bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of histatin 1 salivary complexes by using mass spectrometry
Authors: Siqueira Walter L. , Lee Young Ho , Xiao Yizhi , Held Katharina , Wong Williston
Published: September 2012

With recent progress in the analysis of the salivary proteome, the number of salivary proteins identified has increased dramatically. However, the physiological functions of many of the newly discovered proteins remain unclear. Closely related to the study of a protein's function is the identification of its interaction partners. We investigated interactions among and functions of histatin 1 and the other proteins that are present in saliva by using high‐throughput mass spectrometric techniques. This led to the identification of 43 proteins able to interact with histatin 1. In addition, we found that these protein–protein interactions protect complex partners from proteolysis and modulate their antifungal activity. Our data contribute significantly to characterization of the salivary interactome and to understanding the biology of salivary protein complexes.
CPhos: A program to calculate and visualize evolutionarily conserved functional phosphorylation sites
Authors: Zhao Boyang , Pisitkun Trairak , Hoffert Jason D. , Knepper Mark A. , Saeed Fahad
Published: September 2012

Profiling using high‐throughput MS has discovered an overwhelming number of novel protein phosphorylation sites (“phosphosites”). However, the functional relevance of these sites is not always clear. In light of recent studies on the evolutionary mechanism of phosphorylation, we have developed CPhos, a Java program that can assess the conservation of phosphosites among species using an information theory‐based approach. The degree of conservation established using CPhos can be used to assess the functional significance of phosphosites. CPhos has a user friendly graphical user interface and is available both as a web service and as a standalone Java application to assist phosphoproteomic researchers in analyzing and prioritizing lists of phosphosites for further experimental validation. CPhos can be accessed or downloaded at http://helixweb.nih.gov/CPhos/.
Micro‐ and macroheterogeneity of N‐glycosylation yields size and charge isoforms of human sex hormone binding globulin circulating in serum
Authors: Sumer‐Bayraktar Zeynep , Nguyen‐Khuong Terry , Jayo Roxana , Chen David D. Y. , Ali Sinan , Packer Nicolle H. , Thaysen‐Andersen Morten
Published: September 2012

Human sex hormone binding globulin (hSHBG) is a serum glycoprotein central to the transport and targeted delivery of sex hormones to steroid‐sensitive tissues. Several molecular mechanisms of action of hSHBG, including the function of its attached glycans remain unknown. Here, we perform a detailed site‐specific characterization of the N‐ and O‐linked glycosylation of serum‐derived hSHBG. MS‐driven glycoproteomics and glycomics combined with exoglycosidase treatment were used in a bottom‐up and top‐down manner to determine glycosylation sites, site‐specific occupancies and monosaccharide compositions, detailed glycan structures, and the higher level arrangement of glycans on intact hSHBG. It was found that serum‐derived hSHBG is N‐glycosylated at Asn351 and Asn367 with average molar occupancies of 85.1 and 95.3%, respectively. Both sites are occupied by the same six sialylated and partly core fucosylated bi‐ and triantennary N‐Glycoforms with lactosamine‐type antennas of the form (±NeuAcα6)Galβ4GlcNAc. N‐Glycoforms of Asn367 were slightly more branched and core fucosylated than Asn351 N‐glycoforms due probably to a more surface‐exposed glycosylation site. The N‐terminal Thr7 was fully occupied by the two O‐linked glycans NeuAcα3Galβ3(NeuAcα6)GalNAc (where NeuAc is N‐acetylneuraminic acid and GalNAc is N‐acetylgalactosamine) and NeuAcα3Galβ3GalNAc in a 1:6 molar ratio. Electrophoretic analysis of intact hSHBG revealed size and charge heterogeneity of the isoforms circulating in blood serum. Interestingly, the size and charge heterogeneity were shown to originate predominantly from differential Asn351 glycan occupancies and N‐glycan sialylation that may modulate the hSHBG activity. To date, this work represents the most detailed structural map of the heterogeneous hSHBG glycosylation, which is a prerequisite for investigating the functional aspects of the hSHBG glycans.
Aluminum alkoxide complexes from highly substituted 3,4‐epoxy alcohols: An NMR and computational study
Authors: Torres Gerardo , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Prieto José A.
Published: September 2012

