bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FoxN3 is required for craniofacial and eye development of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Schuff Maximilian , Rössner Antje , Wacker Stephan A. , Donow Cornelia , Gessert Susanne , Knöchel Walter
Published: November 2006

A functional knockdown of FoxN3, a member of subclass N of fork head/winged helix transcription factors in Xenopus laevis, leads to an abnormal formation of the jaw cartilage, absence or malformation of distinct cranial nerves, and reduced size of the eye. While the eye phenotype is due to an increased rate of apoptosis, the cellular basis of the jaw phenotype is more complex. The upper and lower jaw cartilages are derivatives of a subset of cranial neural crest cells, which migrate into the first pharyngeal arch. Histological analysis of FoxN3‐depleted embryos reveals severe deformation and false positioning of infrarostral, Meckel's, and palatoquadrate cartilages, structural elements derived from the first pharyngeal arch, and of the ceratohyale, which derives from the second pharyngeal arch. The derivatives of the third and fourth pharyngeal arches are less affected. FoxN3 is not required for early neural crest migration. Defects in jaw formation rather arise by failure of differentiation than by positional effects of crest migration. By GST‐pulldown analysis, we have identified two different members of histone deacetylase complexes (HDAC), xSin3 and xRPD3, as putative interaction partners of FoxN3, suggesting that FoxN3 regulates craniofacial and eye development by recruiting HDAC. Developmental Dynamics 236:226–239, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of mental health problems and negative caregiving experiences in carers of adolescents with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Winn Suzanne , Perkins Sarah , Walwyn Rebecca , Schmidt Ulrike , Eisler Ivan , Treasure Janet , Berelowitz Mark , Dodge Liz , Frost Susie , Jenkins Mari , Johnson‐Sabine Eric , Keville Saskia , Murphy Rebecca , Robinson Paul , Yi Irene
Published: November 2006

Objective:

This exploratory study focuses on the mental health (MH) and caregiving experience of carers of adolescents with Bulimia Nervosa (BN)/Eating Disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), aiming to determine: levels of MH problems in carers and if a negative experience of caregiving predicts carer MH status and which factors predict a negative experience of caregiving.

Method:

Hundred and twelve carers and 68 adolescents with BN/EDNOS completed self‐report measures (General Health Questionnaire, Experience of Caregiving Inventory, Level of Expressed Emotion, Self‐report Family Inventory, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems).

Results:

Over half of the carers reported some MH problems and a minority (5.4%) were experiencing considerable difficulties. A negative experience of caregiving predicted carer MH status. Higher weekly contact hours and patient ratings of expressed emotion (EE) predicted a negative experience of caregiving.

Conclusions:

Interventions focusing on reducing EE and contact hours could prove beneficial for both patient and caregiver outcomes. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006
Cobalt and Nickel Oxide Architectures in Metal Carboxylate Frameworks: From Coordination Polymers to 3D Inorganic Skeletons
Authors: Guillou Nathalie , Livage Carine , Férey Gérard
Published: November 2006

This microreview is devoted to the synthesis and properties of nickel and cobalt polycarboxylates, which are classified in terms of the geometries of the organic moieties. It is divided into three main sections — dicarboxylates, tricarboxylates and tetra‐ and hexacarboxylates — and discusses the extreme diversity of these architectures. Numerous topologies can be obtained, ranging from coordination polymers to 3D inorganic skeletons. This microreview begins with the widely studied cobalt succinate system, for which, to date, seven compounds have been reported. Then, examples from malonate to pimelate illustrate the influence of the length of the organic ligand, whereas examples from fumarate to diphenate illustrate the effects of rigidity and complexity. In the same way, examples from trimesate to mellitate show the effects of “multiconnecting” organic partners. These latter seem to disadvantage metal oxide condensation, since the two 3D inorganic frameworks contain linear dicarboxylate ions. On the other hand, 3D nickel oxide skeletons seem to be easier to synthesise than cobalt ones. Moreover, under similar hydrothermal conditions, using cobalt and nickel generally leads to different architectures.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis of New Enantiopure Fluorinated Phenylcyclopropanecarboxylates – Potential Chiral Dopants for Liquid‐Crystal Compositions
Authors: Hruschka Svenja , Fröhlich Roland , Kirsch Peer , Haufe Günter
Published: November 2006

The reaction of α‐fluorostyrene (1a) with methyl phenyldiazoacetate in the presence of Rh2(OAc)4 gave a 64:36 mixture of diastereomeric monofluorinated cyclopropanes 5a and 6a. When using chiral RhII catalysts Rh2(TBSP)4 (7) and Rh2(DOSP)4 (8), the products were obtained enantioselectively in up to >99 % ee for both (1R,2R)‐5a and (1R,2S)‐6a. The fluorocyclopropane derivatives are of interest as dopants to induce chirality in liquid‐crystal mixtures. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A boy primed Sue: feature‐based processing and person construal
Authors: Macrae C. Neil , Martin Douglas
Published: November 2006

