bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A lanthanide complex with dual biosensing properties: CEST (chemical exchange saturation transfer) and BIRDS (biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts) with europium DOTA–tetraglycinate
Authors: Coman Daniel , Kiefer Garry E. , Rothman Douglas L. , Sherry A. Dean , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: March 2011

Responsive contrast agents (RCAs) composed of lanthanide(III) ion (Ln3+) complexes with a variety of 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetate (DOTA4−) derivatives have shown great potential as molecular imaging agents for MR. A variety of LnDOTA–tetraamide complexes have been demonstrated as RCAs for molecular imaging using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The CEST method detects proton exchange between bulk water and any exchangeable sites on the ligand itself or an inner sphere of bound water that is shifted by a paramagnetic Ln3+ ion bound in the core of the macrocycle. It has also been shown that molecular imaging is possible when the RCA itself is observed (i.e. not its effect on bulk water) using a method called biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts (BIRDS). The BIRDS method utilizes redundant information stored in the nonexchangeable proton resonances emanating from the paramagnetic RCA for ambient factors such as temperature and/or pH. Thus, CEST and BIRDS rely on exchangeable and nonexchangeable protons, respectively, for biosensing. We posited that it would be feasible to combine these two biosensing features into the same RCA (i.e. dual CEST and BIRDS properties). A complex between europium(III) ion (Eu3+) and DOTA–tetraglycinate [DOTA–(gly)] was used to demonstrate that its CEST characteristics are preserved, while its BIRDS properties are also detectable. The in vitro temperature sensitivity of EuDOTA–(gly) was used to show that qualitative MR contrast with CEST can be calibrated using quantitative MR mapping with BIRDS, thereby enabling quantitative molecular imaging at high spatial resolution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prognostic evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor in children and young adults with osteosarcoma
Authors: Ługowska Iwona , Woźniak Wojciech , Klepacka Teresa , Michalak Elżbieta , Szamotulska Katarzyna
Published: March 2011

Background

The potential role of VEGF in osteosarcoma has been evaluated in several studies. The majority of them included heterogeneous and limited series of patients, giving conflicting results. The aim of presented study is to evaluate the prognostic role of VEGF‐A in biopsy samples of clinically homogeneous group of osteosarcoma patients with at least 5 years of follow up.

Materials and Methods

VEGF‐A was assessed immunohistochemically in the pre‐treatment biopsy samples of 91 patients (mean age 14 years; range, 4–23 years) with primary, high‐grade, non‐metastatic osteosarcoma localized in extremities. The survival of each patient was assessed after at least 5‐year follow‐up period.

Results

VEGF‐A over 50% of positive tumor cells was observed in 39% of cases and was linked to patients age below 14‐year old (P = 0.025) and tumor size more than 8 cm (P = 0.054). VEGF‐A was associated with a significantly decreased both overall survival (P = 0.006) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.011). In the Cox proportional hazard model it was confirmed that VEGF‐A expression in the biopsy samples was an independent prognostic factor of unfavorable survival in osteosarcoma (HR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.12–5.66).

Conclusion

The expression of VEGF‐A in the biopsy sample is the potential marker for predicting the course and outcome of osteosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:63–68. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical, electrical and morphological properties of transparent binary doped polyaniline thin films synthesized by in situ chemical bath deposition
Authors: Arenas Concepción , Sánchez Gabriela
Published: March 2011

The development of polymeric thin films has attracted attention in the optoelectronics field due to their transparency. The aim of the research presented was to obtain transparent polyaniline thin films by easy in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate in the presence of a binary doping agent–poly(vinyl alcohol) mixture. Poly(acrylic acid), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid or sodium dodecylsulfate were mixed with hydrochloric acid to form the binary doping agents. Polyaniline thin films were produced during aniline polymerization on Corning glass slides immersed in the mixture in order to study their optical, electrical and morphological properties. The optical absorption coefficient and the energy band gap were evaluated by optical transmission of the films in the UV‐visible spectral region. The optical absorption coefficient of all polyaniline films was of the order of 104 cm−1 with a maximum transmittance up to 80% at 550 nm. In order to investigate the effect of the mixture on the surface morphology and roughness of the films, atomic force microscopy was used. In general, surface roughness was reduced threefold by adding a mixture and optical transmission was increased by 20–30% without significantly affecting the absorption coefficient and the band gap of polyaniline. Islands and needle‐like structures on the film surfaces were obtained from various mixtures affecting the conductivity; for example, 0.17 S cm−1 was obtained from needle‐like morphology, while 1.9 × 10−4 S cm−1 was obtained from island morphology. Raman spectroscopy studies confirmed the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) in the thin films. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Cucurbit[7]uril moving on side chains of polypseudorotaxanes: Synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Yang Hui , Hao Jingcheng , Tan Yebang
Published: March 2011

