bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Merging Porphyrins with Organometallics: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Suijkerbuijk Bart M. J. M. , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Carbon—Carbon Bond Formation via Carbon—Hydrogen Bond Cleavage
Authors: Kakiuchi Fumitoshi , Kochi Takuya
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Shape‐ and Site‐Selective Asymmetric Reactions
Authors: Bogliotti Nicolas , Dalko Peter I.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Development of Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: Coordination Chemistry and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Lee Hon Man , Lee Chun‐Chin , Cheng Pi‐Yun
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Progress in the Chemistry of 2,1‐Benzothiazines
Authors: Hong Xuechuan , Harmata Michael
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy as a Tool to Study Catalytically Relevant Model Systems
Authors: Vang Ronnie T. , Lauritsen Jeppe V. , Laegsgaard Erik , Besenbacher Flemming
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Digital Information Processing in Molecular Systems
Authors: Szacilowski Konrad
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fractionation of Elements in Soils, Sludges and Sediments: Batch and Dynamic Methods
Authors: Fedotov P. S. , Spivakov B. Ya.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
WAVE2 is regulated by multiple phosphorylation events within its VCA domain
Authors: Pocha Shirin M. , Cory Giles O.
Published: November 2008

The (Wiskott‐Aldrich Syndrome Protein)‐family verprolin homologous protein (WAVE) family of proteins occupies a pivotal position in the cell, converting extracellular signals into the formation of branched filamentous (F) actin structures. WAVE proteins contain a verprolin central acidic (VCA) domain at their C‐terminus, responsible for binding to and activating the Arp2/3 complex, which in‐turn nucleates the formation of new actin filaments. Here we identify five Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites within the VCA domain of WAVE2, serines 482, 484, 488, 489, and 497. Phosphorylation of these sites is required for a high affinity interaction with the Arp2/3 complex. Phosphorylation of ser 482 and 484 specifically inhibits the activation of the Arp2/3 complex by the WAVE2 VCA domain, but has no effect on the affinity for the Arp2/3 complex when the other phosphorylation sites are occupied. We demonstrate phosphorylation of all five sites on endogenous WAVE2 and show that their mutation to non‐phosphorylatable alanine residues inhibits WAVE2 function in vivo, inhibiting cell ruffling and disrupting the integrity of the leading edge of migrating cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energetics and Structures of Charged Helium Clusters: Comparing Stabilities of Dimer and Trimer Cationic Cores
Authors: Marinetti Fabio , Bodo Enrico , Gianturco Franco A. , Yurtsever Ersin
Published: November 2008

We present accurate ab initio calculations of the most stable structures of Hen+ clusters in order to determine the more likely ionic core arrangements existing after reaching structural equilibrium of the clusters. Two potential energy surfaces are presented: one for the He2+ and the other with the He3+ linear ion, both interacting with one He atom. The two computed potentials are in turn employed within a classical structure optimization where the overall interaction forces are obtained within the sum‐of‐ potentials approximation described in the main text. Because of the presence of many‐body effects within the ionic core, we find that the arrangements with He3+ as a core turn out to be energetically preferred, leading to the formation of He3+(He)n−3 stable aggregates. Nanoscopic considerations about the relative stability of clusters with the two different cores are shown to give us new information on the dynamical processes observed in the impact ionization experiments of pure helium clusters and the importance of pre‐equilibrium evaporation of the ionic dimers in the ionized clusters.
Proof of principle: An HIV p24 microsphere immunoassay with potential application to HIV clinical diagnosis
Authors: Ondoa Pascale , Vereecken Chris , Asahchop Eugene Lekeawung , Litzroth Amber , Diallo Aziz , Fransen Katrien , Dieye Tandakha , Ryder Robin , Mboup Souleymane , Kestens Luc
Published: November 2008

The measurement of CD4 counts and viral loads on a single instrument such as an affordable flow cytometer could considerably reduce the cost related to the follow‐up of antiretroviral therapy in resource‐poor settings. The aim of this study was to assess whether the HIV‐1 p24 antigen could be measured using a microsphere‐based flow cytometric (FC) assay and the experimental conditions necessary for processing plasma samples. A commercial anti‐p24 antibody pair from Biomaric was used to develop a p24 microsphere immunoassay (MIA) using HIV culture supernatant as the source of antigen. The ultrasensitive Perkin Elmer enzyme immunoassay (EIA) served as a reference assay. Quantification of HIV p24 using the heat‐mediated immune complex disruption format described for plasma samples was feasible using the Biomaric MIA and applicable to a broad range of HIV‐1 Group M subtypes. The inclusion of a tyramide amplification step was successful and increased the fluorescence signal up to 3 logs as compared with the MIA without amplification. The analytical sensitivity of this ultrasensitive Biomaric assay reached 1 pg/mL, whereas the ultrasensitive Perkin Elmer EIA was sensitive to less than 0.17 pg/mL. Our data indicate, for the first time, that the principle of p24 detection using the heat‐denatured ultrasensitive format can be applied to FC. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Differential signaling of cmvIL‐10 through common variants of the IL‐10 receptor 1
Authors: Gruber Sabine G. , Gloria Luciani Maria , Grundtner Paul , Zdanov Alexander , Gasche Christoph
Published: November 2008

