bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal expression patterns of Bmal delineate a circadian clock in the nervous system of Branchiostoma lanceolatum
Authors: Wicht Helmut , Laedtke Elke , Korf Horst‐Werner , Schomerus Christof 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe cloned the homologue of the clock gene Bmal from a cephalochordate, Branchiostoma lanceolatum (syn. amphioxus). Amphioxus possesses a single copy of this gene (amphiBmal) that encodes for a protein of 649 amino acids, which is quite similar to BMALs of other chordates. The gene is expressed by a restricted cell group in the anterior vesicle of the neural tube, and its expression site coincides with that of another clock gene, namely, amphiPer. The expression of amphiBmal shows a rhythmic fluctuation that persists under constant darkness and is, thus, circadian. Similar to the situation in craniates, the peak phases of the amphiBmal and amphiPer expression are offset by 12 hours. Based on these observations and the putative homology between the diencephalon of vertebrates and the anterior vesicle of lancelets, we suggest a homology between the suprachiasmatic nucleus of craniates and the amphiBmal/amphiPer‐expressing cell group of amphioxus. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1837–1846, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioinspired Peony‐Like β‐Ni(OH)2 Nanostructures with Enhanced Electrochemical Activity and Superhydrophobicity
Authors: Cao Huaqiang , Zheng He , Liu Kaiyu , Warner Jamie H. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractConstructing complex nanostructures has become increasingly important in the development of hydrogen storage, self‐cleaning materials, and the formation of chiral branched nanowires. Several approaches have been developed to generate complex nanostructures, which have led to novel applications. Combining biology and nanotechnology through the utilization of biomolecules to chemically template the growth of complex nanostructures during synthesis has aroused great interest. Herein, we use a biomolecule‐assisted hydrothermal method to synthesize β‐phase Ni(OH)2 peony‐like complex nanostructures with second‐order structure nanoplate structure. The novel β‐Ni(OH)2 nanostructures exhibit high‐power Ni/MH battery performance, close to the theoretical capacity of Ni(OH)2, as well as controlled wetting behavior. We demonstrate that this bioinspired route to generate a complex nanostructure has applications in environmental protection and green secondary cells. This approach opens up opportunities for the synthesis and potential applications of new kinds of nanostructures.
Structural, Optical, and Electrical Characterization of ZnO and Al‐doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by MOCVD
Authors: Fragalà Maria Elena , Malandrino Graziella , Giangregorio Maria Michela , Losurdo Maria , Bruno Giovanni , Lettieri Stefano , Amato Luigi Santamaria , Maddalena Pasquale 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA novel approach is used to deposit transparent Al‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) films by metal‐organic (MO) CVD using a Zn/Al safe, friendly to use, easily to handle, multimetal, liquid precursor source. Films are highly crystalline, (002) textured, and exhibit good transparency in the visible region (90%). The effects of Al doping on morphological, optical, and electrical performances are scrutinized. Al doping causes an energy gap (Eg) blue shift and a slight decrease in refractive index. Moreover, it favors sizeable changes in grain size and a surface integrity that are responsible for a reduced carrier mobility. Nevertheless, a minimum resistivity value of 5 × 10−2 Ω cm is obtained for thin (∼150 nm) AZO films. Time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) confirms the high crystal quality of deposited films. All features render present AZO films well suited for transparent conductive oxide (TCO) applications and suggest a great potential for the proposed fabrication method.
