bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant Raman scattering from polyacetylene and poly(p-phenylene vinylene) chains included into hydrogenated amorphous carbon
Authors: Rybachuk M. , Hu A. , Bell J. M.
Published: August 2008

The resonant Raman scattering in N-IR–UV range from amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) reveals inclusions of trans-polyacetylene [trans-(CH)x] chains with approximate length of up to 120 CC units and inclusions of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) polymer chains. The PPV is evidenced by a strong dispersive mode at ∼1175cm−1. It was found that the Raman response from core Ag trans-(CH)x modes incorporated into a−C:H to changing excitation energy is identical to that of freestanding chains, thus facilitating identification of trans-(CH)x in complex carbonaceous materials spectra.
Microwave plasma torch operating in a chamber at a low pressure
Authors: Uhm Han S. , Cho Soon C. , Hong Yong C.
Published: August 2008

A microwave plasma torch was operated in a chamber at a reduced pressure, and the properties of the torch plasma were investigated. The argon torch plasma at a reduced pressure of 150Torr was observed to be well diffused in the discharge tube instead of the filamentary structures at the atmospheric pressure. The typical torch plasma density and electron temperature are measured to be ne=2×1014∕cm3 and Te=1.5eV, respectively, for argon plasmas at 150Torr. It was also found that the microwave plasma torch at a low pressure may efficiently produce chemical radicals.
Amplification of transition-Cherenkov terahertz radiation of femtosecond filament in air
Authors: Liu Yi , Houard Aurélien , Prade Bernard , Mysyrowicz André , Diaw Abdourahmane , Tikhonchuk Vladimir T.
Published: August 2008

The transition-Cherenkov terahertz radiation from a femtosecond laser filament in air is enhanced by three orders of magnitude in the presence of a longitudinal static electric field, while the radiation pattern and the polarization remain the same. An amplified longitudinal electron current inside the filament is responsible for this amplified terahertz emission.
Temperature dependence of the emissivity of platinum in the IR
Authors: Deemyad Shanti , Silvera Isaac F.
Published: August 2008

The accuracy of temperature determination by fitting the spectral irradiance to a Planck curve depends on knowledge of the emissivity at all temperatures and pressures of interest within a spectral region. Here, the emissivity of platinum is measured in the near infrared as a function of temperature. In the wavelength range of study and the temperature range of 650–1100 K, we find the emissivity to be independent of temperature to within experimental error. This result should lead to improved accuracy of temperature measurement by optical pyrometry where platinum is used as a thermal emitter.
Hybrid metal-base transistor with base of sulfonated polyaniline and fullerene emitter
Authors: da Silva Wilson J. , Hümmelgen Ivo A. , Mello Regina M. Q. , Ma Dongge
Published: August 2008

We demonstrate hybrid vertical architecture transistors that operate like metal-base transistors, using n-type silicon as the collector, sulfonated polyaniline as the base, and C60 fullerene as the emitter. Electrical measurements suggest that the sulfonated polyaniline base effectively screens the emitter from electric field variations occurring in the collector leading to the metal-base transistor behavior. These devices operate at low voltages and show common-emitter current gain equal to 8, which is independent of the base current up to values of ∼1.5μA and constant at collector voltages between 1 and 5V.
A Call for Agonism: GIS and the Politics of Collaboration
Authors: Ramsey Kevin
Published: August 2008

This paper examines the increasing use of geographic information systems (GIS) to support the project of ‘collaborative’ planning. Specifically, I explore the ways in which the use of GIS in collaborative planning programs works to counteract and/or reproduce patterns of marginalization always present in local political struggles. Through a review of the literature and an analysis of a case study of the use of GIS in rural water resource management, I argue that the discourse and practices of collaboration can often lead to a problematic depoliticization of GIS. Furthermore, I show how this depoliticization can normalize both uneven power dynamics and the marginalization of alternative and oppositional perspectives. I employ this case study as a backdrop to propose an alternative practice of participatory GIS motivated by Mouffe's notion of ‘agonistic pluralism’. This practice of agonistic participatory GIS is designed to foreground, rather than obscure, the politics of spatial knowledge production by explicitly juxtaposing alternative understandings of space and spatial problems. I conclude by discussing the importance of this work to the critical and participatory GIS research agendas.
Base cation availability and leaching after nitrogen fertilisation of a eucalypt plantation
Authors: Mitchell A. D. , Smethurst P. J.
Published: August 2008

