bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectral fragmentation pattern of 4,4′‐bipyridyls. Part I. 4,4′‐bipyridyl
Authors: Keats N. G. , Summers L. A.
Published: April 2009

The mass spectral fragmentation pattern of 4,4′‐bipyridyl is described. The fragmentation proposals which differ from those previously reported are supported by high resolution mass measurements and metastable transitions.
Reactions of 2‐aminopyridine with picryl halides
Authors: Harris Betty W. , Coburn Michael D. , Papadopoulos E. P.
Published: April 2009

2‐Aminopyridine reacts with picryl halides to give mixtures of 1‐picryl‐2‐(N‐picrylimino)‐1,2‐dihydropyridine and 2‐(N‐picrylamino)pyridine. When picryl fluoride is treated with an excess of 2‐aminopyridine, the 1‐picryl‐2‐(N‐picrylimino)‐1,2‐dihydropyridine reacts further with 2‐aminopyridine to yield two molecules of 2‐(N‐picrylamino)pyridine in a reaction catalyzed by the by‐product, hydrogen fluoride. In contrast, the compositions of the mixtures obtained from the reactions of picryl chloride and picryl bromide with excess 2‐aminopyridine are stable in their reaction media.
A new fused tetrazole ring system: Tetrazolo [1,5‐b] isoquinoline
Authors: Hajós G. Y. , Messmer A.
Published: April 2009

Tetrazolo[1,5‐α]isoquinoline (5b), the linear benzologue of tetrazolopyridine, has been prepared. In contrast to the angular isomers (1b and 2) the linear system exists in solution predominantly in the tautomeric azido‐form (5a) and even in the crystalline state contains a certain amount of 3‐azidoisoquinoline (5a). The tautomeric equilibrium in solution was studied by nmr spectroscopy.
The absolute configuration of 3‐phenylpyrrolidine
Authors: Bettoni Giancarlo , Cellucci Carlo , Tortorella Vincenzo
Published: April 2009

(+)‐3‐Phenylpyrrolidine and (+)‐phenylsuccinic acid have been chemically correlated through (‐)‐N‐benzyl‐3‐phenylpyrrolidine. All these compounds have an S absolute configuration.
[1,3,5]Triazino[1,2‐a] azepines: A new ring system
Authors: Bigg D. C. H. , Purvis S. R.
Published: April 2009

The reaction of 2‐pyrrolidino‐1‐aza‐1‐cycloheptene with aryl isocyanates leads, via 1,4‐dipolar cycloaddition, to 1,3‐diaryl‐10a‐pyrrolidinoperhydro[1,3,5]triazino[1,2‐a]azepine‐2,4‐diones. The reaction provides a facile route to the novel [1,3,5]triazino[1,2‐a]azepine ring system.
4,5‐Bis(chloromethyl)uracil
Authors: Greenwald Richard B.
Published: April 2009

A one‐step synthesis of 4,5‐bis(chloromethyl)uracil from readily available starting materials has been accomplished. This substance is a stable, crystalline solid which undergoes facile nucleophilic attack to produce various di‐substituted uracil derivatives.
Photochemistry of 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐pyrone in trifluoroethanol
Authors: Keil Elinor B. , Pavlik James W.
Published: April 2009

Photolysis of 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐pyrone (1) in trifluoroethanol gave, in addition to the previously observed dimer 2, three volatile primary photoproducts 3, 4, and 5. Continued irradiation led to the disappearance of the three volatile products with formation of 6. This secondary photo‐product was shown to arise from 3 and 4 while 5 was converted to non‐volatile products.

The formation of 3, 4, and 5 can be viewed as arising from an oxybicyclohexenyl zwitterion formed by electrocyclic ring closure of 1. This zwitterion can thus be trapped by solvent to yield 3 and 4 or rearrange to 5 via and epoxycyclopentenone intermediate. The conversion of 3 and 4 to 6 is explained in terms of a Norrish type II process.
Reactivity of methyl (3,6‐dichloropyridazin‐4‐yl)acetate towards nucleophiles
Authors: Adembri G. , De Sio F. , Nesi R. , Scotton M.
Published: April 2009

Methyl (3,6‐dichloropyridazin‐4‐yl)acetate (II), prepared from methyl (3,6‐dihydroxypyrid‐azin‐4‐yl)aeetate (1) by chlurination with phosphorus oxychloride, was used for studies of nucleo‐philic displacement reactions and it has been found that only the chlorine atom at position 6 was displaced with hydrazine. With diluted hydrochloric acid both chlorine atoms were displaced with the 6‐oxo isomer predominating. By turning the aromatic ring of pyridazine into an o‐quinoid system, the chlorine atom at position 3 became mobile. Cyelization of (6‐hydrazino‐s‐triazolo‐[4,3‐b ]pyridazin‐7‐yl)acetic acid hydrazide (XIX) gave 6‐aminopyrrolo[3,2‐e ]s‐triazlo[ 4,3‐b ]‐pyridazm‐7(8H)one (XXI).
Synthèses d'indoles par cyclisation réductrice. II Nouvelle mélhode de synthèse des indole carboxamides‐3, donnant accés aux dérivés de la gramine
Authors: Germain Claude , Bourdais Jacques
Published: April 2009

