bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting of rainfall and of combined sewage flow in urban drainage systems
Authors: Achleitner Stefan , Fach Stefan , Einfalt Thomas , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: April 2009

Nowcasting of rainfall may be used additionally to online rain measurements to optimize the operation of urban drainage systems. Uncertainties quoted for the rain volume are in the range of 5% to 10% mean square error (MSE), where for rain intensities 45% to 75% MSE are noted. For larger forecast periods up to 3 hours, the uncertainties will increase up to some hundred percents. Combined with the growing number of real time control concepts in sewer systems, rainfall forecast is used more and more in urban drainage systems. Therefore it is of interest how the uncertainties influence the final evaluation of a defined objective function. Uncertainty levels associated with the forecast itself are not necessarily transferable to resulting uncertainties in the catchment's flow dynamics. The aim of this paper is to analyse forecasts of rainfall and specific sewer output variables. For this study the combined sewer system of the city of Linz in the northern part of Austria located on the Danube has been selected. The city itself represents a total area of 96 km2 with 39 municipalities connected.

It was found that the available weather radar data leads to large deviations in the forecast for precipitation at forecast horizons larger than 90 minutes. The same is true for sewer variables such a CSO overflow for small sub-catchments. Although the results improve for larger spatial scales, acceptable levels at forecast horizons larger than 90 minutes are not reached.
Capecitabine and Docetaxel Combination for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Morishita Mariko , Leonard Robert C
Published: April 2009

The management of breast cancer depends on the tumor and patient's characteristics. Anthracycline-based regimens have been proven to decrease the risk of relapse and prolong survival time in breast cancer. Taxanes have been incorporated not only into metastatic breast cancer but also into adjuvant regimens. Capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate, has good single-agent activity and, together with docetaxel, demonstrated preclinical synergy and a survival benefit in metastatic breast cancer. Recent analyses show that capecitabine/docetaxel dosing flexibility for managing side effects does not compromise efficacy, and define this combination regimen as an important treatment option for its efficacy, tolerability and cost-effectiveness.
Treatment of Substance Abuse during Pregnancy
Authors: Lester Barry M , Twomey Jean E
Published: April 2009

Treatment programs for women who use drugs during pregnancy have developed out of a backdrop of punitive policies and the psychosocial complexities of this population, which include psychological comorbidities and consideration of the needs of their children. In this literature review, we examine evidence-based approaches to treatment for these women and some promising newer initiatives. We also discuss limitations of this research and issues that need to be addressed. The increasing understanding and acceptance of substance abuse as a treatable mental health disorder brings renewed optimism to this field.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Kulp Jennifer L , Barnhart Kurt T
Published: April 2009

The incidence of ectopic pregnancies is increasing, which may be related to better diagnostic tools as well as the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies. However, the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be similar to other complications of early pregnancy such as miscarriage. Diagnosis often requires serial human chorionic gonadotropin levels along with ultrasound and, in some cases, dilation and curettage. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment options include medical therapy with methotrexate and surgery, which can often be performed via the laparoscope. Fertility rates after therapy are similar for both medically and surgically treated patients.
THE THREE-STAGE MODEL OF VOLUNTEERS' DURATION OF SERVICE
Authors: Chacón Fernando , Vecina María Luisa , Dávila María Celeste
Published: April 2009

The main objective of this paper was to describe the latest results of a longitudinal study carried out by our research team with a sample of social work volunteers, whose one-year follow-up has just been completed, allowing us to draw up what we have called the “Three-stage model
of volunteers' duration”. Use of this model overcomes some of the apparent contradictions between the different models of volunteerism. For example, for the Functional Model, motivations, and more specifically their satisfaction, would be the best predictors of service duration,
however, for the Role Identity Model, what best predicts service duration would be role identity. We assume that in the initial phase of volunteerism, motivations and their satisfaction are more closely related to service duration than role identity. Nevertheless, to predict longer duration
of service and greater involvement, the fundamental variable is organizational commitment. Finally, the Role Identity Model is that which best explains sustained volunteerism. Instruments used included the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (Mowday, Steers, & Porter, 1979) reduced
and adapted by Dávila & Chacón, and The Role Identity Scale (Grube & Pilavin, 2000, adapted by Dávila & Chacón, 2004).
THREATS TO IDENTITY, SELF-ESTEEM AND INTERGROUP DISCRIMINATION
Authors: Hunter John A. , O'Brien Kerry , Stringer Maurice
Published: April 2009

The present study sought to test two hypotheses. The first was that intergroup discrimination leads to increased self-esteem. The second was that threatened self-esteem (i.e., operationalized here as the extent to which people believe that the ingroup is negatively evaluated by an outgroup)
would lead to increased intergroup discrimination. Support was found for both hypotheses.
SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIORS AND AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AMONG ADOLESCENT BOYS AND GIRLS: A STUDY WITH A TURKISH SAMPLE
Authors: Odaci Hatice
Published: April 2009

