bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of temperature‐sensitive block‐graft PNiPAAm‐b‐(PαN3CL‐g‐alkyne) copolymers by ring‐opening polymerization and click reaction
Authors: Lee Ren‐Shen , Wu Ke‐Pu
Published: May 2011

This study synthesized thermo‐sensitive amphiphilic block‐graft PNiPAAm‐b‐(PαN3CL‐g‐alkyne) copolymers through ring‐opening polymerization of α‐chloro‐ε‐caprolactone (αClCL) with hydroxyl‐terminated macroinitiator poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm), substituting pendent chlorides with sodium azide. This was then used to graft various kinds of terminal alkynes moieties by means of the copper‐catalyzed Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (“click” reaction). 1H NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to characterize these copolymers. The solubility of the block‐graft copolymers in aqueous media was investigated using turbidity measurement, revealing a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in the polymers. These solutions showed reversible changes in optical properties: transparent below the LCST, and opaque above the LCST. The LCST values were dependant on the composition of the polymer. With critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 2.04–9.77 mg L−1, the block copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase, owing to their amphiphilic characteristics. An increase in the length of hydrophobic segments or a decrease in the length of hydrophilic segments amphiphilic block‐graft copolymers produced lower CMC values. The research verified the core‐shell structure of micelles by 1H NMR analyses in D2O. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology of the micelles, revealing a spherical structure. The average size of the micelles was in the range of 75–145 nm (blank), and 105–190 nm (with drug). High drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading content were observed in the drug micelles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
A cumulative dose, safety and tolerability study of arformoterol in pediatric subjects with stable asthma
Authors: Hinkle J. , Hinson J. , Kerwin E. , Goodwin E. , Sciarappa K. , Curry L. , Hanrahan J.P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Short‐acting β2‐agonists (SABAs) are recommended for treating acute pediatric asthma. The long‐acting β2‐agonist (LABA) arformoterol is approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arformoterol acts rapidly, is delivered via nebulization, and, as such, raises concerns from the FDA over possible off‐label use in acute asthma in children. As a step to investigate this issue, this study evaluated the safety and tolerability of three consecutive doses of arformoterol administered over 1 hr in children with stable asthma.

Methods

This study consisted of a double‐blind, crossover period in which subjects (ages 2–11 years) with stable asthma were randomized to three consecutive nebulized doses of arformoterol (7.5 µg/dose) or levalbuterol (0.63 mg/dose) administered over 1‐hr (0, 30, and 60 min) followed by an open‐label period with three consecutive doses of arformoterol (15 µg/dose) administered over 1 hr. Endpoints were change in heart rate, blood pressure, and serum potassium and glucose levels. Other endpoints included adverse events and pulmonary function.

Results

There were no clinically important mean changes from pre‐dose in heart rate, blood pressure, or serum glucose levels, across treatment groups. Substantial declines in serum potassium levels were observed both 2 and 6 hr post‐dosing. Two subjects had declines to 2.8 mEq/L and 2.9 mEq/L 2‐hr post‐dosing. Adverse events were infrequent and differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow across treatment groups were not clinically meaningful.

Conclusion

In this study, in children with stable asthma, three consecutive doses of arformoterol (7.5 and 15 µg) and levalbuterol were overall well tolerated. Nonetheless, serum potassium levels demonstrated substantial mean declines after dosing. These findings do not address or support the safety and tolerability of arformoterol use in acute exacerbations of asthma in children. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:761–769. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Azotetrazolylfurazan and Nitrogenous Salt Derivatives
Authors: Leonard Philip W. , Chavez David E. , Pagoria Philip F. , by X‐ray studies  , Parrish Damon L.
Published: May 2011

The synthesis of (E)‐1,2‐bis(4‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1,2,5‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)diazene (AzTF) and its high nitrogen salts is described. Compounds were tested for sensitivity to impact, spark, and friction and heats of formation were determined through bomb calorimetry. The calorimetry results coupled with density measurements by gas pychnometry were used to predict explosive output using the Cheetah thermochemical code. Of the four compounds tested AzTF itself has the most promise as an explosive due to TATB‐like performance and high thermal stability, while the triaminoguanidinium salt (TAG2AzTF) may find favor as a high‐nitrogen gas generant in regard to the low overall sensitivity and very high nitrogen content of the molecule.
Mutational analysis of domain antibodies reveals aggregation hotspots within and near the complementarity determining regions
Authors: Perchiacca Joseph M. , Bhattacharya Moumita , Tessier Peter M.
Published: May 2011

