bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing models of vertebrate limb development
Authors: Towers Matthew , Tickle Cheryll
Published: December 2008

The developing limb has been a very influential system for studying pattern formation in vertebrates. In the past, classical embryological models have explained how patterned structures are generated along the two principal axes of the limb: the proximodistal (shoulder to finger) and anteroposterior (thumb to little finger) axes. Over time, the genetic and molecular attributes of these patterning models have been discovered, while the role of growth in the patterning process has been only recently highlighted. In this review, we discuss these recent findings and propose how the various models of limb patterning can be reconciled.
Electrochromic Polymeric Films Derived from (Diphenylamino)phenyl-substituted Metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Kimura Mutsumi , Yasuta Kazumasa , Adachi Naoya , Tatewaki Yoko , Fukawa Tadashi , Shirai Hirofusa
Published: December 2008

Copper and zinc phthalocyanines decorated with four triphenylamines were synthesized and a green film was formed by oxidative linkage between two peripheral triphenylamines. The film deposited onto an ITO electrode exhibited a reversible electrochromic switching among green, red-brown, and blue.
Molecular Recognition Using Dendrimer to Deliver Ti-sources into Reverse Micelle–Water Pool
Authors: Satoh Norifusa , Kamikura Kenta , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: December 2008

Molecular delivery using dendrimers has attracted much attention because dendrimers have a uniform molecular size and inner cavities containing small molecules. We describe the delivery of titanium ions into the reverse micelle–water pool using a dendrimer. The size of the Ti-assembling dendrimer was hierarchically recognized by the water pool size of the reverse micelles, resulting in the formation of smaller TiO2 particles than samples obtained without the dendrimer.
Graphitic Porous Carbons Prepared by a Modified Template Method
Authors: Shen Ke , Huang Zheng-Hong , Gan Lin , Kang Feiyu
Published: December 2008

Graphitic porous carbons were prepared by adding FeCl3 into a preliminary water-soluble mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) and magnesium acetate, followed by carbonization and acid washing. The samples were then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption at 77 K. XRD patterns showed that Fe could accelerate carbon graphitization at 1000 °C. Although the MgO particles worked as template, they resulted in the decrease of crystallinity. Thus it is necessary to balance between crystallinity and pore structures for diversified applications.
General hygiene, sexual risk behaviour and HIV prevalence in truck drivers from Andhra Pradesh, South India: implications for prevention interventions
Authors: Schneider J A , Dude A , Dinaker M , Kumar V , Laumann E O , Holloway-Beth A , Oruganti G , Saluja G S , Chundi V , Yeldandi V , Mayer K H
Published: December 2008

The relationships between hygiene, sexual behaviour and HIV infection are poorly understood. We examine these relationships in Indian truck drivers, a group at high risk for HIV infection. Truck drivers ( n = 189) were recruited into an integrated HIV and hygiene Information Motivation (IM) programme. Sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and hygiene behaviour and HIV prevalence were determined. Multivariate logistic regression and linear generalized estimating equation models were utilized. At baseline, 2.1% of drivers were HIV infected and 34% who reported having contact with female sex workers (FSWs) had contact within the previous six months. Those who washed their hands postdefecation were less likely to report genital symptoms (OR 0.02; P = 0.01) and have sex with an FSW (OR [odds ratio] 0.21; P = 0.05). After an IM intervention, there were no changes in sexual risk-taking behaviour (coefficient −0.15 to −0.02; P = 0.13–0.75); however, hygiene behaviour improved from baseline (coefficient 0.09–0.31; P < 0.01 to P = 0.03). Personal hygiene habits, like handwashing, seem to be a modifiable behaviour after a modest intervention, whereas HIV risk-taking behaviour was not. The association between hygiene and HIV risk-taking suggests the need for further evaluation of the relationship and that of other hygiene practices in high-risk men in India.
Web-based forums for clients of female sex workers: development of a German internet approach to HIV/STD-related sexual safety
Authors: Langanke H , Ross M W
Published: December 2008

Clients of sex workers in Germany used to be unapproachable for issues of sexual health. Thus, prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases used to focus on sex workers only, even though many sex workers accuse clients preferring unprotected sex. When prostitution was decriminalized in Germany in 2002, a till then unknown platform emerged on the German internet. Clients set up forums for themselves and their peers. These community forums were primarily meant to serve as platforms for the exchange of information, e.g. on the quality of services. We describe the development and expansion of these web-sites for clients of female commercial sex workers, and the clientele and operation of such sites. To study and to describe the sites, a close cooperation with their webmasters and administrators was crucial. The clients' community forums mark a change in paradigm, as clients became an accessible and addressable target group for sexual health and prevention issues on the internet. The Sexsicher sites have been developed to adequately target this group.
Is it feasible to pool funds for local children's services in England? Evidence from the national evaluation of children's trust pathfinders
Authors: Lorgelly Paula , Bachmann Max , Shreeve Ann , Reading Richard , Thorburn June , Mugford Miranda , O'Brien Margaret , Husbands Chris
Published: December 2008

Objectives:

To describe how funds were pooled or otherwise jointly managed by National Health Service (NHS) primary care trusts and local authorities in England. To compare expenditure on local children's services by health, education and social services.