Novel side chain polypseudorotaxanes with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) threaded onto the side chains are synthesized from a water‐soluble polymer and CB[7] in water by simple stirring at room temperature. CB[7] beads could move from the hexyl groups to the benzyl and a part of viologen units in the side chains of polymer when the molar ratio of CB[7] to the monomer reaches from 1 to 2 as shown by 1H NMR studies, and it is considered that the hydrophobic and charge‐dipole interactions of CB[7] are the driving forces. The sizes of the polypseudorotaxanes with different molar ratio of CB[7] to 4VBVHeP in aqueous solution increase with increasing the molar ratio of CB[7] to 4VBVHeP as found by DLS and resonance light scattering, while the typical cyclic voltammograms and UV–vis data indicate that CB[7] are not threaded in the viologen units of P4VBVHeP, and the oxidation reduction characteristic of the polymer is remarkably affected by the addition of CB[7]. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
A novel method for the production of in vivo‐assembled, recombinant Escherichia coli RNA polymerase lacking the α C‐terminal domain
Authors: Twist Kelly‐Anne , Husnain Seyyed I. , Franke Josef D. , Jain Deepti , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Nickels Bryce E. , Thomas Mark S. , Darst Seth A. , Westblade Lars F.
Published: March 2011

The biochemical characterization of the bacterial transcription cycle has been greatly facilitated by the production and characterization of targeted RNA polymerase (RNAP) mutants. Traditionally, RNAP preparations containing mutant subunits have been produced by reconstitution of denatured RNAP subunits, a process that is undesirable for biophysical and structural studies. Although schemes that afford the production of in vivo‐assembled, recombinant RNAP containing amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions in either the monomeric β or β′ subunits have been developed, there is no such system for the production of in vivo‐assembled, recombinant RNAP with mutations in the homodimeric α‐subunits. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to generate in vivo‐assembled, recombinant RNAP preparations free of the α C‐terminal domain. Furthermore, we describe a modification of this approach that would permit the purification of in vivo‐assembled, recombinant RNAP containing any α‐subunit variant, including those variants that are lethal. Finally, we propose that these related approaches can be extended to generate in vivo‐assembled, recombinant variants of other protein complexes containing homomultimers for biochemical, biophysical, and structural analyses.
Identification and characterisation of ten glutathione S‐transferase genes from oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)
Authors: Qin Guohua , Jia Miao , Liu Ting , Xuan Tao , Yan Zhu Kun , Guo Yaping , Ma Enbo , Zhang Jianzhen
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Synthetic pyrethroids are the primary insecticides that are widely used for controlling Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen), a major pest in eastern and southern Asia and the Pacific region. In this paper, ten cDNAs encoding glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) were sequenced and characterised in L. migratoria manilensis. The effects of deltamethrin on the ten GST gene expressions were studied.

RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed nine GSTs in three different classes, including seven in sigma, one in delta and one in theta. The remaining GST (LmGSTu1) was unclassified. RT‐PCR analysis showed that most GST genes were expressed in all tissues examined, including the foregut, midgut, gastric caecum, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, fat bodies, muscles, spermaries and ovaries, except that LmGSTs2, LmGSTs4, LmGSTs7 and LmGSTu1 were expressed in several tissues. LmGSTu1 appeared to be the only gene whose expressions could not be detected in eggs. Real‐time quantitative PCR showed that deltamethrin at 0.08 and/or 0.12 µg mL−1 increased almost all ten GST gene expressions in third‐instar nymph locusts. However, deltamethrin at 0.16 and/or 0.2 µg mL−1 decreased the expressions of LmGSTd1, LmGSTs1, LmGSTs5 and LmGSTs6.

CONCLUSION: The increases in GST gene expressions after deltamethrin exposure in L. migratoria manilensis might result in its elevating tolerance to other insecticides and xenobiotics. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Temperature‐dependent grain growth and phase transformation in mixed anatase‐rutile nanocrystalline TiO2 films
Authors: Gnaser Hubert , Lösch Jörg , Orendorz Adam , Ziegler Christiane
Published: March 2011

Nanocrystalline TiO2 films were prepared from colloidal suspensions using a mixture of anatase and rutile TiO2 particles. Their structure was examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The as‐prepared specimens exhibit the presence of both anatase and rutile crystallites with average sizes of ∼30 and ∼50 nm, respectively, as determined from their characteristic diffraction peaks in XRD. Isochronal annealing of the films for 90 min in air at temperatures of up to 1270 K effected clear structural changes: between 470 and 870 K, the crystallite sizes do not change, with the crystallites remaining in their original phase. For annealing temperatures Ta ≥ 970 K the anatase and rutile grain sizes increase, while above ∼1170 K, the anatase phase disappears and only crystallites in the rutile phase of TiO2 are observed. Their size increases further with increasing annealing temperature and reaches ∼150 nm at 1270 K. Concurrently, the weight fraction of rutile changes from an initial value of ∼0.09 (for 470−870 K) to unity (above 1170 K). At Ta = 970 K, the increase of the duration of annealing from 90 to 360 min leads to a moderate increase of the crystallite size. The results indicate that the transformation of anatase particles is governed by the concurrent occurrence of interface and surface nucleation processes.
Structural evolution of self‐assisted GaAs nanowires grown on Si(111)
Authors: Biermanns Andreas , Breuer Steffen , Davydok Anton , Geelhaar Lutz , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: March 2011