Les auteurs déerivent une nouvelle méthode de synthèse des indole carboxamides‐3, en deux étapes à partir des haloèno‐2 nitrohenzénes. Ces derniers, par réaction avec les dérivés sodés de cyanoacétamides, dans le N,N‐diméthylformamide, donnent les (nitro‐2 phényl)‐2 cyanoacéta‐mides, dont l'hydrogènation eatalytique, à 80°, conduit directement aux indole carboxamides‐3. Ces amides peuvent ětre réduits par 1′aluminohyrlrure de lithium en aminométhyl‐3 indoles (gramine et dérivés), dont on présente ainsi une nouvelle voie d'accès.
1‐Phenyl‐3,3,4‐trialkyl‐1,2,4‐triazolidin‐5‐ones via cyeloisomerization of ketone 4‐alkyl‐2‐phenylsemicarbazones
Authors: Pilgram Kurt , Skiles Richard D. , Pollard Glenn E.
Published: April 2009

Acetone 2‐phenylsemicarbazone undergoes reversible cyclotautomerization to 3,3‐dimethyl‐l‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolidin‐5‐one in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Ketone 4‐alkyl‐2‐phenylsemicarbazones derived from aliphatic and alicyclic ketones also undergo cyeloisomerization in the presence of catalytic amounts of hydrochloric acid to the ring‐tautomeric 1‐phenyl‐3,3,4‐trialkyl‐1,2,4‐triazolidin‐5‐ones; the presence of a tertiary butyl group in the 4‐position retarded cyclization. Unlike most 4‐alkyl‐2‐phenylsemicarbazones benzaldehyde 2‐phenylsemi‐carbazones do not cyclize. Infrared and nmr data supporting the structural assignments are discussed.
Perhalogenated thiazoles. Their synthesis, reactions and mass spectra
Authors: Herkes F. E. , Bazer T. A.
Published: April 2009

The synthesis of six new mixed perhalogenaled thiazoles ane reported. Three of these contain a 2‐fluoro substituent one of which includes the novel 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐2‐fluorothiazole. The mass spectral fragmentation pattern of the perhalogenated thiazoles was used to elucidate the orientation of the halogen suhstituents. A novel halogen migration from carbon to nitrogen in the mass spectrum was observed for several of the perhalogenated thiazoles. Nucleophilie displacement of fluoride ion in 4,5‐diehloro‐2‐flurothiazile (7) by cyano, hydroxyl and methoxyl unions and by diclhyl amine produced the respective 2‐substituted dichlorothiazoles. The ease of electrophilic substitution on carbon in the polyhalogenated thiazoles was observed to be 2 > > 5 > 4. Sulfur tetrafluoride fluorinalion of 2‐earboxy‐4,5‐dichlorothiazole, formed by lilhiation and eurbonation of tricblorolhiazole, yielded 4,5‐dicbloro‐2‐trifluoromethylthiazole.
The synthesis of syn‐ and anti‐11‐hydroxy‐12‐methyl‐10,11‐dihydro‐5,10‐imino[5H] dibenzo[a,d] cycloheptene
Authors: Dygos John H.
Published: April 2009

The synthesis of anli‐11 ‐hydroxy‐l 2‐methyl‐10,l 1 ‐dihydro‐5,10‐imino[5H]dibenzo[a,d]cyclo‐heptene (3) is reported. The assigned structure of 3, was confirmed by comparison of the infrared and nmr spectra of 3 with that of the syn‐1 1 ‐hydroxy derivative, 8, prepared from 3 via a series of transformations. Key features in the synthesis include cyclization of an unsaturated amine to an azatetracyclic halide and solvolysis via an aziridinium ion to give 3.
Ein alternatives Verfahren zur Abscheidung von dünnen modifizierten Diamantschichten
Authors: Schubnov Alexej , Vollertsen Frank
Published: April 2009

Mit dem LaPlas‐Verfahren lassen sich, alternativ zu den konventionellen vakuumbasierten CVD‐Verfahren, hochwertige dünne polykristalline Diamantschichten abscheiden. Das Verfahren arbeitet ohne Prozesskammer bei Atmosphärendruck und ist daher für eine lokale Beschichtung auch großer, sperriger Bauteile geeignet. Beschichtbar sind unterschiedliche Werkstoffe (z.B. Mo), insbesondere Hartstoffe (z.B.WC‐Co, Si3N4).

Basierend auf der Beimischung von Stickstoff in das Prozessgasgemisch wurden Schichten mit modifizierten Eigenschaften abgeschieden. Die Schichten besitzen eine niedrigere Reibzahl gegen Al2O3 als eine unter Standardbedingungen erzeugte polykristalline Diamantschicht und verschleißen den Gegenkröper um 50% weniger. Diese Eigenschaften können sehr interessant für den Verschleißschutz sein, insbesondere wenn kein Verschleiß beider Reibpartner erwünscht ist. Damit sind diese Schichten für Gleitpaarungen von großem Interesse, da der Systemverschleiß gering gehalten werden kann.
Bioinspired adhesion systems ‐ competing with the gecko
Authors: Kroner Elmar , Arzt Eduard
Published: April 2009

Geckos can adhere to nearly every kind of surface, independent of its chemical properties or roughness. The adhesive force generated is high enough to support their own weight multiple times and allows the gecko to walk upside down. Their adhesion system is self‐cleaning, renewable (self healing), and can be removed from a surface without residues. It is these unique properties that have kindled steeply rising research interest over the last decade.
Carob Fruit Polyphenols Reduce Tocopherol Loss, Triacylglycerol Polymerization and Oxidation in Heated Sunflower Oil
Authors: Zulim Botega Daniele , Bastida Sara , Marmesat Susana , Pérez‐Olleros Lourdes , Ruiz‐Roso Baltasar , Sánchez‐Muniz Francisco J.
Published: April 2009

