bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Burden of Healthcare Utilisation by Older Persons Living in the Community in Malaysia
Authors: Haron Sharifah Azizah , Koris Roshanim , Nimetcan Mehmet , M Nur Amrizal , Aljunid Syed M , Shafie Arsual
Published: March 2024

Objective: The aim of the study is to estimate the economic burden of healthcare utilisation by older persons in Malaysia at a national scale. The specific objectives are to: (1) identify the healthcare utilisation behaviour of older persons; (2) estimate the direct and indirect healthcare costs at the community setting, and (3) estimate the economic burden of healthcare utilisation by older persons. Methods: The survey utilised multi-stage random sampling techniques to recruit a total of 2,274 elderly respondents aged 60 years and above. The economic burden of healthcare utilisation by an older person was estimated using multiple sources of data, namely administrative cost and healthcare cost from both institutional and community settings. Results: The prevalence of outpatient and inpatient care was 60.5% and 5.6%, respectively. Older persons generally chose government facilities for both inpatient and outpatient services. The average direct cost for outpatient and inpatient care were RM 141.24 and RM 2,527, respectively. The average indirect costs for outpatient and inpatient care were RM 31.44 and RM 524.07, respectively. The economic burden of healthcare utilisation by an older person was estimated at RM 3,807,481,491, which represent 0.34% of the total GDP in 2014 or 8% of the total health expenditure in the same year. By 2040, the burden is projected to reach a staggering RM 21 billion, or around 1.08% of the total GDP. The economic burden of healthcare utilisation by older persons is expected to increase as Malaysia is moving towards an aged nation by 2045. Conclusion: The utilization of outpatient care for older persons was estimated at 60% and most of the sought-after services were heavily subsidized government facilities. This study highlights the needs for the government to embark on preventive health and comprehensive education to decrease the prevalence and severity of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among both the future aged and existing elderly in Malaysia. Alternatively, health care reform may be timely to ease the burden of healthcare utilisation by an even bigger percentage of older persons, once we become an aged nation.
Imidacloprid disrupts larval molting regulation and nutrient energy metabolism, causing developmental delay in honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Li Zhi , Wang Yuedi , Qin Qiqian , Chen Lanchun , Dang Xiaoqun , Ma Zhengang , Zhou Zeyang
Published: March 2024

Imidacloprid is a global health threat that severely poisons the economically and ecologically important honeybee pollinator, Apis mellifera. However, its effects on developing bee larvae remain largely unexplored. Our pilot study showed that imidacloprid causes developmental delay in bee larvae, but the underlying toxicological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we exposed bee larvae to imidacloprid at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.7, 1.2, 3.1, and 377 ppb. There was a marked dose-dependent delay in larval development, characterized by reductions in body mass, width, and growth index. However, imidacloprid did not affect on larval survival and food consumption. The primary toxicological effects induced by elevated concentrations of imidacloprid (377 ppb) included inhibition of neural transmission gene expression, induction of oxidative stress, gut structural damage, and apoptosis, inhibition of developmental regulatory hormones and genes, suppression of gene expression levels involved in proteolysis, amino acid transport, protein synthesis, carbohydrate catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis energy production. In addition, we found that the larvae may use antioxidant defenses and P450 detoxification mechanisms to mitigate the effects of imidacloprid. Ultimately, this study provides the first evidence that environmentally exposed imidacloprid can affect the growth and development of bee larvae by disrupting molting regulation and limiting the metabolism and utilization of dietary nutrients and energy. These findings have broader implications for studies assessing pesticide hazards in other juvenile animals.
Stimulation of VTA dopamine inputs to LH upregulates orexin neuronal activity in a DRD2-dependent manner
Authors: Harada Masaya , Capdevila Laia Serratosa , Wilhelm Maria , Burdakov Denis , Patriarchi Tommaso
Published: March 2024

