bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Averaging and sampling for magnetic-observatory hourly data
Authors: Love J. J. , Tsai V. C. , Gannon J. L.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A time and frequency-domain analysis is made of the effects of averaging and sampling methods used for constructing magnetic-observatory hourly data values. Using 1-min data as a proxy for continuous, geomagnetic variation, we construct synthetic hourly values of two standard types: instantaneous "spot" measurements and simple 1-h "boxcar" averages. We compare these average-sample types with others: 2-h average, Gaussian, and "brick-wall" low-frequency-pass. Hourly spot measurements provide a statistically unbiased representation of the amplitude range of geomagnetic-field variation, but as a representation of continuous field variation over time, they are significantly affected by aliasing, especially at high latitudes. The 1-h, 2-h, and Gaussian average-samples are affected by a combination of amplitude distortion and aliasing. Brick-wall values are not affected by either amplitude distortion or aliasing, but constructing them is, in an operational setting, relatively more difficult than it is for other average-sample types. It is noteworthy that 1-h average-samples, the present standard for observatory hourly data, have properties similar to Gaussian average-samples that have been optimized for a minimum residual sum of amplitude distortion and aliasing. For 1-h average-samples from medium and low-latitude observatories, the average of the combination of amplitude distortion and aliasing is less than the 5.0 nT accuracy standard established by Intermagnet for modern 1-min data. For medium and low-latitude observatories, average differences between monthly means constructed from 1-min data and monthly means constructed from any of the hourly average-sample types considered here are less than the 1.0 nT resolution of standard databases. We recommend that observatories and World Data Centers continue the standard practice of reporting simple 1-h-average hourly values.
Duskside F-region dynamo currents: its relationship with prereversal enhancement of vertical plasma drift
Authors: Park J. , Lühr H. , Fejer B. G. , Min K. W.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. From magnetic field observations by CHAMP we estimate F-region dynamo current densities near the sunset terminator during solar maximum years from 2001 to 2002. The dynamo currents are compared with the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) of vertical plasma drift as observed by ROCSAT-1. The seasonal-longitudinal variation of PRE can be largely related to the F-region dynamo current density, with the correlation coefficient reaching 0.74. The correlation can be further improved if we consider a zonal gradient of the E-region Pedersen conductivity, which also depends on season and longitude. It is widely accepted that the F-region dynamo drives PRE near sunset. For the first time, our observations provide confirmation for the close relationship between the F-region dynamo current density and PRE.
Fluvial organic carbon losses from a Bornean blackwater river
Authors: Moore S. , Gauci V. , Evans C. D. , Page S. E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The transport of carbon from terrestrial ecosystems such as peatlands into rivers and out to the oceans plays an important role in the carbon cycle because it provides a link between the terrestrial and marine carbon cycles. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) were analysed from the source to the mouth of the River Sebangau in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia during the dry and wet seasons in 2008/2009 and an annual total organic carbon (TOC) flux estimated. DOC concentrations were higher and POC concentrations lower in the wet season compared to the dry season. As seen in other tropical blackwater rivers, DOC concentration is consistently around 10 times greater than POC concentration. We estimate the annual TOC flux discharged to the Java Sea to be 0.46 Tg year−1 comprising of 93% (0.43 Tg) DOC and 7% (0.03 Tg) POC. This equates to a fluvial TOC loss flux per unit area over the entire Sebangau catchment of 88 g C m−2 yr−1. When extrapolating this TOC loss flux to the peat covered area of Indonesia (206 950 km2), we estimate a TOC loss of 18.2 Tg C yr−1 or ~10% of current estimates of the global annual riverine DOC discharge into the ocean.
A critical look at solar-climate relationships from long temperature series
Authors: Legras B. , Mestre O. , Bard E. , Yiou P.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A key issue of climate change is to identify the forcings and their relative contributions. The solar-climate relationship is currently the matter of a fierce debate. We address here the need for high quality observations and an adequate statistical approach. A recent work by Le Mouël et al. (2010) and its companion paper by Kossobokov et al. (2010) show spectacular correlations between solar activity and temperature series from three European weather stations over the last two centuries. We question both the data and the method used in these works. We stress (1) that correlation with solar forcing alone is meaningless unless other forcings are properly accounted for and that sunspot counting is a poor indicator of solar irradiance, (2) that long temperature series require homogenization to remove historical artefacts that affect long term variability, (3) that incorrect application of statistical tests leads to interpret as significant a signal which arises from pure random fluctuations. As a consequence, we reject the results and the conclusions of Le Mouël et al. (2010) and Kossobokov et al. (2010). We believe that our contribution bears some general interest in removing confusion from the scientific debate.
A nonlinear multi-proxy model based on manifold learning to reconstruct water temperature from high resolution trace element profiles in biogenic carbonates
Authors: Bauwens M. , Ohlsson H. , Barbé K. , Beelaerts V. , Schoukens J. , Dehairs F.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A long standing problem in paleoceanography concerns the reconstruction of water temperature from δ18O carbonate. It is problematic in the case of freshwater influenced environments because the δ18O isotopic composition of the ambient water (related to salinity) needs to be known. In this paper we argue for the use of a nonlinear multi-proxy method called Weight Determination by Manifold Regularization (WDMR) to develop a temperature reconstruction model that is less sensitive to salinity variations. The motivation for using this type of model is twofold: firstly, observed nonlinear relations between specific proxies and water temperature motivate the use of nonlinear models. Secondly, the use of multi-proxy models enables salinity related variations of a given temperature proxy to be explained by salinity-related information carried by a separate proxy. Our findings confirm that Mg/Ca is a powerful paleothermometer and highlight that reconstruction performance based on this proxy is improved significantly by combining its information with the information for other trace elements in multi-proxy models. Although the models presented here are black-box models that do not use any prior knowledge about the proxies, the comparison of model reconstruction performances based on different proxy combinations do yield useful information about proxy characteristics. Using Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca and Pb/Ca the WDMR model enables a temperature reconstruction with a root mean squared error of ± 2.19 °C for a salinity range between 15 and 32.
Inclusion of landslide tsunamis generation into a depth integrated wave model
Authors: Cecioni C. , Bellotti G.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A numerical model based on the mild slope equation, suitable to reproduce the propagation of small amplitude tsunamis in the far field, is extended to reproduce the generation and the propagation of waves generated by landslides. The wave generation is modeled through a forcing term included in the field equation, which reproduces the effects of the movement of a submerged landslide on the fluid. The measurements of three dimensional laboratory experiments, which simulate tsunamis generated by landslide sliding along the flank of a conical island, are compared with the theoretical calculation results. The present approach is also compared with the similar method of Tinti et al. (2006) used for the generation of these waves in depth integrated model, and the different behavior when using frequency-dispersive and non-dispersive equations is highlighted.
Nanonickel Coated Aluminum Foam for Enhanced Impact Energy Absorption
Authors: Jung Anne , Natter Harald , Diebels Stefan , Lach Erhardt , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: November 2010