Everyday social interaction is often dominated by categorical thinking, with generic group‐based knowledge structures guiding people's dealings with others. Noting the important influence that category‐cueing facial features exert during the initial stages of person construal, the current work explored the effects of hair cues on the process and temporal dynamics of sex categorization. Using a standard priming paradigm to index the products of person construal (i.e., categorical and stereotype‐ based knowledge), the results of three experiments revealed that: (i) hair cues alone are sufficient to trigger category and stereotype activation; and (ii) during the early stages of person perception, these cues have the capacity to reverse conventional priming effects and generate errors of categorical assignment (e.g., female faces prime male knowledge). These findings are considered in the context of contemporary accounts of person construal. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring chemical heat production rates of biofuels by isothermal calorimetry for hazardous evaluation modelling
Authors: Wadsö Lars
Published: November 2006

Biofuels are commonly stored in large stacks that may heat up and self‐ignite from microbiological and chemical heat production. This paper shows how isothermal (heat conduction) calorimetry can be used to measure heat production rates of biofuels at relatively low temperatures close to where self‐heating starts to become a problem. Measurements can be made to assess how the reaction rate is a function of such factors as temperature, extent of reaction, oxygen pressure, water content and the presence of catalytic compounds. In the present paper, measurements on pellets made of wood and bark are presented together with an analysis of how the reaction rate of the bark pellets depends on the oxygen pressure. It is also shown that 1% iron or copper ions increased the reaction rate of wood pellets by a factor of three. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the influence of scanner background noise on auditory processing. II. An fMRI study comparing auditory processing in the absence and presence of recorded scanner noise using a sparse design
Authors: Gaab Nadine , Gabrieli John D.E. , Glover Gary H.
Published: November 2006

Several studies reported decreased signal intensities within auditory areas for experimental designs employing continuous scanner background noise (SBN) in comparison to designs with less or no SBN. This study examined the source for this SBN‐induced masking effect of the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) response by directly comparing two experimental sessions with the same auditory stimulation, which was presented either with or without recorded scanner background noise (RecSBN). Ten subjects listened to a series of four one‐syllable words and had to decide whether two of the words were identical. The words were either presented with a silent background or with added RecSBN. This was then contrasted with either silence or RecSBN. A sparse temporal sampling method was used in both sessions, which enabled us to directly assess the influence of RecSBN without varying scanning parameters, acquisition quantities, or auditory stimulations. Our results suggest that previously reported SBN‐induced masking of the BOLD response in experimental designs with SBN might be caused by an interaction between increased baseline levels and nonlinearity effects within auditory cortices. Adding SBN to an experimental condition does not enhance signal intensities to the same degree that SBN does when presented with a silent background, and therefore contrasting an experimental and baseline condition that both have SBN may lead to signal decreases. In addition, our study shows this effect is greatest in Heschl's gyrus, but can also be observed in higher‐order auditory areas. Hum Brain Mapp, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas–liquid interfacial area and mass transfer coefficient in a co‐current down flow contacting column
Authors: Dursun Gülbeyi , Akosman Cevdet
Published: November 2006

The gas–liquid interfacial area and mass transfer coefficient for absorption of oxygen from air into water, aqueous glycerol solutions up to 1.5% (w/w) and fermentation medium containing glucose up to a 3% concentration were determined in a co‐current down flow contacting column (CDCC; 0.05 m i.d. and 0.8 m length). Experimental studies were conducted using various nozzle diameters at different gas and re‐circulation liquid rates. Specific interfacial area (a) is determined from the fractional gas hold‐up (εG) and the average bubble diameter (db). Once the interfacial area is determined, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) is then used to evaluate the film mass transfer coefficient in the CDCC. The effects of operating conditions and liquid properties on the specific interfacial area were investigated. The values of interfacial area in air–aqueous glycerol solutions and fermentation media were found to be lower than those in the air–water system. As far as experimental conditions were concerned, the values of interfacial area obtained from this study were found to be considerably higher than those of the literature values of conventional bubble columns. The penetration theory is used to interpret the film mass transfer coefficient and results match the experimental kL data reasonably well. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of dissolved compounds in submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (SAMBRs)
Authors: Aquino Sérgio F , Hu Alan Y , Akram Aurangzeb , Stuckey David C
Published: November 2006

Two submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (SAMBRs) with essentially 100% cell recycle (150 days retention time, SRT), one with powdered activated carbon addition (PAC 1.7 g L−1) and one without, were continuously fed a low‐strength feed (450 mg COD L−1) in order to investigate membrane fouling and to characterize the foulants. The SAMBR which did not receive PAC experienced more fouling, and the molecular weight (MW) distribution showed that there was a greater amount of high‐MW compounds in this reactor when compared with the reactor with PAC. Size exclusion chromatography showed that although extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) seemed to contribute to the soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) inside the reactor, it was mainly rejected by the membrane. High‐MW protein and carbohydrate material originating mainly from cell lysis and EPS seemed to be the main organics that contributed to the internal fouling of the membrane. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
On the characterisation of wax deposition in an oscillatory baffled device
Authors: Ismail Lukman , Westacott Robin E , Ni Xiong‐Wei
Published: November 2006

