bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1,2,4‐Triazolium‐Cation‐Based Energetic Salts
Authors: Darwich Chaza , Klapötke Thomas M. , Sabaté Carles Miró
Published: June 2008

3,4,5‐Triamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (guanazine, 1) can be readily methylated with methyl iodide yielding methylguanazinium iodide (2). Salts containing the novel methylguanazinium cation with energetic anions were synthesised by metathesis reactions with silver azide (3), silver nitrate (4), silver perchlorate (5), sodium 5,5′‐azotetrazolate (6), silver 5‐nitrotetrazolate (7) and silver dinitramide (8), yielding a new family of heterocycle‐based salts, which were fully characterised by analytical (mass spectrometry and elemental analysis) and spectroscopic methods (IR, Raman and NMR). In addition, the molecular structures of all compounds were confirmed by X‐ray analysis, revealing extensive hydrogen‐bonding in the solid state and densities between 1.399 (3) and 1.669 g cm−3 (5). The hydrogen‐bonded ring motifs are discussed in the formalism of graph‐set analysis for hydrogen‐bond patterns and compared to each other. Preliminary sensitivity testing of the crystalline compounds indicate surprisingly low sensitivities to both friction and impact, the highest friction and shock sensitivity being found for the perchlorate (5, 220 N) and the dinitramide (8, 20 J) salts, respectively. In addition, DSC analysis was used to assess the thermal stabilities of the compounds: 3–6 melt above 200 °C with concomitant decomposition, whereas 7 and 8 have clearly defined melting points at 162 and 129 °C, respectively, and with decomposition occurring about 30 °C above the melting point. Lastly all compounds have positive calculated heats of formation between 336 (4) and 4070 kJ kg−1 (6) and calculated detonation velocities in the range between 8330 (7) and 8922 m s−1 (6) making them of interest as new highly energetic materials with low sensitivity.
A technique for time integration analysis with steps larger than the excitation steps
Authors: Soroushian Aram
Published: June 2008

The integration step size is the main algorithmic parameter in time integration analysis. Nowadays, for time integration with the complete records of digitized excitations, the integration steps cannot be set larger than the excitation steps. Considering the practical importance of this restriction, and with the aim of structural dynamic analysis with less computational cost, this paper intends to extend conventional time integration analyses to analyses, if needed, carried out with steps larger than the excitations steps. In view of few simplifying assumptions, and presenting a new theorem on responses convergence, a technique is developed and a computational procedure is set. Being based on convergence‐oriented redefinition of digitized excitations, the implementation of the new procedure is simple and, though, sacrificing some accuracy, can considerably reduce the total computational cost. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic stiffness of straight‐sided triangular finite elements by analytical and numerical integration
Authors: Griffiths D. V. , Huang Jinsong , Schiermeyer R. P.
Published: June 2008

Most finite element (FE) software uses numerical integration to compute FE stiffness matrices. In the case of straight‐sided isoparametric triangular elements, numerical integration is exact, provided a sufficient number of integration points are used. In this paper, the same integrations are performed analytically in closed form with the help of computer algebra software for 3‐, 6‐, 10‐ and 15‐noded triangles. The resulting analytical expressions have been converted into Fortran 95 subroutines and compared with the conventional numerical integration methods. The analytical routines produce exactly the same results as their numerical counterparts, but run significantly faster. All Fortran 95 code developed in this study is available on the first author's Web site. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matched interface and boundary (MIB) method for the vibration analysis of plates
Authors: Yu S. N. , Xiang Y. , Wei G. W.
Published: June 2008

This paper proposes a novel approach, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method, for the vibration analysis of rectangular plates with simply supported, clamped and free edges, and their arbitrary combinations. In previous work, the MIB method was developed for three‐dimensional elliptic equations with arbitrarily complex material interfaces and geometric shapes. The present work generalizes the MIB method for eigenvalue problems in structural analysis with complex boundary conditions. The MIB method utilizes both uniform and non‐uniform Cartesian grids. Fictitious values are utilized to facilitate the central finite difference schemes throughout the entire computational domain. Boundary conditions are enforced with fictitious values—a common practice used in the previous discrete singular convolution algorithm. An essential idea of the MIB method is to repeatedly use the boundary conditions to achieve arbitrarily high‐order accuracy. A new feature in the proposed approach is the implementation of the cross derivatives in the free boundary conditions. The proposed method has a banded matrix. Nine different plates, particularly those with free edges and free corners, are employed to validate the proposed method. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of other established methods. Convergence and comparison studies indicate that the proposed MIB method works very well for the vibration analysis of plates. In particular, modal bending moments and shear forces predicted by the proposed method vanish at boundaries for free edges. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical solutions to two‐ and three‐dimensional periodic flows for numerical model testing
Authors: Vinh Phan Ngoc , Larson Magnus
Published: June 2008

