bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line Transect Sampling in Small and Large Regions
Authors: Fewster Rachel M. , Laake Jeffrey L. , Buckland Stephen T.
Published: August 2005

SummaryMelville and Welsh(2001,Biometrics57,1130–1137) consider an approach to line transect sampling using a separate calibration study to estimate the detection functiong. They present a simulation study contrasting their results with poor results from a traditional estimator, labeled the “Buckland” estimator and referenced toBuckland et al.(1993,Distance Sampling: Estimating Abundance of Biological populations). The poor results from the “Buckland” estimator can be explained by the following observations: (i) the estimator is designated for untruncated distance data, but was applied by Melville and Welsh to truncated distance data; (ii) distance data were not pooled across transects, contrary to standard practice; and (iii) bias of the estimator was evaluated with respect to a fixed rather than a randomized grid of transect lines. We elaborate on the points above and show that the traditional methods perform to expectation when applied correctly. We also emphasize that the estimator labeled the “Buckland” estimator by Melville and Welsh is not an estimator recommended by Buckland et al. for practical survey applications.
Association between apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele and apathy in probable Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Monastero R. , Mariani E. , Camarda C. , Ingegni T. , Averna M. R. , Senin U. , Camarda R. , Mecocci P.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  There have been inconclusive results to date on the association between the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether ApoE ɛ4 allele is associated with NPS in probable AD.

Method:  Data for 197 subjects with probable AD were analysed. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to evaluate the frequency and severity of NPS. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test the association between ApoE genotype and NPS in AD.

Results:  The ApoE ɛ3/3 genotype was present in 52.3%, ɛ3/4 in 44.1%, and ɛ4/4 in 3.6% of patients. ApoE ɛ4 carriers showed a higher frequency of apathy than non‐carriers. After multiple adjustments, the ApoE ɛ4 allele was significantly associated with apathy.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest a relationship between the ApoE ɛ4 allele and apathy in patients with AD.
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Cat: A Model for Lentivirus‐induced Placental Immunopathology and Reproductive Failure (Mini‐Review)
Authors: Coats Karen S.
Published: August 2005

Problem

Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is largely a result of transplacental transmission, and pregnancy perturbation is more frequent in HIV‐infected women. Dysregulation of placental immunology may occur during HIV infection, possibly facilitating HIV vertical transfer and miscarriage. The (FIV)‐infected cat is a useful small‐animal model for HIV pathogenesis because the viruses share common biological and clinical features. Transplacental transmission is readily achieved experimentally, resulting in a high proportion of infected offspring and frequent reproductive failure.

Method of study

We are using this model to examine lentivirus‐induced placental immunopathology to determine the role aberrant immunology plays in intrauterine transmission and pregnancy perturbation.

Results

Kittens were cesarean delivered from FIV‐B‐2542‐infected and control queens at week 8 gestation (1 week short of term), and placental and fetal specimens were collected. On average, control queens delivered 3.8 kittens/litter, and 1 of 31 kittens (3.2%) was non‐viable. FIV‐infected queens produced 2.7 kittens/litter with 15 of 25 fetuses (60%) non‐viable. The virus was detected in 14 of 15 placentas (93%) and 21 of 22 fetuses (95%) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using a one‐step, real time reverse transcriptase (RT)–PCR, we measured expression of representative placental T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1βand interferon (IFN)‐γ, a Th2 cytokine, IL‐10, and chemokine receptor CXCR4. A comparison of placental cytokine expression between infected and control queens did not reveal differences between the two groups. However, elevated expression of Th1 cytokines and increased Th1/Th2 ratios (IL‐1β/IL‐10) occurred in placentas from resorptions, indicating that increased placental Th1 cytokine expression was associated with pregnancy failure in the FIV‐infected cat.

Conclusion

The potential to establish efficient FIVin uterotransmission, coupled with the parallels in immunopathology between FIV‐infected cats and HIV‐infected humans, suggests the usefulness of the FIV‐infected cat as a cost‐effective, small‐animal model to study lentivirus‐induced immunopathology, transplacental infection, and reproductive failure.
Migration Inhibitory Factor Secretion by Polarized Uterine Epithelial Cells is Enhanced in Response to the TLR3 Agonist Poly (I:C)
Authors: Schaefer Todd M , Fahey John V. , Wright Jacqueline A. , Wira Charles R.
Published: August 2005

Problem

Uterine epithelial cells produce cytokines that stimulate leukocytes in response to a microbial insult. The goals of this study were to determine if uterine epithelial cells produce the pro‐inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and to see if toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists stimulate MIF secretion.

Methods of study

Human uterine epithelial cells were isolated and grown in cell culture inserts. Levels of MIF secretion were examined by ELISA and MIF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was examined using real time RT‐PCR.

