bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homozygous Ft embryos are affected in floor plate maintenance and ventral neural tube patterning
Authors: Götz Katrin , Briscoe James , Rüther Ulrich
Published: March 2005

Sonic hedgehog (Shh), produced by the notochord and floor plate cells of the neural tube, plays a critical role in organizing dorsal–ventral patterning in the developing neural tube. We have investigated neural tube development in mouse embryos homozygous for the Fused toes (Ft) mutation, a deletion composed of genes of the Iroquois B (IrxB) cluster and of Fts, Ftm, and Fto. In Ft mutants starting from embryonic day 10.5, the floor plate appeared to degenerate and the notochord failed to undergo ventral displacement from the spinal cord. Consistent with the loss of Shh signalling from the floor plate, V3 neuron generation was reduced in Ft/Ft embryos and the domain of motor neuron generation expanded ventrally at the expense of V2 neurons. These data support the idea that Ft genes play an important role in dorsal–ventral patterning of the neural tube acting to define the extent of motor neuron generation; moreover, the data reveal a previously unanticipated function for Ft genes in the maintenance of the floor plate. Developmental Dynamics 233:623–630, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Insights into the Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactivity of Unsaturated Pd3(dppm)3COn+ Clusters (n = 0, 1) Towards Halocarbons – First Evidence for Inorganic By‐Products
Authors: Lucas Dominique , Lemaître Frédéric , Gallego‐Gómez Beatriz , Cugnet Cyril , Richard Philippe , Mugnier Yves , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: March 2005

The title clusters, Pd3(dppm)3(CO)+ and Pd3(dppm)3(CO)0 can be electrochemically generated from the 1‐ and 2‐electron reductions, respectively, of the Pd3(dppm)3(CO)2+ cluster [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane; Pd32+]. Pd3+ reacts in a stoichiometric ratio with methyl iodide, MeI, and benzyl bromide, BzBr, in THF to provide the corresponding Pd3(X)+ adducts (X = I, Br respectively) as inorganic products. Other products are Bz2 and PhMe for BzBr but, for MeI, no organic product was observed (since they are too volatile). In the presence of the same substrates, Pd30 also reacts in a stoichiometric ratio to form the same organics and the Pd3‐(X)+ adducts (X = I and Br). However for MeI, the major inorganic product is the A‐frame Pd2(dppm)2(Me)2I+ binuclear complex. For BzBr, the corresponding A‐frame complex Pd2(dppm)2(Bz)2Br+ could not be detected. The spin‐trap agents, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) and 5,5′‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide (DMPO), have been used to demonstrate the intermediacy of the radical Bz·. The catalytic generation of “Bz·” was performed using two methods, i.e. 1) using a copper anode as the working electrode [Pd3‐(Br)+ + Cu – e– → Pd32+ + CuBr (s)] and 2) using a carbon cathode as the working electrode [Pd3(Br)+ + 2e– → Pd30 + Br–]. The chemical yields for Bz2 vary between 50 and 56 % and the Faradic yield is of the order of 90 % for method 1 and between 52 and 59 % for method 2 [taking into account the quantity of electricity necessary to reduce the catalyst Pd3‐(Br)+]. The X‐ray structure of Pd3(dppm)3(CO)(Br)+ is presented and the following parameters were recorded: monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 10.6546(2), b = 37.1091(7), c = 21.2714(7) Å, β = 91.55(1)o, V = 8407.3(4) Å3, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0581 [I > 2σ(I)], wR2 = 0.1478 (all data). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis, Characterization and Coordination Chemistry of Some Selenium‐Containing Macrocyclic Schiff Bases
Authors: Panda Arunashree , Menon Saija C. , Singh Harkesh B. , Morley Christopher P. , Bachman Robert , Cocker T. Matthew , Butcher Ray J.
Published: March 2005

The condensation of bis(o‐formylphenyl) selenide with 1,2‐diaminoethane or 1,3‐diaminopropane yielded the new macrocyclic ligands 1 and 2 in very good yields. Crystals of 1 are monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 10.0648(10) Å, b = 37.390(4) Å, c = 8.0073(11) Å, Z = 4 and those of 2 are triclinic, space group P$\bar {1}$ with a = 7.200(3), b = 9.137(3), c = 12.780(6) Å, Z = 1. The coordination chemistry of 1 and 2 has been studied with the “soft” metal ion PdII and “hard” metal ions NiII and CoII. Reaction of [PdCl2(COD)] with 1 mol‐equiv. of 1 or 2 in refluxing methanol and addition of NH4PF6 afforded the PdII complexes 5 and 6, respectively. Compound 5 is an unexpected partially hydrolyzed complex. It crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P41212 with a = 10.7737(10) Å, b = 10.7737(10) Å, c = 28.190(5) Å, Z = 4. The structure shows the PdII ion coordinated to a square‐planar arrangement of two selenium and two nitrogen atoms. Reaction of NiCl2·6H2O with 1 or 2 and NH4PF6 yielded complexes 7 and 8, respectively. The assignment of octahedral geometries to [Ni(L)](PF6)2] (7: L = 1; 8: L = 2) follows from their paramagnetism [μeff = 3.23 (7), 1.81 (8) B.M.] and their UV/Vis spectra. This was also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray studies. The crystal structures of 7 and 8 showed a distorted octahedral nickel center coordinated by two selenium and four nitrogen atoms. 7: Monoclinic, space group P21/c; a = 9.979(2) Å, b = 18.901(4) Å, c = 19.333(4) Å; Z = 4. 8:Orthorhombic, space group Pna21; a = 20.277(5), b = 20.865(5), c = 9.416(2) Å; Z = 4. The cyclic voltammograms of 7 and 8 in MeCN solution show well‐behaved quasi‐reversible NiIII/NiII couples. The analogous CoII complex, [Co(1)](PF6)2] (9) also shows a quasi‐reversible CoIII/CoII couple. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
A Tetranuclear Hydroxo‐Bridged Copper(II) Complex with PrimaryN‐Acylamidines as Ligands: Preparation, Structural, and Magnetic Characterisation
Authors: Eberhardt Jan K. , Glaser Thorsten , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Fröhlich Roland , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: March 2005

