bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial comparing short-term versus long-term catheterization after vaginal prolapse surgery
Authors: Thakur Nupur , Gurung Geeta , Rana Ashma
Published: November 2008

Aim: To determine whether short term bladder catheterisation for 24 hrs after vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse would be more advantageous to routinely practiced 3 days catheterisation. Method: Randomized comparative study was done as thesis topic in Gynaecological Ward of TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu from 30th October 2004 to 2nd November 2005. A total of 100 women were included in this study. Prior to surgery at OT table, and before giving prophylactic antibiotics urine samples were collected from metal catheter for routine analysis. They were randomized into two groups. In groups 1 (n=50) transurethral catheter was removed after 24 hrs of surgery. In group 2 (n=50) catheter was removed on 3rd post operative day. Urine culture was taken before removal of the catheter. Residual volume of urine after the first voiding was measured by transabdominal ultrasound. Recatheterisation for three more days was considered whenever residual volume exceeded 200ml. Result: Recatheterisation was not needed in either groups for residual volume >200ml. Regarding recatheterisation 4 needed them after 2-3 hrs of first voiding. Among these 4 women, cause of urinary retention was accountable for pelvic haematoma leading to pelvic abscess in one case, which belonged to group 1 where as urinary tract infection was responsible for urinary retention in group 2. There were no explainable causes in two cases. But urinary tract infection was seen in two cases in group 1 and 11 cases in group 2 (P value 0.017). Conclusion: This study has shown that short term catheterisation is more beneficial in terms of lower incidence of urinary tract infection (2 Vs 11) and related febrile morbidity as compared to long term catheterisation. Key words: Uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor repair with vaginal hysterectomy, catheterisation.   doi:10.3126/njog.v2i1.1473 N. J. Obstet. Gynaecol Vol. 2, No. 1, p. 29 - 34 May -June 2007
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Coumarin and Substituted Coumarins by Chloramine-b in Hydrochloric Acid Medium
Authors: Shubha J.P. , Puttaswamy
Published: November 2008

The kinetics of oxidation of coumarin (see Equation (1)) and four substituted coumarins, viz. 7-methoxycoumarin, 7-ethoxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin and 7-nitrocoumarin, to the corresponding o-hydroxycinnamic acids by chloramine-B (CAB) have been studied at 298 K. Under comparable experimental conditions, the reaction rate shows a first-order dependence each upon [CAB]o and [coumarin]o, and individually less than unit order dependence on [H+] and [Cl-]. Addition of benzenesulfonamide retards the reaction rate and the dielectric effect is positive. Variation of ionic strength of the medium does not influence the rate but the rate increases with increase in dielectric constant of the medium. The solvent isotope effect was studied using D2O. The reaction was studied at different temperatures and activation parameters have been evaluated. The stoichiometry of the reaction was found to be 1:1 and the oxidation products of coumarins were identified as their corresponding o-hydroxycinnamic acids. The rate of oxidation of coumarins increases in the order: 7-hydroxycoumarin > 7-ethoxycoumarin > 7-methoxycoumarin > coumarin > 7-nitrocoumarin. The rates satisfactorily correlate with the Hammett γ relationship and the reaction constant ρ is -0.04, which signifies that electron-donating groups enhance the rate and the electron-withdrawing group retards the rate. An isokinetic relationship was observed with β = 348 K, which showed the reaction to be enthalpy controlled. A mechanism consistent with the experimental results is proposed in which the rate-determining step is the formation of an intermediate complex between the substrate and molecular chlorine. The related rate law has been deduced and the decomposition constants were evaluated.
Ponicidin Inhibits Monocytic Leukemia Cell Growth by Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Jia-Jun , Zhang Yong , Guang Wei-Bin , Yang Hong-Zhi , Lin Dong-Jun , Xiao Ruo-Zhi
Published: November 2008

In this study two monocytic leukemia cell lines, U937 and THP-1 cells, were used to investigate the anti-proliferation effects caused by ponicidin. Cell viability was measured by an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry as well as DNA fragmentation analysis. Cell morphology was observed using an inverted microscope and Hoechst 33258 staining. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect survivin as well as Bax and Bcl-2 expressions after the cells were treated with different concentrations of ponicidin. The results revealed that ponicidin could inhibit the growth of U937 and THP-1 cells significantly by induction of apoptosis. The suppression was in both time- and dose-dependent manner. Marked morphological changes of cell apoptosis were observed clearly after the cells were treated with ponicidin for 48~72 h. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that both survivin and Bcl-2 expressions were down-regulated remarkably while Bax expression remained constant before and after apoptosis occurred. We therefore conclude that ponicidin has significant anti-proliferation effects by inducing apoptosis on leukemia cells in vitro, downregulation of survivin as well as Bcl-2 expressions may be the important apoptosis inducing mechanisms. The results suggest that ponicidin may serve as potential therapeutic agent for leukemia.
Heterocycles [h]-Fused Onto 4-Oxoquinoline-3-Carboxylic Acid, Part VIII [1]. Convenient Synthesis and Antimicrobial Properties of Substituted Hexahydro[1,4]diazepino[2,3-h]quinoline-9-carboxylic acid and Its Tetrahydroquino[7,8-b]benzodiazepine Analog
Authors: Al-Hiari Yusuf  M. , Abu-Dahab Rana , El-Abadelah Mustafa  M.
Published: November 2008

