Odd Positions Research Articles

Aromatic- and di-carboxylates inhibit wound-induced phenolic accumulation in excised lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) leaf tissue

Excision of de-bladed 5-mm mid-rib segments from Romaine lettuce leaf tissue induced a five-fold rise in phenolic concentration when held at 10 °C for 48 h. Immersion in aqueous solutions of various di-carboxylates and aromatic carboxylates for 1 h reduced this wound-induced increase. The decrease was linear for di-carboxylates with increasing length from 3 to 14 carbons, with the phenolic concentration becoming less than the control for compounds with more than 6 carbons. Aromatic carboxylates with a hydroxyl at the 2 position and another at an even position produced an average reduction of 46%, while aromatic carboxylates with no hydroxyl groups, groups at odd positions, or adjacent groups produced an average 12% reduction. The decrease in wound-induced phenolic accumulation produced by 10 mM solutions of aromatic- and di-carboxylates was linearly correlated ( R 2 = 0.91) with the rate of carbon dioxide production, indicating possible tissue damage. This possibility was supported by the fact that most effective concentrations were highly correlated with increased ion leakage, another measure of tissue damage. While delaying the application of inhibitors of wound signal synthesis (e.g., n-alcohols) decreases their effectiveness, delaying the 1 h immersion in aromatic and di-carboxylate solutions for 4 h did not significantly reduce their effectiveness. Like mono-carboxylates, aromatic and di-carboxylates do not appear to be interfering with the synthesis or propagation of a wound signal, but appear to be inhibiting phenolic synthesis and/or accumulation at some subsequent step in the wound response.

Structure unanimity multiple description coding

A novel multiple description coding framework, called structure unanimity multiple description coding, is proposed in this paper. Each wavelet coefficient is first decomposed into an odd position coefficient made from the bits in the odd positions and an even position coefficient made from the bits in the even positions. These two types of coefficients form the odd image and the even image, respectively, which are next encoded, and then transmitted using two different channels. Since the two images share the same hierarchical tree structure, only coefficient values in the redundancy parts need to be coded, resulting in improved coding efficiency. To meet the requirements of the packet switching network, these two images are rearranged in tree blocks, and the tree blocks in the even image and odd image are grouped to form the row and column packets, respectively. These packets are next separately dispatched through diverse channels. Since the row and the column packets have limited intersections, even with simultaneous loss of row and column packets, the proposed system exhibits good error resilient ability. Experimental results have verified the improved performance of the proposed algorithm.

Thia fatty acids with the sulfur atom in even or odd positions have opposite effects on fatty acid catabolism

As tools for mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, with the long-term goal of developing a drug for the treatment of lipid disorders, thia FA with the sulfur atom inserted at positions 3-9 from the carboxyl group were fed to male Wistar rats for 1 wk to determine their impact on key parameters in lipid metabolism and hepatic levels of thia FA metabolites. Thia FA with the sulfur atom in even positions decreased hepatic and cardiac mitochondrial beta-oxidation and profoundly increased hepatic and cardiac TAG levels. The plasma TAG level was unchanged and the hepatic acyl-CoA oxidase activity increased. In contrast, thia FA with the sulfur atom in odd positions, especially 3-thia FA, tended to increase hepatic and cardiac FA oxidation and acyl-CoA oxidase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-II activities, and decreased the plasma TAG levels. The effects seem to be related to differences in the catabolic rate of the thia FA. Differences between the two groups of acids were also observed with respect to the regulation of genes involved in FA transport and catabolism. Feeding experiments with 3- and 4-thia FA in combination indicated that the 4-thia FA partly attenuated the effects of the 3-thia FA on mitochondrial FA oxidation and the hepatic TAG level. In summary, the position of the sulfur atom in the alkyl chain, especially whether it is placed in the even or odd position, is crucial for the biological effect of the thia FA.

Investigations of correlation between nitro group charges and C-nitro bond strength, and amino group effects on C-nitro bonds in planar conjugated molecules

The correlation between the nitro group charges ( Q Nitro) and the C-Nitro bond length ( R C-Nitro), and the positional effects of amino groups on C-nitro bond strength in planar conjugated molecules such as the amino-nitro derivatives of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, alkene, and minor heterocyclic nitrogen compounds are computationally investigated. All calculations are performed using density functional theory (DFT) and the general gradient approximation (GGA) method with the Beck-LYP hybrid functional and the DNP basis set in Acceryls’ code Dmol 3. The results are: (1) Q Nitro can be used as a structural parameter to estimate the strength of the C-Nitro bond, and further the stability of the nitro compound for 15 fitted lines show there is a good linear Q Nitro– R C-Nitro relationship in any group of derivatives. In addition, Q Nitro is more sensitive to structural changes and more effective to assess the C-Nitro bond strength than R C-Nitro; (2) the nitrating reaction of aromatic hydrocarbon can be qualitatively predicted and compared by Q Nitro: the more Q Nitro, the easier the nitrating condition, and the higher occurrence ratio of the corresponding nitrating product and (3) the amino groups on even positions can significantly strengthen C-Nitro bonds, other than those on odd positions. Therefore, in synthesizing insensitive explosives, it should be recommendable to introduce amino groups on even positions, particularly on 2-position due to the combination of the hydrogen bond, the induction effect and the mesomeric effect, which can obviously increase the molecular stability.

