bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource geographies 1
Authors: Bridge Gavin
Published: November 2010

This progress report is the first in a series of three on resource geographies, and reflects a renewed interest within human geography and cognate disciplines in classic resource questions of scarcity, access and governance. It focuses on carbon, an element which is fast becoming a common denominator for thinking about the organization of social life in relation to the environment. The report examines how researchers are applying one of resource geography’s principle tenets - that so-called ‘natural resources' are an outcome of political, economic and cultural work - to understand the resource-making processes associated with the ‘carbon economy’. Significantly, it expands this term from its limited association with carbon markets and offsetting to encompass the ‘actually existing’ carbon economy associated with the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. By reading these ‘old’ and ‘new’ carbon economies together, the report considers the making of carbon resources as they extend from the upstream, extractive end of the hydrocarbon commodity chain to the emission, capture and sequestration of carbon downstream. It harnesses the reductionism inherent to ‘carbon’ - its capacity to put apparently different entities on the same page - in order to identify commonalities and connections between the old and new carbon economies that are ordinarily overlooked. The report is organized around three core ‘logics' of resource making that can be identified in recent work: economy, territory and subject formation.
Response to Antonsich: The role of history
Authors: Elden Stuart
Published: November 2010

This response to Marco Antonsich focuses on a few key issues. Contrary to the suggestion that I focus more on a term than an idea, or that my way of working is mere etymology or philology, I stress the importance of thinking the relation between words, concepts and practices. To look at any one alone is misleading and historically impoverished. I further underline the historical-conceptual question when thinking how to account for what Antonsich calls ‘territorial formations’ before territory. I suggest that to be faithful to these political-spatial arrangements we do need to be terminologically precise, and not import later words or conceptions into our understanding of them. Finally I discuss Antonsich’s proposed notion of ‘the territorial’ and my supposed neglect of the social: again I insist on the role of history in any adequate political theory of territory.
Making links: On (re)engaging with transport and transport geography
Authors: Shaw Jon , Sidaway James D.
Published: November 2010

Recent reviews have suggested a vibrancy and diversity in transport geography. But these articles were the first progress reports on transport geography since 1988, indicating how the field has been relatively marginal to broader disciplinary debates. Meanwhile, a lively literature on mobilities has developed. In these contexts and as a supplement to the recent progress reports, a review of otherwise largely distinct fields reminds us how transport as a critical component of inquiry in geography is frequently taken for granted. We invite a re-engagement with transport and transport geography that opens fresh tracks for human geography.
Biochemical changes in the kidney and liver of rats following administration of ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaves
Authors: Adeyemi OS , Akanji MA
Published: November 2010

Furtherance to a previous report on the anti-trypanosomal properties of Psidium guajava aqueous leaf extract in rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei, we have evaluated the effects of the daily intraperitoneal administration of P. guajava leaf extract to rats on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the kidney, liver and serum. The results obtained revealed that the administration of the extract produced significant increase in the serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP and ACP when compared with the control ( p < 0.05). Also AST, ALT and ALP and ACP activities in the tissues of animals administered the extract revealed inconsistent changes ( p < 0.05) relative to control. The increase in the serum activity of ALP may be an indicator that there was a likely compromise to the integrity of the plasma membrane as a result of the ethanolic extract administration. This could have caused leakages of the other enzymes investigated, which may explain the corresponding increases in the serum activities of AST, ALT and ACP observed.
Lethal morphine intoxication in a patient with a sickle cell crisis and renal impairment: Case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Lagas Jurjen S , Wagenaar Jiri FP , Huitema Alwin DR , Hillebrand Michel JX , Koks Cornelis HW , Gerdes Victor EA , Brandjes Desiderius PM , Beijnen Jos H
Published: November 2010

Morphine-6-glucuronide, the active metabolite of morphine, and to a lesser extent morphine itself are known to accumulate in patients with renal failure. A number of cases on non-lethal morphine toxicity in patients with renal impairment report high plasma concentrations of morphine-6-glucuronide, suggesting that this metabolite achieves sufficiently high brain concentrations to cause long-lasting respiratory depression, despite its poor central nervous system penetration. We report a lethal morphine intoxication in a 61-year-old man with sickle cell disease and renal impairment, and we measured concentrations of morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide in blood, brain and cerebrospinal fluid. There were no measurable concentrations of morphine-6-glucuronide in cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue, despite high blood concentrations. In contrast, the relatively high morphine concentration in the brain suggests that morphine itself was responsible for the cardiorespiratory arrest in this patient. Given the fatal outcome, we recommend to avoid repeated or continuous morphine administration in renal failure.
The Use and Added Value of Mixed Methods in Management Research
Authors: Molina-Azorίn José F.
Published: November 2010

The prevalence, characteristics, and added value of mixed methods articles published in two management fields are examined through a sequential mixed methods design with four phases. The results show that mixed methods articles are published in management journals with different prevalence rates and characteristics. Moreover, an analysis of the impact and added value of mixed methods to the field of management is carried out. Implications for scholars, academic institutions, and journals with regard to the application and publication of mixed methods research are examined.
Digital gene expression tag profiling of bat digits provides robust candidates contributing to wing formation
Authors: Wang Zhe , Dong Dong , Ru Binghua , Young Rebecca L , Han Naijian , Guo Tingting , Zhang Shuyi
Published: November 2010

Background

As the only truly flying mammals, bats use their unique wing - consisting of four elongated digits (digits II-V) connected by membranes - to power their flight. In addition to the elongated digits II-V, the forelimb contains one shorter digit (digit I) that is morphologically similar to the hindlimb digits. Here, we capitalized on the morphological variation among the bat forelimb digits to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying digit elongation and wing formation. Using next generation sequencing technology, we performed digital gene expression tag profiling (DGE-tag profiling) of developing digits in a pooled sample of two Myotis ricketti and validated our sequencing results using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) of gene expression in the developing digits of two Hipposideros armiger.