[1,4]Diazepino[2,3-h]quinolone carboxylic acid 3 and its benzo-homolog tetrahydroquino[7,8-b]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylic acid 5 were prepared via PPAcatalyzed thermal lactamization of the respective 8-amino-7-substituted-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives 8, 10. The latter compounds were obtained by reduction of their 8-nitro-7-substituted-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid precursors 7, 9 which, in turn, were prepared by reaction of 7-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-8-nitro-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (6) with each of β-alanine and anthranilic acid. All intermediates and target compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, NMR, IR and MS spectral data. The prepared targets and the intermediates have shown interesting antibacterial activity mainly against Gram positive strains. In particular, compound 8 showed good activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.39 μg/mL) and B. subtilis (MIC = 0.78 μg/mL). Compounds 5a and 9 have also displayed good antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC = 1.56 μg/mL and 0.78 μg/mL, respectively). None of the compounds tested showed any anticancer activity against solid breast cancer cell line MCF-7 cells or a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line.
Selectivity Enhancement in Multisensor Systems Using Flow Modulation Techniques
Authors: El Barbri Noureddine , Duran Cristhian , Brezmes Jesús , Cañellas Nicolau , Ramírez José  Luis , Bouchikhi Benachir , Llobet Eduard
Published: November 2008

In this paper, the use of a new technique to obtain transient sensor information is introduced and its usefulness to improve the selectivity of metal oxide gas sensors is discussed. The method is based on modulating the flow of the carrier gas that brings the species to be measured into the sensor chamber. In such a way, the analytes’ concentration at the surface of the sensors is altered. As a result, reproducible patterns in the sensor response develop, which carry important information for helping the sensor system, not only to discriminate among the volatiles considered but also to semi-quantify them. This has been proved by extracting features from sensor dynamics using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and by building and validating support vector machine (SVM) classification models. The good results obtained (100% correct identification among 5 volatile compounds and nearly a 89% correct simultaneous identification and quantification of these volatiles), which clearly outperform those obtained when the steady-state response is used, prove the concept behind flow modulation.
Intracerebroventricular Administration of Amyloid β-protein Oligomers Selectively Increases Dorsal Hippocampal Dialysate Glutamate Levels in the Awake Rat
Authors: O’Shea Sean  D. , Smith Imelda  M. , McCabe Olive  M. , Cronin Michelle  M. , Walsh Dominic  M. , O’Connor William  T.
Published: November 2008

Extensive evidence supports an important role for soluble oligomers of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s Disease pathogenesis. In the present study we combined intracerebroventricular (icv) injections with brain microdialysis technology in the fully conscious rat to assess the effects of icv administered SDS-stable low-n Aβ oligomers (principally dimers and trimers) on excitatory and inhibitory amino acid transmission in the ipsilateral dorsal hippocampus. Microdialysis was employed to assess the effect of icv administration of Aβ monomers and Aβ oligomers on dialysate glutamate, aspartate and GABA levels in the dorsal hippocampus. Administration of Aβ oligomers was associated with a +183% increase (p
Protection of Human Pancreatic Islets Using a Lentiviral Vector Expressing Two Genes: cFLIP and GFP
Authors: Fenjves Elizabeth S. , Ochoa M. Sofia , Cechin Sirlene , Gay-Rabinstein Carlota , Pérez-Alvarez Ingrid , Ichii Hirohito , Mendez Armando , Ricordi Camillo , Curran Michael A.
Published: November 2008

Pancreatic islet transplantation can provide insulin independence to diabetic patients. However, apoptosis of islets often leads to early graft failure. Genetic engineering with protective gene(s) can improve the viability of these cells. Here we show successful transduction of human islets with a feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vector expressing both a cytoprotective (cFLIP) gene and the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Despite using low virus titers to maximize safety, transduced islets expressed both genes, resulting in improved β-cell metabolic activity and viability. Although only ~10% of total islet cells were transduced, the significant viability advantages suggest a “barrier” effect in which protecting the periphery of the islet shields the core. These results provide the first demonstration that a lentiviral vector can express two genes in islets. Furthermore, the engineered islets are resistant to a variety of apoptotic stimuli, suggesting the potential of this approach in enhancing the viability of transplanted cells.
Androgen dynamics in the context of children's peer relations: an examination of the links between testosterone and peer victimization
Authors: Vaillancourt Tracy , deCatanzaro Denys , Duku Eric , Muir Cameron
Published: November 2008