GaAs nanowires are grown on Si(111) by self‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy, and the ratio between wurtzite and zinc‐blende phases is determined as function of nanowire length using asymmetric X‐ray diffraction. We show that under the applied growth conditions, nanowires grow in both phases during the initial stage of growth, whereas the zinc‐blende content increases with growth time and dominates in long nanowires. Compared to the zinc‐blende units, the vertical lattice parameter of the wurtzite segments is 0.7% larger, as measured by the positions of respective diffraction peaks. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative Study on Allium schoenoprasum Cultivated Plant and Allium schoenoprasum Tissue Culture Organs Antioxidant Status
Authors: Štajner D. , Popović B. M. , Ćalić‐Dragosavac D. , Malenčić Đ. , Zdravković‐Korać S.
Published: March 2011

This study was designed to examine Allium schoenoprasum tissue culture organs antioxidant and scavenging activity and to make a comparison between Allium schoenoprasum cultivated plant and Allium schoenoprasum tissue culture organs antioxidant activity. This study reports the results on the root, stalk and leaf antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase), reduced glutathione quantity, flavonoids and soluble protein contents and quantities of malonyldialdehyde and .OH radical. In Allium schoenoprasum tissue culture organs the total antioxidant capacity was determined by the FRAP method and scavenger activity by the DPPH method. The present results indicated that the crude extract of Allium schoenoprasum tissue culture exhibited antioxidant and scavenging abilities in all investigated plant parts, especially in the roots. According to our results, the tissue culture plants exhibited the highest activities in the roots in contrast to the cultivated plants where highest activities were observed in the leaves. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Lime Juice on Malaria Parasite Clearance
Authors: Adegoke S. A. , Oyelami O. A. , Olatunya O. S. , Adeyemi L. A.
Published: March 2011

One hundred and twenty children with acute uncomplicated malaria who were managed at the children's outpatient department of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa (a unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals' Complex, Ile‐Ife, Osun state, Nigeria) were recruited into the study to determine the effects of lime juice on malaria parasite clearance. These children were randomized into treatment with World Health Organization recommended antimalarials (artemisinin combination therapy, ACT) either alone or with lime juice. Nine of them were lost to follow‐up, four were in the group that were managed with ACT and lime, and five in the group that were managed on ACT alone.

The average (SD) time to achieve >75% reduction in parasite load was significantly lower in patients on ACT and lime; 30.5 ± 2.4 h against 38.6 ± 3.3 h for those on ACT alone (p < 0.001). Also, while a significantly higher proportion of children on antimalarial drugs and lime juice achieved complete parasite clearance by 72 h of therapy (p = 0.007), ten (18.2%) patients without lime had early treatment failure (p = 0.003). There were no side effects with the use of lime juice.

It may therefore be inferred, from this preliminary work, that lime juice when used with the appropriate antimalarial may enhance malaria parasite clearance especially in those with uncomplicated malaria. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkali metal borides MeB (Me = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr): CASPT2 calculations
Authors: Čukovičová Martina , Federič Jozef , Černušák Ivan
Published: March 2011

The binary alkali borides, which are yet to be studied experimentally are presented in this article. Ground and low‐lying excited states of MeB (Me = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr) have been studied using multiconfigurational second‐order perturbation theory and coupled clusters techniques. We present the equilibrium bond lengths, harmonic frequencies, dissociation energies, and excitation energies. The manifold of the states contains potential energy curves of bound, weakly bound, and unbound species. The trends in molecular properties across the Group IA are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3438–3451, 2011
Traceability along the production chain of Italian tomato products on the basis of stable isotopes and mineral composition
Authors: Bontempo Luana , Camin Federica , Manzocco Lara , Nicolini Giorgio , Wehrens Ron , Ziller Luca , Larcher Roberto
Published: March 2011

The paper shows the variability of stable isotope ratios and mineral composition in tomato and derivatives along the production chain (juice, passata and paste) in order to evaluate the possibility of tracing their geographical origin. The ratios 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, D/H, 34S/32S and the content of Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb, Ir, Tl, Pb, U and of nitrates, chlorides, sulphates and phosphates were measured by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Ion Chromatography, respectively. The tomato products were from three Italian regions – Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, and Apulia. By applying linear discriminant analysis on 17 of these parameters (Gd, La, Tl, Eu, Cs, Ni, Cr, Co, δ34S, δ15N, Cd, K, Mg, δ13C, Mo, Rb and U) excellent discrimination among products from the three regions was achieved. Irrespective of the processing technology, over 95% of the samples were correctly reclassified in cross‐validation into the production site. The use of these parameters will allow the development of analytical control procedures that can be used to check the geographical provenance of Italian tomatoes and products derived from them. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐guided rapid‐prototyped templates for segmental mandibular osteotomies: a preliminary report
Authors: Abou‐ElFetouh Adel , Barakat Ahmed , Abdel‐Ghany Khaled
Published: March 2011

Background

Segmental mandibular resection represents a challenge to maxillofacial surgeons in terms of accurate contouring of reconstruction plates, restoration of mandibular symmetry and maintaining accurate condylar position in the glenoid fossae.

