bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of microstructure and evaluation of optical and EPR properties of superhydrophobic copper dodecanoate films
Authors: Chakradhar R. P. S. , Dinesh Kumar V. , Shivakumara C. , Rao J. L. , Basu Bharathibai J.
Published: August 2011

Copper dodecanoate films prepared by emulsion method exhibit superhydrophobic property with water contact angle of 155° and sliding angle of <2°. The films have been characterised by using X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Surface microstructure of copper dodecanoate consists of numerous microscale papillas of about 6–12 µm in length with a diameter in the range of 360–700 nm. The superhydrophobicity of the films is due to their dual micronano surface morphology. The wetting behaviour of the film surface was studied by a simple water immersion test. The results show that copper dodecanoate film retained superhydrophobic property even after immersing in water for about 140 h. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits two broadbands centred at 388 and 630 nm that have been assigned to 2B1g → 2Eg and 2B1g → 2B2g transitions of Cu2+ ions, respectively. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum exhibits two resonance signals with effective g values at g|| ≈ 2.308 and g⊥ ≈ 2.071, which suggests that the unpaired electron occupies dx2–y2 orbital in the ground state. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Connectionist modelling of skill dynamics
Authors: Ridsdale Gary
Published: August 2011

This paper discusses a method for modelling skilled action for synthetic actors in a virtual environment. The method guides lower‐level motor skills from a connectionist model of skill memory, implemented as collections of trained neural networks. The relationship between this work and that of other projects in task‐level animation is discussed, the principles of connectionist learning are explained, and a series of experiments testing the concept of connectionist skill modelling are reviewed.
Physically‐based facial modelling, analysis, and animation
Authors: Terzopoulos Demetri , Waters Keith
Published: August 2011

We develop a new 3D hierarchical model of the human face. The model incorporates a physically‐based approximation to facial tissue and a set of anatomically‐motivated facial muscle actuators. Despite its sophistication, the model is efficient enough to produce facial animation at interactive rates on a high‐end graphics workstation. A second contribution of this paper is a technique for estimating muscle contractions from video sequences of human faces performing expressive articulations. These estimates may be input as dynamic control parameters to the face model in order to produce realistic animation. Using an example, we demonstrate that our technique yields sufficiently accurate muscle contraction estimates for the model to reconstruct expressions from dynamic images of faces.
The petroleum accumulation zones in the geological-prospecting regions of the Lena–Tunguska province
Authors: Mel’nikov N.V. , Mel’nikov N.P. , Smirnov E.V.
Published: August 2011

The proved, revealed, and predicted petroleum accumulation zones in the Lena–Tunguska province are the areas where prospecting and search works are carried out. We described the petroleum accumulation zones in the South Tunguska, Baikit, Sayan–Yenisei, Angara–Lena, Katanga, and Nepa–Botuobiya petroliferous areas and in the Lower Angara petroliferous district. Oil and gas pools have been discovered in the Riphean, Vendian, and Upper Vendian–Lower Cambrian petroliferous complexes.
Social structure of the declining resident community of common bottlenose dolphins in the Sado Estuary, Portugal
Authors: Augusto Joana F. , Rachinas-Lopes Patrícia , dos Santos Manuel E.
Published: August 2011

The resident population of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Sado Estuary, Portugal, has been declining at least during the past three decades. A complete photographic census produced a current count of 24 animals—19 adults, three subadults and two calves. It appears to be phylopatric and essentially closed, but given the likely importance that exchanges with neighbouring coastal groups may play, even if rare, the most adequate term to define this dolphin should be community and not population. Large groups with all age-classes are common in the community, possibly as a calf and subadult protection strategy, and this may be related to the fact that these age-classes have had high mortality rates in the last decade. Maternity of two calves was determined, and we found that the two mothers adopted different parenting strategies. While one mother spent more time alone with her calf, the other mother spent more time with her calf in larger groups. The average coefficient of association for this community is 0.45, quite high for this species. Associations and typical group size are similar between all individuals, with no patterning according to age-class or sex, which constitutes an atypical trait for dolphin societies. There are also no clear divisions in this community according to cluster analysis. Associations are preferred and long term, lasting approximately 34 days and fitting a pattern of casual acquaintances, where individuals associate for a period of time, disassociate and may reassociate after that. This reflects the fission–fusion character of the community, but in a more stable manner. We think this is caused by a combination of demographic characteristics and a stable and productive environment, which led to a decrease in competition between individuals.
Diagnosis and outcome: depression and anxiety in a general population
Authors: Murphy Jane M. , Olivier Donald C. , Sobol Arthur M. , Monson Richard R. , Leighton Alexander H.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

An assessment of the long-term outcome for depression and anxiety disorders in a general population was made as part of the Stirling County Study. Measuring outcome as a dichotomy between experiencing recurrent episodes or not during a 17-year cohort interval, it was found that 56% of the ‘cases’ had a poor prognosis. While sex, age and level of severity were not significantly related to outcome, an initial diagnosis of depression was predictive of unfavourable prognosis. Only a few of these ‘cases’ received psychiatric specialty treatment. Some disorders in the community appear, however, to be as serious as those that come to the attention of psychiatrists.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A LOTKA–VOLTERRA TYPE PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM INVOLVING ALLEE EFFECTS
Authors: MERDAN HÜSEYİN
Published: August 2011