Optical VTA DA neuron stimulation is sufficient to elicit a Pavlovian-like dopamine transient in the NAcDopamine in the LH encodes both negative and positive reward prediction errorsDopamine in the LH positively modulates orexin neuronal activity locally in a D2R dependent wayDopamine and orexins (hypocretins) play important roles in regulating reward-seeking behaviors. It is known that hypothalamic orexinergic neurons project to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), where they can stimulate dopaminergic neuronal activity. Although there are reciprocal connections between dopaminergic and orexinergic systems, whether and how dopamine regulates the activity of orexin neurons is currently not known. Here we implemented an opto-Pavlovian task in which mice learn to associate a sensory cue with optogenetic dopamine neuron stimulation to investigate the relationship between dopamine release and orexin neuron activity in the LH. We found that dopamine release can be evoked in LH upon optogenetic stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons, and is also naturally evoked by cue presentation after opto-Pavlovian learning. Furthermore, orexin neuron activity could also be upregulated by local stimulation of dopaminergic terminals in the LH in a way that is partially dependent on dopamine D2 receptors (DRD2). Our results reveal previously unknown orexinergic coding of reward expectation and unveil an orexin-regulatory axis mediated by local dopamine inputs in the LH.
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri type III effector PthA4 directs the dynamical expression of a putative citrus carbohydrate-binding protein gene for canker formation
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Zou Huasong , Zhuo Tao , Rou Wei , Wu Wei , Fan Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), the causal agent of citrus canker, elicits canker symptoms in citrus plants because of the transcriptional activator-like (TAL) effector PthA4, which activates the expression of the citrus susceptibility gene CsLOB1. This study reports the regulation of the putative carbohydrate-binding protein gene Cs9g12620 by PthA4-mediated induction of CsLOB1 during Xcc infection. We found that the transcription of Cs9g12620 was induced by infection with Xcc in a PthA4-dependent manner. Even though it specifically bound to a putative TAL effector-binding element in the Cs9g12620 promoter, PthA4 exerted a suppressive effect on the promoter activity. In contrast, CsLOB1 bound to the Cs9g12620 promoter to activate its expression. The silencing of CsLOB1 significantly reduced the level of expression of Cs9g12620, which demonstrated that Cs9g12620 was directly regulated by CsLOB1. Intriguingly, PhtA4 interacted with CsLOB1 and exerted feedback control that suppressed the induction of expression of Cs9g12620 by CsLOB1. Transient overexpression and gene silencing revealed that Cs9g12620 was required for the optimal development of canker symptoms. These results support the hypothesis that the expression of Cs9g12620 is dynamically directed by PthA4 for canker formation through the PthA4-mediated induction of CsLOB1.
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri type III effector PthA4 directs the dynamical expression of a putative citrus carbohydrate-binding gene for canker formation
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Zou Huasong , Zhuo Tao , Rou Wei , Wu Wei , Fan Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Xanthomonas citri
subsp.
citri
(
Xcc
), the causal agent of citrus bacterial canker, elicits canker symptoms in citrus plants because of the transcriptional activator-like (TAL) effector PthA4, which activates the expression of the citrus susceptibility gene
CsLOB1
. This study reports the regulation of the putative carbohydrate-binding protein gene
Cs9g12620
by the PthA4-CsLOB1 module during
Xcc
infection. We found that the transcription of
Cs9g12620
was induced by infection with
Xcc
in a PthA4-dependent manner. Even though it specifically bound to a putative TAL effector-binding element in the
Cs9g12620
promoter, PthA4 exerted a suppressive effect on the promoter activity. In contrast, CsLOB1 bound to the
Cs9g12620
promoter to activate its activity. The silencing of
CsLOB1
significantly reduced the level of expression of
Cs9g12620
, which demonstrated that
Cs9g12620
was directly regulated by CsLOB1. Intriguingly, PhtA4 interacted with CsLOB1 and exerted feedback control that suppressed the induction of expression of
Cs9g12620
by CsLOB1. Transient overexpression and gene silencing revealed that
Cs9g12620
was required for the optimal development of canker symptoms. These results support the hypothesis that the expression of
Cs9g12620
is dynamically directed by PthA4 for canker formation through the PthA4-CsLOB1 regulatory module.
Articular cartilage corefucosylation regulates tissue resilience in osteoarthritis
Authors: Homan Kentaro , Onodera Tomohiro , Hanamatsu Hisatoshi , Furukawa Jun-ichi , Momma Daisuke , Matsuoka Masatake , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the glycan structural changes that occur before histological degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the mechanism by which these glycan conformational changes affect cartilage degeneration. An OA model was established in rabbits using mannosidase injection, which reduced high-mannose type N-glycans and led to cartilage degeneration. Further analysis of glycome in human OA cartilage identified specific corefucosylated N-glycan expression patterns. Inhibition of N-glycan corefucosylation in mice resulted in unrecoverable cartilage degeneration, while cartilage-specific blocking of corefucosylation led to accelerated development of aging-associated and instability-induced OA models. We conclude that α1,6 fucosyltransferase is required postnatally to prevent preosteoarthritic deterioration of articular cartilage. These findings provide a novel definition of early OA and identify glyco-phenotypes of OA cartilage, which may distinguish individuals at higher risk of progression.
Adipokinetic hormone signaling mediates the enhanced fecundity of Diaphorina citri infected by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Li Jiayun , Holford Paul , Beattie George Andrew Charles , Wu Shujie , He Jielan , Tan Shijian , Wang Desen , He Yurong , Cen Yijing , Nian Xiaoge
Published: March 2024

Diaphorina citri serves as the primary vector for ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas),’ the bacterium associated with the severe Asian form of huanglongbing. CLas-positive D. citri are more fecund than their CLas-negative counterparts and require extra energy expenditure. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms linking metabolism and reproduction is of particular importance. In this study, we found adipokinetic hormone (DcAKH) and its receptor (DcAKHR) were essential for increasing lipid metabolism and fecundity in response to CLas infection in D. citri. Knockdown of DcAKH and DcAKHR not only resulted in the accumulation of triacylglycerol and a decline of glycogen, but also significantly decreased fecundity and CLas titer in ovaries. Combined in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that miR-34 suppresses DcAKHR expression by binding to its 3’ untranslated region, whilst overexpression of miR-34 resulted in a decline of DcAKHR expression and CLas titer in ovaries and caused defects that mimicked DcAKHR knockdown phenotypes. Additionally, knockdown of DcAKH and DcAKHR significantly reduced juvenile hormone (JH) titer and JH signaling pathway genes in fat bodies and ovaries, including the JH receptor, methoprene-tolerant (DcMet), and the transcription factor, Krüppel homolog 1 (DcKr-h1), that acts downstream of it, as well as the egg development related genes vitellogenin 1-like (DcVg-1-like), vitellogenin A1-like (DcVg-A1-like) and the vitellogenin receptor (DcVgR). As a result, CLas hijacks AKH/AKHR-miR-34-JH signaling to improve D. citri lipid metabolism and fecundity, while simultaneously increasing the replication of CLas, suggesting a mutualistic interaction between CLas and D. citri ovaries.
ASAR lncRNAs control DNA replication timing through interactions with multiple hnRNP/RNA binding proteins
Authors: Thayer Mathew J. , Heskett Michael B. , Smith Leslie G. , Spellman Paul T. , Yates Phillip A.
Published: March 2024