Deposition from viscous fluids in industrial processes is a major nuisance during production of many useful materials ranging from oil to foodstuffs. In a cold‐wall scenario rapid deposition of gel‐like material causes restriction, processing delays and potentially reduction in product quality. One well‐known example of this phenomenon is paraffin wax deposition, which is one of the greatest challenges in the petroleum industry, where the main implication is the blockage of oil. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of applying oscillation on wax deposition, with the main focuses on the effects of oscillation frequencies and amplitudes, as well as the volume of the wax‐oil mixture. Wax deposit formation was measured gravimetrically. The results indicate that baffles and oscillation reduce wax deposition; increasing both oscillation frequency and amplitude result in a decrease in wax deposition; and the degree of reduction is greater with changing oscillation amplitude than with frequency. It was also found that deposition on the column wall rather than the baffles was the main contribution to the total wax deposit. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of tritium‐labeled Silybin—a protectant for common liver diseases
Authors: Lee D. Y. W. , Zhang X. , Ji X. S.
Published: November 2006

Silymarin, the seed extract of milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum, has been used traditionally for the treatment of liver diseases and bile duct infection. Silybin 1 is the main bioactive components of silymarin, consisting a pair of diastereomers: Silybin A and Silybin B. In this article, we report the preparation of tritium‐labeled Silybin, which was accomplished by protection of Silybin as tritylated compound 2 and followed by oxidation of the primary alcohol to its corresponding aldehyde 3. Subsequent reduction with NaB[3H]4 and deprotection of the trityl group provided the tritium‐labeled Silybin 4. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan impairs fracture healing: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Reikerås Olav , Wang Jacob E. , Foster Simon J. , Utvåg Stein E.
Published: November 2006

Stahylococcus aureus is the common organism causing musculoskeletal infectons. Stahylococcus aureus peptidoglycan (SaPG) has been identified to increase the acute inflammatory response to wounding, increase reparative granulation tissue, and improve healing. The healing of bone fractures is a balanced process of granulation tissue that is calcified to obtain increasing stability. By increasing reparative collagen accumulation, however, SaPG may induce a shift towards immature fibrous callus production. Therefore, it was our hypothesis that SaPG would impair bone healing after fracture. In three groups, each of nine rats, a middiaphyseal osteotomy/fracture of the femoral bone was performed and then nailed. In one group of animals, SaPG was applied locally at the fracture site, and in another group SaPG was applied intraperitoneally (systemically). Control littermate received saline. The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks, and the mechanical characteristics of the healing osteotomies were evaluated. We found that application of SaPG locally induced a hypertrophic and immature callus as evaluated by callus production, by bone mineral content and density, and by bending moment and rigidity. In the rats given SaPG intraperitoneally, bone healing went uneventful compared to the control rats. Collectively, these data show that SaPG induces an alteration in the normal bone healing response towards a less calcified callus production. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:262–266, 2007
Pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and current treatment outlook
Authors: Jozwiak Jaroslaw , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Wlodarski Pawel
Published: November 2006

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the cerebellum in children, with a tendency to metastasize via CSF pathway. Survival rate varies depending on several factors, but is rather favorable, with radiotherapy as the treatment of choice. Irradiation of the craniospinal axis results, however, in severe neuropsychological and psychosocial impairments pertaining to memory, attention, motor functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Precise mechanisms underlying the formation of medulloblastoma are still unclear, but implication of at least three signaling molecules is postulated: insulin‐like growth factor‐I, WNT, and Sonic hedgehog. Thanks to increasing knowledge on the cellular mechanisms contributing to tumor formation, it is possible to propose new therapies that could replace radiotherapy or allow decreasing irradiation doses. The current review presents recent developments in medulloblastoma pathophysiology research and proposed inhibitors that could constitute good candidates for further pharmacological research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 6, 869–890, 2007
Effect of in ovo immobilization on development of chick hind‐limb articular cartilage: An evaluation using micro‐MRI measurement of delayed gadolinium uptake
Authors: Sawamura Chigusa , Takahashi Masaya , McCarthy Kathryn J. , Shen Zhenxin , Fukai Naomi , Rodriguez Edward K. , Snyder Brian D.
Published: November 2006

To examine the effect of immobilization on the development of articular cartilage, we assessed glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in the chick articular surface by delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). Chick embryos were paralyzed by decamethonium bromide (DMB) from day 10 to either day 13 or day 16. The GAG content of the chick knee was compared with that of nonparalyzed chick embryos. Histologic analysis was unable to quantify GAG content; however, dGEMRIC demonstrated that GAG content was higher in the femoral condyles of the nonparalyzed embryos on day 13, and on day 16 the GAG content was lower in both the femoral condyles and the tibial plateaus of the nonparalyzed embryos. These results suggest that paralysis delays embryonic hind‐limb development. Osteoblastic activity at the cartilage canal, as demonstrated by staining for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), was present only in the nonparalyzed chick embryos on day 16. The GAG content of the cartilage decreased when the cartilage canals began to form on day 16. The effect of immobilization on hind‐limb development was indicated by the differences in the GAG content of the cartilage anlage measured by dGEMRIC in the developing knee joint of paralyzed and nonparalyzed embryonic chicks. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI relaxation fluctuations in acute reperfused hemorrhagic infarction
Authors: Foltz W.D. , Yang Y. , Graham J.J. , Detsky J.S. , Wright G.A. , Dick A.J.
Published: November 2006