Changing dendritic field size of mouse retinal ganglion cells in early postnatal development
Authors: Ren Lei , Liang Haitian , Diao Ling , He Shigang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDuring early postnatal development, dendrites of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend and branch in the inner plexiform layer to establish the adult level of stratification, pattern of branching, and coverage. Many studies have described the branching patterns, transient features, and regulatory factors of stratification of the RGCs. The rate of RGC dendritic field (DF) expansion relative to the growing retina has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we used two methods to examine the relative expansion of RGC DFs. First, we measured the size of RGC DFs and the diameters of the eyeballs at several postnatal stages. We compared the measurements with the RGC DF sizes calculated from difference of the eyeball sizes based on a linear expansion assumption. Second, we used the number of cholinergic amacrine cells (SACs) circumscribed by the DFs of RGCs at corresponding time points as an internal ruler to assess the size of DFs. We found most RGCs exhibit a phase of faster expansion relative to the retina between postnatal day 8 (P8) and P13, followed by a phase of retraction between P13 and adulthood. The morphological α cells showed the faster growing phase but not the retraction phase, whereas the morphological ON–OFF direction selective ganglion cells expanded in the same pace as the growing retina. These findings indicate different RGCs show different modes of growth, whereas most subtypes exhibit a fast expansion followed by a retraction phase to reach the adult size. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 397–407, 2010
Polyol‐Mediated Synthesis of Highly Water‐Soluble ZnO Colloidal Nanocrystal Clusters
Authors: Li Chunguang , Zhao Ying , Wang Ling , Li Guanghua , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe report on the synthesis of ZnO colloidal nanocrystal clusters with well‐tunable particle size and high water solubility by using a high‐temperature solution‐phase hydrolysis approach. The metal salt hydrolyzed after rapidly injecting a solution of sodium hydroxide in diethylene glycol. Poly(acrylic acid) served as the capping agent to achieve the superior water solubility without any further surface modification. Strong UV emission in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum due to the existence of the secondary structures despite a particle size reaching ca. 200 nm, and near absence of oxygen vacancy in the sample as indicated by weak emission in the green region. This important feature makes our highly water‐soluble ZnO colloidal nanocrystal clusters a promising candidate for potential applications in optoelectronic and lasing devices.
Theoretical Study on the Structural Aspects of CuII Hybrid‐Spin Complexes
Authors: Miteva Tsveta , Romanova Julia , Ivanova Anela , Tadjer Alia , Baumgarten Martin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTheoretical approaches to hybrid‐spin systems aim at clarification of the nature of spin exchange between the metal ion and the organic radicals. This aids the molecular design of novel materials based on studies of the relevant molecular fragments. The current investigations were focused on two isomeric complexes of CuII with acetylacetonate and organic radicals (3‐ and 4‐N‐oxyl‐tretbutylaminopyridine), whose geometry and magnetic properties were known from experimental data. A DFT approach based on the UB3LYP functional and basis sets of different size and quality were used in order to elaborate a computational protocol providing a reliable quantitative estimate of the spin–spin interaction. The computational scheme allows the elucidation of the role of various structural factors on the type and magnitude of the spin coupling, such as symmetry, spatial orientation of the radicals and type of the magnetic orbital of the metal ion. Proper symmetry assignment of the wavefunction proved to be critical for correct description of the magnetic behaviour of the complexes. The introduction of extended basis sets did not justify the computational cost, as the 6‐31G* results were sufficiently accurate for the purpose of the study. Detailed analysis of the energies, the natural orbitals and the spin density distribution upon conformational changes was carried out.
Mononuclear Platinum(II) Complexes of a Bis(bidentate) Ligand Based on 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole and Their Reactions with Copper(I) Salts
Authors: Moret Marc‐Etienne , Chen Peter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReaction of the bis(bidentate) ligand 2,5‐bis[2‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (oxanMe) with the precursors trans‐[PtMeCl(SMe2)2] and [(PhCN)2PtCl2] afforded the mononuclear complexes [(oxanMe)Pt(Me)Cl] and [(oxanMe)PtCl2], respectively. [(oxanMe)PtMe2] was observed in equilibrium with oxanMe, [Pt2Me4(μ‐SMe2)2], and [PtMe2(SMe2)2], but could not be isolated. Reaction of [(oxanMe)PtCl2] with silver acetate gave access to [(oxanMe)Pt(OAc)2] in excellent yield. The latter was treated with [Cu(NCMe)4]BArF, resulting in a disproportionation reaction that afforded the novel trimetallic complex {[(oxanMe)Pt(OOCCH3)2]2Cu}{BArF}2. This complex features a linear PtII–CuII–PtII chain consisting of two Pt→Cu dative bonds supported by two bridging acetate ligands each.
Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activity of Bimetallic PtII–IrIII Complexes Bridged by Cyclooctane‐1,2‐dithiolato Ligands
Authors: Nakata Norio , Sakashita Masahiro , Komatsubara Chizuru , Ishii Akihiko 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCationic PtII–IrIII heterobimetallic complexes bridged by cyclooctane‐1,2‐dithiolato ligands [(PPh3)2Pt(μ2‐SRS)IrCl(η5‐Cp*)][SbF6] [R = cis‐C8H14 (5), trans‐C8H14 (6), Cp* = C5Me5] were synthesized by reaction of (cyclooctane‐1,2‐dithiolato)PtII complexes [Pt(SRS)(PPh3)2] [R = cis‐C8H14 (3), trans‐C8H14 (4)] with [IrCl(μ‐Cl)(η5‐Cp*)]2 in thf in the presence of AgSbF6. The structures of complexes 5 and 6 were fully characterized by their NMR spectroscopic data. Moreover, X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 5 revealed that the PtS2Ir core exhibits a hinged arrangement, in which the cis‐cyclooctane‐1,2‐dithiolate acts as a bridging ligand between the platinum and iridium metals. Complexes 5 and 6 served as a catalyst in the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes R′CCH (R′ = Ph, Bu, CO2Me) with tertiary hydrosilanes such as Et3SiH and Ph3SiH to afford selectively β‐(Z)‐vinylsilanes 8 in high yields.
Synthesis of Dendritic Nano‐Sized Nickel for use as Anode Material in an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Ewing S. J. , Lan R. , Xu X. X. , Tao S. W. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDendritic nano‐sized nickel nanoparticles were synthesised using a hydrazine reduction method in ethylene glycol from a nickel chloride precursor. The resulting particles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Dendritic nickel has a network structure which is ideal to be used as electrode for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells. The prepared dendritic nickel nanoparticles were used as anodes for an alkaline membrane fuel cell using poly(vinyl)alcohol (PVA)/tetraethyl ammonium chloride (TEAC) alkaline blend electrolyte membrane with a PVA/TEAC ratio of 1:5. A current density of 11.5 mA cm–2 has been achieved when methanol was used as the fuel.
Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor beta 1 pathway in relation to colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Försti Asta , Li Xuchen , Wagner Kerstin , Tavelin Björn , Enquist Kerstin , Palmqvist Richard , Altieri Andrea , Hallmans Göran , Hemminki Kari , Lenner Per 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTransforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1) acts as a growth inhibitor of normal colonic epithelial cells, however, as a tumor promoter of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. To explore the association between genetic polymorphisms in the TGFB1 pathway and CRC susceptibility and clinical outcome, we carried out a case–control study on a Swedish population of 308 CRC cases and 585 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. The cases were sampled prospectively and had up to 16 years follow‐up, making the study material particularly suitable for survival analysis. On the basis of their reported or predicted functional effect, nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (TGFB1: Leu10Pro; TGFBR1: 9A/6A and IVS7G+24A; FURIN: C‐229T; THBS1: T+42C; LTBP1L: C‐256G; LTBP4: T‐893G and Thr750Ala; BAMBI: T‐779A) were selected for genotyping. We evaluated the associations between genotypes and CRC and Dukes' stage. Survival probabilities were compared between different subgroups. The observed statistically significant associations included a decreased CRC risk for TGFBR1 IVS7G+24A minor allele carriers (odds ratio (OR): 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53–0.97), less aggressive tumors with Dukes' stage A+B for carriers of LTBP4 Thr750Ala and BAMBI T‐779A minor alleles (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36–0.93 and OR: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.29–0.89, respectively) and worse survival for FURIN C‐229T heterozygotes (hazard ratio: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.08–2.46). As this is the first study about the influence of the polymorphisms in the TGFB1 pathway on CRC progression, further studies in large independent cohorts are warranted. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of venue‐specific state clean indoor air laws on smoking‐related outcomes
