bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant extracts in heavy pig feeding: effects on quality of meat and Cremona salami
Authors: Pastorelli G. , Rossi R. , Ratti S. , Corino C.
Published: February 2015

The influence of dietary plant extracts (PE) from Lippia spp. titrated in verbascoside (0 and 5 mg/kg feed) during the last period of heavy fattening pig on fresh meat and on Cremona (Protected Geographical Indication) salami quality were evaluated. Meat quality was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), chemical composition, drip and cooking loss and quality of Cremona salami was assessed as chemical composition, TBARS, cholesterol content, fatty acid composition and sensory analysis. No differences were found for proximate composition either in raw meat or in salami. A lower oxidative (P < 0.05) susceptibility was found in the Biceps femoris muscle of the PE group. Sensory analysis of salami showed that dietary integration did not affect the characteristics of the Protected Geographical Indication product excepting for the colour that resulted more intensely in the PE group. PE significantly lowered the saturated fatty acid content and increased the monounsaturated fatty acids of salami. These results need to be confirmed in further studies.
Carob pulp inclusion in lamb diets: effect on intake, performance, feeding behaviour and blood metabolites
Authors: Gobindram M. N. Noor-Ehsan , Bognanno M. , Luciano G. , Lanza M. , Biondi L.
Published: February 2015

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is commonly found in the Mediterranean region and may be used as an alternative feed resource in livestock production. However, carob contains plant secondary compounds, such as polyphenols, which limit its use due to potential toxicity problems. This study aimed to investigate whether the substitution of barley by carob pulp at a relatively high level of up to 35% causes production-level reduction and has detrimental effects on animal welfare. Lamb performance parameters such as feed intake, liveweight and carcass weight were recorded and feeding behaviour was monitored. Blood metabolites and protein profiles were determined to detect signs of metabolic distress. The inclusion of carob pulp resulted in similar level of performance by animals in all the experimental diets. However, the feeding pattern was different with feed intake being significantly lower during the first 90 min post feed supply in the carob-fed lambs compared with the Control animals, although total daily intake was similar. In terms of welfare indicators, the inclusion of carob pulp in the lambs’ diet reduced blood cholesterol while increasing both non-esterified fatty acid and urea levels. These indicate that the animals were probably under some form of metabolic stress but not at a level to cause concerns, as confirmed by the similar serum protein profile especially in terms of albumin to globulins ratio.
The Synthesis, Characterisation, Photophysical and Thermal Properties, and Photovoltaic Performance of 7-Coumarinoxy-4-Methyltetrasubstituted Metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Guo Jun-Jie , Wang Shi-Rong , Li Xiang-Gao , Zhang Fei , Xiao Yin , Teng Chong
Published: February 2015

The synthesis, characterisation, photophysical and thermal properties of 2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis(7-coumarinoxy-4-methyl)-phthalocyaninatozinc(ii) (ZnPc-Coumarin) and 2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis(7-coumarinoxy-4-methyl)-phthalocyaninatocobalt(ii) (CoPc-Coumarin) are reported. The ground state absorbance of ZnPc-Coumarin shows molar extinction coefficients as high as 1.80 × 105 dm3 mol–1 cm–1. The fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence quantum yields of compounds ZnPc-Coumarin and CoPc-Coumarin are also investigated. The photoluminescence decay of the two transition-metal complexes in DMF solution, in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and on TiO2 films has been studied with time-resolved emission. This study shows that the electron transfer from the dye to TiO2 is through space. The thermal stability studies indicate that both of the two complexes are stable up to 390°C. The ZnPc-Coumarin achieved a higher overall conversion efficiency than the reported SnPcCl2-Coumarin, InPcCl-Coumarin, and RuPcCl-Coumarin because of its slower charge recombination rate and faster electron injection from the dye to the conduction band of the conducting glass.
Study of Di- and Polyamines as Activators in the Hot Potash Process for CO2 Capture
Authors: Ahmad Mamshad , Masohan Asha , Sawhney Shyam S.
Published: February 2015

