bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic Properties of Single Poly(ethylene glycol) Molecules
Authors: Kawakami Masaru , Byrne Katherine , Khatri Bhavin S. , McLeish Tom C. B. , Smith D. Alastair
Published: July 2006

The viscoelastic properties of single poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules were measured by analysis of thermally and magnetically driven oscillations of an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever/molecule system. The molecular and monomer stiffness and friction of the PEG polymer were derived using a simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) model. Excellent agreement between the values of these two parameters obtained by the two approaches indicates the validity of the SHO model under the experimental regimes and the excellent reproducibility of the techniques. A sharp minimum in the monomeric friction is seen at around 180 pN applied force which we propose is due to a force induced change in the shape of the energy landscape describing the conformational transition of PEG from a helical to a planar state, which in turn affects the timescale of the transition and therefore modifies the measured internal friction. A knowledge of the viscoelastic response of PEG monomers is particularly important since PEG is widely used as a linker molecule for tethering groups of interest to the AFM tip in force spectroscopy experiments, and we show here that care must be exercised because of the force‐dependent viscoelastic properties of these linkers.
Supramolecular Silanol Chemistry: Inclusion Complexes of 1,3,5‐Tris(diisopropylhydroxysilyl)benzene and 4,4′‐Bis(pyridines)
Authors: Beckmann Jens , Jänicke Sanna L.
Published: July 2006

The trisilanol 1,3,5‐(HOiPr2Si)3C6H3 (5), a novel building block for applications in supramolecular chemistry, has been prepared via the intermediates 1,3,5‐(HiPr2Si)3C6H3 (6) and (CliPr2Si)3C6H3 (7). The inclusion complexes 5·0.5H2O, 5·bpy·0.5H2O, 5·bpe, 5·azpy and 5·bpa have been investigated by X‐ray crystallography [bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, bpe = (E)‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene, azpy = 4,4′‐azopyridine, bpa = bis(4‐pyridyl)aceylene]. The ratio between donor and acceptor molecules is always 1:1 and the crude supramolecular motifs are very similar for 5·bpy·0.5H2O, 5·bpe, 5·azpy and 5·bpa. The trisilanol molecules form 1D chains, which are connected by nearly perpendicular 4,4′‐bis(pyridine) molecules to give rise to formation of 2D grid networks featuring O–H···O(H)Si and O–H···N hydrogen bonds. Differences are observed in the shape and size of the voids defined by the 2D grids. The smaller voids are blocked by trisilanol molecules of adjacent 2D networks in case of 5·bpy·0.5H2O and 5·bpe. In case of 5·azpy, the larger voids are filled by interpenetration of the same 2D networks. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Designed Assembly and Structures and Photoluminescence of a New Class of Discrete ZnII Complexes of 1H‐1,10‐Phenanthroline‐2‐one
Authors: Zhang Jie‐Peng , Lin Yan‐Yong , Huang Xiao‐Chun , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: July 2006

The hydrothermal reaction of 1H‐1,10‐phenanthroline‐2‐one (Hophen), zinc acetate, benzoic acid (Hba), and triethylamine (3.0 mL) yields the tetranuclear complex [Zn4(μ3‐OH)2(ophen)4(ba)2] (2), which features a chair‐like Zn4(μ3‐OH)2 cluster with two ba ligands centrosymmetrically oriented. [(OAc){Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}(ox){Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}(OAc)] (3; ox = oxalate) was isolated when less triethylamine (1.0 mL) was used. Two Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3 clusters in 3 are linked together by an oxalate to form a dumbbell‐like structure in which the acetate and oxalate ligands point outward from the Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3 cluster with an acute bending angle. A geometric analysis reveals that Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3 and dicarboxylate with an obtuse bending angle cannot form an infinite zigzag chain, whereas the ring isomer can. With isophthalate (ipa), thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (tda), and 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoate) (oba) instead of the acetate of 3 three new complexes, namely [{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}(ipa)2{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}]·0.5H2O (4), [{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}(tda)2{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}] (5), and [{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}(oba)2{Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3}] (6), were obtained in which two Zn3(μ3‐OH)(ophen)3 clusters are linked by a pair of ipa, tda, or oba ligands to form isostructural, cluster‐based 2:2 metallomacrocycles. Photoluminescence studies of 2–6 revealed that their luminescent properties are derived from ophen‐based π‐π* excited states. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Zinc(II) Complexation Behaviour of Sulfonamide‐Based Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Chaves Sílvia , Marques Sérgio M. , Cachudo Anabela , Esteves M. Alexandra , Santos M. Amélia
Published: July 2006

Sulfonamide derivatives containing extrafunctional groups, such as hydroxamic acids, hydroxypyrimidinones and carboxylic acids, have been recently identified as inhibitors towards several zinc‐containing enzymes, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and/or carbonic anhydrases (CAs). Since these inhibitors are supposed to bind the zinc ion at the active site, it was decided to study the zinc(II) complexation with a set of representative compounds in order to identify the most probable coordination modes and to find eventual relationships with the inhibitory properties. These studies were performed in aqueous solution, by potentiometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid phase, by infrared spectroscopy. The solution equilibrium studies indicate that these compounds present similar affinity for zinc (pZn ≈ 6). Under stoichiometric conditions, the formation of 1:1 metal complex species involves a preferential (O,O) coordination via the hydroxamic or hydroxypyrimidinone moieties, while the coordination via the sulfonamide groups could mainly be achieved under zinc excess conditions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Familial aggregation of ischemic stroke in young women: the Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study
Authors: MacClellan Leah R. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Cole John W. , Wozniak Marcella A. , Stern Barney J. , Giles Wayne H. , Brown David W. , Sparks Mary J. , Kittner Steven J.
Published: July 2006

