bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional analysis of age‐related decline in dopamine transporters and dopamine D2‐like receptors in human striatum
Authors: Ishibashi Kenji , Ishii Kenji , Oda Keiichi , Kawasaki Keiichi , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Ishiwata Kiichi
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of age‐related decline of dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2‐like receptor (D2R) densities in the human striatum by focusing on regional difference. Methods: Positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]CFT and [11C]raclopride for measuring DATs and D2Rs, respectively, was performed on 16 healthy volunteers ranging from 21 to 74 years in age. To evaluate in detail the regional difference within the striatum, in addition to the conventional region‐of‐interest‐based analysis, we created a parametric image that enabled us to visualize the regional decline rate on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis, mapping the slope of the regression line between the age and uptake index of each tracer. Results: The decreasing rates corresponded to 6.1, 5.5, and 5.6% per decade for DATs and 5.8, 4.9, and 4.8% per decade for D2Rs in the caudate nucleus, anterior putamen, and posterior putamen, respectively. The caudate nucleus for both DATs and D2Rs were the fastest among the striatum, and the regional difference of the decreasing rate for DATs was consistently associated with that for D2Rs. Meanwhile, previous histological studies have shown that age‐related cell loss in the substantia nigra is likely to preferentially affect its dorsomedial part, which projects to the caudate nucleus. Conclusions: These results suggested that neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra may be associated with the age‐related DAT decline, and DAT decline may be associated functionally with age‐related D2R decline. Synapse 63:282–290, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical localization of NTPDases1 and 2 in the neural retina of mouse and zebrafish
Authors: Ricatti María Jimena , Alfie Lionel D. , Lavoie Élise G. , Sévigny Jean , Schwarzbaum Pablo J. , Faillace María Paula
Published: December 2008

Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (E‐NTPDases) are a family of membrane‐bound enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular di‐ and triphosphate nucleosides. E‐NTPDases have been proposed to control extracellular nucleotide levels that mediate intercellular communication by binding to specific membrane receptors. Here we show a detailed immunocytochemical localization of two enzymes of the E‐NTPDase family in the retinal layers of two vertebrate species, namely, the mouse and the zebrafish. In the mouse retina, NTPDase2 was chiefly localized in Müller glia and ganglion cell processes. NTPDase1 was located on neurons as well, since it was expressed by horizontal and ganglion cell processes, suggesting that nucleotides such as ATP and ADP can be hydrolyzed at the surface of these cells. NTPDase1 was also detected in intraretinal blood vessels of the mouse. Regarding zebrafish, NTPDases1 and 2 seem to be differentially localized in horizontal cell processes, photoreceptor segments, and ganglion cell dendrites and axons, but absent from Müller glia. Moreover, NTPDases1 and 2 appear to be expressed within the germinal margin of the zebrafish retina that contains proliferative and differentiating cells. Retinal homogenates from both species exhibited ecto‐ATPase activity which might be attributed at least to NTPDases1 and 2, whose expression is described in this report. Our results suggest a compartmentalized regulation of extracellular nucleotide/nucleoside concentration in the retinal layers, supporting a relevant role for extracellular nucleotide mediated‐signaling in vertebrate retinas. Synapse 63:291–307, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First‐trimester screening markers are altered in pregnancies conceived after IVF/ICSI
Authors: Gjerris A. C. , Loft A. , Pinborg A. , Christiansen M. , Tabor A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To determine the levels of first‐trimester screening markers and to assess the false‐positive rate for first‐trimester combined screening for Down syndrome in a large national population of women pregnant after assisted reproductive technology (ART), in order to decide whether or not to correct risk calculation for mode of conception.

Methods

A national prospective cohort study of 1000 pregnancies achieved after ART was compared with a control group of 2543 pregnancies conceived spontaneously. All women completed a first‐trimester combined screening program. Risk calculation was performed retrospectively based on the screening parameters to avoid bias due to the use of different algorithms of risk calculation.

Results

In chromosomally normal pregnancies conceived after in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A multiples of the median value was significantly decreased when compared with that of pregnancies conceived spontaneously (0.78 and 0.79 vs. 0.98), while there was no difference in the group treated by frozen embryo replacement. There was no difference in the level of free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin between groups. The median nuchal translucency thickness was smaller in the overall ART group compared with controls. The false‐positive rate of first‐trimester combined screening in the overall ART group, adjusted for maternal age, was significantly higher when compared with controls (9.0% vs. 6.0%).

Conclusions

It seems advisable to use a population of IVF/ICSI pregnancies to establish median curves for the first‐trimester serum screening parameters and perhaps also for nuchal translucency thickness. However, care must be taken, as different ART treatment methods and aspects of medical history seem to alter the screening parameters in different ways. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound factors to predict the outcome of external cephalic version: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kok M. , Cnossen J. , Gravendeel L. , Van Der Post J. A. , Mol B. W.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To systematically review the medical literature reporting on ultrasound factors that can be predictive for the outcome of an attempt at external cephalic version (ECV).

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Studies reporting on potential ultrasound prognosticators and ECV success rates that allowed construction of a 2 × 2 table were selected.

Results

We selected 37 primary articles reporting on 7709 women. Posterior placental location (odds ratio (OR), 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5–2.4), complete breech position (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.9–2.8) and an amniotic fluid index > 10 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5–2.1) were predictors of successful ECV.