Human IL‐10 (hIL‐10) signaling is mediated by receptors consisting of two subunits, IL‐10 receptor 1 (IL‐10R1) and IL‐10 receptor 2. Two common variants of the IL‐10R1 (Ser 138 Gly (single‐nucleotide polymorphism 3, SNP3) and Gly 330 Arg (SNP4)) are associated with diverse disease phenotypes. Viral homologs to hIL‐10, such as cmvIL‐10, utilize the same IL‐10 receptor complex as part of viral immune evasion strategies. For the present study we hypothesized that IL‐10R1 variants alter the ability of viral IL‐10 to utilize the IL‐10R1 signaling pathway. HeLa cell clones expressing different IL‐10R1 haplotypes (WT or any variant) were incubated with hIL‐10 or cmvIL‐10. In cells expressing IL‐10R1‐WT, cmvIL‐10 (both non‐glycosylated‐ and HeLa‐expressed) resulted in equal or slightly stronger STAT3 phosphorylation compared with hIL‐10. In clones expressing IL‐10R1‐SNP3, IL‐10R1‐SNP4 or IL‐10R1‐SNP3+4, the cmvIL‐10 showed significantly less STAT3 phosphorylation, especially when HeLa‐expressed cytokines were used. Time course experiments demonstrated a slower kinetic of cmvIL‐10 STAT3 activation through the variant IL‐10R1. Similarly, IL‐10R1 variants decreased the cmvIL‐10‐induced SOCS3 and signaling lymphocytic activation molecule mRNA expression. These data suggest that the IL‐10R1 variants differentially reduce the signaling activity of cmvIL‐10 and thereby may affect CMV's ability to escape from the host's immune surveillance.
Autologous and allogeneic HLA KIR ligand environments and activating KIR control KIR NK‐cell functions
Authors: Morvan Maelig , David Gaëlle , Sébille Véronique , Perrin Aurore , Gagne Katia , Willem Catherine , Kerdudou Nolwenn , Denis Laure , Clémenceau Béatrice , Folléa Gilles , Bignon Jean‐Denis , Retière Christelle
Published: November 2008

NK‐cell function is regulated by a balance between inhibitory and activating killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) that specifically recognize HLA class I molecules. Using KIR‐specific mAb to discriminate between KIR2DS1 and KIR2DL1 receptors, we show that KIR2DS1+ NK cells are C2‐alloreactive only from C2− individuals. Moreover, using an in vitro model of NK‐cell expansion, we show here that the frequency of KIR2DL1+ NK cells is significantly higher in the absence of C2 ligand on stimulator EBV‐B cells than in its presence. This observation was made regardless of the presence or absence of the autologous C2 ligand, suggesting that the C2− EBV‐B stimulator cells used in this in vitro model could activate unlicensed KIR2DL1+ NK cells. In the case of KIR2DL1+/S1+ genotyped individuals, KIR2DS1+ NK‐cell frequency was increased after stimulation with C2+ compared with C2− stimulator B cells, but only from C2− individuals. Altogether, these data highlight the C2 alloreactivity of KIR2DS1+ NK cells that is only observed in C2− individuals. These results provide new insights into the way in which NK KIR cell expansion might be regulated in an allogeneic environment.
B‐cell responses to B‐cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF) are impaired in the absence of PI3K delta
Authors: Henley Thomas , Kovesdi Dorottya , Turner Martin
Published: November 2008

B‐cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) is critical for the survival and maturation of B cells. The molecular mechanisms by which BAFF regulates the survival of developing B cells are becoming better understood. Recent evidence has begun to emerge demonstrating a role for the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in response to BAFF. However, the importance of the PI3K family for BAFF‐signalling and the effects of loss of PI3K function on BAFF responses are still unknown. We therefore investigated the BAFF‐mediated responses of B cells deficient for the PI3K catalytic subunit P110δ. We find that the loss of P110δ impairs the BAFF‐mediated survival of cultured B cells demonstrating a direct role for this member of the PI3K family in regulating the survival of B cells in response to BAFF. P110δ was required for the growth of B cells in response to BAFF and was critical for the upregulation of the receptor for BAFF following BCR crosslinking. Our findings reveal an important role for p110δ in regulating B‐cell responses to BAFF.
Endogenous humoral autoreactive immune responses to apoptotic cells: Effects on phagocytic uptake, chemotactic migration and antigenic spread
Authors: Das Joy , Arora Pooja , Gracias Donald , Praveen Alagangula , Raj Beena P. J. , Martin Elishba , Pal Rahul
Published: November 2008

