bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pursuing Health Equity: Zoning Codes and Public Health
Authors: Ransom Montrece McNeill , Greiner Amelia , Kochtitzky Chris , Major Kristin S.
Published: February 2011

Health equity can be defined as the absence of disadvantage to individuals and communities in health outcomes, access to health care, and quality of health care regardless of one’s race, gender, nationality, age, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. Health equity concerns those disparities in public health that can be traced to unequal, systemic economic, and social conditions. Despite significant improvements in the health of the overall population, health inequities in America persist. Racial and ethnic minorities continue to experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality than non-minorities across a range of health issues. For example, African-American children with asthma have a seven times greater mortality rate than Non-Hispanic white children with the illness. While cancer is the second leading cause of death among all populations in the U.S., ethnic minorities are especially burdened with the disease.
Ancient Liberties? Rewriting the Historical Novel: Thomas Leland, Horace Walpole and Clara Reeve
Authors: PRICE FIONA
Published: February 2011

Taking Walter Scott's novels as paradigmatic, Georg Lukács defines the historical novel as a genre that figures history as abrupt change or progress, a theory which, this essay argues, fails to allow for the alternative political fictions available in eighteenth‐century Britain. When the impact of the Glorious Revolution on the fictions of Leland, Walpole and Reeve is acknowledged, it becomes evident that the notion of inherited liberties was as important to Whig thinkers as the narrative of historical progress. This realisation allows fuller understanding of how these ‘gothic’ works function as historical novels.
Portraits of Scottish Professional Men in London, c.1760‐1830: Careers, Connections and Reputations
Authors: NENADIC STANA
Published: February 2011

The changing identity of professional men in such areas of life as public conduct, appearance and demeanour, patronage connections and client relationships was a subject of debate articulated in various forms, including portraiture, in the eighteenth century. Focusing on London, the primary British site for portrait production, this essay looks at three professional men of Scottish background – the poet and university professor James Beattie, the architect James Mylne and the physician Matthew Baillie – whose careers and reputations were forged through their portraits, although the process of becoming the subject of a portrait was sometimes fraught with problems and unintended consequences.
Ownership Concentration, State Ownership, and Effective Tax Rates: Evidence from China’s Listed Firms*
Authors: Zeng Tao
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the effect of ownership concentration and state ownership on the tax reporting practices of China’s publicly listed firms. I argue that ownership concentration and state ownership are important for tax reporting practices in China because listed firms have high ownership concentrations and high levels of state ownership. Using a sample of 758 listed Chinese firms over the 1998–2008 time period, I find that firms with concentrated share ownership have lower effective tax rates. I also find that firms whose largest shareholders are government‐related have higher effective tax rates compared to firms whose largest shareholders are nongovernment related. In other words, the nature of the largest shareholder (government vs. nongovernment) matters. I also show that ownership‐concentrated firms are able to achieve preferential statutory tax rates compared to firms with low ownership concentration regardless of the identity of the largest shareholder.
Canada Generators Limited*
Authors: Irvine Wayne , Jones Stuart H. , Wright Michael
Published: February 2011

This case depicts an armchair situation involving a newly formed small private Canadian company that has recently begun operations in Western Canada. Of concern to the owners is their understanding that Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are about to be replaced by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) at the end of 2010, and so the statements in their present form will have to be conformed to the new standards if the company decides to go public with a share offering, which is an option it is considering. Other issues facing the company concern the appropriate accounting and reporting requirements that will be required in order to allow the company to secure additional financing and engage in some necessary research and development. This case is suitable for students who have progressed beyond the introductory financial accounting level; it involves adjustments to inventory and capital asset accounts as well as income effects including taxation, and it draws out some of the more important nontransitional differences between GAAP and IFRS.
Turkish Preservice Primary School Teachers' Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Science: The Effect of a Primary Teacher Education Program
Authors: Bayraktar Sule
Published: February 2011

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a primary teacher education program in improving science teaching efficacy beliefs (personal science teaching efficacy beliefs and outcome expectancy beliefs) of preservice primary school teachers. The study also investigated whether the program has an effect on student teachers' attitudes toward science. Data were collected by administering the “Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument” and “Attitudes toward Science Scale” to 282 preservice primary teachers (147 freshmen, 135 seniors). Statistical techniques such as means and t‐test were used to analyze the data. Results of the study showed that the primary teacher education program has a medium positive effect on science teaching efficacy beliefs of the primary preservice teachers (t = 4.791, p = .000) and that there were no gender differences in terms of efficacy beliefs. Results also indicated that preservice primary teachers' attitudes toward science were moderately positive and differ by class level. Fourth‐year preservice teachers' attitudes toward science were found to be significantly more positive than the first years (t = 5.494, p = .000). There were no gender differences in attitudes toward science.
More Is Less: Signal Processing and the Data Deluge
Authors: Baraniuk Richard G.
Published: February 2011

The data deluge is changing the operating environment of many sensing systems from data-poor to data-rich––so data-rich that we are in jeopardy of being overwhelmed. Managing and exploiting the data deluge require a reinvention of sensor system design and signal processing theory. The potential pay-offs are huge, as the resulting sensor systems will enable radically new information technologies and powerful new tools for scientific discovery.
Negative Linear Compressibility and Massive Anisotropic Thermal Expansion in Methanol Monohydrate
Authors: Fortes A. Dominic , Suard Emmanuelle , Knight Kevin S.
Published: February 2011