Methods:

We conducted a questionnaire survey of all 35 children's trust pathfinders, six months after they were launched, with a follow-up at 2.5 years. We also undertook an in-depth analysis of local authorities and primary care trusts, within eight pathfinder areas and three non-pathfinder areas, whereby we compared expenditure on children's services, interviewed managers and professionals and examined financial documents.

Results:

Local authorities and NHS trusts coordinated expenditure in various ways, most commonly through informal agreements and aligning budgets but also by formally pooling budgets. The latter were usually for selected services such as child and adolescent mental health services, though four children's trusts pathfinders pooled (or aligned) their budgets for all children's services. Total expenditure per child was greatest for education, lowest for social services and intermediate for health. However, it was difficult to quantify education expenditure on children with health and social care needs, and health care expenditure on children.

Conclusions:

Sharing money for local children's services requires shared objectives, trust, and legal and accounting expertise. Several different mechanisms are permitted and many are feasible but programme budgeting for children's services could make them more effective.
Non-adherence to medicines: Not solved but solvable
Authors: Elliott Rachel
Published: December 2008

Non-adherence to medicines is common, with convincing evidence for adverse effects on patient health and costs to health systems. At least half of reported non-adherence is intentional. An extensive body of research suggests that, while patient characteristics may contribute to this behaviour, key influences are linked to beliefs and experiences of an illness and its medicines. Characteristics of the health system such as patient-practitioner relationships and access are also significant drivers. Inadvertent effects of some policies, such as co-payments, reduce adherence. Interventions to improve adherence have not utilized available research evidence fully and are not integrated into service delivery, so have been disappointing in producing sustained behaviour change. Policies relying on patients’ adherence to medicines will not be as effective as hoped if adherence is assumed rather than supported. Substantial gains could be made by patients and health systems if patients, practitioners, researchers and policy-makers worked together to improve this crucial area of health behaviour.
Optimizing the Cargo Express Service of Swiss Federal Railways
Authors: Ceselli Alberto , Gatto Michael , Lübbecke Marco E. , Nunkesser Marc , Schilling Heiko
Published: December 2008

The Cargo Express service of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB Cargo) offers fast overnight transportation of goods between selected train stations in Switzerland and is operated as a hub-and-spoke system with two hubs. We present three different models for planning the operation of this service as a whole. All models capture the underlying optimization problem with a high level of detail: Traffic routing, train routing, makeup, scheduling, and locomotive assignment are all addressed. At the same time we respect hard constraints like tight service time windows and train capacities, and we avoid hub overloading. We describe our approaches for obtaining provably good quality solutions. Our algorithmic techniques involve branch-and-cut, branch-and-price, and problem-specific exact and heuristic acceleration methods. We conclude our study with computational results on realistic data.
El viaje a Hispania de Chaeremon de Trales en época augustea (Agath. hist. 2, 17, 18)
Authors: Vallejo Girvés Margarita
Published: December 2008

En el contexto de su creencia en la superación personal, Agatías, hist. 2, 17, 18 (s. VI d. C.) menciona un viaje de un ciudadano de Trales a la Hispania del año 26 a. C. Ello nos lleva a analizar aspectos como la veracidad de ese viaje, la personalidad del ciudadano de Trales y las fuentes utilizadas por aquel autor para narrar ese episodio; nos detenemos especialmente en la posible modificación de algunos datos importantes de éste que, por razones literarias, pudo hacer Agatías.
ONGs/AIDS: acesso a fundos públicos e sustentabilidade de ações
Authors: Campos Luiz Claudio Marques
Published: December 2008

Neste artigo reflete-se sobre os mecanismos institucionais de repasse regular de recursos federais a organizações não-governamentais (ONGs), quando consideradas executoras de políticas públicas. A partir de um referencial teórico que analisa as relações entre governo e ONGs na prestação de serviços públicos e a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), descreve-se a sistemática de contratualização da política nacional de combate ao HIV/Aids implementada pelo Programa Nacional de DST/Aids, inicialmente centralizada e que nos últimos anos vem incluindo de forma mais intensa estados e municípios. O artigo desenvolve comparações entre as sistemáticas adotadas, centralizada e descentralizada, mostrando as dificuldades nessa transição. Foram analisados documentos que disciplinam o repasse de recursos a ONGs na política de HIV/Aids e ouvidos gestores federais e membros de ONGs. Conclui-se que o modelo federal institucionalizou o apoio a projetos de ONGs e que essa sistemática passa por uma nova fase a partir da descentralização.
Indução de resistência à podridão-parda em pêssegos pelo uso de eliciadores em pós-colheita
Authors: Danner Moeses Andrigo , Sasso Simone Aparecida Zolet , Medeiros José Gilberto Sousa , Marchese José Abramo , Mazaro Sérgio Miguel
Published: December 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos eliciadores acibenzolar-S-metil e proteína harpina, aplicados em pós-colheita, na indução de resistência sistêmica à podridão-parda em pêssegos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em parcelas subdivididas - com e sem ferimentos provocados aos frutos -, e os tratamentos foram constituídos por: acibenzolar-S-metil (50 mg do i.a. L-1), dois produtos comerciais com proteína harpina (80 mg do i.a. L-1) e uma testemunha (água destilada). Os frutos foram pulverizados, individualmente, com 1 mL de solução aquosa com os tratamentos e, após 12 horas, efetuou-se a inoculação com Monilinia fructicola (0,2 mL da suspensão com concentração de 10(5) esporos mL-1, em cada lado do fruto). Após 60 horas da inoculação, avaliaram-se: a área lesionada, a esporulação e o percentual de controle. Determinaram-se os teores de proteínas totais, açúcares redutores e totais, fenóis, além da atividade da enzima fenilalanina amônia-liase (FAL). Os eliciadores induziram resistência dos frutos a M. fructicola, com redução do desenvolvimento do fungo. O uso dos eliciadores aumentou os teores dos parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados e a atividade da FAL, que esteve relacionada à redução da área lesionada em pêssegos. Os indutores podem contribuir para o manejo integrado da podridão-parda em pêssegos, em pós-colheita.
Weed-Control Systems for Peanut Grown as a Biofuel Feedstock
Authors: Faircloth Wilson H. , Ferrell Jason A. , Main Christopher L.
Published: December 2008

