bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzothiazolylazo derivatives of some β-dicarbonyl compounds and their Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes
Authors: Krishnankutty Krishnannair , Ummathur Basheer , Babu Kamalakshy
Published: March 2010

The coupling of diazotized 2-aminobenzothiazole with 1,3- dicarbonyl compounds (benzoylacetone, methylacetoacetate and acetoacetanilide) yielded a new series of tridentate ligand systems (HL). Analytical, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data indicated that the compounds exist in the intramolecularly hydrogen bonded azo-enol tautomeric form in which one of the carbonyl groups of the dicarbonyl moiety had enolised and hydrogen bonded to one of the azo nitrogen atoms. The compounds formed stable complexes with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. The Cu(II) complexes conform to [CuL(OAc)] stoichiometry while the Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes are in agreement with [ML2] stoichiometry. Analytical, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data of the complexes are consistent with the replacement of the chelated enol proton of the ligand with a metal ion, thus leading to a stable sixmembered chelate ring involving a cyclic nitrogen, one of the azo nitrogens and the enolate oxygen. The Zn(II) chelates are diamagnetic while Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed a normal paramagnetic moment.
Allergotoxicology: Research of Pollutant Influence on the Development of Allergic Reactions
Authors: Kanceljak-Macan Božica
Published: March 2010

Alergotoksikologija: Istraživanja Utjecaja Polutanata na Pojavu Alergijskih Reakcija

Alergotoksikologija je znanstvenoistraživačko područje koje se bavi ispitivanjem utjecaja polutanata (onečišćivača zraka) na nastanak alergijskih reakcija i bolesti. Ispitivanja su prvobitno bila usmjerena na polutante vanjskih prostora, a u novije vrijeme sve više na polutante unutarnjih prostora u kojima ljudi provode većinu vremena. Polutanti po svojoj prirodi mogu biti krute, tekuće ili plinovite čestice, koje se razlikuju s obzirom na veličinu, sastav i izvor iz kojeg nastaju. S obzirom na izvor mogu biti biološkog i nebiološkog podrijetla. Polutanti koji su predmet suvremenih istraživanja s gledišta nastanka alergijskih bolesti su respirabilne krute čestice, ozon, dušični oksidi i bioaerosoli. Mehanizam djelovanja polutanata ovisi o veličini čestica, njihovoj topljivosti i mjestu ulaska u organizam. Dosadašnja ispitivanja su pokazala da različite čestice uvjetuju različite imunosne i neimunosne odgovore u organizmu. Interakcija polutanata i alergena može se zbivati izvan eksponirane osobe, tj. sa samim alergenom ili u eksponiranoj osobi na sluznicama i koži. Polutanti mogu biti nosioci alergena i mogu interferirati na različitim nivoima u nastanku alergijske reakcije. U ovom prikazu razmatraju se dosadašnja saznanja o mehanizmima djelovanja polutanata na alergene, na imunosni sustav izloženih osoba na osnovi epidemioloških populacijskih istraživanja, kliničkih studija ekspozcije u kontroliranim uvjetima i eksperimentalnih testnih sistemain vivoiin vitro.
Dustfall Measurements in Primorsko-Goranska County, 1975-2008
Authors: Mićović Vladimir , Alebić-Juretić Ana , Matković Nada , Crvelin Goran
Published: March 2010

Dustfall Measurements in Primorsko-Goranska County, 1975-2008

Dustfall measurements in Primorsko-goranska county started in 1975 in the Bakar Bay (Site 2 - Bakar and Site 3 - Kraljevica). The measurements were extended to the city of Rijeka (Site 1 - Rijeka) in 1982, to the nearby islands (Site 4 - Krk and Site 5 - Cres) in 1986, and inland to Gorski Kotar (Site 6 - Delnice and Site 7 - Lividraga) in 1995. This article brings the results of dustfall measurements from 1975 to 2008. Dustfall was low in the city, the nearby islands, and Gorski Kotar. Recommended and limit values were occasionally exceeded in the Bakar Bay due to emissions from the coke plant and harbour at Site 2 (1979-1997) and from the shipyard at Site 3. Lead content in the dustfall was below the national limits, save for two occasions at Site 2. Deposition of sulphur and nitrogen at the inland sites were below the respective critical load values.
Identification of Counterfeit Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction from an Illegal Supply Chain
Authors: Tomić Siniša , Milčić Neven , Sokolić Milenko , Martinac Adrijana
Published: March 2010

Identification of Counterfeit Medicines for Erectile Dysfunction from an Illegal Supply Chain