At low temperatures, a simple molecular crystal can shrink along one axis when heated and expand along it when compressed.
Learning from Nature
Authors: Kephart Jeffrey O.
Published: February 2011

The developmental biology of a fly's bristles leads to a better computer network algorithm.
Measuring the Results of Science Investments
Authors: Lane Julia , Bertuzzi Stefano
Published: February 2011

Science agencies and research institutions are building the infrastructure to evaluate results of federal funding of scientific research.
My Genome, My Identity, My Health
Authors: Royal Charmaine D. M.
Published: February 2011

While the human genome sequence is a reservoir for ground-breaking science and personal reflection, humans are much more than a genome.
Genome Literacy
Authors: Dermitzakis Emmanouil T.
Published: February 2011

The transition from knowing small patches of the genome to having whole human genomes available to explore has been a unique experience.
Pfizer's Shakeup Means Less Money for Research
Authors: Kean Sam
Published: February 2011

The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced it will lay off thousands of workers and cut its research and development budget by between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in 2012.
A Celebration of the Genome, Part II
Authors: Jasny Barbara R. , Zahn Laura M.
Published: February 2011

This week's commentaries explore the impacts of sequence information on our understanding of ourselves, as well as looking at future directions for research and medicine.
Simultaneous Detection of Rift Valley Fever, Bluetongue, Rinderpest, and Peste des Petits Ruminants Viruses by a Single-Tube Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase-PCR Assay Using a Dual-Priming Oligonucleotide System
Authors: Yeh Jung-Yong , Lee Ji-Hye , Seo Hyun-Ji , Park Jee-Yong , Moon Jin-San , Cho In-Soo , Choi In-Soo , Park Seung-Yong , Song Chang-Seon , Lee Joong-Bok
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and specific one-step multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR assay for the simultaneous and differential detection of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV), bluetongue virus (BTV), rinderpest virus (RPV), and Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). These viruses cause mucosal lesions in cattle, sheep, and goats, and they are difficult to differentiate from one another based solely on their clinical presentation in suspected disease cases. In this study, we developed a multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR to detect these viruses using a novel dual-priming oligonucleotide (DPO). The DPO contains two separate priming regions joined by a polydeoxyinosine linker, which blocks extension of nonspecifically primed templates and consistently allows high PCR specificity even under less-than-optimal PCR conditions. A total of 19 DPO primers were designed to detect and discriminate between RVFV, BTV, RPV, and PPRV by the generation of 205-, 440-, 115-, and 243-bp cDNA products, respectively. The multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR described here enables the early diagnosis of these four viruses and may also be useful as part of a testing regime for cattle, sheep, or goats exhibiting similar clinical signs, including mucosal lesions.
First Report of Performance of the Versant CT/GC DNA 1.0 Assay (kPCR) for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Kerndt P. R. , Ferrero D. V. , Aynalem G. , Monga D. , Wang S. , Zhang N. , Wong C. , Liggins M. , Meng Q.
Published: February 2011

We evaluated the analytical, work flow, and clinical performance of the Versant CT/GC DNA 1.0 assay (Versant CT/GC assay, where “CT” represents
Chlamydia trachomatis
and “GC” represents
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
). The assay simultaneously detects
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in swab and first-catch urine (FCU) specimens. The limit of detection (LoD) was determined to be 342 copies/ml for
C. trachomatis
and 137 copies/ml for GC. The Versant CT/GC assay detected 15
C. trachomatis
serovars and 46 GC strains. The Versant CT/GC assay demonstrated no cross-reactivity with 136 potentially cross-reacting organisms. Clinical concordance of the Versant CT/GC assay to the Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay from Gen-Probe was demonstrated using 1,129 patient specimens, including 589 urine and 540 swab specimens. Discrepant specimens were subjected to DNA sequencing to identify the presence of amplified targets and to identify false-positive and false-negative results. Overall percent agreement was greater than 98%. Positive and negative percent agreements for detection of
C. trachomatis
were 94.4% and 99.1%, respectively, in urine specimens and 95.8% and 99.8%, respectively, in swab specimens. Positive percent agreement for the detection of
N. gonorrhoeae
was 100% in both urine and swab specimens, and negative percent agreements were 99.6% and 99% in urine and swab specimens, respectively. In conclusion, the performance of the Versant CT/GC assay was comparable to that of the AC2 assay. The Versant CT/GC assay can be recommended for the detection of
C. trachomatis
and
N. gonorrhoeae
in swab and urine specimens of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Misidentified as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by the BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay
Authors: Stamper Paul D. , Louie Lisa , Wong Henry , Simor Andrew E. , Farley Jason E. , Carroll Karen C.
Published: February 2011

