bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclic AMP signaling in bivalve molluscs: an overview
Authors: Fabbri Elena , Capuzzo Antonio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe cyclic AMP (cAMP)‐dependent signaling accounts for the control of cellular cascades involved in many physiological functions, and a wealth of information is available on the cAMP system that operates in mammalian cells. Nevertheless, cAMP has a central role also in nonmammalian vertebrates and invertebrates. The present review aims at examining the information available on bivalve molluscs, from the first studies carried out in the early 1980s to the last progresses made in the present days. The major focus is on the structural and operational characteristics of the main actors of the signaling pathway, i.e., adenylyl cyclase, G proteins, and protein kinase A, and on the role played by the cyclic nucleotide on smooth muscle, heart, gills, gonads, and metabolism regulation. Moreover, recent evidence regarding the cAMP system as a target of environmental stress factors are discussed. It will become clear that cAMP does play a wide and important role in bivalve physiology. Several issues have been sufficiently clarified, although investigated only in a few model species. However, further fundamental aspects remain unknown, mainly regarding molecular features and interactions with other signaling pathways, thus requiring further elucidation.J. Exp. Zool. 313A:179–200, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variations in the biochemical composition and reproductive cycle of the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787) in Southern Brazil
Authors: Antunes Graziani de Freitas , do Amaral Ana Paula Nunes , Ribarcki Fabiana Pinto , Wiilland Elenir de Fátima , Zancan Denise Maria , Vinagre Anapaula Sommer 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe ghost crab, Ocypode quadrata, is found on sandy beaches from the United States to Southern Brazil. Because there is still little information about the metabolism and reproduction of O. quadrata on the southern coast of Brazil, the objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the effect of seasonal variations on the carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism of O. quadrata at Rondinha Beach, a beach with high anthropogenic activity, and to compare it with data from Siriú Beach, which has less human activity; and (ii) describe the effect of seasonal variations on the histological characteristics of male and female gonads, in order to assess the reproductive capacity of the crabs. The gonads of male crabs showed no significant variations in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and glycogen levels; however, histological analysis of the testes revealed that they are mature in the summer. In females, the GSI and glycogen values are higher in summer, concomitantly with the presence of mature oocytes. These results suggest that the reproductive peak of O. quadrata occurs in summer. The seasonal analysis of the biochemical parameters, as well as comparison with Siriú Beach, demonstrated that the ghost crabs of Rondinha Beach have a different pattern of metabolism than those of Siriú. This difference may be a consequence of differences in the environmental conditions as well as in the anthropogenic pressures, such as vehicle traffic and the increase in human population at the beach in summer. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:280–291, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dispersion characteristic and stability analysis for an arbitrary MRTD scheme with variable mesh
Authors: Massy Ibrahim , Peña Néstor , Ney Michel M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractVariable mesh allows volumic methods such as MRTD to provide a better description of complex structure details with some substantial saving in terms of computer execution time and memory. However, irregular meshing produces some local increase of velocity error and raises some issue about stability. The dispersion characteristic of S‐MRTD‐Battle‐Lemarie schemes is derived for irregular meshing and the stability of the algorithm investigated. Then, the S‐MRTD is coupled with FDTD to accelerate computations when irregular meshing technique is required. Finally, examples of applications demonstrate the relevance of the hybrid procedure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on the use of the standard normal homogeneity test to detect inhomogeneities in climatic time series
Authors: Toreti A. , Kuglitsch F. G. , Xoplaki E. , Della‐Marta P. M. , Aguilar E. , Prohom M. , Luterbacher J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHomogenization methods are developed to reduce the impact of non‐climatic factors on climate series. Martínexet al.(2009), (International Journal of Climatology, Doi 10.1002/joc.1884) applied a set of homogenization procedures to available Spanish temperature series. In this report, we address critical issues of that paper concerning a specific property of the standard normal homogeneity test and the application scheme of the homogenization tests. We conclude with some important recommendations on the application of homogenization methodologies. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Think tanks with deliverables: How communities of practice helped LPL financial manage rapid growth and organizational complexity