Peanuts are not often used as a true oilseed crop, especially for the production of fuel. However, peanut could be a feedstock for biodiesel, especially in on-farm or small cooperative businesses, where producers can dictate the cost of making their own fuel. Field studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to assess low-cost weed-control systems for peanuts that would facilitate the economic viability of peanut biodiesel. Four preselected herbicide costs ranging from $25 to $62/ha and two application timings were compared with nontreated ($0/ha) and typical ($115/ha) herbicide programs for weed control and peanut oil yield. A peanut oil yield goal of 930 L/ha was exceeded with multiple low-cost herbicide systems in 3 of 4 site–yr. The main effect of application timing was only significant for a single site–year in which oil yield increased linearly with cost of the PRE and POST weed-control system. An herbicide cost of $50/ha, using PRE and POST applications, was consistently among the highest in oil yield, regardless of site–year, exceeding the typical (high value) programs in 3 of 4 site–yr. Use of reduced rates of imazapic (0.5× or 0.035 kg ai/ha) was detrimental in 2 of 4 site–yr. Weed control, and thus oil yields, were most dependent on species present at each location and not on input price. Data from this series of studies will allow researchers and entrepreneurs to more accurately assess the viability and sustainability of peanut biodiesel.
Purple and Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundusandC. esculentus) Response to Postemergence Herbicides in Cotton
Authors: Burke Ian C. , Troxler Shawn C. , Wilcut John W. , Smith W. David
Published: December 2008

Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the nature of the cotton postemergence (POST) herbicides followed by (fb) MSMA postemergence-directed (LAYBY) for foliar and tuber reduction of yellow and purple nutsedge when applied to nutsedge at two different application timings. Trifloxysulfuron at 4 and 6 g ai/ha fb MSMA LAYBY reduced 10- to 15- and 20- to 30-cm purple and yellow nutsedge root and shoot dry weights by at least 56%. However, the effect of weed size at the time of application was significant for trifloxysulfuron at 6 g/ha for percent root and shoot reductions in yellow nutsedge and percent root reduction in purple nutsedge. Significance of herbicide rate was only observed for percent shoot and root reduction of 10- to 15-cm yellow nutsedge. Trifloxysulfuron treatments reduced purple and yellow nutsedge shoot and root dry weights equivalent to treatments involving glyphosate POST fb MSMA LAYBY. MSMA at 1,120 and 2,240 g/ha and glufosinate POST fb MSMA LAYBY were effective for reducing purple and yellow nutsedge shoot dry weights, although percent reduction was influenced by nutsedge height at herbicide application. Treatments involving pyrithiobac POST fb MSMA LAYBY slightly increased 10- to 15-cm yellow nutsedge root dry weights. MSMA at either rate produced additive responses when included in tank mixtures with trifloxysulfuron at either rate or pyrithiobac POST fb MSMA LAYBY in yellow nutsedge. Other tank mixes or sequential combinations did not cause additive or synergistic responses.
Forage Quality of Glyphosate-Resistant Alfalfa as Influenced by Establishment Systems
Authors: McCordick S. Ann , Hillger David E. , Leep Richard H. , Kells James J.
Published: December 2008

Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 in Michigan to determine the effect of seeding establishment method and weed control on forage quality of glyphosate-resistant alfalfa in the establishment year. Seeding methods included alfalfa only (clear-seeding) and alfalfa with a companion crop of oat (companion-seeding). Herbicide treatments included an untreated control and glyphosate treatment for both establishment systems, and either imazamox in the clear-seeding system or imazamox + clethodim in the companion-seeding system. The greatest differences among treatments in forage quality were observed at the first harvest in both establishment years. Results suggest high quality, productive alfalfa stands can be established utilizing glyphosate-resistant alfalfa in a clear seeding system.
Early Season Weed Suppression in Buckwheat Using Clopyralid
Authors: Sakaliene Ona , Clay Sharon A. , Koskinen William C. , Almantas Gediminas
Published: December 2008

