bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aldosterone up‐regulates 12‐ and 15‐lipoxygenase expression and LDL oxidation in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Limor Rona , Kaplan Marielle , Sharon Orly , Knoll Esther , Naidich Michal , Weisinger Gary , Keidar Shlomo , Stern Naftali
Published: September 2009

Several lines of evidence suggest that aldosterone excess may have detrimental effects in the cardiovascular system, independent of its interaction with the renal epithelial cells. Here we examined the possibility that aldosterone modulates 12‐ and/or 15‐lipoxygenase (LO) expression/activity in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), in vitro, thereby potentially contributing to both vascular reactivity and atherogenesis. Following 24 h treatment of VSMC with aldosterone (1 nmol/L), there was a ∼2‐fold increase in the generation rate of 12 hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HETE), 70% increase in platelet type 12‐LO mRNA expression (P < 0.001) along with a ∼3‐fold increase in 12‐LO protein expression, which were blocked by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists spironolactone (100 nmol/L) and eplerelone (100 nmol/ml). Additionally, aldosterone (1 nmol/L; 24 h) increased the production of 15‐HETE (50%; P < 0.001) and the expression of 15‐LO type 2 mRNA (50%; P < 0.05) (in VSMC). Aldosterone also increased the 12‐ and 15‐LO type 2 mRNA expression in a line of human aortic smooth muscle cells (T/G HA‐VSMC) (60% and 50%, respectively). Aldosterone‐induced 12‐ and 15‐LO type 2 mRNA expressions were blocked by the EGF‐receptor antagonist AG 1478 and by the MAPK‐kinase inhibitor UO126. Aldosterone‐treated VSMC also showed increased LDL oxidation, (∼2‐fold; P < 0.001), which was blocked by spironolactone. In conclusion, aldosterone increased 12‐ and 15‐LO expression in human VSMC, in association with increased 12‐ and 15‐HETE generation and enhanced LDL oxidation and may directly augment VSMC contractility, hypertrophy, and migration through 12‐HETE and promote LDL oxidation via the pro‐oxidative properties of these enzymes. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1203–1210, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of nuclear structural protein alterations associated with seminomas
Authors: Leman Eddy S. , Magheli Ahmed , Yong Koh Meng Aw , Netto George , Hinz Stefan , Getzenberg Robert H.
Published: September 2009

Currently, there are no specific markers available for the early detection and for monitoring testicular cancer. Based upon an approach that targets nuclear structure, we have identified a set of proteins that are specific for seminomas, which may then have clinical utility for the disease. Utilizing samples obtained from men with no evidence of testicular cancer (n = 5) as well as those with seminomas (n = 6), nuclear matrix proteins were extracted and separated using a high‐resolution two‐dimensional electrophoresis gel system. The proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. These analyses revealed seven nuclear matrix proteins associated with the normal testes, which did not appear in the seminomas. In the seminomas, four nuclear matrix proteins were identified to be associated with the disease that were absent in the normal testes. Mass spectrometric and immunoblot analyses of these proteins revealed that one of the proteins identified in the normal testes appears to be StAR‐related lipid transfer protein 7 (StARD7). In the non‐seminoma tissues, one of the identified proteins appears to be cell division protein kinase 10 (CDK10). Both StarD7 and CDK10 could potentially be involved in cell differentiation and growth, and thus may serve as potential targets for therapy of prognostication of seminomas. This is the first study to examine the role of nuclear structural proteins as potential biomarkers in testicular cancer. We are currently examining the roles of some of the identified proteins as potential biomarkers for the disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1274–1279, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative AP‐1 gene regulation by oxidative stress in the human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Chaum Edward , Yin Jinggang , Yang Huaitao , Thomas Fridtjof , Lang John C.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to characterize the early molecular responses to quantified levels of oxidative stress (OS) in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Confluent ARPE‐19 cells were cultured for 3 days in defined medium to stabilize gene expression. The cells were exposed to varying levels of OS (0–500 µM H2O2) for 1–8 h and gene expression was followed for up to 24‐h after OS. Using real‐time qPCR, we quantified the expression of immediate early genes from the AP‐1 transcription factor family and other genes involved in regulating the redox status of the cells. Significant and quantitative changes were seen in the expression of six AP‐1 transcription factor genes, FosB, c‐Fos, Fra‐1, c‐Jun, JunB, and ATF3 from 1–8 h following OS. The peak level of induced transcription from OS varied from 2‐ to 128‐fold over the first 4 h, depending on the gene and magnitude of OS. Increased transcription at higher levels of OS was also seen for up to 8‐h for some of these genes. Protein translation was examined for 24‐h following OS using Western blotting methods, and compared to the qPCR responses. We identified six AP‐1 family genes that demonstrate quantitative upregulation of expression in response to OS. Two distinct types of quantifiable OS‐specific responses were observed; dose‐dependent responses, and threshold responses. Our studies show that different levels of OS can regulate the expression of AP‐1 transcription factors quantitatively in the human RPE in vitro. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1280–1291, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and characterization of a motility initiating protein from caprine epididymal plasma
Authors: Jaiswal Bijay Shankar , Das Kaushik , Saha Sudipta , Dungdung Sandhya Rekha , Majumder Gopal C.
Published: September 2009