ASARs are a family of very-long noncoding RNAs that control replication timing on individual human autosomes, and are essential for chromosome stability. The eight known ASAR genes express RNAs that remain closely associated with their parent chromosomes. Analysis of RNA-protein interaction data (from ENCODE) revealed numerous RBPs with significant interactions with multiple ASAR RNAs, with several hnRNPs as abundant interactors. An ∼7kb domain within the ASAR6-141 RNA shows a striking density of RBP interaction sites. Genetic deletion and ectopic integration assays indicate that this ∼7kb RNA binding protein domain contains functional sequences for controlling replication timing of entire chromosomes in
cis
. shRNA-mediated depletion of HNRNPA1, HNRNPC, HNRNPL, HNRNPM, HNRNPU, or HNRNPUL1 results in dissociation of ASAR RNAs from their chromosome territories, and disrupts the synchronous replication that occurs on all autosome pairs, recapitulating the effect of individual ASAR gene knockouts on a genome-wide scale. Our results further demonstrate the role that ASARs play during the temporal order of genome-wide replication, and that ASARs function as essential RNA scaffolds for the assembly of hnRNP complexes that help maintain the structural integrity of each mammalian chromosome.
Giant Pseudocyst of the Pancreas: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Manek Yogesh Bhagwan , Tote Darshana , Jajoo SN , Gianchandani Sanjeev
Published: March 2024

A Pancreatic Pseudocyst (PP) is a fluid-filled collection often found near the pancreas. It is characterised by its contained structure and homogeneous fluid composition, with little to no necrotic tissue. Individuals with a history of chronic pancreatitis, and to a lesser extent acute pancreatitis, may exhibit non specific symptoms. To minimise related morbidity and mortality, any potential complications must be identified. The authors present a case of a rare giant PP in a 28-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and distention, severe backache, fever, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and firm, sticky stools. Initially measuring 25×19.2×11.2 cm on a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, this PP was unusually large for its type. Due to the patient’s condition not being suitable, a direct cystojejunostomy was performed. Three drains were placed: an anastomotic drain near the anastomosis site, a Morrison’s drain in the Morrison pouch, and a pelvic drain. Later, a complication arose in the form of a faecal fistula, which was managed conservatively with a suction drain. The patient’s only primary complaint was non specific stomach pain, despite the size of the pseudocyst. Therefore, individuals with a history of chronic alcoholism and symptoms such as abdominal pain and distension should be evaluated for PP. A CT scan is recommended to investigate this condition, despite its rarity.
Radon Concentrations in the Environments of Some Primary Schools in Khidir City, Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq
Authors: Sharrad Ahmed A. , Farhood Abdulameer K. , Muhammed Russil S.
Published: March 2024

Indoor radon concentrations in 13 primary schools were conducted in Khidir City, Muthanna Province, Iraq, using LR-115 solid-state nuclear track detector type II. The study aims to estimate indoor radon levels in the internal environment of the classrooms for three months (from 1st September to 30th November 2023). Radon concentrations were varied from (0.1 Bq/m3) to (14.13 Bq/m3), with a mean value of (5.61 Bq/m3). The investigated levels were lower than the permissible limits referenced by UNSCEAR and WHO. Moreover, the annual effective dose (AED) has been calculated due to inhalation, which varied from the value of (0.029352 mSv/yr) to the value of (0.081145 mSv/yr), with a mean value of (0.016205 mSv/yr). AED values obtained were found to be lower than the allowed value of (0.1 mSv/yr) reported by UNSCEAR and much lower than the permissible limit (1 mSv/yr) proposed by WHO. However, the results obtained indicate that the indoor radon concentrations were significantly affected by the floor level of the classroom (negatively correlated) and the school building age (positively correlated). Consequently, all results have revealed that the radon concentrations and the associated inhalation radon dose does not pose any kind of health hazard to the occupational stuff and students.
Efficacy of Various Chemical Sprays on Plant Growth of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Terminal Heat Stress Conditions
Authors: Yadav Gaurav , Maurya C. L. , Gupta Harshit , Singh Shreya , Tiwari Abhishek Pati , Yadav Sachin Kumar
Published: March 2024

