bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical localization of calbindin‐D28k and calretinin in the brainstem of anuran and urodele amphibians
Authors: Morona Ruth , González Agustin
Published: June 2009

Calbindin‐D28k (CB) and calretinin (CR) are calcium binding proteins present in distinct sets of neurons; they act as buffers regulating the concentration of intracellular calcium. CB and CR immunohistochemistry was studied in the brainstem of anuran and urodele amphibians in combination with other markers (choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and nitric oxide synthase), which served to clarify the localization and signature of many cell groups. CR labeled the retinorecipient layers of the optic tectum, and CB and CR labeled distinct tectal cell populations. The two proteins were largely complementary in the torus semicircularis and marked auditory and lateral line sensory regions, depending on the species. CB and CR in the mesencephalic and isthmic tegmentum specified the boundaries of basal and medial longitudinal bands. In the cerebellum, CB labeled Purkinje cells in all species, whereas CR was mainly found in fibers and labeled Purkinje cells only in Rana. In the parabrachial region, CB and CR allowed the distinction of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, isthmic nucleus, locus coeruleus, and rostral octavolateral nuclei. The distribution of CB‐ and CR‐immunoreactive cells in the reticular formation and central gray was consistent with the current models of brainstem segmentation in amphibians. CR was found in the auditory fibers and nuclei in Rana and in mechanosensory lateral line fibers in Xenopus and urodeles, whereas CB mainly labeled vestibular fibers and nuclei in all species. These results highlight the anatomical complexity of the amphibian brainstem and help in an understanding of its regional organization that is not cytoarchitectonically evident. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:503–537, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐Molecule Mechanical Unfolding of Amyloidogenic β2‐Microglobulin: The Force‐Spectroscopy Approach
Authors: Sorce B. , Sabella S. , Sandal M. , Samorì B. , Santino A. , Cingolani R. , Rinaldi R. , Pompa P. P.
Published: June 2009

The recombinant production of a novel chimeric polyprotein is described. The new protein contains either wild‐type β2‐microglobulin (β2m) or its truncated variant (ΔN6 β2m) (see picture). Structural characterization is achieved by means of single‐molecule force spectroscopy studies of specific β2m regions which could be involved in amyloidogenesis.

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Watershed sediment yield reduction through soil conservation in a West‐Central Oklahoma watershed
Authors: Garbrecht Jurgen D. , Starks Patrick J.
Published: June 2009

Soil conservation practices on the Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed in West‐Central Oklahoma were limited before the 1950s. However, extensive soil conservation measures were implemented in the second half of the 20th century to protect agriculturally fertile but erosion‐prone soils. Fortuitously, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected instantaneous suspended‐sediment and discharge measurements on major tributaries within the watershed in 1943–1948 and again in 2004–2007, called pre‐ and post‐conservation periods respectively. These measurements offered the opportunity to compare channel suspended‐sediment yield before and after implementation of conservation practices. A separate suspended sediment‐discharge rating curve was developed for the pre‐ and post‐conservation period. Average annual suspended‐sediment yield at a U.S. Geological Survey gauging station near the watershed outlet was estimated by evaluating each sediment‐discharge rating curve with the 18‐year long daily discharge record at that gauging station. Average annual suspended‐sediment yield was estimated to be 760 [Mg/yr/km2] and 108 [Mg/yr/km2] for the pre‐ and post‐conservation periods, respectively. The substantial reduction in suspended‐sediment yield was related to land use and management changes and the wide range of conservation practices implemented in the second half of the 20th century. Even though it generally is difficult to identify impacts of upstream conservation practices on sediment yield at the watershed outlet during the short time‐span of a particular conservation project, targeted and widespread conservation efforts in the Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed have led, over 60 years, to a sizable and measurable reduction in watershed sediment yield. Published in 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppressive and pro‐inflammatory roles for IL‐4 in the pathogenesis of experimental drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Njoku Dolores B. , Li Zhaoxia , Washington Nicole D. , Mellerson Jenelle L. , Talor Monica V. , Sharma Rajni , Rose Noel R.
Published: June 2009

The pathogenesis of immune‐mediated drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) following halogenated anesthetics, carbamazepine or alcohol has not been fully elucidated. Detecting cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) IgG4 auto‐antibodies in anesthetic DILI patients suggests a role for IL‐4 in this hapten‐mediated process. We investigated IL‐4‐mediated mechanisms using our model of experimental DILI induced by immunizing BALB/c (WT) and IL‐4−/−(KO) mice with S100 liver proteins covalently modified by a trifluoroacetyl chloride (TFA) hapten formed following halogenated anesthetic metabolism by CYP2E1. WT mice developed more hepatitis, TFA and S100 antibodies (p<0.01), as well as T‐cell proliferation to CYP2E1 and TFA (p<0.01) than KO mice. Additionally, WT CD4+T cells adoptively transferred hepatitis to naïveRag−/−mice (p<0.01). Pro‐inflammatory cytokines were expectedly decreased in TFA hapten‐stimulated KO splenocyte supernatants (p<0.001); however, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ (p<0.05), as well as IL‐6 and IL‐10 (p<0.001) levels were elevated in CYP2E1‐stimulated KO splenocyte supernatants, suggesting dual IL‐4‐mediated pro‐inflammatory and regulatory responses. Anti‐IL‐10 administered to KO mice increased hepatitis, TFA and CYP2E1 antibodies in KO mice confirming a critical role for IL‐4. This is the first demonstration of dual roles for IL‐4 in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated DILI by suppressing auto‐antigen‐induced regulatory responses while promoting hapten‐induced pro‐inflammatory responses.
RORC2: The master of human Th17 cell programming
Authors: Unutmaz Derya
Published: June 2009