Numerous reports have appeared on the occurrence of undefined protein factors in male reproductive fluids that promote motility of mature sperm and initiate forward motility in the immature (immotile) caput‐epididymal sperm. This study reports for the first time purification to apparent homogeneity of a motility initiating protein (MIP) from epididymal plasma and its characterization using the caprine sperm model. It is a 125 kDa (approximately) dimeric protein made up of two subunits: 70 and 54 kDa. MIP is an acidic protein with an isoelectric point of 4.75. The motility protein at 30 µg/ml (240 nM) level showed nearly maximal motility‐promoting activity. MIP is heat stable and it is maximally active at pH 8. It is a glycoprotein that binds with high affinity to concanavalin A and it contains mannose, galactose, and N‐acetyl glucosamine approximately in the ratios of 6:1:6. It is sensitive to the actions of α‐mannosidase and β‐N‐acetylglucoseaminidase thereby demonstrating that the sugar side chain of the glycoprotein is essential for its biological activity. Epididymal plasma is its richest source. It is also capable of enhancing forward motility of mature cauda‐sperm. Its antibody markedly inhibits sperm motility. MIP antibody is highly immunospecific and it recognizes both the subunits. MIP causes significant increase of the intrasperm level of cyclic AMP. MIP: the physiological motility‐activating protein has potential for use as a contraceptive vaccine and for solving some of the problems of human infertility and animal breeding. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:254–263, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing the relevance of palaeoclimate model/data comparisons for assessments of future climate change
Authors: Schmidt Gavin A.
Published: September 2009

I discuss the role of model/data comparisons for past climate changes and use of such comparisons for enhancing credibility in future projections. I outline a framework in which data synthesis combined with suitable modelling targets should be able to reduce uncertainty in both. By focusing on areas that the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment report (IPCC AR4) highlighted as being particularly uncertain in future projections, or where current models produce a very wide range of responses, the relevance of palaeoclimate data could be greatly enhanced. Specific targets include: the long‐term behaviour of El Niño events and the potential response to volcanic and solar forcing; the variability of subtropical rainfall and the extent of the Hadley Circulation and their response to orbital and high‐latitude forcing; ice sheet responses on sub‐millennial timescales; multidecadal changes in the North Atlantic ocean circulation and, certainly, overall climate sensitivity. In each case, I highlight data synthesis steps and modelling approaches necessary for reducing the uncertainty. In particular, I stress the need for coordinated model simulation archives that are conformal to those used in simulations of the 20th century and beyond and the consistency of models used for past and future climate simulations. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic characterisation and correlation of a Younger Dryas tephra in North Atlantic marine sediments
Authors: Peters Clare , Austin William E. N. , Walden John , Hibbert Fiona D.
Published: September 2009

A technique for identifying non‐visible basaltic tephra‐rich horizons of Younger Dryas (YD)/Greenland Stadial (GS) 1 age in northeast Atlantic sediments using rapid, non‐destructive magnetic measurements is presented. Three high‐resolution marine sediment cores have been studied in an E–W transect across the Hebridean margin: St Kilda Basin (MD95‐2007), Barra Fan (MD95‐2006) and Rockall Trough (MD04‐2822). Magnetic susceptibilities and remanent magnetisations were measured at contiguous 1 cm resolution on bulk sediments. In all three cores, an interval with higher proportions of hard magnetic minerals coincides with a clearly defined peak in basaltic tephra shard (>250 µm) counts, which can be constrained to the early part of the YD/GS1 based on faunal climate proxies. Electron microprobe analyses of the magnetically distinct basaltic tephra interval, in all three cores, displays the same major element geochemistry as published for the Vedde basaltic (I Tab. 1), i.e. sourced from the Icelandic volcano Katla. The identification of transitional alkalic basaltic tephras within marine sediments could potentially be facilitated by magnetic analysis as a useful chronostratigraphic screening tool. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra of the layered monofluorophosphate (V), NH4Ag3(PO3F)2
Authors: Baran Enrique J. , Weil Matthias
Published: September 2009