Analytical solutions to 2D depth‐averaged (external mode) and fully 3D (internal mode) periodic flows for numerical model testing are presented in this paper. These solutions take into account the effects of the bottom friction, the horizontal turbulent viscosity, and the vertical turbulent viscosity for the case of 3D flow. The key linkage for the modes is the relationship between the bottom friction coefficients in the 2D and 3D solutions. In the analytical solutions, two parameters are introduced concerning the periodic flows studied, namely, the rate of the horizontal turbulent viscosity and a dimensionless number given by the ratio of this rate to the wave celerity. The effects of the horizontal turbulent viscosity on the wave amplitude and the phase are significant if the square of this number is not much smaller than one. Three cases for numerical model testing are developed according to three different chosen values of the complex wave number. Various results illustrating the solutions to these test cases are also presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free vibration and bending analysis of circular Mindlin plates using singular convolution method
Authors: Civalek Ömer , Ersoy Hakan
Published: June 2008

Circular plates are important structural elements in modern engineering structures. In this paper a computationally efficient and accurate numerical model is presented for the study of free vibration and bending behavior of thick circular plates based on Mindlin plate theory. The approach developed is based on the discrete singular convolution method and the use of regularized Shannon's delta kernel. Frequency parameters, deflections and bending moments are obtained for different geometric parameters of the circular plate. Comparisons are made with existing numerical and analytical solutions in the literature. It is found that the DSC method yields accurate results for the free vibration and bending problems of thick circular plates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A replicated file system for Grid computing
Authors: Zhang Jiaying , Honeyman Peter
Published: June 2008

To meet the rigorous demands of large‐scale data sharing in global collaborations, we present a replication scheme for NFSv4 that supports mutable replication without sacrificing strong consistency guarantees. Experimental evaluation indicates a substantial performance advantage over a single‐server system. With the introduction of a hierarchical replication control protocol, the overhead of replication is negligible even when applications mostly write and replication servers are widely distributed. Evaluation with the NAS Grid Benchmarks demonstrates that our system provides comparable and often better performance than GridFTP, thede factostandard for Grid data sharing. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic data replication in LCG 2008
Authors: Nicholson C. , Cameron D. G. , Doyle A. T. , Millar A. P. , Stockinger K.
Published: June 2008

To provide performance access to data from high‐energy physics experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), controlled replication of files among grid sites is required. Dynamic, automated replication in response to jobs may also be useful and has been investigated using the grid simulator OptorSim. In this paper, results are presented from simulations of the LHC Computing Grid in 2008, in a physics analysis scenario. These show, first, that dynamic replication does give improved job throughput; second, that for this complex grid system, simple replication strategies such as Least Recently Used and Least Frequently Used are as effective as more advanced economic models; third, that grid site policies that allow maximum resource sharing are more effective; and lastly, that dynamic replication is particularly effective when data access patterns include some files being accessed more often than others, such as with a Zipf‐like distribution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of Noise‐Triggered Chaotic Emissions in an NMR‐Maser
Authors: Marion Denis J.‐Y. , Huber Gaspard , Berthault Patrick , Desvaux Hervé
Published: June 2008

We report a new phenomenon observed when the magnetization of dissolved hyperpolarized 129Xe is intense and opposite to the Boltzmann magnetization. Without radio‐frequency (rf) excitation, the system spontaneously emits a series of rf bursts characterized by very narrow bandwidths (0.03 Hz at 138 MHz). This chaotic NMR‐maser illustrates the increase in the complexity of spin dynamics at high magnetization levels by unveiling an inhomogeneous spatial organization of the xenon magnetization and an apparent dependence of the xenon transverse relaxation time on its polarization and/or on time.
Discovery and characterization of three novel synuclein genes in zebrafish
Authors: Sun Zhihui , Gitler Aaron D.
Published: June 2008