The reaction of N‐pivaloylbenzamidine (1a) and tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate in the presence of air yields a hydroxo‐bridged copper(II) complex (4). The product was characterised by X‐ray diffraction analysis and found to be a cubane‐like dimeric complex consisting of two square dimers with the formula [{(1a)2Cu2(OH)2}2](PF6)4·4 CH2Cl2 (4·4 CH2Cl2) with cupric ions and hydroxyl oxygen atoms at alternating vertices of a cube. The complex can be described as consisting of two [ligand‐Cu‐(OH)2‐Cu‐ligand] units held together by long out‐of‐plane Cu–O bonds, creating a tetrameric entity with a Cu4(OH)4 core. Each cupric ion is essentially square‐pyramidally coordinated, being bound to three OH bridges, one N atom of the amidine and one N‐acylamidine O atom. The magnetic properties of this compound have been studied in the 2–300 K temperature range. The measurements revealed that the cupric ions in the cube are antiferromagnetically coupled. This observation has been rationalised on the basis of the structural data. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Stereoisomerism in Pentaerythritol‐Bridged Cyclotriphosphazene Tri‐Spiranes: Spiro and Ansa 1,3‐Propanediyldioxy Disubstituted Derivatives
Authors: Uslu Aylin , Coles Simon J. , Davies David B. , Eaton Robert J. , Hursthouse Michael B. , Kılıç Adem , Shaw Robert A.
Published: March 2005

Four isomeric products were isolated and purified from the reaction of 1,3‐propanediol with the tri‐spirane cyclophosphazene‐organophosphate compound 1: viz. the di‐monospiro (2a), di‐monoansa (2b) and two monospiro‐monoansa derivatives (2c and 2d). It is shown by 31P NMR spectroscopy on addition of a chiral solvating agent (CSA) that both the di‐monospiro 2a and di‐monoansa 2b derivatives are racemates, as expected, whereas no splitting of NMR signals occurred on addition of CSA to solutions of 2c and 2d. It is found by X‐ray crystallography that the two monospiro‐monoansa spirane derivatives, 2c and 2d, are meso diastereoisomers, which represent a new case of the stereochemistry of bis(disubstituted) cyclophosphazene derivatives of 1. It is also observed from the 31P NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture, supported by the yields of pure compounds, that formation of a spiro group is about 4.5 times more likely than that of an ansa moiety under the conditions of the reaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
S‐phase entry of oligodendrocyte lineage cells is associated with increased levels of p21Cip1
Authors: Bansal Rashmi , Marin‐Husstege Mireya , Bryant Melissa , Casaccia‐Bonnefil Patrizia
Published: March 2005

The mechanisms regulating the number of myelinating cells in the central nervous system are crucial for both normal development and repair in pathological conditions. Among relevant growth factors involved in this process, fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) induces oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) to proliferate and stimulates mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) to reenter the S‐phase of the cell cycle. S‐phase entry is modulated by the formation of complexes between cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), on one hand, and by their interactions with cell cycle inhibitors (e.g., p18INK, p27Kip1, p21Cip1), on the other. Although the roles of cyclin E/CDK2 complexes and the inhibitor p27Kip1 have been extensively investigated relative to proliferation and differentiation in the OL lineage, less is known about the regulation of the formation of cyclin D1/CDK4 complexes and the role of p21Cip1 in these events. In this study, we show that the FGF2‐mediated increase in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into OL progenitors and mature OLs occurs concomitantly with increase in the levels of p21Cip1 and the formation of p21Cip1/cyclin D1/CDK4 ternary complexes. These complexes are functionally active is indicated by the ensuing FGF2‐dependent hyperphosphorylation of the downstream target Rb. In untreated mature OLs that do not incorporate BrdU, the levels of p21Cip1 are low, and the level of the inhibitor p18INK is high. Furthermore, p18INK sequesters CDK2 into binary complexes, precluding the formation of p21Cip1/cyclin D1/CDK4 ternary complexes in these cells. Therefore, we propose that p21Cip1 is acting as a positive regulator, rather than an inhibitor, of cell cycle entry by favoring the assembly of active cyclin D1/CDK4 complexes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of socioeconomic status on lung function and prediction equations in Indian children
Authors: Raju P. Sitarama , Prasad K.V.V. , Ramana Y. Venkata , Balakrishna N. , Murthy K.J.R.
Published: March 2005

