bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roon, the Prussian Landwehr, and the Reorganization of 1859—1860
Authors: Walter Dierk
Published: June 2009

Historians have overestimated the impact of the so-called `Roon reforms' on the Prusso-German military system. Allegedly, these reforms abolished the Landwehr, an independent militia force of dubious military value, and thus enhanced the efficiency of the Prussian army so that it became capable of winning the Wars of Unification. This article argues that the Landwehr was not a militia but an extension of the regular army. It had lost its independence long before the reforms and remained a part of the field army long after them. The real military impact of the reforms was instead the increase in annual recruitment that made a much larger field army possible.
John Buchan and the First World War: Fact into Fiction
Authors: Strachan Hew
Published: June 2009

John Buchan, best remembered today as a novelist, was also a man of affairs, historian, and propagandist. During the First World War these attributes were the basis of his public reputation, but he did not cease to write fiction, and the war permeated the novels which he wrote after it. This article explores the ways in which Buchan exploited his privileged knowledge of the facts to write his fictions. It also considers Buchan's thinking both about the war's conduct and the function of propaganda within it.
Mislabeled units of umbilical cord blood detected by a quality assurance program at the transplantation center
Authors: McCullough Jeffrey , McKenna David , Kadidlo Diane , Maurer David , Noreen Harriett J. , French Kathy , Brunstein Claudio , Wagner John E.
Published: June 2009

We instituted procedures to check the identity of cord blood unit provided for transplantation by carrying out ABO and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing of the thawed units before transplantation. ABO typing is done using standard techniques. Rapid HLA class I serology is with monoclonal antibody trays (One Lambda Inc) using standard incubations. One mislabeled umbilical cord blood (UCB) unit was detected on the day of intended transplantation by repeat ABO typing of the thawed unit at our transplantation center. Because ABO typing will not detect all labeling errors, the rapid serologic class I HLA typing procedure was done on thawed units just before transplantation for all units without an attached segment. This procedure identified a second mislabeled unit. In a 6-year period, 2 of 871 (0.2%) cord blood units sent to us for transplantation were mislabeled and potentially would have been transplanted incorrectly. This error rate of 1 per 249 (0.4%) patients could have potentially devastating consequences.
The Research Dynamic: A Professional Development Model for Secondary School Science Teachers
Authors: Silverman Philip M.
Published: June 2009

This essay summarizes the author's 10 years of experience at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation mentoring secondary school science teachers during 8-wk Summer Research Institutes. The summary is presented as a learning model, which we call the research dynamic. This model consists of three interlocked components: specified ignorance, peer interactions, and gateway experiments. Specified ignorance is based on the work of the sociologist Robert K. Merton. It is essentially the art of highlighting what is not known about a phenomenon but must become known for further progress. In practice, specified ignorance is framed as a hypothesis, a prediction, or a question. It is commonly the outcome of peer interactions, which are the second essential component of the research dynamic. Peer interactions are the inevitable outcome of having teachers work together in the same laboratory on related research topics. These topics are introduced as gateway experiments, the third component. The most important attribute of gateway experiments is their authenticity. These experiments, when first carried out, opened new scientific vistas. They are also technically, conceptually, and logically simple. We illustrate the research dynamic with a line of seminal experiments in biochemical genetics. We provide evidence that the research dynamic produced significantly positive effects on teachers' confidence in their professional preparedness.
Garage Demos: Using Physical Models to Illustrate Dynamic Aspects of Microscopic Biological Processes
Authors: O'Dowd Diane K. , Aguilar-Roca Nancy
Published: June 2009

Colorful PowerPoint presentations with detailed drawings, micrographs, and short animations have become the standard format for illustrating the fundamental features of cell biology in large introductory classes. In this essay, we describe a low-tech tool that can be included in a standard lecture to help students visualize, understand, and remember the dynamic aspects of microscopic cell biological processes. This approach involves use of common objects, including pipe insulation and a garden hose, to illustrate basic processes such as protein folding and cloning, hence the appellation “garage demos.” The demonstrations are short, minimizing displacement of course content, easy to make, and provide an avenue for increasing student–faculty interaction in a large lecture hall. Student feedback over the past 4 years has been overwhelmingly positive. In an anonymous postclass survey in 2007, 90% of the respondents rated garage demos as having been very or somewhat helpful for understanding course concepts. Direct measurements of learning gains on specific concepts illustrated by garage demos are the focus of an ongoing study.
A Study of Rubisco through Western Blotting and Tissue Printing Techniques
Authors: Ma Zhong , Cooper Cynthia , Kim Hyun-Joo , Janick-Buckner Diane
Published: June 2009