The powder Fourier‐transform (FT) infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of the recently characterized NH4Ag3(PO3F)2 were recorded and are discussed with a site‐symmetry analysis based on its known structural data. Some comparisons are made with the solution spectra of the PO3F2− anion and with those of crystalline Ag2PO3F. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebrospinal tau, phospho‐tau, and beta‐amyloid and neuropsychological functions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Compta Yaroslau , Martí María J. , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , Junqué Carme , Valldeoriola Francesc , Muñoz Esteban , Ezquerra Mario , Ríos Jose , Tolosa Eduardo
Published: September 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐pathology may play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD)‐related dementia (PDD). The aim of this study was to assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of tau, phospho‐tau, and beta‐amyloid, proposed AD biomarkers, and their relationship with cognitive function in PD. Forty PD patients [20 nondemented (PDND); 20 PDD] and 30 controls underwent CSF tau, phospho‐tau, and beta‐amyloid analysis using specific ELISA techniques. All PD patients and 15 controls underwent neuropsychological testing of fronto‐subcortical (attention, fluency) and neocortical (memory, naming, visuoperceptive) functions. CSF markers levels were compared between groups, and compared and correlated with neuropsychological measures in PDND and PDD separately and as a continuum (PD). CSF tau and phospho‐tau were higher in PDD than in PDND and controls (P < 0.05). CSF beta‐amyloid ranged from high (controls) to intermediate (PDND) and low (PDD) levels (P < 0.001). In all PD and PDD patients, high CSF tau and phospho‐tau were associated with impaired memory and naming. In PDND, CSF beta‐amyloid was related with phonetic fluency. These findings suggest underlying AD‐pathology in PDD in association with cortical cognitive dysfunction, and that low CSF beta‐amyloid in PDND patients with impaired phonetic fluency can constitute an early marker of cognitive dysfunction. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Combined use of DAT‐SPECT and cardiac MIBG scintigraphy in mixed tremors
Authors: Novellino Fabiana , Arabia Gennarina , Bagnato Antonio , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Salsone Maria , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Messina Demetrio , Morelli Maurizio , Paglionico Sandra , Giofrè Laura , Restuccia Antonino , Torchia Giusi , Condino Francesca , Quattrone Aldo
Published: September 2009

The cooccurrence of rest and postural tremor (mixed tremor) as the predominant clinical manifestation in patients who do not fulfill diagnostic established criteria for essential tremor (ET) or Parkinson's disease (PD) poses a clinical diagnostic challenge. Twenty‐two patients with mixed tremor and additional mild extrapyramidal features, such as bradykinesia and rigidity, 20 patients with probable PD, 10 patients with probable ET, and 18 controls were investigated through the combined use of dopamine transporter 123I‐FP‐CIT‐single‐photon emission tomography (DAT‐SPECT) and cardiac 123metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIGB) scintigraphy. Six of the 22 mixed‐tremor patients had normal DAT‐SPECT, a condition usually found in patients with ET, whereas 16 patients showed damage to the nigrostriatal system. Cardiac MIBG allowed further differentiation between these 16 patients because eight of them had decreased tracer uptakes (heart/mediastinum [H/M] ratio in delayed image, H/M ratio delayed: 1.16 ± 0.11, P < 0.001 vs controls), indicating a PD, whereas the remaining eight had normal cardiac tracer uptakes, a finding suggestive of a parkinsonian syndrome (H/M ratio delayed: 1.90 ± 0.13). Both DAT‐SPECT and cardiac MIBG scintigraphies were abnormal in the 20 patients with probable PD, whereas these were normal in both the patients with probable ET as well as in the controls. Our study suggests that the combined use of both DAT‐SPECT and MIBG scintigraphy in mixed tremors with additional extrapyramidal features can help distinguish patients with ET from those with PD and parkinsonism. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Isolated head tremor: Part of the clinical spectrum of essential tremor? Data from population‐based and clinic‐based case samples
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Dogu Okan
Published: September 2009

Essential tremor (ET) still remains a clinical diagnosis. Nonetheless, it is misdiagnosed in 30 to 50% of cases. There are a number of areas of diagnostic uncertainty. One of these is isolated head tremor, on which published data are limited and at variance. We studied the prevalence of isolated head (i.e., neck) tremor in ET in two population‐based studies (Turkey and New York) and a large clinical sample (New York); these 583 ET cases all received the same detailed tremor examination. Head tremor with mild arm tremor occurred in a very small percentage of cases in each sample (1.9–3.1%, overall 2.7%). Nearly all of them were women. Head tremor in the complete absence of arm tremor was not observed in any cases (0.0%). These clinical data may be of value to clinicians in practice settings and researchers in phenotyping efforts in the emerging field of ET genetics. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
A process for identifying social and environmental issues: a case of the US forest products manufacturing industry
Authors: Panwar Rajat , Hansen Eric N.
Published: September 2009

