bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Peat-Free Organic Media in Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Production
Authors: Sári Szilvia , Forró Edit
Published: May 2008

Characterization of Peat-Free Organic Media in Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Production

Several materials of organic origin (peats, composts, pine bark) were tested in vegetable growing, the test plant was pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. Danubia). The main objective was to find out how to apply of these materials efficiently in intensive growing. The effect of the media on the yielding of pepper was also examined. Soil samples were measured for various pedological properties. The hydrolizable nitrogen-content decreased in the media except for composts where it increased significantly (SD95%=25.61 and 20.48). Composts and pine bark were rich in potassium and phosphorus. High electrical conductivity (EC) was determined in green waste compost I. (EC=3.5) when sand was added to green waste compost II (EC=2.9) the EC decreased significantly (SD95%=0.33). The mixture of high- and low-moor peat gave the highest yield (9.3 kg.m-2), composts (6.1 and 5.7 kg.m-2) and pine bark (6.3 kg.m-2) gave significantly lower yields (SD95%=0.43). It was concluded that the examined peat-free media can be valuable components of soil mixtures.
Effect of Field Pea (Pisum arvense L.) as a Cover Plant on Health of Under-Ground Part of Field Tomato
Authors: Jamiołkowska Agnieszka
Published: May 2008

Effect of Field Pea (Pisum arvense L.) as a Cover Plant on Health of Under-Ground Part of Field Tomato

No-tillage method with various cover crops has become popular recently in vegetable production (Abdul-Baki et al. 1996). The aim of a study conducted in 1998-2000 was evaluation of the effect of field pea (Pisum arvense L.) as a cover crop on the health of roots and stem base of tomato cultivated in the field. The field pea decreased the number of Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani and increased the number of antagonistic fungi Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. on the roots and stem base of tomato.

The numerical classification method (Podani 1993, Łaska 2001) applied to compare fungal communities from the roots and stem base of tomato grown conventionally and in field with pea as cover crop showed that similarity coefficient ranged from 21% to 59%.
The Effectivity of Trichoderma Strains in the Protection of Cucumber and Lettuce Against Rhizoctonia Solani
Authors: Smolińska Urszula , Kowalska Beata , Oskiera Michał
Published: May 2008

The Effectivity of Trichoderma Strains in the Protection of Cucumber and Lettuce Against Rhizoctonia Solani

Antagonistic properties of four isolates of Trichoderma against fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani were investigated. The addition of T. harzianum strain PBG to the potground protected cucumber plants against root rot caused by R. solani and increased the weight of cucumber plants growing in potground with pathogen by 19-26%, compared to infested control. All Trichoderma strains (T. harzianum strain PBG; T. longibrachiatum szczep T2; T. harzianum strain T4 and Trichoderma sp. strain T6) indicated positive effect on lettuce growth in the greenhouse experiment. They increased the number of germinated seeds and the average mass of seedlings. The highest growth stimulation of the lettuce was observed using Trichoderma strain T6 and T. harzianum strain PBG, respectively 49% and 33%, when compared to the control treatment. Moreover, these isolates most efficiently protected lettuce seedlings against R. solani. The application of the combinations of four Trichoderma together did not increase the protective effect against R. solani.
Phytophagous Entomofauna Occurring On Carrot and Plant Protection Methods
Authors: Szwejda Jerzy , Wrzodak Robert
Published: May 2008

Phytophagous Entomofauna Occurring On Carrot and Plant Protection Methods

Over 34 phytophagous species were noted on carrot plantations in Poland. Most of them are oligo- and polyphagous species, occurring in populations, which pose permanent threat for carrot plantations.

Basing on occurrence frequency and quantity, the identified species were classified into 3 groups.

I group. Species causing significant economic losses: carrot fly (Chamaepsila rosae Fabr.), root aphids (Pemphigus phenax B&B), cutworm (Agrotis spp.), Semiaphis dauci, hawthorn carrot aphid (Dysaphis crataegi Kalt.), lygus bug (Lygus spp.).

II group. Species infesting plantations in cyclic intervals of several years: black been aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.), psyllid (Trioza viridula Zett.), Depressaria nervosa Haw., D. depresella Hb., D. heracliana DeGeer, wireworms (Agriotes spp.), white grubs (Melolonthinae)

III group. Species occurring sporadically in numbers, which may pose a threat to plants: knot grass (Acronicta rumicis L.), Mamestra dissimilis Knoch., M. persicariae L., Autographa gamma L.

Monitoring of pests presence and threats caused by them is conducted by constantly developed system of short- and long-term forecasting. It includes the species harmful to plantations every year or cyclically, which need to be controlled. Treatment times are established based on signalisation of pest presence on plantation, using yellow sticky cards (Chamapsila rosae), pheromone traps (Agrotis segetum) or periodic inspection of plantation to evaluate threshold value (other species).
The Influence of Carrot Plant Control Against Alternaria Blight on the Root Health Status After Storage
Authors: Mazur Stanisław , Wrocki Jacek
Published: May 2008

The Influence of Carrot Plant Control Against Alternaria Blight on the Root Health Status After Storage

