bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of chronic deer browsing and canopy gap disturbance on forest successional dynamics
Authors: Holm Jennifer A. , Thompson Jonathan R. , McShea William J. , Bourg Norman A.
Published: November 2013

The interaction of browsing by white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and canopy gap disturbances may affect long‐term tree composition and lead to significant changes in forest structure. We used an individual‐based forest gap model (ZELIG) to better understand the aggregate and interactive impacts of these processes on the long‐term (200 years) successional dynamics of a mesic deciduous forest. We parameterized ZELIG to: (1) simulate successional dynamics within a temperate deciduous secondary forest typical of eastern North America; (2) simulate browsing impacts by white‐tailed deer; and (3) simulate gap‐scale disturbance of variable size and frequency. Our estimates of browsing impacts by species were derived from a 20‐year, four‐hectare deer exclusion study. Model calibration matched observed tree species composition, density by size class, and total basal area (39.92 m2 ha−1 vs. 37.13 m2 ha−1). Simulated deer browsing had little impact on total basal area over two centuries. However, deer browsing had substantial impacts on community composition, creating a less diverse understory, lower species richness, and decreased abundance of Quercus species, while retaining the dominance of Liriodendron tulipifera. Simulated gap disturbances exacerbated the impacts of chronic deer browsing and these impacts became stronger over time. Our analyses suggest that recent increases in white‐tailed deer density within many forests of eastern North America will result in altered community dynamics that persist beyond the sapling level, and that any increases in overstory disturbance frequency will exacerbate these impacts.
Restriction in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Older Persons: Association with Preferences for Routines and Psychological Vulnerability
Authors: Bergua Valérie , Bouisson Jean , Dartigues Jean-François , Swendsen Joel , Fabrigoule Colette , Pérès Karine , Barberger-Gateau Pascale
Published: November 2013

Disabilities in the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) are frequently observed in older adults. A restriction in the daily life activities in the elderly may be related to a process of routinization induced by homogenization of activities, in addition to its association with emotional states. The relationship between level of functional disability for IADLs and preferences for routines was explored in 207 non-demented French participants (Mage = 84.2 years, age range: 78–96 years) from the PAQUID cohort study. Multinomial regressions analyses showed that preferences for routines were significantly associated with a higher risk of restriction for at least two functional activities, after adjusting for sociodemographic and psychological variables. However, this association was non significant after controlling for cognitive variables. These findings add new elements for understanding the effect of routinization in the disability process in older persons in that preferences for routines could constitute a risk factor of IADL restriction, similar to cognitive decline.
The Psychological Well-Being of People Living with HIV/AIDS and the Role of Religious Coping and Social Support
Authors: Dalmida Safiya George , Koenig Harold G. , Holstad Marcia McDonnell , Wirani Menka Munira
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This study examined correlates of depressive symptoms, particularly the role of religious coping (RCOPE), among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The study also examined social support as a possible mediator of the proposed association between religious coping and depressive symptoms and the impact of depressive symptomatology on health outcomes such as HIV medication adherence, immune function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among PLWHA.

Method:

A convenience sample of 292 PLWHA were recruited from an out-patient infectious disease clinic and AIDS-service organizations in the Southeastern United States.

Results:

56.7% reported depressive symptoms. PLWHA with depressive symptomatology reported significantly poorer health outcomes, including poorer HIV medication adherence, lower CD4 cell count, and poorer HRQOL. The odds of being depressed was significantly associated with birth sex (female: OR = 0.43, 95% CI = .23-.80), sexual orientation (gay/bisexual: OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.04–3.65), marital status (single: OR =.52, 95% CI =.27-.99), social support satisfaction (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = .49-.86), and negative RCOPE (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.14–1.31). Social support partially mediated the relationship between religious coping and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

High rates of depressive symptoms are present in PLWHA, which negatively impact health outcomes. Religious coping, perceived stress, and social support satisfaction serve an important role in depressive symptomatology among PLWHA. These findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to regularly screen PLWHA for and adequately treat depression and collaborate with mental health providers, social workers, and pastoral care counselors to address PLWHA's mental, social, and spiritual needs and optimize their HIV-related outcomes.
The Schouten-van Kampen affine connection adapted to an almost (para) contact metric structure
Authors: Olszak Zbigniew
Published: November 2013

We study the Schouten-van Kampen connection associated to an almost contact
or paracontact metric structure. With the help of such a connection, some
classes of almost (para) contact metric manifolds are characterized.
Certain curvature properties of this connection are found.
Duality principle and special Osserman manifolds
Authors: Andrejic Vladica
Published: November 2013