An alarming rise in the atmospheric level of CO2 beyond safe limits has posed an immediate threat to mankind. It has become necessary to look for new economic processes for its capture and for options that can lead to reduction in the cost of existing processes. Hot potassium carbonate is one of the most viable processes. Efforts are continuously being made to improve on the capacity and rate of absorption of this solvent primarily by the use of activators. The latest activators in this category belong mostly to amines like piperazine and other cyclic nitrogen compounds. However, their study so far has been very haphazard. The first systematic study on alkanol monoamine activators was initiated and reported earlier by the authors. This paper extends the study and discusses the effect of some acyclic and cyclic diamines and polyamines as activators on absorption and regeneration of CO2 in K2CO3 solution. The effect of the cyclic or acyclic nature of the molecule, number of substituents, their chemical nature and their spatial arrangement was investigated. The parameters studied for this effect are rich and lean amine loading of CO2, CO2 regenerated and pKa of activators. Interestingly, it was observed that the bulkiness and spatial arrangement of substituents is the most dominant factor. An unsubstituted cyclic diamine (piperazine) performs best in enhancing the absorption capacity of solvent whereas diethylenetriamine is the best in enhancing rate of absorption. The study reveals no specific correlation of pKa value of the amines with their effect as activator.
Association between endometrial thickness in oocyte donation cycles and pregnancy success rates
Authors: Arce Hans , Velilla Esther , López-Teijón Marisa
Published: February 2015

Endometrial receptivity is a primary concern for embryo implantation success in fertility treatments. The present study was a retrospective analysis of 4070 cycles with donor oocytes and hormone-replacement therapy. Endometrial thickness was assessed once with transvaginal ultrasound. Patients were allowed to continue when endometrial thickness was ≥5 mm and had triple line morphology. Pregnancy rates, the number of gestational sacs and miscarriage rates were analysed in relation to endometrium status. Regression models were used to analyse associations, taking the day of embryo transfer into account. All patient parameters were homogeneous. Mean endometrial thickness was 7.24 ± 1.66 mm, the mean number of embryos transferred was 2.04 ± 0.43, the pregnancy rate was 48.06% and sacs were present in 42.3% of cycles. There were no significant differences in pregnancy rates, number of gestational sacs and miscarriage rates for different endometrial thickness measurements. The present study is, to our knowledge, the largest study evaluating the role of endometrial thickness in oocyte donation cycles. Endometrial thickness >5 mm is a reasonable parameter for determining treatment success, and once it is observed in a single ultrasonographic evaluation there is no need for subsequent monitoring and embryo transfer can be scheduled over the following 1–16 days, because the results are not compromised. This may lead to a significant reduction in time and cost in fertility clinics.
Soil aeration affects the degradation rate of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide
Authors: Balaine N. , Clough T. J. , Kelliher F. M. , van Koten C.
Published: February 2015

Dicyandiamide (DCD) is a nitrification inhibitor of variable efficacy. In soils, DCD biodegradation rate is known to be a function of temperature; however, microbial activity can also be affected by soil aeration and substrate availability. Studies determining the effects of soil aeration on DCD degradation are few. We tested the null hypothesis that the rate of degradation of DCD in soil would be the same under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Soils from two sites with different organic matter concentrations but the same parent material were sampled to the same depth, sieved, and repacked into tubes (‘soil cores’). These were saturated with a DCD solution (30 µg mL–1) and placed under controlled aeration conditions by imposing five levels of matric potential (0, –1, –3, –6, and –10 kPa) at a constant temperature (22°C). The relative O2 diffusivity (O2 diffusion coefficient in soil/O2 diffusion coefficient in air, Dp/Do) was measured, along with periodic destructive sampling of soil cores over 40 days, to assess the DCD concentrations. Fitting first-order exponential functions to plots of soil DCD concentration v. time showed that the DCD degradation rate was greater (P < 0.05) when the soil was aerobic (Dp/Do ≥ 0.01). Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected. These results show that soil aeration determines the degradation rate of DCD.
PIRA-PCR for Detection of Fusarium fujikuroi Genotypes with Carbendazim-Resistance Alleles
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Zihao , Hou Yiping , Duan Yabing , Wang Jianxin , Zhou Mingguo , Chen Changjun
Published: February 2015

Carbendazim, a methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC)-group fungicide, has been used to control rice bakanae disease, caused by Fusarium fujikuroi (teleomorph: Gibberella fujikuroi), for decades in China. Previous research revealed that point mutations (E198V, GAG to GTG at codon 198, and F200Y, TTC to TAC at codon 200) of the β2-tubulin gene conferred resistance of F. fujikuroi to MBC. In this study, primer-introduced restriction analysis polymerase chain reaction (PIRA-PCR) was developed to determine genotypes with resistance of F. fujikuroi to MBC. A PCR template of each strain was created by an outer primer pair. Fragments with 177 bp (for mutation at codon 235) and 146 bp (for E198V) were amplified by nested PCR, with two inner primer pairs designed and synthesized according to the nucleotide sequence of β2-tubulin for further enzyme digestion validation, respectively. AccII and PmaCI restriction enzyme recognition sites were introduced artificially by inner primers to differentiate MBC-sensitive and -resistant strains, respectively. The sensitivity of each strain to MBC was indirectly determined by analyzing electrophoresis patterns of the resulting amplified fragments after simultaneous digestion by both AccII and PmaCI. PIRA-PCR produced the same result as conventional methods in 6% of the time. PIRA-PCR is a sensitive and effective method for genotyping resistance alleles of F. fujikuroi strains to MBC.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Relationships of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Turfgrasses in North Carolina and South Carolina, United States
Authors: Zeng Yongsan , Ye Weimin , Kerns James , Tredway Lane , Martin Samuel , Martin Matt
Published: February 2015