Background and Purpose: Stroke occurs infrequently in young adults. While a familial basis for older onset stroke is well established, the extent of familial clustering in young‐onset stroke is unknown. To address this issue, we compared the frequency of stroke in relatives of stroke cases to that in relatives of controls across different ages and by stroke subtype. Methods: Through a population‐based case‐control study of stroke, we identified 487 women aged 15–49 years with ischemic stroke and 615 women without stroke matched by age and geographic region. Family history of stroke was collected for 5,749 relatives (parents and siblings) of case and control probands by standardized interview. Results: Strokes were reported in 149 relatives of case patients and 119 relatives of controls. Siblings of stroke case patients had more than four times the risk of stroke compared to siblings of controls (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.9–8.8) and mothers of stroke case patients had twice the risk of stroke compared to mothers of control subjects (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.4–3.0). The association between stroke in probands and family history of stroke was strongest among women aged 15–24 years (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 0.4–15.1), and diminished with increasing proband age (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.8–3.3 among women 25–34 years and OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9 among women 35‐‐49 years; P<0.0001 for trend). Conclusions: We conclude that young‐onset stroke aggregates in families and that the magnitude of aggregation increases with decreasing proband age. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic algorithms for protein conformation sampling and optimization in a discrete backbone dihedral angle space
Authors: Yang Yuedong , Liu Haiyan
Published: July 2006

We have investigated protein conformation sampling and optimization based on the genetic algorithm and discrete main chain dihedral state model. An efficient approach combining the genetic algorithm with local minimization and with a niche technique based on the sharing function is proposed. Using two different types of potential energy functions, a Go‐type potential function and a knowledge‐based pairwise potential energy function, and a test set containing small proteins of varying sizes and secondary structure compositions, we demonstrated the importance of local minimization and population diversity in protein conformation optimization with genetic algorithms. Some general properties of the sampled conformations such as their native‐likeness and the influences of including side‐chains are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1593–1602, 2006
Appendiceal intussusception diagnosed with endoscopic sonography
Authors: Tseng Ping‐Huei , Lee Yi‐Chia , Chiu Han‐Mo , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wang Hsiu‐Po
Published: July 2006

Intussusception of the appendix vermiformis is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. Several imaging modalities are of limited value in diagnosing this rare condition, including barium enema, transabdominal sonography, and CT. We report a case of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis with the clinical presentation of intermittent abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Colonoscopy revealed an erythematous polypoid lesion at the cecal base. Endoscopic sonography demonstrated a multiconcentric structure and enabled the tentative diagnosis of intussusception of the appendix vermiformis. Laparoscopic surgery with a reduction of the appendix and appendectomy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:348–351, 2006
Spontaneous twin tubal ectopic gestation
Authors: Hois Erin L. , Hibbeln John F. , Sclamberg Joy S.
Published: July 2006

We present a case of a viable spontaneous unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy in the right fallopian tube that was diagnosed with transvaginal sonography and subsequently treated with laparotomy and salpingectomy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:352–355, 2006
Isoselectivity Distribution of Isospecific Centers in Supported Titanium‐Based Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Kissin Yury V. , Chadwick John C. , Mingozzi Ines , Morini Giampiero
Published: July 2006

Summary: This article describes the quantitative aspects of the isoselectivity distribution of isospecific centers in five supported titanium‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst systems containing different internal and external organic donors. Highly crystalline poly(propylene) fractions of the polymers (insoluble in o‐xylene at 95 °C) were analyzed by analytical Tref and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) methods. Separation of the Tref curves into the peaks of sterically uniform components (each represented by the Lorentz function) showed that all these “isotactic” poly(propylene) fractions are nonuniform materials. Each highly crystalline fraction contains several distinct components that differ in stereoregularity. The [mmmm] values for different components (which have approximately the same isotacticity in different polymers) range from as high as 0.986–0.993 to much lower values, in the 0.935–0.955 range. The number of Tref components and their relative contents are substantially different for the crystalline fractions of the polymers produced with different catalyst systems; these parameters depend on the nature of the internal and the external electron donors in the catalysts. GPC analysis of the crystalline poly(propylene) fractions showed that each consists of four or five Flory components (the components produced by kinetically uniform active centers) with widely different average molecular weights, from ≈1 × 104 to ≈1.3 × 106. In general, the probabilities of chain transfer reactions for different active centers decrease with the increase in their isospecificity.

Resolution of the Tref curve of the highly crystalline fraction of poly(propylene) prepared with catalyst system 3.