Results

Among hundreds of genes exhibiting significant differences in expression between the short and long digits, we highlight 14 genes most related to digit elongation. These genes include two Tbx genes (Tbx3 and Tbx15), five BMP pathway genes (Bmp3, RGMB, Smad1, Smad4 and Nog), four Homeobox genes (Hoxd8, Hoxd9, Hoxa1 and Satb1), and three other genes (Twist1, Tmeff2 and Enpp2) related to digit malformations or cell proliferation. In addition, our results suggest that Tbx4 and Pitx2 contribute to the morphological similarity and five genes (Acta1, Tnnc2, Atp2a1, Hrc and Myoz1) contribute to the functional similarity between the thumb and hindlimb digits.

Conclusions

Results of this study not only implicate many developmental genes as robust candidates underlying digit elongation and wing formation in bats, but also provide a better understanding of the genes involved in autopodial development in general.
Opening up or Closing Down Radioactive Waste Management Policy? Debates on Reversibility and Retrievability in Finland, France, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Lehtonen Markku
Published: November 2010

The possibilities of recovering radioactive waste deposited for final disposal (retrievability), and of reversing decisions concerning the management of the waste (reversibility) have emerged as central issues on the policymaking agenda in a number of countries. Calls for reversibility and retrievability (R&R) have emanated mainly from civil society and politicians, and have subsequently, and to varying degrees in different countries, been translated into technical and administrative solutions. This paper examines the ways in which R&R have been dealt with in the national‐level radioactive waste management (RWM) policies in France, Finland, and the UK, and examines the role of the debates around R&R in fostering deliberative democracy. The focus of the analysis is on the participatory and deliberative planning and decision‐making processes instigated by the state and the nuclear industry. The paper argues that in France and the UK the broad societal debates over the years concerning R&R have to a certain degree contributed to an “opening up” of the RWM policymaking to new options and new actors. In Finland, by contrast, R&R were addressed briefly, as an essentially technico‐economic issue, with a rapid closure of the debate around the notion that retrievability had been ensured in the RWM company's original disposal concept. The paper identifies three factors that may, apart from the strict administrative and legislative framework governing the Finnish RWM policy, help to explain the differences between the three countries in general and the Finnish “exceptionality” in particular: the control of knowledge production in the area of RWM, the degree of trust in public institutions, and the credibility and status of nongovernmental organizations.
Supervisor Discretion in Target Setting: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bol Jasmijn C. , Keune Timothy M. , Matsumura Ella Mae , Shin Jae Yong
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: In a setting in which corporate headquarters dictates total sales targets, we study how supervisors allocate sales targets to individual stores. Specifically, we analyze whether supervisors strategically use discretion in the target-setting process to address compensation contracting issues. We first examine whether supervisors use discretion to manage compensation risk. The results are consistent with the agency-theoretic prediction that supervisors provide easier targets to stores facing higher levels of store-specific risk. Next, we examine whether discretion is used to mitigate fairness concerns. The results suggest that, consistent with behavioral arguments, supervisors use discretion to deal with fairness issues, even if the area of the supervisor’s discretion is not the source of the fairness concerns. Finally, we analyze whether supervisors use discretion in the target-setting process to reduce their potential confrontation costs. Consistent with research in psychology, we find that supervisors provide easier targets to store managers with relatively higher hierarchical status.
Discretion in Bonus Plans
Authors: Ederhof Merle
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines discretionary bonus payments by firms to senior-level executives. Interpreting discretionary bonuses as the result of implicit incentive contracts, I analyze an analytical model that includes a contractible and a non-contractible performance measure. The model yields the primary hypothesis that discretionary bonuses occur when the outcome of the contractible measure is either low or high, but not when the contractible outcome falls in the medium range. Based on a sample collected from public sources, I find empirical support for the notion that discretionary bonuses are paid based on non-contractible performance measures that are related to future financial performance. Moreover, discretionary bonus payments occur significantly more often when the contractible performance measure falls in the tails of the distribution. In contrast, I do not find support for the predictions that discretionary bonus payments are related to the manipulability of the contractible performance measures or that discretionary bonus payments are related to the power of the executives in the companies.
Do Supplementary Sales Forecasts Increase the Credibility of Financial Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts?
