bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recreational physical activity, leisure sitting time and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoid neoplasms in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Cohort
Authors: Teras Lauren R. , Gapstur Susan M. , Diver W. Ryan , Birmann Brenda M. , Patel Alpa V.
Published: January 2012

Results of studies that examined the relationship between physical activity and non‐Hodgkin lymphoid neoplasms (NHL) are inconsistent, and only one study to date examined time spent sitting in relation to NHL. We examined recreational physical activity and leisure‐time sitting in relation to risk of NHL in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Between 1992 and 2007, 2,002 incident cases were identified among 146,850 participants who were cancer‐free at enrollment. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) while adjusting for potential confounders. Women who sat for at least 6 hr/day were at 28% higher risk of NHL compared to women who sat for fewer than 3 hr/day. In analyses of specific subtypes, sitting time was associated with risk of multiple myeloma only (6+vs.3 hr/day sitting: HR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.45–3.97). Women who engaged in any recreational physical activity had a nonsignificant 20%–30% lower risk of NHL (p‐trend = 0.05) compared to women who reported no recreational physical activity. Neither leisure‐time sitting nor recreational physical activity was associated with risk of NHL or major NHL subtype in men. There was no evidence of statistical interaction between physical activity and sitting time, or between body mass index and physical activity or sitting time. Further research is needed to confirm an association between sitting time and multiple myeloma and explore a possible association between physical activity and NHL.
Surface immobilization of MEPE peptide onto HA/β‐TCP ceramic particles enhances bone regeneration and remodeling
Authors: Acharya Bodhraj , Chun So‐Young , Kim Shin‐Yoon , Moon Cheil , Shin Hong‐In , Park Eui Kyun
Published: January 2012

Calcium phosphate ceramics have been widely used as scaffolds for bone regeneration. Here, to improve the osteogenic potential of hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/β‐TCP) and to apply the bioactive peptide in situ, matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) peptide, which has been shown to stimulate osteoblast differentiation, was covalently and directionally immobilized on HA/β‐TCP particles. The free‐hydroxyl groups on the surface of the HA/β‐TCP particles were sequentially conjugated with APTES, PEG‐(SS)2, and the synthetic MEPE peptide. Using FTIR and XPS, immobilization of the MEPE peptide on the HA/β‐TCP was confirmed. Implantation of the MEPE peptide‐immobilized HA/β‐TCP into calvarial defect and subsequent analyses using a micro CT and histology showed significant bone regeneration and increased bone area (9.89‐fold) as compared to that of unmodified HA/β‐TCP. Moreover, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive osteoclasts were observed in regenerated bone by the MEPE peptide‐immobilized HA/β‐TCP, indicating that the bones newly formed by the MEPE peptide‐immobilized HA/β‐TCP are actively remodeled by osteoclasts. Therefore, our data demonstrate that MEPE peptide immobilization onto the HA/β‐TCP surface stimulates bone regeneration associated with physiological bone remodeling. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Mixed monte carlo/molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent
Authors: Ribeiro André A. S. T. , de Alencastro Ricardo B.
Published: January 2012

A mixed Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics method using the trial moves for peptide backbone sampling known as Concerted Rotations with Angles was implemented. The algorithm was used to study polyalanine systems. Equivalent results to conventional Molecular Dynamics were obtained for simulations of Ala6 in implicit solvent. To test the efficiency of the implemented method, several 150 ns simulations of Ala12 in explicit water were performed. The results show that the present method yields significantly faster formation of secondary structure than the conventional Molecular Dynamics simulations. This opens the possibility to selectively sample alanine‐rich regions of larger peptides or proteins. It remains to be established whether hydrophilic amino acid residues can be successfully treated with the present methodology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computation of the binding affinities of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitors: Multisubstate relative free energy calculations
Authors: Nuno Palma P. , João Bonifácio Maria , Isabel Loureiro Ana , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: January 2012

Alchemical free energy simulations are amongst the most accurate techniques for the computation of the free energy changes associated with noncovalent protein–ligand interactions. A procedure is presented to estimate the relative binding free energies of several ligands to the same protein target where multiple, low‐energy configurational substates might coexist, as opposed to one unique structure. The contributions of all individual substates were estimated, explicitly, with the free energy perturbation method, and combined in a rigorous fashion to compute the overall relative binding free energies and dissociation constants. It is shown that, unless the most stable bound forms are known a priori, inaccurate results may be obtained if the contributions of multiple substates are ignored. The method was applied to study the complex formed between human catechol‐O‐methyltransferase and BIA 9‐1067, a newly developed tight‐binding inhibitor that is currently under clinical evaluation for the therapy of Parkinson's disease. Our results reveal an exceptionally high‐binding affinity (Kd in subpicomolar range) and provide insightful clues on the interactions and mechanism of inhibition. The inhibitor is, itself, a slowly reacting substrate of the target enzyme and is released from the complex in the form of O‐methylated product. By comparing the experimental catalytic rate (kcat) and the estimated dissociation rate (koff) constants of the enzyme‐inhibitor complex, one can conclude that the observed inhibition potency (Ki) is primarily dependent on the catalytic rate constant of the inhibitor's O‐methylation, rather than the rate constant of dissociation of the complex. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PAR‐1‐dependent and PAR‐independent pro‐inflammatory signaling in human lung fibroblasts exposed to thrombin
Authors: Ortiz‐Stern Alejandro , Deng Xiaoling , Smoktunowicz Natalia , Mercer Paul F. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: January 2012

Proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs) are crucial in orchestrating cellular responses to coagulation proteinases, such as thrombin and FXa. Four PARs have been characterized and have been shown to be differentially expressed in mice and humans and between tissues. We have previously shown that in murine lung fibroblasts, PAR‐1 is solely responsible for all cellular responses to thrombin and FXa. In contrast, we report here that in primary human lung fibroblasts (pHLFs), known PARs fail to account for all of the cellular responses to thrombin, in particular in the presence of high, but physiologically achievable concentrations of thrombin. We report that pHLFs secrete CCL2 in a PAR‐1‐dependent manner at low thrombin concentration (∼0.3 nM). At or above 10 nM thrombin, pharmacological antagonism (RWJ‐58259) fails to block thrombin‐induced CCL2 release; whereas PAR‐1 cleavage‐blocking monoclonal antibodies (ATAP2 and WEDE15) only partially inhibit thrombin‐induced CCL2 secretion. In addition, activation of PAR‐3, PAR‐4, and transactivation of either PAR‐2 or EGFR were ruled out as being responsible for thrombin‐mediated CCL2 secretion at high yet standard concentrations of the proteinase. We further provide evidence that PAR‐1‐dependent and PAR‐independent signaling involves the rapid phosphorylation of ERK, which in turn is absolutely required for thrombin‐induced CCL2 secretion at both low and standard concentration of the proteinase. Our findings suggest the existence of a PAR‐independent signaling mechanism in human lung fibroblasts and have important implications for the design of therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking pro‐inflammatory signaling responses associated with excessive thrombin generation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3575–3584, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and performance characterization of a new shear enhanced module with inbuilt cleaning arrangement
Authors: Sarkar Ankur , Sarkar Debasish , Bhattacharjee Chiranjib
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Shear enhanced membrane modules are becoming popular as they enable high permeate flux in almost all membrane filtration processes due to the high shear rate they generate at the membrane surface. In this article, the design of a new shear enhanced module with unique hydrodynamic cleaning facility is proposed. The device, presently at laboratory scale was named the Spinning Basket Membrane (SBM) module because of its inherent structural similarity with the well known Spinning Basket Reactor. An aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol was chosen as test fluid for the present study.

RESULTS: The module was characterized under different parametric conditions of transmembrane pressure (TMP), feed concentration (C0) and rotational speed of the basket (Ω). It was observed that with its inbuilt cleaning facility the module was able to restrict the flux decline to within 15% of its start up value, even after 21 h of continuous running, with a maximum initial flux as high as 612 L m−2 h−1.

CONCLUSION: Based on the performance of the module, it may be concluded that this module could be scaled up for nearly uninterrupted industrial operation with reduced requirement for chemical cleaning, which is rare in the membrane industry to date. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Residues of calcium hydroxide‐based intracanal medication associated with different vehicles: A scanning electron microscopy evaluation
Authors: De Faria‐Júnior Norberto Batista , Keine Kátia Cristina , Só Marcus Vinicius Reis , Weckwerth Paulo Henrique , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: January 2012

This study evaluated the presence of residues after removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] associated with different vehicles. Thirty single‐rooted teeth were instrumented to a master apical file #25 using 2.5% NaOCl as main irrigant and 17% trisodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as final agent irrigant. Then, the root canals were dressed with Ca(OH)2 associated with silicone oil (Group 1), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (Group 2), or propylene glycol (Group 3). After coronal sealing, all teeth were kept in a moist environment at room temperature. After 7 days, the teeth were reopened and medicaments were removed using 5 mL of saline solution and instrumentation with master apical file followed by new irrigation with 5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl. Subsequently, teeth were split longitudinally and assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The wall cleanliness of the cervical and apical thirds of the roots were evaluated and scored by three blinded examiners. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon tests at 5% level of significance. All roots had residues of Ca(OH)2 on the canal walls. All experimental groups had similar results (P > 0.05) regardless of the third evaluated. There was significant difference between the apical and cervical thirds only in Group 3 (P < 0.05). Association of different vehicles to Ca(OH)2 does not influence the persistence of residues on the root canal walls. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How Long Do Offenders Escape Arrest? Using DNA Traces to Analyse when Serial Offenders Are Caught
Authors: Lammers Marre , Bernasco Wim , Elffers Henk
Published: January 2012