Enhanced cell death and deficient clearance of cellular debris are thought to contribute to increased self‐antigen exposure in systemic autoimmune disease. To investigate the characteristics of early humoral autoimmune responses, six monoclonal antibodies were generated from two autoimmune prone strains of mice. All antibodies specifically bound the surface of late‐stage apoptotic cells. Similar antibody reactivities were present in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. While IgM antibodies significantly reduced the phagocytic uptake of apoptotic thymocytes, IgG antibodies enhanced uptake. Poly‐reactivity was demonstrated in the recognition of ribonucleoproteins and lipids. An antibody reactive towards lysophosphatidylcholine reversed lysophosphatidylcholine‐mediated inhibition of LPS‐induced TNF‐α production and adversely affected the transmigration of phagocytes towards an apoptotic stimulus. In several instances, CDR were characterized by the accumulation of somatic mutations. Anti‐idiotypic antibodies generated upon immunization bound distinct cellular moieties and self‐antigens. Poly‐specific, apoptotic cell‐reactive autoantibodies can therefore directly impact upon the course of disease by influencing phagocytic uptake of apoptotic cells, by inducing a pro‐inflammatory environment through neutralization of bioactive lipids, by blinding phagocytes to the presence of dying cells through the negation of lipidic chemotactic signals, and by mediating diversification of the humoral autoimmune response via the idiotypic network.
APRIL (TNFSF13) regulates collagen‐induced arthritis, IL‐17 production and Th2 response
Authors: Xiao Yanping , Motomura Seiichi , Podack Eckhard R.
Published: November 2008

A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL or TNFSF13) shares receptors with B‐cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF) on B and T cells. Although much is known about the function of APRIL in B cells, its role in T cells remains unclear. Blocking both BAFF and APRIL suggested that BAFF and/or APRIL contributed to collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA); however, the role of APRIL alone in CIA remained unresolved. We show here that, in vitro, our newly generated APRIL−/− mice exhibited increased T‐cell proliferation, enhanced Th2 cytokine production under non‐polarizing conditions, and augmented IL‐13 and IL‐17 production under Th2 polarizing conditions. Upon immunization with OVA and aluminum potassium sulfate, APRIL−/− mice responded with an increased antigen‐specific IgG1 response. We also show that in APRIL−/− mice, the incidence of CIA was significantly reduced compared with WT mice in parallel with diminished levels of antigen‐specific IgG2a autoantibody and IL‐17 production. Our data indicate that APRIL plays an important role in the regulation of cytokine production and that APRIL‐triggered signals contribute to arthritis. Blockade of APRIL thus may be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
From Molecular to Nanostructured Iron Complexes of Amphiphilic Chelators Based on 8‐Hydroxyquinoline Subunits – Evidence of Self‐Assembled Edifices Mimicking Siderophores from Marine Bacteria
Authors: Brandel Jérémy , Torelli Stéphane , Gellon Gisèle , Serratrice Guy , Putaux Jean‐Luc , Pierre Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2008

Amphiphilic iron chelators based on the 8‐hydroxyquinoline moiety were synthesized in order to study their potential trend to aggregate into more complex structures. The QS10 and QS4 ligands only differ by the length of the lipophilic alkyl chain (C10 and C4, respectively) tethered to the chelating subunit. Physicochemical investigations in aqueous solution were performed to determine the global stability constants of the iron complexes. At physiological pH, the [Fe(QS10)3]3– predominant species undergoes time‐dependent reorganization, as evidenced by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy: after a few hours of equilibration, iron‐rich micelles arranged in large clustered structures were observed, whereas after several days complexes were assembled into nanospheres with typical diameters of 100 to 200 nm. This pattern is different from the previous reported amphiphilic catechol derivative and highlights the importance of the nature of the chelating subunit and the residual charge on the type of aggregates formed. These results are relevant to mimic the properties of siderophores from marine bacteria. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A New Class of Modular Oxazoline‐NHC Ligands and Their Coordination Chemistry with Platinum Metals
Authors: Schneider Nathanaëlle , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: November 2008

A novel family of enantiomerically pure imidazolium salts [(NHC‐Ox)H]+X– (2a–g) has been generated bearing an oxazoline unit and in which both heterocycles are connected by a (dimethyl)methylene bridge. Deprotonation of the imidazolium salt 2f and subsequent reaction of the resulting free carbene with [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd = norbornadiene) afforded the neutral rhodium(I) complex [(NHC‐Ox)Rh(nbd)Br] (3) in which the ligand was found to be monodentate. Bromide abstraction lead to the air‐stable cationic complex [(NHC‐Ox)Rh(nbd)]PF6 (4) with the expected bidentate coordination mode of the ligand. Reaction of the imidazolium salt 2d with Karstedt's catalyst and one equivalent of KOtBu gave the trigonal planar platinum(0) complex [(NHC‐Ox)Pt(dvtms)] (5) (dvtms = divinyltetramethylsiloxane), which was oxidized by CsBr3 to give the square planar platinum(II) complex [(NHC‐Ox)PtBr2] (6). Complex [(NHC‐Ox)PtCl2] (7) was directly prepared by reaction of the imidazolium salt with Ag2O followed by the addition of [PtCl2(1,5‐cod)]. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Sensitive fluorescent staining for proteomic analysis of proteins in 1‐D and 2‐D SDS‐PAGE and its comparison with SYPRO Ruby by PMF
Authors: Cong Wei‐Tao , Hwang Sun‐Young , Jin Li‐Tai , Choi Jung‐Kap
Published: November 2008