Results

Uterine epithelial cells constitutively secrete MIF and exposure to the TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) resulted in enhanced apical secretion of MIF. MIF secretion appeared to be from pre‐formed intracellular stores, since exposure of epithelial cells to poly (I:C) had little effect on the expression of MIF–mRNA.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that uterine epithelial cells constitutively produce MIF and stimulation with poly (I:C) results in enhanced MIF production. This suggests that MIF secretion by uterine epithelial cells may play a critical role in innate immune responses against viral pathogens mediated through TLR3.
Reduced Uterine Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase Versus Increased Th1/Th2 Cytokine Ratios as a Basis for Occult and Clinical Pregnancy Failure in Mice and Humans
Authors: Clark David A. , Blois Sandra , Kandil Judith , Handjiski Bori , Manuel Justin , Arck Petra C.
Published: August 2005

Problem

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) expression in fetal trophoblast and decidual antigen‐presenting cells has been proposed to inactivate maternal T cells and thereby prevent rejection of the ‘fetal allograft’ in early pregnancy. Psychic stress has been proposed to cause miscarriages as well as infertility, at the same time in pregnancy when blockade of IDO causes loss, but the suggested mechanism of stress‐triggered loss has been an increased ratio of pro‐rejection Th1‐type cytokines to anti‐rejection Th2/3 cytokines. Could stress act by reducing IDO expression?

Methods

Using DBA/2‐mated A/J mice where stress causes early pregnancy failure, we examined the role of stress in reducing IDO versus increasing Th1/Th2 ratio in deciduas. IDO loss was also examined in human decidua associated with pregnancy failure.

Results

A post‐implantation sonic stress increased the pregnancy failure rate, increased the Th1/Th2 ratio, but did not reduce IDO. IDO was reduced, and Th1/Th2 ratios increased in A/J mice pre‐immunized against paternal DBA/2 antigens, and concomitant stress increased these effects. The rate of pregnancy failure was not further increased consistent with recent discoveries of factors that limit the impact of Th1 cytokines at the feto‐maternal interface. In deciduas from spontaneous miscarriage patients, IDO+ cell frequencies were low in only 30% of patients. CD3+ T‐cell numbers and percentage terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end‐labelling (TUNEL)+ apoptotic T cells were increased, but the level of IDO did not correlate with likelihood of apoptosis.

Conclusions

Loss of an allogeneic embryo in early pregnancy is more likely to be due to a high Th1/Th2 ratio than loss of putative protection by IDO.
Attenuation correction for small animal SPECT imaging using x‐ray CT data
Authors: Hwang Andrew B. , Hasegawa Bruce H.
Published: September 2005

Photon attenuation in small animal nuclear medicine scans can be significant when using isotopes that emit lower energy photons such as iodine‐125. We have developed a method to use microCT data to perform attenuation corrected small animal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A microCT calibration phantom was first imaged, and the resulting calibration curve was used to convert microCT image values to linear attenuation coefficient values that were then used in an iterative SPECT reconstruction algorithm. This method was applied to reconstruct a SPECT image of a uniform phantom filled with . Without attenuation correction, the image suffered a 30% decrease in intensity in the center of the image, which was removed with the addition of attenuation correction. This reduced the relative standard deviation in the region of interest from 10% to 6%.
Real‐time DMLC IMRT delivery for mobile and deforming targets
Authors: Papiez Lech , Rangaraj Dharanipathy , Keall Paul
Published: September 2005

In numerous cases of radiotherapy delivery to moving targets, simplifying assumptions of identical pattern of motions of tissue for each fraction are not satisfied. Therefore, algorithms capable to respond in real time to motions of target registered at treatment should be developed to improve the precision of radiation intensity delivery. The DMLC delivery of predetermined intensity maps to moving and deforming targets in real time is developed in this paper. Algorithms are constructed so that constraints on maximum admissible speed of leaves are preserved during delivery. A sequence of examples is presented to illustrate behavior of leaf trajectories for representative cases of [dynamic multileaf collimator] (DMLC) [intensity modulated radiation therapy] (IMRT) real‐time delivery. The examples presented show real‐time deliveries to targets moving as rigid bodies and targets deforming uniformly over their volumes. Examples are admitting random perturbations of predefined target motions that are time dependent only, i.e., target motion perturbations are identical for all target points.
Difference in Cytokine Production and Cell Activation between Adenoidal Lymphocytes and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Children with Otitis Media
Authors: Harimaya Atsushi , Tarkkanen Jussi , Mattila Petri , Fujii Nobuhiro , Ylikoski Jukka , Himi Tetsuo
Published: September 2005

We evaluated the immunological potential of adenoidal lymphocytes from children with recurrent otitis media. Interleukin-4 release and CD69 expression were lower in adenoidal lymphocytes than in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Our results suggest that there may be a difference between the immunological potential of adenoidal lymphocytes and that of PBL in children with otitis.
Kinetics and mechanism of dealkylation of coordinated isocyanide in Fe(PMe3)2(t-BuNC)3
Authors: Tennent Christine L , Jones William D
Published: September 2005

The zerovalent iron complex Fe(PMe3)2(t-BuNC)3 undergoes thermal cleavage of the CN bond to give Fe(PMe3)2(t-BuNC)2(H)(CN) and isobutylene. The reaction follows first order kinetics, and addition of the hydrogen-atom donor 1,4-cyclohexadiene leads to the preferential formation of isobutane rather than isobutylene. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a rate determining homolysis of the CN bond, giving rise to tert-butyl radicals.Key words: iron, isocyanide, elimination, CN cleavage.
Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the first hafnium alkyl complex stabilized by amidate ligands
Authors: Thomson Robert K , Patrick Brian O , Schafer Laurel L
Published: September 2005