Twenty-three nasal swab samples that tested positive for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) on initial testing by the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay (BD-MRSA PCR; BD GeneOhm, San Diego, CA) were culture positive only for methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) from an enrichment broth. The 23 recovered isolates were confirmed as MSSA by a variety of phenotypic methods, including the BD Phoenix automated microbiology system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD), oxacillin screening agar (BD Diagnostics), BBL CHROMagar MRSA (BD Diagnostics), and a PBP2′ assay (Denka Seiken Co., Tokyo, Japan); susceptibilities were determined by using Mueller-Hinton agar with oxacillin. All were positive by
nuc
PCR, specific for
S. aureus
, but negative for
mecA
with one exception. Isolates were characterized by using multiplex PCR methodology to determine structural types and variants (SCC
mec
typing); additional PCRs were performed for the detection of the
ccr
and
mec
complexes, the junkyard regions as well as the Panton-Valentine leukocidin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to determine clonality. One phenotypic MSSA isolate contained an intact SCC
mec
. Twelve MSSA isolates tested positive for MRSA by the BD-MRSA PCR because of amplification of the
mec
priming site flanking the SCC insertion point, although these isolates lacked
mecA
. The 10 remaining isolates were not MRSA and tested as MSSA by phenotypic and genotypic assays. In our patient population, diagnostic and surveillance testing and subsequent infection control practices may be impacted by the frequency of these excision events when using the BD-MRSA PCR for MRSA detection.
A Rab11- and Microtubule-Dependent Mechanism for Cytoplasmic Transport of Influenza A Virus Viral RNA
Authors: Amorim Maria Joao , Bruce Emily A. , Read Eliot K. C. , Foeglein Ágnes , Mahen Robert , Stuart Amanda D. , Digard Paul
Published: February 2011

The viral RNA (vRNA) genome of influenza A virus is replicated in the nucleus, exported to the cytoplasm as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), and trafficked to the plasma membrane through uncertain means. Using fluorescent
in situ
hybridization to detect vRNA as well as the live cell imaging of fluorescently labeled RNPs, we show that an early event in vRNA cytoplasmic trafficking involves accumulation near the microtubule organizing center in multiple cell types and viral strains. Here, RNPs colocalized with Rab11, a pericentriolar recycling endosome marker. Cytoplasmic RNP localization was perturbed by inhibitors of vesicular trafficking, microtubules, or the short interfering RNA-mediated depletion of Rab11. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged RNPs in living cells demonstrated rapid, bidirectional, and saltatory movement, which is characteristic of microtubule-based transport, and also cotrafficked with fluorescent Rab11. Coprecipitation experiments showed an interaction between RNPs and the GTP-bound form of Rab11, potentially mediated via the PB2 subunit of the polymerase. We propose that influenza virus RNPs are routed from the nucleus to the pericentriolar recycling endosome (RE), where they access a Rab11-dependent vesicular transport pathway to the cell periphery.
13C and 15N NMR spectra of 6-substituted bicyclo[3,3,1]7-nonanone nitronates
Authors: Macháček Vladimír , Lyčka Antonín
Published: February 2011

13C and 15N NMR spectra (at the natural abundance level of 15N) have been measured and interpreted for bicyclic reaction products from 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene and cyclohexanone (I), cycloheptanone (II), cyclooctanone (III), acetone (IV), 2,4-pentanedione (V), 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione (VI), 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (VII), and methyl acetoacetate (VIII). The compounds I-IV and VI exist in keto form, the compounds V, VII, and VIII are mixtures of keto and enol forms. Slow keto-enol equilibria in hexadeuteriodimethyl sulphoxide solutions of VII and VIII have been followed by 13C NMR spectra.
13C NMR and IR study of substitution effects and mass spectra of biphenyl analogues of α-cyanochalcones
Authors: Marchalín Štefan , Trška Petr , Kuthan Josef
Published: February 2011

Thirteen biphenyl analogues of α-cyanochalcones IIa-IIm were prepared by condensation of p-phenylbenzoylacetonitrile (I) with p-substituted benzaldehydes. Their 13C NMR chemical shifts were measured and correlated with the Hammett parameters (σ, σ+) and the Swain-Lupton reactivity parameters. A consistent picture of the transmission of the substituent (electronic) effects through the carbon skeleton of the studied compounds was obtained. The relationship between the structure of synthetized α-cyanochalcones and their mass spectra is discussed.
Effect of reabsorption on the fluorescence spectra of chlorophyll-a
Authors: Urbanová Marie , Nauš Jan , Hála Jan , Parma Ludvík
Published: February 2011

Simple formula for the reabsorption correction was tested on the fluorescence spectra of thin polystyrenefoils with built-in chlorophyll-a. The spectra were studied at various pigment concentrations, wavelengths and angles of incidence of the exciting radiation. It is shown that neglecting the reabsorption effect in dependence of the experimental arrangement can lead to a strong distortion of the fluorescence spectrum. The derived formula yields a good qualitative picture of the fluorescence spectra.
Selectivity of hydrogenation in an alkyne-alkene system on palladium catalysts modified with inorganic salts
Authors: Červený Libor , Thanh Nguyen Thi , Růžička Vlastimil
Published: February 2011

The competitive catalytic hydrogenation of 2-octyne and 1-heptene in methanol has been studied on catalysts 3% Pd on activated carbon and Pd black, modified with ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium carbonate, or calcium carbonate. The rates of hydrogenation of the two substrates and the rate of isomerization of 1-heptene have been determined. The effect of inorganic salts on the activity and selectivity of the catalysts is discussed.
Theoretical accuracy of the last squares method in the isotope dilution analysis
Authors: Klas Ján
Published: February 2011

