bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life Among German Youths With Early-Onset and Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Stahl Anna , Straßburger Klaus , Lange Karin , Bächle Christina , Holl Reinhard W. , Giani Guido , Rosenbauer Joachim
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate self- and parent reports of general health status and health-related quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with early-onset and long-lasting type 1 diabetes compared with the general population in Germany.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 629 subjects aged 11 to 17 years, with a type 1 diabetes onset occurring from age 0 to 4 years during the years 1993–1999, and their parents, completed questionnaires, including the generic KINDL-R Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents, revised version, to assess QoL. The comparison group (n = 6,813) was a representative sample from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Regression analyses were conducted using sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS

Intensified insulin therapy was used to treat 93% of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. They reported “excellent” general health as often as peers (adjusted OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.66–1.04] for an “excellent” rating), but the parent-rated general health was worse than that in the general population (OR 0.60 [0.48–0.74]). The patients reported increased self-esteem (adjusted difference β = 4.39 [SE 0.82]; P < 0.001) and well-being at school (β = 3.41 [0.77]; P < 0.001) but lower well-being within their families (β = –2.42 [0.80]; P = 0.002). The self- and parent-reported total QoL did not differ between the patient group and the general population. The adjusted difference (SE) between the two samples in total QoL was β = 0.89 (0.52; P = 0.087) in the self-reports and β = –0.98 (0.53; P = 0.066) in the parent-reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the general population, the QoL and general health status were not impaired among those aged 11–17 years with early-onset type 1 diabetes, despite the challenges of modern therapy.
Effect of kinesin velocity distribution on slow axonal transport
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey
Published: May 2012

The goal of this paper is to investigate the effect that a distribution of kinesin motor velocities could have on cytoskeletal element (CE) concentration waves in slow axonal transport. Previous models of slow axonal transport based on the stop-and-go hypothesis (P. Jung, A. Brown, Modeling the slowing of neurofilament transport along the mouse sciatic nerve, Physical Biology 6 (2009) 046002) assumed that in the anterograde running state all CEs move with one and the same velocity as they are propelled by kinesin motors. This paper extends the aforementioned theoretical approach by allowing for a distribution of kinesin motor velocities; the distribution is described by a probability density function (PDF). For a two kinetic state model (that accounts for the pausing and running populations of CEs) an analytical solution describing the propagation of the CE concentration wave is derived. Published experimental data are used to obtain an analytical expression for the PDF characterizing the kinesin velocity distribution; this analytical expression is then utilized as an input for computations. It is demonstrated that accounting for the kinesin velocity distribution increases the rate of spreading of the CE concentration waves, which is a significant improvement in the two kinetic state model.
Status and plans of the ion program of NA61 at the CERN SPS
Authors: Grebieszkow Katarzyna
Published: May 2012

The NA61/SHINE at the CERN SPS is a new experiment to study hadron production in p+p, p+A, h+A and A+A interactions. The main goal of the NA61 ion program is to explore the phase diagram (T − µB) of strongly interacting matter. In particular, we plan to study the properties of the onset of deconfinement and to search for the signatures of the critical point. A two-dimensional scan of the phase diagram will be performed by varying the energy (13A–158A GeV) and system size (p+p, Be+Be, Ar+Ca, Xe+La) of collisions. This paper summarizes the status and plans of the NA61/SHINE ion program. In particular the detector upgrades, data taking schedule and the first results on spectra and correlations are discussed.
Phylogenetic origin and transcriptional regulation at the post-diauxic phase of SPI1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cardona Fernando , Olmo Marcel.Lí , Aranda Agustín
Published: May 2012

The gene SPI1, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encodes a cell wall protein that is induced in several stress conditions, particularly in the postdiauxic and stationary phases of growth. It has a paralogue, SED1, which shows some common features in expression regulation and in the null mutant phenotype. In this work we have identified homologues in other species of yeasts and filamentous fungi, and we have also elucidated some aspects of the origin of SPI1, by duplication and diversification of SED1. In terms of regulation, we have found that the expression in the post-diauxic phase is regulated by genes related to the PKA pathway and stress response (MSN2/4, YAK1, POP2, SOK2, PHD1, and PHO84) and by genes involved in the PKC pathway (WSC2, PKC1, and MPK1).
Seasonal changes of Rubisco content and activity in Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies affected by elevated CO2 concentration
Authors: Hrstka Miroslav , Urban Otmar , Babák Libor
Published: May 2012

We studied Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) content and activity in juvenile tree species — broadleaved Fagus sylvatica L. and coniferous Picea abies (L.) Karsten exposed for three growing seasons to ambient (A = 385 μmol mol−1) and elevated (E = 700 μmol mol−1) CO2 concentrations. Rubisco content was determined by the SDS-PAGE method, Rubisco activity was assayed spectrophotometrically. The highest content of Rubisco enzyme in F. sylvatica was measured immediately after full leaf development followed by a gradual decrease throughout the growing season. By contrast, Rubisco content in P. abies increased markedly during the growing season. In both tree species, down-regulation of Rubisco content in trees cultivated under elevated CO2 concentration was observed. Rubisco activity was stimulated in F. sylvatica by E treatment but not in P. abies. Because no significant differences were found in Rubisco activation state between A and E, we assume that stimulation of Rubisco activity in E is not a consequence of higher carbamylation but could be caused by the release of inhibitors from active sites of Rubisco under elevated CO2.
Effect of substrate on phase formation and surface morphology of sol-gel lead-free KNbO3, NaNbO3, and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 thin films
Authors: Bruncková Helena , Medvecký Ľubomír , Hvizdoš Pavol
Published: May 2012