The aim of this research was to examine whether girls differ from boys in respect of submissive behaviors and automatic negative thoughts. Psychological assessments were performed using the Submissive Acts Scale (SAS; Gilbert & Allan, 1994, adapted by Şahin & Şahin,
1992a) and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ; Hollon & Kendall, 1980, adapted by Aydın & Aydın, 1990 and Şahin & Şahin, 1992b). Students' t test and logistic regression statistics were employed to analyze the data. Results indicate
that the mean of the SAS scores of the boys was higher than that of the girls. While there was a statistically significant relationship between gender and the SAS scores, no relationship was observed between gender and the ATQ scores. The findings of this study suggested that adolescent boys
show more submissive behaviors than do adolescent girls.
EARLY 20TH CENTURY SOCIAL ECOLOGY OF U.S. STATE IQ AND SUICIDE RATES: EVIDENCE FROM THE ARMY ALPHA AND BETA INTELLIGENCE TEST DATA OF YERKES (1921)
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: April 2009

Consistent with a number of facts from suicide research and an evolutionary view of suicidal behavior, positive ecological (group-level) correlations between contemporary suicide rates and intelligence level have been observed in several geographical (cross-national and within-nation)
studies (e.g., Lester, 1993, 1995, 2003; Voracek, 2004, 2005a, 2005b, 2006a-h, 2007). The present research extended these accounts cross-temporally to a test of the social ecology of U.S. state IQ and suicide rates during the early 20th century. Analysis of historical state suicide rates (1913–24),
along with validated state IQ figures derived from the Army Alpha and Beta Intelligence Test data of Yerkes (1921), showed a clear positive correlation of state IQ with suicide rates (independent of state wealth) across the USA, thus suggesting temporal stability of the effect.
DO PERSONALITY TRAITS PREDICT WORK VALUES OF CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS?
Authors: Zhang Denghao , Wang Dengfeng , Yang Ye , Teng Fei
Published: April 2009

The relationship between the work values and personality of Chinese college students is examined. Qualitative methods were employed to develop work values scale is examined to assess the work values of Chinese college students. A total of 661 students completed a 25-item work values
questionnaire and 238 students also completed the Chinese Personality Scale (QZPS; Wang & Cui, 2003). Factor analysis indicated a coherent model, including 5 factors of challenge, personal worth, equitable opportunity, social status and work conditions. Regression analysis indicated that
individual worth was associated with ways of life and kindness, and that social status was associated with ways of life.
Aggression, gender-typical childhood play, and a prenatal hormonal index
Authors: Burton Leslie A. , Henninger Debra , Hafetz Jessica , Cofer John
Published: April 2009

An evaluation was conducted of 134 university students (93 female, 41 male) with the Aggression Questionnaire of Buss and Perry (1992) and a Gender-Typical Play Behavior Questionnaire constructed for this study. Measurements were taken of an index of prenatal androgen activity –
finger length ratios – for which gender differences have been reported. Gender differences in aggression and in the finger length ratios were found, in the directions reported in the literature. Correlations between greater current report of aggression and play style more typical of
boys during childhood were found in both the male and female samples. This relationship between current level of aggression and gender-typical childhood play across time was notable. Gender-typical finger length ratios were associated with gender-typical patterns of play for several indices.
The current findings provide support for the idea that physical aggression, childhood play style, and finger length ratios may reflect prenatal androgenic influence.
Surface mapping of carrier density in a GaN wafer using a frequency-agile THz source
Authors: Ohno Seigo , Hamano Akihide , Miyamoto Katsuhiko , Suzuki Chisato , Ito Hiromasa
Published: April 2009

We developed a method for mapping the carrier density on a semiconductor substrate surface based on terahertz (THz)-reflective measurement. Reflectivity in the THz-frequency region away from the optical phonon frequency is sensitive to the carrier density in semiconductors. However, reflectivity in the optical phonon frequency regions is around 1.0, independent of the carrier density. We developed a THz-reflective spectral imaging system using a frequency-agile, ultra-widely tunable THz source (1–40 THz). Different reflective images were obtained from GaN samples of carrier density 2.5 × 1016 cm−3, 1.0 × 1018 cm−3 and 1.5 × 1018 cm−3 using 22.7 and 26.5 THz. The image contrast reflected the GaN crystals’ carrier density.
Mycotoxin Detection in Human Samples from Patients Exposed to Environmental Molds
Authors: Hooper Dennis G. , Bolton Vincent  E. , Guilford Frederick T. , Straus David  C.
Published: April 2009

The goal of this study was to determine if selected mycotoxins (trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins) could be extracted and identified in human tissue and body fluids from patients exposed to toxin producing molds in their environment. Human urine and methanol extracted tissues and sputum were examined. Trichothecenes were tested using competitive ELISA techniques. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, and ochratoxin A were tested by using immunoaffinity columns and fluorometry. Test sensitivity and specificity were determined. Levels of detection for the various mycotoxins varied from 0.2 ppb for trichothecenes, 1.0 ppb for aflatoxins, and 2.0 ppb for ochratoxins. Trichothecene levels varied in urine, sputum, and tissue biopsies (lung, liver, brain) from undetectable ( 10.0 ppb. Negative control patients had no detectable mycotoxins in their tissues or fluids. These data show that mycotoxins can be detected in body fluids and human tissue from patients exposed to mycotoxin producing molds in the environment, and demonstrate which human tissues or fluids are the most likely to yield positive results.
Early Events, Kinetic Intermediates and the Mechanism of Protein Folding in Cytochrome c
Authors: Goldbeck Robert A. , Chen Eefei , Kliger David S.
Published: April 2009