A good health status and quality of roots during winter storage especially in soil clamp is a serious economic problem. The proper plant protection in the field can reduce the occurrence of pathogens mainly those infecting at first leaves and then causing root rots such as fungi of Alternaria species. During 2005-2006 the studies on carrot protection against Alternaria blight were conducted in Mydlniki near Kraków. Carrot plants were sprayed with solutions of following control agents: liquid extract of garlic 100% (Bioczos) at the concentration of 2%, chitosan - 20% (Biochikol 020 PC) at the concentration of 2% and extract from grapefruit 33% (Biosept 33 SL) at the concentration of 0.2%. As comparative fungicide azoxystrobin 250 g.L-1 (Amistar 250 SC) at the dose of 0.8 L·ha-1 was used. The healthiness of roots was examined twice, first time directly after harvest and the second time after the storage in the spring. The results revealed that the carrot plant protection against Alternaria blight with the examined control agents reduced infestation of leaves and in the consequence improved the root health status. The analyses carried out in April 2006 and 2007 after root storage showed the significant differences among examined treatments, both in the range of root infestation as well as in the losses of root weight. The lowest root infection was observed in the treatments sprayed with the grapefruit extract. Besides the protection of plants during growing season had an influence on the root weight losses.

There was no clear effect of a specific treatment on the total yield of carrot, but a tendency of a higher crop from the plots treated with fungicides was noticed as compared to the untreated control. A significant influence of applied agents was visible after the storage period. The lowest root weight losses were observed from the treatments protected with chitosan and grapefruit extracts. Untreated control produced the highest weight losses of roots in both years of experiment. Laboratory tests revealed numerous colonies of fungi and bacteria on the diseased carrot tissues. Dominating microorganisms were fungi from Alternaria and Fusarium genus.
The Influence of Postharvest Treatment and Short Term Storage on Quality and Durability of Fresh Cut Crisp Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.Var. capitata L.)
Authors: Grzegorzewska Maria
Published: May 2008

The Influence of Postharvest Treatment and Short Term Storage on Quality and Durability of Fresh Cut Crisp Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.Var. capitata L.)

The experiment was conducted with crisp lettuce cv. 'Grenada". After harvesting and cutting the lettuce was subjected to the following treatments: rinsing in tap water and centrifuging, rinsing in 0.3% citric acid solution and centrifuging and rinsing in 0.3% ascorbic acid solution and centrifuging. The 200 g samples of cut lettuce were packed in polyethylene (PE) film bags tight sealed and also with perforation. Additionally the untreated lettuce was packed also in P-Plus plastic bags.

There was no effect from rinsing in tap water or organic acid solutions on reduction of browning or quality of cut lettuce.

The storage temperature significantly influenced the quality of cut lettuce. At 0°C the fresh cut crisp lettuce maintained good quality up to 6 days but only 2 days at 6-8°C. After 2 days at 18-20°C browning was visible and after 4 days there were symptoms of rotting.

Comparing suitability of unit packaging for short storage of fresh cut lettuce, it was shown that lettuce kept in P-Plus film bags maintained the best quality.
Some Aspects of Nutritive and Biological Value of Carrot Cultivars with Orange, Yellow and Purple-Coloured Roots
Authors: Gajewski Marek , Szymczak Paweł , Elkner Krystyna , Dąbrowska Aleksandra , Kret Anna , Danilcenko Honorata
Published: May 2008

Some Aspects of Nutritive and Biological Value of Carrot Cultivars with Orange, Yellow and Purple-Coloured Roots

The aim of this work was to determine antioxidant activity and some physical and chemical parameters influencing nutritive and biological value of orange, purple and yellow carrot cultivars. The two-year experiment was carried out in Warsaw Agricultural University in 2005 and 2006. Carrot was grown in the experimental field of the University. Six carrot cultivars, differed in storage roots colour and shape, were chosen for the experiment: 'Florida' F1, 'Interceptor' F1, 'Nebula' F1, 'Purple Haze' F1, 'Yellowstone', 'Mello Yello' F1. Immediately after harvest of carrots there were determined: dry matter, total sugars content, total phenolics, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity (DPPH), fractions of dietary fibre, pectines, pH, redox potential, electrical resistance. P-value, which is a combined parameter of some physical and chemical traits, was also calculated. Correlations between some of these quality parameters were determined. Dry mater content was the highest for 'Purple Haze' in 2005, but in 2006 for 'Nebula' similar dry matter content was found. Total sugars content in carrots in 2005 was the highest in 'Purple Haze' but in 2006 'Florida' showed higher sugars content. Total phenolics content was the highest in 'Purple Haze' roots. Total carotenoids content was greatly differentiated between cultivars and varied from below 1 mg·100 g-1 to above 14 mg·100 g-1. For cultivars of yellow storage roots the lowest level of carotenoids were found, and the highest for orange-coloured 'Florida', 'Interceptor' and 'Purple Haze'. In all cultivars, from fractions of total fibre, the highest amount was found in the case of cellulose and pectines. The highest antioxidant activity showed purple-coloured cultivar 'Purple Haze', and the lowest activity yellow-coloured cultivars 'Yellowstone' and 'Mello Yello'. Regression analysis showed that antioxidant activity of carrot storage roots was strictly related to carotenoids content (r=0.92) and phenolics content (r=0.87).
Prestorage Heat Treatment of Apples
Authors: Skrzyński Jan
Published: May 2008