Heated oils may contain potentially toxic altered compounds. A denatured carob fiber, very rich in non‐extractable tannins (Exxenterol®), exhibits antioxidant activities in in vitro experiments. The present study was designed to evaluate in sunflower oil (SO) heated to frying temperature, the protective effect on oil thermal oxidation and polymerization of adding 10 mg Exxenterol/kg oil (SO‐10) and 50 mg Exxenterol/kg oil (SO‐50). After 2, 8 and 16 h at 180 °C, SO displayed a relevant increase in triacylglycerol‐derived polar material (PM) and polymer contents and a decrease in α‐tocopherol concentrations. Thermal oxidation changes were significantly checked in SO‐50 throughout the 16‐h heating, while SO‐10 only displayed protection from thermal oxidation during the first 2 h of heating. Oil frying‐life was doubled because formation of PM and polymers was inhibited by more than 50%. Results clearly show that this non‐extractable tannin‐rich fiber can be successfully employed as an additive to significantly prolong sunflower oil frying‐life, and thus decrease the potential toxicity of the heated oil.
What We Mean by Scope and Methods: A Survey of
Undergraduate Scope and Methods Courses
Authors: Turner Charles C. , Thies Cameron G.
Published: April 2009

Self-reflective political scientists have extensively reviewed the
history of the discipline and argued over its future, but to date
there has been little effort to systematically survey undergraduate
scope and methods courses (for an exception see Thies and Hogan
2005). This lack of
data leaves the discipline unable to assess how much we are teaching
undergraduates about the scope of political science or, indeed, what
we mean by the scope of the discipline. Similarly, though there have
been many battles waged over the appropriateness of various
methodologies, it is not clear how much of this discussion, or how
many of these methods, make it into the undergraduate classroom.
Survey results from a nation-wide sample of political science
departments indicate that most departments require a scope and
methods course of their majors and that, while there is a great deal
of variety in topics covered, some common themes exist and some
common assignments are used.
Isoscapes to Address Large‐Scale Earth Science Challenges
Authors: Bowen Gabriel J. , West Jason B. , Vaughn Bruce H. , Dawson Todd E. , Ehleringer James R. , Fogel Marilyn L. , Hobson Keith , Hoogewerff Jurian , Kendall Carol , Lai Chun‐Ta , Miller C. C. , Noone David , Schwarcz Henry , Still Christopher J.
Published: April 2009

Sugar cane cropping for biofuel production reduces water discharge from a northern Indian basin and threatens downstream communities. Regulators want to partition blame between climate change—induced declines in mountain snowpack and excessive evaporation from poorly managed fields. In the same basin, a tiger is found shot. Is it the nuisance animal that has been tormenting local communities, or is it a different animal poached from the upland forests?
Planarization of amorphous carbon films on patterned substrates using gas cluster ion beams
Authors: Toyoda Noriaki , Nagato Keisuke , Tani Hiroshi , Sakane Yasuo , Nakao Masayuki , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Yamada Isao
Published: April 2009

Surface planarization and modification of a patterned surface were demonstrated using gas cluster ion beam (GCIB). Grooves with 100–400 nm intervals were formed on amorphous carbon films using focused ion beams to study the special frequency dependence of the planarization. Also, line and space patterns were fabricated on Si substrates, and amorphous carbons were deposited as a model structure of discrete track media. Subsequently, surface planarization using Ar-GCIB was carried out. After GCIB irradiations, all of the grooves were completely removed, and a flat surface was realized. And it showed that GCIB irradiation planarized grooves without huge thickness loss. From the power spectrum density of an atomic force microscope, GCIB preferentially removed grooves with small intervals. It was found from energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy that surface planarization without severe damage in the amorphous carbon and magnetic layers was carried out with GCIB.
Spectroscopy of boson excitations in a nanoscale vicinity of a doped-manganite-metal interface
Authors: Svistunov V. M. , Leonova V. N. , Belogolovskii M. A. , Obolensky M. A. , Endo T. , Szymczak H.
Published: April 2009

The results of tunneling measurements of the spectra of quasiparticle excitations of the Bose type in a nanoscale region at a surface of doped manganites immediately adjacent to a metal-oxide interface are presented. A comparison of the results with the published data for the corresponding bulk samples indicates that the properties of complex oxides of manganese near an interface are not substantially different from those in the bulk of the material. It is found that when a high voltage pulse is applied, the spectra are smoothed out and the intensity of low-frequency excitations grows on account of structural disordering of the sample in the vicinity of the interface.
Vacancy-assisted diffusion mechanism of group-III elements in ZnO: An ab initio study
Authors: Huang Gui-Yang , Wang Chong-Yu , Wang Jian-Tao
Published: April 2009

Based on ab initio total energy calculations, the diffusion mechanisms of group-III elements (B, Al, Ga, and In) in ZnO are investigated. The activation energy of vacancy-assisted mechanism consists of formation energy of Zn vacancy (VZn), binding energy between the dopants and VZn, as well as effective diffusion energy barrier of the dopants in ZnO. The effective diffusion energy barriers of B, Al, Ga, and In are estimated to be 1.12, 1.76, 1.45, and 1.06 eV for in-plane diffusion, and 1.12, 2.19, 1.80, and 1.06 eV for out-of-plane diffusion, respectively. The binding energies are estimated to be −0.66, −0.52, −0.48, and −0.43 eV for B-, Al-, Ga-, and In-VZn pairs, showing a size decreasing behavior.
186 K operation of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers based on a diagonal design
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Hu Qing , Reno John L.
Published: April 2009