Methods

We propose a CAD/CAM technique for fabricating patient‐specific templates to symmetrically prebend reconstruction plates, guide osteotomies and reposition the condylar process in the proximal edentulous segment in its preoperative position. We operated on two patients using this new technique.

Results

The custom‐made templates showed excellent passive fit on the respective mandibles and accurately guided the reciprocating saw blade along the resection margins. The template was also capable of maintaining the spatial relation of the resected mandibles and the patients experienced excellent repeatable occlusion. Superimposition of pre‐ and postoperative cone‐beam CT scans showed restoration of mandibular symmetry and maximum deviation of 0.4–1.4 (mean of 0.9) mm from the preoperative condylar position. The achieved resection margins using the template showed a mean distance of 1.17 mm from the virtually planned ones.

Conclusion

We present an innovative computer‐guided template that allowed for accurate guidance of mandibular resection margins and condylar positioning. The technique needs to be applied in a larger cohort of patients to verify the results. Further modifications of the design and rigidity of the template might proof beneficial. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young African American children's representations of self, science, and school: Making sense of difference
Authors: Varelas Maria , Kane Justine M. , Wylie Caitlin Donahue
Published: March 2011

We focused on young, low‐income, African American children in first‐ to third‐grade classrooms where they experienced varied forms of interactive, participatory, and dialogic pedagogy in the context of yearlong, integrated science‐literacy instruction. Using conversations that started around children's own science journals, which were an important part of teaching and learning science in their classrooms, we studied 25 children's ideological becoming relative to the practices of science and schooling and the interplay between their selves and others. We found that “doing school” was a dominant narrative intertwined with “doing science.” Following behavioral codes and constructing smartness as a large amount of knowledge seemed to be an important part of their school world, antithetical in some ways to the active, inquisitive, questioning, flexible view of science and science learning that their classroom instruction aimed for. Nevertheless, children had also constructed valuable scientific practices and sophisticated conceptions that involved science as capital (social, cultural, or affective) for scientists and/or for themselves as scientists. How children made sense of their experiences in and out of school and interpreted their teacher's and peers' words and actions, and how they saw themselves as competent, were echoed in the varied ideological becoming in their science worlds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed95:824–851, 2011
Study of temperature distribution of sliding block with asperity surface
Authors: Chern Shin‐Yuh , Horng Jeng‐Haur , Chen Shih‐Han
Published: March 2011

In this study, a numerical thermal model is developed for sliding block contact under various loads, sliding velocities and surface roughness. The temperature distributions are shown for perfectly insulated thermal conditions along noncontact surfaces. For a particular five‐peaks contact model, the maximum temperature at the central peak is slightly lhigher than the others. The temperature profile decreases as the distance to the symmetry axis increases, and then decreases dramatically at the noncontact area. It is clear to see that the maximum temperature locates at the symmetry central peak of the asperity contact area instead of the leading head of the smooth surface. The maximum temperature rise parameter increases as the pressure, sliding velocity and asperity roughness increased or conductivity decreased. This phenomenon becomes obvious for cases at high pressure, velocity and roughness and low conductivity. Particularly, the influence of roughness is not significant for low velocity. Similar results are found for the maximum temperature rise parameter difference between peaks or peaks/valleys. The simulation results of this asperity surface sliding block contact model are able to provide essential information for the components of microelectro—mechanical systems (MEMS) and biochemical reaction mechanism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic and adsorption properties of Ce‐Ag layers
Authors: Cabala Miloš , Veltruská Kateřina , Matolín Vladimír
Published: March 2011

Silver has rarely been considered as the catalyst for CO oxidation, although it has been recognized to be very active in several partial oxidation reactions such as ethylene epoxidation and formaldehyde synthesis. It is generally believed that a metal support interaction plays an important role in catalytic processes. Therefore in our study, we examined electronic and adsorption properties of cerium deposited onto a polycrystalline silver substrate. Layers of approximately one monolayer of cerium deposited on a clean silver substrate were examined in situ using surface‐sensitive techniques—by XPS, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and low energy ion scattering (LEIS). CO molecular adsorption was observed by UPS and LEIS; experimental results exhibited CO adsorption on Ce atoms sites. Oxygen adsorption on deposited layers led to a strong oxidation; stoichiometry of oxidized layers was given by amount of adsorbed oxygen and by temperature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface analysis of high performance carbon/bismaleimide composites exposed to electron irradiation
Authors: Yu Qi , Chen Ping , Gao Yu , Liu Dong , Mu Jujie
Published: March 2011