The accuracy of the least squares method in the isotope dilution analysis is studied using two models, viz a model of a two-parameter straight line and a model of a one-parameter straight line.The equations for the direct and the inverse isotope dilution methods are transformed into linear coordinates, and the intercept and slope of the two-parameter straight line and the slope of the one-parameter straight line are evaluated and treated.
Glucosylation of 5-androsten-3β-ol derivatives containing butenolide, furan or unsaturated ester moieties in the side chain
Authors: Černý Ivan , Pouzar Vladimír , Drašar Pavel , Buděšínský Miloš , Havel Miroslav
Published: February 2011

3-O-(Tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl) derivatives II, V, XV and XX were prepared from 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol 17-benzoate (I), (20R)-3β-hydroxy-21-nor-5,22-choladien-(24 -20)-olide (IV), 17β-(2-furyl)-5-androsten-3β-ol (XIV) and methyl (20E)-3β-hydroxy-5,20-pregnadiene-21-carboxylate (XIX), respectively, using tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide and silver silicate. The furyl derivative XIV was obtained from methyl 3β-methoxymethyletienate VIII by reaction sequence in which the key reactions were alkylation of the keto sulfoxide IX with bromoacetate, cyclization of the obtained product with sodium borohydride and reduction of the mixture of lactones XI and XII with diisobutylaluminium hydride. The unsaturated ester XIX was prepared from 3β-acetoxy-5-androstene-17β-carbaldehyde (XVII) by treatment with diethyl methoxycarbonylmethylphosphonate and deacetylation of the formed acetyl derivative XVIII. Deacetylation of the acetyl derivatives II, XV and XX afforded the glucosides III,XVI and XXI, respectively; the deacetylation of V was accompanied by opening of the lactone ring under formation of the methyl 21-nor-20-oxo-5-cholen-24-oate derivative VI.
Use of current-less potential-time curves for determining the rate constants of azo copulation reactions
Authors: Dlask Vladimír
Published: February 2011

The method of current-less potential-time curves was applied to the determination of rate constants for five azo copulation reactions, where the dyes formed need not be soluble in the reaction medium. The results are compared with those from the literature.
Diagnostics of anomalous rheodynamical wall effects from observation of electrochemically driven transient convective diffusion
Authors: Wein Ondřej , Kovalevskaya N. D.
Published: February 2011

The time dependence of mean current densities after a step change in the concentration of a depolarizer on the surface of a working electrode was found by solving the equation of the convective diffusion in the Couette flow with anomalous wall effects. The theory is used for determining the velocity profile in the vicinity of the electrode surface.
Spatial temperature distribution in CW CO2 laser photosensitized reactions
Authors: Kubát Pavel , Pola Josef
Published: February 2011

The temperature distribution in gaseous SF6 and SF6-inert gas samples under irradiation with cw CO2 laser measured by a thermocouple technique is confronted with the results of a computational procedure neglecting heat convection. The results are helpful in understanding the effect of the inert gas on the distribution of temperature and the size of the reacting hot volume in the cw laser-photosensitized chemical reactions.
Extraction of europium from acidic aqueous solutions into nitrobenzene by dicarbolide in the presence of polyethylene glycol
Authors: Vaňura Petr , Benešová Marie , Makrlík Emanuel , Kyrš Miroslav , Rais Jiří
Published: February 2011

Extraction of microamounts of 152, 154 Eu from the aqueous solutions of perchloric acid (c(HClO4) = 0.1-0.5 mol l-1) was studied in the presence of 3 . 10-4 -0.3 mol l-1 of polyethylene glycol PEG 400 (L) by the nitrobenzene solutions of Co(III)-dicarbolide (3.3'-commo-bis(undecahydro-1,2-dicarba-3-cobalta-closo-dodecarborate) (-1), {(π-(3)-1,2-B9C2H11)2Co}-, henceforth only B-) of the concentration c(dicarbolide) = 10-3-10-1 mol l-1. Maxima of the Eu distribution ratio dependence on the concentration of polyethylene glycol are explained by the competition reactions between the positively charged europium complexes (EuL3+, EuLH-12+, and EuL23+, EuL2H-22+, or EuL33+) and protonized polyethylene glycol (HL+) in the organic phase. The respective equilibrium extraction constants were determined.
Quantum chemical modelling of the reactions participating in hydrocarbon combustion. Production of the H atoms
Authors: Urban Ján , Klimo Viliam , Tiňo Jozef
Published: February 2011

The dissociation reactions giving rise to the H atoms from methylcarbene and ethyl radical have been studied on the ab initio and MINDO/3 methodical level. On the basis of the transition state theory, the temperature dependence of rate constant has been calculated by using the harmonic oscillator-rigid rotor approximation. The results which indicate equal rate of the course of both reactions are compared with available experimental data.
A feedback temperature control in a chemical reactor with high inertia of its cooling system
Authors: Horák Josef , Jiráček František , Ježová Libuše
Published: February 2011