Environmentally acceptable lead-free ferroelectric KNbO3 (KN) or NaNbO3 (NN) and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) thin films were prepared using a modified sol-gel method by mixing potassium acetate or sodium acetate or both with the Nb-tartrate complex, deposited on the Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/SiO2/Si substrates by a spin-coating method and sintered at 650°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the NN and KNN films on the Pt/SiO2/Si substrate possessed a single perovskite phase, while NN and KNN films on the Pt/Al2O3 substrate contained a small amount of secondary pyrochlore phase, as did KN films on both substrates. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and atomic force microscopic (AFM) analyses confirmed that roughness R q of the thin KNN/Pt/SiO2/Si film (≈ 7.4 nm) was significantly lower than that of the KNN/Pt/Al2O3 film (≈ 15 nm). The heterogeneous microstructure composed of small spherical and larger needle-like or cuboidal particles were observed in the KN and NN films on both substrates. The homogeneous microstructure of the KNN thin film on the Pt/SiO2/Si substrate was smoother and contained finer spherical particles (≈ 50 nm) than on Pt/Al2O3 substrates (≈ 100 nm). The effect of different substrates on the surface morphology of thin films was confirmed.
Photosynthesis-inhibiting effects of 2-benzylsulphanylbenzimidazoles in spinach chloroplasts
Authors: Kráľová Katarína , Šeršeň František , Peško Matúš , Klimešová Věra , Waisser Karel
Published: May 2012

Inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach chloroplasts by nineteen 2-benzylsulphanylbenzimidazoles (BZA) was studied. BZA were found to inhibit photosynthetic electron transport (PET) and for their inhibitory efficiency, electronic properties of the R substituent on the benzyl moiety are decisive. The PET inhibiting activity of the studied BZA expressed as IC50 varied in the range from 28.5 μM (R = 3,5-(CF3)2) to 394.5 μM (R = 2,4-(NO2)2). For compounds with R = H, 4-CH3, 3-CH3, 3-OCH3, 4-F, 3-F, 4-Cl, 3-Cl, 2-Cl, 4-Br, 3-Br, 3,4-F2, 3,4-Cl2, 3-CF3, 3,5-(CF3)2 linear increase of the inhibitory activity with the increasing value of the substituent’s σ constant up to 0.86 was observed. Further increase of the σ constant resulted in a sharp activity decrease of the corresponding compounds (R = 2-F-6-Cl, 2-NO2, 3,5-(NO2)2, 2,4-(NO2)2). Using EPR spectroscopy and an artificial electron donor diphenyl carbazide it was found that the site of BZA action in the photosynthetic apparatus is situated on the donor side of PS 2, prior to the Z·/D· intermediate.
Lenticular arrays based on liquid crystals
Authors: Urruchi Del Pozo V. , Algorri Genaro J. , Sánchez-Pena J. , Geday M. , Arregui X. , Bennis N.
Published: May 2012

Lenticular array products have experienced a growing interest in the last decade due to the very wide range of applications they can cover. Indeed, this kind of lenses can create different effects on a viewing image such as 3D, flips, zoom, etc. In this sense, lenticular based on liquid crystals (LC) technology is being developed with the aim of tuning the lens profiles simply by controlling the birefringence electrically. In this work, a LC lenticular lens array has been proposed to mimic a GRIN lenticular lens array but adding the capability of tuning their lens profiles. Comb control electrodes have been designed as pattern masks for the ITO on the upper substrate. Suitable high resistivity layers have been chosen to be deposited on the control electrode generating an electric field gradient between teeth of the same electrode. Test measurements have allowed us to demonstrate that values of phase retardations and focal lengths, for an optimal driving waveform, are fairly in agreement. In addition, results of focusing power of tuneable lenses were compared to those of conventional lenses. The behaviour of both kinds of lenses has revealed to be mutually similar for focusing collimated light and for refracting images.
Analysis of Competitiveness and Support Instruments for Heat and Electricity Production from Wood Biomass in Latvia
Authors: Klavs G. , Kudrenickis I. , Kundzina A.
Published: May 2012

Analysis of Competitiveness and Support Instruments for Heat and Electricity Production from Wood Biomass in Latvia

