bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Bio Ionic Liquids: Room Temperature Ionic Liquids Composed Wholly of Biomaterials
Authors: Fukaya Yukinobu , Iizuka Yoshiki , Sekikawa Kenta , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: FTICR/MS Studies of Gas‐Phase Actinide Ion Reactions: Fundamental Chemical and Physical Properties of Atomic and Molecular Actinide Ions and Neutrals
Authors: Gibson J. K. , Haire R. G. , Marcalo J. , Santos M. , Leal J. P. , Pires de Matos A. , Tyagi R. , Mrozik M. K. , Pitzer R. M. , Bursten B. E.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Synthesis of 7‐Functionalized 7‐Deazapurine β‐D‐ or β‐L‐Ribonucleosides: Glycosylation of Pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidines with 1‐O‐Acetyl‐2,3,5‐tri‐O‐benzoyl‐D‐ or L‐ribofuranose
Authors: Peng Xiaohua , Seela Frank
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of Thymidine Boranophosphoramidates Conjugated with Amino Acids
Authors: Khan Shoeb I. , Shaw Barbara Ramsay
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Non‐Nucleoside Human Cytomegalovirus Inhibitors Based upon TSAO Nucleoside Derivatives: Structure—Activity Relationships
Authors: de Castro Sonia , Andrei Graziela , Snoeck Robert , Balzarini Jan , Camarasa Maria‐Jose , Velazquez Sonsoles
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Discovery of ANA975: An Oral Prodrug of the TLR‐7 Agonist Isatoribine
Authors: Xiang Alan X. , et al. et al.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New, Base‐Modified PNA Monomers
Authors: Sipos Ferenc , Sagi Gyula
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: 7,5′‐O‐Dibenzylinosines: Synthesis and Studies on Their Conformational Properties
Authors: Casanova Elena , Aguado Leire , Jimeno Maria‐Luisa , Gago Federico , Camarasa Maria‐Jose , Perez‐Perez Maria‐Jesus
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanochemistry in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Mitchenko S. A.
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecular Understanding of Re‐Based Heterogeneous Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Salameh Alain , Leduc Anne‐Marie , Chabanas Mathieu , Basset Jean‐Marie , Coperet Christophe
Published: February 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Glycosaminoglycans urinary excretion as a marker of the early stages of diabetic nephropathy and the disease progression
Authors: Popławska‐Kita Anna , Mierzejewska‐Iwanowska Beata , Szelachowska Małgorzata , Siewko Katarzyna , Nikołajuk Agnieszka , Kinalska Ida , Górska Maria
Published: February 2008

Background

Diabetes mellitus affects the metabolism of several components of extra‐cellular matrix, including glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Alterations in the metabolism of GAG may play an important role in the development of diabetic complications.

Methods

Consequently, the relationship between diabetic nephropathy and urinary GAG excretion has been estimated in 86 diabetic patients (33 type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), 53 type 2 DM) in comparison to 30 healthy controls (Figure 1). GAG concentration in 24‐h urine samples has been determined by precipitation with cetylpyridinum chloride and potassium acetate in ethanol followed by a fluorometric test with 2‐Hexadecyl‐9H‐pyrido(4,3b)indolium Bromide.

Results

Diabetic subjects excrete significantly more GAG than the control group (66.47 mg/24 h vs 50.11 mg/24 h). A marked difference in urinary GAG excretion between diabetic patients with nephropathy (74.66 ± 7.5 mg/24 h) and without nephropathy (50.13 ± 5.37 mg/24 h) has been detected. With diabetic nephropathy, patients with a longer history of GAG excretion experience an increase. An increased urinary GAG excretion has been detected in patients with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it can be stated that all patients with DM compared to the control group show an increase in GAG excretion independent of diabetes duration. Urinary GAG excretion positively correlates with the duration of diabetic nephropathy. The assessment of GAG excretion values may be useful for determining the early stages of diabetic nephropathy and the progression of the disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutated ATP synthase induces oxidative stress and impaired insulin secretion in β‐cells of female BHE/cdb rats
Authors: Saleh Monique C. , Fatehi‐Hassanabad Zahra , Wang Rennian , Nino‐Fong Rodolpho , Wadowska Dorota W. , Wright Glenda M. , Harper Mary‐Ellen , Chan Catherine B.
Published: February 2008

Background

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a critical determinant of β‐cell insulin secretion in response to glucose. BHE/cdb rats have a mutation in ATP synthase that limits ATP production, yet develop mild diabetes only with ageing. We investigated the cellular basis for reduced insulin secretion and compensatory mechanisms that mitigate the effects of the ATP synthase mutation.

