bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil weathering rates in 21 catchments of the Canadian Shield
Authors: Houle D. , Lamoureux P. , Bélanger N. , Bouchard M. , Gagnon C. , Couture S. , Bouffard A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Soil mineral weathering represents an essential source of nutrient base cation (Ca, Mg and K) for forest growth in addition to provide a buffering power against precipitation acidity for soils and surface waters. Weathering rates of base cations were obtained for 21 catchments located within the temperate and the boreal forest of the Canadian Shield with the geochemical model PROFILE. Weathering rates ranged from 0.58 to 4.46 kmolc ha−1 yr−1 and their spatial variation within the studied area was mostly in agreement with spatial variations in soil mineralogy. Weathering rates of Ca and Mg were significantly correlated (r = 0.80 and 0.64) with their respective lake concentrations. Weathering rates of K and Na did not correlate with lake concentrations of K and Na. The modeled weathering rates for each catchment were also compared with estimations of net catchment exportations. The result show that modeled weathering rates of Ca were not significantly different than the net catchment exportations while modeled weathering rates of Mg were higher by 51 %. Larger differences were observed for K and Na weathering rates that were significantly different than net catchment exportations being 6.9 and 2.2 times higher than net exportations, respectively. The results for K were expected given its high reactivity with biotic compartments and suggest that most of the K produced by weathering reactions was retained within soil catchments and/or above ground biomass. This explanation does not apply to Na, however, which is a conservative element in forest ecosystems because of the insignificant needs of Na for soil microorganisms and above ground vegetations. It raises concern about the liability of the PROFILE model to provide reliable values of Na weathering rates. Overall, we concluded that the PROFILE model is powerful enough to reproduce spatial geographical gradients in weathering rates for relatively large areas as well as adequately predict absolute weathering rates values for the sum of base cations, Ca and Mg.
Aluminum Integral Foams with Near‐Microcellular Structure
Authors: Hartmann Johannes , Trepper André , Körner Carolin
Published: June 2011

In the present work the influence of the amount and size distribution of blowing agent particles (magnesium hydride, MgH2) on the resulting pore structure of aluminum foams is studied. A modified die casting process called integral foam moulding (IFM) is used where aluminum melt mixed with blowing agent is injected into a mould cavity. High cooling rates at the wall of the die result in the formation of a dense shell, whereas, the decomposition of the blowing agent in the inner region leads to a cellular core. Different particle size fractions of MgH2 are provided by sieving; the resulting pore structures of the foams are analyzed by microcomputed tomography. The results suggest that the pore size distribution represents a direct image of the size distribution of the used powder as well as of the particle density within the melt. This finding allows the production of homogeneous microcellular foams by using a high number of particles with a narrow size distribution.
Evaluating the accessibility of three open‐source learning content management systems: A comparative study
Authors: Iglesias Ana , Moreno Lourdes , Martínez Paloma , Calvo Rocío
Published: June 2011

Learning content management systems (LCMSs) have become increasingly popular in the educational field over the past few years. However, problems in system design can create difficulties in the interactions between LCMSs and an important sector of the user population. The assessment and monitoring of LCMS accessibility are vital for the guarantee of universal accessibility in education. This article presents a comparative study of the accessibility of three web‐based, open‐source LCMSs: Moodle, ATutor, and Sakai. Results of the study indicate that barriers to accessibility are present in each of the three systems evaluated. A primary aim of the study is to help detect and correct these barriers such that the goal of universal access in educational environments may one day be achieved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:320–328, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.20557
Starch Immobilized Ruthenium Trichloride Catalyzed Oxidative Cyanation of Tertiary Amines with Hydrogen Peroxide.
Authors: Verma Sanny , Jain Suman L. , Sain Bir
Published: June 2011

Starch immobilized ruthenium trichloride, easily synthesized by the reaction of silyl functionalized imidazolium chloride and hydroxyl groups of expanded corn starch (ECS) followed by the reaction with ruthenium trichloride, was found to be a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for the oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines to α‐aminonitriles in high yields using hydrogen peroxide with sodium cyanide in acetic acid.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Dual‐Action Compounds Targeting the Adenosine A2A Receptor and Adenosine Transporter for Neuroprotection
Authors: Chen Jhih‐Bin , Liu Eric Minwei , Chern Ting‐Rong , Yang Chieh‐Wen , Lin Chia‐I , Huang Nai‐Kuei , Lin Yun‐Lian , Chern Yijuang , Lin Jung‐Hsin , Fang Jim‐Min
Published: June 2011

A novel compound, N6‐(4‐hydroxybenzyl)adenosine, isolated from Gastrodia elata and which has been shown to be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating neurodegenerative disease, was found to target both the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). As A2AR and ENT1 are proximal in the synaptic crevice of striatum, where the mutant huntingtin aggregate is located, the dual‐action compounds that concomitantly target these two membrane proteins may be beneficial for the therapy of Huntington’s disease. To design the desired dual‐action compounds, pharmacophore models of the A2AR agonists and the ENT1 inhibitors were constructed. Accordingly, potentially active compounds were designed and synthesized by chemical modification of adenosine, particularly at the N6 and C5’ positions, if the predicted activity was within an acceptable range. Indeed, some of the designed compounds exhibit significant dual‐action properties toward both A2AR and ENT1. Both pharmacophore models exhibit good statistical correlation between predicted and measured activities. In agreement with competitive ligand binding assay results, these compounds also prevent apoptosis in serum‐deprived PC12 cells, rendering a crucial function in neuroprotection and potential utility in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Application of the Guanidine–Acylguanidine Bioisosteric Approach to Argininamide‐Type NPY Y2 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Pluym Nikola , Brennauer Albert , Keller Max , Ziemek Ralf , Pop Nathalie , Bernhardt Günther , Buschauer Armin
Published: June 2011