High‐affinity antibodies are critical for numerous diagnostic and therapeutic applications, yet their utility is limited by their variable propensity to aggregate either at low concentrations for antibody fragments or high concentrations for full‐length antibodies. Therefore, determining the sequence and structural features that differentiate aggregation‐resistant antibodies from aggregation‐prone ones is critical to improving their activity. We have investigated the molecular origins of antibody aggregation for human VH domain antibodies that differ only in the sequence of the loops containing their complementarity determining regions (CDRs), yet such antibodies possess dramatically different aggregation propensities in a manner not correlated with their conformational stabilities. We find the propensity of these antibodies to aggregate after being transiently unfolded is not a distributed property of the CDR loops, but can be localized to aggregation hotspots within and near the first CDR (CDR1). Moreover, we have identified a triad of charged mutations within CDR1 and a single charged mutation adjacent to CDR1 that endow the poorly soluble variant with the desirable biophysical properties of the aggregation‐resistant antibody. Importantly, we find that several other charged mutations in CDR1, non‐CDR loops and the antibody scaffold are incapable of preventing aggregation. We expect that our identification of aggregation hotspots that govern antibody aggregation within and proximal to CDR loops will guide the design and selection of antibodies that not only possess high affinity and conformational stability, but also extreme resistance to aggregation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maintenance mechanisms for the early‐morning maximum summer rainfall over southeast China
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ru , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: May 2011

During the summer months, diurnal rainfall variation over southeast China is frequently characterized by a major peak in the afternoon and a minor peak in the early morning. While the afternoon rainfall maximum is generally recognized to be mainly modulated by the diurnally varying wind introduced by land–sea and mountain–valley differential heating, causes of the early‐morning rainfall are not well documented. In this study, variation in the semi‐diurnal harmonic of rainfall is found to be more important than variation in the diurnal harmonic of rainfall for determining the timing of the early‐morning rainfall peak. Diagnoses of the atmospheric thermodynamic conditions indicate that late‐night vertical differential thermal advection and semi‐diurnal variation in land–sea differential radiative heating/cooling are the major reasons for reduction in stability in the early morning and, in turn, facilitate the formation of an early‐morning maximum in rainfall. Computation of the water vapor budget suggests further that the early‐morning maximum over southeast China is mainly maintained by the semi‐diurnal harmonic of water vapor flux transported from the South China Sea. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A comparative study of open‐close and related rotamers methods to evaluate the intramolecular hydrogen bond energies in 3‐imino‐propen‐1‐ol and its derivatives
Authors: Hajiabadi H. , Nowroozi A. , Hasani M. , Mohammadzadeh Jahani P. , Raissi H.
Published: May 2011

MP2 study of OH…N intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) in 3‐imino‐propen‐1‐ol and its derivatives were performed and their IMHB energies were obtained using the related rotamers and open‐close methods. Also the topological properties of electron density distribution and charge transfer energy associated with IMHB were gained by quantum theory of atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital theory, respectively. The computational results reveal that the related rotamers method energies are well correlates with geometrical parameters, topological parameters at hydrogen bond and ring critical points, integrated properties, proton transfer barrier and charge transfer energy of OH…N unit. Surprisingly, it was found that the open‐close hydrogen bond energies cannot represent good linear correlations with these parameters. Consequently, we extrapolate a number of equations that can be used in estimation of OH…N IMHB energy in complex biological systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Epistemological beliefs of third‐grade students in an investigation‐rich classroom
Authors: Kittleson Julie M.
Published: May 2011

As part of becoming scientifically literate, students should come to appreciate epistemic aspects of science. Little research has been conducted on elementary students' epistemological beliefs specific to science education. This study offers insights into third‐grade students' epistemological beliefs while paying attention to the intersection of epistemological beliefs with instructional context. To document epistemological beliefs, students were interviewed three times during the 5‐month‐long study. To document instructional context, class sessions associated with two science units (16 class sessions for each unit) were video/audio‐taped. Students described investigation or testing as being central to science. Although they recognized investigation as a way to get information students tended not to distinguish the tests they did from ones they envisioned scientists doing. Furthermore, students suggested that particular tests are appropriate for particular purposes, a point that was reinforced by their own investigations. These findings suggest that it is important to consider what the activities in which students are engaged in the classroom communicate about the nature of scientific knowledge. To support epistemic understandings, researchers should consider how instructional contexts capitalize on elementary students' understandings of science and push them to develop increasingly sophisticated epistemological beliefs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:1026–1048, 2011
Surface characteristics of Ti‐10Ta‐10Nb alloy modified by hydrogen peroxide treatment for dental implants
Authors: Cho Suck‐Kyu , Park Il‐Song , Lee Sook‐Jeong , Kim Kyoung‐A , Park Ju‐Mi , Ahn Seung‐Geun , Song Kwang‐Yeob , Yoon Dong‐Joo , Lee Min‐Ho
Published: May 2011

The use of titanium‐based alloys as biomaterials is becoming more common because they have a reduced elastic modulus, superior biocompatibility, specific strength, good corrosion resistance, superior strain control, and fatigue resistance compared to conventional stainless steel and CoCr alloys. However, when implanted into the human body these metals are problematic because they do not directly bond with living bone. Surface treatments play an important role in nucleating calcium phosphate deposition on a surgical titanium alloy implant. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the precipitation of apatite on Ti10Ta10Nb alloy is affected by surface modification in H2O2 solution. Specimens were chemically treated with a solution containing 30 wt% H2O2 at 80 °C for 1 h, and subsequently heat treated at 400 °C for 1 h. All specimens were immersed in SBF (Simulated Body Fluid) with a pH of 7.4 at 36.5 °C for seven days, and the surfaces were examined with XRD, SEM, EDX and in vitro testing. The microstructure analysis of the Ti10Ta10Nb alloy after etching with Keller's etchant showed a Widmanstatten pattern. The micro‐Vickers hardness number was 236.44 ± 4.99, and surface roughness was increased by the surface treatment. The wettability after surface treatment was better than on the nontreated surface. Resistance to cytotoxicity was decreased by the chemical surface treatment (P < 0.05). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shareholders and stakeholders: How do directors decide?
Authors: Adams Renée B. , Licht Amir N. , Sagiv Lilach
Published: May 2011