Methods

In vitro β‐cell function in isolated islets and expression of key regulatory genes was compared with in vivo oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in BHE/cdb and control rats.

Results

BHE/cdb rat islets had reduced responsiveness to glucose stimulation and ATP content was 35% lower than in control islets. Oral glucose tolerance was impaired at both 21 and 43 weeks of age because of a reduction in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). An increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS, 3‐fold) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, 1.6‐fold), detection of nitrotyrosine, β‐cell apoptosis, and nucleocytoplasmic translocation of pancreas duodenum homeobox‐1 (PDX‐1) in β‐cells indicated increased oxygen radical formation. However, BHE/cdb rats partially compensated for low glucose responsiveness by increasing the number of small islets and β‐cell hypertrophy. There was also an increase in the proportion of mature insulin relative to proinsulin (PI) detected within β‐cell granules. Increased activation of AMP‐dependent kinase (AMPK)‐regulated pathways was consistent with increased oxidative stress and with induction of apoptosis and reduction of preproinsulin gene transcription.

Conclusions

The findings are consistent with impaired but partially compensated mechanisms of insulin secretion early in life, but progressive non‐compensated impairments due to oxidative stress occurs by age 43 weeks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylene Spacer‐Regulated Structural Variation in Cobalt(II/III) Complexes with Bridging Acetate and Salen‐ or Salpn‐Type Schiff‐Base Ligands
Authors: Chattopadhyay Shouvik , Drew Michael G. B. , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: February 2008

Two linear, trinuclear mixed‐valence complexes, [CoII{(μ‐L1)(μ‐OAc)CoIII(OAc)}2] (1) and [CoII{(μ‐L2)(μ‐OAc)CoIII(OAc)}2] (2) and two mononuclear CoIII complexes [CoIII{L3}(OAc)] (3), and [CoIII{L4}(OAc)] (4) were prepared and the molecular structures of 1, 2 and 4 elucidated on the basis of X‐ray crystallography [OAc = Acetate ion, H2L1 = H2Salen = 1,6‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2,5‐diazahexa‐1,5‐diene, H2L2 = H2Me2Salen = 2,7‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2,6‐diazaocta‐2,6‐diene, H2L3 = H2Salpn = 1,7‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2,6‐diazahepta‐1,6‐diene, H2L4 = H2Me2Salpn = 2,8‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3,7‐diazanona‐2,7‐diene]. In complexes 1 and 2, the acetate groups show both monodentate and bridging bidentate coordination modes, whereas chelating bidentate acetate is present in 4. The terminal CoIIIN2O4 centres in 1 and 2 exhibit uniform facial arrangements of both non‐bridged N2O and bridging O3 donor sets and the CoII centre is coordinated to six (four phenoxo and two acetato) oxygen atoms of the bridging ligands. The effective magnetic moment at room temperature corresponds to the presence of high‐spin CoII in both 1 and 2. The complexes 1 and 2 are thus CoIII(S = 0)–CoII(S = 3/2)–CoIII(S = 0) trimers. Complexes 3 and 4 are monomeric and diamagnetic containing low‐spin CoIII(S = 0) with chelating tetradentate Schiff base and bidentate acetate. Calculations based on DFT rationalise the formation of trinuclear or mononuclear complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase: A novel control point of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Dobrzyn Pawel , Ntambi James M. , Dobrzyn Agnieszka
Published: February 2008

Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is a central enzyme responsible for the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids – mainly oleate. Recent studies have shown that SCD1 plays also a significant role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. SCD1‐deficient mice have increased energy expenditure, reduced body adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity and are resistant to diet‐induced obesity and liver steatosis. SCD1 was found to be specifically repressed during leptin‐mediated weight loss, and leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice lacking SCD1 showed markedly reduced adiposity. In addition, SCD1 deficiency completely corrects the hypometabolic phenotype and hepatic steatosis of ob/ob mice and attenuates fasting‐induced liver steatosis in PPARα‐deficient mice. Lack of SCD1 expression also improves insulin action in skeletal muscles and prevents diet‐induced hepatic insulin resistance in mice. Much evidence indicates that the direct anti‐steatotic and anti‐diabetic effects of SCD1 deficiency stem from the decreased tissue lipid content caused by enhanced fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid synthesis. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the role of SCD1 in insulin resistance and regulation of hepatic lipid partitioning, and test the hypothesis that pharmacological manipulation of SCD might be of benefit in the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and in the prevention of diabetes.
Synthesis of Poly(arylenevinylene)s with Fluorinated Vinylene Units
Authors: Babudri Francesco , Cardone Antonio , Farinola Gianluca M. , Martinelli Carmela , Mendichi Raniero , Naso Francesco , Striccoli Marinella
Published: February 2008