Resonant-phonon terahertz quantum-cascade lasers operating up to a heat-sink temperature of 186 K are demonstrated. This record temperature performance is achieved based on a diagonal design, with the objective to increase the upper-state lifetime and therefore the gain at elevated temperatures. The increased diagonality also lowers the operating current densities by limiting the flow of parasitic leakage current. Quantitatively, the diagonality is characterized by a radiative oscillator strength that is smaller by a factor of two from the least of any previously published designs. At the lasing frequency of 3.9 THz, 63 mW of peak optical power was measured at 5 K, and approximately 5 mW could still be detected at 180 K.
Distinct classes of red/far-red photochemistry within the phytochrome superfamily
Authors: Rockwell Nathan C. , Shang Lixia , Martin Shelley S. , Lagarias J. Clark
Published: April 2009

Phytochromes are a widespread family of photosensory proteins first discovered in plants, which measure the ratio of red to far-red light to control many aspects of growth and development. Phytochromes interconvert between red-absorbing P
r
and far-red-absorbing P
fr
states via photoisomerization of a covalently-bound linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore located in a conserved photosensory core. From recent crystal structures of this core region, it has been inferred that the chromophore structures of P
r
and P
fr
are conserved in most phytochromes. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, we establish that the P
fr
states of the biliverdin-containing bacteriophytochromes
Dr
BphP and
Pa
BphP are structurally dissimilar from those of the phytobilin-containing cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1. This conclusion is further supported by chromophore substitution experiments using semisynthetic bilin monoamides, which indicate that the propionate side chains perform different functional roles in the 2 classes of phytochromes. We propose that different directions of bilin D-ring rotation account for these distinct classes of red/far-red photochemistry.
Assessing the performance of rational spline-based empirical mode decomposition using a global annual precipitation dataset
Authors: Peel M.C. , McMahon T.A. , Pegram G.G.S.
Published: April 2009

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD), an adaptive data analysis methodology, has the attractive feature of robustness in the presence of nonlinear and non-stationary time series. Recently, in this journal, Pegram and co-authors (

Pegram
et al
. 2008

Proc. R. Soc. A
464
, 1483–1501), proposed a modification to the EMD algorithm whereby rational splines replaced cubic splines in the extrema envelope-fitting procedure. The modification was designed to reduce variance inflation, a feature frequently observed in cubic spline-based EMD components primarily due to spline overshooting, by introducing a spline tension parameter. Preliminary results there demonstrated the proof of concept that increasing the spline tension parameter reduces the variance of the resultant EMD components. Here, we assess the performance of rational spline-based EMD for a range of tension parameters and two end condition treatments, using a global dataset of 8135 annual precipitation time series. We found that traditional cubic spline-based EMD can produce decompositions that experience variance inflation and have orthogonality concerns. A tension parameter value of between 0 and 2 is found to be a good starting point for obtaining decomposition components that tend towards orthogonality, as measured by an orthogonality index (OI) metric. Increasing the tension parameter generally results in: (i) a decrease in the range of the OI, which is offset by slight increases in (ii) the median value of OI, (iii) the number of intrinsic mode function components, (iv) the average number of sifts per component, and (v) the degree of amplitude smoothing in the components. The two end conditions tested had little influence on the results, with the reflective case being slightly better than the natural spline case as indicated by the OI. The ability to vary the tension parameter to find an orthogonal set of components, without changing any sifting parameters, is a powerful feature of rational spline-based EMD, which we suggest is a significant improvement over cubic spline-based EMD.
Non-axisymmetric instabilities in magnetic spherical Couette flow
Authors: Hollerbach Rainer
Published: April 2009

We investigate numerically the flow of an electrically conducting fluid confined in a spherical shell, with the outer sphere stationary, the inner sphere rotating and a magnetic field imposed parallel to the rotation axis. We compute both the axisymmetric basic states and their non-axisymmetric instabilities. Two distinct instability classes emerge, one connected to previous non-magnetic results, the other to previous strongly magnetic results. Both instabilities arise from the basic state's meridional circulation, but are otherwise very different from one another, and are separated by a region of stability that persists even for large Reynolds numbers. Finally, we compute the fully three-dimensional nonlinear equilibration of both instabilities. The second class exhibits a rich variety of secondary bifurcations, involving mode transitions between different azimuthal wave numbers.
IS TRADE IN TECHNOLOGY SUPERIOR TO TRADE IN GOODS?
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Beladi Hamid
Published: April 2009

Using a Ricardian setting we argue that trade in technology generates higher global welfare relative to trade in goods. Hence, free trade in commodities can only be the second best outcome for the world welfare.
Immediate Change in Pulmonary Venous Flow Pattern after Deployment of Occluder Device for Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Lin Wei‐Wen , Fu Yun‐Ching , Jan Sheng‐Ling , Wang Kuo‐Yang , Ho Hung‐Chin , Lin Fang‐Yi , Ting Chih‐Tai , Chen Ying‐Tsung
Published: April 2009