The present study was carried out to assess the influence of socioeconomic status on lung functions and to suggest prediction equations for Indian children. For this purpose, 2,616 normal, healthy schoolchildren aged between 5–15 years were recruited. Boys were classified into three groups, i.e., high‐income (HIG), middle‐income (MIG), and low‐income (LIG), while girls were classified into HIG and LIG groups, based on socioeconomic status (SES). Height, weight, chest circumference, body surface area (BSA), fat‐free mass (FFM), and body fat were assessed. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured. The results, before and after adjustment of physical characteristics, showed that anthropometry, body composition, and lung functions were significantly higher in HIG compared to MIG and LIG children, while in girls, no differences were observed in physical characteristics after adjustments. Multiple linear regression equations were developed to predict FEV1, FVC, and PEFR, using independent variables like age, height, fat‐free mass, and SES. It is opined that these equations could be used as Indian reference equations for healthy children based on the SES. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of domains and domain interface residues in multidomain proteins from graph spectral method
Authors: Sistla Ramesh K. , K. V. Brinda , Vishveshwara Saraswathi
Published: March 2005

We present a novel method for the identification of structural domains and domain interface residues in proteins by graph spectral method. This method converts the three‐dimensional structure of the protein into a graph by using atomic coordinates from the PDB file. Domain definitions are obtained by constructing either a protein backbone graph or a protein side‐chain graph. The graph is constructed based on the interactions between amino acid residues in the three‐dimensional structure of the proteins. The spectral parameters of such a graph contain information regarding the domains and subdomains in the protein structure. This is based on the fact that the interactions among amino acids are higher within a domain than across domains. This is evident in the spectra of the protein backbone and the side‐chain graphs, thus differentiating the structural domains from one another. Further, residues that occur at the interface of two domains can also be easily identified from the spectra. This method is simple, elegant, and robust. Moreover, a single numeric computation yields both the domain definitions and the interface residues. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Novel Proton Transfer Compound Containing 2, 6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid and Creatinine and its Zinc(II) Complex — Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, and Solution Studies
Authors: Moghimi Abolghasem , Sharif Mahboubeh A. , Shokrollahi Ardeshir , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Aghabozorg Hossein
Published: March 2005

The 1:1 proton transfer compound LH2, (creatH)+ (pydcH)−, has been prepared from the reaction of creatinine, creat, and dipicolinic acid, pydcH2, (2, 6‐ pyridinedicarboxylic acid) and characterized using IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The first coordination complex (creatH)[Zn(pydc)(pydcH)]·4H2O, was prepared using LH2 and zinc(II) nitrate, and characterized using IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The crystal system is triclinic with space group ${\rm P}_{\bar 1}$ with two molecules per unit cell. The unit cell dimensions are a = 8.085(2) Å, b = 10.802(4) Å, c = 13.632(4) Å, α = 104.98(2)°, β = 90.31(2)° and γ = 92.55(3)°. The structure has been refined to a final value for the crystallographic R factor of 0.0381 based on 3003 reflections. The zinc atom is six‐coordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry. The (pydc)2− and (pydcH)− units are almost perpendicular to each other. Extensive hydrogen bondings between carboxylate groups, (creatH)+ and water molecules throughout the zinc(II) complex as well as π–π stacking and ion pairing play important roles in stabilizing the corresponding lattices. The protonation constants of the building blocks of the pydcH2‐creat adduct, the equilibrium constants for the reaction of (pydc)2− with creat and the stoichiometry and stability of the ZnII complex with LH2 in aqueous solution were accomplished by potentiometric pH titration. The solution studies support a self‐associated (creatH)+(pydcH)− as the most abundant species at pH = 3.4. The stoichiometry of the crystalline complex (i.e. (creatH) [Zn(pydc)(pydcH)])and that of the most abundant species detected in solution were found the same.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bis(tetraethylammonium) Octabromo‐triselenate(II)‐{dibromodiselenate(I)}, [NEt4]2[Se3Br8(Se2Br2)], the Salt of a Mixed‐valence Bromoselenate(II, I) Anion
Authors: Janickis Vitalijus , Milius Wolfgang , Törnroos Karl Wilhelm
Published: March 2005

The brown crystals of [NEt4]2[Se3Br8(Se2Br2)] (1) were obtained when selenium and bromine reacted in the solution of acetonitrile in the presence of tetraethylammonium bromide. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined by the X‐ray methods and refined to R = 0.0308 for 10433 reflections. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21 with Z = 2 and a = 12.0393(3) Å, b = 11.8746(3) Å, c = 13.1946(3) Å, β = 96.561(1)° (123 K). In the solid state structure the anion of 1 is built up of Se3Br8 unit which consists of a triangular arrangement of three planar SeBr4 units sharing a common edge through two μ3‐bridging Br atoms, and one Se2Br2 molecule which is linked to one of μ3‐bridging Br atoms. The three SeII atoms form a triangle which is almost perpendicular to the planes given by three SeBr4 moieties. The contact between the μ3Br and the SeI atom of the Se2Br2 molecule is 3.1711(8) Å and can be interpreted as a bond of the donor‐acceptor type with the μ3Br as donor and the Se2Br2 molecule as acceptor. The terminal SeII‐Br and μ3Br‐SeII bond lengths are in the ranges 2.3537(7)–2.4737(7) Å and 2.7628(7)–3.1701(7) Å, respectively. The bond lengths in coordinated Se2Br2 molecule are: SeI‐SeI = 2.2636(9) Å, SeI‐Br = 2.3387(11) and 2.3936(8) Å.
Synthesis and Structures of Homoleptic Monomeric Potassium Aryloxolanthanoidate(III) Complexes
Authors: Deacon Glen B. , Gitlits Alex , Junk Peter C. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H.
Published: March 2005