We investigate the connection between the duality principle and the Osserman
condition in a pseudo-Riemannian setting. We prove that a connected pointwise
two-leaves Osserman manifold of dimension n > 5 is globally Osserman and
investigate the relation between the special Osserman condition and the
two-leaves Osserman one.
Identification of a population of Ranunculus achenes extracted from Middle Pleistocene sediments exposed at Belhus Park, Essex, UK
Authors: Field Michael H.
Published: November 2013

A plant macrofossil assemblage extracted from Middle Pleistocene fluvial organic sediments collected from Belhus Park, Aveley, Essex, UK contained a number of tuberculate (verrucose) achenes attributed to the genus Ranunculus, one of which had two short spines preserved on its surface. The identification of these achenes is discussed here. This is worthy of note because Ranunculus tuberculate or spinose fossil achenes can be difficult to determine to species as they can have similar features, some Ranunculus species produce achenes in several morphological forms, and during fossilization delicate structures maybe destroyed (e.g. spines). After careful morphological consideration it is concluded that the fossil achenes from Belhus Park are Ranunculus parviflorus L., indicating that dry grassland or disturbed ground existed in the river catchment. The plant macrofossil assemblages that included the Ranunculus parviflorus achenes were dominated by waterside, damp ground, and aquatic taxa. It is probable that flowing water transported the achenes from further afield before their incorporation into the fluvial sediments. The identification of these fossils illustrates the importance of considering the morphological characteristics of the achene only and not to make a determination on the nature of the predominant palaeoenvironmental signal from an assemblage.
Polish ethnic organisations in Brno between the wars and in the years 1945–1952 and their contribution to the development of Czech-Polish cultural and educational relations
Authors: Čapka František
Published: November 2013

The study describes the activities of the Polish ethnic organizations in Brno from the beginning of the First Republic (1918) till the early 50s of the 20th century. In the introductory part it briefly mentions some aspects of Czech - Polish relations from 19th century, crucial is the part describing the content of the activities of these associations. There are described the main directions of their activities. At the end there is an overview of six ethnic organizations.
Regional Education in Polish, Czech and Slovakian Borderline after 1945
Authors: Haratyk Anna
Published: November 2013

The policy of the Central and Eastern European countries disabled growth of regional movement. Changes that have been taking place since 1990s made it possible to reveal the cultural, spiritual and material abundance of given nations living in this part of Europe. The idea of Euroregion became a chance for many borderland regions, as thanks to them international cooperation in borderlands became possible. At the same time, regional education became crucial not only at schools but also while accomplished by local associations, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, publishing houses, periodicals etc. There are various initiatives undertaken within this range under auspices of the eight Euroregions on the Polish-Czech-Slovakian borderlands. Moreover, diversification and intensification of such activities is indispensible for the development of the borderland areas in Poland, Czech and Slovakia.
"Czechoslovakian Evenings" in post-war Poland
Authors: Kościelak Lech
Published: November 2013

The „Czechoslovakian Evenings” were an example of intellectuals education in the form of open-lectures. They were educational activities of the Institute of Silesia in Katowice. Mutual Relations between Poland and Czechoslovakia in 1945-1948 had an impact on the implementation of the „Czechoslovakian Evenings”. Organization of „Czechoslovakian Evenings” was a good example of the improvement of Polish-Czechoslovak the years 1947-1948. Implementation of the „Czechoslovakian Evenings” began in October 1947 and ended in May 1948. Liquidation of the Silesian Institute was also the end of the „Czechoslovakian Evenings”.
The Arches of the Feet of Competitors in Selected Sporting Disciplines
Authors: Lichota Małgorzata , Plandowska Magdalena , Mil Patrycjusz
Published: November 2013

Introduction. The human foot is an important and individual static-dynamic part of the movement apparatus. Physical activity is one of the many factors which has an impact on the arch of the foot, and specific sporting disciplines affect the morphological construction and active efficiency of the foot to differing degrees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the foot-arches of competitors training in the disciplines of athletics, handball, volleyball and taekwon-do, and to demon­strate the differences in the arching of the foot, depending on the discipline of the participant. Material and methods. Observation of a group of 46 student-competitors at the sports club of the Academic Sports Association (ASA) of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska, training in handball, volleyball, athletics and taekwon-do. Using information from plantograms, obtained using a podoscope, the following were analyzed: Wejsflog's indicator, the position of the big toe (hallux) - angle γ; theposition of toe V - angle β;the position of the heel - angle α. Results. The values given by Wejsflog's indicator show the presence of an asymmetry in the arch of the right foot compared to that of the left foot. The reason for this, according to Demczuk-Włodarczyk and Biec [1] may be the type of surface on which training is conducted. The authors demonstrate that fallen arches are less common in practitioners of taekwon-do, who usually train on an elastic mat, which confirms the results of earlier research conducted on competitors at the Academic Sports Association of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska. Conclusions. The occurrence of an abnormal formation of the arches that make up the arch of the foot, and of asymmetry in the arch between the left and right feet observed in the sample, shows the necessity of devoting greater attention to compensatory exercises that strengthen the short muscles of the foot and the muscles of the calf in the training process, in order to make up for frequently unbal­anced strain.
Pancreatic cysts: etiology, diagnosis and management
Authors: Jabłońska Beata
Published: November 2013