A photo and thermally stable bis(amidate)dibenzyl complex of Hf ([DMP(NO)Ph]2Hf(CH2Ph)2(THF) (2a) was formed as a monosolvated THF adduct in near quantitative yield from Hf(CH2Ph)4 and N-2,6-dimethylphenyl(phenyl)amide (1). Isomerization between the THF-bound product and the THF-free product can be observed visually by the conversion from a red-orange product at low temperatures to a pale yellow product at high temperatures. Solid-state crystallographic characterization of the orange product confirmed its constitution as a monosolvated species. Kinetic parameters for the exchange of the THF moiety were determined from variable-temperature NMR experiments. The product of the hydrolysis of the Hf dibenzyl species by water was characterized by X-ray crystallography, and was found to be a rare tetrametallic Hf oxo cluster species (3).Key words: hafnium, protonolysis, amidate, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, exchange processes.
Polycyclitols  Novel conduritol and carbasugar hybrids as new glycosidase inhibitors
Authors: Mehta Goverdhan , Ramesh Senaiar S
Published: September 2005

A family of novel carbasugar analogues (bicyclitols) based on cis-hydrindane and cis-decalin frameworks has been conceptualized. These novel entities can be regarded as conduritol and carbasugar hybrids. Syntheses of these polyhydroxylated entities have been achieved in stereo- and regioselective manners, starting from the readily available DielsAlder adducts of 5,5-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrachlorocyclopentadiene and appropriate dienophiles like cyclopentadiene or p-benzoquinone, that embody a masked 7-ketonorbornenone moiety. Thermally induced chelotropic elimination of CO from the appropriately functionalized 7-ketonorbornenone derivatives to deliver annulated bicyclic 1,3-cyclohexadiene derivatives was the key step in this synthetic endeavor. Further oxy-functionalization of the 1,3-cyclohexadiene moiety delivered the targeted polycyclitols. A preliminary investigation of the glycosidase inhibitory potency of these bicyclitols, identified compounds 18 and 54 as potent and selective inhibitors of α-glucosidase (yeast).Key words: carbasugar, conduritol, glycomimics, glycosidase inhibitors.
Activation and cleavage of alkynes by the dinuclear tantalum complexes ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-H)4 and ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-η1:η2-N2)(µ-H)2 (where NPN = PhP(CH2SiMe2NPh)2)
Authors: Shaver Michael P , Johnson Samuel A , Fryzuk Michael D
Published: September 2005

Reaction of phenylacetylene with the dinuclear tetrahydride complex ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-H)4 gives the product ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-PhCCH)(µ-H)2 (where NPN is PhP(CH2SiMe2NPh)2). Activation of other terminal alkynes by ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-H)4 accesses ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-RCCH)(µ-H)2 (R = n-Pr, t-Bu). Crystallographic analysis of the R = Ph derivative showed it to be a bis(µ-alkylidene) bound asymmetrically to the two tantalum centres. Storage of solutions of ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-PhCCH)(µ-H)2 under vacuum promotes the loss of H2 and cleavage of the CC bond to give a bis(µ-alkylidyne) complex, ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-CPh)(µ-CH). Addition of diphenylacetylene did not give the desired ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-CPh)2, but rather promotes a complex decomposition of the supporting [NPN] ligands. Reaction of phenylacetylene with the dinitrogen complex ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-η1:η2-N2)(µ-H)2 results in the dissociation of the bound dinitrogen and the formation of ([NPN]Ta)2(µ-PhCCH)(µ-H)2, which is identical to that derived from the reaction with the dinuclear tetrahydride. Key words: tantalum, alkyne, alkylidene, alkylidyne, amidodiphosphine, dinuclear hydride dinitrogen, activation of small molecules.
New pseudohalide ligands in Ru-catalyzed olefin metathesis  A robust, air-activated iminopyrrolato catalyst
Authors: Drouin Samantha D , Foucault Heather M , Yap Glenn PA , Fogg Deryn E
Published: September 2005

Reaction of the Grubbs catalyst RuCl2(PCy3)2(CHPh) (1) with lithium 2-[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]pyrrolide·Et2O (LiNN′·Et2O) gives alkylidene complex 5, containing a chelating, σ-bound iminopyrrolato unit. The structure of 5 is confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Treatment of 5 with pyridine generates RuCl(NN′)(py)2(CHPh) (6) via displacement of PCy3. Complex 5 effects ring-closing metathesis in air, displaying high reactivity relative to 6.Key words: ruthenium, alkylidene, metathesis, pyrrolimine, iminopyrrolato.
Palladium(II) complexes of bis(phosphine)monooxide and bis(phosphine)monosulphide ligands bearing o-N,N-dimethylanilinyl substituents
Authors: Jones Nathan D , James Brian R
Published: September 2005

