bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of maternal Vangl2 and aPKC inXenopusoocyte and embryo patterning
Authors: Cha Sang-Wook , Tadjuidje Emmanuel , Wylie Christopher , Heasman Janet
Published: August 2011

The Xenopus oocyte contains components of both the planar cell polarity and apical-basal polarity pathways, but their roles are not known. Here, we examine the distribution, interactions and functions of the maternal planar cell polarity core protein Vangl2 and the apical-basal complex component aPKC. We show that Vangl2 is distributed in animally enriched islands in the subcortical cytoplasm in full-grown oocytes, where it interacts with a post-Golgi v-SNARE protein, VAMP1, and acetylated microtubules. We find that Vangl2 is required for the stability of VAMP1 as well as for the maintenance of the stable microtubule architecture of the oocyte. We show that Vangl2 interacts with atypical PKC, and that both the acetylated microtubule cytoskeleton and the Vangl2-VAMP1 distribution are dependent on the presence of aPKC. We also demonstrate that aPKC and Vangl2 are required for the cell membrane asymmetry that is established during oocyte maturation, and for the asymmetrical distribution of maternal transcripts for the germ layer and dorsal/ventral determinants VegT and Wnt11. This study demonstrates the interaction and interdependence of Vangl2, VAMP1, aPKC and the stable microtubule cytoskeleton in the oocyte, shows that maternal Vangl2 and aPKC are required for specific oocyte asymmetries and vertebrate embryonic patterning, and points to the usefulness of the oocyte as a model to study the polarity problem.
Novel Loss-of-Function PCSK9 Variant Is Associated with Low Plasma LDL Cholesterol in a French-Canadian Family and with Impaired Processing and Secretion in Cell Culture
Authors: Mayne Janice , Dewpura Thilina , Raymond Angela , Bernier Lise , Cousins Marion , Ooi Teik Chye , Davignon Jean , Seidah Nabil G , Mbikay Majambu , Chrétien Michel
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is a polymorphic gene whose protein product regulates plasma LDL cholesterol (LDLC) concentrations by shuttling liver LDL receptors (LDLRs) for degradation. PCSK9 variants that cause a gain or loss of PCSK9 function are associated with hyper- or hypocholesterolemia, which increases or reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, respectively. We studied the clinical and molecular characteristics of a novel PCSK9 loss-of-function sequence variant in a white French-Canadian family.

METHODS

In vivo plasma and ex vivo secreted PCSK9 concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA. We sequenced the PCSK9 exons for 15 members of a family, the proband of which exhibited very low plasma PCSK9 and LDLC concentrations. We then conducted a structure/function analysis of the novel PCSK9 variant in cell culture to identify its phenotypic basis.

RESULTS

We identified a PCSK9 sequence variant in the French-Canadian family that produced the PCSK9 Q152H substitution. Family members carrying this variant had mean decreases in circulating PCSK9 and LDLC concentrations of 79% and 48%, respectively, compared with unrelated noncarriers (n=210). In cell culture, the proPCSK9-Q152H variant did not undergo efficient autocatalytic cleavage and was not secreted. Cells transiently transfected with PCSK9-Q152H cDNA had LDLR concentrations that were significantly higher than those of cells overproducing wild-type PCSK9 (PCSK9-WT). Cotransfection of PCSK9-Q152H and PCSK9-WT cDNAs produced a 78% decrease in the secreted PCSK9-WT protein compared with control cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results demonstrate that the PCSK9-Q152H variant markedly lowers plasma PCSK9 and LDLC concentrations in heterozygous carriers via decreased autocatalytic processing and secretion, and hence, inactivity on the LDLR.
Improved lentiviral gene transfer into human embryonic stem cells grown in co-culture with murine feeder and stroma cells
Authors: Wurm Melanie , Groß Benjamin , Sgodda Malte , Ständker Ludger , Müller Thomas , Forssmann Wolf-Georg , Horn Peter A. , Blasczyk Rainer , Cantz Tobias
Published: August 2011

Genetic modification of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using biophysical DNA transfection methods are hampered by the very low single cell survival rate and cloning efficiency of hESCs. Lentiviral gene transfer strategies are widely used to genetically modify hESCs but limited transduction efficiencies in the presence of feeder or stroma cells present problems, particularly if vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) pseudotyped viral particles are applied. Here, we investigated whether the recently described semen derived enhancer of virus infection (SEVI) and alternative viral envelope proteins derived from either Gibbon ape leukaemia virus (GALV) or feline leukaemia virus (RD114) are applicable for transducing hESCs during co-culture with feeder or stroma cells. Our first set of experiments demonstrates that SEVI has no toxic effect on murine or hESCs and that exposure to SEVI does not interfere with the pluripotency-associated phenotype. Focusing on hESCs, we were able to further demonstrate that SEVI increases the transduction efficiencies of GALV and RD114 pseudotyped lentiviral vectors. More importantly, aiming at targeted differentiation of hESCs into functional somatic cell types, GALV pseudotyped lentiviral particles could efficiently and exclusively transduce hESCs grown in co-culture with OP9-GFP stroma cells (which were often used to induce differentiation into haematopoietic derivatives).
Development of novel positron emitters for medical applications: nuclear and radiochemical aspects
Authors: Qaim Syed M.
Published: August 2011

