Behavioral performance was correlated with all functional coupling coefficients.

Results: In controls there was a significant relationship between the primary motor cortex and the supplementary motor area (SMA), as well as the SMA and the dorsal striatum during

ongoing movement. Cocaine users exhibited weaker fronto-striatal coupling than controls, while the cortical-cortical coupling was intact. Coupling strength between the SMA and selleck inhibitor the caudate was negatively correlated with reaction time in the users.

Conclusions: The observation that cocaine users have impaired cortical-striatal connectivity during simple motor performance, suggests that these individuals may have a fundamental deficit in information processing that influences more complex

click here cognitive processes. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.”
“Type 1 diabetes is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration, with subsequent destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells. Studies have identified strong associations between type 1 diabetes and several chromosome regions, including 12q24. Association between type 1 diabetes and 12q24 arises from SNP rs3184504; rs3184504 is a nonsynonymous SNP in exon 3 of SH2B3 (also known as LNK). Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice recapitulate many aspects of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in humans and are therefore frequently used in studies addressing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this disease. It is of interest to know whether there is a similar mutation of SH2B3 in NOD mice. We found that the SH2B3 mutation is absent in NOD mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the sequence and the protein levels of SH2B3 in NOD mice.”
“Mutations in the SPAST (SPG4) gene, which encodes Fer-1 in vitro the microtubule-severing protein spastin, are the most common cause of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Following on from previous work in our

laboratory showing that spastin is required for axon outgrowth, we report here that the related microtubule-severing protein katanin is also required for axon outgrowth in vivo. Using confocal time-lapse imaging, we have identified requirements for spastin and katanin in maintaining normal axonal microtubule dynamics and growth cone motility in vivo, supporting a model in which microtubule severing is required for concerted growth of neuronal microtubules. Simultaneous knockdown of spastin and katanin caused a more severe phenotype than did individual knockdown of either gene, suggesting that they have different but related functions in supporting axon outgrowth. In addition, the microtubule-destabilising drug nocodazole abolished microtubule dynamics and growth cone motility, and enhanced phenotypic severity in spast-knockdown zebrafish embryos.

A major reason for this discrepancy is the invasive nature of current techniques used to investigate reconsolidation, which are difficult to apply in humans. Pharmacological blockade of reconsolidation, for example, has been typically used in animals as a proof of concept. However, most compounds used in

these studies are toxic for humans, and those compounds that are safe target related, but not direct mechanisms of reconsolidation. Thus, although human reconsolidation has been hypothesized, there is limited evidence it actually exists. The best evidence for human reconsolidation emerges from non-invasive techniques that “”update”" memory during reconsolidation rather than Staurosporine price block it, a technique only rarely used in animal research. Here we discuss the current state of human reconsolidation and the challenges ahead. We review findings on reconsolidation of emotional associative, episodic, and procedural memories, using invasive and non-invasive techniques. We discuss the possible interpretation

of these results, attempt to reconcile some inconsistencies, and suggest a conceptual framework for future research.”
“Single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (SI-LAGB) is a promising technique with potential to decrease pain and improve cosmesis. It is challenging and potentially time-consuming. We aimed to identify preoperative patient characteristics predictive of a successful SI-LAGB. Demographic and anthropometric data were prospectively CDK assay collected. Primary endpoint was operating time. Adequate operating time (AOT) was determined using a historic consecutive of 100 subjects undergoing multi-port LAGB. The cutoff for AOT was defined as mean + 1 SD of the historic cohort. Binary logistic regression analysis was used in univariate and multivariate modeling to identify independent preoperative variables associated with AOT. From February 2009 to October 2010, 79 JNK-IN-8 ic50 patients (71 female) underwent SI-LAGB, with no conversions to multi-port laparoscopy. Mean operating time was 61 +/- 27 min. The cohort was divided into two groups: AOT (n = 53) and excessive operating time, (EOT, n = 26) based on cutoff value of 69 min. On univariate analysis, preoperative BMI had significant