Palladium(II) complexes of bis(phosphine)monooxide and bis(phosphine)monosulphide ligands with the general formula Ar2P(CH2)nP(E)Ar2 are described (n = 1 (dmapmE), E = O, S; n = 2 (dmapeE), E = O; Ar = o-N,N-dimethylanilinyl). The precursor, PdCl2(dmapm), which exists in solution as an equilibrium mixture of the P,P- and P,N-ligated isomers, reacts with peroxides to form PdCl2(P,N-dmapmO) and with sulphur to give [PdCl(P,N,S-dmapmS)]Cl, probably by direct oxidation of the "dangling" P atom of the P,N-isomer. PdCl2(dmape), which exists in solution as a mixture of PdCl2(P,P-dmape) and [PdCl(P,P,N-dmape)]Cl, reacts with hydroxide in H2OCH2Cl2 under argon to give the face-to-face Pd(II)2 complex containing the cation [Pd2Cl2(µ-P,N:O-dmapeO)2]2+, which was isolated and crystallographically characterized as the PF6 salt. The remarkable structure, consisting of two face-to-face Pd(II) square planes in a head-to-tail orientation, reveals a 12-membered ring containing the two non-bonded metal centres (PdPd = 4.873(2) Å). The dmapmS complex shows marginal activity as a catalyst for the hydration of maleic to malic acid.Key words: phosphine, phosphine oxide, phosphine sulphide, palladium.
Palladium-catalysed synthesis of nonsymmetrically disubstituted-1,1′-biphenyls from o-substituted aryl iodides through aryl coupling and delayed hydrogenolysis
Authors: Deledda Sara , Motti Elena , Catellani Marta
Published: September 2005

In the presence of Pd(OAc)2 and norbornene as catalysts, two molecules of an ortho-substituted aryl iodide undergo arylaryl coupling to a palladium-bonded biphenylyl intermediate, which is hydrogenolyzed by benzyl alcohol to give 2,3′-disubstituted biaryl derivatives in satisfactory yields. A curious behaviour was observed with o-chloroiodobenzene, which gave activation of the CCl bond with four-membered ring formation.Key words: biphenyls, arylaryl coupling, multistep reactions, palladium, palladacycles, C-H activation, catalysis.
Review of gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Lin Ivan JB , Vasam Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2005

This review presents an overview of the work on Au(I)NHC chemistry. The efficiency of different synthetic strategies of Au(I)NHCs is discussed. Transmetallation of Ag(I)NHCs appears to be an easy method as compared with the others. The influence of aurophilicity "a traditional property of a Au(I) center" in making the supramolecular assemblies is also covered. The combination of the Au(I) center with NHCs has great potential in the fields of medicine, catalysis, liquid crystal, and optoelectronic.Key words: goldcarbenes, silvercarbenes, carbene transfer, aurophilicity.
Furoyl and thiophene carbonyl linker pyrazolyl palladium(II) complexes  Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation as ethylene oligomerization catalysts
Authors: Ojwach Stephen O , Tshivhase Mmboneni G , Guzei Ilia A , Darkwa James , Mapolie Selwyn F
Published: September 2005

Reactions of 2-furoyl chloride and 2-thiophene carbonyl chloride with substituted pyrazoles produced the modified pyrazolyl compounds: {(3,5-Me2pzCO)-2-C4H3O} (L1), {(3,5-Me2pzCO)-2-C4H3S} (L2), {(3,5-t-Bu2pzCO)-2-C4H3O} (L3), {(3,5-t-Bu2pzCO)-2-C4H3S} (L4), {(3,5-Ph2pzCO)-2-C4H3S} (L5), and {(pzCO)-2-C4H3O} (L6) in good yields. Reactions of these synthons with [Pd(NCMe)2Cl2] afforded the corresponding mononuclear palladium(II) complexes: [Pd(L1)2Cl2] (1), [Pd(L2)2Cl2] (2), [Pd(L3)2Cl2] (3), [Pd(L4)2Cl2] (4), [Pd(L5)2Cl2] (5), and [Pd(L6)2Cl2] (6) in moderate to high yields. All compounds synthesized were characterized by a combination of1H NMR,13C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Compounds L1, 1, and 2 were examined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. DFT theoretical studies at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory with GAUSSIAN98 have been used to rationalize some of the results. When the complexes were activated with ethylaluminium dichloride (EtAlCl2), they catalysed the oligomerization of ethylene to mostly C10and C12oligomers. Oligomer distribution greatly depends on the oligomerization conditions; for example, an increase in temperature and pressure produced a higher percentage of C12compared to C10.Key words: furoyl and thiophene carbonyl linker pyrazolyl compounds, palladium complexes, ethylene oligomerization.
Effect of charge and surface area on the cytotoxicity of cationic metallointercalation reagents
Authors: Edwards Gavin L , Black David St.C , Deacon Glen B , Wakelin Laurence PG
Published: September 2005

Reaction of a series of nitrogen donor ligands (1-phenylpyrazoles, 2-phenylpyridine, benzo[h]quinoline, 1-(2′-pyridyl)indole, 1-phenylindazole, and 2-phenylindazole) with palladium(II) and platinum(II) salts gave complexes where ortho-metallation had occurred resulting in bidentate binding to the metal centres through N and C atoms. These cyclometallated products were isolated as µ-chloro dimers. Subsequent treatment of these µ-chloro dimers with chelating diamines such as 1,2-ethanediamine converted them into 14 cationic (1+) complexes. Analogous coordination mixed ligand complexes (charge 2+) were prepared by reaction of dichloro(1,2-ethanediamine-N,N′)palladium(II) with aromatic diamines such as 2-(1′-pyrazolyl)pyridine, 2,2′-bipyridine, and 1,10-phenanthroline. The complexes exhibited growth inhibitory activity against L1210 mouse leukæmia cells in vitro over a wide concentration range; in general, the cyclometallated complexes were more active than the mixed ligand complexes, although one cyclometallated organoplatinum complex was less active than the mixed ligand analogue. Substitution around the periphery of the aromatic ligands also resulted in increased activity. One complex, derived from 1-(2'-pyridyl)indole, was tested in vivo and showed no significant antitumour inhibition against P388 leukæmia at doses below toxic levels. Key words: anticancer, metallointercalator, cyclometallation, palladium, platinum, cytotoxicity.
THE COLORED JONES POLYNOMIALS OF 2-BRIDGE LINK AND HYPERBOLICITY EQUATIONS OF IT'S COMPLEMENTS
Authors: OHNUKI KOJI
Published: September 2005