Poly(arylenevinylene) polymers bearing fluorine atoms in the vinylene units were obtained by a Stille cross‐coupling reaction of (E)‐(1,2‐difluoro‐1,2‐ethenediyl)bis(tributylstannane) with diiodoaryl derivatives. The introduction of fluorine atoms on the double bond of the stannane leads to polymers with relatively high molecular weights. Furthermore, the presence of fluorinated vinylene units changes the optical properties of the polymers and shifts the emission towards the blue region of the visible spectrum. A fluorinated analogue of MEH‐PPV was obtained, and it shows photoluminescence that is considerably blueshifted, also in the solid state, relative to that found for nonfluorinated MEH‐PPV and to other PPVs with fluorinated double bonds.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Thermo‐Solvatochromism of Merocyanine Polarity Probes – What Are the Consequences of Increasing Probe Lipophilicity through Annelation? (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 7/2008)
Authors: Martins Clarissa T. , Lima Michelle S. , Bastos Erick L. , El Seoud Omar A.
Published: February 2008

The cover picture shows the quinonoid and zwitterionic limiting formulas of the solvatochromic probe MeAMBr2 [(E)‐2,6‐dibromo‐2‐(1‐methylacridinium‐4‐yl)ethenyl phenolate]. The solvatochromic behavior is influenced by the solvent‐dependent contributions of the two limiting formulas to the ground and excited states of the probe. Details are discussed in the article by O. A. El Seoud et al. on p. 1165 ff. The artwork for the cover picture was prepared by E. L. Bastos.
An Amperometric Biosensor for trans‐Resveratrol Determination in Aqueous Solutions by Means of Carbon Paste Electrodes Modified with Peroxidase Basic Isoenzymes from Brassica Napus
Authors: Granero Adrián Marcelo , Fernández Héctor , Agostini Elizabeth , Zón María Alicia
Published: February 2008

The catalytic properties of peroxidase basic isoenzymes (PBI's) from Brassica napus towards trans‐resveratrol (t‐Res) oxidation were demonstrated by the first time by conventional UV‐visible spectroscopic measurements. The enzymatic reaction rate was studied under different experimental conditions and the kinetics parameters were determined. An amperometric biosensor based on Brassica napus PBI's to determine t‐Res is also proposed by the first time. The method employs a dialysis membrane covered, PBI's entrapped and ferrocene (Fc)‐embedded carbon paste electrode (PBI's‐Fc‐CP) and is based on the fact that the decreased amount of H2O2 produced by the action of PBI's is proportional to the oxidised amount of t‐Res in the solution. Comparative amperometric experiments showed that, in spite of PBI's activity was much lower than commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activity, t‐Res was a much better substrate for PBI's biosensors than those biosensors constructed by using HRP. The PBI's‐Fc‐CP biosensors showed a very good stability during at least twenty days. The reproducibility and the repeatability were 4.5% and 8.3%, respectively, showing a good biosensor performance. The calibration curve was linear in the t‐Res concentration (ct‐Res) range from 1×10−6 to 2.5×10−5 M, with a sensibility of (2.31±0.05)×106 nA M−1. The lowest ct‐Res value measured experimentally for a signal to noise ratio of 3 : 1 was 0.83 μM.
Advances in Interfacial Design for Electrochemical Biosensors and Sensors: Aryl Diazonium Salts for Modifying Carbon and Metal Electrodes
Authors: Gooding J. Justin
Published: February 2008

A high degree of control over the modification of electrode surfaces is required for many sensing applications. This critical review briefly outlines some of the considerations for interfacial design in amperometric sensors and discusses some of advantages and disadvantages of alkanethiol modified metal electrodes for such applications before concentrating on the modification of electrodes surfaces using aryl diazonium salts. The pros and cons of this chemistry, and the application of aryl diazonium salts for sensing on carbon electrodes is reviewed before recent advances in using this chemistry for modifying metal electrodes are presented.
Chip Based Electroanalytical Systems for Cell Analysis
Authors: Spegel Christer , Heiskanen Arto , Skjolding Lars Henrik Dæhli , Emnéus Jenny
Published: February 2008

This review with 239 references has as its aim to give the reader an introduction to the kinds of methods used for developing microchip based electrode systems as well as to cover the existing literature on electroanalytical systems where microchips play a crucial role for ‘nondestructive’ measurements of processes related to living cells, i.e., systems without lysing the cells. The focus is on chip based amperometric and impedimetric cell analysis systems where measurements utilizing solely carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFME) and other nonchip electrode formats, such as CFME for exocytosis studies and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) studies of living cells have been omitted. Included is also a discussion about some future and emerging nano tools and considerations that might have an impact on the future of “nondestructive” chip based electroanalysis of living cells.
Aroma‐active compounds of American, French, Hungarian and Russian oak woods, studied by GC–MS and GC–O
Authors: Díaz‐Maroto M. Consuelo , Guchu Emilia , Castro‐Vázquez Lucía , de Torres Carmen , Pérez‐Coello M. Soledad
Published: February 2008