We describe a laboratory exercise developed for a cell biology course for second-year undergraduate biology majors. It was designed to introduce undergraduates to the basic molecular biology techniques of Western blotting and immunodetection coupled with the technique of tissue printing in detecting the presence, relative abundance, and distribution of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase in various plant materials. Pre- and postlab surveys indicated significant postlab gains in student understanding of all three lab techniques and relevant lecture topics. Additional postlab survey questions on student perception of the lab modules suggested that the laboratory exercises successfully met a series of pedagogical goals set by the instructors. The combination of these techniques provided a basis for quantitative and qualitative (visual) analysis of a biologically important enzyme and can be applied or modified readily to study other proteins and biological molecules in lab exercises for an introductory cell biology course or molecular biology course.
An Investigative, Cooperative Learning Approach to the General Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Seifert Kyle , Fenster Amy , Dilts Judith A. , Temple Louise
Published: June 2009

Investigative- and cooperative-based learning strategies have been used effectively in a variety of classrooms to enhance student learning and engagement. In the General Microbiology laboratory for juniors and seniors at James Madison University, these strategies were combined to make a semester-long, investigative, cooperative learning experience involving culture and identification of microbial isolates that the students obtained from various environments. To assess whether this strategy was successful, students were asked to complete a survey at the beginning and at the end of the semester regarding their comfort level with a variety of topics. For most of the topics queried, the students reported that their comfort had increased significantly during the semester. Furthermore, this group of students thought that the quality of this investigative lab experience was much better than that of any of their previous lab experiences.
Carol Hurney
Authors: Mays Hoopes Laura L.
Published: June 2009

Note from the Editor

Educator Highlights for CBE—Life Sciences Education show how professors at different kinds of institutions educate students in life sciences with inspiration and panache. If you have a particularly creative teaching portfolio yourself, or if you wish to nominate an inspiring colleague to be profiled, please e-mail Laura Hoopes at lhoopes@pomona.edu.
Near-infrared Luminescence from Ytterbium(III) Ternary Complexes by Visible-light Excitation of Attached Chlorophyll Derivatives
Authors: Wang Qianming , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: June 2009

Ytterbium complex of 1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane was assembled with several chlorophyll derivatives bearing a carboxy group in organic solvents. Visible-light sensitization of specific chlorophylls caused a rise of near-infrared emission from Yb3+, due to triplet excited energy transfer in a supramolecule.
Glucose to Value-added Chemicals: Anhydroglucose Formation by Selective Dehydration over Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi , Ebitani Kohki
Published: June 2009

Selective dehydration of glucose to anhydroglucoses, 1,6-anhydro-β-d-glucopyranose (levoglucosan) and 1,6-anhydro-β-d-glucofuranose, which are highly value-added intermediates for drugs, polymers, and surfactants was performed. Solid acids with sulfonic acid groups like Amberlyst-15 were found to effectively produce anhydroglucoses in polar aprotic solvents.
Crystal Structure and Proton Conductivity of a One-dimensional Coordination Polymer, {Mn(DHBQ)(H2O)2}
Authors: Morikawa Shota , Yamada Teppei , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2009

{Mn(DHBQ)(H2O)2} (H2DHBQ = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) was investigated by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, sorption isotherm of water, and proton conductivity measurements. It showed a one-dimensional coordination-polymer structure with axial coordination waters, which is the first report on the crystal structure of a one-dimensional coordination polymer with the DHBQ ligand. It also exhibited reversible structural change associated with desorption/sorption of the waters. The proton conductivities of the anhydride and dihydrate states were measured. The dihydrate showed a high proton conductivity of 4×10−5 S cm−1, while the anhydride was below the lower limit of the measurable range (<10−13 S cm−1).
Sandwich-type Electrochemical Immunoassay for Carbohydrate Antigen-125 Using Multifunctional Magnetic Beads with Ferrocenyl-tethered Dendrimer as Label
Authors: Fu Xiao-Hong
Published: June 2009

This letter describes a new sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassay for carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA125) by using multifunctional magnetic beads with ferrocenyl-tethered dendrimer as labels.
A Discovery of Tetravalent Ge4+ Ion Conduction in Solids
Authors: Nunotani Naoyoshi , Tamura Shinji , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: June 2009

Tetravalent Ge4+ ion conduction in solids was first demonstrated by selecting a NASICON-type GeNb(PO4)3 solid and partially replacing P5+ ion in GeNb(PO4)3 with Si4+ ion to expand the crystal lattice, which allows for realization of a Ge4+ ion with high valence and electronegativity. Among the Ge1+x⁄4NbP3−xSixO12 solids prepared, it was found that Ge41⁄40NbP2.9Si0.1O12 (x=0.1) solid showed the highest Ge4+ ion conductivity.
Water Droplets for the Symmetric Adhesion of Two Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films
Authors: Date Takaaki , Ishikawa Mizuki , Hori Koichiro , Tanaka Keiji , Nagamura Toshihiko , Iwahashi Makio , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: June 2009

Poly(methyl methacrylate) films were prepared by annealing below their glass-transition temperatures after spin-casting and were symmetrically pressed against each other with constant pressure in air. The films successfully adhered together with only water droplets. The interfacial adhesion strength was quantitatively examined by lap–shear tests. Polymer chains swollen with water molecules caused significant entanglement and resulted in strong adhesions.
Development of a HPLC-ESR Spin-trapping System for Post-column On-line Detection of Superoxide Radical Scavenging Ability of Column Eluates
Authors: Sakurai Yasuhiro , Kawai Kiyoshi , Komatsu-Watanabe Rushiru , Morimoto Chie , Sakamoto Shunji , Nakajima Akira , Kanaori Kenji , Tajima Kunihiko
Published: June 2009