In molecular imaging, the importance of novel longer lived positron emitters, also termed as non-standard or innovative PET radionuclides, has been constantly increasing, especially because they allow studies on slow metabolic processes and in some cases furnish the possibility of quantification of radiation dose in internal radiotherapy. Considerable efforts have been invested worldwide and about 25 positron emitters have been developed. Those efforts relate to interdisciplinary studies dealing with basic nuclear data, high current charged particle irradiation, efficient radiochemical separation and quality control of the desired radionuclide, and recovery of the enriched target material for reuse. In this review all those aspects are briefly discussed, with particular reference to three radionuclides, namely64Cu,124I and86Y, which are presently in great demand. For each radionuclide several nuclear routes were investigated but the (p,n) reaction on an enriched target isotope was found to be the best for use at a small-sized cyclotron. Some other positron emitting radionuclides, such as55Co,76Br,89Zr,82mRb,94mTc,120I,etc., were also producedviathe low-energy (p,n), (p,α) or (d,n) reaction. On the other hand, the production of radionuclides52Fe,73Se,83Sr,etc.using intermediate energy (p,xn) or (d,xn) reactions needs special consideration, the nuclear data and chemical processing methods being of key importance. In a few special cases, a high intensity3He- orα-particle beam could be an added advantage. The production of some potentially interesting positron emittersviagenerator systems, for example44Ti/44Sc,72Se/72As and140N d/140Pr is considered. The significance of new generation high power accelerators is briefly discussed.
Hybrid Valence Bands in Strained-Layer Heterostructures grown on Relaxed SiGe Virtual Substrates
Authors: Lee Minjoo L. , Fitzgerald Eugene A.
Published: August 2011

The use of alternative channel materials such as germanium [1,2] and strained silicon (ε-Si) [3-5] is increasingly being considered as a method for improving the performance of MOSFETs. While ε-Si grown on relaxed Si1-xGex is drawing closer to widespread commercialization, it is currently believed that almost all of the performance benefit in CMOS implementations will derive from the enhanced mobility of the n-MOSFET [5]. In this paper, we demonstrate that ε-Si p-MOSFETs can be engineered to exhibit mobility enhancements that increase or remain constant as a function of inversion density. We have also designed and fabricated ε-Si / ε-Ge dual-channel p-MOSFETs exhibiting mobility enhancements of 10 times. These p-MOSFETs can be integrated on the same wafers as ε-Si n-MOSFETs, making symmetric-mobility CMOS possible.
Anisotropic Delamination Energy of Bonded Rippled Silicon Surfaces Created by Ar+ Bombardment
Authors: Liu Z.X. , Cheung N.W.
Published: August 2011

The surface topography of Si(100) modified by low energy Ar+ bombardment was characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM images show that ripples can be formed by 500eV Ar+ at incidence angle 40°. The spacing wavelength of ripples is around 70nm with wave vector parallel to the projected direction of ion beam. Direct bonding and mechanical delamination of Si wafer pairs with ripples are investigated. Delamination energy measured by crack-opening method along the direction perpendicular to the wave vector,γ⊥, is always smaller than that along the wave vector direction,γ„; Both γ⊥ and γ„ are found to decrease with sputtering time. The AFM images after delamination indicate that the bonding and delamination process do not eliminate the ripples on the wafer surface.
Numerical assessment of vibration damping effect of soilbags
Authors: Ye B. , Muramatsu D. , Ye G.L. , Zhang F.
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT: It has been proved that soilbags can be used as an effective measure to reduce or isolate traffic-induced ground vibration. Research related to laboratory tests or field tests can be found in the literature but there have been few numerical studies on the vibration damping effect of soilbags, partly because of the difficulties in modelling the dynamic behaviour of ground and of the material within the soilbags. The present study investigated and evaluated the vibration damping effect of soilbags using a numerical method, and field testing. In the field test, a soilbag stack was set up as a vibration barrier within sandy ground and a vibrator was used as a point vibration source. The accelerations propagated from the vibration source were measured along a measurement line on the ground surface. A dynamic finite element analysis based on an elastoplastic constitutive model called the ‘tij subloading model' (Soils and Foundations, 44, No. 2, 53–70, 2004) was created to simulate the field test. By comparing the results with and without using soilbags for countermeasures, it was found that the soilbags could effectively reduce ground vibration, but the damping effect depended strongly on the position of the vibration source. The smaller the distance between the vibration source and the soilbag stack, the greater was the damping effect.
Rapid quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated sludge with the fluorescent dye Nile blue A
Authors: Oshiki M. , Satoh H. , Mino T.
Published: August 2011

The present study was conducted (1) to develop a rapid quantification method of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) concentration in activated sludge by Nile blue A staining and fluorescence measurement and (2) to perform on-line monitoring of PHA concentrations in activated sludge. Activated sludge samples collected from laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors and full-scale wastewater treatment plants were stained with Nile blue A and their fluorescence intensities were determined. There was a high correlation (R2 > 0.97) between the fluorescence intensities of Nile blue A and PHA concentrations in activated sludge determined by gas chromatography. The Nile blue A staining and fluorescence measurement method allows us to determine PHA concentrations in activated sludge within only five minutes and up to 96 samples can be measured at once by using microplate reader. On-line monitoring of PHA concentrations in activated sludge was achieved by using a fluorometer equipped with a flow cell and the time point at which PHA concentration in activated sludge reached the maximum level could be identified. In addition, we examined the influence of pH, floc size and co-existing chemicals in activated sludge suspension on the fluorescence intensities of Nile blue A.
Chemometric characterization of the hydrogen bonding complexes of secondary amides and aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Jovic Branislav , Nikolic Aleksandar , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: August 2011