Open cell aluminum foams have been electrocoated with nanocrystalline nickel. With only 150 µm coating thickness this new composite material exhibits excellent mechanical properties. The stiffness, strength, and energy absorption capacity have been determined under quasi‐static and dynamic compression loading. The energy absorption capacity could be increased by a factor of 9 under quasi‐static loading and 4.5 under dynamic loading, respectively. This enables applications in blast protection.
From the black widow spider to human behavior: Latrophilins, a relatively unknown class of G protein‐coupled receptors, are implicated in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Martinez Ariel F. , Muenke Maximilian , Arcos‐Burgos Mauricio
Published: November 2010

The findings of a recent study associate LPHN3, a member of the latrophilin family, with an increased risk of developing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common psychiatric disorder in childhood and adolescence. Latrophilins comprise a new family of G protein‐coupled receptors of unknown native physiological function that mediate the neurotoxic effects of α‐latrotoxin, a potent toxin found in black widow spider venom. This receptor–toxin interaction has helped to elucidate the mechanistic aspects of neurotransmitter and hormone release in vertebrates. Such unprecedented discovery points to a new direction in the assessment of ADHD and suggest that further study of this receptor family may provide novel insights into the etiology and treatment of ADHD and other related psychiatric conditions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of Cu and Zn salicylaldimine complexes as catalyst precursors in ring opening polymerization of lactides: ligand effects on polymer characteristics
Authors: Bhunora Suraj , Mugo Jane , Bhaw‐Luximon Archana , Mapolie Selwyn , Van Wyk Juanita , Darkwa James , Nordlander Ebbe
Published: November 2010

A range of monomeric tetra‐coordinate copper (II) and zinc (II) complexes based on N,O‐bidentate salicylaldimine Schiff base ligands has been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. These complexes were then evaluated as initiators in ring‐opening polymerization of lactides at both 70 °C and 110 °C. The effect of structural changes in the complexes on the ability of these compounds to initiate lactide polymerization as well as the impact on the chemical and physical characteristics of the polymers obtained indicate that the coordination geometry of the metal complex, MO bond length and substituents on the Schiff base ligand all play a role in the catalyst activity. Electronic factors were dominant in the case of the copper complexes while steric factors prevailed in the case of Zn initiators. Both the Zn and Cu complexes exhibit characteristics of living ring opening polymerization. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Action Sites of Propofol in the Normal Human Brain Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Wei , Zhao Zhijing , Ge Yali , Zhang Jinsong , Yu Daihua , Chai Wei , Wu Shengxi , Xu Lixian
Published: November 2010