Why is it that some serial offenders are arrested quickly and others only after a long period, or never at all? What characterises offenders who continue to escape arrest despite their continued involvement in crime? To be able to answer these questions, arrested (identified) offenders must be compared with never arrested (unidentified) offenders. In this paper, data from the Dutch DNA database are used to assess which characteristics of the criminal behaviour of unidentified offenders influence the probability that they will subsequently be arrested. DNA data offer a unique opportunity to compare crime series of identified offenders with crime series of yet unidentified offenders. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we tested whether the number of crimes committed, offence specialization, and offence seriousness affect the probability of arrest of serial offenders. Results showed that as an offender commits more crimes, the probability that he will be arrested increases and that offence specialization decreases the probability of arrest. Another conclusion drawn is that DNA traces offer unique opportunities for criminological research. We discuss the limitations of this new data source and make suggestions for future research using DNA traces and for future research that might improve the current study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major phenolic compounds as antioxidants in barley and flaxseed hulls using HPLC/MS/MS
Authors: Hao Meili , Beta Trust
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major phenolic compounds in barley and flaxseed hulls were conducted using reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid, vanillic acid and vanillin were identified and quantified in four barley hull samples. Four ferulate dehydrodimers were also detected. The phenolic compounds of flaxseed hull were distinct from those of barley hull. Three flaxseed hull samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) in their contents of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (16.38–33.92 g kg−1), coumaric acid glucoside (35.68–49.22 g kg−1) and ferulic acid glucoside (5.07–15.23 g kg−1). The phytochemical profiles of co‐extracts featured the major phenolic compounds from both barley and flaxseed hulls. The total phenolic content and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging capacity varied significantly (P < 0.05) among different varieties of flaxseed and barley hulls.

CONCLUSION: As agricultural by‐products, barley and flaxseed hulls may be utilised as potential sources of functional food ingredients through extraction and concentration of the phytochemicals identified above. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymer‐based Scaffold Designs For In Situ Vascular Tissue Engineering: Controlling Recruitment and Differentiation Behavior of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells
Authors: Fioretta Emanuela S. , Fledderus Joost O. , Burakowska‐Meise Ewelina A. , Baaijens Frank P. T. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Bouten Carlijn V. C.
Published: January 2012

In situ vascular tissue engineering has been proposed as a promising approach to fulfill the need for small‐diameter blood vessel substitutes. The approach comprises the use of a cell‐free instructive scaffold to guide and control cell recruitment, differentiation, and tissue formation at the locus of implantation. Here we review the design parameters for such scaffolds, with special emphasis on differentiation of recruited ECFCs into the different lineages that constitute the vessel wall. Next to defining the target properties of the vessel, we concentrate on the target cell source, the ECFCs, and on the environmental control of the fate of these cells within the scaffold. The prospects of the approach are discussed in the light of current technical and biological hurdles.

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PEGylated Click Polypeptides Synthesized by Copper‐Free Microwave‐Assisted Thermal Click Polymerization for Selective Endotoxin Removal from Protein Solutions
Authors: Guo Jinshan , Meng Fanbo , Li Xiaoyuan , Wang Mingzhe , Wu Yanjuan , Jing Xiabin , Huang Yubin
Published: January 2012

PEGylated click polypeptides (PEG‐CPs) containing α‐amino side groups as well as PEG segments are designed for selective endotoxin removal from protein solutions. The PEG‐CPs are synthesized via copper‐free thermal click copolymerization from aspartic (or glutamic) acid‐based dialkyne and diazide monomers (containing free amino side groups) and alkyne‐terminated mPEGs or dialkyne‐terminated PEGs. Microwave‐assisting technology is introduced into thermal click chemistry to improve the reaction efficiency. The monomers and polymers are fully characterized using NMR, XPS, and MALDI‐TOF MS. After immobilizing the PEGylated click polypeptides onto polystyrene microspheres, the adsorbents exhibit good endotoxin removal selectivity from BSA solutions.

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Adsorption of Laponite on a Cellulose Model Surface
Authors: Findenig Gerald , Spirk Stefan , Reischl Martin , Kargl Rupert , Doliška Aleš , Stana‐Kleinschek Karin , Ribitsch Volker
Published: January 2012

Summary: The adsorption behavior of laponite on cellulose model surfaces was studied by a quartz crystal microblance with dissipation (QCM‐D). The influence of prior adsorption of a trihydroxysilane has also been investigated. XPS was used to determine the elemental composition of the surfaces.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Bio‐Based Resin from Linseed Oil
Authors: Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Aust Nicolai , Wuzella Günter , Kandelbauer Andreas
Published: January 2012