A novel fluorescence‐based method for protein staining on SDS polyacrylamide gel is described. In this method, proteins are stained using counterion (palmatine and SDS) staining solution, which is inexpensive, easy to perform, and does not involve a destaining step. Fixing and staining of proteins using the counterion protocol take less than an hour. As little as 2 ng of protein can be detected. Another interesting feature of the staining protocol described here is the compatibility with MALDI‐TOF MS which shows a similar number of identification score and sequence coverage compared with those of SYPRO Ruby.
A multiway approach for classification and characterization of rabbit liver apothioneins by CE‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Benavente Fernando , Andón Balbina , Giménez Estela , Olivieri Alejandro C. , Barbosa José , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria
Published: November 2008

We applied a multiway approach to extract information from the analysis of protein isoforms by CE‐ESI‐MS. Metallothioneins (MT) are low‐molecular‐weight proteins (6–7 kDa) with a strong affinity for heavy‐metal ions. Rabbit liver MT‐I and MT‐II fractions are purified from MT samples. At low pH, the bound metal ions were released from the amino acid structures, giving rise to apothioneins. MT‐I, MT‐II and MT apothioneins, which are complex mixtures of protein isoforms, were analyzed by CE‐ESI‐MS. After data pre‐processing, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) were applied to the data sets. In both cases, the models enabled classification of the protein samples and identification of their characteristic sub‐isoforms using a set of three components. MCR‐ALS required an initial estimate of the pure mass spectra of the three components. Thus, PARAFAC loadings were used to initialize the MCR‐ALS optimization. The classifications obtained with MCR‐ALS were slightly better than those obtained with PARAFAC, probably because MCR‐ALS was less affected by the small migration time shifts of the pre‐processed electropherograms. However, no differences were found between the pure mass spectra of the three components in either model. Finally, MCR‐ALS allowed us to obtain an individual electrophoretic profile of each of the three components for each of the samples analyzed, which proved valuable for characterization and quantification purposes.
Continuous flow assay for the simultaneous measurement of the electrophoretic mobility, catalytic activity and its variation over time of individual molecules of Escherichia coli β‐galactosidase
Authors: Craig Douglas B. , Nichols Ellert R.
Published: November 2008

A CE‐LIF detection‐based assay was developed for the study of individual molecules of Escherichia coli β‐galactosidase. The assay allows for the simultaneous measurement of the electrophoretic mobility, catalytic activity and the variation in activity over time of individual enzyme molecules. In addition to showing the microheterogeneity of the enzyme molecules with respect to mobility and activity, it was demonstrated that at elevated temperatures the enzyme activity fluctuates over time. Incubation at varying temperatures showed that individual β‐galactosidase molecules exhibit differences in their change in activity upon a change in incubation temperature. Incubation at one temperature, followed by an incubation at an elevated temperature and subsequent incubation back at the initial lower temperature caused the molecules to have a different activity than they had initially. Additionally, thermal denaturation was found to cause a rapid and complete loss of activity.
The role of corporate culture in the process of strategic human resource management: Evidence from Chinese enterprises
Authors: Wei Li‐qun , Liu Jun , Zhang Yichi , Chiu Randy K.
Published: November 2008

Extant research on strategic human resource management (SHRM) has primarily focused on the content of SHRM (best practices, bundles of practices, etc.) and its effect on firm performance. Little research has examined the SHRM process so as to better understand how SHRM is adopted and implemented and what impact it has on organizational processes and outcomes. This article examines the role of corporate culture in the SHRM adoption and implementation process. Empirical results from a sample of 223 Chinese enterprises indicate that corporate culture has an impact on the adoption of SHRM, and that different types of culture affect the SHRM process differently. Specifically, group and developmental cultures have positive effects on the adoption of SHRM, but the effect of hierarchical culture is not significant. Developmental culture is also found to have a direct effect on firm performance. This study offers significant implications for HRM in China and other dynamic and emerging economies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the effect of scale in flood inundation modelling in urban environments
Authors: Fewtrell T. J. , Bates P. D. , Horritt M. , Hunter N. M.
Published: November 2008