The near-full-length 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 region were amplified and sequenced from 52 nematode populations belonging to 28 representative species in 13 families recovered from turfgrasses in North Carolina (38 populations) and South Carolina (14 populations). This study also included 13 nematode populations from eight other plant hosts from North Carolina for comparison. Nematodes were molecularly characterized and the phylogenetic relationships were explored based on 18S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference was performed using five groups of the plant-parasitic nematode populations Tylenchids, Criconematids, Longidorids, Xiphinematids, and Trichodorids. The 65 nematode populations were clustered correspondingly within appropriate positions of 13 families, including Belonolaimidae, Caloosiidae, Criconematidae, Dolichodoridae, Hemicycliophoridae, Hoplolaimidae, Heteroderidae, Longidoridae, Meloidogynidae, Paratylenchidae, Pratylenchidae, Telotylenchidae, and Trichodoridae. This study confirms previous morphological-based identification of the plant-parasitic nematode species found in turfgrasses and provides a framework for future studies of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with turfgrasses based upon DNA sequences and phylogenetic relationships.
New Insights into the Life Cycle of the Wheat Powdery Mildew: Direct Observation of Ascosporic Infection in Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Jankovics Tünde , Komáromi Judit , Fábián Attila , Jäger Katalin , Vida Gyula , Kiss Levente
Published: February 2015

Although Blumeria graminis is an intensively studied pathogen, an important part of its life cycle (namely, the way ascospores initiate primary infections on cereal leaves) has not yet been explored in detail. This study reports, for the first time, the direct observation of this process in B. graminis f. sp. tritici using light and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. All the germinated ascospores produced a single germ tube type both in vitro and on host plant surfaces; therefore, the ascosporic and conidial germination patterns are markedly different in this fungus, in contrast to other powdery mildews. Germinated ascospores penetrated the epidermal cells of wheat leaves and produced haustoria as known in the case of conidial infections. This work confirmed earlier studies reporting that B. graminis chasmothecia collected from the field do not contain mature ascospores, only asci filled with protoplasm; ascospore development is induced by moist conditions and is a fast process compared with other powdery mildews. Although ascosporic infections are frequent in B. graminis f. sp. tritici in the field, as shown by this study and other works as well, a recent analysis of the genomes of four isolates revealed the signs of clonal or near-clonal reproduction. Therefore, chasmothecia and ascospores are probably more important as oversummering structures than genetic recombination factors in the life cycle of this pathogen.
Identification of the iron oxidation state and coordination geometry in iron oxide- and zeolite-based catalysts using pre-edge XAS analysis
Authors: Boubnov Alexey , Lichtenberg Henning , Mangold Stefan , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk
Published: February 2015

Analysis of the oxidation state and coordination geometry using pre-edge analysis is attractive for heterogeneous catalysis and materials science, especially forin situand time-resolved studies or highly diluted systems. In the present study, focus is laid on iron-based catalysts. First a systematic investigation of the pre-edge region of the FeK-edge using staurolite, FePO4, FeO and α-Fe2O3as reference compounds for tetrahedral Fe2+, tetrahedral Fe3+, octahedral Fe2+and octahedral Fe3+, respectively, is reported. In particular, high-resolution and conventional X-ray absorption spectra are compared, considering that in heterogeneous catalysis and material science a compromise between high-quality spectroscopic data acquisition and simultaneous analysis of functional properties is required. Results, which were obtained from reference spectra acquired with different resolution and quality, demonstrate that this analysis is also applicable to conventionally recorded pre-edge data. For this purpose, subtraction of the edge onset is preferentially carried out using an arctangent and a first-degree polynomial, independent of the resolution and quality of the data. For both standard and high-resolution data, multiplet analysis of pre-edge features has limitations due to weak transitions that cannot be identified. On the other hand, an arbitrary empirical peak fitting assists the analysis in that non-local transitions can be isolated. The analysis of the oxidation state and coordination geometry of the Fe sites using a variogram-based method is shown to be effective for standard-resolution data and leads to the same results as for high-resolution spectra. This method, validated by analysing spectra of reference compounds and their well defined mixtures, is finally applied to track structural changes in a 1% Fe/Al2O3and a 0.5% Fe/BEA zeolite catalyst during reduction in 5% H2/He. The results, hardly accessible by other techniques, show that Fe3+is transformed into Fe2+, while the local Fe–O coordination number of 4–5 is maintained, suggesting that the reduction involves a rearrangement of the oxygen neighbours rather than their removal. In conclusion, the variogram-based analysis of FeK-edge spectra proves to be very useful in catalysis research.
Crystal structure of 1-{1-[2-(phenylselanyl)phenyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}cyclohexan-1-ol
Authors: Camargo Leandro R. S. , Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Deobald Anna M. , Braga Antonio L. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: February 2015