Kinetic studies of the early events in cytochrome c folding are reviewed with a focus on the evidence for folding intermediates on the submillisecond timescale. Evidence from time-resolved absorption, circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, fluorescence energy and electron transfer, small-angle X-ray scattering and amide hydrogen exchange studies on the t £ 1 ms timescale reveals a picture of cytochrome c folding that starts with the ~ 1-ms conformational diffusion dynamics of the unfolded chains. A fractional population of the unfolded chains collapses on the 1 – 100 ms timescale to a compact intermediate IC containing some native-like secondary structure. Although the existence and nature of IC as a discrete folding intermediate remains controversial, there is extensive high time-resolution kinetic evidence for the rapid formation of IC as a true intermediate, i.e., a metastable state separated from the unfolded state by a discrete free energy barrier. Final folding to the native state takes place on millisecond and longer timescales, depending on the presence of kinetic traps such as heme misligation and proline mis-isomerization. The high folding rates observed in equilibrium molten globule models suggest that IC may be a productive folding intermediate. Whether it is an obligatory step on the pathway to the high free energy barrier associated with millisecond timescale folding to the native state, however, remains to be determined.
Biodegradation of Silk Biomaterials
Authors: Cao Yang , Wang Bochu
Published: April 2009

Silk fibroin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation, non-toxicity, adsorption properties, etc. As a kind of ideal biomaterial, silk fibroin has been widely used since it was first utilized for sutures a long time ago. The degradation behavior of silk biomaterials is obviously important for medical applications. This article will focus on silk-based biomaterials and review the degradation behaviors of silk materials.
The MOBO City: A Mobile Game Package for Technical Language Learning
Authors: Fotouhi-Ghazvini Faranak , Earnshaw Rae , Robison David , Excell Peter
Published: April 2009

In this research we produced a mobile language learning game that is designed within a technical context. After conceptual analysis of the subject matter i.e. computerâ??s motherboard, the game was designed. The action within the game is consistent to the theme. There is a story, simplifying and exaggerating real life. Elements of control, feedback and sense of danger are incorporated into our game. By producing an engaging learning experience, vocabularies were learned incidentally. Deliberate vocabulary learning games were also added to our package to help students solve their common errors.
Structures and Properties of Nonchelated, d0 Alkyl Alkene Complexes of the Type [Cp2ZrMe(alkene)]+: Elusive Intermediates during Ziegler–Natta Polymerizations of Alkenes
Authors: Sauriol Francoise , Wong Elizabeth , Leung Angela M. H. , Donaghue Irja Elliott , Baird Michael C. , Wondimagegn Tebikie , Ziegler Tom
Published: April 2009

Caught in the act: An alkyl alkene ZrIV complex (see picture; Cp=C5H5) has been synthesized and characterized for the first time. The alkene bonding mode is highly asymmetric, and C2 is quite carbocationic. There is also evidence for rotation about the C1C2 bond. This extremely unusual complex provides an exemplar of previously unknown intermediates in Ziegler–Natta and carbocationic polymerization reactions of alkenes.

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Self‐organization of amphiphilic poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine] carrying tocopheryl moieties as terminal groups
Authors: Tanigawa Nobuyuki , Shiraishi Kohei , Abe Tadashi , Sugiyama Kazuo
Published: April 2009

Poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine](PMPC) with one pendant tocopheryl moiety at the polymer terminus (PMPC‐Toco) was prepared by the radical polymerization of 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) initiated with 4,4′‐azobis[(3‐tocopheryl)‐4‐cyanopentanoate] in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol as a chain transfer reagent. The self‐organization of PMPC‐Toco was analyzed with fluorescence and 1H‐NMR measurements. The critical micelle concentrations of PMPC‐Toco with [η] = 0.25, 0.13, 0.10, and 0.05 dL g−1 were found to be 200, 100, 100, and 90 mg L−1, respectively. The blood compatibility of PMPC‐Toco was evaluated from the Michaelis constant (Km) for the enzymatic reaction of thrombin and a synthetic substrate, S‐2238, in the presence of PMPC‐Toco. The Km values were 0.21, 0.23, 0.36, and 0.21 for PMPC‐Toco‐1, 2, 3, and PMPC ([η] = 0.56 dL g−1), respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A novel route of synthesis, characterization of terephthalic dihydrazide from polyethylene terephthalate waste and it's application in PVC compounding as plasticizer
Authors: Soni R. K. , Dutt Krishna , Jain Anuj , Soam Shweta , Singh Swati
Published: April 2009

The degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste by making use of hydrazine monohydrate was investigated at ambient temperature and pressure. The aminolysed end products obtained were characterized with chemical tests and spectroscopic techniques namely IR, UV‐visible spectroscopy and NMR, and the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The end product was characterized as terephthalic dihydrazide (TPD) and further used in PVC compounding as secondary plasticizer. The hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, thermal stability, and compatibility of the PVC sheet were studied and concluded that the aminolysed product may find potential application as secondary plasticizer in PVC formulations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Pyrazine Arotinoids with Inverse Agonist Activities on the Retinoid and Rexinoid Receptors
Authors: García José , Khanwalkar Harshal , Pereira Raquel , Erb Cathie , Voegel Johannes J. , Collette Pascal , Mauvais Pascale , Bourguet William , Gronemeyer Hinrich , de Lera Ángel R.
Published: April 2009

RAR and RXR agonists: A collection of pyrazine‐based RAR/RXR ligands were prepared by a series of palladium catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions and characterized. Structure–activity relationships were elucidated. Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α/β‐subtype‐selective and retinoid X receptor (RXR) inverse agonist activities are described for pyrazine acrylic acid arotinoid, 14 d.