Reaction of lanthanoid tris(2, 6‐diphenylphenolates) [Ln(Odpp)3] with KOdpp in 1, 2, 4, 5‐tetramethylbenzene (durene) at 200‐250 °C affords [K{Ln(OC6H3Ph2‐2, 6)4}], (Ln = La (1) or Nd (2)) and 2 has also been obtained from the reaction of [Nd(Odpp)3] with potassium hydride. In the solid state, 1 and 2 are monomeric bimetallics in which Ln is surrounded by a distorted tetrahedral array of oxygen atoms. Two Odpp ligands are oxygen bridged between K and Ln and also are η4‐Ph linked to potassium. One Odpp ligand bridges the metals in an O(Ln): η6‐Ph(K) manner that is new for lanthanoid complexes of this ligand, with no close K‐O contact, and the remaining Odpp is terminal on the Ln.
Die Kristallstrukturen von (DDI)2[Sb2F6O] und (DDI)2[Sb3F7O2] (DDI = 1, 3‐Diisopropyl‐4, 5‐dimethylimidazolium) — Ein Beitrag zur Hydrolyse von SbF3 [1]
Authors: Kuhn Norbert , Abu‐Rayyan Ahmed , Kolb Heinz‐Jürgen , Ströbele Markus
Published: March 2005

The Crystal Structures of (DDI)2[Sb2F6O] and (DDI)2[Sb3F7O2] (DDI = 1,3‐Diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazolium) — a Contribution to the Hydrolysis of SbF3 [1]

The salts (DDI)2[Sb2F6O] (2) and (DDI)2[Sb3F7O2] (3), (DDI = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazolium) are obtained by hydrolysis of C11H20N2SbF3 (1). The anion [Sb2F6O]2− consists of two SbF2 fragments linked by a symmetrical oxygen bridge and two unsymmetrical fluorine bridges to form a distored ψ‐octahedral coordination sphere at the antimony atoms. In [Sb3F7O2]2−, two SbF2 units are linked by a symmetrical fluorine bridge, while the third antimony atom is connected with each SbF2 fragment by a symmetrical oxygen and an unsymmetrical fluorine bridge. The antimony atoms adopt the centres of strongly distored ψ‐polyhedra.
Differences in Individual Approaches: Communication in the Familial Breast Cancer Consultation and the Effect on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Lobb Elizabeth A. , Butow Phyllis , Barratt Alexandra , Meiser Bettina , Tucker Katherine
Published: March 2005

This multicenter study aimed to assess (i) whether individual clinical geneticists and genetic counselors vary in their communication skills and (ii) whether this variation in communication impacts on patient outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, genetics knowledge, and satisfaction. One hundred and fifty women from high‐risk breast cancer families attending their first genetic counseling consultation completed pre and post‐consultation self‐report questionnaires. The consultations were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Univariate analyses showed highly significant differences between individual clinical geneticists and genetic counselors in: facilitating understanding (p ≤ 0.001); facilitating active involvement (p ≤ 0.001); facilitating partnership building (p = 0.003); addressing emotional concerns (p ≤ 0.001); and discussing prophylactic mastectomy (p = 0.017). Multivariate linear regressions showed that this variation in communication resulted in a greater change in patient's depression 4 weeks after the counseling session (p = 0.017). These findings suggest clinical geneticists and genetic counselors have achieved some standardization in communicating information, but showed diversity in their facilitation skills. Communication skills may be a useful area to explore further in this field.
Genes versus agents. A discussion of the widening theoretical gap in archaeology
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian
Published: March 2005

It is argued that archaeological theory during the last decade has lost its theoretical nerve by accepting the development of epistemologically incompatible approaches. Two recent books exemplify the widening theoretical gap in archaeology between different schools of thought, with different interpretative interests. They are Steve Shennan's Genes, memes and human history. Darwinian archaeology and cultural evolution (2002), and John Robb and Marcia-Anne Dobres's edited volume Agency in archaeology (2000). To overcome this theoretical divide it is necessary to revive the theoretical debate, based upon epistemological principles relevant to archaeology as a historical discipline.
Buried impact craters: A topographic analysis of quasi‐circular depressions, Utopia Basin, Mars
Authors: Buczkowski Debra L. , Frey Herbert V. , Roark James H. , McGill George E.
Published: March 2005

Many quasi‐circular depressions (QCDs) revealed in the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data set have no obvious structural representation in visible images of Mars. It has been suggested that these QCDs are surface representations of buried impact craters, and on the basis of this assumption, cumulative count versus diameter plots of QCDs in the northern lowlands have been constructed to date the buried lowland floor. If the QCDs are, in fact, buried impact craters, their surface relief should scale directly with their diameter; this relationship holds true for 115 QCDs with diameters ranging from 7 to 100 km within roughly 1500 km of the center of the Utopia Basin. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the relationship more closely approaches 1 when QCDs in zones of comparable cover thickness are evaluated. The surface relief versus diameter relationship of 55 randomly selected “pseudo‐QCDs” was also determined; their poor correlation indicates that the direct relationship of surface relief to diameter of actual QCDs is due to differential compaction of a cover material over buried impact craters and is not just a random effect of QCD diameter. The slope of the trend of the QCDs' surface relief versus diameter, when divided into zones of comparable cover thickness, can be used to determine which zones have thicker or thinner cover.
Relief evolution in northern Corsica (western Mediterranean): Constraints on uplift and erosion on long‐term and short‐term timescales
Authors: Fellin Maria Giuditta , Zattin Massimiliano , Picotti Vincenzo , Reiners Peter W. , Nicolescu Stefan
Published: March 2005

