bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermentation of biomass‐generated synthesis gas: Effects of nitric oxide
Authors: Ahmed Asma , Lewis Randy S.
Published: December 2006

The production of renewable fuels, such as ethanol, has been steadily increasing owing to the need for a reduced dependency on fossil fuels. It was demonstrated previously that biomass‐generated synthesis gas (biomass‐syngas) can be converted to ethanol and acetic acid using a microbial catalyst. The biomass‐syngas (primarily CO, CO2, H2, and N2) was generated in a fluidized‐bed gasifier and used as a substrate for Clostridium carboxidivorans P7T. Results showed that the cells stopped consuming H2 when exposed to biomass‐syngas, thus indicating that there was an inhibition of the hydrogenase enzyme due to some biomass‐syngas contaminant. It was hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) detected in the biomass‐syngas could be the possible cause of this inhibition. The specific activity of hydrogenase was monitored with time under varying concentrations of H2 and NO. Results indicated that NO (at gas concentrations above 40 ppm) was a non‐competitive inhibitor of hydrogenase activity, although the loss of hydrogenase activity was reversible. In addition, NO also affected the cell growth and increased the amount of ethanol produced. A kinetic model of hydrogenase activity with inhibition by NO was demonstrated with results suggesting there are multiple binding sites of NO on the hydrogenase enzyme. Since other syngas‐fermenting organisms utilize the same metabolic pathways, this study estimates that NO < 40 ppm can be tolerated by cells in a syngas‐fermentation system without compromising the hydrogenase activity, cell growth, and product distribution. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 1080–1086. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The classification of violence risk
Authors: Monahan John , Steadman Henry J. , Appelbaum Paul S. , Grisso Thomas , Mulvey Edward P. , Roth Loren H. , Robbins Pamela Clark , Banks Stephen , Silver Eric
Published: December 2006

The Classification of Violence Risk (COVR®) is an interactive software program designed to estimate the risk that a person hospitalized for mental disorder will be violent to others. The software leads the evaluator through a chart review and a brief interview with the patient. At the end of this interview, the software generates a report that contains a statistically valid estimate of the patient's violence risk—ranging from a 1% to a 76% likelihood of violence—including the confidence interval for that estimate, and a list of the risk factors that the program took into account to produce the estimate. In this article, the development of the COVR software is described and several issues that arise in its administration are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public attitudes about the culpability and punishment of young offenders
Authors: Scott Elizabeth S. , Reppucci N. Dickon , Antonishak Jill , DeGennaro Jennifer T.
Published: December 2006

Opinions of 789 community adults were individually assessed, using a video‐clip of an actual armed robbery and other measures, to determine whether attitudes toward the culpability and appropriate punishment of young offenders were linked to offenders' age, race, and physical appearance. Three major findings emerged: (1) community adults endorse the view that criminal choices of young offenders are influenced by their developmental immaturity and attribute more responsibility for the criminal act as the actor gets older; (2) the public has a relatively strong preference for differential treatment of juvenile and adult offenders; and (3) attitudes about culpability and punishment are not influenced by the culprit's race, physical maturity, or appearance of “toughness.” Indications that punitive public opinion toward youth crime may be changing and implications for juvenile justice policy of the study's findings are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START): the case for a new structured professional judgment scheme
Authors: Webster Christopher D. , Nicholls Tonia L. , Martin Mary‐Lou , Desmarais Sarah L. , Brink Johann
Published: December 2006

The Short‐Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) is a new structured professional judgment scheme intended to inform multiple risk domains relevant to everyday psychiatric clinical practice (e.g. risk to others, suicide, self‐harm, self‐neglect, substance abuse, unauthorized leave, and victimization). The article describes the processes involved in establishing an interdisciplinary approach to risk assessment and management. The authors present a review of the rationale for START, including the value of dynamic variables, the importance of strengths, and the extent to which clinicians must be attentive to multiple risk domains, reflecting theoretical and scientific evidence of the overlap among risks. Using the development, validation, and implementation of START as an example, the authors describe the processes by which other researchers, clinicians, and administrators could adapt existing assessment schemes or create new ones to bridge some remaining gaps in the risk assessment and management continuum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐arrest diversion of people with mental illness: literature review and international survey
Authors: Hartford Kathleen , Carey Robert , Mendonca James
Published: December 2006

Mental health diversion is a process where alternatives to criminal sanctions are made available to persons with mental illness (PMI) who have come into contact with the law. One form of mental health diversion is pre‐arrest, in which the police use their discretion in laying charges. Concomitant with the growth of pre‐arrest diversion programs is a growing body of research devoted to the phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature of pre‐arrest diversion, and to report the results of an international survey of pre‐arrest diversion programs we conducted to identify evidence‐based practices. On the basis of our review and survey, we note that successful pre‐trial programs appear to integrate relevant mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice agencies by having regular meetings between key personnel from the various agencies. Often, a liaison person with a mandate to effect strong leadership plays a key role in the coordination of various agencies. Streamlining services through the creation of an emergency drop‐off center with a no‐refusal policy for police cases is seen as crucial. While there is some indication that mentally ill offenders benefit from their participation in this form of diversion, the evaluative literature has not yet achieved the “critical mass” necessary to create generalizable, evidence‐based knowledge. The absence of generally agreed‐upon outcomes could lead to the inequitable application of basic principles of diversion. We suggest that indicators, benchmarks, and outcomes must be agreed upon if a comprehensive understanding of pre‐arrest programs is to emerge. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamic appraisal of situational aggression: an instrument to assess risk for imminent aggression in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Ogloff James R. P. , Daffern Michael
Published: December 2006