The aim of this article was to investigate the effects of electron irradiation in ultrahigh vacuum environment on the surface properties of high‐performance carbon/bismaleimide (BMI) composites used in aerospace. The changes in surface chemical composition with increasing irradiation fluence were studied by XPS. The evolution of surface morphology and surface roughness were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The mass loss behavior occurring in the surface layer of the composites was examined. The results indicated that the electron irradiation in high vacuum caused rupture of chemical bonds and cross‐linking process in the surface layer, thereby leading to the mass loss behavior and the formation of carbonification layer in the surface of the carbon/BMI composites. The changes in the surface chemical composition were determined by a competing effect existing between the rupture of chemical bonds and the cross‐linking process at lower irradiation fluence, and by a degradation process only at higher fluence of electron irradiation. The surface morphology was altered and the surface roughness was increased significantly after electron irradiation. The mass loss ratio first increased obviously at lower fluences, and then reached a plateau value of 0.45% beyond 5 × 1015 cm−2 fluence of electron irradiation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of operating parameters on acid hydrolysis of ground wheat starch: Maximization of the sugar yield by statistical experiment design
Authors: Kapdan Ilgi K. , Kargi Fikret , Oztekin Rukiye
Published: March 2011

Fuels and chemicals production from carbohydrate rich waste materials has received considerable attentions in recent years. Pretreatment and hydrolysis are required stages during processing the waste materials for this purpose. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimum operating conditions in acid hydrolysis of ground wheat (GW) starch for maximum yield of total sugar (TS) formation. Hydrolysis reaction was realized by dilute sulfuric acid and heat treatment in an autoclave. Factorial experiment design was used to determine the significant variables affecting the yield of hydrolysis. The independent variables were particle size (Dp = <74 and 220 µm), acid concentration (A = 0.98–196 g/dm3), GW concentration (GW = 10–20 g/dm3), hydrolysis temperature (T = 90–130°C), and time (t = 5–60 min). The dependent variables were final TS concentration and hydrolysis yield (YH). The significant factors in the hydrolysis of GW were determined as GW concentration, acid (A) concentrations, and hydrolysis temperature (T). Box–Wilson statistical experimental design was used for optimization of hydrolysis conditions by considering the signficant factors. The optimal conditions, maximizing the hydrolysis yield (YH = 0.94) were A = 49 g/dm3 (0.5 M), T = 90°C, GW = 35 g/dm3 and t = 15 min. The most suitable A/GW ratio for the maximum hydrolysis yield of 94% was 1.3.
Regioselective Alkoxylation of 2,2,4‐Trimethyl‐1,3‐pentanediol
Authors: Rahman Mohammad A. , Su Biing‐Ming , Band Elliot , Islam Mojahedul
Published: March 2011

An efficient procedure for the regioselective synthesis of secondary alcohol alkoxylates from 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐1,3‐pentanediol (TMPD) is described. TMPD was reacted with propylene oxide followed by ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of alkali metal hydroxide to form secondary alcohol alkoxylates. Instead of a mixture of compounds resulting from the reaction of TMPD and propylene oxide, the primary hydroxyl group of the TMPD reacted to form predominantly 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐3‐hydroxypentylpropoxylate as the major product. On further ethoxylation the less hindered secondary hydroxyl group of the 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐3‐hydroxypentylpropoxylate reacted predominantly. 13C NMR indicated that the secondary hydroxyl group (96.2 mol%) of TMPD remained unreacted during alkoxylation.
The Nature and Incidence of Private Label Rejection
Authors: Nenycz-Thiel Magda , Romaniuk Jenni
Published: March 2011

This paper examines the incidence of consumers’ rejection of private labels (PLs) of different price-quality tiers and the underlying reasons for this rejection. The rejection of PLs is compared to the rejection of national brands (NBs) in five food product categories across the UK and Australia. The findings indicate that only 8% of PL non-users in the UK market, and 20% in the Australian market, actively reject PLs. This rejection incidence is higher for PLs than for NBs in three of the five categories. The reasons for brand rejection differ between PLs and NBs. PLs are rejected due to a perception of low quality inferred from extrinsic product cues. In contrast, NBs are rejected primarily because of a negative past experience with a brand. The findings highlight the importance of extrinsic cues for PLs to minimise the incidence of consumer rejection. The generally low rejection of PLs implies that PLs are a real threat to NBs. This paper extends the rejection literature to PLs and quantifies the rejection levels and reasons.
How Much can you Trust Online Information? Cues for Perceived Trustworthiness of Consumer-generated Online Information
Authors: Pan Lee-Yun , Chiou Jyh-Shen
Published: March 2011

Consumers increasingly rely on the Internet to obtain product information and advice from other consumers. However, since the information available on the Internet is easily manipulated, they have to seek cues for the trustworthiness of the online information. The present study proposes and tests the effects on perceived trust of online information and subsequent attitude of (1) perceived strong vs. weak social relationships among net pals and (2) positive vs. negative messages. The moderating effects of credence vs. experience goods are also examined in the research. Results show that, for experience goods, either positive or negative online messages will be perceived as credible as long as the messages are posted by those perceived to have close social relationships. On the other hand, for credence goods, negative online messages are perceived to be more credible than positive online messages when the messages are posted by those perceived to have close social relationships. Results also show the main effect of positive/negative messages on credibility of information, as well as that the effect of credibility of information on product attitude is weaker in the credence goods group than in the experience goods group.
Developing a global strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease: Leon Thal Symposium 2010
Authors: Khachaturian Zaven S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Snyder Peter J. , Khachaturian Ara S. , Aisen Paul , de Leon Mony , Greenberg Barry D. , Kukull Walter , Maruff Paul , Sperling Reisa A. , Stern Yaakov , Touchon Jacques , Vellas Bruno , Andrieu Sandrine , Weiner Michael W. , Carrillo Maria C. , Bain Lisa J.
Published: March 2011