Application of an issues management approach to corporate social responsibility consists of identifying, evaluating and responding to those issues that an industry must address in order to be socially responsible. This research focussed on identifying social and environmental issues relevant to the US forest products manufacturing industry. Towards this end, 14 interviews were conducted with key‐informants drawn from non‐government organizations, government and political offices, forest products associations, a multilateral organization and an extension expert. A rich set of issues was generated covering social and environmental issues. However, such a set may contain issues that are far too radical and may be challenging for companies to pursue. Accordingly, in order to develop a doable, socially credible and concise set of issues, a Delphi technique was employed consisting of forest products management and marketing academicians from various US universities. A two‐round Delphi resulted in identification of six social and six environmental issues that the US forest products manufacturing industry must address in order to be socially responsible. This proposed two‐stage process may have special relevance for companies that are entering into new markets overseas.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An application of propensity score methods to estimate the treatment effect of corticosteroids in patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Authors: Sekula P , Caputo A , Dunant A , Roujeau J‐C , Mockenhaupt M , Sidoroff A , Schumacher M
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To investigate whether propensity score (ps) methods could reasonably be applied to estimate the treatment effect on mortality, based on a comparatively small sample of patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) and who come from different countries where physicians prefer different treatment schemes.

Methods

Ps methods were applied to cope with confounding due to non‐randomized treatment assignment for the analysis of the treatment data obtained in the case‐control study EuroSCAR. For the study's purpose, the analysis focused on the comparison of the treatments: corticosteroids (STER) and supportive care only (SUPP).

Results

206 French and German patients were treated either with SUPP or STER. Imbalances between treatment groups as well as between the countries were recognized. Concerning the balance between the treatment groups no ps model for the full cohort was satisfying. In addition, the inclusion of a variable for patient's country led to a separation of the patients by country. Thus, we developed ps models for each country separately and estimated the treatment effects (France: odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–3.10, Germany: OR 0.23, CI 0.06–0.92, Overall: OR 0.33 CI 0.11–1.04).

Conclusions

The application of the ps methods was successful and provided valuable information. We could confirm the findings of the original analysis which was based on standard logistic regression, especially concerning the necessity of a country‐specific analysis. The observed country differences in the estimated treatment effects were less pronounced and thus seemed to be more reasonable than those of the past analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Online polymer molecular weight and conversion monitoring via calorimetric measurements in RAFT emulsion polymerization
Authors: Altarawneh Ibrahem S , Gomes Vincent G , Srour Mourtada H
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Online measurements of key emulsion polymerization attributes, such as conversion and molar mass distribution, are unavailable. Costly offline measurements at low sampling frequencies with time delays usually lead to insurmountable challenges in real‐time product quality monitoring and process/product control.

RESULTS: We developed an online calorimetric method monitoring the evolution of conversion and molecular weight in complex polymerization reactors. Our experiments were carried out in a 1 L reactor to produce polystyrene homopolymer. Monomer conversion was obtained in real time from polymerization rate, which was estimated from temperature measurements using platinum thermal transducers. The calorimetric model was validated offline for batch and semi‐batch emulsion polymerization of styrene with and without transfer agents. The conversion was validated using offline gravimetry. The molecular weights measured offline via size exclusion chromatography with multiple detectors compared well with those estimated online using the calorimetric method.

CONCLUSION: We found that a semi‐batch emulsion polymerization process can be controlled online to approach living polymerization involving transfer agents. Thus our model is suitable as a ‘soft‐sensor’ for real‐time control applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical investigations of electronic structure and charge transport properties in polythiophene‐based organic field‐effect transistors
Authors: Lan Yi‐Kang , Yang Cheng Han , Yang Hsiao‐Ching
Published: September 2009

Regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a hole transport polymer material used in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) and can reach mobilities as high as 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Factors that affect the charge mobility and the transport mechanisms of P3HT‐based OFET systems are therefore of great importance. We use quantum mechanical methods to interpret the charge mobility and the transport properties of self‐assembled P3HT molecules along the intra‐chain and inter‐chain directions. Our approach is illustrated by a hopping transport model, in which we examine the variation of charge mobility with torsional angle and the intermolecular distance between two adjacent thiophene segments. We also simulate packed P3HT structures via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The MD results indicate that the resultant mobility along the π−π inter‐chain direction is significantly less than that along the intra‐chain direction. Accordingly, the main charge‐transfer route within the P3HT ordered domains is an intra‐chain rather than an inter‐chain one. The calculation result for the inter‐chain hole mobility is around 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is consistent with experimental data from P3HT single fibril. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploring the dynamics of the yeast proteome by means of 2‐DE
Authors: Massoni Aurélie , Moes Suzette , Perrot Michel , Jenoe Paul , Boucherie Hélian
Published: September 2009

In this study we combined pulse chase experiments and 2‐DE in order to investigate how newly synthesized proteins are processed or modified to yield a functional yeast proteome. This approach allowed us to follow the fate of 560 native yeast proteins from the time they were synthesized up to several hours later. Among these, 81 were observed to vary during the chase, either increasing or decreasing. In addition, 60 were found to be modified immediately after their synthesis. Taking advantage of protein identifications, we characterized a wide variety of post‐translational events responsible for these changes, such as protein turnover, protein maturation and different types of PTMs. These events operate over very different time scales, ranging from the brief period required for co‐translational modifications to one generation time or more. In light of these results, the functional proteome of exponentially growing cells appears to be the product of a permanent remodelling process that modifies native proteins far beyond the time they have been synthesized. This study also allowed us to obtain information on the half‐lives of 260 abundant yeast proteins.
Proteomics data repositories
Authors: Riffle Michael , Eng Jimmy K.
Published: September 2009