Considerable research has attempted to delineate the demographic and clinical characteristics of high‐risk psychiatric patients and identify salient modifiable aspects of aggression prone environments. Recently, there has also been increased interest in the development and testing of structured schemes for the assessment of risk for aggression within inpatient psychiatric settings. Although some of these methods show acceptable predictive validity, their ability to inform day‐to‐day treatment and management decisions is limited. The current research was designed to identify existing and novel risk factors that would assist staff to identify and manage the risk for aggression in psychiatric inpatient populations. Results showed that assessments supported by structured risk measures were more accurate than unaided clinical judgements based only on nurses' clinical experience and knowledge of the patient alone. Seven test items emerged that were maximally effective at identifying acute psychiatric patients at risk for engaging in inpatient violence within 24 hours; these items have been combined in the development of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression. Empirical analyses and clinical experience support the efficacy of the instrument in assisting clinical staff in the identification and management of inpatient aggression. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iridium(I) Pyridyl Azolate Complexes with Saturated Red Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Phosphorescence; Fundamental and Potential Applications in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Fang Chung‐Hong , Chen Yao‐Lun , Yang Cheng‐Han , Chi Yun , Yeh Yu‐Shan , Li Elisa Y. , Cheng Yi‐Ming , Hsu Chia‐Jung , Chou Pi‐Tai , Chen Chin‐Ti
Published: December 2006

Preparation of a new series of neutral metal complexes [(cod)Ir(fppz)] (1), [(cod)Ir(bppz)] (2), [(cod)Ir(fptz)] (3) and [(cod)Ir(bptz)] (4), bearing one cod ligand and a pyridyl azolate chelate are reported. A single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study of 3 reveals the expected distorted square‐planar geometry. The lowest absorption band consists of IrI atom increased triplet dπ→π* transitions (3MLCT), the assignment of which is firmly supported by the theoretical approaches. Complexes 1–4 exhibit weak phosphorescence in degassed solution at room temperature, whereas much more intense, solid‐state phosphorescence appears in the range 622–649 nm. The pure MLCT emission was used as a prototypical model to address its remarkable spectral differences from the IrIII isoquinoline pyrrolide complex (5), which has mainly 3ππ phosphorescence. Complex 3 was used as a dopant to fabricate red‐emitting phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). For the 7 % doped device, a maximum brightness of 3010 cd m−2 was achieved at an applied voltage of 15 V and with CIE coordinates of (0.56, 0.33), demonstrating for the first time the potential of neutral IrI complexes in OLED applications.
A comparison of the Outcome Questionnaire‐45 and Outcome Questionnaire‐30 in classification and prediction of treatment outcome
Authors: Ellsworth Jennifer R. , Lambert Michael J. , Johnson Jennifer
Published: December 2006

Recent research has found that measuring, monitoring and providing therapists with feedback about their clients' treatment progress improves treatment outcome. This study assessed the level of agreement between two outcome measures used to measure and monitor treatment progress. The Outcome Questionnaire (OQ‐45) was compared with a shorter, derivative measure, the OQ‐30. Each measure has an associated feedback system, which provides therapists with feedback about their clients' treatment progress. The OQ‐45 and the OQ‐30 demonstrated high levels of agreement in measurement of client outcome. The OQ‐45 feedback system emerged as the most accurate and clinically useful method for providing therapists with feedback about their clients' predicted treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration in distinguishing pancreatic cystic lesions
Authors: Moparty Bhavani , Logroño Roberto , Nealon William H. , Waxman Irving , Raju G. S. , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Bhutani Manoop S.
Published: December 2006

Distinguishing mucinous from nonmucinous cystic lesions of the pancreas often constitutes a diagnostic dilemma. The clinical management differs between such lesions; therefore it is important to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Various centers have reported conflicting results regarding their ability to detect mucin‐producing neoplastic cells and appropriately reach a diagnosis based on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided FNA. The aim of this study is to assess the ability of EUS‐FNA cytology to diagnose and differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous pancreatic cystic lesions.

We reviewed records of patients who underwent EUS of pancreatic cystic lesions. If FNA was performed and mucinous neoplasm was suspected, aspirate was evaluated for cytomorphology and presence of mucin. FNA results were compared to final histologic diagnosis if surgery was performed.

Cytologic diagnosis was provided for 28/30 (93%). By comparing EUS‐FNA diagnoses with final surgical pathology, FNA accurately diagnosed in 10/11 cases with sensitivity and specificity for detection of malignancy of 100 and 89, respectively, while the accuracy for identification of mucinous cystic neoplasms was 100%.