The fourth Leon Thal Symposium (LTS2010) was convened in Toulouse, France, on November 3, 2010. This symposium reviewed design parameters that are necessary to develop comprehensive national databases on healthy aging. Such datasets offer the potential to serve as the foundation for a systems‐approach to solve the dual public health problems of: (1) early detection of people who are at elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease, and (2) the development of interventions to delay onset of, or prevent, late‐life dementia. The symposium considered three interrelated components of a National Database for Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Aging as follows: (a) a registry of healthy aging adults; (b) refined computer‐based assessments for data gathering, including assessments of behavioral/memory changes associated with aging that are appropriate for broad use in nonexpert settings; and (c) high performance computing/supercomputer‐based approaches for health data modeling and mining.
Rational Islamophobia in Europe
Authors: Laitin David
Published: March 2011

Social and political relationsbetween Europe and the Muslim world are politically fractious. Attacks in Madrid (March 2004) and London (July 2005), and the riots in suburban Paris in November 2005 and November 2007, have all been attributed to “Muslims”. Political parties in Europe (for example theFront Nationalin France, which placed second in the presidential elections of 2002), have mobilized opinion against a Muslim threat to Europe. Relations between the countries and societies of the European Union and the Muslim World have therefore become politically consequential on a number of dimensions – foreign policy in regard to the Middle East; new membership into the EU; and the vast migration of Muslim populations into EU states.
Suitability of bronopol preservative treated milk for fatty acid determination
Authors: Butler Gillian , Stergiadis Sokratis
Published: March 2011

This work aimed to test if milk preserved with bronopol can be reliably used for fatty acid determination. Dairy production and milk quality are often monitored regularly to assess performance and contribute to selection indices. With evidence that fat composition can be influenced by selective breeding, there might be an interest in using samples collected in routine testing to evaluate individual cow fatty acid profiles, contributing to breeding indices. However, most recording services use a preservative such as bronopol and there is no published record if this influences subsequent fatty acid analysis. This study used milk from an oil seed supplementation trial, generating a wide range of milk fatty acid profiles, to test if the concentration of 31 individual fatty acids determined by GC were influenced by bronopol. Provided preserved samples are subsequently frozen, milk treated with bronopol can reliably be used to evaluate fatty acid composition in most cases; however bronopol might influence a few long-chain fatty acids present in relatively low concentrations. This is one small step towards simplifying milk compositional analysis but it could ultimately streamline the inclusion of milk fat quality into breeding indices, either with a view to ‘healthier’ milk or potentially reducing methane output and the environmental impact of dairy production.
Hydrodynamic interactions for the measurement of thin film elastic properties
Authors: LEROY S. , CHARLAIX E.
Published: March 2011

We study the elasto-hydrodynamic (EHD) interaction of a sphere with a flat elastic surface in the prospect of measuring the elastic moduli of soft supported thin films, with non-contact dynamic surface forces or atomic force microscopy measurements. When the sphere is oscillated at a very small amplitude close to the surface, the linear force response undergoes a dynamic transition from a viscous-dominated behaviour at large distance to an elastic-dominated behaviour at short distance. In the limit of very thin or very thick supported layers, we show that the force response obeys simple scaling laws which allow to unambiguously determine the absolute elastic modulus of the layer. In the general case, we establish the very rich phase diagram of the EHD interaction and discuss its application for optimizing experimental parameters.
Nucleation and growth of nanoparticles during pulsed laser deposition in an ambient gas
Authors: Wang Y.L. , Chen C. , Ding X.C. , Chu L.Z. , Deng Z.C. , Liang W.H. , Chen J.Z , Fu G.S.
Published: March 2011

We present a method to determine where the nanoparticles nucleate and grow during pulsed laser deposition in an ambient gas. Briefly, nanocrystalline Si films are systemically deposited on the substrates located at a distance from the plasma and placed in horizontal direction; meanwhile an external electric field is introduced perpendicularly to the plume. Based on the transportation dynamics of Si nanoparticles corresponding to different electric fields, the lateral nucleation range of 0.1 to 33.8 mm is determined for Si nanoparticles deposited in 10 Pa Ar gas at a laser fluence of 4 J/cm2. Further simulation of the mass and area density of Si nanoparticles demonstrates that both nucleation and growth probabilities in nucleation region are approximately Gauss-dependent of the lateral distance.
Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker: early recognition and prevention
Authors: AlHuzaimi Abdullah , Roy Nathalie , Duncan Walter J.
Published: March 2011