In this work we compare simple algorithms for the one-off feedback temperature control of the reaction mixture in a batch reactor during an exothermic reaction. The aim of the control was to maintain the temperature of the mixture within the given range, and simultaneously, to minimize the number of the regulator switchings. The temperature control of the mixture was being performed at conditions when working states of the reactor in an open regulation loop are unstable and when the response of the cooler to regulation is slow. The following control algorithms were compared: P - regulator, PD - regulator and algorithms based on a prediction mathematical model including its adaptive variant. The results indicate that the algorithms based on the mathematical model are more efficient. However, the precision of the control can be diminished due to error in the time derivative of the temperature of the reaction mixture which forms the input to the prediction model. The adaptive variant of the algorithms was advantageous in cases when it was necessary to make up for significant errors in initial estimates of parameters of the prediction mathematical model.
Synthesis and properties of [Co(NH3)2(AB)2]Cl complexes and their possible role in the formation of tris(amino-acidato)cobalt(III) isomers studied through reaction stereochemistry
Authors: Jursík František , Franc Jiří , Arnoldová Jitka , Hájek Bohumil
Published: February 2011

The preparation is described and the electronic absorption 1H NMR, and CD spectral patterns are reported for [Co(NH3)2(AB)2]Cl complexes, where AB is glycine (4 isomers of the complex), (S)-alanine (5 isomers), or(S)-valine (2 isomers). The isomers are intermediate products in the substitution reaction [Co(NH3)6]3+ → Co(NH3)2(AB)2]+ → [Co(AB)3] and undergo activated charcoal-catalyzed disproportionation [Co(NH3)2(AB)2]+ → [Co(NH3)4(AB)]2 +[Co(AB)3], and in the presence of amino acid, also substitution resulting in a preferential formation of mer-[Co(AB)3] isomers. The Δ isomers yield predominantly Δ[Co(AB)3]. Due to the disproportionations, and also isomerizations, of the [Co(NH3)2(AB)2]+ complexes, no straightforward relation exists between the geometry of these complexes and the mer-to-fac ratio of the final [Co(AB)3]compounds.
Dipole moments in excited state. Solvatochromic equations based on different local-field models
Authors: Koutek Bohumír
Published: February 2011

Two recent dielectric models, viz. the inverse exponential model of Block and Walker (BW) and the mean spherical model of Wertheim (W), were applied to the conceptually simple solvatochromic theory in the attempt to appreciate their ability to predict excited state dipole moments (μe) on the basis of the solvent dependence of electronic absorption spectra. Validity of the suggested equations was tested by standard methods of statistical analysis, as well as by comparison of the predicted μe values with those obtained independently from electrooptical measurements.All variants, including the original Onsager (O) formulation appear to be acceptable, the correlation coefficient varying from 0.920 to 0.982. However, they predict different μe values the order of magnitude being (for a given solute) invariably (μe)BW > (μe)O > (μe)W. In view of the large uncertainties in the cavity radius a, no unambiguous conclusions can be drawn on the preference of the respective models. Provided that the mean polarizability α is approximated by α = a3/2, the most satisfactory results (mean relative error in μe of about ±6%, R = 0.930-0.960) are obtained by using the reaction field model of Block and Walker.
Study of potential curves by UHF type methods. Inversion and dissociation of NH3 molecule
Authors: Klimo Viliam , Tiňo Jozef
Published: February 2011

Geometry and energy parameters of individual dissociation intermediate steps of the NH3 molecule, geometry of the saddle point, and the inversion barrier of NH3 have been calculated by the UMP2 method in the minimum basis set augmented with the bond functions. A good agreement has been reached with experimental data and with results of more exact methods except for the dissociation energies of the NH3 and NH2 molecules. New values of heats of formation are suggested on the basis of these results: ΔHfo0 = 197 and 362 kJ/mol for the NH2 and NH molecules, respectively.
Nucleophilic substitution reaction of keto-allylic systems with a heterocyclic ring in γ-position
Authors: Žvak Vladimír , Kováč Jaroslav , Dandárová Miloslava , Gracza Tibor , Kríž Miroslav
Published: February 2011

Keto allylic systems with a heterocyclic ring in γ-position were prepared; these undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions with amines, where a replacement of bromine at the bromomethyl group takes place in contrast to benzene analogues, where the nucleophilic attacks the γ-carbon of the keto-allylic system.
Neuroleptic 2-chloro-11-(2-piperazineethoxy)-10,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,f]thiepins: Synthesis and pharmacology
Authors: Bártl Václav , Jílek Jiří , Metyšová Jiřina , Valchář Martin , Dlabač Antonín , Wildt Stanislav , Protiva Miroslav
Published: February 2011

A reaction of 8-chloro-10,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-10-ol with 2-bromoethanol and boron trifluoride etherate produced the 2-bromoethyl ether II which was subjected to substitution reactions with 1-methylpiperazine, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine, 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)piperazine and 1-ethoxycarbonylpiperazine to give the title piperazinoethoxy compounds IV-VII. Alkaline hydrolysis of the carbamate VII afforded the monosubstituted piperazine VIII. Compounds IV-VI are neuroleptics with an interesting activity profile: they are little toxic, have strong central depressant and antimorphine activity, mild cataleptic effects, they intensively increase the dopamine metabolism in the rat brain striatum and are almost free of the peripheral adrenolytic efficacy.
Synthesis and structure of μ-6,9-metalla-bis(ligand)-6,9-dicarba-nido-decarboranes(10) from the [6,9-C2B8H10]2- anion
Authors: Štíbr Bohumil , Janoušek Zbyněk , Baše Karel , Heřmánek Stanislav , Plešek Jaromír , Zakharova Inessa A.
Published: February 2011