Magnetic properties of TbRu 4P 12 studied by neutron diffraction

We have performed powder neutron diffraction measurements of filled skutterudite compound TbRu 4P 12 in order to investigate the magnetic structure of successive two magnetic transitions ( T N = 20 K and T 1 = 10 K ). Magnetic peaks appeared at ( h , k , l ) ( h+ k+ l=odd) positions below T N , which indicate the presence of an antiferromagnetic ordering below T N . The data can be well explained assuming that spins on Tb atoms at corner and center of body-centered cubic unit cell are oriented in the opposite direction. Magnetic moment on Tb ions is estimated to be 8.3 μ B/Tb. TbRu 4P 12 is the first antiferromagnet with filled skutterudite structure confirmed by neutron diffraction.

Evidence of L10Type Ordered Structure at an Equiatomic Composition PtCr

Evidence of L1₀Type Ordered Structure at an Equiatomic Composition PtCr

Amino acid substitutions from an indispensable disulfide bond affect P2X2 receptor activation

The roles of six amino acid residues downward from an extracellular disulfide bond involving Cys224 in rat P2X2 receptor were examined. When Cys224 or Pro225 was replaced with alanine, the responsiveness to ATP was lost. When Ile226 was replaced with other hydrophobic amino acids, the responsiveness to ATP was reduced or abolished. When Phe227 was replaced with leucine or isoleucine, the responsiveness to ATP was abolished. The responsiveness to ATP was moderately decreased with the alanine-substitution for Arg228 and it was markedly decreased with the alanine-substitution for Leu229. As for the alanine-substitution for Gly230, the sensitivity was changed, but the maximal response to ATP was not reduced. The results suggested that a precise structure is required for amino acid residues close to the disulfide bond and, in general, the amino acid residues at odd number positions and those closer to the disulfide bond are more influential to the ATP responsiveness.

Design of linear combination of weighted medians

This paper introduces a novel nonlinear filtering structure: the linear combination of weighted medians (LCWM). The proposed filtering scheme is modeled on the structure and design procedure of the linear-phase FIR highpass (HP) filter in that the linear-phase FIR HP filter can be obtained by changing the sign of the filter coefficients of the FIR lowpass (LP) filter in the odd positions. The HP filter can be represented as the difference between two LP subfilters that have all positive coefficients. This representation of the FIR HP filter is analogous to the difference of estimates (DoE) such as the difference of medians (DoM). The DoM is essentially a nonlinear HP filter that is commonly used in edge detection. Based on this observation, we introduce a class of LCWM filters whose output is given by a linear combination of weighted medians of the input sequence. We propose a method of designing the 1-D and 2-D LCWM filters satisfying required frequency specifications. The proposed method adopts a transformation from the FIR filter to the LCWM filter. We show that the proposed LCWM filter can offer various frequency filtering characteristics including "LP," "bandpass (BP)," and "HP" responses.

A statistical study of ab initio π charges

A comparative analysis of the π electron density distributions derived from ab initio MO calculations was carried out for substituted ethylenes, substituted benzenes, 4-substituted styrenes and substituted pyridines. Changes in the effective atomic charges due to substitution in the molecules were considered. Linear correlations were found between the π charge changes on all atoms including ipso atoms of unsaturated molecules. The angle coefficients of the regressions for the π charge changes of the odd against even atoms proved to be negative due to the reversal of the substituent effect in the odd positions of unsaturated compounds. The regularities were found to be invariant with respect to both the level of ab initio calculations (3G, 4-31G, 6-31G and 6-31G +) and the definition of the atomic charge (the Mulliken population analysis or the Bader quantum topology approach). Moreover, the Δq π Δq′ π ratios for any two atoms of the molecule are equal for different basis sets in the framework of one charge definition, or for the different charge definitions at one basis set. In the framework of the Mulliken population analysis the regression coefficient for the acceptor substituents in linear relationship between the π charge changes obtained at different bases (6-31G/STO-3G) is larger than the regression coefficient for the donor substituents. The π charge changes obtained at one basis (6-31G+) using the different definitions of charge (the Mulliken and Bader ones) were shown to be proportional to each other for all unsaturated atoms including ipso atoms, with the correlation coefficient more than 0.99. Data from ab initio MO calculations reported in the literature were used.