Propofol has been used for many years but its functional target in the intact brain remains unclear. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate blood oxygen level dependence signal changes in the normal human brain during propofol anesthesia and explored the possible action targets of propofol. Ten healthy subjects were enrolled in two experimental sessions. In session 1, the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale was performed to evaluate asleep to awake/alert status. In session 2, images with blood oxygen level dependence contrast were obtained with echo‐planar imaging on a 1.5‐T Philips Gyroscan Magnetic Resonance System and analyzed. In both sessions, subjects were intravenously administered with saline (for 3 min) and then propofol (for 1.5 min) and saline again (for 10.5 min) with a constant speed infusion pump. Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale scoring showed that the subjects experienced conscious–sedative–unconscious–analepsia, which correlated well with the signal decreases in the anesthesia states. Propofol induced significant signal decreases in hypothalamus (18.2% ± 3.6%), frontal lobe (68.5% ± 11.2%), and temporal lobe (34.7% ± 6.1%). Additionally, the signals at these three sites were fulminant and changed synchronously. While in the thalamus, the signal decrease was observed in 5 of 10 of the subjects and the magnitude of decrease was 3.9% ± 1.6%. These results suggest that there is most significant inhibition in hypothalamus, frontal lobe, and temporal in propofol anesthesia and moderate inhibition in thalamus. These brain regions might be the targets of propofol anesthesia in human brain. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of combinatorial patterns generated by multiple two‐component sensors in E. coli that respond to many stimuli
Authors: Clarke Elizabeth J. , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: November 2010

Two‐component systems enable bacteria to sense changes in their environment and adjust gene expression in response. Multiple two‐component systems could function as a combinatorial sensor to discriminate environmental conditions. A combinatorial sensor is composed of a set of sensors that are non‐specifically activated to different magnitudes by many stimuli, such that their collective activity pattern defines the signal. Using promoter reporters and flow cytometry, we measured the response of three two‐component systems in Escherichia coli that have been previously reported to respond to many environmental stimuli (EnvZ/OmpR, CpxA/CpxR, and RcsC/RcsD/RcsB). A chemical library was screened for the ability to activate the sensors and 13 inducers were identified that produce different patterns of sensor activity. The activities of the three systems are uncorrelated with each other and the osmolarity of the inducing media. Five of the seven possible non‐trivial patterns generated by three sensors are observed. This data demonstrate one mechanism by which bacteria are able to use a limited set of sensors to identify a diverse set of compounds and environmental conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:666–675. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition and gene expression of Nitrosomonas europaea biofilms exposed to phenol and toluene
Authors: Lauchnor Ellen G. , Radniecki Tyler S. , Semprini Lewis
Published: November 2010

Pure culture biofilms of the ammonia‐oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea were grown in a Drip Flow Biofilm Reactor and exposed to the aromatic hydrocarbons phenol and toluene. Ammonia oxidation rates, as measured by nitrite production in the biofilms, were inhibited 50% when exposed to 56 µM phenol or 100 µM toluene, while 50% inhibition of suspended cells occurred at 8 µM phenol or 20 µM toluene. Biofilm‐grown cells dispersed into liquid medium and immediately exposed to phenol or toluene experienced similar inhibition levels as batch grown cells, indicating that mass transfer may be a factor in N. europaea biofilm resistance. Whole genome microarray analysis of gene expression was used to detect genes up‐regulated in biofilms during toluene and phenol exposure. Two genes, a putative pirin protein (NE1545) and a putative inner membrane protein (NE1546) were up‐regulated during phenol exposure, but no genes were up‐regulated during toluene exposure. Using qRT‐PCR, up‐regulation of NE1545 was detected in biofilms and suspended cells exposed to a range of phenol concentrations and levels of inhibition. In the biofilms, NE1545 expression was up‐regulated an average of 13‐fold over the range of phenol concentrations tested, and was essentially independent of phenol concentration. However, the expression of NE1545 in suspended cells increased from 20‐fold at 7 µM phenol up to 80‐fold at 30 µM phenol. This study demonstrates that biofilms of N. europaea are more resistant than suspended cells to inhibition of ammonia oxidation by phenol and toluene, even though the global transcriptional responses to the inhibitors do not differ in N. europaea between the suspended and attached growth states. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:750–757. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Kinetic Model for Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of Avicel With Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Zyl Josebus M. , van Rensburg Eugéne , van Zyl Willem H. , Harms Thomas M. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: November 2010

This work describes a numerical model for predicting simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of Avicel, an insoluble crystalline cellulose polymer. Separate anoxic cultivations of 40 g/L glucose and 100 g/L Avicel were conducted to verify model predictions and obtain parameters to describe the reaction kinetics. Saccharification of Avicel was achieved with Trichoderma reesei cellulases from the enzyme preparation Spezyme CP with an enzyme loading of 10 FPU/g cellulose. Cultivations were supplemented with 50 IU/g cellulose of β‐glucosidase from Novozym 188 to prevent product inhibition by cellobiose. Saccharomyces cerevisiae MH‐1000 is a robust industrial strain and was used to ferment glucose to ethanol, glycerol, and carbon dioxide. The numerical model presented in this paper differs from previous models by separating the endoglucanase and exoglucanase enzyme kinetics and allowing for inhibitive site competition. Assuming all enzymes remain active and that each enzyme complex has a corresponding constant specific activity, the model is capable of predicting adsorbed enzyme concentrations with reasonable accuracy. Comparison of predicted values to experimental measurements indicated that the numerical model was capable of capturing the significant elements involved with cellulose conversion to ethanol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:924–933. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activity of maize transglutaminase overexpressed in escherichia coli inclusion bodies: An alternative to protein refolding
Authors: Carvajal Patricia , Gibert Jordi , Campos Nefertiti , Lopera Oriol , Barberà Eduard , Torné Jose M. , Santos Mireya
Published: November 2010