It is now recognized that Th17 cells constitute the third effector arm of Th cells, complementing the Th1 and Th2 lineages. Although secretion of IL‐17 is a primary defining characteristic of Th17 cells, the expression profile of specific chemokine receptors, cell surface molecules and cytokines are also part of the Th17 cell differentiation program. The orphan nuclear receptor RORγt/RORC2 (mice/humans) is the master transcription factor that can drive Th17 cell differentiation in both mice and humans; however, it is not completely clear how much of the human Th17 lineage function and phenotype can be recapitulated by only RORC2 expression. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study reports that ectopic expression of RORC2 in primary human T cells induces, in addition to IL‐17 production, a cytokine and chemokine receptor profile consistent with bona fide human Th17 cells. In addition, programming of human Th17 cells by RORC2 results in partial resistance of these T cells to suppression by Tregs. These findings support the notion that RORC2 is a master switch that initiates a wide range of phenotypic and functional programming during Th17 cell differentiation.
Generation and Properties of CoI/NiI Species Stabilized by a Tetradentate Pyridylpyrazole Ligand: Crystal Structures of Dialkyl‐CoIII Complexes
Authors: Mishra Vibha , Mishra Haritosh , Mukherjee Rabindranath
Published: June 2009

Mononuclear CoII and NiII complexes [(L1)CoII(H2O)2][ClO4]2 (1) and [(L1)NiII(MeCN)2][BPh4]2 (3) (L1 = 2,2′‐[propane‐1,3‐diylbis(1H‐pyrazole‐1,3‐diyl)]dipyridine) display a quasireversible MII/MI redox process (E1/2 = –0.96 V vs. SCE, ΔEp = 110 mV for 1; E1/2 = –0.71 V vs. SCE, ΔEp = 90 mV for 3). The dinuclear CoII complex [(L1)2CoII2(μ‐O2CMe)2][BPh4]2 (2) displays a quasireversible reductive response (E1/2 = –1.46 V vs. SCE, ΔEp = 120 mV), supposedly due to CoII2/CoI2 redox process. For these complexes chemical (NaBH4) and electrochemical reduction generate CoI and NiI species. The existence of dark purple NiI species has been authenticated by its UV/Vis spectral feature (crystal‐field transition at 901 nm and metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transition at 537 nm) and axial EPR spectrum (g∥ = 2.27 and g⟂ = 2.08). Dark greenish blue/bright green CoI species were characterized by absorption spectroscopy. Reaction of chemically generated CoI species with CH3I resulted in the formation of dimethyl‐CoIII complexes. Notably, CoI species generated from monomeric complex 1 led to the formation of two products: a mononuclear complex [(L1)CoIII(CH3)2][ClO4] (4) (minor) and a dinuclear complex [(L1)2CoIII2(CH3)4][ClO4]2 (5) (major). In contrast, when the dimeric complex 2 was reduced with NaBH4 and reacted with CH3I the monomeric complex [(L1)CoIII(CH3)2][BPh4] (6) was isolated in reasonable yield. All three organometallic dialkyl‐CoIII complexes 4–6 have been characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallography.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Stereoselective Synthesis of Homoallyl Nitroalkane Derivatives through Base‐Promoted Regioselective Decarboxylation of Baylis–Hillman Derivatives
Authors: Nayak Maloy , Batra Sanjay
Published: June 2009

The regioselective decarboxylation of nitroalkanoates synthesized from Baylis–Hillman acetates of acrylates proceeds stereoselectively to afford homoallyl nitroalkanes. In contrast, nitroalkanoates derived from Baylis–Hillman acetates of acrylonitrile gave bisallyl nitroalkanes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Descriptive normative beliefs and conservation behavior: The moderating roles of personal involvement and injunctive normative beliefs
Authors: Göckeritz Susanne , Schultz P. Wesley , Rendón Tania , Cialdini Robert B. , Goldstein Noah J. , Griskevicius Vladas
Published: June 2009