Authors: Keung Edmund C.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines whether the market reacts more strongly to earnings forecast revisions when financial analysts supplement their earnings forecasts with sales forecasts. I find that earnings forecast revisions supplemented with sales forecast revisions have a greater impact on security prices than do stand-alone earnings forecast revisions, controlling for the incremental information content in sales forecasts. Supplemented earnings forecasts are more accurate ex post, controlling for other individual analyst characteristics. Results are robust to controlling for earnings persistence and time effects. Taken as a whole, financial analysts are more likely to supplement their earnings forecasts with sales forecasts when they have better information. Supplementary sales forecasts appear to lend credibility to earnings forecasts because financial analysts provide sales forecasts when they are more informed.
Prison Privatization: The (Ir)Relevance of Accounting
Authors: Andrew Jane
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: In 2008, the New South Wales (NSW) Government announced its intention to privatize two of the State’s prisons. This was a significant change in policy, a move that was justified publicly on the grounds that it would produce significant cost savings. This paper explores the way costs have been referenced within the public discussion on prison privatization in NSW to provide a basis for the decision. Little externally verifiable evidence could be found to support the government’s claim that the proposed privatization would save tax-payer funds; instead, this work shows how justifications based on costs became self referential, taking on a life of their own. Given that there is little “real” evidence to argue the government’s policy was rational on cost grounds, this paper explores how references to costs in public debate can be used to justify and reinforce privatization decisions without significant critique.
Investors’ Expectations of the Improvement in the Credibility of Audit Opinions following PCAOB Inspection Reports with Identified Deficiencies
Authors: Robertson Jesse C. , Houston Richard W.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Following high-profile accounting scandals (e.g., Enron), Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The PCAOB conducts regular inspections of audit firms and issues inspection reports that describe audit deficiencies identified during the inspections. One purpose of these reports is to improve public confidence in auditor credibility. We conduct a between-subjects experiment to provide initial evidence concerning investors’ perceptions of audit opinion credibility following PCAOB inspections. While we find an overall increase in perceptions of the credibility of future audit opinions, the degree to which perceptions increase is a function of three salient characteristics of PCAOB reports. Specifically, we find that investors anticipate more (less) improvement in the credibility of future opinions when: (1) inspections contain high (low) severity deficiencies; (2) firms respond to the reports with concessions (denials); and (3) for small (large) firms. Further, investors’ assessment of the credibility of the firm’s response to the PCAOB report is higher for concessions than denials; response credibility fully mediates the effect of response type (concession or denial) on the perceived improvement in the credibility of future opinions. Therefore, the inspections may be a useful tool for improving the perceived credibility of audit opinions under certain conditions. Implications include the possibility that firms should consider carefully the nature of their responses and the PCAOB should consider establishing outreach programs to investors to educate them about its regulatory role.
Interactive Data Visualization: New Directions for Accounting Information Systems Research
Authors: Dilla William , Janvrin Diane J. , Raschke Robyn
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Many companies today utilize interactive data visualization to present accounting information to external users on their investor relations websites and to internal users in applications such as enterprise resource planning, Balanced Scorecard, network security, and fraud detection systems. We develop a taxonomy for examining the current state of interactive data visualization research related to accounting decision making. We organize our review around three themes: the relationship between task characteristics and interactive data visualization techniques, the relationship between decision maker characteristics and interactive data visualization techniques, and the impact of interactive data visualization techniques on decision processes and outcomes. The review categorizes relevant research, describes the research questions addressed, and suggests avenues for further research.
Development of intron targeting (IT) markers for potato and cross‐species amplification in Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae)
Authors: Poczai Péter , Cernák István , Gorji Ahmad Mosapour , Nagy Sándor , Taller János , Polgár Zsolt
Published: November 2010

• Premise of the study: Intron Targeting (IT) primers were developed for potato using expressed sequence tags (EST) and NCBI database records to study genetic diversity.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐nine polymorphic intron targeting (IT) markers were generated and characterized from 30 samples of potato and 22 samples of Solanum nigrum to detect polymorphism. The number of alleles (A) per locus ranged from 2 to 7 in the analyzed populations, and the observed heterozygosity (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) from 0 to 0.833 and 0.750, respectively. All of the primers also amplified in the related species S. nigrum.

• Conclusions: The developed markers will provide valuable tools for genetic diversity analysis, genetic mapping, and marker‐assisted breeding of potato and related Solanum species.
Regulation of Follicular B Cell Differentiation by the Related E26 Transformation-Specific Transcription Factors PU.1, Spi-B, and Spi-C
Authors: DeKoter Rodney P. , Geadah Marc , Khoosal Sonam , Xu Li S. , Thillainadesan Gobi , Torchia Joseph , Chin Shu Shien , Garrett-Sinha Lee Ann
Published: November 2010

