bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIATING REACTIVE AND SUSPICIOUS JEALOUSY
Authors: Rydell Robert J. , Bringle Robert G.
Published: April 2009

In contrast to viewing jealousy as a unitary construct, this research differentiates jealousy into reactive (emotional components of jealousy) and suspicious jealousy (cognitive and behavioral components of jealousy), for which manifestations and antecedents differ. Besides finding
that reactive and suspicious jealousy could be delineated, the results of two studies found evidence for discriminant validity and that greater reactive jealousy was related to greater relationship dependency, greater trust, and lower chronic jealousy. Persons who displayed more suspicious
jealousy had greater insecurity, greater anxious attachment, greater avoidant attachment, greater chronic jealousy, and lower self-esteem. This research is consistent with a transactional model of jealousy.
Testing an alternative relationship between individual and contextual predictors of creative performance
Authors: Lim Hyoun Sook , Choi Jin Nam
Published: April 2009

Existing studies have been focused mainly on the effects of individual and contextual factors on creativity, leaving unaddressed the intermediate processes through which these predictors affect creativity. Based on previous theoretical arguments, we proposed that individuals' cognitive
and affective states with regard to creativity comprise the direct antecedents of creative performance. Specifically, we hypothesized that creativity efficacy and positive attitude toward creativity mediate the effects on creative performance of individual creative ability, supportive leadership,
and constructive group norms. The empirical results based on multisource, longitudinal panel data clearly indicate that these cognitive and affective process variables mediate the effects of both individual and contextual variables on creative performance. These findings reveal potential psychological
processes that should be targeted when educators and managers design interventions to increase creative performance of individuals.
Interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing: Moderating effects of individual altruism and a social interaction environment
Authors: Wu Wei-Li , Lin Chien-Hsin , Hsu Bi-Fen , Yeh Ryh-Song
Published: April 2009

The relationship between interpersonal trust and knowledge sharing was explored, along with the impact of individual altruism and a social interaction environment. Participants were employees in Taiwanese high-tech industries. Employees' perceived interpersonal trust, of either their
colleagues or supervisor, was found to be positively correlated with their knowledge-sharing behaviors in the workplace. Employees' altruism traits were found to be a factor for them to share knowledge in the workplace and the trait of altruism was also found to reduce the positive association
between trust of colleagues and knowledge sharing. An organizational social interaction environment intensifies the positive association between trust of colleagues and knowledge sharing. Theoretical and managerial implications of the study are discussed.
An empirical investigation of the moral judgment development of Taiwanese procurement executives
Authors: Lin Chieh-Yu
Published: April 2009

The issue of ethical behavior in procurement has become increasingly critical to many organizations. A sample of 213 procurement executives from large Taiwanese companies was assessed in terms of their moral judgment development measured by the Defining Issues Test (Rest, 1979). The
findings indicate that Taiwanese procurement executives focus more on the conventional level than on the postconventional level of moral judgment development. Taiwanese procurement personnel at a higher management level will have higher overall scores for moral judgment development than those
at a lower management level, and upper management focus less on mutually satisfying outcomes and group harmonization than do middle or lower levels.
P2X7 Receptor-Stimulated Secretion of MHC Class II-Containing Exosomes Requires the ASC/NLRP3 Inflammasome but Is Independent of Caspase-1
Authors: Qu Yan , Ramachandra Lakshmi , Mohr Susanne , Franchi Luigi , Harding Clifford V. , Nunez Gabriel , Dubyak George R.
Published: April 2009

We recently reported that P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-induced activation of caspase-1 inflammasomes is accompanied by release of MHC class II (MHC-II) protein into extracellular compartments during brief stimulation of murine macrophages with ATP. Here we demonstrate that MHC-II containing membranes released from macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) in response to P2X7R stimulation comprise two pools of vesicles with distinct biogenesis: one pool comprises 100- to 600-nm microvesicles derived from direct budding of the plasma membrane, while the second pool is composed of 50- to 80-nm exosomes released from multivesicular bodies. ATP-stimulated release of MHC-II in these membrane fractions is observed within 15 min and results in the export of ∼15% of the total MHC-II pool within 90 min. ATP did not stimulate MHC-II release in macrophages from P2X7R knockout mice. The inflammasome regulatory proteins, ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain) and NLRP3 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3), which are essential for caspase-1 activation, were also required for the P2X7R-regulated release of the exosome but not the microvesicle MHC-II pool. Treatment of bone marrow-derived macrophages with YVAD-cmk, a peptide inhibitor of caspase-1, also abrogated P2X7R-dependent MHC-II secretion. Surprisingly, however, MHC-II release in response to ATP was intact in caspase-1−/− macrophages. The inhibitory actions of YVAD-cmk were mimicked by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk and the serine protease inhibitor TPCK, but not the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-cho. These data suggest that the ASC/NLRP3 inflammasome complexes assembled in response to P2X7R activation involve protease effector(s) in addition to caspase-1, and that these proteases may play important roles in regulating the membrane trafficking pathways that control biogenesis and release of MHC-II-containing exosomes.
Tumor Recognition and Self-Recognition Induce Distinct Transcriptional Profiles in Antigen-Specific CD4 T Cells
Authors: Getnet Derese , Maris Charles H. , Hipkiss Edward L. , Grosso Joseph F. , Harris Timothy J. , Yen Hung-Rong , Bruno Tullia C. , Wada Satoshi , Adler Adam , Georgantas Robert W. , Jie Chunfa , Goldberg Monica V. , Pardoll Drew M. , Drake Charles G.
Published: April 2009