(p = 0.03) counterintuitive effect on operative time (AOT 44.2 +/- 6.2 kg/m(2) versus EOT 42.1 +/- 4.2 kg/m(2)). Hiatal hernia was also significant predictor of EOT (19.2% versus 3.7%; p = 0.001) and remained an independent predictor of EOT in multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for covariates, increasing the chance for EOT by 5.9 times (odd ratio 5.9; 95% CI 1.1-31.1; p = 0.04). SI-LAGB can be performed safely and timely. Concomitant hiatal hernia could be successfully repaired during a SI-LAGB but at the cost of significant additional operating time.”
“Interrami intraoral Kirschner wire fixation technique is presented for the reduction, stabilization, and immobilization of a pulverized and avulsed lower jaw caused by rifle fragmented bullet injuries.

Given the long-term functional and survival advantage, we have been consciously exploring

the feasibility of a biventricular repair in these patients when they present later for Fontan completion.

Since June 2009, 71 patients were referred for staged completion of the Fontan procedure. Following detailed evaluation that included three-dimensional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, 10 patients (Group 1-median age 6 years) were identified and later underwent complex biventricular repair with takedown of Glenn shunt, while completion MLN2238 of extracardiac Fontan repair was done in 61 patients (Group 2-median age 7 years).

Two-ventricle repair was accomplished in all the 10 Group 1 patients. One patient developed complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker insertion. Late patch dehiscence occurred in another (awaiting repair). At a median follow-up of 15 months, there was no mortality among the Group 1 patients and all except for 1 patient were symptom free. There were 2 early deaths (3.3%) in the Group 2 patients.

Two-ventricular repair, although surgically challenging, should be considered in all patients with two functional ventricles who come for Fontan completion. Comprehensive preoperative imaging and meticulous planning helps

in identifying suitable candidates.”
“Background: This study investigates whether an analysis, based on Item Response Theory (IRT), can be used for initial evaluations of depression

assessment instruments in a limited patient learn more sample from an affective disorder outpatient clinic, with the aim to finding major advantages and deficiencies of the instruments.

Methods: Three depression assessment instruments, the depression module from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), the depression subscale of Affective Self Rating Scale (AS-18-D) and the Montgomery-angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were evaluated in a sample of 61 patients with affective disorder diagnoses, mainly bipolar disorder. A ’3- step IRT strategy’ was used.

Results: In a first step, the Mokken non-parametric analysis showed that PHQ9 and AS-18-D had strong overall scalabilities of 0.510 [C.I. 0.42, 0.61] and 0,513 [C.I. 0.41, 0.63] respectively, while MADRS had a weak scalability of SRT2104 in vitro 0.339 [C.I. 0.25, 0.43]. In a second step, a Rasch model analysis indicated large differences concerning the item discriminating capacity and was therefore considered not suitable for the data. In third step, applying a more flexible two parameter model, all three instruments showed large differences in item information and items had a low capacity to reliably measure respondents at low levels of depression severity.

Conclusions: We conclude that a stepwise IRT-approach, as performed in this study, is a suitable tool for studying assessment instruments at early stages of development.

These utilities for long-term outcomes of PC and its treatment are valuable for decision/cost-effectiveness models of PC treatment.”
“We report a rare case of multifocal vertebral Tipifarnib body tuberculosis with an isolated affection of vertebral bodies and uncommon findings in radiographies that were more suggestive of vascular or tumor lesion. This case is reported to illustrate the complexity of diagnostic

procedures necessary to reveal multilevel vertebral body tuberculosis and the place of modern imaging, especially computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, to differentiate vertebral tuberculosis from other differential diagnosis.”
“The up-conversion luminescence of Zn1-xMgxS: Mn2+ nanoparticles fabricated by an inorganic precipitation method is studied by using a near-infrared femtosecond laser. Epigenetic inhibitor nmr The up-converted luminescence is blueshifted when increasing