Pancreatic cysts involve a wide spectrum of pathologies from post-inflammatory cysts to malignant neoplasms. Pancreatic pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and solid pseudopapillary tumors occur most frequently. Differential diagnosis involves the following imaging investigations: transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS), contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancretography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography (ERCP). The cyst fluid cytology is performed in difficult differential diagnosis between pseudocysts and benign and potentially malignant or malignant tumors. Most frequently, viscosity, amylase, CEA and CA 19-9 levels are determined. Imaging findings should be correlated with cytology. The management depends on the cyst type and size. Small asymptomatic pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas and branchduct IPMNs should be carefully observed, whereas symptomatic large or uncertain serous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, main-duct IPMNs and large branch-duct IPMNs with malignant features, serous and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, and solid pseudopapillary tumors require surgery. Pseudocysts are usually drained. Percutaneous / EUS-guided or surgical cyst drainage can be performed. Complicated and uncertain pseudocysts and cystic tumors need surgical resection. The type of surgery depends on cyst location and size and includes proximal, central, distal, total pancreatectomies and enucleation.
Design and Validation of a Computer-Aided Learning Program to Enhance Students' Ability to Recognize Lameness in the Horse
Authors: Barstow Amy , Pfau Thilo , Bolt David M. , Smith Roger K. , Weller Renate
Published: November 2013

The ability to recognize lameness in the horse is an important skill for veterinary graduates; however, opportunities to develop this skill at the undergraduate level are limited. Computer-aided learning programs (CALs) have been successful in supplementing practical skills teaching. The aim of this study was to design and validate a CAL for the teaching of equine lameness recognition (CAL1). A control CAL was designed to simulate learning by experience (CAL2). Student volunteers were randomly assigned to either CAL and tested to establish their current ability to recognize lameness. Retesting occurred both immediately following exposure and 1 week later. At each test point, the number of correct responses for forelimb and hind limb cases was determined. Student confidence was assessed before and after CAL exposure, with previous opportunities to recognize lameness taken into account. Immediately following exposure, the number of correct responses was significantly higher for CAL1 than for CAL2, both overall and for forelimb cases but not for hind limb cases. After 1 week, the CAL1 group performed significantly better overall compared to the CAL2 group, with no significant difference between forelimb and hind limb cases. Student confidence and ability to recognize lameness were significantly improved following exposure to CAL1. When considered as one category, students in years 4 and 5 performed significantly better than year 3 students. Gender did not significantly affect performance. CAL1 could be used to supplement current lameness recognition opportunities. CAL1 is, however, limited in its ability to improve lameness recognition, especially in relation to hind limb lameness where it was unable to attain a significant difference from CAL2.
“Work pays”
Authors: Makovicky Nicolette
Published: November 2013

Focusing on the implementation of the New Social Policy in January 2004 and the social unrest that followed, this article traces the discursive construction of welfare dependence as a “Romani” problem through the creation of a media-led “moral panic”. Situating this “moral panic” within the wider context of competing populist narratives in postsocialist Slovakia, it argues that the ethnicization of the unrest constituted a rearticulation of nationalist populist symbols into liberal political logic. Employed by the opposition, the first of these narratives posited liberalization as the dispossession of the working majority by corrupt elites. This was countered by a second narrative presented by the center-right coalition that posited welfare as a system of “just rewards” for those willing to work, while constructing the Romani minority as social deviants. As such, it appeared to be a variant of what Stuart Hall has called “authoritarian populism”: an attempt by the leading coalition to harness popular discontents in order to justify exceptional levels of government intervention into social life.
Spousal Violence among Christians: Taiwan, South Australia and Ghana
Authors: Koepping Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Local, often unconscious, understanding of male and female informs people's views irrespective of the religious ideology of (for Christians) the imago dei. This affects church teaching about and dealings with spousal violence, usually against wives, and can be an indicator of the failure of contextualising, from Edinburgh to Tonga and Seoul to Accra, actually to challenge context and ‘speak the Word of God’ rather than of elite-defined culture. In examining five denominations (Assembly of God, Methodist, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, True Jesus Church) in Ghana, South Australia and Taiwan, ecclesial attitudes to divorce are shown to have a crucial effect on an abused woman's decision regarding the marriage, especially where stated clerical practice differs from precept. Adding that to the effects of church teaching, the side-lining of pressure and support groups and the common failure of churches to censure spousal violence of pastors, leads the writer to suggest that any prophetic voice is strangled by shameful culture-bound collusion.
Valuation Studies and the Spectacle of Valuation
Authors: Muniesa Fabian , Helgesson Claes-Fredrik
Published: November 2013