In this paper, we discuss the relation between the colored Jones polynomial of a 2-bridge link and the ideal triangulation of it's complement in S3. The aim of this paper is to describe the ideal triangulation of a 2-bridge link complement and to show that the hyperbolicity equations coincide with the equations obtained from the colored Jones polynomial of a 2-bridge link, and to compare this triangulation with the canonical decomposition of the 2-bridge link complement introduced by Sakuma and Weeks in [10].
EVALUATIONS OF FRESHNESS CONSIDERING SCORING ON FRESH INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Authors: SATO NOBUYOSHI , UEHARA MINORU , SAKAI YOSHIFUMI
Published: September 2005

Fresh information is important for real business. In order to realize fresh information retrieval, we need not only to collect documents in a short time, but also to rank the results in the suitable order. However, conventional ranking methods are not suited for fresh information retrieval because they ignore temporal value of information. So, we have proposed the novel ranking method FTF·IDF for fresh information retrieval. FTF·IDF extends TF·IDF by means of using FTF (Fresh Term Frequency) instead of TF (Term Frequency). FTF differs from TF because FTF decreases as time goes. The speed of decreasing FTF is determined by the dumping factor. The dumping factor is sensitive against small changes of documents. So, we use a threshold to ignore such small changes. In some papers we published, we detect the optimal threshold manually. In this paper, we proposed an adaptive calculating method in order to detect threshold automatically. In this method, the optimal value is determined by iterating to test generated thresholds. In this paper, we describe our method and its evaluation.
STOKES' DRIFT AND HYPERSENSITIVE RESPONSE WITH DICHOTOMOUS MARKOV NOISE
Authors: BENA I. , KAWAI R. , VAN DEN BROECK C. , LINDENBERG KATJA
Published: September 2005

Stochastic Stokes' drift and hypersensitive transport driven by dichotomous noise are theoretically investigated. Explicit mathematical expressions for the asymptotic probability density and drift velocity are derived including the situation in which particles cross unstable fixed points. The results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
PYTHAGOREAN TRIPLES AND UNITS IN INTEGRAL GROUP RINGS
Authors: BEATTIE M. , WEATHERBY C.
Published: August 2005

In this note, we describe a simple method for finding units of group rings of the form Z[G] = Z[H]#Z[C2] for H an abelian group, and apply this to the case G = D4, the dihedral group of order 8. Here, units may be described as integer points on hyperboloids, and, defining units u, v to be equivalent if they differ by an inner automorphism, we see that this equivalence relation partitions each hyperboloid into finitely many classes.
HOPF PAIRINGS AND (CO)INDUCTION FUNCTORS OVER COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: ABUHLAIL JAWAD Y.
Published: August 2005

(Co)induction functors appear in several areas of Algebra in different forms. Interesting examples are the so called induction functors in the Theory of Affine Algebraic Groups. In this paper we investigate Hopf pairings (bialgebra pairings) and use them to study (co)induction functors for affine group schemes over arbitrary commutative ground rings. We present also a special type of Hopf pairings (bialgebra pairings) satisfying the so called α-condition. For those pairings the coinduction functor is studied and nice descriptions of it are obtained. Along the paper several interesting results are generalized from the case of base fields to the case of arbitrary commutative (Noetherian) ground rings.
A DIVISION ALGORITHM
Authors: RICHMAN FRED
Published: August 2005

A divisibility test of Arend Heyting, for polynomials over a field in an intuitionistic setting, may be thought of as a kind of division algorithm. We show that such a division algorithm holds for divisibility by polynomials of content 1 over any commutative ring in which nilpotent elements are zero. In addition, for an arbitrary commutative ring R, we characterize those polynomials g such that the R-module endomorphism of R[X] given by multiplication by g has a left inverse.
PRIME AND IRREDUCIBLE PRERADICALS
Authors: RAGGI FRANCISCO , RÍOS JOSÉ , RINCÓN HUGO , FERNÁNDEZ-ALONSO ROGELIO , SIGNORET CARLOS
Published: August 2005

In this paper we study prime preradicals, irreducible preradicals, ∧-prime preradicals, prime submodules and diuniform modules. We study some relations between these concepts, using the lattice structure of preradicals developed in previous papers. In particular, we give a characterization of prime preradicals using an operator named the relative annihilator. We also characterize prime submodules by means of prime preradicals. We give some characterizations of rings that have certain conditions on prime radicals and on irreducible preradicals, such as left local left V-rings, as well as 1-spr rings, which we introduce.
ORDERING OF A THERMOTROPIC MESOGEN AT PHASE TRANSITION TEMPERATURE — A STATISTICAL APPROACH BASED ON QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: OJHA DURGA PRASAD
Published: September 2005