A new HPLC-ESR spin-trapping system for post-column on-line detection of the superoxide radical scavenging activity of column eluates was developed. HPLC-ESR analysis are performed on a mixture of three phenolic compounds, gallic acid (Gal), 4-hydroxycoumaric acid (Cou), and caffeic acid (Caf), by monitoring ESR signal intensity of the superoxide radical adduct of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO/O2).
Acidity Control by On/Off Switching of an Intramolecular NH···O Hydrogen Bond by E/Z Photoisomerization of Cinnamate Framework
Authors: Matsuhira Takashi , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Okamura Taka-aki
Published: June 2009

Acidity control by photoswitching of intramolecular NH···O hydrogen bond using E/Z photoisomerization of cinnamate framework was achieved. According to the photoisomerization, the distance between amide NH and carboxylic oxygen was disgregated, and an intramolecular NH···O hydrogen bond formed in E carboxylate was interrupted in Z compound in DMSO-d6 solution. The pKa value of Z carboxylic acid was increased in E compound in DMSO solution.
Phosphorofluoridic Acid-catalyzed Condensation Reaction of Carboxylic Acids with 1-Arylalkyl Alcohols Leading to Esters under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Tanaka Nagisa , Higashijima Shinji , Miura Hidetoshi
Published: June 2009

Phosphorofluoridic acid with an l-menthyl group catalyzed condensation reaction between carboxylic acids and 1-arylalkyl alcohols under solvent-free conditions to give esters in moderate to high yields. Results using aliphatic acids are shown.
Preparation and X-ray Structures of trans-5,6-Diaryl-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diols: Formation of Supramolecular Rod by Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Miura Youhei , Tamaki Ryuuichi , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu
Published: June 2009

A series of X-ray analyses on the newly prepared title molecules have revealed that the one-dimensional rod-like structures are commonly present in the crystals of trans-dihydrophenanthrolinediols. The architecture is of interest from the viewpoint of supramolecular chirality because homochiral diol molecules with the same sense of helicity are connected in a head-to-tail fashion by a pair of N···H–O hydrogen bonds.
Synthesis of Zr-containing SBA-15 with Hollow Spherical Morphology
Authors: Liang Dong , Chen Jianjian , Wang Yan , Liu Jianhong , Li Ruifeng
Published: June 2009

Zr-containing SBA-15 materials with hollow spherical morphology were synthesized via adding zirconium into SBA-15 synthesis solution and adjusting pH to about 4–5 with ammonia water. The hollow spherical mesoporous materials were observed in micron scale, and the shell thickness was about 100 nanometers. Zirconium was well dispersed inside the mesoporous structure. The sulfated hollow Zr-doped SBA-15 spheres showed better catalytic activity than conventional SBA-15 spheres in dehydration reactions.
Size-controlled Fabrication of Periodic Nanocrystal Arrays by Using the Hemispherical Metal Nanowells
Authors: Sato Yumina , Koide Yoshihiro
Published: June 2009

A periodic array of NaCl nanocrystals is prepared using a nanoreactor array, which consists of hemispherical nanowells of 800 nm in diameter fused side-by-side prepared by sputter deposition of Fe and Au layers over hexagonally close-packed 1-μm polystyrene (PS) beads. The size of the nanocrystals can be controlled simply by changing the concentration of the precursor solution.
Preparation of CdSe Quantum Dots via Thermolysis of a Novel Single Source Cd/Se Precursor Derived from Cyclohexeno-1,2,3-selenadiazole
Authors: Khanna Pawan K , More Priyesh , Shewate Rahul , Beri Rupinder K , Viswanath A Kasi , Singh Vidyanand , Mehta Bodh R
Published: June 2009

Reduction of bis(2-bromocyclohexenyl)diselenide, prepared from cyclohexeno-1,2,3-selenadiazole by the procedure of Meier et al., followed by reaction with cadmium chloride, yielded the novel single source Cd/Se precursor [Cd(SeC6H8Br)2], which upon thermolysis in a high boiling reaction medium formed CdSe quantum dots (Q.dots). Powder X-ray diffraction analysis showed them to contain cubic CdSe and TEM indicated the particle size to be <5 nm. The absorption spectrum of the as-prepared Q.dots had a blue shift of >200 nm with respect to bulk CdSe and photoluminescence measurements at an excitation energy of 350 nm showed shallow trap band-edge emission.
NO Cations as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Carbon–Carbon Bond Forming Reactions
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: June 2009

NO cations were found to be a highly effective catalysts in several carbon–carbon bond forming reactions. For example, [3+2] cycloadditions of nitrones or azomethine imines with vinyl ethers proceeded in the presence of 0.1–1 mol % of the NO cation to afford the desired adducts in high yields.
Pseudo-intramolecular Cyclization of α-Nitro-δ-keto Nitrile Leading to 2-Amino-3-nitro-1,4-dihydropyridines
Authors: Nishiwaki Nagatoshi , Kakutani Kengo , Tamura Mina , Ariga Masahiro
Published: June 2009