Not Available.
Catch the Best: Novel Screening Strategy to Select Stress Protecting Agents for Crop Plants
Authors: Zachow Christin , Müller Henry , Tilcher Ralf , Donat Christina , Berg Gabriele
Published: November 2013

Climate change increases stress levels for crops and affects the economic and environmental aspects of agricultural management systems. The application of stress tolerance-mediating microorganisms is an auspicious strategy for improving crop protection, and as such, we developed a direct selection strategy to obtain cultivable microorganisms from promising bioresources using the bait plants, maize, oilseed rape, sorghum and sugar beet. Alpine mosses, lichens and primrose were selected as bioresources, as each is adapted to adverse environmental conditions. A 10% crop-specific selection was found for bait plant rhizosphere communities using cultivation-independent fingerprints, and their potential role as stress protecting agents (SPA) was evaluated following the cultivation of captured bacteria. In addition to assays identifying phytopathogen antagonism and plant growth promotion capacities, our evaluation included those that test the ability to allocate nutrients. Moreover, we developed new assays to measure tolerance in diverse stress conditions. A score scheme was applied to select SPAs with desired properties, and three Pseudomonas species with pronounced antagonistic activity that showed elevated tolerance to desiccation and an improved seed germination rate were subsequently chosen. Screening for environmentally-conditioned and host-adapted microorganisms provides a novel tool for target-oriented exploitation of microbial bioresources for the management of ecofriendly crops facing biotic and abiotic stresses.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Inequality in the Digital Environment
Authors: Graham Roderick
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this special issue is to explore social inequalities in the digital environment. The motivation for this issue is derived from the disproportionate focus on technological and economic aspects of the Information Society to the detriment of sociological and cultural aspects. The research presented here falls along three dimensions of inequality. Two papers explore the ways that race orders interaction online. A second pair of papers explores the experiences of technology users with physical and mental disabilities. A final paper looks at gender, and the higher rates of intimate partner violence experienced by women online. Taken as a whole, these five papers highlight some of the ways that the digital environment can reproduce or mitigate inequalities that have been molded and routinized in the physical environment. [...]
Dairy-Based Emulsions: Viscosity Affects Fat Difference Thresholds and Sweetness Perception
Authors: Zahn Susann , Hoppert Karin , Ullrich Franziska , Rohm Harald
Published: November 2013

In complex emulsions, viscosity or viscosity-associated sensory attributes such as creaminess are important for quality assessment and product differentiation. Two sets of emulsions with fat or locust bean gum content being varied at seven levels were developed; the two emulsions at each level had similar apparent viscosity. Additionally, sugar concentration was kept constant either with respect to total emulsion, or with respect to the aqueous phase. Series of two-alternative forced choice tests were performed with one constant stimulus, and just noticeable differences were calculated using probability regression. The results show that, when viscosity was not compensated, it was easy for the subjects to (a) distinguish emulsions with different fat content when the fat content was addressed in the question, and to (b) distinguish emulsions with different fat or locust bean gum content when creaminess was addressed. For the latter descriptor, it is of minor importance whether viscosity is altered by fat content or a thickener. Weber fractions that were calculated for viscosity were approximately 0.20. The quantitative effects of viscosity on sweetness, however, depend on how product rheology was modified.
Factor Structure of Early Smoking Experiences and Associations with Smoking Behavior: Valence or Sensitivity Model?
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Studer Joseph , Deline Stéphane , Mohler-Kuo Meichun , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Gmel Gerhard
Published: November 2013

The Early Smoking Experience (ESE) questionnaire is the most widely used questionnaire to assess initial subjective experiences of cigarette smoking. However, its factor structure is not clearly defined and can be perceived from two main standpoints: valence, or positive and negative experiences, and sensitivity to nicotine. This article explores the ESE’s factor structure and determines which standpoint was more relevant. It compares two groups of young Swiss men (German- and French-speaking). We examined baseline data on 3,368 tobacco users from a representative sample in the ongoing Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). ESE, continued tobacco use, weekly smoking and nicotine dependence were assessed. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed. ESEM clearly distinguished positive experiences from negative experiences, but negative experiences were divided in experiences related to dizziness and experiences related to irritations. SEM underlined the reinforcing effects of positive experiences, but also of experiences related to dizziness on nicotine dependence and weekly smoking. The best ESE structure for predictive accuracy of experiences on smoking behavior was a compromise between the valence and sensitivity standpoints, which showed clinical relevance.
Vector Contact Rates on Eastern Bluebird Nestlings Do Not Indicate West Nile Virus Transmission in Henrico County, Virginia, USA
Authors: Caillouët Kevin , Robertson Charles , Wheeler David , Komar Nicholas , Bulluck Lesley
Published: November 2013