Currently there are no herbicides registered for direct application to buckwheat for broadleaf weed control. This 4-yr Lithuanian study examined weed control using several rates of clopyralid alone or combined with a single rate of desmedipham. Most applications were applied at the 1-leaf stage of crop growth, however, one rate of clopyralid was applied pre-emergence (PRE) in 2 of the 4 yr. Buckwheat injury was evident within a few days after application (or emergence) with all treatments, but by harvest, no symptoms were evident. In the 2 yr with greatest weed densities, densities were reduced with increasing clopyralid rates alone or with desmediphan. However, weed biomass and density were similar to the nontreated control at harvest. Common lambsquarters, scentless mayweed, wild buckwheat, and narrowleaf hawksbeard were species that were best (> 40% density reduction) controlled with clopyralid. With few exceptions, buckwheat yield in all herbicide-treated plots was similar to the nontreated control. Because yield was not increased with these herbicides, other weed control benefits, such as reduced interference with harvesting equipment or less dockage due to weed seed contamination, must be carefully weighed against the costs of herbicide and application and crop injury that reduced early-season vigor.
Management of Glyphosate-Tolerant Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) in Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean
Authors: Westhoven Andrew M. , Stachler Jeff M. , Loux Mark M. , Johnson William G.
Published: December 2008

Field studies were conducted in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate strategies for management of four glyphosate-tolerant common lambsquarters populations in glyphosate-resistant soybeans. Treatments consisted of several different preplant herbicide combinations followed by one or two postemergence applications of 0.84 to 3.36 kg ae/ha of glyphosate. Preplant application of a combination of glyphosate, 2,4-D ester and residual herbicides resulted in the most effective control of all populations, and allowed use of a single postemergence glyphosate application at the lowest rate. Late-season control of common lambsquarters ranged from 66 to 95% where no preplant herbicides were applied, 72 to 97% for preplant application of glyphosate and 2,4-D, and 96 to 100% for the combination of glyphosate, 2,4-D, flumioxazin, and cloransulam-methyl. Individual plants survived and produced seed following single postemergence glyphosate applications of 3.36 kg ae/ha, and multiple glyphosate applications totaling 2.5 kg ae/ha. Multiple postemergence treatments were more effective than single postemergence treatments for reduction of common lambsquarters population density and seed production. The progeny of plants that survived high rates of glyphosate in the field were screened for their response to glyphosate in the greenhouse. Progeny from one of three populations exhibited increased glyphosate tolerance from 1 yr of selection pressure.
Tolerance of 12 Sugarbeet Varieties to Applications ofs-Metolachlor and Dimethenamid-P
Authors: Bollman Scott L. , Sprague Christy L.
Published: December 2008

Sugarbeet varieties vary in their response to herbicides.s-Metolachlor and dimethenamid-P were recently registered for use in sugarbeet. Field trials were conducted in Michigan in 2004, 2005, and 2006 to evaluate the response of 12 sugarbeet varieties tos-metolachlor and dimethenamid-P applied PRE and POST to two-leaf and four-leaf stage sugarbeet.s-Metolachlor and dimethenamid-P reduced sugarbeet density when rainfall occurred within 7 d of the PRE applications. Dimethenamid-P PRE caused the most injury across all varieties followed bys-metolachlor PRE. Applying dimethenamid-P POST to two-leaf sugarbeet injured plants more thans-metolachlor applied POST to two- and four-leaf stage sugarbeet. The least amount of sugarbeet injury from dimethenamid-P was from POST applications at the four-leaf stage. Sugarbeet varietal differences were most pronounced from PRE applications of both herbicides and from the POST two-leaf application of dimethenamid-P. Of the 12 sugarbeet varieties evaluated, Hilleshog 2771RZ and Beta 5833R were the most tolerant, whereas Hilleshog 7172RZ was typically the most sensitive variety to these herbicides. Growers will probably not choose varieties based on herbicide tolerance alone, but instead base variety selection on sugar yield and disease resistance. However, if a grower has chosen a particular variety, this information could assist in assessing the risk of usings-metolachlor or dimethenamid-P for weed control.
Correction of instrument measurement data for improving the visual color match between monitor and hardcopy
Authors: Sugiyama Tohru , Kudo Yoshiaki , Takayama Youichi
Published: December 2008

Abstract— Soft proofing, which can confirm the color reproduction of printed matter on a monitor, is coming into wide use in the field of graphic arts. However, there is a problem in that the color on the monitor looks different from that of printed matter, even though the L*a*b* value of the monitor's white point has been adjusted to that of the paper by using a spectroradiometer. After the color rendition of an LCD is visually adjusted to that of the paper, the measured color of the LCD shows color with L*a*b* values corresponding to a more greenish‐blue white than that of paper. For CRTs, this corresponds to a more bluish‐white. In this paper, it was assumed that bright lines in the measured spectrums of the monitors and the illuminations spread to the next wavelength band by the optical systems of the spectroradiometer. To solve the problem, a method is proposed to enhance the bright line by using a three‐tap digital filter. The effect of this method on two types of monitors under three types of illumination is also reported. After enhancing the bright lines, ΔE between the monitor and paper becomes smaller than that for the original one.
Multistable electro‐optical modes in ferroelectric liquid crystals
Authors: Pozhidaev Eugene , Chigrinov Vladimir , Hegde Gurumurthy , Xu Peizhi
Published: December 2008