Testosterone levels have been shown to decrease in the face of social defeat in several mammalian species. Among humans, the loss of social status has been studied primarily in the context of athletic competition, with winners having higher testosterone levels than losers. This study examined testosterone levels in relation to peer victimization (bullying) in a sample of 151 boys and girls aged 12–13. Statistically controlling for age and pubertal status, results indicated that on average verbally bullied girls produced less testosterone and verbally bullied boys produced more testosterone than their nonbullied counterparts. Similar trends were evident comparing social and physical bullying with testosterone. Sex differences are discussed in terms of empirically validated differences in coping styles, as girls tend to internalize, whereas boys tend to externalize, their abuse. Aggr. Behav. 35:103–113, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feedforward adaptive control of the Bispectral Index of the EEG using the intravenous anaesthetic drug propofol
Authors: Nunes Catarina S. , Mendonça Teresa , Lemos João M. , Amorim Pedro
Published: November 2008

The problem of controlling the level of unconsciousness measured by the Bispectral Index (BIS) of the EEG of patients under anaesthesia is considered. The manipulated variable is the infusion rate of the hypnotic drug propofol. In order to tackle the high uncertainties present in the system, the predictive adaptive controller MUSMAR is used. The performance of the controller is illustrated by means of simulations with 50 patient individual adjusted models (nonlinear models), which incorporate the effect of the drugs interaction on BIS. This work presents a feasibility study of the control of the BIS exploring the above ideas. These results show that such a control structure can be adequate to control the BIS signal during total intravenous anaesthesia. The controller was able to adequately achieve and maintain the BIS signal with different patient dynamics, reference values and noise. A major challenge for the automation of anaesthesia consists of replicating the experience of the anaesthetist. Clearly, this calls for the use of feedforward from measurable signals correlated with disturbances (e.g. electromyography—EMG, analgesic drug). The results also show that the analgesic and EMG have different influences on the performance and therefore carry different but relevant information. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Enantioselective Organocatalyzed Construction of Quaternary Carbon Centers via Cross‐Aldol Reaction of Ketones in Water
Authors: Zheng Changwu , Wu Yongyong , Wang Xiaosheng , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2008

The asymmetric construction of quaternary carbon centers via cross‐aldol reactions of ketones with β,γ‐unsaturated keto esters catalyzed by 4‐(tert‐butyldiphenylsilyloxy)‐pyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid in water is described. The adducts bearing two adjacent chiral centers were obtained in high yields, mostly up to 99% ee, and with high diastereoselectivities. The corresponding polyfunctional products could also be easily transformed to useful lactones with three chiral centers.
Evaluation of Aromatic Amination Catalyzed by Palladium on Carbon: A Practical Synthesis of Triarylamines
Authors: Monguchi Yasunari , Kitamoto Katsunori , Ikawa Takashi , Maegawa Tomohiro , Sajiki Hironao
Published: November 2008

A heterogeneous palladium on carbon (Pd/C)‐catalyzed coupling between amines and aromatic halides including aromatic chlorides has been achieved using sodium tert‐butoxide (NaO‐t‐Bu) and 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) as a ligand in cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). The use of potassium tert‐butoxide (KO‐t‐Bu) in place of NaO‐t‐Bu brought about the benzyne‐mediated aromatic amination even without Pd/C and dppf, giving a mixture of regioisomers when 4‐substituted bromobenzenes were employed as the substrate. The combination of Pd/C, dppf, NaO‐t‐Bu could be utilized for the syntheses of a broad range of triarylamines by replacing CPME with mesitylene which can provide a higher reaction temperature. The Pd/C could be quantitatively recovered and reused until at least the fourth cycle without any loss in catalytic activity. The quite low leaching of palladium (<1.1%) was demonstrated by an inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometric analysis.
Modular Phosphine‐Aminophosphine Ligands Based on Chiral 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydro‐1‐naphthylamine Backbone: A New Class of Practical Ligands for Enantioselective Hydrogenations
Authors: Qiu Min , Hu Xiang‐Ping , Huang Jia‐Di , Wang Dao‐Yong , Deng Jun , Yu Sai‐Bo , Duan Zheng‐Chao , Zheng Zhuo
Published: November 2008

A series of new chiral phosphine‐aminophosphine ligands [(R)‐HW‐Phos] has been prepared from (R)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐1‐naphthylamine through a two‐step procedure, and successfully applied in the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of various functionalized olefins such as α‐enol ester phosphonates, α‐enamido phosphonates, (Z)‐β‐(acylamino)acrylates and so on. Excellent enantioselectivities have been achieved in the hydrogenation of most substrates tested, demonstrating the high potential of these newly developed phosphine‐aminophosphine ligands in asymmetric catalysis. The present research also discloses that these newly developed phosphine‐aminophosphine ligands are more efficient than that derived from (S)‐1‐phenylethylamine, suggesting that the increased rigidity conferred by a cyclohexyl fragment in these phosphine‐aminophosphine ligands has a positive effect in the asymmetric induction.
Indium(III) Chloride‐Catalyzed Propargylation/Amination/Cycloisomerization Tandem Reaction: One‐Pot Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyrroles from Propargylic Alcohols, 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Primary Amines
Authors: Liu Xiao‐tao , Huang Lei , Zheng Fei‐jian , Zhan Zhuang‐ping
Published: November 2008