Conclusion

Success of an ECV attempt is associated with ultrasound parameters such as fetal position, amniotic fluid and placental location. This knowledge can be used to develop a prognostic model to predict successful ECV. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray techniques applied to surface paintings of ceramic pottery pieces from Aguada Culture (Catamarca, Argentina)
Authors: Bertolino Silvana R. , Galván Josa Victor , Carreras Alejo C. , Laguens Andrés , de la Fuente Guillermo , Riveros José A.
Published: December 2008

X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), x‐ray imaging (XRI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were applied to characterize and differentiate surface paintings of archeological pottery from the Aguada Ambato and Portezuelo styles (Catamarca, Argentina). Standard procedures are not always appropriate for such samples (paint layers are porous, nonplanar and discontinue). Image processing is necessary when chemical contrast is not discriminated. Soft x‐ray lines (e.g. Fe L) are more revealing because those detected come from shallower depths, clearly depicting the composition of the paint layer.

These styles differ in mineralogy and chemistry suggesting that they are two distinctive entities not only on their designs but also on the materials chosen and the technology used. Aguada Portezuelo paints contain Ca (white), FeMn (black), FeMnCa (dark reddish) and FeCa (reddish). The white ones correspond to gehlenite, a firing product (possible firing temperature ≥900–1000 °C); calcite and CaO occur in cases of firing temperatures <900 °C.

Aguada Ambato presents difficulties for paint discrimination; only EDS spectra show slight differences. White paint from Tricolor Ambato contains mainly Pb‐phases (hatchite, anglesite, plumalsite), reddish paint resembles the paste (∼Fe, hematite); reddish surfaces may have not been painted but polished. Black paint has scarce Mn–minerals. On Black Incised sherds no particular phase was identified suggesting possible organic pigments or resulting from the firing technique.

The chemistry and mineralogy of the paste almost always overlap that of the paints; painted layer is irregular and partially worn by years of burial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution x‐ray analysis with multilayer gratings
Authors: Jonnard P. , Le Guen K. , André J.‐M.
Published: December 2008

Periodic multilayers are nowadays widely used to perform x‐ray analysis in the soft x‐ray range (photon energy lower than 1 keV). However, they do not permit to obtain high‐resolution spectra such as natural or synthetic crystals. Thus, multilayers cannot resolve interferences between close x‐ray lines. It has been shown and demonstrated experimentally that patterning a grating profile within a multilayer structure leads to a diffractive optics with improved resolving power. We illustrate the use of an Mo/B4C multilayer grating in the Fe L and C K spectral ranges, around 700 and 280 eV, respectively. First, in the Fe L range, the improved spectral resolution enables us to distinguish the Fe Lα and Lβ emissions (separated by 13 eV). In addition, using a sample made of a mix of LiF and an iron ore, we show that it is possible to easily resolve the F K and Fe L emissions. These examples demonstrate that an improved x‐ray analysis can be obtained with multilayer gratings when there is the need to study samples having elements giving rise to close emission lines. Second, in the C K range, by comparing C Kα spectra from B4C and cellulose, we show that the shape of the emission band is sensitive to the chemical state of the carbon atom. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Quasi Binary System BaAu–BaPt
Authors: Saltykov Vyacheslav , Nuss Jürgen , Konuma Mitsuharu , Jansen Martin
Published: December 2008

Phase equilibria in the system BaAu–BaPt have been investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction. Depending on composition, three structure types occur, the FeB type for BaAu, and NiAs for BaPt, while the CrB type of structure is adopted in between. The homogeneity range for the CrB type of structure was established to extend from BaPt0.15Au0.85 to BaPt0.90Au0.10. The respective lattice parameters vary linearly, in accordance with Vegard's law. The crystal structure of the new CrB type compounds have been confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction for the solid solution range, and by single crystal X‐ray diffraction exemplary for the composition BaAu0.5Pt0.5 (Cmcm; a = 4.3915(5) Å; b = 11.9149(12) Å; c = 4.7920(5) Å; Z = 4). BaAu was also established by single crystal structure determination (Pnma; a = 8.3220(10) Å; b = 4.9252(10) Å; c = 6.3844(10) Å; Z = 4) to complete the results. According to ESCA measurements BaAu0.5Pt0.5 and BaAu can be formulated as [Ba2+·0.5e−]·[Au−0.5·Pt2−0.5] and [Ba2+·e−]·[Au−], respectively.
Synthesis, IR Spectrum, Thermal Analysis, and Crystal Structure of the Cyano‐bridged Heteronuclear Polymeric Complex: [Zn(teta)Ni(μ‐CN)2(CN)2]n
Authors: Kürkçüoğlu Güneş Süheyla , Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Kavlak Ilkan , Büyükgüngör Orhan
Published: December 2008

The heteronuclear polymeric complex, [Zn(teta)Ni(μ‐CN)2(CN)2]n (teta: triethylenetetramine), was synthesized and characterized by elementel analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and single crystal X–ray diffraction techniques. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c and in which the ZnII ion exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination by one tetradentate teta ligand and two bridging cyano groups as a trans position, whereas the NiII ion has square planer coordination and is coordinated by four cyano ligands. The decomposition reaction takes places in the temperature range 30–600 °C in the static air atmosphere.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of Two Novel Five‐coordinate Zinc(II) Complexes with the Tripod Ligand Tris(N‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl‐methyl)amine and α,β‐unsaturated Carboxylates
Authors: Wu Huilu , Sun Tao , Li Ke , Xu Yuhao , Yun Ruirui , Sun Qingyu
Published: December 2008