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Resolution of the Tref curve of the highly crystalline fraction of poly(propylene) prepared with catalyst system 3.
Electrochemical Properties of a New Star‐Shaped Pyrrole Monomer and its Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Ak Metin , Ak Mine Sulak , Toppare Levent
Published: July 2006

Summary: A new monomer, 2,4,6‐tris(4‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)phenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine (Tria‐Py) was synthesized via the reaction of 4‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)phenol with 2,4,6‐trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine. It was electrochemically polymerized in a dichloromethane/acetonitrile solvent mixture. The polymer P(Tria‐Py) was characterized via CV, FTIR, SEM and UV‐vis spectroscopy. Spectroelectrochemical analysis revealed electronic transitions at 346, 508 and 665 nm, revealing π to π* transitions, and polaron and bipolaron band formations respectively. We also made a dual–type, complementary‐colored electrochromic device using P(Tria‐Py)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in a sandwich configuration. The device switches between dark blue and red colors with a switching time of 2.2 s and an optical contrast (% ΔT) of 25%.

Synthesis route for the Tria‐Py monomer.

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Synthesis route for the Tria‐Py monomer.
1H and 13C NMR data for C‐6 substituted 3‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐1‐carboxylates
Authors: Goodall Kirsten J. , Brimble Margaret A. , Barker David
Published: July 2006

The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 3‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes with various oxygenated substituents at C‐6 were assigned using 1D (DEPT) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY) experiments. Close examination of this NMR data details the effects of substitution and stereochemistry at C‐6 in these compounds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depletion of substrates for protein prenylation increases apoptosis in human periovulatory granulosa cells
Authors: Rung Emilia , Friberg P. Anders , Bergh Christina , Billig Håkan
Published: July 2006

Progesterone receptor (PR) stimulation promotes survival in human and rat periovulatory granulosa cells. PR antagonists, Org 31710 and RU 486, both increase apoptosis and decrease cholesterol synthesis in these cells. The decrease in cholesterol synthesis also causes decreased synthesis of other products branching from the cholesterol synthesis pathway, including substrates for protein prenylation. In this study we focus on the link between apoptosis and prenylation in human periovulatory granulosa cells. A decreased cholesterol synthesis and increased apoptosis was verified in experiments with human periovulatory granulosa cells treated with the PR antagonists Org 31710 or RU 486 by measuring caspase‐3/7 activity and incorporation of14C‐acetate into cholesterol and progesterone. Correspondingly, specific inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in periovulatory human granulosa cells using HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin or simvastatin) increased apoptosis, measured as caspase‐3/7 activity. The increase in apoptosis caused by simvastatin or Org 31710 was partially reversed by addition of the protein prenylation precursors farnesol or geranylgeraniol. In addition, the prenylation inhibitors FTI R115777 and GGTI 2147 increased apoptosis in these cells. In conclusion our data suggest that PR antagonists increase apoptosis and reduce cholesterol synthesis in periovulatory granulosa cells and that the resulting depletion of substrates for protein prenylation may contribute to the increased apoptosis sensitivity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparative study of inhaled ciclesonide 160 µg/day and fluticasone propionate 176 µg/day in children with asthma
Authors: Pedersen S. , Garcia M.L. Garcia , Manjra Al , Theron I. , Engelstätter R.
Published: July 2006

Ciclesonide (CIC) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with high anti‐inflammatory activity and low incidence of local and systemic adverse effects. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of CIC with fluticasone propionate (FP) in children and adolescents with persistent asthma. This was a 12‐week, randomized, double blind, parallel‐group study. After a 2‐to 4‐week baseline period, a total of 556 children (ages 6–15 years) with asthma (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1], 50% to 90% predicted) were treated twice daily with CIC 80 µg (ex‐actuator, equivalent to 100 µg ex‐valve) or FP 88 µg (ex‐actuator, equivalent to 100 µg ex‐valve) administered via a hydrofluoroalkane‐propelled metered‐dose inhaler. A statistically significant increase from baseline was observed in FEV1 for both CIC (285 ± 16 ml) and FP (285 ± 15 ml) (P < 0.0001 for both) and in morning and evening peak expiratory flow (P < 0.0001 for both). Significant improvements were seen in asthma symptoms, use of rescue medication, and asthma symptom‐free days in both treatment groups, without any differences between the treatment groups in changes from baseline. Two FP‐treated patients experienced oral candidiasis and one patient experienced voice alteration. Creatinine‐adjusted 24‐hr urine cortisol levels increased from baseline levels by 10% in the CIC group (P < 0.05) and by 6% in the FP group (not significant). The efficacy and safety of CIC 160 µg/day were comparable to those of FP 176 µg/day in children with asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:954–961. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elaboration and characterization of chemical bath deposited films of cadmium sulfide
Authors: Soubane D. , Ihlal A. , Nya M. , Outzourhit A. , Nouet G.
Published: July 2006

Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique was used to elaborate Cadmium Sulfide CdS thin films onto glass substrate. The effect of deposition temperature and heat treatments were investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction (X‐RD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical measurements. High quality films were obtained with a high reproducibility. The films were highly transmitting in the infrared region. In the visible region, absorption coefficients of about 104 to 105 cm–1 were measured. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Superconductive radiation detectors: challenges and some recent achievements
Authors: Barone Antonio , Ejrnes Mikkel , Esposito Emanuela , Latempa Rossella , Pagano Sergio , Parlato Loredana , Pepe Giovanni Piero
Published: July 2006