A convenient one‐pot propargylation/amination/cycloisomerization tandem process has been developed for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles derivatives from propargylic alcohols, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and primary amines using indium(III) chloride as a multifunctional catalyst. This method provides a flexible and rapid route to substituted pyrroles.
Polymer and Silica Supported Tridentate Schiff Base Vanadium Catalysts for the Asymmetric Oxidation of Ethyl Mandelate – Activity, Stability and Recyclability
Authors: Shiels Rebecca A. , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan , Jones Christopher W.
Published: November 2008

Homogeneous tridentate Schiff base vanadium catalysts derived from salicylaldehydes and tert‐leucinol or tert‐leucine are known to be excellent catalysts for the asymmetric oxidation of α‐hydroxy esters including ethyl mandelate. Herein, new analogous supported, semi‐soluble and insoluble catalysts are synthesized and their activities relative to the homogeneous catalyst are reported. The new catalysts are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (EI, ESI, FAB), X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and nitrogen physisorption. The effects of support material, synthesis procedure, and reaction solvent are examined to probe the utility of these catalysts. Linear poly(styrene) supported catalysts are partially soluble under the reaction conditions, and it is shown that the soluble species contribute significantly to the catalytic reactivity. Insoluble catalysts based on the same vanadyl complexes supported on cross‐linked poly(styrene) resin or mesoporous silica allow for catalyst recovery and recycle, showing equivalent selectivities over multiple reaction cycles. The mesoporous silica supported catalyst exhibits greater selectivity than the analogous homogeneous and polymer supported catalysts. Rigorous recycle studies show a loss of activity in each recycle, which is attributed to the decomposition of some portion of the vanadyl complexes in each cycle.
Substituent Effect on the Formation and Reactivity of Platinum Carbenoids
Authors: Cho Eun Jin , Lee Daesung
Published: November 2008

A propargylic ester containing a propargylic alkoxy group has been observed to preferentially undergo [1,2]‐acyl shift over [1,3]‐shift. In addition, the complementary and contrasting reactivity of vinyl vs. alkynyl platinum carbenoids has been discovered. Vinyl platinum carbenoids are more prone to undergo [1,2]‐H shift over addition to π‐bonds whereas alkynyl platinum carbenoids preferentially add to π‐bonds.
Structure‐Based Insight into the Asymmetric Bioreduction of the CC Double Bond of α,β‐Unsaturated Nitroalkenes by Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Reductase
Authors: Toogood Helen S. , Fryszkowska Anna , Hare Victoria , Fisher Karl , Roujeinikova Anna , Leys David , Gardiner John M. , Stephens Gill M. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: November 2008

Biocatalytic reduction of α‐ or β‐alkyl‐β‐arylnitroalkenes provides a convenient and efficient method to prepare chiral substituted nitroalkanes. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase (PETN reductase) from Enterobacter cloacae st. PB2 catalyses the reduction of nitroolefins such as 1‐nitrocyclohexene (1) with steady state and rapid reaction kinetics comparable to other old yellow enzyme homologues. Furthermore, it reduces 2‐aryl‐1‐nitropropenes (4a–d) to their equivalent (S)‐nitropropanes 9a–d. The enzyme shows a preference for the (Z)‐isomer of substrates 4a–d, providing almost pure enantiomeric products 9a–d (ees up to>99%) in quantitative yield, whereas the respective (E)‐isomers are reduced with lower enantioselectivity (63–89% ee) and lower product yields. 1‐Aryl‐2‐nitropropenes (5a, b) are also reduced efficiently, but the products (R)‐10 have lower optical purities. The structure of the enzyme complex with 1‐nitrocyclohexene (1) was determined by X‐ray crystallography, revealing two substrate‐binding modes, with only one compatible with hydride transfer. Models of nitropropenes 4 and 5 in the active site of PETN reductase predicted that the enantioselectivity of the reaction was dependent on the orientation of binding of the (E)‐ and (Z)‐substrates. This work provides a structural basis for understanding the mechanism of asymmetric bioreduction of nitroalkenes by PETN reductase.
Investigation of influence factors in electron beam curing of epoxy resins using a calorimetry technique
Authors: Chen J. H. , Johnston A. , Petrescue L. , Hojjati M.
Published: November 2008

Because of the complexity of the electron beam (EB) curing process, current understanding of EB curing of polymer resins and composites is limited. This article describes an investigation of different factors affecting EB curing of epoxy resin such as dose rate, time interval between irradiation doses, moisture, and photoinitiator concentration using a calorimetry technique. Results show that higher dose rate resulted in a higher and faster temperature increment in the uncured resin samples, and thus a higher degree of cure. In the multiple‐step EB irradiation, a shorter time interval between irradiation doses resulted in higher temperature in the resin samples and therefore higher degree of cure. Results indicate that moisture could delay crosslinking reaction in the early stages of the cure reaction, but accelerates it later in the curing process. Given a reasonable percentage of photoinitiator, experiments confirmed that samples with higher photoinitiator concentration reach higher degree of cure under same EB irradiation conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Criteria for determining native distributions of biota: the case of the northern plains killifish in the Cheyenne River drainage, North America
Authors: Hoagstrom Christopher W. , Hayer Cari‐Ann , Berry Charles R.
Published: November 2008

Criteria exist to help determine native distributions of species, but they are seldom explicitly used.