Increasing use of nitrogen fertiliser in eucalypt plantations is affecting base cation availability via changes in concentrations in soil solution and leaching. While low base cation availability will probably limit future productivity of some eucalypt plantations, the extent and temporal patterns of availability as affected by N fertilisation were unknown. After applying urea in a fertiliser experiment in a 9-year-old Eucalyptus nitens plantation, soil solution chemistry was monitored for 13 months and maximum potential leaching estimated. The cumulative effects of earlier ammonium sulfate, urea, and superphosphate fertiliser applications had enhanced tree growth, base cation uptake, and probably leaching, but led to decreased pH and concentrations of exchangeable pools of Mg and K in surface soil (0–0.1 m). In soil solution before re-fertilisation, in the high N treatment, concentrations of K in soil solution were significantly lower, and of Ca significantly higher than the treatment that received no fertiliser. On many occasions during the 13-month period after this re-fertilisation event, increased concentrations of NH4, NO3, Ca, Mg, and K in soil solution were significant (0–0.6 m depth), and were consistently highest in the high fertiliser treatment at 0.3–0.6 m depth. We conclude that N fertilisation increased base cation availability during the study and probably for several subsequent years, but there was a risk that significant pools of N and base cations were leached off-site. Future research and modelling of base cation availability in plantations should consider these changes induced by N-fertiliser that increase availability for several years but lead to longer term decreases in availability.
Cost-effective priorities for global mammal conservation
Authors: Carwardine Josie , Wilson Kerrie A. , Ceballos Gerardo , Ehrlich Paul R. , Naidoo Robin , Iwamura Takuya , Hajkowicz Stefan A. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: August 2008

Global biodiversity priority setting underpins the strategic allocation of conservation funds. In identifying the first comprehensive set of global priority areas for mammals, Ceballos
et al.
[Ceballos G, Ehrlich PR, Soberón J, Salazar I, Fay JP (2005)
Science
309:603–607] found much potential for conflict between conservation and agricultural human activity. This is not surprising because, like other global priority-setting approaches, they set priorities without socioeconomic objectives. Here we present a priority-setting framework that seeks to minimize the conflicts and opportunity costs of meeting conservation goals. We use it to derive a new set of priority areas for investment in mammal conservation based on (
i
) agricultural opportunity cost and biodiversity importance, (
ii
) current levels of international funding, and (
iii
) degree of threat. Our approach achieves the same biodiversity outcomes as Ceballos
et al.'
s while reducing the opportunity costs and conflicts with agricultural human activity by up to 50%. We uncover shortfalls in the allocation of conservation funds in many threatened priority areas, highlighting a global conservation challenge.
Stereodynamics in state-resolved scattering at the gas–liquid interface
Authors: Perkins Bradford G. , Nesbitt David J.
Published: August 2008

Stereodynamics at the gas–liquid interface provides insight into the important physical interactions that directly influence heterogeneous chemistry at the surface and within the bulk liquid. We investigate molecular beam scattering of CO
2
from a liquid perfluoropolyether (PFPE) surface in vacuum [incident energy
E
inc
= 10.6(
8
) kcal/mol, incident angle θ
inc
= 60°] to specifically reveal rotational angular-momentum directions for scattered molecules. Experimentally, internal quantum state populations and

M
J

distributions are probed by high-resolution polarization-modulated infrared laser spectroscopy. Analysis of
J
-state populations reveals dual-channel scattering dynamics characterized by a two-temperature Boltzmann distribution for trapping–desorption and impulsive scattering. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations of CO
2
+ fluorinated self-assembled monolayers have been used to model CO
2
+ PFPE dynamics. Experimental results and molecular dynamics simulations reveal highly oriented CO
2
distributions that preferentially scatter with “top spin” as a strongly increasing function of
J
state.
CXCR4 antagonism increases T cell trafficking in the central nervous system and improves survival from West Nile virus encephalitis
Authors: McCandless Erin E. , Zhang Bo , Diamond Michael S. , Klein Robyn S.
Published: August 2008

The migration of lymphocytes into the CNS during viral encephalitis is hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) such that most infiltrating cells remain localized to perivascular spaces. This sequestration of leukocytes away from the parenchyma is believed to protect the CNS from immunopathologic injury. Infections of the CNS with highly cytopathic neurotropic viruses, such as West Nile virus (WNV), however, require the parenchymal penetration of T lymphocytes for virus clearance and survival, suggesting that perivascular localization might hinder antiviral immune responses during WNV encephalitis. Using human and murine brain specimens from individuals with WNV encephalitis, we evaluated the expression of CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, at the BBB and tested the hypothesis that inhibition of CXCR4 would promote T lymphocyte entry into the CNS parenchyma and increase viral clearance. Antagonism of CXCR4 significantly improved survival from lethal infection through enhanced intraparenchymal migration of WNV-specific CD8
+
T cells within the brain, leading to reduced viral loads and, surprisingly, decreased immunopathology at this site. The benefits of enhanced CD8
+
T cell infiltration suggest that pharmacologic targeting of CXCR4 may have therapeutic utility for the treatment of acute viral infections of the CNS.
Deciphering the genetic determinants for aerobic nicotinic acid degradation: The
nic
cluster from
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440
Authors: Jiménez José I. , Canales Ángeles , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Ginalski Krzysztof , Rychlewski Leszek , García José L. , Díaz Eduardo
Published: August 2008