Utilisation of renewable energy sources is one of the key factors in a search for efficient ways of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and improving the energy supply security. So far, the district heating supply in Latvia has been based on natural gas, with the wood fuel playing a minor role; the same is true for decentralised combined heat-power (CHP) production. The paper describes a method for evaluation of the economic feasibility of heat and electricity production from wood biomass under the competition between different fuel types and taking into account the electricity market. For the simulation, a cost estimation model is applied. The results demonstrate that wood biomass can successfully be utilised for competitive heat production by boiler houses, while for electricity production by CHP utilities it cannot compete on the market (even despite the low prices on wood biomass fuel) unless particular financial support instruments are applied. The authors evaluate the necessary support level and the impact of two main support instruments - the investment subsidies and the feed-in tariff - on the economic viability of wood-fuelled CHP plants, and show that the feed-in tariff could be considered as an instrument strongly affecting the competitiveness of such type CHP. Regarding the feed-in tariff determination, a compromise should be found between the economy-dictated requirement to develop CHP projects concerning capacities above 5 MWel - on the one hand, and the relatively small heat loads in many Latvian towns - on the other.
Characteristics of an Image Sensor with Early-Vision Processing Fabricated in Standard 0.35 μm Cmos Technology
Authors: Jendernalik Waldemar , Jakusz Jacek , Blakiewicz Grzegorz , Szczepański Stanisław , Piotrowski Robert
Published: May 2012

Characteristics of an Image Sensor with Early-Vision Processing Fabricated in Standard 0.35 μm Cmos Technology

The article presents measurement results of prototype integrated circuits for acquisition and processing of images in real time. In order to verify a new concept of circuit solutions of analogue image processors, experimental integrated circuits were fabricated. The integrated circuits, designed in a standard 0.35 μm CMOS technology, contain the image sensor and analogue processors that perform low-level convolution-based image processing algorithms. The prototype with a resolution of 32 × 32 pixels allows the acquisition and processing of images at high speed, up to 2000 frames/s. Operation of the prototypes was verified in practice using the developed software and a measurement system based on a FPGA platform.
Liveness Measurements Using Optical Flow for Biometric Person Authentication
Authors: Smiatacz Maciej
Published: May 2012

Liveness Measurements Using Optical Flow for Biometric Person Authentication

Biometric identification systems, i.e. the systems that are able to recognize humans by analyzing their physiological or behavioral characteristics, have gained a lot of interest in recent years. They can be used to raise the security level in certain institutions or can be treated as a convenient replacement for PINs and passwords for regular users. Automatic face recognition is one of the most popular biometric technologies, widely used even by many low-end consumer devices such as netbooks. However, even the most accurate face identification algorithm would be useless if it could be cheated by presenting a photograph of a person instead of the real face. Therefore, the proper liveness measurement is extremely important. In this paper we present a method that differentiates between video sequences showing real persons and their photographs. First we calculate the optical flow of the face region using the Farnebäck algorithm. Then we convert the motion information into images and perform the initial data selection. Finally, we apply the Support Vector Machine to distinguish between real faces and photographs. The experimental results confirm that the proposed approach could be successfully applied in practice.
Using A Segmented Voltage Sweep Mode and A Gaussian Curve Fitting Method to Improve Heavy Metal Measurement System Performance
Authors: Pereira José , Postolache Octavian , Girão Pedro
Published: May 2012

Using A Segmented Voltage Sweep Mode and A Gaussian Curve Fitting Method to Improve Heavy Metal Measurement System Performance

This paper presents a voltammetric segmented voltage sweep mode that can be used to identify and measure heavy metals' concentrations. The proposed sweep mode covers a set of voltage ranges that are centered around the redox potentials of the metals that are under analysis. The heavy metal measurement system can take advantage of the historical database of measurements to identify the metals with higher concentrations in a given geographical area, and perform a segmented sweep around predefined voltage ranges or, alternatively, the system can perform a fast linear voltage sweep to identify the voltammetric current peaks and then perform a segmented voltage sweep around the set of voltages that are associated with the voltammetric current peaks. The paper also includes the presentation of two auto-calibration modes that can be used to improve system's reliability and proposes the usage of a Gaussian curve fitting of voltammetric data to identify heavy metals and to evaluate their concentrations. Several simulation and experimental results, that validate the theoretical expectations, are also presented in the paper.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients With Neck Pain Likely to Benefit From Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Cervical Spine
Authors: Puentedura Emilio J. , Cleland Joshua A. , Landers Merrill R. , Mintken Paul , Louw Adriaan , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César
Published: May 2012

Study Design

Prospective cohort/predictive validity study.

Objective

To determine the predictive validity of selected clinical examination items and to develop a clinical prediction rule to determine which patients with neck pain may benefit from cervical thrust joint manipulation (TJM) and exercise.

Background

TJM to the cervical spine has been shown to be effective in patients presenting with a primary report of neck pain. It would be useful for clinicians to have a decision-making tool, such as a clinical prediction rule, that could accurately identify which subgroup of patients would respond positively to cervical TJM.

Methods

Consecutive patients who presented to physical therapy with a primary complaint of neck pain completed a series of self-report measures, then received a detailed standardized history and physical examination. After the clinical examination, all patients received a standardized treatment regimen consisting of cervical TJM and range-of-motion exercise. Depending on response to treatment, patients were treated for 1 or 2 sessions over approximately 1 week. At the end of their participation in the study, patients were classified as having experienced a successful outcome based on a score of +5 (“quite a bit better”) or higher on the global rating of change scale. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for all potential predictor variables. Univariate techniques and stepwise logistic regression were used to determine the most parsimonious set of variables for prediction of treatment success. Variables retained in the regression model were used to develop a multivariate clinical prediction rule.