Splenic B-2 cells can be divided into two major subsets: follicular (FO) and marginal zone (MZ) B cells. FO and MZ B cells are generated from immature transitional B cells. Few transcription factors have been identified that regulate FO B cell differentiation. The highly related proteins PU.1, Spi-B, and Spi-C are transcription factors of the E26-transformation-specific family and are important for B cell differentiation and function. To determine whether these proteins play a role in the differentiation of FO B cells, we performed a detailed analysis of splenic B cells in mice with inactivating mutations in the genes encoding PU.1 (Sfpi1) or Spi-B (Spib). Sfpi1+/− Spib−/− (PUB) mice had a 9-fold reduction in the frequency of CD23+ FO B cells compared with that of wild-type mice. In contrast, PUB mice had a 2-fold increase in the frequency of MZ B cells that was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Expression of Spi-C in Eμ-Spi-C transgenic PUB mice partially rescued frequencies of CD23+ B cells. Gene expression analysis, in vitro reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that transcription of the Fcer2a gene encoding CD23 is activated by PU.1, Spi-B, and Spi-C. These results demonstrate that FO B cell differentiation is regulated by the E26-transformation-specific transcription factors PU.1, Spi-B, and Spi-C.
The Different Extent of B and T Cell Immune Reconstitution after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Enzyme Replacement Therapies in SCID Patients with Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency
Authors: Serana Federico , Sottini Alessandra , Chiarini Marco , Zanotti Cinzia , Ghidini Claudia , Lanfranchi Arnalda , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Caimi Luigi , Imberti Luisa
Published: November 2010

The lack of adenosine deaminase (ADA) leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, resulting in SCID. If the disease is left untreated, it is likely to have a fatal outcome in early infancy. Because hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and enzyme replacement therapy with pegylated bovine ADA (PEG-ADA) are both provided in our hospital, we undertook a retrospective longitudinal comparative study of the extent of lymphocyte recovery in two groups of treated ADA-SCID children. Together with classical immunological parameters, we quantified the output of the new B and T cells from the production sites using the κ-deleting recombination excision circle and TCR excision circle assay, and we monitored T cell repertoire diversification. We found that immune reconstitution was different following the two treatments. The stable production of κ-deleting recombination excision circle+ lymphocytes sustained an increase in B cell number in HSCT-treated patients, whereas in PEG-ADA–treated patients, it was accompanied by a significant and progressive decrease in circulating CD19+ lymphocytes, which never reached the levels observed in age-matched children. The mobilization of TCR excision circle+ cells, though lower than in controls, was stable with time after HSCT treatment, leading to a constant peripheral T cell number and to the diversification of the T cell repertoire; however, it was compromised in children receiving prolonged PEG-ADA therapy, whose T cells showed progressively narrowing T cell repertoires.
Monocyte-Mediated Inhibition of TLR9-Dependent IFN-α Induction in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Questions Bacterial DNA as the Active Ingredient of Bacterial Lysates
Authors: Poth Jens M. , Coch Christoph , Busch Nicolas , Boehm Olaf , Schlee Martin , Janke Markus , Zillinger Thomas , Schildgen Oliver , Barchet Winfried , Hartmann Gunther
Published: November 2010

Bacterial DNA contains unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and is a potent ligand for TLR9. Bacterial DNA has been claimed the active ingredient in bacterial lysates used for immunotherapy. Whereas the detection of viral DNA by TLR9 expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) with subsequent IFN-α production is well defined, the role of bacterial DNA during microbial infection is less clear. In fact, IFN-α is not a hallmark of antibacterial immune responses. Unlike in mice, TLR9 expression in humans is restricted to PDCs and B cells; thus, conclusions from murine models of infection have limitations. In this study, we demonstrate that lysates of heat-killed Escherichia coli containing bacterial DNA induced IFN-α in isolated PDCs but not in the mixed cell populations of human PBMCs. Depletion of monocytes restored IFN-α secretion by PDCs within PBMCs. We found that monocyte-derived IL-10 and PGs contribute to monocyte-mediated inhibition of IFN-α release in PDCs. We conclude that human PDCs can be stimulated by bacterial DNA via TLR9; however, in the physiological context of mixed-cell populations, PDC activation is blocked by factors released from monocytes stimulated in parallel by other components of bacterial lysates such as LPS. This functional repression of PDCs by concomitantly stimulated monocytes avoids production of antiviral IFN-α during bacterial infection and thus explains how the innate immune system is enabled to distinguish bacterial from viral CpG DNA and thus to elicit the appropriate responses despite the presence of CpG DNA in both types of infection.
HLA-E and HLA-G Expression in Classical HLA Class I-Negative Tumors Is of Prognostic Value for Clinical Outcome of Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: de Kruijf Esther M. , Sajet Anita , van Nes Johanna G. H. , Natanov Russ , Putter Hein , Smit Vincent T. H. B. M. , Liefers Gerrit Jan , van den Elsen Peter J. , van de Velde Cornelis J. H. , Kuppen Peter J. K.
Published: November 2010