Transglutaminases (TGases) catalyze protein post‐translational modification by ε‐(γ‐glutamyl) links and covalent polyamine conjugation. In plants, this enzyme is poorly characterized and only the maize plastidial TGase gene (tgz) has been cloned. The tgz gene (Patent WWO03102128) had been subcloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells, and the recombinant protein (TGZp) was present mainly in inclusion bodies (IB) fraction. In this work, after overexpression of TGZ15p and SDS‐PAGE IB fraction analysis, bands about 65 and 56 kDa were obtained. Western blot, alkylation and MALDI‐TOF/TOF analyses indicated that the 56 kDa band corresponded to a truncated sequence from the native TGZ15p (expected MW 65 kDa), by elimination of a chloroplast signal peptide fragment during expression processing. So that large‐scale protein production and protein crystallization can be applied, we characterized the TGZ15p enzyme activity in the IB protein fraction, with and without refolding. Results indicate that it presented the biochemical characteristics of other described TGases, showing a certain plant‐substrate preference. Solubilization of the IB fraction with Triton X‐100 as nondenaturing detergent yielded active TGZ without the need for refolding, giving activity values comparable to those of the refolded protein, indicating that this is a valuable, faster way to obtain TGZ active protein. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
7,8‐Secolignans from Schisandra wilsoniana and Their Anti‐HIV‐1 Activities
Authors: Zhang Xing‐Jie , Yang Guang‐Yu , Wang Rui‐Rui , Pu Jian‐Xin , Sun Han‐Dong , Xiao Wei‐Lie , Zheng Yong‐Tang
Published: November 2010

Two new 7,8‐secolignans, marphenols A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with a known related derivative, 7,8‐secoholostylone B (3), were isolated from the stems of Schisandra wilsoniana. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. The anti‐HIV‐1 activities of 1–3 were evaluated. Compound 1 inhibited HIV‐1IIIB‐induced syncytia formation with an EC50 value of 0.55 μg ml−1. It reduced p24 antigen expression in acutely HIV‐1IIIB‐infected C8166 cells and primary isolate HIV‐1TC‐2‐infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), with EC50 values of 3.34 and 0.52 μg ml−1, respectively. It showed no effects on the HIV‐1IIIB replication in chronically infected H9 cells as well as fusion inhibition.
New Cytotoxic Prostanoids from Taiwanese Soft CoralClavularia viridis
Authors: Shen Ya‐Ching , Lo Kuang‐Liung , Chang Jiun‐Yang , Lin Yun‐Sheng , Mendbayar Khongorzul , Kuo Yao‐Haur , Lin Yu‐Chi
Published: November 2010

Chemical investigation of the AcOEt/MeOH extract ofClavularia viridiscollected in Taiwan has afforded four new prostanoids, named claviridins A–D (1–4, resp.). The structures of compounds1–4were determined on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques, including COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY experiments. Pharmacological studies revealed that compounds1–4exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human cancer cells.
Geranium macrorrhizum L. (Geraniaceae) Essential Oil: A Potent Agent Against Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Dekić Milan S. , Stojanović‐Radić Zorica Z. , Zoranić Suad K.
Published: November 2010

The volatile hydrodistilled compounds from aerial parts and rhizomes of the ethnopharmacologically highly valued plant species Geranium macrorrhizum L. were screened for their antimicrobial activity in disc‐diffusion and microdilution assays. The assays pointed out to a very high and selective activity of the oils against Bacillus subtilis with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.4–1.0 μg/ml. This prompted us to perform detailed compositional analyses of the oils. GC and GC/MS analyses allowed the identification of 283 constituents. The oils consisted mainly of sesquiterpenoids, the main ones being germacrone (49.7% in the oil from aerial parts) and δ‐guaiene (49.2% in rhizome oil). Significant qualitative and quantitative compositional differences in the oils from the two plant parts were observed. Further antimicrobial testing enabled us to determine that germacrone, the major constituent of the oil from aerial parts, was not the sole agent responsible for the observed activity.
C2‐Symmetric Chiral Disulfoxide Ligands in Rhodium‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition: From Ligand Synthesis to the Enantioselection Pathway
Authors: Mariz Ronaldo , Poater Albert , Gatti Michele , Drinkel Emma , Bürgi Justus J. , Luan Xinjun , Blumentritt Sascha , Linden Anthony , Cavallo Luigi , Dorta Reto
Published: November 2010

A family of chiral C2‐symmetric disulfoxide ligands possessing biaryl atropisomeric backbones has been synthesized by using the Andersen methodology. Complete characterization includes X‐ray crystallographic studies of all ligands and some of their rhodium complexes. Their synthesis, optical purity, electronic properties, and catalytic behavior in the prototypical rhodium‐catalyzed 1,4‐addition of phenylboronic acid to 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one are presented through an in depth study of this ligand class. Density functional theory calculations on the step of the catalytic cycle that determines the enantioselectivity are presented and reinforce the first hypothetical explanations for the high levels of asymmetric induction observed.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Tribenzoylbenzenes by Three Consecutive Michael Addition Reactions of 1‐Phenyl‐2‐propyn‐1‐ones in Pressurized Hot Water in the Absence of Added Catalysts
Authors: Tanaka Makoto , Nakamura Kazuya , Iwado Tatsuya , Sato Toshiyuki , Okada Masaki , Sue Kiwamu , Iwamura Hiizu , Hiaki Toshihiko
Published: November 2010