We present a stability analysis of steady-state solutions of a continuous-time predator–prey population dynamics model subject to Allee effects on the prey population which occur at low population density. Numerical simulations show that the system subject to an Allee effect takes a much longer time to reach its stable steady-state solution. This result differs from that obtained for the discrete-time version of the same model.
Mechanism of the inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on leptin expression induced by angiotensin II in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Shyu Kou-Gi , Chen Shih-Chung , Wang Bao-Wei , Cheng Wen-Pin , Hung Huei-Fong
Published: August 2011

Leptin contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Ang II (angiotensin II), a proatherogenic cytokine, increases leptin synthesis in cultured adipocytes. Statin suppresses leptin expression in adipocytes and human coronary artery endothelial cells. However, the effect of Ang II and statin on leptin expression in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells), the major cell types in atheroma, is poorly understood. Thus the aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of atorvastatin for reducing leptin expression after Ang II stimulation in VSMCs. VSMCs from human coronary artery were cultured. Ang II stimulation increased leptin protein and mRNA and phospho-JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) expression. Exogenous addition of Dp44mT (2,2′-dipyridyl-N,N-dimethylsemicarbazone) and mevalonate increased leptin protein expression similarly to Ang II. Atorvastatin, SP600125, JNK siRNA (small interfering RNA) and NAC (N-acetylcysteine) completely attenuated the leptin and phospho-JNK protein expression induced by Ang II. Ang II significantly increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation in human VSMCs. Addition of atorvastatin and NAC significantly attenuated the formation of ROS induced by Ang II. Addition of atorvastatin and SP600125 inhibited the phosphorylation of Rac1 induced by Ang II. The gel shift and promoter activity assay showed that Ang II increased AP-1 (activator protein-1)-binding activity and leptin promoter activity, while SP600125, NAC and atorvastatin inhibited the AP-1-binding activity and leptin promoter activity induced by Ang II. Ang II significantly increased the migration and proliferation of cultured VSMCs, while addition of atorvastatin, SP600125, NAC and leptin siRNA before Ang II stimulation significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation of VSMCs induced by Ang II. Ang II significantly increased secretion of leptin from human VSMCs, and addition of SP600125, atorvastatin and NAC before Ang II stimulation almost completely inhibited the leptin secretion induced by Ang II. In conclusion, Ang II induces leptin expression in human VSMCs, and atorvastatin could inhibit the leptin expression induced by Ang II. The inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on Ang II-induced leptin expression was mediated by Rac, ROS and JNK pathways.
Propagation of photons in metallic chain through side-branch resonators
Authors: Tan Wei , Sun Yong , Wang Zhi-Guo , Chen Hong
Published: August 2011

We design a new scheme to transmit electromagnetic waves in a metallic chain, even when the total length is larger than the vacuum wavelength. The idea is to add dielectric side branches on the metallic backbone, which play the role of resonators. Owing to the coupling between adjacent resonant modes, photons can tunnel through the entire structure, which can be explained well by a description analogous to the tight-binding formalism in solid-state physics. Moreover, microwave experiments are performed to realize this idea.
Modelling of the elastic properties of crystalline silicon using lattice dynamics
Authors: Zhang Wei-Wei , Yu Hong , Lei Shuang-Ying , Huang Qing-An
Published: August 2011

Based on lattice dynamics theories, an augmented continuum theory is developed to examine the elasticity of crystalline silicon. In the augmented continuum theory, the framework of continuum mechanics is used while the property of silicon from the atomistic description of the underlying local environment is extracted. The phonon dispersion relations are first calculated using the density functional perturbation theory, from which the force constants can be extracted. The second-order elastic constants of Si are then expressed as a function of the force constants. Combining the modified Keating model with the phonon dispersion relations, an analytic expression for certain high-symmetry k point phonon frequencies and the elastic constants of Si is obtained. The elastic modulus in any crystallographic directions in the (1 1 0) plane is calculated, and the average deviation of Young's modulus from experiments is less than 3.2%.
Agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation potential globally, in Europe and in the UK: what have we learnt in the last 20 years?
Authors: Smith Pete
Published: August 2011

Agricultural lands occupy about 40–50% of the Earth's land surface. Agricultural practices can make a significant contribution at low cost to increasing soil carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributing biomass feedstocks for energy use. Considering all gases, the global technical mitigation potential from agriculture (excluding fossil fuel offsets from biomass) by 2030 is estimated to be ca. 5500–6000 Mt CO2‐eq. yr−1. Economic potentials are estimated to be 1500–1600, 2500–2700 and 4000–4300 Mt CO2‐eq. yr−1 at carbon prices of up to $US20, 50 and 100 t CO2‐eq.−1, respectively. The value of the global agricultural GHG mitigation at the same three carbon prices is $US32 000, 130 000 and 420 000 million yr−1, respectively. At the European level, early estimates of soil carbon sequestration potential in croplands were ca. 200 Mt CO2 yr−1, but this is a technical potential and is for geographical Europe as far east as the Urals. The economic potential is much smaller, with more recent estimates for the EU27 suggesting a maximum potential of ca. 20 Mt CO2‐eq. yr−1. The UK is small in global terms, but a large part of its land area (11 Mha) is used for agriculture. Agriculture accounts for about 7% of total UK GHG emissions. The mitigation potential of UK agriculture is estimated to be ca. 1–2 Mt CO2‐eq. yr−1, accounting for less than 1% of UK total GHG emissions.
Influence of ultrasound or halogen light on microleakage and hardness of enamel adjacent to glass ionomer cement
Authors: GUGLIELMI CAMILA ALMEIDA BRANDÃO , MOHANA ANICE , HESSE DANIELA , LENZI TATHIANE LARISSA , BONINI GABRIELA CUNHA , RAGGIO DANIELA PRÓCIDA
Published: August 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 110–115