Abstract— Multistable electro‐optical modes exist under certain conditions in ferroelectric liquid‐crystal (FLC) cells, which means that any light‐transmission level can be memorized after the driving voltage is switched off. The multistability is responsible for three new electro‐optical modes with different shapes of the gray‐scale curve that can be either S‐shaped (double or single dependent upon the applied‐voltage pulse sequence and boundary conditions) or V‐shaped dependent upon boundary conditions and FLC cell parameters. The origin of these modes will be described.
Estimation of platinum in environmental water samples with solid phase extraction technique using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Dubiella-Jackowska Aleksandra , Polkowska Żaneta , Dariusz Lech , Pasławski Piotr , Staszek Wojciech , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: December 2008

A solid phase extraction technique for the determination of platinum(IV) at trace levels by inductively coupled plasma mass spectromA solid phase extraction technique for the determination of platinum(IV) at trace levels by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed. The method was based on retention of platinum in a sample on silica gel modified with aminepropyl groups. The retention of platinum(IV) from the sample solution and the recovery of platinum with 1.0 mol L−1 thiourea solution were quantitative. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was calculated as 5% (n = 7) at the 10 ng L−1 level. The enrichment factor was found to be (50-fold) for 250 mL of water sample. Under optimum conditions, the method detection limit (MDL) was found to be 1 ng L−1 for platinum in water matrices. Recoveries of Pt from spike addition to atmospheric water samples were quantitative (80–95%). The present method was used for the determination of platinum in precipitation, throughfall and runoff water samples.
Structure, conformation and hydrogen bonding of two amino-cycloalkanespiro-5-hydantoins
Authors: Todorov Petar , Petrova Rosica , Naydenova Emilia , Shivachev Boris
Published: December 2008

The crystal structures of 3-amino-cycloheptanespiro-4′-imidazolidine-2′,5′-dione (I) {systematic name: 3-amino-1,3-diazaspiro[4.6] undecane-2,4-dione} and 3-amino-cyclooctanespiro-4′-imidazolidine-2′,5′-dione (II) {systematic name: 3-amino-1,3-diazaspiro[4.7] dodecane-2,4-dione}, have been determined. In both compounds the polar hydantoin groups cause molecules to aggregate via N-H...O and N-H...N interactions, forming a layer structure, in which the cycloalkane rings project outwards from the central, more polar, region. The observed molecular structure is compared with that calculated by density functional theory methods.
Electrosynthesis and thermal characterization of basic copper carbonate nanoparticles
Authors: Pourmortazavi Seied , Kohsari Iraj , Hajimirsadeghi Seiedeh
Published: December 2008

The present study concerns the electrochemical synthesis of basic copper carbonate nanoparticles by oxidation of metallic copper on the anode in an aqueous bicarbonate solution. This simple and one-step preparation can be considered as green synthesis. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicates that average particle size of the product is in the range of about 70 nm. On the other hand, basic copper carbonate micro-powder has been prepared, by mixing solutions of copper(II) sulphate and sodiu bicarbonate. The SEM analysis showed that the size of particles prepared in the same way is in the range of about 1 µm. In another part of this study, the thermal decomposition of micro and nanoparticles of copper carbonate produced by various methods was studied in air using TG-DTA techniques. The results of thermal study show that the decomposition of both samples occurs in single step. Also, the TG-DTA analysis of the nanoparticles indicates that the main thermal degradation occurs in the temperature range of 245–315°C. However, microparticles of Cu(OH)2 · CuCO3 decomposed endothermally in the temperature range of 230–330°C.
Quantitative structure-property relationship study on the determination of binding constant by fluorescence quenching
Authors: Liu Huitao , Wen Yingying , Luan Feng , Gao Yuan , Guo Yun , Xie Zhaoyang , Hu Zhide
Published: December 2008

Models to predict binding constant (logK) to bovine serum albumin (BSA) should be very useful in the pharmaceutical industry to help speed up the design of new compounds, especially as far as pharmacokinetics is concerned. We present here an extensive list of logK binding constants for thirty-five compounds to BSA determined by florescence quenching from the literature. These data have allowed us the derivation of a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model to predict binding constants to BSA of compounds on the basis of their structure. A stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) was performed to build the model. The statistical parameter provided by the MLR model (R = 0.9200, RMS = 0.3305) indicated satisfactory stability and predictive ability for the model. Using florescence quenching spectroscopy, we also experimentally determined the binding constants to BSA for two bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines. Using the proposed model it was possible to predict the binding constants for each, which were in good agreement with the experimental results. This QSPR approach can contribute to a better understanding of structural factors of the compounds responsible for drug-protein interactions, and be useful in predicting the binding constants of other compounds.
Re-evaluated data of dissociation constants of alendronic, pamidronic and olpadronic acids
Authors: Boichenko Alexander , Markov Vadim , Kong Hoan , Matveeva Anna , Loginova Lidia
Published: December 2008