MRI evaluations of intramyocardial hemorrhage in acute infarction have relied on T2 and T shortening only. We propose a more comprehensive evaluation of hemorrhagic infarction based on the concept that fluctuations in T2 and T1 relaxation in acute reperfused infarction will reflect transient edema and hemoglobin oxidative denaturation to uncompartmentalized methemoglobin. Anteroapical infarction was created via percutaneous balloon in young swine (22–25 kg, N = 12). T2, T1, diastolic wall thickness (DWT), and the Gd‐DTPA partition coefficient (λ) were measured on days 0, 2, and 7. DWT was elevated at 1 hr postreperfusion (128% ± 53%, P = 0.0001), and alleviated on days 2 and 7 (48% ± 10%, P = 0.008; 53% ± 24%, P = 0.003). T2 and T1 elevations were coincident with early edema (ΔT2 = 55% ± 24%, P < 0.0001; ΔT1 = 27% ± 18%, P < 0.04). T2 and T1 were nearly normal on day 2 (ΔT2 = 8% ± 8%, P = 0.27; ΔT1 = 0% ± 1%, P = 0.65). On day 7, T2 increased while T1 decreased (ΔT2 = 27% ± 16%, P = 0.005; ΔT1 = −14% ± 10%, P = 0.02). λ was elevated by >150% at all time points (P ≤ 0.002). Histology verified hemorrhagic injury. T1 and T2 fluctuations are consistent with transient edema, as well as hemoglobin oxidative denaturation to decompartmentalized methemoglobin. This methodological development may broaden our understanding of hemorrhagic microvascular injury and improve its detection in clinical populations. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved echo volumar imaging (EVI) for functional MRI
Authors: van der Zwaag Wietske , Francis Susan , Bowtell Richard
Published: November 2006

Echo volumar imaging (EVI) is a 3D modification of echo‐planar imaging (EPI) that allows data from an entire volume to be acquired following a single RF excitation. EVI provides a high rate of volumar data acquisition, which is advantageous for functional MRI (fMRI). However, few studies to date have applied EVI to fMRI, since because of gradient hardware limitations EVI generally has to be used with long sampling times, resulting in high sensitivity to susceptibility‐induced distortions. In this study we modified the EVI sequence to improve its suitability for fMRI. The sampling time is reduced by the use of a high gradient‐switching frequency, a small number of echoes, and outer volume suppression (OVS); rewind gradients ameliorate Nyquist ghosting; and phase correction via a calibration scan reduces ghosting and distortion. It is shown that the modified EVI sequence allows fMRI data to be acquired with a temporal resolution of 167 ms. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of cyclo‐oxygenase 2 inhibitors (COX‐2) and prescription non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in UK and USA populations. Implications for COX‐2 cardiovascular profile
Authors: Arellano Félix M. , Yood Marianne Ulcickas , Wentworth Charles E , Oliveria Susan A , Rivero Elena , Verma Anila , Rothman Kenneth J
Published: November 2006

Background

COX‐2 and NSAIDS differ in their gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular (CV) toxicity from pharmacological, clinical and epidemiologic point of views.

Objective

Describe the patterns of use of NSAIDS and COX‐2 in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in UK and the PharMetrics database in USA.

Methods

We examined the experience of 10 distinct cohorts of new users of diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, piroxicam, other NSAIDS, meloxicam, celecoxib, etoricoxib, rofecoxib and valdecoxib. The study period was 1 January 1995 through 2004 (31 March in UK and 28 February in USA). We collected information on covariates including history of upper GI disease, CV disease, hepatic disease, dosage, concomitant medication, and visits to a rheumatologist.

Results

We identified 486 076 unique patient‐drug pairs in UK and 1 533 239 in USA. In UK population 78 201 (16%) were COX‐2 users and in PharMetrics 324 206 (21%) were COX‐2 users. Diclofenac and ibuprofen (NSAIDS), and celecoxib and rofecoxib (COX‐2) were the agents prescribed most frequently. The duration of therapy was longer among celecoxib and rofecoxib users than among other users. More COX‐2 users than NSAIDS users received concomitant gastroprotective agents (GPA), corticosteroids and anti‐platelet therapy, and had a history of thromboembolic events and hypertension. PharMetrics patients were prescribed higher doses of NSAIDS and COX‐2. The use of any single agent for more than 90 days was uncommon, but more frequent in PharMetrics. Switching was uncommon and was generally to a NSAID.