The molecular ordering of a thermotropic mesogen, 4-alkenyl bicyclohexylnitrile (ALKBCHN), has been carried out on the basis of quantum mechanics and intermolecular forces. The evaluation of atomic charges and dipole moment at each atomic centre has been done through the Complete Neglect Differential Overlap (CNDO/2) method. The configurational energy has been computed using the Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation method. The total interaction energy values obtained through these computations were used to calculate the probability of each configuration in a dielectric medium (i.e. non-interacting and non-mesogenic solvent, benzene) at phase transition temperature (364.7 K) using the Maxwell–Boltzmann formula. It has been observed that in dielectric medium the energies/probabilities are redistributed and there is a considerable rise in the probability of interactions, although the order of preference remains the same. An attempt has been made to develop a new and interesting model of mesogen in a dielectric medium. The present article offers a theoretical support to the experimental observations.
ANALYTICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MULTICENTER OVERLAP-LIKE QUANTUM SIMILARITY INTEGRALS OVER SLATER TYPE ORBITALS AND NUMERICAL EVALUATION
Authors: BERLU LILIAN , SAFOUHI HASSAN
Published: September 2005

Molecular overlap-like quantum similarity measurements imply the evaluation of overlap integrals of two molecular electronic densities related by the Dirac delta function. When the electronic densities are expanded over atomic orbitals using the usual LCAO (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals) scheme, overlap-like quantum similarity integrals could be expressed as a linear combination of four-center overlap integrals. In previous works, we showed that the one-center two-range expansion method leads to very complicated analytic expressions for three- and four-center terms. This is why its use has been prevented even for two-center integrals. We also showed that the use of the Fourier transform approach, combined with the so-called B functions, leads to great simplifications in both analytical and numerical development of overlap-like quantum similarity integrals over Slater type functions. In this work, a unified analytical treatment of multicenter overlap-like quantum similarity integrals over Slater type functions is described. The Fourier transform and nonlinear transformation methods are used. The numerical results section shows that the approach described in the present work can be applied to two-, three- and four-center integrals whatever nucleus positions might be.
Mapping Research Capacity in North-Western Tropical Australia
Authors: Garnett Stephen T. , Haydon Jennifer
Published: August 2005

Research capacity in two jurisdictions in tropical northwestern Australia was mapped to a searchable website. The website provides ready access to all research organisations in the region with the underlying database providing a baseline against which developments in research and research networks can be measured. Of 202 research entities entered into the database, 38 were businesses, 12 civil society organisations, five cooperative research centres, 10 government research institutes, 64 government agencies within three jurisdictions and 70 university research groups within seven universities. The data were analysed by sector to describe the size and linkages between organisations, areas of research strength and socioeconomic objectives of research. Most enterprises undertaking research in tropical Western Australia and the Northern Territory are small with the majority having fewer than 10 research staff. The primary area of expertise for research entities in tropical Western Australia and the Northern Territory is agricultural and environmental research, which is also the area where there is greatest breadth of capacity. Similarly, the socioeconomic objective of most research entities is in fields related to environmental management and social development with the breadth of capacity greatest in environmental policy frameworks. There were substantial differences between the skills and direction of research in government and the universities and those in business.
Development of a Knowledge Management Culture Assessment Tool with Applications in Aviation Industry
Authors: Choy S. Y. , Lee W. B. , Cheung C. F. , Shim Geoffrey
Published: August 2005

Knowledge management (KM) attracts more and more attention nowadays in either research or practice. Organisations often spend a lot of time and money to launch strategic KM initiatives without first assessing whether or not their culture is ready for the implementation of such initiatives. If the culture is not ready for implementing the initiatives, the effort put will rarely produce significant long-term benefits. Instead, employees will perceive them as a waste of time, and participate less actively in the KM initiatives. In this paper, a KM culture assessment tool (KMCAT) is purposely developed for assessing the organisational culture so as to ensure the success of implementation of KM initiatives. The KMCAT takes into account coherence, control, alliance and partnership, information and communication technology as well as innovation, which help an organisation to reveal culture profiles and hence provide directions for managing the culture. A case study of applying the KMCAT is undertaken in an aviation company and encouraging results are obtained.
Knowledge Sharing in Consulting Companies: Opportunities and Limitations of Knowledge Codification
Authors: Michailova Snejina , Gupta Akshey
Published: August 2005

This paper is a study of the knowledge-sharing difficulties experienced by three departments in a knowledge-intensive firm. The case organisation is a global consulting firm that has been on the forefront of knowledge management and has won several knowledge management related international acclaims. Our analysis shows that there are strong disincentives in place for departments to share knowledge. We found that the nature of the businesses of the departments was very different and so were their knowledge requirements and their preferred ways to seek knowledge. Additionally, confidentiality agreements with clients and lack of cross-departmental interaction inhibited knowledge sharing outside departmental boundaries. Contrary to the common belief in the organisation, we found that one single IT system could not satisfy the context-specific knowledge-sharing needs of the different departments. We suggest that some very recent breakthrough technologies could be applied to facilitate cross-departmental knowledge sharing provided they are implemented at the strategic organisational level.
DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COUNTRIES IN TRANSITION
Authors: KOBUS DARIUSZ
Published: September 2005