A revised structure for the [6,9-C2B8H10]2- anion is siggested on the basis of its NMR spectra. The anion reacts with the [cis-PtL2CL2] (L = P(C6H5)3, S(C2H5)2) and [Ni(cis-1,2-DACH)..Cl2] (DACH = diaminocyclohexane) complexes to produce a family of suare-planar [μ-6,9-ML2-6,9-C2B8H10] (M = Pt, Ni) nido-metalladicarbaboranes containing an unusual metallic bridge linking both skeletal carbon atoms of the carborane ligand. The structure of the complexes is proposed on the basis of their NMR spectra and an X-ray diffraction study.
1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions to 2,3-dimethoxycarbonyl-7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]-2,5-heptadiene, 1,4-epoxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene, and exo-endo-1,6-dimethoxycarbonyl-11,12-dioxatetracyclo-[4,4,0,12,5,17,10]-3,8-dodecadiene
Authors: Fišera Lubor , Pavlovič Dušan
Published: February 2011

The paper deals with site-selectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of ethyl azidoformate, azidoacetate, and diazo acetate to 2,3-dimethoxycarbonyl-7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]-2,5-heptadiene. The exo-endo stereoselectivity has been studied of the reactions of 1,4-epoxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene with C-benzoyl-N-phenyl- and C,N-diphenylnitrones, 5-azido-2-furanecarbaldehyde, 4-nitrophenylazide, benzenenitril oxide, ethyl azidoformate, azidoacetate, and diazo acetate. The cycloadditions to the bis-adduct of furane with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and thermolyses of some of the adducts prepared have also been studied.
Oxidation of singlet substrates by dioxygen catalyzed by transition metal ions. Effect of temperature
Authors: Vepřek-Šiška Josef , Luňák Stanislav
Published: February 2011

The effect of temperature on singlet substrate oxidations by dioxygen has been examined for both non-catalyzed reactions and reactions catalyzed by transition metal ions. The kinetics are discussed for various activation energies of catalyzed and non-catalyzed reactions and for various catalyst concentrations. It is shown that at sufficiently high temperatures trace amounts of transition metal ions present in reaction systems as impurities may become effective in catalyzing singlet substrate oxidations.
A polymer analog of dimethyl sulfoxide: Catalytic activity of crosslinked polymeric sulfoxides in nucleophilic reactions under the conditions of three-phase catalysis
Authors: Janout Václav , Hrudková Hana , Čefelín Pavel
Published: February 2011

An investigation was made of the catalytic activity of polymeric sulfoxides, P-(CH2SOCH2-)n-R' where P is the crosslinked polystyrene matrix (divinylbenzene as the crosslinking agent), R is H or CH3, and n is 1, 2, or 3, in nucleophilic substitution reactions between alkyl bromides and phenoxides, iodides, thiocyanates and cyanides of alkali metals under the conditions of liquid-solid-liquid (L-S-L) three-phase catalysis (TC). The effect of the structure of polymeric sulfoxides on their activity under the conditions of TC was studied; the strongest catalytic activity was found with polymeric sulfoxides having the optimal ratio between the functional groups and hydrophobic polymer matrix. Extension of the pendant sulfoxide chain has no pronounced effect of the catalytic activity of polymers.
Extraction of hafnium(IV) with N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine solutions from strongly acid solutions containing dimethyl sulphoxide or hexamethylphosphor triamine
Authors: Příhoda Jiří , Zeman Alois
Published: February 2011

The extraction of hafnium(IV) with N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine solutions in chloroform or toluene from strongly acid (HClO4) solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide or hexamethylphosphor triamide has been studied. These substances were found to suppress the conversion of the extraction mechanism from ion exchange to solvation: while in solutions free of these substances this conversion takes place at HClO4 concentrations of about 4 mol l-1, in the mixed aqueous-organic (polar) phase the requisite acid concentrations are considerably higher. The possible causes of this effect are discussed.
Use of immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase for the reduction of NAD to NADH
Authors: Kovář Jan , Navrátilová Marie , Skurský Ladislav , Drobník Jaroslav , Švec František , Fischer Jiří
Published: February 2011

The possibility was examined of preparative NAD to NADH reduction in the presence of an excess of ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase immobilized on a copolymer of glycidylmethacrylate with ethylenebismethacrylate. The effect of pH, ethanol concentration and of compounds reacting with acetaldehyde on the conversion and on the purity of NADH formed is described. Under optimal conditions of the reduction the NADH if preferentially bound to a DEAE ion exchanger. The best results as regards conversion degree and purity of product were obtained by cyclic flow of the reaction mixture, containing NAD and ethanol in glycine buffer (pH 8.5) of low ionic strength, through a column of immobilized enzyme and a column of DEAE-cellulose. NADH picked up by the ion exchanger can be eluted by concentrated ammonium carbonate buffer and the final product obtained by lyophilization of the effluent. The purity of NADH formed as determined spectrophotometrically, by HPLC, and measurement of the coenzyme activity using lactate dehydrogenase, is comparable to the purity of the commercial product.
Fluorinated tricyclic neuroleptics with prolonged action: 8-Alkyl derivatives of 3-fluoro-10-piperazino-10,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,f]thiepins
Authors: Jílek Jiří , Rajšner Miroslav , Metyšová Jiřina , Pomykáček Josef , Protiva Miroslav
Published: February 2011