Cardiac strangulation from epicardial pacemaker leads is a rare event that can be difficult to recognise and can cause serious complications such as cardiac failure or death. We describe a 3-year-old girl who received an epicardial pacing system as a neonate for complete congenital cardiac block and developed cardiac strangulation from the leads. The clinical presentation modes are reviewed and technical aspects for lead and generator positioning are discussed.
Recidivant central neurocytoma treated with radiosurgery: a case report
Authors: González Santiago Vilar , Rozos Alberto Pérez , Farpón Ruben Cabanillas , Barceló Andres Ribas , Fardoun Houssam Fardoun , Villas Sánchez María Victoria
Published: March 2011

Central neurocytoma is a rare intraventricular brain tumour that affects young people and presents with increased intracranial pressure secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus. Typically, it has a favourable prognosis after complete resection. In some cases the clinical course could be more aggressive. In this report, we describe a case of recurrent central neurocytoma treated with radiosurgery after two consecutive relapses. An asymptomatic radionecrosis developed after that. At the moment the patient is in complete recovery. Finally, we discuss the role of postoperative irradiation in the treatment of this rare tumour.
A comparison of population types used for QTL mapping in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Keurentjes Joost J. B. , Willems Glenda , van Eeuwijk Fred , Nordborg Magnus , Koornneef Maarten
Published: March 2011

In Arabidopsis, a variety of mapping populations have been used for the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for natural variation. In this study, we present an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of populations used. To do this, we compare the results of both experimental and natural populations for the commonly analysed trait flowering time. It is expected that genome wide association (GWA) mapping will be an increasingly important tool for QTL mapping because of the high allelic richness and mapping resolution in natural populations. In Arabidopsis, GWA mapping becomes ever more facilitated by the increasing availability of re-sequenced genomes of many accessions. However, specifically designed mapping populations such as recombinant inbred lines and near isogenic lines will remain important. The high QTL detection power of such experimental populations can identify spurious GWA associations, and their unique genomic structure is superior for investigating the role of low-frequency alleles. Future QTL studies will therefore benefit from a combined approach of GWA and classical linkage analysis.
Comparison of methods of determining meteoroid range rates from linear frequency modulated chirped pulses
Authors: Loveland R. , Macdonell A. , Close S. , Oppenheim M. , Colestock P.
Published: March 2011

In this paper we present three methods for evaluating range rates of meteoroids passing through the ionosphere, using linear frequency modulated (LFM) chirped pulse data from the ALTAIR radar. The first method is based on the simple calculation of range differences divided by interpulse intervals. The second method utilizes the dual‐frequency capability of ALTAIR to solve for range rates based on the difference in the measured ranges due to range‐Doppler coupling. The third method utilizes a simplified form of integer programming in order to unwrap the phase differences of the matched filter time response, with reliance on the rough approximation available from the first method to disambiguate the solution set. The results of the three methods, with error bounds, are given for a large set of meteoroid head echoes taken from a data collection conducted with ALTAIR in 2007.
Microbial community composition in sediments resists perturbation by nutrient enrichment
Authors: Bowen Jennifer L , Ward Bess B , Morrison Hilary G , Hobbie John E , Valiela Ivan , Deegan Linda A , Sogin Mitchell L
Published: March 2011

Functional redundancy in bacterial communities is expected to allow microbial assemblages to survive perturbation by allowing continuity in function despite compositional changes in communities. Recent evidence suggests, however, that microbial communities change both composition and function as a result of disturbance. We present evidence for a third response: resistance. We examined microbial community response to perturbation caused by nutrient enrichment in salt marsh sediments using deep pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA and functional gene microarrays targeting the nirS gene. Composition of the microbial community, as demonstrated by both genes, was unaffected by significant variations in external nutrient supply in our sampling locations, despite demonstrable and diverse nutrient-induced changes in many aspects of marsh ecology. The lack of response to external forcing demonstrates a remarkable uncoupling between microbial composition and ecosystem-level biogeochemical processes and suggests that sediment microbial communities are able to resist some forms of perturbation.
Within-host competition determines reproductive success of temperate bacteriophages
Authors: Refardt Dominik
Published: March 2011

Within-host competition between parasites is frequently invoked as a major force for parasite evolution, yet quantitative studies on its extent in an organismal group are lacking. Temperate bacteriophages are diverse and abundant parasites of bacteria, distinguished by their ability to enter a facultative dormant state in their host. Bacteria can accumulate multiple phages that may eventually abandon dormancy in response to host stress. Host resources are then converted into phage particles, whose release requires cell death. To study within-host competition between phages, I used the bacterium Escherichia coli and 11 lambdoid phages to construct single and double lysogens. Lysogenic bacterial cultures were then induced and time to host cell lysis and productivity of phages was measured. In double lysogens, this revealed strong competitive interactions as in all cases productivity of at least one phage declined. The outcome of within-host competition was often asymmetrical, and phages were found to vary hierarchically in within-host competitive ability. In double infections, the phage with the shorter lysis time determined the timing of cell lysis, which was associated with a competitive advantage when time differences were large. The results emphasize that within-host competition greatly affects phage fitness and that multiple infections should be considered an integral part of bacteriophage ecology.
The phytotoxin fusicoccin promotes platelet aggregation via 14-3-3–glycoprotein Ib-IX-V interaction
Authors: Camoni Lorenzo , Di Lucente Cristina , Visconti Sabina , Aducci Patrizia
Published: March 2011