Two independent molecules,AandB, comprise the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C20H21N3OSe. While the benzene ring directly bound to the central triazole ring is inclined to the same extent in both molecules [dihedral angles = 40.41 (12) (moleculeA) and 44.14 (12)° (B)], greater differences are apparent in the dihedral angles between the Se-bound rings,i.e.74.28 (12) (moleculeA) and 89.91 (11)° (B). Close intramolecular Se...N interactions of 2.9311 (18) (moleculeA) and 2.9482 (18) Å (B) are noted. In the crystal, supramolecular chains along theaaxis are formedviaO—H...N hydrogen bonding. These are connected into layersviaC—H...O and C—H...N interactions; these stack along (01-1) without directional intermolecular interactions between them.
Crystal structure of {(but-3-en-1-yl)bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}dichloridocopper(II) diethyl ether hemisolvate
Authors: Bussey Katherine A. , Connell Jennifer R. , McGlone Annie R. , Mraz Margaret E. , Oshin Kayode D. , Pintauer Tomislav , Oliver Allen G.
Published: February 2015

The five-coordinate CuIIatom in the title complex [CuCl2(C16H19N3)]·0.5C4H10O, adopts a near-ideal square-pyramidal geometry (τ-5 = 0.01). The apical Cu—Cl distance is 0.2626 (6) Å longer than the basal Cu—Cl distance. Weak C—H...Cl interactions between pyridine rings and the Cl atoms of adjacent complex molecules are present. The solvent molecule, located on a twofold rotation axis, is situated in the voids of this arrangement. Copper atoms coordinated by tridentate nitrogen-containing ligands have been found to be excellent promoters of Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) reactions.
Crystal structure of ethyl 6-methyl-2-oxo-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate
Authors: Novina J. J. , Vasuki G. , Suresh M. , Padusha M. Syed Ali
Published: February 2015

In the title compound, C17H22N2O6, the dihydropyrimidine ring adopts a flattened boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the mean plane of the dihydropyrimidine ring is 75.25 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(8) ring motif which are linked through N—H...O and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds. These, together with π–π ring interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7965 (10) Å], give an overall three-dimensional structure.
A retrospective outcomes evaluation of cannabis use at an addictions center
Authors: Kovac Gil , Abbasi Yasir , Owens David
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively evaluate outcomes measured for patients attending the Leeds Addiction Unit (LAU) for cannabis use disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed a retrospective evaluation of data for clients referred to LAU for cannabis use disorders. These clients are routinely allocated to a programme of social behaviour and network therapy (SBNT), and methods of monitoring treatment include four questionnaires completed by clients, and the collection of treatment outcomes profile (TOP) data. Data were compared using non-parametric statistical methods.

Findings

– Of 158 clients included in the study, 20 completed the four questionnaires at assessment and follow-up. A statistically significant improvement was found for the outcome measuring level of dependence (p=0.013). TOP data showed significant reduction in the average number of days of cannabis use over the past four weeks (p<0.001) and improved median scores for the client's rating of overall quality of life (p<0.001).

Practical implications

– These findings suggest that treatment using SBNT can result in clinical improvement in cannabis use disorders. The promising results of the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial naturally raised the question as to whether SBNT can be adapted to treat substance use disorders other than alcoholism. This study aims to add to the body of evidence for this proposal.

Originality/value

– This is the first evaluation of the service to measure outcomes for the treatment of cannabis misuse. This study is especially relevant given the recent changes made to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders regarding cannabis use disorders, and has triggered another evaluation of cannabis treatment at LAU looking into specific pharmacotherapy.
JAS delivers cheaper, more effective employee development
Authors: Little Bob
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Observes how the introduction of a new learning-management system has made training easier, cheaper and more effective at international freight-forwarder JAS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Examines the reasons for the new system, the form it takes and the advantages it has brought.

Findings

– Explains that using the system makes things easier for the end-users who have one place to go for their learning materials. It has allowed the company to evaluate end-users’ knowledge of products and services.

Practical implications

– Reveals that the cost of delivering each individual piece of learning to any and every user is less than 20 USA cents.

Social implications

– Highlights the benefits of a learning-management system for organizations with large numbers of geographically dispersed employees.