Reactions of (4-fluoro-2-iodophenyl)acetic or (2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)acetic acid with 4-methylthiophenol, 4-ethylthiophenol and 4-isopropylthiophenol under various conditions afforded the acids IIIa-c which were cyclized with polyphosphoric acid to 8-alkyl-3-fluorodibenzo-[b,f]thiepin-10(11H)-ones IVa-c. The alcohols Va-c, which were obtained by reduction of the ketones with sodium borohydride, were transformed by treatment with hydrogen chloride to the chloro derivatives Via-c. Their substitution reactions with 1-methylpiperazine and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine afforded the title compounds Ib, Ic and IIa. The corresponding 2-alkyl-7-fluorodibenzo[b,f]thiepins VIIa-c were obtained as by-products. Reaction of the ketone IVc with 1-methylpiperazine in the presence of titanium tetrachloride gave the enamine VIII. The piperazine derivatives prepared are very potent neuroleptic agents with regard to their acute activities. Important prolongation of the effects was found mainly with the isopropyl compounds Ic and VIII.
Terpenoids from Crepis capillaris (L.) WALLR.
Authors: Kisiel Wanda , Janeczko Zbigniew
Published: February 2011

From the root extract of Crepis capillaris mixtures of triterpene acetates, free triterpenols, triterpene hydroxyacids, sterols and sterol glucosides were separated. Twelve compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and GLC.
Photochemical isomerization of 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)-1-butene
Authors: Čík Gabriel , Rtishchev Nikolaj I. , Yelcov Andrej V. , Lapčík Ľubomír , Blažej Anton
Published: February 2011

Photoisomerization of 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)-1-butene was investigated. The quantum-yield value of photoisomerization depends on the nature of the solvent and on the wavelength of the excitation radiation. The photoisomerization velocity in alcohols is oxygen independent. 1,3-Bis(4-nitrophenyl)-1-butene reveals a phosphorescence spectrum with a triplet energy 19 600 cm-1 (234.42 kJ mol-1). The quantum yield of phosphorescence reaches values 10-3 up to 10-2.
Effect of N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine on exercise-induced cardiac adaptations
Authors: Nelson Matthew J. , Harris M. Brennan , Boluyt Marvin O. , Hwang Hyun Seok , Starnes Joseph W.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise-induced cardiac adaptations would be attenuated by the free radical scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups ( n = 9–13 per group) for 3–4 wk: sedentary (S), S+MPG (100 mg/kg ip daily), exercised on a treadmill (E) (60 min/day, 5 days/wk, at a speed of 20 m/min up a 6° grade in a 6°C room), or E+MPG given 10 min prior to exercise. Additional rats ( n = 55) were used to determine acute exercise effects on myocardial redox state [nonprotein nonglutathione sulfhydryls (NPNGSH)] and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation. Compared with S, NPNGSH levels were 48% lower in E ( P < 0.05) and unchanged in E+MPG ( P > 0.05). MPG also attenuated exercise-induced activation of the signaling proteins Akt and S6. Hearts from the 4-wk groups were weighed, and cardiac function was evaluated using an isolated perfused working heart preparation. Similar increases ( P < 0.05) in both exercised groups were observed for heart weight and heart weight-to-body weight ratio. Cardiac function improved in E vs. S, as indicated by greater ( P < 0.05) external work performed (cardiac output × systolic pressure) and efficiency of external work (work/V̇o2). MPG prevented these exercise-induced functional improvements. Skeletal muscle mitochondria content increased to similar levels in E and E+MPG. This study provides evidence that free radicals do not play an essential role in the development of exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy; however, they appear to be involved in functional cardiac adaptations, which may be mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
p53 target Siva regulates apoptosis in ischemic kidneys
Authors: Singaravelu Kurinji , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: February 2011

The role of p53 in inducing apoptosis following acute kidney injury is well-established; however, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. We report here that the p53 proapoptotic target Siva and its receptor CD27, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, are upregulated following renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Inhibition of Siva using antisense oligonucleotides conferred functional and morphological protection, and it prevented apoptosis postrenal IRI in mice. Renal IRI in CD27-deficient mice displayed functional protection and partial inhibition of apoptosis, suggesting an incomplete role for CD27 in Siva-mediated apoptosis. To further elucidate mechanisms by which Siva elicits apoptosis, in vitro studies were performed. In Siva-transfected LLC-PK1cells, Siva is persistently expressed in the nucleus at 3 h onwards and its translocation to mitochondria and the plasma membrane occurred at 6 h. Moreover, Siva overexpression induced mitochondrial permeability, cytochrome c release, caspase-8 and -9 activation, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus, and apoptosis. Inhibition of Siva in ischemic kidneys prevented mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and AIF. These data indicate that Siva function is pivotal in regulating apoptosis in the pathology of renal IRI. Targeting Siva may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for renal IRI.
Impact of visual motion adaptation on neural responses to objects and its dependence on the temporal characteristics of optic flow
Authors: Liang Pei , Kern Roland , Kurtz Rafael , Egelhaaf Martin
Published: February 2011