Strongly basic groups such as guanidine moieties are crucial structural elements, but they compromise the drug‐likeness of numerous biologically active compounds, including ligands of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). As part of a project focused on the search for guanidine bioisosteres, argininamide‐type neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y2 receptor (Y2R) antagonists related to BIIE0246 were synthesized. Starting from ornithine derivatives, NG‐acylated argininamides were obtained by guanidinylation with tailor‐made mono‐Boc‐protected N‐acyl‐S‐methylisothioureas. The compounds were investigated for Y2R antagonism (calcium assays), Y2R affinity, and NPY receptor subtype selectivity (flow cytometric binding assays). Most of the NG‐substituted (S)‐argininamides showed Y2R antagonistic activities and binding affinities similar to those of the parent compound, whereas NG‐acylated or ‐carbamoylated analogues with a terminal amine were superior (Y2R: Ki and KB values in the low nanomolar range). This demonstrates that the basicity of the compounds, although 4–5 orders of magnitude lower than that of guanidines, is sufficient to form key interactions with acidic amino acids of the Y2R. The acylguanidines bind with high affinity and selectivity to Y2R over the Y1, Y4, and Y5 receptors. As derivatization of the amino group is tolerated, these compounds can be considered building blocks for the preparation of versatile fluorescent and radiolabeled pharmacological tools for in vitro studies of the Y2R. The results support the concept of bioisosteric guanidine–acylguanidine exchange as a broadly applicable approach to retain pharmacological activity despite decreased basicity.
Triggering of TNFRSF25 promotes CD8+ T‐cell responses and anti‐tumor immunity
Authors: Slebioda Tomasz J. , Rowley Tania F. , Ferdinand John R. , Willoughby Jane E. , Buchan Sarah L. , Taraban Vadim Y. , Al‐Shamkhani Aymen
Published: June 2011

TNFRSF25 is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) that binds to the TNF‐like protein TL1A. Although recent studies have demonstrated a role for TNFRSF25 in regulating CD4+ T‐cell responses, it remains to be determined if TNFRSF25 functions as a costimulatory receptor for CD8+ T cells. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of TL1A on mouse plasmacytomas promotes elimination of tumor cells in a CD8+ T‐cell‐dependent manner and renders mice immune to a subsequent challenge with tumor cells. To gain further insight into the role of TNFRSF25 in CD8+ T‐cell responses, we analyzed the effect of TNFRSF25 triggering on OT‐I TCR transgenic T cells. We demonstrate that TNFRSF25 triggering in vivo with soluble TL1A promotes the proliferation and accumulation of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells as well as their differentiation into CTLs. Furthermore, we show that TNFRSF25 also functions as a costimulatory receptor for memory CD8+ T cells. Thus, TNFRSF25 triggering enhances the secondary expansion of endogenous antigen‐specific memory CD8+ T cells. Our data suggest that TNFRSF25 agonists, such as soluble TL1A, could potentially be used to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines that aim to elicit human anti‐tumor CD8+ T cells.
Vaccination with filamentous bacteriophages targeting DEC‐205 induces DC maturation and potent anti‐tumor T‐cell responses in the absence of adjuvants
Authors: Sartorius Rossella , Bettua Clotilde , D'Apice Luciana , Caivano Antonella , Trovato Maria , Russo Domenico , Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca , Mascolo Dina , Barba Pasquale , Del Pozzo Giovanna , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe
Published: June 2011

The efficacy of a new vaccine‐delivery vector, based on the filamentous bacteriophage fd displaying a single‐chain antibody fragment known to bind the mouse DC surface molecule DEC‐205, is reported. We demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo an enhanced receptor‐mediated uptake of phage particles expressing the anti‐DEC‐205 fragment by DCs. We also report that DCs targeted by fd virions in the absence of other stimuli produce IFN‐α and IL‐6, and acquire a mature phenotype. Moreover, DC‐targeting with fd particles double‐displaying the anti‐DEC‐205 fragment on the pIII protein and the OVA257–264 antigenic determinant on the pVIII protein induced potent inhibition of the growth of the B16‐OVA tumor in vivo. This protection was much stronger than other immunization strategies and similar to that induced by adoptively transferred DCs. Since targeting DEC‐205 in the absence of DC activation/maturation agents has previously been described to result in tolerance, the ability of fd bacteriophages to induce a strong tumor‐specific immune response by targeting DCs through DEC‐205 is unexpected, and further validates the potential employment of this safe, versatile and inexpensive delivery system for vaccine formulation.
Neurophysiologic correlates of fMRI in human motor cortex
Authors: Hermes Dora , Miller Kai J. , Vansteensel Mariska J. , Aarnoutse Erik J. , Leijten Frans S.S. , Ramsey Nick F.
Published: June 2011