Originality/value

– Describes a system that has helped JAS to standardize its approach to training globally, allowing consistent, controlled messaging and has created a method and process by which JAS can assess and evaluate its employees’ skills, knowledge base and areas for improvement.
An evaluation of peer-led self-management training for people with severe psychiatric diagnoses
Authors: Cyhlarova Eva , Crepaz-Keay David , Reeves Rachel , Morgan Kirsten , Iemmi Valentina , Knapp Martin
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish the effectiveness of self-management training as an intervention for people using secondary mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A self-management and peer support intervention was developed and delivered by secondary mental health service users to 262 people with psychiatric diagnoses living in the community. Data on wellbeing and health-promoting behaviour were collected at three time points (baseline, six, and 12 months).

Findings

– Participants reported significant improvements in wellbeing and health-promoting lifestyle six and 12 months after self-management training. Peer-led self-management shows potential to improve long-term health outcomes for people with psychiatric diagnoses.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the lack of a control group, the positive changes cannot definitively be attributed to the intervention. Other limitations were reliance on self-report measures, and the varying numbers of completers at three time points. These issues will be addressed in future studies.

Practical implications

– The evaluation demonstrated the effectiveness of self-management training for people with psychiatric diagnoses, suggesting self-management training may bring significant wellbeing gains for this group.

Social implications

– This study represents a first step in the implementation of self-management approaches into mental health services. It demonstrates the feasibility of people with psychiatric diagnoses developing and delivering an effective intervention that complements existing services.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of a self-management training programme developed and delivered by mental health service users in the UK.
Supervisors’ leadership and health science researchers’ intrinsic motivation
Authors: Meng Yi , Zou Liqing , He Jia , Luo Changkun
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to enrich our understanding about the factors which encourage health science researchers’ intrinsic motivation. It integrates leadership theories regarding powers from Western and Eastern cultures to build and test a theoretical model linking two types of leadership (empowering leadership and authoritarian leadership) with intrinsic motivation through psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper tested the hypotheses with a sample of 235 postgraduates working in research groups at a medical university in China, using a two-step analytical strategy of structure equation modeling.

Findings

– The results showed that the proposed mediation model has a satisfactory fit (χ2/df = 2.24, GFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.073). This paper found support for the hypotheses that empowering leadership was positively correlated and authoritarian leadership was negatively correlated with intrinsic motivation through psychological empowerment.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism between leadership-employing powers and intrinsic motivation by an initiative examining a conceptual model including empowering leadership, authoritarian leadership, psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation. It also provides generalized findings by testing the theories from the industrial world in the area of academia and the theories about the West and the East within Chinese culture.
Does forward-looking non-financial information consistently affect investment efficiency?
Authors: Tan Youchao , Xu Nan , Liu Xiumei , Zeng Cheng
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper, which is based on Cheng et al.’s (2012) research, is to re-examines the relationship between a firms’ voluntary disclosure of forward-looking non-financial information (FNFI) and investment efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors chose firms that publicly traded in the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock markets from 2005 to 2011, a total of 926 firms and 6,482 firm-year. To control the endogeneity problem between FNFI and investment efficiency, the authors lagged the FNFI variable for one year.

Findings

– The authors found that FNFI alleviates a firms’ underinvestment but leads to overinvestment. These effects become gradually weaker over time. In addition, the results indicate that corporate governance helps improve the quality of FNFI, thus boosting investors’ confidence and easing financial constraints.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of this paper are mainly focused on the measure of FNFI. The authors only considered the quantity of FNFI disclosed by firms and ignored other characteristics of FNFI.

Originality/value

– Based on Cheng et al.’s (2012) static findings, this paper considers the dynamic role of FNFI in firms’ investment decisions.
Thermal and UV degradation of roselle anthocyanin extract and its mixtures with poly(vinyl alcohol) in different acid
Authors: Lee S.V. , Hadi A.N. , Zainal Abidin Z.H.Z. , Mazni N.A. , Halim N.A. , Usop R. , Hassan H.C. , Majid S.R. , Arof A.K.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to observe the colour and thermal stability of natural red dye consisting of anthocyanin with addition of different aqueous acids and applied as coating films.

Design/methodology/approach

– The natural red dye was extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) flowers and mixed with 1 per cent hydrochloric acid, 5 per cent acetic acid, 5 per cent citric acid and 5 per cent oxalic acid. All the dye samples were exposed to heat and UV-B to observe the colour stability by calculating the half-life and rate of reaction. In coating film application, each of the dye samples was mixed with 25 wt% of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and applied on to a glass substrate. The coating samples’ colour stability was observed by using CIE L*a*b* colour space coordinates. The coating films’ weight loss stability against temperature was observed by using thermogravimetric analysis.