The long‐term erosional evolution of relief is revealed by low‐temperature thermochronometric data, whereas geomorphic features give constraints on the short‐term evolution. We discuss the topographic evolution of northeastern Corsica by fission track and (U‐Th)/He dating of apatite, the provenance of Neogene alluvial sediments, an analysis of uplifted strath terraces, and the shape of river profiles. Cooling ages indicate high cooling rates of up to 40°C/Myr during the early‐middle Miocene, when this region was affected by extensional tectonics. Cooling rates are less than 7.5°C/Myr from the middle Miocene to the present, when topographic perturbations are detected by variations in the source areas of middle‐to‐late Miocene alluvial sediments and by the presence of large‐scale irregularities along modern river longitudinal profiles. We suggest that the contrast of slow long‐term erosion rates and the high local relief in the present Corsican landscape require that the landscape be in a transient state in response to a recent tectonic event.
Variation in seed yield and its components in the Australian native grass Microlaena stipoides as a guide to its potential as a perennial grain crop
Authors: Davies C. L. , Waugh D. L. , Lefroy E. C.
Published: March 2005

This research investigated the potential to domesticate an Australian native grass (Microlaena stipoides) to produce a perennial grain crop. Perennial grain crops offer a new solution to the long-standing problems of salinity and soil erosion associated with conventional cropping systems based on annual plants.
Seed yield and its components (culm number, spikelet number per culm, seed set, seed weight) were measured in 46 accessions of Microlaena stipoides (microlaena, meadow or weeping rice grass) from Western Australia and New South Wales to quantify potentially useful variation in the species.
A high degree of variability was found to exist, with a 20-fold range in seed yield (0.1–2.4 g/plant), 5-fold range in seed weight (129–666 mg per 100 seeds), 2-fold range in spikelet number (14–30 per culm), 8-fold range in seed set (12–98%), and a 5-fold range in culm number (11–59 per plant). Seed yield was positively and significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with culm number, seed set, and seed weight (r > 0.55 for all). No correlation was found between seed yield and spikelet number per culm (r = –0.14).
The range in seed yield and its components suggests that there is sufficient variation within microlaena to make selections for higher yielding lines. This variation will enable breeders to exploit genetic diversity more efficiently and identify useful accessions for further work. High priority traits for future work include synchronous maturity and resistance to shattering.
Simulating the Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosol from the Photooxidation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Johnson David , Jenkin Michael E. , Wirtz Klaus , Martin-Reviejo Montserrat
Published: March 2005

Environmental Context. Atmospheric particulate material can affect the radiative balance of the atmosphere and is believed to be detrimental to human health. Secondary organic aerosols (SOA), which make a significant contribution to the total atmospheric burden of fine particulate material, are formed in situ following the photochemical transformation of organic pollutants into relatively less-volatile, oxygenated compounds which can subsequently transfer from the gas phase to a particle phase. SOA formation from the atmospheric photooxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons—present, for example, as a result of automobile use—is believed to be important in the urban environment and yet the mechanisms are not well understood. For example, even the reasons for observed variations in the relative propensity for SOA formation, from the photooxidation of various simple aromatic hydrocarbons, are not clear.
Abstract. The formation and composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from the photooxidation of benzene, p-xylene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene has been simulated using the Master Chemical Mechanism version 3.1 (MCM v3.1) coupled to a representation of the transfer of organic material from the gas to particle phase. The combined mechanism was tested against data obtained from a series of experiments conducted at the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) outdoor smog chamber in Valencia, Spain. Simulated aerosol mass concentrations compared reasonably well with the measured SOA data only after absorptive partitioning coefficients were increased by a factor of between 5 and 30. The requirement of such scaling was interpreted in terms of the occurrence of unaccounted-for association reactions in the condensed organic phase leading to the production of relatively more nonvolatile species. Comparisons were made between the relative aerosol forming efficiencies of benzene, toluene, p-xylene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, and differences in the OH-initiated degradation mechanisms of these aromatic hydrocarbons. A strong, nonlinear relationship was observed between measured (reference) yields of SOA and (proportional) yields of unsaturated dicarbonyl aldehyde species resulting from ring-fragmenting pathways. This observation, and the results of the simulations, is strongly suggestive of the involvement of reactive aldehyde species in association reactions occurring in the aerosol phase, thus promoting SOA formation and growth. The effect of NOx concentrations on SOA formation efficiencies (and formation mechanisms) is discussed.
Ca
2+
-regulated structural changes in troponin
Authors: Vinogradova Maia V. , Stone Deborah B. , Malanina Galina G. , Karatzaferi Christina , Cooke Roger , Mendelson Robert A. , Fletterick Robert J.
Published: March 2005