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) were used to study aroma‐active compounds in extracts of American, French, Hungarian and Russian oak woods. Compounds that presented high odour intensities for the non‐toasted oak woods were guaiacol, hexanal, trans‐2‐nonenal, trans‐oak lactone, cis‐oak lactone, eugenol, vanillin and trans‐isoeugenol, whilst the same compounds, in addition to furfural, 4‐methylguaiacol and cis‐isoeugenol, proved important in the toasted oaks. Like the oak lactones, cis‐ and trans‐isoeugenol presented woody/oak odours, particularly in the toasted samples. For Hungarian and Russian samples, both characterized by their lower content of oak lactones, trans‐ and cis‐isoeugenol presented higher odour intensities. For this reason, samples of low oak lactone concentrations, such as Hungarian and Russian oak woods, but also containing isoeugenols, can impart woody/oak odours to wines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating cost efficiency of SNP chips in genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Li Chun , Li Mingyao , Long Ji‐Rong , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2008

Genome‐wide association (GWA) studies have recently emerged as a major approach to gene discovery for many complex diseases. Since GWA scans are expensive, cost efficiency is an important factor to consider in study design. However, it often requires extensive and time‐consuming computer simulations to compare cost efficiency across different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips. Here, we propose two simulation‐free approaches to cost efficiency comparisons across SNP chips. In the first method, the overall power under a given disease model is calculated for each SNP chip and various sample sizes. Then SNP chips can be compared with respect to the sample sizes required to achieve the same level of power. In the second method, for a desired level of genomic coverage, the effective r2 threshold values are calculated for each SNP chip. Since r2 is inversely proportional to the sample size to achieve the same power, the required sample sizes can then be compared among SNP chips. These two methods are complementary to each other. The first approach provides direct power comparisons, but it requires information on disease model and may not be reliable for SNP chips that contain many non‐HapMap SNPs. The second approach allows sample size comparisons based on the coverage of SNP chips, and it can be modified for SNP chips that contain non‐HapMap SNPs. These methods are particularly relevant for large epidemiological studies in which enough subjects are available for GWA screening and follow‐up stages. We illustrate these approaches using five currently available whole genome SNP chips. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of heat exchanger capacity by thermal network method (Influence of thermal conduction in fins on capacity of a condenser)
Authors: Kaga Kunihiko , Kotoh Satoru , Ogushi Teturo
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the influence of heat flow from high‐temperature refrigerant to low‐temperature refrigerant through fins by thermal conduction. To estimate that influence, we applied a thermal network method that can consider refrigerant quality distribution in the heat exchanger. At the same time, for verifying the estimation, an experiment was performed with a two‐row, two‐pass heat exchanger. Prediction shows that the heat transfer capacity of a condenser is reduced by 3% for a simple two‐row, two‐pass heat exchanger by heat conduction in fins. Comparison of experimental results and predicted results proves that the prediction error was within 1% for condenser capacity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(2): 101–114, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20184
High‐temperature stability in yttria‐stabilized zirconia
Authors: Ogawa Mitsue
Published: February 2008

Yttria‐stabilized zirconia has been studied as a candidate standard reference material for the determination of thermal properties. This study evaluated the high‐temperature stability, which is important for yttria‐stabilized zirconia to be used for a standard reference material, using a common material of fine ceramics, Referceram ZR1 (zirconia). The high‐temperature stability was evaluated by measuring the change in the thermal diffusivity before and after heat treatment at temperatures between 200 °C and 1500 °C. No change in the thermal diffusivity was observed when the samples were treated at temperatures equal to or below 900 °C. However, it was revealed that the changes in the thermal diffusivity were caused by the transformation and separation of the crystal phase and the cracks that occur at grain boundaries when the samples were treated at temperatures equal to or above 1000 °C. From these results, we confirmed that Referceram ZR1 is sufficiently stable for use as a reference material at temperatures equal to or below 900 °C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(2): 57–67, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20193
Significant changes in the regional climate of the Aegean during 1961–2002
Authors: Good P. , Giannakopoulos C. , Flocas H. , Tolika K. , Anagnostopoulou C. , Maheras P.
Published: February 2008