The interest of superconductor materials for the realization of radiation detectors lies in a variety of concrete achievements and stimulating proposals. In this paper, recent aspects of superconductive radiation detectors are reviewed wich refer to two important issues. The former deals with results concerning detectors based on superconductive junctions in a configuration which provide both energy and time discrimination of single photons. The latter concerns materials and device aspects of hot‐electron photodetectors based on nanosized heterostructured superconducting strips. Both aspects offer a new potential in the field of radiation detection. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unifying clones with a generative programming technique: a case study
Authors: Jarzabek Stan , Li Shubiao
Published: July 2006

Software clones—similar program structures repeated in variant forms—increase the risk of update anomalies, blow up the program size and complexity, possibly contributing to high maintenance costs. Yet, programs are often polluted by clones. In this paper, we present a case study of cloning in the Java Buffer library, JDK 1.5. We found that at least 68% of the code in the Buffer library was contained in cloned classes or class methods. Close analysis of program situations that led to cloning revealed difficulties in eliminating clones with conventional program design techniques. As a possible solution, we applied a generative technique of XVCL (XML‐based Variant Configuration Language) to represent similar classes and methods in generic, adaptable form. Concrete buffer classes could be automatically produced from the generic structures. We argue, on analytical and empirical grounds, that unifying clones reduced conceptual complexity and enhanced the changeability of the Buffer library at rates proportional to code size reduction (68%). We evaluated our solution in qualitative and quantitative ways, and conducted a controlled experiment to support this claim. The approach presented in the paper can be used to enhance genericity and changeability of any program, independently of an application domain or programming language. As the solution is not without pitfalls, we discuss trade‐offs involved in its project application. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational evolution of digital signal processing software development
Authors: Pantsar‐Syväniemi Susanna , Taramaa Jorma , Niemelä Eila
Published: July 2006

A base station, as a network element, has become an increasingly software‐intensive system. Digital signal processing (DSP) software is hard real‐time software that is a part of the software system needed in a base station. This article reports practical experiences related to organizing the development of embedded software in the telecommunication industry, at Nokia Networks. The article introduces the main factors influencing the development of DSP software and also compares the evolutionary process under study with both selected organizational models for a software product line and a multistage model for the software life cycle. We believe it is vitally important to formulate the organization according to the software architecture, and it is essential to have a dedicated development organization with long‐term responsibility for the software. History shows that without long‐term responsibility, there is no software reuse. In this paper we introduce a new organizational model for product line development. This new hybrid model clarifies long‐term responsibilities in large software organizations with hundreds of staff members and formulates the organization according to the software architecture. Our case needs a couple more constraints to keep it in the evolution stage of the software life cycle. Thus, we extend the evolution phase in the multistage model to make it relevant for embedded, hard real‐time software. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guided self-assembly of lateral InAs/GaAs quantum-dot molecules for single molecule spectroscopy
Authors: Wang L. , Rastelli A. , Kiravittaya S. , Songmuang R. , Schmidt O.G. , Krause B. , Metzger T.H.
Published: July 2006

We report on the growth and characterization of lateral InAs/GaAs (001) quantum-dot molecules (QDMs) suitable for single QDM optical spectroscopy. The QDMs, forming by depositing InAs on GaAs surfaces with self-assembled nanoholes, are aligned along the ["Equation missing"] direction. The relative number of isolated single quantum dots (QDs) is substantially reduced by performing the growth on GaAs surfaces containing stepped mounds. Surface morphology and X-ray measurements suggest that the strain produced by InGaAs-filled nanoholes superimposed to the strain relaxation at the step edges are responsible for the improved QDM properties. QDMs are Ga-richer compared to single QDs, consistent with strain- enhanced intermixing. The high optical quality of single QDMs is probed by micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy in samples with QDM densities lower than 108 cm−2.
Buffer layer-assisted growth of Ge nanoclusters on Si
Authors: Li A. P. , Wendelken J. F.
Published: July 2006

In the buffer layer-assisted growth method, a condensed inert gas layer of xenon, with low-surface free energy, is used as a buffer to prevent direct interactions of deposited atoms with substrates. Because of␣an unusually wide applicability, the buffer layer-assisted growth method has provided a unique avenue for creation of nanostructures that are otherwise impossible to grow, and thus offered unprecedented opportunities for fundamental and applied research in nanoscale science and technology. In this article, we review recent progress in the application of the buffer layer-assisted growth method to the fabrication of Ge nanoclusters on Si substrates. In particular, we emphasize the novel configurations of the obtained Ge nanoclusters, which are characterized by the absence of a wetting layer, quasi-zero dimensionality with tunable sizes, and high cluster density in comparison with Ge nanoclusters that are formed with standard Stranski-Krastanov growth methods. The optical emission behaviors are discussed in correlation with the morphological properties.
Developmental trajectories of adolescent popularity: A growth curve modelling analysis
Authors: Cillessen Antonius H.N. , Borch Casey
Published: July 2006

