bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imino‐indolate half‐titanocene chlorides: Synthesis and their ethylene (co‐)polymerization
Authors: Zuo Weiwei , Zhang Min , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: December 2008

A series of imino‐indolate half‐titanocene chlorides, Cp′Ti(L)Cl2 (C1–C7: Cp′ = C5H5, MeC5H4, C5Me5, L = imino‐indolate ligand), were synthesized by the reaction of Cp′TiCl3 with sodium imino‐indolates. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the molecular structures of two representative complexes C4 and C6 were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. On activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), these complexes showed good catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization (up to 7.68 × 106 g/mol(Ti)·h) and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization (up to 8.32 × 106 g/mol(Ti)·h), producing polyolefins with high molecular weights (for polyethylene up to 1808 kg/mol, and for poly(ethylen‐co‐1‐hexene) up to 3290 kg/mol). Half‐titanocenes containing ligands with alkyl substituents showed higher catalytic activities, whereas the half‐titanocenes bearing methyl substituents on the cyclopentadienyl groups showed lower productivities, but produced polymers with higher molecular weights. Moreover, the copolymerization of ethylene and methyl 10‐undecenoate was demonstrated using the C1/MAO catalytic system. The functionalized polyolefins obtained contained about 1 mol % of methyl 10‐undecenoate units and were fully characterized by several techniques such as FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DSC, TGA and GPC analyses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 357–372, 2009
Magnetic field effects on the copolymerization of water‐soluble and ionic monomers
Authors: Rintoul Ignacio , Wandrey Christine
Published: December 2008

The effect of magnetic field (MF) on the radical copolymerization of a series of water‐soluble and ionic monomers is presented including acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), its ionized form acrylate (A−), and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). The following combinations have been studied: AM/AA, AM/A−, AM/DADMAC, and AA/DADMAC. In addition to the MF, strong electrostatic interactions are present for the majority of monomer combinations and conditions. Although the monomer consumption rate (Rp) increased up to 65% applying a MF of 0.1 Tesla, the composition of the resulting copolymers was not affected under such conditions. Despite this increase of Rp by MF, the electrostatic repulsion between ionic monomers and charged growing radicals dominates Rp and governs the copolymer composition with and without MF. The order of the experimentally obtained reactivity ratios reflects the extent of electrostatic interaction: rAM/AA (1.41) < r (3.10) < rAA/DADMAC (4.25) < rAM/DADMAC (6.95) and rAA/AM (2.20) > rDADMAC/AA (0.25) > r (0.17) > rDADMAC/AM (0.03). Overall, weak MF offers to reduce the production time without modifying the product composition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 373–383, 2009
Synthesis of well‐defined 7‐arm and 21‐arm poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) star polymers with β‐cyclodextrin cores via click chemistry and their thermal phase transition behavior in aqueous solution
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Shiyong
Published: December 2008

The syntheses of well‐defined 7‐arm and 21‐arm poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) star polymers possessing β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) cores were achieved via the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click reactions. Heptakis(6‐deoxy‐6‐azido)‐β‐cyclodextrin and heptakis[2,3,6‐tri‐O‐(2‐azidopropionyl)]‐β‐cyclodextrin, β‐CD‐(N3)7 and β‐CD‐(N3)21, precursors were prepared and thoroughly characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A series of alkynyl terminally functionalized PNIPAM (alkyne‐PNIPAM) linear precursors with varying degrees of polymerization (DP) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N‐isopropylacrylamide using propargyl 2‐chloropropionate as the initiator. The subsequent click reactions of alkyne‐PNIPAM with β‐CD‐(N3)7 and β‐CD‐(N3)21 led to the facile preparation of well‐defined 7‐arm and 21‐arm star polymers, namely β‐CD‐(PNIPAM)7 and β‐CD‐(PNIPAM)21. The thermal phase transition behavior of 7‐arm and 21‐arm star polymers with varying molecular weights were examined by temperature‐dependent turbidity and micro‐differential scanning calorimetry, and the results were compared to those of linear PNIPAM precursors. The anchoring of PNIPAM chain terminal to β‐CD cores and high local chain density for star polymers contributed to their considerably lower critical phase separation temperatures (Tc) and enthalpy changes during phase transition as compared with that of linear precursors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 404–419, 2009
Immobilization of RAFT agents on silica nanoparticles utilizing an alternative functional group and subsequent surface‐initiated RAFT polymerization
Authors: Yang Yingkui , Yang Zhifang , Zhao Qiang , Cheng Xinjian , Tjong Sie Chin , Li Robert Kwok Yiu , Wang Xiaotao , Xie Xiaolin
Published: December 2008

Silica–polystyrene core‐shell particles were successfully prepared by surface‐mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of styrene monomer from the surfaces of the silica‐supported RAFT agents. Initially, macro‐RAFT agents were synthesized by RAFT polymerization of γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) in the presence of chain transfer agents (CTAs). Immobilization of CTAs onto the silica surfaces was then performed by reacting silica with macro‐RAFT agents via a silane coupling. Grafting of polymer onto silica forms core‐shell nanostructures and shows a sharp contrast between silica core and polymer shell in the phase composition. The thickness of grafted‐polymer shell and the diameter of core‐shell particles increase with the increasing ratio of monomer to silica. A control experiment was carried out by conventional free radical emulsion copolymerization of MPS‐grafted silica and styrene under comparable conditions. The resulting data provide further insight into the chemical composition of grafted‐polymers that are grown from the silica surface through RAFT process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 467–484, 2009
Effect of POSS on crystalline transitions and physical properties of polyamide 12
Authors: Wan Chaoying , Zhao Feng , Bao Xujin , Kandasubramanian Bala , Duggan Matt
Published: December 2008