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Heterocyclic arotinoids derived from central‐region dihalogenated pyrazine scaffolds have been synthesized by consecutive halogen and/or position‐selective palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. Pyrazines were further functionalized as alkyl ethers or methylamines prior to the last Pd‐catalyzed reactions. Transient transactivation studies with the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α, β, and γ subtypes and with retinoid X receptor (RXR) α revealed distinct agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist activities for these compounds. Of interest are the RARα,β‐selective inverse agonists with pyrazine acrylic acid structures, in particular 14 c, which is RARβ‐selective, and 14 d, a pan‐RAR/RXR inverse agonist with more affinity for the RAR subtypes that enhance the interaction of RAR with cognate corepressors.
Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Determination of Three Tolualdehyde Isomers by Artificial Neural Networks and Its Comparison with Partial Least Squares
Authors: FANG Huiwen , LI Hui , LI Yanwei , ZHAO Jing , XU Jian
Published: April 2009

The simultaneous determination of tolualdehyde isomer mixtures by using a spectrophotometric method is a difficult problem in analytical chemistry, due to spectral interference. By multivariate calibration methods, such as partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN), it is possible to obtain a model adjusted to the concentration values of the mixtures used in the calibration range. The ANN calibration model of simultaneous determination of tolualdehyde isomers was based on absorption spectra in the 230–304 nm range for 48 different mixtures of tolualdehyde isomers, and the concentration ranges for o‐tolualdehyde, m‐tolualdehyde and p‐tolualdehyde were 6.0–15.0, 7.0–16.0 and 8.0–19.0 µg·mL−1, respectively. Other 7 samples were applied to testing the predictive ability of the calibration model. The effect of the three isomers with different concentration ratios in their mixtures on the accuracy of determination results was discussed and the appropriate range of concentration ratio was found. The proposed method was applied to simultaneous determination of the three isomers in synthetic samples and the recoveries were between 84.00% and 109.60%. The results of determination were compared with the PLS model without significant difference at 0.05 level for o‐tolualdehyde and m‐tolualdehyde by paired t‐test. But a better performance for p‐tolualdehyde in their mixtures could be obtained by the ANN calibration model.
Synthese de C‐nucleosides. VII β‐D‐ribofuranosyl‐2 et ‐8 adenines
Authors: Huynh‐Dinh Tam , Kolb Annie , Gouyette Catherine , Igolen Jean
Published: April 2009

Les cyclisations du chlorhydrate de benzyl (O‐benzoyl‐5 D‐ribofuranosyl)thioformimidate IV avee l'aminomalonitrile on l'amino‐5 cyano‐4 imidazole donnent, après enlèvement du groupement protecteur, les C‐nucléosides analogues III et II de l'adénosine. La configuration β est établie d'après les méthodes spectroscopiques (RMN, DC).
Studies on the syntheses of heterocyclic compounds. Part DXCVII. A synthesis of dienone analogs by electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Kametani Tetsuji , Shishido Kozo , Takano Seiichi
Published: April 2009

Electrolytic coupling reaction of laudanosine (1) gave the O‐methylflavinantine (II). N‐Ethoxycarbonylated dihydrostilbene (IVa) gave a rearranged dienone (Va) and N‐trifluoro‐acetylated dihydrostilbene (IVb) contrastively gave an unrearranged dienone (Vb).
Selenium heterocycles. XV. Reaction of 2‐aminoselenazoles and 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐selenadiazoles with acetylenic compounds
Authors: Shafiee A. , Lalezari I.
Published: April 2009

2‐Aminoselenazoles with ethyl propiolate or dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate gave 7H‐selenazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐7‐ones. 2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐selenadiazoles with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate gave 7H‐1,3,4‐selenadiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐7‐ones; with ethyl propiolate the reaction took an unusual path and 2‐carbethoxy‐5H‐selenazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐5‐one was isolated. The assignment of the structures were supported by spectra analysis.
Pyrazolo[3,4‐e] [1,4] thiazepines: Synthesis and structure proof
Authors: Swett Leo R. , Ratajczyk James D. , Nordeen Carl W. , Aynilian George H.
Published: April 2009

Pyrazolo[3,4‐e][1,4]thiazepine derivatives were obtained by reacting 5‐amino‐1,3‐dimethylpyrazole with arylaldehydes or ketones and mercaptoacetic acid. The structure proof of these derivatives was carried out by identifying the benzylpyrazole products obtained by desulfurization and subsequent hydrolysis, and by comparison of the spectral data of a series of analogous pyrazolothiazepines. Treating the pyrazolothiazepines with sodium hydride and methyl iodide in dimethylformamide or dimethylsulfoxide resulted in a ring contraction with the elimination of sulfur, to yield the pyrazolopyridones in addition to the N‐methylpyrazolothiazepines.
Diazo‐, azo‐ et azidoazoles. III. Tautoméric azido/tétrazole dans des nouveaux azidoazoles
Authors: Granados Ricardo , Rull Montse , Vilarrasa Jaume
Published: April 2009