Discussion

Our results confirm some previous findings from other authors such as the presence of both GI and CV channelling to COX‐2 agents but refute others, such as the frequency of drug switching between these agents. The typical use of COX‐2 agents in practice is for shorter duration, and at lower doses, than was employed in randomized clinical trials. This difference may help clarify the apparent discrepancy with respect to CV toxicity between the results from clinical trials, which showed a higher CV risk with these drugs, and non‐experimental epidemiologic studies, which showed lower or no increase in risk. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalysis and inhibition of ester hydrolysis in the presence of resorcinarene hosts functionalized with dimethylamino groups
Authors: Cevasco Giorgio , Thea Sergio , Vigo Daniele , Williams Andrew , Zaman Flora
Published: November 2006

Complexation and catalysis of two calixresorcinarene (RES) derivatives with nucleophilic N,N‐dimethylamino functions attached to their upper rims in the hydrolysis of carboxylate and sulfonate esters of 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol have been investigated. Rate constants obey the complexation equation:

Values of the dissociation constant (Ks) of the complexes are within the range exhibited by other systems such as cyclodextrins–ester complexes. The reactions of sulfonate esters only exhibit inhibition by the macrocyclic hosts. The reactions of the carboxylate esters exhibit catalysis and inhibition depending on the pH of the system. It is proposed that the dimethylamino function in RES3 and RES5 behaves as a nucleophile to form a reactive acylammonium species which subsequently decomposes and regenerates the catalytic amine.

In the reaction of substituted phenyl acetates with RES3 the effective charge on the leaving oxygen in the complexed state (+0.88) is slightly more positive than that in the free ester (+0.70). The effective charge on the leaving oxygen in the transition structure is substantially more positive (+0.04 units) than in a model intramolecular reaction of tertiary dimethylamines with aryl esters (−0.53 units). The influence of the host on the reaction in the complex includes an electronic component which is ascribed to solvation of the transition structure of the rate‐limiting step by water molecules located within the cavity of the host. It is suggested that this solvation is stronger than that occurring in the transition state for the model intramolecular reaction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer mediated radical polymerization of asymmetrical divinyl monomers targeting hyperbranched vinyl polymers
Authors: Lin Ying , Liu Xiaohui , Li Xiuru , Zhan Jie , Li Yuesheng
Published: November 2006

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated radical polymerizations of allyl methacrylate and undecenyl methacrylate, compounds containing two types of vinyl groups with different reactivities, were investigated to provide hyperbranched polymers. The RAFT agent benzyl dithiobenzoate was demonstrated to be an appropriate chain‐transfer agent to inhibit crosslinking and obtain polymers with moderate‐to‐high conversions. The polymerization of allyl methacrylate led to a polymer without branches but with five‐ or six‐membered rings. However, poly(undecenyl methacrylate) showed an indication of branching rather than intramolecular cycles. The hyperbranched structure of poly(undecenyl methacrylate) was confirmed by a combination of 1H, 13C, 1H–1H correlation spectroscopy, and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer 135 NMR spectra. The branching topology of the polymers was controlled by the variation of the reaction temperature, chain‐transfer‐agent concentration, and monomer conversion. The significantly lower inherent viscosities of the resulting polymers, compared with those of linear analogues, demonstrated their compact structure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 26–40, 2007
Combined treatments of spinosad and chlorpyrifos‐methyl for management of resistant psocid pests (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) of stored grain
Authors: Nayak Manoj K , Daglish Gregory J
Published: November 2006

The combined efficacy of spinosad and chlorpyrifos‐methyl was determined against four storage psocid pests belonging to genus Liposcelis. This research was undertaken because of the increasing importance of these psocids in stored grain and the problem of finding grain protectants to control resistant strains. Firstly, mortality and reproduction were determined for adults exposed to wheat freshly treated with either spinosad (0.5 and 1 mg kg−1) or chlorpyrifos‐methyl (2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) or combinations of spinosad and chlorpyrifos‐methyl at 30 °C and 70% RH. There were significant effects of application rate of spinosad and chlorpyrifos‐methyl, both individually and in combination, on adult mortality and progeny reduction of all four psocids. Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and L. decolor (Pearman) responded similarly, with incomplete control of adults and progeny at both doses of spinosad but complete control in all chlorpyrifos‐methyl and combined treatments. In L. entomophila (Enderlein) and L. paeta Pearman, however, complete control of adults and progeny was only achieved in the combined treatments, with the exception of spinosad 0.5 mg kg−1 plus chlorpyrifos‐methyl 2.5 mg kg−1 against L. entomophila. Next, combinations of spinosad (0.5 and 1 mg kg−1) and chlorpyrifos‐methyl (2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) in bioassays after 0, 1.5 and 3 months storage of treated wheat were evaluated. The best treatment was 1 mg kg−1 of spinosad plus 10 mg kg−1 of chlorpyrifos‐methyl, providing up to 3 months of protection against infestations of all four Liposcelis spp. on wheat. Copyright © The State of Queensland, Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (2006). Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. & Sons, Ltd.
Moringa oleifera: a food plant with multiple medicinal uses
Authors: Anwar Farooq , Latif Sajid , Ashraf Muhammad , Gilani Anwarul Hassan
Published: November 2006