Findings

– Addition of hydrochloric acid enhances the thermal and UV stability of the anthocyanin natural dye. This can be observed from the calculation of the half-life of the dye. The half-life values for the thermal and UV stability studies were 1,155 hours and 210 hours, respectively. In coating films, the sample with addition of acetic acid showed the highest colour stability with colour difference (ΔE*) value 8.95.

Research limitations/implications

– The coating films developed in this work are not suitable to be applied on metal substrates due to the presence of water, which can contribute to the corrosion formation.

Practical implications

– The coating films developed in this work are suitable for washable coating application. In other words, they are non-permanent coatings applied on a glass substrate.

Originality/value

– Development of water-based coatings from PVA binder with anthocyanin colourant is introduced in this study.
Serum vaspin levels: A possible correlation with digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Miura Shunsuke , Asano Yoshihide , Saigusa Ryosuke , Yamashita Takashi , Taniguchi Takashi , Takahashi Takehiro , Ichimura Yohei , Toyama Tetsuo , Tamaki Zenshiro , Tada Yayoi , Sugaya Makoto , Sato Shinichi , Kadono Takafumi
Published: February 2015

Vaspin is an adipokine implicated in vascular inflammation and remodeling. We herein evaluated the clinical correlation of serum vaspin levels in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Consistent with previous reports, 12% of subjects exhibited serum vaspin levels over 10 ng/mL, likely due to genetic effects. Excluding these subjects, despite no difference between SSc and control subjects, serum vaspin levels were significantly decreased in SSc patients with digital ulcers compared with those without, suggesting the potential contribution of vaspin to digital ulcers of this disease.
Benefits of coloniality: communal defence saves anti‐predator effort in cooperative breeders
Authors: Jungwirth Arne , Josi Dario , Walker Jonas , Taborsky Michael
Published: February 2015

Many anti‐predator benefits of group living are predicted to scale with prey density. Nevertheless, evidence for a general density‐dependent increase of prey survival is scarce. A possible reason for this discrepancy is the reduction of costly anti‐predator behaviour of prey with increasing density, which may offset density‐dependent survival gains. Benefits of group living might hence accrue by saved investment into anti‐predator behaviours rather than by increased survival rates.

Here, we experimentally presented predators in a colony of the cooperatively breeding cichlid fishNeolamprologus pulcherto study density dependence of their anti‐predator defences. Predation is a driver of the formation and stability of breeding groups in this species, but potential benefits of coloniality are yet unclear. We hypothesised that increased density of breeding groups would either increase total anti‐predator behaviour or allow individuals to reduce their anti‐predator effort due to enhanced predator deterrence from neighbours.

Confirming predictions from the second hypothesis, our results show that focal groups invested less into anti‐predator behaviour at higher densities, while neighbouring groups' behaviour compensated for this reduced effort. This resulted in stable levels of anti‐predator behaviours over the entire range of natural densities. Thus, aggregating in colonies allows these fish to save investment in anti‐predator behaviour.

These results suggest that the formation of both breeding groups and colonies reflects adaptive responses to high predation pressure in this species. Two different levels of sociality seem to be favoured by the same selective force.

Our study provides experimental evidence in nature for an important benefit of coloniality that may explain the concomitant existence of different levels of sociality in many highly social taxa.
Prorenin stimulates a pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory response in retinal endothelial cells and an M1 phenotype in retinal microglia
Authors: Zhu Tong , Miller Antonia G , Deliyanti Devy , Berka David R , Agrotis Alex , Campbell Duncan J , Wilkinson‐Berka Jennifer L
Published: February 2015

Angiogenesis and inflammation are causative factors in the development of neovascular retinopathies. These processes involve the retinal endothelium and the retinal immune cells, microglia. The renin‐angiotensin system contributes to retinal injury via the actions of the type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R). However, it has been suggested that prorenin, the initiator of the renin‐angiotensin system cascade, influences retinal injury independently from the AT1R. We evaluated whether prorenin induced a pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory response in retinal endothelial cells and a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in retinal microglia. Primary cultures of retinal endothelial cells and microglia were studied. Rat recombinant prorenin (2 nmol/L) stimulated the proliferation and tubulogenesis of retinal endothelial cells; it increased the levels of pro‐angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin‐1, and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology domains, and pro‐inflammatory factors, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, relative to the controls. The messenger RNA levels of the (pro)renin receptor were also increased. These effects occurred in the presence of the AT1R blocker candesartan (10 μmol/L) and the renin inhibitor aliskiren (10 μmol/L). Microglia, which express the (pro)renin receptor, elicited an activated phenotype when exposed to prorenin, which was characterized by increased levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β and by decreased levels of interleukin‐10 and arginase‐1 relative to controls. Candesartan did not influence the effects of prorenin on retinal microglia. In conclusion, prorenin has distinct pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory effects on retinal cells that are independent of the AT1R, indicating the potential importance of prorenin in retinopathy.
Oxytocin in the regulation of social behaviours in medial amygdala‐lesioned mice via the inhibition of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Shanshan , Wu Zhe , Feng Yu , Zhao Chuansheng , Zhang Chaodong
Published: February 2015