The neurophysiological underpinnings of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are not well understood. To understand the relationship between the fMRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal and neurophysiology across large areas of cortex, we compared task related BOLD change during simple finger movement to brain surface electric potentials measured on a similar spatial scale using electrocorticography (ECoG). We found that spectral power increases in high frequencies (65–95 Hz), which have been related to local neuronal activity, colocalized with spatially focal BOLD peaks on primary sensorimotor areas. Independent of high frequencies, decreases in low frequency rhythms (<30 Hz), thought to reflect an aspect of cortical‐subcortical interaction, colocalized with weaker BOLD signal increase. A spatial regression analysis showed that there was a direct correlation between the amplitude of the task induced BOLD change on different areas of primary sensorimotor cortex and the amplitude of the high frequency change. Low frequency change explained an additional, different part of the spatial BOLD variance. Together, these spectral power changes explained a significant 36% of the spatial variance in the BOLD signal change (R2 = 0.36). These results suggest that BOLD signal change is largely induced by two separate neurophysiological mechanisms, one being spatially focal neuronal processing and the other spatially distributed low frequency rhythms. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Working memory load modulation of parieto‐frontal connections: Evidence from dynamic causal modeling
Authors: Ma Liangsuo , Steinberg Joel L. , Hasan Khader M. , Narayana Ponnada A. , Kramer Larry A. , Moeller F. Gerard
Published: June 2011

Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that working memory load has marked effects on regional neural activation. However, the mechanism through which working memory load modulates brain connectivity is still unclear. In this study, this issue was addressed using dynamic causal modeling (DCM) based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Eighteen normal healthy subjects were scanned while they performed a working memory task with variable memory load, as parameterized by two levels of memory delay and three levels of digit load (number of digits presented in each visual stimulus). Eight regions of interest, i.e., bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inferior frontal cortex (IFC), and posterior parietal cortex (PPC), were chosen for DCM analyses. Analysis of the behavioral data during the fMRI scan revealed that accuracy decreased as digit load increased. Bayesian inference on model structure indicated that a bilinear DCM in which memory delay was the driving input to bilateral PPC and in which digit load modulated several parieto‐frontal connections was the optimal model. Analysis of model parameters showed that higher digit load enhanced connection from L PPC to L IFC, and lower digit load inhibited connection from R PPC to L ACC. These findings suggest that working memory load modulates brain connectivity in a parieto‐frontal network, and may reflect altered neuronal processes, e.g., information processing or error monitoring, with the change in working memory load. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Thyroglobulin measurement in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic lymph nodes after rhTSH stimulation
Authors: Cappelli Carlo , Pirola Ilenia , De Martino Elvira , Gandossi Elena , Cimino Elena , Samoni Francesca , Agosti Barbara , Rosei Enrico Agabiti , Casella Claudio , Castellano Maurizio
Published: June 2011

Background

Thyroglobulin measurement in the washout of the needle used in fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been proposed for the early detection of lymph node metastasis both in patients with or without serum thyroglobulin antibodies; however, up to now, there have been no reports that recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) stimulation modifies thyroglobulin measurement in lymph node aspirates.

Methods

We described, after rhTSH stimulation, the switching from undetectable to detectable levels of thyroglobulin in fine‐needle aspiration fluid from a suspected metastatic lymph node in 2 patients.

Results

We hypothesized that thyroglobulin levels in the lymph node increased after rhTSH stimulation. The excess thyroglobulin saturates all thyroglobulin antibody binding sites and becomes detectable, explaining why it was undetectable when TSH was suppressed.

Conclusion

On the basis of our experience, we suggest submitting to thyroglobulin measurement in the washout of the needle used in FNAC all patients with detectable serum thyroglobulin antibody after rhTSH stimulation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
A preliminary field test of an employee work passion model
Authors: Zigarmi Drea , Nimon Kim , Houson Dobie , Witt David , Diehl Jim
Published: June 2011

Four dimensions of a process model for the formulation of employee work passion, derived from Zigarmi, Nimon, Houson, Witt, and Diehl (2009), were tested in a field setting. A total of 447 employees completed questionnaires that assessed the internal elements of the model in a corporate work environment. Data from the measurements of work affect, work cognition, job wellbeing, and work intention supported the hypothesized model. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that a partial mediation model fitted best to the data. Implications for theory, practice, and future research directions are discussed.
A social‐contextual understanding of concordance and discordance between maternal prenatal representations of the infant and infant–mother attachment
Authors: Huth‐Bocks Alissa C. , Theran Sally A. , Levendosky Alytia A. , Bogat G. Anne
Published: June 2011