Significant changes in the regional climate of coastal and island stations in and bordering the Aegean during 1961–2002 are identified. Here we start with a very large number of parameters describing the surface temperature climate measured at 9 Greek island and coastal stations, and highlight those parameters which show regionally significant trends. Statistical significance of trends is assessed over multiple sliding time‐windows of data. For each parameter and each time‐window, a regional summary is produced using two quantities: the statistical significance of the trend in the regionally averaged parameter, and the number of stations which individually show significant trends in that parameter. The relationship between these two quantities provides a simple way of highlighting those climate parameters for which the region shows a trend, which is spatially relatively homogeneous, and those for which the region may need to be divided into sub‐regions. Some very detailed characteristics of trends in daily surface temperatures are summarized in a concise way. Notably, the established cooling during the 1960s is shown to be especially strong for November and also December. Some trends were also shown to be significant only in terms of temperatures of unseasonably warm or cool days. For example, cooling in May temperatures in the late 70s/early 80s occurred most clearly for the low‐temperature range–appearing as a decrease in the temperature reached by unseasonably cold days. This behaviour was inhomogeneous across the region, with significant cooling at only a subset of the stations. Such results could be used by subsequent analysis to focus on particular parts of the data, rather than using averaging to reduce the data. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of precipitation, temperature and topographic parameters on evergreen vegetation greenery in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Prasad V. Krishna , Badarinath K. V. S. , Eaturu Anuradha
Published: February 2008

Bi‐weekly National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‐advanced very high‐resolution radiometer (NOAA‐AVHRR) satellite data covering a fourteen‐year time period (1990–2003) were used to examine spatial patterns in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and their relationships with environmental variables covering tropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, India. NDVI values and corresponding environmental variables were extracted from 23 different forested sites using the NOAA‐AVHRR global inventory monitoring and modelling studies (GIMMS) dataset. We specifically used the partial least square (PLS) multivariate regression technique that combines features from principal component analysis and multiple regression to link spatial patterns in NDVI with the environmental variables. PLS regression analysis suggested the two‐component model to be the best model, explaining nearly 71% of the variance in the NDVI datasets with relatively good R2 value of 0.78 and a predicted R2 value of 0.74. The most important positive predictors for NDVI included Riva's continentality index, precipitation indicators summed over different quarters, average precipitation and elevation. Also, the results from PLS regression clearly suggested that bio‐climatic indicators that relied only on precipitation parameters had much more positive influence than indicators that combined both temperature and precipitation together. These results highlight the climatic controls of vegetation vigor in evergreen forests and have implications for monitoring bio‐spheric activity, developing prognostic phenology models and deriving land cover maps in the Western Ghats region of India. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Physiological behavior and quality traits during fruit growth and ripening of four Amazonic hot pepper accessions
Authors: Barrera Jaime A , Hernández María S , Melgarejo Luz M , Martínez Orlando , Fernández‐Trujillo J Pablo
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Skin color, acid content and changes in other chemical components have been developed as indicators of maturation in fruits of the Capsicum type.

RESULTS: Fruit growth and ripening in four hot pepper accessions (CS) from C. frutescens (CS376) and from C. annuum (CS219, CS049 and CS032) were monitored in three commercial Colombian Amazonic orchards. The time between fruit setting and commercial pepper fruit maturity was 41 ± 5 days for CS219, while CS032, CS049 and CS376 required 47 ± 3 days. Three stages of development were identified. The first stage was cell division in the accessions and a transient peak in respiration rate in CS049. A second stage of fruit growth occurred due to maximum cell expansion and some transient peaks of respiration rate also took place. Finally, a plateau occurred as fruit reached full maturity and followed typical non‐climacteric behavior. CS032 and CS219 were pungent with increasing levels of alkaloids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) during fruit growth, although CS376 with its constant and higher levels of the former capsaicinoids early in fruit growth was not pungent, and neither was CS049. Morphological traits and fresh and dry weight together with color coordinates could be used to discriminate among accessions as revealed by two axes of the canonical discriminant analysis (99.9% total variance explained).

CONCLUSIONS: In general, the time from fruit set and the apex skin color changes and accompanying morphological traits, were reasonable indicators of maturity in Amazonian hot pepper fruits. Multivariate analysis was able to discriminate among accessions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of variety and crude protein content on dehulling quality and on the resulting chemical composition of red lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Wang Ning
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Dehulling is one of the most important operations in post‐harvest handling of red lentils (Lens culinaris). However, little information is available on how variety and crude protein content affect the dehulling quality characteristics and on how dehulling affects chemical composition of red lentils. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to investigate the effect of variety and crude protein content on dehulling quality and on the resulting chemical composition of red lentils.