As an example of their utility, nine revised and expanded criteria are applied to assess the status of northern plains killifish in the Cheyenne River drainage. Use of each criterion is demonstrated. The criteria are: (1) history, (2) detectibility, (3) biogeography, (4) life‐history, (5) human affinity, (6) invasion path, (7) invasiveness, (8) phylogenetics, and (9) pre‐history.

Upon review, only one criterion weakly supports non‐native status, whereas five strongly support native status, one weakly supports native status, and two are equivocal.

Criteria to determine native distributions provide a rigorous method to assess available information, reveal knowledge gaps, and produce testable hypotheses. As demonstrated here, their consistent use as a cohesive set would greatly improve understanding of species distributions, benefiting conservation efforts and related meta‐analyses.

Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of species and functional diversity around a coastal marine reserve: a fisheries perspective
Authors: Stelzenmüller Vanessa , Maynou Francesc , Martín Paloma
Published: November 2008

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are expected to function simultaneously as biological conservation and fisheries management tools, but empirical evidence linking biodiversity conservation with fisheries benefits is scarce. Around the Medes Islands marine reserve (Spain, NW Mediterranean) patterns of fish catch diversity, catch (CPUE) and income (IPUE) were assessed and the economic value of diversity for local fisheries was explored by combining a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis with geostatistics.

Catch data were derived from the trammel net fleet operating around the MPA to gain information on species diversity, functional diversity, functional redundancy, CPUE and IPUE.

Results revealed significant impact of both the fishing prohibition in the MPA and the presence of seagrass beds on diversity metrics, catch and income. Clear differences in functional redundancy in fish assemblages were found within the study area, indicating greater resilience of the fish assemblage against fishing pressure or human impact close to the MPA (⩽2 km). In contrast, fish assemblages beyond 2 km of the MPA border are more vulnerable to disturbance. High values of diversity, CPUE and IPUE overlapped close to the MPA border and close to seagrass beds.

The spatial approach developed suggests that, in addition to the more commonly studied effect of density‐dependent spillover of adult fish, increased levels of ecological diversity and economic diversity can also result in fisheries benefits of an MPA. Hence, the fishing regulations in and around the Medes Islands marine reserve have shown that biological conservation and fisheries benefits can be complementary in the long‐term, which should be considered in future policies for MPAs or MPA networks.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effectiveness of seahorses and pipefish (Pisces: Syngnathidae) as a flagship group to evaluate the conservation value of estuarine seagrass beds
Authors: Shokri Mohammad Reza , Gladstone William , Jelbart Jane
Published: November 2008

Syngnathids (Pisces, Syngnathidae: seahorses and pipefish) were investigated for their use as a flagship group to evaluate the conservation value of estuarine seagrass beds in estuaries in south‐east Australia. Some species of syngnathids are listed internationally as vulnerable or endangered, and they are a charismatic group of fish that attracts a high level of public support and sympathy. Syngnathids are also protected in several states of Australia. Conservation of syngnathids might provide coincidental benefits to other species that share their habitats.

The effectiveness of syngnathids as a flagship group was assessed by (1) testing for correlations with other fish in species richness, density, assemblage variation, and summed irreplaceability value, and (2) determining the number of species of all other fish coincidentally captured in marine protected areas (MPAs) selected for syngnathids. The study was undertaken in a single estuary (scale: tens of square kilometres) and across multiple estuaries (scale: hundreds of square kilometres).

Densities of syngnathids and other fish were correlated only at the scale of multiple estuaries. Species richness and summed irreplaceability of syngnathids and other fish were not spatially correlated. Spatial variations in assemblages of syngnathids and other fish were correlated. MPAs selected for syngnathids included more non‐syngnathid species than a random selection of locations.

This study provides evidence that ranking the conservation value of seagrass beds on the basis of the density and assemblage variation of syngnathids, and selecting MPAs to represent syngnathid species, will simultaneously benefit other fish. Synganthids are therefore regarded as a useful flagship group for conservation planning.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the effect of catchment land use and water nutrient concentrations on freshwater river and stream biodiversity
Authors: Weijters M. J. , Janse J. H. , Alkemade R. , Verhoeven J. T. A.
Published: November 2008

A major threat to freshwater taxon diversity is the alteration of natural catchment Land use into agriculture, industry or urban areas and the associated eutrophication of the water. In order to stop freshwater biodiversity loss, it is essential to quantify the relationships between freshwater diversity and catchment Land use and water nutrient concentrations.

A literature survey was carried out on biodiversity data from rivers and streams. Fish and macroinvertebrates were selected as focal groups as they are widely used as indicator species of river and stream health. Only published data were selected that (a) compared data found at impaired sites with a pristine reference situation (either in time or space), (b) clearly defined the stressors studied (Land use cover and/or nutrient concentrations), and (c) clearly defined biodiversity (number of native species, species lists or IBI‐scores).