This prospective study examined the relationship between maternal prenatal representations of the infant and later infant–mother attachment, including contextual factors related to concordance and discordance among dyads over time. Participants were 173 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 40 who were interviewed during their last trimester of pregnancy and 2 and 13 months after birth. Maternal representations were assessed by the Working Model of the Child Interview during pregnancy (WMCI; C.H. Zeanah, D. Benoit, L. Hirshberg, M.L. Barton, & C. Regan, 1994), and infant–mother attachment was assessed through the Strange Situation procedure (M.D.S. Ainsworth, M. Blehar, E. Waters, & S. Wall, 1978) when infants were 13 months old. There was substantial discordance between maternal and infant classifications, although a significant concordance rate was found when classifications were collapsed into balanced/secure and nonbalanced/insecure groups based on prenatal representations and postnatal infant attachment groups (60%; χ2 = 6.90, p < .01; κ .20). As expected, discordance between maternal representations and infant–mother attachment was meaningfully related to contextual risk factors, maternal depression, and infant behaviors.
Synthesis and Spectral Properties of Novel Poly(disubstituted acetylene)s
Authors: Duchoslavová Zuzana , Sivkova Radoslava , Hanková Vladimíra , Sedláček Jan , Svoboda Jan , Vohlídal Jiří , Zedník Jiří
Published: June 2011

The synthesis of mostly new acetylenes, R1CCR2, (R1 = 4‐t‐butylphenyl; R2 = 4‐t‐butylphenyl; 4‐[(t‐butyl)(diphenyl)silyloxy]phenyl; 1‐naphthyl; 2‐naphthyl; 9‐anthryl) is reported. Their UV‐vis characteristics are discussed in comparison to the results of TD‐DFT calculations. R1CCR2 (except for R2 = 9‐anthryl) give polyacetylenic polymers—[C(R1) = C(R2)]‐n, insoluble if R1 = R2 and well soluble if R1 ≠ R2 in polymerization with TaCl5/SnBu4. Polymerizability increases with increasing monomer triple bond accessibility for the catalyst. The photoluminescence yield of the soluble polymers rises in the R2 order: 1‐naphthyl < 2‐naphthyl < 4‐[(t‐butyl)(diphenyl)silyloxy]phenyl.

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Older consumers' Tv home shopping: Loneliness, parasocial interaction, and perceived convenience
Authors: Lim Chae Mi , Kim Youn‐Kyung
Published: June 2011

This study examined factors that affect consumer satisfaction with TV shopping by investigating both convenience‐ and emotion‐related variables. Data were obtained from 295 online surveys with TV home shoppers who were 60 years and older. The structural model revealed (1) a positive effect of lack of shopping mobility on loneliness and perceived convenience of TV shopping, (2) a positive effect of loneliness on parasocial interaction, and (3) positive effects of parasocial interaction and perceived convenience on satisfaction with TV shopping. Results provide implications for TV shopping networks and producers. Parasocial interaction can be utilized to enhance the consumer experience by alleviating older consumers' loneliness, which ultimately leads to their satisfaction. Furthermore, convenience benefits of TV shopping can be emphasized to attract older consumers who have limited shopping mobility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterned Hydrophilization of Nanoporous 1,2‐PB by Thiol‐ene Photochemistry
Authors: Berthold Anton , Sagar Kaushal , Ndoni Sokol
Published: June 2011

We present an efficient method for functionalizing the large polymer–air interface of a gyroid nanoporous polymer. The hydrophilicity of nanoporous cross‐linked 1,2‐polybutadiene is tuned by thiol‐ene photo‐grafting of mercaptosuccinic acid or sodium 2‐mercaptoethanesulfonate. The reaction is monitored by FT‐IR, UV–Vis, contact angle, and gravimetry. Overall quantum yields are calculated for the two thiol‐ene “click” reactions in nano‐confinement, neatly revealing their chain‐like nature. Top–down photolithographic patterning is demonstrated, realizing hydrophilic nanoporous “corridors” exclusively hosting water. The presented approach can be relevant for many applications where, e.g., high control and contrast in hydrophilicity, chemical functionality or refractive index are needed.

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Thermoreversibly Crosslinked Poly(ε‐caprolactone) as Recyclable Shape‐Memory Polymer Network
Authors: Defize Thomas , Riva Raphaël , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Dubois Philippe , Jérôme Christine , Alexandre Michaël
Published: June 2011

A new concept to build shape memory polymers (SMP) combining outstanding fixity and recovery ratios (both above 99% after only one training cycle) typical of chemically crosslinked SMPs with reprocessability restricted to physically crosslinked SMPs is demonstrated by covalently bonding, through thermoreversible Diels–Alder (DA) adducts, star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactones) (PCL) end‐functionalized by furan and maleimide moieties. A PCL network is easily prepared by melt‐blending complementary end‐functional star polymers in retro DA regime, then by curing at lower temperature to favour the DA cycloaddition. Such covalent network can be reprocessed when heated again at the retro DA temperature. The resulting SMP shows still excellent shape memory properties attesting for its good recyclability.