The appearance of counterfeit medicines in supply chains is a global public health problem that may seriously affect patients. Counterfeit drugs do not meet quality standards and do not declare their real composition and/or source for the purposes of fraud. They may be generic or innovative, they may contain genuine constituents in a fake packaging, or wrong ingredients, or inactive ingredients, or an incorrect quantity of the active substance. In Croatia, no cases of counterfeit medicines have been detected so far, but the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices has received 34 samples of medicines and other products for testing from Zagreb City Police. The samples included medicines for erectile dysfunction: sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Twenty-three samples of tablets without marketing authorisation in Croatia were tested with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the declared sildenafil and tadalafil content. Samples labelled 1 (batch T/33), 3 (batch T/33), 5 (batch 4), 6 (batch M0016J), 10 (batch T-070235), 12 (batch T-070544), 15 (batch 314833201), 16 (batch 832718474), and 17 (batch 504830028) containing sildenafil and samples labelled 20 (batch 070356), 21 (batch 05668), and 22 (batch T 378 5) containing tadalafil did not contain the active substance within the acceptable 95 % to 105 % margin of deviation from the declared content. While most samples cannot be described as fake with a reasonable amount of certainty, there is still a suspicion of counterfeit. A correct conclusion can be drawn only with the assistance of the manufacturers and by conducting additional laboratory tests.
Assessment of Cyto/Genotoxicity of Irinotecan in V79 Cells Using the Comet, Micronucleus, and Chromosome Aberration Assay
Authors: Kašuba Vilena , Rozgaj Ružica , Gamulin Marija , Trošić Ivančica
Published: March 2010

Assessment of Cyto/Genotoxicity of Irinotecan in V79 Cells Using the Comet, Micronucleus, and Chromosome Aberration Assay

Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I interactive agent, widely used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The genotoxic effects of the maximum single dose (18 μg mL-1), recommended monotherapy dose (9 μg mL-1), and recommended combined therapy dose (4.5 μg mL-1) of irinotecan were studied on V79 cells using the comet assay, chromosome aberration assay, and micronucleus test. The cells were treated with irinotecan for 2 h or 24 h. The statistical significance of the results was determined using the one-way ANOVA test and a nonparametric Mann Whitney U test. The comet assay did not show dose-dependent or time-dependent effects. The chromosome aberration analysis showed large DNA rearrangements, i.e., chromosome exchanges. Although the exposed cultures showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells in respect to control, no dose-dependent relation was established among the treated cultures. Time-dependent effect was also not observed.
Thallium Toxicity in Humans
Authors: Cvjetko Petra , Cvjetko Ivan , Pavlica Mirjana
Published: March 2010

Thallium Toxicity in Humans

Thallium is a naturally occurring trace element, widely distributed in the earth's crust, but at very low concentrations. It does not have a known biological use and does not appear to be an essential element for life. It has been considered one of the most toxic heavy metals.

Occasionally, there are reports on thallium poisoning as results of suicide or murder attempt or accident. The main threat to humans is through occupational exposure, environmental contamination, and accumulation in food, mainly in vegetables grown on contaminated soil. Increasing use in emerging new technologies and demanding high-tech industry constantly raise concern about exposure risk to all living organisms. Thallium is considered a cumulative poison that can cause adverse health effects and degenerative changes in many organs. The effects are the most severe in the nervous system. The exact mechanism of thallium toxicity still remains unknown, although impaired glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress, and disruption of potassium-regulated homeostasis may play a role. The lack of data about mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic effects of thallium compounds in humans calls for further research.
Cage Exposure of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) for in Situ Assessment of Pollution-Related Genotoxicity
Authors: Šrut Maja , Štambuk Anamaria , Pavlica Mirjana , Klobučar Göran
Published: March 2010

Cage Exposure of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) for in Situ Assessment of Pollution-Related Genotoxicity

Genotoxic effects are often the earliest signs of pollution-related environmental disturbance. In this study, we used the comet assay and micronucleus test to assess DNA damage in the erythrocytes of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) exposed to environmental pollution in situ. Fish were collected from a fish farm in the Trogir Bay and their cages placed at an unpolluted reference site Šolta (Nečujam Bay) and a polluted site Vranjic (Kaštela Bay) for four weeks. A group of fish which remained at the fish farm Trogir Bay were used as the second control group. Fish exposed at the Vranjic site showed a significantly higher erythrocyte DNA damage, measured by the comet assay, than either control group. Micronucleus induction showed a similar gradient of DNA damage, but did not reach statistical significance. Our results show that cage exposure of a marine fish D. labrax can be useful in environmental biomonitoring and confirm the comet assay as a suitable tool for detecting pollution-related genotoxicity.
Antineoplastic Drugs as a Potential Risk Factor in Occupational Settings: Mechanisms of Action at the Cell Level, Genotoxic Effects, and Their Detection Using Different Biomarkers
Authors: Kopjar Nevenka , Želježić Davor , Kašuba Vilena , Rozgaj Ružica
Published: March 2010

Antineoplastični Lijekovi Kao Čimbenik Rizika u Radnom Okolišu: Mehanizmi Djelovanja na Razini Stanice i Pregled Metoda za Otkrivanje Njihovih Genotoksičnih Učinaka