Our results indicate that in the appropriate clinical and imaging setting, EUS‐FNA cytology with analysis for mucin production by tumor cells is an important test in distinguishing pancreatic cystic lesions and guiding further management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:18–25. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative analysis of various cytohistological techniques in diagnosis of lung diseases
Authors: Garg Sukant , Handa Uma , Mohan Harsh , Janmeja Ashok K.
Published: December 2006

A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients divided in two groups who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). Group I consisted of 60 cases of suspected lung malignancy on clinical and radiological examination, while group II consisted of 40 cases of nonneoplastic lung diseases. Pre‐FOB sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchial brushing (BB) were done in all the cases, while forceps biopsy (FB), transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), and transthoracic needle aspiration were done in 56, 25, and 15 patients, respectively.

BB and FB showed a sensitivity of 70.83 and 70% respectively in the diagnosis of malignancy. BAL was found to be positive in 37.5% patients. TBNA had the highest sensitivity of 83.33% whereas pre‐FOB sputum and post‐FOB sputum were positive only in 27.58 and 29.06% cases.

In nonneoplastic group, BAL showed sensitivity of 80 and 83.33% in diagnosing tuberculosis and fungal diseases whereas BB was positive in 60 and 66.66% patients, respectively. Thus a combination of various cytohistological techniques results in a statistically significant increase in the diagnostic yield of various neoplastic and nonneoplastic lung diseases. BB, FB, and TBNA are complimentary in diagnosis of various lung malignancies whereas BAL is a useful procedure in detection of infectious diseases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:26–31. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Terminal complement complex C5b‐9‐treated human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells undergo maturation and induce Th1 polarization
Authors: Chen Yongwen , Yang Chengying , Jin Naishi , Xie Zhunyi , Tang Yuyu , Fei Lei , Jia Zhengcai , Wu Yuzhang
Published: December 2006

Sublytic C5b‐9 has been described as a pro‐inflammatory mediator that triggers cell activation rather than inducing cell death. Dendritic cells (DC) play a critical role in controlling antigen‐specific immune responses. Although DC maturation induced by various stimuli has been well characterized, the role of C5b‐9 in DC function has not been described. In this report, we use in vitro assembled functional C5b‐9 based on purified distal complement protein to show that DC maturation is promoted by sublytic C5b‐9. This was demonstrated by up‐regulation of CD83, HLA‐antigens and costimulatory molecules, including CD80, D86, B7‐H1, B7‐H3, B7‐H4 and BTLA. In addition, secretion of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐12 and tumor necrosis factor‐α was increased while the capacity for antigen uptake (FITC‐Dextran and Lucifer Yellow) was reduced in C5b‐9‐treated DC. Mixed lymphocyte reactions indicated that C5b‐9‐activated DC acted as stimulators that significantly promoted CD4+ T cell activation and elicited production of cytokines, including interferon‐γ and IL‐2. Interestingly, C5b‐9‐treated DC also orient CD4+CD45RA+ naïve T cells toward Th1 polarization. Our results are the first to report that DC are potential immunoregulatory targets of C5b‐9, suggesting that C5b‐9 bridges innate and acquired immunity by inducing DC maturation.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Tetraalkyl Benzene‐1,2,3,5‐tetracarboxylates from a Four‐Component Reaction of Alkyl Propiolates and Alkyl 2‐Nitroethanoates Promoted by Ph3P
Authors: Yavari Issa , Moradi Loghman , Mirzaei Anvar
Published: December 2006

Alkyl 2‐nitroethanoates react with alkyl propiolates in the presence of triphenylphosphine (Ph3P) in a mechanistically unprecedented reaction to afford tetraalkyl benzene‐1,2,3,5‐tetracarboxylates in moderate yields (36–42%).
Sesquiterpenoids and Phenylpropane Derivatives from Sonchus uliginosus
Authors: Zhang Zhan‐Xin , Xie Wei‐Dong , Li Ping‐Lin , Shi Yan‐Ping , Jia Zhong‐Jian
Published: December 2006

Six new compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Sonchus uliginosus, including three eudesmane‐type sesquiterpenoids (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesm‐3‐en‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone (1), (1β,6α)‐1,6,14‐trihydroxyeudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone (2), and (1β,6α)‐1,6‐dihydroxy‐14‐O‐[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]eudesma‐3,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid γ‐lactone (3), and three phenylpropane derivatives, 4‐hydroxy‐γ,3,5‐trimethoxybenzenepropanol (6), γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol (7), and γ,3,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzenepropanol acetate (8), together with the two known compounds 4 and 5. The new structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, such as IR, EI‐MS, HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those reported for structurally related compounds.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Deazaflavin‐Bridged Porphyrinatoiron(III) That Mimics the Interaction of a Deazaflavin Inhibitor with the Heme‐Thiolate Cofactor of Cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Müller Michael A. , Gaplovsky Martin , Wirz Jakob , Woggon Wolf‐D.
Published: December 2006

Cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolizes a majority of administered therapeutic agents in the human liver. We recently reported the synthesis of a new inhibitor,1, whose binding to and displacement from the active site of CYP 3A4 can be conveniently followed by the associated changes in fluorescence intensity. Here we report the synthesis of a bichromophoric compound,6, in which deazaflavin was strapped over the distal side of a porphyrinatoiron(III) complex to mimic the envisaged enzyme–inhibitor interaction within the active site. Femtosecond pump–probe and fluorescence spectroscopies were used to study the photophysical processes of6. Rapid intramolecular energy transfer and enhanced intersystem‐crossing processes induced by the high‐spin FeIIIcentral ion are responsible for the complete suppression of deazaflavin fluorescence in6. Fluorescence quenching is less efficient in the iron‐free analogue of6,i.e., in21.
Internal Nucleophilic Termination in Acid‐Mediated Polyene Cyclizations. Part 5
Authors: Snowden Roger L. , Linder Simon
Published: December 2006

Treatment of the acyclic tetraenols (E)‐ and (Z)‐2 with an excess of ClSO3H in 2‐nitropropane at − 80° stereoselectively afforded in 30 and 43% yield, respectively, diastereoisomer mixtures of the racemic, tricyclic ethers 1c,d and 1a,b, together with 20 (Table). Under identical conditions, but with the acyclic pentaenol 10 (1 : 1 diastereoisomer mixture) as substrate, the tricyclic ethers 22a/22b (10 : 1) were isolated in 27% yield. These kinetically controlled stereospecific transformations are thought to proceed via non‐concerted pathways (see Schemes 5 and 7), fully consistent with our earlier work. In contrast, another set of reaction conditions (CF3CO2H, CH2Cl2, − 15° to − 10°) was used for the cyclization of the monocyclic dienols (E)‐3 and (Z)‐3, which resulted in the non‐stereoselective formation of the major products 1c,d and 1a,b, respectively, in 35–37% yield. Representing novel didehydro analogues of the known ambergris odorant (±)‐Ambrox® and its diastereoisomers, the qualitative organoleptic properties of 1a–d and of the 10 : 1 diastereoisomer mixture of the novel tetradehydro analogues 22a/22b are briefly described.
Investigation of the Interactions of β‐Peptides with DNA Duplexes by Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: Namoto Kenji , Gardiner James , Kimmerlin Thierry , Seebach Dieter
Published: December 2006

The interaction of β‐peptides with the DNA duplexes of dA20dT20 and a GCN4‐binding CRE sequence was examined. To gauge the factors that govern these interactions, two β‐pentadecapeptides, 1 and 2, a β‐dodecapeptide, 3, three β‐decapeptides, 4–6, three β‐heptapeptides, 7–9, and β‐octaarginine 10 were designed and synthesized. The β‐peptides were conceived to adopt a β‐peptide 314 helix, in which the side chains at position i and i + 3 are aligned vertically along one side of the helix. The side chains of Lys, Asn, and Arg were positioned such that potential H‐bonding sites were created for a helical conformation to interact with the base pairs of DNA. CD Analysis showed that β‐peptides 1, 2, and 10 interacted with dA20dT20. In addition, β‐peptides 1 and 2 showed significant interaction with a DNA‐duplex 20mer containing the ATF/CREB recognition sequence for the regulatory protein GCN4. It is impossible, at this stage of the investigation, to make a safe proposal about the actual nature of the interaction of the structures(s) of the complexes, the formation of which is suggested by the CD spectra reported herein.
Inhibin may be involved in negative feedback in the prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
Authors: Foreman Darhl
Published: December 2006

The changes in inhibin immunostaining in the gonads during the annual reproductive cycle of both sexes of the prairie dog are described. No inhibin immunostaining was found in primary or secondary follicles of the ovary. Theca and granulosa cells of preovulatory Graafian follicles found in January and February stained for inhibin. Corpora lutea of both pregnant and non‐pregnant females stain more densely for inhibin than follicles. Inhibin staining is present in luteal cells for at least 4 months during regression, longer than detectable progesterone is secreted.

Sertoli cells in the testes do not have inhibin immunostaining during recrudescence. These cells show light immunostain for inhibin during peak spermatogenic activity in January and February but stain more deeply during early regression of the testis. Stain is gradually lost in the next 4–5 months as the tubules close. Leydig cells and germ cells do not stain for inhibin at any stage of the annual cycle but interstitial cells and tunic cells stain during the breeding phase.