Summary: The use of renewable raw materials in the polymer industries is becoming increasingly popular because of environmental concerns and the need to substitute fossil resources. Plant oils with triglyceride backbones can be chemically modified and used to synthesize polymers from renewable resources (biopolymers). In the present study, linseed oil was epoxidized using a chemo‐enzymatic method based on Candida Antarctica lipase B (CALB) as a biocatalyst and the modified linseed oil was cured using maleinated linseed oil and a commercial polyamide resin. The amount of epoxidation achieved depended on the amount of lipase used and was determined by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. With 20% (weight per weight) catalyst concentration based on the wt % of oil a degree of epoxidation of > 90% was achieved. The cross‐linking reaction of epoxidized linseed oil with the maleinated linseed oil and the polyamide resin was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC traces showed that an increase in epoxidation degree lead to larger values for the exothermic enthalpy integrals of the curing reactions and hence to a higher reactivity of the linseed oil towards the cross‐linking agents.
Echoes from childhood—imitation in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Finis Jennifer , Moczydlowski Agnes , Pollok Bettina , Biermann‐Ruben Katja , Thomalla Götz , Heil Martin , Krause Holger , Jonas Melanie , Schnitzler Alfons , Münchau Alexander
Published: January 2012

Background:

Tourette syndrome patients are reported to show automatic imitation (echopraxia), but this has not yet been proven experimentally.

Methods:

Video clips showing either tics of other Tourette patients or spontaneous movements of healthy subjects were presented to Tourette patients and healthy subjects. Participants' responses were assessed using blinded review of video recordings by 2 independent raters and related to stimuli presented.

Results:

Both raters detected more echoes in patients. In a permutation analysis, no healthy subject had echoes above chance level. In contrast, 6 and 5 patients were classified as echoers according to rater 1 and rater 2, respectively, in 1 analysis, and 9 patients were so classified in a second analysis (according to rater 2 only). Concordance between raters was high. Patients echoed both following stimuli showing tics and following stimuli showing spontaneous movements. Most echoes were part of patients' individual tic repertoire.

Conclusions:

Echopraxia is a hallmark of Tourette syndrome. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
‘FINDING GOD’ OR ‘MORAL DISENGAGEMENT’ IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES? EVIDENCE FROM INDIA AND NIGERIA
Authors: Marquette Heather
Published: January 2012

There are growing calls for religion to be used in the fight against corruption on the basis of the assumption that religious people are more concerned with ethics than with the non‐religious, despite the fact that many of the most corrupt countries in the world also rank highly in terms of religiosity. This article looks at the evidence in the current literature for a causal relationship between religion and corruption and questions the relevance of the methodologies being used to build up this evidence base. This article shows that the new ‘myth’ about the relationship between religion and corruption is based on assumptions not borne out of the evidence. The article presents findings from field research in India and Nigeria that explores how individual attitudes towards corruption may (or may not) be shaped by religion. The research shows that religion may have some impact on attitudes towards corruption, but it has very little likely impact on actual corrupt behaviour. This is because—despite universal condemnation of corruption—it is seen by respondents as being so systemic that being uncorrupt often makes little sense. Respondents, by using a process that Bandura (2002) calls ‘selective moral disengagement’, were able to justify their own attitudes and behaviour vis‐a‐vis corruption, pointing towards corruption being a classic collective action problem, rather than a problem of personal values or ethics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PATRONAGE'S PROGRESS IN POST‐SOEHARTO INDONESIA
Authors: Blunt Peter , Turner Mark , Lindroth Henrik
Published: January 2012

Empirical evidence and argument concerning governance conditions and human resource management practices indicate that since the fall of Soeharto, patronage has remained a defining feature of the governance of the Indonesian state, resulting in a condition of ‘patronage democracy’. Decentralisation together with the symbiotic relationships that can exist between patronage and development assistance have contributed to this. The willingness of factions at the centre to make concessions to competing interests to protect the bases of their own predation (political stability, a unitary state and economic growth); the pervasiveness, inventiveness and tenacity of patronage networks; the politically constrained reach of central anti‐corruption institutions; the weight of factional, donor and contractor self‐interest; the relative ease with which real intentions can be masked and politically correct appearances can be maintained; and the strength and convenience of (mistaken) neo‐institutionalist convictions concerning the efficacy of technocratic reform alone all make it unlikely that patronage will be subjected in the medium term to any greater threats than it has been in the past. It is perhaps still too early to tell whether the patterns of patronage competition are moving the state towards a genuinely representative form of democracy or whether they are dragging it down into the danger zone of governance and economic stagnation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AGAINST THE ODDS: ANTI‐CORRUPTION REFORM IN INDONESIA
Authors: Schütte Sofie Arjon
Published: January 2012

The discourse on anti‐corruption approaches during the last decade has been shaped by two extremes: those who prescribe specialized anti‐corruption bodies as a remedy in any context and those who consider general governance reform a prerequisite before a specialized anti‐corruption agency can function effectively. This article argues that the dichotomized discourse does not do reality justice and presents a “good enough” story from Indonesia. The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi [KPK]) was established in a low‐governance environment and, although applying the three‐pronged Hong Kong strategy, bears considerable differences to the Independent Commission against Corruption Hong Kong's structure and powers. Despite not following the prescribed sequencing or models, the KPK has brought previously untouchable high‐profile perpetrators to jail, has recovered stolen assets, and enjoys a much higher degree of public trust and support than the other Indonesian law enforcement agencies. The Indonesian case demonstrates once more the importance of “local ownership” and public demand for sustainable change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of placenta penetration during cordocentesis at mid‐pregnancy on fetal outcomes
Authors: Boupaijit Kuanoon , Wanapirak Chanane , Piyamongkol Wirawit , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Tongsong Theera
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To compare the rates of fetal loss, low birth weight, and preterm birth between pregnancies undergoing cordocentesis at mid‐pregnancy with placenta penetration and those without it.