U članku je prikazana osnovna podjela antineoplastičnih lijekova prema mehanizmima djelovanja na razini stanice. Objašnjeni su mehanizmi genotoksičnosti najvažnijih vrsta lijekova koji se primjenjuju u okviru uobičajenih protokola za liječenje zloćudnih novotvorina. Navedena je važeća klasifikacija antineoplastika prema kancerogenom potencijalu, podaci o mutagenom potencijalu te je prikazana njihova podjela u skladu s anatomsko-terapijsko-kemijskim sustavom klasifikacije. Sustavno su prikazani najvažniji rezultati svjetskih i hrvatskih istraživanja na populacijama radnika izloženih antineoplasticima, provedenih u razdoblju 1980.-2009. s pomoću četiri najčešće primjenjivane metode: analize izmjena sestrinskih kromatida, analize kromosomskih aberacija, mikronukleus-testa i komet-testa. Objašnjena su osnovna načela navedenih metoda te raspravljene njihove prednosti i nedostaci. Biološki pokazatelji daju važne podatke o individualnoj osjetljivosti profesionalno izloženih ispitanika koji mogu poslužiti unaprjeđenju postojećih uvjeta rada i upravljanju rizicima pri izloženosti genotoksičnim agensima. Na osnovi prednosti i nedostataka citogenetičkih metoda zaključeno je da je mikronukleus-test, koji podjednako uspješno dokazuje klastogene i aneugene učinke, jedna od najboljih metoda dostupnih za otkrivanje štetnih djelovanja antineoplastičnih lijekova koji su u aktivnoj primjeni.
Evaluation of various sample pre-treatment methods for total and inorganic mercury determination in biological certified reference materials by CVAAS technique
Authors: Matusiewicz Henryk , Stanisz Ewa
Published: March 2010

Sample preparation methods for non-separation cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) sequential inorganic mercury speciation in biological certified reference materials (CRMs) were investigated. The methylmercury concentration was calculated as the difference between total and inorganic mercury. Microwave-assisted decomposition method, and three ultrasonic extraction procedures based on acid leaching with HCl and HCOOH and solubilization with TMAH were employed as sample preparation methods. The replacement of a sample decomposition procedure by extraction prior to analysis by CVAAS, as well as the aspect of speciation analysis is discussed. The limits of detection in the sample were determined as 50 and 10 ng L−1 for inorganic and total mercury, which corresponds to absolute detection limits of 40 and 8 ng g−1 for inorganic and total mercury, respectively. The results were in good agreement with the 95% confidence level t-test of the certified values for total and inorganic mercury in the reference materials investigated. From the analysis of the CRMs, it was evident that the difference between the total and inorganic mercury concentrations agrees with the methylmercury concentration. The relative standard deviation was better than 11% for most of the samples.
The thermodynamic dissociation constants of methotrexate by the nonlinear regression and factor analysis of multiwavelength spectrophotometric pH-titration data
Authors: Meloun Milan , Ferenčíková Zuzana , Vrána Aleš
Published: March 2010

The mixed dissociation constants of methotrexate — chemically (2S)-2-[(4-{[(2,4-diamino-7,8-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl] (methyl)amino}phenyl)formamido]pentanedioic acid (the cas number 59-05-2) at various ionic strengths I of range 0.01–0.4, and at temperatures of 25°C and 37°C, were determined with the use of two different multiwavelength and multivariate treatments of spectral data, SPECFIT32 and SQUAD(84) nonlinear regression analyses and INDICES factor analysis according to a general rule of first, determining the number of components, and then calculating the spectral responses and concentrations of the components. Concurrently, the experimental determination of the thermodynamic dissociation constants was in agreement with its computational prediction of the PALLAS programme based on knowledge of the chemical structures of the drug. The factor analysis in the INDICES programme predicts the correct number of light-absorbing components when the data quality is high and the instrumental error is known. Three thermodynamic dissociation constants were estimated by nonlinear regression of {pK a , I} data: for methotrexate pK a1T= 2.895(13), pK a2T= 4.410(14), pK a3T= 5.726(15) at 25°C and pK a1T= 3.089(15), pK a2T= 4.392(12), pK a3T= 5.585(11) at 37°C, where the figure in brackets is the standard deviation in last significant digits. The reliability of the dissociation constants of the drug were proven by conducting goodness-of-fit tests of the multiwavelength spectrophotometric pH-titration data.
Determination of cobalt in water samples by atomic absorption spectrometry after pre-concentration with a simple ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction methodology
Authors: Abdolmohammad-Zadeh Hossein , Ebrahimzadeh Elnaz
Published: March 2010

A rapid dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) methodology based on the application of 1-hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate [C6py][PF6] ionic liquid (IL) as an extractant solvent was applied for the pre-concentration of trace levels of cobalt prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). 1-Phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP) was employed as a chelator forming a Co-PMBP complex to extract cobalt ions from aqueous solution into the fine droplets of [C6py][PF6]. Some effective factors that influence the micro-extraction efficiency include the pH, the PMBP concentration, the amount of ionic liquid, the ionic strength, the temperature and the centrifugation time which were investigated and optimized. In the optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection (3s) and the enrichment factor were 0.70 µg L−1 and 60, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for six replicate determinations of 50 µg L−1 Co was 2.36%. The calibration graph using the pre-concentration system was linear at levels 2–166 µg L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9982. The applicability of the proposed method was evaluated by the determination of trace amounts of cobalt in several water samples.
Isomers in the chemistry of mercury coordination compounds
Authors: Melnik Milan
Published: March 2010