Polyamide 12/Trisilanolphenyl‐POSS (PA 12/POSS) composites were prepared via melt‐compounding. The effect of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) on crystalline structure and crystalline transition of PA 12 was investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and real time fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). WAXD results indicated that PA 12 crystallized into γ‐form as slowly cooling from melt and the presence of POSS did not influence the crystalline structure of PA 12. Both PA 12 and PA 12/POSS composites underwent Brill transitions when they were heated from room temperature to melt point. Real time FTIR patterns showed that an absorption band at 697 cm−1 ascribed to Amide V (α) mode was emerged along with the disappearance of Amide VI (γ) band at 628 cm−1 with the increase of the temperature for PA 12 and PA 12/POSS composites, which suggested that the γ‐form crystalline has transformed into α form. The Brill bands were identified and the transformed mechanism was discussed based on the real FTIR results. The addition of POSS enhanced the tensile strength and thermal stability of PA 12. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 121–129, 2009
Relationship between fracture toughness and domain size of liquid‐crystalline epoxy resins having polydomain structure
Authors: Harada Miyuki , Sumitomo Kaori , Nishimoto Yuma , Ochi Mitsukazu
Published: December 2008

A liquid‐crystalline (LC) epoxy resin was cured at different temperatures and some types of curing systems having different phase structures (isotropic or polydomain, which have a microscopically ordered LC network structure) were obtained. The diameters of each domain in the polydomain system changed from the small to the larger size. The diameters of the LC domains were evaluated using a polarized optical microscope and the polarized microscopy FTIR mapping method. These systems were used to investigate the relationship between the network arrangement and mechanical properties. The fracture toughness of the cured systems was related to the enlargement of the ordered area in the network structures. With the toughness improvement, the meandering cracks were observed at the fracture surfaces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 156–165, 2009
Urine levels of catecholamines in Greek children with obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Kaditis Athanasios G. , Alexopoulos Emmanouel I. , Damani Eleni , Hatzi Fotini , Chaidas Konstantinos , Kostopoulou Thomais , Tzigeroglou Arhontia , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Adults with obstructive sleep apnea have increased sympathetic activity. It was hypothesized that in children with symptoms of obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), morning urine levels of catecholamines correlate with severity of nocturnal hypoxemia.

Methods

Children with snoring referred for polysomnography and controls without snoring were recruited. Morning urine norepinephrine, epinephrine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine levels were measured (ng/mg urine creatinine).

Results

Twelve children (age 5.2 ± 2.3 years) with severe hypoxemia (oxygen saturation of hemoglobin‐SpO2nadir ≤86%), 20 subjects (age 6.1 ± 2.1 years) with moderate hypoxemia (SpO2nadir ≤90% and >86%), 22 children (age 6.6 ± 1.5 years) with mild nocturnal hypoxemia (SpO2nadir >90%), and 10 controls (age 7.1 ± 2.8 years) were studied. Children with severe hypoxemia had significantly higher log‐transformed norepinephrine levels (1.63 ± 0.29) compared to those with moderate hypoxemia (1.43 ± 0.22;P < 0.05) or compared to controls (1.39 ± 0.31;P < 0.05). In subjects with SDB, log‐transformed oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin index or SpO2nadir predicted log‐transformed norepinephrine levels after adjustment by age, gender and body mass index (r2 = 0.24; and r2 = 0.24, respectively;P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Severity of nocturnal hypoxemia in children with intermittent upper airway obstruction during sleep correlates with morning urine levels of norepinephrine suggesting increased sympathetic tone. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:38–45. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Associations of psychosocial factors with health outcomes among youth with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Patterson Joän M. , Wall Melanie , Berge Jerica , Milla Carlos
Published: December 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of strains, resources, feelings, and behaviors about treatment adherence reported by youth with cystic fibrosis (CF) with repeated clinic measures of their pulmonary function and nutritional status.

Methods

Linear mixed models, stratified by gender, adjusting for age, were used to examine the effects of strains, resources, and adherence behaviors on repeated pulmonary function and nutritional status measures. All 10–21 years old with CF at the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center were invited by mail to participate. Of these 177 youth, 51% (43 boys, 47 girls) returned surveys. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and predicted weight‐for‐height were extracted from participants' clinic records for the 18 months following receipt of the survey.

Results

Females showed significantly greater variability in repeated measures of pulmonary function and nutritional status compared to males. Parent–youth strains, physical strains, activity limitations, and cough suppression had significant effects on the 18‐month mean of pulmonary function measures for females, but only physical strains had a significant effect for males.