Tumors express a wide variety of both mutated and nonmutated Ags. Whether these tumor Ags are broadly recognized as self or foreign by the immune system is currently unclear. Using an autochthonous prostate cancer model in which hemagglutinin (HA) is specifically expressed in the tumor (ProHA × TRAMP mice), as well as an analogous model wherein HA is expressed in normal tissues as a model self-Ag (C3HAhigh), we examined the transcriptional profile of CD4 T cells undergoing Ag-specific division. Consistent with our previous data, transfer of Ag-specific CD4 T cells into C3HAhigh resulted in a functionally inactivated CD4 T cell profile. Conversely, adoptive transfer of an identical CD4 T cell population into ProHA × TRAMP mice resulted in the induction of a regulatory phenotype of the T cell (Treg) both at the transcriptional and functional level. Interestingly, this Treg skewing was a property of even early-stage tumors, suggesting Treg induction as an important tolerance mechanism during tumor development.
The Amino Acid Sequences Flanking an Antigenic Determinant Can Strongly Affect MHC Class I Cross-Presentation without Altering Direct Presentation
Authors: Ma Xueying , Serna Amparo , Xu Ren-Huan , Sigal Luis J.
Published: April 2009

Direct presentation (DP) and cross presentation (CP) on MHC I by professional APCs are defined by the internal or external source of the Ag, respectively. Although some Ags are substrates for both DP and CP, others are only substrates for DP. The reasons for this difference remain largely unknown. In this study, we studied in tissue culture and also in vivo, the effects of altering the length and sequence of the amino acid chains flanking an MHC class I restricted determinant (the chicken OVA OVA258–265, SIINFEKL) that is normally a good substrate for both DP and CP. We demonstrate that CP but not DP strictly requires flanking N and C-terminal extensions of minimal length. Furthermore, we show that removal but not replacement of just one amino acid 22 residues downstream from the determinant is sufficient to strongly affect CP without affecting either protein stability or DP. Thus, our work shows that the flanking residues of an antigenic determinant can differentially affect CP and DP, and that features of the Ag other than half-life can have a major impact in CP. Our studies may have implications for understanding CP in viral infections and possibly for the design of new vaccines.
A New Two‐Photon‐Sensitive Block Copolymer Nanocarrier
Authors: Babin Jérôme , Pelletier Maxime , Lepage Martin , Allard Jean‐François , Morris Denis , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2009

Leicht zu knacken: Micellen eines neuen amphiphilen Blockcopolymers, das Cumaringruppen enthält, brechen aufgrund der Zweiphotonenabsorption dieses Chromophors bei der Bestrahlung mit Nahinfrarot‐Licht (794 nm) auf. Dabei werden sowohl photolytisch abgespaltenes Cumarin als auch verkapseltes Nilrot aus dem hydrophoben Inneren der Micelle in eine wässrige Lösung ausgeschüttet, die gegenläufige Effekte auf die Intensität der Fluoreszenzemission haben.

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A New Two‐Photon‐Sensitive Block Copolymer Nanocarrier
Authors: Babin Jérôme , Pelletier Maxime , Lepage Martin , Allard Jean‐François , Morris Denis , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2009

Easily disrupted: Micelles of a new amphiphilic block copolymer that bear coumarin groups are sensitive to near infrared light by two‐photon absorption of the chromophore. Disruption of the micelles under irradiation at 794 nm results in release of both photocleaved coumarin and encapsulated nile red from the hydrophobic core of micelle into aqueous solution, which results in opposing changes in fluorescence emission intensity.

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In situ fast gelling formulation of methyl cellulose for in vitro ophthalmic controlled delivery of ketorolac tromethamine
Authors: Bain Mrinal Kanti , Bhowmik Manas , Ghosh Shanti Nath , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: April 2009

The development of an in‐situ fast gelling vehicle for ophthalmic drug delivery based on methylcellulose (MC) was studied. The gelation temperature of 1 % MC was 59°C. Additives such as fructose and sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate (SC) were added in different proportions to reduce the gelation temperature of MC from 59°C to the physiological temperature i.e. 37°C. With the variation of fructose concentration from 2 to 10% at constant 1% MC concentration, the gel temperature was reduced from 59 to 54°C. To reduce the gelation temperature of MC further, SC was added in the system where the concentration of MC (1%) and fructose (10%) were kept constant. It was observed that with the variation of SC concentration from 1 to 5%, the sol–gel transition temperature was further lowered from 54 to 32°C. The gel temperature of all the combinations was measured by test tube tilting method and followed by UV–vis spectroscopy. The developed formulation corresponding to gelation temperature 32°C provided sustained release of Ketorolac Tromethamine (KT) over a 9 h period. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Physicomechanical and thermal properties of moldings made from liquefied wood‐based novolak PF resins under various hot‐pressing conditions
Authors: Lee Wen‐Jau , Chen Yi‐Chun , Wu Chiou‐Chang , Juan Yu‐Mei
Published: April 2009

