bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital quantum batteries: Energy and information storage in nanovacuum tube arrays
Authors: Hübler Alfred W. , Osuagwu Onyeama
Published: February 2010

Dielectric material between capacitor electrodes increases the capacitance. However, when the electric field exceeds a threshold, electric breakdown in the dielectric discharges the capacitor suddenly and the stored energy is lost. We show that nanovacuum tubes do not have this problem because (i) electric breakdown can be suppressed with quantization phenomena, and (ii) the capacitance is large at small gap sizes. We find that the energy density and power density in nanovacuum tubes are large compared to lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors. The electric field in a nanovacuum tube can be sensed with MOSFETs in the insulating walls. Random access arrays of nanovacuum tubes with an energy gate, to charge the tube, and an information gate attached to the MOSFET, to sense the electric field in the tube, can be used to store both energy and information. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 2010
Assessment of self‐perceived risk and driving safety in chronic dialysis patients
Authors: Vats Hemender S. , Duffy Douglas P.
Published: February 2010

METHODS

To identify high‐risk driving behaviors and risk factors for impaired driving in 186 chronic dialysis patients, a questionnaire was presented to patients that included questions regarding medical and driving history and medication use.

RESULTS

We demonstrated a significant difference in the subjective perception of dialysis patients of their driving capabilities and the objective data identifying the conditions that make their driving unsafe. This was supported by the higher incidence of accidents in these patients. Of greater concern was the non‐recognition of the problem by the patients themselves, with the majority of them continuing to drive. Results also demonstrated a statistically significant association between use of sedatives and driving impairment in these patients (59.1% versus 37.4%, p = .005).

DISCUSSION

Motor vehicle injuries are among the leading cause of injury‐related deaths in the elderly population. Individuals with end‐stage renal disease often experience a significant decline in their ability to drive safely due to musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cognitive impairments which may not improve with dialysis. Presently, no guidelines exist for assessing the safety of driving for individuals on chronic dialysis. The study provides data to recommend development of safe driving guidelines in dialysis patients and education of the dialysis patient care providers in identifying high‐risk patients.
Neural tube defects and impaired neural progenitor cell proliferation in Gβ1‐deficient mice
Authors: Okae Hiroaki , Iwakura Yoichiro
Published: February 2010

Heterotrimeric G proteins are well known for their roles in signal transduction downstream of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), and both Gα subunits and tightly associated Gβγ subunits regulate downstream effector molecules. Compared to Gα subunits, the physiological roles of individual Gβ and Gγ subunits are poorly understood. In this study, we generated mice deficient in the Gβ1 gene and found that Gβ1 is required for neural tube closure, neural progenitor cell proliferation, and neonatal development. About 40% Gβ1−/− embryos developed neural tube defects (NTDs) and abnormal actin organization was observed in the basal side of neuroepithelium. In addition, Gβ1−/− embryos without NTDs showed microencephaly and died within 2 days after birth. GPCR agonist‐induced ERK phosphorylation, cell proliferation, and cell spreading, which were all found to be regulated by Gαi and Gβγ signaling, were abnormal in Gβ1−/− neural progenitor cells. These data indicate that Gβ1 is required for normal embryonic neurogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 239:1089–1101, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MAPK3 deficiency drives autoimmunity via DC arming
Authors: Bendix Ivo , Pfueller Caspar F. , Leuenberger Tina , Glezeva Nadezhda , Siffrin Volker , Müller Yasmin , Prozorovski Timour , Hansen Wiebke , Topphoff Ulf Schulze , Loddenkemper Christoph , Zipp Frauke , Waiczies Sonia
Published: February 2010

DC are professional APC that instruct T cells during the inflammatory course of EAE. We have previously shown that MAPK3 (Erk1) is important for the induction of T‐cell anergy. Our goal was to determine the influence of MAPK3 on the capacity of DC to arm T‐cell responses in autoimmunity. We report that DC from Mapk3−/− mice have a significantly higher membrane expression of CD86 and MHC‐II and – when loaded with the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein – show a superior capacity to prime naïve T cells towards an inflammatory phenotype than Mapk3+/+ DC. Nonetheless and as previously described, Mapk3−/− mice were only slightly but not significantly more susceptible to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐induced EAE than WT littermate mice. However, Mapk3+/+ mice engrafted with Mapk3−/− BM (KO→WT) developed a severe form of EAE, in direct contrast to WT→KO mice, which were even less sick than control WT→WT mice. An infiltration of DC and accumulation of Th17 cells was also observed in the CNS of KO→WT mice. Therefore, triggering of MAPK3 in the periphery might be a therapeutic option for the treatment of neuroinflammation since absence of this kinase in the immune system leads to severe EAE.
Complexes with Sterically Bulky Allyl Ligands: Insights into Structure and Bonding
Authors: Chmely Stephen C. , Hanusa Timothy P.
Published: February 2010