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is a highly valued plant, distributed in many countries of the tropics and subtropics. It has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value. Different parts of this plant contain a profile of important minerals, and are a good source of protein, vitamins, β‐carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. The Moringa plant provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, β‐sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol. In addition to its compelling water purifying powers and high nutritional value, M. oleifera is very important for its medicinal value. Various parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine, particularly in South Asia. This review focuses on the detailed phytochemical composition, medicinal uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose tree. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the asymptotic iteration method to the exponential cosine screened Coulomb potential
Authors: Bayrak O. , Boztosun I.
Published: November 2006

We present the iterative solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation for the exponential cosine screened Coulomb (ECSC) potential for any n and l quantum states by applying the asymptotic iteration method (AIM). We show that it is possible to obtain the solution as accurate as the other methods without any perturbation. Furthermore, there are no tedious mathematical difficulties and restrictions on finding the energy eigenvalues for any n and l quantum numbers. Our results are in excellent agreement with the ones published in the literature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Prenatal diagnosis of open and closed spina bifida
Authors: Ghi T. , Pilu G. , Falco P. , Segata M. , Carletti A. , Cocchi G. , Santini D. , Bonasoni P. , Tani G. , Rizzo N.
Published: November 2006

Objective

To identify criteria useful for differentiating closed from open spina bifida antenatally.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study of cases of spina bifida diagnosed in a referral center between 1997 and 2004.

Results

Of 66 cases of fetal spina bifida diagnosed at a median gestational age of 21 (range, 16–34) weeks, detailed follow‐up was available for 57. Of these, open defects were found in 53 (93.0%) and closed defects in four (7.0%). Closed spina bifida was associated in two cases with a posterior cystic mass with thick walls and a complex appearance, while in two cases the spinal lesion could not be clearly differentiated from an open defect, particularly at mid‐gestation. Open spina bifida was always associated with typical alterations of cranial anatomy, including the so‐called ‘banana’ and ‘lemon’ signs, while in closed spina bifida the cranium was unremarkable. When the data were available, levels of amniotic fluid alpha‐fetoprotein were always abnormally elevated with open spina bifida and within normal limits with closed forms.

Conclusion

In this study 7% of cases of spina bifida diagnosed in utero were closed. The differentiation between open and closed forms is best shown by the sonographic demonstration of abnormal or normal cranial anatomy. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerization as a means of stabilization for polystyrene
Authors: Howell B.A. , Cui Y. , Chaiwong K. , Zaho H.
Published: November 2006

General purpose polystyrene prepared by conventional radical techniques contains a head‐to‐head unit as a consequence of polymerization termination by radical coupling. As has been previously demonstrated, thermal stress promotes homolysis of the bond linking the head‐to‐head components. The macroradicals that were generated depolymerize rapidly to generate styrene monomer. This decomposition during processing can lead to finished articles containing objectionable levels of styrene monomer, particularly for food packaging applications in which even low levels of monomer can promote objectionable taste and aroma. Polymer containing no head‐to‐head units should not be prone to this facile decomposition. In this instance, polystyrene has been prepared by nitroxyl‐mediated polymerization of styrene monomer followed by reductive removal of nitroxyl end groups. Polymer prepared in this manner contains no head‐to‐head units and displays thermal stability much greater than that observed for conventional polystyrene. A direct comparison of the stability for the two polymers is readily available by thermogravimetric techniques. A quantitative reflection of the difference in stability is available from the rate constants for the respective decompositions. decompositions. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:198–203, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Time‐averaged field at the equator: Results from Ecuador
Authors: Opdyke Neil D. , Hall Minard , Mejia Victoria , Huang Kainian , Foster David A.
Published: November 2006

Seventy sites were collected from Pliocene to recent lavas in Ecuador between 0.19° and 1.1°S latitude. Lightning affected many of the sites sampled, and the final data set consisted of 51 sites with α95 of 10° or less; 21 flows yielded normal directions of magnetization (declination = 354.6°, inclination = −5°, α95 = 7.2°) and 30 yielded reverse (declination = 183.5°, inclination = 5.6°, α95 = 5°). These sites pass a reversal test at a high level. The combined data give a direction of declination = 359.9°, inclination = −5.4°, and α95 = 4.2°, which is just significantly different from the GAD field but is in agreement with a GAD field plus 5% quadrupole field. Mean VGPs are not significantly different from the geographic poles. The ASD for the combined sites is 13.3°, which is in agreement with model “G.” Paleointensity measurements yield values of VADM, which range from 1.39 × 1022 to 22.6 × 1022 Am2. The mean value for the reverse field is 3.2 × 1022 Am2, while for the normal field it is 10.2 × 1022 Am2. The 40Ar/39Ar dates on selected sites show that they are 2.6 Ma and younger. The age dates and magnetic polarity indicate that the Chacana structure is Brunhes/Matuyama in age.
Photomineralization of terrigenous dissolved organic matter in Arctic coastal waters from 1979 to 2003: Interannual variability and implications of climate change
Authors: Bélanger Simon , Xie Huixiang , Krotkov Nickolay , Larouche Pierre , Vincent Warwick F. , Babin Marcel
Published: November 2006