RESULTS: Four varieties of red lentil, each with two levels of protein content, were selected for this study. Crude protein content overall ranged from 225.7 to 311.7 g kg−1 dry matter. Results indicated that variety and crude protein content had a significant effect on dehulling efficiency (DE), powder produced, broken seeds (BRK) and hull removed. Dehulled seeds exhibited higher protein, starch, phytic acid, stachyose and verbascose content, but lower TIA, tannin, sucrose and raffinose content than raw seeds.

CONCLUSION: Variety and protein content had a significant effect on DE. Dehulling affected chemical composition of lentils. DE was positively correlated with starch content but negatively correlated with protein and crude fiber content of raw seeds. Information gathered from the study will be useful for lentil breeders, processors and marketers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactive Polymeric Materials for Targeted Administration of Active Agents: Synthesis and Evaluation
Authors: Chiellini Federica , Piras Anna Maria , Gazzarri Matteo , Bartoli Cristina , Ferri Marcella , Paolini Laura , Chiellini Emo
Published: February 2008

Bioerodible polymers displaying both stealth and targeting properties for the preparation of nanosystems for targeted and controlled delivery of fibrinolytic drugs to the thrombus were prepared by straightforward synthetic routes and characterized. Poly[(maleic anhydride)‐alt‐(butylvinyl ether)]s were synthesized in the presence of dodecyl mercaptan as chain transfer agent allowing for the preparation of copolymers with tunable molecular weight. 2‐Methoxyethanol hemiesters containing antiopsonizing molecules of poly(ethylene glycol) were prepared and further biofunctionalized with a Fab fragment by a two‐step reaction. In vitro biocompatibility investigation of the prepared materials supported their suitability for biomedical applications.

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Thermomechanical and Rheological Properties of High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(ethylene oxide)/Novolac Blends
Authors: Ratna Debdatta , Abraham Thomas , Karger‐Kocsis József
Published: February 2008

Blends of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and novolac‐type phenolic resin were investigated for potential use as a crystallizable switching component for shape‐memory polymer systems with adjustable switching temperature. High‐molecular‐weight PEO and novolac blends with low novolac content were studied. Dynamic and isothermal DSC studies indicated a significant decrease in the crystallization temperature as a result of incorporation of novolac. We investigated the spherulitic morphology using a cross‐polarized optical microscopy and found a decrease in size and regularity of the spherulites with increasing novolac content. The rheological and mechanical properties corroborated the existence of strong interactions through H‐bonding in the amorphous phase.

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Manufacturing Carbon Nanotube/PVDF Nanocomposite Powders
Authors: Tran Michael Q. , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Bismarck Alexander
Published: February 2008

A procedure for the production of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced poly(vinylidine difluoride) (PVDF) powders has been developed. These powders are versatile precursors for a range of nanocomposite materials. The morphology of the CNT/PVDF powder can be related to the interaction between filler and matrix, which depends on the degree of modification of the polymer with grafted maleic anhydride (MAH‐graft‐PVDF). The mechanical performance of the nanocomposite containing 2.5 wt.‐% CNT and 1.25 ppm of MAH increased in tensile modulus, tensile strength, and strain to failure by 34, 30, and 22%, respectively, as compared to PVDF.

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Chemical regulation of epigenetic modifications: Opportunities for new cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Yujun George , Wu Jiang , Chen Ziyue , Goodman Masha
Published: February 2008

Epigenetics is concerned about heritable changes in gene expression without alteration of the coding sequence. Epigenetic modification of chromatin includes methylation of genomic DNA as well as post‐translational modification of chromatin‐associated proteins, in particular, histones. The spectrum of histone and non‐histone modifications ranges from the addition of relatively small groups such as methyl, acetyl and phosphoryl groups to the attachment of larger moieties such as poly(ADP‐ribose) and small proteins ubiquitin or small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO). The combinatorial nature of DNA methylation and histone modifications constitutes a significant pathway of epigenetic regulation and considerably extends the information potential of the genetic code. Chromatin modification has emerged as a new fundamental mechanism for gene transcriptional activity control associated with many cellular processes like proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Also it is increasingly recognized that epigenetic modifications constitute important regulatory mechanisms for the pathogenesis of malignant transformations. We review here the recent progress in the development of chemical inhibitors/activators that target different chromatin modifying enzymes. Such potent natural or synthetic modulators can be utilized to establish the quantitative contributions of epigenetic modifications in DNA regulated pathways including transcription, replication, recombination and repair, as well as provide leads for developing new cancer therapeutics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 645–687, 2008
Chickenpox in varicella IgG positive patients: Experience of a regional paediatric oncology centre
Authors: Manley Sue , Mallinson Harry , Caswell Mark , Keenan Russell , Pizer Barry
Published: February 2008