Prestorage Heat Treatment of Apples

'Jonica' and 'Shampion' apples picked at optimum harvest date were subjected separately to heat treatment as an individual fruit hot water dip for 10 and 20 seconds. Following that, fruits were cooled, placed in lots in crates and stored under conditions recommended in Poland. Respective samples of non treated fruits and heat treated were subjected to quality evaluations at harvest, after storage and after simulated shelf life. The main effect of heat treatment was total reduction of fruit spoilage due to storage diseases, whereas non treated fruits were affected by bitter rot (Gloeosporium), gray mold (Botrytis) and blue mold (Penicillium) respectively. After storage and simulated shelf life period 'Shampion' treated fruits retain higher flesh firmness than untreated ones. Soluble solids content of treated 'Shampion' fruits were higher than for untreated fruits. The soluble solids content in 'Jonica' fruits treated for 10 s was lower than treated for 20 s and control. Titratable acidity of heat treated fruits of 'Shampion' were similar to non treated apples, and for 'Jonica' were higher than control (except fruits treated for 20 s and analysed after storage).
Are Imports and Exports Cointegrated: the Case of Bulgaria between 1967 and 2004
Authors: Bineau Yannick
Published: May 2008

Are Imports and Exports Cointegrated: the Case of Bulgaria between 1967 and 2004

This note tests current account sustainability in Bulgaria from 1967 to 2004. Empirical analysis adopts various unit root and cointegration tests with structural breaks. Evidence of a long run relation between exports and imports in Bulgaria is shown, despite the financial crisis of 1996/8. Intertemporal current account constraint is not violated in Bulgaria.
Should Italians, Croats and Slovenes Work Together in Developing a Northern Adriatic Tourist Destination?
Authors: Prasnikar Janez , Zabkar Vesna , Rajkovic Tanja
Published: May 2008

Should Italians, Croats and Slovenes Work Together in Developing a Northern Adriatic Tourist Destination?

The article assesses opportunities for creating a macro-tourist destination in the region of the Northern Adriatic. Research was based on a survey of more than 1700 summer tourists in three different sea towns, namely Grado in Italy, Opatija in Croatia and Portorož in Slovenia in 2004. The three countries share a common past under the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and are headed for a common future within the European Union. Survey results of tourists' motivations and destination quality perceptions support the notion that the Northern Adriatic is considered by many central Europeans as the "sea closest to home". Thus, EU efforts under the framework of the Cohesion Policy of EU regions could also be adopted in the area of joint destination management of the Northern Adriatic. A Destination Management Organization for the three regions should be established as the main agent of change in the destination management of the region.
The Monetary Transmission Mechanism in the New Economy: Evidence from Turkey (1997-2006)
Authors: Cifter Atilla , Ozun Alper
Published: May 2008

The Monetary Transmission Mechanism in the New Economy: Evidence from Turkey (1997-2006)

This study aimed to test the money base, money supply, credit capacity, industrial production index, interest rates, inflation and real exchange rate data of Turkey during the years 1997 - 2006. These were tested through the monetary transmission mechanism and passive money hypothesis, using the vector error correction model-based causality test. Empirical findings showed that the passive money supply hypothesis of the new Keynesian economy is supported in part by accommodationalist views and differs from those of structuralist and liquidity preference theories. However, the monetary transmission mechanism has established that long-term money supply only affects general price levels, while production is influenced by interest rates in the new period of the Turkish economy. Empirical findings show that in this new period, interest transmission mechanisms are at the forefront.
How to Gain Success in SME? A Case Study of a region in the Czech Republic.
Authors: Sebestova Jarmila , Rylkova Zaneta , Smysl Marek
Published: May 2008

How to Gain Success in SME? A Case Study of a region in the Czech Republic.

Small and medium sized entrepreneurship (SME) is often considered a contemporary phenomenon. Why have so many authors dedicated their work to this field? The main reason is that SME influences society and contributes to the economic development of its region. This analysis emphasizes endogenous factors for success. The situation in the Moravia-Silesian Region (the northeast region of the Czech Republic) in which we applied factor analysis on a research sample supported our hypothesis. Moreover, we used VRIO analysis to clearly interpret our research findings.
Capital Budgeting Practices: A Survey of Croatian Firms
Authors: Dedi Lidija , Orsag Silvije
Published: May 2008

Capital Budgeting Practices: A Survey of Croatian Firms

This paper reports the results of a mail survey of capital budgeting practices among Croatian firms and compares the results with those from similar studies in the USA, UK, Sweden, and other European countries. It is based on a questionnaire sent to 200 firms selected from 400 of the best Croatian firms (special edition of Privredni vjesnik) and to 34 banks from a ranking of Croatian banks (special edition of Privredni vjesnik). The response rate was 25,21%. The goal of the empirical survey was to determine the present application of quantitative capital budgeting methods, cost of capital and cash flow estimation, risk analysis and application of a real options approach in capital budgeting practices in Croatian firms. This is the first empirical survey of Croatian capital budgeting practices that has been undertaken.
Poverty amongst Female-headed Households in Bosnia and Herzegovina: an empirical analysis
Authors: Smajic Senada , Ermacora Sergio
Published: May 2008

Poverty amongst Female-headed Households in Bosnia and Herzegovina: an empirical analysis