The allyl anion [C3H5]– is often found in combination with other ligands in organometallic complexes. Compounds in which allyl groups are the only or principal type of ligand, however, are often coordinatively unsaturated and prone to decomposition. It is possible to increase the thermal and sometimes oxidative stability of such complexes by adding sterically bulky substituents (e.g., –SiMe3) to the allyl group. Main group, transition metal, and f‐element compounds constructed with bulky allyl ligands display a wide range ofmonomeric, oligomeric, and polymeric structures. Some of these complexes have no counterparts with unsubstitutedallyl groups, and others are active polymerization catalysts. Research in this area has served to expand the range of structural types and bonding that can be incorporated into metal allyl chemistry.
π‐Conjugated 2,2′:6′,2″‐Bis(terpyridines): Systematical Tuning of the Optical Properties by Variation of the Linkage between the Terpyridines and the π‐Conjugated System
Authors: Wild Andreas , Friebe Christian , Winter Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Grummt Ulrich‐Walter , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: February 2010

2,2′:6′,2″‐Terpyridines bearing well‐defined π‐conjugated substituents at the 4′‐position are known to exhibit interesting electronic and optical properties. The systematic variation of both the spacer unit and the linker in conjugated bis(terpyridines) has resulted in a library of π‐conjugated systems, enabling the study of the structure–property relationships of these materials. We have proven the Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction to be a versatile tool for connecting conjugated systems, even though the conjugation is hindered by the introduced triazole moiety. All the terpyridine derivatives were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorption and emission measurements as well as MALDI‐TOF MS. Thin films of the materials were produced by spin‐coating and subsequently characterized. Because tuning of the band gap of the materials over a wide range is possible, quantum yields of up to 85 % and extinction coefficients of around 100000 M–1 cm–1 could be observed, the compounds might be promising candidates for the design of new functional supramolecular materials.
Facile Assembly of Fused Isoquinolines by Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Coupling–Cyclization Reactions between o‐Alkynylbenzaldehydes and Aromatic Amines Containing Tethered Nucleophiles
Authors: Patil Nitin T. , Mutyala Anil Kumar , Lakshmi Pediredla G. V. V. , Raju Penmatcha V. K. , Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: February 2010

A gold(I)‐catalyzed, operationally simple coupling–cyclization technique was developed for the synthesis of isoquinoline‐fused polycyclic compounds. The reaction makes use of two coupling partners such as o‐alkynylbenzaldehydes and aromatic amines having tethered nucleophiles. The reaction is easy to perform, broad in scope, and allows the generation of a number of biologically important heterocyclic motifs from readily accessible starting materials. A mechanism for the reaction is discussed.
Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Blunts Senescence-Like Growth Arrest of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Reducing Notch1 Cleavage
Authors: Xu Jiejie , Yun Xiaojing , Jiang Jianhai , Wei Yuanyan , Wu Yihong , Zhang Wei , Liu Yeheng , Wang Wenzhong , Wen Yumei , Gu Jianxin
Published: February 2010

One of the serious sequelae of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among all the proteins encoded by the HBV genome, hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is highly associated with the development of HCC. Although Notch1 signaling has been found to exert a tumor-suppressive function during HCC development, the mechanism of interaction between HBx expression and Notch1 signaling needs to be explored. In this study, we report that HBx expression in hepatic and hepatoma cells resulted in decreased endogenous protein levels of Notch1 intracellular domain (ICN1) and messenger RNA levels of its downstream target genes. These effects were due to a reduction of Notch1 cleavage by HBx through the suppression of presenilin1 (Psen1) transcription rather than inhibition of Notch1 transcription or its ligands' expression. Through transient HBx expression, decreased ICN1 resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, induced G1-S cell cycle progression, and blunted cellular senescence

in vitro

. Furthermore, the effect of blunted senescence-like growth arrest by stable HBx expression through suppression of ICN1 was shown in a nude mouse xenograft transplantation model. The correlation of inhibited Psen1-dependent Notch1 signaling and blunted senescence-like growth arrest was also observed in HBV-associated HCC patient tumor samples.

Conclusion:

Our results reveal a novel function of HBx in blunting senescence-like growth arrest by decreasing Notch1 signaling, which could be a putative molecular mechanism mediating HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. (Hepatology 2010;)
Hepatic Steatosis in Patients Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus: A Meta-Analysis of the Risk Factors
Authors: Machado Mariana Verdelho , Oliveira António Gouveia , Cortez-Pinto Helena
Published: February 2010

Hepatic steatosis (HS) is frequent in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, occurring in 40%-80%, associating with metabolic and virus-related factors, namely, genotype 3 and viral load. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral treatment seem to be risk factors for HS. Several studies addressed this issue in coinfected patients, with discrepant results. A meta-analysis was performed on the HS risk factors in coinfected patients. Eligible studies were identified through structured keywords including coinfection, HCV, HIV, and steatosis in relevant databases including PubMed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence limits (CIs) were obtained with the random-effects model and the DerSimonian-Laird method. Twelve studies, including 1,989 coinfected patients, were selected. Twenty percent were infected with HCV genotype 3. The overall prevalence of HS was 50.8% (23%-72%). Four studies also included 1,540 HCV monoinfected patients, not showing an increased risk for HS in coinfected patients (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.84-3.10,