This study examines how directors make decisions that involve shareholders and other stakeholders. Using vignettes derived from seminal court cases, we construct an index of directors' shareholderism as a general orientation on this issue. In a survey of the entire population of directors and CEOs in public corporations in one country, we find that directors' personal values and roles play an important part in their decisions. Directors and CEOs are more pro‐shareholder the more they endorse entrepreneurial values—specifically, higher achievement, power, and self‐direction values and lower universalism values. While employee representative directors exhibit a lower baseline level of shareholder orientation, they nonetheless often side with shareholders. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Involvement of NMDA receptors in ryanodine receptor expression in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of mice with intermittent methamphetamine treatment
Authors: Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Shibasaki Masahiro , Kiyokage Emi , Mizuno Koji , Toida Kazunori , Ohkuma Seitaro
Published: May 2011

Excitatory synapses on dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) represent an important role in psychostimulant‐induced rewarding effect. This study investigated the regulation of ryanodine receptor (RyR) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression in mice under intermittent methamphetamine (METH) treatment using a place preference procedure. RyR‐1 and ‐2 significantly increased in the VTA of mice with METH‐induced place preference, whereas RyR‐3 showed no changes. In addition, the levels of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunits were increased in the VTA. The METH‐induced place preference was inhibited by intracerebroventricular pretreatment with MK‐801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, and ifenprodil, a selective NR2B subunit‐containing NMDA receptor antagonist, in a dose‐dependent manner. Under these conditions, the increase of RyR‐1 and ‐2 in the VTA was significantly blocked by ifenprodil. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed the colocalization of RyR‐1 and ‐2 with NR2B subunits in dopaminergic neurons in the mouse VTA. These findings suggest that RyRs could be involved in the development of METH‐induced place preference and that NR2B subunit‐containing NMDA receptors in mice showing METH‐induced place preference play an important role in expression of RyRs. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenasal thickness‐to‐nasal bone length ratio: a strong and simple second‐ and third‐trimester marker for trisomy 21
Authors: De Jong‐Pleij E. A. P. , Vos F. I. , Ribbert L. S. M. , Pistorius L. R. , Tromp E. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

To study the ratio of prenasal thickness (PT) to nasal bone length (NBL) in normal and trisomy‐21 fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods

The PT and NBL were measured retrospectively in 106 normal fetuses (in three‐dimensional (3D) volumes) and in 30 fetuses with trisomy 21 (10 on two‐dimensional (2D) images and 20 in 3D volumes).

Results

In normal fetuses the mean PT and NBL increased between 15 and 33 weeks' gestation from 2.3 to 6.1 mm (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and from 3.3 to 9.6 mm (r = 0.87, P < 0.001), respectively. The PT : NBL ratio was stable throughout gestation, with a mean of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.59–0.63; r = − 0.04, P = 0.7). The 5th and 95th percentiles were 0.48 and 0.80, respectively. In trisomy‐21 fetuses the mean PT and NBL increased between 14 and 34 weeks from 3.0 to 9.2 mm (r = 0.86, P < 0.001) and from 1.9 to 7.8 mm (r = 0.85, P < 0.001), respectively. The PT : NBL ratio was significantly higher than in normal fetuses (P < 0.001) but also stable throughout gestation, with a mean of 1.50 (95% CI, 1.20–1.80; r = − 0.35, P = 0.07). Twenty‐three (77%) of the 30 fetuses with trisomy 21 had a PT above the 95th percentile and 20 (67%) had an NBL below the 5th percentile. All the trisomy‐21 fetuses had a PT : NBL ratio above the 95th percentile. When the 95th percentile of the PT : NBL ratio was used as a cut‐off value the detection and false positive rates for trisomy 21 were 100 (95% CI, 89–100)% and 5 (95% CI, 2–11)%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 21.2.

Conclusions

The PT : NBL ratio is stable in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in both normal and trisomy‐21 fetuses, but all trisomy‐21 fetuses in this series had a PT : NBL ratio above the 95th percentile. The ratio is therefore a strong marker for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Male Gender is a Risk Factor for Recurrent Appendicitis Following Nonoperative Treatment
Authors: Lien Wan‐Ching , Lee Wen‐Chung , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Chen Yi‐Chu , Liu Kao‐Lang , Chen Chien‐Jen
Published: May 2011

Background

This prospective study investigates recurrence rates and identifies predictive factors for recurrence following successful nonoperative treatment in adult patients with acute appendicitis.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2009, adult patients with acute appendicitis who received successful nonoperative management were enrolled. Cumulative recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Recurrence‐free curves were compared using with the log‐rank test. Cox regression models were employed to identify parameters that significantly and independently predict recurrence.