Heat stress is now widely accepted as an important ecological factor influencing growth of plants and production. Rising temperatures as a result of global warming cause heat stress, reducing plant development and potential output throughout the entire globe. A field experiment was carried out at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to minimize the heat stress induced-losses in chickpea plants with the foliar spray of chemicals during two consecutive years 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Rabi season (November-April). Experimental treatments comprise two chickpea varieties (RVG-202 and RVG-203) sown on same day (15th November). foliar spray of seven chemicals at at vegetative, anthesis and at both stages. The chemcials include Salicylic acid @ 800 ppm, Salicylic acid @ 400 ppm, Ascorbic acid @ 10 ppm, Potassium chloride @ 1%, Thiourea @ 400 ppm, Cycocel @ 400 ppm and Control (no spray). Results suggested that heat stress severely reduced the chickpea growth and productivity. However, foliar application of salicylic acid and thiourea positively affected the plant growth attributes which ultimately increased the final productivity. Concisely, the foliar spray of chemicals particularly, salicylic acid and thiourea modulated the heat stress induced losses in chickpea cultivars, RVG-202 and RVG-203 by improving their antioxidant defense mechanism and enhanced the productivity.
Influence of Different Sowing Times and Nutrient Management on Growthand Yield of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Chaudhri Karuna M. , Patel H. H. , Chaudhari Priya R. , Bhagariya S. G. , Thummar Priyanka
Published: March 2024

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019 at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. The experiment was laid out in split plot designit included three sowing dates viz.D1:2nd week of February, D2:4th week of February,D3:2nd week of Marchas main plot as well as five nutrient management practices, including N1:100% RDN, N2:100% RDN + Sap (1%), N3:75% RDN + Sap (1%), N4:100% RDN + Urea (1%) , N5:75% RDN + Urea (1%) as sub plot and replicated in four times. The results of this study showed that sesame sown on second week of march recorded higher growth parameters, viz, plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g/plant) as well as seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index while remaining noticeably on par with 4thweek of February. Among the nutrient management treatments, the significantly improved the growth parameters like  plant height (cm), dry accumulation (g/plant) and yield of stalk was observed with crop fertilize 100% RDN along with Urea spray 1% which was statistically at par with 100% RDN and Sap spray 1%. Highest seed yield was recorded when the application of 100% RDN with Urea spray 1%.
Mathematical Investigation of Option Pricing using Black- Scholes-Merton Partial Differential Equation with Transaction Cost
Authors: Fwaga Calvince , Mukuna Wilys O. , Olwamba Levi Otanga
Published: March 2024

Over the years studies have been done on option pricing valuation. The world market economies have experienced tremendous asset price uctuations since 1980s. For this reason, efforts have been directed towards developing reliable and more accurate option pricing models. Black-Scholes-Merton model has so far been proved to be the most powerful and significant tool for the valuation of an option. However, its assumption of zero transaction cost on asset pricing yields inaccurate option values. The study investigates the effects of transaction cost on call and put option of an asset price using a two-dimensional Black-Scholes-Merton partial differential equation. The Dufort-Frankel Finite Difference Method is used to approximate the solution to the BSM model equation describing the value of an option with boundary conditions. The simulation is done with the aid of MATLAB software program. The effects of incorporating transaction cost on the two assets prices on the value of an option using BSMPDE are determined. From the study, it is established that as transaction cost increases, the call and put option values decrease. The effects of incorporating transaction cost on the values of call and put option are shown in tabular form and graphically. These results are useful to the investors in computing possible returns on investment based on more accurate asset pricing and to the government on policy formulation in controlling prices in stock exchange market.
Floating Market-Based Slow Tourism: Harnessing Climate-Based Entrepreneurship towards Community Development in the South-Western Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Shabbir Rubaiyat , Shah Md Faruk , Kuri Bapon Chandra
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Slow tourism is a new, alternative form of tourism competing with mass tourism, as tapping its full potential can be utilised in riverine and flood-prone countries. The key purpose of this study is to find the elements of slow tourism in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, known for its serene floating market, and assess its features that are compatible with the principles of slow tourism. 

Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative approach. Qualitative methods such as narrative interviews, key informant interviews and FGDs were used to collect primary data. The southern region of Bangladesh, is famous for floating market and was selected as a study site.

Findings: To incorporate the floating market through the broader lens of “Slow Tourism”, synthesising the attributes of slow tourism was significant. As the attributes of the floating market supported the characteristics of slow tourism to a certain degree, the floating markets and adjacent areas were a suitable premise for developing the concept of slow tourism.

Originality: Since there hasn’t been ample research on slow tourism in Bangladesh, this study can transform the perception of conventional tourism into alternative tourism. It provides tourists with spiritual tranquillity in the desired destinations of floating markets and a leeway to connect with local people, history and cultural products rendering a mutual reciprocity for future research.
Phase‐Transfer‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Mannich Reaction of Malonates with α‐Amido Sulfones
Authors: Fini Francesco , Bernardi Luca , Herrera Raquel P. , Pettersen Daniel , Ricci Alfredo , Sgarzani Valentina
Published: October 2006

The highly enantioselective reaction between in situ generated, Cbz‐protected azomethines and malonates in the presence of 150 mol % of potassium carbonate (50 % w/w) and 1 mol % of quinine‐derived quaternary ammonium bromides as phase‐transfer organocatalysts has been developed. This study reports a novel approach for the asymmetric Mannich‐type reaction and a wide range of azomethines, including those derived from enolizable aldehydes, is tolerated by the present system. The adducts, obtained in excellent yields with ee up to 98 %, are suitable precursors of optically pure β‐amino acids.
Water Solvent Method for Esterification and Amide Formation between Acid Chlorides and Alcohols Promoted by Combined Catalytic Amines: Synergy between N‐Methylimidazole and N,N,N′,N′‐Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)
Authors: Nakatsuji Hidefumi , Morita Jun‐ichi , Misaki Tomonori , Tanabe Yoo
Published: October 2006