The aerobic catabolism of nicotinic acid (NA) is considered a model system for degradation of
N
-heterocyclic aromatic compounds, some of which are major environmental pollutants; however, the complete set of genes as well as the structural–functional relationships of most of the enzymes involved in this process are still unknown. We have characterized a gene cluster (
nic
genes) from
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 responsible for the aerobic NA degradation in this bacterium and when expressed in heterologous hosts. The biochemistry of the NA degradation through the formation of 2,5-dihydroxypyridine and maleamic acid has been revisited, and some gene products become the prototype of new types of enzymes with unprecedented molecular architectures. Thus, the initial hydroxylation of NA is catalyzed by a two-component hydroxylase (NicAB) that constitutes the first member of the xanthine dehydrogenase family whose electron transport chain to molecular oxygen includes a cytochrome
c
domain. The Fe
2+
-dependent dioxygenase (NicX) converts 2,5-dihydroxypyridine into
N
-formylmaleamic acid, and it becomes the founding member of a new family of extradiol ring-cleavage dioxygenases. Further conversion of
N
-formylmaleamic acid to formic and maleamic acid is catalyzed by the NicD protein, the only deformylase described so far whose catalytic triad is similar to that of some members of the α/β-hydrolase fold superfamily. This work allows exploration of the existence of orthologous gene clusters in saprophytic bacteria and some pathogens, where they might stimulate studies on their role in virulence, and it provides a framework to develop new biotechnological processes for detoxification/biotransformation of
N
-heterocyclic aromatic compounds.
MDC1 regulates intra-S-phase checkpoint by targeting NBS1 to DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Wu Liming , Luo Kuntian , Lou Zhenkun , Chen Junjie
Published: August 2008

The product of the Nijmegen breakage syndrome gene (NBS1) plays crucial roles in DNA damage response through its association with many proteins, including MRE11 and RAD50. However, it remains to be determined exactly how NBS1 accumulates at or near DNA double-strand breaks. Here we report that MDC1 directly binds to NBS1 and targets NBS1 to the sites of DNA damage. The MDC1–NBS1 interaction occurs through a specific region (residues 200–420) of MDC1, which contains multiple consensus casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites. In addition, this interaction requires both the forkhead-associated (FHA) and tandem BRCA1 C-terminal (BRCT) domains of NBS1. Disruption of the MDC1–NBS1 interaction results in failure of NBS1 accumulation at DNA double-strand breaks and impairment of intra-S checkpoint activation. These studies provide important mechanistic insights as to how MDC1 regulates NBS1 and the intra-S-phase checkpoint in response to DNA damage.
Ion permeation through a Cl
−
-selective channel designed from a CLC Cl
−
/H
+
exchanger
Authors: Jayaram Hariharan , Accardi Alessio , Wu Fang , Williams Carole , Miller Christopher
Published: August 2008

The CLC family of Cl
−
-transporting proteins includes both Cl
−
channels and Cl
−
/H
+
exchange transporters. CLC-ec1, a structurally known bacterial homolog of the transporter subclass, exchanges two Cl
−
ions per proton with strict, obligatory stoichiometry. Point mutations at two residues, Glu
148
and Tyr
445
, are known to impair H
+
movement while preserving Cl
−
transport. In the x-ray crystal structure of CLC-ec1, these residues form putative “gates” flanking an ion-binding region. In mutants with both of the gate-forming side chains reduced in size, H
+
transport is abolished, and unitary Cl
−
transport rates are greatly increased, well above values expected for transporter mechanisms. Cl
−
transport rates increase as side-chain volume at these positions is decreased. The crystal structure of a doubly ungated mutant shows a narrow conduit traversing the entire protein transmembrane width. These characteristics suggest that Cl
−
flux through uncoupled, ungated CLC-ec1 occurs via a channel-like electrodiffusion mechanism rather than an alternating-exposure conformational cycle that has been rendered proton-independent by the gate mutations.
Structure of a small-molecule inhibitor of a DNA polymerase sliding clamp
Authors: Georgescu Roxana E. , Yurieva Olga , Kim Seung-Sup , Kuriyan John , Kong Xiang-Peng , O'Donnell Mike
Published: August 2008

DNA polymerases attach to the DNA sliding clamp through a common overlapping binding site. We identify a small-molecule compound that binds the protein-binding site in the
Escherichia coli
β-clamp and differentially affects the activity of DNA polymerases II, III, and IV. To understand the molecular basis of this discrimination, the cocrystal structure of the chemical inhibitor is solved in complex with β and is compared with the structures of Pol II, Pol III, and Pol IV peptides bound to β. The analysis reveals that the small molecule localizes in a region of the clamp to which the DNA polymerases attach in different ways. The results suggest that the small molecule may be useful in the future to probe polymerase function with β, and that the β-clamp may represent an antibiotic target.
N-flation
Authors: Dimopoulos S , Kachru S , McGreevy J , Wacker J G
Published: August 2008

The presence of many axion fields in four-dimensional string vacua can lead to a simple,
radiatively stable realization of chaotic inflation.
N-(2-Ethylphenyl)phthalimide
Authors: Fan Yen May , Zakaria Norzalida , Ariffin Azhar , Ng Seik Weng
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, C16H13NO2, the phthalimide and benzene ring systems form a dihedral angle of 77.2 (1)°.
(6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-Trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-yl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate
Authors: Gul Waseem , Carvalho Paulo , Berberich David W. , Avery Mitchell A. , ElSohly Mahmoud A.
Published: August 2008

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C28H36O4S, the p-tolyl ring is inclined at 35.8° to the aromatic ring. The cyclohexene ring adopts a boat conformation and the heterocyclic ring is in a slightly distorted screw boat conformation.
1,2-Bis[2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy]ethane
Authors: Li Shu-Xian , Zhu Lin , Li Hua-Min , Fun Hoong-Kun , Chantrapromma Suchada
Published: August 2008