Results

During the study period, 128 patients were enrolled. The median follow‐up period was 12 months (range = 1‐90 months). Twenty (16%) patients developed recurrent appendicitis during follow‐up. Twenty‐one (16%) patients underwent interval appendectomy (IA). There was no significant difference between nonperforated (NPA) and perforated appendicitis (PA) groups with respect to recurrence rates (16% at the 9th month). Moreover, male gender was significantly associated with recurrence (HR 3.45; 95% CI, 1.15‐10.39). Analytical results remained significant after excluding IA patients.

Conclusions

Since the recurrence rate is similar between NPA and PA, nonoperative treatment can be used for PA patients. Roughly 20% of the adult patients selected for nonoperative treatment experienced recurrence. Males were more susceptible than females to recurrent appendicitis.
Tri‐iodothyronine enhances liver regeneration after living donor liver transplantation in rats
Authors: Taki‐Eldin Ahmed , Zhou Lin , Xie Hai‐Yang , Chen Kang‐jie , Zhou Wu‐hua , Zhang Wu , Xing Chun‐Yang , Yang Zhe , Zhang Kai , Zheng Shu‐Sen
Published: May 2011

Background

Tri‐iodothyronine (T3) has been shown to be a hepatic mitogen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of T3 on liver regeneration after 50% partial liver transplantation (pLT) in rats.

Methods

Immediately after pLT, a single dose of T3 (4 mg/kg body weight) was administered. Liver/body weight ratio (LBWR), hepatocyte proliferation (Ki‐67), biochemical parameters, and changes in cell cycle related proteins were evaluated.

Results

T3 promoted liver regeneration as shown by an increased liver/body weight ratio and Ki‐67 proliferation index after pLT. On the transcriptional level, T3‐treated rats had an increased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin A as demonstrated by real time RT‐PCR and Western blot.

Conclusions

Exogenous administration of T3 significantly improved liver regeneration after pLT, and therefore it may represent a promising strategy to improve the clinical outcome after living donor liver transplantation in the future.
Spatial and temporal density dependence regulates the condition of central Baltic Sea clupeids: compelling evidence using an extensive international acoustic survey
Authors: Casini Michele , Kornilovs Georgs , Cardinale Massimiliano , Möllmann Christian , Grygiel Wlodzimierz , Jonsson Patrik , Raid Tiit , Flinkman Juha , Feldman Valeriy
Published: May 2011

For the first time an international acoustic survey dataset covering three decades was used to investigate the factors shaping the spatial and temporal patterns in the condition of sprat and herring in the Baltic Proper. Generalized additive models showed that the spatial and temporal fluctuations in sprat density have been the main drivers of the spatio‐temporal changes of both sprat and herring condition, evidencing intra‐ and inter‐specific density dependence mediated by the size and distribution of the sprat population. Salinity was also an important predictor of herring condition, whereas temperature explained only a minor part of sprat model deviance. Herring density was an additional albeit weak significant predictor for herring condition, evidencing also intra‐specific density dependence within the herring population. For both species, condition was high and similar in all areas of the Baltic Proper until the early 1990s, coincident with low sprat densities. Afterwards, a drop in condition occurred and a clear south–north pattern emerged. The drop in condition after the early 1990s was stronger in the northern areas, where sprat population increased the most. We suggest that the increase in sprat density in the northern areas, and the consequent spatial differentiation in clupeid condition, have been triggered by the almost total disappearance of the predator cod from the northern Baltic Proper. This study provides a step forward in understanding clupeid condition in the Baltic Sea, presenting evidence that density‐dependent mechanisms also operate at the spatial scale within stock units. This stresses the importance of spatio‐temporal considerations in the management of exploited fish.
Venereal Disease Prevention, Moral Welfare and Civilized Image: The Shanghai Moral Welfare Committee and the Anti-Prostitution Campaign in the Shanghai International Settlement, 191824
Authors: Hu Cheng
Published: May 2011

This paper focuses on the Shanghai Moral Welfare Committee (renamed the Shanghai Moral Welfare League in 1920), which was founded on May 16, 1918, following a decision made by seventeen foreign religious and secular charities of the Shanghai International Settlement. In 1919–24, the Municipal Council of the Shanghai International Settlement declared a five-year timeframe for gradually shutting down all the brothels under its administration. The few previous studies of this topic by European and American scholars mainly concentrated on the aspect of venereal disease prevention and the prohibition of prostitution, as well as the construction of gender, but they paid little attention to the Moral Welfare Committee as a primary advocate of this reform. As such, this event has been misrepresented as yet another story about the modernization and spiritual salvation of Chinese society by Western municipal authorities and moral reformers. However, the Committee, created by foreign moral reformers in Shanghai, was primarily focused on white males with venereal diseases and white prostitutes, in order to reestablish an image of the Western Christian countries as civilized in Chinese eyes. Underlying this effort was a strong sense—among foreign communities in China at that time—of superiority over Chinese society in both civilization and morality. However, this arrogance was rife with insecurities; foreign reformers lacked necessary confidence in their civilized image and in their capacity to set themselves up as a model for the moral discipline and salvation of the Chinese people.
Fast and Minimally Invasive Determination of the Unsaturation Index of White Fat Depots by Micro‐Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Giarola M. , Rossi B. , Mosconi E. , Fontanella M. , Marzola P. , Scambi I. , Sbarbati A. , Mariotto G.
Published: May 2011