The organoaluminum mediated epoxide ring opening of epoxy alcohols is a key step in the oxirane‐based approach for polypropionate synthesis. However, this reaction has shown unanticipated regioselectivities when applied to 2‐methyl‐3,4‐epoxy alcohols. In order to gain mechanistic insight into the factors controlling the epoxide ring opening process, diastereomeric 2‐methyl‐3,4‐epoxy alcohols were reacted with triethylaluminum in order to identify the aluminum complexes formed by these systems. Different epoxide–aluminum complexes were calculated using ab initio HF/[13s7p/11s5p] and B3PW91/6‐31G** gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) methods and compared to the experimental NMR data. The calculated and experimental data correlates with the aluminum dimer complex (TIPSOCH2CH(OAlEt2)CH(CH)3CHCH(O)(AlEt3))2 (VIII) for the systems favoring the nucleophilic attack at the external C4 epoxide carbon, while an unusual trialuminum species TIPSOCH2CH(OAlEt2)CH(CH)3CHCH(O)(AlEt3)2 (X) is consistent with the systems favoring the internal C3 attack. The 27Al NMR data established the tetracoordinated nature of the aluminum metal in all alkoxy aluminum intermediates, while the 13C NMR data provided insight into the aluminum‐oxygen coordination. The formation of the complexes was dictated by the stereochemical disposition of the substituents. These complexes are different from the generally accepted bidentate intermediates proposed for 2,3‐epoxy alcohols and simpler 3,4‐epoxy alcohols. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural analysis of the pyroglutamate‐modified isoform of the Alzheimer's disease‐related amyloid‐β using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Na , Hartmann Rudolf , Lecher Justin , Stoldt Matthias , Funke Susanne Aileen , Gremer Lothar , Ludwig Hans‐Henning , Demuth Hans‐Ulrich , Kleinschmidt Martin , Willbold Dieter
Published: September 2012

The aggregation of the Aβ plays a fundamental role in the pathology of AD. Recently, N‐terminally modified Aβ species, pE‐Aβ, have been described as major constituents of Aβ deposits in the brains of AD patients. pE‐Aβ has an increased aggregation propensity and shows increased toxicity compared with Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42. In the present work, high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy was performed to study pE‐Aβ3‐40 in aqueous TFE‐containing solution. Two‐dimensional TOCSY and NOESY experiments were performed. On the basis of NOE and chemical shift data, pE‐Aβ3‐40 was shown to contain two helical regions formed by residues 14–22 and 30–36. This is similar as previously described for Aβ1‐40. However, the secondary chemical shift data indicate decreased helical propensity in pE‐Aβ3‐40 when compared with Aβ1‐40 under exactly the same conditions. This is in agreement with the observation that pE‐Aβ3‐40 shows a drastically increased tendency to form β‐sheet‐rich structures under more physiologic conditions. Structural studies of pE‐Aβ are crucial for better understanding the structural basis of amyloid fibril formation in the brain during development of AD, especially because an increasing number of reports indicate a decisive role of pE‐Aβ for the pathogenesis of AD. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of Young's modulus of contact‐etch‐stop layer (CESL) stressor on the strained‐Si MOSFET
Authors: Chiou Yung‐Chuan , Chen Hou‐Yu , Huang Chien‐Chao
Published: September 2012

In the analytic solution of residual stresses and bending in multi‐layer/substrate systems, Young's modulus of contact‐etch‐stop layer (CESL) stressor is a potential factor affecting the channel stress of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) devices. To increase the level of Young's modulus of CESL stressor, the stress level of silicon channels could be boosted at a constant stress level and thickness of CESL as the result of stress simulation. Young's moduli of two widely adopted CESL stressors measured by a nanoindenter instrument, low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride (LP‐SiN) and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride (PE‐SiN), were 375.7 and 224.7 GPa, respectively. As a result of stress stimulation, the channel stress induced by LPSiN CESL could increase 30% higher than that of PE‐SiN CESL. Through the use of a tensile 1 GPa CESL stressor for the 90 nm n‐FETs, an extra 4% enhancement in drive current ID,sat was obtained in the device with an LP‐SiN CESL as compared to that with PE‐SiN. The electrical data is in good agreement with the prediction of the stress simulation.
A numerical study to investigate magnetization, current density and trapped field properties of doped‐Sm123 bulk superconductor under different magnetic fields
Authors: Ozturk K. , Patel A. , Glowacki B. A.
Published: September 2012

In this study, an FEM code based on a critical state model is used to further understand the electromagnetic behaviour of Yb211‐doped Sm123 bulk superconductor by calculating the current and magnetic field distributions in doped samples both in uniform and non‐uniform external field conditions. The results of magnetization loops from the numerical modelling have been compared with experimental results and they show a good match. In the numerical calculation result, the highest trapped field value, Bz, is 0.49 T for x = 0.25. In addition, the value of Bz trapped field in a non‐uniform applied field is calculated as 18% larger than in uniform applied field and the current density of samples as a function of radius increase particularly at the sample edge with a non‐uniform applied field for the x = 0.25 sample. It can be said that this numerical method will be a useful candidate to get an easy solution to many electromagnetic problems of doped‐superconductor with complex geometries and in different field conditions as the performed numerical study is successful in clarifying magnetization, trapped field and pinning properties of Yb211‐doped Sm123 superconductor.
Making the semiconductor–metal transition in a growth‐dominant phase‐change alloy InSb for double density blu‐ray super‐RENS‐ROM disc
Authors: Hyot Bérangère
Published: September 2012

Phenomenologically, a semiconductor–metal transition is characterized by a sudden change in electrical properties but also in optical behaviours, as a consequence of a change in electron behaviour. The ability to induce a reversible semiconductor–metal transition in a material by varying conditions such as applied temperature or electrical field, results in attractive changes in properties that have fuelled the curiosity of scientists. In this paper, we discuss the interest of such materials exhibiting the reversible semiconductor–metal transition in the development of the next generation of optical Bly‐ray discs (BD), the so‐called super‐resolution near field structure (super‐RENS) discs and we show that InSb semiconductor material exhibits huge variations of its optical properties during the optically (thermally)‐induced solid‐to‐liquid change corresponding to a semiconductor–metal transition. First success in the video playback on HDTV (High Definition TeleVision) display from 50 GB (BD capacity ×2) InSb‐based super‐RENS‐ROM discs including a high definition video content with 1920 × 1080 pixels was realized in September 2009 by the super‐RENS consortium joining three partners: AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology), Mitsubishi Electric Co. and LETI.