Authors: Bitler Marianne P. , Carpenter Christopher S. , Zavodny Madeline 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA large literature has documented relationships between state clean indoor air laws (SCIALs) and smoking‐related outcomes in the United States. These laws vary within states over time and across venues such as schools, government buildings, and bars. Few studies, however, have evaluated whether the effects of SCIALs are plausibly concentrated among workers who should have been directly affected because they worked at locations covered by the venue‐specific restrictions. We fill this gap in the literature using data on private sector workers, government employees, school workers, eating and drinking place workers, and bartenders from the 1992–2007 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey. Our quasi‐experimental models indicate robust effects of SCIALs restricting smoking in bars: these laws significantly increased the presence of workplace smoking restrictions as reported by bartenders and reduced the fraction of bartenders who smoke. We do not, however, find that SCIALs in private workplaces, government workplaces, schools, or restaurants increased the presence of workplace smoking restrictions among groups of workers working in venues covered by these laws. This suggests that the smoking reductions associated with SCIALs in previous research are unlikely to have been directly caused by effects of workplace smoking restrictions on workers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of various methods for the determination of hydraulic conductivities of two green roof substrates by steady state infiltration experiments
Authors: Babilis D. J. , Londra P. A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe unsaturated hydraulic conductivity as a function of water content, K(θ), of two substrates used in green roofs was calculated, using the equations of Jackson (1972), van Genuchten (1980) and Valiantzas (1989). The comparison of the three calculated functions of K(θ) with experimental data was done in an indirect way. The steady state water profiles, with constant infiltration rate of 5.5 × 10−6 m s−1, were calculated using the three above‐mentioned different K(θ) for each substrate. These profiles were compared to the experimental steady state water profiles shaped after the application of a constant rainfall of 5.5 × 10−6 m s−1 in the laboratory. The comparison between the calculated and the experimental water profiles showed that the above‐mentioned equations can be used for the calculation of K(θ) for low‐depth substrates. The proposed method is a simple indirect method to compare the calculated K(θ) methods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a performance‐oriented management for large‐ scale irrigation systems: case study, Rahad scheme, Sudan
Authors: Hamid Salih Hamad , Mohamed Ali Adeeb , Mohamed Yasir A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe underperformance problem of large‐scale irrigation systems particularly in developing countries, has adversely affected levels of production of those systems. The fact that these irrigation systems are not managed in response to their performance has been identified as the main reason behind their malfunctioning. A performance‐oriented management approach is demonstrated here to help irrigation system managers take the right decisions, through continuous in‐season performance assessment. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite images of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA‐AVHRR) for the year 2000, complemented by water release data, were used to assess the performance of the Rahad irrigation scheme, Sudan (126 000 ha), on a 10‐day time step. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm (SEBAL) was used to process the NOAA‐AVHRR images. The decisions on irrigation water allocation are guided by maps of the relative water supply and soil moisture content generated for the last time step. Further decision support could be realized using the performance indicators of the system and the soil water balance for the given time step.A semiautomatic computer program was developed which can be easily used by field staff to support their management decisions. It is anticipated that the application of such an approach will improve the performance of large‐scale irrigation systems, and support development of a performance‐oriented management culture among the staff of these irrigation systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of controlled drainage efficiency in Lithuania