The number of native taxa found in each study was transferred in an index of relative taxon richness (RTR) ranging from 0 (severely altered) to 100 (pristine reference conditions). Only those taxa were included that were (at least) present in the most pristine situation. This made it possible to combine, compare and analyse results from different studies. Catchment Land use was expressed as the percentage of non‐natural Land use (agriculture, industry, housing or mining). As a measure of nutrients, the concentrations of NO3, NH4, PO4, total N and total P in the river and stream water were used.

Over 240 published articles have been studied, but only 22 met the criteria described above and could be used for further analysis.

This study showed that altered catchment Land use has a major effect on freshwater biodiversity and that the rate of species loss is serious; on average every 10% of lost natural catchment Land use cover leads to a loss of almost 6% (±0.83) of the native freshwater fish and macroinvertebrate species.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecological effects of major injuries in diamondback terrapins: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Cecala K. K. , Gibbons J. W. , Dorcas M. E.
Published: November 2008

Many turtle species frequently suffer major injuries due to attempted predation or anthropogenic factors. Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are one species known to be affected by anthropogenic activity, but little is known about the causes of injuries. In declining diamondback terrapin populations, learning more about causes and results of injuries can be helpful in developing sound management plans.

Patterns of limb loss and major shell injuries were examined in a population of terrapins studied for 24 years at Kiawah Island, South Carolina to infer the causes and effects of injuries and possible predators on terrapins.

The rate of shell injuries increased temporally, possibly as a result of increased watercraft activity. Because no differences in rates of limb loss were found between males and females, limb loss probably results from aquatic encounters (i.e. limb loss does not appear to be the result of terrestrial predation during nesting). Furthermore, males experienced reduced body condition when injured, and terrapins with a major injury had lower survivorship than uninjured terrapins.

Therefore, in addition to reducing sources of mortality and protecting nesting habitat, measures to protect terrapins from watercraft activity may increase the survivorship of adult terrapins.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary of the Sierra Rotors Project wave and rotor events
Authors: Grubišić Vanda , Billings Brian J.
Published: November 2008

This study summarizes wave and rotor events observed during the Sierra Rotors Project (SRP). This summary is on the basis of numerical model simulations of SRP events. The events are classified according to the lee‐side maxima of vertical and horizontal velocities. Generally, the above classification agrees with the classification on the basis of the obstacle‐perpendicular ridge‐top winds. The updraft maxima are found to preferentially lie within the leading‐edge updraft of a lee wave in the immediate lee and near the crest height of the Sierra Nevada. Simulated waves and lower turbulence zones are illustrated with the wave and rotor structures in two of the strongest SRP events. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Pub and community: The views of Birmingham untreated heavy drinkers
Authors: Orford Jim , Rolfe Alison , Dalton Sue , Painter Catherine , Webb Heather
Published: November 2008

This paper reports the results of a qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 79 members of the Birmingham Untreated Heavy Drinkers Cohort. The cohort was recruited in 1997 when all participants were drinking 50 or more standard units of alcohol (men) or 35 or more units (women) most weeks. Present interviews were carried out as part of the fourth wave of interviews, held in 2003. The topic was the participants' places of drinking in the community and the functions those places served. The present analysis focused on the relationship between pubs and community. The strongest theme to emerge was that the pub provided for many participants a real sense of community in itself. It did so by enabling participants to meet with like‐minded others, in a setting distinct from home or work, where conversing and confiding could take place in a relaxed atmosphere, with a range of other activities and forms of social support available to many. At the same time, participants were discriminating about which pubs they used, and when, and with whom they chose to interact. There was less consensus about whether the pub served a wider function by contributing to a positive sense of community in the local neighbourhood. It is suggested that English pubs, at least in a large conurbation such as the West Midlands, are very varied, sometimes continuing to serve as ‘the local’ for a community, sometimes being part of a variety of drinking places which between them provide people with a diversity of social niches to meet their increasingly diverse choices and preferences, and sometimes reflecting and even contributing to local community disorganisation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who are ethnocentric? Examining consumer ethnocentrism in Chinese societies
Authors: Hsu Jane Lu , Nien Han‐Peng
Published: November 2008

This study examined consumer ethnocentrism in Chinese societies and further to reveal whether more ethnocentric consumers would have higher preferences of domestic products. Multi‐item CETSCALE was applied in the study. Consumer surveys were administered in Taipei, Taiwan and in Shanghai, China, using stratified sampling method following the age and gender distributions of the populations between the ages of 15 and 64 in Taipei and in Shanghai. The differences in consumer ethnocentrism from respondents in Shanghai and in Taipei are that Shanghai respondents are more ethnocentric than Taipei respondents. Furthermore, ethnocentric consumers in Shanghai believe domestic brands of mobile phones are the best choices, while ethnocentric consumers in Taipei think domestic brands of mobile phones are the second best. Ethnocentrism has a strong influence on preferences of domestic brands. Ethnocentric consumers in both cities were relatively older, with lower educational levels, and had been travelling abroad fewer times in the past 3 years. Results of this study indicated that different patterns of consumer ethnocentrism existed in sub‐cultural Chinese societies.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of Translation–Replication Balance for Efficient Replication by the Self‐Encoded Replicase
Authors: Ichihashi Norikazu , Matsuura Tomoaki , Kita Hiroshi , Hosoda Kazufumi , Sunami Takeshi , Tsukada Koji , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: November 2008