The paper reports the results of the study of hydrogen bonding complexes
between secondary amides and various aromatic hydrocarbons. The possibility
of using chemometric methods was investigated in order to characterize
N-H???? hydrogen bonded complexes. Hierarchical clustering and Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) have been applied on infrared spectroscopic and Taft
parameters of 43 N-substituted amide complexes with different aromatic
hydrocarbons. Results obtained in this report are in good agreement with
conclusions of other spectroscopic and thermodynamic analysis.
Increasing Transparency: A Prototype of the Nonpublic Portions of PCAOB Large-Firm Inspection Reports
Authors: Evans Rachael J. , Boster Ronald S. , Gradison Bill
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY:The Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and requires it to conduct annual inspections of accounting firms that regularly provide audit reports for more than 100 public companies (issuers). Certain information in these reports is, by law, nonpublic—in particular, findings of “quality control” (QC) deficiencies. Having access to nonpublic portions of PCAOB inspection reports, the authors create an illustrative example of a nonpublic portion of a large-firm inspection report, albeit with specific firms and issuers de-identified.
Registration of Arkot 0015a, Arkot 0015b, and Arkot 0016 Germplasm Lines of Cotton
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: August 2011

Arkot 0015a (Reg. No. GP‐935, PI 660505), Arkot 0015b (Reg. No. GP‐936, PI 660506), and Arkot 0016 (Reg. No. GP‐937, PI 660507) are noncommercial breeding lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that were released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in August 2010. All three lines were released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved germplasm lines having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host‐plant resistance, and fiber properties. Both Arkot 0015a and Arkot 0015b were derived from the cross of two advanced breeding lines: Ark 9308‐14 and Ark 9409‐22. Arkot 0016 was derived from a cross of Ark 9308‐14 and Arkot 9101. The three lines were evaluated in replicated tests at four Arkansas sites from 2006 through 2009. Compared with ‘DP 393’, Arkot 0015a and Arkot 0016 tended to produce lower lint yields and enhanced yield components and to have similar maturity and better fiber quality. Lint yields, maturity, and fiber quality of Arkot 0015b were similar to those of DP 393. Except for Arkot 0016 having the highest density of trichomes on its leaves, all three lines had a lower or equal trichome density on their leaves, stems, and bracts than DP‐393. Lower trichome densities are associated with less trash and higher grades of cotton lint. The three lines are resistant to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye]. Resistance of the lines to tarnished plant bug [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)] was equal to that of ‘SG 105’ and lower than that of DP 393. The relative yield, maturity, and line‐specific host‐plant resistance traits make these lines valuable to cotton breeding programs.
Registration of ‘Jazzman’ Aromatic Long‐Grain Rice
Authors: Sha X. Y. , Linscombe S. D. , Jodari F. , Chu Q. R. , Groth D. E. , Blanche S. B. , Harrell D. L. , White L. M. , Oard J. H. , Chen M. H. , Theunissen S. J. , Henry B. J.
Published: August 2011

‘Jazzman’ (Reg. No. CV‐134, PI 658006) is the first U.S.‐bred jasmine‐type, soft‐cooking, aromatic, long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) with a glabrous leaf, sheath, and hull and no dormancy. It was developed from a single cross by the modified pedigree selection procedure at the Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Crowley, LA, and officially released in December 2008. Jazzman was tested under the experimental designation RU0402125 in the Louisiana Commercial Advanced trial at either six or seven locations, as well as in the Uniform Regional Rice Nursery (URRN) in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Texas during 2004–2008. Jazzman is a moderately early maturing and conventional‐height cultivar with commercially acceptable grain and milling yields, translucent slender grains, and a strong aroma. In 34 replicated Louisiana statewide and multistate URRN trials, Jazzman had average main‐ and ratoon‐crop yields of 7.8 and 1.5 t ha−1, respectively. When averaged across years and locations, Jazzman had a head rice yield of 63.6% and a total milled rice yield of 69.6%. Jazzman has the typical jasmine‐type cooking quality: a low amylose content, low gelatinization temperature, and an average 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline content of 436 ng g−1. Under both artificial inoculation and natural infection, Jazzman was found to be moderately susceptible to sheath blight [caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris (A.B. Frank) Donk (anamorph Rhizoctonia solani Kühn)], bacterial panicle blight (caused by Burkholderia glumae), and the physiological disorder straighthead but moderately resistant to blast [caused by Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr (anamorph Pyricularia grisea Sacc.)]. Successful development of Jazzman rice, which is well‐adapted to the Gulf‐ and Mid‐South rice‐growing regions, should enable the U.S. rice industry to compete with Asian exporters in high‐value aromatic‐rice niche markets.
Development of microsatellite loci for Cephalotaxus oliveri (Cephalotaxaceae) and cross‐amplification in Cephalotaxus
Authors: Pan Hua‐Wei , Guo Ying‐Rong , Su Ying‐Juan , Wang Ting
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Cephalotaxus oliveri, an endemic and endangered conifer in China, which will allow assessment of the levels of genetic diversity and a means to understand the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation.

•Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining (FIASCO) Repeats protocol, 19 microsatellite loci were identified in C. oliveri, 13 of which were polymorphic within a sample of 52 individuals representing five natural populations. The actual number of alleles per locus ranged from one to five. Twelve polymorphic loci were also successfully amplified in C. fortunei.

•Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will provide a useful tool for further investigating genetic variation in natural populations of C. oliveri, which will inform future conservation and management strategies. Additionally, cross‐amplification in C. fortunei suggested the potential utility of these loci in this and other congeneric species.
Gabapentin for Postoperative Pain After Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Lichtinger Alejandro , Purcell Tracy L. , Schanzlin David J. , Chayet Arturo S.
Published: August 2011

PURPOSE:

To determine whether treatment with oral gabapentin reduces postoperative pain after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS:

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprised 40 patients scheduled for bilateral PRK. Exclusion criteria were previous refractive surgery; diseases that could affect epithelial healing; use of antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroids; and use of mitomycin C during PRK. Patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients received gabapentin capsules (300 mg) and 20 patients received identical placebo capsules. Visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, and a 12-question, 10-point visual numerical scale questionnaire were evaluated at each postoperative follow-up. Main outcome measures were the severity of pain at each follow-up and during the previous 24 hours. Secondary outcome measures were maximum and minimum severity of pain, healing time, uncorrected distance visual acuity, and the rating of other symptoms and potential side effects.

RESULTS:

The gabapentin group had less pain during the first 72 hours (
P
=.024 to .001). A significant difference in favor of gabapentin was found for the first 48 hours regarding minimum pain severity (
P
=.005 and .01 for 24 and 48 hours, respectively) and for the first 72 hours for maximum pain severity (
P
=.014, .007, and .001 for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively). No significant differences were observed for side effects, symptoms, or healing time except discomfort in favor of gabapentin during the first 24 hours (
P
=.043).

CONCLUSIONS:

Gabapentin significantly reduced postoperative pain after PRK compared to placebo, with no increase in reported side effects.
IgG Autoantibodies against Deposited C3 Inhibit Macrophage-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Engulfment in Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Kenyon Karla D. , Cole Caroline , Crawford Fran , Kappler John W. , Thurman Joshua M. , Bratton Donna L. , Boackle Susan A. , Henson Peter M.
Published: August 2011

Defective clearance of apoptotic cells has been shown in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is postulated to enhance autoimmune responses by increasing access to intracellular autoantigens. Until now, research has emphasized inherited rather than acquired impairment of apoptotic cell engulfment in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this study, we confirm previous results that efficient removal of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) is bolstered in the presence of wild-type mouse serum, through the C3 deposition on the apoptotic cell surface. In contrast, sera from three mouse models of SLE, MerKD, MRLlpr, and New Zealand Black/WF1 did not support and in fact actively inhibited apoptotic cell uptake. IgG autoantibodies were responsible for the inhibition, through the blockade of C3 recognition by macrophages. Consistent with this, IgG removal reversed the inhibitory activity within autoimmune serum, and purified autoimmune IgG blocked both the detection of C3 on apoptotic cells and C3-dependent efferocytosis. Sera from SLE patients demonstrated elevated anti-C3b IgG that blocked detection of C3 on apoptotic cells, activity that was not found in healthy controls or patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nor in mice prior to the onset of autoimmunity. We propose that the suppression of apoptotic cell disposal by Abs against deposited C3 may contribute to increasing severity and/or exacerbations in SLE.
Identification of a Novel Proinflammatory Human Skin-Homing Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Subset with a Potential Role in Psoriasis
Authors: Laggner Ute , Di Meglio Paola , Perera Gayathri K. , Hundhausen Christian , Lacy Katie E. , Ali Niwa , Smith Catherine H. , Hayday Adrian C. , Nickoloff Brian J. , Nestle Frank O.
Published: August 2011

γδ T cells mediate rapid tissue responses in murine skin and participate in cutaneous immune regulation including protection against cancer. The role of human γδ cells in cutaneous homeostasis and pathology is characterized poorly. In this study, we show in vivo evidence that human blood contains a distinct subset of proinflammatory cutaneous lymphocyte Ag and CCR6-positive Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, which is rapidly recruited into perturbed human skin. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells produced an array of proinflammatory mediators including IL-17A and activated keratinocytes in a TNF-α– and IFN-γ–dependent manner. Examination of the common inflammatory skin disease psoriasis revealed a striking reduction of circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and atopic dermatitis patients. Decreased numbers of circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T cells normalized after successful treatment with psoriasis-targeted therapy. Taken together with the increased presence of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in psoriatic skin, these data indicate redistribution of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from the blood to the skin compartment in psoriasis. In summary, we report a novel human proinflammatory γδ T cell involved in skin immune surveillance with immediate response characteristics and with potential clinical relevance in inflammatory skin disease.
Hermite’s Constant for Function Fields
Authors: Hurlburt Chris , Thunder Jeffrey Lin
Published: August 2011

We formulate an analog of Hermite's constant for function fields over a finite field and state a conjectural value for this analog. We prove our conjecture in many cases, and prove slightly weaker results in all other cases.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Yellow‐Emitting Sr8MgLn(PO4)7:Eu2+ (Ln: Y, La) Phosphors for Applications in White LEDs with Excellent Color Rendering Index.
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hao , Chen Teng‐Ming
Published: August 2011

The title phosphors are synthesized by solid state reaction of SrCO3, MgO, Y2O3 or La2O3, (NH4)2HPO4, and Eu2O3 (alumina crucible, 15% H2/85% N2, 1573 K, 8 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Conductivity of Heptadecatungstovanadodiphosphoric Heteropoly Acid with Dawson Structure.
Authors: Tong Xia , Zhu Weiming , Wu Qingyin , Qian Xueyu , Liu Zhen , Yan Wenfu , Gong Jian
Published: August 2011