The neuronal protein α‐synuclein has been linked to the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, a collection of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease. α‐Synuclein belongs to a family of synuclein genes that includes β‐ and γ‐synuclein. However, despite being associated with several fatal human neurodegenerative diseases, little is known about the normal function of synucleins. Here we report the cloning and characterization of three synucleins from zebrafish, sncga, sncgb, and sncb. The sequences of these zebrafish synucleins are very similar to those of the human proteins. We used whole‐mount in situ hybridization to analyze their spatial and temporal expression patterns during development. sncgb was expressed exclusively in the notochord, while sncga and sncb were expressed strongly in the nervous system. Our identification of synuclein genes in zebrafish and the characterization of their expression patterns will facilitate future experiments aimed at assessing their functions in normal physiology as well as their role in pathophysiology. Developmental Dynamics 237:2490–2495, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polycomb group gene expression in the sea urchin
Authors: Gustafson Eric A. , Wessel Gary M.
Published: June 2008

Embryonic development in metazoan animals involves a remarkable degree of both genetic and epigenetic regulation. Polycomb group (PcG) genes are essential for initiation and maintenance of epigenetic developmental regulation. This report identifies homologous PcG genes representing the core components of three known Polycomb repressive complexes in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Quantitative, temporal, and spatial analyses revealed two significant aspects of their transcript expression during embryonic development. First, almost all showed a localized expression pattern in mesenchyme blastula and gastrula‐stage embryos. As the embryo specifies its three germ layers, it may require its PcG gene transcripts to remain in localized stem cell populations, but turn‐over in differentiating tissues. Second, their transcript levels gradually decreased during larval pluteus stages. This finding is consistent with progressive cell differentiation in the embryo. Taken together, these results suggest that PcG genes are conserved in S. purpuratus and are actively expressed during early embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:1851–1861, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coordination of development and metabolism in the pre‐midblastula transition zebrafish embryo
Authors: Mendelsohn Bryce A. , Gitlin Jonathan D.
Published: June 2008

To define the mechanisms that coordinate early embryonic development and metabolism, we have examined the response of zebrafish embryos to anoxia before the midblastula transition. Our findings reveal that anoxic pre‐midblastula transition embryos slow the cell cycle, arrest before the midblastula transition and can recover normally if restored to a normoxic environment. Analyses of respiratory rates reveal that pre‐midblastula transition embryos are less reliant on oxidative phosphorylation than older embryos. Interestingly, arrest in anoxia occurs despite inhibition of zygotic transcription, revealing a central role for maternal factors in the response to energy limitation. Consistent with this concept, we demonstrate that the posttranslational energy‐sensing AMP‐activated protein kinase pathway is activated in anoxia in pre‐midblastula transition embryos. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a maternal program capable of coordinating developmental rate and metabolism in the absence of transcription‐based pathways or cell cycle checkpoints. Developmental Dynamics 237:1789–1798, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of canonical Wnt inhibition in the neurogenic cortex, hippocampus, and premigratory dentate gyrus progenitor pool
Authors: Solberg Nina , Machon Ondrej , Krauss Stefan
Published: June 2008

Canonical Wnt signaling is crucial for the correct development of both cortical and hippocampal structures in the dorsal telencephalon. In this study, we examined the role of the canonical Wnt signaling in the dorsal telencephalon of mouse embryos at defined time periods by inhibition of the pathway with ectopic expression of Dkk1. Transgenic mice with the D6‐driven Dkk1 gene exhibited reduced canonical Wnt signaling in the cortex and hippocampus. As a result, all hippocampal fields were reduced in size. Neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus was severely reduced both in the premigratory and migratory progenitor pool. The lower number of progenitors in the dentate gyrus was not rescued after migration to the subgranular zone and thus the dentate gyrus lacked the entire internal blade and a part of the external blade from postnatal to adult stages. Developmental Dynamics 237:1799–1811, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetry in a pterobranch hemichordate and the evolution of left–right patterning
Authors: Sato Atsuko , Holland Peter W.H.
Published: June 2008

To investigate the possible origin of vertebrate asymmetry, we reexamined the long‐described asymmetry of pterobranch hemichordates, a group of tiny, mostly colonial marine filter feeders. As first described over a century ago, we found left–right (LR) asymmetry in localization of the gonad. However, contrary to early descriptions, the direction of asymmetry is random, displaying antisymmetry rather than directional asymmetry. We found that the direction of gonad localization is significantly related to the shape of the tube in which the zooid lives. We also reexamined other anatomical features described to have directional asymmetry, the shape of the oral lamella and localization of the gonopore; however, we did not confirm asymmetry in these examples. Together with previous studies, our results suggest that hemichordates have undergone degeneration in the precision of asymmetry from an ancestral asymmetrical condition that existed before the divergence of deuterostomes. Developmental Dynamics 237:3634–3639, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression cloning in Xenopus identifies RNA‐binding proteins as regulators of embryogenesis and Rbmx as necessary for neural and muscle development
Authors: Dichmann Darwin S. , Fletcher Russell B. , Harland Richard M.
Published: June 2008