Troponin senses Ca
2+
to regulate contraction in striated muscle. Structures of skeletal muscle troponin composed of TnC (the sensor), TnI (the regulator), and TnT (the link to the muscle thin filament) have been determined. The structure of troponin in the Ca
2+
-activated state features a nearly twofold symmetrical assembly of TnI and TnT subunits penetrated asymmetrically by the dumbbell-shaped TnC subunit. Ca ions are thought to regulate contraction by controlling the presentation to and withdrawal of the TnI inhibitory segment from the thin filament. Here, we show that the rigid central helix of the sensor binds the inhibitory segment of TnI in the Ca
2+
-activated state. Comparison of crystal structures of troponin in the Ca
2+
-activated state at 3.0 Å resolution and in the Ca
2+
-free state at 7.0 Å resolution shows that the long framework helices of TnI and TnT, presumed to be a Ca
2+
-independent structural domain of troponin are unchanged. Loss of Ca ions causes the rigid central helix of the sensor to collapse and to release the inhibitory segment of TnI. The inhibitory segment of TnI changes conformation from an extended loop in the presence of Ca
2+
to a short α-helix in its absence. We also show that Anapoe, a detergent molecule, increases the contractile force of muscle fibers and binds specifically, together with the TnI switch helix, in a hydrophobic pocket of TnC upon activation by Ca ions.
Antioxidant capacity of vegetables, spices and dressings relevant to nutrition
Authors: Ninfali Paolino , Mea Gloria , Giorgini Samantha , Rocchi Marco , Bacchiocca Mara
Published: March 2005

Vegetables are the most important sources of phenolics in the Mediterranean diet. Phenolics, especially flavonoids, are suggested as being essential bioactive compounds providing health benefits. In this study, twenty-seven vegetables, fifteen aromatic herbs and some spices consumed in Central Italy (the Marches region) were studied to reveal total phenolic, flavonoid and flavanol content as well as their antioxidant capacity measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. A comparison in terms of antioxidant capacity was made between different salads, as well as between salads to which aromatic herbs had been added. Lemon balm and marjoram at a concentration of 1·5 % w/w increased by 150 % and 200 % respectively the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion. A 200 g portion of a salad enriched with marjoram corresponded to an intake of 200 (sd 10) mg phenolics and 4000 (sd 300) ORAC units (μmol Trolox equivalents). Olive oils and wine or apple vinegars were the salad dressings that provided the highest increase in antioxidant capacity. Among the spices tested, cumin and fresh ginger made the most significant contribution to the antioxidant capacity. The results are useful in surveying the antioxidant parameters of vegetables, herbs and spices produced and consumed in our geographical area as well as in quantifying the daily intake of phenolics and ORAC units. The results can be used in public health campaigns to stimulate the consumption of vegetables able to provide significant health protection in order to prevent chronic diseases.
Rapid motif-based prediction of circular permutations in multi-domain proteins
Authors: Weiner January , Thomas Geraint , Bornberg-Bauer Erich
Published: March 2005

Motivation: Rearrangements of protein domains and motifs such as swaps and circular permutations (CPs) can produce erroneous results in searching sequence databases when using traditional methods based on linear sequence alignments. Circular permutations are also of biological relevance because they can help to better understand both protein evolution and functionality.

Results: We have developed an algorithm, RASPODOM, which is based on the classical recursive alignment scheme. Sequences are represented as strings of domains taken from precompiled resources of domain (motif) databases such as ProDom. The algorithm works several orders of magnitude faster than a reimplementation of the existing CP detection algorithm working on strings of amino acids, produces virtually no false positives and allows the discrimination of true CPs from ‘intermediate’ CPs (iCPs). Several true CPs which have not been reported in literature so far could be identified from Swiss-Prot/TrEMBL within minutes.

Availability: Source codes, additional scripts, data and a web-based interface can be found on: http://www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.Botanik/ebb/projects/raspodom/

Contact:  ebb@uni-muenster.de
SHORTER ARTICLES, COMMENTS, AND NOTES: TRAFFICKING OF HUMAN BEINGS AS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY: SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL SYSTEM
Authors: Obokata Tom
Published: March 2005

Trafficking of human beings is a widespread practice in the modern world. It has been estimated that up to 800,000 people, especially women and children, are trafficked all around the world each year.1Virtually all States are affected,2and traffickers are believed to make between $7 and $10 billion annually from the trafficking business.3In order to combat trafficking, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Trafficking Protocol) was adopted in December 2000, within the framework of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Organized Crime Convention).4
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS: I. THE CODIFICATION OF PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW: THE BELGIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Florini Aude
Published: March 2005

Last year saw the 200th anniversary of one of the most influential national codes,1the FrenchCode civilof 1804. The celebration of this Napoleonic achievement has led in turn to renewed discussions on the understanding, purpose and contemporary form of codification.2At the same time 2004 saw Belgium adopt its very first Code of private international law.3Codification is so closely associated with continental Europe4that it may be startling to read that civilian legal systems are not entirely codified. In fact despite the arguable closeness of domestic substantive rules and conflict of law rules, this area of law largely escaped the codification process of the 19th century. What is more remarkable is the fact that the newCode de droit international privéappears to be a codification in the classical form. It represents not simply a compendium of existing statutes but a detailed reform of the entire area.5It is certainly true that in contemporary Europe the elaboration of classical codes, once viewed as the expression of affirmed political power,6has become a rather exceptional occurrence. This is not to say that codification is no longer a fundamental constant of the civilian tradition. Civil law systems are still essentially founded on the precedence of enacted and in principle codified7general rules on the basis of which solutions are to be deduced. However, codification is polymorphic,8and codes, which ideally display a number of attributes— coherence, logical structure, absence of contradiction, conformity of codified and applied law, completeness, clarity, ease of use and publicity9—may seek to achieve the general purpose of the formal simplification or systematization of the law in different ways. Indeed in Europe the aspiration of creating ‘perfect laws’10that prevailed throughout the golden age of classical codification in the 19th century, has largely given way to less demanding forms of codification.11Recent years have concurrently seen movements of decodification12as well as recodification,13and witnessed the creation of generally less ambitious codification-compilations14which gather and order existing rules in specific areas without engaging in reform.15This final development ought not to be regarded as surprising as the combination of reform and codification is far from simple:

experience shows that it is very difficult truly to do both at the same time […] The reform shall precede the codification process so that the latter may integrate the former, or the codification shall precede the reform in order to facilitate its realisation: it is more opportune and more intelligible to reform in view of the legal state clearly revealed by codification.16
Using Red List Indices to measure progress towards the 2010 target and beyond
Authors: Butchart S.H.M , Stattersfield A.J , Baillie J , Bennun L.A , Stuart S.N , Akçakaya H.R , Hilton-Taylor C , Mace G.M
Published: March 2005

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List is widely recognized as the most authoritative and objective system for classifying species by their risk of extinction. Red List Indices (RLIs) illustrate the relative rate at which a particular set of species change in overall threat status (i.e. projected relative extinction-risk), based on population and range size and trends as quantified by Red List categories. RLIs can be calculated for any representative set of species that has been fully assessed at least twice. They are based on the number of species in each Red List category, and the number changing categories between assessments as a result of genuine improvement or deterioration in status. RLIs show a fairly coarse level of resolution, but for fully assessed taxonomic groups they are highly representative, being based on information from a high proportion of species worldwide. The RLI for the world's birds shows that that their overall threat status has deteriorated steadily during the years 1988–2004 in all biogeographic realms and ecosystems. A preliminary RLI for amphibians for 1980–2004 shows similar rates of decline. RLIs are in development for other groups. In addition, a sampled index is being developed, based on a stratified sample of species from all major taxonomic groups, realms and ecosystems. This will provide extinction-risk trends that are more representative of all biodiversity.
Measuring marine fish biodiversity: temporal changes in abundance, life history and demography
Authors: Hutchings Jeffrey A , Baum Julia K
Published: March 2005

Patterns in marine fish biodiversity can be assessed by quantifying temporal variation in rate of population change, abundance, life history and demography concomitant with long-term reductions in abundance. Based on data for 177 populations (62 species) from four north-temperate oceanic regions (Northeast Atlantic and Pacific, Northwest Atlantic, North mid-Atlantic), 81% of the populations in decline prior to 1992 experienced reductions in their rate of loss thereafter; species whose rate of population decline accelerated after 1992 were predominantly top predators such as Atlantic cod (
Gadus morhua
), sole (
Solea solea
) and pelagic sharks. Combining population data across regions and species, marine fish have declined 35% since 1978 and are currently less than 70% of recorded maxima; demersal species are generally at historic lows, pelagic species are generally stable or increasing in abundance. Declines by demersal species have been associated with substantive increases in pelagic species, a pattern consistent with the hypothesis that increases in the latter may be attributable to reduced predation mortality. There is a need to determine the consequences to population growth effected by the reductions in age (21%) and size (13%) at maturity and in mean age (5%) and size (18%) of spawners, concomitant with population decline. We conclude that reductions in the rate of population decline, in the absence of targets for population increase, will be insufficient to effect a recovery of marine fish biodiversity, and that great care must be exercised when interpreting multi-species patterns in abundance. Of fundamental importance is the need to explain the geographical, species-specific and habitat biases that pervade patterns of marine fish recovery and biodiversity.
Managing Ammonia Emissions from Dairy Cows by Amending Slurry with Alum or Zeolite or by Diet Modification
Authors: Meisinger John J. , Lefcourt Alan M. , Van Kessel Jo Ann S. , Wilkerson Victor
Published: March 2005

Animal agriculture is a significant source of atmospheric ammonia. Ammonia (NH3) volatilization represents a loss of plant available N to the farmer and a potential contributor to eutrophication in low-nitrogen input ecosystems. This research evaluated on-farm slurry treatments of alum or zeolite and compared three diets for lactating dairy cows in their effectiveness to reduce NH3 emissions. NH3 emissions were compared using a group of mobile wind tunnels. The addition of 2.5% alum or 6.25% zeolite to barn-stored dairy slurry reduced NH3 volatilization by 60% and 55%, respectively, compared to untreated slurry. The alum conserved NH3 by acidifying the slurry to below pH 5, while the zeolite conserved ammonia by lowering the solution-phase nitrogen through cation exchange. The use of alum or zeolite also reduced soluble phosphorus in the slurry. NH3 loss from fresh manure collected from lactating dairy cows was not affected by three diets containing the same level of crude protein but differing in forage source (orchardgrass silage vs. alfalfa silage) or neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (30% vs. 35% NDF). NH3 losses from the freshly excreted manures occurred very rapidly and included the urea component plus some unidentified labile organic nitrogen sources. NH3 conservation strategies for fresh manures will have to be active within the first few hours after excretion in order to be most effective. The use of alum or zeolites as an on-farm amendment to dairy slurry offers the potential for significantly reducing NH3 emissions.
Evaluating Nitrogen Management Options for Reducing Nitrate Leaching from Northeast U.S. Pastures
Authors: Stout William L. , Delahoy James E. , Muller Laurence D. , Saporito Louis S.
Published: March 2005