Transcatheter closure of a secundum defect using a septal occluder is a safe and effective procedure based on long‐term follow‐up, but no clinical studies have examined immediate hemodynamic changes. We evaluated pulmonary venous flow velocity pattern before and immediately after deployment of the Amplatzer septal occluder for closure of atrial septal defect. From May 2003 to January 2005, 48 patients with secundum atrial septal defect received transcatheter closure with complete occlusion. Patients were divided into two groups according to age: pediatric group, under 16 years (n = 30, age 7.3 ± 3.2 years), and adult group, 16 years or older (n = 18, age 30.1 ± 11.4 years). Pulmonary venous flow pattern was recorded by transesophageal echocardiography before and immediately after occluder deployment. Immediately after deployment in both patient groups, pulmonary vein systolic (S) and diastolic (D) wave velocity decreased, but atrial reversal (AR) wave velocity increased. In the pediatric group, S‐wave was 56.1 ± 17.1 versus 35.5 ± 11.3 cm/sec (P < 0.001); D‐wave was 57.6 ± 12.5 versus 42.9 ± 11.8 cm/sec (P < 0.001); and AR wave velocity was 12.2 ± 3.8 versus 15.5 ± 4.1 cm/sec (P < 0.001). In the adult group, S‐wave was 48.4 ± 13.7 versus 32.7 ± 10.3 cm/sec (P < 0.001); D‐wave was 51.9 ± 11.7 versus 38.0 ± 8.5 m/sec (P < 0.001); and AR wave velocity was 12.1 ± 4.1 versus 16.2 ± 4.9 cm/sec (P < 0.001). Comparison of pulmonary venous flow before and immediately after deployment of the Amplatzer septal occluder provides an excellent model to evaluate the influence of an atrial communication on pulmonary venous flow. Pulmonary venous forward flow decreases following atrial septal defect (ASD) closure.
Three‐Dimensional Imaging of a Comma‐Shaped Right Ventricular Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Sevimli Serdar , Aksakal Enbiya , Erkut Bilgehan , Ceviz Münacettin , Türkyilmaz Atilla , Karakelleoglu Sule , Senocak Hüseyin
Published: April 2009

We report herein a hydatid cyst of the right ventricle and its two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiographic appearance.
A Novel Technique for 14 French Arteriotomy Closure after Percutaneous Aortic Valvuloplasty Using Two Mynx Closure Devices
Authors: KORNGOLD ETHAN C. , INGLESSIS IGNACIO , GARASIC JOSEPH M.
Published: April 2009

Management of large bore arterial access sites often represents a challenge during interventional procedures, and usually requires prolonged manual compression, though suture‐mediated closure techniques have been described. We report our experience in using the Mynx vascular closure device to close a 14 French femoral arteriotomy in two patients undergoing percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty.
ACCURACY, PRECISION AND RESPONSE TIME OF CONSUMER BIMETAL AND DIGITAL THERMOMETERS FOR COOKED GROUND BEEF PATTIES AND CHICKEN BREASTS*
Authors: LIU M.N. , VINYARD B. , CALLAHAN J.A. , SOLOMON M.B.
Published: April 2009

Three models each of consumer instant‐read bimetal and digital thermometers were tested for accuracy, precision and response time compared with a calibrated thermocouple in cooked 80 and 90% lean ground beef patties and boneless and bone‐in split chicken breasts. At the recommended insertion times, the percent of measurements matching a calibrated thermocouple were 14–69% for bimetal and 0–64% for digital thermometers. Bimetals averaged 2–11F and the digitals averaged 1–20F less than the thermocouple readings. With longer insertion times, bimetals registered 25–81% and digitals registered 14–92% of the products as cooked. Bimetals averaged 1–9F and the digitals averaged 2–7F less than the thermocouples. Measurement repeatability (precision) was high within and between individual thermometers of the same model. Results indicate that the consumer thermometers evaluated in this study required more than the recommended time to register products as cooked.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumers are advised to use thermometers to ensure that meat products are properly cooked. Bimetal and digital thermometers are readily available to consumers. There has been no research conducted on the response times and accuracy of these types of thermometers in cooked meat products. Bimetal and digital thermometers underreported the actual product temperatures. It appears that these thermometers need additional time to register the product as fully cooked. Consumers using these thermometer models would assume that the product was not at the target temperature for food safety and would continue to cook the product longer. While this would ensure food safety by the product being overcooked, this could have a detrimental effect on the overall eating quality.
The perceived importance of HR duties to Danish line managers
Authors: Brandl Julia , Madsen Mona Toft , Madsen Henning
Published: April 2009

Today, HR scholars widely acknowledge that realising HRM requires the involvement of all managers and that the personal motivation of line managers plays an important role in their successful involvement. Yet, previous research has neglected to study how line managers rate the importance of particular HR duties and how the importance assigned to HR duties varies across managers. Based on a survey of 1,500 Danish managers, we find that ‘motivating others’ is considered the most important HR duty whereas ‘team building’, ‘handling conflicts’ and ‘coaching’ are considered the least important HR duties. Female top managers in the public sector exhibit the greatest interest in HR whereas men at lower managerial levels in the private sector give lowest priority to HR work. We conclude with possible explanations for the observed differences in a Danish context and beyond and provide suggestions for facilitating managerial involvement in HRM. In doing so we are well aware that the Scandinavian model of HRM in general and the Danish implementation in particular may represent a unique frame for the results.
Luther's and Melanchthon's Students: The Wittenberg Circle and the Development of its Theology to 1600
Authors: Kolb Robert
Published: April 2009

The students of Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon carried on the process of refining and institutionalizing their thought throughout the second half of the sixteenth century in the midst of controversies over selected issues that arose out of specific historical contexts.  This article traces the development and course of these controversies and the solutions reached in the Formula of Concord of 1577.
Vacuum-ultraviolet light emission from xenon directly excited by ballistic output electrons of nanocrystalline silicon planar cathode
Authors: Ichihara Tsutomu , Hatai Takashi , Koshida Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2009