We have performed an expression cloning screen in Xenopus laevis with the aim of isolating novel gene activities from the neural plate. Of 8,064 clones screened, we isolated 61 clones that affected either neural plate patterning or tadpole morphology. Of these, 20 clones encoded RNA binding proteins, and the majority of these are heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) or SR‐proteins, which are associated with alternative splicing. All of these genes are expressed in the nervous system, and in several cases specific to neural tissue. Injecting mRNA encoding these proteins results in neural plate mispatterning and abnormal muscle segmentation. To initiate characterization of these proteins, we selected Rbmx as a candidate for deeper analysis. Using morpholino mediated knockdown, we show that Rbmx is necessary for normal anterior neural plate patterning, neurogenesis, neural crest development, and muscle segmentation. Developmental Dynamics 237:1755–1766, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Underweight eating disorder without over‐evaluation of shape and weight: Atypical anorexia nervosa?
Authors: Dalle Grave Riccardo , Calugi Simona , Marchesini Giulio
Published: June 2008

Objective:

Underweight patients with eating disorder not otherwise specified without the over‐evaluation of shape and weight (EDNOS‐W) represent a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to evaluate their clinical characteristics and treatment outcome, compared with anorexia nervosa (AN) cases.

Method:

Eighty‐eight consecutive patients (81 females; age range 13–50 years, 71 AN, and 17 EDNOS‐W) were studied. The differential diagnosis of AN and EDNOS‐W was based on the eating disorder examination.

Results:

Compared with AN, EDNOS‐W cases had a milder eating disorder psychopathology, but no differences in anthropometric and clinical data. The response to inpatient cognitive behavioral treatment was good and similar between groups, and no differences in the dropout rate or time‐to‐dropout were observed. The normalization of body weight in EDNOS‐W cases was not associated with the appearance of the over‐evaluation of shape and weight.

Conclusion:

The data gives preliminary support to the proposal to include EDNOS‐W in the diagnosis of AN. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Summary of ‘Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in children’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: June 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Matheson NJ, Harnden AR, Perera R, Sheikh A, Symmonds‐Abrahams M. Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002744. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002744.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Tips and Tricks for Understanding and Using SR Results—no. 10: intention to treat analysis
Authors: Hooton Nicola , Sumamo Elizabeth , Liang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2008

This tenth article on ‘Tips and tricks for Understanding and using SR Results’ in Evidence‐Based Child Health, like the previous ones, is aimed at helping readers to understand the results of systematic reviews and to use the results in clinical practice. This time, we focus on intention to treat analysis and the relevance to Cochrane systematic reviews. The information in this article is based on earlier papers, the Cochrane Handbook and the collective experience of the authors in writing systematic reviews. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: June 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Johnston BC, Supina AL, Ospina M, Vohra S. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD004827. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004827.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea’
Authors: Day A. S. , Lemberg D. A.
Published: June 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Johnston BC, Supina AL, Ospina M, Vohra S. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD004827. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004827.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Offringa M.
Published: June 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Johnston BC, Supina AL, Ospina M, Vohra S. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic‐associated diarrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD004827. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004827.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Psychological interventions for needle‐related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents’
Authors: Grootenhuis Martha A. , Last Bob F.
Published: June 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Uman LS, Chambers CT, McGrath PJ, Kisely S. Psychological interventions for needle‐related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005179. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005179.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: June 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: van de Beek D, de Gans J, McIntyre P, Prasad K. Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004405. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004405.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Recombinant growth hormone for idiopathic short stature in children and adolescents’, with a response from the review authors
Authors: van Trotsenburg A. S. Paul , Delemarre‐van de Waal Henriette A.
Published: June 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Bryant J, Baxter L, Cave CB, Milne R. Recombinant growth hormone for idiopathic short stature in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004440. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004440.pub2

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis’
Authors: Fabian Michael Clifford
Published: June 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Harvey R, Hannan SA, Badia L, Scadding G. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD006394. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD006394.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: June 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Harvey R, Hannan SA, Badia L, Scadding G. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD006394. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006394.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Reciprocal function of Gαi2 and Gαi3 in graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Jin Yong Zhu , Thompson Brian D. , Zhou Zho Yan , Fu Yineng , Birnbaumer Lutz , Wu Mei X.
Published: June 2008