Two novel five‐coordinate zinc(II) complexes with the tripod ligand tris(N‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)amine (Mentb) and two different α,β‐unsaturated carboxylates, with the composition [Zn(Mentb)(acrylate)] (ClO4)·DMF·1.5CH3OH (1) and [Zn(Mentb)(cinnamate)](ClO4)·2DMF·0.5CH3OH (2), were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analyses, electrical conductivity measurements, IR, UV, and 1H NMR spectra. The crystal structure of two complexes have been determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method, and show that the ZnII atom is bonded to a Mentb ligand and a α,β‐unsaturated carboxylate molecule through four N atoms and one O atom, resulting in a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination [τ(1) = 0.853, τ(2) = 0.855], with approximate C3 symmetry.
A Gadolinium Complex of the 5‐(1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐yl)isophthalic Acid Ligand: [Gd(C9H3N4O4)(H2O)3·2H2O]n
Authors: Qu Zhi‐Rong , Xing Zheng , Wu Bao‐Zhen , Li Xiu‐Zhi , Han Guang‐Fan
Published: December 2008

The reaction of Gd(ClO4)3·6H2O with 5‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)isophthalic acid affords a 3D framework gadolinium coordination polymer, [Gd(C9H3N4O4)(H2O)3·2H2O]n (1). Its crystal structure belongs to a triclinic system, space group $P{\bar 1}$, with a = 7.909(2) Å; b = 8.448(2) Å; c = 10.994(2) Å; α = 102.65(3)°; β = 124.32(2)°; γ = 96.28(3)°; V = 704.5(2) Å3; Z = 2; R1 = 0.0245 for 3225 reflections with I >2σ(I), wR2 = 0.0556. Fluorescent analyses show that compound 1 exhibits purple fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Two Cationic Indium Selenides with I− Ion as Counterion
Authors: Li Chun‐Ying , Zhou Jian , Zhang Yong , Lei Zhi‐Xin , Bian Guo‐Qing , Dai Jie
Published: December 2008

Two new indium selenides [In(en)2Se]2·2I (1) and [In(teta)Se]2·2I (2) (en = ethylenediamine, teta = triethylenetetramine) were obtained under mild solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of unusual organic hybrid indium selenide cations and I− anions. These ions are assembled to two different supramolecular structures by N‐H···I and N‐H···Se H‐bonds, namely extended 3‐D network structure for 1 and extended sheet structure for 2. The optical band gaps of 2.92 eV for 1 and 3.15 eV for 2 were derived from optical absorption spectra. The thermal stability of 1 and 2 was investigated by thermogravimetric measurements.
Subtle Interplay of Weak Intermolecular Interactions. Crystal Structures of Lead(II) Complexes with 4,4′‐Dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Marandi Farzin , Mottaghi Majideh , Meyer Gerd , Pantenburg Ingo
Published: December 2008

Three adducts of the N,N′‐bidentate aromatic base 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dmbpy) of lead(II) salts, [Pb(dmbpy)2(NO3)2] (1), [Pb(dmbpy)2(ClO4)2] (2) and [Pb(dmbpy)(NCS)2]n (3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and studied by thermal analysis as well as X‐ray crystallography. The single‐crystal structures of these complexes show that the 6s electrons of lead(II) constitute a stereochemically active lone pair (SALP). The coordination numbers of the PbII ions are eight and seven, respectively. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided/controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions.
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterizations of Two New Manganese(II) Phosphonates with a 3D Framework Structure
Authors: Zhu Yan‐Yu , Li Jing , Sun Zhen‐Gang , Zhang Jing , Zhao Yan , Lu Xin , Liu Lei , Zhang Na
Published: December 2008

Two new manganese(II) phosphonates, (NH4)Mn2.5[(O3PCH(OH)CO2)2(H2O)] (1) and [NH3(CH2)4NH3]0.5Mn2.5[(O3PCH(OH)CO2)2(H2O)] (2) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as with infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The two isomorphous compounds feature a 3D framework structure. The Mn(1)O6 and Mn(3)O5 polyhedra are bridged by the CPO3 tetraheda into a MnII phosphonate layer in ac‐plane. Mn(2)O6 polyhedra are linked to each other by CPO3 tetraheda to form infinite chains, which are connected to layers by carboxylate groups to form a 3D framework structure with channels along the a‐ and c‐axis, respectively. The NH4+ ions or protonated 1, 4‐butylenediamine cations are located inside the channels along the a axis.
Synthese und Charakterisierung von Cobalt(II)‐ und Kupfer(I)‐Komplexen mit Guanidin‐Pyridin‐Hybridliganden
Authors: Wortmann Ramona , Hoffmann Alexander , Haase Roxana , Flörke Ulrich , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: December 2008

Syntheses and Structures of Cobalt(II) and Copper(I) Complexes with Guanidine‐Pyridine Hybridligands