Reversal of substituent influence in the odd positions and the charge change alternation

The atomic π σ relations have been used to demonstrate the presence of charge change alternation in substituted conjugated hydrocarbons and the reversal of substituent influence in their odd positions. By using topological charge definitions but not the Mulliken one, ab initio calculations may also show the charge alternation, i.e. the alternation of the absolute carbon charges within these molecules.

On some features of the electronic structure of allyl and Y-conjugated ions

A comparative analysis of the electron density distributions derived from ab initio MO calculations at the 6-311 ++ G**//6-31G* level (the atomic populations in the framework of Bader's approach) has been carried out for ions of the allyl and trimethylenemethyl types. Linear relationships were found to be valid between the π and σ components of the atomic charges when passing from one molecule to another. The sign of the regression coefficients proved to be both positive, being determined by the electronegativity, if the atom in question is bound to atoms of a different nature, and negative, being determined by the electron interaction, if the considered atom is bound to the same partner(s) in different ions. Thus, the linear π/σ relation with a negative sign for the regression coefficient is characteristic of the unsaturated heteroatoms, N and O, within a carbon chain, like the unsaturated carbon atoms. Statistically significant distinctions were found between the π/σ regression coefficients for the central and terminal atoms in both the allyl- and trimethylenemethyl-type ions with respect to the even and odd positions of conjugated chains.

The influence of double bonds in the terminal chain of 2-ring compounds on the physical properties of S*cmixtures

Abstract We present the properties of S*c mixtures containing new 2-ring 5-n-alkyl-2-(4-n-alkenyloxyphenyl)pyridines and pyrimidines with systematically varying positions and configurations of the double bond Trans configurations at odd positions (counting the number of atoms from the core including the oxygen and the first carbon atom of the double bond) suppress the SA phase, increase the S*c tilt angle, Θ, and the spontaneous polarization, P s, and lead to long switching times τ. Cis configurations at even positions suppress the nematic phase in favour of smectic phases, decrease Θ and P s, and shorten τ. Other positional configurational combinations strongly reduce the clearing point. Furthermore, our results indicate that the preferred conformation of the alkenyloxy chain consists of alternating cis and trans units.

Effect of adenotonsillectomy on nocturnal hypoxaemia, sleep disturbance, and symptoms in snoring children

61 snoring children selected for adenotonsillectomy, mainly for recurrent tonsillitis, were compared with a matched group of 31 healthy children for symptoms of sleep apnoea, extent of sleep hypoxaemia, and amount of sleep disturbance. The studies were repeated six months postoperatively, and after six months in the healthy children. Preoperatively, 61% of the children had degrees of sleep hypoxaemia above normal and 65% had abnormally disturbed sleep. A questionnaire administered to the parents about their children showed abnormal patterns of answers about sleep problems daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, aggression, learning difficulties, restless sleep, and odd sleeping positions. After adenotonsillectomy, the abnormal hypoxaemia, excessive sleep disturbance, and multiple symptoms almost resolved; a growth spurt also occurred.

Invited Lecture. Material properties, structural relations with molecular ensembles and electro-optical performance of new bicyclohexane liquid crystals in field-effect liquid crystal displays

Abstract Several new classes of polar and non-polar bicyclohexane liquid crystals comprising alkenyl side chains are presented. The compounds exhibit low optical anisotropies, Δn, 12 × 10−12 N, to low viscoelastic ratios γ1/k and to short response times in field-effect liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Strong odd-even effects occur in the bend/splay elastic ratio k 3/k 1 upon shifting the alkenyl double bond from even into odd side chain positions. As a result the ratio k 3/k 1 can be tuned over the wide range 0·9 ≲ k 3/k 1 ≲ 3·0. Correlations between the electro-optical properties of twisted nematic, supertwisted nematic, optical mode interference LCDs and material parameters demonstrate the high degree of multiplexability of the new compounds. Roche interactive molecular modelling is applied to determine the possible equilibrium configuration not only of singl...