Aciclovir prophylaxis was previously given to all immunocompromised patients treated by our unit, following contact with varicella zoster. In 2003, we changed practice according to National Guidelines, giving prophylaxis only to patients without serum varicella zoster immunoglobulin G antibody (VZ IgG) at diagnosis of their malignancy. Since then we have seen nine patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and VZ IgG positivity at diagnosis of their malignancy develop chickenpox. Our observations question current practice for patients with ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:540–542. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurochemical dementia diagnostics: State of the art and research perspectives
Authors: Lewczuk Piotr , Wiltfang Jens
Published: February 2008

The aim of this review is to present current state of the art on the field of routine neurochemical dementia diagnostics (NDD) with a focus on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers: amyloid β peptides, tau protein, and its phosphorylated form (pTau). After several years of experience, it is reasonably to postulate that CSF biomarkers analysis is an increasingly important tool within the early and differential diagnosis of dementia syndromes. Actual research activities are briefly discussed, too, including: (i) possibilities and limitations of the diagnosis of incipient Alzheimer's disease in preclinical stages (e.g., mild cognitive impairment), (ii) the role of multiplexing technologies in dementia biomarkers research, (iii) the role of biomarkers in differential diagnosis of dementia syndromes, (iv) approaches to improve analytical performance of available methods, and (v) research activities to identify dementia biomarkers in blood.
Proteomics in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Jung , Yoo Hyun‐Syuk , Kim Chan‐Wha
Published: February 2008

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently one of the principal causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Approximately 40% of all diabetic patients eventually develop diabetic nephropathy (DN). The complexity of diabetes and its complications require a broad‐based, unbiased, scientific approach, such as proteomics, in order to understand the progression of DN. Proteomic techniques have been applied extensively to explore the complexity of the mechanisms associated with DN, and to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review provides insights into how proteomics can be applied to DN, and how experimental data can be linked to clinical applications. In addition, recent proteome studies of DN are summarized. The rapid rate of development of the relevant technologies, along with the combination of classic physiological and biochemical techniques with proteomics will facilitate new discoveries.
Unraveling the molecular targets of natural products: Insights from genomic and proteomic analyses
Authors: Wong Chi Chun , Cheng Ka Wing , He Qing‐Yu , Chen Feng
Published: February 2008

Natural products and their derivatives have been an invaluable source of drug leads for the pharmaceutical industry over the past decades, especially for antibacterial and anticancer purposes. Nature products, with their chemical diversity and biochemical specificity, are ideal starting points of drug development. Rational drug design based on natural product scaffolds, however, was hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding their mechanisms of action. Advances in proteomic technologies hold the key to revolutionize the target identification of natural products. In this regard, chemical proteomics have demonstrated the capabilities to identify specific targets by screening against the proteome. On the other hand, high‐throughput proteome analysis reveals the multiple impacts of drug‐target interaction in a global context, providing insights for elucidation of signaling pathways involved in the drug response, and uncovering predictive markers of drug efficacy and toxicity. Increasingly, studies have exploited integration of transcriptome and proteome datasets, which offers additional information on regulation of molecular network at transcriptional and post‐translational levels. In this review, we discuss major proteomic approaches applied to studying the mechanism of action of natural products and merits of combining datasets from proteomics and transcriptomics analysis.
Glyphosate: a once‐in‐a‐century herbicide
Authors: Duke Stephen O , Powles Stephen B
Published: February 2008

Since its commercial introduction in 1974, glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine] has become the dominant herbicide worldwide. There are several reasons for its success. Glyphosate is a highly effective broad‐spectrum herbicide, yet it is very toxicologically and environmentally safe. Glyphosate translocates well, and its action is slow enough to take advantage of this. Glyphosate is the only herbicide that targets 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS), so there are no competing herbicide analogs or classes. Since glyphosate became a generic compound, its cost has dropped dramatically. Perhaps the most important aspect of the success of glyphosate has been the introduction of transgenic, glyphosate‐resistant crops in 1996. Almost 90% of all transgenic crops grown worldwide are glyphosate resistant, and the adoption of these crops is increasing at a steady pace. Glyphosate/glyphosate‐resistant crop weed management offers significant environmental and other benefits over the technologies that it replaces. The use of this virtually ideal herbicide is now being threatened by the evolution of glyphosate‐resistant weeds. Adoption of resistance management practices will be required to maintain the benefits of glyphosate technologies for future generations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of near‐field optical microscope probes
Authors: Klapetek Petr , Valtr Miroslav , Klenovský Petr , Buršík Jiří
Published: February 2008