The guanidine‐pyridine hybridligands N‐(1,3‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)‐2‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)ethanamine (DMEGepy, L1) and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐2‐(2‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)ethyl)guanidine (TMGepy, L2) have been synthesized and characterized. The reaction of DMEGepy with CoCl2 and TMGepy with CuI lead to the mononuclear complexes {N‐(1,3‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)‐2‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)ethanamine}cobalt(II) dichloride (1) and {1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐2‐(2‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)ethyl)guanidine}copper(I) iodide (2). By the characterization of these complexes we are able to compare the complexation chemistry of the hybridguanidine and bisguanidine ligands with regard to the various N donor functions systematically.
Synthesen und Strukturen der Lithiumtitanate(III) und ‐(IV), (py)2Li[(py)2Ti(OPh)4] und (py)2Li[(py)Ti(OPh)5]
Authors: Veith Michael , Voigt Thorsten , Huch Volker
Published: December 2008

Syntheses and Structures of the Lithiumtitanates(III)/(IV) (py)2Li[(py)2Ti(OPh)4] and (py)2Li[(py)Ti(OPh)5]

The new lithiumtitanates (py)2Li[(py)2Ti(OPh)4] (1) and (py)2Li[(py)Ti(OPh)5] (2) have been obtained from the reaction of titaniumtrichloride (respectively titaniumtetrachloride 2) with LiOPh in the presence of the base pyridine (py). The crystal structures of both compounds show that the titanium atoms are in the centres of distorted octahedral coordination figures. In compound 1, four oxygen and two nitrogen atoms (in cis orientation) are bonded to titanium, whereas in 2, five oxygen and one nitrogen atom form the coordination polyeder around titanium. In both compounds, the lithium atoms are attached through phenolate bridges to the octahedra. The titanate (py)2Li[(py)2Ti(OPh)4] (1) has a single absorption band in the visible region of the UV‐spectrum showing a shoulder shifted to the bathochromic region, due to the Jahn‐Teller‐effect for d1‐systems.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of NiPdTe and Ni2PdSe2
Authors: Bichler Daniel , Pocha Regina , Löhnert Catrin , Johrendt Dirk
Published: December 2008

The metal‐rich chalcogenides NiPdTe and Ni2PdSe2were synthesized by heating stoichiometric mixtures of the elements at 823–1323 K in silica ampoules under argon atmosphere. The structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. NiPdTe (Pnma,a= 8.337(2),b= 3.758(1),c= 6.290(1) Å,Z= 4) is build up by a distorted cubic closed packing of Te atoms with Ni atoms in one half of the tetrahedral holes. The Ni atoms form zigzag‐chains with short Ni–Ni bonds. The Pd atoms are located in the octahedral holes and are fivefold coordinated by Te atoms due to a strong shift off the centers. The structure of NiPdTe is related to the TiNiSi type due to a similar nickel substructure and to the Cu2Sb type with respect to thefccpacking of the anions. Ni2PdSe2(I4/mmm,a= 10.446(1),c= 5.751(1) Å,Z= 8) forms a new structure type with strongly distorted edge‐ and corner‐sharing NiSe4tetrahedra. The Pd atoms are either planar coordinated by four Se or located in the centers of face‐sharing Ni8cubes. The structure of Ni2PdSe2merges metallic building blocks with structural fragments typical for polar compounds.
New Dinuclear Ru2(CO)4 Sawhorse‐Type Complexes Containing Bridging Carboxylato Ligands
Authors: Auzias Mathieu , Mattsson Johan , Therrien Bruno , Süss‐Fink Georg
Published: December 2008

The thermal reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with ethacrynic acid, 4‐[bis(2‐chlorethyl)amino]benzenebutanoic acid (chlorambucil), or 4‐phenylbutyric acid in refluxing solvents, followed by addition of two‐electron donor ligands (L), gives the diruthenium complexes Ru2(CO)4(O2CR)2L2 (1: R = CH2O‐C6H2Cl2‐COC(CH2)C2H5, L = C5H5N; 2: R = CH2O‐C6H2Cl2‐COC(CH2)C2H5, L = PPh3; 3: R = C3H6‐C6H4‐N(C2H4‐Cl)2, L = C5H5N; 4: R = C3H6‐C6H4‐N(C2H4‐Cl)2, L = PPh3; 5: R = C3H6‐C6H5, L = C5H5N; 6: R = C3H6‐C6H5, L = PPh3). The single‐crystal structure analyses of 2, 3, 5 and 6 reveal a dinuclear Ru2(CO)4 sawhorse structure, the diruthenium backbone being bridged by the carboxylato ligands, while the two L ligands occupy the axial positions of the diruthenium unit.
Recent Developments in the Organic Chemistry of Calcium – An Element with Unlimited Possibilities in Organometallic Chemistry?
Authors: Westerhausen Matthias
Published: December 2008

The organocalcium chemistry developed vastly during the last decade. The preparation of the organocalcium compoundsviadirect synthesis (insertion of Ca into a C‐X bond of phenyl halides, Grignard reaction) affords skilful procedures due to the inertia of the calcium metal and the extreme reactivity of the organocalcium derivatives. Further suitable preparative methods include metathesis reactions of CaX2with KR or LiR, metallation reactions of H‐acidic substrates, metal‐halogen exchange reactions, and transmetallation of heavy main group atoms in their compounds with calcium metal. Possibilities to stabilize organocalcium compounds include steric shielding by bulky ligands at the periphery and electronic reduction of the nucleophilicity of the calcium‐bound carbanions. Selected applications in catalysis such as hydrophosphination are also mentioned. Very recent developments and challenges in the preparation of alkaline earth metal(I) compounds are presented as well. Concepts to overcome the rather large atomization energies of the metals are discussed.
Impact of age and strain on ischemic brain injury and seizures after carotid ligation in immature mice
Authors: Comi Anne M. , Trescher William H. , Abi‐Raad Ronnie , Johnston Michael V. , Wilson Mary Ann
Published: December 2008