A novel concept—the pseudo-intramolecular process—is applied to the synthesis of multiply functionalized heterocyclic compounds. Acidic α-nitro-δ-keto nitrile easily forms an ammonium salt upon treatment with an amine. When the amine is liberated under equilibrium, an intimate pair, namely, a nucleophilic amine and an electrophilic keto nitrile are located close to each other, is formed; thus the amine efficiently attacks a cyano group of keto nitrile. As a result of subsequent cyclization, 1,4-dihydropyridines containing an amino and a nitro group at the vicinal positions as a partial structure are afforded.
Determination with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Tandem Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry of the Extensive Disulfide Bonding in Tarantula Venom Peptide Psalmopeotoxin I
Authors: Combes Audrey , Choi Soo Jin , Pimentel Cyril , Darbon Hervé , Waidelich Dietmar , Mestivier Denis , Camadro Jean-Michel
Published: June 2009

Psalmopeotoxin I (PcFK1) is a 33-residue peptide isolated from the venom of the tarantula Psalmopoeus cambridgei. This peptide specifically inhibits the intra-erythrocyte stage of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. It contains six cysteine residues forming three disulfide bridges and belongs to the superfamily of natural peptides containing the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) fold. We produced the wild-type and mutated forms of the recombinant peptide to examine the mechanism of action of PcFK1. The purified toxins were consistently produced as two isobaric peptides (r-PcFK1-1 and r-PcFK1-2) with different retention properties but identical anti-plasmodial biological activity. Comparison of 15N-NMR heteronuclear single quantum correlation spectra revealed that although rPcFK1-1 was highly structured, rPcFK1-2 does not have a stable three-dimensional structure. We used high-energy collision-induced fragmentation of the peptides with a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer to further investigate the structure of the native peptides in its natural form and produced in E. coli. The fragmentation spectra of the native peptides were very complex due to the occurrence in the spectrum of ions resulting from (1) cross-linking of fragments through a disulfide bridge and (2) asymmetric fragmentations of the disulfide bridges and (3) multiple neutral losses. The tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern of r-PcFK1-1 was similar to that of the natural peptide isolated from crude venom, but r-PcFK1-2 had a clearly distinct fragmentation pattern, more closely resembling the fragmentation spectra of reduced and alkylated peptides. Observed ions could be attributed to specific fragments by comparing spectra between the wild-type and selected variants with point mutations (Y11W, R20T, Y26W, K28V). The disulfide connections in r-PcFK1-2 differed from those of the native peptide and showed a rare disulfide bridge between vicinal cysteine residues. The r-PcFK1_(R20T) variant showed a very limited fragmentation pattern when analyzed in positive mode but displayed much more fragmentation in negative mode pointing out the importance of the R20 residue in the fragmentation of PcFK1. Using the reductive matrix 1,5-diaminonaphtalene promoted strongly in source decay fragmentation of the peptides in MS mode. Our findings illustrated the critical role of the electronic environment around the central Cys18–Cys19 doublet in PcFK1 in internal fragmentation of the peptide.
Formation of Organometallic Species, [M – H]+ Ions and Radical Cations upon Mass Spectrometric Fragmentation of Mercury–Crown Ether Complexes
Authors: Frański Rafał , Gierczyk Błażej
Published: June 2009

Mass spectrometric fragmentation pathways of [M + HgClO4]+ (M – crown ether molecule), determined by tandem mass spectrometry experiments, are discussed in detail. The decomposition of [M + HgClO4]+ proceeds along three fragmentation pathways: formation of [M – H]+ ions, formation of organometallic species, namely [M – H + Hg]+ ions, and formation of radical cations [M]+•. The factors influencing these processes, namely crown ether cavities and the presence of electron withdrawing/electron donor groups, have been discussed.
Identification of the Metabolites of Ecabet Bismuth in Rat Bile by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wu Yue , Yang Jing , Ding Li , Xu Guili , Qian Wenjuan , Yun Changhong , He Jianchang
Published: June 2009

In the present study, a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for the screening and the structural elucidation of the metabolites of ecabet bismuth in rat bile. Solid-phase extraction cartridges were used for sample pre-treatment and a gradient liquid chromatographic system composed of 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer and methanol was used for chromatographic separation on a Phenomenex Kromasil C18 column. The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was employed to thoroughly detect and acquire the detailed MS/MS spectra of ecabet and its metabolites. By comparing the chromatographic retention behaviors, as well as the changes in molecular weight and full-scan MS/MS spectra of the potential metabolites with those of the parent compound, two main metabolites were identified as glucuronide conjugate of carbonylated ecabet (7-oxo-ecabet) and glucuronide conjugate of ecabet. Neither of the two metabolites have previously been reported in the literature. The metabolic pathways of ecabet in rat were also proposed in this paper.
Analysis of Global DNA Methylation Levels in Human Blood Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Huimin , Zhang Wenbing , Hu Junjie , Yu Zhiqiang , Chen Yong , Luo Qiong , Shi Xiaoliu , Zhang Yingying , Song Renfang , Zhou Zhen , Sheng Guoying , Fu Jiamo
Published: June 2009