Quelques dérivés de l'azido‐2 imidazole et de l'azido‐3(5) triazole‐1,2,4 ont été préparés dans le but d'étudier le possible équilibre azido/tétrazole. Les fonctions thermodynamiques correspondantes à l'équilibre aeétyl‐1 azido‐2 imidazole/acétylimidazo[1,2‐d]tétrazole ont été determinées. On propose une explication du fait que la forme azide est toujours prédominante dans la série des azoles et, par contre. dans les azines et thiazoles c'est la forme tétrazole qui est plus souvent prépondérante.
Novel heterotricyclic systems: 2,6‐dioxa‐ and 2‐oxa‐6‐thia‐10‐azatricyclo‐[5.2.1.04,10] deeanes; 2,6‐dioxa‐11‐azatricyclo[5.3.1.04,11] undecane; and 9,13‐dioxa‐14‐azatetracyclo[6.5.1.02,7.011,14]tetradeca‐2,4,6‐triene
Authors: Broadbent H. Smith , Burnham Weldon S. , Sheeley Richard M. , Olsen Richard K.
Published: April 2009

The acid‐catalyzed condensation of 2‐amino‐1,3‐propanediols and 1,4‐diketones under water‐azeotroping conditions has led to the first synthesis of the new tent‐like, essentially strain‐free heterotricyclic system, 2,6‐dioxa‐10‐azatricyclo[5.2.1.04,10]decane. Over thirty new compounds containing this system are reported. In cases where the aminodiol is unsubstituted or bears a phenyl substituent a mixture of the tricycle and the isomeric pyrrole resulted. These observations indicate alternative pathways in the Knorr‐Paal condensation which lead to one, or the other, or both of these products. A scheme postulating common intermediates is presented. Examples of three additional, related, novel heteropolycyclic systems synthesized in analogous fashion are also reported.
Etude du mécanisme de la réaction de hantzsch des thiazoles. II. premiére étape: Action des cétones‐α halogénées sur les thioamides
Authors: Babadjamian A. , Gallo R. , Metzger J. , Chanon M.
Published: April 2009

L'éturle du mécanisme de la réaction d'hétérocyclisation de Hantzsch est abordée. Le comportement des cétones‐α lialogénées est un exemple de réactivité ambidente. Nous montrons, à l'aide de mesures cinétiques et de données de la littérature, que l'intéraction des cétones‐α halogénées avec les thioamides, débute par la substitution directe de l'atome d'halogéne par l'atome de soufre.
Activated esters of substituted pyrazinecarboxylic acids
Authors: Shepard Kenneth L. , Halczenko Wasyl , Cragoe Edward J.
Published: April 2009

N‐Amidino‐3,5‐diamino‐6‐chloropyrazinecarboxamide (1) has been shown to be an effective potassium sparing diuretic. Various carboxyl activating agents have been employed with 3‐amino‐pyrazinecarboxylic acids in an effort to synthesize analogs of1.Stable enol esters were isolated from a number of such acids andN‐t‐butyl‐5‐methylisoxazolium perchlorate (12). Although strong bases in DMF or DMSO catalyze a competing destruction of the enol ester system, these esters are useful acylating agents for a variety of nucleophilic substrates in less polar media. Amides, esters, and thiol esters are produced in good yields under mild conditions from these activated esters.
Reciprocal regulation of ATPγS‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 production by ERK and p38 MAP kinases in rat corticostriatal slice cultures
Authors: Katayama Takahiro , Ito Misato , Kaneko Shuji , Satoh Masamichi , Uehara Takashi , Minami Masabumi
Published: April 2009

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1, CCL2) is a well‐defined chemokine implicated in the pathology of various neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic injury. We investigated the effect of the activation of P2 purinoceptors on MCP‐1 production in rat corticostriatal slice cultures. Treatment with adenosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate) (ATPγS), a hydrolysis‐resistant adenosine triphosphate (ATP) analog, induced MCP‐1 production in astrocytes. The induction was in a concentration‐dependent manner and was antagonized by a P2 purinoceptor antagonist pyridoxal phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid. The inhibition of an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway by PD98059 and U0126 significantly suppressed ATPγS‐induced MCP‐1 mRNA expression and protein production, while inhibition of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase by SP600125 resulted in the partial suppression. Conversely, SB203580, a p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, significantly enhanced ATPγS‐induced MCP‐1 production. Similar effects of ERK and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors on MCP‐1 production were observed in the slices stimulated by ATP and BzATP. These results demonstrate that astrocytic MCP‐1 production induced by P2 purinoceptor stimulation is reciprocally regulated by ERK and p38 MAP kinases in the organotypic slice cultures. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: A possible risk factor for thrombosis
Authors: Venkateswaran Lakshmi , Scaglia Fernando , McLin Valerie , Hertel Paula , Shchelochkov Oleg A. , Karpen Saul , Mahoney Donald , Yee Donald L.
Published: April 2009