Background.  The use of external sources of energy may accelerate the setting rate of glass ionomer cements (GICs) allowing better initial mechanical properties.

Aim.  To investigate the influence of ultrasound and halogen light on the microleakage and hardness of enamel adjacent to GIC restorations, after artificial caries challenge.

Design.  Cavities were prepared in 60 primary canines, restored with GIC, and randomly distributed into three groups: control group (CG), light group (LG) – irradiation with a halogen light‐curing unit for 60 s, and ultrasonic group (UG) – application of ultrasonic scaler device for 15 s. All specimens were then submitted to a cariogenic challenge in a pH cycling model. Half of sample in each group were immersed in methylene blue for 4 h and sectioned for dye penetration analysis. The remaining specimens were submitted to Knoop cross‐sectional microhardness assessments, and mineral changes were calculated for adjacent enamel.

Results.  Data were compared using Kruskal–Wallis test and two‐way ANOVA with 5% significance. Higher dye penetration was observed for the UG (P < 0.01). No significant mineral changes were observed between groups (P = 0.844).

Conclusion.  The use of halogen light‐curing unit does not seem to interfere with the properties of GICs, whereas the use of ultrasound can affect its marginal sealing.
The versatility of the fungal cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system is instrumental in xenobiotic detoxification
Authors: Lah Ljerka , Podobnik Barbara , Novak Metka , Korošec Branka , Berne Sabina , Vogelsang Matjaž , Kraševec Nada , Zupanec Neja , Stojan Jure , Bohlmann Joerg , Komel Radovan
Published: August 2011

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) catalyse diverse reactions and are key enzymes in fungal primary and secondary metabolism, and xenobiotic detoxification. CYP enzymatic properties and substrate specificity determine the reaction outcome. However, CYP‐mediated reactions may also be influenced by their redox partners. Filamentous fungi with numerous CYPs often possess multiple microsomal redox partners, cytochrome P450 reductases (CPRs). In the plant pathogenic ascomycete Cochliobolus lunatus we recently identified two CPR paralogues, CPR1 and CPR2. Our objective was to functionally characterize two endogenous fungal cytochrome P450 systems and elucidate the putative physiological roles of CPR1 and CPR2. We reconstituted both CPRs with CYP53A15, or benzoate 4‐hydroxylase from C. lunatus, which is crucial in the detoxification of phenolic plant defence compounds. Biochemical characterization using RP‐HPLC shows that both redox partners support CYP activity, but with different product specificities. When reconstituted with CPR1, CYP53A15 converts benzoic acid to 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, and 3‐methoxybenzoic acid to 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid. However, when the redox partner is CPR2, both substrates are converted to 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid. Deletion mutants and gene expression in mycelia grown on media with inhibitors indicate that CPR1 is important in primary metabolism, whereas CPR2 plays a role in xenobiotic detoxification.
Cancer mortality reduction and metformin: a retrospective cohort study in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Bo S. , Ciccone G. , Rosato R. , Villois P. , Appendino G. , Ghigo E. , Grassi G.
Published: August 2011

Aims: Few studies suggest that metformin decreases cancer mortality in type‐2 diabetic patients (T2DP). We explored the association between the type and duration of antidiabetic therapies and cancer and other‐than‐cancer mortality in a T2DP cohort, taking into account the competing risks between different causes of death and multiple potential confounding effects. The mortality rates were compared with the general population from the same area.

Methods: In 1995, all T2DP (n = 3685) at our diabetes clinic in Turin (∼12% of all T2DP in the city), without cancer at baseline, were identified. Vital status was assessed after a mean 4.5‐year follow‐up.

Results: Metformin users had greater adiposity, while insulin users had more co‐morbidities. All‐cause‐ and cancer‐related deaths occurred in: 9.2 and 1.6% of metformin users, 13.1 and 3.0% of sulfonylureas users and 26.8 and 4.8% of insulin users, respectively. In a Cox regression model for competing risks, adjusted for propensity score, metformin users showed a lower cancer mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.94], while insulin was positively associated with other‐than‐cancer mortality (HR = 1.56; 95%CI 1.22–1.99). Each 5‐year metformin exposure was associated with a reduction in cancer death by 0.73, whereas every 5‐year insulin exposure was associated with 1.25‐fold increase in other‐than‐cancer death.

Standardized mortality ratios for cancer and other‐than‐cancer mortality in metformin users were 43.6 (95%CI 25.8–69.0) and 99.1 (95%CI 79.3–122.5), respectively, in comparison with the general population.