Cellular‐based approaches for flood inundation modelling have been extensively calibrated and evaluated for the prediction of flood flows on rural river reaches. However, there has only been limited application of these approaches to urban environments, where the need for flood management is greatest. Practical application of two‐dimensional (2D) flood inundation models is often limited by computation time and processing power on standard desktop PCs when attempting to resolve flows on the high‐resolution grids necessary to replicate urban features. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of coarse grids to represent flood flows through urban environments. To examine these effects, LISFLOOD‐FP, a 2D storage cell model, is applied to hypothetical flooding scenarios in Greenfields, Glasgow. Grid resampling techniques in GIS software packages are evaluated and a bilinear gridding technique appears to provide the most accurate and physically intuitive results. A gridding method maintaining sharp elevation changes at building interfaces and neighbouring land is presented and estimates of the discretization noise associated with the coarse resolution grids suggest little improvement over current gridding methods. The variation in model results from the friction sensitivity analysis suggests a non‐stationary response to Manning's n with changing model resolution. Model results suggests that a coarse resolution model for urban applications is limited by the representation of urban media in coarse model grids. Furthermore, critical length scales related to building dimensions and building separation distances exist in urban areas that determine maximum possible grid resolutions for hydraulic models of urban flooding. Copyright ©, 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of upland land management on flooding: results from an improved pasture hillslope
Authors: Marshall Miles R. , Francis Oliver J. , Frogbrook Zoe L. , Jackson Bethanna M. , McIntyre Neil , Reynolds Brian , Solloway Imogen , Wheater Howard S. , Chell Joanne
Published: November 2008

In response to growing concern about impacts of upland agricultural land management on flood risk, an intensely instrumented experimental catchment has been established at Pontbren, a sheep‐farmed headwater catchment of the River Severn, UK. Primary aims are to develop understanding of the processes governing flood generation and the associated impacts of land management practices, and to bridge the gap between process understanding and ability to predict effects on downstream flooding. To achieve this, the experiment is designed to operate at plot (∼100 m2), hillslope (∼0·1 km2) and small catchment scale (∼10 km2). Hillslope‐scale data, from an under‐drained, agriculturally ‘improved’ pasture, show that drain flow is a dominant runoff process. However, depending on antecedent moisture conditions, overland flow may exceed drain flow rates and can be an important contributor to peak flow runoff at the hillslope‐scale. Flow, soil tension data and tracer tests confirm the importance of macropores and presence of perched water tables under ‘normal’ wet conditions. Comparisons of pasture runoff with that from within a 10 year‐old tree shelterbelt show significantly reduced overland flow due to the presence of trees and/or absence of sheep. Comparisons of soil hydraulic properties show significant increases in hydraulic conductivity and saturated moisture content of soil under trees compared to adjacent improved pasture. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring the impact of backflow and dredging on water clarity using MODIS images of Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Cui Lijuan , Wu Guofeng , Liu Yaolin
Published: November 2008

Backflow from the Yangtze River to Poyang Lake occurs frequently due to their different flood seasons. Based on the reasons for and time period of backflow, this study estimated the spatial‐temporal extent and the change of water clarity influenced by sediments within the backflow and northern Poyang Lake using time‐series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images. The results revealed that the sediments from backflows together with dredging activities in the northern Poyang Lake not only affected the northern Poyang Lake, but also influenced the central and southern Poyang Lake and the Poyang Lake national nature reserve, and resulted in great decline of water clarity in the regions influenced, which could seriously affect the lake ecosystem. The results indicated that MODIS images have potential for monitoring the distribution of sediments from backflows and dredging activities. However, the potential is limited because of the frequent cloud cover in the study area and the characteristics of backflow itself. The dredging activity combined with backflows might have great negative impacts on the Poyang Lake ecosystem, and it would be worthwhile to explore the possible impacts in order to develop scientific knowledge to support the decisions, which need to be made by the responsible authorities for deciding how to rationally manage this unique lake ecosystem Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple method using climatic variables to estimate canopy temperature, sensible and latent heat fluxes in a winter wheat field on the North China Plain
Authors: Li L. , Yu Q. , Su Z. , van der Tol C.
Published: November 2008

Estimation of evapotranspiration from a crop field is of great importance for detecting crop water status and proper irrigation scheduling. The Penman–Monteith equation is widely viewed as the best method to estimate evapotranspiration but it requires canopy resistance, which is very difficult to determine in practice. This paper presents a simple method simplified from the Penman–Monteith equation for estimating canopy temperature (Tc). The proposed method is a biophysically‐sound extended version of that proposed by Todorovic. The estimated canopy temperature is used to calculate sensible heat flux, and then latent heat flux is calculated as the residual of the surface energy balance. An eddy covariance (EC) system and an infrared thermometer (IRT) were installed in an irrigated winter wheat field on the North China Plain in 2004 and 2005, to measure Tc, and sensible and latent heat fluxes were used to test the modified Todorovic model (MTD). The results indicate that the original Todorovic model (TD) severely underestimates Tc and sensible heat flux, and hence severely overestimates the latent heat flux. However, the MTD model has good capability for estimating Tc, and gives acceptable results for latent heat flux at both half‐hourly and daily scales. The MTD model results also agreed well with the evapotranspiration calculated from the measured Tc. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel evolution of placentation in Australian scincid lizards
Authors: Stewart James R. , Thompson Michael B.
Published: November 2008