Conclusion

Compared to males, females experienced more strains and poorer treatment adherence, which may be factors associated with declines in pulmonary function observed among females with CF during the adolescent years. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:46–53. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in an adolescent girl with hypertrophic lingual thyroid
Authors: Lin Wan‐Ni , Lee Li‐Ang , Wang Chih‐Ching , Li Hsueh‐Yu
Published: December 2008

We present a 14‐year‐old girl whose initial diagnosis was obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with symptoms of habitual snore, sleep breath holding, shortness of breath, and lump in throat. Lingual thyroid was diagnosed by thyroid scan and histology, and was treated by radioactive iodine therapy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser therapy. Her OSAS completely subsided after lingual thyroid surgery. Physicians should be aware of rare causes of OSAS in children, such as lingual thyroid and certainly if accompanied by difficulties in swallowing and speech problems. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:93–95. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuropad: early diagnostic test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Malik Rayaz
Published: December 2008

Diabetic foot syndrome is a significant cause of morbidity in patients with diabetes, and early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy can improve prognosis. In this New product review Professor Malik describes Neuropad, a new prescribable diagnostic test for peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Switching kinetics of a relaxor ferroelectric Sr0.75Ba0.25Nb2O6 observed by the second harmonic generation method
Authors: Volk Tatyana , Isakov Dmitry , Belsley Michael Scott , Ivleva Lyudmila
Published: December 2008

In this work we present a study of the ferroelectric switching kinetic process in strontium–barium niobate (SBN). The kinetics of polarization deduced from the dynamics of the diffuse second harmonic generation is in good qualitative agreement with thekinetics observed by more traditional polarization methods. Our work highlights the specific characteristics of polarization reversal in SBN, which is fundamentally different from that which occurs in model ferroelectrics. The presented optical measurements of the polarization processes provide several experimental advantages over traditional electrical measurements. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Utilization of high pressure for synthesizing superconducting semiconductors: analysis of Ekimov's method
Authors: Shirai Koun , Dekura Haruhiko , Yanase Akira
Published: December 2008

Use of a high‐pressure process is proposed for synthesizing highly doped semiconductors. Working on a real example in a recent experiment by Ekimov on B‐doped diamond synthesis, a theoretical investigation has been made of an efficient doping method. The underlying principle is simple: stiffer materials are energetically favorable over softer ones under high pressure. Softer impurities are easily dissolved in stiff crystals. In Ekimov's method, the energy required for a B atom to transfer from boron carbide to diamond comes from the energy gain by converting graphite to diamond, in addition to the entropy effect of dissolving the B atom in diamond. On the basis of this analysis, a potential of more than 10 at% of doping, which would improve Tc, by high‐pressure processes is suggested. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of phonon pressure coefficients for a precise determination of deformation potentials in SiGe alloys
Authors: Reparaz J. S. , Goñi A. R. , Bernardi A. , Alonso M. I. , Garriga M.
Published: December 2008

For an effective use of Raman scattering as strain characterization tool in SiGe nanostructures a precise knowledge of the phonon deformation potentials (DPs) is strictly necessary. The optical phonon DPs can be determined by means of Raman scattering measurements from the cleaved edge of a biaxially strained SiGe alloy layer grown pseudomorphically on silicon and subsequently capped. Due to uncertainties in the literature values of the unstrained phonon frequencies it turns out that the desired degree of accuracy is only attained by complementing the Raman measurements from the edge with that of the hydrostatic pressure coefficient of the optical phonons. For that purpose we have grown by molecular beam epitaxy up to seven partially strained Si1–x Gex alloys on Si spanning the entire compositional range and measured the dependence on hydrostatic pressure of the frequency of the Ge‐like, Si‐like and mixed Si–Ge optical modes. After correcting for the pressure dependent biaxial stress induced by the Si substrate on the alloy layer and taking into account the dependence on alloy composition of the bulk modulus we obtain a fairly constant value of the Grüneisen parameter around 1.0 for all three optical modes in the whole range of Ge contents. We also determined the strain shift coefficients for the three modes, which are essentially independent of Ge content between 0.4 and 1. Our results are in very good agreement with recentcalculations of the SiGe phonon deformation potentials using a modified Keating model, which settles the longstanding issue about the large discrepancies between results from different experiments. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic phases of magnetic polarons in diluted magnetic semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Cheng Shun‐Jen
Published: December 2008

We present theoretical studies of magnetism in II‐VI magnetic nanocrystals (NCs) containing single electron coupled to substitutional magnetic ions Mn2+. By using exact diagonalization techniques, we explore the magnetic phases of magnetic polarons in NCs doped with few Mn2+ ions, as functions of NC size, Mn number and positions. We show that ferromagnetic magnetic polarons (MPs) are stably formed in small magnetic NCs due to strong quantum confinement. By contrast, magnetic polarons with short ranged Mn‐clusters in larger NCs exhibit various distinct magnetic phases, from ferromagnetism (FM) to antiferromagnetism (AF), sensitively depending on NC size. The stability of magnetic polarons in NCs with arbitrary number of Mn ions are analyzed within a proposed solvable model, supported by the numerical results calculated by using local mean field theory (MFT). (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Light‐driven rotary molecular motors: an ultrafast optical study
Authors: Augulis Ramūnas , Klok Martin , Feringa Ben L. , Loosdrecht Paul H. M. van
Published: December 2008