the Mg composition because of weaker crystal field effect. Comparing with thin films, the luminescence of Zn1-xMgxS: Mn2+ nanoparticles shifts several nanometers to the red side due to quantum confinement effect and site-selected Mn2+ excitation. The measured power dependence shows that a second-order absorption process is responsible for the up-conversion luminescence. The up-conversion luminescence peak of the Zn1-xMgxS: Mn2+ nanoparticles does not change when the excitation wavelength is tuned between 750 to 790 nm. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3391384]“
“Purpose To assess the convergent validity and comparative responsiveness in measuring the health-related quality of life associated with adhesive capsulitis of a disease-specific measure (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index), a generic quality of life measure (SF-36),

a preference-based multi-attribute utility scale (assessment of quality learn more of life), and two direct patient preference elicitation methods (willingness to pay and time trade-off).

Method Instruments administered to all 156 participants in both arms of a randomized placebo-controlled trial of physiotherapy following arthrographic joint distension at baseline were reported at 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Convergent validity was measured using both pooled correlation between instruments and within subjects over time. Responsiveness was measured using the effect size for those with no improvement, moderate improvement, and marked improvement.

Results With the exception of the monetary measure, all of the instruments showed a low quality of life at baseline with adhesive capsulitis (66-87% of perfect health) and a substantial improvement in quality of life to week 26 on recovery. The time trade-off and willingness to pay measures of patient preferences were not responsive to changes in health, but all of the other instruments were at least moderately sensitive to change and moderately correlated with one another.

For IVF group, the risk factors independently associated with depression were both male and female infertility, unexplained infertility, and history of ejaculation failure.

In a sample of Chinese men undergoing ART treatments, the prevalence of depression was higher than other country. The risk factors for depression varied in different ART treatments groups. when routine screening to identify the sub-group of vulnerable men which need counselling before ART treatments, we should also consider which pattern of ART treatments

the man underwent.”
“Obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammatory state. A causal association between inflammation and atherosclerosis has been suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the proinflammatory profile of morbidly obese patients after weight loss following bariatric surgery.

In this study, we measured

Ilomastat datasheet levels of adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and their relation to insulin resistance and lipid parameters in 60 morbidly obese women at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months after gastric bypass.

Twelve months after surgery, there was a significant increase in plasma levels of adiponectin ( < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( < 0.01) and a significant decrease in levels of IL-6 ( < 0.001), hs-CRP ( < 0.001), cholesterol ( < 0.001), triglycerides ( < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( <

0.001), glucose ( < 0.001), insulin ( < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA; < DMXAA research buy 0.001). At 12 months, correlations were seen between IL-6 levels and the following: body mass index (BMI) ( = 0.53, < 0.001), insulin ( = 0.51, < 0.001) and HOMA ( = 0.55, < 0.001). Also, hs-CRP levels correlated with BMI ( = 0.40, = 0. 004), triglycerides ( = 0.34, = 0.017), insulin ( = 0.50, = 0.001) and HOMA ( = 0.46, = 0.002).

In patients with morbid obesity, significant weight loss is followed by a significant improvement in the inflammatory state, insulin sensitivity and lipid profile. A relationship exists between improved inflammatory profile and insulin sensitivity.”
“Objectives: To examine the activity of jaw muscles at rest and during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) in children with unilateral Wnt mutation posterior crossbite (UPXB) and functional lateral shift in the early mixed dentition and to evaluate sex differences.

Material and Methods: The sample included 30 children (15 males, 15 females) aged 6 to 10 years old, with UPXB and functional mandibular lateral shift (>= 1.5 mm) in the early mixed dentition. sEMG activity coming from the muscle areas (anterior temporalis [AT], posterior temporalis [PT], masseter [MA] and suprahyoid [SH]) were obtained from both the crossbite (XB) and noncrossbite (NONXB) sides at mandibular rest position. sEMG activity of the bilateral AT and MA muscles sides was obtained during MVC.