In the crystal structure, the title compound, C12H16N6O6, lies on an inversion centre. The molecule has an antiperiplanar conformation with respect to the C—C bond of the central ethane unit and the two imidazole rings are parallel to each other. The dihedral angle between the imidazole ring and the mean plane of the C and O atoms of the bis(ethoxy)ethane group is 76.04 (6)°. The molecules are stacked along the c axis through a weak C—H...O interaction and a π...π interaction between the imidazole rings with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.5162 (6) Å. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond is also present.
7-(Benzylsulfanyl)-5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5,6-dihydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione
Authors: Bazgir Ayoob , Faraji Fereshteh
Published: August 2008

In the molecule of the title compound, C22H22N4O3S, the benzene and phenyl rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 88.72 (4)°. The other two rings have flattened-boat conformations. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules.
Bis(diphenylphosphorothioyl) trisulfide
Authors: Kulcsar Monika , Silvestru Anca , Vonas Marius
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, C24H20P2S5, the P atoms are arranged trans with respect to the S3 group and the S=P—S—S systems have cisoid geometry, with an average S—P—S—S torsion angle of −56.7°. The dihedral angles between the two phenyl rings attached to the P atoms are 87.33 (12) and 75.67 (10)°. In the crystal structure, the molecules are linked into chains running parallel to the a axis by weak intermolecular C—H...S hydrogen bonds. Centrosymmetrically related chains are further connected by π–π stacking interactions, with a centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.795 (5) Å.
4-[(2-Fluorophenyl)amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid
Authors: Shah Farooq Ali , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Ali Saqib
Published: August 2008

The crystal structure of the title compound, C10H10FNO3, contains dimers of the asymmetric unit, with R
2
2(8) rings arising from intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonding through the carboxylate groups. Adjacent dimeric units are connected to each other through one N—H...O and two C—H...O intermolecular hydrogen bonds. C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the aromatic ring and the O atoms of two carboxylate groups form an R
3
3(7) ring. The crystal structure is further stabilized by C—H...F interactions, giving rise to a three-dimensional network.
Hexakis(1H-imidazole-κN
3)nickel(II) triaquatris(1H-imidazole-κN
3)nickel(II) bis(naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate)
Authors: Li Jun-Hua , Nie Jing-Jing , Xu Duan-Jun
Published: August 2008

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Ni(C3H4N2)6][Ni(C3H4N2)3(H2O)3](C12H6O4)2, contains uncoordinated naphthalenedicarboxylate dianions and two kinds of NiII complex cations, both assuming distorted octahedral geometries. One NiII ion is located on an inversion center and is coordinated by six imidazole molecules, while the other NiII ion is located on a twofold rotation axis and is coordinated by three water molecules and three imidazole molecules in a mer-NiN3O3 arrangement. The naphthalenedicarboxylate dianion links both NiII complex cations via O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonding, but no π–π stacking is observed between aromatic rings in the crystal structure. One imidazole ligand is equally disordered over two sites about a twofold rotation axis; one N atom and one water O atom have site symmetry 2.
4-[(3-Formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide
Authors: El-Ghamry Hoda , Issa Raafat , El-Baradie Kamal , Isagai Keiko , Masaoka Shigeyuki , Sakai Ken
Published: August 2008

The title molecule, C17H13N5O4S, has a trans configuration with respect to the diazenyl (azo) group. The pyrimidine ring and the terminal benzene ring are inclined at angles of 89.38 (4) and 1.6 (6)°, respectively, with respect to the central benzene ring. The conformation of the molecule is in part stabilized by an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal structure, molecules related through inversion centers form hydrogen-bonded dimers involving the sulfonamide N—H group and the N atom of the pyrimidine ring.
2-(6,7-Dimethyl-3-methylsulfanyl-1-benzofuran-2-yl)acetic acid
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Seo Pil Ja , Son Byeng Wha , Lee Uk
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, C13H14O3S, the methyl group of the methylsulfanyl substituent is almost perpendicular to the plane of the benzofuran fragment [80.5 (9)°]. The carboxylic acid groups are involved in intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link the molecules into centrosymmetric dimers. These dimers are further packed into stacks along the a axis by C—H...π interactions.
Disodium 4,4′-oxydibenzoate
Authors: Yang Yuan , Li Qi , Ng Seik Weng
Published: August 2008

The crystal structure of the title compound, 2Na+·C14H8O5
2−, consists of alternating layers of sodium cations and 4,4′-oxydibenzoate anions; the layers are perpendicular to the a axis, with the distance between the layers of cations (or anions) being half this axial length. The Na atoms are disordered over three sites [occupancies 0.775 (4), 0.781 (6) 0.444 (6)].
2,2′-Dichloro-1,1′-[(butane-1,4-diyldioxy)bis(nitrilomethylidyne)]dibenzene
Authors: Ren Zong-Li , Dong Wen-Kui , Bai Wen-Juan , He Xue-Ni , Wang Li
Published: August 2008