The dissociation constants of (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene)bisphosphonic (alendronic) acid, (3-(dimethylamino)-1-hydroxypropylidene)bisphosphonic (olpadronic) acid and (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene)bisphosphonic (pamidronic) acid were obtained in aqueous solutions (0.10 M KCl) and micellar solutions of cetylpyridinium chloride (0.10 M CPC) at 25.0°C. With the exception of the third dissociation constant of alendronic acid, the dissociation constants of alendronic, olpadronic and pamidronic acids in aqueous solutions matched literature data. The possibility of sodium alendronate determination by acid-base titration by NaOH solution was theoretically grounded on the basis of re-evaluated data of alendronic acid dissociation constants.
Is the Pass/Fail System Applicable to a Medical School in Korea?
Authors: Kim Mee Young
Published: December 2008

To determine whether a pass/fail system is more appropriate for medical education instead of a grade-based system, a survey of medical students and faculty members of Hallym University, Korea, was taken. A questionnaire was delivered to 54 junior students and 36 faculty members from a medical school in Korea and analyzed. Of these participants, 37.7% of students and 36.1% of faculty agreed to the pass/fail system, while 28.3% of students and 52.8% of faculty objected to it. The most frequent reason for objection was the potential decrease in learning achievement. A pass/fail system should be considered after persuasion of the students and faculty to think positively of this system.
THE ECONOMIC EFFECT OF USING BIOLOGICAL DIESEL OIL ON RAILWAY TRANSPORT
Authors: Lingaitis Leonas Povilas , Pukalskas Saugirdas
Published: December 2008

The tests performed by the authors have shown that diesel locomotive engines efficiently operate using a mixture of diesel oil and about 40% of rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) while their ecological and economical parameters do not differ much from those of the locomotives operating on pure diesel oil. When biodiesel is used, the pollutants released into the atmosphere by an engine are less harmful. Therefore, the respective laws of the Republic of Lithuania provide for some financial incentives and allowances to transport enterprises using biological diesel oil. The paper presents a mathematical model for determining the expenses associated with the use of biological diesel oil.
METRICS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SAFETY APPLICATIONS IN VEHICULAR AD HOC NETWORKS
Authors: Yousefi Saleh , Fathy Mahmood
Published: December 2008

In the recent years, direct message exchange between vehicles in order to improve the safety of road traffic has been attracting lots of interest in both networking and road safety communities. While travelling on a road, vehicles form an ad hoc network called Vehicular Ad hoc NETwork (VANET) and deploy life safety applications. Evaluating the performance of these applications is primordial for realizing VANETs in real life. Current literature lacks efficient ways to evaluate the performance of safety applications and mostly leverages on classical networking metrics like delay, delivery rate etc. In this paper, we consider both networking and safety concerns simultaneously to come up with more efficient methods. In particular, we first point out the significance of fairness and coverage from safety viewpoint. Then, we introduce two new metrics called beaconing rate and effective range aiming at providing more facilities for safety performance evaluation in VANET s research. Furthermore, realizing special characteristics of safety applications while disseminating beacon messages, we study the way that beacon dissemination protocols affect the performance of safety applications. We then conduct extensive simulation study to show the usefulness of the introduced metrics and derive some insights on the feasibility of driver‐assistant safety applications. Our evaluation also shows that sending the aggregated status of neighbouring vehicles in addition to vehicle's own status, and instead, increasing beacon transmission interval may be invoked in order to assist safety applications in providing satisfactory services to drivers.
OPTIMISATION OF RAILWAY TERMINAL DESIGN AND OPERATIONS USING VILLON GENERIC SIMULATION MODEL
Authors: Adamko Norbert , Klima Valent
Published: December 2008

Railway service terminals (nodes) are the places of a railway network equipped with costly technology based on high complexity technological procedures demanding a high degree of coordination and control skills. Great effort is therefore exerted to find an optimal configuration of infrastructure to extensively exploit technical and human resources and to effectively organize technological procedures. Due to the complex system, a simulation model seems to be the only suitable tool for performing investigations under realistic conditions. The paper focuses on the possible utilization of simulation methods to support the design and optimisation of infrastructure process control algorithms in railway terminals. The paper also deals with the most important properties and possibilities offered by the simulation tool Villon and comments on the experience gained during its utilisation. The tool supports tactical (middle‐term) and strategic (long‐term) planning usually related to infrastructural or operational proposals which are supposed to guarantee the optimal (or at least effective) behaviour of the modelled terminal.
Impact of the dopamine receptor gene family on temperament traits in a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Nyman Emma S. , Loukola Anu , Varilo Teppo , Ekelund Jesper , Veijola Juha , Joukamaa Matti , Taanila Anja , Pouta Anneli , Miettunen Jouko , Freimer Nelson , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Peltonen Leena
Published: December 2008