It is still unclear how sensory systems efficiently encode signals with statistics as experienced by animals in the real world and what role adaptation plays during normal behavior. Therefore, we studied the performance of visual motion-sensitive neurons of blowflies, the horizontal system neurons, with optic flow that was reconstructed from the head trajectories of semi-free-flying flies. To test how motion adaptation is affected by optic flow dynamics, we manipulated the seminatural optic flow by targeted modifications of the flight trajectories and assessed to what extent neuronal responses to an object located close to the flight trajectory depend on adaptation dynamics. For all types of adapting optic flow object-induced response increments were stronger in the adapted compared with the nonadapted state. Adaptation with optic flow characterized by the typical alternation between translational and rotational segments produced this effect but also adaptation with optic flow that lacked these distinguishing features and even pure rotation at a constant angular velocity. The enhancement of object-induced response increments had a direction-selective component because preferred-direction rotation and natural optic flow were more efficient adaptors than null-direction rotation. These results indicate that natural dynamics of optic flow is not a basic requirement to adapt neurons in a specific, presumably functionally beneficial way. Our findings are discussed in the light of adaptation mechanisms proposed on the basis of experiments previously done with conventional experimenter-defined stimuli.
Nondestructive Testing of Metallic Cables Based on a Homogenized Model and Global Measurements
Authors: Melicher Valdemar , Sergeant Peter
Published: February 2011

We propose a simple, quick, and cost‐effective method for nondestructive eddy‐current testing of metallic cables. Inclusions in the cross section of the cable are detected on the basis of certain global data: hysteresis loop measurements for different frequencies. We detect air‐gap inclusions inside the cross section using a homogenized model. The problem, which can be understood as an inverse spectral problem, is posed in two dimensions. We consider its reduction to one dimension. The identifiability is studied. We obtain a uniqueness result for a single inclusion in 1D by two measurements for sufficiently low frequency. We study the sensibility of the inverse problem numerically. A study case with real data is performed to confirm the usefulness.
Dissociated Emergent-Response System and Fine-Processing System in Human Neural Network and a Heuristic Neural Architecture for Autonomous Humanoid Robots
Authors: Yan Xiaodan
Published: February 2011

The current study investigated the functional connectivity of the primary sensory system with resting state fMRI and applied such knowledge into the design of the neural architecture of autonomous humanoid robots. Correlation and Granger causality analyses were utilized to reveal the functional connectivity patterns. Dissociation was within the primary sensory system, in that the olfactory cortex and the somatosensory cortex were strongly connected to the amygdala whereas the visual cortex and the auditory cortex were strongly connected with the frontal cortex. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were found to maintain constant communication with the primary sensory system, the frontal cortex, and the amygdala. Such neural architecture inspired the design of dissociated emergent-response system and fine-processing system in autonomous humanoid robots, with separate processing units and another consolidation center to coordinate the two systems. Such design can help autonomous robots to detect and respond quickly to danger, so as to maintain their sustainability and independence.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Medium Scale for Rainfall‐Induced Earthflows: Catakli Catchment Area (Cayeli, Rize, Turkey)
Authors: Nefeslioglu H. A. , Gokceoglu C.
Published: February 2011

The aim of the present study is to introduce a probabilistic approach to determine the components of the risk evaluation for rainfall‐induced earthflows in medium scale. The Catakli catchment area (Cayeli, Rize, Turkey) was selected as the application site of this study. The investigations were performed in four different stages: (i) evaluation of the conditioning factors, (ii) calculation of the probability of spatial occurrence, (iii) calculation of the probability of the temporal occurrence, and (iv) evaluation of the consequent risk. For the purpose, some basic concepts such as “Risk Cube”, “Risk Plane”, and “Risk Vector” were defined. Additionally, in order to assign the vulnerability to the terrain units being studied in medium scale, a new more robust and more objective equation was proposed. As a result, considering the concrete type of roads in the catchment area, the economic risks were estimated as 3.6 × 106 €—in case the failures occur on the terrain units including element at risk, and 12.3 × 106 €—in case the risks arise from surrounding terrain units. The risk assessments performed in medium scale considering the technique proposed in the present study will supply substantial economic contributions to the mitigation planning studies in the region.
Iron and Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Khalil Michael , Teunissen Charlotte , Langkammer Christian
Published: February 2011

Increased iron deposition might be implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent development of MRI enabled to determine brain iron levels in a quantitative manner, which has put more interest on studying the role of iron in MS. Evidence for abnormal iron homeostasis in MS comes also from analyses of iron and iron-related proteins in CSF and blood and postmortem MS brain sections. However, it is not yet clear if iron accumulation is implicated in MS pathology or merely reflects an epiphenomenon. Further interest has been generated by the idea of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that might be associated with brain iron accumulation due to a reduction in venous outflow, but its existence and etiologic role in MS are currently controversially debated. In future studies, combined approaches applying quantitative MRI together with CSF and serum analyses of iron and iron-related proteins in a clinical followup setting might help to elucidate the implication of iron accumulation in MS.