The cover picture of this issue of Phys. Status Solidi C has been taken from the article [1]. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hot spots in multicrystalline silicon solar cells: avalanche breakdown due to etch pits
Authors: Bauer J. , Wagner J.‐M. , Lotnyk A. , Blumtritt H. , Lim B. , Schmidt J. , Breitenstein O.
Published: December 2008

Multicrystalline silicon solar cells typically show hard breakdown beginning from about –13 V bias, which leads to the well‐known hot‐spot problem. Using special lock‐in thermography techniques, hard breakdown has been found to occur in regions of avalanche multiplication. A systematic study of these regions by various electron microscopy techniques has shown that the avalanche breakdown occurs at cone‐shaped holes, located at dislocations and caused by acidic texture etch. At their bottom, these etch pits lead to a strongly curved p–n junction exhibiting an electrostatic tip effect which quantitatively explains the field enhancement needed for enabling avalanche breakdown. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study on dynamics of surface structure by rapid and time‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron diffraction
Authors: Kisaka Y. , Hashimoto A. , Suzuki A. , Miyasaka S. , Nojima M. , Owari M. , Nihei Y.
Published: December 2008

It took several hours to obtain one X‐ray photoelectron diffraction (XPED) pattern because XPED measurement requires repeated acquisition of XPS as a function of emission angle. The measurement time using our previous XPED system was too long to clarify the dynamics of epitaxial growth and catalytic reaction. In the present study, in order to minimize the measurement time, we improved the software used to control the XPED system. Then, by using the improved system, we obtained information on the structural changes during the heating process of an ion‐bombarded silicon surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopamine D2Highreceptors measured ex vivo are elevated in amphetamine‐sensitized animals
Authors: Seeman Philip
Published: December 2008

Although dopamine supersensitivity is a fundamental aspect of diseases such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, the molecular basis of dopamine supersensitivity is not known. Because behavioral dopamine supersensitivity is associated with a marked elevation of striatal dopamine D2Highreceptors in vitro, it is important to develop methods to measure D2Highreceptors in vivo. The presentex vivostudy found that the dopamine agonist NPA ([‐]‐N‐propyl‐norapomorphine) inhibited the binding of the agonist [3H](+)PHNO to rat striatal D2 receptors significantly more than the D2 antagonist [3H]raclopride, when NPA was coinjected i.v. with each radioligand. These results suggest that the greater sensitivity of [3H](+)PHNO to inhibition by the coinjected NPA reflects in vivo competition at D2Highreceptors. Using rats that had been sensitized to amphetamine, thisex vivomethod found that the specific binding of [3H](+)PHNO that was displaced by 10 μg/kg of NPA was 2.4‐fold higher than that for control rats. These data agree with in vitro data showing a marked increase in D2Highsites after amphetamine sensitization. Therefore, it is recommended that this method of coinjecting the D2 radioligand and the dopamine agonist displacer be used in human positron tomography to detect D2Highreceptors in health and disease. Synapse 63:186–192, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infant neurodevelopment following fetal growth restriction: relationship with antepartum surveillance parameters
Authors: Baschat A. A. , Viscardi R. M. , Hussey‐Gardner B. , Hashmi N. , Harman C.
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between fetal Doppler parameters, biophysical profile score (BPP) and neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years of corrected age in infants who had been growth‐restricted in utero.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study including 113 pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (abdominal circumference < 5th percentile and elevated umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index). The relationships of UA, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler features, BPP, birth acidemia (artery pH < 7.0 + /or base deficit > 12), gestational age at delivery, birth weight and neonatal morbidity (i.e. bronchopulmonary dysplasia, > Grade 2 intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis) with a 2‐year neurodevelopmental delay were evaluated. Best Beginnings Developmental Screen, Bayley Scale of Infant Development II (BSID) and Clinical Adaptive/Clinical Linguistic Auditory Milestone Stage were used. BSID < 70, cerebral palsy, abnormal tone, hearing loss and/or blindness defined neurodevelopmental delay.

Results

Seventy‐two of the 113 pregnancies completed assessment; there were 10 stillbirths, 19 neonatal deaths, three infant deaths and nine pregnancies with no follow‐up. Twenty fetuses (27.8%) had UA reversed end‐diastolic velocity (REDV), 34 (47.2%) abnormal DV Doppler features and 31 (43.1%) an abnormal BPP. Median gestational age at delivery and birth weight were 30.4 weeks and 933 g, respectively. Twelve infants had acidemia and 28 neonatal morbidity. There were 38 (52.8%) infants with neurodevelopmental delay, including 37 (51.4%) with abnormal tone, 20 (27.8%) with speech delay, 23 (31.9%) with an abnormal neurological examination, eight (11.1%) with a hearing deficit and six (8.3%) with cerebral palsy. Gestational age at delivery was associated with cerebral palsy (r2 = 0.52, P < 0.0001; 92% sensitivity and 83% specificity for delivery at < 27 weeks). UA‐REDV was associated with global delay (r2 = 0.31, P = 0.006) and birth weight with neurodevelopmental delay (r2 = 0.54, P < 0.0001; 82% sensitivity and 64% specificity for BW < 922 g).