The presence of immunochemical staining for inhibin in prairie dog gonads during regression suggests that inhibin is part of a negative feedback complex that includes progesterone in the female and testosterone or another androgen in the male. Negative feedback during regression may also cause gonadal inactivity. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:67–74, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bleomycin‐induced DNA damage and repair in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Banner Sarah H. , Ruben Laurens N. , Johnson Rachel O.
Published: December 2006

Microgel cell electrophoresis has been used with various species to measure breakage of DNA and DNA repair following exposure to the radiomimetic antibiotic, bleomycin. With humans, a high degree of DNA damage is considered to be predictive of cancer susceptibility. Non‐isogeneic Xenopus laevis, the South African clawed toad, rarely develop spontaneous or induced cancers. Here, we investigate bleomycin‐induced DNA damage and repair in splenic lymphocytes of this species to test consistency with cancer predictability. As X. laevis is pseudotetraploid in nature, while Xenopus tropicalis is diploid, we additionally explore the effect of polyploidy on DNA damage and repair in these vertebrates.

The results show that higher doses of bleomycin are required to induce comparable levels of DNA damage in both Xenopus species, than in humans. X. tropicalis, the diploid, is more bleomycin‐sensitive than is X. laevis. Additionally, repair rates of damaged DNA of X. laevis lymphocytes are more rapid than those of X. tropicalis, although both are hours slower than human leukocytes. While no data exist on cancer susceptibility in X. tropicalis, the results suggest greater susceptibility to cancer than X. laevis, but less than in humans. Thus, polyploidy serves as a protection against DNA damage and allows more rapid repair. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:84–90, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development management as reflective practice
Authors: Abbott Dina , Brown Suzanne , Wilson Gordon
Published: December 2006

This paper examines development management through the reflections of development managers themselves. They are seen to grapple with the global and local contexts that frame their actions; with operationalising their individual values and ethics about development; and with issues concerning inter‐personal and inter‐organisational relationships. The paper argues that such reflections potentially form the basis of transformations in learning and development practice. However, for this to happen development managers have to embed their reflections within their work, and conceptualise their relations with other stakeholders beyond operational management challenges towards joint learning opportunities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kronig–Penney model simulation with equivalent circuit method
Authors: Li Szu‐Ju , Ho Chi‐Hon , Tsai Yao‐Tsung
Published: December 2006

The Kronig–Penney model is quite useful for illustrating many important features of the quantum behaviour of electrons in periodic lattice. Although the Kronig–Penney model is well‐known and has been discussed in solid state textbooks, we try to use a simple and accessible way without the extremely laborious and tedious algebra evaluation to solve Kronig–Penney model. This paper presents a simple method without solving the difficult eigen‐problem to solve the Kronig–Penney model, and the important energy band characteristics can be easily obtained with circuit concepts. The simulation results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and superiority of the model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic rotenone treatment induces behavioral effects but no pathological signs of parkinsonism in mice
Authors: Richter Franziska , Hamann Melanie , Richter Angelika
Published: December 2006

It has been hypothesized that exposures to neurotoxic pesticides together with aging and genetic factors increase the risk for developing Parkinson's disease (PD) which is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway. Chronic treatment with the pesticide rotenone has been reported to induce parkinsonism in rats. Although transgenic mice (but not transgenic rats) are available to investigate the importance of environmental factors in genetically predisposed animals, the effects of chronic rotenone exposure have so far not been examined in intact mice. Therefore, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to rotenone (2.5 or 4.0–5.0 mg/kg s.c. for 30–45 days) in mice aged 2.5, 5, or 12 months. During the treatment period, the effects on vitality and motor behavior were investigated. Furthermore, the toxicity of rotenone on dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons and peripheral tissues was examined. In comparison with control mice, rotenone‐treated mice had a decreased spontaneous motor activity, but the density of nigral dopaminergic neurons failed to show any significant changes, except for a tendency to decrease in old mice treated with 4 mg/kg. At the tested doses, rotenone caused a moderate hepatic fatty degeneration. The data indicate that rotenone is not able to cause the neuropathological characteristics of PD in mice under these testing paradigms, which were similar to those of the rotenone rat model. Further studies will have to clarify whether genetic mouse models of PD might be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of rotenone. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra‐urban differences in canopy layer air temperature at a mid‐latitude city
Authors: Erell E. , Williamson T.
Published: December 2006

Detailed meteorological measurements were carried out in two urban street canyons in central Adelaide and at two reference sites in a suburban location and at an exposed site near the middle of the city for an extended period of nearly a year. The meteorological records revealed substantial differences between air temperature in the urban street canyons and both reference sites. The nocturnal urban heat island observed in most cities was noted in Adelaide street canyons, too. However, the frequent occurrence of a daytime cool island during summer, albeit much weaker than the night‐time phenomenon, is less expected. Both phenomena are attributed at least in part to the increase in surface area participating in energy exchanges with the atmosphere in an urban street canyon compared to a typical rural site, and hence in an increase in the effective thermal mass. The presence of additional thermal mass is manifested not only in the dampening of the diurnal temperature range in the city, but also in a noticeable time lag in the maximum intensity of the daytime cool island. The measurements also demonstrate an observable difference in the daily progression of air temperature between a north–south street canyon and an adjacent east–west oriented street. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Simultaneous determination of seven phthalates and four parabens in cosmetic products using HPLC‐DAD and GC‐MS methods
Authors: Shen Hao‐Yu , Jiang Hai‐Liang , Mao Hong‐Lei , Pan Gang , Zhou Lu , Cao Yun‐Feng
Published: December 2006