magnified image

Snapshot of high definition video content from InSb‐based super‐RENS‐ROM disc corresponding to 50 GB per layer (BD capacity ×2) displayed on HDTV.
Switching of morphotropic phase boundary and large electrostrictive effect in lead‐free BNT–BKT–KNN ceramics
Authors: Hao Jigong , Wang Jinwen , Bai Wangfeng , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: September 2012

We report the phase diagram of the lead‐free ternary (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3–(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (BNT–BKT–KNN) system and study the switching characteristics of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). The addition of KNN intrinsically changes the structural nature of the system with shift of MPB type from (I) to (II), and also adjusts the depolarization temperature (Td) to room temperature. Accordingly, a high electrostrictive response with large electrostrictive coefficient Q33 (∼0.022–0.027 m4/C2) and a good thermostability comparable with that of traditional Pb‐based electrostrictors was achieved in MPB (II) compositions. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coloring graphs from random lists of fixed size
Authors: Casselgren Carl Johan
Published: September 2012

Let G = G(n) be a graph on n vertices with maximum degree bounded by some absolute constant Δ. Assign to each vertex v of G a list L(v) of colors by choosing each list uniformly at random from all k‐subsets of a color set of size . Such a list assignment is called a random ‐list assignment. In this paper, we are interested in determining the asymptotic probability (as ) of the existence of a proper coloring ϕ of G, such that for every vertex v of G. We show, for all fixed k and growing n, that if , then the probability that G has such a proper coloring tends to 1 as . A similar result for complete graphs is also obtained: if and L is a random ‐list assignment for the complete graph Kn on n vertices, then the probability that Kn has a proper coloring with colors from the random lists tends to 1 as .Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 44, 317‐327, 2014
Joint modeling quality of life and survival using a terminal decline model in palliative care studies
Authors: Li Zhigang , Tosteson Tor D. , Bakitas Marie A.
Published: September 2012

Palliative medicine is a relatively new specialty that focuses on preventing and relieving the suffering of patients facing life‐threatening illness. For cancer patients, clinical trials have been carried out to compare concurrent palliative care with usual cancer care in terms of longitudinal measurements of quality of life (QOL) until death, and overall survival is usually treated as a secondary endpoint. It is known that QOL of patients with advanced cancer decreases as death approaches; however, in previous clinical trials, this association has generally not been taken into account when inferences about the effect of an intervention on QOL or survival have been made. We developed a new joint modeling approach, a terminal decline model, to study the trajectory of repeated measurements and survival in a recently completed palliative care study. This approach takes the association of survival and QOL into account by modeling QOL retrospectively from death. For those patients whose death times are censored, marginal likelihood is used to incorporate them into the analysis. Our approach has two submodels: a piecewise linear random intercept model with serial correlation and measurement error for the retrospective trajectory of QOL and a piecewise exponential model for the survival distribution. Maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters are obtained by maximizing the closed‐form expression of log‐likelihood function. An explicit expression of quality‐adjusted life years can also be derived from our approach. We present a detailed data analysis of our previously reported palliative care randomized clinical trial. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene: A Reusable Substrate for Unprecedented Adsorption of Pesticides
Authors: Maliyekkal Shihabudheen M. , Sreeprasad T. S. , Krishnan Deepti , Kouser Summayya , Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Waghmare Umesh V. , Pradeep T.
Published: September 2012

Unprecedented adsorption of chlorpyrifos (CP), endosulfan (ES), and malathion (ML) onto graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) from water is reported. The observed adsorption capacities of CP, ES, and ML are as high as ∼1200, 1100, and 800 mg g−1, respectively. Adsorption is found to be insensitive to pH or background ions. The adsorbent is reusable and can be applied in the field with suitable modifications. A first‐principles pseudopotential‐based density functional analysis of graphene–water–pesticide interactions showed that the adsorption is mediated through water, while direct interactions between graphene and the pesticides is rather weak or unlikely.
Gold Nanoprisms as Optoacoustic Signal Nanoamplifiers for In Vivo Bioimaging of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Bao Chenchen , Beziere Nicolas , del Pino Pablo , Pelaz Beatriz , Estrada Giovani , Tian Furong , Ntziachristos Vasilis , de la Fuente Jesus M. , Cui Daxiang
Published: September 2012

Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances of a simpler and more effective treatment. Traditional imaging techniques are often limited by shallow penetration, low sensitivity, low specificity, poor spatial resolution or the use of ionizing radiation. Hybrid modalities, like optoacoustic imaging, an emerging molecular imaging modality, contribute to improving most of these limitations. However, this imaging method is hindered by relatively low signal contrast. Here, gold nanoprisms (AuNPrs) are used as signal amplifiers in multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to visualize gastrointestinal cancer. PEGylated AuNPrs are successfully internalized by HT‐29 gastrointestinal cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, the particles show good biocompatibility and exhibit a surface plasmon band centered at 830 nm, a suitable wavelength for optoacoustic imaging purposes. These findings extend well to an in vivo setting, in which mice are injected with PEGylated AuNPrs in order to visualize tumor angiogenesis in gastrointestinal cancer cells. Overall, both our in vitro and in vivo results show that PEGylated AuNPrs have the capacity to penetrate tumors and provide a high‐resolution signal amplifier for optoacoustic imaging. The combination of PEGylated AuNPrs and MSOT represents a significant advance for the in vivo imaging of cancers.
Enhanced security checks at airports: minimizing time to detection or probability of escape?
Authors: Meng Xiao‐Li
Published: September 2012

A recent featured article in Significance on enhanced security checks at airports presented an argument that permitted a sampling probability to exceed one. The argument itself therefore cannot be valid, regardless of whether its intended conclusion is justifiable on other grounds. The fact that such an argument could pass the security check of a statistical publication reminds us of the grand challenge we still face: making principled statistical reasoning a routine vocabulary of our civilization. An attempt to correct the argument also demonstrates how oversights can inspire insights: we show that in a design‐based context, the impact of prior can persist even if we have the resources to collect an infinite amount of data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of malignancy in unilocular cysts: a study of 1148 adnexal masses classified as unilocular cysts at transvaginal ultrasound and review of the literature
Authors: Valentin L. , Ameye L. , Franchi D. , Guerriero S. , Jurkovic D. , Savelli L. , Fischerova D. , Lissoni A. , Van Holsbeke C. , Fruscio R. , Van Huffel S. , Testa A. , Timmerman D.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of malignancy in adnexal lesions described as unilocular cysts at transvaginal ultrasound examination and to investigate if there are differences in clinical and ultrasound characteristics between benign and malignant unilocular cysts.

Methods

A total of 3511 patients with an adnexal mass underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination between 1999 and 2007. Sonologists used the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis terms and definitions to describe their ultrasound findings. Only masses operated on within 120  days after the ultrasound examination were included in the analysis and the histopathological diagnosis of the mass was used as the gold standard.

Results

Of the 3511 masses, 1148 (33%) were classified as unilocular cysts on ultrasound. Of these, 11 (0.96% (95% CI, 0.48–1.71)) were malignant. The malignancy rate was lower in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women: 0.54% (5/931; 95% CI, 0.17–1.25) vs 2.76% (6/217; 95% CI, 1.02–5.92); P = 0.009. More patients with malignant unilocular cysts had a personal history of breast cancer (18% vs 2%; P = 0.02) or ovarian cancer (18% vs 0.6%; P = 0.003). Hemorrhagic cyst contents on ultrasound were more common in malignant than in benign unilocular cysts (18% vs 2%; P = 0.03). In seven of the 11 malignancies judged to be unilocular cysts at scan, papillary projections or other solid components were seen at macroscopic inspection of the surgical specimen.

Conclusions

The malignancy rate in surgically removed adnexal lesions judged to be unilocular cysts at transvaginal scan is c 1%. Postmenopausal status, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer and hemorrhagic cyst contents on ultrasound increase the risk of malignancy. To avoid misclassifying adnexal lesions as unilocular cysts at scan, it is important to scrutinize unilocular cysts for the presence of solid components. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimated cardiac output and cardiovascular profile score in fetuses with high cardiac output lesions
Authors: Statile C. J. , Cnota J. F. , Gomien S. , Divanovic A. , Crombleholme T. , Michelfelder E.
Published: September 2012

Objective

High cardiac output lesions are associated with an increased risk of fetal death, largely as a result of cardiac failure and hydrops fetalis. The cardiovascular profile score (CVPS) has been used to characterize cardiovascular wellbeing, and has been linked to fetal outcomes in other conditions. We aimed to test the hypothesis that elevated combined cardiac output (CCO) in fetuses with high output lesions may be associated with worsening cardiovascular status, as evidenced by a lower CVPS.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of fetuses with high cardiac output lesions that underwent echocardiography between July 2006 and November 2010. Diagnoses included sacrococcygeal teratoma, placental chorioangioma and vein of Galen aneurysm. Fetal echocardiographic evaluation included assessment of CVPS, as well as Doppler/two‐dimensional estimation of CCO, indexed to estimated fetal weight (CCOi). The relationship between CCO and CVPS was assessed.

Results

A total of 35 fetuses were studied: 27 had sacrococcygeal teratoma, seven had chorioangioma and one had vein of Galen aneurysm. There was a significant inverse relationship between mean logCCOi and CVPS (r2 = 0.48, P = 0.008). Of 31 patients with clinical outcome data, 10 experienced either in‐utero demise or intervention; 80% of these fetuses had a CVPS of < 8.