There is ample evidence of the power of social influence on pro‐environmental behaviors. Beliefs about the conservation behavior of others (descriptive normative beliefs) have a strong positive correlation with one's own conservation actions. However, this relationship has not been investigated much further in terms of possible moderators or involved mechanisms of information processing. The present study examines two potential moderators and draws links to underlying processing mechanisms. We hypothesized that personal involvement with conservation issues and beliefs about other's approval of conservation (injunctive normative beliefs) would moderate the relationship between descriptive normative beliefs and conservation behavior. The sample consisted of 1604 California residents that were recruited through random digit telephone dialing. Results showed that both injunctive normative beliefs and personal involvement moderated the relationship between descriptive normative beliefs and conservation behavior. High personal involvement weakened the relationship, whereas high injunctive normative beliefs strengthened it. We conclude from these findings that descriptive normative beliefs influence conservation behavior through a rather nonconscious, peripheral route of information processing, while personal involvement motivates a more elaborate, central route of information processing. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of peer comparison information in the context of expert recommendations on risk perceptions and subsequent behavior
Authors: Schmiege Sarah J. , Klein William M. P. , Bryan Angela D.
Published: June 2009

The present study seeks to understand how social comparison information may be used to provide individuals with information about their level of risk and to promote health behavior. The effect of peer comparison information, presented alone or in the context of expert recommendations, was examined across two studies using distinct experimental manipulations. Study 1 showed that regardless of whether expert standards were available or not, participants who were provided with inflated estimates of peer flossing behavior demonstrated increased behavioral intentions and increased flossing behavior measured 3 months later. This pattern was replicated in Study 2 with effects on attitudes toward flossing and intentions to floss. These findings add to a growing literature identifying comparative feedback as distinct from objective information and are discussed in terms of implications for health promotion and risk communication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallophthalocyanine Based Carbon Paste Electrodes for the Determination of 2′,3′‐Dideoxyinosine
Authors: Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Stefan‐van Staden Raluca‐Ioana , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2009

Novel electrochemical sensors based on carbon paste impregnated with metallopthalocyanine (MPc, M=Co, Fe) complexes, have been constructed for the assay of anti‐HIV drug 2′,3′‐dideoxyinosine (didanosine, DDI). Both modified electrodes showed electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of dideoxyinosine in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 with a working concentration range of 10−6–10−4 mol/L and a detection limit of 10−7 mol/L magnitude order. The sensor proved to be highly reliable for the assay of the purity of DDI ‐ raw material as well as for the uniformity content test of Videx tablets.
Strong‐motion accelerographs: Early history
Authors: Brady A. Gerald
Published: June 2009

The structural design profession has long been interested in the design of structures to resist the strong horizontal shaking of the ground during potentially damaging earthquakes. Recordings of this ground motion have successfully provided the data on which building codes, design procedures and strong ground motion research are based. The object of this Historical Note is to chronicle the early development of strong ground motion accelerographs in the United States (the 1930s), Japan (the 1950s) and New Zealand (the 1960s)—accelerographs that recorded on photographic paper, waxed paper and film—and to describe the early processing of these analog records into digital form suitable for the emerging power of the digital computer. Ground accelerations and structural accelerations are now familiar concepts in seismic design and seismic engineering research, though many users may be unfamiliar with early efforts to identify them, record them and present them as useful data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupled shear‐bending formulation for seismic analysis of stacked wood shear wall systems
Authors: Pei S. , van de Lindt J. W.
Published: June 2009

A summary of the development of a new coupled shear‐bending model for analysis of stacked wood shear walls and multi‐story wood‐frame buildings is presented in this paper. The model focuses on dynamic response of light‐frame wood structures under seismic excitation. The formulation is intended to provide a more versatile option than present pure shear models in that the new model is capable of accurately capturing the overall lateral response of each story diaphragm and separates the inter‐story shear deformation and the deformation associated with rotation of the diaphragm due to rod elongation, which is an analogue to the bending deformation in an Euler–Bernoulli beam model. Modeling the coupling of bending and shear deformation is shown to provide more accurate representation of stacked shear wall system behavior than a pure shear model, particularly for the upper stories in the assembly. The formulation is coupled with the newly developed evolutionary parameter hysteretic model for wood shear walls. Existing data from a shake table test of an isolated three‐story wood shear wall were used to verify the accuracy of the model prediction. The numerical results agreed very well with shake table test measurements. The influence of a continuous rod hold‐down system on the dynamic behavior of the three‐story stacked wood shear wall was also successfully simulated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐esteem, depression and eating disordered attitudes: A cross‐cultural comparison between Cypriot and British young women
Authors: Katsounari Ioanna
Published: June 2009

The evidence suggests that eating disorders in countries that fall outside the Western template are not immune to eating disturbance as previously thought. This cross‐cultural study investigated self‐esteem, depression in relation to eating disordered attitudes across similarly constituted samples from two different cultures, Cyprus and Great Britain. Results revealed higher rates of eating disordered attitudes and depressive tendencies in Cypriot women. For both samples, a positive relationship was found between depression and eating disordered attitudes and this relationship was found to be significant. This study explores the native influences and possible vulnerability factors which may contribute in the development of eating disturbances in a non‐Western country, Cyprus. Implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Do experts' adjustments on model‐based SKU‐level forecasts improve forecast quality?
Authors: Franses Philip Hans , Legerstee Rianne
Published: June 2009