The coordination chemistry of mercury is an extremelybroad field, as shown by a survey covering the crystallographic and structural data of over 550 examples. About 12% of those complexes exist as isomers and are summarised and classified in this review. Included are distortion (73%), polymerisation (20.6%), coordination number (3.2%) and ligand (3.2%) isomerism. These are discussed in terms of the coordination around the mercury atoms, and correlations are drawn between donor atoms, bond distances and bond angles. Distortion isomers, differing only by the degree of distortion in the Hg — L and L — Hg — L angles, are the most common. These isomers are discussed and compared with those found in the chemistry of zinc and cadmium.
Theory of reverse scan square-wave voltammetry influenced by the kinetics of reactant adsorption
Authors: Lovrić Milivoj , Komorsky-Lovrić Šebojka
Published: March 2010

A model of electrode reaction complicated by slow adsorption of the reactant is developed for square-wave voltammetry with inverse scan direction. The relationship between the dimensionless net peak current and the logarithm of dimensionless rate constant of adsorption is a curve with a minimum and a maximum. For this reason the ratio of real net peak current and the square-root of frequency is a non-linear function of the logarithm of frequency and exhibits either a maximum or a minimum. The frequency of extreme serves for the estimation of the rate constant: log(k ads /D 1/2 ) = log(k*ads )crit + 0.5 log f crit , where (k*ads )crit is a critical dimensionless rate constant of adsorption. Square-wave voltammetry is sensitive to the kinetics of adsorption if k ads 2 cm s−1
Local stability conditions for discrete-time cascade locally recurrent neural networks
Authors: Patan Krzysztof
Published: March 2010

Local stability conditions for discrete-time cascade locally recurrent neural networks

The paper deals with a specific kind of discrete-time recurrent neural network designed with dynamic neuron models. Dynamics are reproduced within each single neuron, hence the network considered is a locally recurrent globally feedforward. A crucial problem with neural networks of the dynamic type is stability as well as stabilization in learning problems. The paper formulates local stability conditions for the analysed class of neural networks using Lyapunov's first method. Moreover, a stabilization problem is defined and solved as a constrained optimization task. In order to tackle this problem, a gradient projection method is adopted. The efficiency and usefulness of the proposed approach are justified by using a number of experiments.
On classification with missing data using rough-neuro-fuzzy systems
Authors: Nowicki Robert
Published: March 2010

On classification with missing data using rough-neuro-fuzzy systems

The paper presents a new approach to fuzzy classification in the case of missing data. Rough-fuzzy sets are incorporated into logical type neuro-fuzzy structures and a rough-neuro-fuzzy classifier is derived. Theorems which allow determining the structure of the rough-neuro-fuzzy classifier are given. Several experiments illustrating the performance of the roughneuro-fuzzy classifier working in the case of missing features are described.
On the convergence of the wavelet-Galerkin method for nonlinear filtering
Authors: Nowak Łukasz , Pasławska-Południak Monika , Twardowska Krystyna
Published: March 2010

On the convergence of the wavelet-Galerkin method for nonlinear filtering

The aim of the paper is to examine the wavelet-Galerkin method for the solution of filtering equations. We use a wavelet biorthogonal basis with compact support for approximations of the solution. Then we compute the Zakai equation for our filtering problem and consider the implicit Euler scheme in time and the Galerkin scheme in space for the solution of the Zakai equation. We give theorems on convergence and its rate. The method is numerically much more efficient than the classical Galerkin method.
Two implementations of the preconditioned conjugate gradient method on heterogeneous computing grids
Authors: Collignon Tijmen , Van Gijzen Martin
Published: March 2010

Two implementations of the preconditioned conjugate gradient method on heterogeneous computing grids

Efficient iterative solution of large linear systems on grid computers is a complex problem. The induced heterogeneity and volatile nature of the aggregated computational resources present numerous algorithmic challenges. This paper describes a case study regarding iterative solution of large sparse linear systems on grid computers within the software constraints of the grid middleware GridSolve and within the algorithmic constraints of preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (CG) type methods. We identify the various bottlenecks induced by the middleware and the iterative algorithm. We consider the standard CG algorithm of Hestenes and Stiefel, and as an alternative the Chronopoulos/Gear variant, a formulation that is potentially better suited for grid computing since it requires only one synchronisation point per iteration, instead of two for standard CG. In addition, we improve the computation-to-communication ratio by maximising the work in the preconditioner. In addition to these algorithmic improvements, we also try to minimise the communication overhead within the communication model currently used by the GridSolve middleware. We present numerical experiments on 3D bubbly flow problems using heterogeneous computing hardware that show lower computing times and better speed-up for the Chronopoulos/Gear variant of conjugate gradients. Finally, we suggest extensions to both the iterative algorithm and the middleware for improving granularity.
Texture analysis in perfusion images of prostate cancer—A case study
Authors: Śmietański Jacek , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Łuczyńska Elżbieta
Published: March 2010