Sensitive indicators of spatial and temporal variation in vector-host contact rates are critical to understanding the transmission and eventual prevention of arboviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV). Monitoring vector contact rates on particularly susceptible and perhaps more exposed avian nestlings may provide an advanced indication of local WNV amplification. To test this hypothesis we monitored WNV infection and vector contact rates among nestlings occupying nest boxes (primarily Eastern bluebirds; Sialia sialis, Turdidae) across Henrico County, Virginia, USA, from May to August 2012. Observed host-seeking rates were temporally variable and associated with absolute vector and host abundances. Despite substantial effort to monitor WNV among nestlings and mosquitoes, we did not detect the presence of WNV in these populations. Generally low vector-nestling host contact rates combined with the negative WNV infection data suggest that monitoring transmission parameters among nestling Eastern bluebirds in Henrico County, Virginia, USA may not be a sensitive indicator of WNV activity.
Mapping Ontario’s Wind Turbines: Challenges and Limitations
Authors: Christidis Tanya , Law Jane
Published: November 2013

Despite rapid and vast development of wind turbines across the Canadian province of Ontario, there is no map available indicating the location of each wind turbine. A map of this nature is crucial for health and environmental risk research and has many applications in other fields. Research examining health and wind turbines is limited by the available maps showing the nearest community to a wind farm as opposed to each unique wind turbine. Data from provincial-level organizations, developers, and municipalities were collected using government development approval documents, planning documents, and data given directly from municipalities and developers. Wind turbines were mapped using Google Earth, coordinate lists, shapefiles, and translating data from other maps. In total, 1,420 wind turbines were mapped from 56 wind farms. The limitations of each data source and mapping method are discussed. There are numerous challenges in creating a map of this nature, for example incorrect inclusion of wind farms and inaccuracies in wind turbine locations. The resultant map is the first of its kind to be discussed in the literature, can be used for a variety of health and environmental risk studies to assess dose-response, wind turbine density, visibility, and to create sound and vibration models.
The EPS Matrix as an Adaptive Bastion for Biofilms: Introduction to Special Issue
Authors: Decho Alan
Published: November 2013

The process of biofilm formation has knowingly, and even unsuspectingly, baffled scientists for almost as long as the field of microbiology itself has existed. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) specifically addresses an important component of the biofilm, the extracellular matrix. This matrix forms the protective secretions that surround biofilm cells and afford a “built environment” to contain biofilm processes. During the earlier days of microbiology, it was intriguing to Claude ZoBell that attached bacteria sometimes were able to proliferate when their planktonic counterparts were unable to grow [1]. During the 1970s, this attached state was beginning to be explored [2], and it was realized to be anchored in a matrix of slime-like molecules. The slime-like matrix together with cells was to be called the “biofilm”, a term developed by the late Bill Costerton, Bill Characklis and colleagues. The scientific revelation that attached bacteria were different from free (i.e., planktonic) cells in their physiological behavior and adaptability, launched an era of focused exploration in this area of microbiology. It was initially surprising, though not unexpected in retrospect, that interest in biofilms has grown and now infiltrates virtually all aspects of our scientific study. Since that time there has been a near-exponential growth in the numbers of scientific publications addressing biofilms owing to their immediate relevance to ecology, biotechnology, health and industry. [...]
Does the Neuroprotective Role of Anandamide Display Diurnal Variations?
Authors: Martinez-Vargas Marina , Morales-Gomez Julio , Gonzalez-Rivera Ruben , Hernandez-Enriquez Carla , Perez-Arredondo Adan , Estrada-Rojo Francisco , Navarro Luz
Published: November 2013

The endocannabinoid system is a component of the neuroprotective mechanisms that an organism displays after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A diurnal variation in several components of this system has been reported. This variation may influence the recovery and survival rate after TBI. We have previously reported that the recovery and survival rate of rats is higher if TBI occurs at 1:00 than at 13:00. This could be explained by a diurnal variation of the endocannabinoid system. Here, we describe the effects of anandamide administration in rats prior to the induction of TBI at two different times of the day: 1:00 and 13:00. We found that anandamide reduced the neurological damage at both times. Nevertheless, its effects on bleeding, survival, food intake, and body weight were dependent on the time of TBI. In addition, we analyzed the diurnal variation of the expression of the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R in the cerebral cortex of both control rats and rats subjected to TBI. We found that CB1R protein was expressed more during the day, whereas its mRNA level was higher during the night. We did not find a diurnal variation for the CB2R. In addition, we also found that TBI increased CB1R and CB2R in the contralateral hemisphere and disrupted the CB1R diurnal cycle.
Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of o-Carboxamido Stilbene Analogues
Authors: Azmi Mohamad , Din Mohd , Kee Chin , Suhaimi Munirah , Ping Ang , Ahmad Kartini , Nafiah Mohd , Thomas Noel , Mohamad Khalit , Hoong Leong , Awang Khalijah
Published: November 2013