This paper conducts an empirical investigation of whether female-headed households (FHHs) are over-represented amongst the poor compared to male-headed households in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), measured through the consumption dimension of poverty. Apart from self-reported and demographic definitions of headship, which do not make reference to the economic support provided for a household, households whose headship is assigned according to economic definition are included in the analysis. Moreover, the heterogeneity of FHHs is recognised in our study. In this way, the study avoids the main pitfalls associated with similar studies. Since the relationship between poverty and headship has regional and ethnic characteristics, the specific characteristics of BiH in this context are taken into account. Finally, given that our analysis did not find evidence of FHHs being disadvantaged in terms of household consumption, it cannot be argued that policy measures targeting FHHs would be a useful approach to reducing poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Impact of Human Capital on GNP Level
Authors: Požega Željko , Crnković Boris
Published: May 2008

Impact of Human Capital on GNP Level

It is possible to achieve faster rates of social growth, greater developement, a better standard of living and narrow the gap between rich and poor countries by changing a government's economic policies so that they emphasize investments in the developement of human potential. An increase in motivation, knowledge, levels of education and team organization, as well as a strengthening of citizens' moral, intellectual and social potential will, as the results of investigations quoted in this article show, bring faster growth of the Gross National Product (GNP). There is still a paradigm prevailing in south-eastern European countries to invest more in physical capital than in human capital. This paradigm is the reason that these countries continue to fall behind the most developed countries in the world.
Attractive Investment Images in Southeastern Europe: the Case of Varna, Bulgaria
Authors: Metaxas Theodore
Published: May 2008

Attractive Investment Images in Southeastern Europe: the Case of Varna, Bulgaria

Attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) constitutes one of the primary aims of the regions and cities of Southeastern Europe after the fall of communist regimes in 1989. In order to satisfy this aim, cities are characterized by a plurality of efforts to create their images based on their distinctive characteristics and in this way attract investments and specialized human resources. Factors such as agglomeration economies, access to European markets, urban infrastructure, as well as qualitative ‘soft’ factors such as the quality of life and urban aesthetic, are considered as location criteria for business establishment in potential locations. The aim of the paper is to examine the attractiveness of the city of Varna as an investment destination by using primary data derived from empirical research on Varna's firms. The firms evaluate a variety of factors (urban characteristics), defining Varna's advantages as an investment destination. These advantages were then used to create the proposed ‘investment image’ of the city.
Innovation Propensity in Croatian Enterprises: Results of a Community Innovation Survey
Authors: Aralica Zoran , Račić Domagoj , Radić Dubravko
Published: May 2008

Innovation Propensity in Croatian Enterprises: Results of a Community Innovation Survey

This paper assesses the determinants of innovation activities in Croatian enterprises and their implications for innovation policy. A Type-2 Tobit model is used for modelling the innovation behaviour of Croatian companies, based on the results of a Community Innovation Survey conducted for the period 2001-2003. This model identified the positive effects of conditions for enterprise growth (enterprise size and demand pull variable) and the integration of enterprises into international flows of capital and goods (through foreign direct investments) as well as R&D activities. These variables can be tackled through a more effective policy framework that should increase competitiveness within industries in order to stimulate the demand for innovation. The focus should be on fostering enterprise growth, attraction of FDI with strong spillover effects, and stimulating the export capability of enterprises. Only in such a context can the positive effects of engagement in R&D be maximised.
Cag Repeat Number in Androgen Receptor Gene and Male Infertility
Authors: Plaseski T , Noveski P , Dimitrovski C , Kocevska B , Efremov G , Plaseska-Karanfilska D
Published: May 2008

Cag Repeat Number in Androgen Receptor Gene and Male Infertility

Androgens are essential for male sexual development and for fertility. They exert their action through the androgen receptor (AR), a ligandactivated transcription factor. The 5' end of exon 1 of the AR gene includes a polymorphic CAG triplet repeat that varies in number between 10 to 36 in the normal population. There is controversy over an association between high CAG repeat numbers in the AR gene and male infertility. We have evaluated the possible effect of long CAG repeats in the AR on infertility in men from the Republic of Macedonia (R. Macedonia). A group of 222 infertile/subfertile males with different sperm counts and a control group of 152 proven fathers were studied. The CAG repeat number was determined by fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exon 1 of the AR gene analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Mean CAG length did not differ significantly between males with azoospermia (22.0 ± 3.1), mild oligozoospermia (22.4 ± 2.6), severe oligozoospermia (23.0 ± 4.2), normozoospermia (21.8 ± 2.4), or known causes of infertility (22.1 ± 2.9) and fertile controls (22.3 ± 2.9). However, we found a significantly higher percentage of CAG repeats >26 (p= 0.022), >27 (p= 0.018) and >28 (p= 0.009) in males with mild oligozoospermia. These results indicate a possible association between CAG repeat length and mild oligozoospermia. Further studies on a larger number of patients with mild oligozoospermia are warranted to confirm this association.
A New Silent β Chain Variant: Hb Hounslow [β80(EF4)Asn→Tyr]
Authors: Préhu C , Riou J , Henthorn J , Wajcman H
Published: May 2008

A New Silent β Chain Variant: Hb Hounslow [β80(EF4)Asn→Tyr]