Model‐based SKU‐level forecasts are often adjusted by experts. In this paper we propose a statistical methodology to test whether these expert forecasts improve on model forecasts. Application of the methodology to a very large database concerning experts in 35 countries who adjust SKU‐level forecasts for pharmaceutical products in seven distinct categories leads to the general conclusion that expert forecasts are equally good at best, but are more often worse than model‐based forecasts. We explore whether this is due to experts putting too much weight on their contribution, and this indeed turns out to be the case. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Spatial Segregation of Zooplankton Communities with Reference to Land Use and Macrophytes in Shallow Lake Wielkowiejskie (Poland)
Authors: Kuczyńska‐Kippen Natalia
Published: June 2009

The spatial distribution of zooplankton in relation to two types of land‐use (forested and pastoral‐arable) of a lake's surroundings and to various habitats (helophytes, elodeids, nymphaeids and open water) was examined along 16 parallel transects on a macrophyte‐dominated lake (area – 13.3 ha; mean depth – 1.4 m). The type of habitat was the main determinant of zooplankton community structure. Dissected‐leaved elodeids harboured the richest and most abundant community with typically littoral (e.g., Colurella uncinata) and pelagic species (e.g., Keratella cochlearis). Two species (Polyarthra major and P. vulgaris) selectively chose the open water and one (Lecane quadridentata) the Typha stand. No spatial differentiation in zooplankton abundance was recorded between the two types of the catchment area. One possible explanation may be the shallowness and small area of this lake which may support full mixing and no difference in physical‐chemical gradients. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Changes in Internal Phosphorus Loading and Fish Population as Possible Causes of Water Quality Decline in a Shallow, Biomanipulated Lake
Authors: Boros Gergely , Tátrai István , György Ágnes Irma , Vári Ágnes , Nagy Alex Sándor
Published: June 2009

Impacts of internal nutrient loading and the role of biota in phosphorus (P) dynamics were studied in a shallow, hypertrophic, biomanipulated lake. Reduced fish stock resulted in clearing water and the development of a dense submerged vegetation by 2005. However, an abrupt shift occurred in 2007, seven years after the fish manipulation. Simultaneously, water quality deteriorated which became obvious in elevated chlorophyll‐a concentration in lake water, associated with increased biomass of fish and decay of a previously extended macrophyte cover. There were no significant differences in lake water P concentrations between the two periods (2005–2006 and 2007); however, peaks of different P forms were markedly higher in 2007 than in 2005–2006. At the same time, P content of sediment pore water declined considerably in 2007. Our mesocosm experiment, carried out in the manipulated lake, emphasize the positive role of the dominant fish species (roach) in P regeneration. We suggest that fish manipulation should be carried out every 5 year to maintain clear water conditions permanent, until the total removal of redundant nutrients accumulated in the lake ecosystem. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prostate cancer regulatory networks
Authors: Altieri Dario C. , Languino Lucia R. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Leav Irwin , van Wijnen Andre J. , Jiang Zhong , Stein Gary S.
Published: June 2009

Although the timing with which common epithelial malignancies arise and become established remains a matter of debate, it is clear that by the time they are detected these tumors harbor hundreds of deregulated, aberrantly expressed or mutated genes. This enormous complexity poses formidable challenges to identify gene pathways that are drivers of tumorigenesis, potentially suitable for therapeutic intervention. An alternative approach is to consider cancer pathways as interconnected networks, and search for potential nodal proteins capable of connecting multiple signaling networks of tumor maintenance. We have modeled this approach in advanced prostate cancer, a condition with current limited therapeutic options. We propose that the integration of three signaling networks, including chaperone‐mediated mitochondrial homeostasis, integrin‐dependent cell signaling, and Runx2‐regulated gene expression in the metastatic bone microenvironment plays a critical role in prostate cancer maintenance, and offers novel options for molecular therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 845–852, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TCEP treatment reduces proteolytic activity of BoNT/B in human neuronal SHSY‐5Y cells
Authors: Shi Xuerong , Garcia Gregory E. , Neill Roger J. , Gordon Richard K.
Published: June 2009

The light chain (LC) of botulinum neurotoxin B (BoNT/B) is unable to enter target neuronal cells by itself. It is brought into the cell in association with the BoNT/B heavy chain (HC) through endocytosis. The BoNT HC‐LC subunits are held together by a single disulfide bond. Intracellular reduction of this bond and separation of the two subunits activates the endopeptidase activity of the LC. This requirement suggests a strategy to prevent uptake by prophylactic reduction to disrupt the disulfide bond prior to endocytosis of the complex. We examined the utility of tris‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), a relatively non‐toxic, non‐sulfur containing disulfide bond reducing agent that lacks the undesirable properties of mercapto‐containing reducing agents. We found that TCEP was as effective as DTT with maximal LC endopeptidase activation occurring at 1 mM, a concentration not toxic to the human neuronal cell line, SHSY‐5Y. In these cells, 1 mM TCEP maximally protected against BoNT/B inhibition of [3H]‐NA release, achieving 72% of the release from un‐intoxicated controls. This effect appears to be due to the sparing of SNARE proteins as the levels of VAMP‐2, the specific target of BoNT/B, were protected. These results show that TCEP disrupts the structure of BoNT/B by reduction of the LC and HC bridging disulfide bond and prevents neuronal intoxication. Since disulfide bond coupling between toxin subunits is a general motif for many toxins, e.g., ricin, snake venom, and all BoNT serotypes, this suggests that TCEP is a promising means to protect against these toxins by preventing cell penetration. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 1021–1030, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free‐energy‐driven folding and thermodynamics of the 67‐residue protein GS‐α3W—A large‐scale Monte Carlo study
Authors: Meinke Jan H. , Hansmann Ulrich H. E.
Published: June 2009