The field of proteomics, particularly the application of MS analysis to protein samples, is well established and growing rapidly. Proteomic studies generate large volumes of raw experimental data and inferred biological results. To facilitate the dissemination of these data, centralized data repositories have been developed that make the data and results accessible to proteomic researchers and biologists alike. This review of proteomics data repositories focuses exclusively on freely available, centralized data resources that disseminate or store experimental MS data and results. The resources chosen reflect a current “snapshot” of the state of resources available with an emphasis placed on resources that may be of particular interest to yeast researchers. Resources are described in terms of their intended purpose and the features and functionality provided to users.
Proteomic comparison of four Eimeria tenella life‐cycle stages: Unsporulated oocyst, sporulated oocyst, sporozoite and second‐generation merozoite
Authors: Lal Kalpana , Bromley Elizabeth , Oakes Richard , Prieto Judith Helena , Sanderson Sanya J. , Kurian Dominic , Hunt Lawrence , Yates John R. , Wastling Jonathan M. , Sinden Robert E. , Tomley Fiona M.
Published: September 2009

We report the proteomes of four life‐cycle stages of the Apicomplexan parasite Eimeria tenella. A total of 1868 proteins were identified, with 630, 699, 845 and 1532 found in early oocysts (unsporulated), late oocysts (sporulated), sporozoites and second‐generation merozoites, respectively. A multidimensional protein identification technology shotgun approach identified 812 sporozoites, 1528 merozoites and all of the oocyst proteins, whereas 2‐D gel proteomics identified 230 sporozoites and 98 merozoite proteins. Comparing the invasive stages, we find moving junction components RON2 in both, whereas AMA‐1 and RON4 are found only in merozoites and AMA‐2 and RON5 are only found in sporozoites, suggesting stage‐specific moving junction proteins. During early oocyst to sporozoite development, refractile body and most “glideosome” proteins are found throughout, whereas microneme and most rhoptry proteins are only found after sporulation. Quantitative analysis indicates glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are the most abundant metabolic groups detected in all stages. The mannitol cycle “off shoot” of glycolysis was not detected in merozoites but was well represented in the other stages. However, in merozoites we find more protein associated with oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting a metabolic shift mobilising greater energy production. We find a greater abundance of protein linked to transcription, protein synthesis and cell cycle in merozoites than in sporozoites, which may be residual protein from the preceding massive replication during schizogony.
4‐Alkyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4,2,6‐oxaazadisilinanes: synthesis, structure, and conformational analysis
Authors: Lazareva Nataliya F. , Shainyan Bagrat A. , Kleinpeter Erich
Published: September 2009

4‐Alkyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4,2,6‐oxaazadisilinanes RN[CH2Si(Me)2]2O [R = Me (1), i‐Pr (2)] were synthesized by two methods which provided good yields up to 84%. Low temperature NMR study of compounds (1) and (2) revealed a frozen ring inversion with the energy barriers of 8.5 and 7.7 kcal/mol at 163 and 143 K, respectively, which is substantially lower than that for their carbon analog, N‐methylmorpholine. DFT calculations performed on the example of molecule (1) showed that NMeax conformer to exist in the sofa conformation with the coplanar fragment CSiOSiC, and its NMeeq conformer in a flattened chair conformation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of tubulin polymerisation promoters. Part 1: pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines
Authors: Crowley Patrick J , Lamberth Clemens , Müller Urs , Wendeborn Sebastian , Nebel Kurt , Williams John , Sageot Olivia‐A , Carter Neil , Mathie Tanya , Kempf Hans‐Joachim , Godwin Jeremy , Schneiter Peter , Dobler Markus R
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The excellent fungicidal activity of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines suggested the search for further analogues with improved properties.

RESULTS: A series of novel trisubstituted pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines has been designed and prepared as 6,6‐biheterocyclic analogues of related 5,6‐bicyclic [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines. Their fungicidal activity was evaluated against the plant pathogens Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. f. sp. tritici (Eriks.) CO Johnston (wheat brown rust), Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) Schroter (Septoria tritici Rob., leaf spot of wheat) and Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr (Pyricularia oryzae Cav., rice blast). Structure–activity relationship studies revealed the advantage of a fluoro substituent in position 6 and of a secondary amine in position 8.