Conclusions

Although UA‐REDV is an independent contributor to poor neurodevelopment in IUGR no such effect could be demonstrated for abnormal venous Doppler findings or BPP. Gestational age and birth weight remain the predominant factors for poor neurodevelopment in growth‐restricted infants. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoride Containing Guest Species in Alumosilicates: Tetrafluoroborate in the Sodalite Na8Al6Si6O24(BF4)2
Authors: Lezhnina Marina M. , Jordan Edgar , Klimin Sergej A. , Löns Jürgen , Koller Hubert , Mavrin Boris N. , Kynast Ulrich
Published: December 2008

In the course of investigations on optical properties resulting from the interaction of fluorides with alumosilicate host materials and rare earth guests, a well defined BF4– ion wasfound to be incorporated within the sodalite of composition Na8Al6Si6O24(BF4)2. The resulting cubic molecular structure, which was determined by Rietveld methods (space group P4$\bar{3}$n, a = 906.91 pm, wRp = 0.045, Rp = 0.027), contains one anion in each sodalite cage and is, contrarily to expectations, thermally stable. NMR spectroscopic investigations indicated a fast rotatory motion of the BF4– tetrahedra at room temperature and agreed with the tetrahedral BF4– ions found in IR and Raman spectra. Preliminary attempts to obtain a luminescent material by incorporation of Eu3+ through aqueous ion exchange only yielded low rare earth concentrations, giving rise to characteristic red emission lines at 581 nm (5D0 → 7F1) and 615 nm (5D0 → 7F2) in a 1:2 intensity ratio. The material unexpectedly exhibited a strong broad band emission at 520 nm after calcination under Ar, which is attributed to the formation of an Eu2+ species. Further calcination under air partially reestablished the Eu3+ emission.
Spatial genetic structure and restricted gene flow in a functionally dioecious fig, Ficus pumila L. var. pumila (Moraceae)
Authors: Wang Rong , Ai Bin , Gao Bang‐Quan , Yu Shuo , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: December 2008

The mutualism between fig plants and fig wasps has been recognized as one of the most specialized systems of symbiosis. Figs are pollinated by their highly specific pollinating fig wasps, and the pollinating fig wasps are raised within the syconia of figs. Recent studies indicated a difference between monoecious and dioecious figs in the dispersal range of pollinating wasps, which has potential consequences for gene flow. In this study, we detected the gene‐flow pattern of the dioecious climbing fig, Ficus pumila L. var. pumila, at both local and regional scales. At the local scale, spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated strong genetic structure at short distances, a pattern of limited gene flow. This result was also supported by a high inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.287) and significant substructuring (FST = 0.060; P < 0.001). Further analysis indicated that the effective gene dispersal range was 1,211 m, and the relative contribution of seed dispersal was smaller than that of pollen dispersal. The inferred effective range of pollen dispersal ranged from 989 to 1,712 m, while the effective seed dispersal range was less than 989 m. Lack of long‐distance dispersal agents may explain the limited seed dispersal. The high density of receptive fig trees was the most likely explanation for limited pollen dispersal, and the position of syconia and relatively low wind speed beneath the canopy may contribute to this phenomenon. At the regional scale, significant negative correlations (kinship coefficient Fij ranging from −0.038 to −0.071) existed in all comparisons between the studied population and other populations, and the assignment test grouped almost all individuals of the studied population into a distinct cluster. Asynchronous flowering on the regional scale, which provides a barrier for the pollinating wasps to fly from the studied population to the other populations, is probably responsible for the limited gene flow on the regional scale.
Efficiency of Autologous Blood Donation in Combination with a Cell Saver in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Boettner Friedrich , Sculco Peter , Altneu Eric , Çapar Bülent , Sculco Thomas P.
Published: December 2008

The increased blood loss and resulting need for allogenic blood has been a major concern of one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred eighteen consecutive patients donating either 2 units (87 patients) or 3 units (31 patients) of autologous blood prior to one-stage bilateral TKA were retrospectively evaluated to determine: (1) how many patients received allogenic transfusion; (2) what percentage of autologous blood was wasted; and (3) whether donating 2 or 3 units of autologous blood before surgery is more cost-effective. Fifteen patients in the 2-units donation group (17.2%) and one patient in the 3-units donation group (3.2%) required allogenic blood transfusions. In the 2-units group, 37.9% of the patients wasted 21.8% of predonated autologous blood, and in the 3-units group, 64.5% of the patients wasted 32.3% of predonated autologous blood. The estimated cost for patients donating 2 or 3 units of blood was $1,814.17 and $1,996.10, respectively. Donating 2 units of autologous blood is more cost-effective; however, patients donating 3 units of blood required less allogenic blood.
Is Contralateral Testicular Biopsy Warranted at the Time of Orchidectomy?
Authors: Pillai Praveen L. , McCracken Stuart R.C. , Thomas David J. , Durkan Garrett C. , Thorpe Andrew C.
Published: December 2008

Objective:

Previous studies have suggested that biopsy of the contralateral testis at the time of radical inguinal orchidectomy for unilateral testicular cancer should be performed to exclude intra tubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN). This practice has become routine in many urology departments. We reviewed the histological outcome of contralateral testis biopsy in patients with testis cancer to determine if it was appropriate to routinely continue this practice.