The effect of electron incidence into xenon gas molecules has been investigated by using a nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) planar ballistic emitter. Vacuum-ultraviolet light emission is observed without discharging when the nc-Si device is driven in xenon gas. The emission spectrum of xenon at 10kPa shows peaks at 152 and 172nm which originate from Xe2* radiation. These results strongly suggest that energetic electrons directly excite xenon molecules followed by radiative relaxations. The observed effect is potentially applicable to mercury-free, efficient, and stable flat panel light sources.
Comparison of field-electron emission from different carbon nanotube array structures
Authors: Hong Nguyen Tuan , Koh Ken Ha , Lee Soonil , Minh Phan Ngoc , Tam Ngo Thi Thanh , Khoi Phan Hong
Published: April 2009

The effect of macroscopic cathode structures, which consisted of an array of the identical vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) columns in a particular arrangement, on the field emission was investigated. The electric field simulation based on the FEMLAB code showed characteristics of edge-induced U-shaped field distribution on CNT column. It was found that the degree of the field screening was dependent on VACNT-column array patterns, and that the overall field distribution depended on a number of VACNT columns at the periphery for the finite array size. Three different types of VACNT-column array cathodes were fabricated and tested for the field-electron emission: square, hexagonal, and triangular pattern arrays. All these VACNT-column array cathodes showed excellent electron-emission characteristics and a general trend consistent with field distribution simulations.
Genesis and Dynamics of Atherosclerotic Lesions: Implications for Early Detection
Authors: Badimon Juan Jose , Ibanez Borja , Cimmino Giovanni
Published: April 2009

Atherosclerosis is a diffuse pathological process characterized by the deposition of lipid and other blood-borne material within the arterial wall of almost all vascular territories. Cholesterol accumulation plays a central role in atherogenesis. It is the result of an imbalance between cholesterol influx and efflux. The disease progresses silently with focal clinical manifestation due to plaque rupture with superimposed thrombus: atherothrombosis. It has been shown that the atherosclerotic plaque composition rather than the degree of arterial stenosis can be the determinant of rupture. This has led to the search for new imaging techniques that can provide information about plaque composition. Ultrasound measurements of carotid and aortic wall thickness are an accurate ‘noninvasive’ technique that permits correlation with clinical events. Magnetic resonance imaging can evaluate in detail the arterial anatomy of almost all vascular territories. Multidetector computed tomography recently emerged for measuring luminal stenosis, coronary calcium, and even the extent of non-calcified coronary plaque volume. Next future is the molecular imaging based on the knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of atherosclerotic lesions and the contrast agent able to identify different molecules and/or cells in the target zone.
Progress in Rehabilitation of Hemianopic Visual Field Defects
Authors: Romano Jose G.
Published: April 2009

Visual field defects (VFDs) are common after stroke, affecting between 8 and 25% of all stroke survivors. The impact of VFDs on daily activities is significant, with poor mobility, collisions, impaired reading and driving. Up to recently, visual rehabilitation was neglected by rehabilitation specialists. Both compensatory and restitution therapies are available to improve visual function in those with VFDs. The data that support these interventions, with particular emphasis on restitution therapy, are reviewed. The possible mechanisms that underlie recovery of visual fields are explored. In summary, visual rehabilitation is available and should be considered for stroke survivors with VFDs.
Association of VEGF Gene Polymorphisms with the Development of Heart Failure in Patients after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Douvaras Panagiotis , Antonatos Dionisios G. , Kekou Kiriaki , Patsilinakos Sotirios , Chouliaras George , Christou Apostolos , Andrikou Anastasios , Kanavakis Emmanuel
Published: April 2009

Objectives: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is upregulated in vivoin the ischemic human myocardium. Since several polymorphisms have been shown to influence VEGF expression, we evaluated the contribution of such polymorphisms to the clinical outcome of patients after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to genotype 10 VEGF polymorphisms in 102 patients who had suffered an AMI and in 98 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Distribution of these polymorphisms was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: No significant differences were found between patients and normal individuals. However, when patients were subdivided into 2 groups based on the development of heart failure after their AMI judged by heart ultrasound measurements (ejection fraction <40%), the distribution of the –634 polymorphism differed significantly (p = 0.016). Specifically, patients with a CC genotype had 7 times higher risk of developing heart failure. Additionally, the co-inheritance of –634 with other VEGF polymorphisms was found to be significant for the development of heart failure between these 2 groups. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the –634 polymorphism and its co-inheritance with genotypes of other VEGF polymorphisms might be considered as risk factors playing a role in the clinical outcome of AMI patients.
Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp
Authors: Tavares-Bello Rui
Published: April 2009

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare, chronic inflammatory dermatosis that mostly affects elderly patients, who develop erosions, pustulation, crusting and scarring on the scalp. Its aetiology remains elusive, although the role of local trauma is being emphasized. Treatment is difficult, with several topical and systemic agents being reported to induce improvement. A 63-year-old Caucasian male had been suffering from persistent painful pustules, erosions and crusts on his scalp for 2 years. The onset of the lesions followed a CO2 laser vaporization procedure to treat multiple actinic keratoses. Different topical and systemic treatments had unsuccessfully been tried. A 4-month course of bid 0.1% tacrolimus ointment, along with strict external photoprotection, resulted in dramatic improvement, sustained after careful tapering of tacrolimus. This case is interesting in that the scalp eruption followed CO2 laser treatment. Other cases have been associated with cryosurgery, radiotherapy, surgery, and 5-FU. In fact, to our knowledge, ours is the fourth reported case of EPDS following CO2 laser treatment. Our case also strengthens previous observations as to the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors in this dermatosis. This is noteworthy bearing in mind the atrophic character of the skin in EPDS, which limits the usefulness of chronically administered topical steroids.
Erythropoietin Production by a Hepatic Adenoma in a Patient with Severe Erythrocytosis
Authors: Vik Anders , Cui Guanglin , Isaksen Vidar , Wik Trude , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: April 2009