Texture analysis in perfusion images of prostate cancer—A case study

The analysis of prostate images is one of the most complex tasks in medical images interpretation. It is sometimes very difficult to detect early prostate cancer using currently available diagnostic methods. But the examination based on perfusion computed tomography (p-CT) may avoid such problems even in particularly difficult cases. However, the lack of computational methods useful in the interpretation of perfusion prostate images makes it unreliable because the diagnosis depends mainly on the doctor's individual opinion and experience. In this paper some methods of automatic analysis of prostate perfusion tomographic images are presented and discussed. Some of the presented methods are adopted from papers of other researchers, and some are elaborated by the authors. This presentation of the method and algorithms is important, but it is not the master scope of the paper. The main purpose of this study is computational (deterministic and independent) verification of the usefulness of the p-CT technique in a specific case. It shows that it is possible to find computationally attainable properties of p-CT images which allow pointing out the cancerous lesion and can be used in computer aided medical diagnosis.
Self-adaptation of parameters in a learning classifier system ensemble machine
Authors: Troć Maciej , Unold Olgierd
Published: March 2010

Self-adaptation of parameters in a learning classifier system ensemble machine

Self-adaptation is a key feature of evolutionary algorithms (EAs). Although EAs have been used successfully to solve a wide variety of problems, the performance of this technique depends heavily on the selection of the EA parameters. Moreover, the process of setting such parameters is considered a time-consuming task. Several research works have tried to deal with this problem; however, the construction of algorithms letting the parameters adapt themselves to the problem is a critical and open problem of EAs. This work proposes a novel ensemble machine learning method that is able to learn rules, solve problems in a parallel way and adapt parameters used by its components. A self-adaptive ensemble machine consists of simultaneously working extended classifier systems (XCSs). The proposed ensemble machine may be treated as a meta classifier system. A new self-adaptive XCS-based ensemble machine was compared with two other XCS-based ensembles in relation to one-step binary problems: Multiplexer, One Counts, Hidden Parity, and randomly generated Boolean functions, in a noisy version as well. Results of the experiments have shown the ability of the model to adapt the mutation rate and the tournament size. The results are analyzed in detail.
A new efficient and flexible algorithm for the design of testable subsystems
Authors: Ploix Stéphane , Yassine Abed , Flaus Jean-Marie
Published: March 2010

A new efficient and flexible algorithm for the design of testable subsystems

In complex industrial plants, there are usually many sensors and the modeling of plants leads to lots of mathematical relations. This paper presents a general method for finding all the possible testable subsystems, i.e., sets of relations that can lead to various types of detection tests. This method, which is based on structural analysis, provides the constraints that have to be used for the design of each detection test and manages situations where constraints contain non-deductible variables and where some constraints cannot be gathered in the same test. Thanks to these results, it becomes possible to select the most interesting testable subsystems regarding detectability and diagnosability criteria. Application examples dealing with a road network, a digital counter and an electronic circuit are presented.
Analysis of multibackground memory testing techniques
Authors: Mrozek Ireneusz
Published: March 2010

Analysis of multibackground memory testing techniques

March tests are widely used in the process of RAM testing. This family of tests is very efficient in the case of simple faults such as stuck-at or transition faults. In the case of a complex fault model—such as pattern sensitive faults—their efficiency is not sufficient. Therefore we have to use other techniques to increase fault coverage for complex faults. Multibackground memory testing is one of such techniques. In this case a selected March test is run many times. Each time it is run with new initial conditions. One of the conditions which we can change is the initial memory background. In this paper we compare the efficiency of multibackground tests based on four different algorithms of background generation.
Postnatal development of layer IV in fronto-opercular region (Broca’s area)
Authors: Maja Cepanec , Miloš Judaš
Published: March 2010

In the adult human fronto-opercular cortex, the grade of granularity of cortical layer IV represents a major architectonic feature for distinguishing the opercular area BA44 (which is typically described as being magnopyramidal and intermedio-granular) from the triangular area BA45 (which is typically described as being magnopyramidal and granular). We analyzed postnatal cytoarchitectonic development of internal granular layer (layer IV) of the fronto-opercular region in 23 brains of newborns, infants and children (age range: 15 days to 15 years) and in one adult brain. We found that: (1) the grade of granularity of layer IV in the fronto-opercular cortex displays a great interindividual variability throughout development as well as in the adult brain; (2) this variability is much more pronounced in the opercular area BA44 than in the triangular area BA45. Our findings support the classical interpretation provided by Constantin von Economo (von Economo & Koskinas, 1925) according to which BA44/FCBm represents a specialized variant of the wide premotor cortical zone, while BA45/FDG represents a specialized variant of the typical (associative) frontal granular cortex.
Capzb2 protein expression in the brains of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease
Authors: Vanderburg Charles , Davis David , Diamond Rachel , Kao Patricia , Delalle Ivana
Published: March 2010

The silencing of actin capping protein ß2, Capzb2, by RNAi in developing cultured neurons results in short, dystrophic neurites reminiscent of cytoskeletal changes seen in diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Actin and tubulin are two major cytoskeletal proteins indispensable for normal neurite development and regenerative responses to injury and neurodegenerative stimuli. We have previously shown that Capzb2 binds tubulin and, in the presence of microtubule-associated protein tau, affects microtubule polymerization necessary for neurite outgrowth and normal growth cone morphology. Accordingly, Capzb2 silencing in hippocampal neurons results in short neurites with abnormal growth cones. Decreased neurite length is found in both AD and HD. In the first step towards uncovering the possible role of Capzb2 in these diseases, we studied Capzb2 protein expression in the postmortem brains of AD and HD patients. To determine whether disease-specific changes in Capzb2 protein accompany the progression of neurodegeneration, we performed Western Blot analysis of prefrontal cortices (PFC) and hippocampi (HPC) in AD patients and of PFC and heads of caudate nuclei (HCN) in HD patients. Our results show disease- and areaspecific dynamics in the levels of Capzb2 protein expression in the progressive stages of AD and HD.
Radial structure of dolphin insula
Authors: Casanova Manuel , Trippe Juan , Tillquist Christopher , Switala Andrew
Published: March 2010