Nonclassical HLAs, HLA-E and HLA-G, are known to affect clinical outcome in various tumor types. We examined the clinical impact of HLA-E and HLA-G expression in early breast cancer patients, and related the results to tumor expression of classical HLA class I. Our study population (n = 677) consisted of all early breast cancer patients primarily treated with surgery in our center between 1985 and 1995. Tissue microarray sections of arrayed tumor and normal control material were immunohistochemically stained for HLA-E and HLA-G. For evaluation of HLA-E and HLA-G and the combined variable, HLA-EG, a binary score was used. Expression of classical HLA class I molecules was determined previously. HLA-E, HLA-G, and HLA-EG on breast tumors were classified as expression in 50, 60, and 23% of patients, respectively. Remarkably, only in patients with loss of classical HLA class I tumor expression, expression of HLA-E (p = 0.027), HLA-G (p = 0.035), or HLA-EG (p = 0.001) resulted in a worse relapse-free period. An interaction was found between classical and nonclassical HLA class I expression (p = 0.002), suggestive for a biological connection. We have demonstrated that, next to expression of classical HLA class I, expression of HLA-E and HLA-G is an important factor in the prediction of outcome of breast cancer patients. These results provide further evidence that breast cancer is immunogenic, but also capable of evading tumor eradication by the host’s immune system, by up- or downregulation of HLA class Ia and class Ib loci.
Transcendental Nature of Special Values of L-Functions
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Ram Murty M. , Rath Purusottam
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we study the non-vanishing and transcendence of special values of a varying class of L-functions and their derivatives. This allows us to investigate the transcendence of Petersson norms of certain weight one modular forms.
Antibacterial, spectral and thermal aspects of some novel first transition metal‐based heterochelates
Authors: Oza Kaushal K. , Jani Darshan H. , Patel Hasmukh S.
Published: November 2010

A new ligand, 5‐{[5‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐ylthio]methyl}quinoline‐8‐ol (K), was synthesized by base‐catalysed reaction of 5‐chloromethyl‐8‐hydroxy quinoline (CMQ) and 5‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol. The obtained ligand K was characterized by1H NMR,13C NMR and IR spectroscopic techniques and reacted with transition metal salts to afford metal‐containing heterochelates. The structures of the synthesized heterochelates were characterized using elemental analyses, infrared spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements, FAB mass spectrum and thermogravimetric analyses. The kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n) and the energy of activation (Ea) are reported using the Freeman–Carroll method. The pre‐exponential factor (A), the activation entropy (ΔS#), the activation enthalpy (ΔH#) and the free energy of activation (ΔG#) were calculated. Heterochelates were also screened for theirin vitroantibacterial activity against a range of Gram‐positive (Bacillus substilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Serratiamarcescens) organisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plastic microfluidic chip for continuous‐flow polymerase chain reaction: Simulations and experiments
Authors: Cao QingQing , Kim Min‐Cheol , Klapperich Catherine
Published: November 2010

A continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CF‐PCR) device comprises a single fluidic channel that is heated differentially to create spatial temperature variations such that a sample flowing through it experiences the thermal cycling required to induce amplification. This type of device can provide an effective means to detect the presence of a small amount of nucleic acid in very small sample volumes. CF‐PCR is attractive for global health applications due to its less stringent requirements for temperature control than for other designs. For mass production of inexpensive CF‐PCR devices, fabricationviathermoplastic molding will likely be necessary. Here we study the optimization of a PCR assay in a polymeric CF‐PCR device. Three channel designs, with varying residence time ratios for the three PCR steps (denaturation, annealing, and extension), were modeled, built, and tested. A standardized assay was run on the three different chips, and the PCR yields were compared. The temperature gradient profiles of the three designs and the residence times of simulated DNA molecules flowing through each temperature zone were predicted using computational methods. PCR performance predicted by simulation corresponded to experimental results. The effects of DNA template size and cycle time on PCR yield were also studied. The experiments and simulations presented here guided the CF‐PCR chip design and provide a model for predicting the performance of new CF‐PCR designs prior to actual chip manufacture, resulting in faster turn around time for new device and assay design. Taken together, this framework of combined simulation and experimental development has greatly reduced assay development time for CF‐PCR in our lab.
Electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry conformational analysis of isolated domains of an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Testa Lorenzo , Brocca Stefania , Šamalikova Maria , Santambrogio Carlo , Alberghina Lilia , Grandori Rita
Published: November 2010

The highly dynamic and heterogeneous molecular ensembles characterizing intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) in solution pose major challenges to the conventional methods for structural analysis. Electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) allows direct detection of distinct conformational components, effectively capturing also partially folded and short‐lived states. We report the description of two complementary fragments (1–186 and 187–284) of the IDP Sic1, a cyclin‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Structural heterogeneity is noted in both cases, but the two fragments reveal slightly different conformational properties. The results are consistent with previously reported differences between the two protein moieties and corroborate the feasibility of IDP conformational analysis by ESI‐MS.
The molecular structure and solution conformation of an acidic heteropolysaccharide from Auricularia auricula‐judae
Authors: Ma Zhaocheng , Zhang Lina , Nishiyama Yoshiharu , Marais Marie‐France , Mazeau Karim , Vignon Michel
Published: November 2010

A water soluble acidic heteropolysaccharide named WAF was isolated from Auricularia auricula‐judae by extracting with 0.9% NaCl solution. By using gas chromatography, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and NMR, its chemical structure was determined to be composed of a backbone of α‐(1→3)‐linked D‐mannopyranose residues with pendant side groups of β‐D‐xylose, β‐D‐glucose, or β‐D‐glucuronic acid at position O6 or O2. Six fractions prepared from WAF with a weight‐average molecular mass (Mw) between 5.9 × 104 and 64.7 × 104 g/mol were characterized with laser light scattering and viscometry in 0.1M NaCl at 25°C. The dependence of intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and radius of gyration (Rg) on Mw for this polysaccharide were found to be [η] = 1.79 × 10−3Mw0.96 cm3 g−1 and Rg = 6.99 × 10−2 Mw0.54 nm. The molar mass per unit contour length (ML) and the persistence length (Lp) were estimated to be 1124 nm−1 and 11 nm, respectively. The WAF exhibited a semirigid character typical of linear polysaccharides. Molecular modeling was then used to predict the ordered and disordered states of WAF; the simulated ML and Lp were however much smaller than the experimental values. Taken altogether, the results suggested that WAF formed a duplex in solution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 217–227, 2011.
Letter 1: Clinicoradiological score for predicting the risk of strangulated small bowel obstruction (Br J Surg2010; 97; 1119–1125)
Authors: Debnath D , Ogedegbe A J
Published: November 2010