An efficient method for esterification between acid chlorides and alcohols in water as solvent has been developed by combining the catalytic amines, N‐methylimidazole and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). The present Schotten–Baumann‐type reaction was performed by maintaining the pH at around 11.5 using a pH controller to prevent the decomposition of acid chlorides and/or esters and to facilitate the condensation. The choice of catalysts (0.1 equiv.) was crucial: the combined use of N‐methylimidazole and TMEDA exhibited a dramatic synergistic effect. The catalytic amines have two different roles: (i) N‐methylimidazole forms highly reactive ammonium intermediates with acid chlorides and (ii) TMEDA acts as an effective HCl binder. The production of these intermediates was rationally supported by a careful 1H NMR monitoring study. Related amide formation was also achieved between acid chlorides and primary or secondary amines, including less nucleophilic or water‐soluble amines such as 2‐(or 4‐)chloroaniline, the Weinreb N‐methoxyamine, and 2,2‐dimethoxyethanamine.
Poly(norbornene)‐Supported N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes as Ligands in Catalysis
Authors: Sommer William J. , Weck Marcus
Published: October 2006

In this contribution, we present the synthesis of norbornene‐supported N‐heterocyclic (NHC) carbenes. These functionalized norbornenes were polymerized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization in a controlled fashion either before or after metalation with a variety of palladium and ruthenium precursors resulting in the formation of polymer‐supported NHC‐based metal catalysts. The activities of the palladium‐based catalysts in the Suzuki–Miyaura, Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions were studied in detail. In all cases, the polymeric catalysts demonstrated the same activity as their small molecule analogues. Furthermore, we carried out preliminary investigations into the stability of these catalysts using poisoning studies. A clear dependence of the stability of the polymer‐supported catalysts on their palladium precursor was observed with palladium acetate‐based polymeric NHC catalysts being the most stable. Finally, we have studied the reactivity of our supported NHC ruthenium complexes as catalysts for ring‐closing metathesis. Again, in all cases good conversions were observed with comparable activities to other supported NHC‐ruthenium catalysts. Lastly, we were able to remove the ruthenium catalysts from the solution quantitatively demonstrating the possibility of metal removal.
Efficient Access to Conjugated Dienones and Diene‐diones from Propargylic Alcohols and Enolizable Ketones: A Tandem Isomerization/Condensation Process Catalyzed by the Sixteen‐Electron Allyl‐Ruthenium(II) Complex [Ru(η3‐2‐C3H4Me)(CO)(dppf)] [SbF6]
Authors: Cadierno Victorio , Díez Josefina , García‐Garrido Sergio E. , Gimeno José , Nebra Noel
Published: October 2006

A large variety of conjugated dienones R1R2CCHCHC(R3)C(O)R4 and diene‐diones R1R2CCHCHC{C(O)R3}C(O)R4 have been synthesized in high yields by reacting terminal propargylic alcohols HCCCR1R2(OH) with enolizable ketones R3CH2C(O)R4 and β‐dicarbonyl compounds R3C(O)CH2C(O)R4, respectively. The process, which is catalyzed by the 16e‐ (η3‐allyl)‐ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(η3‐2‐C3H4Me)(CO)(dppf)] [SbF6] associated with CF3CO2H, involves the initial isomerization of the propargylic alcohol into the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde R1R2CCHCHO (Meyer–Schuster rearrangement) and subsequent aldol‐type condensation.
Natürliche und synthetische Derivate der Carnosolsäure
Authors: Brieskorn C. H. , Dömling H. J.
Published: October 2006

In Rosmarin‐ und Salbeiblättern werden als neue Derivate der Carnosolsäure der 7‐β‐Methyläther ihres γ‐Lactons und aus methyliertem Extrakt der 7‐α‐Methyläther des 11,12‐Dimethyläthers des γ‐Lactons aufgefunden. In dem von Wenkert, Fuchs und McChesney isolierten 7‐Hydroxy‐γlacton des Dimethyläthers der Carnosolsäure wird der 7‐Hydroxyl‐gruppe die β‐äquatoriale Lage zugewiesen. In Carnosol und Thymol kann die der Isopropylgruppe benachbarte phenolische Gruppe nur mit Dimethylsulfat, nicht jedoch mit Diazomethan methyliert werden. Beim Methylieren von Carnosol mit Diazomethan treten ferner Ringverengung vom δ‐ zum γ‐Lacton, Oxydation am C‐6 und Methylierung am C‐7 auf.
Bildung und Eigenschaften des 1,2‐Bis(1‐hydroxy‐2‐oxocyclohexyl)‐äthans 1. Mitt.: Zur Frage der oxydativen Ringverengung von Cyclohexanderivaten
Authors: Roth H. J. , Schwenke Ch. , Anagnostu P. , Gresbrand H.
Published: October 2006

Das bei der Einwirkung von Brom in Gegenwart von Wasser und Essigsäure auf 1‐(1‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxocyclohexyl)‐2‐(2‐oxo‐cyclohexyl)‐äthan (I) entstehende Oxydationsprodukt ist 1,2‐Bis(1‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐cyclohexyl)‐äthan (II). Das daneben entstehende 1‐(1‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐cyclohexyl)‐2‐(1‐brom‐2‐oxo‐cyclohexyl)‐äthan (III) liefert bei der Verseifung mit Lauge ebenfalls II. Eigenschaften und Derivate von II werden beschrieben.
Synthesis and Anti‐tumor Activities of Novel Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines
Authors: Li Juan , Zhao Yan Fang , Zhao Xiang Lin , Yuan Xiao Ye , Gong Ping
Published: October 2006