Stroke is an important cause of neurologic injury in the neonatal period and frequently results in lifelong neurologic impairments. We reported previously that unilateral carotid ligation on postnatal day (P)12 in CD1 mice causes acute behavioral seizures and unilateral brain injury and provides a model for neonatal stroke in human infants. In the present study we confirmed that behavioral seizures observed after ligation on P12 in the CD1 strain are associated with rhythmic ictal discharges that show temporal progression on electrocorticograms. We also examined the effects of carotid ligation performed at different ages in CD1 mice or performed in the C57Bl/6 strain. The right common carotid was ligated at P7, P10, P12 or P21 in CD1 mice or at P12 in C57Bl/6 mice. Littermate controls received sham surgery. Seizures were rated for 4 h after surgery; brain injury was scored one week later. In a separate group of P12 CD1 mice, electrocorticographic activity was recorded continuously for 4 h after carotid ligation or sham surgery. Brain injury and cumulative seizure score varied significantly with age (p < 0.001) and strain (p < 0.001). In CD1 mice, injury was greatest after ligation on P10 to P12 and seizure score was maximal at P12. Seizure scores were significantly correlated with injury after ligation on P10 or P12. C57Bl/6 mice, like C3Heb/FeJ mice examined previously, were much less vulnerable to seizures and injury than CD1 mice after ligation on P12. This study demonstrates that carotid ligation in the CD1 mouse on P12 causes acute electrographic rhythmic discharges that correlate with behavioral seizures. We also found that the age at which ligation is performed and genetic strain have a strong influence on the severity of injury.
An In-House Built Semiautomated Countercurrent Chromatography Workstation
Authors: Napolitano Christopher , Wismer Michael , Furlano Elio , Harris Guy , Uhrig Brian , Blake Kevin , Kath Gary , Dufresne Claude
Published: December 2008

An elution—extrusion countercurrent chromatography workstation was designed and built in-house for fractionating crude natural product extracts. The engineering efforts of this project included both custom hardware and software integration. The resulting workstation operates four individual chromatography coils for natural product extract separation and purification. The workstation offers the ability to collect fractions into 16 × 100 mm borosilicate glass test tubes or allows for stream splitting of the coil effluent so that the fractions can be collected into both 16 × 100 mm borosilicate test tubes and a 96-well microplate. Solvent pumping for each of the chromatography columns is achieved through the use of syringe pumps. The workstation is controlled though a custom control software application, C_Cubed, written in Visual Basic 6.0 (VB6). Software architecture consists of three levels. At the lowest level, there are ActiveX dll device drivers that interface with the physical hardware. The middle layer is a custom scheduler allowing for multitasking of instrument movements. The upper level is composed of a Wizard-style user interface that mimics the scientific workflow. Finally, by using a software timer the software application was written to operate on a single thread, but exhibit multithreaded behavior.
Cost-Effective Addition of High-Throughput Colony Picking Capability to a Standard Liquid-Handling Platform
Authors: Hartley Todd , Stewart Claudia , Stewart Robin , Munroe David J.
Published: December 2008

We have developed a general strategy for the addition of high-throughput colony picking capability to most standard liquid-handling robotic platform. This strategy is easily implemented and requires minimal capital outlay (less than $2500.00). To illustrate this strategy, we describe the modification of a Caliper Life Sciences Sciclone ALH (Automated Liquid Handler) 3000 together with a general calibration methodology that can be applied to most liquid-handling robot capable of X, Y, Z positioning.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, under contract N01-CO-12400. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Chip Electrophoresis as a Method for Quantifying Total Albumin in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Chan Owen T.M. , Herold David A.
Published: December 2008

The cerebrospinal/serum albumin ratio ( QAlb) is a measure of cerebrospinal—blood barrier permeability, where dysfunctional barriers have been associated with a variety of disease states. Thus, the ability to accurately quantify albumin has critical diagnostic importance. The current work uses chip electrophoresis as an alternative methodology to the conventional immunoassay for quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albumin. With variable concentrations of bovine serum albumin normalized to a chicken albumin internal standard, the electrophoresis system demonstrated signal correlation with a best-fit polynomial ( R2 = 0.9993) (concentration range of 7.8–1000 mg/L). Interchip and intrachip variation studies conducted on patient CSF demonstrated coefficient of variations of 0.1–17%. Chip electrophoresis detected an average of 24% greater albumin than the immunoassay in patient CSF samples (n = 58), indicating the ability to detect immunoreactive and non-immunoreactive forms of albumin. Finally, the correlation of CSF albumin concentration to QAlb determined by chip electrophoresis ( r2 = 0.8683) was comparable with that determined by immunoassay ( r2 = 0.8390). Therefore, this work demonstrates proof-of-principle that chip electrophoresis can serve as an alternative method for quantifying total (immunoreactive and non-immunoreactive) albumin in CSF.
Dementia literacy: Recognition and beliefs on dementia of the Australian public
Authors: Low Lee‐Fay , Anstey Kaarin Jane
Published: December 2008

Background

Dementia is a growing health problem worldwide and in Australia. Little research has been conducted on dementia literacy in the community.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the recognition of dementia and beliefs regarding prognosis, cause, and risk reduction in the Australian public. A cross‐sectional telephone survey of 2,000 randomly selected community‐dwelling adults (23.4% response rate) was conducted.