Cyclotrimerization of 1‐phenyl‐2‐propyn‐1‐one in pressurized hot water gave 1,3,5‐tribenzoylbenzene in one pot in 65 % yield after 7 min at 200 °C, or in 74 % yield after 60 min at 150 °C. The reaction did not take place in the absence of water, and added base promoted the reaction at 250 °C, suggesting a mechanism of three‐consecutive Michael addition reactions. The reaction rates increased with temperature, but the yield of 1,3,5‐tribenzoylbenzene decreased at the expense of formation of acetophenone as a side product at higher temperatures. p‐Methyl and p‐chloro‐substituents on the phenyl ring retarded and enhanced the reaction, respectively. A mechanism involving the enol of benzoylacetaldehyde at a branching point of the pathway leading to 1,3,5‐tribenzoylbenzene and acetophenone was suggested.
The effects of functional polysiloxane resins on the color gamut and color yield of dyed polyester
Authors: Hou Aiqin , Chen Bo , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2010

It is important to evaluate the influence of textile finishing using the polymer resins on the color of dyed fabrics. In this article, three functional polysiloxanes modified with different organic groups were used to treat dyed polyester microfiber fabrics. Effects of the polysiloxanes on the color of the dyed polyester were investigated by color yield (K/S), colorimetric data of CIELAB, and the color differences (ΔE). Chemical structures of three functional polysiloxanes were the polysiloxanes with amino groups (polymer A), with perfluorocarbon groups (polymer B), or with quaternary ammonium salts and perfluorocarbon groups (polymer C). Compared with the dyed fabrics treated with the polysiloxane with amino group, the K/S of dyed fabrics treated with the polysiloxane with perfluorocarbon obviously improved. Effects of the polysiloxanes with perfluorocarbon and cationic groups on the color shade of the dyed polyester were noticeable. The fastness had not significantly changed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012
Texture affects color emotion
Authors: Lucassen Marcel P. , Gevers Theo , Gijsenij Arjan
Published: November 2010

Several studies have recorded color emotions in subjects viewing uniform color (UC) samples. We conduct an experiment to measure and model how these color emotions change when texture is added to the color samples. Using a computer monitor, our subjects arrange samples along four scales: warm–cool, masculine–feminine, hard–soft, and heavy–light. Three sample types of increasing visual complexity are used: UC, grayscale textures, and color textures (CTs). To assess the intraobserver variability, the experiment is repeated after 1 week. Our results show that texture fully determines the responses on the Hard‐Soft scale, and plays a role of decreasing weight for the masculine–feminine, heavy–light, and warm–cool scales. Using some 25,000 observer responses, we derive color emotion functions that predict the group‐averaged scale responses from the samples' color and texture parameters. For UC samples, the accuracy of our functions is significantly higher (average R2 = 0.88) than that of previously reported functions applied to our data. The functions derived for CT samples have an accuracy of R2 = 0.80. We conclude that when textured samples are used in color emotion studies, the psychological responses may be strongly affected by texture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010
Energy Transfer Pathways in a Rylene‐Based Triad
Authors: Fron Eduard , Puhl Larissa , Oesterling Ingo , Li Chen , Müllen Klaus , De Schryver Frans C. , Hofkens Johan , Vosch Tom
Published: November 2010

Herein, a study on the excitation energy migration is reported for a newly synthesized Triad with a well‐defined architecture consisting of a central terrylenediimide decorated with four perylenediimide and sixteen naphthalenemonoimide chromophores. Steady‐state femto‐ and picosecond time‐resolved spectroscopy were employed to unveil the excited states dynamics in solution. Compared with the results obtained from the corresponding model compounds, the Triad is an efficient light collector over the entire visible spectral range and the fluorescence occurs mostly from the core with a quantum yield as high as 60 %. The results suggest that selective excitation of the naphthalenemonoimide chromophores results in an efficient energy transfer that occurs in a cascade fashion (through the perylenediimide chromophores) towards the terrylenediimide core with time constants of <200 fs and 3.7 ps. Naphthalenemonoimide chromophores can also transfer their excitation energy to the terrylenediimide core directly via two parallel pathways with time constants of 1.5 and 8.4 ps, respectively. Additionally, single‐molecule confocal microscopy experiments revealed strong emission from the terrylenediimide unit upon excitation of the naphthalenemonoimide chromophores. As time evolved, stepwise photobleaching of the multichromophoric Triad single molecules embedded in a PMMA polymer film was observed, resulting in a 96 percent probability of observing perylenediimide emission before final photobleaching under ambient conditions, substantiating the cascade energy transfer pathway. Under nitrogen atmosphere however, no perylenediimide emission could be observed for single Triad molecules embedded in a PMMA polymer film, likely as a result of the prolonged photostability of the terrylenediimide core in absence of oxygen.
Protonation of Zwitterionic Manganese and Rhenium Phosphoniostyryl Complexes (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M––C(+PR3)=C(H)Ph: Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Krivykh Vasily V. , Valyaev Dmitry A. , Utegenov Kamil I. , Mazhuga Andrei M. , Taits Elena S. , Semeikin Oleg V. , Petrovskii Pavel V. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Glukhov Ivan V. , Ustynyuk Nikolai A.
Published: November 2010