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Long‐Term management of DBS in dystonia: Response to stimulation, adverse events, battery changes, and special considerations
Authors: Tagliati Michele , Krack Paul , Volkmann Jens , Aziz Tipu , Krauss Joachim K. , Kupsch Andreas , Vidailhet and Marie
Published: June 2011

Multiple independent case series have documented sustained benefit of bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) up to 3 years in patients with primary dystonia. Growing evidence exists for positive outcomes extending up to 10 years. The beneficial effects from DBS are usually reported to be stable, thus requiring little long‐term modifications of the parameters of stimulation. Speech and swallowing abnormalities are less responsive than other dystonic symptoms. Symptom exacerbation after initial benefit has been reported in a few cases. It is not known whether this is related to potential tolerance or habituation to stimulation or to progression of the underlying disease. Failures of pallidal DBS, at least in primary dystonia patients, should not be accepted without further re‐evaluation of each individual case, including possible revisions of the electrode location. Both hardware‐ and stimulation‐related adverse effects, including insufficient relief of speech function, have been reported in the long‐term. Despite early reports suggesting that hardware problems might be more frequent in dystonia, more recent studies did not confirm these observations. In patients with severe segmental (e.g., axial) or generalized dystonia, sudden cessation of stimulation may become a medical emergency and should be anticipated changing the neurostimulator before its natural end of life. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Early postoperative management of DBS in dystonia: Programming, response to stimulation, adverse events, medication changes, evaluations, and troubleshooting
Authors: Kupsch Andreas , Tagliati Michele , Vidailhet Marie , Aziz Tipu , Krack Paul , Moro Elena , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: June 2011

Early postoperative management in deep brain stimulation–treated patients with dystonia differs from that of patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, mainly due to the usually delayed effects of deep brain stimulation and the heterogenous clinical manifestation and etiologies of dystonia. The present chapter summarizes the available data about and concentrates on practical clinical aspects of early postoperative management in deep brain stimulation–treated patients with dystonia. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Diet high in oat β‐glucan activates the gut‐hypothalamic (PYY3–36‐NPY) axis and increases satiety in diet‐induced obesity in mice
Authors: Huang Xu‐Feng , Yu Yinghua , Beck Eleanor J. , South Tim , Li Yulin , Batterham Marijka J. , Tapsell Linda C. , Chen Jiezhong
Published: June 2011

This study tested the effects of (1→3),(1→4) β‐D‐glucan from oats, on activation of the gut‐hypothalamic (PYY3–36‐NPY) axis, satiety, and weight loss in diet‐induced obesity (DIO) mice.

DIO mice were fed standard lab chow diets or varied doses of β‐glucan for 6 weeks. Energy intake, satiety, body weight changes and peptide Y‐Y3‐36 (PYY3‐36) were measured together with a satiety test and measurement of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc). The average energy intake (‐13%, p<0.05) and body weight gain was lower with increasing β‐glucan over 6 wk with acute suppression of energy intake over 4 h. The highest β‐glucan diet significantly increased plasma PYY3‐36, with suppression of Arc NPY mRNA.
Enrichment of peptides containing consensus sequence by an enzymatic approach for targeted analysis ofproteins
Authors: Wang Chunli , Ye Mingliang , Han Guanghui , Chen Rui , Zhang Manyu , Jiang Xinning , Cheng Kai , Wang Fangjun , Zou Hanfa
Published: June 2011

Multiple residues with consensus sequence, i.e. motif, on proteins are closely related to protein function. However, there is no effective method for targeted analysis of such proteins. The challenge for analysis of these classes of proteins by MS is how to selectively enrich peptides containing consensus sequence from protein digest. Although enrichment of peptides containing one type of amino acid residue was successfully achieved by chemically labeling followed by chromatographic isolation, however, it is almost impossible to label and isolate signature peptides containing multiple residues with consensus sequence by chemical approach. Herein, we developed an enzymatic approach based on the specific recognition between enzyme and its substrates to enrich such peptides. This approach was realized by modification of a residue in the consensus sequence via enzyme that can recognize the sequence followed by the isolation of the modified peptides. cAMP‐dependent protein kinase was used to validate this approach and 168 peptides containing consensus motif were identified with selectivity of 67.2%. Those peptides resulted in the identification of 88 proteins with consensus sequence from serum sample. As this motif‐oriented peptide enrichment approach allows targeted analysis of a subset of proteins with consensus sequence, it will have broad application in biological studies.
Novel high‐performance polymer memory devices containing (OMe)2tetraphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine moieties
Authors: CHen Chih‐Jung , Yen Hung‐Ju , Chen Wen‐Chang , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: June 2011

The functional polyimide (OMe)2TPPA‐6FPI (PI) and the polyamide (OMe)2TPPA‐6FPA (PA) consisting of electron‐donating N,N′‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐N,N′‐di(4‐methoxylphenyl)1,4‐phenylenediamine [(OMe)2TPPA‐diamine] for memory application were prepared in this study. These polyimide and polyamide memory devices were fabricated with the sandwich configuration of indium tin oxide (ITO)/polymer/Al, and could be switched from the initial low‐conductivity (OFF) state to the high‐conductivity (ON) state with high ON/OFF current ratios of 107 and 109, respectively. PI exhibited dynamic random access memory (DRAM) performance, whereas PA showed static random access memory (SRAM) behavior. To get more insight into the memory behaviors of these two different types of polymer memory devices, molecular simulation on the basic unit was carried out. Furthermore, the differences of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) charge density isosurfaces, dipole moment, and linkage conformation between PI and PA were found to affect the volatile memory behavior. Both polymer memory devices revealed excellent stability with long operation time of 104 s at continuous applied voltage of ‐2 V. The effect of polymer thickness on the volatile memory behavior of PA was also investigated in this study. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Comparison of the transient stress–strain response of rubber to its linear dynamic behavior
Authors: Mott Peter H. , Twigg Jeffrey N. , Michael Roland C. , Nugent Kenneth E. , Hogan Terry E. , Robertson Christopher G.
Published: June 2011