Conclusions: Metformin users showed a lower risk of cancer‐related mortality than not users or patients on diet only; this may represent another reason to choose metformin as a first‐line therapy in T2DP.
A new frequency domain approach of testing for covariance stationarity and for periodic stationarity in multivariate linear processes
Authors: Jentsch Carsten
Published: August 2011

In modelling seasonal time series data, periodically (non‐)stationary processes have become quite popular over the last years and it is well known that these models may be represented as higher‐dimensional stationary models. In this article, it is shown that the spectral density matrix of this higher‐dimensional process exhibits a certain structure if and only if the observed process is covariance stationary. By exploiting this relationship, a new L2‐type test statistic is proposed for testing whether a multivariate periodically stationary linear process is even covariance stationary. Moreover, it is shown that this test may also be used to test for periodic stationarity. The asymptotic normal distribution of the test statistic under the null is derived and the test is shown to have an omnibus property. The article concludes with a simulation study, where the small sample performance of the test procedure is improved by using a suitable bootstrap scheme.
Performance Pay, Union Bargaining and Within‐Firm Wage Inequality*
Authors: Barth Erling , Bratsberg Bernt , Hægeland Torbjørn , Raaum Oddbjørn
Published: August 2011

Theory predicts that performance pay boosts wage dispersion. Workers retain a share of individual productivity shocks and high‐efficiency workers receive compensation for greater effort. Collective bargaining can mitigate the effect of performance pay on wage inequality by easing monitoring of common effort standards and group‐based pay schemes. Analyses of longitudinal employer–employee data show that the introduction of performance‐related pay raises wage inequality in non‐union firms, but not in firms with high union density. Although performance‐related pay appears to be on the rise, the overall impact on wage dispersion is likely to be small, particularly in European countries with influential unions.
The anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve: prevalence, measurement of its length and a recommendation for interforaminal implant installation based on cone beam CT imaging
Authors: Apostolakis Dimitrios , Brown Jackie E.
Published: August 2011

Objectives

Interforaminal implant surgery requires anatomical knowledge of the area and adequate information on the location of the various landmarks of significance such as the mental foramen, the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve and the mandibular incisive canal. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new imaging modality that provides a multi‐dimensional view of the facial skeleton with, in most instances, lower radiation dose to the patient compared to medical CT. The present study aims to use CBCT to identify and measure variation in the presence and extent of the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve. This information may be used to provide recommendations to the surgeon without access to a 3D scan of the dento‐alveolar region.

Material and methods

Ninety‐three patients scanned with a Newtom VG device for a variety of clinical indications were included in this retrospective study. Using the multiplanar capabilities of the device's software the prevalence and length of the anterior loop was assessed.

Results

The results show that an anterior loop could be identified in 48% of the cases with a mean length (range) of 0.89 mm (0–5.7).

Conclusions

In almost half of the surveyed cases an anterior loop was present. Even though in 95% of the study cases the loop was <3 mm, a 100% safety margin in the placement of anterior mandibular implants, in the absence of a CBCT scan, would only be achieved with a distance of 6 mm between the anterior border of the mental foramen and the most distal interforaminal implant fixture.
BATCH VACUUM FRYING SYSTEM ANALYSIS FOR POTATO CHIPS
Authors: PANDEY AKHILESH , MOREIRA ROSANA G.
Published: August 2011

Vacuum frying is a process used to produce high‐quality fruits and vegetables. However, the final oil content (OC) of the vacuum chips holds a major concern for health and food safety. Therefore, more information is needed before a vacuum frying system can be designed effectively to produce lower OC snacks.

Potato slices were fried at 120 and 140C oil temperatures and 1.33 kPa pressure. The temperatures of the fryer headspace and the center of potato slices were monitored during frying. The effects of varying the speed of the de‐oiling mechanism and the pressurization rates on the oil absorption of potato chips were evaluated in detail. The convective heat transfer coefficient was calculated using the lumped capacity method for varying frying loads.

The de‐oiling system removed up to 81% of the chip's surface oil when centrifuged for 40 s at 750 rpm (84% at 300 rpm). Short frying time and/or longer centrifuging time combinations would maximize oil removal from the chip's surface during the process.

Less oil was absorbed by the potato chips when the fryer was pressurized at lower rate (25% open released valve) than at faster rate.

The heated oil convective heat transfer coefficients (h) were 217 ± 13 W/m2 K (120C) and 258 ± 37 W/m2 K (140C). The h values increased up to 3.6 times during the boiling period.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

These results are useful for an effective design and modeling of vacuum frying systems for high‐quality fruits and vegetables.
Enhancement of Vancomycin Activity against Biofilms by Using Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction
Authors: He Nianan , Hu Jian , Liu Huayong , Zhu Tao , Huang Beijian , Wang Xueqin , Wu Yang , Wang Wenping , Qu Di
Published: August 2011