The brain of the bottlenose dolphin exhibits patterns of isocortical parcellation and cytoarchitecture distinct from those seen in primates, yet cell clusters in anterior insula are comparable in scale to module-like cell arrangements found throughout isocortex in other placental mammalian species with long divergent evolutionary histories. This similarity may be due to common ancestry, or to convergence as a result of selective constraints on organization of connections within such modules. Differences reflect alternate arrangements of minicolumns, an elemental cytoarchitectonic motif of isocortex defined by radially oriented pyramidal cell arrays. In contrast with larger modular structures incorporating them, minicolumns have been highly conserved in mammalian evolution. In this study a previously validated imaging method was employed to assess verticality, D, a parameter indicating radial bias of isocortex. Photomicrographs of coronal Nissl-stained sections of dolphin anterior insular cortex were compared with sections from human brains of putatively homologous areas as well as other isocortical areas differing in modular organization. Dolphin insula exhibited a high degree of verticality consistent with conserved minicolumnar organization. Our findings indicate that a basic structural motif of isocortex is synapomorphic in a species of marine mammal exhibiting unique phylogenetically derived isocortical characteristics.
Negotiating Roles and Relationships
Authors: Hewitt John D. , Regoli Robert M.
Published: March 2010

When producing a single-author scholarly monograph that will be self-published, either in print format or digitally online, an author has complete control of the writing process, deadlines, and production of the product. On the other hand, publishing textbooks typically involves a number of interdependent participants, including co-authors and an assortment of publishing-company people (acquisition editors, developmental editors, copy editors, photo editors, marketing specialists, and sometimes more senior managing editors). Co-authors and editors bring unique personalities and egos to the writing project. Sometimes these personalities and egos work like a well-oiled machine; at other times they are significantly uncoordinated. This article examines the array of potentially problematic roles and relationships encountered when pursuing the publication of a co-authored textbook.
Navigating and Expanding the MLA International Bibliography
Authors: Tonkin Humphrey
Published: March 2010

From an annual printed volume, the International Bibliography of the Modern Language Association has gradually developed into a multi-volume printed edition and a vast online database (as of 2009, the print edition will be discontinued). Traditionally compiled from a master list of periodicals, it has given birth to a hybrid classification system, part language-based and part geography-based, which does not easily accommodate peripatetic or multilingual writers, changing definitions of national literatures, or consistency of indexing over time. It is best suited to the English-speaking reader dealing with print materials relating to major European literatures and languages. Efforts are underway to address Web-based materials more effectively, but the bibliography could be made more serviceable to a wider range of users with a translatable indexing system and with criteria better adapted to the needs of smaller languages, literatures, and cultures. It could be supplemented by a bibliographic wiki, separate from the bibliography but useable as a source for materials and commentary.
Molecular Analysis of Bacterial Community DNA in Sludge Undergoing Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD): Pitfalls and Improved Methodology to Enhance Diversity Recovery
Authors: Piterina Anna V. , Bartlett John , Pembroke J. Tony
Published: March 2010

Molecular analysis of the bacterial community structure associated with sludge processed by autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD), was performed using a number of extraction and amplification procedures which differed in yield, integrity, ability to amplify extracted templates and specificity in recovering species present. Interference to PCR and qPCR amplification was observed due to chelation, nuclease activity and the presence of thermolabile components derived from the ATAD sludge. Addition of selected adjuvant restored the ability to amplify community DNA, derived from the thermophilic sludge, via a number of primer sets of ecological importance and various DNA polymerases. Resolution of community profiles by molecular techniques was also influenced by the ATAD sludge extraction procedure as demonstrated by PCR-DGGE profiling and comparison of taxonomic affiliations of the most predominant members within 16S rRNA gene libraries constructed from ATAD DNA extracted by different methods. Several modifications have been shown to be necessary to optimize the molecular analysis of the ATAD thermal niche which may have general applicability to diversity recovery from similar environments.
A Wind Farm Electrical Systems Evaluation with EeFarm-II
Authors: Pierik Jan , Axelsson Urban , Eriksson Emil , Salomonsson Daniel , Bauer Pavol , Czech Balazs
Published: March 2010