In the last 20 years increasing interest has been devoted to the investigation of white adipose tissue (WAT) because hypo‐ or hyperfunction of WAT is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and other pathologies. The investigation and discrimination of different characteristics in adipose tissues by means of spectroscopic techniques appears as a topic of current interest, also in view of possible medical–technological applications. The aim of this work was to establish micro‐Raman spectroscopy as a tool for the characterization of mammals fat tissue. After preliminary tests aimed at defining a suitable sample preparation protocol, Raman spectra of WAT specimens excised from mice of different ages were recorded in the energy range 750–3,350 cm−1. Quantitative values of the unsaturation index were obtained through the calibration with HR‐NMR spectra of lipid extracts. Raman spectroscopy detected a sharp increase in the unsaturation index between 22 and 30 days of age in close correspondence with the weaning of mice (21 days). The present results show that Raman spectroscopy is an inexpensive, fast and robust technique to analyze the unsaturation index of mammals fat tissues that could be routinely used in bioptic samples.
Investigation of γ‐Linolenic Acid and Stearidonic Acid Biosynthesis During a Life Cycle of Borago officinalis L.
Authors: Stähler Kathrin , Quek Siew‐Young , Miller Matthew R.
Published: May 2011

This study investigated the levels of γ‐linolenic (GLA, 18:3n‐6) and stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n‐3) in various parts of the borage plant (Borago officinalis L.) to elucidate Δ6‐desaturase activity. Lipid class and fatty acid (FA) composition during germination of the seeds and FA composition of various borage parts were determined as well as FA compositions of neutral lipids (NL), polar lipids (PL), glycolipids (GL) and monogalactosyl diacylglycerols (MGDG) of borage leaves. When seeds were germinated for 12 days in the dark then exposed to light for 8 h, an overall decrease in oil content was seen with a significant increase in PL from 0.2 to 39.1%. An increase in SDA (from 0.2 to 0.6 g/100 g oil) indicated minor FA synthesis during germination and therefore, Δ6‐desaturase activity with the most marked increase after light exposure. The FA compositions of developing and mature seeds were similar, suggesting oil/FA synthesis takes place at the initial stage of seed development. Among all the borage parts, the leaves had the highest amounts of α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) (36.2%), indicating Δ15‐desaturase activity, and SDA (25.2%), indicating Δ6‐desaturase activity. In leaves, the GL and especially, MGDG fractions had the highest amounts of SDA (31.8 and 39.8%, respectively), indicating that Δ6‐desaturase is most active in chloroplasts. Leaves and developing seeds appear to be the major sources of Δ6‐desaturase in borage, associated with different organelles in the different tissues.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Esterification of ω‐Sulfhydryl Fatty Acids: Avoidance of Thioethers, Thioesters, and Disulfides
Authors: Compton David L. , Jackson Michael A.
Published: May 2011

Two mesoporous silicas functionalized with propylsulfonic (SBA‐15‐PSA) and arenesulfonic (SBA‐15‐ASA) acid groups, and a highly acidic, functionalized styrene divinylbenzene copolymer ion exchange resin (Amberlyst‐15) were examined for their ability to catalyze the ethanolic esterification of the ω‐sulfhydryl fatty acid, 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), without catalyzing unwanted side reactions at the sulfhydryl group. All three solid acid catalysts catalyzed the MUA esterification in excess ethanol. The activation energy for the catalytic esterifications were determined from 50 to 75 °C, resulting in apparent Ea of 54, 71, and 59 kJ/mol for SBA‐15‐PSA, SBA‐15‐ASA, and Amberlyst‐15, respectively. GC–MS analysis determined that all three catalysts produced near quantitative conversion of MUA to its ethyl ester with very little reactivity towards the sulfhydryl group. This was a marked improvement over the esterifications catalyzed by sulfuric and p‐toluenesulfonic acids which produced thioethers and disulfide side products. The MUA ethyl ester synthesis was demonstrated on a gram scale at 70 °C catalyzed by Amberlyst‐15, and the desired product was isolated in 80% yield at >95% purity with a minimum of purification.
Cryopreservation of female germ cells and ovarian tissues for fertility preservation
Authors: Hashimoto Shu , Suzuki Nao , Ishizuka Bunpei , Morimoto Yoshiharu
Published: May 2011

To preserve the fertility of patients who undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, procedures for cryopreservation of female germ cells have been investigated. Cyropreservation methods differ according to follicle stage because the mammalian ovary contains a large number of oocytes at different growth stages. Follicles at very early stages, for example the primordial and primary stages, are usually cryopreserved within ovarian cortical tissue because they need surrounding somatic cells for subsequent development. In contrast, fully‐grown oocytes in Graafian follicles are cryopreserved without any other cells at the metaphase II stage. Recently, ultra‐rapid cooling was incorporated into cryopreservation procedures for human ovaries. In this review, we describe oocyte freezing, the development of ultra‐rapid cooling systems for ovarian tissues, freezing of human ovaries, and ovarian transplantation.
Selachian Fishes from Bhuban Formation, Surma Group, Aizawl, Mizoram
Authors: Ralte Victor Zochhuana , Tiwari R. P. , Lalchawimawii  , Malsawma J.
Published: May 2011