Studies on the determination of seven kinds of phthalates, i. e. diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate, and four parabens, i. e. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, in 15 kinds of cosmetic products, including hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants, cream, lotion, etc., by HPLC with diode array detection and GC‐MS in electron impact ionization mode with selected‐ion monitoring have been carried out. Methods have been developed for both qualitative and quantitative detection of phthalates and parabens. Extraction, clean‐up, and analysis procedures have been optimized. HPLC and GC‐MS determinations were performed after sonication‐assisted extraction with methanol and clean‐up with C18 SPE. These techniques permit detection of phthalates at a level of 10.0–100.0 μg/kg and of parabens at a level of 20.0–200.0 μg/kg. Overall recoveries were 85–108% with RSD values of 4.2–8.8%. Only one of the 15 examined samples was free from phthalates and parabens. The remaining 14 samples were found to contain at least three or more of these phthalates and/or parabens. The predominant phthalates and parabens detected in the studied samples were methylparaben, propylparaben, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate. The residue level is at 1.22–5289 mg/kg.
Computational proteomics of biomolecular interactions in the sequence and structure space of the tyrosine kinome: Deciphering the molecular basis of the kinase inhibitors selectivity
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady M.
Published: December 2006

Understanding and predicting the molecular basis of protein kinases specificity against existing therapeutic agents remains highly challenging and deciphering this complexity presents an important problem in discovery and development of effective cancer drugs. We explore a recently introduced computational approach for in silico profiling of the tyrosine kinases binding specificity with a class of the pyrido‐[2,3‐d]pyrimidine kinase inhibitors. Computational proteomics analysis of the ligand–protein interactions using parallel simulated tempering with an ensemble of the tyrosine kinases crystal structures reveals an important molecular determinant of the kinase specificity. The pyrido‐[2,3‐d]pyrimidine inhibitors are capable of dynamically interacting with both active and inactive forms of the tyrosine kinases, accommodating structurally different kinase conformations with a similar binding affinity. Conformational tolerance of the protein tyrosine kinases binding with the pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine inhibitors provides the molecular basis for the broad spectrum of potent activities and agrees with the experimental inhibition profiles. The analysis of the pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine sensitivities against a number of clinically relevant ABL kinase mutants suggests an important role of conformational adaptability of multitargeted kinase inhibitors in developing drug resistance mechanisms. The presented computational approach may be useful in complementing proteomics technologies to characterize activity signatures of small molecules against a large number of potential kinase targets. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation and application of a screening method for β2‐agonists, anti‐estrogenic substances and mesocarb in human urine using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kang Min‐Jung , Hwang Yong Hee , Lee Won , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: December 2006

Electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of 15 anti‐estrogenic substances, β2‐agonists and mesocarb were investigated in terms of fragmentation patterns. On the basis of this product ion information, a simultaneous screening method for anti‐estrogenic substances, β2‐agonists and mesocarb was developed for doping control purposes. After hydrolysis, liquid‐liquid extraction was adopted for the sample preparation. The recoveries for all compounds were 30 and 96%. A single liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis could be performed in 13 min for the analysis of 15 anti‐estrogenic substances, β2‐agonists and mesocarb. A quantitative analysis was also validated. Inaccuracies were below ±12% and precisions varied from 0 to 15.8%. The limit of detection was below 10 ng/mL except formestane (300 ng/mL) and aminoglutethimide (100 ng/mL). The validated method was applied for the analysis of excretion samples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cutting process for random mappings
Authors: Hansen Jennie C. , Jaworski Jerzy
Published: December 2006

In this paper we consider a cutting process for random mappings. Specifically, for 0 <m<n, we consider the initial (uniform) random mapping digraphGnonnlabeled vertices, and we delete (if possible), uniformly and at random,mnoncyclic directed edges fromGn. The maximal random digraph consisting of the unicyclic components obtained after cutting themedges is called the trimmed random mapping and is denoted byG. If the number of noncyclic directed edges is less thanm, thenGconsists of the cycles, including loops, of the initial mappingGn. We consider the component structure of the trimmed mappingG. In particular, using the exact distribution we determine the asymptotic distribution of the size of a typical random connected component ofGasn,m→∞. This asymptotic distribution depends on the relationship betweennandmand we show that there are three distinct cases: (i)$m=o(\sqrt{n})$, (ii)$m=\beta\sqrt{n}$, whereβ> 0 is a fixed parameter, and (iii)$\sqrt{n}=o(m)$. This allows us to study the joint distribution of the order statistics of the normalized component sizes ofG. When$m=o(\sqrt{n})$, we obtain thePoisson–Dirichlet(1/2) distribution in the limit, whereas when$\sqrt{n}=o(m)$the limiting distribution is Poisson–Dirichlet(1). Convergence to the Poisson–Dirichlet(θ) distribution breaks down when$m=O(\sqrt{n})$, and in particular, there is no smooth transition from the${\cal P}$D(1/2) distribution to the${\cal P}$D(1) via the Poisson–Dirichlet distribution as the number of edges cut increases relative ton, the number of vertices inGn. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 30, 287–306, 2007
Phosphorylation by SR kinases regulates the binding of PTB‐associated splicing factor (PSF) to the pre‐mRNA polypyrimidine tract
Authors: Huang Ching-Jung , Tang Zhaohua , Lin Ren-Jang , Tucker Philip W.
Published: December 2006