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of behavioural deficits among patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its role in ASD remain unclear. In the present study, a murine model with ASD‐like phenotypes was induced by intra‐medial amygdala injection of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, and it was used to investigate the role of OXT in behaviour regulation. Behavioural tests were performed to verify the ASD‐like phenotypes of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐treated mice, and the results showed that mice with bilateral medial amygdala lesions presented significant behavioural deficits, including impaired learning and memory and increased anxiety and depression. We also observed a notably decreased level of OXT in both the plasma and the hypothalamus of medial amygdala‐lesioned mice, and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) was activated. Further studies demonstrated that the administration of OXT alleviated ASD‐like symptoms and significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK; the inhibitory effect was similar to that of U0126, an ERK signalling inhibitor. In addition, OXT administration modulated the expression of downstream proteins of the ERK signalling pathway, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding and c‐fos. Taken together, our data indicate that OXT plays an important role in ameliorating behavioural deficits in an ASD‐like mouse model, which was mediated by inhibiting the ERK signalling pathway and its downstream proteins.
Effects of active and passive smoking on the development of cardiovascular disease as assessed by a carotid intima‐media thickness examination in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Fei , Wang Jie , Zhang Rong , Chen Miao , Peng Danfeng , Sun Xue , Yan Jing , Luo Yi , Tang Shanshan , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping
Published: February 2015

Carotid intima‐media thickness has been widely used as a surrogate end‐point for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This study aimed to assess the effects of active and passive smoking exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven hundred twenty‐two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire on smoking status, pack‐years of smoking, and the number of years of smoking cessation was provided to the patients, and their responses were collected for analysis. The carotid intima‐media thickness, carotid plaque, and the internal diameter of the common carotid artery were determined by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography. Compared to non‐smokers, passive female smokers had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio = 3.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–9.49, P = 0.009); they also had a significantly larger common carotid artery (P = 0.041) and risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.1980–4.0505, P = 0.01). Both active and passive male smokers had a significantly greater carotid intima‐media thickness than non‐smokers (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Male active smokers had a significantly higher risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.4788–5.6094, P = 0.001). In conclusion, cumulative active and passive smoking exposures are significant risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our results highlight the importance of endorsing a smoke‐free environment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Evaluation of Four Fingerprint Development Methods for Touch Chemistry Using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry,
Authors: Kaplan‐Sandquist Kimberly A. , LeBeau Marc A. , Miller Mark L.
Published: February 2015

Four preparation techniques for MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry were compared to determine the ability to gather intelligence for investigations through the chemical analysis of latent fingerprints, defined as “touch chemistry.” Compatible fingerprint development processes used for identification along with new techniques are necessary to evaluate touch chemistry. Ten volunteers deposited fingerprints from solvent residues containing drugs and explosives onto microscope slides. The developers included (A) fingerprint powder, (B) MALDI matrix, (C) fingerprint powder and lifting, and (D) cyanoacrylate fuming with fingerprint powder. Qualitative identification was based on ion images and spectra. The highest average detection rates (88%) were found using methods A and B. Methods C (52%) or D (18%) had limited success. Results demonstrate the importance of imaging coupled to extracted mass spectral data in detecting analytes in deposited fingerprints. Overall, the results suggest continued development of touch chemistry applications could prove useful for gathering intelligence and forensically relevant information.
A modeling methodology to evaluate the efficacy of predator exclosures versus predator control
Authors: Stringham O. C. , Robinson O. J.
Published: February 2015

Predation is seen as the most important source of mortality for many endangered species, including the piping plover. However, predation can be managed through lethal methods, birth control or by excluding predators from nests. Nevertheless, managing a predator population in order to protect a threatened prey population has uncertain outcomes making the monetary expenditures required to manage predators less appealing. We developed a methodology that utilizes a stochastic coupled predator–prey population viability analysis to determine the efficacy of using predator exclosures to protect piping plover nests versus using lethal or birth control measures for one of its principal predators, the red fox. We found that implementing predator exclosures led to slightly higher final abundances of plovers compared with the lethal or birth control of foxes. Moreover, the joint effort of predator control and predator exclosures resulted in considerably higher final plover abundance compared with either option alone. Additionally, there may be situations where certain demographic data about a predator population, such as the population size and age distribution, is not known to the manager. We evaluated the effect these demographics had on the predator control management option chosen. We found that the efficacy of different management options change depending on the starting demographics of the fox population. We emphasize the implementation of this type of model when managing a predator for the sake of prey in order to make informed management decisions that could save money while ensuring better protection of endangered species.
Do natural areas in urban landscapes support successful reproduction by a group of conservation priority birds?
Authors: Buxton V. L. , Benson T. J.
Published: February 2015