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Enantiomer Resolution of Intrinsically Chiral C21‐Alkylated N‐Confused Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr J. , Szterenberg Ludmiła , Siczek Marta
Published: November 2010

The resolution of stereoisomers of C21‐alkylated nickel(II) complexes of N‐confused porphyrin (NCP) was performed by means of chiral‐phase HPLC with an effectiveness of above 90 % molar ratio for each isomer. The reverse signs of the Cotton effects in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the separated fractions are indicative of the pair of enantiomers. The application of low‐temperature 2D NMR methods to the separated diastereomers of the system comprising a chiral 2‐(S)‐methylbutyl substituent, in connection with the CD spectra and relative HPLC migration rates, allowed the assignment of the absolute configuration of the chiral C21‐substituted complexes of NCP. The assignment was confirmed by time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations of CD spectra for the C21‐methylated nickel(II) complex. The system remains chiral after removal of the metal ion from the macrocyclic crevice, despite the fact that this demetalation is connected with a change of the C21 hybridization from pyramidal to trigonal. The retention of chirality was established by means of CD spectra and confirmed by TDDFT calculations for a C21‐methylated NCP free base. Stereoisomers were also separated for three covalently linked bis(NCP) systems with bridges involving one or two C21 carbon atoms. The occurrence of a pair of enantiomers was established for nonsymmetrical dimers comprising only one stereogenic center. In the case of the 21,21′‐(o‐xylene)‐linked dimer, three stereoisomers, that is, a pair of enantiomers and an optically inactive meso‐form, were separated and analyzed by CD and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The stereoisomers of a diastereoselectively formed nonsymmetrical chloroplatinum(II)‐linked dimer, consisting of heterochiral C21‐alkylated NCP nickel(II) subunits, after separation displayed a strong optical activity, which can be ascribed to the rigid helical structure of the complex.
Preparation of Surface Organometallic Catalysts by Gas‐Phase Ligand Stripping and Reactive Landing of Mass‐Selected Ions
Authors: Johnson Grant E. , Laskin Julia
Published: November 2010

Organometallic complexes immobilized on surfaces combine the high selectivity of homogeneous catalysts with the ease of separation of catalyst from products attainable with heterogeneous catalysts. Here we report a novel approach for the highly controlled preparation of surface organometallic catalysts by gas‐phase ligand stripping combined with reactive landing of mass‐selected ions onto self‐assembled monolayer surfaces. Collision‐induced dissociation is used to generate highly reactive undercoordinated metal complexes in the gas‐phase for subsequent surface immobilization. Complexes with an open coordination shell around the metal center are demonstrated to show enhanced activity towards reactive landing in comparison to fully ligated species. In situ TOF‐SIMS analysis indicates that the immobilized complexes exhibit behavior consistent with catalytic activity when exposed to gaseous reagents.
ChemInform Abstract: Square Coordinated MnO2‐Units in BiMn7O12.
Authors: Okamoto Hiroshi , Imamura Naoki , Karppinen Maarit , Yamauchi Hisao , Fjellvaag Helmer
Published: November 2010

Polycrystalline samples of BiMn7O12 and LaMn7O12 are characterized by room temperature high‐resolution synchrotron XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Characterization of LnFeTeO6 (Ln: La, Pr, Nd, Sm) Materials.
Authors: Lavat Araceli E. , Mercader Roberto C. , Baran Enrique J.
Published: November 2010

The title compounds are prepared by solid state reactions of stoichiometric mixtures of Ln2O3, Fe2O3, and TeO2 (Pt crucibles, 1000 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: [2 + 2] Cycloaddition and Electrophilic Alkynylation Reactions of 4‐Chloro‐1,1,1‐trifluorobut‐3‐yn‐2‐one and Alkyl Vinyl Ethers.
Authors: Koldobskii A. B. , Tsvetkov N. P. , Godovikov I. A. , Kalinin V. N.
Published: November 2010

Reaction of the title butynone (I) with vinyl ethers results in the parallel formation of [2 + 2] cycloaddition and electrophilic alkynylation products in ratios depending on the nature of the vinyl ether.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Preparation of Polymer‐Supported Iodobenzene and Its Synthetic Utility as a Recyclable Reagent with m‐Chloroperbenzoic Acid.
Authors: Suzuki Yuhsuku , Togo Hideo
Published: November 2010

Some derivatives are developed and the polymer IBP is successfully applied to the α‐tosyloxylation of ketones and to the cyclization of sulfamides.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Conversion of Thiols and Disulfides into Sulfonamides.
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Khodaei Mohammad M. , Soheilizad Mehdi
Published: November 2010