Growth curve modelling was used to examine developmental trajectories of sociometric and perceived popularity across eight years in adolescence, and the effects of gender, overt aggression, and relational aggression on these trajectories. Participants were 303 initially popular students (167 girls, 136 boys) for whom sociometric data were available in Grades 5–12. The popularity and aggression constructs were stable but non‐overlapping developmental dimensions. Growth curve models were run with SAS MIXED in the framework of the multilevel model for change [Singer, J. D., & Willett, J. B. (2003). Applied longitudinal data analysis. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press]. Sociometric popularity showed a linear change trajectory; perceived popularity showed nonlinear change. Overt aggression predicted low sociometric popularity but an increase in perceived popularity in the second half of the study. Relational aggression predicted a decrease in sociometric popularity, especially for girls, and continued high‐perceived popularity for both genders. The effect of relational aggression on perceived popularity was the strongest around the transition from middle to high school. The importance of growth curve models for understanding adolescent social development was discussed, as well as specific issues and challenges of growth curve analyses with sociometric data.
A hypermorphic mutation in the protein phosphatase 2C HAB1 strongly affects ABA signaling inArabidopsis
Authors: Robert Nadia , Merlot Sylvain , N’Guyen Vinh , Boisson-Dernier Aurélien , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: July 2006

Protein phosphatases of the 2C family (PP2C) function in the regulation of several signaling pathways from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. InArabidopsis thaliana, the HAB1 PP2C is a negative regulator of the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Here, we show that plants expressing a mutant form of HAB1 in which Gly246 was mutated to Asp (G246D) display strong ABA insensitive phenotypes. Our results indicate that the G246D mutation has a hypermorphic rather than a dominant negative effect. The data suggest that this mutation localized in a conserved motif in the PP2C catalytic domain could be used in other PP2Cs to reveal their biological functions.
Functional expression of thiocyanate hydrolase is promoted by its activator protein, P15K
Authors: Kataoka Shingo , Arakawa Takatoshi , Hori Shota , Katayama Yoko , Hara Yoshiko , Matsushita Yasuhiko , Nakayama Hiroshi , Yohda Masafumi , Nyunoya Hiroshi , Dohmae Naoshi , Maeda Mizuo , Odaka Masafumi
Published: July 2006

Thiocyanate hydrolase (SCNase) is a cobalt‐containing enzyme with a post‐translationally modified cysteine ligand, γCys131‐SO2H. When the SCNase α, β and γ subunits were expressed in Escherichia coli, the subunits assembled to form a hetero‐dodecamer, (αβγ)4, like native SCNase but exhibited no catalytic activity. Metal analysis indicated that SCNase was expressed as an apo‐form irrespective of the presence of cobalt in the medium. On the contrary, SCNase co‐expressed with P15K, encoded just downstream of SCNase genes, in cobalt‐enriched medium under the optimized condition (SCNase(+P15K)) possessed 0.86 Co atom/αβγ trimer and exhibited 78% of the activity of native SCNase. SCNase(+P15K) showed a UV–Vis absorption peak characteristic of the SCNase cobalt center. About 70% of SCNase(+P15K) had the γCys131‐SO2H modification. These results indicate that SCNase(+P15K) is the active holo‐SCNase. P15K is likely to promote the functional expression of SCNase probably by assisting the incorporation of cobalt ion.
To treat or not to treat: maternal depression, SSRI use in pregnancy and adverse neonatal effects
Authors: AUSTIN MARIE-PAULE
Published: July 2006

Recent pharmaceutical company and regulatory body circulars warning against the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in late pregnancy have left clinicians in somewhat of a quandary as to how to manage their more severely depressed patients in pregnancy. Conversely, up to 75% of depressed women ceasing their antidepressants periconceptually will relapse. Studies reporting on adverse neonatal outcomes following exposure to SSRIs in the latter half of pregnancy suggest that the fetus is exposed to significant concentrations of these medications during this time. Adverse neonatal effects affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems are, however, predominantly mild and self-limiting. One small retrospective case study suggests that SSRI exposure in the latter half of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN), however, the absolute risk of developing PPHN remains very small and these findings will require replication with a prospective study. While the studies to date suggest the need to closely monitor SSRI-exposed neonates in the immediate postnatal period, preferably with a neonatal withdrawal scale and access to neonatology services, there is currently no clear argument for women to be weaned off their SSRI in late pregnancy. The decision to use SSRIs at this time will have to be made on a case-by-case basis in close consultation with the mother and her partner.
Suicide in psychiatric in-patients in England, 1997 to 2003
Authors: KAPUR NAVNEET , HUNT ISABELLE M. , WEBB ROGER , BICKLEY HARRIET , WINDFUHR KIRSTEN , SHAW JENNY , APPLEBY LOUIS
Published: July 2006

Background. Psychiatric in-patients are at particularly high risk of suicide but few studies have investigated trends in in-patient suicide over time.

Method. We conducted a prospective study of all patients admitted to National Health Service (NHS) in-patient psychiatric care in England (1997–2003). The study was carried out as part of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide. The main outcome measure was death by suicide. Suicide rates were determined using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) as the denominator.