PSF (PTB‐associated splicing factor) is a multi‐functional protein that participates in transcription and RNA processing. While phosphorylation of PSF has been shown to be important for some functions, the sites and the kinases involved are not well understood. Although PSF does not contain a typical RS domain, we report here that PSF is phosphorylated in vivo to generate an epitope(s) that can be recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for phosphorylated RS motifs within SR proteins. PSF can be phosphorylated by human and yeast SR kinases in vivo and in vitro at an isolated RS motif within its N terminus. A functional consequence of SR phosphorylation of PSF is to inhibit its binding to the 3′ polypyrimidine tract of pre‐mRNA. These results indicate that PSF is a substrate of SR kinases whose phosphorylation regulates its RNA binding capacity and ultimate biological function.
Antibacterial cathelicidin peptide CAP11 suppresses the anandamide production from lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Murakami Taisuke , Yomogida Shin , Someya Akimasa , Kuwahara-Arai Kyoko , Tamura Hiroshi , Nagaoka Isao
Published: December 2006

The action of antibacterial cathelicidin peptide CAP11 on the anandamide production from mononuclear phagocytes was examined. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulation induced the anandamide production from macrophage‐like RAW264.7, accompanied with the enhanced anandamide‐synthesizing enzyme activity; however, the anandamide‐degrading enzyme activity was not changed by LPS‐stimulation. Importantly, CAP11 suppressed the LPS‐induced anandamide production and the increase of anandamide‐synthesizing enzyme activity. Furthermore, CAP11 abrogated the LPS‐binding to CD14‐positive RAW264.7. These observations indicate that CAP11 inhibits the binding of LPS to CD14‐positive mononuclear phagocytes, thereby suppressing the anandamide synthesizing enzyme activity and the anandamide production from the cells.
Modular Automation Platforms: A Case Study of a Flexible NMR Sample Preparation Robot
Authors: Maccio Miguel A. , Bell Duncan H. , Davolos Dan
Published: December 2006

A variety of features used by our Department in the design and integration of Automation Platforms are presented here. A challenging project for any automation group is the automation of NMR sample preparation. The dispensing of highly volatile or viscous solutions into the typical 5 mm ID NMR glass tube, and the subsequent capping of the tube, presents unique problems. An angled incremental single-channel dispensing technique prevents bubble formation when a 10-mM protein—based solute is used. A novel gripper finger design, used in conjunction with in-house fabricated Teflon caps, allows reliable capping of NMR tubes. In situ vortexing minimizes vial handling with increased throughput. Magnetic mounting of robot tools (hands) provides precise snap-in positioning with collision-safe breakaway. This simplifies crash recovery during development testing and production use. A wraparound Safety Enclosure with modular safety circuit fulfills ANSI/RIA R15.06–1999 Safety Requirements. Flexible control software permits run interruption for loading and preparation of additional NMR tubes. Prepared samples may be removed during run interruption. A “Fly-By” barcode scanning tool enables positive compound sample ID with improved throughput. Preexisting instrument control software is conveniently interfaced to a Scheduler application through an open-architecture instrument integration framework. This framework allows the development of automation platform—independent Middleware for schedule and assay portability. A new generation of low-power, lightweight, portable and expandable platforms is also presented where a building block tandem approach is used in conjunction with the Rent-a-robot concept for robot recycling.
The Provinciality of American Empire: ‘Liberal Exceptionalism’ and U.S. Colonial Rule, 1898–1912
Authors: Go Julian
Published: December 2006

The exceptionalism thesis is well known. It purports that the United States—because of its anti–colonial tradition, democratic values, and liberal institutions—is not and has never been an empire. Scholarship critical of exceptionalist thought has demonstrated how this self-fashioning works. In denying empire, the United States exhibits an “imperial amnesia” about its past while “displacing” its imperial present. But recent events have served to complicate both traditional exceptionalism and the claims of its critics.
A Forgotten Case of “Scientific Excellence on the Periphery”: The Nationalist Cocaine Science of Alfredo Bignon, 1884–1887
Authors: Gootenberg Paul
Published: December 2006

In recent years, Latin American history has been awash in an exciting wave of scholarship on the history of science and medicine. Historians are exploring Latin American reactions to foreign medical, sanitary and scientific missions; the creation of national research institutions; the impact of epidemics on conceptions of urban space, politics and social control; the role of indigenous and folk cures in modern public health campaigns; and the relation of transnational eugenics movements to national anxieties about race, among other fertile topics. Pioneering medical historian Marcos Cueto dubs this focus “scientific excellence on the periphery”—the idea that surprising avenues of research and innovation occurred in societies generally deemed “underdeveloped,” especially in modern scientific activities and outlooks.
Molecular diversity of symbiotic algae of the genus Symbiodinium (Zooxanthellae) in cnidarians of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Visram S. , Wiedenmann J. , Douglas A.E.
Published: December 2006