This study delineates specific functions of Gαi2 and Gαi3 in T cell mobilization during the development of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and reveals reciprocal effects of these two G proteins on the onset and morbidity of the disease. A deletion of Gαi2 hampered trafficking of pathogenic T cells from secondary lymphoid tissues to inflammatory sites and sufficiently prevented GVHD. In contrast, a severer disease was induced in mice adoptively transferred with Gαi3‐deficient T cells than those mice transferred with wild‐type T cells. In agreement with this, pathogenic Gαi2–/– T cells displayed a defect in response to CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5, whereas lack of Gαi3 augmented T effector cell chemotaxis induced by CXCL10 and CXCL11 and resulted in their preference of homing to the liver and colon. Absence of either Gαi also abrogated sphingosince‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐mediated inhibition of T cell chemokinesis and facilitated T cell homing and expansion in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes at the early phase of GVHD development, which is another key determinant in the severity and early onset of the disease in the mice infused with Gαi3–/– T cells. These observations underscore interplay between Gαi2 and Gαi3 and potentially provide a novel strategy to prevent GVHD by blocking T cell homing at early stages and T effector cell trafficking at later time points.
Activation of invariant NKT cells enhances the innate immune response and improves the disease course in influenza A virus infection
Authors: Ho Ling‐Pei , Denney Laura , Luhn Kerstin , Teoh Denise , Clelland Colin , McMichael Andrew J.
Published: June 2008

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells have an indubitable role in antiviral immunity, although the mechanisms by which these cells exert their functions are not fully elucidated. With the emerging importance of high‐pathogenicity influenza A virus infections in humans, we questioned whether iNKT cells contribute to immune defence against influenza A virus and whether activation of these cells influences outcome. We show that activation of iNKT cells with α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GC) during influenza virus infection transiently enhanced early innate immune response without affecting T cell immunity, and reduced early viral titres in lungs of C57BL/6 mice. This is accompanied by a better disease course with improved weight loss profile. Temporal changes in iNKT cells in the liver, blood and lungs suggest activation and migration of iNKT cells from the liver to the lungs in mice that were administered α‐GC. Improvement in viral titres appears dependent on activation of iNKT cells via the intraperitoneal route since intranasal administration of α‐GC did not have the same effect. We conclude that activation of iNKT cells enhances early innate immune response in the lungs and contribute to antiviral immunity and improved disease course in influenza A virus infection.
Solvent Effects on Catalytic Epoxidation of Alkenes by Tetra‐n‐butylammonium Periodate and (Tetraarylporphyrinato)manganese(III)
Authors: Mohajer Daryoush , Abbasi Massoumeh
Published: June 2008

The epoxidation of cyclooctene and cis‐stilbene was performed by tetra‐n‐butylammonium periodate (nBu4NIO4)in the presence of (tetraarylporphyrinato)manganese(III) [Mn(por)] and imidazole (im) in various CH2Cl2/alcohol solvents (alcohol = CH3OH, C2H5OH, n‐C3H7OH, i‐C3H7OH, t‐C4H9OH). In accord with the coordinating abilities of the alcohols to [Mn(por)], the epoxidation yields increased from CH2Cl2/CH3OH to CH2Cl2/t‐C4H9OH. In the epoxidation of cis‐stilbene in the presence of (acetato)(tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese(III) [Mn(tpp)(OAc)], the cis‐ to trans‐stilbene oxide ratio increased consistently with the bulk of the alcohol in CH2Cl2/alcohol solvents. Also, it was found that the interaction of [Mn(tpp)(OAc)] and (acetato)(tetramesitylporphyrinato)manganese(III) [Mn(tmp)(OAc)] with nBu4NIO4 in the presence of imidazole but in the absence of alkenes yields [Mn(tpp)(O)(im)]+ and [Mn(tmp)(O)(im)]+ complexes. The formation of the Mn=O species for the small linear alcohols was faster than that for the larger ones, whereas the stability of the Mn=O complex was greater in the presence of the bulkier alcohols. Attempts were made to explain these effects.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Solution Conformation and Dynamics of the O‐Antigen of the Major Lipopolysaccharide from Sinorhizobium fredii SMH12
Authors: Fernández de Córdoba Francisco J. , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Miguel A. , Cañada Francisco J. , Tejero‐Mateo Pilar , Gil‐Serrano Antonio M. , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús
Published: June 2008