Results. Between the first 2 years of the study (1997 and 1998) and the last 2 years of the study (2002 and 2003) the annual number of in-patient deaths from suicide fell from 187 to 156 (a 17% reduction). The rate of in-patient suicide fell by between 9% and 28% depending on which denominator was used. This fall was observed for both males and females, and was most marked for those aged 15–44 years. Reductions were also observed for the three most common methods of death (hanging, jumping, poisoning), but the trend for hanging did not reach statistical significance. Although the number of post-discharge suicides fell, the risk of post-discharge suicide (using admissions as a denominator) may have increased by as much as 10% during the study period.

Conclusion. The rate of suicide among psychiatric in-patients appears to have fallen. The fall may reflect falling general population rates, changes in in-patient case mix, service improvements, or a transfer of risk to the post-discharge period. Services need to be aware of the importance of providing high quality aftercare following discharge from hospital.
Shedding the theanthropic person of Christ
Authors: Crisp Oliver D.
Published: July 2006

The Dogmatic Theology of the nineteenth-century divine William Shedd has received little attention in the literature. Yet it contains a number of theologically interesting arguments. This article sets forth what Shedd has to say on the doctrine of the theanthropic person of Christ. I show that his doctrine of the person of Christ represents one important Chalcedonian stream of Christology, which, in Shedd's estimation, is intimately connected to two overarching themes in his dogmatics, namely, traducianism and Augustinian realism. His commitment to these two doctrines in his theological anthropology has important and unexpected implications for his Christology. Although the conclusion is that Shedd's doctrine of the person of Christ suffers from several serious problems, it represents an important contribution to systematic theology, which has more than historical interest.
Type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis in a dynamic bi-national border population
Authors: RESTREPO B. I. , FISHER-HOCH S. P. , CRESPO J. G. , WHITNEY E. , PEREZ A. , SMITH B. , McCORMICK J. B.
Published: July 2006

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States prompted us to explore the association between diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) on the South Texas–Mexico border, in a large population of mostly non-hospitalized TB patients. We examined 6 years of retrospective data from all TB patients (n=5049) in South Texas and northeastern Mexico and found diabetes self-reported by 27·8% of Texan and 17·8% of Mexican TB patients, significantly exceeding national self-reported diabetes rates for both countries. Diabetes comorbidity substantially exceeded that of HIV/AIDS. Patients with TB and diabetes were older, more likely to have haemoptysis, pulmonary cavitations, be smear positive at diagnosis, and remain positive at the end of the first (Texas) or second (Mexico) month of treatment. The impact of type 2 diabetes on TB is underappreciated, and in the light of its epidemic status in many countries, it should be actively considered by TB control programmes, particularly in older patients.
Hepatitis B virus-human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in France: a cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: SÈNE D. , POL S. , PIROTH L. , GOUJARD C. , DELLAMONICA P. , MOUSSALI J. , REY D. , LOUSTAUD-RATTI V. , ALRIC L. , CHOUSTERMAN M. , BORSA-LEBAS F. , BOUCHER O. , SÉRÉNI D. , CACOUB P.
Published: July 2006

This prospective, multicentre study was conducted between September and October 2003 in 38 French departments of internal medicine, infectious disease and hepatogastroenterology and included 406 consecutive HBV-infected patients (positive HBsAg), half of whom were HIV-infected (53%). The aim was to outline the main characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected patients in French hospitals. HBV-HIV co-infected patients (85% were receiving HAART; mean CD4 count 447±245/μl, HIV RNA load <400 copies/ml, 67% of patients), compared to HIV-negative patients, were more often male, injecting drug users, HBeAg-positive and HCV-HIV co-infected (P<10−4). They underwent liver biopsy less often (31% vs. 51%, P<10−4), particularly those with severe immunodeficiency. They received anti-HBV treatment more often (75% vs. 45·7%, P<10−4), mainly lamivudine and tenofovir. Significant improvements in the management of such patients are awaited mainly in the appraisal of liver disease by either liver biopsy or non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy.
The Dbar formalism for certain linear non-homogeneous elliptic PDEs in two dimensions
Authors: FOKAS A. S. , PINOTSIS D. A.
Published: July 2006

We discuss two different approaches for the analysis of the Poisson and of the non-homogeneous biharmonic equations in two dimensions. The first approach yields the solution as an integral in the complex $z$-plane (the physical plane), involving explicitly the given boundary conditions. The second approach yields an integral in the complex $k$-plane (the Fourier plane), involving the Fourier transforms of the given boundary conditions. For simple boundary value problems, such as certain problems formulated in the half complex plane, the first approach is easier. However, for more complicated problems, such as those formulated in the interior of an equilateral triangle, it appears that only the second approach can be used. Furthermore, the second approach also seems more efficient for numerical computations.
Assessing the effect of dissolution on planktonic foraminiferal Mg/Ca ratios: Evidence from Caribbean core tops
Authors: Regenberg Marcus , Nürnberg Dirk , Steph Silke , Groeneveld Jeroen , Garbe‐Schönberg Dieter , Tiedemann Ralf , Dullo Wolf‐Christian
Published: July 2006