The molecule of the title compound, C18H18Cl2N2O2, lies across a crystallographic inversion centre and adopts an E configuration with respect to the azomethine C=N bond. The imino group is coplanar with the aromatic ring. Within the molecule, the planar units are parallel, but extend in opposite directions from the dimethylene bridge. In the crystal structure, the title compound exhibits a layer packing structure via weak π–π stacking interactions [intermolecular plane-to-plane distances between adjacent aromatic rings are 3.461 (3) Å]. Molecules in each layer are linked by intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Dichlorido(dimethylformamide-κO)[1,4,7-tris(2-cyanoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-κ3
N
1,N
4,N
7]nickel(II)
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Wu Li-Zhen , Geng Zhi-Rong , Wang Zhi-Lin
Published: August 2008

The title complex, [NiCl2(C15H24N6)(C3H7NO)], is isomorphous with the CoII analogue. Three N-atom donors from the facially coordinating triaza macrocyclic ligand, one O-atom donor from dimethylformamide and two Cl− anions surround the NiII ion in a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. Intermolecular C—H...Cl and C—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions link the complex molecules into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
4-Chloro-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide monohydrate
Authors: Lu Jiu-Fu , Min Suo-Tian , Ji Xiao-Hui , Dang Zhong-Hai
Published: August 2008

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H11ClN2O2·H2O, contains a Schiff base molecule and a water molecule of crystallization. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 27.3 (4)°. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked into a two-dimensional network parallel to the bc plane by intermolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules.
(μ-Diphenylphosphanido-κ2
P:P′)bis[2,2′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)diphenyl-κ3
C
1,N,C
1′)gold(III)] perchlorate acetonitrile solvate
Authors: Li Xin-Sheng , Mo Juan , Zhang Su-Mei , Yuan Li , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: August 2008

The title complex, [Au2(C17H11N)2(C12H10P)]ClO4·C2H3N, contains two AuIII atoms bridged by a diphenylphosphanide ligand. Each Au atom is in a square-planar environment coordinated by diphenylphosphanide and 2,6-diphenylpyridine ligands. There are weak π–π stacking interactions between neighbouring molecules (the interplanar separations between two neighbouring dpp units are 3.40 and 3.57 Å). The intramolecular Au...Au separation is 3.788 (5) Å. The crystal structure shows weak intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds involving an O atom of the perchlorate counter-ion and the N atom of the acetonitrile solvent molecule, respectively.
Hexa-μ2-acetato-1:2κ4
O:O′;1:2κ2
O:O;2:3κ4
O:O′;2:3κ2
O:O-bis(2-amino-7-chloro-5-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine)-1κN
1,3κN
1-trizinc(II)
Authors: Li Xin-Sheng , Mo Juan , Yuan Li , Liu Jian-Hua , Zhang Su-Mei
Published: August 2008

The title complex, [Zn3(C2H3O2)6(C9H8ClN3)2], contains three ZnII atoms bridged by six acetate ligands. The central ZnII ion, located on an inversion centre, is surrounded by six O atoms from acetate ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry [Zn—O = 1.9588 (12)–2.1237 (12) Å]. The terminal ZnII ions are coordinated by one N atom of 2-amino-7-chloro-5-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine and three O atoms of three acetate ligands in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The separation between the central and terminal ZnII ions is 3.245 (3) Å.
7,8,9,10-Tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]indol-6(5H)-one
Authors: Sridharan M. , Prasad K. J. Rajendra , Gunaseelan A. Thomas , Thiruvalluvar A. , Butcher R. J.
Published: August 2008

In the title molecule, C13H13NO, the dihedral angle between the benzene and pyrrole rings is 1.05 (5)°. The cycloheptene ring adopts a slightly distorted boat conformation. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers. A C—H...π interaction, involving the benzene ring, is also found in the structure.
Bis{μ-5-(diethylamino)-2-[(2-oxidoethoxy)iminomethyl]phenolato}dicopper(II) acetone solvate
Authors: Dong Wen-Kui , Chen Xiao , He Xue-Ni , Tang Xiao-Lu , Lv Zhong-Wu
Published: August 2008

The title complex, [Cu2(C13H18N2O3)2]·C3H6O, has been synthesized by the reaction of copper(II) acetate monohydrate with 5,5′-bis(diethylamino)-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol, where one of the N—O bonds of the ligand was cleaved during the reaction. The complex molecule has a μ-dialkoxo-bridged binuclear structure with both CuII centers exhibiting a square-planar coordination geometry.
Fire and the demography of camelthorn (Acacia erioloba Meyer) in the southern Kalahari – evidence for a bonfire effect?
Authors: Seymour Colleen L. , Huyser Onno
Published: August 2008