Methods

Consecutive cases of cordocenteses were prospectively recorded. The inclusion criteria for analysis were: (1) singleton pregnancies, (2) no fetal abnormalities, (3) gestational age of 18–22 weeks, and (4) procedures performed by experienced operators. The primary outcome was fetal loss rate, and the secondary outcomes were rates of failed procedures, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

Results

Of 6147 cordocenteses recorded, 2829 met the inclusion criteria with complete data for analysis. Of these, 654 procedures were further excluded because the puncture site was at cord insertion. The remaining 2175 cases, consisting of 615 procedures with placenta penetration and 1560 cases with no penetration, were analyzed. Cordocenteses with placenta penetration had a significantly higher rate of fetal loss (3.6% vs 1.3%, p = 0.01) as well as of low birth weight and preterm birth.

Conclusion

Cordocentesis with placenta penetration carries a higher risk for fetal loss, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This information may be helpful in prenatal diagnosis counseling, and it may encourage performers to avoid placenta penetration, if possible. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic analysis and molecular characterisation of laboratory and field mutants of Botryotinia fuckeliana (Botrytis cinerea) resistant to QoI fungicides
Authors: De Miccolis Angelini Rita M , Rotolo Caterina , Masiello Mario , Pollastro Stefania , Ishii Hideo , Faretra Francesco
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: QoI fungicides, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, are considered to be at high risk of resistance development. In several phytopathogenic fungi, resistance is caused by mutations (most frequently G143A) in the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene. The genetic and molecular basis of QoI resistance were investigated in laboratory and field mutants of Botryotinia fuckeliana (de Bary) Whetz. exhibiting in vitro reduced sensitivity to trifloxystrobin.

RESULTS: B. fuckeliana mutants highly resistant to trifloxystrobin were obtained in the laboratory by spontaneous mutations in wild‐type strains, or from naturally infected plants on a medium amended with 1–3 mg L−1 trifloxystrobin and 2 mM salicylhydroxamic acid, an inhibitor of alternative oxidase. No point mutations were detected, either in the complete nucleotide sequences of the cytb gene or in those of the aox and Rieske protein genes of laboratory mutants, whereas all field mutants carried the G143A mutation in the mitochondrial cytb gene. QoI resistance was always maternally inherited in ascospore progeny of sexual crosses of field mutants with sensitive reference strains.

CONCLUSIONS: The G143A mutation in cytb gene is confirmed to be responsible for field resistance to QoIs in B. fuckeliana. Maternal inheritance of resistance to QoIs in progeny of sexual crosses confirmed that it is caused by extranuclear genetic determinants. In laboratory mutants the heteroplasmic state of mutated mitochondria could likely hamper the G143A detection, otherwise other gene(s) underlying different mechanisms of resistance could be involved. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling the formation of local highly aluminum‐doped silicon regions by rapid thermal annealing of screen‐printed aluminum
Authors: Müller Jens , Bothe Karsten , Gatz Sebastian , Brendel Rolf
Published: January 2012

The formation of local highly aluminum‐doped (Al‐p+) regions by rapid thermal annealing (firing) of screen‐printed aluminum strongly depends on the temperature profile and the contact geometry. We measure the local Al‐p+ layer thickness WAl‐p+ as a function of the point and line contact size. Using quantitative yet simple analytical modeling, the time‐dependent silicon concentration in the Al melt is described by elementary differential equations. From this we calculate WAl‐p+ and find agreement with the measurements. In contrast to the formation of full area Al‐p+ layers we find a smaller silicon concentration at the end of the firing process compared to the equilibrium concentration. This is a result of the process dynamics such as the dissolution rate of solid silicon and the transport of silicon in the Al melt. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Effects of Propolis and its Isolated Compounds on Cytokine Production by Murine Macrophages
Authors: Bachiega T. F. , Orsatti C. L. , Pagliarone A. C. , Sforcin J. M.
Published: January 2012