Utilizing the computational power of a few thousand processors on a BlueGene/P, we have explored the folding mechanism of the 67‐residue protein GS‐α3W. Results from our large‐scale simulation indicate a diffusion‐collision mechanism for folding. However, the lower‐than‐expected frequency of native‐like configurations at physiological temperatures indicates shortcomings of our energy function. Our results suggest that computational studies of large proteins call for redevelopment and reparametrization of force fields that in turn require extensive simulations only possible with the newly available supercomputers with computing powers reaching the petaflop range. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Theoretical study and rate constants calculation for the reactions of SiH3radical with SiH3CH3and SiH2(CH3)2
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Gui‐Ling , Liu Jing‐Yao , Sun Miao , Liu Bo , Li Ze‐Sheng
Published: June 2009

The multiple‐channel reactions SiH3+ SiH3CH3→ products and SiH3+ SiH2(CH3)2→ products are investigated by direct dynamics method. The minimum energy path (MEP) is calculated at the MP2/6‐31+G(d,p) level, and energetic information is further refined by the MC‐QCISD method. The rate constants for individual reaction channels are calculated by the improved canonical variational transition state theory (ICVT) with small‐curvature tunneling (SCT) correction over the temperature range of 200–2400 K. The theoretical three‐parameter expressionk1(T) = 2.39 × 10−23T4.01exp(−2768.72/T) andk2(T) = 9.67 × 10−27T4.92exp(−2165.15/T) (in unit of cm3molecule−1s−1) are given. Our calculations indicate that hydrogen abstraction channel from SiH group is the major channel because of the smaller barrier height among eight channels considered. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Diagnosis of magnetoresponsive aromatic and antiaromatic zones in three‐membered rings of d‐ and f‐block elements
Authors: Tsipis Athanassios C. , Depastas Ioannis G. , Karagiannis Efstathios E. , Tsipis Constantinos A.
Published: June 2009

Magnetoresponsive three‐membered rings of d‐ and f‐block elements have been thoroughly investigated with the help of electronic structure calculation methods. The magnetic response of the clusters was evaluated by the Nucleus Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS)zz‐scan curves, which in conjunction with symmetry‐based selection rules for the most significant translationally and rotationally allowed transitions helped rationalize and predict the orbital‐type of aromaticity/antiaromaticity of the clusters. The magnetoresponsive early (Groups 3, 4, and 5) transition metal M3 rings exhibit successive aromatic and antiaromatic zones separated by a nodal plane. The magnetoresponsive late (Groups 11 and 12) transition metal M3 rings exhibit long‐range aromatic zone with the NICSzz(R) values decaying rapidly and monotonically with respect to R. The magnetic response of Group 10 transition metal M3 rings is similar to that of the early transition metal M3 rings, but it is long‐range antiaromatic only for the [c‐Ni3] cluster. The NICSzz‐scan curve of the [(HtLa)3(μ2‐H)6] cluster is indicative of weak pure σ‐aromaticity due to the induced diatropic ring current from the translationally allowed a → e′ and e′ → a transitions. The aromatic–antiaromatic behavior of the [(HtCe)3(μ2‐H)6]+ and [(HtTm)3(μ2‐H)6]2− clusters is similar to that of the early d‐block elements. The magnetic response of [(HtYb)3(μ2‐H)6]3− is similar to that of [c‐Hg3]2−. The [(HtLu)3(μ2‐H)6] cluster can be considered as a doubly (σ + π) aromatic system, with the σ‐aromatic component being much stronger than the π‐aromatic one. Finally, the [(XtRe)3(μ2‐X)6] and [(XtRu)3(μ2‐X)6]+ (X = Cl, Br, I) clusters exhibit significant aromatic character with the greatest contribution to the induced diatropic ring currents coming from π‐type transitions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
A simple representation of energy matrix elements in terms of symmetry‐invariant bases
Authors: Cui Peng , Wu Jian , Zhang Guiqing , Boyd Russell J.
Published: June 2009

When a system under consideration has some symmetry, usually its Hamiltonian space can be parallel partitioned into a set of subspaces, which is invariant under symmetry operations. The bases that span these invariant subspaces are also invariant under the symmetry operations, and they are the symmetry‐invariant bases. A standard methodology is available to construct a series of generator functions (GFs) and corresponding symmetry‐adapted basis (SAB) functions from these symmetry‐invariant bases. Elements of the factorized Hamiltonian and overlap matrix can be expressed in terms of these SAB functions, and their simple representations can be deduced in terms of GFs. The application of this method to the Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian is demonstrated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Relativistic correlating basis sets for 57La and 89Ac
Authors: Sekiya Masahiro , Noro Takeshi , Koga Toshikatsu , Saito Shiro L.
Published: June 2009