The insufficient operationalisation of the sustainable development (SD)concept hinders development of widely recognised standards for assessment of SD progress. This paper reports on development and testing of a conceptual framework for assessment of progress towards achieving sustainable development (APASD) of (primarily) countries in transition from central planning to market economy. The framework departs from the core principles of sustainable development and develops them into a set of operational criteria, which in turn are developed into sets of performance indicators. Benchmarking is applied for indicators, and an approach to aggregation of assessment results is described. Application of the framework allows identification of sustainable and unsustainable development patterns, as well as policy failures that lead to unsustainable development. The assessment is concluded with recommendations for policy reforms that address policy failures and unsustainable development patterns. The overview of the results obtained in testing the APASD framework in Estonia is presented to illustrate its application.
DEVELOPMENTS IN AQUATIC INSECT BIOMONITORING: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Approaches
Authors: Bonada Núria , Prat Narcís , Resh Vincent H. , Statzner Bernhard
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Aquatic insects and other benthic invertebrates are the most widely used organisms in freshwater biomonitoring of human impact. Because of the high monetary investment in freshwater management, decisions are often based on biomonitoring results, and a critical and comparative review of different approaches is required. We used 12 criteria that should be fulfilled by an “ideal” biomonitoring tool, addressing the rationale, implementation, and performance of a method. After illustrating how the century-old but still widely used Saprobian system does not meet these criteria, we apply them to nine recent approaches that range from the suborganismal to the ecosystem level. Although significant progress has been made in the field, no recent approach meets all 12 criteria. Given that the use of biomonitoring information has important financial consequences, we suggest that societies and governments prioritize how these criteria should be ranked.
The MossPhyscomitrella patens
Authors: Cove David
Published: August 2005

The moss Physcomitrella patens, like seed plants, shows alternation of generations, but its gametophyte, the haploid phase of the life cycle, is dominant, making it ideal for genetic studies. Crosses show direct segregations, so F2 or test crosses are unnecessary. Mutagenesis yields mutants, the phenotype of which is directly evident. Haploid tissue can be propagated vegetatively, allowing the maintenance of mutants blocked early in development. Protoplasts, isolated from filamentous gametophytic tissue, regenerate directly into filamentous tissue, providing an abundant supply of single haploid cells for transformation. Recombination occurs at a high frequency between genomic sequences in transforming DNA and the corresponding chromosomal sequences, allowing precise inactivation or modification of genes. RNAi technology allows the inactivation of the expression of gene families and the partial knockdown of essential genes. Over 100,000 ESTs have been sequenced and annotated, and sequencing of the genome should be completed by the end of 2005.
DIRECT PHOTON PRODUCTION IN RELATIVISTIC HEAVY-ION COLLISIONS
Authors: Stankus Paul
Published: September 2005

▪ Abstract  We examine the uses of direct photons in diagnosing the highly excited state of nuclear matter created in high-energy nuclear collisions. The traditional focus has been on direct photons as thermal radiation from the excited state, but we also explore the many other roles direct photons can play. We review experimental and theoretical techniques as well as the history of direct photon measurements in heavy-ion collisions and their interpretation.
THE REGULATION AND PHARMACOLOGY OF ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE
Authors: Dudzinski David M. , Igarashi Junsuke , Greif Daniel , Michel Thomas
Published: September 2005

▪ Abstract  Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, diffusible, lipophilic free radical gas that mediates significant and diverse signaling functions in nearly every organ system in the body. The endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key source of NO found in the cardiovascular system. This review summarizes the pharmacology of NO and the cellular regulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS). The molecular intricacies of the chemistry of NO and the enzymology of NOSs are discussed, followed by a review of the biological activities of NO. This information is then used to develop a more global picture of the pharmacological control of NO synthesis by NOSs in both physiologic conditions and pathophysiologic states.
ACCESSORY PROTEINS FOR G PROTEINS: Partners in Signaling
Authors: Sato Motohiko , Blumer Joe B. , Simon Violaine , Lanier Stephen M.
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Accessory proteins involved in signal processing through heterotrimeric G proteins are generally defined as proteins distinct from G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR), G protein, or classical effectors that regulate the strength/efficiency/specificity of signal transfer upon receptor activation or position these entities in the right microenvironment, contributing to the formation of a functional signal transduction complex. A flurry of recent studies have implicated an additional class of accessory proteins for this system that provide signal input to heterotrimeric G proteins in the absence of a cell surface receptor, serve as alternative binding partners for G protein subunits, provide unexpected modes of G protein regulation, and have introduced additional functional roles for G proteins. This group of accessory proteins includes the recently discovered Activators of G protein Signaling (AGS) proteins identified in a functional screen for receptor-independent activators of G protein signaling as well as several proteins identified in protein interaction screens and genetic screens in model organisms. These accessory proteins may influence GDP dissociation and nucleotide exchange at the Gα subunit, alter subunit interactions within heterotrimeric Gαβγ independent of nucleotide exchange, or form complexes with Gα or Gβγ independent of the typical Gαβγ heterotrimer. AGS and related accessory proteins reveal unexpected diversity in G protein subunits as signal transducers within the cell.
Genetics of Affective and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Leonardo E. D. , Hen René
Published: September 2005