Results

Eighty-two patients were included in data analysis, of whom 32 (39%) achieved a successful outcome. A clinical prediction rule with 4 attributes (symptom duration less than 38 days, positive expectation that manipulation will help, side-to-side difference in cervical rotation range of motion of 10° or greater, and pain with posteroanterior spring testing of the middle cervical spine) was identified. If 3 or more of the 4 attributes (positive likelihood ratio of 13.5) were present, the probability of experiencing a successful outcome improved from 39% to 90%.

Conclusion

The clinical prediction rule may improve decision making by providing the ability to a priori identify patients with neck pain who are likely to benefit from cervical TJM and range-of-motion exercise. However, this is only the first step in the process of developing and testing a clinical prediction rule, as future studies are necessary to validate the results and should include long-term follow-up and a comparison group.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):577–592, Epub 14 May 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4243
Mapping Dreams/Dreaming Maps: Bridging Indigenous and Western Geographical Knowledge
Authors: Hirt Irène
Published: May 2012

Dreams and dreaming practices are integrated into knowledge-building processes in many indigenous societies, and may therefore represent a source of geographical and cartographic information. This article addresses the incorporation of these practices into collaborative and cross-cultural research methods, especially in the framework of participatory mapping projects conducted with Indigenous communities or organizations. The author argues that dreams and dreaming practices enable the consideration of Indigenous territorial dimensions – such as the sacred and the spiritual, as well as the presence of non-human actors – that are more difficult to grasp through the social sciences or through modern Western mapping methodologies. In addition, this approach invites geographers and cartographers to adopt a culturally decentred concept of the notions of territory, mapping, and participation that goes beyond the positivist premises of Western science and its research methodologies. This text draws from a Mapuche counter-mapping and participatory mapping experience that took place in southern Chile between 2004 and 2006, in which the author took part as a cartographer.
Mapping Indigenous Perspectives in the Making of the Cybercartographic Atlas of the Lake Huron Treaty Relationship Process: A Performative Approach in a Reconciliation Context
Authors: Pyne Stephanie , Taylor D.R. Fraser
Published: May 2012

This article discusses a two-pronged approach to designing and developing an online, interactive multimedia – cybercartographic – atlas that combines critical academic perspectives with Anishinaabe approaches to understanding in order to “tell the story” of the Robinson Huron Treaty process in a way intended to enhance awareness of Anishinaabe perspectives and expose the epistemological and ontological roots of colonialism. Building on the work that created the Treaties Module of the Living Cybercartographic Atlas of Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledge, this atlas project continues to reflect the comprehensiveness and multidimensionality of Robinson Huron Treaty–based relationship processes. The article focuses on some of the performative aspects of this atlas project, such as iterative processes and spatializing history, that contribute to its success in reflecting Anishinaabe perspectives and providing the basis for a richer understanding of the treaty process.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities of Polyphenolics from Pods of Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Authors: Hsu Feng-Lin , Huang Wei-Jan , Wu Tzu-Hua , Lee Mei-Hsien , Chen Lih-Chi , Lu Hsiao-Jen , Hou Wen-Chi , Lin Mei-Hsiang
Published: May 2012

Thirteen polyphenolics were isolated from fresh pods of Caesalpinia pulcherrima using various methods of column chromatography. The structures of these polyphenolics were elucidated as gallic acid (1), methyl gallate (2), 6-O-galloyl-D-glucoside (3), methyl 6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucoside (4), methyl 3,6-di-O-galloyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (5), gentisic acid 5-O-α-D-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (6), guaiacylglycerol 4-O-β-D-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (7), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenol 1-O-β-D-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (8), (+)-gallocatechin (9), (+)-catechin (10), (+)-gallocatechin 3-O-gallate (11), myricetin 3-rhamnoside (12), and ampelopsin (13). All isolated compounds were tested for their antioxidant activities in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and peroxynitrite radicals scavenging assays. Among those compounds, 11, 12, and 2 exhibited the best DPPH-, hydroxyl-, and peroxynitrite radical-scavenging activities, respectively. Compound 7 is a new compound, and possesses better scavenging activities towards DPPH but has equivalent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity when compared to BHT. The paper is the first report on free radical scavenging properties of components of the fresh pods of Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The results obtained from the current study indicate that the free radical scavenging property of fresh pods of Caesalpinia pulcherrima may be one of the mechanisms by which this herbal medicine is effective in several free radical mediated diseases.
Genetic and Association Mapping Study of Wheat Agronomic Traits Under Contrasting Water Regimes
Authors: Dodig Dejan , Zoric Miroslav , Kobiljski Borislav , Savic Jasna , Kandic Vesna , Quarrie Steve , Barnes Jeremy
Published: May 2012