The wood powder of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) was liquefied in phenol, with H2SO4 and HCl as a catalyst. The liquefied wood was used to prepare the liquefied wood‐based novolak phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins by reacting with formalin. Furthermore, novolak PF resins were mixed with wood flour, hexamethylenetetramine, zinc stearate as filler, curing agent, and lubricating agent, respectively, and hot‐pressed under 180 or 200°C for 5 or 10 min to manufacture moldings. The results showed that physicomechanical properties of moldings were influenced by the hot‐pressing condition. The molding made with hot‐pressing temperature of 200°C for 10 min had a higher curing degree, dimensional stability, and internal bonding strength. The thermal analysis indicated that using a hot‐pressing temperature of 180°C was not sufficient for the liquefied wood‐based novolak PF resins to completely cure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Theoretical Study on the Halogen–Zinc Exchange Reaction by Using Organozincate Compounds
Authors: Nakamura Shinji , Liu Ching‐Yuan , Muranaka Atsuya , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: April 2009

Zincate it! The mechanism of the halogen–zinc exchange reaction with organozincate compounds has been studied by using density functional theory to elucidate the effects of changing the halogen species, the alkyl ligand on zinc, and the substrate nature (see figure).

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Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to examine the mechanism of the halogen–zinc exchange reaction of organozincate reagents (Me2RZnLi⋅OMe2; R=Me, Et, iPr, and tBu) with organohalides (RX; R=Me, vinyl, ethynyl, ‐CH(Cl)CH3, ‐CH(CH3)CHCH2; X=Cl, Br, I). We focused on three areas: 1) the effect of the halogen species, 2) the effect of the alkyl ligand on zinc, 3) the effect of the substrate nature. Fragment‐energy analysis of each reaction was conducted to elucidate the factors determining the activation energy. The nature of the halogen atom affects the interaction (INT) energy but does not affect the deformation (DEF) energy. On the other hand, the type of alkyl ligand influences DEF rather than INT and bulky ligands (including tert‐butyl and iso‐propyl groups) decrease the activation energy compared with smaller ligands, such as ethyl and methyl groups. In the reaction with vinyl iodide, a decrease in DEF promoted the reaction, whereas INT was almost unchanged. However, in the case of iodoacetylene, a decrease in INT lowered the activation energy. For allyl iodide derivatives DEF appears to be the determining factor, whereas for gem‐dihaloalkane derivatives INT is the main determinant of reactivity.
Adenosine A2AReceptor Antagonists: New 8‐Substituted 9‐Ethyladenines as Tools for in vivo Rat Models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Volpini Rosaria , Dal Ben Diego , Lambertucci Catia , Marucci Gabriella , Mishra Ram Chandra , Ramadori Anna Teresa , Klotz Karl‐Norbert , Trincavelli Maria Letizia , Martini Claudia , Cristalli Gloria
Published: April 2009

A new seriesof 8‐substituted 9‐ethyladenine derivatives has been synthesized and tested at rat and human adenosine receptors. Binding data demonstrates that some compounds could represent new tools suitable for in vivo studies in rat models of Parkinson's disease and for the design of new molecules with improved affinity and selectivity at human AA2AR.

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Clinical evidence has demonstrated that AA2AR antagonists could be an alternative approach to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Recently, three 9‐ethyladenine derivatives bearing a bromine atom, an ethoxy group, and a furyl ring, respectively, in the 8‐position have been reported to ameliorate motor deficits in rat Parkinson's disease models, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for these compounds. Starting from these observations, a new series of 9‐ethyladenine derivatives, bearing different substituents such as halogens, alkoxy groups, aromatic and heteroaromatic rings in the 8‐position, were synthesized. Radioligand binding assays demonstrated that some of the new compounds bind rat AA2AR with higher affinity than the previously reported congeners and that there is a good correlation between binding to rat and human receptors. Hence, the new molecules could represent new tools suitable for the in vivo studies in rat models of Parkinson's disease. Finally, a molecular docking analysis of the compounds was performed using a homology model of rat AA2AR, built using the human crystal structure as the template, and results are in agreement with the binding data.
Highly Selective Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by Halo‐Salane Titanium Complexes
Authors: Immel Timo A. , Debiak Malgorzata , Groth Ulrich , Bürkle Alexander , Huhn Thomas
Published: April 2009

Metal‐based antitumor agents: Halogen‐substituted titanium salane complexes showed IC50 values comparable to cisplatin. In contrast to their alkyl‐substituted congeners, they almost exclusively induced apoptotic cell death. This unique combination of very low IC50 values and pronounced preference for apoptosis makes them promising therapeutic agents.

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Post‐European settlement response gradients of river sensitivity and recovery across the upper Hunter catchment, Australia
Authors: Fryirs Kirstie , Spink Alexandra , Brierley Gary
Published: April 2009