Since propolis and phenolic compounds, such as cinnamic and coumaric acids, have several biological properties, their immunomodulatory effect on cytokine production (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10) was investigated. Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were incubated with propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids in different concentrations and the concentrations that inhibited cytokine production were tested before or after macrophage challenge with LPS, to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action. Propolis and the acids stimulated IL‐1β production, while IL‐6 production was significantly inhibited after incubation with propolis (5, 50 and 100 µg/well), coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well). In LPS‐challenge protocols, inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic and coumaric acids after LPS incubation prevented efficiently its effects on IL‐6 production, whereas propolis inhibited LPS effects both before and after its addition. Propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well) inhibited IL‐10 production as well. Both acids showed a similar inhibitory activity on IL‐10 production when added after LPS challenge, while propolis counteracted LPS action when added before and after LPS incubation. Propolis modulated the immune/inflammatory response, depending on the concentration. Its efficiency may occur due to the synergistic effect of its compounds, and cinnamic and coumaric acids may be involved in the action of propolis on cytokine production. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of 15N to 14N ratio on nitrification, denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction
Authors: Tang Fiona H. M. , Maggi Federico
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

Earlier experiments demonstrated that isotopic effects during nitrification, denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction can be affected by high 15N contents. These findings call into question whether the reaction parameters (rate constants and Michaelis‐Menten concentrations) are function of δ15N values, and if these can also lead to significant effects on the bulk reaction rate.

METHODS

Five experiments at initial δ15N‐NO3− values ranging from 0‰ to 1700‰ were carried out in a recent study using elemental analyser, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry techniques coupled at various levels. These data were combined here with kinetic equations of isotopologue speciation and fractionation. Our approach specifically addressed the combinatorial nature of reactions involving labeled atoms and explicitly described substrate competition and time‐dependent isotopic effects.

RESULTS

With the method presented here, we determined with relatively high accuracy that the reaction rate constants increased linearly up to 270% and the Michaelis‐Menten concentrations decreased linearly by about 30% over the tested δ15N‐NO3− values. Because the parameters were found to depend on the 15N enrichment level, we could determine that increasing δ15N‐NO3− values caused a decrease in bulk nitrification, denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction rates by 50% to 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

We addressed a method that allowed us to quantify the effect of substrate isotopic enrichment on the reaction kinetics. Our results enable us to reject the assumption of constant reaction parameters. The implications of δ‐dependent (variable) reaction parameters extend beyond the study‐case analysed here to all instances in which high and variable isotopic enrichments occur. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry of 5‐aminolaevulinic acid, porphobilinogen and porphyrins
Authors: Benton Christopher M. , Lim Chang Kee , Moniz Caje , Jones Donald J. L.
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

Human porphyrias, diseases caused by enzyme defects in haem biosynthesis, are characterised by the excessive production, accumulation and excretion of porphyrins and/or 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG). A method for the simultaneous separation, detection and identification of ALA, PBG and porphyrins would greatly facilitate the screening and diagnosis of porphyrias. Such a method would also be invaluable for the biochemical study of the haem, chlorophyll and corrin pathways.

METHODS

An aqueous mixture containing ALA, PBG and type I isomer porphyrins was diluted with acetonitrile and infused (10 μL/min) into a Waters Synapt G2 high‐definition mass spectrometer, equipped with a Z‐Spray electrospray ionisation (ESI) source. Mass spectra were acquired in positive ionisation mode and the optimised ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) conditions were as follows: IMS wave height (V), 40; IMS wave velocity (m/s), 648; IMS gas flow (mL/min) 90.40; helium gas flow (mL/min), 182.60.

RESULTS

The IMS drift‐time increased with increasing ion mass in the order of ALA, PBG, mesoporphyrin, coproporphyrin I, penta‐, hexa‐ and heptacarboxylic acid porphyrin I and uroporphyrin I. The ESI‐IMS‐MS spectra shows that PBG could form two different positively charged ions by protonation [M+H]+, m/z 227, or deprotonation [M – H]+, m/z 225. The protonated PBG (m/z 227) easily eliminated ammonia in source and the fragment ion (m/z 210) was monitored instead. Doubly charged ions of porphyrins having different drift times from the protonated singly charged molecules were observed in high abundance, providing further structural characterisation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown, for the first time, an analytical method capable of simultaneously separating haem biosynthetic intermediates and metabolites, for a potential rapid clinical screening method for the porphyrias. IMS‐MS allowed the separation of doubly charged porphyrin ions, which will be advantageous for the analysis of natural and synthetic tetrapyrrole compounds, while reducing the misinterpretation of contaminants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS and the medium‐dependent surface adaptation of cellulose in wood
Authors: Johansson Leena‐Sisko , Campbell J. M. , Hänninen Tuomas , Ganne‐Chèdeville Christelle , Vuorinen Tapani , Hughes Mark , Laine Janne
Published: January 2012