Resveratrol, a natural stilbene found in grapes and wines exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. Resveratrol is also known as a good chemopreventive agent for inhibiting carcinogenesis processes that target kinases, cyclooxygenases, ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerases. A total of 19 analogues with an amide moiety were synthesized and the cytotoxic effects of the analogues on a series of human cancer cell lines are reported. Three compounds 6d, 6i and 6n showed potent cytotoxicity against prostate cancer DU-145 (IC50 = 16.68 µM), colon cancer HT-29 (IC50 = 7.51 µM) and breast cancer MCF-7 (IC50 = 21.24 µM), respectively, which are comparable with vinblastine. The resveratrol analogues were synthesized using the Heck method.
Functional Immunomics of the Squash Bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Shelby Kent
Published: November 2013

The Squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a major piercing/sucking pest of cucurbits, causing extensive damage to plants and fruits, and transmitting phytopathogens. No genomic resources to facilitate field and laboratory studies of this pest were available; therefore the first de novo exome for this destructive pest was assembled. RNA was extracted from insects challenged with bacterial and fungal immunoelicitors, insects fed on different cucurbit species, and insects from all life stages from egg to adult. All treatments and replicates were separately barcoded for subsequent analyses, then pooled for sequencing in a single lane using the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. Over 211 million 100-base tags generated in this manner were trimmed, filtered, and cleaned, then assembled into a de novo reference transcriptome using the Broad Institute Trinity assembly algorithm. The assembly was annotated using NCBIx NR, BLAST2GO, KEGG and other databases. Of the >130,000 total assemblies 37,327 were annotated identifying the sequences of candidate gene silencing targets from immune, endocrine, reproductive, cuticle, and other physiological systems. Expression profiling of the adult immune response was accomplished by aligning the 100-base tags from each biological replicate from each treatment and controls to the annotated reference assembly of the A. tristis transcriptome.
Towards Low-Cost Effective and Homogeneous Thermal Activation of Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Lantada Andrés , Rebollo María
Published: November 2013

A typical limitation of intelligent devices based on the use of shape-memory polymers as actuators is linked to the widespread use of distributed heating resistors, via Joule effect, as activation method, which involves several relevant issues needing attention, such as: (a) Final device size is importantly increased due to the additional space required for the resistances; (b) the use of resistances limits materials’ strength and the obtained devices are normally weaker; (c) the activation process through heating resistances is not homogeneous, thus leading to important temperature differences among the polymeric structure and to undesirable thermal gradients and stresses, also limiting the application fields of shape-memory polymers. In our present work we describe interesting activation alternatives, based on coating shape-memory polymers with different kinds of conductive materials, including textiles, conductive threads and conductive paint, which stand out for their easy, rapid and very cheap implementation. Distributed heating and homogeneous activation can be achieved in several of the alternatives studied and the technical results are comparable to those obtained by using advanced shape-memory nanocomposites, which have to deal with complex synthesis, processing and security aspects. Different combinations of shape memory epoxy resin with several coating electrotextiles, conductive films and paints are prepared, simulated with the help of thermal finite element method based resources and characterized using infrared thermography for validating the simulations and overall design process. A final application linked to an active catheter pincer is detailed and the advantages of using distributed heating instead of conventional resistors are discussed.
Influence of Experimental Parameters on Fatigue Crack Growth and Heat Build-Up in Rubber
Authors: Stadlbauer Franziska , Koch Thomas , Archodoulaki Vasiliki-Maria , Planitzer Florian , Fidi Wolfgang , Holzner Armin
Published: November 2013

Loading parameters (frequency, amplitude ratio and waveform) are varied to determine their influence on fatigue crack growth in rubber. Up to three different rubber blends are investigated: one actual engineering material and two model materials. Fatigue crack growth curves and strain distributions of pure shear and faint waist pure shear samples are compared for a model material. Fatigue behavior is studied for three different frequencies (1 Hz, 3 Hz and 5 Hz). Amplitude ratio appears to be another important influence factor concerning fatigue crack growth in rubber. The beneficial effect of positive amplitude ratios (tensional loading conditions) is shown for different materials. However, fatigue crack growth is considerably increased for negative amplitude ratios (tensional-compressional loading conditions). Furthermore, the influence of the waveform is determined for three different waveform shapes. One is sinusoidal, and two have a square shape, including dwell periods and sinusoidal slopes. Special focus lies on heat build-up, which is substantial, especially for large loads, high frequencies and/or highly filled rubber blends. Plateau temperatures are determined for various loading conditions and rubber blends. A very simple linear relationship with dissipated energy per time and unit area is obtained. Results gathered with dynamic mechanical analyses show, likewise, a linear trend, but the heat build-up is very small, due to different sample geometries.
The Effect of Exogenous Zinc Concentration on the Responsiveness of MC3T3-E1 Pre-Osteoblasts to Surface Microtopography: Part I (Migration)
Authors: Dorst Kathryn , Rammelkamp Derek , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Gersappe Dilip , Meng Yizhi
Published: November 2013