CONCLUSION: 8‐Amino‐7‐aryl‐6‐halogen‐substituted pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines have been prepared as 6,6‐biheterocyclic analogues of similarly substituted triazolopyrimidine fungicides. A concise four‐step synthesis route has been worked out to prepare these novel compounds from commercially available starting materials. [(R)‐(1,2‐Dimethylpropyl)]‐[6‐fluoro‐7‐(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazin‐8‐yl]amine showed excellent activity against three economically important phytopathogens. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Dimensions and dynamics of irregular migration
Authors: Koser Khalid
Published: September 2009

This contribution critically reviews existing data and other recent sources to provide an overview of the dimensions and dynamics of contemporary irregular migration. First it considers the utility and uses of irregular migrant statistics, considering their inherent inaccuracy, their inability to distinguish different types of irregular migrant, the way that data is collected, and the purposes to which it is put. The second section reviews the conceptual and practical challenges associated with counting irregular migrants. Conceptual challenges include: differentiating stocks from flows, addressing the variety of routes into irregularity, distinguishing migrant smuggling from human trafficking, separating asylum from aggregate statistics, and acknowledging that migrants' legal status can change quickly. Practical challenges associated with a series of direct and indirect methods for collecting statistics (including national censuses) are reviewed, and the difficulty for researchers to access official statistics highlighted. The third section presents estimates of the scale and scope of irregular migration, and data from regularisation programmes in various high‐income countries. The fourth section reviews explanations for irregular migration, distinguishing macro‐level explanations that focus on structural causes from meso‐level explanations concerned with the role of policies and intermediaries, and also notes the shortage of micro‐level explanations concerned with individual and family decision‐making. The final section considers the consequences of irregular migration, with a particular focus on security. The review suggests that while irregular migration can undermine state sovereignty, the implications of irregular migration for the ‘human security’ of those involved should not be underestimated. The conclusion considers some implications for future research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tale of networks and policies: prolegomena to an analysis of irregular migration careers and their developmental paths
Authors: Cvajner Martina , Sciortino Giuseppe
Published: September 2009

In recent decades, large‐scale irregular migration flows and systems have developed across Europe. Although such systems involve most European countries and are often treated as being similar, their structures and dynamics are quite different. Some irregular migration systems have developed through clandestine entries, while other systems are almost entirely the result of overstaying. Some systems have been structured around a sequence of self‐contained spells of irregular work, while others have involved long‐term irregular residence. Some have coupled specific flows with specific niches in the occupational structures, while others have shown no significant connections with specific sectors of employment. This paper is based on what has been learned from an immigrant life‐history project carried out in Italy in recent years, and describes three different types of irregular migratory systems that are themselves rooted in three different kinds of migration careers: atomistic, volume‐based and structured. The paper argues that the distinction between different irregular migration systems is crucial both for structural and developmental analysis. Differences in the structure of irregular migration systems should also be taken into account in the analyses of the impact of different migration control policies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enrichment of silicon for a better kilogram
Authors: Becker P. , Pohl H.‐J. , Riemann H. , Abrosimov N.
Published: September 2009

A metrological challenge is currently underway to replace the present definition of the kilogram by the mass of a certain number of silicon atoms. A prerequisite for this is that the Avogadro constant, NA, which defines the number of atoms in a mole, is determined with a relative uncertainty of better than 2 × 10−8. Silicon crystals are used for this determination, the difficulty arising thereby is the measurement of the average molar mass of natural Si. Consequently, a worldwide collaboration has been launched to produce ∼5 kg of 28Si single crystal with an enrichment factor greater than 0.99985 and of sufficient chemical purity so that it can be used to determine NA with the targeted relative measurement uncertainty mentioned above. In the following, the development and first successful tests of all technological steps are reported, and the new equipment for the production of high‐purity 28Si with an enrichment of not less than 0.9999 is described. All steps are defined by a Technical Road Map (TRM28) mandatory for all partners, and all key results are measured by calibrated and certified means, e.g. the C content of the final material is less than 1015 atoms/cm3 and the specific resistance is in the range from 400 to 1000 Ωcm. New applications based on this highly enriched and purified 28Si, and on 29Si and 30Si monocrystals produced in parallel, are reported briefly in the fields of solid state spectroscopy, spintronics, quantum computing, cooling of highly loaded SYS optics, superlattice structure (SLS), terahertz laser.
Sustainable production and the performance of South African entrepreneurs in a global supply chain. The case of South African table grape producers
Authors: Ras Peter J. , Vermeulen Walter J. V.
Published: September 2009

Global trade is strongly growing and becoming connected to the issue of sustainable development in business practices. In recent years this has resulted in businesses on the demand side formulating sets of requirements for suppliers on their performance on corporate social responsibility and sustainable production. In doing this, value systems of the industrialized world are forwarded towards developing countries. It is seen as a way to complement poor sustainability policies on practices in these countries. This relatively new phenomenon of promoting sustainable development through market interactions is quite remarkable. Why would economic actors take up such public interests (abating environmental degradation and social injustice)? From the perspective of developing countries on the supply side of global value chains, being able to commit to such business‐to‐business standards requires developing world producers to possess certain qualities and capacities. This article reflects on this issue, identifying essential capacities, drawn from literature on (sustainable) entrepreneurship. It develops a model explaining business performance with characteristics of entrepreneurship. The model is tested in practice using data on exporters of table grapes in South Africa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Transaction cost implication of private branding and empirical evidence
Authors: Chen Shih‐Fen S.
Published: September 2009