P

= 0.151). In coinfected patients, HS was associated with higher body mass index (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19,

P

< 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.32-4.07,

P

= 0.003), elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.61,

P

= 0.035), necroinflammatory activity (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.11-2.67,

P

= 0.016), and fibrosis (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.20-2.34,

P

= 0.003). No associations were found between HS and gender, other metabolic factors (dyslipidemia, glucose, metabolic syndrome), HCV-related factors (genotype, viral load), or HIV-related factors (viral load, CD4 count, antiretroviral therapy, and class of medication).

Conclusion:

In coinfected patients, HS does not seem to be more frequent than in HCV monoinfected patients and is mostly associated with metabolic factors, such as increased weight, diabetes mellitus, and more severe liver disease. The fact that no associations with HCV factors were found may be due to the small percentage of genotype 3-infected patients. Hepatology 2010
Film boiling heat transfer around a vertical finite‐length cylinder with a convex hemispherical bottom
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Toyoda Kaoru , Shigechi Toru , Momoki Satoru , Kanemaru Kuniyasu , Yamaguchi Tomohiko
Published: February 2010

The film boiling heat transfer around a vertical silver cylinder with a convex hemispherical bottom was investigated experimentally in quiescent water at atmospheric pressure. The experiments have been carried out using a quenching method. The diameter and length of the test cylinder are 32 mm and 48 mm, respectively. The test cylinder was heated to about 600 °C in an electric furnace and then cooled in saturated or subcooled water with an immersion depth of about 100 mm. The degree of liquid subcooling was varied from 0 K to 30 K. The analytical solutions for saturated and subcooled boiling are obtained by applying a two‐phase boundary layer theory for vapor film with a smooth interface. The experimental data correlates within ±15% based on the proposed prediction method. Also, the lower limit of film boiling was examined in terms of wall heat flux and degree of superheating. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20289
A simple analytical model for calculating the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids
Authors: Sohrabi N. , Masoumi N. , Behzadmehr A. , Sarvari S.M.H.
Published: February 2010

A simple mathematical model for calculating the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids has been developed based on the thermal resistance approach. The model is developed by considering both effects of a solid‐like nanolayer and convective heat transfer caused by Brownian motion which have not been considered simultaneously by most available models in the literature. In addition the correlation of Prasher and Phelan for the convective heat transfer coefficient is modified to take into account the effect of the solid‐like nanolayer. In addition a general value for n (different from the one presented by Tillman and Hill) is introduced to modify the thickness of the solid‐like nanolayer. The latter is done by considering both conduction and convection heat transfer mechanisms. Comparisons with previously published experimental results and other mathematical models show that the presented model could well predict a nanofluids effective thermal conductivity as a function of the nanoparticles mean diameter, volume fraction, and temperature for different kinds of nanofluids. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20290
Synthesis and characterization of novel multiphase bioactive glass‐ceramics in the CaO‐MgO‐SiO2 system
Authors: Chen Xianchun , Liao Xiaoming , Huang Zhongbing , You Panli , Chen Chun , Kang Yunqing , Yin Guangfu
Published: February 2010

Three new chemical compositions based on the CaO‐MgO‐SiO2 system were designed first, and then three novel glass‐ceramics (M1, M2, and M3) were prepared by sol‐gel method. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed that they were predominantly composed of akermanite, wollastonite, and dicalcium silicate crystalline phases. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of M2 was 10.79 × 10−6°C−1, closest to that of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy, and the Young's modulus of M2 was 29.73 GPa, similar to that of the cortical bone. The bioactivity in vitro of M2 was evaluated by investigating its bonelike hydroxyapatite (HA)‐formation ability in simulated body fluid (SBF), and the biocompatibility in vitro was detected by osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion assay. The results revealed that M2 possessed bonelike carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA)‐formation ability in SBF and could significantly stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, osteoblasts adhered and spread well on M2, indicating good bioactivity and biocompatibility in vitro. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Potential for adhesive wear in friction couples of UHMWPE running against oxidized zirconium, titanium nitride coatings, and cobalt‐chromium alloys
Authors: Galetz Mathias C. , Seiferth Sabine H. , Theile Benjamin , Glatzel Uwe
Published: February 2010