Photomineralization of terrigenous dissolved organic matter (tDOM) in the Arctic Ocean is limited by persistent sea ice cover that reduces the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the underlying water column. UV‐dependent processes are likely to accelerate as a result of shrinking sea ice extent and decreasing ice thickness caused by climatic warming over this region. In this study, we made the first quantitative estimates of photomineralization of tDOM in a coastal Arctic ecosystem under current and future sea ice regimes. We used an optical‐photochemical coupled model incorporating water column optics and experimental measurements of photoproduction of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), the main carbon product of DOM photochemistry. Apparent quantum yields of DIC photoproduction were determined on water samples from the Mackenzie River estuary, the Mackenzie Shelf, and Amundsen Gulf. UV irradiances just below the sea surface were estimated by combining satellite backscattered and passive microwave radiance measurements with a radiative transfer model. The mean annual DIC photoproduction between 1979 and 2003 was estimated as 66.5 ± 18.5 Gg carbon in the surface waters of the southeastern Beaufort Sea, where UV absorption is dominated by chromophoric dissolved organic matter discharged by the Mackenzie River. This value is equivalent to 10% of bacterial respiration rates, 8% of new primary production rates and 2.8 ± 0.6% of the 1.3 Tg of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) discharged annually by the Mackenzie River into the area. During periods of reduced ice cover such as 1998, the latter value could rise to 5.1% of the annual riverine DOC discharge. Under an ice‐free scenario, the model predicted that 150.5 Gg of DIC would be photochemically produced, mineralizing 6.2% of the DOC input from the Mackenzie River. These results show that the predicted trend of ongoing contraction of sea ice cover will greatly accelerate the photomineralization of tDOM in Arctic surface waters.
An ozone increase in the Antarctic summer stratosphere: A dynamical response to the ozone hole
Authors: Stolarski R. S. , Douglass A. R. , Gupta M. , Newman P. A. , Pawson S. , Schoeberl M. R. , Nielsen J. E.
Published: November 2006

Profiles of ozone concentration retrieved from the SBUV series of satellites show an increase between 1979 and 1997 in the summertime Antarctic middle stratosphere (∼25–10 hPa). Data over the South Pole from ozone sondes confirm the increase. A similar ozone increase is produced in a chemistry climate model that allows feedback between constituent changes and the stratospheric circulation through radiative heating. A simulation that excludes the radiative coupling between predicted ozone and the circulation does not capture this ozone increase. We show that the ozone increase in our model simulations is caused by a dynamical feedback in response to the changes in the stratospheric wind fields forced by the radiative perturbation associated with the Antarctic ozone hole.
Geomagnetic excursion captured by multiple volcanoes in a monogenetic field
Authors: Cassidy John
Published: November 2006

Five monogenetic volcanoes within the Quaternary Auckland volcanic field are shown to have recorded a virtually identical but anomalous paleomagnetic direction (mean inclination and declination of 61.7° and 351.0°, respectively), consistent with the capture of a geomagnetic excursion. Based on documented rates of change of paleomagnetic field direction during excursions this implies that the volcanoes may have all formed within a period of only 50–100 years or less. These temporally linked volcanoes are widespread throughout the field and appear not to be structurally related. However, the general paradigm for the reawakening of monogenetic fields is that only a single new volcano or group of closely spaced vents is created, typically at intervals of several hundred years or more. Therefore, the results presented show that for any monogenetic field the impact of renewed eruptive activity may be significantly under‐estimated, especially for potentially affected population centres and the siting of sensitive facilities.
Transporters forL‐glutamate: An update on their molecular pharmacology and pathological involvement
Authors: Beart P M , O'Shea R D
Published: November 2006

L‐Glutamate (Glu) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS and five types of high‐affinity Glu transporters (EAAT1–5) have been identified. The transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2 in glial cells are responsible for the majority of Glu uptake while neuronal EAATs appear to have specialized roles at particular types of synapses. Dysfunction of EAATs is specifically implicated in the pathology of neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke injury, and thus treatments that can modulate EAAT function may prove beneficial in these conditions. Recent advances have been made in our understanding of the regulation of EAATs, including their trafficking, splicing and post‐translational modification. This article summarises some recent developments that improve our understanding of the roles and regulation of EAATs.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 5–17. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706949
Microwave characteristics of low density hollow glass microspheres plated with Ni thin-film
Authors: Liu Z. W. , Phua L. X. , Liu Y. , Ong C. K.
Published: November 2006

Hollow glass microspheres coated with thin Ni films of various thicknesses (about 50–250nm) were obtained by electroless plating technique. The resultant magnetic microspheres had very low densities (∼0.39–1.28gcm−3) and low coercivities (<40Oe). As-plated films comprised of nanocrystallites embedded in amorphous matrix and postannealing treatment led to a submicrocrystalline structure and an increased saturation magnetization. The high frequency properties of the composites consisting of Ni-plated microspheres and polymer were investigated. The permittivity and permeability increased with increasing microsphere content in the composite and increasing Ni film thickness. These composites had ferromagnetic resonance peak in the range of 5–12GHz. Postannealing also had an effect on the microwave properties. The reflection loss of the composite was found dependent on the absorber material thickness, polymer:microsphere ratios, the Ni film thickness, as well as the heat treatment of the microspheres.
Enhanced colossal electroresistance in Cu/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Cu structure
Authors: Peng W. C. , Lin J. G. , Wu J. H.
Published: November 2006