Methods:

The medical records of all men presenting to our institution with testicular cancer between 1998 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. The histological diagnosis following inguinal orchidectomy and the outcome of contralateral testis biopsy (where this had been performed) were recorded. The median duration of follow-up was 56 months and the incidence of metachronous tumours during this period was noted.

Results:

There were 193 consecutive cases of testicular cancer (seminoma, n = 108; nonseminatous germ cell tumour [NSGCT], n =73; non-GCT, n =8; lymphoma, n = 4). Nine patients had a history of maldescent, 12 had microlithiasis and 9 had atrophic testes. One hundred and fifty-one men had contralateral testis biopsies, but there were no cases of ITGCN, regardless of original tumour type or stage. Four patients (all with initial seminomas) developed metachronous tumours, 3 were seminomas and 1 was a mixed GCT. In 3 of the 4 cases, the previous contralateral testis biopsy was normal while the fourth patient was not biopsied at the time of his initial surgery. There were 4 (3%) cases of haematoma following contralateral testis biopsy.

Conclusion:

Contralateral testis biopsy was unhelpful in predicting metachronous tumour occurrence, carries a small risk of morbidity and should not be routinely performed in men undergoing orchidectomy for testicular cancer.
Redox thiol status plays a central role in the mobilization and metabolism of nitric oxide in human red blood cells
Authors: de Almeida José Pedro , Carvalho Filomena Almeida , Silva‐Herdade Ana Santos , Santos‐Freitas Teresa , Saldanha Carlota
Published: December 2008

We assessed the redox thiol status influence on nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and efflux in erythrocytes stimulated with acetylcholinesterase substrate (acetylcholine, ACh) and inhibitor (velnacrine maleate, VM). Erythrocyte suspensions from healthy donors were incubated with increasing concentrations of dithiothreitol (1–50 μM), in the presence and absence of acetylcholine/velnacrine (10 μM). Levels of NO, nitrite/nitrate, S‐nitrosohemoglobin, peroxynitrite and S‐nitrosoglutathione were determined by spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods.

Dithiothreitol significantly mobilized NO toward nitrite/nitrate and S‐nitrosoglutathione, and decreased the amount of NO efflux. Both ACh/VM induce changes on the levels of erythrocyte nitrite/nitrate dependent on the DTT concentration. Higher levels of peroxynitrite and S‐nitrosoglutathione were seen with velnacrine in presence of DTT 1 and 50 μM.

We concluded that dithiothreitol‐induced activation of erythrocyte thiol status decreases NO efflux and allows greater intracellular NO mobilization onto different derivative molecules, both in the absence and presence of acetylcholinesterase substrate and inhibitor.
Involvement of neuronal, inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases in capsaicin‐induced muscle hypersensitivity
Authors: Lee Jong‐Seok , Zhang Youping , Ro Jin Y.
Published: December 2008

Nitric oxide, which has been implicated in the development of hyperalgesia in the spinal system, has not been systematically studied in the trigeminal system, especially in the context of inflammatory muscle pain condition. In this study, we investigated the functional role of centrally released nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of orofacial muscle pain. Specifically, we examined the contribution of neuronal, inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, respectively, in mediating masseter hypersensitivity under acute inflammatory condition. Time‐dependent changes in nNOS, iNOS and eNOS protein expression in the subnucleus caudalis (Vc) were assessed following capsaicin injection in the masseter muscle of male Sprague Dawley rats. The expression of all three nitric oxide synthases was significantly up‐regulated 30–60min following capsaicin stimulation, which paralleled the time course of the development of capsaicin‐induced masseter hypersensitivity. Pretreatment with each NOS inhibitor significantly attenuated the masseter hypersensitivity. These data showed that all three NOS in the Vc are functionally important for the development of craniofacial muscle hyperalgesia and suggest that the three NOS are closely orchestrated to regulate the level of nitric oxide under normal and pathologic conditions.
Transcriptional activation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α by HDAC4 and HDAC5 involves differential recruitment of p300 and FIH‐1
Authors: Seo Hee-Won , Kim Eun-Jin , Na Hyelin , Lee Mi-Ock
Published: December 2008

P300 (uniprotkb:Q09472) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HIF1 alpha (uniprotkb:Q16665) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Disulfide cross‐links in the interaction of a cataract‐linked αA‐crystallin mutant with βB1‐crystallin
Authors: Satish Kumar M. , Koteiche Hanane A. , Claxton Derek P. , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: December 2008

A number of αA‐crystallin mutants are associated with hereditary cataract including cysteine substitution at arginine 49. We report the formation of affinity‐driven disulfide bonds in the interaction of αA‐R49C with βB1‐crystallin. To mimic cysteine thiolation in the lens, βB1‐crystallin was modified by a bimane probe through a disulfide linkage. Our data suggest a mechanism whereby a transient disulfide bond occurs between αA‐ and βB1‐crystallin followed by a disulfide exchange with cysteine 49 of a neighboring αA‐crystallin subunit. This is the first investigation of disulfide bonds in the confine of the chaperone/substrate complex where reaction rates are favored by orders of magnitude. Covalent protein cross‐links are a hallmark of age‐related cataract and may be a factor in its inherited form.
A splice variant of theNeurospora crassa hex‐1transcript, which encodes the major protein of the Woronin body, is modulated by extracellular phosphate and pH changes
Authors: Leal Juliana , Squina Fábio M. , Freitas Janaína S. , Silva Emiliana M. , Ono Carlos J. , Martinez-Rossi Nilce M. , Rossi Antonio
Published: December 2008