A series of novel pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines were designed and synthesized in order to find novel potent anti‐tumor compounds. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, and MS. Their anti‐tumor activities against cancer cell lines were tested by the MTT method in vitro. Compound 19 displayed potent anti‐tumor activity.
Experientia contra experientiam. Religiöse ‘innere’ und ‘äußere’ Erfahrung im Spätmittelalter und im Übergang zur Neuzeit.
Authors: Köpf Ulrich
Published: October 2006

In the late Middle Ages there are two different conceptions of experience: a non‐religious, exterior experience, derived from physical perceptions: the Aristotelian conception, and a religious, interior experience: the conception of monastic theology, represented by Bernhard of Clairvaux. In the transition from Middle Ages to modern times the distinction between exterior and interior experience is transferred into the religious experience.
Zur Entwicklung der Fächer Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsdiagnostik in der Wiener Schule
Authors: Schmidt Gabriela
Published: October 2006

In the second half of the nineteenth century research work in the field of medical chemistry, physiology, experimental pathology and internal medicine led to a differentiation of the two new specialities, clinical chemistry and laboratory research within the Vienna Medical School. Some important contributions to this trend are documented by the scientific accomplishments of J. F. Heller, E. C. Schneider, E. Ludwig, E. Freund, S. Strieker, R. von Jaksch, W. Türk, M. Gruber, C. von Pirquet, and K. Landsteiner.
Geschichte der Raumakustik im evangelischen Kirchenbau des 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Ullmnn Dieter
Published: October 2006

The history of the science of room acoustics in the 19 century is studied with the example of the buildings of churches. Many architects of this century tried to make use of the acoustical laws in their plans, but only a few physicists did research work in this field.
Theoretical study of interactions between muscle aldolase and F‐actin: Insight into different species
Authors: Forlemu Neville Y. , Waingeh Victor F. , Ouporov Igor V. , Lowe Stephen L. , Thomasson Kathryn A.
Published: October 2006

Interactions of the glycolytic enzyme, fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase (aldolase), with F‐actin may be one mechanism for the colocalization of glycolytic enzymes. Examination of these interactions in different animal species tests this hypothesis by observing whether binding sites are conserved across species. Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations provide descriptions of such protein–protein interactions with the muscle isoforms of zebra fish and human aldolase. The results are compared with previous results obtained for rabbit muscle and yeast. The aldolase binding groove previously determined in rabbit muscle is conserved in both the human and fish muscle isoforms. The nonspecific radial free energies of interaction are similar with fish being slightly weaker than human and rabbit: human, −2.27 ± 0.05 kcal/mol; rabbit, −2.0 ± 0.04 kcal/mol; and fish, −1.5 ± 0.03 kcal/mol. BD results show a large Boltzmann population of complexes formed around the A/D and B/C grooves of aldolase with the most feasible binding mode comprising two aldolase subunits to subdomain I region of the actin subunits. These results show that the location of the important residues and binding site for fish and human aldolase is very similar to that in rabbit and that in different animals the binding site is conserved. This suggests that the binding interaction between aldolase and F‐actin is general in animal muscles and is rendered possible and energetically favorable through the conservation of this binding site. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 60–71, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Fungal biofiltration of α‐pinene: Effects of temperature, relative humidity, and transient loads
Authors: Jin Yaomin , Guo Ling , Veiga María C. , Kennes Christian
Published: October 2006

Over the past decade much effort has been made to develop new carrier materials, more performant biocatalysts, and new types of bioreactors for waste gas treatment. In biofilters fungal biocatalysts are more resistant to acid and dry conditions and take up hydrophobic compounds from the gas phase more easily than wet bacterial biofilms. In the present study, a biofilter packed with a mixture of perlite and Pall rings and fed α‐pinene‐polluted air was inoculated with a new fungal isolate identified as Ophiostoma species. α‐Pinene is a volatile pollutant typically found in waste gases from wood‐related industries. The temperature of waste gas streams from pulp and paper industries containing α‐pinene is usually higher than ambient temperature. Studies were undertaken here on the effect on performance of temperature changes in the range of 15–40°C. The effect of temperature on biodegradation kinetics in continuous reactors was elucidated through equations derived from the Arrhenius formula. Moreover, the effects of the relative humidity (RH) of the inlet gas phase, transient loads (shock or starvation), and the nature of the nitrogen source on α‐pinene removal were also studied in this research. The results suggest that the fungal biofilter appears to be an effective treatment process for the removal of α‐pinene. The optimal conditions are: temperature around 30°C, RH of the inlet waste gas stream around 85%, and nitrate as nitrogen source. The fungal biofilter also showed a good potential to withstand shock loads and recovered rapidly its full performance after a 3–7 days starvation period. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96: 433–443. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Women of the faculty
Authors: Price A. Rae
Published: October 2006

More women are needed at the college level to serve as role models to women and men at a crucial stage of their development — when many students are making career decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.
New directions for women's studies and support services
Authors: Eliason Carol
Published: October 2006