Most analyses of river adjustment have focused on parts of catchments where metamorphosis has occurred. This provides a non‐representative view of river responses to human‐disturbance. Although many rivers have been subjected to systematic land‐use change and disturbance, significant variability is evident in the form, extent and consequences of adjustment. This study documents the catchment‐wide distribution of river sensitivity and adjustment in the upper Hunter catchment, New South Wales, Australia in the period since European settlement. The spatial distribution and timing of lateral, vertical and wholesale river adjustments are used to assess river sensitivity to change. The type and pattern of rivers, influenced largely by valley setting, have induced a fragmented pattern of river adjustment in the upper Hunter catchment. Adjustments have been largely non‐uniform and localized, reflecting the predominance of bedrock‐controlled rivers which have limited capacity to adjust and are resilient to change. Less than 20% of river courses have experienced metamorphosis. Phases of reach‐scale geomorphic adjustment to human disturbance are characterized as a gradient of primary, secondary and tertiary responses. In general terms, primary responses such as cutoffs or straightening were followed by secondary responses such as channel expansion. These secondary responses occurred between 50–70 years after initial disturbance. A subsequent tertiary phase of river recovery, denoted as a transition from predominantly erosional to predominantly depositional geomorphic processes such as channel contraction, occurred around 70–120 years after initial disturbance. Such responses are ongoing across much of the upper Hunter catchment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the age‐weathering correspondence of cosmogenic 21Ne dated Pleistocene surfaces by the Schmidt Hammer
Authors: Sánchez Jorge Sanjurjo , Mosquera Daniel Fernández , Romaní Juan Ramón Vidal
Published: April 2009

The Schmidt Hammer (SH) method is used to quantify the rock weathering degree and has been proposed as a relative dating tool. Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclide (TCN) methods provide absolute exposure ages for erosive surfaces. Few works combine both methods for surfaces older than the Holocene. We compare data obtained by both methods for c. 150 ka bp glacial and fluvial erosive granite surfaces from northwest Spain. Rebound values (R) have been firstly compared with the rock density to assess the correlation with the rock strength, independently from influence of factors such as wetness and roughness in the R‐values. For erosive glacial surfaces older than 100 ka R‐values are confined in a narrow range, with no differences within errors. Stepped fluvial surfaces of 700 m to 70 m above present sea level show an inverse correspondence between TCN ages and R‐values, although no age predictions can be done on the basis of the R‐values. Thus, age inferences exclusively based on R‐values may not be realistic, but SH studies could be a useful tool for selecting surfaces for TCN dating. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False negative fecal occult blood tests due to delayed sample return in colorectal cancer screening
Authors: van Rossum Leo G.M. , van Rijn Anne F. , van Oijen Martijn G.H. , Fockens Paul , Laheij Robert J.F. , Verbeek Andre L.M. , Jansen Jan B.M.J. , Dekker Evelien
Published: April 2009

Delayed return of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) samples to a laboratory might cause false negatives because of hemoglobin degradation. Quantitative iFOBT's became increasingly more accepted in colorectal cancer screening. Therefore, we studied the effects of delay between sampling and laboratory delivery on iFOBT performance. IFOBT positivity (≥50 ng/ml hemoglobin) in colorectal cancer screening participants without delay between sampling and laboratory delivery (<5 days), was compared with positivity in participants with ≥5 and ≥7 days delay. Additionally, positive tests were stored at room temperature and retested 5 times within 10–14 days. The sampling date was reported by 61% (n = 3,767) of the participants: in 19% delay was ≥5 days and in 5% ≥7 days. Compared with no‐delay, the adenoma detection rate was already significantly decreased after ≥5 days delay (OR 0.6; 95%CI 0.4–0.9). We retested iFOBT samples of 170 positives of which 139 (82%) had a colonoscopy: 45 (32%) had advanced adenomas (not colorectal cancer) and 8 (6%) had colorectal cancer. Mean daily fecal hemoglobin decrease was 29 ng/ml (S.D. 38 and median 11 ng/ml). In patients with advanced adenomas, hemoglobin in the sample was <50 ng/ml in 5 (11%) 2–3 days after the initial test and in 16 (36%) after 10–14 days. Seven days after the initial test, 2 (25%) colorectal cancer patients became false negative. Both had stage I colorectal cancer and initial values below 100 ng/ml, where the average for stage I is 532 ng/ml. Delay in sample return increased false negative immunochemical FOBT's. Mainly precursor lesions, but also colorectal cancer, will be missed due to delayed sample return. © 2009 UICC
Bayesian quantile regression methods
Authors: Lancaster Tony , Jae Jun Sung
Published: April 2009

This paper is a study of the application of Bayesian exponentially tilted empirical likelihood to inference about quantile regressions. In the case of simple quantiles we show the exact form for the likelihood implied by this method and compare it with the Bayesian bootstrap and with Jeffreys' method. For regression quantiles we derive the asymptotic form of the posterior density. We also examine Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations with a proposal density formed from an overdispersed version of the limiting normal density. We show that the algorithm works well even in models with an endogenous regressor when the instruments are not too weak. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteoclastogenesis on hydroxyapatite ceramics: The effect of carbonate substitution
Authors: Spence Gavin , Patel Nelesh , Brooks Roger , Bonfield William , Rushton Neil
Published: April 2009

Human osteoclasts derived from CD14+ve precursors were cultured on discs of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA) and carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) of varying carbonate contents. The development of osteoclasts was qualitatively different on ceramics compared to dentine, occurring in discrete, confluent subpopulations, which suggests local cell signaling may be important in the process. Resorption was quantified by scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry, and by calcium release into the culture medium. Cells were characterised by a number of histochemical markers of the osteoclast phenotype. Resorption of the ceramic increased with increasing carbonate content up to 2.35 wt %, when resorption trails and pits characteristic of osteoclast activity were seen. Controlling carbonate content may be one way of controlling the rate of resorption of synthetic HA ceramics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
The mass spectrometic fragmentation patterns of some biologically active derivatives of 2H‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine 1,1‐dioxides
Authors: Kirkien‐Rzeszotarski Alieja M. , Plimmer J. R. , Krees S. V. , Rzeszotarski W. J.
Published: April 2009