Treating biofilm infections on implanted medical devices is formidable, even with extensive antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound (US)-targeted microbubble (MB) destruction (UTMD) could enhance vancomycin activity against
Staphylococcus epidermidis
RP62A biofilms. Twelve-hour biofilms were treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. The vancomycin and MB (SonoVue) were used at concentrations of 100 μg/ml and 30% (vol/vol), respectively, in studies
in vitro
. After US exposure (0.08 MHz, 1.0 W/cm
2
, 50% duty cycle, and 10-min duration), the biofilms were cultured at 37°C for another 12 h. The results showed that many micropores were found in biofilms treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. Biofilm densities (
A
570
values) and the viable counts of
S. epidermidis
recovered from the biofilm were significantly decreased compared with those of any other groups. Furthermore, the highest percentage of dead cells was found, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, in the biofilm treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. The viable counts of bacteria in biofilms in an
in vivo
rabbit model also confirmed the enhanced effect of vancomycin combined with UTMD. UTMD may have great potential for improving antibiotic activity against biofilm infections.
Coordinate Control of the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement and Enterohemolysin Genes by Multiple Common Virulence Regulators in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Iyoda Sunao , Honda Naoko , Saitoh Takehito , Shimuta Ken , Terajima Jun , Watanabe Haruo , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: August 2011

The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island is required for the intimate adhesion of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) to the intestinal epithelial cells. GrlR and GrlA are LEE-encoded negative and positive regulators, respectively. The interaction of these two regulators is important for controlling the transcription of LEE genes through Ler, a LEE-encoded central activator for the LEE. The GrlR-GrlA regulatory system controls not only LEE but also the expression of the flagellar and enterohemolysin (Ehx) genes in EHEC. Since Ehx levels were markedly induced in a
grlR
mutant but not in a
grlR grlA
double mutant and significantly increased by overexpression of GrlA in a
ler
mutant, GrlA is responsible for this regulation (T. Saitoh et al., J. Bacteriol.
190:
4822-4830, 2008). In this study, additional investigations of the regulation of
ehx
gene expression determined that Ler also acts as an activator for Ehx expression without requiring GrlA function. We recently reported that the LysR-type regulator LrhA positively controls LEE expression (N. Honda et al., Mol. Microbiol.
74:
1393-1411, 2009). The hemolytic activity of the
lrhA
mutant strain of EHEC was lower than that of the wild-type strain, and LrhA markedly induced
ehx
transcription in an
E. coli
K-12 strain, suggesting that LrhA also activates the transcription of
ehx
without GrlA and Ler. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that Ler and LrhA directly bind to the regulatory region of
ehxC
. Together, these results indicate that transcription of
ehx
is positively regulated by Ler, GrlA, and LrhA, which all act as positive regulators for LEE expression.
Analogues of neurohypophysial hormones, containing tert-leucine: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Lebl Michal , Pospíšek Jan , Hlaváček Jan , Barth Tomislav , Maloň Petr , Servítová Linda , Hauzer Karel , Jošt Karel
Published: August 2011

Analogues of oxytocin, deamino-oxytocin and deamino-vasopressin, containing tert-leucine in position 8, were prepared by fragment condensation in solution. Stepwise synthesis in solution afforded analogues of 1-carba- and 6-carba-deamino-oxytocin with tert-leucine in position 2. [8-Tert-leucine]oxytocin proved to be the most interesting of this series; it exhibits a relatively high and specific galactogogic activity and is cleaved with chymotrypsin by an order of magnitude more slowly than oxytocin.
Binding of cadmium cations to pectin
Authors: Malovíková Anna , Kohn Rudolf
Published: August 2011

Using two experimental techniques (dialysis and polarography) the binding of cadmium ions to the pectin carboxylic groups was studied as a function of their degree of esterification E in the range of E 0 to 84.2%. Stability constants for the binding of cadmium ions to magnesium pectinates (ionic strength I = 0.30 mol l-1) were determined by the dialysis technique, the constants for the binding of cadmium to potassium pectinates by the polarographic technique. In both cases stoichiometric binding of cadmium ions was demonstrated using the theory of multiple equilibria. The stability constants K of cadmium pectinates depend considerably on E. With the decrease of the degree of esterification the value of K increases similarly as in the case of the binding of Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions to pectin.
Molecular orbital studies on several molecules which interact with the γ-aminobutyric acid
Authors: Guha Sephali
Published: August 2011

PCILO and CNDO/2 computations for γ-aminobutyric acid choline ester(GABACh)-ion and nipecotic acid(piperidine-3-carboxylic acid) have been done using X-ray determined crystal geometry as input data. The conformations of GABACh-ion have been studied as a function of τ1 and τ2 of the GABA moiety, keeping the conformation of the choline-moiety at the crystallographic form. The results show preference for the gauche-trans and trans-transforms with respect to τ1 and τ2. The conformations of nipecotic acid have been studied with τ, the torsion angle for carboxylate group. The results in both cases corroborate with NMR studies.
Dipole moment and electron distribution of the thioamide group
Authors: Exner Otto , Waisser Karel
Published: August 2011