The molecular diversity of dinoflagellate algae of the genus Symbiodinium in symbiosis with ten species of scleractinian coral, sea anemone and scyphomedusa in the Mediterreanean Sea was investigated by restriction analysis and sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragments of SSU and LSU rRNA genes. All species bore Symbiodinium of clade A, apart from Bunodeopsis strumosa, which had clade B. The clade A sequences clustered with a previously described group, ‘temperate-A’, known only from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of the UK and France. It is concluded that clade temperate-A is prevalent, but not universal, in the Mediterranean.
Coralline algae epibionthic on thecate hydrozoans (Cnidaria)
Authors: Di Camillo Cristina , Puce Stefania , Romagnoli Tiziana , Tazioli Silvia , Totti Cecilia , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: December 2006

The relationships between three species of thecate hydrozoans, Sertularella crassicaulis, Sertularella ellisii and Aglaophenia tubiformis with three species of encrusting Corallinales, Pneophyllum fragile, Melobesia membranacea and Hydrolithon cf. farinosum from different locations in the western Mediterranean are described. In Aglaophenia tubiformis, algae were observed on the hydrotheca, while in Sertularella spp. they grew on the stem, the branches and the hydrothecae which became completely covered by encrusting, calcified thalli. The polyps were living in the covered theca. The hydroid species hosting Corallinales were a small fraction of the entire assemblages and this evidence suggests that hydroids cannot be considered as a simple, inert substrate. We hypothesize that this specificity could be explained by a different molecular composition of hydroid exoskeletons, and/or production of secondary metabolites that affect organism settlement. Moreover, perisarcal areas close to hydranths were more abundantly covered by algae, probably due to nutrient emission generated by the metabolism of the hydroid.
Unique life history strategy in a successful Arctic bryozoan, Harmeria scutulata
Authors: Kuklinski Piotr , Taylor Paul D.
Published: December 2006

Harmeria scutulata, a cheilostome bryozoan with a circum-Arctic distribution, is an important component of intertidal and shallow subtidal rock communities. In terms of numerical abundance, H. scutulata can reach over 50% of total individuals within Arctic bryozoan assemblages. It is an annual, fast-growing species that loses over 70% of interactions for space with other organisms. Uniquely for a bryozoan, the subcircular colonies have large zooids at the centre ringed by a marginal zone of up to six generations of small zooids. This pattern is shown here to be due to polymorphism, reflecting a functional differentiation between large, feeding zooids (autozooids) and small, non-feeding zooids that brood embryos (gonozooids). The switch from the budding of autozooids to gonozooids occurs more or less simultaneously around the circumferential growing edge of the colony and is irreversible. Colonies apparently produce embryos only near the end of the growing season. Strong wave action and/or ice scour during the winter months destroys most of the colony but it is inferred that some of the gonozooids, which are more thickly calcified than the autozooids, overwinter, surviving into the spring and releasing their larvae to found a new generation of colonies. A formal systematic redescription of H. scutulata is given.
Re-establishment of Orchomenella crenata (Crustacea: Amphipoda) as a distinct species, with a first record of its occurrence in the British Isles
Authors: Kilgallen Niamh M. , Myers Alan A. , McGrath David
Published: December 2006

Orchomenella crenata is recorded for the first time from the Irish Sea. Some authors have previously questioned the validity of this taxon due to its morphological similarity with Orchomenella nana and have placed it in the synonymy of O. nana. The question of its validity is resolved by the re-description and comparison of both species.
Scope for growth versus actual growth in the juvenile predatory gastropod Chorus giganteus
Authors: Navarro J.M. , Urrutia G.X. , Carrasco C.
Published: December 2006

The scope for growth (SFG) calculated on measurements of physiological variables in juvenile of the predatory gastropod Chorus giganteus was compared with the actual growth under an energetic point of view. The continuous increase in the amount of food ingested and absorbed by C. giganteus was clearly related to the body size of the snails. The pronounced increase in the metabolic processes of respiration and excretion at the end of the study was related with the high rates of growth experienced by the snails under the experimental conditions. These results were supported by the correlation analysis where ingestion rate (r=0.99), oxygen consumption (r=0.88) and excretion rate (r=0.89) were significantly correlated with the actual growth (P≤0.05). Comparing the estimated growth curve (SFG) with that directly measured on juvenile individuals of C. giganteus, a high similarity in results was observed. The high sensitivity of the scope for growth argues for the use of this index as an adequate tool for estimating the growth of juvenile gastropod molluscs without interference from reproductive processes such as gametogenesis and spawning which may produce corresponding rises and falls in the biomass of individuals. Scope for growth is thus validated as a reliable measurement of the physiological/energetic condition of the organism, representing an effective index for indirect estimation of the growth of a species.