The conformational and dynamic behavior of the O‐antigen of the lipopolysaccharide of Sinorhizobium fredii SMH12, a wide‐range host bacterium isolated from nodulated soybean plants growing in Vietnam, was studied. The O‐antigenhas a repeating unit consisting of the trisaccharide →4)‐α‐D‐GalpA‐(1→3)‐2‐O‐Ac‐α‐L‐Rhap‐(1→3)‐2‐O‐Ac‐α‐D‐Manp‐(1→, where the O‐6 position of the mannose residue in the repeating unit is unsubstituted, acetylated, or methylated in an approximate ratio 1:1:2. For the analysis of the conformational and dynamic behavior, the deacetylated polysaccharide was employed. A combination of NMR spectroscopic methods assisted by molecular mechanics and dynamic simulations was employed to deduce its major conformational and dynamic features. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The Design and Synthesis of Dansyl‐Containing Cyclic Pseudopeptides
Authors: Angelici Gaetano , Tresanchez Carrera Roger , Luppi Gianlugi , Tomasini Claudia
Published: June 2008

Six cyclic pseudopeptides with the general formula cyclo‐(L‐AA‐D‐Oxd)n [where AA is an α‐amino acid, D‐Oxd is trans‐(4R,5S)‐4‐carboxy‐5‐methyloxazolidin‐2‐one and n = 3, 4] have been designed and efficiently synthesized in the liquid phase in good overall yields. The crucial step is the macrocyclization, which always occurs in satisfactory yields regardless of the cycle dimension and the nature of various functional groups in the side‐chain. Moreover, a dansyl (dansyl = 5‐dimethylamino‐1‐naphthylsulfonyl) unit was introduced into the side‐chain with the aim of preparing a labelled cyclopeptide that can be easily located in a biological environment. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Branched Bis(ferrocenylacetylene)‐C60Systems: Influence of the Nature of Conjugation
Authors: Pérez Laura , Shafiqul Islam D.‐M. , Araki Yasuyuki , de la Cruz Pilar , Cardinali François , Ito Osamu , Langa Fernando
Published: June 2008

Four new branched 3,4‐ and 3,5‐bis(ferrocenylacetylene)phenyl‐C60molcules, in which the bis‐ferrocene donor moieties and C60acceptor moiety are covalently linked with phenylacetylene linkage through pyrrolidino and pyrazolino rings on the C60moiety, as abbreviated to be (Fc)2≡Ph‐NMPC60(o‐ andm‐) and (Fc)2≡Ph‐PzC60(o‐ andm‐), respectively, have been prepared in multistep procedures using microwave irradiation, as source of energy. The HOMO–LUMO gaps smaller than 1.25 eV were experimentally determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry (OSWV) for (Fc)2≡Ph‐PzC60and (Fc)2≡Ph‐NMPC60. In both polar and non‐polar solvents, a photoinduced charge‐separation (CS) process efficiently takes place in (Fc)2≡Ph‐NMPC60and (Fc)2≡Ph‐PzC60from the singlet excited state of C60(1C60*), as confirmed by picosecond‐time‐resolved emission spectroscopy. The CS states were confirmed by nanosecond‐transient absorption spectroscopy. The lifetimes of the CS states were evaluated to be ca. 10 ns, which are shorter than those of the similar dyads with phenylenevinylene linkage, suggesting higher electron‐hole conductivity through the phenylacetylene linkage.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The Effect of Lewis Acids on the Stereochemistry in the Ugi Three‐Component Reaction with D‐lyxo‐Pyrroline
Authors: Bonger Kimberly M. , Wennekes Tom , Filippov Dmitri V. , Lodder Gerrit , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: June 2008

A library of polyhydroxylated pyrrolidines was obtained by performing a tandem Staudinger/aza‐Wittig/Ugi three‐component reaction on a L‐ribose‐derived 4‐azido aldehyde. In this paper we describe the effect of Lewis acids on the diastereoselectivity of the final Ugi three‐component reaction step that the intermediate (D‐lyxo‐pyrroline) cyclic imine undergoes. When the Ugi reaction was performed in methanol almost exclusively pyrrolidines with a 2,3‐cis relationship were formed. However, a significant amount of 2,3‐trans product was formed upon addition of Lewis acids to the Ugi reaction mixture. The scope of this effect is explored by evaluating a diverse set of Lewis acids in combination with variation of other reaction parameters and the carboxylic acid/isocyanide component. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Uncertainty assessment of a soil quality index using geostatistics
Authors: Castrignanò A. , Buondonno A. , Odierna P. , Fiorentino C. , Coppola E.
Published: June 2008