Dipole moments of seven substituted thiobenzamides Ia-Ig and of two N,N-dimethylthiobenzamides IIa, IIb were measured in dioxan and/or benzene solutions; the infrared spectra proved that association of solutes is negligible under conditions given. The CSNH2 group moment was estimated to 15.6 . 10-30C m at an angle of 75° to the C(1)-C bond, that one of the CSN . (CH3)2 group to 16.5 . 10-30 C m (angle 81°). Analysis in terms of bond moments revealed mesomeric moments m2 of 6.2 or 8.5 . 10-30 C m, respectively, which account for the conjugation within the thioamide group. These values are approximately twice greater than in amides and depend similarly on methyl substitution; there are even minor differences in direction. Also the mesomeric moment of the S=C-O group, redetermined now to 3.3 . 10-30 C m, is greater than in the ester group and even of different direction. The results confirm the importance of n-π conjugation for dipole moments.
Some properties of the divergence measure of information content as related to quantitative analyses
Authors: Eckschlager Karel , Štěpánek Vladimír
Published: August 2011

Some properties of the divergence measure of the information content of quantitative analysis results are introduced and it is shown how this measure describes the effect of the difference of a result obtained by the analysis from a preliminary one or from an anticipated value. In the same time the measure is compared to the decrease of uncertainty as expressed in terms of Shannon's entropy.
Thiazolo]3,2-a[-1,3,5-triazines. Preparation of 4-substituted 2-thiazolyl isothiocyanates and their reactions with isocyanates, aldimines and carbodiimides
Authors: Marchalín Miroslav , Leško Ján , Martvoň Augustin
Published: August 2011

4-(Methyl- or phenyl)-2-thiazolyl isothiocyanates were synthesized from the appropriate amine hydrochlorides by thiophosgene method. The [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 4-methyl-2-thiazolyl isothiocyanate with isocyanates and aldimines afforded thiazolo[3,2-a]-1,3,5-triazine derivatives. 4-Phenyl-2-thiazolyl isothiocyanate on the other hand, did not react with isocyanates. Carbodiimides were found to react with 4-methyl-2-thiazolyl isothiocyanate by a [2 + 2] cycloaddition to yield the substituted 1,3-thiazetidines.
Use of malonic acid derivatives for the construction of substituted side chains in the position 17β of steroids
Authors: Drašar Pavel , Pouzar Vladimír , Černý Ivan , Havel Miroslav , Ananchenko Sofia N. , Torgov Igor V.
Published: August 2011

Using the Knoevenagel reaction condensation products of 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-en-17-one with diethyl malonate, ethyl cyanoacetate and malononitrile were prepared which converted to derivatives of 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-21-oic acid. Reductions and oxidations of the double bonds in the positions 5,6 and 17,20 and the stereochemistry at atoms C(17) and C(20) of some derivatives were also investigated. From derivatives of 23,24-dinorchola-5,17(20)-diene-21,22-diol compounds with a 1,3-dioxane ring in the side chain were prepared.
The course of reaction of 4-nitrobenzyl bromide and 5-nitrofurfuryl bromide with bases: Operation of anion-radical mechanism
Authors: Prousek Josef
Published: August 2011

4-Nitrobenzyl bromide (I) - contrary to 5-nitrofurfuryl bromide (V) - does not react with hard bases in an electron-transfer chain reaction, giving instead product of SN2 reaction. However, its reaction with soft bases affords 1,2-bis(4-nitrophenyl)ethane (III) as anion-radical mechanism product. 5-Nitrofurfuryl bromide reacts with hard bases to give 1,2-bis(5-nitro-2-furyl)ethylene (VI) whereas with soft bases 1,2-bis(5-nitro-2-furyl)ethane (VII) is formed. The derivative VII on reaction with ethanolic NaOH reacts by α-E1cB mechanism under formation of the ethylene derivative VI. The derivative III does not react by this mechanism. The solvent and base effects on the formation of charge-transfer complexes in the initial stage of these reactions in relation to the reaction mechanism are discussed.
Wittig type reactions of 2-formylated derivatives of 6-methylergoline - I
Authors: Beneš Jan , Holubek Jiří
Published: August 2011

Using the Horner-Wittig reaction, aldehydes I and II were converted, with high E-selectivity, into ethyl esters of substituted acrylic acids, VI and VII. The N-anions generated by deprotonation of derivative I-V with sodium hydride in tetrahydrofuran reacted with vinyltriphenylphosphonium bromide with the formation of derivatives of pyrrolo[1,2-a]ergoline-I, XI-XV.
Nardiin, a new ent-kaurane diterpenoid from the liverwort Nardia scalaris
Authors: Beneš Ivan , Vaněk Tomáš , Buděšínský Miloš
Published: August 2011

An ent-kaurane diterpenoid nardiin(II) was isolated from the chloroform extract of Nardia scalaris S. GRAY corr. TREV. Its structure was determined by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy and garryfoline-cuauchichicine rearrangement as ent-15α-hydroxy-9(11),16-kauradien-6-one.
Synthesis of nickel selenites, their solubility and bonding in them
Authors: Ebert Miroslav , Mička Zdeněk , Peková Ilona
Published: August 2011

The solubility diagram of the NiSeO3-SeO2-H2O system at 25 °C was studied, and on its basis, Ni(HSeO3)2.2 H2O was prepared. This selenite and NiSeO3.2 H2O were investigated by infrared absorption spectroscopy and by electronic reflectance spectroscopy and their magnetic properties were determined. Based on the infrared spectra, the force constants of the selenium-oxygen bonds were determined and the hydrogen bonding was characterized. The electronic reflectance spectra and the magnetic parameters indicate an octahedral arrangement of the coordination sphere of the nickel cation and characterize the selenite anion as a ligand that in the spectrochemical series assumes a position between the fluoride anion and water and in the nephelauxetic series, between ethylenediamine and the chloride anion.
The effect of organic solvents on the reaction of higher 1-alkenes with palladium dichloride in aqueous solution
Authors: Kaszonyi Alexander , Vojtko Ján , Hrušovský Mikuláš
Published: August 2011