Conclusions

There is an inverse relationship between CCO and CVPS in the fetus with high cardiac output lesions. As a measure of fetal cardiovascular wellbeing in this population, the CVPS may be a useful tool for stratifying risk and for selection for intervention in these fetuses.
Using virtual simulation in a geographic information system to optimize abundance survey designs when logistic and biological conditions are constrained
Authors: SOUTHWELL COLIN J. , DRIESSEN ROBERT , CANDY STEVEN G.
Published: September 2012

Estimating wildlife abundance is central to many resource and ecosystem management problems. Early statistical work on wildlife abundance estimation focused on small‐scale problems, but there is a growing need for such information at large spatial scales. An emerging area of research is the optimization of survey designs and methods for large‐scale inference, given that agencies need to manage over large scales but operate within tight logistic and financial constraints. We used a geographic information system to explore how candidate regional‐scale sample survey designs performed with regard to bias, field efficiency, and potential disturbance using a case study where biological and logistical constraints were severe (a regional‐scale ground survey of Adélie penguins [Pygoscelis adeliae] in Antarctica). Some design options enabled gains of up to 50% in field efficiency and 80% in reduced disturbance without any bias or loss of precision. Biased abundance estimates were obtained when small sub‐colonies were selected as sample units for convenience in counting. Probabilistic sampling using either plots or sub‐colonies returned unbiased estimates. Improvements in field efficiency and reduction in disturbance were achieved in increments through a number of design features. Design decisions often resulted in opposing gains and costs in field efficiency for various survey activities. The optimal outcome of these opposing trends was not obvious without examining the breakdown of overall survey time by activity. Design requirements for optimizing criteria of bias, field efficiency, and disturbance were often opposing and competing. Identifying an optimal overall outcome for these competing criteria depends on their relative importance in the context of the management objectives, logistical constraints, and ethical values. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Three New Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Built from H2bpdc Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Sun Ya‐Guang , Lv Tian‐Yi , Gao Xin , Xiong Gang , Sun Di , He Ling‐Ling , Xu Zhen‐He , Wang Shu‐Ju , Ding Fu
Published: September 2012

Three new lanthanide‐organic coordination polymers, {[Ln2(bpdc)2(H2O)6(NO3)]·NO3} [Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3)] (H2bpdc = 2, 2′‐bipyridine‐6, 6′‐dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that compounds 1–3 are isostructural, composed of two dimensional honeycomb network linked by bpdc ligands. The magnetic property of compound 3 was investigated.
Synthesis and Characterization of Imidazolium Salts Bearing Fluorinated Anions
Authors: Ibrahim Hamisu , Koorbanally Neil Anthony , Ramjugernath Deresh , Bala Muhammad Dabai , Nyamori Vincent Onserio
Published: September 2012

The reaction of 1‐methylimidazole and α,α‐dibromo‐p‐xylene was followed by a metathesis reaction with fluorinated anion sources, which yielded new fluorinated imidazolium salts [C6H4(CH2(C4H6N2)2]2+ 2[A]– where A = BF4 (2), PF6 (3), CF3SO3 (4), and CF3COO (5). The compounds were characterized by 1H‐, 13C‐, 19F‐, 31P NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction data of compounds 2, 3, and 4 were also reported, whereas compound 5 was found to be a liquid. The solid compounds crystallized in the monoclinic P21/c space group and have similar crystallographic parameters. The study revealed that the different fluorinated anions affected the spatial arrangement of atoms and the extent of cation–anion interactions, hence, influenced the stability and coordination properties of the imidazolium salts. A trend was observed which related the strength of cation–anion interaction to physical properties such as melting point.
Thermoelectric Properties of Stoichiometric Compounds in the (SnTe)x(Bi2Te3)y System
Authors: Kuropatwa Bryan A. , Kleinke Holger
Published: September 2012

Various compounds in the (SnTe)x(Bi2Te3)y series are explored by a number of techniques including diffractometry and physical property measurements. Through variation in the x and y integers, one is able to obtain a series of ternary compounds: SnBi2Te4, SnBi4Te7, SnBi6Te10, and Sn2Bi2Te5 each show complex layering motifs similar to that of Bi2Te3. These compounds' increased complexity makes them of interest with respect to thermoelectric studies. The ZT values for cold‐pressed annealed pellets are at room temperature 0.33 for SnBi2Te4, 0.27 for SnBi4Te7, and 0.15 for SnBi6Te10.
Microbial transformations of antimicrobial quinolones and related drugs
Authors: Parshikov Igor A , Sutherland John B
Published: September 2012

The quinolones are an important group of synthetic antimicrobial drugs used for treating bacterial diseases of humans and animals. Microorganisms transform antimicrobial quinolones (including fluoroquinolones) and the pharmacologically related naphthyridones, pyranoacridones, and cinnolones to a variety of metabolites. The biotransformation processes involve hydroxylation of methyl groups; hydroxylation of aliphatic and aromatic rings; oxidation of alcohols and amines; reduction of carboxyl groups; removal of methyl, carboxyl, fluoro, and cyano groups; addition of formyl, acetyl, nitrosyl, and cyclopentenone groups; and cleavage of aliphatic and aromatic rings. Most of these reactions greatly reduce or eliminate the antimicrobial activity of the quinolones.
Heterogeneity and spatial distribution of bacterial background contamination in pulp and process water of a paper mill
Authors: Milferstedt K , Godon J -J , Escudié R , Prasse S , Neyret C , Bernet N
Published: September 2012