Authors: Ramoska Edmundas , Bastiene Nijole , Saulys Valentinas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEight‐year (2000–2007) field studies on the effectiveness of controlled drainage in loam sandy soil were carried out in the lowland of Middle Lithuania. The plot, which has existing subsurface water removal systems operating as conventional drainage, was readjusted for groundwater table management. Two separate systems – 4.9 ha free drainage (FD) and 5.4 ha controlled drainage (CD) – were arranged. A water level control structure with riser column and hand‐operated rigid flap door was installed in the outlet of the drainage collector in the manhole at the junction of two collectors. The groundwater table level was allowed to rise to a maximum of 68 cm above the drains. Measurements to record groundwater table depth, crop yield, drain outflow quantity and quality were performed.It was determined that, in comparison with drainage operating in an ordinary regime, in the CD system annual drainage outflow duration was shorter by 40–62%, at the same time its amount was reduced by 25% and nitrate leaching was 20–28% lower. These quantities varied depending on weather conditions. Crop yield increases of 5.6–10% were obtained in CD treatment during years with a dry growing season. Groundwater table control in single‐acting drainage systems is feasible and has a positive hydrological and environmental impact. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytochrome P450‐dependent toxicity of dapsone in human erythrocytes
Authors: Ganesan Shobana , Sahu Rajnish , Walker Larry A , Tekwani Babu L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe most prominent adverse effects seen during treatment with dapsone, an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent, are hemolysis and methemoglobinemia. Anin vitromicrosomal/cytochrome P450(CYP)‐linked assay, which allows reactive metabolites generatedin situto react with the co‐incubated human erythrocytes, was employed to profile CYP isoforms responsible for hemotoxicity of dapsone. Dapsone caused a robust generation of methemoglobin in human erythrocytes in the presence of human/mouse liver microsomes, which indicates contribution of CYP‐mediated metabolism for hemotoxicity. The highest methemoglobin formation with dapsone was observed with CYP2C19, with minor contributions from CYP2B6, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Cimetidine and chloramphenicol completely abrogated methemoglobin generation by dapsone, thus confirming a predominant contribution of CYP2C19. The results provide useful insights into CYP‐dependent hemotoxicity of dapsone in human erythrocytes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical assessment of cutaneous blood volume depends on the vessel size distribution: a computer simulation study
Authors: Jacques Steven L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA Monte Carlo simulation was adapted to specify a skin model with pigmented epidermis, dermis with low baseline blood content, and vessels of a vascular lesion with an average added blood volume fraction of 5%. In the study, the lesion vessel diameters were increased and the number of lesion vessels decreased, such that the total lesion blood content was constant. The results show that reflectance (R) increases as vessel size increases, even though the blood content is constant. Light cannot penetrate effectively into larger blood vessels, so the interior of the vessel becomes less visible to the light – a result known in the literature. This study did repeated random placement of vessels to learn the variation inRdue to variable vessel placement. The coefficient of variation was about 10% due to random placement.Rvaries with size, even with small vessels, and does not simply apply to large vessels. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MicroRNAs align with accessible sites in target mRNAs
Authors: Pan Weihua , Xin Ping , Clawson Gary A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe importance of microRNAs (miRs) in control of gene expression is now clearly recognized. While individual microRNAs are thought to target hundreds of disparate mRNAs via imperfect base pairing, little is known about the characteristics of miR target sites. Here we show that the miRs can be aligned with empirically identified accessible sites in a target RNA (Cytokeratin 19, KRT), and that some of the aligned miRs functionally down‐regulate KRT expression post‐transcriptionally. We employed an RNase‐H‐based random library selection protocol to identify accessible sites in KRT RNA. We then aligned the Sanger Institute database collection of human miRs to KRT mRNA, and also aligned them using the web‐based MicroInspector program. Most miRs aligned with the accessible sites identified empirically; those not aligned with the empirically identified sites also functioned effectively in RNase‐H‐based assays. Similar results were obtained with a second target RNA (Mammoglobin). Transient transfection assays established that some of the miRs which aligned with KRT significantly down‐regulated it at the protein level, with no effect on RNA level. The functionally effective miRs aligned within the coding region of KRT, whereas a number of miRs which aligned with the 3′‐untranslated region did not produce down‐regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 509–518, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.