It was found that hydrophilic organic solvent, added to aqueous PdCl2 solution to increase the solubility of alkene, affects both parallel processes taking place during the reaction of 1-alkenes with PdCl2, i.e. the isomerisation of 1-alkene to internal n-alkenes and the oxidation of alkenes to carbonyl compounds; the solvent can facilitate either both processes (alcohols) or only one of the processes (acetic acid - isomerisation, N,N-dimethylformamide - oxidation), eventually it can retard both or one of processes (acetonitrile - oxidation, dioxane - isomerisation, dimethyl sulphoxide - isomerisation and oxidation). On using 2-methoxyethanol as the solvent, the oxidation of 1-octene can be correlated by the same rate equation as the oxidation of styrene or ethylene.
Hydroboration of N-allyl derivatives of pyrrolidine, piperidine, hexahydroazepine and morpholine
Authors: Ferles Miloslav , Kafka Stanislav
Published: August 2011

Heating of allyl derivatives I with triethylamine-borane gave spirocyclical amine-boranes II, which were hydrolysed with hydrochloric acid to hydrochlorides of aminoboronic acids, III. Oxidation of these hydrochlorides produced amino alcohols IV.
The effect of viscosity on droplet splitting in ARD and RDC extractors
Authors: Stangl Daniel , Míšek Tomáš
Published: August 2011

It has been found that the size of droplets originated by mixing depends not only on the interfacial tension and the parameters of mixing but also on the viscosity of the droplet and its surroundings. A semi-theoretical relationship has been proposed for the calculation of the size of the droplet. The validity of this relationship has been tested by measurements on ARD and RDC columns 250 mm in diameter and 1 m long.
The crystal and molecular structure of tris(1-aza-2-cyclononanone-O)-trichlorochromium(III) complex
Authors: Hašek Jindřich , Huml Karel , Ječný Jiří , Puffr Rudolf
Published: August 2011

The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, has the P21/c space group, and the unit cell parameters are a = 1 484.4(8), b = 1 522.8(8), c = 1 854.0(8) pm, β = 96.36(4)°, Z = 4. The structure consists of molecules of an electroneutral complex interconnected only through the van der Waals forces. Solvent is nonstoichiometrically incorporated in the crystals. Octanolactam monodentate ligands are coordinated through oxygen atoms to Cr(III) and have the cis-conformation of the amide group. The relationship between structure parameters of the amide group, their change caused by coordination and the reactivity of the amide group to nucleophilic substitution are discussed using the example of octanolactam polymerization.
Formation of arenediazonium ion in oxidation of N,N-dimethyl-4-aminobenzene and some meta-substituted derivatives with cerium(IV) ion in acid medium
Authors: Matrka Miroslav , Pípalová Jitka
Published: August 2011

Oxidation has been studied of an experimental hepatocarcinogene N,N-dimethyl-4-aminoazobenzene and some its meta-substituted derivatives with cerium(IV) ion in 1M hydrochloric acid medium with potentiometric indication. It has been possible to prove formation of more than 50 per cent arenediazonium ion and N,N-dimethylbenzoquinonimine besides the known metabolites. Furthermore, five meta-substituted derivatives of N,N-dimethyl-4-aminoazobenzene have been studied, and the amount of the arenediazonium ion formed has been found to depend critically on character of the 3'-substituent.
Ability of risk scores to predict a low complication risk in patients admitted for suspected acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Söderholm Martin , Deligani Mazdak Malekian , Choudhary Mariam , Björk Jonas , Ekelund Ulf
Published: August 2011

Background

When acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cannot be ruled out, emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain are admitted for in-hospital observation because of the risk of complications such as arrhythmia and acute heart failure. A study was undertaken to compare the ability of three risk prediction models to identify patients at a very low risk of complications.

Methods

559 consecutive patients with chest pain presenting to the ED and admitted for a suspicion of ACS were prospectively included. Predefined in-hospital complications were recorded and the risk predictions of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score, the Freedom-from-Events (FFE) risk score and the Goldman rule were compared using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results

Of the 559 patients, 140 had ACS and 32 had at least one complication. The GRACE score was superior to the FFE score in predicting the risk of complications (area under ROC curve 0.76 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.85) vs 0.69 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.79), p=0.021) whereas the Goldman rule (area under ROC curve 0.60; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.72) was inferior to both the GRACE and FFE scores. With the GRACE score set to a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), 108 patients (19.3%) at almost no risk of complications could have been correctly identified in the ED.