(C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3496359]“
“This CP-868596 concentration study presents packaged microscale liquid lenses actuated with liquid droplets of 300-700 mu m in diameter using the dielectric force manipulation. The liquid microlens demonstrated function focal length tunability in a plastic package. The focal length of the liquid lens with a lens droplet of 500 mu m in diameter is shortened from 4.4 to 2.2 mm when voltages applied change from 0 to 79 V-rms. Dynamic responses that are analyzed using 2000 frames/s high speed motion cameras show that the advancing and receding times

are measured to be 90 and 60 ms, respectively. The size effect of dielectric liquid microlens is characterized for a lens droplet of 300-700 mu m in diameter in an aspect of focal length. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3494030]“
“Here, we present a simple chemical modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) by curing a mixture DAPT of 2 wt% undecylenic acid (UDA) in PDMS prepolymer on a gold-coated glass slide. This gold slide had been previously pretreated with a self-assembled hydrophilic monolayer of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). During curing of the UDA/PDMS prepolymer, the hydrophilic UDA carboxyl moieties diffuses toward the hydrophilic MPA carboxyl moieties on the gold surface. This diffusion of the UDA within the PDMS prepolymer to the surface

is a direct result of surface energy minimization. Once completely cured, the PDMS is peeled off the gold substrate, thereby exposing the interfacial carboxyl groups. These groups are then available for subsequent attachment of 5′-amino terminated DNA oligonucleotides via amide linkages. Our results show that the covalently tethered oligonucleotides can successfully capture fluorescein-labeled complementary oligonucleotides via

hybridization, which are visualized using fluorescence microscopy. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3523055]“
“Purpose of review

This article summarizes the current state of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection after solid organ transplantation.

Recent findings

HHV-6 reactivates commonly during the early weeks after solid organ transplantation. However, disease due to HHV-6 is uncommon and is manifested as a febrile illness selleck chemicals associated with rash and tissue-invasive manifestations such as encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and gastrointestinal disease. HHV-6 has also been indirectly associated with other opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus and fungal infections. Molecular tests such as PCR assays are preferred methods for the diagnosis of HHV-6 infection. Recent guideline from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Disease Community of Practice does not recommend specific antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy for HHV-6 infection.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a survey of 7635 presenting blood donors at three Brazilian blood centres from 15 October through 20 November 2009. Participants completed a questionnaire on HIV knowledge and attitudes about blood donation. Six questions about blood testing and HIV were evaluated using maximum likelihood chi-square and logistic regression. Test seeking was classified in non-overlapping categories according to answers to one direct and two indirect questions.

Results

Overall, respondents were male (64%) repeat donors (67%) between 18 and 49years old (91%). Nearly 60% believed blood centres use

better HIV tests than other places; however, Copanlisib 42% were unaware of the HIV window period. Approximately 50% believed it was appropriate to donate to be tested for HIV, but 67% said it was not acceptable to donate with risk factors even if blood is tested. Logistic regression found that less education, Hemope-Recife blood centre, replacement, potential and self-disclosed test-seeking were associated with less HIV knowledge.

Conclusion

HIV knowledge related to blood safety remains low among Brazilian blood donors. A subset finds it appropriate to be tested at blood centres and may be unaware of the HIV window period. These donations may impose a significant risk to Combretastatin A4 datasheet the safety

of the blood supply. Decreasing test-seeking and changing beliefs about the appropriateness of individuals with behavioural risk factors donating blood could reduce the risk of transfusing an infectious Ricolinostat unit.”
“Different Iris species are known as medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of different extracts from Iris pseudopumila Tineo flowers and rhizomes. The radical scavenging activity was assessed by means of DPPH assay. The antioxidant activity was assessed by means of two tests: bleaching of -carotene and lipid peroxidation of liposomes. Methanolic and chloroform extracts from the flowers of I. pseudopumila showed a significant