Viviparity and placental nutrient provision have evolved on numerous occasions in squamate reptiles. Five lineages are substantially placentotrophic and two of these, the genera Pseudemoia and Niveoscincus, are closely related scincid lizards that have independently evolved viviparity and placentation. Histological comparison of placental ontogeny of placentotrophic species of these genera with development of the extraembryonic membranes of oviparous outgroups indicates a high level of homoplasy. The terminal placental stage of each lineage consists of an omphaloplacenta (yolk sac placenta) and a chorioallantoic placenta and each type of placentation consists of both identical and distinguishable characters. We infer three derived placental functions based on morphology and suggest that the level of structural similarity between lineages results from different evolutionary patterns. Functional characteristics include (1) respiratory exchange regions of chorioallantoic placentation, (2) nutritive exchange regions of the omphaloplacenta, and (3) localized sites of nutritive exchange in the chorioallantoic placenta. Structural similarity in the chorioallantoic placentae for respiration likely resulted from parallel evolutionary trajectories driven by selection to maintain functions characteristic of the eggs of oviparous ancestors. Structural similarity in omphaloplacentation is explainable by selection for nutritional transport developmentally constrained by formation of the isolated yolk mass complex, whereas nutritive sites in the chorioallantoic placentae evolved in the absence of genetic or developmental constraints and differ structurally. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:590–602, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disentangling the proximate factors of deforestation: The case of the Monarch butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico
Authors: Honey‐Rosés J.
Published: November 2008

Understanding the causes of environmental degradation can lead to more effective forest management. Often, the discussion about the causes of deforestation confuses issues across spatial and temporal scales. Such is the case in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) in Mexico where various hypotheses compete to explain the deforestation observed there. This paper analyzes these hypotheses using the analytical approaches developed by the literature on environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. This paper first distinguishes between proximate factors and underlying socioeconomic forces. It then reviews recent deforestation studies to evaluate the relative impact of each proximate factor observed in the MBBR. Illegal logging stands out as the factor with the most empirical support. In contrast, agricultural clearing, while frequently cited as major driver of forest loss, has much less empirical backing. These conclusions update the deforestation diagnosis for this protected area and suggest that more attention should be directed at understanding the illicit timber trade. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Monitoring of the Cross‐Over from Diffusion‐Controlled to Decomposition‐Controlled Initiation in Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: Kreft Tomasz , Reed Wayne F.
Published: November 2008

High‐resolution free radical polymerization kinetics was obtained using automatic continuous online monitoring of polymerization reactions (ACOMP). A sharp cross‐over from diffusion‐controlled initiation at low [monomer] to initiator decomposition control at higher [monomer] was found, and agrees with the quasi‐steady state approximation (QSSA). The cross‐over was also measurable within individual experiments. The kinetic implications for polymer weight average molecular weight $\overline M _{\rm w}$ and intrinsic viscosity (η)w were analyzed, and the QSSA‐predicted trends for the ratios of final to initial $\overline M _{\rm w}$, and (η)w, confirmed. Analytical expressions for conversion are contrasted, and it was found that first‐order fits, while not fully justified theoretically, nonetheless are robust, which simplifies calculations needed for controlling molecular weight distributions in “semi‐batch” reactions, where reagents are fed to the reactor through programmable flow profiles. At the low monomer concentrations used, there was no evidence that propagation or termination rate coefficients changed during the reactions.

magnified image
3‐D viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation with memory
Authors: Conti Monica , Mola Gianluca
Published: November 2008

We deal with the memory relaxation of the viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation in 3‐D, covering the well‐known hyperbolic version of the model. We study the long‐term dynamic of the system in dependence of the scaling parameter of the memory kernel ε and of the viscosity coefficient δ. In particular we construct a family of exponential attractors, which is robust as both ε and δ go to zero, provided that ε is linearly controlled by δ. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐pressure NMR characterization of triacetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Ivanova G. I. , Vão E. R. , Temtem M. , Aguiar‐Ricardo A. , Casimiro T. , Cabrita E. J.
Published: November 2008