The new solid high‐proton conductor H7P2W17VO62·28H2 O is obtained from an aqueous HCl solution of NaVO3 and K10P2W17O61 and characterized by XRD, TG/DTA, IR, UV, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
ChemInform Abstract: Na8CeSi6O18 and Its Ti‐Doped Analogue Na8Ce0.73Ti0.27Si6O18 with Interesting Photovoltaic Properties.
Authors: Wang Xi , Li Jiyang , Han Yide , Li Yi , Yu Jihong , Xu Ruren
Published: August 2011

The title compounds are hydrothermally synthesized using Ce(NO3)3, Si(OEt)4, NaOH, and Ti(OBu)4 as starting materials (autoclave, 503 K, 7 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses and Characterization of New Mid‐Infrared Transparency Compounds: Centric Ba2BiGaS5 and Acentric Ba2BiInS5.
Authors: Geng Lei , Cheng Wen‐Dan , Lin Chen‐Sheng , Zhang Wei‐Long , Zhang Hao , He Zhang‐Zhen
Published: August 2011

The title compounds are prepared by solid state reactions of stoichiometric mixtures of BaS, Bi, Ga or In, and sulfur (silica tubes, 973 K and 1223 K, 30 h each).
ChemInform Abstract: New Oxides Showing an Intense Orange Color Based on Fe3+ in Trigonal‐Bipyramidal Coordination.
Authors: Jiang Peng , Li Jun , Sleight Arthur W. , Subramanian M. A.
Published: August 2011

In‐rich YIn1‐xFexO3 (x = 0.0—0.3) phases are prepared by solid state reactions of Fe2O3, In2O3, and Y2O3 (1200 and 1300 °C, 12 h each), and Fe‐rich YIn1‐xFexO3 (x = 0.7—1.0) materials are obtained from aqueous solutions of Y(NO3)3, In(NO3)3, Fe(NO3)3, and citric acid (90 °C for several hours, followed by heating the resulting gel at 250 °C for 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Approach to 2‐Bromoalken‐3‐ols by Regioselective Bromohydroxylation Reaction of Simple Allenes with NBS.
Authors: Kong Wangqing , Guo Binjie , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: August 2011

Bromoalkenols are directly obtained with good regioselectivity by reaction of allenes with NBS in a mixture of dioxane and water.
ChemInform Abstract: Intermolecular Amination of Allyl Alcohols with Sulfamates: Effective Utilization of Mercuric Catalyst.
Authors: Yamamoto Hirofumi , Ho Elisabeth , Sasaki Ikuo , Mitsutake Mizuho , Takagi Yuichi , Imagawa Hiroshi , Nishizawa Mugio
Published: August 2011

Mercuric triflate is an efficient catalyst for the title reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Monoarylation of Aryl Amine with Aryl Tosylates.
Authors: Xie Xiaomin , Ni Gang , Ma Fangfang , Ding Lina , Xu Sheng , Zhang Zhaoguo
Published: August 2011

Primary aryl amines (II) are subjected to reactions with aryl tosylates (I) to form the corresponding secondary aryl amines with high selectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Tandem Reduction of 2‐(Aroylmethyl)quinolines with Phosphine‐Free Ru‐TsDPEN Catalyst.
Authors: Wang Tianli , Ouyang Guanghui , He Yan‐Mei , Fan Qing‐Hua
Published: August 2011

The selective asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of the CO bond of aroylmethylquinolines (I) with good to excellent enantioselectivities is achieved, as well as the tandem asymmetric transfer hydrogenation/asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines (I) with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity by using the chiral N‐(p‐toluenesulfonyl)diphenylethylenediamine complex as the catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Ratiometric Detection of Mercury Ions in Water: Accelerated Response Kinetics of Azo Chromophores Having Ethynyl Ligand Tethers.
Authors: Lee Ho Yong , Jo Junyong , Park Hyunsoo , Lee Dongwhan
Published: August 2011

The new resorcinol‐derived azo dye (I) functions as a ratiometric detector for Hg(II) ions down to a nanomolar level in neutral aqueous solutions.
ChemInform Abstract: Antiinflammatory Diterpene from Thyrsanthera suborbicularis.
Authors: Khiev Piseth , Oh Sei‐Ryang , Chae Hee‐Sung , Kwon Ok‐Kyoung , Ahn Kyung‐Seop , Chin Young‐Won , Lee Hyeong‐Kyu
Published: August 2011

Bioactivity‐guided isolation leads to the identification of the new rosane‐type diterpene (I) which demonstrates significant inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW264.7 LPS‐activated mouse macrophages.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphine‐Catalyzed [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of 2‐Phenyl‐4‐arylidene‐5(4H)‐oxazolones with Allenoate: A Concise Synthesis of Aspartic Acid Analogues.
Authors: Zou You‐Quan , Li Chao , Rong Jian , Yan Hao , Chen Jia‐Rong , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: August 2011

A new family of aspartic acid derivatives is obtained through cycloaddition reactions of oxazolones (I) with allenoate (II), providing restricted cyclopentanyl aspartic acid analogues (III) and (IV) under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Tetrofuranose Nucleoside Phosphonic Acids: Synthesis and Properties.
Authors: Polakova Ivana , Budesinsky Milos , Tocik Zdenek , Rosenberg Ivan
Published: August 2011