In all living systems, the genetic information is replicated by the self‐encoded replicase (Rep); this can be said to be a self‐encoding system. Recently, we constructed a self‐encoding system in liposomes as an artificial cell model, consisting of a reconstituted translation system and an RNA encoding the catalytic subunit of Qβ Rep and the RNA was replicated by the self‐encoded Rep produced by the translation reaction. In this system, both the ribosome (Rib) and Rep bind to the same RNA for translation and replication, respectively. Thus, there could be a dilemma: effective RNA replication requires high levels of Rep translation, but excessive translation in turn inhibits replication. Herein, we actually observed the competition between the Rib and Rep, and evaluated the effect for RNA replication by constructing a kinetic model that quantitatively explained the behavior of the self‐encoding system. Both the experimental and theoretical results consistently indicated that the balance between translation and replication is critical for an efficient self‐encoded system, and we determined the optimum balance.
Comparison of Facially Amphiphilic versus Segregated Monomers in the Design of Antibacterial Copolymers
Authors: Gabriel Gregory J. , Maegerlein Janet A. , Nelson Christopher F. , Dabkowski Jeffrey M. , Eren Tarik , Nüsslein Klaus , Tew Gregory N.
Published: November 2008

A direct comparison of two strategies for designing antimicrobial polymers is presented. Previously, we published several reports on the use of facially amphiphilic (FA) monomers which led to polynorbornenes with excellent antimicrobial activities and selectivities. Our polymers obtained by copolymerization of structurally similar segregated monomers, in which cationic and non‐polar moieties reside on separate repeat units, led to polymers with less pronounced activities. A wide range of polymer amphiphilicities was surveyed by pairing a cationic oxanorbornene with eleven different non‐polar monomers and varying the comonomer feed ratios. Their properties were tested using antimicrobial assays and copolymers possessing intermediate hydrophobicities were the most active. Polymer‐induced leakage of dye‐filled liposomes and microscopy of polymer‐treated bacteria support a membrane‐based mode of action. From these results there appears to be profound differences in how a polymer made from FA monomers interacts with the phospholipid bilayer compared with copolymers from segregated monomers. We conclude that a well‐defined spatial relationship of the whole polymer is crucial to obtain synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs): charged and non‐polar moieties need to be balanced locally, for example, at the monomer level, and not just globally. We advocate the use of FA monomers for better control of biological properties. It is expected that this principle will be usefully applied to other backbones such as the polyacrylates, polystyrenes, and non‐natural polyamides.
Space‐ and Time‐Resolved In‐situ Spectroscopy on the Coke Formation in Molecular Sieves: Methanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion over H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐SAPO‐34
Authors: Mores Davide , Stavitski Eli , Kox Marianne H. F. , Kornatowski Jan , Olsbye Unni , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: November 2008

Formation of coke in large H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐SAPO‐34 crystals during the methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reaction has been studied in a space‐ and time‐resolved manner. This has been made possible by applying a high‐temperature in‐situ cell in combination with micro‐spectroscopic techniques. The buildup of optically active carbonaceous species allows detection with UV/Vis microscopy, while a confocal fluorescence microscope in an upright configuration visualises the formation of coke molecules and their precursors inside the catalyst grains. In H‐ZSM‐5, coke is initially formed at the triangular crystal edges, in which straight channel openings reach directly the external crystal surface. At reaction temperatures ranging from 530 to 745 K, two absorption bands at around 415 and 550 nm were detected due to coke or its precursors. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals fluorescent carbonaceous species that initially form in the near‐surface area and gradually diffuse inwards the crystal in which internal intergrowth boundaries hinder a facile penetration for the more bulky aromatic compounds. In the case of H‐SAPO‐34 crystals, an absorption band at around 400 nm arises during the reaction. This band grows in intensity with time and then decreases if the reaction is carried out between 530 and 575 K, whereas at higher temperatures its intensity remains steady with time on stream. Formation of the fluorescent species during the course of the reaction is limited to the near‐surface region of the H‐SAPO‐34 crystals, thereby creating diffusion limitations for the coke front moving towards the middle of the crystal during the MTO reaction. The two applied micro‐spectroscopic techniques introduced allow us to distinguish between graphite‐like coke deposited on the external crystal surface and aromatic species formed inside the zeolite channels. The use of the methods can be extended to a wide variety of catalytic reactions and materials in which carbonaceous deposits are formed.
Influence of Endohedral Confinement on the Electronic Interaction between He atoms: A He2@C20H20Case Study
Authors: Cerpa Erick , Krapp Andreas , Flores‐Moreno Roberto , Donald Kelling J. , Merino Gabriel
Published: November 2008

The shortest He–He distance!r(He–He)=1.265 Å. The electronic interaction between confined pairs of He atoms in the C20H20dodecahedrane cage is analyzed (see figure). A key observation about bonding that emerges uniquely from endohedral complexes is that a short internuclear separation does not necessarily imply the existence of a chemical bond.