We report a new neutral hemoglobin (Hb) variant, found, during neonatal screening, in a child originating from Afghanistan. This variant was revealed by cation exchange and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but was silent in electrophoretic methods except for globin chain electrophoresis in the presence of urea and Triton X-100. The structural modification was determined by protein structure studies and the substitution established by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The mutation, located near to the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) binding site, was without any hematological consequences. The pitfalls presented by the presence of neutral Hb variants as modulator factors of the main hemoglobinopathies is discussed.
Characterization of Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosomes By A Simple Molecular and Molecular Cytogenetics Approach
Authors: Liehr T , Trifonov V , Polityko A , Brecevic L , Mrasek K , Weise A , Ewers E , Reich D , Iourov I , Mkrtchyan H , Manvelyan M , Kosyakova N
Published: May 2008

Characterization of Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosomes By A Simple Molecular and Molecular Cytogenetics Approach

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) are still a major problem especially in prenatal cytogenetic diagnostics and counseling. These structurally abnormal chromosomes cannot be identified or characterized unambiguously by conventional banding cytogenetics alone, and are generally about the size of or smaller than a chromosome 20 in the same metaphase spread. We describe a straightforward algorithm, based on data from 2,211 reported cases (http://www.markerchromosomes.ag.vu) to quickly characterize the sSMC's chromosomal origin.
An Sry-Positive 46,XX Male
Authors: Kaur A , Sachdeva K , Mahajan S , Virk S , Singh J
Published: May 2008

An Sry-Positive 46,XX Male

The 46,XX karyotype in a male is a rare sex chromosomal disorder. It mostly results from unequal crossovers between the X and Y chromosomes during meiosis. We here report a 32-year-old infertile male in whom seminal analysis showed azoospermia. Chromosomal analysis revealed a 46,XX karyotype and fluorescentin situhybridization (FISH) showed the presence of the SRY gene. This report highlights the value of karyotyping and FISH analysis in cases of infertility.
Energy Use and Related Risk Management Problems in CEE Countries
Authors: Ney R. , Michna J. , Ekmanis J. , Zeltins N. , Zebergs V.
Published: May 2008

Energy Use and Related Risk Management Problems in CEE Countries

Nowadays, the efficiency of energy use in the Central and East-European (CEE) countries is insufficient, being much lower than in the "Old Europe". The problem becomes increasingly pressing due to non-stop increasing prices of energy carriers (especially of crude oil). The authors trace the development of research activities in this sphere, classifying the revealed changes in parameters of energy consumption processes in particular time intervals into deterministic, probabilistic, and fuzzy. The paper presents a thorough analysis of decision-making in the energy management at its different levels - normative, strategic, and operative. Particular attention is given to the management under uncertainty conditions - i.e. to the risk management. The most wanted research directions in this area proposed by the energy and environment policy (EEP) Center specially created for CEE countries concern management under risk connected with innovations, international activities, loss of reputation, etc. The authors consider in detail the risk management with insufficient knowledge (non-knowledge) and under chaos. Much consideration is given to the scenario management and the game theory principles as related to the sphere of energy use.
From Simplicity to Complexity via Subcomponent Self-Assembly
Authors: Hutin Marie , Schultz David , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: May 2008

Subcomponent self-assembly allows the construction of complex architectures from simple building blocks via the formation of covalent bonds around metal templates. Since both covalent and coordinative bonds are formed reversibly, a wealth of rearrangement reactions are possible
involving substitution at both intraligand and metal–ligand bonds. If the possibilities latent within a set of subcomponents and metal ions are understood, one may also select specific structures from among dynamic libraries of products. The parallel preparation of structures from mixtures
of subcomponents is also possible, as is the direction of subcomponents to specific sites within product structures.
Preparation and Synthetic Applications of 8-Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-one Derivatives
Authors: Favre Sylvain , Gerber-Lemaire Sandrine , Vogel Pierre
Published: May 2008

The development of efficient routes to multi-gram quantities of chiral synthons is a key issue in the total synthesis of natural products and analogues. The conformationally defined and rigid 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-one template is an appealing starting material for the development
of non-iterative approaches to polyoxygenated fragments that are found in a large variety of biologically relevant natural compounds. Desymmetrization and resolution procedures, stereoselective functionalizations and double-chain elongations represent attractive strategies for such synthetic
challenges.
Atom-Centered Potentials to Describe Dispersion Forces in Density Functional Theory
Authors: Lin I-Chun , Röthlisberger Ursula
Published: May 2008

London dispersion forces are of primordial importance in chemical and biological systems. The Kohn–Sham formalism of density functional theory combined with many popular approximated exchange-correlation functionals either provides sporadic results or fails completely to account
for these forces. Dispersion-corrected atom-centered potentials mimic the effect of these forces via atomic orbital-dependent nonlocal potentials whose parameters are obtained by calibrating against references of chosen accuracy. This scheme has shown encouraging outcomes despite its
empiricism; the aim of this communication is to give a brief review on the development and applications to date of this promising approach.
Effects of N-Terminus Substitution on the Structure and Spectroscopy of Gas-Phase Helices
Authors: Stearns Jaime A. , Boyarkin Oleg V. , Rizzo Thomas R.
Published: May 2008