Genetic analyses and association mapping were performed on a winter wheat core collection of 96 accessions sampled from a variety of geographic origins. Twenty-four agronomic traits were evaluated over 3 years under fully irrigated, rainfed and drought treatments. Grain yield was the most sensitive trait to water deficit and was highly correlated with above-ground biomass per plant and number of kernels per m2. The germplasm was structured into four subpopulations. The association of 46 SSR loci distributed throughout the wheat genome with yield and agronomic traits was analyzed using a general linear model, where subpopulation information was used to control false-positive or spurious marker-trait associations (MTAs). A total of 26, 21 and 29 significant (P < 0.001) MTAs were identified in irrigated, rainfed and drought treatments, respectively. The marker effects ranged from 14.0 to 50.8%. Combined across all treatments, 34 significant (P < 0.001) MTAs were identified with nine markers, and R2 ranged from 14.5 to 50.2%. Marker psp3200 (6DS) and particularly gwm484 (2DS) were associated with many significant MTAs in each treatment and explained the greatest proportion of phenotypic variation. Although we were not able to recognize any marker related to grain yield under drought stress, a number of MTAs associated with developmental and agronomic traits highly correlated with grain yield under drought were identified.
IVAN: Intelligent Van for the Distribution of Pharmaceutical Drugs
Authors: Moreno Asier , Angulo Ignacio , Perallos Asier , Landaluce Hugo , Zuazola Ignacio Julio García , Azpilicueta Leire , Astrain José Javier , Falcone Francisco , Villadangos Jesús
Published: May 2012

This paper describes a telematic system based on an intelligent van which is capable of tracing pharmaceutical drugs over delivery routes from a warehouse to pharmacies, without altering carriers’ daily conventional tasks. The intelligent van understands its environment, taking into account its location, the assets and the predefined delivery route; with the capability of reporting incidences to carriers in case of failure according to the established distribution plan. It is a non-intrusive solution which represents a successful experience of using smart environments and an optimized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) embedded system in a viable way to resolve a real industrial need in the pharmaceutical industry. The combination of deterministic modeling of the indoor vehicle, the implementation of an ad-hoc radiating element and an agile software platform within an overall system architecture leads to a competitive, flexible and scalable solution.
The System Dynamics of U.S. Automobile Fuel Economy
Authors: BenDor Todd K.
Published: May 2012

This paper analyzes the dynamics of U.S. automobile gasoline consumption since 1975. Using background literature on the history of domestic fuel economy and energy policy, I establish a conceptual model that explains historical trends in adoption of increased fuel economy. I then create a system dynamics simulation model to understand the relationship between increased fuel economy standards and potential changes to gas tax policies. The model suggests that when increases in mandated fuel economy are not conducted in an environment with rising fuel costs, fuel economy improvements may be directly counteracted by shifting tastes of consumers towards larger automobiles with lower fuel economy.
The morphology of silver nanoparticles prepared by enzyme-induced reduction
Authors: Schneidewind Henrik , Schüler Thomas , Strelau Katharina K , Weber Karina , Cialla Dana , Diegel Marco , Mattheis Roland , Berger Andreas , Möller Robert , Popp Jürgen
Published: May 2012

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by an enzyme-induced growth process on solid substrates. In order to customize the enzymatically grown nanoparticles (EGNP) for analytical applications in biomolecular research, a detailed study was carried out concerning the time evolution of the formation of the silver nanoparticles, their morphology, and their chemical composition. Therefore, silver-nanoparticle films of different densities were investigated by using scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy to examine their structure. Cross sections of silver nanoparticles, prepared for analysis by transmission electron microscopy were additionally studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in order to probe their chemical composition. The surface coverage of substrates with silver nanoparticles and the maximum particle height were determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Variations in the silver-nanoparticle films depending on the conditions during synthesis were observed. After an initial growth state the silver nanoparticles exhibit the so-called desert-rose or nanoflower-like structure. This complex nanoparticle structure is in clear contrast to the auto-catalytically grown spherical particles, which maintain their overall geometrical appearance while increasing their diameter. It is shown, that the desert-rose-like silver nanoparticles consist of single-crystalline plates of pure silver. The surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) activity of the EGNP structures is promising due to the exceptionally rough surface structure of the silver nanoparticles. SERS measurements of the vitamin riboflavin incubated on the silver nanoparticles are shown as an exemplary application for quantitative analysis.
A systematic review of physical fitness, physiological demands and biomechanical performance in equestrian athletes
Authors: Douglas J.-L. , Price M. , Peters D.M.
Published: May 2012