The classical wear mechanisms abrasion, fatigue, and adhesion are the most frequent causes of surface changes of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in artificial joints. The counterpart material has a strong influence on the wear and friction behavior of artificial joints due to its abrasive properties and adhesive interaction with UHMWPE. The formation of a transfer layer on the counterpart in UHMWPE bearing systems is often described as being a clear indication of strong adhesive forces. The influence of using a cobalt‐chromium‐molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy, a titanium nitride plasma coating or an oxidized zirconium alloy on adhesive wear was studied. The surface free energy and the bonding forces of these counterpart materials to UHMWPE were investigated. Catalytic effects on the degradation behavior of polyethylene, the micro friction behavior, and the build‐up and constitution of a transfer layer deposited under loads, and relative velocities that are relevant in knee joints were analyzed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Mouse BMD quantitative trait loci show improved concordance with human genome-wide association loci when recalculated on a new, common mouse genetic map
Authors: Ackert-Bicknell Cheryl L , Karasik David , Li Qian , Smith Randy V , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Churchill Gary A , Paigen Beverly J , Tsaih Shirng-Wern
Published: February 2010

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a heritable trait, and in mice, over 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported, but candidate genes have been identified for only a small percentage. Persistent errors in the mouse genetic map have negatively affected QTL localization, spurring the development of a new, corrected map. In this study, QTLs for BMD were remapped in 11 archival mouse data sets using this new genetic map. Since these QTLs all were mapped in a comparable way, direct comparisons of QTLs for concordance would be valid. We then compared human genome-wide association study (GWAS) BMD loci with the mouse QTLs. We found that 26 of the 28 human GWAS loci examined were located within the confidence interval of a mouse QTL. Furthermore, 14 of the GWAS loci mapped to within 3 cM of a mouse QTL peak. Lastly, we demonstrated that these newly remapped mouse QTLs can substantiate a candidate gene for a human GWAS locus, for which the peak single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) fell in an intergenic region. Specifically, we suggest that MEF2C (human chromosome 5, mouse chromosome 13) should be considered a candidate gene for the genetic regulation of BMD. In conclusion, use of the new mouse genetic map has improved the localization of mouse BMD QTLs, and these remapped QTLs show high concordance with human GWAS loci. We believe that this is an opportune time for a renewed effort by the genetics community to identify the causal variants regulating BMD using a synergistic mouse-human approach. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Distinctive ERK and p38 signaling in remote and infarcted myocardium during post‐MI remodeling in the mouse
Authors: Yeh Che‐Chung , Li Hongzhe , Malhotra Deepak , Turcato Sally , Nicholas Susan , Tu Richard , Zhu Bo‐Qing , Cha John , Swigart Philip M , Myagmar Bat‐Erdene , Baker Anthony J. , Simpson Paul C. , Mann Michael J.
Published: February 2010

Global activation of MAP kinases has been reported in both human and experimental heart failure. Chronic remodeling of the surviving ventricular wall after myocardial infarction (MI) involves both myocyte loss and fibrosis; we hypothesized that this cardiomyopathy involves differential shifts in pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic MAP kinase signaling in cardiac myocyte (CM) and non‐myocyte. Cardiomyopathy after coronary artery ligation in mice was characterized by echocardiography, ex vivo Langendorff preparation, histologic analysis and measurements of apoptosis. Phosphorylation (activation) of signaling molecules was analyzed by Western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Post‐MI remodeling involved dramatic changes in the phosphorylation of both stress‐activated MAP (SAP) kinase p38 as well as ERK, a known mediator of cell survival, but not of SAP kinase JNK or the anti‐apoptotic mediator of PI3K, Akt. Phosphorylation of p38 rose early after MI in the infarct, whereas a more gradual rise in the remote myocardium accompanied a rise in apoptosis in that region. In both areas, ERK phosphorylation was lowest early after MI and rose steadily thereafter, though infarct phosphorylation was consistently higher. Immunostaining of p‐ERK localized to fibrotic areas populated primarily by non‐myocytes, whereas staining of p38 phosphorylation was stronger in areas of progressive CM apoptosis. Relative segregation of CMs and non‐myocytes in different regions of the post‐MI myocardium revealed signaling patterns that imply cell type‐specific changes in pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic MAP kinase signaling. Prevention of myocyte loss and of LV remodeling after MI may therefore require cell type‐specific manipulation of p38 and ERK activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1185–1191, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of centrosomal proteins Cep55 and pericentrin in intercellular bridges of mouse testes
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chen , Chen Yen‐Jung , Wu Chu‐Hen , Wu Yi‐Chen , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Ouyang Pin
Published: February 2010

Centrosomal protein 55 (Cep55), located in the centrosome in interphase cells and recruited to the midbody during cytokinesis, is essential for completion of cell abscission. Northern blot previously showed that a high level of Cep55 is predominantly expressed in the testis. In the present study, we examined the spatial and temporal expression patterns of Cep55 during mouse testis maturation. We found that Cep55, together with pericentrin, another centrosomal protein, were localized to the intercellular bridges (IBs) interconnecting spermatogenic cells in a syncytium. The IBs were elaborated as a double ring structure formed by an inner ring decorated by Cep55 or pericentrin and an outer ring of mitotic kinesin‐like protein 1 (MKLP1) in the male germ cell in early postnatal stages and adulthood. In addition, Cep55 and pericentrin were also localized to the acrosome region and flagellum neck and middle piece in elongated spermatids, respectively. These results suggest that Cep55 and pericentrin are required for the stable bridge between germ cells during spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1274–1285, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational behavior of simple furanosides studied by optical rotation
Authors: Kaminský Jakub , Raich Ivan , Tomčáková Kateřina , Bouř Petr
Published: February 2010