Because of the importance of helices in the secondary structure of proteins, we have undertaken a study of their spectroscopy, fragmentation patterns and conformations in the gas phase. In this work, we describe the effects of substitution at the N-terminus of polyalanine helices capped
with a lysine at the C-terminus, namely Ac-Phe-(Ala)10-Lys-H+, Phe-(Ala)10-Lys-H+, and H+-Phe-(Ala)10-Lys-H+. Acetylation of the N-terminus has very little effect on the spectroscopy and structure, but protonation
of the N-terminus changes the infrared spectrum in such a way that we believe it may also change the structure of the peptide. The ultraviolet spectroscopy and fragmentation, on the other hand, are insensitive to either acetylation or protonation.
Antimicrobial Coatings for Implant Surfaces
Authors: Brunetto Priscilla S. , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: May 2008

Body-foreign materials are used more and more frequently in our lives: joint implants (hips, knees, fingers, etc.), catheters, pacemakers, dental and aesthetic implants, etc. The increasing numbers of patients requiring such implants also raises the absolute numbers of
implant-related infections. Thus, it is known that body-foreign materials are prone to bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation, either via bacterial debris on implant materials, infections during implantation or, later on, via haematogenous seeding. Biofilms, once
formed, are impossible to treat with antibiotics, and the immune system response leads to implant loosening, requiring total replacement. The strategy is thus to prevent bacterial adhesion to implant materials' surfaces. Different strategies have been tested in this context and will be presented
here, together with our own approach, using a combination of different anti-microbial compounds.
Palladium Complexes Comprising C(4)-bound Diimidazolylidene Carbenes
Authors: Heckenroth Marion , Albrecht Martin
Published: May 2008

Imidazolium-derived palladium dicarbene complexes have been synthesized which feature either normal C(2) carbene bonding or abnormal C(4) bonding. Comparison of the reactivity of these complexes, in particular towards Lewis acids (H+, Ag+), indicate consistently
that C(4)-bound carbenes are stronger donors than their C(2)-bound analogs. As a consequence of this electronic impact, palladium complexes comprising C(4)-bound dicarbene ligands were found to be efficient catalysts for olefin hydrogenation under mild conditions.
Nonfouling Surface Coatings Based on Poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)
Authors: Pidhatika Bidhari , Möller Jens , Vogel Viola , Konradi Rupert
Published: May 2008

Surface fouling, i.e. the non-specific surface adhesion of proteins, bacteria and higher organisms, poses a severe problem in many areas ranging from modern diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices to food processing and food wrapping technology to corrosion prevention and
marine technology. One approach to address these problems is to coat surfaces with nonfouling polymers. The properties of a new class of nonfouling polymer coatings made from poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) were investigated here in comparison with the most frequently used polymer in this
context, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Both polymers were side-chain grafted onto a polycationic poly-L-lysine (PLL) backbone. The PMOXA graft copolymers spontaneously self-assembled to form monolayers on negatively charged surfaces. PMOXA surface coatings were as efficient as PEG-based coatings
in suppressing protein and bacterial adsorption. The minimal number of side chain monomer units per surface area that are needed to obtain fully resistant surfaces was lower though for PMOXA than for PEG graft copolymers as a result of the higher molecular weight of the PMOXA monomer unit.
Synthesis of Bicyclo-DNA Nucleosides with Additional Functionalization in the Carbocyclic Ring
Authors: Luisier Samuel , Leumann Christian J.
Published: May 2008

Two novel bicyclo nucleoside isomers carrying the base thymine in the furanose ring and an ester substituent in the carbocyclic ring were synthesized from a common bicyclic sugar precursor via a cyclopropanation/fragmentation pathway in nine steps. The relative configuration
of the ester substituent in both isomers as well as the anomeric configuration in one nucleoside was determined by 1H-NMR difference NOE spectroscopy.
Global Analysis of the Infrared Spectrum of 13CH4: Lines in the Region 0 to 3200 cm–1
Authors: Niederer Hans-Martin , Albert Sieghard , Bauerecker Sigurd , Boudon Vincent , Champion Jean-Paul , Quack Martin
Published: May 2008

We have carried out new measurements of infrared spectra in a wide frequency range for the spherical top molecules 12CH4, 13CH4 and 12CD4 at low (80 K) and at room temperature (298 K). Spectra were recorded at very high
resolution (0.0027 cm–1 for spectra in the region around 2900 cm–1, which corresponds to the pentad for 13CH4) using the Zürich prototype Bruker 125 spectrometer (ZP 2001) combined with a low temperature cooling cell and a White-type
cell. At low temperature, the Doppler full line width at half maximum was reduced by a factor of 1.91 to 0.0045 cm–1 in the pentad region for 13CH4. We report the global analysis of 13CH4-transitions up to 3200 cm–1
and compare to previous work. In the present work line positions are reproduced with an rms deviation of 0.0004 cm–1. The complex interacting system is analyzed using the effective Hamiltonian approach elaborated in Dijon.
Derivatives of Sodium Boranocarbonate as Novel CO-Releasing Molecules (CO-RMs)
Authors: Pitchumony Tamil S. , Spingler Bernhard , Motterlini Roberto , Alberto Roger
Published: May 2008