This article presents a systematic review of the literature investigating physical fitness, physiological demands and biomechanical performance in equestrian athletes. Three databases (SportsDiscus, CAB abstracts and PubMed) were searched to identify the literature. The main search term of ‘horse-riding’ was combined with eleven specific keywords (‘fitness’, ‘physiology’, ‘biomechanics’, ‘equestrian’, ‘athlete’, ‘co-ordination’, ‘heart rate’, ‘oxygen consumption’ ‘kinematic’ ‘EMG’ and ‘skill’). Exclusion criteria were: conference proceedings, abstracts, theses, and non-peer reviewed articles. Subsequently, 15 peer-reviewed papers were identified and included within this review. The main research findings are that as a horse progresses through the gaits (walk, trot and canter), the rider's heart rate and oxygen consumption increase. The causal physiological factor at present is thought to be higher levels of tonic muscular contraction particularly of the trunk, which in elite equestrians achieves a more controlled upright trunk position, compared to their novice counterparts. It is the faster gaits, and jumping that require the rider to adopt a ‘forwards’ riding position that necessitates weight bearing to be through the rider's legs, as opposed to a seated position, where weight bearing is predominantly through the pelvis. It is apparent that these ‘forward position’ modes of riding significantly increase metabolic cost and result in elevated levels of blood lactate, thus implying that they incorporate some anaerobic demand. Due to the paucity of literature available for review and particularly that which incorporates data obtained from ‘competitive’ performances, future research should attempt to prioritise investigations in competitive in addition to simulated riding environments. Only when further physiological and biomechanical data are available from a greater range of equestrian disciplines and from a range of level of athletes, will the demands of these sports be more clearly understood. Until such time, the development of evidence-based sport specific and potentially performance enhancing rider strength and conditioning programmes cannot be realised.
Prevalence of gastric ulcers and relationship to other parameters in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Cate R.E. , Nielsen B.D. , Spooner H.S. , O'Connor-Robison C.I. , Schott II H.C.
Published: May 2012

Gastric ulcer prevalence rate is reported to be 60-90% in racehorses. This study examined a population of 40 Standardbred horses in race training and assessed the relationship of ulcers to performance history and body condition score (BCS). Forty Standardbreds on two racing facilities in southern Michigan were examined during the last 2 weeks of December 2007 and the second week of January 2008. Age of horses (as of January 1) ranged from 3 to 12 years. Squamous epithelial ulcers were graded (0-4) using an established scoring system during gastroscopic examinations and BCS was recorded (1 to 9 scale). Trainers graded racing performance of each horse on a scale of A to F, with A being best. Horses were grouped according to gender, age, and BCS. Prevalence of ulcers was similar between facilities (50% and 56%) but the mean prevalence (52.5%) was lower than in previous reports. Ulcer score was not related to gender (P=0.84), age (P=0.72), BCS (P=0.64), or performance history (P=0.55). These findings suggest that commonly cited prevalence rates of ulcers may not be consistent for all populations of racehorses. Further, given that less than 20% of the horses examined had an ulcer score grade 2 or higher, the impact that ulcers have on performance may be overestimated in some equine populations. Finally, this study clearly demonstrates that a gastroscopic examination is necessary to determine presence of ulcers, rather than assuming their presence based on decreased performance or low body condition score.
Reduction of citrinin biosynthesis by fatty acids in Monascus fermented food
Authors: Panda B.P. , Ali M.
Published: May 2012

Monascus-fermented food (red yeast rice, red mould rice, angkak) contains various useful secondary metabolites, for example lovastatin, along with citrinin, a hepatonephrotoxic agent. Fatty acids such as octanoic acid, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid, decanoic acid, hexanoic acid at increasing concentrations concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5%) were incorporated in solid fermentation medium to influence the citrinin level in red mould rice. Out of all the fatty acids tested, oleic acid and octadecanoic acid were ineffective, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid were moderately effective, whereas decanoic acid was highly effective in controlling citrinin biosynthesis. On the eleventh day of solid-state fermentation in red mould rice medium supplemented with 5% decanoic acid, citrinin concentration was 28 ng/g (lower than the advisory citrinin limit of 200 ng/g), whereas lovastatin concentration was 1.574 mg/g. Fermentation of rice medium supplemented with decanoic acid could produce a safer Monascus-based functional food than the non-supplemented medium.
Molecular characterization by amplified fragment length polymorphism and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus isolated from freshly harvested peanut in Brazil
Authors: Reis G. Martins , Rocha L. de Oliveira , Atayde D. Diniz , Batatinha M.J. Moreira , Corrêa B.
Published: May 2012

Brazil contributes substantially to the global peanut production, and the state of São Paulo is the largest producer in the country. Peanut crops can be contaminated byAspergillus flavusstrains producing aflatoxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Thus, the production of high-quality peanuts is crucial both for the commercial peanut industry and as a matter of public health. In this study, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis (AFLP) to investigate the genetic variability amongA. flavusstrains isolated from fresh peanuts harvested in four different regions in the state of São Paulo, and to determine whether the molecular genetic profiles correlated with aflatoxin production or sclerotia formation. AFLP analysis generated 78 fragments ranging from 27 to 365 base pairs in length. Thirteen percent were not polymorphic. Genotyping identified twelve groups ofA. flavus. On the basis of the polymorphisms identified, similarity between the isolates ranged from 37% to 100%. Of all isolates collected, 91.7% produced aflatoxins and 83.9% produced small sclerotia. Statistical analysis failed to suggest any relationship between the presence of sclerotia and mean levels of aflatoxins B1and B2. Furthermore, a dendrogram based on AFLP data revealed substantial genetic variability among theA. flavusstrains, but showed no correlation between dendrogram groups separated by molecular genetic features and production of aflatoxins B1or B2or the formation of sclerotia.
Simultaneous screening for T-2/HT-2 and deoxynivalenol in cereals using a surface plasmon resonance immunoassay
Authors: Meneely J.P. , Quinn J.G. , Flood E.M. , Hajšlová J. , Elliott C.T.
Published: May 2012