Developed and reported are compact yet efficient correlating basis sets for the 57La and 89Ac atoms, missing in the literature. Good performance of these correlating sets is exemplified in molecular applications to diatomic oxides and fluorides. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
On sparse countably infinite Steiner triple systems
Authors: Chicot K. M. , Grannell M. J. , Griggs T. S. , Webb B. S.
Published: June 2009

We give a general construction for Steiner triple systems on a countably infinite point set and show that it yields 2nonisomorphic systems all of which are uniform andr‐sparse for all finiter⩾4. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18: 115–122, 2010
New inductive constructions of complete caps inPG(N, q),qeven
Authors: Davydov Alexander A. , Giulietti Massimo , Marcugini Stefano , Pambianco Fernanda
Published: June 2009

Some new families of small complete caps inPG(N, q),qeven, are described. By using inductive arguments, the problem of the construction of small complete caps in projective spaces of arbitrary dimensions is reduced to the same problem in the plane. The caps constructed in this article provide an improvement on the currently known upper bounds on the size of the smallest complete cap inPG(N, q),N≥4, for allq≥23. In particular, substantial improvements are obtained for infinite values ofqsquare, includingq=22Cm,C≥5,m≥3; forq=2Cm,C≥5,m≥9, withC,modd; and for allq≤218. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18: 177–201, 2010
Impact of the 1996 welfare reform on child and family well‐being
Authors: Lee Kyunghee
Published: June 2009

This article examined the impact of the 1996 Welfare Reform, based on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Using a sample of 1,681 single mothers living in poverty, this study compared the effects of economic well‐being and home environment scores on their children during pre‐ and post‐Welfare Reform years. Following the 1996 Welfare Reform, fewer mothers received cash payments, and those who did received lower payments, while more mothers worked at low‐paying jobs. Negative impacts were more pronounced for less educated mothers. The effects of family income and home environment scores on children were different before and after the 1996 Welfare Reform. Maternal education moderated these associations. Instead of enforcing the current “work first” mandate, this research supports giving priority to maternal education to enhance child and family well‐being in low‐income families. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
cAMP activation by PACAP/VIP stimulates IL‐6 release and inhibits osteoblastic differentiation through VPAC2 receptor in osteoblastic MC3T3 cells
Authors: Nagata Azusa , Tanaka Tomoaki , Minezawa Asami , Poyurovsky Masha , Mayama Takafumi , Suzuki Sawako , Hashimoto Naoko , Yoshida Tomohiko , Suyama Keiko , Miyata Atsuro , Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Nakayama Toshinori , Tatsuno Ichiro
Published: June 2009

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the glucagon/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) superfamily, stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation initiating a variety of biological processes such as: neurotropic actions, immune and pituitary function, learning and memory, catecholamine biosynthesis and regulation of cardiopulmonary function. Both osteoclasts and osteoblasts have been shown to express receptors for PACAP/VIP implicated in their role in bone metabolism. To further understand the role of PACAP/VIP family in controlling bone metabolism, we investigated differentiation model of MC3T3‐E1 cells, an osteoblastic cell line derived from mouse calvaria. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that MC3T3‐E1 cells expressed only VPAC2 receptor and its expression was upregulated during osteoblastic differentiation, whereas VPAC1 and PAC1 receptors were not expressed. Consistent with expression of receptor subtype, both PACAP and VIP stimulate cAMP accumulation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner with the similar potency in undifferentiated and differentiated cells, while Maxadilan, a specific agonist for PAC1‐R, did not. Furthermore, downregulation of VPAC2‐R by siRNA completely blocked cAMP response mediated by PACAP and VIP. Importantly, PACAP/VIP as well as forskolin markedly suppressed the induction of alkaline phosphatase mRNA upon differentiation and the pretreatment with 2′,5′‐dideoxyadenosine, a cAMP inhibitor, restored its inhibitory effect of PACAP. We also found that PACAP and VIP stimulated IL‐6 release, a stimulator of bone resorption, and VPAC2‐R silencing inhibited IL‐6 production. Thus, PACAP/VIP can activate adenylate cyclase response and regulate IL‐6 release through VPAC2 receptor with profound functional consequences for the inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 75–83, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Advancing science and technology via 3D culture on basement membrane matrix
Authors: Benton G. , George J. , Kleinman H.K. , Arnaoutova I.P.
Published: June 2009

Many cells in tissues are in contact with a highly specialized extracellular matrix, termed the basement membrane. Basement membranes have certain common components, including collagen IV, laminins, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and growth factors which have a wide variety of biological activities. Extracts of basement membrane‐rich tissue have yielded material suitable for studying cell–basement membrane interactions. Cells cultured in a 3D basement membrane matrix allow the in vitro modeling of cell behavior, including differentiation, apoptosis, steps in capillary formation, cancer growth, invasion, etc. It has also led to the development of widely used assays for invasion and angiogenesis and more recently for tumor cell dormancy. Importantly, stem cell culture in 3D basement membrane matrices has provided important advances that allow for expansion of these cells in feeder layer‐free cultures and for studying their differentiation. 3D basement membrane culture has allowed the molecular dissection of pathways and genes important in differentiation, aided in the identification of progenitor cells, and led to the development of tissue constructs which may be models for regenerative medicine. This review will outline how this technology has led to important research assays and findings that have advanced our understanding of tissue development and disease and aided in the preclinical development of various therapeutics. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 18–25. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new role of anandamide in human sperm: Focus on metabolism
Authors: Aquila Saveria , Guido Carmela , Laezza Chiara , Santoro Antonietta , Pezzi Vincenzo , Panza Salvatore , Andò Sebastiano , Bifulco Maurizio
Published: June 2009