Initial cell-surface interactions are guided by the material properties of substrate topography. To examine if these interactions are also modulated by the presence of zinc, we seeded murine pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1, subclone 4) on micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) containing wide (20 µm width, 30 µm pitch, 2 µm height) or narrow (2 µm width, 10 µm pitch, 2 µm height) ridges, with flat PDMS and tissue culture polystyrene (TC) as controls. Zinc concentration was adjusted to mimic deficient (0.23 µM), serum-level (3.6 µM), and zinc-rich (50 µM) conditions. Significant differences were observed in regard to cell morphology, motility, and contact guidance. We found that cells exhibited distinct anisotropic migration on the wide PDMS patterns under either zinc-deprived (0.23 µM) or serum-level zinc conditions (3.6 µM). However, this effect was absent in a zinc-rich environment (50 µM). These results suggest that the contact guidance of pre-osteoblasts may be partly influenced by trace metals in the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix.
Anti- and Pro-Lipase Activity of Selected Medicinal, Herbal and Aquatic Plants, and Structure Elucidation of an Anti-Lipase Compound
Authors: Ado Muhammad , Abas Faridah , Mohammed Abdulkarim , Ghazali Hasanah
Published: November 2013

Plants that help in slowing down the digestion of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in the pancreas and small intestine of humans play an important role in the reduction of obesity. On the other hand, there may be plants or plant parts that stimulate intestinal lipolytic activity, thus contributing to greater TAG assimilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous methanolic extracts of ninety eight (98) medicinal, herbal and aquatic plant materials from Malaysia for their effect on porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) activity and to identify the structure of an anti-lipase compound from one of the sources. The degree of inhibition was also quantified as relative to orlistat activity against PPL (orlistat equivalents). Results revealed that while 19.4% of the extracts were found to have anti-lipase activity ≥80%, 12% were actually found to promote PPL activity. Twenty two percent (22.4%) exhibited moderate inhibition (41%–80%) and 2% were neutral toward PPL activity. The ripe fruit of Averrhoa carambola and the leaves of Archidendron jiringa (Jack) I.C Nielsen L. (jering), Cynometra cauliflora (nam-nam) and Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd (candle nut/buah keras) had the highest (100%) anti-lipase activity and are equivalent to 0.11 µg orlistat/mL. Plants that stimulated lipase activity included Pimpinella anisum L. (aniseed/jintan manis), activating the enzyme by 186.5%. Kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of C. cauliflora leaves and found to be an active lipase inhibitor. The structure was elucidated using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 2D-NMR analyses.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanomaterials for Sensor Applications
Authors: Irshad Muhammad , Iqbal Naseer , Mujahid Adnan , Afzal Adeel , Hussain Tajamal , Sharif Ahsan , Ahmad Ejaz , Athar Muhammad
Published: November 2013

Molecular imprinting is a well-established technology to mimic antibody-antigen interaction in a synthetic platform. Molecularly imprinted polymers and nanomaterials usually possess outstanding recognition capabilities. Imprinted nanostructured materials are characterized by their small sizes, large reactive surface area and, most importantly, with rapid and specific analysis of analytes due to the formation of template driven recognition cavities within the matrix. The excellent recognition and selectivity offered by this class of materials towards a target analyte have found applications in many areas, such as separation science, analysis of organic pollutants in water, environmental analysis of trace gases, chemical or biological sensors, biochemical assays, fabricating artificial receptors, nanotechnology, etc. We present here a concise overview and recent developments in nanostructured imprinted materials with respect to various sensor systems, e.g., electrochemical, optical and mass sensitive, etc. Finally, in light of recent studies, we conclude the article with future perspectives and foreseen applications of imprinted nanomaterials in chemical sensors.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Imbalance Modifies NK Cytotoxicity, Lymphocytes B and Lymphoprolipheration in Aged Rats
Authors: Partearroyo Teresa , Úbeda Natalia , Montero Ana , Achón María , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio
Published: November 2013