Branding and transaction cost economics represent two research streams that rarely cross paths in the literature. In this study, I explore the transaction cost implication of private branding, a practice whereby products supplied by unaffiliated manufacturers are sold under private brands owned by retailers. The main thesis is that private branding can preempt a special case of asset specificity called brand specificity, where retailers also invest in the marketing of an outsourced product, but subsequent reputation effects (positive or negative) are specific to the manufacturer who brands the product. Retailers, thus, will not be fully motivated to optimize their investment in product marketing unless they take over the branding right. With potential barriers to private branding being controlled, data obtained from a national chain reveal that the retailer deploys its marketing resources according to the branding status of a product, implying that private branding can deflect the transaction cost of solving the brand specificity problem. The results offer new theoretical insights into branding and transaction cost analysis. This efficiency‐based approach to private branding also provides practitioners with useful guidelines for crafting a branding strategy that will facilitate cooperation between manufacturers and retailers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multilevel framework of firm boundaries: firm characteristics, dyadic differences, and network attributes
Authors: Yang Haibin , Lin Zhiang (John) , Lin Ya (Lisa)
Published: September 2009

Extending prior firm boundary research that tends to focus on economic explanations and rely on atomistic assumptions, we propose a multilevel framework by bridging the resource‐based view and the social network perspective, with their respective emphases on the importance of firms' internal resource endowments and external resource opportunities. Specifically, we argue that firms' boundary choices can be better understood by considering the tension between the need for external resources and the need for risk controls, affected by internal and external resource factors at three important levels: firm characteristics, dyadic differences, and network attributes. We also explore firms' boundary choices under two conditions: whether to initiate external relationships (non‐partnering vs. partnering) and whether to pursue either alliances or acquisitions if external relationships are needed. Our analyses of the United States computer industry over a nine‐year span largely support our theoretical framework and demonstrate the importance of unique factors at and across individual, dyadic, and network levels in understanding firms' boundary choices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global Anesthesia Workforce Crisis: A Preliminary Survey Revealing Shortages Contributing to Undesirable Outcomes and Unsafe Practices
Authors: Dubowitz Gerald , Detlefs Sarah , Kelly McQueen K. A.
Published: September 2009

Background

The burden of disease, disability, and mortality that could be averted by surgery is growing. However, few low and middle income countries (LMICs) have the infrastructure or capacity to provide surgical services to meet this growing need. Equally, few of these countries have been assessed for key infrastructural capacity including surgical and anesthesia providers, equipment, and supplies. These assessments are critical to revealing magnitude of the evolving surgical and anesthesia workforce crisis, related morbidity and mortality, and necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

Methods

A pilot Internet‐based survey was conducted to estimate per‐capita anesthesia providers in LMICs. Information was obtained from e‐mail respondents at national health care addresses, and from individuals working in‐country on anesthesia‐related projects.

Results

Workers from 6 of 98 countries responded to direct e‐mail inquiries, and an additional five responses came from individuals who were working or had worked in‐country at the time of the survey. The data collected revealed that the per‐capita anesthesia provider ratio in the countries surveyed was often 100 times lower than in developed countries.

Conclusions

This pilot study revealed that the number of anesthesia providers available per capita of population is markedly reduced in low and lower middle income countries compared to developed countries. As anesthesia providers are an integral part of the delivery of safe and effective surgical care, it is essential that more data is collected to fully understand the deficiencies in workforce and capacity in low and middle income countries.
Variation in seed germination between populations of five sub‐alpine woody species from eastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau following dry storage at low temperatures
Authors: Wang Ju Hong , Baskin Carol C. , Chen Wei , Du Guo Zhen
Published: September 2009