The Woronin body, a septal pore‐associated organelle specific to filamentous ascomycetes, is crucial for preventing cytoplasmic bleeding after hyphal injury. In this study, we show that T1hex‐1transcript and a variant splicing T2hex‐1transcript are up‐regulated at alkaline pH. We also show that bothhex‐1transcripts are overexpressed in thepregc,nuc‐1RIP, andpacCkomutant strains ofNeurospora crassagrown under conditions of phosphate shortage at alkaline pH, suggesting thathex‐1transcription may be coregulated by these genes. In addition, we present evidence thatN. crassaPacC also has metabolic functions at acidic pH.
Ser‐His catalyses the formation of peptides and PNAs
Authors: Gorlero Maçha , Wieczorek Rafal , Adamala Katarzyna , Giorgi Alessandra , Schininà Maria Eugenia , Stano Pasquale , Luisi Pier Luigi
Published: December 2008

The dipeptide seryl‐histidine (Ser‐His) catalyses the condensation of esters of amino acids, peptide fragments, and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) building blocks, bringing to the formation of peptide bonds. Di‐, tri‐ or tetra‐peptides can be formed with yields that vary from 0.5% to 60% depending on the nature of the substrate and on the conditions. Other simpler peptides as Gly‐Gly, or Gly‐Gly‐Gly are also effective, although less efficiently. We discuss the results from the viewpoint of primitive chemistry and the origin of long macromolecules by stepwise fragment condensations.
BAG‐1 is preferentially expressed in neuronal precursor cells of the adult mouse brain and regulates their proliferation in vitro
Authors: Elliott Evan , Ginzburg Irith
Published: December 2008

BAG‐1 protein has been well characterized as necessary for proper neuronal development. However, little is known about the function of BAG‐1 in the adult brain. In this work, the expression and localization of BAG‐1 in the mature mouse brain was studied. The levels of both BAG‐1 isoforms decrease significantly in the brain during development. BAG‐1 was found preferentially expressed in Neuronal Precursor Cells (NPCs) in the two major niches of neurogenesis. Lentiviral mediated overexpression of BAG‐1 increased the proliferation rate of cultured NPCs. In addition, depletion of BAG‐1 from NPCs induced a decrease in NPCs proliferation in the presence of a stress hormone, corticosterone. These data suggest a role for BAG‐1 in mechanisms of neurogenesis in the adult mouse brain.
Biomarkers in oncology drug development
Authors: Hodgson Darren R. , Whittaker Robin D. , Herath Athula , Amakye Dereck , Clack Glen
Published: December 2008

Biomarker measurements have become an essential component of oncology drug development, particularly so in this era of targeted therapies. Such measurements ensure that clinical studies are testing our biological hypotheses and can help make the difficult decisions required to choose which drugs to stop developing or de‐prioritise. For those drugs taken forward, biomarker measurements may also help choose the appropriate dose, schedule and patient population. In this review we discuss the intrinsic properties of biological sample based efficacy measurements and how these relate to their implementation in oncology drug development by way of points to consider and examples.
EQUISYMMETRIC STRATA OF THE MODULI SPACE OF CYCLIC TRIGONAL RIEMANN SURFACES OF GENUS 4
Authors: IZQUIERDO MILAGROS , YING DANIEL
Published: December 2008

A closed Riemann surface which can be realized as a three-sheeted covering of the Riemann sphere is called trigonal, and such a covering is called a trigonal morphism. If the trigonal morphism is a cyclic regular covering, the Riemann surface is called a cyclic trigonal Riemann surface. Using the characterization of cyclic trigonality by Fuchsian groups, we find the structure of the space of cyclic trigonal Riemann surfaces of genus 4.
ON SOLUBILITY OF GROUPS WITH BOUNDED CENTRALIZER CHAINS
Authors: KHUKHRO E. I.
Published: December 2008

The c-dimension of a group is the maximum length of a chain of nested centralizers. It is proved that a periodic locally soluble group of finite c-dimension k is soluble of derived length bounded in terms of k, and the rank of its quotient by the Hirsch–Plotkin radical is bounded in terms of k. Corollary: a pseudo-(finite soluble) group of finite c-dimension k is soluble of derived length bounded in terms of k.
EXISTENCE AND BIFURCATION RESULTS FOR FOURTH-ORDER ELLIPTIC EQUATIONS INVOLVING TWO CRITICAL SOBOLEV EXPONENTS
Authors: KANDILAKIS D. A. , MAGIROPOULOS M. , ZOGRAPHOPOULOS N.
Published: December 2008