Identifying the source and the distribution of bacterial contaminant communities in water circuits of industrial applications is critical even when the process may not show signs of acute biofouling. The endemic contamination of facilities can cause adverse effects on process runability but may be masked by the observed daily variability. The distribution of background communities of bacterial contaminants may therefore be critical in the development of new site-specific antifouling strategies. In a paper mill as one example for a full-scale production process, bacterial contaminants in process water and pulp suspensions were mapped using molecular fingerprints at representative locations throughout the plant. These ecological data were analyzed in the process–engineering context of pulp and water flow in the facilities. Dispersal limits within the plant environment led to the presence of distinct groups of contaminant communities in the primary units of the plant, despite high flows of water and paper pulp between units. In the paper machine circuit, community profiles were more homogeneous than in the other primary units. The variability between sampled communities in each primary unit was used to identify a possible point source of microbial contamination, in this case a storage silo for reused pulp. Part of the contamination problem in the paper mill is likely related to indirect effects of microbial activity under the local conditions in the silo rather than to the direct presence of accumulated microbial biomass.
Modification of VY Flap to Preserve Fingertip Contour
Authors: Foo Tun Lin , Wan Kerry Hiu-Mei
Published: September 2012

Background

VY flap is a reliable treatment for fingertip amputation injuries. Insetting the flap to replicate fingertip contour can be challenging with the conventional method of using sutures. We propose a modification of inset technique with K-wire to simplify contouring during flap inset.

Methods

Seven patients underwent VY flap reconstruction with the modified inset technique for fingertip defects ranging from 10 × 15 to 20 × 15 mm. The flaps were advanced between 6 and 10 mm and inset with K-wires. The donor site is allowed to heal by secondary intention. At 6 months, static two-point discrimination, sensitivity, and flap appearance were assessed.

Results

All flaps healed uneventfully, and each patient returned to work between 8 and 10 weeks. Fingertip and nail contour were satisfactory in every case.

Conclusion

This modification simplified contouring during flap inset and provided a viable alternative to flap inset and contour adjustment.
One‐Step Synthesis of W/O and O/W Emulsifiers in the Presence of Surface Active Agents
Authors: Sadecka Elwira , Szeląg Halina
Published: September 2012

The main goal of this study was to describe the method of the synthesis of the dodecyl‐, tetradecyl‐, hexadecyl‐ and octadecyl‐propylene glycol emulsifiers in the presence of selected anionic and nonionic surfactants. Acyl propylene glycol emulsifiers were produced by esterification of propane–1,2‐diol (propylene glycol, PG) with C12:0–C18:0fatty acids in the presence of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and nonionic‐poly(ethylene glycol) monolaurate (PEGML). The presence of SDS and PEGML in the reaction system caused microemulsion formation. Depending on the structure and amount of the surfactant in the system reactions proceeded at different rates and with different efficiency levels. The esterification of propylene glycol carried out under applied conditions causes products with the desired contents of propylene glycol monoesters (MAPG) to be obtained in a one‐step reaction. Knowledge of the reaction kinetics creates the possibility to program the composition and properties of the synthesized emulsifiers. The interaction of nonionic, lipophilic MAPG with anionic, hydrophilic SDS or nonionic, hydrophilic PEGML influences the hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) values of the products which may be used to stabilize water‐in‐oil (W/O) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. Use of the synthesized compounds allows stable emulsions to be prepared which include the following vegetable fats in the oil phase: mango oil, palm oil, shorea butter and hydrogenated soybean oil.
Dictyostelium phenylalanine hydroxylase is activated by its substrate phenylalanine
Authors: Kim Hye-Lim , Park Mi-Bee , Kim Yumin , Yang Yun Gyeong , Lee Soo-Woong , Zhuang Ningning , Lee Kon Ho , Park Young Shik
Published: September 2012

dicPAH and dicPAH bind by molecular sieving (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Engineering a naturally inactive isoform of type III antifreeze protein into one that can stop the growth of ice
Authors: Garnham Christopher P. , Nishimiya Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Sakae , Davies Peter L.
Published: September 2012

Type III antifreeze proteins (AFPs) can be sub‐divided into three classes of isoforms. SP and QAE2 isoforms can slow, but not stop, the growth of ice crystals by binding to pyramidal ice planes. The other class (QAE1) binds both pyramidal and primary prism planes and is able to halt the growth of ice. Here we describe the conversion of a QAE2 isoform into a fully‐active QAE1‐like isoform by changing four surface‐exposed residues to develop a primary prism plane binding site. Molecular dynamics analyses suggest that the basis for gain in antifreeze activity is the formation of ice‐like waters on the mutated protein surface.
Religion and Support for Democracy: A Cross-National Test of the Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Ben-Nun Bloom Pazit , Arikan Gizem
Published: September 2012