The mass spectra of some twenty‐six derivatives of 2H‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine 1,1‐dioxide are discussed. All compounds studied follow relatively simple fragmentation routes; as a consequence the fragmentation pattern gives a clear guide to the structure of the compound under investigation.
The reaction of carboxylic acid hydrazides with formaldehyde
Authors: Rosen Gerald M. , Gemmill Frederick Q. , Snoke Edgar O. , Popp Frank D.
Published: April 2009

The hydrazides of benzoic, phenyacetic, and 3‐phenylpropionic acids react with an acidic solution of formaldehyde to give15. Similar treatment of the corresponding methylhydrazides gave16. The ethers15can be cleaved to give, after methylation,16. Spectral data for15and16are presented.
The chemistry of 1,2,5‐thiadiazoles, IV. Benzo[1,2‐c:3,4‐c′:5,6‐c″] tris [1,2,5] thiadiazole
Authors: Komin Andrew P. , Carmack Marvin
Published: April 2009

Benzo [1,2‐c:3,4‐c′:5,6‐c″] tris [1,2,5] thiadiazole (1) was synthesized from benzo [1,2‐c:3,4‐c′] ‐ bis [1,2,5] thiadiazole (11). Nitration of 11 gave compound 15, which on direct amination gave nitroamine 17. Reduction of 17 gave diamine 18, and cyclization of 18 with thionyl chloride gave 1. Diamine 18 was also cyclized with selenium oxychloride, glyoxal, 9,10‐phenanthrene‐quinone, and formic acid to give the compounds 4, 5, 19, and 6, respectively. A new procedure for the preparation of 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (7) from o‐phenylenediamine was used.
1,2,4‐Triazoles. V. Nuclear magnetic resonance study of N‐Methyl derivatives of 1,2,4‐triazoles
Authors: Kubota Seiju , Uda Masayuki , Nakagawa Toshiro
Published: April 2009

The chemical shifts of the N‐methyl protons of a number of N‐methylated‐1,2,4‐triazoles were studied. Substitution of methyl and methylthio groups in position 3 causes upfield shifts of the N‐methyl signals, while substitution of α‐pyridyl, γ‐pyridyl, and phenyl groups causes downfield shifts. In 3,5‐disubstituted 1,2,4‐triazoles, substituents in positions 3 and 5 have additive effects on the chemical shifts of N‐methyl groups, so that the chemical shifts of the N‐methyl groups of such compounds can be calculated. In this way, it was possible to assign the peaks of mixtures of N‐monomethylated derivatives obtained by methylation of 1,2,4‐triazoles.
Synthesis of 1,3‐dialkylpyrazolo [1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diones isomers of 1,3‐dialkylxanthines
Authors: Senga Keitaro , Kobe Joze , Robins Roland K. , O'Brien Darrell E.
Published: April 2009

The synthesis of a new series of alkylxanthine analogs containing a bridgehead nitrogen atom is reported. 1,3‐Dialkylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diones, were prepared by the treatment of 3‐methylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐dione(3)with the corresponding alkyl iodide. Similarly, the reaction of 3‐methyl‐7‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐dialkyl‐7‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diones. The starting materials,3and17, were preparedviathe reaction of an appropriate 3‐aminopyrazole with ethoxycarbonyl isothiocyanate. Several 8‐bromo derivatives were prepared by direct bromination of the 1,3‐dialkylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diones.
The preparation and synthetic utility of O‐substituted normethylmorphines
Authors: Borowitz Irving J. , Diakiw Vladimir
Published: April 2009

Previously described alkylation procedures on normethylmorphine in ethanol usually give low yields of N‐ and (phenolic) O,N‐alkylated products. While the O‐aikylation problem has been overcome for alkyl halides by doing the alkylations in dimethylformamide, reactive halides such as ethyl bromoacetate still give some O‐alkylation. Selective N‐acylation on normethylmorphine would present even more difficulty. We have developed syntheses of two phenolic O‐substituted normethylmorphines which allow selective reaction on nitrogen. 3,6‐Diacetylnormethylmorphine (normethylheroin) is prepared via the recently described trichloroethyl chloroformate method of Montzka et al. as applied to heroin. The reaction of N,N‐diethylcarbamoyl chloride on morphine gives 3‐(N,N‐diethylcarbamoyl)morphine, i.e. the phenolic hydroxyl is derivatized. Its 6‐acetyl derivatives is N‐demethylated by the von Braun (cyanogen bromide) method to give 3‐(N,N‐diethylcarbamoyl)normethylmorphine. Norheroin is monoalkylated in good yield on nitrogen with ethyl bromoacetate in dimethylformamide. It is similarly N‐acylated with chloroacetyl chloride in methylene chloride.
Preparation of 4,6‐diaminopyrazolo[3,4‐d] pyrimidines with variations in substitution at the 1‐ and 3‐positions
Authors: Southwick Philip L. , Dhawan Balram
Published: April 2009