Fires in arid environments are rare, so are not deemed as important as in mesic savannas. We investigated mortality and resprouting amongst camelthorn (Acacia erioloba) after two fires (at Vaalbos National Park and Susanna farm) in semi‐arid savanna near Kimberley, South Africa. Resprouting response 18 months after a fire was the greatest amongst <6.5 m high trees; extent of foliage damage by fire and bark thickness were the next best predictors of resprouting vigour amongst that size class. The largest size class (8–12 m height) of A. erioloba suffered the greatest mortality rates (40% and 83% at Vaalbos and Susanna respectively), with damage either severe or minor. We hypothesize that large tree mortality rates are partly attributable to well‐developed assemblages of flammable subcanopy plants producing a bonfire beneath trees. These mortality rates indicate that fire reduces both tree abundance and relative representation of large trees, and although able to resprout, A. erioloba is fire‐sensitive, which may explain its restriction to Kalahari sands where rainfall is less than 900 mm year−1. Therefore, although relatively infrequent, fires shape Kalahari woodland structure, particularly as A. erioloba is long lived and slow growing. Large trees have been shown to be important to biodiversity in the southern Kalahari, so frequent fires could impact biodiversity.
Effects of intermittent theta‐burst stimulation on practice‐related changes in fast finger movements in healthy subjects
Authors: Agostino Rocco , Iezzi Ennio , Dinapoli Loredana , Suppa Antonio , Conte Antonella , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: August 2008

In this paper we investigated the effects of intermittent theta‐burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the primary motor cortex on practice‐related changes in motor performance. Seventeen healthy subjects underwent two experimental sessions, one testing real iTBS and the other testing sham iTBS. Before and after both iTBS sessions, the subjects practiced fast right index‐finger abductions for a few minutes. As measures of cortical excitability we calculated resting motor threshold and motor‐evoked potential amplitude. As measures of practice‐related changes we evaluated the mean movement amplitude, peak velocity and peak acceleration values for each block. When subjects practiced the movement task, the three variables measuring practice‐related changes improved to a similar extent during real and sham iTBS whereas cortical excitability increased only during real iTBS. In a further group of five healthy subjects we investigated the effect of real and sham iTBS on changes in motor performance after a longer task practice and found no significant changes in motor performance and retention after real and sham iTBS. From our results overall we conclude that in healthy subjects iTBS applied to the primary motor cortex leaves practice‐related changes in an index finger abduction task unaffected. We suggest that iTBS delivered over the primary motor cortex is insufficient to alter motor performance because early motor learning probably engages a wide cortical and subcortical network.
Tonotopy and inhibition in the midbrain inferior colliculus shape spectral resolution of sounds in neural critical bands
Authors: Egorova Marina , Ehret Günter
Published: August 2008

Frequency resolution and spectral integration in acoustic perception is investigated psychacoustically by measuring critical bands (CBs) or equivalent quantities. In general, CB bandwidths increase with increasing sound frequency but remain constant over a large range of sound pressure levels (SPL; intensity independence). These CB properties have previously been found, on average, in responses of midbrain inferior colliculus neurons. Here, we use single‐neuron recordings from the central nucleus of mouse inferior colliculus (ICC) to study neurons’ excitatory and inhibitory frequency receptive fields together with neural critical bands (NCBs) measured in a narrowband noise‐masking paradigm at SPLs up to 85 dB. We aim to clarify whether and how neurons with very different shapes of excitatory and inhibitory receptive fields express CB properties, whether and how inhibition contributes to set boundaries of NCBs, and where these boundaries are located in the excitatory–inhibitory receptive fields. The main results are: the above‐mentioned general CB properties exist in neurons independent of the shapes of their receptive fields, that is, frequency filtering related to single tones (tuning curves) and frequency resolution related to complex sounds (NCBs) are different neuronal properties; NCB boundaries match the boundaries of an area devoid of inhibition around the characteristic frequencies in 67% of the neurons, that is, the inhibitory influence is adjusted to frequency resolution in part of the neurons; filter bandwidths of NCBs are, relative to their centre frequencies, about on average 1/3 octave wide, equaling the average frequency distance between frequency‐band laminae as found in the cat ICC.
Autobiographical memory of the recent past following frontal cortex or temporal lobe excisions
Authors: Thaiss Laila , Petrides Michael
Published: August 2008

Previous research has raised questions regarding the necessity of the frontal cortex in autobiographical memory and the role that it plays in actively retrieving contextual information associated with personally relevant events. Autobiographical memory was studied in patients with unilateral excisions restricted to the frontal cortex or temporal lobe involving the amygdalo‐hippocampal region and in normal controls using an event‐sampling method. We examined accuracy of free recall, use of strategies during retrieval and memory for specific aspects of the autobiographical events, including temporal order. Patients with temporal lobe excisions were impaired in autobiographical recall. By contrast, patients with frontal cortical excisions exhibited normal autobiographical recall but were less likely to use temporal order spontaneously to organize event retrieval. Instruction to organize retrieval by temporal order failed to improve recall in temporal lobe patients and increased the incidence of plausible intrusion errors in left temporal patients. In contrast, patients with frontal cortical excisions now surpassed control subjects in recall of autobiographical events. Furthermore, the retrieval accuracy for the temporal order of diary events was not impaired in these patients. In a subsequent cued recall test, temporal lobe patients were impaired in their memory for the details of the diary events and their context. In conclusion, a basic impairment in autobiographical memory (including memory for temporal context) results from damage to the temporal lobe and not the frontal cortex. Patients with frontal excisions fail to use organizational strategies spontaneously to aid retrieval but can use these effectively if instructed to do so.
Balance between facilitation and resource competition determines biomass–density relationships in plant populations
Authors: Chu Cheng‐Jin , Maestre Fernando T. , Xiao Sa , Weiner Jacob , Wang You‐Shi , Duan Zheng‐Hu , Wang Gang
Published: August 2008