Authors: Regan Jack , Gold Jodi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn the wake of acquisitions, new hiring, and a shift from a functional to a customer channel structure, the company pulled its best and brightest talent into practice centers (PCs) to share knowledge, transfer best practices, standardize policies and practices across the channels, drive key initiatives, and cement collaborative relationships. The authors present the business case for communities of practice; describe LPL's vision and process for implementing its PCs, including strategies for enhancing success and avoiding potential pitfalls; and highlight the PCs' accomplishments. They also share how the PCs facilitated the company's response to the 2008–2009 financial crisis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capsaicin accumulation is related to nitrate content in placentas of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Authors: Monforte‐González Miriam , Guzmán‐Antonio Adolfo , Uuh‐Chim Francisco , Vázquez‐Flota Felipe 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The presence of capsaicin, the pungent principle of peppers, is restricted to the fruits of hot cultivars. This compound, which is produced in the fruits' placenta, requires 3 mol of nitrogen to be formed. Hence nitrogen availability may affect pepper pungency through its content in the fruit tissues. On the other hand, potassium may also affect pepper pungency given its positive effect on fruit development. In order to address this issue, plants of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were hydroponically cultured with various doses of nitrate and potassium and the contents of these ions and capsaicin were analyzed in the different fruit tissues.RESULTS: Treatments did not produce major effects on pod yield or size during the experimental period, and pepper pods from plants growing under low nitrate concentrations presented no significant differences in total nitrate content. However, lower nitrate, as well as low capsaicin contents, were found in the isolated placentas from peppers grown on the lowest nitrate doses. Variations in potassium availability resulted in differences in pod production per plant, but not in capsaicinoid accumulation.CONCLUSION: Under the assayed conditions, nitrate content in the placenta affects capsaicin synthesis. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrophilic interaction LC of peptides: Columns comparison and clustering
Authors: Van Dorpe Sylvia , Vergote Valentijn , Pezeshki Adel , Burvenich Christian , Peremans Kathelijne , De Spiegeleer Bart 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA wide variety of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) stationary phase surface chemistries are currently available. Although their selectivity can be considerably different, column comparison or clustering using peptides is limited. In this study, ten pharmaceutically relevant model peptides are analyzed on seven different HILIC columns (bare silica, amide, poly‐hydroxyethyl aspartamide, diol and zwitterionic) for the evaluation of their performance and classification. The responses examined include single and multiple responses: plate number, asymmetry factor, LOD, geometric mean resolution, resolution product, time corrected resolution product, peak capacity and chromatographic response function. Column classification was performed using hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. Moreover, the overall performance quality of the HILIC columns was compared using a linear desirability function. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis showed consistent clusters. The zwitterionic phase was clustered apart from the other HILIC columns and both poly‐aspartamide columns were clustered together. In addition, the two bare silica phases represent two different clusters, and thus different selectivities. Overall, the responses showed the best performance for one of the bare silica columns (Alltima‐Alltech), followed by the zwitterionic phase (ZIC)‐HILIC. Thus, these columns, belonging to different clusters, were found to be the best performing systems in pharmaceutical peptide analysis for the selected peptide set.
Adult separation anxiety disorder among war‐affected Bosnian refugees: Comorbidity with PTSD and associations with dimensions of trauma
Authors: Silove Derrick , Momartin Shakeh , Marnane Claire , Steel Zachary , Manicavasagar Vijaya 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough separation anxiety disorder appears to be common among children exposed to disasters, there are no data focusing on the impact of trauma on adult separation anxiety disorder. The present exploratory study examined the relationship of adult separation anxiety disorder with other psychological reactions (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], complicated grief, depression) and dimensions of trauma among 126 war‐affected Bosnian refugees resettled in Australia. Adult separation anxiety disorder was associated with PTSD, but not with complicated grief or depression. Although adult separation anxiety disorder was weakly linked with traumatic losses, this association was nonspecific. Further research is needed to clarify the pathogenic pathways leading to the comorbid PTSD–adult separation anxiety disorder pattern and its clinical implications.
Micellar Nanocarriers Assembled from Doxorubicin‐Conjugated Amphiphilic Macromolecules (DOX–AM)
Authors: del Rosario Leilani S. , Demirdirek Bahar , Harmon Alexander , Orban David , Uhrich Kathryn E. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAmphiphilic macromolecules (AMs) have unique branched hydrophobic domains attached to linear PEG chains. AMs self‐assemble in aqueous solution to form micelles that are hydrolytically stable in physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4) over 4 weeks. Evidence of AM biodegradability was demonstrated by complete AM degradation after 6 d in the presence of lipase. Doxorubicin (DOX) was chemically conjugated to AMs via a hydrazone linker to form DOX–AM conjugates that self‐assembled into micelles in aqueous solution. The conjugates were compared with DOX‐loaded AM micelles (i.e., physically loaded DOX) on DOX content, micellar sizes and in vitro cytotoxicity. Physically encapsulated DOX loading was higher (12 wt.‐%) than chemically bound DOX (6 wt.‐%), and micellar sizes of DOX‐loaded AMs (≈16 nm) were smaller than DOX–AMs (≈30 nm). In vitro DOX release from DOX–AM conjugates was faster at pH 5.0 (100%) compared to pH 7.4 (78%) after 48 h, 37 °C. Compared to free DOX and physically encapsulated DOX, chemically bound DOX had significantly higher cytotoxicity at 10−7 M DOX dose against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells after 72 h. Overall, DOX–AM micelles showed promising characteristics as stable, biodegradable DOX nanocarriers.magnified image