How should patient exclusions be monitored in randomized controlled trials?: Jane Sicurella, Holly Bradley, Michael Gent, and Robin Roberts McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada(p26)

The barrelfield, i.e., the cortical representation of the contralateral whiskerpad, develops in the mouse between postnatal days 4 and 6 (P4 and P6). The pattern of barrels in the barrelfield is dependent on that of the whiskers on the whiskerpad. We removed (unilaterally) and reimplanted, with normal orientation (n = 23) or after 180° rotation (n = 23), that part of the pallium where the barrelfield is to develop. These operations were made at birth (P0), at P1 or at P3. Our aim was to know whether a homeomorphic representation of the periphery would be established, by regeneration or by retarded growth of surviving thalamic fibers into the cortex, and if so, whether it could be modified in its orientation. Of group (i) 16 animals survived of which 14 killed between P26 and P29 could be analyzed. We operated 11 at P0 and 4 of these had a normal barrelfield, two a rotated one (by about 30°) with some barrels in odd positions, one a wildly disorganized one and 4 no barrels at all. Three mice operated at P3 presented a normal barrelfield. In group (ii) operated at PO, the 17 survivors, killed between P13 and P68, had no barrels. The results indicate that a homeomorphic representation of the periphery may be established in the somatosensory cortex after an early, complete and massive interruption not only of all its afferent and efferent fibers, but also of its vascularization. With respect to animals of group (ii) we cannot rule out the ingrowth of thalamic afferents into the implant. The absence of barrels here may point to the existence of a certain degree of target-specificity of thalamic fibers which would fail to induce the formation of barrels when confronted with a wrong domain of parietal cortex.

Removal and reimplantation of the parietal cortex of the neonatal mouse: Consequences for the barrelfield

The barrelfield, i.e., the cortical representation of the contralateral whiskerpad, develops in the mouse between postnatal days 4 and 6 (P4 and P6). The pattern of barrels in the barrelfield is dependent on that of the whiskers on the whiskerpad. We removed (unilaterally) and reimplanted, with normal orientation (n = 23) or after 180° rotation (n = 23), that part of the pallium where the barrelfield is to develop. These operations were made at birth (P0), at P1 or at P3. Our aim was to know whether a homeomorphic representation of the periphery would be established, by regeneration or by retarded growth of surviving thalamic fibers into the cortex, and if so, whether it could be modified in its orientation. Of group (i) 16 animals survived of which 14 killed between P26 and P29 could be analyzed. We operated 11 at P0 and 4 of these had a normal barrelfield, two a rotated one (by about 30°) with some barrels in odd positions, one a wildly disorganized one and 4 no barrels at all. Three mice operated at P3 presented a normal barrelfield. In group (ii) operated at PO, the 17 survivors, killed between P13 and P68, had no barrels. The results indicate that a homeomorphic representation of the periphery may be established in the somatosensory cortex after an early, complete and massive interruption not only of all its afferent and efferent fibers, but also of its vascularization. With respect to animals of group (ii) we cannot rule out the ingrowth of thalamic afferents into the implant. The absence of barrels here may point to the existence of a certain degree of target-specificity of thalamic fibers which would fail to induce the formation of barrels when confronted with a wrong domain of parietal cortex.

Polymorphism in single‐acid triglycerides of positional and geometric isomers of octadecenoic acid

AbstractThe polymorphism of 25 glycerol trioctadecenoates with double bonds ranging from Δ4‐Δ17 was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Triglycerides withcis bonds in odd positions Δ7‐Δ13 exhibited three intermediate melting (β′‐) forms, but those withcis bonds in even positions, exceptcis Δ4, lacked β′‐forms. Among thetrans compounds, only Δ11, 13, and 14 showed β′‐forms. Thecis andtrans Δ5 triglycerides were unusual, because they readily assumed low melting (α‐) forms that were not easily converted to high melting (β‐) forms. β‐Form mp of compounds in each series (cis ortrans) alternated depending upon double bond position; an even position correlated with high mp. Heats of fusion (ΔHf) for β‐forms, likewise, fluctuated with double bond position but nonuniformly;trans Δ6 had the highest ΔHf (43 cal/g),cis Δ12 the lowest (21 cal/g).

The distribution of tritium in fatty acids synthesized from tritiated glucose and tritiated water by rat adipose tissue

Fatty acids synthesized by rat epididymal fat-pad slices in the presence of [1- 3H]glucose, [3- 3H]glucose and tritiated water were degraded for the localization of tritium in the molecule. 75% of the tritium from [1- 3H]glucose and 85% from [3- 3H]glucose was present on the odd carbons. The incorporation of 15% of the tritium from [3- 3H] glucose in the even positions was unexpected. Tritium from 3H 2O was incorporated to the same extent in the odd and even positions of the carbon chain. The presence of tritium from water in the odd positions confirms the participation of DPNH hydrogen in reductive fatty acid synthesis in the intact adipose tissue cell. The results with 3H 2O and [1- 3H]glucose resemble those previously reported for liver and suggest that the mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis are essentially similar in the two tissues.