Experimental and theoretical specific optical rotations (OR) of anhydro, epithio, and epiminoderivatives of methyl tetrofuranosides in chloroform solutions have been compared and used as a tool for exploring their conformational behavior. The potential energy surfaces of these saccharides with reduced flexibility were examined with the density functional theory and the MP2 and CCSD(T) wavefunctions methods. Theoretical ORs were obtained by Boltzmann averaging of values calculated for local minima. Resultant rotations could be used to assess the quality of the DFT and MP2 relative conformer energies. OR values calculated for equilibrium geometries in vacuum were significantly improved when the solvent was accounted for by a polarizable continuum model and first and diagonal second OR derivatives were used for an anharmonic vibrational averaging. The DFT used as a default method reproduced the experimental data fairly well. A modified B3LYP functional containing 70% of HF exchange further improved the results. Because of the strong dependence of OR on the conformation, not only the absolute configuration could be determined, but also the conformational populations were estimated. Likewise, the predicted dependence of OR on the light wavelength well agreed with experiment. The increasing precision of the contemporary computational methods thus makes it possible to relate the specific rotation to more detailed features in molecular structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Reactions with hydrazonoyl halides 62: Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some new imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine, imidazo [1,2‐a]pyridine, imdazo[1,2‐b]pyrazole, and quinoxaline derivatives
Authors: Abdelhamid Abdou O. , Abdelall Eman K. A. , Zaki Yasser H.
Published: February 2010

magnified image

3‐Arylazo‐2‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine, 2‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenylazoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine, 3‐arylazo‐2‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl)‐6‐phenyl‐5H‐imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazole, 6‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐thiazol‐5‐yl)‐5‐phenylazo3‐phenyl‐imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole, 3‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐phenylhydrazino‐(1H)‐quinoxaline, 3‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl)‐ 2‐phenylazoquinoxaline, 3‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐phenylhydrazinobenzo‐[1,4] thiazine, 3‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐thiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐phenylhydrazinobenzo[1,4]oxazine, and 3‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐thiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐phenylazo‐1H‐pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine derivatives were synthesized via reaction of 2‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐oxo‐N‐arylethanehydrazonoyl bromide with each of 2‐aminopyrimidine, 2‐aminopyridine, 3‐aminopyrazoles, 2‐amino‐4‐phenylthiazole, o‐phenylenediamine, o‐aminothiophenol, o‐aminophenol, or 2, 3‐diaminopyridine, respectively. All structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis, spectral data, and alternative synthetic route whenever possible. The entire newly synthesized compounds are tested toward different microorganisms. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010)
Disaster risk reduction or climate change adaptation: Are we reinventing the wheel?
Authors: Mercer Jessica
Published: February 2010

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and strategies are well established within the international development community, being utilised at the grassroots level to address all forms of hazards. An exacerbation and increase in meteorological hazards has in part been attributed to climate change. Climate change also contributes to noticeable seasonal fluctuations that severely affect natural resource based livelihoods. In response, a need in development policy has been identified to address climate change at the community level by helping those most affected through ‘climate change adaptation’ (CCA) strategies. This paper explores the differences—or, rather, the similarities—between DRR and CCA through analysing climate‐related DRR in Papua New Guinea (PNG) within the context of wider development policies. Ways forward are identified for international development policy supporting all forms of risk reduction through integrating DRR and CCA strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular cloning and characterisation of cytoplasmic glutamine synthetase gene BcGS1 from non‐heading Chinese cabbage
Authors: Sun Feifei , Yang Xuedong , Li Ying , Hou Xilin
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) is a key enzyme of nitrogen (N) assimilation, catalysing the synthesis of glutamine from ammonium and glutamate. Plants have two types of GS isoenzyme that are localised in different compartments: one in the cytosol (GS1) and the other in the chloroplast (GS2). GS1 is the major form of GS in plant roots and directly converts ammonium taken up by plant roots to glutamine.

RESULTS: The GS1 gene cDNA of non‐heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestrisssp. chinensis Makino) cultivar ‘Suzhouqing’ was isolated by RT‐PCR (real‐time polymerase chain reaction) and (5′/3′)‐RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) techniques. It was classified as GS1 by sequence alignment and motif search and named B. campestris ssp. chinensis Makino GS1 (BcGS1). Subcellular localisation analysis showed that BcGS1 was distributed in the cytoplasm of cells. BcGS1 was expressed in all parts, but mainly in the roots, which was verified by northern blotting analysis. Additionally, its expression was influenced by the N source concentration.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BcGS1 is a novel member of the GS family in plants. BcGS1 was significantly related to N assimilation in non‐heading Chinese cabbage, demonstrating that this gene plays an important role in plant growth and development. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The Social Difficulties Inventory (SDI): development of subscales and scoring guidance for staff
Authors: Wright Penny , Smith Adam B. , Keding Ada , Velikova Galina
Published: February 2010

Aims: To develop subscales for clinical use of the Social Difficulties Inventory (SDI) with score interpretation guidance for use in routine oncology practice.