Theories based on competition for resources predict a monotonic negative relationship between population density and individual biomass in plant populations. They do not consider the role of facilitative interactions, which are known to be important in high stress environments. Using an individual‐based ‘zone‐of‐influence’ model, we investigated the hypothesis that the balance between facilitative and competitive interactions determines biomass–density relationships. We tested model predictions with a field experiment on the clonal grass Elymus nutans in an alpine meadow. In the model, the relationship between mean individual biomass and density shifted from monotonic to humped as abiotic stress increased. The model results were supported by the field experiment, in which the greatest individual and population biomass were found at intermediate densities in a high‐stress alpine habitat. Our results show that facilitation can affect biomass–density relationships.
Two similar enhanced root‐colonizing Pseudomonas strains differ largely in their colonization strategies of avocado roots and Rosellinia necatrix hyphae
Authors: Pliego Clara , De Weert Sandra , Lamers Gerda , De Vicente Antonio , Bloemberg Guido , Cazorla Francisco Manuel , Ramos Cayo
Published: August 2008

Pseudomonas alcaligenes AVO73 and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes AVO110 were selected previously as efficient avocado root tip colonizers, displaying in vitro antagonism towards Rosellinia necatrix, causal agent of avocado white root rot. Despite the higher number of antagonistic properties shown in vitro by AVO73, only AVO110 demonstrated significant protection against avocado white root rot. As both strains are enhanced root colonizers, and as colonization is crucial for the most likely biocontrol mechanisms used by these strains, namely production of non‐antibiotic antifungal compounds and competition for nutrients and niches, we decided to compare the interactions of the bacterial strains with avocado roots as well as with R. necatrix hyphae. The results indicate that strain AVO110 is superior in biocontrol trait swimming motility and establishes on the root tip of avocado plants faster than AVO73. Visualization studies, using Gfp‐labelled derivatives of these strains, showed that AVO110, in contrast to AVO73, colonizes intercellular crevices between neighbouring plant root epidermal cells, a microhabitat of enhanced exudation. Moreover, AVO110, but not AVO73, also colonizes root wounds, described to be preferential penetration sites for R. necatrix infection. This result strongly suggests that AVO110 meets, and can attack, the pathogen on the root. Finally, when co‐inoculated with the pathogen, AVO110 utilizes hyphal exudates more efficiently for proliferation than AVO73 does, and colonizes the hyphae more abundantly than AVO73. We conclude that the differences between the strains in colonization levels and strategies are likely to contribute to, and even can explain, the difference in disease‐controlling abilities between the strains. This is the first report that shows that two similar bacterial strains, selected by their ability to colonize avocado root, use strongly different root colonization strategies and suggests that in addition to the total bacterial root colonization level, the sites occupied on the root are important for biocontrol.
The Infinity of God in the Biblical Theology of Denys the Areopagite
Authors: HOU DENNIS
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  This article examines Denys the Areopagite's contribution to the doctrine of God's infinity in light of his theology as an integrated whole. His writings are controversial and frequently misinterpreted because of an underestimation of his commitment to the Christian scriptures. Objections are treated, and are followed by some guidelines for reading Divine Names and a comparison of Denys with Colin Gunton on the relationship between revelation and salvation history. Denys's work is not mired with inconsistency, but is a genuinely biblical reflection on and of the multifaceted glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A developmental model of maternal and child contributions to disruptive conduct: the first six years
Authors: Kochanska Grazyna , Barry Robin A. , Aksan Nazan , Boldt Lea J.
Published: August 2008

Background:  The parent–child relationship is considered important for children’s future conscience, and conscience is seen as protecting them from disruptive behavior problems, but specific mechanisms of this developmental process are rarely studied.

Methods:  This multi‐trait multi‐method study examined, in a longitudinal design, paths linking early maternal responsiveness to the child with the child’s future conscience and disruptive behavior in 102 mother–child dyads. We tested a conceptual model where maternal responsiveness to the child, observed at 7 and 15 months, engenders a responsive stance in the child, observed at 25 and 38 months; that stance, in turn, becomes enduring and generalized, promoting multiple aspects of the child’s conscience, observed at 52 months. In turn, conscience serves as a protective factor from disruptive behavior problems, rated by mothers and fathers at 67 months.

Results:  The postulated paths were examined using sequential regressions and mediation effects were tested using bootstrapping analyses. Child responsive stance at 25–38 months fully mediated the link between maternal responsiveness in infancy and conscience at 52 months, and conscience fully mediated the link between child responsive stance and future disruptive behavior at 67 months.

Conclusions:  Examination of developmental links among early maternal behavior, the child’s responsive stance toward the mother, conscience, and disruptive behavior is a promising step toward elucidating mechanisms of children’s adaptive and maladaptive trajectories.
Meeting health information needs of people with HIV/AIDS: sources and means of collaboration
Authors: O’Grady Laura
Published: August 2008

Background: Internet‐based applications, in particular those that allow communication, have great potential to meet information needs. Limited research has indicated that people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS; PHAs) use these technologies, but it has not yet been examined how resources are used collaboratively and in conjunction with offline sources.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine in what ways PHAs collaborate to meet treatment information needs and what role Internet‐based computer‐mediated communication (CMC) played in meeting this goal.