Synthesis of Functional Polydepsipeptides via Direct Ring‐Opening Polymerization and Post‐Polymerization Modification
Authors: Franz Nadja , Klok Harm‐Anton 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis contribution explores different strategies for the synthesis of side chain functional polydepsipeptides. First, the ring‐opening polymerization of side chain functional morpholine‐2,5‐diones is revisited and the optimized reaction conditions used for the polymerization of (Z)‐L‐Lys, (Boc)‐L‐Lys and L‐allylglycine based morpholine‐2,5‐diones. As a first approach towards side chain functional polydepsipeptides, the deprotection of poly(Glc‐alt‐(Z)‐L‐Lys) and poly(Glc‐alt‐(Boc)‐L‐Lys) is evaluated. Although under appropriate conditions, the side chain protecting groups can be quantitatively removed, the reaction conditions used here were found to lead to backbone degradation. As an alternative approach, the thiol‐ene post‐polymerization modification of poly(Glc‐alt‐allylglycine) is explored. Free radical addition of various ω‐functional thiols was found to proceed without backbone degradation and in several cases with quantitative allyl group conversion. The post‐polymerization modification strategy is attractive as it obviates the need for protecting group chemistry and facilitates the synthesis of diverse libraries of side chain functional polydepsipeptides.magnified image
A Systematic Kinetic Study in Reversible Chain Transfer Catalyzed Polymerizations (RTCPs) with Germanium, Tin, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen Catalysts
Authors: Goto Atsushi , Wakada Tsutomu , Fukuda Takeshi , Tsujii Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis paper reports a systematic kinetic study on the reversible activation processes and polymerization rates in the reversible chain transfer catalyzed living radical polymerizations (RTCPs) of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate with germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) catalysts. The pseudo‐first‐order activation rate constant kact significantly depended on monomers and the elements and substituents of the catalysts. For the St polymerization at 80 °C, kact increased in the order of PI3 (P catalyst) < p‐tolyl germanium triiodide (tolyl‐GeI3) (Ge catalyst) < N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS) (N catalyst) < SnI4 (Sn catalyst) < GeI4 (Ge catalyst) at the same catalyst concentration. The polymerization rate was somewhat retarded in the studied systems due to the cross‐termination between the propagating radical and the catalyst radical in situ formed in the polymerization.magnified image
Preparation of Monodisperse and Anion‐Charged Polystyrene Microspheres Stabilized with Polymerizable Sodium Styrene Sulfonate by Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Fen , Cao Le , Yang Wantai 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA novel dispersion polymerization system to produce “clean” polystyrene (PS) particles, using a polymerizable sodium styrene sulfonate (NaSS) as stabilizer, and a mixture of methanol/water (MeOH/H2O) as the reaction medium was investigated. The effects of the polymerization parameters, such as the methanol/water ratio in the medium, the concentration of the stabilizer, the initiator and the monomer on the resulting particles were studied. By observing the morphological changes of the PS particles by SEM and analyzing the surface chemical composition of these particles by XPS, it is found that this system had the following unique features: as little as 0.05 wt.‐% of NaSS (based on styrene as opposed to 5 wt.‐% for a routine dispersion polymerization system) was enough to prepare stable latex with monodisperse particles; as high as 20 vol.‐% of monomer (as opposed to 5 wt.‐% for polymerization system in the absence of surfactants) could be added into the polymerization system to produce monodisperse particles; surface‐charged and monodisperse particles with average diameters of approximately 470–1600 nm could be directly obtained.magnified image
α,ωn‐Heterotelechelic Hyperbranched Polyethers Solubilize Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wurm Frederik , Hofmann Anna Maria , Thomas Anja , Dingels Carsten , Frey Holger 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe synthesis of novel linear‐hyperbranched (linhb) polyether block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and branched poly(glycerol), bearing a single pyrene or myristyl moiety at the α‐position of the linear chain is described. The polymers exhibit low polydispersity ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ < 1.3) and controlled molecular weights ($\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 5 000 g · mol−1). The mainly hydrophilic block copolymers with multiple hydroxyl end groups readily dissolve multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water by mixing and subsequent sonification, resulting in noncovalent attachment of the linhb hybrid structure to the carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize the solubilized nanotubes; after sulfation of the multiple hydroxyl groups the polymer layer was detected in the TEM images.magnified image
Development of Advanced Software Tools for Computer‐Aided Design, Simulation, and Optimization of Polymerization Processes
Authors: Krallis Apostolos , Pladis Prokopis , Kanellopoulos Vassileios , Kiparissides Costas 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA new software has been developed for the simulation, design, parameter and state estimation, optimization, and control of specific polymerization processes aiming at increasing plant efficiency, improving product quality, and reducing the impact to environment. It provides a user‐friendly interface, including a design environment that can be accessed from the engineer's desktop computer, allowing graphical interaction and expert system guidance on how to use the program or make engineering decisions. The software design allows the collection of models from different sources leading to an easy and comprehensive synthesis of process models. Recent advances regarding the development of software applications for three specific polymerization systems are presented.magnified image