The endocannabinoid system and the presence of CB1 receptor (CB1‐R) target of the anandamide were identified in human sperm, however the anandamide action in this context needs to be further elucidated. At this purpose we analyzed the effects of anandamide on human sperm capacitation and motility. Afterwards, we focused on lipid and glucose sperm metabolism and also investigated the interrelationship between anandamide and insulin secretion by sperm. By intracellular free Ca2+content assay and proteins tyrosine phosphorylation, we evidenced that anandamide did not induce capacitation process and a negative effect was obtained on sperm motility. The blockage of CB1‐R by the specific antagonist SR141716 increased both capacitation and sperm motility suggesting an involvement of the CB1‐R in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing activity. The evaluation of the triglycerides content, lipase and acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activities, suggest that anandamide exerts a lipogenetic effect on human sperm lipid metabolism. Concerning the glucose metabolism, anandamide increases GSK3 phosphorylation indicating that it is involved in the accumulation of energy substrates. G6PDH activity was not affected by anandamide. Interestingly, AEA is involved in insulin secretion by sperm. As insulin had been demonstrated to be an autocrine factor that triggers capacitation, the endocannabinoid might be inserted in the signaling cascade that induces this process. Altogether these findings highlight a pivotal involvement of the CB1‐R in the control of sperm energy homeostasis and propose a new site of action for endocannabinoids in the control of energy metabolism. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 147–153, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Prominent features of large‐scale atmospheric circulation during spring droughts over northeast Asia
Authors: Park Jong‐Seo , Jhun Jong‐Ghap , Kwon MinHo
Published: June 2009

We analysed anomalous large‐scale atmospheric circulations during springtime droughts that occurred over northeast Asia between 1960 and 2005. The Palmer drought severity index was used in order to define drought years. Anomalies with regard to the intensity of the Western North Pacific subtropical high, the position of the East Asian jet (EAJ), and the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Pacific Ocean during drought years are apparent. In drought years, the anomalous circulation over northeast Asia weakens the northward flow from the Western Pacific. In addition, the position of the EAJ maximum core is shifted southward, and this assertion is supported by EAJ‐index analysis. Therefore, the rainfall band is moved southward, and the associated precipitation is suppressed over Korea, Japan, and Southeast China during spring droughts. The warm SST anomalies and negative outgoing longwave radiation anomalies, which consist of a north–south dipole pattern between the Philippines and the northeast Asian region, support these dry conditions through Hadley circulation. The anomalous warm SSTs in the Western Pacific seem to play an important role in the atmospheric circulation associated with northeast Asian droughts. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
In vitro gas production profiles and fermentation end‐products in processed barley, maize and milo
Authors: Azarfar Arash , Namgay Kuenga , Pellikaan Wilbert F , Tamminga Seerp , van der Poel Antonius FB
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: An experiment was carried out to establish whether using a pre‐compacting device (expander) changes the contribution of dry matter (DM) and degradative behaviour of grains of barley, maize and milo pre‐processed by grinding over the different DM fractions (non‐washable (NWF), insoluble washable (ISWF) and soluble washable (SWF) fractions). Samples of the entire concentrate ingredients (WHO ingredients) and their different fractions (NWF, ISWF and SWF) were subjected to three processes (Retsch‐milled (R), expander‐treated (E) and expander‐pelleted (EP) samples) and their fermentation characteristics were evaluated using an in vitro gas production technique.

RESULTS: The E process increased the size of the NWF and decreased that of the SWF compared with the R process. The ISWF of R samples was very rich in starch. The maximum fractional rate of substrate degradation and maximum rate of gas production were higher in EP samples than in R samples (P < 0.05). In maize and milo the E and EP processes shifted the pattern of fermentation towards a more glucogenic fermentation, as represented by a lower non‐glucogenic/glucogenic ratio (NGR). In all grains the ammonia concentration (NH3‐N) and branched chain ratio (BCR) of E and EP samples were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of R samples.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the E and EP processes have the potential to synchronise the fermentation of dietary proteins and carbohydrates and shift the pattern of fermentation towards a more glucogenic fermentation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Air injection into concentrated maple sap during processing: impact on syrup composition and flavour
Authors: van den Berg Abby K , Perkins Timothy D , Isselhardt Mark L , Godshall Mary An , Lloyd Steven W
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Air injection (AI) is a relatively new process used during maple sap thermal processing to increase the profitability of maple syrup production by increasing the production of more economically valuable light‐coloured syrup. The effects of applying this technology in conjunction with existing practices employed to increase the efficiency of maple production, such as reverse osmosis (RO), are unknown. The main objective of this work was to investigate the effects of AI on syrup chemical composition and flavour when applied to maple sap concentrated by RO.