Effects of cold‐dry storage on dormancy break and viability were determined for seeds of the five sub‐alpine woody species Philadelphus incanus, Berberis vernae, Berberis dubia, Betula utilis, and Picea purpurea collected along an altitudinal gradient on the eastern part of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China. Germination tests were conducted at 20/5°C for seeds stored dry at ambient room temperature for 4 weeks and then at 3–4°C for 0, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Dormancy break during dry storage, i.e., afterripening, was indicated by an increase in germination percentages and rates. Duration of cold‐dry storage and altitude of seed collection had significant effects on germination. With an increase in duration of storage, germination percentages and rates of P. incanus and B. vernae increased with a decrease in altitude of seed collection, while they increased with an increase in altitude for seeds of B. utilis and P. purpurea. Seeds of B. dubia did not exhibit changes in germination percentages and rates with altitude because a high number of seeds remained dormant during storage. Seed viability after 24 weeks of storage ranged from high (88, 93.3, 92.7%) for B. utilis to low (15% for high altitude) for P. incanus. The potential for dormancy break to occur during cold‐dry storage should be considered when studies on basic seed dormancy are conducted or when seeds from various locations are stored prior to propagating plants from them.
A comparison of percutaneous and mini-open techniques of Achilles tenotomy: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Dogan Ahmet , Uzumcugil Onat , Sarisozen Bartu , Ozdemir Bulent , Akman Y. Emre , Bozdag Ergun , Sunbuloglu Emin , Bozkurt Erol
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To investigate the effect of Achilles tenotomy performed percutaneously and by mini-open methods on tendon healing and final strength.

Materials and methods

In two groups, each consisting of 14 rats, percutaneous and mini-open techniques in Achilles tenotomy were compared in terms of biomechanical, histological and gross properties.

Results

In the gross evaluation, it was observed that an obvious thickening and adhesion to the subcutaneous tissue of the healing tendon were observed in nearly all rats in which the mini-open technique was performed. In the biomechanical analysis, there was no significant difference between percutaneous and mini-open groups and between operated and intact Achilles tendons in both groups, in terms of tendon strength ( P > 0.05). In the histological evaluation, irregularity in the parallel pattern of the collagen fibres, emergence of a non-specific collagenous tissue formation and infiltration of mild mononuclear inflammatory cells were reported. These changes were more marked in the rats in which the percutaneous technique was performed.

Conclusion

Mini-open technique for Achilles tenotomy may be considered as an alternative method of treatment to apply the tenotomy technique in a secure way.

Clinical relevance

There are two basic advantages of Achilles tenotomy performed by the mini-incision open technique: (1) a complete tenotomy is guaranteed, as it has to be in the original Ponseti technique, (2) iatrogenic neuro-vascular injury risk is nearly completely avoided due to the subparatenon exploration of the tendon and direct visual observation during the transection. The mini-open technique may only be used in cases in which a vascular compromise is clinically suspected or confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography and/or arteriography. On the other hand, the technique may be performed in all cases routinely by the choice of the surgeon.
Transmission héréditaire de l’information épigénétique par le gamète mâle
Authors: Grandjean V.
Published: September 2009

Comment est déterminé un phénotype ? Historiquement, on pensait que ce dernier résultait de l’information génétique reçue par les parents. Mais de nombreuses études ont révélé l’existence de modifications épigénétiques qui ne sont pas portées sur la séquence nucléotidique d’un gène, mais dont la présence est indispensable à l’expression normale d’un gène. Point important, ces modifications épigénétiques peuvent être héritées par les enfants, indiquant clairement que le gamète femelle mais aussi le gamète mâle contiennent des informations épigénétiques transmissibles à la descendance.
The boundary regularity of non-linear parabolic systems I
Authors: Bögelein Verena , Duzaar Frank , Mingione Giuseppe
Published: September 2009

This is the first part of a work aimed at establishing that for solutions to Cauchy–Dirichlet problems involving general non-linear systems of parabolic type, almost every parabolic boundary point is a Hölder continuity point for the spatial gradient of solutions. Here we develop the basic necessary and sufficient condition for establishing the regular nature of a boundary point.
Spontaneous onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: de Rooij Annetje M. , Perez Roberto S.G.M. , Huygen Frank J. , van Eijs Frank , van Kleef Maarten , Bauer Martin C.R. , Van Hilten Jacobus J. , Marinus Johan
Published: September 2009

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) usually develops after a noxious event, but spontaneous onsets have been described in 3–11% of the cases. The existence of spontaneous‐onset CRPS is highly debated and the aim of the present study was therefore to compare the phenotypic characteristics of CRPS patients with a spontaneous onset, with those of patients with a trauma‐induced onset.

Data of 537 CRPS patients followed up at four departments of anesthesiology were analyzed and comprised 498 (93%) patients with and 39 (7%) patients without a known eliciting event. There where no significant differences between the two groups in gender, or in onset in upper or lower limb or left or right side of the body. Compared to CRPS patients with a trauma‐induced onset, spontaneous‐onset cases were on average 9 years younger at disease onset and had a 1.4 years longer median disease duration. No significant differences in frequency were found for any of the 34 compared signs and symptoms when the effect of multiple testing was controlled. In conclusion, CRPS may develop both with and without a precipitating noxious event, with both groups exhibiting a largely similar clinical presentation. Spontaneous‐onset CRPS patients generally develop the syndrome at a younger age, possibly indicating a susceptibility to develop the condition. The longer disease duration in spontaneous‐onset cases may reflect a more gradual disease onset, poorer prognosis, or a delay in diagnosis, possibly as a result of reluctance to make this diagnosis in the absence of a clear initiating event.