Cyclodextrins are used in many drug formulations since their cavities provide microenvironments where drug molecules can enter and form inclusion complexes for controlled drug delivery. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is an alternative to organic solvents and a very attractive medium for the preparation of these inclusion complexes. The potential ability of triacetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (TA‐β‐CD) to form inclusion complexes in addition to its high miscibility in liquid and scCO2 could offer a chance for an economical and environmental friendly chemical processing. In this work, high‐pressure NMR studies were performed in order to obtain information on the molecular structure and dynamics of TA‐β‐CD in scCO2 at 313.15 K and 20 MPa and its ability to form inclusion complexes under these conditions was studied. The influence of scCO2 on a number of NMR spectral parameters, such as chemical shifts, spin‐spin coupling constants, nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and spin‐lattice relaxation (T1) has been studied. We unequivocally show for the first time structural changes of TA‐β‐CD in scCO2, like acetyl chain orientation and overall shape distortions that can affect its inclusion capability in this medium. The possibility of cavity self‐closure is discussed and the results of two inclusion studies that support cavity self‐closure, with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, and the nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drug, flufenamic acid, are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatigue as the presenting symptom of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Bissay Véronique , Flamez Anja , Schmedding Eric , Ebinger Guy
Published: November 2008

Different clinical presentations of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) have been described. Fatigue is generally considered to be a secondary sign and is not mentioned as a warning sign for the diagnosis. We present a patient with CIDP in whom fatigue remained the only symptom, hereby stressing the importance of adding this disease to the differential diagnosis of fatigue. Immunomodulatory treatment did not change the clinical course of the patient, but electrodiagnostic features improved substantially. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Comparing the force– and excursion– frequency relationships in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Gregory Chris M. , Bickel C. Scott , Sharma Nitin , Dixon Warren E.
Published: November 2008

We examined the influence of varying stimulation frequency on muscle output during isometric and dynamic contractions. Our findings demonstrate that the predictability of the force– and excursion–frequency relationships is extremely strong across stimulation intensities. There were no differences in the frequency which elicited 50% of peak or peak muscle output. We conclude that the impact of varying stimulation frequency is consistent between isometric and dynamic contractions. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Asymptomatic Becker muscular dystrophy in a family with a multiexon deletion
Authors: Ferreiro Verónica , Giliberto Florencia , Muñiz García M. Noelia , Francipane Liliana , Marzese Diego M. , Mampel Alejandra , Roqué María , Frechtel Gustavo D. , Szijan Irene
Published: November 2008

We report a Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) family with one 5‐year‐old affected patient and a 69‐year‐old asymptomatic grandfather. Dystrophin gene multiplex polymerase chain reaction and multiplex ligation‐dependant probe amplification analysis showed that both males carried an in‐frame deletion of exons 45–55. Segregation analysis revealed two additional asymptomatic boys in this family. Our finding supports previous predictions that exons 45–55 are the optimal multiexon skipping target in antisense gene therapy to transform the severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy into the milder BMD, or even asymptomatic, phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2008
The effect of familial aggregation on the children with primary nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Wang Qing Wei , Wen Jian Guo , Zhu Qing Hua , Zhang Guo Xian , Yang Ke , Wang Yan , Zhu Zhi Qiang , Li Zhen Zhen , Zhang Rui Li , Yang Yan Feng , Wei Jin Xing
Published: November 2008

Objective

To evaluate the effect of familial aggregation on the children with PNE by evaluating nocturnal urine output, bladder, and arouse function.

Patients and Methods

According to whether relatives of family of probands over three generations were affected by PNE, forty‐five children with familial aggregation PNE (FPNE), seventy children with sporadic PNE (SPNE) and ten children with normal lower urinary tract function but waiting for operation (control group) were included. Questionnaire of arousal from sleep (AS scores), bladder diary and daytime urodynamic studies were performed in all patients.

Results

The incidences of severe PNE and nonmonosymptomatic PNE in FPNE group were significantly higher than those in SPNE group. The nocturnal urine output and AS scores in both PNE groups was significantly higher, maximal voided volume significantly smaller than those in control group. Moreover, the incidences of small bladder in FPNE group was 44%, significantly higher than that in SPNE group (21%), but no significantly difference was found in nocturnal polyuria and arousal AS scores between two PNE groups. There were 53% patents with daytime detrusor overactivity and 60% patents with urodynamic functional bladder outflow obstruction in FPNE group, significantly higher than those in SPNE group (19% and 37%). Maximum cystometric capacity significantly decreased from control group to FPNE group.

Conclusion

Familial aggregation has significant effects on the children with PNE, and FPNE are more likely to be severe symptoms and bladder dysfunction. It would be beneficial to have an urodynamic study for their diagnosis and treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:423–426, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can holidays boost consumption? The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Yeung Matthew C. H. , Au Alan K. M.
Published: November 2008

Hong Kong's domestic economy has been through a roller coaster ride over the past decade. In early 2004, increasing the number of holidays as a strategy to boost domestic consumption was mooted. In this paper, we estimate the effect of holidays on private domestic consumption in Hong Kong. We do this by estimating both the long term and short‐term consumption functions. Our estimates suggest that an additional day holiday per quarter would increase private consumption expenditure (PCE) by HKD 213 on a per capita basis. Although an extra day holiday could add 0.34% to GDP, policy makers should also consider the possible costs (e.g. cost of unproductive) of such a policy.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bush, Blair and Hitler? A review of comparative self‐presentation
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Nicholas Jackson
Published: November 2008