We report reproducible XPS experiments on wood in two case studies. In the study on natural wood aging, we compared XPS bulk wood compositions of ancient and modern materials, analyzing spruce wood used as structural elements in roofs. Freshly cut specimens were analyzed before and after acetone extraction. In the other study, on wood surface aging, we used recently harvested, frozen pine as the sample material. In this experiment, never‐dried wood surfaces were exposed to dry conditions via different routes. Combining the data presented here with our earlier studies on paper and a recent solvent‐exchange study on nanofibrillated celluloses, we propose that both the lack of aging in the bulk wood and the rapid aging of the exposed wood surfaces are driven by the same process, i.e. the medium‐dependent surface adaptation of nature‐derived celluloses. Controlling this adaptation process is of a crucial importance in many technological applications of cellulose and wood materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of 7075‐T6 aluminium alloy by laser melting
Authors: Benedetti A. , Cabeza M. , Castro G. , Feijoo I. , Mosquera R. , Merino P.
Published: January 2012

A high power diode laser has been used for surface melting of a 7075‐T6 aluminium alloy in order to induce changes in the microstructure, which could lead to an improvement of its corrosion performance. The treatment produces a fine dendritic microstructure region at the surface, whose depth depends mostly on the temperature at the surface of the material and, only marginally, on the scanning speed of the laser beam. An analysis of the microstructure and second phases before and after the surface treatment is presented in this paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring microstructure and phase transitions in thin films by high‐temperature resistivity measurements
Authors: Duguet Thomas , Senocq François , Aloui Lyacine , Haidara Fanta , Samélor Diane , Mangelinck Dominique , Vahlas Constantin
Published: January 2012

We present first experimental results obtained with a newly patented high‐temperature resistivity measurement apparatus. This technique is of great interest for monitoring the behaviour of a surface layer submitted to high temperature, either during its processing or while the functional surface is used. The innovation resides in the combination of features that are available commercially or have previously been reported by research groups worldwide, but isolated. Resistivity measurements can be performed under vacuum or controlled atmosphere, from room temperature to 1250 °C, on samples as low as 10 × 10 mm2in size. Technical details about the apparatus are presented. Then, we show that high‐temperature resistivity measurements performed on a platinum sheet compare well with available data, and validate the prototype measurement head. Finally, we explore the monitoring of phase transitions occurring in an Al/Cu bilayer processed by metallorganic chemical vapour deposition, while a temperature ramp is applied. The high‐temperature resistivity plot is very well explained by the following sequence of phase formation: Al + Cu → θ‐Al2Cu + Cu + Al → δ‐Al2Cu3 + γ‐Al4Cu9 + Cu → δ‐Al2Cu3 + γ‐Al4Cu9 + Cu + α‐(Cu), as determined by high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linguistic security testing for text communication protocols
Authors: Kam Ben W.Y. , Dean Thomas R.
Published: January 2012

We introduce a new Syntax‐based Security Testing framework that uses a protocol specification to perform security testing on text‐based communication protocols. A protocol specification of a particular text‐based protocol under test represents its syntactic grammar and static constraints. The specification is used to generate test cases by mutating valid messages, breaking the syntax and constraints of the protocol. The framework is demonstrated using a toy web application and the open source application KOrganizer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow Curve and Failure Modeling for High‐Mn Steels on a Microstructural Scale
Authors: Twardowski Raphael , Steinmetz David , Prahl Ulrich
Published: January 2012

A microstructural model for flow curve and failure modeling based on the representative volume element (RVE) approach is developed for high‐Mn steels. The polycrystalline structure is generated by discrete Voronoi tessellation. Physically based material models for mechanical twinning and the ε‐martensite phase transformation are implemented for describing the hardening behavior. A ductile damage model based on the multiaxial state of strain calculates the fracture and failure. Uniaxial tensile tests were carried out for the steel 22Mn0.6C with varying grain size and for a temperature range of 123–423 K. Experimental results are in good agreement with the calculated RVE models.
Application of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry for the characterization of plastic materials in synthetic polymer conservation work
Authors: Nečemer Marijan , Kump Peter , Žvanut Maja
Published: January 2012

Plastic artifacts archived in museums deteriorate with time and require proper care by conservators to prevent their degradation and to maintain the objects in good condition. Degradation processes depend on the type of plastic and conditions of storage. Knowledge of the chemical composition of plastic artifacts is thus very important and facilitates conservation work. The capabilities of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry with monochromatic excitation were investigated for possible characterization of the plastic materials used in artifacts from museum collections. For this purpose, a simple and suitable nondestructive analytical protocol was developed on the basis of the intensity of the coherent and the incoherent scattered excitation radiation from artifacts, compared with scattering from typical plastic materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. Fifteen plastic artifacts, such as souvenirs, household wares, and toys, were characterized in this way according to their chemical composition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Levels and sources of heavy metal contamination in road dust in selected major highways of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Atiemo Sampson Manukure , Ofosu Francis Gorman , Aboh Innocent Joy Kwame , Oppon Osborne Cruickshank
Published: January 2012