The fungal toxin fusicoccin induces plant wilting by affecting ion transport across the plasma membrane of plant cell. The activity of this toxin is so far unknown in humans. In the present study we show that fusicoccin is able to affect the platelet aggregation process. The toxin associates with platelet intracellular binding sites and induces aggregation in platelet-rich plasma in a dose-dependent manner. We identified the adhesion receptor glycoprotein Ib-IX-V as fusicoccin target. The toxin promotes the binding of the regulatory 14-3-3 proteins to glycoprotein Ibα and hampers that to glycoprotein Ibβ subunit. As a result, platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor is stimulated, leading to platelet spreading and integrin αIIbβ3 activation. We anticipate the present study to be a starting point for future therapeutic use of fusicoccin in genetic bleeding diseases characterized by qualitative or quantitative abnormalities of the platelet membrane-adhesion receptors. Furthermore, the present study also sets the stage for future work to determine the potential pharmacological application of fusicoccin as a drug directed to other 14-3-3–target complexes.
Inhibition of lipolysis in Type 2 diabetes normalizes glucose disposal without change in muscle glycogen synthesis rates
Authors: Lim Ee L. , Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Smith Fiona E. , Thelwall Peter E. , Taylor Roy
Published: March 2011

Suppression of lipolysis by acipimox is known to improve insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, and this is an important phenomenon. The mechanism has been assumed to be an enhancement of glucose storage as glycogen, but no direct measurement has tested this concept or its possible relationship to the reported impairment in insulin-stimulated muscle ATP production. Isoglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamps with [13C]glucose infusion were performed on Type 2 diabetic subjects and matched controls with measurement of glycogen synthesis by 13C MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) of muscle. 31P saturation transfer MRS was used to quantify muscle ATP turnover rates. Glucose disposal rates were restored to near normal in diabetic subjects after acipimox (6.2±0.8 compared with 4.8±0.6 mg·kgffm−1·min−1; P<0.01; control 6.6±0.5 mg·kgffm−1·min−1; where ffm, is fat-free mass). The increment in muscle glycogen concentration was 2-fold higher in controls compared with the diabetic group, and acipimox administration to the diabetic group did not increase this (2.0±0.8 compared with 1.9±1.1 mmol/l; P<0.05; control, 4.0±0.8 mmol/l). ATP turnover rates did not increase during insulin stimulation in any group, but a modest decrease in the diabetes group was prevented by lowering plasma NEFAs (non-esterified fatty acids; 8.4±0.7 compared with 7.1±0.5 μmol·g−1·min−1; P<0.05; controls 8.6±0.8 μmol·g−1·min−1). Suppression of lipolysis increases whole-body glucose uptake with no increase in the rate of glucose storage as glycogen but with increase in whole-body glucose oxidation rate. ATP turnover rate in muscle exhibits no relationship to the acute metabolic effect of insulin.
Identifying and Addressing Reading Comprehension Within a Response to Intervention Framework
Authors: Bridges Mindy Sittner
Published: March 2011

Many school districts are using a Response-to-Intervention (RTI) framework to address reading comprehension disabilities. Research has shown that this tiered system is effective at identifying and preventing word reading disabilities. However, reading comprehension is a much more complex skill. In this article, I will discuss challenges with addressing reading comprehension using a response-to-intervention framework and provide suggestions for altering the traditional framework. Clinical implications for speech-language pathologists will be highlighted throughout the discussion.
On Gendered Journeys, Spiritual Transformations and Ethical Formations in Diaspora: Filipina Care Workers in Israel
Authors: Liebelt Claudia
Published: March 2011

Research on migrant care and domestic workers has focused on their multiple dislocations and exclusions in the diaspora, analysing a highly gendered global economy of care and domestic work. This article investigates the role of ritual performance and spirituality in female care workers’ projects of migration and in the emergence of their feminized and racialized subjectivities. On the basis of anthropological research in Israel and the Philippines, it analyses Filipina care workers’ narratives of migration to Israel as a form of spiritual transformation, investigating their spiritual practices and emphasis on Christian morals like ‘compassion’ and ‘patience’ for their work. Israel, a country that has recruited Filipinos as carers for the elderly since the 1990s, is a destination country highly valued among Filipino Christians as the ‘Holy Land’. Focusing on evangelical Christians, the article portrays four women for whom migration to Israel signifies an ethical career: turning into ‘Holy Land’ pilgrims, Christ-like activists and missionaries, they are engaged in a deeply self-transforming journey. Rooting themselves in Christian spiritualities and morals, these women negotiate and ‘inhabit’ rather than openly challenge existing gender norms. Engaged in corporeal disciplining of their selves during affectively demanding care work, and in migration more generally, their moves are analysed as a form of ethical formation.