Let Ω be a smooth bounded domain inRN, withN≥ 5. We provide existence and bifurcation results for the elliptic fourth-order equation Δ2u− Δpu=f(λ,x,u) in Ω, under the Dirichlet boundary conditionsu= 0 and ∇u= 0. Here λ is a positive real number, 1 <p≤ 2#andf(.,.,u) has a subcritical or a critical growths, 1 <s≤ 2*, where$2^{\ast}:=\frac{2N}{N-4}$and$2^{\#}:=\frac{2N}{N-2}$. Our approach is variational, and it is based on the mountain-pass theorem, the Ekeland variational principle and the concentration-compactness principle.
ON THE DIOPHANTINE EQUATION
Authors: YAMADA TOMOHIRO
Published: December 2008

We find all solutions of $x^m=y^{n_1}\pm y^{n_2}\pm y^{n_3}\pm y^{n_4}$ in integers m, n1, n2, n3, n4 for all relatively prime integers x, y below 100.
‘Dealing with Difference: Religious Education and the Challenge of Democracy in Pakistan’
Authors: NELSON MATTHEW J.
Published: December 2008

When is a modern religious education also a modern democratic education? Drawing on research conducted in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2003–2005), this question is addressed with reference to the views of those who draw upon the resources of local maktabs and madrasas to provide their children with religious and, more specifically, Islamic instruction. Within this group—a group that, I argue, constitutes a clear majority in Pakistan—concerns about religious and sectarian diversity are given special attention. Most parents, stressing the importance of religious unity, conformity, and consensus, believe it's better to ignore these differences ‘for the sake of the nation.’ For those with an interest in combining the terms of Islam, Islamic education, and democracy, however, I argue that these differences cannot be ignored; instead, they must be acknowledged and engaged.
A role for antimicrobial peptides in intestinal microsporidiosis
Authors: LEITCH G. J. , CEBALLOS C.
Published: December 2008

Clinical isolates from 3 microsporidia species,Encephalitozoon intestinalisandEncephalitozoon hellem, and the insect parasiteAnncaliia(Brachiola, Nosema) algerae, were used in spore germination and enterocyte-like (C2Bbe1) cell infection assays to determine the effect of a panel of antimicrobial peptides. Spores were incubated with lactoferrin (Lf), lysozyme (Lz), and human beta defensin 2 (HBD2), human alpha defensin 5 (HD5), and human alpha defensin 1 (HNP1), alone and in combination with Lz, prior to germination. Of theEncephalitozoonspecies onlyE. hellemspore germination was inhibited by HNP1, whileA. algeraespore germination was inhibited by Lf, HBD2, HD5 and HNP1, although HBD2 and HD5 inhibition required the presence of Lz. The effects of HBD2 and HD5 on microsporidia enterocyte infection paralleled their effects on spore germination. Lysozyme alone only inhibited infection withA. algerae, while Lf inhibited infection byE. intestinalisandA. algerae. HNP1 significantly reduced enterocyte infection by all 3 parasite species and a combination of Lf, Lz and HNP1 caused a further reduced infection withA. algerae. These data suggest that intestinal antimicrobial peptides contribute to the defence of the intestine against infection by luminal microsporidia spores and may partially determine which parasite species infects the intestine.
Creating possibilities for action in the presence of environmental barriers in the process of ‘ageing in place’
Authors: JOHANSSON KARIN , JOSEPHSSON STAFFAN , LILJA MARGARETA
Published: December 2008

The need for an understanding of ‘ageing in place’ as a progressive process has emerged among researchers in the field of environmental gerontology. The aim of this study was to explore this process, in relation to home modification services. Four older adults who had applied for home modification services in one Swedish municipality were included. Data were collected by open interviews with the participants in their homes on subsequent occasions, from before the modification had been installed until recognised stability in the situation relating to the home modification. In the analysis, the concept of place integration was used as a tool to explore the active relations that connect people and context over time. The main findings show that the participants used creativity and initiative to direct future situations towards increased possibilities for action. This indicates that services aiming to support people ‘ageing in place’ should be directed towards increasing possibilities for action rather than only facilitating activity performance. Furthermore, it can be concluded that if the service-users' creativity and efforts are recognised as resources in design and provision of services, services that aim to support individuals who are ageing in place have the potential to be empowering.
‘This is where we buried our sons’: people of advanced old age coping with the impact of the AIDS epidemic in a resource-poor setting in rural Uganda
Authors: SEELEY JANET , WOLFF BRENT , KABUNGA ELIZABETH , TUMWEKWASE GRACE , GROSSKURTH HEINER
Published: December 2008

Much research on the impact of HIV and AIDS on older people fails to differentiate between age groups, and treats those aged from 50 years to the highest ages as homogeneous. The ‘oldest old’ or those aged over 75 years may be particularly vulnerable through declining health and independence as a result of the AIDS epidemic, which has forced some to take on roles that younger relatives would have performed had they lived. In this paper we describe the past and current experience of eight people in advanced old age living in rural Uganda who were informants for an ethnographic study of the impact of HIV and AIDS on households during 1991–92 and again in 2006–07. The aim of the study was to understand how they had coped with the impacts of the epidemic. From the eight case studies, it is concluded that family size, socio-economic status and some measure of good fortune in sustained good health enabled these people to live to an advanced age. While we recommend that targeted social protection is important in helping the poorest among the oldest, we suggest that sustaining respect for age and experience, and ensuring that older people do not feel discarded by family and society are as important as meeting their practical needs.