Background: Patient‐reported outcome measures are used increasingly in cancer care but successful implementation is dependent on a combination of sound psychometrics, guidance on clinical meaning and good clinical judgement. The SDI, a 21‐item instrument (SDI‐21) developed for use in cancer care, demonstrated good psychometric properties. Rasch analysis of the SDI resulted in a 16‐item interval scale of Social Distress (SD‐16), which allowed for establishment of some clinical utility guidance but further work was required to optimise meaningful interpretation in clinical practice.

Data sources: Data were pooled from three studies investigating psychometrics and clinical utility of the SDI‐21.

Statistical analyses: Common factor analysis was undertaken on SD‐16 items. Subscales were derived from the resulting factors and calculated by summing the scores of associated items. Subscale reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's α.

Results: There were 652 participants. A three‐factor model explaining 53.3% of the variance was extracted forming the basis of the subscales: Everyday living, Money matters and Self and others. Subscale reliability was good. In a clinical setting, a 2‐point change in subscale score could be interpreted as a clinically meaningful difference.

Conclusion: The development of three subscales and clinically significant difference scores for the SD‐16, combined with the previously developed cut‐off points, improves the clinical utility of the SDI‐21 when assessing social issues in oncology care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanopatterning of Plasma Polymer Thin Films by ArF Photolithography: Impact of Polymer Structure on Patterning Properties
Authors: Dirani Ali , Wieder Fernand , Roucoules Vincent , Airoudj Aissam , Soppera Olivier
Published: February 2010

A simple method is developed for producing patterned polymer surfaces with reactive groups. This entails pulsed plasma deposition of anhydride functionalized films, followed by the covalent attachment of an amine‐terminated nucleophile via aminolysis reaction. Patterning is achieved by deep‐UV (DUV) irradiation using an ArF excimer laser (193 nm), allowing a fabrication of periodical structures with typical dimensions ranging from the nano‐ to microscale. The impact of the duty cycle during plasma polymer deposition and the impact of amine exposure time on the DUV response are investigated. Study of the relation between the polymer structure and photosensitivity allows a deeper understanding of the photoinduced mechanisms.

magnified image
Learning to be a physiotherapist: a metasynthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Lindquist Ingrid , Engardt Margareta , Richardson Barbara
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose. The health system is increasingly engaging in a wider concept of health which includes lifestyle conditions and well being as well as disease. This challenges physiotherapy educators to take an active role in preparing students for modern health care. Few studies have explored the experience of learning to be a physiotherapist from the student perspective to help illuminate the learning process. The aim of this study was to gain a higher level of theoretical understanding of the longitudinal process of students' learning to be a physiotherapist across the curriculum. Methods. A metasynthesis design was used to analyse the findings of four individual research studies, based on interviews with a cohort of 18 physiotherapy students. A qualitative phenomenographic approach to analysis was adopted within the metasynthesis. Results. Three patterns of learning, described as ‘Learning to cure body structure’, ‘Learning to educate about movement problems’ and ‘Learning to manage peoples' health’ indicate differences in the focus of learning, the ways in which learning occurs, the learning partners and the context of learning. Conclusion. A variation in patterns of learning identified in students' experience of learning to be a physiotherapist reflects different views of knowledge and learning throughout the education programme which progresses the theoretical base on which models of education can be developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hall effect and conductivity in zinc oxide (ZnO) doped by thermal diffusion of indium and copper
Authors: Juárez‐Diaz G. , Martínez J. , García‐Cruz M. L. , Peña‐Sierra R. , García J. A. , Pacio M.
Published: February 2010

Measurements of the conductivity and the Hall effect of single crystals were performed on zinc oxide (ZnO) samples after a thermal diffusion of indium (In) and copper (Cu) with different time periods. Single crystals of ZnO were growth by hydrothermal method and annealed previously to diffusion process. Diffusion was carried out in ZnO at 1000 ΩC in N2 atmosphere for 3, 6, and 15 h. Hall effect measurements were carried out using the Van der Pauw configuration with a current of 1 mA and a magnetic field of 0.37 T at room temperature. Results showed an increase in donor concentration from 4.6x1014 cm–3 to 1.15×1017 cm–3 when In is diffused and up to 9.9×1015 cm–3 when Cu is introduced in ZnO. Mobility decreased from 134.9 (undoped ZnO) to 44.7 cm2/V s, in In‐doped, and 101.9 cm2/V s, in Cu‐doped. Resistivity decreased with time from 1.29x102 Ω cm to 1.26 Ω cm and 6.25 Ω cm, in the same order as described. Based on measurements, introduction of indium is faster than copper and the higher concentration of donors is result of substitution of Zn by an ion with a different valence. This is a relative simple method to control the conductivity and donor concentration in single crystals of ZnO. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using amorphous silicon solar cells to boost the viability of luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Farrell Daniel J. , Sark Wilfried G. J. H. M. van , Velthuijsen Steven T. , Schropp Ruud E. I.
Published: February 2010

We have, for the first time, designed and fabricated hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells to be used in conjunction with Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). LSCs are planar plastic sheets doped with organic dyes that absorb solar illumination and down shift the energy to narrowband luminescence which is collected by solar cells attached to the sheet edge.