Results

Eighty‐two percent of the sample correctly identified “dementia” or “Alzheimer's” from a vignette. There were no differences in recognition rates between vignettes describing mild or moderate dementia symptoms. Almost half thought that at least partial recovery would occur, given appropriate treatment. More than 80% of the sample thought that genetics, old age, brain disease, and stroke or mini‐stroke contributed to a person getting dementia. Seventy‐two percent thought that the risk of dementia could be reduced. The most frequently suggested methods for risk reduction were mental exercise (38.8%), eating healthily (31.0%), physical exercise (30.2%), and socializing more (13.9%). Sociodemographic characteristics were associated with dementia knowledge and beliefs.

Conclusions

The majority of the Australian public recognize the symptoms of dementia and think dementia risk can be reduced. However, most do not know of the association between dementia and cardiovascular factors. Public awareness campaigns need to increase accurate knowledge of factors consistently found to be associated with dementia.
Physician outpatient contacts and hospitalizations among cognitively impaired elderly
Authors: Caspi Eilon , Silverstein Nina M. , Porell Frank , Kwan Ngai
Published: December 2008

Background

This study examined how physician contacts and hospitalizations vary in relation to cognitive function level among community‐residing older adults.

Methods

Analysis of the 1998 wave of the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) was conducted to create three levels of cognitive function among 6,991 older adults by using direct measures for self‐respondents and proxy evaluations. Ordinary least square regression analyses were used to estimate the probability of physician outpatient contacts, number of hospitalizations, and nights hospitalized during the last 2 years.

Results

Lower cognitive function level was found to be associated with decreasing levels of physician contacts and increasing levels of hospitalizations as well as nights hospitalized. In addition, lower cognitive function levels were consistently related to a variety of comorbidities. Moreover, many older adults with low cognitive function levels reported or were reported by their proxies as not having a diagnosis of a memory‐related disease (MRD). Finally, having a diagnosis of an MRD was found to be associated with more physician contacts but fewer hospital nights compared with those who had never received such a diagnosis.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the need for increased outreach targeted at identification of community‐dwelling older adults with decline in cognitive function who are in need of care but are underdiagnosed, underutilize physician care, and are overhospitalized.
Amyloid beta peptides in human plasma and tissues and their significance for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Roher Alex E. , Esh Chera L. , Kokjohn Tyler A. , Castaño Eduardo M. , Van Vickle Gregory D. , Kalback Walter M. , Patton R. Lyle , Luehrs Dean C. , Daugs Ian D. , Kuo Yu‐Min , Emmerling Mark R. , Soares Holly , Quinn Joseph F. , Kaye Jeffrey , Connor Donald J. , Silverberg Nina B. , Adler Charles H. , Seward James D. , Beach Thomas G. , Sabbagh Marwan N.
Published: December 2008

Background

We evaluated the amounts of amyloid beta (Aβ)) peptides in the central nervous system (CNS) and in reservoirs outside the CNS and their potential impact on Aβ plasma levels and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.

Methods

Amyloid β levels were measured in (1) the plasma of AD and nondemented (ND) controls in a longitudinal study, (2) the plasma of a cohort of AD patients receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor, and (3) the skeletal muscle, liver, aorta, platelets, leptomeningeal arteries, and in gray and white matter of AD and ND control subjects.

Results

Plasma Aβ levels fluctuated over time and among individuals, suggesting continuous contributions from brain and peripheral tissues and associations with reactive circulating proteins. Arteries with atherosclerosis had larger amounts of Aβ40 than disease‐free vessels. Inactivated platelets contained more Aβ peptides than activated ones. Substantially more Aβ was present in liver samples from ND patients. Overall, AD brain and skeletal muscle contained increased levels of Aβ.

Conclusions

Efforts to use plasma levels of Aβ peptides as AD biomarkers or disease‐staging scales have failed. Peripheral tissues might contribute to both the circulating amyloid pool and AD pathology within the brain and its vasculature. The wide spread of plasma Aβ values is also due in part to the ability of Aβ to bind to a variety of plasma and membrane proteins. Sources outside the CNS must be accounted for because pharmacologic interventions to reduce cerebral amyloid are assessed by monitoring Aβ plasma levels. Furthermore, the long‐range impact of Aβ immunotherapy on peripheral Aβ sources should also be considered.
The basis for disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease: The Sixth Annual Mild Cognitive Impairment Symposium
Authors: Duara Ranjan , Barker Warren , Loewenstein David , Bain Lisa
Published: December 2008