antiradical effect with IC50 of 101 and 83 g mL-1, respectively. As regards to lipid peroxidation, the best activity was showed by methanolic extract of flowers (IC50 of 18 g mL-1) and chloroformic extract of rhizomes (IC50 33 g mL-1). The cytotoxic activity was carried out using the SRB assay. The chloroform extract from rhizomes demonstrated a good cytotoxic activity against amelanotic melanoma cancer cell line (C32) with an IC50 of 57 g mL-1. The results obtained support the ethnomedical claims for the plant.”
“Contents The aim of this study was to determine whether postpartum variations of plasma IGF-1 and IGFBP concentrations, oocyte production and quality were related to parity and subsequent conception rate in Holstein dairy cows.

In the case of MCC from other manufacturers, unbound water was stability determining for both substances.”
“It has been documented that the plant-specific NAC (for NAM, ATAF1,2 and CUC2) transcription factors play an important role in plant development and stress responses. In this study, a chickpea NAC gene CarNAC5 (for Cicer arietinum L NAC gene 5) was isolated from a cDNA library from chickpea leaves treated by polyethylene glycol (PEG). CarNAC5, as a single/low copy gene, contained three exons and two introns within genomic DNA sequence

and encoded a polypeptide with 291 amino acids. CarNAC5 protein had a conserved NAC domain in the N-terminus and showed high similarity to other NACs, especially ATAF subgroup members. The CarNAC5:GFP fusion protein was localized in the nucleus of onion epidermal cells. Furthermore, CarNAC5 Proteases inhibitor protein activated the reporter genes LacZ and HIS3 in yeast. The transactivation activity was mapped to the C-terminal region. this website The transcripts of CarNAC5 appeared in many chickpea tissues including seedling leaves, stems, roots, flowers, seeds and pods, but mostly accumulated in flowers. Meanwhile, CarNAC5 was

strongly expressed during seed maturation and in embryos of the early germinating seeds. It was also significantly induced by drought, heat, wounding, salicylic acid (SA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments. Our results suggest that CarNAC5 encodes a novel NAC-domain protein and acts as a transcriptional activator involved in plant developmental regulation and various stress responses. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Improvement

of microcantilever-based sensors and actuators chiefly depends on their modeling accuracy. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is AR-13324 datasheet the most widespread application of microcantilever beam as a sensor, which is usually influenced by the tip-sample interaction force. Along this line of reasoning, vibration of AFM microcantilever probe is analyzed in this paper, along with analytical and experimental investigation of the influence of the sample interaction force on the microcantilever vibration. Nonlinear integropartial equation of microcantilever vibration subject to the tip-sample interaction is then derived and multiple time scales method is utilized to estimate the tip amplitude while it is vibrating near the sample. A set of experiments is performed using a commercial AFM for both resonance and nonresonance modes, and the results are compared with the theoretical results. Hysteresis, instability and amplitude drop can be identified in the experimental curves inside the particle attraction domain. They are likely related to the interaction force between the tip and sample as well as the ever-present water layer during the experiments.

Results: Soluble endothelial protein C receptor levels did not indicate any significant difference between pre- and posttransplantation period, and sEPCR levels showed a significantly negative correlation between IL-6 and IL-8 (sEPCR and IL-6, r = -.43, P < .01; sEPCR and IL-8, r = -.57, P < .01). There was no correlation between sEPCR levels and TNF-alpha, SN-38 clinical trial IL-1 beta, or IL-2 (sEPCR and TNF-alpha, r = -.13, P > .05; sEPCR and IL-1 beta, r = -.1, P >= .05; sEPCR and IL-2, r = -.07, P > .05).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the production

of sEPCR was not affected by allogeneic HSCT. Soluble endothelial protein C receptor did not show any positive correlation between these proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8), on the contrary a significantly negative correlation was determined between sEPCR and either IL-6 or IL-8. This negative correlation may be a protective mechanism in the pathway of protein C activation.”
“Nodule CO2 fixation