The soil quality in the Asa–Picentino–Tusciano rivers basin (Campania region, southern Italy) was assessed through a novel synthetic, highly informative numerical index. The study area is characterized by a wide spatial heterogeneity. A combined approach, based on geostatistics linked with GIS techniques, was applied to estimate the spatial index and also provide an assessment of estimation uncertainty. The geostatistics‐based approach, described in this work, might be advantageously used to direct sampling and/or delineate fertility capability zones in decision making and land use planning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed characterization of a homozygously deleted region corresponding to a candidate tumor suppressor locus at 21q11‐21 in human lung cancer
Authors: Yamada Hideki , Yanagisawa Kiyoshi , Tokumaru Shogo , Taguchi Ayumu , Nimura Yuji , Osada Hirotaka , Nagino Masato , Takahashi Takashi
Published: June 2008

The frequent presence of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 21q21 in lung cancer suggests the existence of putative tumor suppressor genes in this genomic region. Furthermore, the identification of a homozygous deletion in this region has lent further support for its potential involvement in pathogenesis. In the present study, extensive screening of a large panel of lung cancer cell lines resulted in the identification of a homozygous deletion at 21q21.1 in the large cell lung carcinoma cell line Calu‐6. Subsequent detailed characterization allowed us to narrow down the extent of the shortest region of overlap of homozygous deletions at 21q21.1 to 3.4 Mbp. Together with existing information showing a relationship with the shortest region of overlap and LOH in lung cancer, the overlapping 1.8‐Mbp region was suggested to be a prime candidate for a genomic region that may harbor putative tumor suppressor genes. We found frequent downregulation of two coding genes, SAMSN1 and USP25, as well as of three miRNA genes, miR‐99a, let‐7c, and miR‐125b‐2, which reside in the commonly deleted region in human lung cancer. In addition, initial attempts were made to investigate their potential alterations and functional involvements in the development of lung cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An approach to catchment‐scale groundwater nitrate risk assessment from diffuse agricultural sources: a case study in the Upper Bann, Northern Ireland
Authors: Wang J. L. , Yang Y. S.
Published: June 2008

DRASTIC has drawbacks in groundwater risk assessment that are important in guiding activities to prevention agricultural diffuse groundwater pollution. This paper presents an improved and GIS‐based D‐DRASTIC approach for groundwater nitrate risk assessment from diffuse agricultural sources based on DRASTIC. D‐DRASTIC considers the risk concept, nitrate loading, pollutant transport with runoff, depth to water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone media, and the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. D‐DRASTIC was developed within an ArcGIS environment and applied to the Upper Bann Catchment, Northern Ireland as a case study. D‐DRASTIC shows that ‘very high’ and ‘high’ zones of groundwater nitrate risk occupy 5% and 11% of the case study area, respectively. When considering groundwater pollution sources and pathways, the results using D‐DRASTIC are helpful in guiding the activities of groundwater pollution prevention at the catchment scale in the context of better implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating parameters of groundwater recharge model in frequency domain: Karst springs Jadro and Žrnovnica
Authors: Jukić Damir , Denić‐Jukić Vesna
Published: June 2008

The spectral method is based on the assumption of exponential forms of autocorrelation functions of the input and output time series. The results of practical applications of the spectral method on several karst springs in Croatia show that this assumption cannot always be reliably applied to the time series of rainfall and spring discharge, especially if short time periods are analysed. For this reason, the method is modified. The scale factor between the transfer function of total rainfall and the transfer function of groundwater recharge is considered as an additional model parameter which is determined in the optimization procedure. In addition to the theoretical background, this paper also presents the results of application of the modified spectral method on the springs Jadro and Žrnovnica located in the Dinaric karst area in Croatia. The parameters of groundwater recharge model are determined separately for both the springs and the obtained values are discussed and compared with the results of previous investigations. The values of the scale factors determined in the optimization procedure are compared to the values calculated using the theoretical equation. The comparison shows that the theoretical equation underestimates the optimal values of the scale factor. The underestimations are especially evident for periods of one year. Finally, the characteristics of rainfall–runoff relations of two springs are compared using the identified transfer functions and the results of simulations of the periodogram of observed discharge by the parametric periodogram. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent studies on surface water–groundwater relationships at hydro‐projects in India using environmental isotopes
Authors: Kumar U. Saravana , Sharma Suman , Navada S.V.
Published: June 2008