To meet the needs of the growing female majority of two‐year college students, counselors and programmers must target their programs for special subpopulations of women.
Petticoats to jackhammers: Strategies for women in occupational education
Authors: Kirby Emily B.
Published: October 2006

Women's limited opportunity for economic and occupational mobility should make occupational education attractive to them —if community colleges can meet the challenge.
Organization development: Unanswered questions
Authors: Varney Glenn H.
Published: October 2006

The field of organization development, although full of promise, is an emerging field still suffering from growing pains.
The higher education management institute: Organization development through increased management effectiveness
Authors: Kest Dauid L.
Published: October 2006

The west coast director of one of the largest national efforts toward an organization development approach to planned change in higher education describes the project and offers some suggestions for other institutions.
The national institute: A partnership for development
Authors: Baker George A.
Published: October 2006

A successful organization development intervention requires a true partnership between the players, a pervasive effort, and a climate where change can endure.
Organization development: A President's view
Authors: McClenney Byron N.
Published: October 2006

How can one expect a consultant to accomplish something a president is unwilling or unable to do? The president should be the leader in organization development.
Sources and information: Organization development in the community college
Authors: Colby Anita , Palmer James C.
Published: October 2006

Additional references on organization development from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Junior Colleges.
Cancer‐specific mortality after radiation therapy with short‐course hormonal therapy or radical prostatectomy in men with localized, intermediate‐risk to high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Tsai Henry K. , Chen Ming‐Hui , McLeod David G. , Carroll Peter R. , Richie Jerome P. , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND.

The presence of multiple determinants of aggressive cancer biology may impact prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) rates compared with fewer factors. The authors estimated PCSM after radiation therapy with short‐course androgen suppression therapy (RT+AST) or radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with clinically localized, intermediate‐risk to high‐risk prostate cancer.

METHODS.

The study cohort included 3240 men treated from 1981 to 2002 with RT with 6 months of AST (n = 550) or RP (n = 2690) for localized prostate cancer with at least 1 risk factor (prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] >10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score 7–10, or clinical tumor category T2b or T2c). Competing risks regression analyses were used to determine whether the number of risk factors present was associated with time to PCSM.

RESULTS.

Men with all 3 risk factors had significantly shorter time to PCSM after RT+AST (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] of 9.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.9–44.5 [PGray = .005]) or RP (adjusted HR of 6.3; 95% CI, 3.2–12.2 [PGray < .001]) when compared with men with any 1 or 2 risk factors. The 7‐year estimates of PCSM for men having 1, 2, or 3 risk factors were 0.83% (95% CI, 0.27–1.4%), 2.6% (95% CI, 1.0–4.2%), and 12.6% (95% CI, 7.1–18.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Men with multiple determinants of intermediate‐risk to high‐risk prostate cancer have significantly increased estimates of PCSM despite aggressive therapy compared with men with only 1 or 2 determinants. These men are appropriate candidates for enrollment onto randomized controlled trials evaluating the benefit of adding systemic therapies such as docetaxel to RT+AST or RP. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A PDA client for the computational Grid
Authors: Parkin M. , Brooke J. M.
Published: October 2006

Access to the computational Grid is restricted to the laptop and desktop environment since Grid client development has been concentrated in this area. This paper presents the design and implementation of a new, lightweight computational Grid client that provides the same level of functionality and security as its desktop counterparts whilst conforming to the limitations and restrictions of a Personal Digital Assistant environment. A solution has been achieved by taking an architectural perspective of the problem and choosing a tiered, asymmetrical Grid middleware providing an asynchronous messaging model with uniform interface to all resources. The client opens up a new area of Grid computing access: secure and flexible job submission and monitoring to dependable, persistent, powerful and consistent computing services provided by a computational Grid has been freed from static environments into the mobile domain. This has been done without the modification of the underlying Grid middleware and using standards‐based protocols and components: J2ME, X.509 certificates, Secure Socket Layer connections and IEEE 802.11b wireless networking. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct application access to Grid storage
Authors: Andersen Rasmus , Vinter Brian
Published: October 2006

This paper describes the ideas behind and the implementation of a thin user‐level layer to be installed on Grid resources. The layer fits in the minimum intrusion Grid design by imposing as few requirements on the resource as possible and communicates with the server using only trusted and widely used protocols. The model offers transparent, on‐demand remote file access. By catching all application operations on files, these operations are directed towards the remote copy on the server, thus eliminating the need for transferring the complete file. This implementation is targeted at the minimum intrusion Grid project, which strives for minimum intrusion on the resource executing a job. ‘Minimum intrusion’ implies that a client need not install any dedicated Grid software. Hence, the proposed model is forced to use a user‐level layer that automatically overrides the native I/O calls. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses, Characterization, and X‐ray Crystal Structures of Mono‐Lacunary Dawson Polyoxometalate‐Based Organosilyl Complexes
Authors: Kato Chika Nozaki , Kasahara Yuhki , Hayashi Kunihiko , Yamaguchi Asuka , Hasegawa Takeshi , Nomiya Kenji
Published: October 2006