If conservation priority birds are to persist in an increasingly anthropogenically altered world, suitable habitat must be created or preserved in potentially unsuitable landscapes. While natural areas in urban environments may provide habitat for declining groups of birds, little is known about effects of urbanization on the reproductive success of birds, such as grassland birds, that are typically thought to be associated with more rural landscapes. While typical conservation efforts have focused on conserving large patches of grassland in landscapes containing minimal amounts of woody vegetation and development, the assumption that habitat located in developed landscapes is of poor quality has not been tested and may wrongly devalue grasslands located in an urban matrix. To examine the influence of development on habitat quality for grassland birds, we studied grassland bird nest predation and brood parasitism in patches of varying size along an urbanization gradient in northeastern Illinois. Because nest predation is the primary cause of reproductive failure and a potentially limiting factor for grassland bird populations, we used miniature video cameras to identify predators at a subset of nests. From 2012 to 2013, we monitored 432 nests of 16 grassland bird species. Nest predation rates decreased with urbanization in the landscape as did probability of brood parasitism. We filmed 44 nests and documented 19 predation events. We found that coyotes Canis latrans, white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and thirteen‐lined ground squirrels Ictidomys tridecemlineatus were important nest predators in our study system. Contrary to prior assumptions, our results suggest that grasslands located in urban landscapes may provide habitat of equal or greater quality than many rural grasslands.
Oesophagectomy is a safe option for early adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Lam Yick Ho , Bright Tim , Leong Matthew , Thompson Sarah K. , Mayne George , Watson David I
Published: February 2015

Background

Over the last decade, there has been a shift towards endoscopic treatment of high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) and T1 stage adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's oesophagus. Although short‐term outcomes are promising, longer‐term outcomes remain uncertain and the role of these therapies versus surgery is debated, with surgical mortality rates assumed. However, few studies have specifically determined the outcome for oesophagectomy in the subgroup with HGD or T1 adenocarcinoma. To determine this, we evaluated experience with oesophagectomy for HGD and T1 adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus.

Methods

Data were analysed from a prospective audit database for oesophagectomy performed at two public and four associated private hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia. Patients with HGD, T1a and T1b adenocarcinoma who underwent oesophagectomy from 20 February 1998 to 17 February 2012 were identified, and their perioperative, post‐operative and survival outcomes were determined.

Results

From 452 oesophagectomy procedures, 63 (13.9%) individuals who underwent surgery for HGD or T1 adenocarcinoma were identified; HGD – 19 (30.1%), T1a – 18 (28.5 %), T1b – 26 (41.3%). Major complications occurred in eight (12.7%) patients including one (1.6%) death following surgery. Five‐year survival for HGD and T1a cancers using Kaplan–Meier analysis was not significantly different from a matched general population without cancer.

Conclusion

Oesophagectomy for HGD and T1 stage adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus is associated with favourable outcomes. Outcomes following endoscopic treatments should be benchmarked against these outcomes, not those following oesophagectomy for advanced cancer.
Placental pathology in relation to stillbirth and neonatal outcome in an extremely preterm population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vinnars Marie‐Therese , Papadogiannakis Nikos , Nasiell Josefine , Holmström Gerd , Westgren Magnus
Published: February 2015

Objective

To study associations between placental histopathology and stillbirth as well as neonatal outcome in a population born extremely preterm.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Stockholm, Sweden.

Population

167 infants born <27 gestational weeks during 2004–2007.

Methods

One senior perinatal pathologist, blinded to outcome data, evaluated all placental slides.

Main outcome measures

Intrauterine fetal death, small‐for‐gestational age, major neonatal morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3, retinopathy of prematurity ≥grade 3, necrotizing enterocolitis, cystic periventricular leukomalacia or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and neonatal mortality. Additional outcome variables were Apgar score at 5 min, sepsis, and treated patent ductus arteriosus.

Results

Accelerated villous maturation was associated with a decreased risk for Apgar score <7 at 5 min (p = 0.041). Fetal thrombosis and low placental weight were associated with an increased risk for both intrauterine fetal death (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and small‐for‐gestational age (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Placental histology may have prognostic value as it appears to be associated with intrauterine fetal death, as well as with being small‐for‐gestational age and assignment of a low Apgar score at birth.