Religion can be a source of undemocratic attitudes but also a contributor to democratic norms. This article argues that different dimensions of religiosity generate contrasting effects on democratic attitudes through different mechanisms. The private aspect of religious belief is associated with traditional and survival values, which in turn decrease both overt and intrinsic support for democracy. The communal aspect of religious social behaviour increases political interest and trust in institutions, which in turn typically lead to more support for democracy. Results from multilevel path analyses using data from fifty-four countries from Waves 4 and 5 of the World Values Survey suggest there is some regularity in mechanisms responsible for the effect of religiosity on democratic support that extend beyond religious denomination.
Comparative proteomic analysis of casein and whey as prepared by chymosin-induced separation, isoelectric precipitation or ultracentrifugation
Authors: Jensen Hanne B. , Poulsen Nina A. , Møller Hanne S. , Stensballe Allan , Larsen Lotte B.
Published: September 2012

Fractionation of bovine milk was performed using chymosin-induced separation, isoelectric precipitation or ultracentrifugation as separation techniques prior to gel-based proteomic analysis. This approach allowed for comparative display and identification of proteins partitioned into casein and whey, respectively. Initially, three different staining methods (silver staining, colloidal Coomassie Blue G-250 or fluorescent Flamingo Pink staining) for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) analysis were compared for their suitability as staining agent, especially in relation to their suitability to reveal differences in the casein fractions. Fluorescent staining proved to be the most appropriate for this purpose, giving a high sensitivity, and using this staining method, characteristic 2-DGE fingerprints were obtained for each casein and whey fraction from each separation method. A number of protein spots in both casein and whey fractions varied with separation method and these spots were subsequently identified using tandem mass spectrometry (MS). In rennet casein, proteolytic fragmentation of caseins (αs1-, αs2,-, β- and κ-) was identified as a result of chymosin hydrolysis, whereas the 2-DGE profile of acid and ultracentrifuged casein was dominated by the presence of multiple isoforms of κ-caseins. Furthermore, casein remnants were identified in milk serum after ultracentrifugation. This study shows that gel-based proteomic analysis is suitable for characterisation of subtle variations in protein composition of milk fractions that occur as a consequence of different milk fractionation strategies.
Effect of partial NaCl substitution with KCl on the texture profile, microstructure, and sensory properties of low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Authors: Ayyash Mutamed M. , Sherkat Frank , Shah Nagendra P.
Published: September 2012

The effect of partial substitution of NaCl with KCl on texture profile, soluble Ca, K, Na, and P, and microstructure of low-moisture mozzarella cheese (LMMC) was investigated. LMMC batches were prepared using four combinations of NaCl and KCl salt viz., NaCl only, NaCl:KCl, 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 (w/w); all used at of 46 g/kg curd and plasticised in 4% brine containing the above salt mixtures. Texture profile, microstructure, and percentages of soluble Ca, K, Na, and P were determined. There were no significant differences in hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and gumminess among the experimental LMMC batches. Environmental scanning electron microscopy images showed compact and homogeneous structure of LMMC at day 27 of storage; however, no significant difference was observed among the experimental LMMC batches. Hardness increased significantly in all experimental LMMC during storage. LMMC salted with NaCl/KCl mixtures had almost similar sensory properties compared with the control. There was no significant difference in creaminess, bitterness, saltiness, sour-acid, and vinegary taste among the experimental LMMC at the same storage period.
Effect of milk composition and coagulation traits on Grana Padano cheese yield under field conditions
Authors: Pretto Denis , De Marchi Massimo , Penasa Mauro , Cassandro Martino
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chemical composition, coagulation properties, pH, and titratable acidity (TA, SH°/50 ml) of vat milk on Grana Padano cheese yield (CY) under field conditions. Twelve cheese-making sessions were carried out from February to December 2009 in a dairy cooperative of Grana Padano Consortium (Italy), for a total of 96 vats of milk processed. For each vat, samples of raw milk were collected and analysed for quality traits (fat, protein, and casein contents), pH, TA, and milk coagulation properties (MCP), measured as rennet coagulation time (RCT, min), curd-firming time (k20, min), and curd firmness (a30, mm). Cheese yield was expressed as kilograms of cheese per 100 kg milk transformed, and was measured after 2 d of drainage. Fat, protein, and casein contents were positively and strongly correlated with CY (coefficients of correlation, r = 0·72, 0·88, and 0·84, respectively; P < 0·001). Coagulation properties were moderately and significantly (P < 0·001) related to CY: milk that coagulated earlier and had stronger a30 was associated to greater CY. Cheese yield was analysed with a model that accounted for fixed effects of cheese-making day, fat and protein content, TA, and a30. Significance was found for all the effects (P < 0·05). Milk characterised by high values of a30 resulted in higher CY than milk with low values of a30, indicating that MCP could be used as indicators of cheese-making efficiency. Future research should investigate the relationships between MCP and quality of cheese, and explore the feasibility of including MCP in multiple component milk pricing system for Grana Padano cheese production.
On nail scissors and toothbrushes: responding to the philosophers' critiques of Historical Biblical Criticism
Authors: BRINKS C. L.
Published: September 2012