Different vitamin B12 and folic acid concentrations could exacerbate the immune response. The aim was to evaluate different dietary folic acid and vitamin B12 levels on the immune response in aged rats. Male Sprague Dawley aged rats were assigned to three folic acid groups (deficient, control, supplemented) each in absence of vitamin B12 for 30 days. Several parameters of innate and acquired immune responses were measured. Serum and hepatic folate levels increased according to folic acid dietary level, while vitamin B12 levels decreased. There was a significant decrease in natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the spleen for the vitamin B12 deficient diet and folic acid control diet groups. Significant changes in CD45 lymphocyte subsets were also observed according to dietary imbalance. Lymphoproliferative response to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin did not differ significantly between groups. The spleen response to lipopolysaccharide increased significantly, but was unmodified for the other organs. An imbalance between dietary vitamin B12 and folic acid concentrations alters some immunological parameters in aged rats. Therefore, the ratio between folate and vitamin B12 could be as important as their absolute dietary concentrations.
Whole-Proteome Analysis of Twelve Species of Alphaproteobacteria Links Four Pathogens
Authors: Zhou Yunyun , Call Douglas , Broschat Shira
Published: November 2013

Thousands of whole-genome and whole-proteome sequences have been made available through advances in sequencing technology, and sequences of millions more organisms will become available in the coming years. This wealth of genetic information will provide numerous opportunities to enhance our understanding of these organisms including a greater understanding of relationships among species. Researchers have used 16S rRNA and other gene sequences to study the evolutionary origins of bacteria, but these strategies do not provide insight into the sharing of genes among bacteria via horizontal transfer. In this work we use an open source software program called pClust to cluster proteins from the complete proteomes of twelve species of Alphaproteobacteria and generate a dendrogram from the resulting orthologous protein clusters. We compare the results with dendrograms constructed using the 16S rRNA gene and multiple sequence alignment of seven housekeeping genes. Analysis of the whole proteomes of these pathogens grouped Rickettsia typhi with three other animal pathogens whereas conventional sequence analysis failed to group these pathogens together. We conclude that whole-proteome analysis can give insight into relationships among species beyond their phylogeny, perhaps reflecting the effects of horizontal gene transfer and potentially providing insight into the functions of shared genes by means of shared phenotypes.
The Clubroot Pathogen (Plasmodiophora brassicae) Influences Auxin Signaling to Regulate Auxin Homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jahn Linda , Mucha Stefanie , Bergmann Sabine , Horn Cornelia , Staswick Paul , Steffens Bianka , Siemens Johannes , Ludwig-Müller Jutta
Published: November 2013

The clubroot disease, caused by the obligate biotrophic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae, affects cruciferous crops worldwide. It is characterized by root swellings as symptoms, which are dependent on the alteration of auxin and cytokinin metabolism. Here, we describe that two different classes of auxin receptors, the TIR family and the auxin binding protein 1 (ABP1) in Arabidopsis thaliana are transcriptionally upregulated upon gall formation. Mutations in the TIR family resulted in more susceptible reactions to the root pathogen. As target genes for the different pathways we have investigated the transcriptional regulation of selected transcriptional repressors (Aux/IAA) and transcription factors (ARF). As the TIR pathway controls auxin homeostasis via the upregulation of some auxin conjugate synthetases (GH3), the expression of selected GH3 genes was also investigated, showing in most cases upregulation. A double gh3 mutant showed also slightly higher susceptibility to P. brassicae infection, while all tested single mutants did not show any alteration in the clubroot phenotype. As targets for the ABP1-induced cell elongation the effect of potassium channel blockers on clubroot formation was investigated. Treatment with tetraethylammonium (TEA) resulted in less severe clubroot symptoms. This research provides evidence for the involvement of two auxin signaling pathways in Arabidopsis needed for the establishment of the root galls by P. brassicae.
An Improved Image Fusion Approach Based on Enhanced Spatial and Temporal the Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model
Authors: Fu Dongjie , Chen Baozhang , Wang Juan , Zhu Xiaolin , Hilker Thomas
Published: November 2013

High spatiotemporal resolution satellite imagery is useful for natural resource management and monitoring for land-use and land-cover change and ecosystem dynamics. However, acquisitions from a single satellite can be limited, due to trade-offs in either spatial or temporal resolution. The spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM) and the enhanced STARFM (ESTARFM) were developed to produce new images with high spatial and high temporal resolution using images from multiple sources. Nonetheless, there were some shortcomings in these models, especially for the procedure of searching spectrally similar neighbor pixels in the models. In order to improve these models’ capacity and accuracy, we developed a modified version of ESTARFM (mESTARFM) and tested the performance of two approaches (ESTARFM and mESTARFM) in three study areas located in Canada and China at different time intervals. The results show that mESTARFM improved the accuracy of the simulated reflectance at fine resolution to some extent.