At the Sixth Annual Mild Cognitive Impairment Symposium in Miami Beach, Florida, a multidisciplinary group of experts from the Alzheimer's disease (AD) community met to discuss the current status of AD intervention trials and future plans for designing trials of prodromal AD and/or mild cognitive impairment. There is no agreement regarding a single pathogenic mechanism to be targeted, although a consensus seems to be emerging that effective treatment will require attacking multiple targets. These targets include beta amyloid (Aß) aggregates (including different isoforms and different aggregation species), neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, neuronal and synaptic loss, and mechanisms that contribute to Aß deposition–induced inflammation and immune dysregulation. Vascular disease, which is very common in the elderly, also appears to be a contributor to AD pathogenesis and might be modifiable through pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions to reduce the impact of conditions such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Potential disease‐modifying approaches that were discussed, including pharmacologic agents that target Aβ, immunotherapy to eliminate plaques in the brain, passive immunotherapy, and secretase inhibitors. Nonpharmacologic approaches included stimulation of endogenous bone marrow cells, which can enter the brain and remove amyloid deposits, and cognitive and exercise training. Innovative trial designs are required that will allow a drug's effectiveness to be determined efficiently in the transition from normal to mild cognitive impairment to probable AD. This might be achieved through the use of various forms of imaging and measurement of biochemical markers in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid, as well as measures that assess very early cognitive and behavioral changes. In the absence of effective treatments for AD, clinicians are faced with a dilemma about why, when, and how to disclose the diagnosis to patients and their family members and/or caregivers. The issues were discussed from multiple perspectives by a panel that included a lay representative, neurologist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, and a psychosocial researcher.
Phenology of coastal upwelling in the California Current
Authors: Bograd Steven J. , Schroeder Isaac , Sarkar Nandita , Qiu Xuemei , Sydeman William J. , Schwing Franklin B.
Published: December 2008

Changes in the amplitude and phasing of seasonal events (phenology) can affect the functioning of marine ecosystems. Phenology plays a particularly critical role in eastern boundary ecosystems, which are driven largely by the seasonal cycle of coastal upwelling. Here we develop and describe a set of indicators that quantify the timing, evolution, intensity, and duration of coastal upwelling in the California Current large marine ecosystem (CCLME). There is significant interannual variability in upwelling characteristics during 1967–2007, with extended periods of high (1970s, 1998–2004) and low (1980–1995) seasonally‐integrated upwelling and a trend towards a later and shorter upwelling season in the northern CCLME. El Niño years were characterized by delayed and weak upwelling in the central CCLME. Understanding the causes and ecosystem consequences of phenological changes in coastal upwelling is critical, as climate models project significant variability in the amplitude and phase of coastal upwelling under varying climate change scenarios.
CO2 evolution and short‐term carbon turnover in stable soil organic carbon from soils applied with fresh organic matter
Authors: Dumale Wilfredo A. , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Nishimura Taku , Seki Katsutoshi
Published: December 2008

The organic carbon of particle size <53 μm is mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC), the measurable fraction of passive soil organic matter pool described in CENTURY model. We studied the effect of fresh organic matters (FOMs): no OM (control); chicken manure (CM): 2.12 g CM carbon kg−1; and leaf litter (LL): 1.81 g LL carbon kg−1 on short‐term dynamics of MAOC and CO2 evolution of two soils: Bagabag, Philippines (121°15′E, 16°35′N) and Tsumagoi, Japan (138°30′E, 36°30′N). Cumulative CO2 evolution was significantly higher in CM‐applied soils. Significant MAOC decrease in 5–20‐cm depth of Tsumagoi soil suggest short‐term stable C turnover even with FOM application. Greater MAOC decline in CM‐applied Bagabag soil suggest that manure application may result to bigger stable C turnover in this soil. Our results provide evidence of significant short‐term stable SOC turnover, and challenge the convention that only labile SOC is involved in short‐term CO2 evolution from soils.
O+ ion flow below the magnetic barrier at Venus post terminator
Authors: Szego K. , Bebesi Z. , Dobe Z. , Fränz M. , Fedorov A. , Barabash S. , Coates A. J. , Zhang T. L.
Published: December 2008

Venus forms an obstacle in the streaming solar wind; inside the obstacle boundary (that is below the magnetic barrier) the ions of planetary origin dominate the plasma. The objective of this study is to investigate the properties of the O+ ions inside the obstacle boundary of Venus in the wake; we are especially interested in the characterization of the different plasma regions the O+ ions occupy. The study is based on the data collected by the ASPERA 4 plasma analyzer flying onboard of the Venus Express mission in a region never explored before experimentally. The obstacle boundary was approximately identified from the dropout of magnetospheric electrons and the sharp decrease of the proton speed; the entry point correlated well with the location of the magnetic barrier derived by eyes from magnetometer data. The most characteristic structures seen during the various flybys were (1) the tailward continuation of the mantle was evident; (2) in the mantle near Venus the O+ ion flow was significantly intense in low‐energy counts; (3) the inbound and outbound crossings of the tailward boundary were sharp, characterized by less intense but higher‐energy O+ beams; (4) the crossing of the central tail region (current sheet) was marked by the change of the sign of Bx and by an intense low‐energy O+ ion flux; (5) it is remarkable that the O+ ion outflow was not confined to the central tail region; the intensity elsewhere was highly variable, resulting in a ray‐like outflow pattern in most of the cases.
Growth of twin-free heteroepitaxial diamond on Ir/YSZ/Si(111)
Authors: Fischer M. , Brescia R. , Gsell S. , Schreck M. , Brugger T. , Greber T. , Osterwalder J. , Stritzker B.
Published: December 2008