An interesting selachian fish assemblage having stratigraphic and palaeoecological significance is being described from the two intraformational calcareous conglomeratic horizons within the Upper Bhuban unit of Bhuban Formation, Surma Group (Lower to Middle Miocene). The assemblage consists of eighteen species of selachian fishes including two new ones (Carcharhinus bhubanicus and Hemipristis unidenticulata) belonging to thirteen genera and another thirteen forms have been identified up to generic level. It is dominated by the families Carcharhinidae and Lamnidae, and is one of the most diversified Miocene assemblages from the Indian subcontinent. The fish fauna and the associated mega-invertebrates suggest Lower Miocene (Aquitanian – Burdigalian) age for the Upper Bhuban unit of Bhuban Formation. These further suggest that the fish yielding horizons were deposited under a warm shallow marine set-up near to the shoreline in a high-energy environment.
Petrology of the Mafic Sill of Narshingpur-Lakhnadon Section, Eastern Deccan Volcanic Province
Authors: Sengupta Piyali , Ray Jyotisankar
Published: May 2011

Deccan volcanism with a tremendous burst of volcanic activity marks a unique episode in Indian geological history and covers nearly two third of Peninsular India. Occurrences of mafic sill in the continental basalts are rather rare throughout the flood basalt provinces and only few sporadic reports have been described from different Continental Flood Basalts of the world. In the present article, petrology of mafic sill from the Narshingpur-Lakhnadon section of Eastern Deccan province of India has been presented. The mafic sill in the field is found to occur in a relatively deep valley amidst Gondwana rocks, which occur as the basement of the extrusion. The sill is spatially associated with three initial flows viz. flow I, II and III of adjacent Narshingpur-Harrai-Amarwara section. The sill in its central part is a medium grained rock and petrographically corresponds to dolerite containing augite, plagioclase and rare olivine grains; the chilled facies of the sill is characterized by phenocrysts of olivine, plagioclase and augite that are set in groundmass consisting predominantly of plagioclase, olivine and glass. Mineral chemistry indicates that olivine phenocrystal phase is magnesian (Fo61). Plagioclase phenocrystal composition ranges from An51 to An71 whereas the same variation of the groundmass plagioclase composition corresponds to An31 to An62 The overlap in the compositions for groundmass and phenocrystal plagioclase may be explained due to fluctuating PH2O condition. The pyroxene compositions (both groundmass and phenocryst) in majority of the cases are clubbed well within the augite field, however, in a few cases, groundmass compositions are found to fall in the sub-calcic augite and pigeonite field. Some zoned pyroxene phenocrysts, characteristically display different types of zoning patterns. Opaque minerals in the mafic sill are found to be magnetite and ilmenite and this coexisting iron-oxide composition helps to constrain the prevalent fO2 condition in the parent magma. The geochemistry of the mafic sill and associated basaltic lava flows indicates close genetic link amongst them. Critical consideration of trace elements indicates a distinct enriched mantle source (EM-I/EM-II/HIMU) for the parental magma. Trace element modeling indicates that equilibrium batch- melting of plume source followed by fractionation of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase and subsequent heterogeneous mixing of melt and settled crystals can very well explain the genesis of the mafic sill and the associated basaltic flows.
Analysis of Groundwater Levels for Detection of Trend in Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Thakur G. S. , Thomas T.
Published: May 2011

Groundwater being an important component of the hydrological cycle as it sustains the streamflow during precipitation free periods and is a major source of water supply. The dependence on the groundwater has increased drastically over the years leading to over exploitation of the aquifers. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the extent of exploitation and analyse the groundwater level scenarios in the area of interest. The existence of a trend in a hydrological time series can be detected by statistical tests. The present study investigates the application of various methods for identification of trends in groundwater levels in few blocks of Sagar district, which faces severe water scarcity owing to the declining groundwater levels. The non-parametric Kendal rank correlation test as well as the parametric linear regression test has been used for trend detection based on the analysis of the seasonal groundwater levels. Kendal’s rank correlation test, has been applied to identify the trend persisting in the data and the linear regression test is used to identify the significance of the slope. The analysis indicates that the time series of groundwater levels are cyclical with characteristics of seasonal variation in all the blocks coupled with a declining trend at Sagar, Khurai and Bina.
Platinum Group Element (PGE) Geochemistry to understand the Chemical Evolution of the Earth’s Mantle
Authors: Mondal Sisir K.
Published: May 2011

