at Human, All too Human (henceforth, HH) in the context of the problem of culture add to our understanding of that text? She acknowledges my point that most commentators on HH have focused their attention on Nietzsche's investigation of the “history of the moral sensations” and its connection to his later “genealogy of morals.” She even seems to concede that my attempt to understand HH in terms of Nietzsche's long-standing concern with culture is distinctive. Her problem with my analysis is that it “fails to demonstrate clearly the heuristic value of [its] focus on culture” and it does not sufficiently explain “how reframing the problems of morality as a concern about culture really does illuminate Nietzsche's purposes and achievements in this work.” She attributes this failure to my focusing primarily on the text of HH instead of—to repeat the refrain of her reply—engaging with the relevant secondary literature.
A characterization of the Morse minimal set up to topological conjugacy
Authors: COVEN ETHAN M. , KEANE MICHAEL , LEMASURIER MICHELLE
Published: May 2008

We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for a dynamical system to be topologically conjugate to the Morse minimal set, the shift orbit closure of the Morse sequence. Conditions for topological conjugacy to the closely related Toeplitz minimal set are also derived.
Introduction
Authors: Brown Kate
Published: May 2008

In 1980, Poles were the first to jump the communist ship and organize outside of the Communist Party, forming a ten-million strong alternative labor union, Solidarity. When the Communist government banned the Union in 1981, Poles refused to dissolve it. They went underground forming Solidarity-sponsored schools, theaters, newspapers, and political groups. In so doing, Solidarity activists created an alternative civil society that emerged nearly intact in 1989 when Poles were the first to throw off Soviet-backed communism. Yet now, in this land of self-liberation and freedom, the highly conservative Law and Justice party, led by Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczyński, won the 2005 elections on a pro-Catholic, antigay, antiabortion, anticommunist, and xenophobic platform. Now the Kaczyński government is hounding government officials, professors, lawyers, doctors, managers, journalists, judges, and bank managers out of jobs for refusing to declare whether or not they collaborated with the communist security forces. Poles, who during the Solidarność era reached out in solidarity to activists around the world, are now redefining Polish citizenship as singularly Polish and Catholic. Founded as a worker's movement, Solidarity has overseen the diminution of the Polish working class, the emasculation of unions, the downward spiral of purchasing power, and one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.
Short Note: Circumpolar distribution of the pycnogonid-ectoparasitic gastropod Dickdellia labioflecta (Dell, ) (Mollusca: Zerotulidae)
Authors: Schiaparelli Stefano , Oliverio Marco , Taviani Marco , Griffiths Huw , Lörz Anne-Nina , Albertelli Giancarlo
Published: May 2008

The Antarctic gastropod Dickdellia labioflecta (Dell, 1990) (originally described as Laevilittorina (Corneolittorina) labioflecta) is an obligate parasite of pycnogonids, which exploits their body fluids through the cuticular gland holes (Lehmann et al. 2007) and lays its eggs on the pycnogonid's legs where embryos complete their life cycle (Hedgpeth 1964, Sirenko 2000, Lehmann et al. 2007). The ecology of D. labioflecta appears to be unique, as no other examples of such a specialized parasitic behaviour on pycnogonids are known. This life-style and the related anatomical specializations (gut and digestive gland morphology), prompted the erection of a new genus, Dickdellia Warén & Hain, 1996 provisionally included in the family Zerotulidae (Warén & Hain 1996). Although information is quite scant, to date, two pycnogonid host species are known for Dickdellia: Colossendeis megalonyx megalonyx Fry & Hedgpeth, 1969 (Lehmann et al. 2007) and Nymphon isabellae Turpaeva, 2000 (Sirenko 2000).
Screening fungi isolated from historicDiscoveryHut on Ross Island, Antarctica for cellulose degradation
Authors: Duncan Shona M. , Minasaki Ryuji , Farrell Roberta L. , Thwaites Joanne M. , Held Benjamin W. , Arenz Brett E. , Jurgens Joel A. , Blanchette Robert A.
Published: May 2008