With a view to find novel inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase, a variety of novel nucleoside phosphonic acids are prepared, e.g. derivatives (V), (VI), and (VII).
ChemInform Abstract: Upconverting Nanoparticles
Authors: Haase Markus , Schaefer Helmut
Published: August 2011

Review: 467 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Nanoceramic Oxides and Their Applications in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Xu Rong , Sampanthar Jeyagowry T.
Published: August 2011

Review: 455 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organometallic Platinum(II) and Palladium(II) Complexes as Donor Ligands for Lewis Acidic d10 and s2 Centers
Authors: Moret Marc‐Etienne
Published: August 2011

Review: 92 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Heck—Matsuda Reaction in Heterocyclic Chemistry
Authors: Felpin Francois‐Xavier , Nassar‐Hardy Luma , Le Callonnec Francois , Fouquet Eric
Published: August 2011

Review: 108 refs.
Role of precursors on greening in crushed garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs, and its control with freeze‐dried onion powder
Authors: Cho Jungeun , Lee Eun Jin , Yoo Kil Sun , Lee Seung Koo
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Lachrymatory factor (LF) synthase in onion bulbs reacts with S‐1‐propenyl‐L‐cysteine sulfoxide (1‐PeCSO), a key compound in garlic greening. In this study, freeze‐dried onion powder containing LF synthase was used in treatments to control garlic greening. Prior to the use of freeze‐dried onion powder to treat greening garlic bulbs, model reactions were conducted to confirm the reactivity of 1‐PeCSO in onion bulbs to garlic greening.

RESULTS: While pink pigments were generated from 1‐PeCSO, green pigments were produced from the combination of 1‐PeCSO and S‐2‐propenyl‐L‐cysteine sulfoxide (2‐PeCSO). However, pigments were formed in the systems containing 1‐PeCSO, amino acid and alliinase. Even non‐greening garlic bulbs stored at 20 °C turned green with the reaction of 200 g L−1 1‐PeCSO; therefore 1‐PeCSO isolated from onion bulbs had the same role as 1‐PeCSO in garlic bulbs in terms of greening. Onion bulbs turned green after the addition of 600 g L−1 2‐PeCSO. The addition of freeze‐dried onion powder inhibited garlic greening, and treatment with 15 g kg−1 onion powder gave the best storage stability of crushed garlic bulbs.

CONCLUSION: The addition of freeze‐dried onion powder inhibited the greening in crushed garlic bulbs, and treatment with 15 g kg−1 onion powder gave the best storage stability of crushed garlic bulbs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Egg yolk fatty acid profile in relation to dietary fatty acid concentrations
Authors: Poureslami Reza , Raes Katleen , Huyghebaert Gerard , Batal Amy B , De Smet Stefaan
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of n‐3 fatty acids have led to much research on manipulating the fatty acid composition of animal‐derived foods. In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate the interaction of dietary fatty acids on egg yolk fatty acid concentrations. In experiment I, 32 dietary treatments with three replicates of three birds each were fed for 35 days. Diets were prepared by mixing one type of fish oil with four vegetable oils in different proportions. In experiment II, three different types and two levels of fish oil in combination with two vegetable oils were tested under the same conditions as in experiment I.

RESULTS: In experiment I the results showed that the egg yolk saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acid concentration was determined by the dietary SFA, MUFA and 18:2n‐6 content. The egg 18:2n‐6 concentration was mainly explained by the dietary inclusion of 18:2n‐6 and negatively by the dietary MUFA content. The egg C18:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3 concentration is almost exclusively determined by their direct supply from the diet. The egg 20:4n‐6 concentration was inversely proportional to the long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the diet. The results of experiment II showed that the egg yolk C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3 concentration was determined by both the level of dietary fish oil (1 or 2%) and the C20:5n‐3/C22:6n‐3 ratio in the fish oil.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the direct dietary supply of fatty acids is the most important factor determining the egg yolk fatty acid composition, in particular for the n‐3 fatty acids. The interaction effect from other dietary fatty acids was in general small. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of implanted satellite transmitters on behavior and survival of female common eiders
Authors: Fast Peter L. F. , Fast Marie , Mosbech Anders , Sonne Christian , Gilchrist H. Grant , Descamps Sébastien
Published: August 2011

Surgically implanted satellite transmitters have been widely used in studies of avian ecology, yet little is known about their potential impacts on birds. We implanted satellite transmitters with percutaneous antennae (approx. 50 g) in 17 female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) at a breeding colony in Arctic Canada. Among females implanted during incubation, 11 of 12 nests were abandoned within 1 week of being radioed. We observed no differences in the proportion of time that implanted female eiders allocated to basic behaviors. Radioed birds were more likely to pick or preen their abdominal (site of surgical incision) and posterior–dorsal (site of antenna exit) regions than unmarked females, although these behaviors were rare (approx. 0.3% of total time budget). Three of 10 females re‐observed had a pronounced limp following surgery, but we observed no walking difficulties among these females in subsequent seasons, and we observed some implanted eiders nesting in subsequent years. Mark–resighting models suggest eiders with transmitters had lower apparent survival the year after implantation (67.0%; 85% CI: 47.8–81.9%) than did color‐banded eiders (87.5%, 85% CI: 82.5–91.2%), but there was no model support for a survival difference in subsequent years. We conclude that transmitter implantation in common eiders leads to short‐term changes in behavior and a decline in first year survival. We encourage researchers to collect similar data on their study subjects where possible and use it to determine the degree to which data are representative of the greater population. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Self‐Assembled Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Copolymer Films on Titanium
Authors: Pfaffenroth Cornelia , Winkel Andreas , Dempwolf Wibke , Gamble Lara J. , Castner David G. , Stiesch Meike , Menzel Henning
Published: August 2011