EeFarm-II is used to evaluate 13 different electrical systems for a 200 MW wind farm with a 100 km connection to shore. The evaluation is based on component manufacturer data of 2009. AC systems are compared to systems with DC connections inside the wind farm and DC connection to shore. Two options have the best performance for this wind farm size and distance: the AC system and the system with a DC connection to shore. EeFarm-II is a user friendly computer program for wind farm electrical and economic evaluation. It has been built as a Simulink Library in the graphical interface of Matlab-Simulink. EeFarm-II contains models of wind turbines, generators, transformers, AC cables, inductors, nodes, splitters, PWM converters, thyristor converters, DC cables, choppers and statcoms.
Sitting Time and Body Mass Index, in a Portuguese Sample of Men: Results from the Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study (APAHS)
Authors: Santos Rute , Soares-Miranda Luísa , Vale Susana , Moreira Carla , Marques Ana I. , Mota Jorge
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to verify the relation between body mass index (BMI) and sitting time in a sample of 4,091 Azorean men. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height. Total physical activity (PA) time and total sitting time were assessed with the IPAQ (short version). Linear Regression analysis showed that total sitting time (hours/day) was positively associated with BMI (B = 0.078; p < 0.001) after adjustments for age, meal frequency, alcohol and tobacco consumptions, island of residence, education level and total PA time. Although the cross sectional design precludes us from establishing causality, our findings emphasize the importance of reducing sedentary behavior to decrease the risk of obesity.
Gas-Phase Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from Methanol and Carbon Dioxide Over Co1.5PW12O40 Keggin-Type Heteropolyanion
Authors: Aouissi Ahmed , Al-Othman Zeid Abdullah , Al-Amro Amro
Published: March 2010

The reactivity of Co1.5PW12O40 in the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and CH3OH was investigated. The synthesized catalyst has been characterized by means of FTIR, XRD, TG, and DTA and tested in gas phase under atmospheric pressure. The effects of the reaction temperature, time on stream, and methanol weight hourly space velocity (MWHSV) on the conversion and DMC selectivity were investigated. The highest conversion (7.6%) and highest DMC selectivity (86.5%) were obtained at the lowest temperature used (200 °C). Increasing the space velocity MWHSV increased the selectivity of DMC, but decreased the conversion. A gain of 18.4% of DMC selectivity was obtained when the MWHSV was increased from 0.65 h-1 to 3.2 h-1.
Origin and Distribution of Thiophenes and Furans in Gas Discharges from Active Volcanoes and Geothermal Systems
Authors: Tassi Franco , Montegrossi Giordano , Capecchiacci Francesco , Vaselli Orlando
Published: March 2010

The composition of non-methane organic volatile compounds (VOCs) determined in 139 thermal gas discharges from 18 different geothermal and volcanic systems in Italy and Latin America, consists of C2–C20 species pertaining to the alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and O-, S- and N-bearing classes of compounds. Thiophenes and mono-aromatics, especially the methylated species, are strongly enriched in fluids emissions related to hydrothermal systems. Addition of hydrogen sulphide to dienes and electrophilic methylation involving halogenated radicals may be invoked for the formation of these species. On the contrary, the formation of furans, with the only exception of C4H8O, seems to be favoured at oxidizing conditions and relatively high temperatures, although mechanisms similar to those hypothesized for the production of thiophenes can be suggested. Such thermodynamic features are typical of fluid reservoirs feeding high-temperature thermal discharges of volcanoes characterised by strong degassing activity, which are likely affected by conspicuous contribution from a magmatic source. The composition of heteroaromatics in fluids naturally discharged from active volcanoes and geothermal areas can then be considered largely dependent on the interplay between hydrothermal vs. magmatic contributions. This implies that they can be used as useful geochemical tools to be successfully applied in both volcanic monitoring and geothermal prospection.
Low Velocity Impact Behavior of Glass Filled Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Engine Components
Authors: Mouti Zakaria , Westwood Keith , Kayvantash Kambiz , Njuguna James
Published: March 2010

This paper concerns automotive parts located underneath the engine and in particular the engine oil pan. Classically made of stamped steel or cast aluminum, new developments have allowed the manufacture oil pans with polyamide 66 reinforced by 35% weight of short glass fiber. However, polyamides have some limitations and the most significant is their response to localized impact loading. The nature of the impact considered here is of a typical stone collected from the road and projected into the oil pan. Low velocity impact investigations were carried out using a gas gun and drop weight tower. The study shows that the design of the oil pan has a significant contribution in the shock absorption. In addition to the material properties, the geometry and the ribbing both cleverly combined, increase the impact resistance of the component significantly. Areas of oil pan design improvement have been identified and conclusions drawn.
LC/MS Analysis of Tetrodotoxin and Its Deoxy Analogs in the Marine Puffer Fish Fugu niphobles from the Southern Coast of Korea, and in the Brackishwater Puffer Fishes Tetraodon nigroviridis and Tetraodon biocellatus from Southeast Asia
Authors: Jang Jun-Ho , Lee Jong-Soo , Yotsu-Yamashita Mari
Published: March 2010

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its deoxy analogs, 5-deoxyTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 6,11-dideoxyTTX, and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, were quantified in the tissues of three female and three male specimens of the marine puffer fish, Fugu niphobles, from the southern coast of Korea, and in the whole body of the brackishwater puffer fishes, Tetraodon nigroviridis (12 specimens) and Tetrodon biocellatus (three specimens) from Southeast Asia using LC/MS in single ion mode (SIM). Identification of these four deoxy analogs in the ovarian tissue of F. niphobles were further confirmed by LC/MS/MS. TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX were detected in all three puffer fish species as the major TTX analogs, similar to Japanese Fugu pardalis. While 6,11-dideoxyTTX was also found to be a major analog in almost all tissues of Korean F. niphobles, this analog was minor in the two Tetraodon species and Japanese F. pardalis. Among the tissues of F. niphobles, the concentrations of TTXs were highest in the ovaries (female) and skin (female and male).
Microtubule-Stabilizing Drugs from Marine Sponges: Focus on Peloruside A and Zampanolide
Authors: Miller John H. , Singh A. Jonathan , Northcote Peter T.
Published: March 2010