Although the genetic determinants of personality have been intensively investigated especially since Cloninger proposed his psychobiological model of temperament and character, findings to date remain inconclusive and very few studies have addressed the topic in large population cohorts. In the current study we investigated one gene family in its entirety by addressing the role of all known dopamine receptor genes, DRD1–DRD5, on Cloninger's temperament traits in a Finnish population‐based birth cohort. The study sample (n = 1,434) was ascertained from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 with over 5,000 study individuals tested at the age of 31 years. We utilized the genetic homogeneity and genealogical structure of this population to uncover putative effects of these genes on temperament traits at the population level. Our strategy utilizing a large birth cohort and its well established genealogical structure represents an optimal design for studying normally distributed traits. We also wished to provide a comprehensive view to one biologically relevant gene family instead of testing single candidate genes. We report evidence of association of several SNPs at the 5′ end of dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) with Novelty seeking (low) and Harm avoidance (high), and at the 3′ end of DRD2 with Persistence. The strongest evidence of association emerged from females. Our study supports the involvement of the dopamine pathway in temperament traits, in particular underlining the role of DRD2 in Novelty seeking, Harm avoidance and Persistence. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Miniemulsion copolymerizations of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of reactive costabilizer
Authors: Chern C. S. , Lim H. , Cala N. A.
Published: December 2008

Miniemulsion stability of three‐component disperse phase systems comprising styrene [ST (1)], methyl methacrylate [MMA (2)], and stearyl methacrylate [SMA (3)] was investigated. The Ostwald ripening rate (ω) increases with increasing MMA content in the monomer mixture. The empirical equation 1/ω = k(φ1/ω1 + φ2/ω2) + φ3/ω3 was proposed to adequately predict the miniemulsion stability data. The empirical parameter k was determined to be 555.77, and the Ostwald ripening rate (ω3) and water solubility of SMA were estimated to be 8.77 × 10−21 cm3/s and 1.90 × 10−9 mL/mL, respectively. A water‐insoluble dye was used as a molecular probe to study particle nucleation mechanisms in the miniemulsion copolymerizations. In addition to the primary monomer droplet nucleation, homogeneous nucleation also plays an important role in the formation of particle nuclei, and this mechanism becomes more important for the polymerization systems with higher MMA contents as a result of the enhanced aqueous phase polymer reactions. The polymer composition data suggest that, during the early stage of polymerization, MMA is consumed more rapidly by free radical polymerization compared with ST. The final latex particle surface potential data also support this conclusion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Characterization of hyperbranched polyol polyesters based on 2,2‐bis (methylol propionic acid) and pentaerythritol
Authors: Murillo Edwin A. , Vallejo Pedro P. , Sierra Ligia , López Betty L.
Published: December 2008

Hyperbranched polyesters (HBPs) of fourth and fifth generation were synthesized by procedures involving one step (HBP4, HBP5), step by step (HBP4P, HBP5P), and combination of both of them (HBP1‐4, HBP1‐5) using 2,2‐bis(methylol)propionic acid (DMPA), pentaerythritol (PE), and acid catalysis. The characterization of the polyesters was done by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), rheology on solution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and acid and hydroxyl values. The degree of branching of polyesters (DB) and the average molecular mass and polymerization degree NMR were calculated by Frey and Fréchet methods and (DP)NMR, respectively, being higher for HBP4P sample. The molecular structure of polyesters depends mainly on of the synthesis method. The hydroxyl values were larger than 430 mg/g KOH for all HBPs, and the conversion was controlled between 90 and 93% to avoid excessive cyclization reactions. The steady shear viscosities at different temperatures and at 41.77 s−1 shear rate were measured for all HBPs solutions in dimethyl formamide (DMF) showing a shear thickening behavior. The flow activation energies (Ea) were calculated by Arrhenius equation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of acrylic copolymer latex modified by fluorine, silicon, and epoxy resin
Authors: Lu Deping , Xiong Pingting , Chen Peizhi , Huang Hongzhi , Shen Ling , Guan Rong
Published: December 2008

A series of modified acrylic copolymer latices have been prepared through a semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization process with a variety of hydrocarbon monomers and (perfluoroalkyl) methyl methacrylate, vinyltriethoxysilicone, and phenol‐formaldehyde epoxy resin. The composition of copolymer was analyzed by fluoride ion selective electrode analysis, 19F NMR, FTIR, crosslinking degree determination, and epoxy‐acetone method. The results showed that the fluorine monomer, silicon monomer and epoxy resin had copolymerized with acrylic monomers. The optimum mass ratio between the curing agent TEA and epoxy resin was 1.36 : 6. The determination results of stabilities (electrolyte stability, freeze‐thaw stability, high temperature stability and mechanical stability) of latices showed that the incorporation of fluorine monomer and silicon monomer improved freeze‐thaw stability and mechanical stability, whereas the epoxy resin did not have obvious effect on the stabilities. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Tangential flow filtration of hemoglobin
Authors: Palmer Andre F. , Sun Guoyong , Harris David R.
Published: December 2008