Copolymers of 4‐vinyl‐N‐hexylpyridinium bromide and dimethyl(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphonate self‐assemble to form ultrathin layers on titanium surfaces that show antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. The copolymer layers are characterized by contact angle measurements, ellipsometry and XPS. Antibacterial activity is assessed by investigation of adherence of S. mutans. Biocompatibility is rated based on human gingival fibroblast adhesion and proliferation. By balancing the opposing effects of the chemical composition on biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, copolymer coatings are fabricated that are able to inhibit the growth of S. mutans on the surface but still show attachment of gingival fibroblasts, and therefore might prevent biofilm formation on implants.

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Surgical reduction of hypertrophy of the labia minora
Authors: Trichot Caroline , Thubert Thibault , Faivre Erika , Fernandez Hervé , Deffieux Xavier
Published: August 2011

Objective

To evaluate postoperative satisfaction, including improvements in quality of life, among patients who had undergone labia minora reduction.

Methods

In a retrospective descriptive study, women who had undergone labiaplasty for hypertrophy of the labia minora between January 2005 and December 2009 were contacted by telephone. The women were asked to answer a satisfaction survey evaluating the esthetic and functional results of the surgery.

Results

Among 21 patients who had labiaplasty using either a pedicle flap reconstruction (n = 18, 86%) or a nymphectomy technique (n = 3, 14%), 18 (86%) were contacted successfully and took part in the survey. All of the contacted patients were satisfied with the overall outcome of the surgery, with a mean rating of 8.7 out of 10 at a median follow‐up of 17 months (interquartile range 6–25 months). From an esthetic point of view, all 18 patients reported an improvement in comfort with respect to any form of original functional discomfort. Concerning sexuality, 95% of the sexually active patients had originally described some form of physical or psychologic discomfort, and all of them reported total disappearance of this symptomatology.

Conclusion

Labiaplasty provided overall satisfaction in terms of improvements in patient quality of life and sexuality.
Electromagnetic radiation and scattering for a gap in a corner backed by a cavity filled with DNG metamaterial
Authors: Akgol Oguzhan , Erricolo Danilo , Uslenghi Piergiorgio L. E.
Published: August 2011

A partially covered cavity, or trench, located along the edge of two intersecting metallic walls perpendicular to each other is considered. The cross section of the cavity is a quarter ellipse and is slotted along the interfocal distance. The cavity is filled with a double‐negative (DNG) metamaterial that is isoimpedance to the material filling the half‐space above the trench. This two‐dimensional boundary value problem is solved exactly, in the frequency domain, when the primary field is either a plane wave of arbitrary polarization and direction of incidence or an electric or magnetic line source. Numerical results are exhibited and discussed.
$\mathcal {N}=5$
N
=
5
three-algebras and 5-graded Lie superalgebras
Authors: Kim Sung-Soo , Palmkvist Jakob
Published: August 2011

We discuss a generalization of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal N}=6$\end{document}N=6 three-algebras to \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal {N}=5$\end{document}N=5 three-algebras in connection to anti-Lie triple systems and basic Lie superalgebras of type II. We then show that the structure constants defined in anti-Lie triple systems agree with those of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal N}=5$\end{document}N=5 superconformal theories in three dimensions.
Effect of light scattering on the transmission spectra of organic nanocrystals
Authors: Ishino Heisuke , Nair Selvakumar V. , Nakagawa Kazuya , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: August 2011

The effect of light scattering on the extinction spectra of organic nanocrystals was investigated by absorption and extinction measurement and by theoretical calculation for typical organic nanocrystals of α-perylene. In the extinction spectra, the exciton band shows a size-dependent redshift and tail toward longer wavelengths due to scattering as the crystal size is increased beyond ∼50 nm. In the absorption spectra, the exciton band blueshifts from that in the bulk crystal for crystal sizes less than ∼200 nm due to the anisotropic exciton structure in perylene. The calculation qualitatively supports these results. The effect of scattering always makes the extinction band redshift from the absorption band.
Ferromagnetism in IV main group element (C) and transition metal (Mn) doped MgO: A density functional perspective
Authors: Sharma Vinit , Pilania Ghanshyam , Lowther J. E.
Published: August 2011

The formation of magnetic moment due to the dopants with p-orbital (d-orbital) is named d0 (d −) magnetism, where the ion without (with) partially filled d states is found to be responsible for the observed magnetic properties. To study the origin of magnetism at a fundamental electronic level in such materials, as a representative case, we theoretically investigate ferromagnetism in MgO doped with transition metal (Mn) and non-metal (C). The generalized gradient approximation based first-principles calculations are used to investigate substitutional doping of metal (Mn) and non-metal (C), both with and without the presence of neighboring oxygen vacancy sites. Furthermore, the case of co-doping of (Mn, C) in MgO system is also investigated. It is observed that the oxygen vacancies do not play a role in tuning the ferromagnetism in presence of Mn dopants, but have a significant influence on total magnetism of the C doped system. In fact, we find that in MgO the d0 magnetism through C doping is curtailed by pairing of the substitutional dopant with naturally occurring O vacancies. On the other hand, in case of (Mn, C) co-doped MgO the strong hybridization between the C (2p) and the Mn(3d) states suggests that co-doping is a promising approach to enhance the ferromagnetic coupling between the nearest-neighboring dopant and host atoms. Therefore, (Mn,C) co-doped MgO is expected to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor with long ranged ferromagnetism and high Curie temperature.
Constant Strain Rate and Peri‐Implant Bone Modeling: An In Vivo Longitudinal Micro‐CT Analysis
Authors: De Smet Els , Jaecques Siegfried V. N. , Wevers Martine , Sloten Jos Vander , Naert Ignace E.
Published: August 2011