We fabricated an LSC module with two bonded solar cells and performed characterisation with the cells connected in series and parallel configurations. We find that the LSC module has an optical collection efficiency of 9.5% and an optimum power conversion efficiency of approaching 1% when the cells are in a parallel connection. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron annihilation depth‐profiling as a promising tool for the structural analysis of light‐soaked a‐Si:H absorber layers
Authors: Eijt S. W. H. , Zhu H. , Schut H. , Tijssen M. , Zeman M.
Published: February 2010

Positron annihilation depth profiling is applied as a sensitive probe to investigate the defect evolution of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) absorber layers fabricated by the PE‐CVD method with typical thicknesses of 300‐500 nm. The Doppler broadening lineshape parameter S of the layers was found to depend significantly on the applied hydrogen‐to‐silane flow ratio during their deposition, related to hydrogen‐induced changes in the microstructure and local composition at the positron trapping site. Light‐soaking degradation induces a time‐dependent variation in the S parameter which seems to correlate with the evolution of defect densities extracted from FT‐Photocurrent Spectroscopy measurements. (© WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficiency of nested Markov chain Monte Carlo for polarizable potentials and perturbed Hamiltonians
Authors: Calvo Florent
Published: February 2010

Nested Markov chain Monte Carlo is a rigorous way to enhance sampling of a given energy landscape using an auxiliary, approximate potential energy surface. Its practical efficiency mainly depends on how cheap and how different are the auxiliary potential with respect to the reference system. In this article, a combined efficiency index is proposed and assessed for two important families of energy surfaces. As illustrated for water clusters, many‐body polarizable potentials can be approximated by simplifying the polarization contribution and keeping only the two‐body terms. In small systems, neglecting polarization entirely is also acceptable. When the reference potential energy is obtained from diagonalization of a quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, a first‐order perturbation scheme can be used to estimate the energy difference occuring on a Monte Carlo move. Our results indicate that this perturbation approximation performs well provided that the number of steps between successive diagonalization is adjusted beforehand. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2342–2346, 2010
The outbreak of carp disease caused by CyHV‐3 as a model for new emerging viral diseases in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Ilouze Maya , Davidovich Maya , Diamant Ariel , Kotler Moshe , Dishon Arnon
Published: February 2010

Aquacultured koi and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are intensively bred for ornamental purposes and for human consumption worldwide. The carp and koi farming industries have suffered enormous economic losses over the past decade due to an epizootic disease caused by Cyprinus herpesvirus‐3 (CyHV‐3) also known as koi herpesvirus and carp interstitial nephritis gill necrosis virus. CyHV‐3 is a large dsDNA virus, morphologically similar to herpesviruses, yet contains genetic elements similar to those of pox, irido‐ and herpesviruses. Considering the phylogenic distance between CyHV‐3 and higher vertebrate herpesviruses, CyHV‐3 represents the prototype of viruses assigned to the novel family Alloherpesviridae. Although emergence of a new virus rarely initiates a pandemic so severe that it reduces the life expectancy of a population, CyHV‐3 is exceptional because of its enormous impact on the world carp population. High population density is the major contributing factor to the epizootic disease caused by CyHV‐3.
Anti-metabolic syndrome effects of adenosine ingestion in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Ardiansyah  , Shirakawa Hitoshi , Sugita Yumi , Koseki Takuya , Komai Michio
Published: February 2010

We have demonstrated previously that both acute and chronic oral administration of adenosine have novel functions such as anti-hypertensive effects and improved hyperlipidaemia in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) fed a normal diet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of adenosine administration on metabolic syndrome-related parameters in SHRSP fed a high-fat diet. Six-week-old rats were divided into three groups, and were administered either water (control) or adenosine (10 or 100 mg/l) for 8 weeks. During this period, the rats had free access to a high-fat diet based on AIN-93M. The results showed that hypertension, plasma lipid, NO, insulin, glucose and urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels improved significantly in both adenosine groups. The mRNA expression levels of genes involved in anti-oxidative activity and adenosine receptors were also altered in the adenosine groups. Administration of adenosine also increased plasma adiponectin levels, accompanied by upregulation of mRNA expression level of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 in perirenal fat and adiponectin receptor 2 in the liver. In conclusion, oral administration of adenosine is effective for improving metabolic syndrome-related parameters in SHRSP, and accordingly it may prevent the progression of the metabolic syndrome.
The rush for English education in urban Cameroon: sociolinguistic implications and prospects
Authors: Fonyuy Kelen Ernesta
Published: February 2010

The growing demand for English in parts of Cameroon that were once firmly under French influence.