Platinum group elements (PGE: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd) are important geochemical and cosmochemical tracers. Depending on physical and chemical behaviour the PGEs are divided into two subgroups: IPGE (Ir, Os, Ru) and PPGE (Pd, Pt, Rh). Platinum group elements show strong siderophile and chalcophile affinity. Base metal sulfides control the PGE budget of the Earth’s mantle. Mantle xenoliths contain two types of sulfide populations: (1) enclosed within silicate minerals, and (2) interstitial to the silicate minerals. In terms of PGE characters the included variety shows IPGE enriched patterns – similar to the melt-depleted mantle harzburgite, whereas the interstitial variety shows PPGE enriched patterns – resembling the fractionated PGE patterns of the basalt. These PGE characters of the mantle sulfides have been interpreted to be representative of multi-stages melting process of the mantle that helped to shape the chemical evolution of the Earth.
Application of GPS in Identifying Active Fault Plane in Western Maharashtra Peninsular Shield of India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Nisha
Published: May 2011

A broad overview of how GPS can be used to identify the active fault plane along which earthquakes occur in the seismic prone Western Maharashtra Peninsular shield of India is given. Indian institute of Technology, Bombay in collaboration with Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai was actively working in the field of crustal deformation monitoring along Western Maharashtra from year 2004 - 2006. A regional GPS network had been established for this purpose, periodically observed between May 2004 to May 2006, and analysed. To understand the pattern of seismicity along Western Maharashtra region, the GPS-estimated coordinates and displacements were used as an indicator to estimate and identify regions of high strain rates, the reliability of which was confirmed with real seismic data collected. These strain rates were used as a means to identify the fault plane along which the earthquakes occurred during the period of observation.
Experiment on Imaging and Visualising for Assessing Late-Tertiary Microstructural Evidences of Depositional Changes in Gajalia Fold, South Tripura
Authors: Dey Sudip , Paul Sushmita , Debbarma Chandrani , Sarkar Prasamita
Published: May 2011

The present work concentrates on microstructure imaging for visualising the changes of depositional environment during Tertiary period. For that purpose Tipam layers of Gajalia fold area in southern Tripura was selected which was deposited during late Tertiary period under marine-coastal environment. Thin sections of eleven selected samples of the study area were prepared in the laboratory for microstructure analysis. For visualising the crystalline particles or quartz brightness and contrast of the image was increased up to maximum level. Surface conditions of the samples were analysed within RGB combination. The grain size and shapes of the eleven samples tested prove that the depositional environment remained very dynamic through Tertiary period in the study area. The microstructure and surface conditions also strongly support this view.
Petrography and Stable Isotope Geochemistry of the Cretaceous El Abra Limestones (Actopan), Mexico: Implication on Diagenesis
Authors: Armstrong-Altrin John S. , Madhavaraju J. , Sial Alcides N. , Kasper-Zubillaga Juan J. , Nagarajan R. , Flores-Castro K. , Rodriguez Janet Luna
Published: May 2011

Petrography and stable isotopes (carbon and oxygen) geochemistry of limestones from the El Abra Formation, Actopan, were studied to identify their digenetic environments. The major petrographic types identified are mudstone, wackestone, grainstone, and boundstone. Most of the studied samples show positive δ13C values, except two samples (2 and 28), which are slightly negative values (-0.27‰ and -0.02‰). The organic remains identified in foraminiferal wackestone type can be responsible for the negative δ13C values. The δ18O values range from -12.41‰ to -4.02‰ and indicate meteoric diagenesis.
A MATLABTM Code to Perform Weighted Linear Regression with (correlated or uncorrelated) Errors in Bivariate Data
Authors: Thirumalai Kaustubh , Singh Arvind , Ramesh R.
Published: May 2011

MATLABTM is a powerful, easy to use, software package suitable for many mathematical operations, which finds plenty of scientific applications. One such application is the fitting of trend lines for a given data set so as to interpret the relationship of the variance of the parameters involved. We provide here a code in MATLABTM that performs the weighted linear regression with (correlated or uncorrelated) errors in bivariate data which can handle 'force-fit' regression as well.
Mitigating the linkability problem in anonymous reputation management
Authors: Hussain M. , Skillicorn D. B.
Published: May 2011

Trust plays a key-role in enhancing user experience at service providers. Reputation management systems are used to quantify trust, based on some reputation metrics. Anonymity is an important requirement in these systems, since most individuals expect that they will not be profiled by participating in the feedback process. Anonymous Reputation management (ARM) systems allow individuals to submit their feedback anonymously. However, this solves part of the problem. Anonymous ratings by one individual can be linked to each other. This enables the system to easily build a profile of that individual. Data mining techniques can use the profile to re-identify that individual. We call this the linkability problem. This paper presents an anonymous reputation management system that avoids the linkability problem. This is achieved by constructing a system that empowers individuals to interact and rate service providers, securely and anonymously.
Dietary folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intake and the risk of breast cancer by oestrogen and progesterone receptor status
Authors: Zhang Cai-Xia , Ho Suzanne C. , Chen Yu-Ming , Lin Fang-Yu , Fu Jian-Hua , Cheng Shou-Zhen
Published: May 2011