This manuscript describes a rapid surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of the sum of T-2/HT-2 toxins (T-2/HT-2) and deoxynivalenol (DON), in cereals and cereal-based products. The assay is based on an inhibition format employing a monoclonal antibody raised against HT-2 with cross reactivity to T-2 and a polyclonal antibody raised against DON, thereby enabling the detection of the three trichothecene mycotoxins (types A and B). The surface chemistry involved an equal mixture of HT-2 and DON covalently coupled onto a high capacity COOH5 sensor chip. Using the specified antibodies and a mixed toxin sensor surface, and running calibration curves (HT-2 and DON) and samples in parallel it has been proven that it is feasible to develop a multiplex assay on this SPR platform. In-house validation has shown limits of detection of 12, 1 and 29 μg/kg for DON and 31, 47 and 36 μg/kg for HT-2 in wheat, breakfast cereal and maize-based baby food, respectively. Both intra-assay and inter-assay precision were calculated using fortified DON and HT-2 samples. Durum wheat, wheatbased breakfast cereal and maize-based baby food were spiked at various concentration levels and the coefficients of variation calculated ranged from 1.1% to 9.9% for DON and from 1.4% to 11.3% for HT-2. A high correlation was observed between the screening assay and confirmatory mass spectrometry.
Synthesis of deoxynivalenol-3-ß-D-O-glucuronide for its use as biomarker for dietary deoxynivalenol exposure
Authors: Fruhmann P. , Warth B. , Hametner C. , Berthiller F. , Horkel E. , Adam G. , Sulyok M. , Krska R. , Fröhlich J.
Published: May 2012

Trichothecene mycotoxins are prevalent toxic secondary metabolic products of several fungal species and pose a serious threat to human and animal health. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is known to undergo rapid metabolisation after uptake. The formed glucuronides are urinary excreted and could therefore serve as possible biomarkers for daily uptake measurement. So far human exposure to the major toxin DON was estimated from dietary average intake or by measurement of the parent toxin after hydrolysis. These approaches are indirect and time-consuming. Due to the clear demand for a direct determination method and lack of an available reference substance we synthesised DON-3-O-ö-D-glucuronide. The Königs-Knorr procedure using acetobromo-α-D-glucuronic acid methyl ester as glucuronyl-donor was optimised to produce the target compound in mg scale allowing subsequent characterisation via nuclear magnetic resonance and LC-MS/MS.
Polyketide synthase gene aolc35-12 controls the differential expression of ochratoxin A gene aoks1 in Aspergillus westerdijkiae
Authors: Bacha N. , Mathieu F. , Liboz T. , Lebrihi A.
Published: May 2012

Ochratoxine A (OTA), a potential human carcinogen is produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium, including Aspergillus westerdijkiae. In this study a putative polyketide synthase gene aolc35-12 has been partially cloned from A. westerdijkiae. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 3.22 kb clone was found to have a high degree of similarity to other previously identified polyketide synthase genes from various OTA-producing fungi including Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus carbonarius and Penicillium nordicum. The aolc35-12 gene was disrupted and inactivated by insertion of Escherichia coli hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene, which resulted in an OTA negative mutant aoΔlc35-12. Genetic complementation confirmed aolc35-12 as OTA-polyketide synthase gene. Furthermore, study of the differential expression of aolc35-12 and a previously identified OTA-polyketide synthase gene, i.e. aoks1, in the wild-type A. westerdijkiae and aoΔlc35-12 mutant revealed that aolc35-12 could code for a certain polyketide compound complementary for the expression of aoks1 and hence for the activation of OTA biosynthesis system in A. westerdijkiae.
Aperçu de l’analyse du professeur Jean-Paul Brodeur sur la sécurité privée, au chapitre 8 de son livre The Policing Web
Authors: Stenning Philip
Published: May 2012

Dans cette contribution, je me penche sur la manière dont Jean-Paul Brodeur aborde le sujet de la sécurité privée dans le huitième chapitre de son livre, The Policing Web. J’estime que ce livre représente la première tentative « sérieuse » par un chercheur spécialisé dans les questions policières de développer une « théorie du policing » qui intègre le phénomène moderne de la sécurité privée et « plurielle ». Cet objectif n’est toutefois pas complètement atteint dans le livre, pour des raisons que Jean-Paul Brodeur expose lui-même à ses lecteurs. J’examine son argumentaire sur les difficultés d’obtenir une définition consensuelle de la « sécurité privée », l’importance qu’il accordait à l’étude de l’évolution des technologies de sécurité et leurs implications pour sa théorie du policing, ainsi que sur sa qualification de la sécurité privée comme une modalité de la haute police. Selon moi, ses réflexions représentent une contribution significative à la littérature et nous incitent à combler le déficit de connaissances au sujet de la sécurité privée au XXIe siècle.
Terrorisme et antiterrorisme : le jeu du pire
Authors: Leman-Langlois Stéphane
Published: May 2012