A number of new derivatives of 4,6‐diaminopyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines substituted in the 1‐ and/or 3‐positions have been obtained from reactions of guanidine carbonate with 1‐ and/or 3‐substituted‐5‐amino‐4‐cyanopyrazoles. Use of triethanolamine as a reaction medium permitted preparation of certain derivatives which could not be obtained from the previously described fusion procedure. Some derivatives of 4‐aminopyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine with substitution at the 1 ‐ and/or 3‐positions were also obtained from reactions of formamide with the same 5‐amino‐4‐cyanopyrazoles. The new compounds were screened for in vivo antimalarial activity, but were found inactive.
The synthesis of pyrimido[4,5‐c] pyridazines and pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines related to toxoflavin and fervenulin
Authors: Billings Bernadette Kuo , Wagner Judith A. , Dan Cook Phillip , Castle Raymond N.
Published: April 2009

4‐Deazatoxoflavin (1,6‐dimethyl‐1,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrimido[4,5‐c]‐5,7‐pyridazinedione) (7) and several other 4‐deazatoxoflavin and 4‐deazafervenulin analogs have been prepared with the required intermediates. 3,5,7‐Trimethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrido[2,3‐d]‐2,4‐pyrimidinedione (19) and 8‐phenyl‐3,5,7‐trimethyl‐2,3,4,8‐tetrahydropyrido[2,3‐d]‐2,4‐pyrimidinedione (20) were also prepared.
Synthesis of hydroxy‐6H‐benzofuro[3,2‐c] [1]benzopyran‐6‐ones
Authors: McPherson H. L. , Ponder B. W.
Published: April 2009

The Micheal addition of ethyl 2‐methoxy‐, 2,4‐dimethoxy‐ and 2,5‐dimethoxybenzoylacetates with benzoquinone leads to ethyl 2‐(rnethoxy or dimethoxy phenyl)‐5‐hydroxybenzofuran 3‐carboxylates. Treatment of the henzofuran derivatives with anhydrous pyridine hydrochloride at 190–195° leads to hydroxy‐6H‐henzofuro[3,2‐c] [1]benzopyran‐6‐ones.
Nrf2 activators provide neuroprotection against 6‐hydroxydopamine toxicity in rat organotypic nigrostriatal cocultures
Authors: Siebert Aubrey , Desai Vandan , Chandrasekaran Krish , Fiskum Gary , Jafri M. Samir
Published: April 2009

Oxidative stress and inflammation appear to play a critical role in the progression of Parkinson's disease. As a result, there has been growing interest in antioxidant pathways and how these pathways might be exploited to slow the progressive loss of dopamine neurons. One such pathway that has garnered attention recently is mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2 and is integral in orchestrating cells' antiinflammatory defense. Nrf2 controls the inducible expression of numerous antioxidant and phase 2 detoxification genes, such as glutathione S‐transferase, heme oxygenase‐1, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Once activated, these genes work synergistically to maintain intracellular redox homeostasis. In this study, we test the hypothesis that Nrf2 activation can protect dopaminergic neurons against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced toxicity. Treatment of organotypic nigrostriatal cocultures with either tert‐butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) or sulforaphane, known activators of Nrf2, mitigated dopaminergic cell loss. The observed protection appeared to be mediated, at least in part, by an increase in antioxidant activity. Simultaneous treatment of cultures with tBHQ and 6‐OHDA increased NQO1 expression 17‐fold compared with controls. Overall, these results suggest that Nrf2 may play an important role in cellular protection in neurodegenerative diseases and may be a viable therapeutic target in the future. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant lipid composition is not affected by short‐term isotopic (13C) pulse‐labelling experiments
Authors: Wiesenberg Guido L. B. , Schneckenberger Katja , Kuzyakov Yakov , Schwark Lorenz
Published: April 2009

Pulse‐labelling of plants in a 14CO2 or 13CO2 atmosphere is a useful tool for investigating C allocation in plants and soils, revelation of C sources in soil organisms, as well as for CO2 partitioning studies. Recently, these labelling experiments have been used to produce isotopically labelled biomass of plants or microorganisms for the investigation of C dynamics in these organisms or in soil. However, it remains unknown whether these labelling approaches may affect the composition of plant constituents that react to modifications of environmental conditions during biosynthesis. Lipids as primary biosynthesis products and main components of plant waxes are well known to react fast to environmental changes resulting in a modified lipid composition. In this study, we demonstrate that lipid composition may be only slightly affected by the labelling procedure, especially, when only short pulses (only a few hours) are applied and when the sampling does not occur immediately after the labelling. While the differences of plant lipid compositions are obviously modified not as a result of isotopic pulses, the environmental conditions of plants grown under controlled laboratory conditions have a significant effect leading to a shift of the distribution pattern of plant lipids compared to the lipid composition of plants grown under field conditions.
Effects of olive oil polyphenols on erythrocyte oxidative damage
Authors: Paiva‐Martins Fátima , Fernandes João , Rocha Susana , Nascimento Henrique , Vitorino Rui , Amado Francisco , Borges Fernanda , Belo Luís , Santos‐Silva Alice
Published: April 2009