In this article the far‐field radiation analysis of near‐field optical probes is presented. It is shown that the quality of probes used for near‐field scanning microscopy imaging can be estimated using directional measurements of the far‐field radiation patterns. Experimental results are compared with numerical modeling of far‐field radiation performed using finite difference in time‐domain method (FDTD) and with SEM characterization of real probe geometry. The effects of probe geometry on real measurement on different samples are studied as well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluations of stressful transactions: what's in an appraisal?
Authors: Schneider Tamera R.
Published: February 2008

Appraisals are the portal to emotional experience and action. Past research has demonstrated that challenge and threat appraisals have different implications for psychological, physiological, and behavioural responses, typically relying on two‐item assessments of appraisals. The present study investigated the predictive utility of a theoretically expanded appraisal measure. Both indexes were used to classify participants as either challenged (task demands were rated as commensurate with coping resources) or threatened (task demands were rated as exceeding resources). Group differences in stress responses were examined. The lengthened appraisal assessment was reliable. Furthermore, compared with the two‐item measure, the expanded measure better distinguished differences in emotional experience and performance. Similar findings were obtained for cardiovascular stress responses. Enhancing the assessment of individual differences in stressor appraisals facilitates our understanding their nature and potential for modification, and the nature of the stress process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HRM in Chinese privately owned enterprises
Authors: Shen Jie
Published: February 2008

Using an in‐depth case study approach, this study investigates human resource management (HRM) practices in Chinese privately owned enterprises (POEs). While HRM practices in POEs are marketoriented, there is a lack of HR planning, commitment to training and development, and employee involvement and participation. The pragmatic HRM practices in POEs contribute to greater efficiency and rapid expansion of the private enterprise economy, but at the same time are associated with low employee job satisfaction, employees' organizational commitment, and their experience of disadvantages. These are issues that are all likely to cause labor disputes to occur. The findings of this study have significant implications for practitioners and further research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BlackBerry in red China: Research in motion navigates institutional barriers in an emerging market. Case comment: RIM in China
Authors: Ensign Prescott C. , Robinson Nicholas P. , Fournier Luc
Published: February 2008

Research in Motion's (RIM's) entry into the Chinese market during a time when many distractions —principally a patent dispute with NTP—occupied management's attention was not a foregone conclusion. China remained a difficult market to crack. One holdup was an impasse with regard to RIM's use of encryption technology and the Chinese authorities' desire to monitor e‐mail traffic and content. Here the technical and political concerns were entangled. To further complicate things, the entirety of RIM had until recently been preoccupied with the legal settlement with NTP in the United States. Issues in this study highlight real‐world dilemmas in a thriving firm. The founders are still in charge, and new markets present themselves regularly. A very real challenge is divided attentions. The standstill over market entry calls for integrative thinking—bringing together disparate and contradictory elements for resolution. RIM's way out will invariably involve embracing complex relationships in order to find a resolution to the various conflicting institutional forces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Out‐of‐school services in Europe: How we learn from each other
Authors: Meijvogel Ria
Published: February 2008

Although individual systems for out‐of‐school time cannot be replicated purely, European countries have made great strides in learning from one another. This article examines the five steps of admiration, confusion, structure, concepts, and discussion to illuminate how cross‐system learning can occur while also giving insight into a myriad of country‐specific programs for young people.
The ideas and rationale behind the Extended Schools Agenda in England
Authors: Mortlock Fiona
Published: February 2008

The face of the extended school in the United Kingdom is changing rapidly to facilitate the latest research and findings from experts, committees, and government advisory think tanks. This article highlights successful programs that use the voices of children and youth in planning for long‐term success.
Flexible access control policy for SCOOP
Authors: Nienaltowski Piotr
Published: February 2008

The SCOOP model extends Eiffel to support the construction of concurrent applications with little more effort than sequential ones. The model provides strong safety guarantees: mutual exclusion and atomicity at the routine level, and FIFO scheduling of clients’ calls. Unfortunately, in the original proposal of the model (SCOOP_97) these guarantees come at a high price: they entail locking all the arguments of a feature call, even if the corresponding objects are never used by the feature. In most cases, the amount of locking is higher than necessary. Additionally, a client that holds a lock on a given processor cannot relinquish it temporarily when the lock is needed by one of its suppliers. This increases the likelihood of deadlocks; additionally, some interesting synchronisation scenarios, e.g. separate callbacks, cannot be implemented. We propose two refinements of the access control policy for SCOOP: a type-based mechanism to specify which arguments of a routine call should be locked, and a lock passing mechanism for safe handling of complex synchronisation scenarios with mutual locking of several separate objects. When combined, these refinements increase the expressive power of the model, give programmers more control over the computation, and enable more potential parallelism, thus reducing the risk of deadlock.