Stereoselective addition of tertiary phosphanes to manganese and rhenium phenylvinylidenes (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M=C=C(H)Ph (1 M = Mn; 2 M = Re) gave the corresponding zwitterionic Z‐phosphoniostyryl adducts (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M−−C(+PR3)=C(H)Ph (3 M = Mn, PR3 = PPh2Me; 4 Mn, PPhMe2; 5 Mn, PMe3; 6 Re, PPh2Me; 7 Re, PMe3). Protonation of 3–7 with HBF4·OEt2 resulted in the formation of the η2‐phosponioalkene complexes (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M(η2‐E‐HC(+PR3)=C(H)Ph) (8 Mn, PPh2Me; 9 Mn, PPhMe2; 10 Mn, PMe3; 11 Re, PPh2Me; 12 Re, PMe3) rather than in the corresponding phosphoniocarbene complexes (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2M=C(+PR3)CH2Ph. It was shown by DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐31G*) that the protonation of 5 proceeds at the metal atom followed by C,H‐reductive elimination in the intermediate hydride cis‐(η5‐C5H5)(CO)2(H)Mn−C(+PMe3)=C(H)Ph (14) to form the agostic complex (η5‐C5H5)(CO)2Mn{η2‐H–C(+PMe3)=C(H)Ph} (15) and subsequent isomerization of the latter into the final η2‐phosphonioalkene 10. In line with the theoretical data, the low‐temperature protonation (–80°C) of 3 with triflic acid in an NMR tube directly gave the corresponding phosponioalkene complex 8. Unlike 3, the protonation of their rhenium analogues 6 and 7 under the same conditions revealed the quantitative formation of cis‐hydride intermediates cis‐[(η5‐C5H5)(CO)2(H)Re−C(+PR3)=C(H)Ph]OTf (16, 17), which undergo conversion into the corresponding η2‐phosponioalkene complexes 11 and 12 at ca. –30°C
Effluent-dominated streams. Part 2: Presence and possible effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in Wascana Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Waiser Marley J , Humphries David , Tumber Vijay , Holm Jennifer
Published: November 2010

Recent worldwide surveys have not only established incomplete removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) by sewage treatment plants, but also their presence in surface waters receiving treated sewage effluent. Those aquatic systems where sewage effluent dominates flow are thought to be at the highest risk for ecosystem level changes. The city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (population 190,400) treats its sewage at a modern tertiary sewage treatment facility located on Wascana Creek. The Wascana Creek hydrograph is dominated by one major event: spring snow melt. Thereafter, creek flow declines considerably and in winter treated sewage effluent makes up almost 100% of stream flow. Four water surveys conducted on the creek from winter 2005 to spring 2007 indicated that PPCPs were always present, in nanogram and sometimes microgram per liter concentrations downstream of the sewage treatment plant. This mixture included antibiotics, analgesics, antiinflammatories, a lipid regulator, metabolites of caffeine, cocaine and nicotine, and an insect repellent. Not surprisingly, concentrations of some PPCPs were highest in winter. According to hazard quotient calculations and homologue presence, ibuprofen, naproxen, gemfibrozil, triclosan, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole were present in Wascana Creek at concentrations that may present a risk to aquatic organisms. The continual exposure to a mixture of pharmaceuticals as well as concentrations of un-ionized ammonia that far exceed Canadian and American water quality guidelines suggests that Wascana Creek should be considered an ecosystem at risk. Although the Wascana Creek study is regional in nature, the results highlight the considerable risks posed to aquatic organisms in such effluent-dominated ecosystems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:508–519. © 2010 SETAC
Systems biology: Leading the revolution in ecotoxicology
Authors: Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Perkins Edward J
Published: November 2010

The rapid development of new technologies such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics (Omics) are changing the way ecotoxicology is practiced. The data deluge has begun with genomes of over 65 different aquatic species that are currently being sequenced, and many times that number with at least some level of transcriptome sequencing. Integrating these top-down methodologies is an essential task in the field of systems biology. Systems biology is a biology-based interdisciplinary field that focuses on complex interactions in biological systems, with the intent to model and discover emergent properties of the system. Recent studies demonstrate that Omics technologies provide valuable insight into ecotoxicity, both in laboratory exposures with model organisms and with animals exposed in the field. However, these approaches require a context of the whole animal and population to be relevant. Powerful approaches using reverse engineering to determine interacting networks of genes, proteins, or biochemical reactions are uncovering unique responses to toxicants. Modeling efforts in aquatic animals are evolving to interrelate the interacting networks of a system and the flow of information linking these elements. Just as is happening in medicine, systems biology approaches that allow the integration of many different scales of interaction and information are already driving a revolution in understanding the impacts of pollutants on aquatic systems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:265–273. © 2010 SETAC
Review of recent proteomic applications in aquatic toxicology
Authors: Sanchez Brian C , Ralston-Hooper Kimberly , Sepúlveda María S
Published: November 2010