Many studies have investigated the protective effects of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol against cell injury, but few have investigated the protective effects of oleuropein aglycones 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol‐elenolic acid (3,4‐DHPEA‐EA) and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethanol‐elenolic acid dialdehyde (3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA). The present work studied and compared the capacity of these four compounds, found at high concentrations in olive oil, to protect red blood cells (RBCs) from oxidative injury. Thein vitrooxidative stress of RBCs was induced by the water‐soluble radical initiator 2,2′‐azo‐bis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. RBC changes were evaluated either by optical microscopy or by the amount of hemolysis. All compounds were shown to significantly protect RBCs from oxidative damage in a dose‐dependent manner. The order of activity at 20 μM was: 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA > hydroxytyrosol > oleuropein > 3,4‐DHPEA‐EA. Even at 3 μM, 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA and hydroxytyrosol still had an important protective activity. However, deleterious morphological RBC changes were much more evident in the presence of hydroxytyrosol than with 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA. For the first time it was demonstrated that 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA, one of most important olive oil polyphenols, may play a noteworthy protective role against ROS‐induced oxidative injury in human cells since lower doses of this compound were needed to protect RBCsin vitrofrom oxidative mediated hemolysis.
Normal testicular function and spermatogenesis
Authors: Shalet Stephen M.
Published: April 2009

The testis performs two basic functions, sperm production and testosterone secretion. Formation of the testis is genetically controlled; expression of the SRY gene directs the embryonic gonads into the pathway leading to the development of testes. By the fourth week of gestation in humans, the primordial germ cells derived from pluripotent cells of the embryonic epiblast proliferate and migrate from the endoderm of the yolk sac into the undifferentiated gonad, which becomes morphologically distinct during the seventh week of gestation in humans. Histological development of the testis is largely completed by the end of the third month of gestation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:285–288. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward non‐Born–Oppenheimer quantum chemistry
Authors: Takatsuka Kazuo
Published: April 2009

A practical quantum theory for unifying electronic and nuclear dynamics, which were separated by the Born–Oppenheimer approximation, is proposed. The theory consists of two processes. Nonadiabatic (quantum) electron wavepacket dynamics on branching (non‐Born–Oppenheimer) nuclear paths are first constructed. Since these paths are not the classical trajectories, most of the existing semiclassical theories to generate quantum wavepacket do not work. Therefore, we apply our own developed semiclassical wavepacket theory to these generated non‐Born–Oppenheimer paths. This wavepacket is generated based on what we call the action decomposed function, which does not require the information of the so‐called stability matrix. Thus, the motion of nuclei is also quantized, and consequently the total wavefunction is represented as a series of entanglement between the electronic and nuclear wavepackets. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A 3D graphical representation of DNA sequence based on numerical coding method
Authors: Cao Zhi , Li Renfa , Chen Weiyang
Published: April 2009

Recently, we introduced a sort of numerical coding method of DNA sequences (Chen et al., MATCH Commun Math Comput Chem, 2008, 60, 291). On the basis of the result of our coding method, we present a 3D graphical representation of DNA sequences. The 3D graphical representation also avoids loss of information accompanying alternative 2D and 3D representation in which the curve standing for DNA overlaps and intersects itself. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of frames with plastic hinges at arbitrary locations
Authors: Yan Z. H. , Au F. T. K.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents a method for nonlinear dynamic analysis of frames subjected to distributed loads, which is based on the semi‐rigid technique and moving node strategy. The plastic hinge is modelled as a pseudo‐semi‐rigid connection with nonlinear hysteretic moment–curvature characteristics at element ends. The stiffness matrix with material and geometric nonlinearities is expressed as a sum of products of the standard and geometric stiffness matrices with their corresponding correction matrices based on the plasticity‐factors developed from the section flexural stiffness at the plastic hinge locations. Each beam member is modelled by two elements. The moving node strategy is applied to the intermediate node to track the exact location of any intermediate plastic hinge that may be formed. Equilibrium iterations and geometry updating are carried out in every time step. Stiffness degradation is adopted to describe the deterioration of plastic hinges, and the effects of various parameters in the degradation model are evaluated. Examples are used to illustrate the applicability and excellent performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnic differences in body composition and anthropometric characteristics in Australian Caucasian and urban Indigenous children
Authors: Kagawa Masaharu , Byrne Nuala M. , King Neil A. , Pal Sebely , Hills Andrew P.
Published: April 2009

The objective was to compare ethnic differences in anthropometry, including size, proportions and fat distribution, and body composition in a cohort of seventy Caucasian (forty-four boys, twenty-six girls) and seventy-four urban Indigenous (thirty-six boys, thirty-eight girls) children (aged 9–15 years). Anthropometric measures (stature, body mass, eight skinfolds, thirteen girths, six bone lengths and five bone breadths) and body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were conducted. Body composition variables including total body fat percentage and percentage abdominal fat were determined and together with anthropometric indices, including BMI (kg/m2), abdominal:height ratio (AHtR) and sum of skinfolds, ethnic differences were compared for each sex. After adjustment for age, Indigenous girls showed significantly (P < 0·05) greater trunk circumferences and proportion of overweight and obesity than their Caucasian counterparts. In addition, Indigenous children had a significantly greater proportion (P < 0·05) of trunk fat. The best model for total and android fat prediction included sum of skinfolds and age in both sexes (>93 % of variation). Ethnicity was only important in girls where abdominal circumference and AHtR were included and Indigenous girls showed significantly (P < 0·05) smaller total/android fat deposition than Caucasian girls at the given abdominal circumference or AHtR values. Differences in anthropometric and fat distribution patterns in Caucasian and Indigenous children may justify the need for more appropriate screening criteria for obesity in Australian children relevant to ethnic origin.
America's Political Crisis: The Unsustainable State in a Time of Unraveling
Authors: Jacobs Lawrence , King Desmond
Published: April 2009