The study of the genetics of complex behaviors has evolved dramatically from the days of the nature versus nurture debates that dominated much of the past century. Here we discuss advances in our understanding of the genetics of affective and anxiety disorders. In particular, we highlight our growing understanding of specific gene-environment interactions that occur during critical periods in development, setting the stage for later behavioral phenotypes. We review the recent literature in the field, focusing on recent advances in our understanding of the role of the serotonin system in establishing normal anxiety levels during development. We emphasize the importance of understanding the effect of genetic variation at the level of functional circuits and provide examples from the literature of how such an approach has been exploited to study novel genetic endpoints, including genetically based variation in response to medication, a potentially valuable phenotype that has not received much attention to date.
Adolescent Development in Interpersonal and Societal Contexts
Authors: Smetana Judith G. , Campione-Barr Nicole , Metzger Aaron
Published: August 2005

In this chapter we review theoretical and empirical advances in research on adolescent development in interpersonal and societal contexts. First, we identify several trends in current research, including the current emphasis on ecological models and the focus on diversity in and relational models of adolescent development. Next, we discuss recent research on interpersonal relationships, with an eye toward identifying major research themes and findings. Research on adolescents' relationships with parents, siblings, other relatives, peers, and romantic partners, and adolescents' involvement in community and society is reviewed. Future directions in research on adolescent development are discussed.
No effect of menstrual cycle on myofibrillar and connective tissue protein synthesis in contracting skeletal muscle
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Hansen Mette , Olesen Jens L. , Flyvbjerg Allan , Schwarz Peter , Babraj John A. , Smith Kenneth , Rennie Michael J. , Kjaer Michael
Published: August 2005

We tested the hypothesis that acute exercise would stimulate synthesis of myofibrillar protein and intramuscular collagen in women and that the phase of the menstrual cycle at which the exercise took place would influence the extent of the change. Fifteen young, healthy female subjects were studied in the follicular (FP, n = 8) or the luteal phase (LP, n = 7, n = 1 out of phase) 24 h after an acute bout of one-legged exercise (60 min of kicking at 67% Wmax), samples being taken from the vastus lateralis in both the exercised and resting legs. Rates of synthesis of myofibrillar and muscle collagen proteins were measured by incorporation of [13C]leucine. Myofibrillar protein synthesis (means ± SD; rest FP: 0.053 ± 0.009%/h, LP: 0.055 ± 0.013%/h) was increased at 24-h postexercise (FP: 0.131 ± 0.018%/h, P < 0.05, LP: 0.134 ± 0.018%/h, P < 0.05) with no differences between phases. Similarly, muscle collagen synthesis (rest FP: 0.024 ± 0.017%/h, LP: 0.021 ± 0.006%/h) was elevated at 24-h postexercise (FP: 0.073 ± 0.016%/h, P < 0.05, LP: 0.072 ± 0.015%/h, P < 0.05), but the responses did not differ between menstrual phases. Therefore, there is no effect of menstrual cycle phase, at rest or in response to an acute bout of exercise, on myofibrillar protein synthesis and muscle collagen synthesis in women.
Low-dose carbon monoxide inhalation prevents development of chronic allograft nephropathy
Authors: Neto Joao Seda , Nakao Atsunori , Toyokawa Hideyoshi , Nalesnik Michael A. , Romanosky Anna Jeanine , Kimizuka Kei , Kaizu Takashi , Hashimoto Naoki , Azhipa Olga , Stolz Donna B. , Choi Augustine M. K. , Murase Noriko
Published: August 2005

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is the primary cause for late kidney allograft loss. Carbon monoxide (CO), a product of heme metabolism by heme oxygenases, is known to impart protection against various stresses. We hypothesized that CO could minimize the chronic fibroinflammatory process and protect kidney allografts from CAN. Lewis kidney grafts were orthotopically transplanted into binephrectomized Brown-Norway rats under short-course tacrolimus. Recipients were maintained in room air or exposed to CO at 20 parts/million for 30 days after transplant. Efficacy of inhaled CO was studied at day 30 and day 80. Isografts maintained normal kidney function throughout the experiment with creatinine clearance of ∼1.5 ml/min. Renal allograft function in air controls progressively deteriorated, and creatinine clearance declined to 0.2 ± 0.1 ml/min by day 80 with substantial proteinuria. CO-treated animals had significantly better creatinine clearance (1.3 ± 0.2 ml/min) with minimal proteinuria. Histological examination revealed the development of progressive CAN in air-exposed grafts, whereas CO-treated grafts had minimal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, with negligible collagen IV deposition. In vitro analyses revealed that CO-treated recipients had significantly less T cell proliferation against donor peptides via the indirect allorecognition pathway and less anti-donor IgG antibodies compared with air controls. Intragraft mRNA levels for chemokines (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, chemokine receptors (CCR1, CXCR3, CXCR5), IL-2, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly decreased in CO-treated than in air-treated allografts. Furthermore, reduction of blood flow in air-treated allografts was prevented with CO. In conclusion, inhaled CO at a low concentration efficiently abrogates chronic fibroinflammatory changes associated with CAN and improves long-term renal allograft function.