DNA methylation plays an important role in both normal physiological and disease processes. In this study, a sensitive and precise liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method has been optimized for quantification of global DNA methylation levels in human peripheral blood by using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This method was then used to analyze age-dependent association of DNA methylation. The results showed that the limit of detection was 1 pg for 5-methyl-2′-dexycytidine (5mdC) (S/N = 5.6). The linear calibration curves with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9990 were ranged 0.75–10 ppm and 0.0375–0.5 ppm for 2′-dexycytidine (dC) and 5mdC, respectively. The relative standard derivatives ( RSD) of inter-day, intra-day and parallel samples were less than 5%. The analysis results of the blood samples from 60 healthy individuals showed that the child group had the highest mean 5mdC content while the adult group had the lowest values.
Unimolecular and Collision-Induced Dissociation of Singly-Charged Mono-Bromide Silver Clusters AgxBr+ (x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Authors: Nagao Hirofumi , Toyoda Michisato , Hayakawa Shigeo , Iwamoto Kenichi , Ichihara Toshio , Kawamura Kazuya , Awazu Kunio
Published: June 2009

Relative intensities of singly-charged mono-bromide silver clusters Ag xBr+ formed from sputtering of a pressed pellet of silver bromide were measured by mass spectrometry. The obtained results suggest that the Ag xBr+ clusters have a structural formula of the form Ag x–1+(AgBr). The relative stability of Ag x–1+(AgBr) was determined by the intrinsic stability of the remaining metallic portion of the cluster (Ag x–1+) as predicted by the spherical jellium model (SJM). Unimolecular and high-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of Ag xBr+ ( x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) clusters were also measured. In all of the spectra, the most intense fragment peaks were assigned to the Ag x–1+ ions accompanying the loss of AgBr. The difference in the relative intensities of the Ag x–1+ peaks between unimolecular dissociation and CID spectra led us to conclude that the weakest bond in the excited cluster Ag xBr+* is the Ag x–1+–AgBr bond and the structure of Ag xBr+ is a metallic Ag x–1+ ion cluster adduct with AgBr. The primary fragments observed in the CID spectra were also explained by the stabilities of the generated ion products and neutral fragments, both having even delocalized valence electrons. The present results were consistently explained by SJM. The dissociation behavior of Ag2Br+ can be explained on the basis of the calculated thermochemical data.
High-Throughput Analysis of Gangliosides in Defined Regions of Fetal Brain by Fully Automated Chip-Based Nanoelectrospray Ionization Multi-Stage Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Serb Alina , Schiopu Catalin , Flangea Corina , Vukelić Željka , Sisu Eugen , Zagrean Leon , Zamfir Alina D.
Published: June 2009

Gangliosides (GGs), a large group of sialylated glycosphingolipids, are considered biomarkers of human brain development, aging and certain diseases. Determination of individual GG components in complex mixtures extracted from a human brain represents a fundamental prerequisite for correlating their specificity with the specialized function of each brain area. In the context of modern glycomics, detailed investigation of GG expression and structure in human brain requires a continuous development and application of innovative methods able to improve the quality of data and speed of analysis. In this work, for the first time, a high-throughput mapping and sequencing of gangliosides in human fetal brain was performed by a novel mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach developed recently in our laboratory. Three GG mixtures extracted and purified from different regions of the same fetal brain in the 36th gestational week: frontal neocortex (NEO36), white matter of the frontal lobe (FL36) and white matter of the occipital lobe (OL36) were subjected to comparative high-throughput screening and multi-stage fragmentation by fully automated chip-based nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) high capacity ion trap (HCT) MS. Using this method, in only a few minutes of signal acquisitions, over 100 GG and asialo-GG species were detected and identified in the three mixtures. Obtained data revealed for the first time that differences in GG expression in human fetal brain are dependent on phylogenetic development rather than topographic factors. While a significant variation of GG distribution in NEO36 vs FL36 was observed, no significant differences in GG expression in white matter of frontal vs occipital lobe were detected. Additionally, the largest number of species was identified in NEO36, which correlates with the functional complexity of neocortex as the newest brain region. In the last stage of analysis, using MS2–MS3 molecular ion fragmentation at variable amplitudes, a NEO36-associated GD1b isomer could clearly be discriminated. Present results indicate that the combination of fully automated chipESI with HCT MS n is able to provide ultra-fast, sensitive and reliable analyses of complex lipid-linked carbohydrates from which the pattern of their expression and structure in a certain type of bio-matrix can be determined.
Doping Control Analysis of Metamfepramone and Two Major Metabolites Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Thevis Mario , Sigmund Gerd , Thomas Andreas , Gougoulidis Vassilios , Rodchenkov Grigory , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: June 2009