In order to assess the dissolution effect on foraminiferal Mg/Ca ratios, we analyzed Mg/Ca of seven planktonic foraminiferal species and four of their varieties from Caribbean core tops from ∼900–4700 m water depth. Depending on the foraminiferal species and variety, Mg/Ca start to decline linearly below Δ[CO32−] levels of ∼18–26 μmol/kg by ∼0.04–0.11 mmol/mol per 1 μmol/kg Δ[CO32−], similar to decreases of ∼0.5–0.8 mmol/mol per kilometer below ∼2500–3000 m water depth. Above these species‐specific critical levels, Mg/Ca remains stable with higher intraspecific Mg/Ca variability than below. We developed routines to correct Mg/Ca from below these critical thresholds for dissolution effects, which reduce the overall intraspecific variability by ∼24–64%, and provide dissolution‐corrected Mg/Ca appropriate to calculate Holocene paleotemperatures. When taking into account only dissolution‐unaffected Mg/Ca from <2000 m, the systematic succession of foraminiferal species according to their Mg/Ca reflects expected calcification depths.
ULF Doppler oscillations of L = 2.5 flux tubes
Authors: Menk F. W. , Clilverd M. A. , Yearby K. H. , Milinevski G. , Thomson N. R. , Rose M. C.
Published: July 2006

Plasmaspheric ducts may execute Doppler oscillations driven by propagating ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves. We examined about 100 such events recorded over 1 year under magnetically quiet conditions at L = 2.5 using artificially generated whistler‐mode VLF signals and ground magnetometers. Joint peaks in the VLF Doppler and magnetometer spectra occurred at the frequency expected for ULF waves generated by the ion‐cyclotron instability in the upstream solar wind. The VLF Doppler shifts are most likely due to radial motion of flux tubes of a few kilometers, driven by the east‐west electric field of propagating ULF waves. When the frequencies match, the incoming wave energy also couples to standing poloidal and azimuthal field line oscillations, producing field line resonance signatures in both the D and H components on ground‐based magnetometers. The phases of the VLF and ULF oscillations are consistent with ionospheric rotation of the downgoing ULF wave field. Since the scale size of VLF flux tubes is significantly smaller than for ULF flux tubes, VLF Doppler observations can provide more precise spatial information on ULF wave fields in the plasmasphere. Furthermore, it should be possible to use ULF oscillations to monitor the formation of quarter wavelength mode standing field line oscillations when the conjugate ionospheres have different conductivities.
Quantification of the source of errors in AM2 simulated tropical clear‐sky outgoing longwave radiation
Authors: Huang Xianglei , Ramaswamy V. , Schwarzkopf M. Daniel
Published: July 2006

The global and tropical means of clear‐sky outgoing longwave radiation (hereinafter OLRc) simulated by the new GFDL atmospheric general circulation model, AM2, tend to be systematically lower than ERBE observations by about 4 W m−2, even though the AM2 total‐sky radiation budget is tuned to be consistent with these observations. Here we quantify the source of errors in AM2‐simulated OLRc over the tropical oceans by comparing the synthetic outgoing IR spectra at the top of the atmosphere on the basis of AM2 simulations to observed IRIS spectra. After the sampling disparity between IRIS and AM2 is reduced, AM2 still shows considerable negative bias in the simulated monthly mean OLRc over the tropical oceans. Together with other evidence, this suggests that the influence of spatial sampling disparity, although present, does not account for the majority of the bias. Decomposition of OLRc shows that the negative bias comes mainly from the H2O bands and can be explained by a too humid layer around 6–9 km in the model. Meanwhile, a positive bias exists in channels sensitive to near‐surface humidity and temperature, which implies that the boundary layer in the model might be too dry. These facts suggest that the negative bias in the simulated OLRc can be attributed to model deficiencies, especially the large‐scale water vapor transport. We also find that AM2‐simulated OLRc has ∼1 W m−2 positive bias originating from the stratosphere; this positive bias should exist in simulated total‐sky OLR as well.
Satellite‐observed pollution from Southern Hemisphere biomass burning
Authors: Edwards D. P. , Emmons L. K. , Gille J. C. , Chu A. , Attié J.‐L. , Giglio L. , Wood S. W. , Haywood J. , Deeter M. N. , Massie S. T. , Ziskin D. C. , Drummond J. R.
Published: July 2006