To survive in Antarctica, early explorers of Antarctica's Heroic Age erected wooden buildings and brought in large quantities of supplies. The introduction of wood and other organic materials may have provided new nutrient sources for fungi that were indigenous to Antarctica or were brought in with the materials. From 30 samples taken fromDiscoveryHut, 156 filamentous fungi were isolated on selective media. Of these, 108 were screened for hydrolytic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose, of which 29 demonstrated activities. Endo-1, 4-β-glucanase activity was confirmed in the extracellular supernatant from seven isolates when grown at 4°C, and also when they were grown at 15°C.Cladosporium oxysporumandGeomycessp. were shown to grow on a variety of synthetic cellulose substrates and to use cellulose as a nutrient source at temperate and cold temperatures. The research findings from the present study demonstrate that Antarctic filamentous fungi isolated from a variety of substrates (wood, straw, and food stuffs) are capable of cellulose degradation and can grow well at low temperatures.
Sertoli Cell Morphological Alterations in Albino Rats Treated with Etoposide during Prepubertal Phase
Authors: Stumpp Taiza , Freymuller Edna , Miraglia Sandra M.
Published: May 2008

Sertoli cells are very important to spermatogenesis homeostasis because they control germ cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Damages to Sertoli cells cause germ cell death and affect fertility. Etoposide is a potent chemotherapeutic drug largely used against a variety of cancers. However, this drug also kills normal cells, especially those undergoing rapid proliferation. In the testis, etoposide acts predominantly on intermediate and type B spermatogonia. Etoposide was shown to permanently alter Sertoli cell function when administered to prepubertal rats. Based on this, we decided to investigate whether etoposide can affect Sertoli cell morphology. For this, 25-day-old rats were treated with etoposide during 8 consecutive days and killed at 32, 45, 64, 127, and 180 days old. Testes were fixed in Bouin's liquid or in a mixture of 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 2% formaldehyde for analysis under light and electron microscopes, respectively. Sertoli cells showed morphological alterations such as the presence of chromatin clumps close to the nuclear membrane, nucleus displacement, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Some Sertoli cells also showed nuclear and cytoplasmic degenerative characteristics, suggesting that etoposide causes severe damages to Sertoli cell.
Optical Gap Measurements on Individual Boron Nitride Nanotubes by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Arenal Raul , Stéphan Odile , Kociak Mathieu , Taverna Dario , Loiseau Annick , Colliex Christian
Published: May 2008

Electromagnetic response of individual boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) has been studied by spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). We demonstrate how dedicated EELS methods using subnanometer electron probes permit the analysis of local dielectric properties of a material on a nanometer scale. The continuum dielectric model has been used to analyze the low-loss EEL spectra recorded from these tubes. Using this model, we demonstrate the weak influence of the out-of-plane contribution to the dielectric response of BNNTs. The optical gap, which can be deduced from the measurements, is found to be equal to 5.8 ± 0.2 eV, which is close to that of the hexagonal boron nitride. This value is found to be independent of the nanotubes configuration (diameter, helicity, number of walls, and interaction between the different walls).
Prevalence of puroindoline alleles in wheat varieties from eastern Asia including the discovery of a new SNP in puroindoline b
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morris Craig F. , Haruna Mika , Tsujimoto Hisashi
Published: May 2008

Kernel texture (grain hardness) in common wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is of primary technological importance and is largely determined by puroindoline gene sequence and expression. We investigated the puroindoline haplotypes of 246 Asian common wheat varieties. All but three were conclusively characterized for puroindoline a and b haplotypes. Of the total, 174 possessed the softPina-D1a/Pinb-D1a‘wild-type’ gene sequences with SKCS hardness indexes (HI) ranging from 13.5 to 61.8. Among the remaining 72 varieties with HIs of 56.1–97.8, nearly half (30) werePina-D1a/Pinb-D1b, 4 werePina-D1a/Pinb-D1c, 19 werePina-D1a/Pinb-D1p, 10 werePina-D1b/Pinb-D1a(‘a-null’), 3 werePina-D1l/Pinb-D1a, 2 possessed a new C-to-T SNP mutation at position 382, which is tentatively designatedPinb-D1ab, 1 was a ‘double null’ with neither puroindoline a nor b expressed and no PCR-detectable gene sequence, and 3 had undetermined/ambiguous puroindoline a sequence but possessedPinb-D1a. The double null was the hardest of all varieties tested with an HI of 97.8. The frequency of soft and hard varieties and puroindoline hardness haplotype varied depending on the origin of the varieties. The lowest frequency of hard varieties occurred in Korea and south-western Japan. Tibet and Pakistan also had low frequencies of hard varieties. The highest frequency of hard varieties appeared in north-east China followed by north-west China and Nepal. Within Asia, thePinb-D1pallele appears in a region extending from north-eastern China through Inner Mongolia, north-western China, Xinjiang and Tibet, with the greatest frequency in north-western China. This allele was also present in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but not found in Japan, and may have been dispersed along the ‘Silk Road’. All threePina-D1lvarieties came from China. The newly discovered SNP originated in Afghanistan and the ‘double null’ in Xinjiang.