A 53-year-old woman with severe erythrocytosis (hemoglobin concentration 19.5 g/dl and hematocrit 0.59) was admitted to our hospital because of fatigue and headache. The serum erythropoietin (Epo) concentration was 68.6 U/l (reference range; 3.7–31.5). Further investigations excluded polycythemia vera or any lung or heart disease. Radiological examination showed a tumor in the left hepatic lobe. Needle biopsies were performed and the histopathological diagnosis was hepatocellular adenoma. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated erythropoietin expression in the adenomatous cells. Liver adenoma is a rare cause of erythrocytosis. For the first time, we report erythropoietin-positive immunoreactivity in liver adenomatous cells in a patient with erythrocytosis.
Administration of Neural Precursor Cells Ameliorates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Pamella Huey Mei , Schwindt Telma T. , Barnabé Gabriela Filoso , Motta Fabiana L.T. , Semedo Patricia , Beraldo Felipe Caetano , Mazzali Marilda , dos Reis Marlene Antonia , Teixeira Vicente de Paula Antunes , Pacheco-Silva Alvaro , Mello Luis Eugênio A. de , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva
Published: April 2009

In this study we evaluated whether administration of stem cells of neural origin (neural precursor cells, NPCs) could be protective against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). We hypothesized that stem cell outcomes are not tissue-specific and that NPCs can improve tissue damage through paracrine mechanisms, especially due to immunomodulation. To this end, Wistar rats (200–250 g) were submitted to 1-hour ischemia and treated with NPCs (4 × 106 cells/animal) at 4 h of reperfusion. To serve as controls, ischemic animals were treated with cerebellum homogenate harvested from adult rat brain. All groups were sacrificed at 24 h of reperfusion. NPCs were isolated from rat fetus telencephalon and cultured until neurosphere formation (7 days). Before administration, NPCs were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimydylester (CFSE). Kidneys were harvested for analysis of cytokine profile and macrophage infiltration. At 24 h, NPC treatment resulted in a significant reduction in serum creatinine (IRI + NPC 1.21 + 0.18 vs. IRI 3.33 + 0.14 and IRI + cerebellum 2.95 + 0.78mg/dl, p < 0.05) and acute tubular necrosis (IRI + NPC 46.0 + 2.4% vs. IRI 79.7 + 14.2%, p < 0.05). NPC-CFSE and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells (astrocyte marker) were found exclusively in renal parenchyma, which also presented GFAP and SOX-2 (an embryonic neural stem cell marker) mRNA expression. NPC treatment resulted in lower renal proinflammatory IL1-β and TNF-α expression and higher anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 transcription. NPC-treated animals also had less macrophage infiltration and decreased serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and INF-γ). Our data suggested that NPC therapy improved renal function by influencing immunological responses.
Ciclosporin Inhibits Phorbol-Ester-Induced Hyperplastic Transformation and Tumor Promotion in Mouse Skin Probably by Suppression of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Processes such as Phosphorylation of Elongation Factor 2
Authors: Gschwendt M. , Kittstein W. , Marks F.
Published: April 2009

This study deals with the mechanism of the inhibitory effect exerted by the immunosuppressant ciclosporin (CsA) on phorbol-ester-induced inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia and tumor promotion in mouse skin in vivo. This effect coincides with an inhibition of the phosphorylation of a 100-kilodalton protein (p 100) in epidermal cytosol in vitro, which has been identified as elongation factor 2 (EF-2) of protein biosynthesis. Phosphorylation of EF-2 is dependent on Ca2+ and calmodulin, and inhibition of EF-2 phosphorylation by CsA is due to an interaction of CsA with calmodulin. The EF-2 phosphorylation system has a metabolic half-life of 1.5 h probably due to a rather rapid turnover rate of the EF-2 kinase. Since CsA inhibits specifically 12–0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated but not basal protein synthesis in epidermis, it is proposed that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of EF-2 is involved in the induction of the hyperplastic response by TPA and that CsA suppresses TPA effects by inhibition of EF-2-phosphorylation and perhaps other calmodulin-dependent processes. The potential applicability of calmodulin inhibitors in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases is discussed.
Light and Electron Microscopic Immunocytochemical Demonstration of Intraepidermal CGRP-Containing Nerves in Human Skin
Authors: Vaalasti Annikki , Tainio Hanna , Johansson Olle , Rechardt Leena
Published: April 2009

The distribution of nerves immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was studied in human skin with special reference to the intraepidermal nerve fibres. It was shown by light and electron microscopy that a small proportion of the CGRP immunoreactive nerves entered the epidermis. The majority of the nerves ended as free nerve terminals subepidermally. Intraepidermal nerve endings were mainly seen in skin areas, which have a dense sensory innervation, such as fingertips and foreskin. The role of the peptidergic nerves in human skin is discussed.
Histamine-Releasing Autoantibodies in Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Grattan C.E.H.
Published: April 2009