The American economy and financial system is experiencing upheaval on a scale not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. A number of the largest and most established banks and investment firms have declared bankruptcy (including Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers) or been taken over at fire-sale rates (as was the case, for example, with Merrill Lynch). In the fall of 2008, Congress and the U.S. Treasury along with the Federal Reserve Bank committed more than eight trillion dollars in payments, loans, and guarantees of various sorts to prop up financial institutions (including the semi-governmental mortgage entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) as well as the country's largest insurer, American International Group (AIG). The speed, number, and scope of these interventions lack historical precedent.
Der Fragebogen zur Erfassung der schmerzspezifischen Selbstwirksamkeit (FESS)
Authors: Mangels Marija , Schwarz Susanne , Sohr Gabriele , Holme Martin , Rief Winfried
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung. Zur Erfassung von Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen bei Personen mit chronischen Schmerzen wird der Fragebogen zur Erfassung der schmerzspezifischen Selbstwirksamkeit (FESS), eine Adaptation des Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) ( Nicholas, 2007 ), vorgestellt. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Selbstwirksamkeitsmaßen berücksichtigt dieser bei der Einschätzung von Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen die vorliegenden Schmerzen. In einer obe von N = 363 Patienten (vorwiegend mit Rückenschmerzen) einer orthopädischen Rehabilitationsklinik wurden die psychometrischen Eigenschaften des FESS überprüft. Das Cronbachs Alpha der Gesamtskala liegt bei α = .93. Die einfaktorielle Struktur ließ sich faktorenanalytisch belegen. Hinweise auf die konvergente Validität des FESS liefert besonders die hohe Korrelation zur schmerzbedingten Beeinträchtigung („disability”) (PDI). Hinsichtlich der Konstruktvalidität zeigen sich für den spezifischen FESS und ein allgemeines Selbstwirksamkeitsmaß (SWE) teilweise unterschiedliche Korrelationen zu zentralen Kriteriumsvariablen des Schmerzgeschehens. Regressionsanalysen zeigen den prädiktiven Nutzen des FESS. Somit scheint der FESS ein gutes Instrument zur Status- und Veränderungsmessung in der klinischen Praxis sowie zur Evaluation von Therapieerfolgen in der Schmerzforschung zu sein.
Influence of surrounding plates on 3D subduction dynamics
Authors: Yamato P. , Husson L. , Braun J. , Loiselet C. , Thieulot C.
Published: April 2009

Our 3D modelling study shows that the presence of lithospheric plates around a subducting plate has a significant influence on subduction dynamics, in particular on trench retreat rate, slab dip, and lateral shortening of the subducting plate. Neighbouring plates prevent unrealistic plate behaviour with no need for complex rheologies. Because, at the Earth's surface, plates form a continuous shell, they should not be neglected.
Hurricane‐driven alteration in plankton community size structure in the Gulf of Mexico: A modeling study
Authors: Gierach Michelle M. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Samuelsen Annette , Ueyoshi Kyozo
Published: April 2009

This was the first study to analyze phytoplankton and zooplankton community size structure during hurricane passage. A three‐dimensional biophysical model was used to assess ecosystem dynamics, plankton biomass, and plankton distribution in the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane Katrina (2005). Model simulations revealed that large phytoplankton were most responsive to hurricane‐induced turbulent mixing and nutrient injection, with increases in biomass along the hurricane track. Small phytoplankton, microzooplankton, and mesozooplankton biomass primarily shifted in location and increased in spatial extent as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane passage disrupted the distribution of plankton biomass associated with mesoscale eddies. Biomass minimums and maximums that resided in the center of warm‐ and cold‐core eddies and along eddy peripheries prior to hurricane passage were displaced during Hurricane Katrina.
Time- and sediment depth-related variations in bacterial diversity and community structure in subtidal sands
Authors: Böer Simone I , Hedtkamp Stefanie I C , van Beusekom Justus E E , Fuhrman Jed A , Boetius Antje , Ramette Alban
Published: April 2009

Bacterial community structure and microbial activity were determined together with a large number of contextual environmental parameters over 2 years in subtidal sands of the German Wadden Sea in order to identify the main factors shaping microbial community structure and activity in this habitat. Seasonal changes in temperature were directly reflected in bacterial activities and total community respiration, but could not explain variations in the community structure. Strong sediment depth-related patterns were observed for bacterial abundances, carbon production rates and extracellular enzymatic activities. Bacterial community structure also showed a clear vertical variation with higher operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers at 10–15 cm depth than in the top 10 cm, probably because of the decreasing disturbance by hydrodynamic forces with sediment depth. The depth-related variations in bacterial community structure could be attributed to vertical changes in bacterial abundances, chlorophyll a and NO3−, indicating that spatial patterns of microbes are partially environmentally controlled. Time was the most important single factor affecting microbial community structure with an OTU replacement of up to 47% over 2 years and a contribution of 34% to the total variation. A large part of this variation was not related to any environmental parameters, suggesting that temporal variations in bacterial community structure are caused by yet unknown environmental drivers and/or by stochastic events in coastal sand habitats. Principal ecosystem functions such as benthic oxygen consumption and extracellular hydrolysis of organic matter were, however, at a high level at all times, indicating functional redundancy in the microbial communities.