Background: Strain, frequency, loading time, and strain rate, among others, determine mechanical parameters in osteogenic loading. We showed a significant osteogenic effect on bone mass (BM) by daily peri‐implant loading at 1.600 µε.s−1 after 4 weeks.

Purpose: To study the peri‐implant osteogenic effect of frequency and strain in the guinea pig tibia by in vivo longitudinal micro‐computed tomography (CT) analysis.

Material and Methods: One week after implant installation in both hind limb tibiae, one implant was loaded daily for 10′ during 4 weeks, while the other served as control. Frequencies (3, 10, and 30 Hz) and strains varied alike in the three series to keep the strain rate constant at 1.600 µε.s−1. In vivo micro‐CT scans were taken of both tibiae: 1 week after implantation but before loading (v1) and after 2 (v2) and 4 weeks (v3) of loading as well as postmortem (pm). BM (BM (%) bone‐occupied area fraction) was calculated as well as the difference between test and control sides (delta BM)

Results: All implants (n = 78) were clinically stable at 4 weeks. Significant increase in BM was measured between v1 and v2 (p < .0001) and between v1 and v3 (p < .0001). A significant positive effect of loading on delta BM was observed in the distal peri‐implant marrow 500 Region of Interest already 2 weeks after loading (p = .01) and was significantly larger (11%) in series 1 compared with series 2 (p = .006) and 3 (p = .016).

Conclusions: Within the constraints of constant loading time and strain rate, the effect of early implant loading on the peri‐implant bone is strongly dependent on strain and frequency. This cortical bone model has shown to be most sensitive for high force loading at low frequency.
Analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis PG27 by deletion and intragenic suppressor mutation analyses
Authors: Ishiguro I. , Saiki K. , Konishi K.
Published: August 2011

PG27 is required for secretion of virulence factor gingipains, and has recently been proposed as LptO, which is involved in O‐deacylation of lipopolysaccharide. In the present study, a predicted 14 anti‐parallel β‐strand structure of PG27 was ascertained. Deletion study showed that the region from Asp382 to the C‐terminal His391 of PG27 is dispensable for the function of PG27. Analysis of C‐terminal deletion mutants revealed that the region in strand S14 (Asn369–Gly385) is important for activity. Of the gingipain‐defective mutants, ΔThr378–His391 and ΔPhe377–His391 produced amounts of PG27 comparable to those produced by wild‐type cells, suggesting that Thr378–Phe381 contains essential residues for the function of PG27. In contrast, ΔPhe381–His391, ΔAla380–His391, ΔLeu379–His391 and ΔArg376–His391 produced no detectable PG27. The defects of the ΔAla380–His391 mutant were suppressed by changing either Ala346 or Ala359 of PG27 to valine. Importantly, Ala346 and Ala359 are located close to Leu379 in the structural model of PG27. A359V compensated for the instability of PG27, but not the gingipain‐defective phenotypes, of other deletion mutants tested, suggesting that Ala380 and Phe381 of PG27 are important for the stability of PG27. Lastly, we found that the C‐terminal region of PG27 may be located in the periplasm. Taken together, these findings fit well with a predicted β‐barrel structure model for PG27, and show that strand S14 is important for its function.
THE EFFECT UPON THE COMMUNALITIES OF CHANGING THE ESTIMATE OF THE NUMBER OF FACTORS
Authors: Wrigley Charles
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with the arithmetical consequences of adopting the theory of minimal rank as a means of determining communalities in factor analysis. The complexities and inconsistencies inherent in the algebraic formulation are illustrated by an analysis of Burt's 11 × 11 table of correlations between emotional traits. It is found that, owing to the appearance of Heywood cases, the only solution that meets Thurstone's requirements entails more factors and higher communalities than the minimal rank would imply, and that this solution has eventually to be rejected on psychological grounds. The final conclusion is that, even were a satisfactory method found for determining the communalities implied by minimal rank, the theory would still be unacceptable because it neglects the statistical considerations imposed by the fact that every empirical matrix is obtained by sampling.
A SCORING SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST ITEMS
Authors: Ramsay J. O.
Published: August 2011

Weighted scores for the alternatives in multiple‐choice items are proposed which maximize the separation in mean score between two criterion groups. These are the differences between the probabilities of choosing the alternatives for the two groups. Several advantages of this scoring system over the conventional ones are discussed and the method extended to the case of more than two criterion groups.
Pseudo‐images and pseudo‐anti‐images from the pseudo‐inverse of a singular correlation matrix
Authors: Kaiser Henry F. , Cerny Barbara A.
Published: August 2011

For a singular correlation matrix some or all of the images degenerate into the original variates, and the corresponding anti‐images have zero variance. It is suggested that these images and anti‐images be replaced with variates (pseudo‐images and pseudo‐anti‐images) developed by Tucker et al. (1972) from the pseudo‐inverse of the correlation matrix.