The rise in interdisciplinary scholarship between philosophy and theology has produced a number of critiques of historical biblical criticism (HBC) by philosophers of religion. Some dialogue has resulted, but these critiques have gone largely unnoticed by historical critical scholars. This article argues that two such critiques of HBC, offered by Plantinga and Stump, are undermined by faulty presuppositions on the philosophers' part regarding the nature and value of HBC and misunderstandings of the nature of the ancient texts on which the discipline of HBC focuses.
The Cultural Context of Juvenile Justice Policy in Israel
Authors: AJZENSTADT MIMI , KHOURY-KASSABRI MONA
Published: September 2012

The paper explores the evolution of rehabilitative, rights and economic discourses, and their effect on the development of juvenile justice policies in Israel during the last two decades. Israel has adopted the main features of a neo-liberal regime and severe cuts were made to major social welfare programmes, including those dealing with juvenile offenders. However, the neo-liberal ideas of individualisation and responsibilisation did not penetrate the area of juvenile delinquency. A renewed welfarist discourse in Israel was created instead. This strongly relied on traditional beliefs in rehabilitation and treatment based on a child-centred culture, incorporating concepts of rights and embedded in practical economic considerations.
CONTINUING THE DEBATE ON ROME'S EARLIEST CIRCUIT WALLS
Authors: Bernard Seth G.
Published: September 2012

Rome's pre-Imperial circuit walls pose a particular problem of reconstruction: collectively, their 11 km course represents the largest single monument of the early city, but our understanding of this structure is based on an assemblage of several dozen disparate archaeological sites. After tracing the interpretation of these fragments from antiquity to the present, this article examines the literary, topographical and archaeological evidence for the wall's character and date. Ultimately, the non-archaeological data are inconclusive, and the material evidence seems to affirm an early phase (sixth centurybc) focused on individual hilltops, rather than encompassing all hills within a full course. Following this logic, I continue to question the presence of a unified circuit wall at Rome prior to the mid-Republic (fourth centurybc). A concluding section reviews the historical circumstances in support of this view.
RECONSTRUCTING THE LATER EIGHTH-CENTURY CLAUSTRUM AT SAN VINCENZO AL VOLTURNO
Authors: Hodges Richard , Leppard Sarah , Mitchell John
Published: September 2012

This article re-examines the topography of the late eighth-century monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno following a recent far-reaching reinterpretation of the ninth-century phases of the monastery. In particular, it proposes a hypothetical location for the monks' dormitory and a palace beside the river Volturno. As a result, it suggests the outlines of the first claustral plan for the monastery.
NOTES FROM ROME 2011–12
Authors: Coates-Stephens Robert
Published: September 2012

This gazette presents to the reader outside Rome news of recent archaeological activity (primarily in 2011, but also in the first part of 2012), gleaned from public lectures, conferences, exhibitions and newspaper reports.
The age of Roman Girls at Marriage: Some Reconsiderations
Authors: Shaw Brent D.
Published: September 2012

The age at which girls tend to marry is one of the most important factors in determining the overall rates of fertility in a given population, and hence its general demographic profile. It also affects a whole range of social institutions of reproduction, above all the ‘shape’ of the family, the relationships between the mother and her children, between husband and wife, and the ways in which property can be redistributed through inheritance. It is the simple and restricted purpose of this paper to re-examine the data that have hitherto been used to determine the age at marriage of girls in Roman society. For the purposes of this study, ‘Roman society’ is defined as the conglomerate of urban-centred communities that developed in Europe west of the Adriatic, as well as in the lands of the Danubian Basin. It is conceded that family types and modes of family formation in the eastern parts of the empire were different from those in the west, and therefore require separate analysis. In performing this task, the analysis presented here also attempts to demonstrate the highly specific nature of the set of data employed in the ‘age-at-marriage’ debate, and to question its relevance to the age at first marriage of most girls in the western Roman empire. Having demonstrated the limited validity of these data, I shall then suggest another method that might usefully be employed to approach the problem. Finally, to complete the argument, a series of hypotheses will be advanced that seek to link the range and modes of age at first marriage of girls of various status groups and classes to other social and economic factors in the Roman world.
Sir George Macdonald: A Bibliographical Supplement
Authors: Anderson J. G. C.
Published: September 2012

By the death of Sir George Macdonald on 9th August, 1940, the Roman Society and its Journal have lost a pillar of strength. As a Vice-President of the Society since its foundation, and as President for five years after the last war, when a fresh impetus was needed, he rendered very valuable service, and as a member of the Editorial Committee from the outset he worked silently but untiringly to ensure the maintenance of the high standard of scholarship which the Journal has consistently displayed. Among his qualifications for editorial work was a notable gift for proof-reading, which made it for him a sort of diversion: typographical errors, bad punctuation, oversights, omissions, obscurity of language or of thought on the author's part—nothing escaped his vigilance. A personal notice of him is not contemplated here; he would not have thought it in place, nor could it be limited to what primarily concerns members of the Society, his contributions to our knowledge of antiquity, which were but a by-product of a busy life of which the later stage was spent in the public service. But it will be generally recognised as appropriate to complete the bibliography of his writings which was prefixed to the papers dedicated to him in 1932, in celebration of his seventieth birthday (JRS xxii, 1). All that he wrote exhibited the qualities of a great scholar, mastery of the evidence, a sure touch, sound judgment, and fine historical insight. Such work is of lasting value, and the author's attractive style makes it pleasant to read.