The reagent combination H2O2/ZrCl4 offers a high‐yielding synthesis of various sulfonamides.
ChemInform Abstract: TBAF‐Catalyzed Facile Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diaryl Thioethers via Mild SNAr Reactions.
Authors: Yu Baohua , Zhang Xufeng , Yu Xiaochun , Xu Qing
Published: November 2010

Smooth nucleophilic substitution reaction of aryl fluorides with phenylthiotrimethylsilane as nucleophile provides title compounds in excellent yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Naphthalimide—Indomethacin Hybrids as Potential Antitumor Agents: Effects of Linkers on Hypoxic/Oxic Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis‐Inducing Activity.
Authors: Wu Aibin , Xu Yufang , Qian Xuhong
Published: November 2010

Novel naphthalimide‐indomethacin hybrids (V) (4 examples) with unique antitumor activity are designed and synthesized.
ChemInform Abstract: Diels—Alder Routes to Angularly Halogenated cis‐Fused Bicyclic Ketones: Readily Accessible Cyclynone Intermediates.
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Kim Woo Han , Danishefsky Samuel J.
Published: November 2010

A simple synthesis is achieved in the presence of MeAlCl2 with unfunctionalized dienes.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile and Expeditious Approach for the Synthesis of 2‐Azetidinone Derivatives via a Multicomponent Reaction.
Authors: Keri Rangappa S. , Hosamani Kallappa M.
Published: November 2010

A simple, efficient, three‐component one‐pot synthesis of the title compounds (IV) (20 examples) using triethylamine as catalyst is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of New 4‐Arylideneimidazolin‐5‐ones Related to the GFP Chromophore by [2 + 3] Cyclocondensation of Arylideneimines with Imidate Ylides.
Authors: Baldridge Anthony , Kowalik Janusz , Tolbert Laren M.
Published: November 2010

The process offers a convenient access to a variety of arylidene imidazolinones (57 examples).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Dimers of (4‐Oxo‐4H‐pyran‐2‐yl)acrylic Acid as Tyrosinase Inhibitors.
Authors: Yoon Ik Hwan , Lee Young Hoon , Park Chul Woo , Ji Hyunjun , Lee Yong Sup
Published: November 2010

The title compounds (III) show good inhibition on the melanin production with lower cytotoxicities than the parent compound, pyronyl‐acrylic acid ester.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Substituted Chromanones: An Organocatalytic Aldol/Oxa‐Michael Reaction.
Authors: Butler Jeffrey D. , Conrad Wayne E. , Kodewyk Michael W. , Fettinger James C. , Tantillo Dean J. , Kurth Mark J.
Published: November 2010

Cyclopentane‐fused chromanones are diastereoselectively prepared from diketo phenols using pyrrolidine as catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Significance of Pyrano Pyrazoles from 8,9‐Dimethyl‐3‐acetoacetyl Pyrano[3,2‐c][1]benzopyran‐2,5‐dione (III).
Authors: Siddiqui Zeba N. , Asad Mohammad
Published: November 2010

Compounds (III) and (Vb) show moderate antibacterial activities against E.coli and S.dysenteriae.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd2(dba)3‐Promoted Synthesis of 3‐N‐Substituted 4‐Aryl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine.
Authors: Chang Meng‐Yang , Lin Chung‐Han , Chen Yeh‐Long , Hsu Ru‐Ting , Chang Ching‐Yao
Published: November 2010

Allylic bromination of tetrahydropyridines affords suitable precursors for a Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with various N‐nucleophiles.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Approach to Novel Octahydroisoquinolones and an Extension to Its One‐Pot Synthesis.
Authors: Singh Pardeep , Bhargava Gaurav , Kumar Vipan , Mahajan Mohinder P.
Published: November 2010

A two‐step sequence involving cleavage of β‐lactams with sodium methoxide and subsequent cyclization of the resulting amino esters affords novel diastereomerically pure title compounds (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Multicomponent Tandem Synthesis of Oxospirobicyclic Butenolidobarbiturates.
Authors: Teimouri Mohammad Bagher , Abbasi Tayyebeh , Khavasi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2010

The sequence of this new one‐pot, multicomponent reaction involves a 1,4‐Michael addition, aldol‐like reaction, lactonization, 1,4‐addition‐elimination and an acid‐base reaction and leads to biologically relevant oxospirocyclic compounds (IV), containing two different pharmacophoric subunits.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Activity of 6‐Alkyl/Chloro‐3‐{4‐(6‐alkyl/chloro‐2H‐benzo[e] [1,3]oxazin‐3(4H)‐yl)phenyl}‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazines.
Authors: Manikannan Ramaiyan , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam
Published: November 2010

An efficient synthesis of symmetrical title compounds (8 examples) includes 2 steps and microwave irradiation.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Method for the Synthesis of s‐Triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazines.
Authors: El‐Sherief Hassan A. H. , Hozien Zeniab A. , El‐Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , Sarhan Abdelwareth A. O.
Published: November 2010