Heteroepitaxial nucleation and growth of twin-free diamond on Ir(111) is reported. The bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) technique was applied in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition setup to induce diamond nucleation on the new multilayer stack Ir/YSZ/Si(111). We demonstrate that the gathering of the diamond nuclei in so-called “domains,” a pattern formation process unique for diamond nucleation on iridium, is also present on Ir(111). The 1–2 nm thick carbon layer deposited by BEN does not show any crystalline diamond structures in electron diffraction and high resolution lattice imaging microscopy. In contrast, x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) measurements yield C 1s diffractograms with clear threefold symmetry. The main features are comparable to measurements on diamond (111) single crystal surfaces. The weaker fine structure in the XPD patterns of the BEN layers is attributed to some disorder due to the harsh ion bombardment. However, this ion bombardment did not induce any measurable amount of twinning as deduced from the threefold symmetry. After 3 h diamond growth, the signal due to twins in the x-ray diffraction pole figures is still below the noise level of ∼1%. Negligible twinning and the low mosaic spread of 0.96° (tilt) and 1.85° (twist) indicate that these films mark a breakthrough toward heteroepitaxial diamond films with (111) orientation. They provide interesting growth substrates, e.g., for phosphorous doped diamond or for the formation of heterojunction devices by deposition of wurtzite-type wide band gap semiconductor materials.
Effective viscosity of glycerin in a nanoporous silica gel
Authors: Han Aijie , Lu Weiyi , Punyamurtula Venkata K. , Chen Xi , Surani Falgun B. , Kim Taewan , Qiao Yu
Published: December 2008

The infiltration of glycerin in a lyophobic nanoporous silica gel is investigated experimentally, and the effective interfacial tension and viscosity are discussed. While the simple superposition principle can be employed for the analysis of interfacial tension, in a nanopore the effective liquid viscosity is no longer a material constant. It is highly dependent on the pore size and the loading rate, much smaller than its bulk counterpart.
APS-AAPT meet in Chicago
Authors: Rothenberg Marian S.
Published: December 2008

The joint meeting of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers, to be held 26–29 Jan. in the Palmer House, Chicago will feature programs on the nontechnical problems of physicists as well as a full schedule of topical papers, business meetings and awards ceremonies. APS has scheduled a special session on physics and society for Tuesday evening; AAPT has organized a panel, to be presided over by Melba Phillips, that will discuss the physics employment situation. “Impedance matching” lectures, designed to help students understand the topical papers, have been organized by the Society of Physics Students.
The chemical bond and solid-state physics
Authors: Phillips James C.
Published: December 2008

ADVANCES in quantum chemistry, as in any other field, need novel concepts to keep pace with the great increase in available experimental data and theoretical understanding. The concept of ionicity of the chemical bond is an example. For 35 years Linus Pauling's development of a definition of ionicity, based on heats of formation of binary crystals, was standard. Here I will describe a new definition of ionicity, derived from spectroscopically obtained transition energies between bonding and antibonding states of semiconductor crystals, and show how it compares with the older one.
A history-of-physics laboratory
Authors: Devons Samuel , Hartmann Lillian
Published: December 2008

DURING THE PAST FEW years we have been developing, at Columbia and Barnard Colleges, a somewhat unorthodox vehicle for teaching physics, a combination laboratory and library designated a History of Physics laboratory. In it some of the experiments that have played a major role in the development of physics, for example those of James Joule, Heinrich Hertz, Michael Faraday and Charles Coulomb, are being reconstructed, with proper attention to their significant historical features. The methods and materials used in these experiments are essentially those used originally. We want to provide students with an opportunity to repeat these experiments and to appreciate the significance of each in its own historical context.
Supply and demand for physicists
Authors: Strassenburg Arnold A.
Published: December 2008

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION for physicists is at present in a state of imbalance, with supply exceeding demand, and there is no evidence for any rapid improvement. The facts, opinions and causes surrounding the employment problem have been and will continue to be explored by the Education and Manpower Division of the American Institute of Physics. Surveys of recently employed PhD's, employers and graduate and undergraduate students, plus data collected by the AIP Placement Service, gauge the current job market and foresee future difficulties.
Nuclear energy: Benefits versus risks
Authors: Jordan Walter H.
Published: December 2008

JUST A FEW YEARS AGO almost everyone looked forward to the coming age of nuclear energy as a boon to mankind. Of course the coal interests have always been less than enthusiastic, but that was to be expected. Recently, however, many persons have undertaken the role of professional critics, joined by some conservationists.
Why there is a job shortage
Authors: Gruner Wayne R.
Published: December 2008

FOR SOME YEARS the training of PhD scientists has been advertised as a major goal of public science policy. We all believed that the demand for these scientists was inexhaustible, and increases in federal support for scientific research have often been advocated on the grounds that the research activity was needed to train graduate students, whether or not the anticipated scientific results were urgently needed for any other reason. The largest component of federal obligations for university science, in fact, goes to pay the salaries of research scientists and of their students, so that allocation of manpower may be the most important question in federal science policy. (We, of course, can only provide incentives; people allocate themselves as they wish.)
Batavia accelerator—startup a year early?
Authors: Davis Harold L.
Published: December 2008

R. R. WILSON, director of the National Accelerator Laboratory, has surprised the physics world once again by announcing a significant advance in the date for the first beam in the Batavia accelerator. He further announced that protons might reach an energy of 500 GeV, instead of 200 GeV, soon after startup.
The future evolution of the computer
Authors: Landauer Rolf
Published: December 2008

HOW FAR CAN WE EXPECT the development of the computer to go? What paths will future evolution take? To answer these questions we should consider both refinements in existing technologies and completely new device principles. The pace of computer evolution so far also leads us to think about the ultimate limitations of the information-handling process, which inevitably depends on the number of real physical degrees of freedom available.