Few studies have evaluated the relationship between the consumption of dietary folate and one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients and breast cancer risk defined by oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status. The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between dietary folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and methionine intake and the risk of breast cancer by ER and PR status among Chinese women in Guangdong. A hospital-based case–control study was conducted from June 2007 to August 2008, with 438 cases and 438 age (5-year interval)- and residence (rural/urban)-matched controls. Dietary intake information was assessed using a validated FFQ administered through a face-to-face interview. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to calculate multivariate-adjusted OR and 95 % CI. A significant inverse association was found between dietary folate and vitamin B6 intake and breast cancer risk. The adjusted OR of the highest v. the lowest quartile were 0·32 (95 % CI 0·21, 0·49; Ptrend < 0·001) for dietary folate and 0·46 (95 % CI 0·30, 0·69; Ptrend < 0·001) for vitamin B6. No associations were observed for vitamin B12 and methionine intake. A significant inverse association between dietary folate intake and breast cancer risk was observed in all subtypes of ER and PR status. These findings suggest that dietary folate and vitamin B6 intakes were inversely associated with breast cancer risk. The inverse association did not differ by ER and/or PR status.
THE MULTIPLE-PLAYER ANTE ONE GAME
Authors: Ross Sheldon M.
Published: May 2011

Consider a group of players playing a sequence of games. There are k players, having arbitrary initial fortunes. Each game consists of each remaining player putting 1 in a pot, which is then won (with equal probability) by one of them. Players whose fortunes drop to 0 are eliminated. Let T(i) be the number of games played by i, and let T=max iT(i). For the case k=3, martingale stopping theory can be used to derive E[T] and E[T(i)]. When k>3, we obtain upper bounds on E[T] and, in the case in which all players have the same initial fortune, on E[T(i)]. Efficient simulation methods for estimating E[T] and E[T(i)] are discussed.
REVISITING MULTIVARIATE LIKELIHOOD RATIO ORDERING RESULTS FOR ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Belzunce Félix , Gurler Selma , Ruiz José M.
Published: May 2011

In this article, we establish some results concerning the likelihood ratio order of random vectors of order statistics in the case of independent but not necessarily identically distributed observations and for the case of possible dependent observations. Applications of these results to provide comparisons of conditional order statistics are also given.
Flying high above the social radar: Coronal stop deletion in modern Appalachia
Authors: Hazen Kirk
Published: May 2011

In this paper I examine how a classic feature of variationist research, coronal stop deletion (CSD), operates at the end of the 20th century in one of the most renowned vernacular dialects in the United States, English in Appalachia. Through examination of CSD in a corpus of Appalachian speech, this paper also focuses on the methodological choices available. Several methodological questions are reviewed, such as the choices concerning voicing of the codas (wind vs. went vs. west). The corpus comprises interviews with 67 Appalachian speakers, yielding 17,694 tokens of potential CSD. These were analyzed using quantitative variationist methodology to reveal that morphological categories are less influential than even the preceding phonological environment. This finding is in stark contrast with some other vernacular varieties and suggests that apparent morphological influences are actually phonological influences that present themselves as morphological trends. Overall, the following phonological environment is overwhelmingly the most influential linguistic factor on the rate of CSD. These Appalachian speakers maintain relatively high rates, in effect constraining the social distinctions within Appalachia that could possibly be made using CSD, but marking them as vernacular speakers for those outside Appalachia.
Courseware integration into task-based learning: a case study of multimedia courseware-supported oral presentations for non-English major students
Authors: Tsai Shu-Chiao
Published: May 2011

This study reports on the integration of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) multimedia courseware for oral presentations into a self-learning and elective program for non-English major students in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting. A computer-aided instruction approach, combined with a task-based learning approach, was adopted. Computers played a central role as the means of information delivery. The courseware acted as a silent partner and played the role of a tutor and adjunct teacher to provide students with authentic materials for learning to give English oral presentations in international business and technical settings. It offered a variety of learning activities with instant on-line self-evaluation for students to practice integrative language skills and learn content knowledge. Evaluation of student performance was based upon data from pre- and post-tasks, student questionnaires about concerns, and an open-ended questionnaire. After active participation and self-learning, most of the non-English major students clearly indicated they had made some improvement or progress and felt their learning effectiveness for preparing speech texts was significantly improved. In addition, they had become more concerned about their English ability and the ESP courseware was able to meet their need for greater linguistic support to enhance their language ability.
A review of multimedia glosses and their effects on L2 vocabulary acquisition in CALL literature
Authors: Mohsen Mohammed Ali , Balakumar M.
Published: May 2011

This article reviews the literature of multimedia glosses in computer assisted language learning (CALL) and their effects on L2 vocabulary acquisition during the past seventeen years. Several studies have touched on this area to examine the potential of multimedia in a CALL environment in aiding L2 vocabulary acquisition. In this review, the researchers investigate the studies that deal with different modes of multimedia annotations in a CALL environment. This article reviews the empirical studies of multimedia glosses in reading as well as in listening comprehension activities and discusses the factors under which these studies have been conducted and their impact on L2 vocabulary acquisition. The study aims to understand how multimedia glosses have been used in the past to support second language vocabulary acquisition and also to explore any evidence regarding how multimedia glosses in a CALL environment can enhance the acquisition of L2 vocabulary. Only empirical studies (18 studies published in international refereed journals and conference) have been reviewed exclusively. The article discusses the findings of the reviewed studies and recommends future research.