This article (while emphatic in stressing the absence of any political or ethical connection between two recent governments, those of George W. Bush and Tony Blair, and one historic one, the genocidal empire of Adolf Hitler), argues that the Nazi regime did in fact anticipate many communications methods pursued subsequently. The Nazis sponsored a communications revolution. The conscious production of political imagery and tableaux, government via symbolic strategies, the rhetoricizing of civic culture and the centrality of the rhetorical vision, all these have become part of our political truth as well as the Nazis'. Such a reality, then as now, is underpinned by spin, rapid rebuttal, duplicity and the construction of a nirvana of statistics and benevolent data. The ultimate fate of all these regimes was bound up with an ethos of government that placed symbolism centre‐ stage; a parallel universe of imagery and symbolism is no basis on which to construct an edifice of permanence. The methodologies of these regimes do sustain comparison, the ends, of course, do not.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why we will miss Ye, Teddy
Authors: Sommer Michael
Published: November 2008

In this commentary, written by senior commentator and presidential advisor Michael Sommer, who served all three Kennedy brothers, the author argues that the dying Senator Ted Kennedy has always truly fought for all Americans, has opponents but no enemies, that the world knows it, and that his liberalism is “the best American political philosophy” that America has. The author maintains that the Senator “represents the best that is in Americans, what America really stands for,” and that the world recognizes that, too. The author believes that President‐elect Obama will once again vigorously show the world the same Kennedy‐like enabling vision, hope, great leadership and true American spirit, that the world has tragically missed from America for the past eight years.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC‐MS analysis of toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids: refinement of toxicity assessment of low larkspurs (Delphinium spp.)
Authors: Gardner Dale R. , Pfister James A.
Published: November 2008

Introduction

The low larkspurs (Delphinium nuttallianum and D. andersonii) are two toxic plant species that are often fatally ingested by cattle on western USA rangelands. To assess the potential toxicity of the plants, methods are needed to identify and quantify the toxic N‐methylsuccinimidoanthranoyllycacontine type alkaloids in the plant.

Objective

To compare normal‐phase and reverse‐phase HPLC‐MS methods of analysis for detection and identification of toxic alkaloids in two species of toxic larkspur plants and to define the toxic alkaloids found in Delphinium nuttallianum and D. andersonii collected from several sites in the western USA.

Results

The major toxic alkaloids found in the low larkspurs included methyllycaconitine, nudicauline, 14‐deacetylnudicauline and geyerline. Other toxic alkaloids detected at lower concentrations included 16‐deacetylgeyerline, grandiflorine, bearline, 14‐acetylbearline, barbinine, 16‐demethylnudicauline and three additional isomers of bearline. Total toxic alkaloid concentrations ranged from 0.72 mg/g (d.w.) to 7.02 mg/g determined by reverse‐phase HPLC‐MS.

Conclusion

The low larkspurs contain a number of toxic alkaloids in addition to the alkaloid methyllycaconitine that need to be assessed when considering the toxicity of the plant. Both normal‐phase and reverse‐phase HPLC methods are adequate to detect and quantify the alkaloids. The reverse‐phase separation may be preferred due to readily available columns, reduced solvent use and simplicity of the electrospray ionisation source. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical use of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for prenatal diagnosis in 300 cases
Authors: Van den Veyver Ignatia B. , Patel Ankita , Shaw Chad A. , Pursley Amber N. , Kang Sung‐Hae L. , Simovich Marcia J. , Ward Patricia A. , Darilek Sandra , Johnson Anthony , Neill Sarah E. , Bi Weimin , White Lisa D. , Eng Christine M. , Lupski James R. , Cheung Sau Wai , Beaudet Arthur L.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To evaluate the use of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for prenatal diagnosis, including assessment of variants of uncertain significance, and the ability to detect abnormalities not detected by karyotype, and vice versa.

Methods

Women undergoing amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for karyotype were offered aCGH analysis using a targeted microarray. Parental samples were obtained concurrently to exclude maternal cell contamination and determine if copy number variants (CNVs) were de novo, or inherited prior to issuing a report.

Results

We analyzed 300 samples, most were amniotic fluid (82%) and CVS (17%). The most common indications were advanced maternal age (N = 123) and abnormal ultrasound findings (N = 84). We detected 58 CNVs (19.3%). Of these, 40 (13.3%) were interpreted as likely benign, 15 (5.0%) were of defined pathological significance, while 3 (1.0%) were of uncertain clinical significance. For seven (∼2.3% or 1/43), aCGH contributed important new information. For two of these (1% or ∼1/150), the abnormality would not have been detected without aCGH analysis.

Conclusion

Although aCGH‐detected benign inherited variants in 13.3% of cases, these did not present major counseling difficulties, and the procedure is an improved diagnostic tool for prenatal detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.