Over the last decade, the environmental sciences have witnessed an incredible movement towards the utilization of high-throughput molecular tools that are capable of detecting simultaneous changes of hundreds, and even thousands, of molecules and molecular components after exposure of organisms to different environmental stressors. These techniques have received a great deal of attention because they not only offer the potential to unravel novel mechanisms of physiological and toxic action but are also amenable to the discovery of biomarkers of exposure and effects. In this article, we review the state of knowledge of one of these tools in ecotoxicological research: proteomics. We summarize the state of proteomics research in fish, and follow with studies conducted with aquatic invertebrates. A brief discussion on proteomic methods is also presented. We conclude with some ideas for future proteomic studies with fish and aquatic invertebrates. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:274–282. © 2010 SETAC
Measuring the toxicity of alkyl-phenanthrenes to early life stages of medaka (Oryzias latipes)using partition-controlled delivery
Authors: Turcotte Dominique , Akhtar Parveen , Bowerman Michelle , Kiparissis Yiannis , Brown R. Stephen , Hodson Peter V
Published: November 2010

Alkyl-phenanthrenes are a class of compounds present in crude oil and toxic to developing fish. Most research on alkyl-phenanthrenes has focused on retene (7-isopropyl-1-methyl-phenanthrene), but little is known about the chronic toxicity of related congeners to the early life stages of fish. This project is the first to describe the chronic toxicity of a series of alkyl-phenanthrenes to the embryos of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) using the partition-controlled delivery (PCD) method of exposure and is the first to establish a relationship between toxicity of alkyl-phenanthrenes and log P. With PCD, test concentrations were maintained by equilibrium partitioning of test chemicals from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films containing various concentrations of C1 to C4 phenanthrenes. Log film:solution partition constants (log Kfs) and aqueous solubility limits were determined for each alkyl-phenanthrene. The prevalence of abnormalities in fish embryos increased in an exposure-dependent manner, with median effective concentration (EC50) values lower than experimental solubility limits of the compounds, and typical of environmental concentrations. Alkyl-phenanthrenes were more toxic to medaka embryos than unsubstituted phenanthrene, with effects resembling those of dioxin and indicating a specific receptor-based mechanism of toxicity. These results extend conclusions for the Exxon Valdez oil spill, suggest a specific mechanism of toxicity for alkyl-phenanthrenes, and provide a model for assessing the risks of mixture toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:487–495. © 2010 SETAC
The effects of a nursing guideline on depression in psychogeriatric nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Verkaik Renate , Francke Anneke L. , van Meijel Berno , Spreeuwenberg Peter M.M. , Ribbe Miel W. , Bensing Jozien M.
Published: November 2010

Objective

To study the effects of introducing a nursing guideline on depression in residents with dementia of psychogeriatric nursing home wards.

Methods

A multi‐center controlled clinical trial with randomization at ward level was used to study the effects of the guideline introduction. Nursing teams were trained in applying the guideline to their own residents diagnosed with depression in dementia. Key elements of the nursing guideline are increasing individualized pleasant activities and decreasing unpleasant events. Participating residents were 97 residents diagnosed with dementia and comorbid depression, from 18 psychogeriatric nursing home wards, in 9 Dutch nursing homes. Measurements took place at pre‐test, post‐test and follow‐up. Primary outcome was severity of depression measured with the MDS/RAI‐Depression Rating Scale (DRS) and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. Secondary outcome is mood as measured by the FACE‐observation scale.

Results

Compliance with the nursing guideline was moderate. Despite this, residents on the experimental wards showed a significant reduction in depression on the DRS. With the Cornell scale a reduction of depression was found as well, although not significantly different from that in the control group. No effects on observed mood were found.

Conclusion

This study shows significant reductions in depression severity by introducing a nursing guideline on psychogeriatric nursing home wards. Better compliance with the guideline could probably enlarge the effects. Some ways to achieve enhanced compliance are: (1) additionally train non‐certified nurse assistants, and (2) emphasize necessary conditions for successful introduction of the guideline to nursing team managers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of the primary motor cortex to motor imagery: A subthreshold TMS study
Authors: Pelgrims Barbara , Michaux Nicolas , Olivier Etienne , Andres Michael
Published: November 2010