The sympathomimetic agent metamfepramone (2-dimethylamino-1-phenylpropan-1-one, dimethylpropion) is widely used for the treatment of the common cold or hypotonic conditions. Due to its stimulating properties and its rapid metabolism resulting in major degradation products such as methylpseudoephedrine and methcathinone, it has been considered relevant for doping controls by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The rapid degradation of the active drug complicates the detection of metamfepramone itself but the metabolites methylpseudoephedrine and methcathinone can be monitored, and the finding of the latter in particular allows the inference of a metamfepramone administration. In order to improve sports drug testing procedures, metamfepramone, methylpseudoephedrine and methcathinone were characterized using electrospray ionization-high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry, and a method employing liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was established that allowed the analysis of these three analytes by direct injection of 2 μL of urine specimens. The assay was validated with regard to specificity, lower limits of detection (2–10 ng mL−1), intraday and interday precision (3–17%) and ion suppression/enhancement effects. The developed procedure has been used to verify or falsify suspicious signals observed in routine screening procedures based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and yielded an adverse analytical finding concerning a metamfepramone administration in an authentic doping control sample. Although the active drug was not detected, the indicative metabolites methylpseudoephedrine and methcathinone were considered sufficient to infer the application of the prohibited drug.
Differentiation of the Isomeric o-(m- and p-) Nitro-(Chloro- and Bromo-)Benzyl-2,4-(and 2,1-) Disubstituted 2-Thiocytosinium Halides by Electron Impact Ionisation and Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pospieszny Tomasz , Wyrzykiewicz Elżbieta
Published: June 2009

Electron ionisation (EI) and fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectral fragmentations of nine 2,4-(and 2,1-) disubstituted o-( m- and p-)nitro-(chloro- and bromo-)-2-thiocytosinium halides are investigated. Fragmentation pathways, whose elucidation is assisted by accurate mass measurements and metastable transitions [EI-mass spectrometry (MS)], as well as FAB/collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra measurements are discussed. The correlations between the abundances of the (C11H10N4SO2)+1–3; (C11H10N3SCl)+4–6 and (C11H10N3SBr)+7–9 ions and the selected fragment ions (EI-MS), as well as (C18H16N5SO4)+1–3; (C18H16N3SCl2)+4–6 and (C18H16N3SBr2) + 7–9 ions and the selected ions (C7H6NO2)+1–3; (C7H6Cl)+ 4–6; (C7H6Br)+ 7–9 (FAB-MS) are discussed. The data obtained can be used for distinguishing isomers.
Collision-Induced Dissociation of Imidazolium-Based Zwitterionic Liquids
Authors: Nakurte Ilva , Mekss Peteris , Klavins Kristaps , Zicmanis Andris , Vavilina Galina , Dubrovina Svetlana
Published: June 2009

Fragmentation pathways of some imidazolium based zwitterionic liquids—3-(3-alkyl-1-imidazolio)-propane sulfonates and 3-(2-methyl-3-alkyl-1-imidazolio)-propane sulfonates—have been studied by tandem electrospray mass spectrometry and collision-induced dissociation. The relative abundances of the lowest energy fragment ions depend on the length of the alkyl chain at the IIN of the imidazolium ring and the cone voltage. The first fragment ions originate from the scission of Cnon aromatic–N bond of compounds investigated, but with increasing collision energy, scission of C–C bonds occurs. Aggregates of the general formula [(M + H) x + (M) y]+ ( x;y = 1–2) formed. Methyl substituted zwitterionic liquids show higher molecular stability than 3-(3-alkyl-1-imidazolio)-propane sulfonates.
The Effects of Entrance Fields on the Performance of Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers
Authors: Banner A.E.
Published: June 2009

The theoretical performance of quadrupole mass spectrometers has been studied by means of a new computer model, with particular reference to three-dimensional ion trajectories, both within the main filter and the entrance fields, including the effects of z-energy changes in the latter. It is shown that considerable improvements in the acceptance area can be obtained by suitable modification of the entrance fields.
Classroom discourse analysis and educational outcomes in the era of education reform
Authors: Lam Shui‐fong , Law Yin‐kum , Shum Mark Shiu‐kee
Published: June 2009

Background In the era of education reform when new teaching approaches are being advocated, it is important to investigate how different classroom discourse patterns are related to different educational outcomes.

Aim The purpose of the study was to analyse the whole classroom discourse of two teacher interns' writing classes. It was conducted against a background of education reform in which teachers were being encouraged to make major changes in their teaching approaches. We investigated what approaches were adopted and what discourse patterns were related to better educational outcomes.

Sample The participants were two teacher interns and their 61 students in Hong Kong. The students (35 boys, 26 girls) were seventh graders from two classes in the same secondary school.

Method An instruction unit of each teacher intern on expository writing (120 min) was video‐recorded and analysed. Discourse analysis of the whole classroom interaction was supplemented by the students' perceptions and independent observers' evaluations of the instruction.