Despite the apparent and well-known toxic effects of carbon monoxide (CO), studies on the intriguing biological roles of this molecule are rapidly emerging. Recent investigations have brought to the limelight various physiological effects of CO which include, among others, vasorelaxation
and inhibition of organ rejection after transplantation. The importance of CO in biology can be compared with another gas, nitric oxide (NO), an essential and ubiquitous signalling molecule. This parallelism led to the tantalising concept of using CO for therapeutic purposes wherein compounds
that transport and deliver this gas to a target tissue would clearly facilitate both the clinical feasibility and the specificity of CO therapy. Sodium boranocarbonate, Na[H3 BCO2H] (1) was the first water-soluble and non-transition metal containing CO-releasing
molecule (CO-RM) to be identified. In order to tune the rate of CO release, we modified 1 and synthesised and characterized various derivatives which release CO under physiological conditions but at rates different from the parent compound 1. The synthesis, structure and CO-releasing
properties of ester and amide derivatives of 1 will be presented together with some biological studies carried out with a selection of the compounds.
www.nmrdb.org: Resurrecting and Processing NMR Spectra On-line
Authors: Banfi Damiano , Patiny Luc
Published: May 2008

NMR spectroscopy is certainly the analytical methodology that provides the most information about a molecule but the long-term vision of this information is often lacking. We present here two innovative tools accessible free from the web. NMR assigner allows a chemical structure to
be assigned to the corresponding NMR spectrum by simply drawing lines between atoms and automatically characterized signals. NMR resurrector allows NMR spectra to be recreated from published in-line experimental parts enabling the recovery of this lost knowledge.
Exploring Deprotonation Reactions on Peptides and Proteins at Atmospheric Pressure by Electro-Sonic Spray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESSI-MS)
Authors: Touboul David , Conradin Jecklin Matthias , Zenobi Renato
Published: May 2008

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) rapidly became established as the method of choice for the production of large biomolecular ions in the gas phase. For peptides and proteins, ESI leads to the formation of multiply charged ions, in both the positive and negative ion
mode. The charge-state distribution is directly related to the conformation of the macromolecular ions and to proton transfer reactions in the gas phase. Deprotonation reactions of multiply charged peptide and protein ions were studied by introducing volatile reference bases at atmospheric
pressure between an electro-sonic spray ionization (ESSI) source and the inlet of a mass spectrometer. This new set-up offers the unique possibility to measure the apparent gas-phase basicity GBapp of multiply charged ions by a bracketing approach. The proof of principle was made
using bradykinin derivatives, substance P and insulin chain B. We obtained values in excellent agreement with known GBapp values obtained at low pressure. These experiments were extended to seven model proteins showing that the thermodynamical properties of protein ions are directly
correlated to the amino-acid sequence and the conformation in the gas phase. We also demonstrated that salt bridges between ionized basic and acidic sites still exist in the gas phase, confirming that electro-sonic spray is a very soft ionization technique.
EXAFS Structural Determination of the Pt2(P2O5H2)44– Anion in Solution
Authors: Van der Veen Renske M. , Milne Christopher J. , Pham Van-Thai , El Nahhas Amal , Weinstein Julia A. , Best Jonathan , Borca Camelia N. , Bressler Christian , Chergui Majed
Published: May 2008

We present the first structural determination of the Pt2(P2O5H2)44– anion in solution by analyzing the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectrum of the Pt LIII edge.
The data could be fit with a simple model involving single and multiple scattering paths to near and far P-atoms, bridging O-atoms, and the other Pt-atom in the binuclear complex. A Pt–Pt distance of 2.876(28) Å and a Pt–P bond length of 2.32(4) Å are obtained. These
values are in line with distances found in previous X-ray diffraction studies. The assignment of the EXAFS spectrum of the Pt2(P2O5H2)44– anion in its ground state is required for future time-resolved X-ray absorption
measurements with the goal of determining the structure and dynamics of the complex in the 1,3A2u excited states.
America, America!
Authors: Molinié Antoinette , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: May 2008

This account was written during a four-month stay in Berkeley from May to August 2007. It was partly inspired by a diary published by Simone de Beauvoir after her four-month lecture tour to the US in 1947. We could not resist the temptation of writing a few pages about our impressions.
This text is not intended as an essay about anthropological or chemical sciences. We merely tried to understand the conditions of the bubbling creativity that we have so often witnessed in Berkeley. Some of our comments are more or less voluntarily naïve, as if Voltaire's Candide
had made a trip to America. Our impressions may appear a bit franchouillardes, and perhaps a trifle rude to our American hosts, whose kindness does not deserve such a harsh treatment.
Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexane using N‐Hydroxyphthalimide Bearing Fluoroalkyl Chains
Authors: Guha Samar Kumar , Obora Yasushi , Ishihara Daisuke , Matsubara Hiroshi , Ryu Ilhyong , Ishii Yasutaka
Published: May 2008