Master curves of the small strain and dynamic shear modulus are compared with the transient mechanical response of rubbers stretched at ambient temperature over a seven‐decade range of strain rates (10−4 to 103 s−1). The experiments were carried out on 1,4‐ and 1,2‐polybutadienes and a styrene–butadiene copolymer. These rubbers have respective glass transition temperatures, Tg, equal to −93.0, 0.5, and 4.1 °C, so that the room temperature measurements probed the rubbery plateau, the glass transition zone, and the onset of the glassy state. For the 1,4‐polybutadiene, in accord with previous results, strain and strain rate effects were decoupled (additive). For the other two materials, encroachment of the segmental dynamics precluded separation of the effects of strain and rate. These results show that for rubbery polymers near Tg the use of linear dynamic data to predict stresses, strain energies, and other mechanical properties at higher strain rates entails large error. For example, the strain rate associated with an upturn in the modulus due to onset of the glass transition was three orders of magnitude higher for large tensile strains than for linear oscillatory shear strains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Enhanced Activity of Non‐Noble Metal Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Using Low Temperature Plasma Treatment
Authors: Wirth Sebastian , Harnisch Falk , Quade Antje , Brüser Manuela , Brüser Volker , Schröder Uwe , Savastenko Natalie A.
Published: June 2011

Low‐temperature plasma treatment is shown to be efficient for the preparation of non‐noble metal (iron(II)phthalocyanine, FePc) based electrocatalysts for ORR. Preparation procedures include the treatment of FePc‐based catalysts using Ar‐, N2‐ and NH3‐plasma as well as prior plasma pretreatment of the catalyst support. The effect of plasma pretreatment of the catalyst support was studied for subsequent plasma treated and pyrolyzed catalysts. The electrocatalytic activity of the pyrolyzed catalysts was increased 5‐fold by plasma pretreatment of catalyst support. The enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity can be ascribed to two joint features: an increased of specific surface area of the catalyst material and improved FePc dispersion on the surface of the pretreated supports.

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Determination of Atomic Oxygen in Atmospheric Plasma from Oxygen Isotope Exchange
Authors: Schiorlin Milko , Marotta Ester , Kim Hyun‐Ha , Paradisi Cristina , Ogata Atsushi
Published: June 2011

Oxygen scrambling is observed when a 1:1 mixture of 16O2 and 18O2 in nitrogen/helium buffer (total O2: 5–20%) is treated at atmospheric pressure in a surface discharge plasma reactor. The statistical isotope distribution (16O2/18O2/16O18O = 1:1:2) is achieved with a very low SIE (i.e., the energy per unit volume). This process, implemented by kinetic simulations, is proposed as a chemical probe for the determination of the average O‐atom density in atmospheric plasmas. It was found that, within the explored composition range (5–20% O2 in N2/He buffer), the average O‐atom density increases with SIE, while it decreases with increasing content of O2 in the gas being treated. In contrast, an opposite trend is observed for ozone production, which increases with the concentration of O2 in the treated gas. These observations are consistent with the known reaction of O‐atoms with O2 to form ozone, which, at constant total pressure, is expected to favor ozone production as the concentration of O2 is increased.

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The short‐range order of ions in clay minerals: Sm3+ coordination
Authors: Sobolev Oleg , Cuello Gabriel J. , Scheinost Andreas C. , Johnson Mark R. , Nikitenko Sergey , Le Forestier Lydie , Brendle Jocelyne , Charlet Laurent
Published: June 2011

Experimental techniques as neutron diffraction (ND) with isotopic substitution (NDIS), extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are usually applied to the study of non‐crystalline solids, but they are also very useful for the study of complex systems, where the short range order provides an insight of its structure and dynamics. Here, they are used in the study of the coordination of the Sm3+ in the interlayer of hydrated synthetic montmorillonite and hectorite. The ND results indicate that not all oxygen atoms in the first coordination shell of the Sm3+ belong to water molecules, supporting the formation of the Sm3+ inner‐sphere complex. On the other hand, the other techniques suggest that the adsorbed Sm3+ cations form outer‐sphere complexes with the clay surface. The hypothesis making compatible all results is that there are different Sm species adsorbed in the clay interlayer: a part of Sm is in the Sm3+ cationic form, forming outer‐sphere adsorption complexes, another part is hydrolyzed and present in the interlayer space as Sm(OH)2+, ${\rm Sm(OH)}_{2}^{ + } $, or ${\rm Sm(OH)}_{3}^{0} $ species. The latter are more hydrophobic than Sm3+ cations and can be dehydrated and are able to stick to the clay surface.
Liquid‐immersion laser micromachining of GaN trenches and its application in device fabrication
Authors: Mak Giuseppe Y. , Lam Edmund Y. , Choi H. W.
Published: June 2011