Conclusion

The GRACE and FFE scores are able to predict low complication risks in patients with chest pain admitted for suspected ACS, but only the GRACE score may be able to identify a significant number of patients at almost no risk of complications. A larger multicentre study is needed to confirm the possibility of using the GRACE score to identify patients suitable for assessment without monitoring.
THERMODYNAMICS IN MODIFIED GRAVITY THEORIES
Authors: BAMBA KAZUHARU , GENG CHAO-QIANG , TSUJIKAWA SHINJI
Published: August 2011

We demonstrate that there exists an equilibrium description of thermodynamics on the apparent horizon in the expanding cosmological background for a wide class of modified gravity theories with the Lagrangian density f(R,ϕ,X), where R is the Ricci scalar and X is the kinetic energy of a scalar field ϕ. This comes from a suitable definition of an energy momentum tensor of the "dark" component obeying the local energy conservation law in the Jordan frame. It is shown that the equilibrium description in terms of the horizon entropy S is convenient because it takes into account the contribution of the horizon entropy Ŝ in non-equilibrium thermodynamics as well as an entropy production term.
Higher-Order Amplitude Squeezing in Six-Wave Mixing Process
Authors: Rani Sunil , Lal Jawahar , Singh Nafa
Published: August 2011

We investigate theoretically the generation of squeezed states in spontaneous and stimulated six-wave mixing process quantum mechanically. It has been found that squeezing occurs in field amplitude, amplitude-squared, amplitude-cubed, and fourth power of field amplitude of fundamental mode in the process. It is found to be dependent on coupling parameter “g” (characteristics of higher-order susceptibility tensor) and phase values of the field amplitude under short-time approximation. Six-wave mixing is a process which involves absorption of three pump photons and emission of two probe photons of the same frequency and a signal photon of different frequency. It is shown that squeezing is greater in a stimulated interaction than the corresponding squeezing in spontaneous process. The degree of squeezing depends upon the photon number in first and higher orders of field amplitude. We study the statistical behaviour of quantum field in the fundamental mode and found it to be sub-Poissonian in nature. The signal-to-noise ratio has been studied in different orders. It is found that signal-to-noise ratio is higher in lower orders. This study when supplemented with experimental observations offers possibility of improving performance of many optical devices and optical communication networks.
Genotypic Variability and Correlation Studies in Pod and Seed Characteristics ofPongamia pinnata(L.) Pierre in Orissa, India
Authors: Sahoo Deebe Prasad , Rout Gyana Ranjan , Das Swarnalata , Aparajita Subhashree , Mahapatra A. K.
Published: August 2011

Pongamia pinnata(L.) Pierre is a fast growing leguminous tree with high potential for oil seed production. Fifty-three candidate plus trees (CPTs) ofPongamia pinnatawere selected from different locations in Orissa, India, on the basis of their seed and pod characteristics to identify suitable seed source with high oil content for production of quality planting seedling for use in afforestation programs. All the CPTs showed significant variation among themselves in respect to their pod and seed characters. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) estimates were high for pod thickness, seed thickness, 100-pod weight, and 100-seed weight. High heritability values accompanied by high genetic advance for 100-seed weight (96.1%, 59.6) and 100-pod weight (90.9%, 37.3) indicated additive gene action. High estimates of genotypic correlations than the corresponding phenotypic correlations indicated the presence of strong inherent association between pod length and pod breadth; 100-pod weight, and pod thickness; 100-pod weight and seed length; 100-seed weight and 100-pod weight. Seed length, seed breadth, seed thickness, 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight had significant positive correlation with each other, and these characters should be considered as effective parameters to select CPTs for different agroforestry programs.
The New “New Racism” Thesis
Authors: Gainous Jason
Published: August 2011

Some contend that Whites’ application of values to form opinions about race-conscious policy may constitute a subtle form of racism. Others challenge the new racism thesis, suggesting that racism and values are exclusive in their influence. Proponents of the thesis assert that many Whites’ attitudes about such policy are structured by a mix of racism and American individualism. The author suggests that an even more subtle form of racism may exist. Racism may actually be expressed in opposition to big government. The test results presented here indicate that the effects of limited-government values on attitudes about race-conscious policy are conditional on levels of racial prejudice for many Whites, whereas the effects on racially ambiguous social welfare policy attitudes are not. The author contends that these results provide support to the argument that racism still exists and has found a new subtle expression.
Layering of fabrics in laboratory tests to reflect combinations as outdoor apparel
Authors: Laing Raechel M , MacRae Braid A , Wilson Cheryl A , Niven Brian E
Published: August 2011

The objective was to examine the effects of layering fabrics on selected properties known to be critical in the outdoor recreational activity market (permeability to air and to water vapor, and thermal-related measures including ’dry’ and ’wet’ thermal resistance). With laboratory-based testing used by manufacturers to aid fabric selection, information on the way in which fabrics behave as layered arrangements is pertinent.Comparisons of effects on fabric properties were based on fibers (merino wool, polyester), knit structures (single jersey, interlock, eyelet), and whether differences were apparent with multiple-layer arrangements typical of end use, including outer layers. Standard methods and modifications to these were applied. Some properties differed according to the spacing (distance) between layers and/or between a first layer and a hypothetical ’skin’ surface. Differences among the different fabrics/fibers were more apparent with one layer than with multiple layers. Layering of fabrics which are likely to be used as garments worn together has major effects on properties such as permeability to air and water vapor, thermal resistance, and nominal thermal conductance. Effects of adding a second layer typically exceeded those of adding a third.