Substantial amounts of nitrate nitrogen NO3-N can leach from intensively grazed pasture in the northeast U.S. where there is about 30 cm of groundwater recharge, annually. Management options for reducing NO3-N leaching were evaluated for this environment using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System Model and a recently developed nitrogen leaching index. Management options utilizing energy supplementation of grazing dairy cows could improve nitrogen efficiency within the cow, but would not necessarily reduce NO3-N leaching at the pasture scale if stocking rate was not controlled. The management option of using white clover to supply nitrogen to the pasture decreased NO3-N leaching, but produced less dry matter yield, which in turn reduced stocking rate. The economic returns of reducing NO3-N with these options need to be evaluated in light of milk prices and commodity and fertilizer nitrogen costs. At current prices and costs, the economic benefit from the energy supplementation options is substantial.
Atmospheric Sampling of Persistent Organic Pollutants: Needs, Applications and Advances in Passive Air Sampling Techniques
Authors: Ockenden Wendy A. , Jaward Foday M. , Jones Kevin C.
Published: March 2005

There are numerous potential applications for validated passive sampling techniques to measure persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere, but such techniques are still in their infancy. Potential uses include: monitoring to check for regulatory compliance and identification of potential sources; cheap/efficient reconnaissance surveying of the spatial distribution of POPs; and deployment in studies to investigate environmental processes affecting POP cycling. This article reviews and discusses the principles and needs of passive sampling methodologies. The timescales required for analytical purposes and for the scientific objectives of the study are critical in the choice and design of a passive sampler. Some techniques may operate over the timescales of hours/days, others over weeks/months/years. We distinguish between approaches based on "kinetic uptake" and "equilibrium partitioning". We highlight potentially useful techniques and discuss their potential advantages, disadvantages, and research requirements, drawing attention to the urgent need for detailed studies of sampler performance and calibration.
Plant Functions in Wetland and Aquatic Systems: Influence of Intensity and Capacity of Soil Reduction
Authors: DeLaune R.D. , Pezeshki S.R.
Published: March 2005

Wetland or hydric soils, in addition to excess water and limited air-filled porosity, are characterized by anaerobic or reducing conditions. Wetland plants have developed physiological and morphological adaptations for growing under these conditions. Various methods exist for measuring plant responses to reducing conditions in wetland and aquatic environments, including assessment of radial oxygen transport, cellular enzymatic transformations, changes in root structure, and nutrient uptake. However, a gap exists in quantifying the chemical properties and reducing nature of soil environment in which plant roots are grown. The variation in reducing conditions, oxygen demand, and other associated processes that occur in wetland soils makes it difficult to truly compare the plant responses reported in the literature. This review emphasizes soil-plant interactions in wetlands, drawing attention to the importance of quantifying the intensity and capacity of reduction and/or oxygen demand in wetland soils to allow proper evaluation of wetland plant responses to such conditions.
ThermoEnergy Ammonia Recovery Process for Municipal and Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Fassbender Alex G.
Published: March 2005

The Ammonia Recovery Process (ARP) is an award-winning, low-cost, environmentally responsible method of recovering nitrogen, in the form of ammonia, from various dilute waste streams and converting it into concentrated ammonium sulfate. The ThermoEnergy Biogas System utilizes the new chemisorption-based ARP to recover ammonia from anaerobically digested wastes. The process provides for optimal biogas production and significantly reduced nitrogen levels in the treated water discharge. Process flows for the ammonia recovery and ThermoEnergy biogas processes are presented and discussed. A comparison with other techniques such as biological nitrogen removal is made. The ARP technology uses reversible chemisorption and double salt crystal precipitation to recover and concentrate the ammonia. The ARP technology was successfully proven in a recent large-scale field demonstration at New York City’s Oakwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, located on Staten Island. This project was a joint effort with Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation, the Civil Engineering Research Foundation, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Independent validated plant data show that ARP consistently recovers up to 99.9% of the ammonia from the city’s centrate waste stream (derived from dewatering of sewage sludge), as ammonium sulfate. ARP technology can reduce the nitrogen (ammonia) discharged daily into local bodies of water by municipalities, concentrated animal farming operations, and industry. Recent advances to ARP enhance its performance and economic competitiveness in comparison to stripping or ammonia destruction technologies.
NOxEmission Trading in a European Context: Discussion of the Economic, Legal, and Cultural Aspects
Authors: Dekkers Chris P.A.
Published: March 2005

Emission trading is a new instrument in environmental policy. It is an alien notion in most European countries and it is often viewed with hesitation. The paper discusses the economic, legal, and perhaps more importantly, the cultural aspects to consider when one tries to explore the prospects for trading emissions of NOXand other substances in Europe. Issues to be addressed are the present legal framework in Europe in relation to the national emission ceilings on NOXand other substances on the basis of relevant EU directives and UNECE protocols. The paper will discuss the extent to which the legal framework within the EU imposes constraints on the design of a national emission trading scheme, and what options are available to fit emission trading into that legislative structure. The NOXemission trading programme developed in the Netherlands will be used to demonstrate the various aspects in a European context.