Marine sponges are an excellent source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential therapeutic value in the treatment of diseases. One group of compounds of particular interest is the microtubule-stabilizing agents, the most well-known compound of this group being paclitaxel (Taxol®), an anti-cancer compound isolated from the bark and leaves of the Pacific yew tree. This review focuses on two of the more recent additions to this important class of drugs, peloruside A and zampanolide, both isolated from marine sponges. Peloruside A was isolated from Mycale hentscheli collected in New Zealand coastal waters, and it already shows promising anti-cancer activity. Two other potent bioactive compounds with different modes of action but isolated from the same sponge, mycalamide A and pateamine, will also be discussed. The fourth compound, zampanolide, most recently isolated from the Tongan sponge Cacospongia mycofijiensis, has only recently been added to the microtubule-stabilizing group of compounds, and further work is in progress to determine its activity profile relative to peloruside A and other drugs of this class.
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors from Marine Resources: Prospects in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Wijesekara Isuru , Kim Se-Kwon
Published: March 2010

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the major independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1; ACE) plays an important physiological role in regulation of blood pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Therefore, the inhibition of ACE activity is a major target in the prevention of hypertension. Recently, the search for natural ACE inhibitors as alternatives to synthetic drugs is of great interest to prevent several side effects and a number of novel compounds such as bioactive peptides, chitooligosaccharide derivatives (COS) and phlorotannins have been derived from marine organisms as potential ACE inhibitors. These inhibitory derivatives can be developed as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals with potential to prevent hypertension. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss the marine-derived ACE inhibitors and their future prospects as novel therapeutic drug candidates for treat hypertension.
Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Rhododendron anthopogon Essential Oil
Authors: Innocenti Gabbriella , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Scialino Giuditta , Banfi Elena , Sosa Silvio , Gurung Khilendra , Barbera Mariagnese , Carrara Maria
Published: March 2010

The essential oil of Rhododendron anthopogon was investigated by GC-MS, and seventeen compounds (representing approximately 98% of the oil) were identified. The major components of the aerial parts of the oil were the monoterpenes α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene and the sesquiterpene δ-cadinene. Biological studies revealed a weak topical anti-inflammatory activity; a significant killing effect against some Gram-positive reference strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcusfecalis, Bacillus subtilis was measured; Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference strain and a clinical isolate of Candida, C. pseudotropicalis were killed by as low as 0.04% (v/v) essential oil. Moreover, the oil was able to reduce cancer cell growth independently of the cell line and the treatment protocols used.
(6,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone, a New Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid from Beilschmiedia brevipes
Authors: Pudjiastuti Pratiwi , Mukhtar Mat Ropi , Hadi A. Hamid A. , Saidi Nurdin , Morita Hiroshi , Litaudon Marc , Awang Khalijah
Published: March 2010

The leaves of Beilschmiedia brevipes provided a new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid: (6,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisoquinolinyl)-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-methanone (1) and O,O-dimethylannocherin A (2), a new natural compound which has been synthesized before. Complete 1H- and 13C-NMR data of both compounds were reported. The structures were established through various spectroscopic methods notably 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS.
Boronate Derivatives of Functionally Diverse Catechols: Stability Studies
Authors: Ketuly Kamal Aziz , Hadi A. Hamid A.
Published: March 2010

Benzeneboronate of catecholic carboxyl methyl esters, N-acetyldopamine, coumarin and catechol estrogens were prepared as crystalline derivatives in high yield. Related catechol compounds with extra polar functional group(s) (OH, NH2) do not form or only partially form unstable cyclic boronate derivatives.
Excitation and Circular Dichroism Spectra of (+)-(S,S)-bis(2-Methylbutyl)chalcogenides
Authors: Honda Yasushi , Kurihara Atsushi , Kenmochi Yusuke , Hada Masahiko
Published: March 2010

Theoretical electronic spectra and natural circular dichroism (CD) spectra of (+)-(S,S)-bis(2-methylbutyl)chalcogenides, Ch[CH2CH(CH3)C2H5]2 (Ch = S, Se, and Te), were calculated by the symmetry adapted cluster (SAC) and SAC-configuration interaction (SAC-CI) methods. Whereas the calculated CD spectrum for each stable conformation itself did not reproduce the corresponding experimental one, their Boltzmann-averaged spectra showed good agreement with the experimental results. We provided the assignment for each spectral band according to our calculation results. For the telluride compound, temperature dependence of the CD spectra was experimentally observed due to variation in the Boltzmann factor, and our calculations reproduced it qualitatively. The spectral features that we could not reproduce can be attributed to triplet transitions through the spin-orbit interaction effects as well as accuracy incompleteness on the calculation conditions.