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common urea cycle defect. Thromboembolic complications have not heretofore been linked with this diagnosis. We describe four patients with neonatal‐onset OTC deficiency who developed vascular thromboses. One patient had arterial thrombosis; the rest developed venous thromboses. Multiple pro‐thrombotic risk factors were identified. Low plasma arginine levels were observed in all patients at the time of thrombosis. Arginine deficiency and the resultant nitric oxide insufficiency may contribute to thrombotic risk. Careful normalization of plasma arginine and citrulline levels and increased surveillance for thrombotic complications should be considered in patients with OTC deficiency. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:100–102. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of patient reported outcomes and cost of care in younger men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer
Authors: Jayadevappa Ravishankar , Chhatre Sumedha , Wein Alan J. , Malkowicz S. Bruce
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND

The proportion of younger men (<65 years) diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) has increased significantly. We sought to analyze the association between race/ethnicity, biochemical recurrence risk and outcomes in younger men with PCa.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 318 younger men with newly diagnosed PCa. Participants completed generic and prostate‐specific Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), out‐of‐pocket cost and satisfaction with care surveys at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up. Health resource utilization and cost data were obtained from the hospital based administrative databases. We compared time to return to baseline (RTB) of HRQoL scores across groups. Survival curves were used to compare mean time to RTB across groups. Linear mixed effects (LMEs) and generalized linear (GLM) models were used to analyze the association of race/ethnicity and biochemical recurrence groups with outcomes.

RESULTS

African Americans reported lower generic and prostate‐specific HRQoL scores at diagnosis and required more time to RTB values for generic HRQoL. The results of LME models showed that low risk of biochemical recurrence was associated with better physical function, vitality, mental health, and general health. For prostate‐specific HRQoL items, low risk of biochemical recurrence was associated with impaired urinary function and better bowel function and bowel bother. GLM model showed that treatment, hospital type and comorbidity were associated with cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Biochemical recurrence risk and treatment groups, not ethnicity, were associated poorer post‐treatment outcomes. This information is important in planning for and communicating with patients about post‐treatment care. Prostate 69:1067–1076, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flowering intensity in white yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: HAMADINA E. I. , CRAUFURD P. Q. , ASIEDU R.
Published: April 2009

White or Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata), grown for its underground tubers, is an important food in West Africa. Progress in yam breeding is constrained by variable flowering behaviour, making hybridization difficult. Yam clones may be dioecious, monoecious or hermaphrodite with variable sex ratios. The proportion of plants that flower and the flowering intensity also vary with season and location. The objective of the present work was to investigate whether variation in flowering behaviour was related to factors determining rate of development (photoperiod and temperature through sowing date, location and year) or growth (cumulative solar radiation and temperature). Sex ratios, the proportion of plants that had flower buds and open flowers, and the number of flowers or spikes was recorded in one male (TDr 131) and one female (TDr 99-9) clone of white yam grown in the field in Nigeria at three locations and at different sowing dates. Clone TDr 131 was uniformly male flowering, while clone TDr 99-9 exhibited a number of sex types with gynoecious, monoecious and trimonoecious plants observed. The proportion of flowering plants was low in both clones, averaging 0·34 in clone TDr 131 and 0·13 in clone TDr 99-9. Day of vine emergence had a significant and contrasting effect on the proportion of flowering plants and on flowering intensity in the two clones. In clone TDr 131, the proportion of flowering plants and flowering intensity declined with later vine emergence at all locations (r=0·43–0·53; P<0·05), whereas in clone TDr 99-9 the proportion of flowering plants increased with later emergence (r=0·46, P<0·01). In clone TDr 131, this response was strongly associated with warmer temperatures (r=0·49–0·50; P<0·05) and greater cumulative radiation (r=0·85–0·93; P<0·001) between vine emergence and flowering, rather than photoperiod at vine emergence. This suggests that flowering behaviour in the male clone TDr 131 is strongly influenced by factors that affect growth rather than development. Clone TDr 99-9, on the other hand, exhibited no clear relations between flowering and growth or developmental factors, though the proportion of flowering plants and flowering intensity was greatest at planting dates close to the longest day and at temperatures of 25–26°C. This might suggest that flowering behaviour in clone TDr 99-9 is controlled by photothermal responses.
Change We Can Believe In? Using Political Science to
Predict Policy Change in the Obama Presidency
Authors: Woon Jonathan
Published: April 2009

Based on the results of the 2008 presidential and congressional
elections, an analysis using theories and methods of modern
political science (pivotal politics theory, ideal point estimates,
and bootstrap simulations) suggests that the conditions are ripe for
real policy change. Specifically, we should expect policies to move
significantly in a liberal direction, few or no policies should move
in a conservative direction, and many of the outcomes will be
moderate or somewhat to the left of center (rather than far left).
Furthermore, the predictions depend as much on partisan polarization
and the results of the congressional election as they do on the
outcome of presidential election itself.
Fieldwork, Identities, and Intersectionality: Negotiating Gender, Race, Class, Religion, Nationality, and Age in the Research Field Abroad: Editors' Introduction
Authors: Ortbals Candice D. , Rincker Meg E.
Published: April 2009