Environmental studies have revealed significant contributions of vehicular exhaust emissions to high pollution levels in urban dwellings. The levels and sources of heavy metal contaminations of some major roads in Accra have been investigated in this work. Street dust samples collected from four major roads in Accra (Mallam Junction‐Weija road, John Teye‐Pokuase road, Tema Motorway and Tetteh Quarshie Interchange in Accra) were analysed for their elemental concentrations using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. Twenty elements were identified: K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Pb. Significant concentration levels were obtained for K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Pb in all the samples and were used for the source identification. Enrichment factors and principal component analysis were used to verify the anthropogenic contribution to road dust. Results obtained for the enrichment factors showed moderate enrichment for V, Cr and Cu, while Zn, Br, Zr and Pb were significantly enriched. Principal component analysis identified four sources and their contributions to the elemental contents in the road dust. Natural crust, brake wear, tyre wear and vehicle exhaust emission were the four sources identified. The contribution of vehicular non‐exhaust emissions to heavy metal contamination in the road dust was found to be greater than that of exhaust emissions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical analysis of very small‐sized samples by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Gazulla M. F. , Vicente S. , Orduña M. , Ventura M. J.
Published: January 2012

The chemical characterisation of very small‐sized samples is often of major interest in forensic analysis, studies of artworks, particulate matter on filters, raw materials impurities, and so on, although it generally poses considerable problems owing to the difficulty of obtaining precise and accurate results. This study was undertaken to develop a set of methods for the chemical characterisation of very small‐sized samples by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence.

To conduct the study, sample preparation (as beads and pellets) and measurement conditions were optimised to reach the necessary detection and quantification limits and to obtain the appropriate measurement uncertainty for characterising the types of materials involved. The measurements were validated by using reference materials.

Three test methods were developed. In two methods, the samples were prepared in the form of beads (one method being for geological materials and the other for the analysis of nongeological materials such as particulate matter on filters, glasses, frits, and ceramic glazes and pigments). In the third method, the samples were prepared in the form of pellets for the analysis of volatile elements in geological materials. In the three methods, detection limits, quantification limits and measurement uncertainties were obtained similar to those found when a bead or pellet is prepared by the usual methods from 0.5 g sample. However, in this study, sample size was between 30 and 40 times smaller in the case of beads and 100 times smaller in the case of pellets, thus broadening the range of possible wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence applications in the chemical characterisation of materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melt‐spun Eu8Ga16–xGe30+x Clathrates
Authors: Laumann Stefan , Ikeda Matthias , Sassik Herbert , Prokofiev Andrey , Paschen Silke
Published: January 2012

Intermetallic clathrates are promising materials for thermoelectric applications. This is not only due to their low thermal and high electrical conductivities (“phonon glass – electron crystal”) but also due to the expectation that they are semiconductors and thus have large thermopower values. Band structure calculations of the stoichiometric compound Eu8Ga16Ge30 indeed yield a semiconducting ground state. However, with conventional synthesis methods the exact 8:16:30 stoichiometry could not be reached. Herein we use the melt‐spinning technique to obtain Eu8Ga16–xGe30+x samples with smaller x than previously realized. The quenching procedure and the results of the characterization of the quenched phases by X‐ray powder diffraction and electron microscopy are presented. The electrical resistivity shows that, in contrast to conventional synthesis procedures, semiconducting compounds can be produced.
Preoperative Serum Osteocalcin may Predict Postoperative Elevated Parathyroid Hormone in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Rianon Nahid , Alex Gillian , Callender Glenda , Jimenez Camilo , Hu Mimi , Grubbs Elizabeth , Moreno Mauricio , Wathoo Chetna , Petak Steven , Perrier Nancy
Published: January 2012

Background

Persistent postoperative elevation of parathyroid hormone (POePTH) following successful parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is presumed to result from bone remineralization. Predicting which patients may need treatment is difficult. This study investigated whether preoperative serum osteocalcin (OC), a bone turnover marker involved in mineralization, can predict POePTH.

Methods

A total of 198 patients (155 women and 43 men) with parathyroidectomy from November 2007 to October 2009 in MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, were included in our analysis. Separate multivariate regression models determined associations between preoperative OC and POePTH at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Regression models were adjusted for demographics (age, gender, race, height, weight, BMI), preoperative BMD and bisphosphonate use, adenoma weight, serum levels of PTH, calcium, vitamin D, creatinine, and phosphate. Patients with baseline GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and postoperative serum calcium >10.14 mg/dl at 6 and 12 months were excluded.

Results

Patients’ mean age (±SD) was 60 (±14) years. POePTH (>80 pg/ml) occurred in 13 and 12% patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Preoperative serum creatinine and bisphosphonate use were positively associated with POePTH (p < 0.05) both at 6 and 12 months. Preoperative OC was predictive of POePTH (p < 0.05) at 6 months (β 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11–0.58) and at 12 months (β 0.79; 95% CI, 0.27–1.31).

Conclusions

Preoperative OC may help to predict risk of POePTH in patients with PHPT. Research with longer follow‐up in patients with no known baseline chronic kidney disease stratified by high versus normal preoperative serum creatinine is recommended.