The acid‐promoted condensation of the triazole (I) with a variety of ketones results in formation of triazolothiadiazines (III) in good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Azepino[3,4b]indoles via the Plancher Rearrangement.
Authors: Eisenbeis Shane A. , Phillips James R. , Rescek Diane , Oyola‐Cintron Yatsandra
Published: November 2010

Aryl hydrazines react with formyl‐substituted saturated N‐heterocycles to form fused indoles after reductive work‐up.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral N‐Phosphoryl Imines: Design, Synthesis and Direct Asymmetric Addition Reactions with Diketones and Diesters.
Authors: Sun Hao , Rajale Trideep , Pan Yi , Li Guigen
Published: November 2010

Imines (I) are investigated as electrophiles in the asymmetric addition to different 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Addition of Di‐(trimethylsilyl)phosphite to Chiral N‐(R)‐α‐Methylbenzyl and N‐(1‐Methoxycarbonyl‐iso‐pentyl) Schiff Bases of Various Aldehydes.
Authors: Lewkowski Jaroslaw , Karpowicz Rafal
Published: November 2010

The addition of bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphite, generated in situ by the reaction of diethyl phosphite with bromotrimethylsilane, to two groups of imines is performed, the chiral Schiff bases (I) and imines (III).
ChemInform Abstract: A Shortcut to the Preparation of Naturally Occurring Arbutin (IV)
Authors: Xue Jia‐Lu , Yang Jin Wei , Deng Qiong , He Xiao‐Peng , Chen Guo‐Rong
Published: November 2010

using microwave chemistry
ChemInform Abstract: Surugapyrone A from Streptomyces coelicoflavus Strain USF‐6280 as a New DPPH Radical‐Scavenger
Authors: Sugiyama Ysumasa , Oya Akiko , Kudo Takuji , Hirota Akira
Published: November 2010

isolation, structure elucidation and biosynthesis of surugapyrone A (I)
ChemInform Abstract: A Stereoselective Aldol Approach for the Total Synthesis of Herbarumin I (VIIIb) and Stagonolide A (IX).
Authors: Srihari P. , Rao G. Maheswara , Rao R. Srinivasa , Yadav J. S.
Published: November 2010

The synthesis includes the Crimmins protocol for the non‐Evans anti‐aldol reaction of aldehyde (II), a stereoselective Grignard reaction, and Grubbs′ ring‐closing metathesis as the key steps.
ChemInform Abstract: Radical Stability and Its Role in Synthesis and Catalysis
Authors: Hioe Johnny , Zipse Hendrik
Published: November 2010

Review: ca. 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Asymmetric C—H Insertion Reactions of α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Slattery Catherine N. , Ford Alan , Maguire Anita R.
Published: November 2010

Review: 186 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry and Heterocyclization of Dithiobiurea and Thioureidoalkylthiourea
Authors: Hassan Alaa A. , El‐Sheref Essmat M.
Published: November 2010

Review: 104 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds in Stereoselective Domino and Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Bonne Damien , Coquerel Yoann , Constantieux Thierry , Rodriguez Jean
Published: November 2010

Review: 127 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Syntheses of Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols
Authors: Tsukano Chihiro , Siegel Dionicio R. , Danishefsky Samuel J.
Published: November 2010

Review: ca. 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phytochemical and Biological Studies of Plants from the Genus Meconopsis
Authors: Li Mao‐Xing , Wang Jin‐Hui , He Xi‐Rui , Fan Peng‐Cheng , Zhang Ru‐Xue , Jia Zheng‐Ping
Published: November 2010

Review: 49 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Small Peptide Nanofibers as the Matrices of Molecular Hydrogels fo Mimicking Enzymes and Enhancing the Activity of Enzymes
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhao Fan , Wang Qigang , Zhang Ye , Xu Bing
Published: November 2010

Review: 39 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: What Are These Things Called MOFs?
Authors: Telfer Shane G.
Published: November 2010

Review: 32 refs.
StarPU: a unified platform for task scheduling on heterogeneous multicore architectures
Authors: Augonnet Cédric , Thibault Samuel , Namyst Raymond , Wacrenier Pierre‐André
Published: November 2010

In the field of HPC, the current hardware trend is to design multiprocessor architectures featuring heterogeneous technologies such as specialized coprocessors (e.g. Cell/BE) or data‐parallel accelerators (e.g. GPUs). Approaching the theoretical performance of these architectures is a complex issue. Indeed, substantial efforts have already been devoted to efficiently offload parts of the computations. However, designing an execution model that unifies all computing units and associated embedded memory remains a main challenge. We therefore designed StarPU, an original runtime system providing a high‐level, unified execution model tightly coupled with an expressive data management library. The main goal of StarPU is to provide numerical kernel designers with a convenient way to generate parallel tasks over heterogeneous hardware on the one hand, and easily develop and tune powerful scheduling algorithms on the other hand. We have developed several strategies that can be selected seamlessly at run‐time, and we have analyzed their efficiency on several algorithms running simultaneously over multiple cores and a GPU. In addition to substantial improvements regarding execution times, we have obtained consistentsuperlinearparallelism by actuallyexploitingthe heterogeneous nature of the machine. We eventually show that our dynamic approach competes with the highly optimized MAGMA library and overcomes the limitations of the corresponding static scheduling in a portable way. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.