Motor imagery (MI) mostly activates the same brain regions as movement execution (ME) including the primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4, BA4). However, whether BA4 is functionally relevant for MI remains controversial. The finding that MI tasks are impaired by BA4 virtual lesions induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) supports this view, though previous studies do not permit to exclude that BA4 is also involved in other processes such as hand recognition. Additionally, previous works largely underestimated the possible negative consequences of TMS‐induced muscle twitches on MI task performance. Here we investigated the role of BA4 in MI by interfering with the function of the left or right BA4 in healthy subjects performing a MI task in which they had to make laterality judgements on rotated hand drawings. We used a subthreshold repetitive TMS protocol and monitored electromyographic activity to exclude undesirable effects of hand muscle twitches. We found that BA4 virtual lesions selectively increased reaction times in laterality judgments on hand drawings, leaving unaffected a task of equal difficulty, involving judgments on letters. Interestingly, the effects of virtual lesions of left and right BA4 on MI task performance were the same irrespective of the laterality (left/right) of hand drawings. A second experiment allowed us to rule out the possibility that BA4 lesions affect visual or semantic processing of hand drawings. Altogether, these results indicate that BA4 contribution to MI tasks is specifically related to the mental simulation process and further emphasize the functional coupling between ME and MI. Hum Brain Mapp , 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of steady state functional connectivity in the default mode and working memory networks by cognitive load
Authors: Newton Allen T. , Morgan Victoria L. , Rogers Baxter P. , Gore John C.
Published: November 2010

Interregional correlations between blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals in the resting state have been interpreted as measures of connectivity across the brain. Here we investigate whether such connectivity in the working memory and default mode networks is modulated by changes in cognitive load. Functional connectivity was measured in a steady‐state verbal identity N‐back task for three different conditions (N = 1, 2, and 3) as well as in the resting state. We found that as cognitive load increases, the functional connectivity within both the working memory the default mode network increases. To test whether functional connectivity between the working memory and the default mode networks changed, we constructed maps of functional connectivity to the working memory network as a whole and found that increasingly negative correlations emerged in a dorsal region of the posterior cingulate cortex. These results provide further evidence that low frequency fluctuations in BOLD signals reflect variations in neural activity and suggests interaction between the default mode network and other cognitive networks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caspase expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Coutinho‐Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa , Nishimoto Ines Nobuko , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Soares Fernando Augusto
Published: November 2010

Background

Apoptosis is a genetically programmed form of cell death, of which caspases are the central components.

Methods

By tissue microarray of 229 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we analyzed the immunoexpression of caspases 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Results

All proteins that we examined were expressed in primary OSCC samples. Caspases 8 and 9 were prominently expressed, and caspases 3, 6, 7, and 10 were occasionally expressed. Disease‐free survival differed significantly between caspase 7 high‐expressing and low‐expressing patients, and our multivariate analysis suggested that expression of caspase 7 is an independent prognostic factor for patients with OSCC.

Conclusion

This study suggests that caspases regulate the tumorigenesis of OSCC and that caspase 7 expression is a predictor of locoregional recurrence of OSCC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Wavelength swept amplified spontaneous emission source for high speed retinal optical coherence tomography at 1060 nm
Authors: Eigenwillig Christoph M. , Klein Thomas , Wieser Wolfgang , Biedermann Benjamin R. , Huber Robert
Published: November 2010

The wavelength swept amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source presented in this paper is an alternative approach to realize a light source for high speed swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT). ASE alternately passes a cascade of different optical gain elements and tunable optical bandpass filters. In this work we show for the first time a wavelength swept ASE source in the 1060 nm wavelength range, enabling high speed retinal OCT imaging. We demonstrate ultra‐rapid retinal OCT at a line rate of 170 kHz, a record sweep rate at 1060 nm of 340 kHz with 70 nm full sweep width, enabling an axial resolution of 11 μm. Two different implementations of the source are characterized and compared to each other. The last gain element is either a semiconductor optical amplifier or an Ytterbium‐doped fibre amplifier enabling high average output power of >40 mW. Various biophotonic imaging examples provide a wide range of quality benchmarks achievable with such sources. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inhibitory effect of ganglioside on mastoparan‐induced cytotoxicity and degranulation in lipid raft of connective tissue type mast cell
Authors: Nishikawa Hirofumi , Kitani Seiichi
Published: November 2010

Antihistamine, the most important drug for Hymenoptera stinging, cannot attenuate cytotoxicity and mast cell direct activation by mastoparan that is the most abundant polypeptides in the venoms of social wasps. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gangliosides inhibit the effect of mastoparan on mast cells activation. The degranulation and cytotoxicity in canine cutaneous mastocytoma cells (CM‐MC) were done by measurement of β‐hexosaminidase release and MTT assay. Lipid raft was isolated with discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifuge for the analysis of distribution of Gαq and Gαi protein by western blotting. We found that mastoparan induced the degranulation in (CM‐MC) via direct activation of Gαi and Gαq with a decrease in their amount in lipid raft. Ganglioside GD1a(disialoganglioside) and GM1 (monosialoganglioside) strongly reduced the degranulation and cytotoxicity through stabilizing the structure of lipid raft domain. In addition, mastoparan generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) independently from cytotoxicity, through arachidonic cascade but not G‐protein activations. Crude wasp venom showed cytotoxicity and induction of the release from CM‐MC, which were potently reduced by gangliosides. We show here that mastoparan activates both Gαi and Gαq protein and that the exogenous ganglioside GD1a and GM1 inhibit the degranulation and cytotoxicity through stabilizing lipid raft. Gangliosides have potentials to be therapeutic tool or clinical prophylaxis for wasp stinging. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:158–168, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20372