Assessment of non‐neurogenic incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Bower W.F. , Swithinbank L. , de Jong T. , de Kort L.M.O. , Marschall‐Kehrel D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsThe aim of this article is to provide insight to clinicians who principally treat adults, about non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) either pre‐dating or presenting in adolescence. Assessment fundamentals, diagnostic classification, and rationale behind the process of care are discussed.MethodsStandardized terms are used to describe the current classification of symptoms of LUT dysfunction in young adults. The etiology and symptomatology of continuous and organic incontinence, along with the intermittent presentations of incontinence, nocturnal enuresis, and bowel dysfunction are presented. Minimally acceptable assessment processes are defined. Indications for the inclusion of urodynamic investigations are presented. Throughout the review specific needs of adolescents, as they apply to clinical management of LUTS, are highlighted.ResultsPuberty and growth are likely to challenge compensatory mechanisms for a safe urinary system in young adults with organic/structural/developmental LUT disorders. The priority of care is to screen for and detect precursor signs of renal deterioration. In adolescents with non‐neurogenic bladder dysfunction a clear diagnosis and identification of both incomplete bladder emptying and high detrusor pressure will minimize permanent changes to both the upper and lower urinary tracts.ConclusionsThe assessment of adolescents with LUTS requires time, thoughtful enquiry, and communication. Dysfunction pre‐dating young adulthood commonly inhibits autonomy, recreational and social activities thus impacting on the adolescent's self‐esteem and adherence to treatment regimes. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:702–709, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urodynamics, the supine empty bladder stress test, and incontinence severity
Authors: Nager Charles W. , Kraus Stephen R. , Kenton Kim , Sirls Larry , Chai Toby C. , Wai Clifford , Sutkin Gary , Leng Wendy , Litman Heather , Huang Liyuan , Tennstedt Sharon , Richter Holly E. ,   for the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsDetermine whether urodynamic measures of urethral function [(valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), functional urethral length (FUL)] and the results of the supine empty bladder stress test (SEBST) correlate with each other and with subjective and objective measures of urinary incontinence (UI).MethodsData were collected preoperatively from subjects enrolled in a multicenter surgical trial of mid‐urethral slings. Subjective measures included questionnaire scores from the Medical Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. Objective measures included a 24‐hr pad weight test, incontinence episode frequency on a 3‐day voiding diary, and a SEBST.ResultsFive hundred ninety‐seven women enrolled. Three hundred seventy‐two women had valid VLPP values; 539 had valid MUCP/FUL values. Subjective measures of severity had weak to moderate correlation with each other (r = 0.25–0.43) and with objective measures of severity (r = −0.06 to 0.45). VLPP and MUCP had moderate correlation with each other (r = 0.36,  < 0.001). Urodynamic measures of urethral function had little or no correlation with subjective or objective measures of severity. Subjects with a positive SEBST had more subjective and objective severity measures compared to the negative SEBST group, but they did not have significantly different VLPP and MUCP values.ConclusionsVLPP and MUCP have moderate correlation with each other, but each had little or no correlation with subjective or objective measures of severity or with the results of the SEBST. This data suggests that the urodynamic measures of urethral function are not related to subjective or objective measures of UI severity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1306–1311, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling strategies for multiphase drag interactions using the material point method
Authors: Mackenzie‐Helnwein P. , Arduino P. , Shin W. , Moore J. A. , Miller G. R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis paper presents an investigation of strategies for handling dissipative phase interactions in the context of multi‐field material point method formulations in which each phase is assigned its own motion. Different families of phase interaction strategies using both nodal and particle‐based approaches are developed, and in particular, a new smoothed volume fraction approach is presented that can handle interaction effects in a general and consistent manner while reducing anomalous effects of phase boundaries and grid crossings. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated via convergence studies using a fundamental model problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of nanosized zirconium carbide from preceramic polymers by the facile one‐pot reaction
Authors: Tao Xueyu , Qiu Wenfeng , Li Hao , Zhao Tong 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA novel preceramic polymer, polyzirconoxanesal (PZS), was synthesized efficiently by one‐pot protocol. The PZS polymer was characterized by the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The precursor exhibited excellent solubility and rheology for the processing of ceramic matrix fiber composites. Pyrolytic conversion of the preceramic polymer was studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and element analysis. It is suggested that the polymer decomposed completely at 600°C and nanosized ZrC is formed at 1300°C for 2 hr in argon atmosphere with a yield of 68.5%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest temperature reported in the literatures for preparing ZrC ceramics from preceramic polymers. The obtained ZrC particles exhibit spherical morphology with size ranged in 20–100 nm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.