The syntheses and crystal structures of a series of organosilyl polyoxotungstate derivatives with the Dawson monovacant phosphotungstate [α2‐P2W17O61]10– are described. The polyoxometalates (Me2NH2)5H[α2‐P2W17O61{O[Si(CH2)3SH]2}]·6H2O (Me2NH2‐1), (Me2NH2)6[α2‐P2W17O61{O[Si(CH2)3SCN]2}]·3H2O (Me2NH2‐2), and (Me2NH2)6[α2‐P2W17O61{O(SiPh)2}]·4H2O (Me2NH2‐3) were obtained as analytically pure, homogeneous yellow crystals by the reaction of mono‐lacunary Dawson polyoxotungstate with HS(CH2)3Si(OMe)3, NCS(CH2)3Si(OEt)3, and PhSiCl3, respectively, in an HCl/water/acetonitrile mixed solution or a water/acetonitrile mixed solution, followed by crystallization from water in the dark. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses revealed that the four‐coordinate –Si–O–Si– bonding of the organosilyl groups {O[Si(CH2)3SH]2}, {O[Si(CH2)3SCN]2}, and {O(SiPh)2} is attained through four oxygen atoms in the mono‐lacunary site of the polyanion, resulting in an overall C1 symmetry for Me2NH2‐1 and Me2NH2‐2 and Cs symmetry for Me2NH2‐3. In the molecular structures of Me2NH2‐1 and Me2NH2‐2, a unique configuration of the organosilyl groups is observed in the solid state, i.e. the equatorial and axial bonding of each of the two HS(CH2)Si moieties in the {O[Si(CH2)3SH]2} group for Me2NH2‐1 and the two NCS(CH2)3Si moieties oriented in a syn fashion in the {O[Si(CH2)3SCN]2} group for Me2NH2‐2. The characterization of Me2NH2‐(1–3) was accomplished by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, and FT‐IR, solution (1H, 13C, and 31P) NMR, and solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
New Highly Strained Multifunctional Heterocycles by Intramolecular Cycloadditions of Nitrones to Bicyclopropylidene Moieties
Authors: Marradi Marco , Brandi Alberto , Magull Jörg , Schill Heiko , de Meijere Armin
Published: October 2006

Intramolecular cycloadditions of various nitrone functionalities with different substituents (R = Me, Bn, tBu) at the nitrogen atom tethered to a bicyclopropylidene unit through a two‐carbon chain led to cis‐fused tricyclic isoxazolidines (3‐alkyl‐3,3a,4,5,5a,6‐hexahydrocyclopropa[2,3]cyclopenta[1,2‐c]isoxazolespiro[1,1′]cyclopropanes) 26 in 42–58 % yield with complete regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. The thermal rearrangement of the cycloadducts 26 under neutral conditions afforded the corresponding tricyclic tetrahydropyridones 27 (52–53 %). The analogous starting materials with a three‐carbon tether, the 4‐(bicyclopropyliden‐2‐yl)butylidenenitrones furnished tricyclic isoxazolidines 28 (54–58 %) and tetrahydropyridones 29 (55–64 %) by subsequent thermal rearrangement. Under acidic conditions (TFA), the cycloadducts 26 and 28 underwent fragmentative rearrangements to afford the tricyclic β‐lactams 30 and 32 (50–66 %), respectively, of which the former suffered amide‐bond cleavage in situ to provide the corresponding N‐trifluoroacetyl β‐amino acid derivatives 31 (68–71 %). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Constrained Carbenes
Authors: Rosenberg Murray G. , Brinker Udo H.
Published: October 2006

Carbenes traditionally have been used for cyclopropane synthesis but little else, since their reactions are difficult to control. However, the burgeoning discipline of supramolecular carbene chemistry—reactions in which highly reactive, divalent carbon intermediates are generated within the confines of host compounds—is making steady progress towards solving this problem. Various carbenes generated within cyclodextrins, hemicarcerands, and zeolites demonstrate increased selectivities and lifetimes since their usual decay pathways are blocked. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Engineering Neutral Organic Bases and Superbases by Computational DFT Methods – Carbonyl Polyenes
Authors: Despotović Ines , Maksić Zvonimir B. , Vianello Robert
Published: October 2006

The gas‐phase proton affinities and basicities of a large number of open‐chain zig‐zag polyenes involving a carbonyl functional group were examined by using the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) computational scheme. Absolute proton affinities (APAs) increased with the number of polyene subunits. The most basic site in all cases was the carbonyl oxygen. It was conclusively shown that basicity of polyenes was dramatically amplified by substitution of NMe2 and Me groups at the strategic positions on the molecular backbone. Triadic analysis revealed that the dominating effect was relaxation energy released upon formation of the molecular radical cations. Relation between the relaxation and cationic resonance effect was briefly discussed. Moreover, it was shown that the carbonyl oxygen was more basic than the amino nitrogen of the NMe2 groups because of the larger bond association energy of the hydrogen atom attached to O compared to N atoms, in the conjugate acid in question. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthetic Strategies for Converting Carbohydrates into Carbocycles by the Use of Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Madsen Robert
Published: October 2006

This microreview covers recent advances in the use of ring‐closing metathesis for the synthesis of carbocycles from carbohydrates. Various strategies for the synthesis of α,ω‐dienes from carbohydrates are presented, which give rise to a large variety of dienes with different stereochemistries, protecting groups and substituents. Subsequent ring‐closing metathesis with a ruthenium carbene complex affords highly functionalized carbocycles with ring sizes ranging from five‐ to eight‐membered rings. The application of these methods for the synthesis of carbocyclic natural products from carbohydrates is also demonstrated.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)