Environmental isotopes (2H or D, 18O, 3H), along with geology, hydrochemistry and in situ physicochemical parameters (EC, T, DO, pH) were employed to study surface water (reservoir, lake)–groundwater (spring) relationships at (1) Nagewadi, a minor irrigation project in the State of Maharashtra, Western India; (2) Kanhirapuzha reservoir in the State of Kerala, Southern India and (3) Ghatghar Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in the State of Maharashtra, Western India for the purpose of understanding the seepage/leakage and its associated problems. The studies concluded that the springs found downstream of the Nagewadi project originate from the reservoir and not from the abutments or shallow aquifers. The Kanhirapuzha reservoir receives a substantial base‐flow component compared to riverine inputs. The reason for the water‐logging problem at a nearby downstream village during the non‐summer periods is due to the change in the upstream groundwater flow direction under reservoir filling conditions and is not due to reservoir leakage. Most of the springs in the approach tunnel to the underground power house of the Ghatghar Project originate from the lower reservoir and not from the upper reservoir or the overburden rock matrix. The above case studies illustrate the diversity of environmental isotope applications in surface water (reservoir, lake)–groundwater (spring) relationships related to sustainability of hydro‐projects. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of three methods for determining vineyard evapotranspiration in the arid desert regions of northwest China
Authors: Li Sien , Kang Shaozhong , Zhang Lu , Li Fusheng , Zhu Zhilin , Zhang Baozhong
Published: June 2008

Accurate measurement and estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in understanding field soil water cycle and managing water‐saving irrigation in the arid regions. This study compares three methods for estimating ET: field Water Balance (WB), Eddy Covariance (EC) and Bowen Ratio‐Energy Balance (BREB). The experiment was conducted in a vineyard in the arid desert regions of northwest China. Results indicate that the three methods provided similar estimate of total ET. Compared to total ET measured by WB (ETWB) during the whole growing stage, total ET estimated by EC (ETEC) was 1·57% lower, and total ET estimated by BREB (ETBREB) was 5·19% higher. Variations of ETEC and ETBREB are similar at hourly or daily timescale, but the values are slightly different. At sunrise or sunset, ETBREB increases or decreases more rapidly than ETEC. The difference between ETBREB and ETEC is linearly related to the residual of the energy balance for EC and the two methods yielded close estimates when the residual was small. This study showed that the three methods provided accurate estimates of ET at daily and seasonal timescales and the methods can be used to estimate ET from vineyards in arid environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial variation of isotope composition in precipitation in a tropical environment: a case study from the Deduru Oya river basin, Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasena H.A.H. , Chandrajith Rohana , Dissanayake C.B.
Published: June 2008

The stable isotope composition (18O and 2H) in the tropical precipitation collected from 18 locations throughout the Deduru Oya river basin in Sri Lanka, has been studied during August and September 2001, in order to characterize the isotopic composition of precipitation in the dry and intermediate climatic zones of Sri Lanka. The isotope compositions are described with respect to the distance from the coast and the altitude. The analyses show that δ18O vary from − 5·11 to 1·39‰ and δD vary from − 35·71 to 12·55‰. The d‐excess values range from − 0·65 to 13·17 with an average value of ∼7. Regression for the δ18O − δD is y = 6·8x + 4·9 (R2 = 0·9) which is compatible with the precipitation in other tropical regions. The lower slope in the regression line and the lower d‐excess value indicate high temperature events which were possibly aided by concentration through successive evaporation within the atmosphere. The spatial variation of isotope composition indicates two different cloud contributions for the rain events, of which one may be linked to the Indian Ocean contribution and the other to the high altitude condensation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast segmentation algorithms for long hydrometeorological time series
Authors: Aksoy Hafzullah , Gedikli Abdullah , Unal N. Erdem , Kehagias Athanasios
Published: June 2008

A time series with natural or artificially created inhomogeneities can be segmented into parts with different statistical characteristics. In this study, three algorithms are presented for time series segmentation; the first is based on dynamic programming and the second and the third—the latter being an improved version of the former—are based on the branch‐and‐bound approach. The algorithms divide the time series into segments using the first order statistical moment (average). Tested on real world time series of several hundred or even over a thousand terms the algorithms perform segmentation satisfactorily and fast. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.