Biomass burning is a major source of pollution in the tropical Southern Hemisphere, and fine mode carbonaceous particles are produced by the same combustion processes that emit carbon monoxide (CO). In this paper we examine these emissions with data from the Terra satellite, CO profiles from the Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument, and fine‐mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The satellite measurements are used in conjunction with calculations from the MOZART chemical transport model to examine the 2003 Southern Hemisphere burning season with particular emphasis on the months of peak fire activity in September and October. Pollutant emissions follow the occurrence of dry season fires, and the temporal variation and spatial distributions of MOPITT CO and MODIS AOD are similar. We examine the outflow from Africa and South America with emphasis on the impact of these emissions on clean remote regions. We present comparisons of MOPITT observations and ground‐based interferometer data from Lauder, New Zealand, which indicate that intercontinental transport of biomass burning pollution from Africa often determines the local air quality. The correlation between enhancements of AOD and CO column for distinct biomass burning plumes is very good with correlation coefficients greater than 0.8. We present a method using MOPITT and MODIS data for estimating the emission ratio of aerosol number density to CO concentration which could prove useful as input to modeling studies. We also investigate decay of plumes from African fires following export into the Indian Ocean and compare the MOPITT and MODIS measurements as a way of estimating the regional aerosol lifetime. Vertical transport of biomass burning emissions is also examined using CO profile information. Low‐altitude concentrations are very high close to source regions, but further downwind of the continents, vertical mixing takes place and results in more even CO vertical distributions. In regions of significant convection, particularly in the equatorial Indian Ocean, the CO mixing ratio is greater at higher altitudes, indicating vertical transport of biomass burning emissions to the upper troposphere.
Excitation mechanism of intraseasonal oscillation in the equatorial mesosphere and lower thermosphere
Authors: Miyoshi Y. , Fujiwara H.
Published: July 2006

By using a general circulation model, excitation mechanism of intraseasonal oscillation of the zonal mean zonal wind in the equatorial mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is investigated. Our results show that wave‐mean flow interaction with ultrafast Kelvin waves and diurnal tides is important for driving the intraseasonal oscillation. Not only the migrating diurnal tide but also the nonmigrating diurnal tide plays an important role in excitation of the intraseasonal oscillation. Intraseasonal variations of amplitudes of the ultrafast Kelvin waves and the diurnal tides are found at height range from 20 to 90 km heights, indicating dynamical coupling between the MLT region and the lower atmosphere. Intraseasonal variations of amplitudes of these waves and their relations with the tropospheric intraseasonal oscillation are discussed.
On detecting a trend in the residual circulation from observations of column HCl
Authors: Olsen Mark A. , Douglass Anne R. , Stolarski Richard S. , Schoeberl Mark R.
Published: July 2006

Ground‐based measurements show that the HCl column at middle latitudes varies seasonally with a late spring maximum and a minimum in late summer. HALOE measurements of HCl profiles show that this seasonal cycle in the column is controlled by the seasonal variations of the mass and composition of the lowermost stratosphere. The seasonal maxima are produced by wintertime downward transport of stratospheric air. We hypothesize that the amplitude of the seasonal cycle is quantitatively related to the strength of the stratospheric residual circulation and stratosphere‐troposphere exchange (STE). We investigate this relationship using a multi‐decadal simulation from the GSFC Chemistry and Transport Model driven by output from a general circulation model in which an STE trend exists. We also examine the ground‐based record of HCl measurements at Jungfraujoch for evidence of a trend in the HCl seasonal amplitude that would be a signature of a long‐term change in the stratospheric circulation.
3D finite amplitude folding: Implications for stress evolution during crustal and lithospheric deformation
Authors: Kaus Boris J. P. , Schmalholz Stefan M.
Published: July 2006

Compression of the lithosphere, sedimentary sequences or quartz veins may result in a folding instability. We perform numerical simulations of viscous single‐layer folding to study this instability in 3D. It is demonstrated that linear theories correctly describe the instability for small amplitudes. At larger amplitudes, however, the theory breaks down. For these stages we present a new nonlinear amplification equation. Numerical simulations of folding of an initially horizontal layer, perturbed with random noise, demonstrate that in most cases fold axes form perpendicular to the main shortening direction. Aspect ratios of folds are finite and the patterns are relatively insensitive to the applied background shortening directions. Furthermore, the 3D folding instability reduces the averaged differential stress within the folded (“strong”) layer, in agreement with 2D results. This implies that the Christmas‐tree approach to represent the strength of the crust and lithosphere may be invalid if folding occurs during the deformation.
Modeling the global micrometeor input function in the upper atmosphere observed by high power and large aperture radars
Authors: Janches Diego , Heinselman Craig J. , Chau Jorge L. , Chandran Amal , Woodman Ronald
Published: July 2006

We report initial results of an effort to model the diurnal and seasonal variability of the meteor rate detected by high power and large aperture (HPLA) radars. The model uses Monte Carlo simulation techniques and at present assumes that most of the detected particles originate from three radiant distributions with the most dominant concentrated around the Earth's apex. The other two sources are centered 80° in ecliptic longitude to each side of the apex and are commonly known as helion and antihelion. To reproduce the measurements, the apex source flux was set to provide ∼70% of the total number of particles while the other ∼30% is provided by the combined contribution of the two remaining sources. The results of the model are in excellent agreement with observed diurnal curves obtained at different seasons and locations using the 430 MHz Arecibo radar in Puerto Rico, the 50 MHz Jicamarca radar in Perú, and the 1.29 GHz Sondrestrom radar in Greenland. To obtain agreement with the observed diurnal and seasonal variability of the meteor rate, an empirical atmospheric filtering effect was introduced in the simulation which prevents meteors with low‐elevation radiants (≤20°) from being detected by the radars at mesospheric altitudes. The filtering effect is probably produced by a combination of factors related to the interaction of the meteor with the air molecules such as electron production and/or the ablation at higher altitudes. On the basis of these results we calculate the micrometeor global, diurnal, and seasonal input in the upper atmosphere.