Trench formation for device isolation on GaN light‐emitting diode (LED) wafer via nanosecond pulsed laser micromachining in deionized (DI) water is demonstrated. The basis of this technique relies on the large difference between the ablation thresholds of GaN and sapphire, so that the ablation can automatically terminate at the GaN/sapphire interface to produce a smooth and tapered trench. Compared with micromachining in ambient air, re‐deposition and re‐solidification of ablated material on the sidewalls are found to be greatly reduced in DI water. In addition, liquid immersion admits a larger focus offset tolerance and a better control of the trench width through adjustment of pulse energy. As an application in rapid device prototyping, a 5 × 7 dot‐matrix microdisplay with laser‐micromachined trenches for pixel separation is demonstrated, illustrating the effectiveness of this processing technique (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of different models of non‐local impact ionization for low noise avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Marsland John S.
Published: June 2011

The dead space model of non‐local impact ionization has been developed independently by three different research groups in order to include a ‘soft’ dead space. This paper seeks to compare these models for the first time. The models are fitted to Monte Carlo simulation data (both non‐local ionization coefficients and the ionization pathlength pdf) and it is found that there are no significant differences between the models except that the Liverpool model cannot be used to fit one data set which has a very soft dead space. Likewise the models give very similar results when used to calculate the excess noise factor for low noise avalanche photodiodes. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polymer–polymorphoid nature of relaxation processes in liquid and vitreous SiO2
Authors: Minaev V. S. , Timoshenkov S. P. , Kalugin V. V.
Published: June 2011

On the basis of the concept of polymer–polymorphoid structure of glass and glass‐forming liquid the experimental data are analyzed which are connected with structural and relaxation processes in condensed SiO2. It is shown that all relaxation processes in liquid and vitreous silica have a uniform physical‐chemical nature – interconversion of structure fragments (polymorphoids) of the various crystal polymorphic modifications that do not have translational symmetry (long‐range order), copolymerized to a greater or lesser extent, accordingly, in vitreous or liquid state. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atomic layer deposition of TiO2 and Al‐doped TiO2 films on Ir substrates for ultralow leakage currents
Authors: Kim Seong Keun , Han Sora , Han Jeong Hwan , Lee Woongkyu , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2011

TiO2 and Al‐doped TiO2 (ATO) films were grown on Ir substrates by atomic layer deposition using O3 as the oxygen source. With increasing O3 feeding time, the crystalline structure of the TiO2 films was transformed from anatase to rutile. Above an O3 feeding time of 35 s, the films crystallized as only rutile due to the formation of IrO2 layer at the interface. The TiO2 and ATO films showed higher dielectric constants of 78 and 51, respectively. The films on Ir showed superior leakage properties compared to the films on Ru due to the high work‐function of Ir. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Infrared spectra of charge‐solvated versus salt‐bridge conformations of glycine‐, serine‐, and cysteine‐Ca2+complexes
Authors: Corral Inés , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: June 2011

The structure, relative stability, and anharmonic vibrational frequencies of the most stable complexes between glycine, serine, and cysteine with Ca2+have been calculated by means of DFT approaches. The global minimum of the potential energy surface for glycine‐Ca2+complex corresponds to the salt‐bridge (SB) form, whereas for serine‐ and cysteine‐Ca2+complexes is a charge‐solvated (CS) structure in which the metal dication is bound to the carbonyl group of the acidic function, the amino group and the OH (SH) group of the alcohol (enethiol) function. The energy gap between the CS global minimum and the SB form decreases significantly on going from serine to cysteine. Hence, for the latter both CS and SB forms could coexist in the gas phase mainly at high temperatures. Anharmonicity effects are lower than 10%, and do not affect significantly the assignment of the fundamental vibrational modes. The calculated infrared spectra of the SB and CS forms of glycine‐, serine‐, and cysteine‐Ca2+complexes show very distinctive characteristics, which should permit to unambiguously characterize them by IR multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) techniques. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Changes in Metabolic Profile and Adipoinsular Axis in Morbidly Obese Premenopausal Females Treated with Restrictive Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Marantos Georgios , Daskalakis Markos , Karkavitsas Nikolaos , Matalliotakis Ioannis , Papadakis John A. , Melissas John
Published: June 2011

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of surgically induced weight loss on the metabolic profile and adipocytokine levels in premenopausal morbidly obese females.

Methods

Twenty premenopausal morbidly obese (MO) women with a median age of 34 years (range: 24–48 years) and a median body mass index (BMI) of 41.47 kg/m2 (range: 38.0–56.73 kg/m2) were studied (13 women underwent gastric banding and 7 women underwent sleeve gastrectomy). In addition, 20 lean premenopausal women with a median age of 32 years (range: 22–44 years) and a median BMI of 20.0 kg/m2 (range: 18.5–24.7 kg/m2) were also studied. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic parameters were analyzed in each patient, along with changes in leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) before surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Comparisons with the reference normal‐weight subjects were also performed.