is of pivotal importance for N-2 fixation. The process provides malate for bacteroids and oxaloacetate CSF-1R inhibitor for nitrogen assimilation. The hypothesis of the present paper was that grain legume nodules would adapt to higher plant N demand and more restricted carbon availability at pod formation through GSK2126458 nmr increased nodule CO2 fixation and a more efficient N-2 fixation. Growth, N-2 fixation, and nodule composition during vegetative growth and at pod formation were studied in pea plants (Pisum sativum L.). In parallel experiments, N-15(2) and (CO2)-C-13 uptake, as well as nodule hydrogen and CO2 release, was measured. Plants at pod formation showed higher growth rates and N-2 fixation per plant when compared with vegetative growth. The specific activity of active nodules

was about 25% higher at pod formation. The higher nodule activity was accompanied by higher amino acid concentration in nodules and xylem sap with a higher share of asparagine. Nodule (CO2)-C-13 fixation was increased at pod formation, both per plant and per N-15(2) fixed unit. However, malate concentration in nodules was only 40% of that during vegetative growth and succinate was no longer detectable. The data indicate that increased N-2 fixation at pod formation is connected with strongly increased nodule CO2 fixation. While the sugar concentration in nodules at pod formation was not altered, the concentration of organic acids, namely malate and succinate, was significantly lower. It is concluded that strategies to improve the capability of nodules to fix CO2 and form organic acids might prolong intensive N-2 fixation into the later stages of pod formation and pod filling in grain legumes.

25E-45 in the combined analysis and has been replicated in both the Die Deutsche Diabetes Dialyse Studie (4D study) and the Graz Endocrine Causes of Hypertension (GECOH) study.

Conclusions In our genome-wide association study, we identified 3 chromosomal regions significantly associated with serum homoarginine and another region with suggestive association, providing novel insights into the genetic regulation of homoarginine.”
“Background: A high consumption of fruit and vegetables is possibly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal H 89 order cancer (CRC).

However, the findings to date are inconsistent.

Objective: We examined the relation between self-reported usual consumption of fruit and vegetables and the incidence of CRC.

Design: In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), 452,755 subjects (131,985 men and 320,770 women) completed a dietary questionnaire in 1992-2000 and were followed up for cancer incidence and mortality until 2006. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results: After an

average follow-up of 8.8 y, 2,819 incident CRC cases were reported. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was inversely associated with CRC in a comparison of the highest with the lowest EPIC-wide quintile of selleck consumption (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00; P for trend 0.04), particularly with colon cancer risk (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.91; P for trend < 0.01). Only after exclusion of the first 2 y of follow-up were these findings corroborated by calibrated continuous analyses for a 100-g increase in consumption: HRs of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.00; P 0.04) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.99; P = 0.02), respectively. The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and CRC risk was inverse in never and former smokers, but positive in current smokers. This modifying effect was found for fruit and vegetables combined GDC-0994 order and for vegetables alone (P for interaction, 0.01 for both).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that a high consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced

risk of CRC, especially of colon cancer. This effect may depend on smoking status. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89:1441-52.”
“Monocyclopentadienyl trialkoxy compounds of zirconium and hafnium [CpZr(OR)(3) and CpHf(OR)(3)], which cannot be prepared by earlier methods, are synthesized in situ by reacting bis(cyclopentadienyl) magnesium with Zirconium tetraalkoxides [Zr(OR)(4)] and with hafnium tetraalkoxides [Hf(OR)(4)], respectively. The generation of CpZr(OR)(3) and CpHf(OR)(3) compounds involves a highly effective cyclopentadienyl ligand (Cp) transfer reaction from the Cp ligand of bis(cyclopentadienyl) magnesium to Group 4 metal alkoxides. The utilization of CpZr(OR)(3) and CpHf(OR)(3) compounds as catalyst precursors for mediating alpha-olefin polymerizations was carefully investigated.