Voltage-current (V-I) curves have been measured in symmetrical metal/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3/metal structures with metal=Ag, Cu, Pt, and Au. Our four measured samples exhibit room-temperature nonlinear and asymmetric V-I curves with electrical hysteresis loops. Among these four samples, Cu/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Cu produces the largest hysteresis loop, yielding an enhanced colossal electroresistance of 2279% at a current of 0.5 A.
Stress dependence of the cathodoluminescence spectrum of N-doped 3C-SiC
Authors: Porporati Alessandro Alan , Hosokawa Koichiro , Zhu Wenliang , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: November 2006

The stress dependence of the room-temperature cathodoluminescence spectrum of N-doped cubic silicon carbide has been evaluated in a field-emission-gun scanning electron microscope, using the electron beam as an excitation source for luminescence emission. The electron-stimulated spectrum was dominated by only one broad band centered at about 544nm, with a broad shoulder centered at a slightly lower energy level (≈572nm). The cathodoluminescence spectrum, which was attributed to the four-particle N-bound excitonic transition, arose from substitutional N in the cubic silicon carbide lattice. Using experimentally measured probe response functions and energy shift magnitude collected near the tip of a Vickers indentation microcrack, it was possible to retrieve the actual magnitude of the piezospectroscopic coefficient [i.e., the slope of a linear plot of spectral band shift versus the trace of the stress tensor: Π=0.61±0.02nm∕GPa] of the N-bound exciton (cumulative) band of cubic silicon carbide.
Resistive switching of rose bengal devices: A molecular effect?
Authors: Karthäuser Silvia , Lüssem Björn , Weides Martin , Alba Manuela , Besmehn Astrid , Oligschlaeger Robert , Waser Rainer
Published: November 2006

The resistive switching behavior of devices consisting of aluminum top electrode, molecular layer (rose bengal), and bottom electrode (zinc oxide and indium tin oxide) is examined. By measuring the current versus voltage dependence of these devices for various frequencies and by systematically varying the composition of the device, we show that the switching is an extrinsic effect that is not primarily dependent on the molecular layer. It is shown that the molecular layer is short circuited by filaments of either zinc oxide or aluminum and that the switching effect is due to a thin layer of aluminum oxide at the zinc oxide/aluminum interface.
Fluid enhancement of particle transport in nanochannels
Authors: Li Zhigang , Drazer German
Published: November 2006

We investigate the effect that fluid density has on the mobility of a spherical nanoparticle moving through a cylindrical nanochannel. The solid nanoparticle, the channel wall, and the fluid are described at the molecular level, and we use molecular dynamics simulations to study their behavior. We consider densities ranging from a few fluid molecules to a relatively dense fluid inside the channel. The inhomogeneous distribution of the fluid molecules inside the channel results in the competition of two effects as the fluid density is increased. The fluid molecules adsorb on the channel surface, and thus reduce the friction with the wall and enhance the mobility of the particle. On the other hand, the addition of fluid molecules increases the viscous drag on the particle and thus reduces its mobility. The outcome of these competing effects depends on the strength of the interaction between the atoms in the particle and those in the wall. We examine three different cases, i.e., intermediate, strong, and weak interaction energies. For an intermediate interaction, two distinct peaks are observed in the mobility of the particle as the first two adsorbed fluid layers form. On the other hand, a monotonously increasing mobility is found for a strong interaction energy, and a nearly constant mobility is observed for a weak interaction.
Channel waveguide array in Ce-doped potassium sodium strontium barium niobate crystal fabricated by He+ ion implantation
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Lei , Wang Xue-Lin , Wang Ke-Ming , Lu Qing-Ming
Published: November 2006

The authors report on the fabrication of one dimensional channel waveguide array in photorefractive Ce-doped potassium sodium strontium barium niobate crystal by photographic masking and following direct multiple energy He+ ion implantation. The dark mode spectroscopy is investigated for determining the refractive index modulation of the waveguide. The Floquet-Bloch modes (band transmission spectra) of the light propagating in the array are observed. It is found that the induced optical barriers with reduced refractive indices form semiclosed wedged walls, which confine the enclosed region (together with air) to be channel waveguides. The propagation loss of the waveguide array is determined to be ∼1.6dB∕cm for ordinary polarized light at 632.8nm.
Direct electrical conduction in DNA molecules confined in nanoporous membrane
Authors: Mandal S. K.
Published: November 2006

Temperature dependent (80–300K) dc electrical conductivity (σdc) of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules confined in nanopores of polycarbonate membrane is reported here. The DNA confined in such nanopores exhibited metallic resistivity with temperature up to a critical temperature beyond which it became temperature independent. The observed experimental data are explained considering modified electron-phonon interactions in reduced dimensions for the confined DNA molecules.