Les recherches de Jean-Paul Brodeur sur le terrorisme ont porté sur deux aspects de la question, également importants et indissociables. Le premier est celui du fonctionnement, des objectifs et des méthodes des groupes qu’on nomme « terroristes », tout en considérant les résultats réels obtenus. Le second est celui de la régulation, de l’organisation, du financement et des conséquences des stratégies, organismes et programmes mis sur pied ou modifiés afin de leur faire face. Plus d’une décennie après le 11 septembre 2001, il semble bien que les plus graves dangers auxquels font face les Canadiens, comme la plupart des Occidentaux, proviennent du second aspect.
Terrorism and counter-terrorism: a choice between two evils
Authors: Leman-Langlois Stéphane
Published: May 2012

Les recherches de Jean-Paul Brodeur sur le terrorisme ont porté sur deux aspects de la question, également importants et indissociables. Le premier est celui du fonctionnement, des objectifs et des méthodes des groupes qu’on nomme « terroristes », tout en considérant les résultats réels obtenus. Le second est celui de la régulation, de l’organisation, du financement et des conséquences des stratégies, organismes et programmes mis sur pied ou modifiés afin de leur faire face. Plus d’une décennie après le 11 septembre 2001, il semble bien que les plus graves dangers auxquels font face les Canadiens, comme la plupart des Occidentaux, proviennent du second aspect.
Parasitism by Cotesia flavipes alters the haemocyte population and phenoloxidase activity of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis
Authors: Mahmoud A.M.A. , De Luna-Santillana E.J. , Guo X. , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A.
Published: May 2012

Parasitism of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae by Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) or injection of C. flavipes polydnavirus causes numerous alterations in host physiology including developmental arrest, abrogation of host immunity, and biochemical changes in proteins, carbohydrates, glycogen, and lipids. This study focused on changes in haemocyte composition occurring in the cellular immune system of parasitised D. saccharalis larvae. We also analysed the effects of parasitisation by C. flavipes on humoral immunity in terms of phenoloxidase (PO) activity in the host. In nonparasitised D. saccharalis larvae, granular cells represented the main haemocyte type (39%) and plasmatocytes were also present at around 35% among the total haemocytes. The percentages of these two major haemocytes decreased significantly in parasitised larvae after 6 days of parasitoid oviposition and the total haemocyte counts exhibited a significant reduction in parasitised larvae 3 and 6 days following parasitisation. The parasitised larvae also showed a significant decrease in humoral immune capacity as evidenced by reduction of PO activity. Moreover, the plasma had more PO activity than the haemocytes and the parasitised larvae showed less PO activity than the control larvae. This research demonstrates that the parasitism of C. flavipes adversely affects the total haemocyte populations and PO activity of D. saccharalis larvae, which would contribute to host immunosuppression.
Development of Mature and Functional Human Myeloid Subsets in Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Engrafted NOD/SCID/IL2rγKO Mice
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Saito Yoriko , Kunisawa Jun , Kurashima Yosuke , Wake Taichi , Suzuki Nahoko , Shultz Leonard D. , Kiyono Hiroshi , Ishikawa Fumihiko
Published: May 2012

Although physiological development of human lymphoid subsets has become well documented in humanized mice, in vivo development of human myeloid subsets in a xenotransplantation setting has remained unevaluated. Therefore, we investigated in vivo differentiation and function of human myeloid subsets in NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (NSG) mouse recipients transplanted with purified lineage−CD34+CD38− cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. At 4–6 mo posttransplantation, we identified the development of human neutrophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes, and conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the recipient hematopoietic organs. The tissue distribution and morphology of these human myeloid cells were similar to those identified in humans. After cytokine stimulation in vitro, phosphorylation of STAT molecules was observed in neutrophils and monocytes. In vivo administration of human G-CSF resulted in the recruitment of human myeloid cells into the recipient circulation. Flow cytometry and confocal imaging demonstrated that human bone marrow monocytes and alveolar macrophages in the recipients displayed intact phagocytic function. Human bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages were further confirmed to exhibit phagocytosis and killing of Salmonella typhimurium upon IFN-γ stimulation. These findings demonstrate the development of mature and functionally intact human myeloid subsets in vivo in the NSG recipients. In vivo human myelopoiesis established in the NSG humanized mouse system may facilitate the investigation of human myeloid cell biology including in vivo analyses of infectious diseases and therapeutic interventions.
Rounding Up Plant Cells
Authors: Ochatt Sergio J. , Moessner Anne
Published: May 2012

Compared to animal cells, plant cells are typically non-spherical, which may bias morphometric and fluorimetric analyses, including flow cytometry and other approaches used in the study of cellular biodiversity. The morphometric study of cotyledonary cells may serve to distinguish between genotypes, as cell shape is clearly an important issue when assessing flour quality and seed digestibility by animals, being affected by the surface and volume of particles. We devised a shape coefficient that resolves these difficulties with pea (Pisum sativum L.), and may find general applicability in cytological studies and for the characterization of biodiversity patterns.