In the last decade, multilingual Cameroon has awoken to a new linguistic reality characterised by reconstructing linguistic identities in order to fit in the global space. This is seen in more and more urban Francophones pursuing English medium education and the Anglophones consolidating their identity alignment to the English language. From a sociolinguistic perspective, this paper evaluates the prominence and implications and prospects of this rush for English education in contemporary urban Cameroon. The case study method and cost-benefit analysis confirm that there is a fast growing interest in English medium education and the beginnings of English as an L1 in urban Cameroon. The result is a paradoxical sociolinguistic outcome: first of all, there is a shift by the majority Francophone group, who are shifting from a predominantly French medium to an English medium education, principally for economic benefits. Secondly, the Anglophones are increasingly shifting to English as an L1, without losing French as they live in basically French-speaking urban zones. This state of language shift implies that there will subsequently be bilingualism without diglossia in Cameroon's two official languages, and loss of the long-standing French language hegemony in Cameroon. At the same time, this shift threatens Cameroon's ancestral languages, forcing them increasingly into attrition and possibly endangerment.
Dutch English: tolerable, taboo, or about time too?
Authors: Edwards Alison
Published: February 2010

On keeping versus ‘correcting’ Dutch flavour in English texts. As early as 1992, Cox and Furlong indicated that some already considered English a national language in the Netherlands given how widely it was understood. Likewise, McArthur announced at a 1993 conference in Amsterdam, ‘English is now simply one of your languages, along with Dutch and Frisian.’ Against this backdrop and the increasing momentum of notions of World Englishes, it is no longer far-fetched to consider seriously the proposition of Dutch English emerging as a legitimate variety of the world's lingua franca. That such varieties have emerged in ESL or ‘outer circle’ countries such as India, Nigeria and Singapore is now well established. More controversial is the idea that so, too, could they emerge from traditionally EFL countries once relegated to Kachru's (1982) ‘norm-dependent’ expanding circle (such as the Netherlands and Scandinavia), which are now seen as transitioning – or indeed having already transitioned – to the ‘norm-developing’ realm of ESL.
Augmentation of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System to Improve Dilution of Precision
Authors: Sarma Achanta D , Sultana Quddusa , Srinivas Vemuri Satya
Published: February 2010

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an autonomous and independent navigational system being developed by India. IRNSS will provide position, navigation and timing services for national applications. To improve accuracy, it can be augmented using GPS and pseudolites (pseudo-satellites). In this paper, the effect on DOP (Dilution of Precision) due to augmentation of the proposed constellation of IRNSS with pseudolites is investigated. GDOP is reduced to 1·75 (max) from 3·63 (max) due to augmentation of IRNSS with two airport pseudolites (APLs). Due to augmentation of IRNSS with GPS, GDOP is reduced to 2·4 (max). When IRNSS is augmented with an APL as well as with GPS, GDOP is further decreased to 1·65 (max). The regional effect on DOP due to IRNSS is also investigated at different locations in the Indian region.
Influence of MT7 toxin on the oligomerization state of the M1muscarinic receptor1
Authors: Marquer Catherine , Fruchart‐Gaillard Carole , Mourier Gilles , Grandjean Olivier , Girard Emmanuelle , le Maire Marc , Brown Spencer , Servent Denis
Published: February 2010

Background information. The idea that GPCRs (G‐protein‐coupled receptors) may exist as homo‐ or hetero‐oligomers, although still controversial, is now widely accepted. Nevertheless, the functional roles of oligomerization are still unclear and gaining greater insight into the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of GPCR assembly and, in particular, assessing the effect of ligands on this process seems important. We chose to focus our present study on the effect of MT7 (muscarinic toxin 7), a highly selective allosteric peptide ligand, on the oligomerization state of the hM1(human M1muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype).

Results. We analysed the hM1oligomerization state in membrane preparations or in live cells and observed the effect of MT7 via four complementary techniques: native‐PAGE electrophoresis analysed by both Western blotting and autoradiography on solubilized membrane preparations of CHO‐M1 cells (Chinese‐hamster ovary cells expressing muscarinic M1receptors); FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) experiments on cells expressing differently tagged M1receptors using either an acceptor photobleaching approach or a novel fluorescence emission anisotropy technique; and, finally, by BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer) assays. Our results reveal that MT7 seems to protect the M1receptor from the dissociating effect of the detergent and induces an increase in the FRET and BRET signals, highlighting its ability to affect the dimeric form of the receptor.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that MT7 binds to a dimeric form of hM1receptor, favouring the stability of this receptor state at the cellular level, probably by inducing some conformational rearrangements of the pre‐existing muscarinic receptor homodimers.