Political scientists who have conducted research abroad experience excitement as well as great disappointment. Meeting and utilizing the help of knowledgeable, responsive interviewees can be exhilarating; yet a cancelled interview, illness, and lack of funds dampens the social scientific enterprise. In this symposium, we discuss the nuts and bolts of field research and we explore the constraints and opportunities that arise from the interaction of researchers' personal identities (gender, race, class, religion, nationality, and age) and their research context. We contend that most training received before fieldwork focuses little, if at all, on the personal consequences of leaving one's home for a year, trying to integrate into another culture, and facing (mis)perceptions based on one's identity. As the quotations above indicate, the symposium hopes to demonstrate how a researcher can be gutsy in the uncharted waters of fieldwork, especially with interactions pertaining to one's identities. Although we acknowledge that no preparation will entirely eradicate disappointing days in the field and misperceptions of identity, we encourage new field researchers and graduate students to be aware that the process of accessing data abroad is an intensely personal one. The symposium contributors are comparativists, mainly at the career stages of assistant professor and recently tenured professor, who have researched in Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, India, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, Russia, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Field Research in Developing Countries: Hitting the Road
Running
Authors: Hertel Shareen , Singer Matthew M. , Van Cott Donna Lee
Published: April 2009

The availability of relatively reliable and comparable data online
and the increasing emphasis on statistical and formal research
methods has led many political scientists to dismiss research in
foreign countries as a waste of time and money. We leave that debate
to others (see, e.g., Comparative Politics Organized Section 2005; Qualitative Methods
Organized Section 2004).
Instead, we offer suggestions for maximizing the contributions of
fieldwork to the production of original research. We pay particular
attention to research in developing countries owing to the unique
challenges of undertaking research there, but we believe our
insights are applicable to field research more generally.
Research, Identities, and Praxis: The Tensions of Integrating Identity into the Field Experience
Authors: Thompson Marshall
Published: April 2009

Scientists seek to participate in the collective process of cumulative knowledge building. As scientists, we are bound to the principle of objective neutrality in the assessment of our data and in the formulation of our inferences and conclusions. However, the production of knowledge does not need to be, and some would say cannot be, a valueless process, devoid of opinion. The imperatives for the investigator are intellectual honesty, transparency in research, and objectivity in the assessment of data. If value judgments are accepted as permissible it is then worthwhile to discuss the relationships between the investigator's identity, those value judgments, and the design and conduct of research. Indeed, investigators possess multiple identities; these multiple identities may, at various times and places, aid or impede the research process. Moreover, these intersectional identities, and the inconsistency with which these identities are granted status in various environments, leave the researcher well positioned to explore social stratification, hierarchies of power, and inequality.
A possible mechanism for soil moisture bimodality in humid‐land environments
Authors: Daly E. , Zinger Y. , Deletic A. , Fletcher T. D.
Published: April 2009

The origin and causes for the existence of two distinct steady‐state modes of soil moisture probability distribution (pdf) have been attributed to several processes, such as land‐atmosphere feedbacks or shifts in climatic conditions within seasons. Here we argue that the interaction between saturated and unsaturated zones in soils with shallow water tables might represent a possible mechanism leading to such bimodality. This conclusion is achieved by analyzing soil water content measurements in vegetated soil columns artificially constructed in a laboratory. We used these observations to develop a stochastic model for the daily soil water balance, which shows how the interplay between the water table and the unsaturated zone is able to induce soil moisture bimodality.
Physical nature of the monomeric fluorescence of the ortho-bromobenzophenone crystal
Authors: Pyshkin O. S.
Published: April 2009

The time-resolved low-temperature phosphorescence spectra of the ortho-bromobenzophenone (2-BrBP) crystal are investigated at a temperature of 52K. The spectra show that the emission of one series of vibrational bands of the phosphorescence decays in time, while the emission of another series of vibrational bands, which is identical but shifted to longer wavelengths, first rises and then decays. This behavior of the spectrum at the given temperature is explained by the overcoming of an energy barrier between two conformational states of the excited ortho-bromobenzophenone molecule. Besides the phosphorescence of the two series of vibrational bands, the time-resolved spectrum of the ortho-bromobenzophenone crystal at the given temperature exhibits excimer emission, which decays over a time ≈175μs.
Sampling conformations in high dimensions using low-dimensional distribution functions
Authors: Somani Sandeep , Killian Benjamin J. , Gilson Michael K.
Published: April 2009

We present an approximation to a molecule’s N-dimensional conformational probability density function (pdf) in terms of marginal pdfs of highest order l, where l is much less than N. The approximation is constructed as a product of conditional pdfs derived by recursive application of the generalized Kirkwood superposition approximation. Furthermore, an algorithm is presented to sample conformations from the approximate full-dimensional pdf based upon all input marginal pdfs. The sampling algorithm is tested for three small molecule systems by using the algorithm to sample conformations at levels l=1, 2, or 3 and comparing the distributions of sampled conformations with those from the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The distributions of conformations sampled at third (l=3) order resemble the MD distributions rather well and significantly better than those sampled at second (l=2) or first (l=1) order. In addition to highlighting the importance of correlations among internal degrees of freedom, these results suggest that low-order correlations suffice to describe most of the conformational fluctuations of molecules in a thermal environment.
Long-range order on the atomic scale induced at CoFeB/MgO interfaces
Authors: Eilers Gerrit , Ulrichs Henning , Münzenberg Markus , Thomas Andy , Thiel Karsten , Seibt Michael
Published: April 2009