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The electronic interaction between confined pairs of He atoms in the C20H20dodecahedrane cage is analyzed. The He–He distance is only 1.265 Å, a separation that is less than half the He–He distance in the free He dimer. The energy difference between the possible isomers is negligible (less than 0.15 kcal mol−1), illustrating that there is a nearly free precession movement of the He2fragment around its midpoint in the cage. We consider that a study of inclusion complexes, such as the case we have selected and other systems that involve artificially compressed molecular fragments, are useful reference points in testing and extending our understanding of the bonding capabilities of otherwise unreactive or unstable species. A key observation about bonding that emerges uniquely from endohedral (confinement) complexes is that a short internuclear separation does not necessarily imply the existence of a chemical bond.
All‐Optical Integrated Logic Operations Based on Chemical Communication between Molecular Switches
Authors: Silvi Serena , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Beves Jonathon E. , Dunphy Emma L. , Tomasulo Massimiliano , Raymo Françisco M. , Credi Alberto
Published: November 2008

Molecular logic gates process physical or chemical “inputs” to generate “outputs” based on a set of logical operators. We report the design and operation of a chemical ensemble in solution that behaves as integrated AND, OR, and XNOR gates with optical input and output signals. The ensemble is composed of a reversible merocyanine‐type photoacid and a ruthenium polypyridine complex that functions as a pH‐controlled three‐state luminescent switch. The light‐triggered release of protons from the photoacid is used to control the state of the transition‐metal complex. Therefore, the two molecular switching devices communicate with one another through the exchange of ionic signals. By means of such a double (optical–chemical–optical) signal‐transduction mechanism, inputs of violet light modulate a luminescence output in the red/far‐red region of the visible spectrum. Nondestructive reading is guaranteed because the green light used for excitation in the photoluminescence experiments does not affect the state of the gate. The reset is thermally driven and, thus, does not involve the addition of chemicals and accumulation of byproducts. Owing to its reversibility and stability, this molecular device can afford many cycles of digital operation.
The Synthesis and Characterisation of a Free‐Base Porphyrin–Perylene Dyad that Exhibits Electronic Coupling in Both the Ground and Excited States
Authors: Mathew Simon , Johnston Martin R.
Published: November 2008

A covalent dyad composed of a free‐base porphyrin and a perylene diimide (1) was synthesised and characterised by NMR, HRMS, UV/Vis and fluorometric methods. UV/Vis spectrophotometric analysis indicated a moderate coupling between the components in the ground state. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the emissive properties of the dyad showed that the quantum yield of emission from the porphyrin Soret band increased dramatically and could not be rationalised by a straightforward photoinduced energy (and/or electron) transfer, but rather a coupling of excited states.
Mono‐ and Bis(tetrathiafulvalene)‐1,3,5‐Triazines as Covalently Linked Donor–Acceptor Systems: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Riobé François , Grosshans Philippe , Sidorenkova Helena , Geoffroy Michel , Avarvari Narcis
Published: November 2008

Reaction of 2,4,6‐trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine with lithiated tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) in stoichiometric conditions, followed by treatment with sodium methanolate, provides mono‐ and bis(TTF)–triazines as new covalently linked (multi)donor–acceptor systems. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal planar structures for both compounds, with formation of peculiar segregated donor and acceptor stacks for the mono(TTF)–triazine compound, while mixed TTF–triazine stacks establish in the case of the bis(TTF) derivative. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show reversible oxidation of the TTF units, at rather low potential, with no splitting of the oxidation waves in the case of the dimeric TTF, whereas irreversible reduction of the triazine core is observed. Intramolecular charge transfer is experimentally evidenced through solution electronic absorption spectroscopy. Time‐dependent DFT calculations allow the assignment of the charge transfer band to singlet transitions from the HOMO of the donor(s) to the LUMO of the acceptor. Solution EPR measurements correlated with theoretical calculations were performed in order to characterize the oxidized species. In both cases the spectra show very stable radical species and contain a triplet of doublet pattern, in agreement with the coupling of the unpaired electron with the three TTF protons. The dication of the bis(TTF)–triazine is paramagnetic, but no spin–spin exchange interaction could be detected.
Finiteness of variance is irrelevant in the practice of quantitative finance
Authors: Taleb Nassim Nicholas
Published: November 2008

Outside the Platonic world of financial models, assuming the underlying distribution is a scalable “power law,” we are unable to find a consequential difference between finite and infinite variance models—a central distinction emphasized in the econophysics literature and the financial economics tradition. Although distributions with power law tail exponents α > 2 are held to be amenable to Gaussian tools, owing to their “finite variance,” we fail to understand the difference in the application with other power laws (1 < α < 2) held to belong to the Pareto‐Lévy‐Mandelbrot stable regime. The problem invalidates derivatives theory (dynamic hedging arguments) and portfolio construction based on mean‐variance. This article discusses methods to deal with the implications of the point in a real world setting. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009