RESULTS: The chemical composition and flavour of syrup produced simultaneously with and without AI from a common source of maple sap concentrated by RO were compared. The chemical composition of maple syrup produced with AI was within ranges previously published for maple syrup. Syrup produced with AI was significantly lighter in colour than syrup produced without AI from the same sap concentrate (P < 0.001). Although syrup produced with AI contained fewer volatile flavour compounds and had a flavour distinguishable from that of syrup produced without AI from the same concentrated sap, the flavour properties of AI syrup were consistent with those of light‐coloured maple syrup.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that AI can be used in conjunction with RO to effectively increase the economic efficiency of maple syrup production without detrimental impacts on maple syrup properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoinitiator‐Free Plasma‐Induced Polymerization and Microstructuring of Acrylate‐Based Coatings on 3D Substrates
Authors: Elsner Christian , Boulares‐Pender Alya , Hähnel Martin , Konieczny Robert , Kühnel Christa , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: June 2009

The process of plasma curing of functional acrylates has been studied. For these purposes, a nitrogen plasma generated by a flat and a cylindrical electrode configuration, respectively, was used to provide both planar and 3D curing conditions. In selected cases, a double bond conversion >95% was observed by ATR‐IR spectroscopy for a 15 µm (wet thickness) acrylate coating even without the addition of any photoinitiator. Compared to UV curing, the surface energy of the cured substrates was significantly higher when plasma curing was applied (>70 mN · m−1); however, the hydrophilic surfaces experienced hydrophobic recovery. Finally, the generation of microstructures on uniaxially oriented substrates during the plasma process was studied and conditions for their tailor‐made creation are suggested.

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Simultaneous Chain‐Growth and Step‐Growth Polymerization—A New Route to Cyclic Polymers
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: June 2009

Reinvestigation of numerous ring‐opening polymerizations by means of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry has evidenced that cyclic polymers were formed as the only reaction products or, at least, in large fractions. This finding is ascribed to the intermediate formation of difunctional chains having active end groups that can react with each other. Due to the low concentration of these difunctional chains cyclization is favored over chain extension according to the Ruggli–Ziegler dilution principle. A polymerization mechanism which usually favors the formation of cyclic polymers is the zwitterionic polymerization, but an exception from this rule is known. The following classes of monomers were discussed: α‐amino acid, N‐carboxyanhydrides (oxazolidine‐2,5‐diones), dithiolane‐2,4‐diones, 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxathiolan‐4‐one‐2‐oxide, salicylic acid O‐carboxyanhydride, L‐lactide and D,L‐lactide, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane, and macrocyclic dithiocarbamates.

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One‐Step Preparation of Antimicrobial Polyrhodanine Nanotubes with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Kong Hyeyoung , Song Jooyoung , Jang Jyongsik
Published: June 2009

A simple synthetic method has been developed for the fabrication of antimicrobial polyrhodanine nanotubes with silver nanoparticles. Rhodanine monomer first forms one‐dimensional complexes with silver ions due to coordinative interactions and consecutively reduces the silver ions during chemical‐oxidation polymerization. The polymerization procedure is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in situ. The synthesized silver nanoparticles/polyrhodanine nanotubes are applied as an antimicrobial agent against Gram‐negative bacteria, E. coli and Gram‐positive bacteria, S. aureus. The antimicrobial tests demonstrate that the silver/polyrhodanine nanotubes have superior antimicrobial properties to silver nanoparticles and rhodanine monomer.

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My so‐called life on the web
Authors: Jones William , Bates Marcia J. , Brueckner Allison , Marchionini Gary , Marshall Cathy
Published: June 2009

The Web or, more generally, the Internet, is the conduit for an increasingly large proportion of the information we use in order to make sense of and effect change in the world around us. Consider these examples:

A college student stays up through the night playing a MUDD (multi‐user dungeons & dragons) game with other gamers from around the world.

A teenager leaves the family dinner table to spend the rest of the evening away from family and on the computer surfing the web and other (ostensible) teen's pages on MySpace while simultaneously involved in six different IM conversations.

The middle‐aged man borrows time throughout his work day to work on several different blogs ‐ making additions to his own and comments to others. He gets recognition and affirmation through these interactions that he does not get through interactions in his physical world.
Mapping work in the arts and humanities: A participatory panel discussion
Authors: Dalbello Marija , Marty Paul , Paling Stephen , Simon Scott , Walsh John , Winget Megan , Zach Lisl , Eschenfelder Kristin
Published: June 2009

This panel will present the research agendas of a group of researchers who are studying various aspects of information and information technology use in the arts and humanities. The goal will be to build a conceptual map of the work being done, and work that needs to be done, in these interesting and under‐studied areas. The panel will include an opportunity for participation by interested audience members. The panel members invite audience members to come and contribute to the creation of the map, which will be meant to inform other Society members about current work in this area, as well as to incorporate directions for possible future research.