The amorphous (a-) CoFeB/crystalline (c-) MgO based tunneling system interface has been studied by means of quantitative high resolution transmission electron microscopy from atomic to micrometer length scales with increasing annealing temperatures. On the micron scale an irregular nucleation is found. On the atomic scale a long-range order is induced by the MgO interface, explaining the high tunnel magnetoresistance values >100% even for not fully crystallized CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB tunnel junctions.
Solvation force between surfaces modified by tethered chains: A density functional approach
Authors: Pizio Orest , Pusztai László , Sokołowska Zofia , Sokołowski Stefan
Published: April 2009

The behavior of Lennard-Jones fluid in slitlike pores with walls modified by tethered chain molecules is studied using density functional theory. The effects of confinement and chemical modification of pore walls on the solvation force are investigated. Two models of the pore walls are considered. According to the first model, the chain molecules are chemically bonded by their end segments to opposite walls of the pore, forming flexible pillars. In the second model the chains build up a brush at each wall due to bonding of the first segment at one wall. The nonbonded terminating segment of a molecule is strongly attracted via a short-range potential to any wall of the pore. Then a pillarlike or looplike structure of chains can be formed. In the first model the solvation force at the wall-to-wall is repulsive for narrow pores and strongly attractive for wider pores of the order of the nominal chain length. Oscillations of the solvation force are induced by adsorbed fluid structure and by ordered structure of segments on the fragment of entirely attractive force curve. In the second model, however, the solvation force decays to zero as the pore width increases. Attractive force can be induced at intermediate separation between walls due to modification of the pore walls.
Thermionic emission and a novel electron collector in a liquid helium environment
Authors: Fang J. , Dementyev Anatoly E. , Tempere Jacques , Silvera Isaac F.
Published: April 2009

We study two techniques to create electrons in a liquid helium environment. One is thermionic emission of tungsten filaments in a low temperature cell in the vapor phase with a superfluid helium film covering all surfaces; the other is operating a glowing filament immersed in bulk liquid helium. We present both the steady state and rapid sweep I-V curves and the electron current yield. These curves, having a negative dynamic resistance region, differ remarkably from those of a vacuum tube filament. A novel low temperature vapor-phase electron collector for which the insulating helium film on the collector surface can be removed is used to measure emission current. We also discuss our achievement of producing multielectron bubbles in liquid helium by a new method.
Molecular-resolution imaging of lead phthalocyanine molecules by small amplitude frequency modulation atomic force microscopy using second flexural mode
Authors: Ichii Takashi , Hosokawa Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kei , Matsushige Kazumi , Yamada Hirofumi
Published: April 2009

Lead phthalocyanine molecules on MoS2(0001) substrates were imaged using an ultrahigh-vacuum AFM apparatus equipped with an optical beam deflection (OBD) sensor. The second flexural mode was employed to utilize its high effective spring constant in order to reduce the oscillation amplitude to 0.5 nm without oscillation instability. Submolecular-resolution images were obtained when a shorter cantilever, which had a very high resonance frequency and a low noise equivalent deflection in the OBD sensor, was used.
Function and hydrostatics in the telson of the Burgess Shale arthropodBurgessia
Authors: Lin Jih-Pai
Published: April 2009

Burgessia bellais a characteristic Burgess Shale arthropod (508 Ma), but the unusual preservation of its telson in both straight and bent modes leads to contradictory interpretations of its function. A reinvestigation of the fossil material, including burial attitudes, combined with a comparison with the decay sequence and mechanics of the telson in livingLimulus, demonstrates that the telson ofBurgessiawas flexible in its relaxed state but could be stiffened in life. Evidence of fluid within the telson indicates that this manoeuvrability was achieved by changes in hydrostatic pressure and muscular control. The dual mode in theBurgessiatelson is, to my knowledge, the first documented among fossil arthropods. It indicates that the requirement for a rigid telson, which is resolved by a thick sclerotized cuticle in most arthropods, may first have been achieved by hydrostatic means.
Stem sarcopterygians have primitive polybasal fin articulation
Authors: Zhu Min , Yu Xiaobo
Published: April 2009

Among osteichthyans, basal actinopterygian fishes (e.g. paddlefish and bowfins) have paired fins with three endoskeletal components (pro-, meso- and metapterygia) articulating with polybasal shoulder girdles, while sarcopterygian fishes (lungfish, coelacanths and relatives) have paired fins with one endoskeletal component (metapterygium) articulating with monobasal shoulder girdles. In the fin–limb transition, the origin of the sarcopterygian paired fins triggered new possibilities of fin articulation and movement, and established the proximal segments (stylopod and zeugopod) of the presumptive tetrapod limb. Several authors have stated that the monobasal paired fins in sarcopterygians evolved from a primitive polybasal condition. However, the fossil record has been silent on whether and when the inferred transition took place. Here we describe three-dimensionally preserved shoulder girdles of two stem sarcopterygians (PsarolepisandAchoania) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, which demonstrate that stem sarcopterygians have polybasal pectoral fin articulation as in basal actinopterygians. This finding provides a phylogenetic and temporal constraint for studying the origin of the stylopod, which must have originated within the stem sarcopterygian lineage through the loss of the propterygium and mesopterygium.