The N‐hydroxyphthalimide derivatives, F15‐ and F17‐NHPI, bearing a long fluorinated alkyl chain, were prepared and their catalytic performances were compared with that of the parent compound, N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The oxidation of cyclohexane under 10 atm of air in the presence of fluorinated F15‐ or F17‐NHPI, cobalt diacetate [Co(OAc)2], and manganese diacetate [Mn(OAc)2] without any solvent at 100 °C afforded a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (K/A oil) as major products along with a small amount of adipic acid. It was found that F15‐ and F17‐NHPI exhibit higher catalytic activity than NHPI for the oxidation of cyclohexane without a solvent. However, for the oxidation in acetic acid all of these catalysts afforded adipic acid as a major product in good yield and the catalytic activity of NHPI in acetic acid was almost the same as those of F15‐ and F17‐NHPI. The oxidation by F15‐ and F17‐NHPI catalysts in trifluorotoluene afforded K/A oil in high selectivity with little formation of adipic acid, while NHPI was a poor catalyst under these conditions, forming K/A oil as well as adipic acid in very low yields. The oxidation in trifluorotoluene by F15‐ and F17‐NHPI catalysts was considerably accelerated by the addition of a small amount of zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate [Zr(acac)4] to the present catalytic system to afford selectively K/A oil, but no such effect was observed in the NHPI‐catalyzed oxidation in trifluorotoluene.
Regioselective Heck Reaction of N‐Vinylphthalimide: A General Strategy for the Synthesis of (E)‐N‐Styrylphthalimides and Phenethylamines
Authors: Alacid Emilio , Nájera Carmen
Published: May 2008

The arylation of N‐vinylphthalimide takes place at the β‐position with aryl iodides, bromides and chlorides using palladium acetate [Pd(OAc)2] or phenone oxime‐derived palladacycles as catalysts under phosphine‐free conditions. The reaction is succesfully carried out in organic solvents, such as DMF, in the presence of an organic base, such as dicyclohexylmethylamine, and with TBAB as additive at 120 °C under conventional or microwave heating. (E)‐N‐Styrylphthalimides are mainly obtained using a rather low palladium loading (0.05–1 mol%). Similar catalytic efficiency is observed using a Kaiser oxime resin‐derived palladacycle, which allows reuse of the polymeric complex for three cycles. The high regioselectivity observed supports that these palladacycles work as a source of Pd(0) species operating mainly through a neutral mechanism. The syntheses of 2‐thienylphenethylamine and mescaline have been performed by subsequent hydrogenation with Wilkinson’s catalyst and hydrazinolysis.
Late reactivation of resolved hepatitis B virus infection: An increasing complication post rituximab‐based regimens treatment?
Authors: Garcia‐Rodriguez Maria J. , Canales Miguel A. , Hernandez‐Maraver Dolores , Hernandez‐Navarro Fernando
Published: May 2008

Reactivation of hepatitis B infection is an increasing problem for patients with lymphoma, even in resolved infections, who were treated with rituximab‐based regimens. Our cases point out the need of prolonged prophylaxis in HBsAg‐negative patients due to the high risk of developing fatal reactivation. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships between lower limb cross‐sectional geometry and mobility: The case of a Neolithic sample from Italy
Authors: Marchi Damiano
Published: May 2008

This study investigates the relationships between lower limb robusticity and mobility in a Neolithic sample (LIG) from Italy (6th millennium BP). This study tests the hypothesis that the high femoral robusticity previously observed in the LIG sample is a consequence of the subsistence strategy (i.e., high mobility on uneven terrain) practiced by LIG. Cross‐sectional geometric properties of the femur and tibia at midshaft of LIG (eight males and eight females) were collected and results compared to Late Upper Paleolithic (12 males, five females), Mesolithic (24 males, 8 females), and Eneolithic (28 males, 17 females) samples from other sites throughout Europe. The results show that the LIG sample does not show the reduction of lower limb robusticity that is characteristic of the Eneolithic sample, but rather that the LIG sample is most similar to the earlier, highly mobile, populations. This high level of robusticity in the LIG sample could reflect both their pastoral subsistence strategy combined with a rugged environment, as well as their earlier temporal position within the Neolithic. The results of this study further point to significant variation in male‐female mobility patterns in the region, also possibly related to pastoral behavioral patterns. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and photoisomerization behavior of a novel thiazolylazo polyimide
Authors: Yan Maolin , Jiang Fusong , Zhao Xu , Liu Na
Published: May 2008

Polyimide (PI) with thiazolylazo side chain was prepared via a post azocoupling reaction scheme. The PI film could easily be obtained by spin coating and consequent imidization from the precursor polymer, which was soluble in several polar organic solvents such as N‐methyl‐2‐ketopyrrolidine and N,N‐dimethylformarride. The polymer showed a reverse trans–cis photoisomerization when irradiated by the lights of 365 nm and 440 nm. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and temperature at 10% of weight loss under N2 of the polymer are 138.9°C and 510.6°C, respectively, which confirm that the thermal stability of the polymer is quite good. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Sheet molding compound characterization using spiral flow
Authors: Rabinovich Michael , Olsavsky Kate L. , Leach Burr (Bud) , Cabrera‐Ríos Mauricio , Castro José M.
Published: May 2008

Sheet molding compound (SMC) is a fiber‐reinforced polymeric composite. It is often used in automotive, marine, and industrial applications over other materials because of its high strength to density ratio, resistance to corrosion, and low cost. There is a demand in the SMC industry to be able to characterize SMC processability. This is particularly true for heavy truck body panels, one of the fastest growing applications of SMC. Because of their large size and high strength requirement, the molding forces have a major influence in the molding cycle. Also because of the long flow paths involved, the ability of the paste to carry glass needs to be properly characterized when developing new SMC materials. In this article, we demonstrate the benefits of using spiral flow as a processability tester. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008