Methods: This exploratory study was implemented using surveys and focus groups with 23 participants in Toronto, Canada. The purposive sample included men and women.

Results: A variety of both off‐ and online resources were used to learn about HIV/AIDS treatment information, including web‐based and print. All participants were communicating with others, primarily in person, and most desired anecdotal treatment information. However, few reported using CMC to accomplish this goal. Harris and Dewdney's Principles of Information Seeking was used to frame the findings.

Conclusions: Despite technical proficiency with CMC, few participants in this study reported use of this communication tool. Information professionals need to ensure access to HIV health information including those in remote areas who have fewer resources.
The geography of smoking in Leeds: estimating individual smoking rates and the implications for the location of stop smoking services
Authors: Tomintz Melanie N , Clarke Graham P , Rigby Janette E
Published: August 2008

Smoking is an important and topical health issue in the UK. In Leeds, the target is to reduce smoking prevalence by 9 per cent by 2010. However, a key unknown is the likely distribution of smokers across the city. This paper aims to estimate individual smoking rates using microsimulation and hence evaluate the performance of established stop smoking services, e.g. how well do they serve local areas and to what extent does attendance vary between service point locations? Location‐allocation modelling is employed to test various location scenarios and provide insight into where to optimally place centres.
Some Economics of Public Statistics
Authors: Hill Berkeley
Published: August 2008

Public statistics are an important part of the information needed for efficient and effective agricultural and rural policy. Experience of several decades of work at the interface of statistics and policy, in particular on income measurement in agriculture, suggests that there are systematic failures in the process by which statistics are fed into policy decisions, although their nature and extent can be expected to vary across types of policy. These failures include poor recognition of the need for information and conceptual obsolescence in methodologies. The explanations for these failures are likely to include the unwillingness of policy‐makers to articulate their objectives clearly, various interests in not having better statistics, the limited independence of agricultural statisticians from departments responsible for policy, and the low level of engagement by academics. Ways of improving the situation are explored.
Uncertainty Evaluation of Human Risk Analysis (HRA) of Chemicals by Multiple Exposure Routes
Authors: Sassi Guido , Ruggeri Bernardo
Published: August 2008

The application of an ISO standard procedure (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM)) is here discussed to quantify uncertainty in human risk estimation under chronic exposure to hazardous chemical compounds. The procedure was previously applied to a simple model; in this article a much more complex model is used, i.e., multiple compound and multiple exposure pathways. Risk was evaluated using the usual methodologies: the deterministic reasonable maximum exposure (RME) and the statistical Monte Carlo method. In both cases, the procedures to evaluate uncertainty on risk values are detailed. Uncertainties were evaluated by different methodologies to account for the peculiarity of information about the single variable. The GUM procedure enables the ranking of variables by their contribution to uncertainty; it provides a criterion for choosing variables for deeper analysis. The obtained results show that the application of GUM procedure is easy and straightforward to quantify uncertainty and variability of risk estimation. Health risk estimation is based on literature data on a water table contaminated by three volatile organic compounds. Daily intake was considered by either ingestion of water or inhalation during showering. The results indicate one of the substances as the main contaminant, and give a criterion to identify the key component on which the treatment selection may be performed and the treatment process may be designed in order to reduce risk.
The Psychological and Institutional Determinants of Early Voting
Authors: Gronke Paul , Toffey Daniel Krantz
Published: August 2008

This article examines early voting, an institutional innovation whereby citizens can cast their ballots a time and location other than on election day and at the precinct place. Early voting has been proposed as way to expand the franchise, by making voting more convenient, and extend the franchise, by encouraging turnout among those segments of the population who are unable or unwilling to vote using traditional methods. The article draws on models of voter decision making that conceptualize voting as a choice reached under uncertainty. Voters vary by (a) their willingness to accept uncertainty, (b) their cognitive engagement with the campaign, and (c) their location in an institutional environment that makes early voting possible. We propose a multivariate model of early voting, contingent on a voter's prior levels of political information, level of fixed political beliefs, and political information activity. These are also interacted with the institutional context (laws and procedures that allow early voting). At the descriptive level, we find most of the expected demographic and attitudinal patterns: early voters are older, better educated, and more cognitively engaged in the campaign and in politics. Because national surveys are ill equipped to capture nuanced campaign dynamics, many of the statistically significant relationships disappear in multivariate analyses. Regardless, revealing differences emerge between midterm and presidential election years that allow us to make important inferences about the demographic and participatory characteristics of early voters.
Will Democracy Win?
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: August 2008

In reviewing the articles in this collection, four models of electoral participation are presented. Resources, party mobilization, electoral competition, and civic virtues are each important in driving turnout. Yet recent findings attest to the unique contribution of personality psychology in making sense of citizens' preferences and voting. A congruency‐efficacy model is presented to account for both political preference and political participation and, ultimately, for voting. A cross‐national and comparative view is recommended to fully appreciate the complexities of engagement in the key democratic process of voting.