Results

Both weight and BMI were found to be significantly decreased postoperatively. A 54.5% loss of excess BMI was observed 12 months after surgery, and was associated with significant improvement in all anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Twelve months after surgery we also observed decreased levels of serum leptin, resistin, and IL‐6; increased levels of serum adiponectin; and a remarkable improvement in metabolic syndrome markers. Furthermore, postoperative serum resistin and IL‐6 levels were found to reach those of normal‐weight volunteers.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that weight loss through restrictive bariatric surgery results in a significant reduction in leptin, resistin, and IL‐6 levels, and an increase in adiponectin levels, in addition to improving insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid homeostasis in young morbidly obese female patients. These changes were significantly correlated with the magnitude of weight loss.
Low-molecular-weight fucoidan regulates myogenic differentiation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in C2C12 cells
Authors: Kim Kui-Jin , Lee Ok-Hwan , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: June 2011

Low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMWF) has been broadly studied in recent years due to its numerous biological properties. Nevertheless, there have been no reports about the effects of LMWF on myogenic differentiation (MyoD). The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the impact of LMWF on myogenesis in C2C12 cells. The ultimate aim was to establish whether LMWF regulates myogenesis similar to heparin as a partial regulator of myogenesis. LMWF was prepared at a minimal size by ultra-filtration compared with crude fucoidan. We treated C2C12 cells with LMWF and/or heparin during MyoD. The data from the present study are the first to suggest that LMWF suppresses the expression of the myogenic regulatory factors and the myocyte enhancer factors as well as the morphological changes that occur during differentiation. Additionally, the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family was significantly inhibited by LMWF when compared with controls. The LMWF-treated group showed significantly decreased expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) enzymes compared with control cells. Heparin was used as a positive control because it has been reported to activate MyoD. Taken together, these results suggest that LMWF might regulate MyoD through the MAPK pathway and by regulating ROS activity in C2C12 cells.
On the number of holomorphic mappings between Riemann surfaces of finite analytic type
Authors: Imayoshi Yoichi , Ito Manabu , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

The set of non-constant holomorphic mappings between two given compact Riemann surfaces of genus greater than 1 is always finite. This classical statement was made by de Franchis. Furthermore, bounds on the cardinality of the set depending only on the genera of the surfaces have been obtained by a number of mathematicians. The analysis is carried over in this paper to the case of Riemann surfaces of finite analytic type (i.e. compact Riemann surfaces minus a finite set of points) so that the finiteness result, together with a crude but explicit bound depending only on the topological data, may be extended for the number of holomorphic mappings between such surfaces.
Idempotent-generated semigroups and pseudovarieties
Authors: Almeida J. , Moura A.
Published: June 2011

The operator that constructs the pseudovariety generated by the idempotent-generated semi-groups of a given pseudovariety is investigated. Several relevant examples of pseudovarieties generated by their idempotent-generated elements are given, as well as some properties of this operator. Particular attention is paid to the pseudovarieties in {J, R, L, DA} concerning this operator and their generator ranks and idempotent-generator ranks.
Factorization of the canonical bases for higher-level Fock spaces
Authors: Ariki Susumu , Jacon Nicolas , Lecouvey Cédric
Published: June 2011

The level l Fock space admits canonical bases $\mathcal{G}_{e}$ and $\smash{\mathcal{G}_{\infty}}$. They correspond to $\smash{\mathcal{U}_{v}(\widehat{\mathfrak{sl}}_{e})}$ and $\mathcal{U}_{v}({\mathfrak{sl}}_{\infty})$-module structures. We establish that the transition matrices relating these two bases are unitriangular with coefficients in ℕ[v]. Restriction to the highest-weight modules generated by the empty l-partition then gives a natural quantization of a theorem by Geck and Rouquier on the factorization of decomposition matrices which are associated to Ariki–Koike algebras.
The Controversies on Fascism in Colonial Korea in the early 1930s
Authors: TIKHONOV VLADIMIR
Published: June 2011

The paper deals with the trends of fascist and fascist-like right-wing social and political thought in colonial Korea in the early 1930s. It shows that in the 1920s, Korea's right wing, its ability to reach out to the masses being severely limited, preferred mostly conciliatory tactics in its relationship with leftist radicals, often making efforts towards inventing ‘hybrid’ ideologies which would integrate the leftist social concerns into the mainstream religious or nationalist constructions (an example of such a hybrid were various Korean versions of Christian socialism). After the Great Depression, however, Korea's nascent bourgeoisie felt more threatened and became more interested in keeping abreast with right-wing extremist trends in the mother country (Japan) and elsewhere. Such representative ideologists of the Korean propertied class as Yun Ch'iho and Yi Kwangsu were praising Mussolini and employing strong Social Darwinist language in their exhortations to the Korean people to ‘regain their vitality and develop [a] spirit of collectivism, obedience and self-sacrifice’. However, until the very end of the 1930s many of Korea's right-wing ideologues remained pronouncedly religious (Yun as Christian, Yi as Buddhist). While highlighting the religious essentials of their worldviews they often abstained from imitating the most extremist traits of European fascist ideologies (for example, anti-Semitism). In many ways, Korea's fascism continued until the end of the 1930s to be an intellectual discourse rather than a mass movement, and retained a strong aura of belonging to more mainstream religious or nationalist traditions.