Results The results indicated that both teacher interns adopted a traditional direct instruction although student‐centred approaches were being recommended in the education reform. The effectiveness of the instruction was associated with certain features of the classroom discourse patterns. Better educational outcomes were associated positively with utterances of high cognitive demand but negatively with utterances related to discipline. Students tended to have better performances in writing when they and the independent observers perceived that the teachers used more motivating strategies.

Conclusions The effectiveness of instruction is a complicated phenomenon that involves a myriad of interrelated factors. Teacher‐ or student‐centred approaches are only part of these diverse factors.
Using fractional polynomials to model non‐linear trends in longitudinal data
Authors: Long Jeffrey , Ryoo Jihoon
Published: June 2009

Non‐linear growth curves are discussed within the context of the linear mixed model. Non‐linearity is modelled with time transformations known as fractional polynomials (FPs) having power terms that can be negative values and fractions with conventional polynomials (CPs) as a special case. Issues of interpretation are discussed with a focus on the instantaneous rate of change in models with and without static correlates. Methods for model selection are presented with emphasis on penalized and non‐penalized indices of global fit based on the maximized likelihood and fitted models. Two empirical examples are presented with psychological data in which FPs were fitted along with CPs of equal and next highest order. The results show that the FPs had equal or better fit than the higher‐order CPs and had prediction curves with as favourable or more favourable characteristics, such as less extreme behaviour at the edges of the observed time intervals. The results illustrate some of the potential advantages of FPs relative to CPs, which include parsimony, flexibility of curve shape, and the ability to approximate asymptotes. Though FPs are not necessarily suggested as replacements for CPs or other transformations (e.g. piecewise models), they might be useful when the goal is to model non‐linear growth trends with smooth curves.
Attitudes, norms, identity and environmental behaviour: Using an expanded theory of planned behaviour to predict participation in a kerbside recycling programme
Authors: Nigbur Dennis , Lyons Evanthia , Uzzell David
Published: June 2009

In an effort to contribute to greater understanding of norms and identity in the theory of planned behaviour, an extended model was used to predict residential kerbside recycling, with self‐identity, personal norms, neighbourhood identification, and injunctive and descriptive social norms as additional predictors. Data from a field study (N =527) using questionnaire measures of predictor variables and an observational measure of recycling behaviour supported the theory. Intentions predicted behaviour, while attitudes, perceived control, and the personal norm predicted intention to recycle. The interaction between neighbourhood identification and injunctive social norms in turn predicted personal norms. Self‐identity and the descriptive social norm significantly added to the original theory in predicting intentions as well as behaviour directly. A replication survey on the self‐reported recycling behaviours of a random residential sample (N =264) supported the model obtained previously. These findings offer a useful extension of the theory of planned behaviour and some practicable suggestions for pro‐recycling interventions. It may be productive to appeal to self‐identity by making people feel like recyclers, and to stimulate both injunctive and descriptive norms in the neighbourhood.
Recovery during the weekend and fluctuations in weekly job performance: A week‐level study examining intra‐individual relationships
Authors: Binnewies Carmen , Sonnentag Sabine , Mojza Eva J.
Published: June 2009

For most employees, the weekend offers the opportunity to recover and unwind from demands faced during the working week. In this study, first, we examined which factors contribute to employees' successful recovery during the weekend. Second, we investigated if being highly recovered after the weekend benefits different dimensions of job performance during the week. Using a within‐person design we conducted a week‐level study with 133 employees over four working weeks. Participants responded to weekly web‐based surveys at the beginning and at the end of the working week. Hierarchical linear modelling showed that psychological detachment, relaxation, and mastery experiences during the weekend predicted the state of being recovered at the beginning of the working week. The state of being recovered in turn predicted fluctuations in weekly task performance, personal initiative, organizational citizenship behaviour, and low perceived effort. Our results stress the importance of recovery during the weekend for both the individual and for organizations.
Ease of imagination, message framing, and physical activity messages
Authors: Berry Tanya R. , Carson Valerie
Published: June 2009

Objectives

The purpose of this research was to replicate a study that examined how message framing and ease of imagination interact to influence attitudes towards the prevention of heart disease through physical activity and a healthy diet. Changes were made such that only physical activity behaviour was profiled and assessed as a moderating variable. It was hypothesized that gain‐framed messages would positively influence attitudes with hard to imagine symptoms, that loss‐framed messages would positively influence attitudes with easy to imagine symptoms and exercise frequency would moderate the findings.

Design

This study employed a 2 (easy or hard to imagine symptoms) by 2 (gain‐ or loss‐framed) Solomon square design whereby participants, half of whom completed a pre‐test, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: easy to imagine/gain‐framed, hard to imagine/gain‐framed, easy to imagine/loss‐framed, or hard to imagine/loss‐framed.

Methods

Participants included adults over the age of 55 years (N=57) and undergraduate students (18–22 years; N=118). They were described either hard to imagine or easy to imagine symptoms of heart disease and diabetes and asked to imagine them. Participants then read either a gain‐ or loss‐framed physical activity message followed by post‐test questionnaires that assessed attitudes, exercise frequency, and demographics.

Results

Regression analyses showed no significant framing effects but significant effects for ease of imagination and exercise frequency as a moderating variable.