Circulating histamine-releasing factors have been identified in the serum and plasma of chronic-urticaria patients by in vivo skin testing and in vitro histamine release from heterologous mixed leukocytes. Quantitative mast cell studies of serum skin test biopsies and electron microscopy indicate that the serum factors release histamine by mast cell degranulation. Peripheral blood basophils and total cellular blood histamine are reduced in chronic-urticaria patients suggesting that the circulating serum factors cause sustained degranulation. Histamine-releasing activity has been identified by skin testing in ultrafiltered serum fractions < 30 kDa and > 100 kDa. In vitro histamine-releasing activity was confined to ultrafiltered serum fractions > 100 kDa and was present in IgG purified from some chronicurticaria sera by protein G affinity chromatography. The dose-response relationship and kinetics of histamine release in vitro were similar to those of anti-human IgE. ‘Desensitisation’ of basophils by prior incubation with anti-IgE in the absence of calcium and competitive inhibition studies with myeloma IgE serum indicated that histamine-releasing autoantibodies in chronic-urticaria sera and purified IgG have the properties of anti-IgE. Plasma exchange in 4 patients with active chronic urticaria refractory to antihistamine therapy showing in vivo and in vitro histamine-releasing activity was followed by temporary remission of disease activity in 2 of them. It is possible that chronic urticaria is an autoimmune disease.
Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ståhle-Bäckdahl Mona
Published: April 2009

Despite advances in dialysis treatment, pruritus remains a common and distressing manifestation of chronic renal failure. Two-thirds of patients on maintenance hemodialysis experience persistent itching, however, the etiology of this condition is unknown. Although pruritic patients have higher serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) than nonpruritic patients, subsequent studies do not support a role for PTH as a peripheral itch mediator. Experimental itching induced by intracutaneous histamine injections is significantly stronger in patients with uremic itching, indicating an enhanced sensitivity to pruritogens in these patients. Immunohistochemistry of skin nerve fibers has shown conflicting results and the innervation pattern of uremic skin clearly needs further elucidation. The possibility of uremic itching being a neuropathic manifestation awaits future investigations.
Radioprotective Effects of a Protein-Free Hemodialysate in Human Epidermis
Authors: Beetz Alexander , Machicao Fausto , Ried Christine , Ruzicka Thomas , Michel Günter
Published: April 2009

The accidental or therapeutic exposure of human skin to ionizing radiation is known to cause the radiation syndrome with its various manifestations. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential radioprotective effects of the protein-free hemodialysate Actovegin. After exposure to X-rays (single dose, 6 Gy), 70% of the cells died. In the presence of the hemodialysate, irradiation did not lead to cell death. Instead a slight increase in cell number was observed. A 5-fold increased cell number was found after 6 days when the cells were treated with the hemodialysate alone. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of the observed biological effects the correlation between the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the demonstrated growth activation was investigated. Radiation alone resulted in a clear induction of EGFR, whereas the combination of irradiation and Actovegin treatment led to a strong downregulation after 2 days. Thus, the hemodialysate suppressed one of the radiation-induced effects. Further investigations have to elucidate the role of other proteins which are involved in the signal transduction cascade of tyrosine kinases (e.g. Ras, Raf, MAP kinases) leading to the transcription factor AP-1 in response to radiation under Actovegin treatment.
Enzyme Patterns in Young and Old Mouse Kidneys
Authors: Wilson P.D. , Franks L.M.
Published: April 2009

Alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase,beta-glucuronidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinic de-hydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase, glucose-6- phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase activities assayed in baby (2–10 day), 6, 18 and 30-month-old male and female mouse kidney homogenates exhibited a complex pattern of change. Alkaline phosphatase, G6PDH, glucose-6-phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase activities varied with age but sex was a very important modifying factor. Simultaneous light and electron microscope histochemistry showed no change in enzyme localization with age.
Life Span in Drosophila
Authors: Lints F.A.
Published: April 2009

Recent experimental evidence does not coincide with the predictions of the different theories of ageing in Drosophila. A review of the evidence and more specifically of the experimental methods in use shows that in experiments one or more variables have in general not been taken into account. These variables are of different types; their influence on imaginal life span may be direct or indirect; direct through the action of con-temporaneous environmental factors, indirect through the action of parental or of antecedent environmental factors. An alternative theory of ageing is proposed; it essentially relates imaginal life span in Drosophila to the preimaginal rate of growth.
Age Changes in the Polymer Composition of Collagen using Molecular Sieve Chromatography
Authors: Delbridge L. , Everitt A.V.
Published: April 2009

The soluble fraction of collagen fibres from rat tail tendon was analyzed by molecular sieve chromatography. The chromatograms obtained contained 3 peaks which were shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, to represent the γ, β- and α- components of soluble collagen. The age changes in tail tendon collagen appear to involve a decrease in the percentage of soluble collagen. Within the soluble collagen fraction, there is an increase in the percentage of cross-linked (γ) components and a corresponding decrease in the percentage of noncross-linked (α) components with age. These changes suggests that the ageing of collagen is due to the progressive accumulation of cross-links between collagen molecules.
Duration of Immunologic Memory in Mice Primed at Different Ages
Authors: Finger H. , Emmerling P.
Published: April 2009

Studies were performed in order to find out whether the duration of immunologic memory is impaired when priming is done at a time in which the primary anti-body-forming capacity begins to decrease, i.e., at an age of about 12 months. Female NMRI mice of either 3 (optimally responding animals) or 12 months were primarily immunized with a ‘saturated’ dose of 4 × 108 sheep erythrocytes. Both groups of animals were boosted either 1 4, or 8 months after primary antigenic stimulation. The immune responses were measured by the direct and indirect antibody plaque techniques and by serological procedures. There was no significant difference regarding the secondary immune potential of both mouse groups on all examinations.