Bovine and human hemoglobin (bHb and hHb, respectively) was purified from bovine and human red blood cells via tangential flow filtration (TFF) in four successive stages. TFF is a fast and simple method to purify Hb from RBCs using filtration through hollow fiber (HF) membranes. Most of the Hb was retained in stage III (100 kDa HF membrane) and displayed methemoglobin levels less than 1%, yielding final concentrations of 318 and 300 mg/mL for bHb and hHb, respectively. Purified Hb exhibited much lower endotoxin levels than their respective RBCs. The purity of Hb was initially assessed via SDS‐PAGE, and showed tiny impurity bands for the stage III retentate. The oxygen affinity (P50) and cooperativity coefficient (n) were regressed from the measured oxygen‐RBC/Hb equilibrium curves of RBCs and purified Hb. These results suggest that TFF yielded oxygen affinities of bHb and hHb that are comparable to values in the literature. LC‐MS was used to measure the molecular weight of the alpha (α) and beta (β) globin chains of purified Hb. No impurity peaks were present in the HPLC chromatograms of purified Hb. The mass of the molecular ions corresponding to the α and β globin chains agreed well with the calculated theoretical mass of the α‐ and β‐ globin chains. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HPLC‐grade Hb can be generated via TFF. In general, this method can be more broadly applied to purify Hb from any source of RBCs. This work is significant, since it outlines a simple method for generating Hb for synthesis and/or formulation of Hb‐based oxygen carriers. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2009
Developmentally regulated and evolutionarily conserved expression of SLITRK1 in brain circuits implicated in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Stillman Althea A. , Krsnik Željka , Sun Jinhao , Rašin Mladen‐Roko , State Matthew W. , šestan Nenad , Louvi Angeliki
Published: December 2008

Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited developmental neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by vocal and motor tics. Multiple lines of neurophysiological evidence implicate dysfunction in the corticostriatal‐thalamocortical circuits in the etiology of TS. We recently identified rare sequence variants in the Slit and Trk‐like family member 1 (SLITRK1) gene associated with TS. SLITRK1, a single‐pass transmembrane protein, displays similarities to the SLIT family of secreted ligands, which have roles in axonal repulsion and dendritic patterning, but its function and developmental expression remain largely unknown. Here we provide evidence that SLITRK1 has a developmentally regulated expression pattern in projection neurons of the corticostriatal‐thalamocortical circuits. SLITRK1 is further enriched in the somatodendritic compartment and cytoplasmic vesicles of cortical pyramidal neurons in mouse, monkey, and human brain, observations suggestive of an evolutionarily conserved function in mammals. SLITRK1 is transiently expressed in the striosomal/patch compartment of the mammalian striatum and moreover is associated with the direct output pathway; adult striatal expression is confined to cholinergic interneurons. These analyses demonstrate that the expression of SLITRK1 is dynamic and specifically associated with the circuits most commonly implicated in TS and related disorders, suggesting that SLITRK1 contributes to the development of corticostriatal‐thalamocortical circuits. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:21–37, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
De Novo DNA methylation independent establishment of maternal imprint on X chromosome in mouse oocytes
Authors: Chiba Hatsune , Hirasawa Ryutaro , Kaneda Masahiro , Amakawa Yuko , Li En , Sado Takashi , Sasaki Hiroyuki
Published: December 2008

Mouse blastocyst stage embryo stained for histone H3 lysine‐27 trimethylation (red) and DNA (blue). H3K27me3 marks the inactive X chromosome. The study by Chiba et al. in this issue suggests that de novo DNA methyltransferases are dispensable for setting the imprint on the maternally‐derived X chromsome in growing oocytes. See Chiba et al. in this issue.
Socioecology, predation, and cognition in a community of West African monkeys
Authors: Mcgraw W. Scott , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: December 2008

The Ivory Coast's Taï Forest is home to a diverse primate fauna, including eight monkey species that interact daily with the environment, each other, and a web of predators. These interactions have led to an array of adaptations, some of which conform to theoretical expectations, and others are at odds with current behavioral ecology models. In this paper, we draw on fifteen years of observations to examine two central issues. First, how do broad trends in diet and resource distribution influence group size and levels of sociality? Second, what mechanisms are used to counter pressures exerted by the predator community? The general picture that emerges is that while the pressure exerted by predators at Taï has led to a host of behavioral and cognitive adaptations, it is food preferences and foraging habits, not predation pressure, that are the main determinants, not only of group size, but also its direct consequences ‐ mating systems and sociality levels.
Comparison of articular and auricular cartilage as a cell source for the autologous chondrocyte implantation
Authors: Maličev Elvira , Kregar‐Velikonja Nevenka , Barlič Ariana , Alibegović Armin , Drobnič Matej
Published: December 2008

Articular (medial femoral condyle) and auricular cartilage (anithelix) was compared as a cell source for the autologous joint repair. Cells isolated from five human cadaveric donors were cultured parallel in the monolayer cultures and in the 3D alginate hydrogel constructs for 1 week. Cell morphology was controlled by the fluorescent microscopy and gene expressions of type I collagen (COL1), type II collagen (COL2), aggrecan (AGR), versican (VER), and elastin (ELS) were analyzed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction. COL1 and ELS, predominant in the phenotype of auricular biopsy, were statistically lower in the articular biopsies. Even though COL2 and AGR decreased in monolayers of both cell sources, the dedifferentiation process affected auricular cells intensely. Cells embedded in the alginate hydrogel directly after the isolation did not exhibit the dedifferentiated phenotype. Additionally, COL1, COL2, AGR, and VER were comparable between the two sources. ELS however, remained higher in the auricular cells regardless of the culture type. The study indicates that auricular chondrocytes cultured in a 3D environment immediately after the isolation have a neo‐cartilage potential for the articular surface reconstruction. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 943–948, 2009