Conclusions

This study failed to replicate the original research findings but showed that participants who exercised the least and were in the hard to imagine condition had the worst attitudes towards physical activity.
Scorpionate complexes of vanadium(III or IV) as catalyst precursors for solvent-free cyclohexane oxidation with dioxygen
Authors: Mishra Gopal S. , Silva Telma F. S. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: June 2009

The V-scorpionate vanadium complexes [VCl3{HC(pz)3}] (pz = pyrazolyl) and [VCl3{SO3C(pz)3}] catalyze cyclohexane oxidation with dioxygen, to cyclohexanol (the main product) and cyclohexanone, under solvent-free conditions. [VCl3{HC(pz)3}] provides the best activity (13 % conversion into the ketone and alcohol, with high selectivity, at the O2 pressure of 15 atm, at 140 ºC, 18 h reaction time). The reaction is further promoted (to 15 % conversion) by pyrazinecarboxylic acid (PCA). The use of C- or O-radical traps supports the involvement of a free-radical reaction mechanism. Several reaction parameters have been varied in a systematic study, directed toward optimization of the process.
Decision-making in Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: Partridge John Colin , Dickey Brian J.
Published: June 2009

This review traces the history of judicial and legislative interventions into proxy decision-making by parents and physicians on behalf of neonates in intensive care units. The doctrine of parens patriae is traced from the first governmental intrusions into life-support decisions for newborns who had congenital anomalies during the 1980s to the 2002 federal legislation on the legal status of “born-alive” infants. Ethical problems inherent in decisions to resuscitate and provide neonatal intensive care for extremely preterm infants are discussed. A formal shared decision-making approach to care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) could limit the need for legal or legislative intrusions into the complex decisions about the appropriateness of care for infants born at the margin of viability.
Infants Born Late Preterm
Authors: Engle William A.
Published: June 2009

Infants born late preterm are immature and have significant risks for short-term and long-term morbidities. During the birth hospitalization and first weeks after birth, hypothermia, respiratory distress, apnea, temperature instability, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and feeding problems may result in prolonged hospital stays or readmission for additional care. Mortality risk is also greater during the first postnatal year. A higher risk for long-term complications, including developmental delays, school failure, behavior disorders, and social disabilities, has been identified in children and young adults. Priorities in management of infants born late preterm include early identification of acute medical complications and long-term disabilities. Efforts to avoid late preterm birth, if medically safe for fetus and mother, also are warranted.
Infants Born Late Preterm
Authors: Shapiro-Mendoza Carrie K.
Published: June 2009

Late preterm infants, defined as infants delivered from 34 through 36 completed weeks’ gestation, are less mature developmentally and physiologically than term infants (37 to 41 completed weeks’ gestation). Such immaturity places infants born late preterm at higher risk of morbidity and mortality than term infants during infancy and potentially throughout life. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology of infants born late preterm by describing the frequency of late preterm births; trends over time; and differences according to maternal age, race, and ethnicity. In addition, the article describes limitations associated with accurate estimation of gestational age and explains how these limitations may affect understanding of the true frequency of late preterm birth. Finally, the evidence of neonatal, postneonatal, and childhood morbidity risk associated with being born late preterm is compared with that of infants born at term.
Infants Born Late Preterm
Authors: Kominiarek Michelle A.
Published: June 2009

The preterm birth rate in the United States continues to rise, and the long-term consequences of prematurity are innumerable. Late preterm births account for most of the rise in preterm births, and such infants have increased morbidity and mortality compared with their term counterparts. Delivery indications for late preterm births include preterm labor, maternal comorbidities (diabetes, hypertensive disorders), multiple gestations, and fetal problems (abnormal growth, amniotic fluid abnormalities). In a pregnancy with these high-risk issues, delivery timing is determined to optimize maternal and fetal health and minimize the risk for stillbirth. Labor inductions and cesarean deliveries may account for a significant proportion of late preterm births. Following guidelines established by prior studies can prevent some of these late preterm births.
O dito e o não-dito do ser-docente-enfermeiro/a na compreensão da sensibilidade
Authors: Terra Marlene Gomes , Padoin Stela Maris de Mello , Gonçalves Lucia Hisako Takase , Santos Evanguelia Kotzias Atherino dos , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: June 2009

Este estudo tem o objetivo de descrever o dito e o não-dito na compreensão da sensibilidade do ser-docente-enfermeiro/a no ensino da Enfermagem. Buscou-se na fenomenologia o referencial teórico-filosófico de Maurice Merleau-Ponty, e suporte metodológico na fenomenologia-hermenêutica de Paul Ricoeur. Foram entrevistados 19 docentes-enfermeiros/as de uma Instituição Pública de Ensino Superior do sul do Brasil, nos meses de novembro e dezembro de 2006. A análise dos dados evidenciou a sensibilidade como base para desenvolver o fazer, pensar, cuidar e pesquisar. Sem a sensibilidade, as relações e interações no ensino da Enfermagem não passarão de técnicas e teorias sobre o cuidado.