bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Lactobacillus spp. on mould and yeast growth in the ensiling process
Authors: Dimitrijevic Tijana
Published: July 2008

The paper includes the results of effect of preparations Biomax SI (Lactobacillus plantarum) and Biomax WS (L. plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus) on mould and yeast growth in the ensiling process. The following has been analyzed: total number of mould and yeast, specific rate of mould and yeast growth, pH, content acid (lactic, acetic and butyric acid), moisture and temperature in bales during 30 days of lucerne ensiling.
PCLO Variants Are Nominally Associated With Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance in Pima Indians
Authors: Ma Lijun , Hanson Robert L. , Que Lorem N. , Guo Yan , Kobes Sayuko , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—A prior genome-wide association (GWA) study in Pima Indians identified variants within PCLO that were associated with early-onset type 2 diabetes. PCLO encodes a presynaptic cytomatrix protein that functions as a Ca2+ sensor that may be involved in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Therefore, PCLO was analyzed as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Sequencing of PCLO identified four nonsynonymous variants and a 10–amino acid insertion. These variants, together with 100 additional variants identified by sequencing or chosen from databases, were genotyped for association analysis in the same 895 subjects analyzed in the prior GWA study (300 case subjects with diabetes onset at aged <25 years, 334 nondiabetic control subjects aged >45 years, and 261 discordant siblings of the case or control subjects for within-family analyses), as well as 415 nondiabetic Pima Indians who had been metabolically phenotyped for predictors of diabetes. Selected variants were further genotyped in a population-based sample of 3,501 Pima Indians.

RESULTS—Four variants were modestly associated with early-onset type 2 diabetes in both general and within-family analyses (P = 0.004–0.04, recessive model), where the diabetes risk allele was also nominally associated with a lower insulin-mediated glucose disposal rate (P = 0.009–0.14, recessive model) in nondiabetic Pima Indians. However, their association with diabetes in the population-based sample was weaker (P = 0.02–0.20, recessive model).

CONCLUSIONS—Variation within PCLO may have a modest effect on early-onset type 2 diabetes, possibly as a result of reduced insulin action, but has minimal, if any, impact on population-based risk for type 2 diabetes.
Inducible Overexpression of sFlt-1 in Podocytes Ameliorates Glomerulopathy in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ku Ching-Hsin , White Kathryn E. , Dei Cas Alessandra , Hayward Anthea , Webster Zoe , Bilous Rudy , Marshall Sally , Viberti Giancarlo , Gnudi Luigi
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Podocyte-specific, doxycycline (DOX)-inducible overexpression of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-1 (sFlt-1) in adult mice was used to investigate the role of the VEGF-A/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) system in diabetic glomerulopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied nondiabetic and diabetic transgenic mice and wild-type controls treated with vehicle (VEH) or DOX for 10 weeks. Glycemia was measured by a glucose-oxidase method and blood pressure by a noninvasive technique. sFlt-1, VEGF-A, VEGFR2, and nephrin protein expression in renal cortex were determined by Western immunoblotting; urine sFlt-1, urine free VEGF-A, and albuminuria by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; glomerular ultrastructure by electron microscopy; and VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 cellular localization with Immunogold techniques.

RESULTS—Nondiabetic DOX-treated transgenic mice showed a twofold increase in cortex sFlt-1 expression and a fourfold increase in sFlt-1 urine excretion (P < 0.001). Urine free VEGF-A was decreased by 50%, and cortex VEGF-A expression was upregulated by 30% (P < 0.04). VEGFR2 expression was unchanged, whereas its activation was reduced in DOX-treated transgenic mice (P < 0.02). Albuminuria and glomerular morphology were similar among groups. DOX-treated transgenic diabetic mice showed a 60% increase in 24-h urine sFlt-1 excretion and an ∼70% decrease in urine free VEGF-A compared with VEH-treated diabetic mice (P < 0.04) and had lower urine albumin excretion at 10 weeks than VEH-treated diabetic (d) mice: d-VEH vs. d-DOX, geometric mean (95% CI), 117.5 (69–199) vs. 43 (26.8–69) μg/24 h (P = 0.003). Diabetes-induced mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, podocyte foot-process fusion, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression were ameliorated in DOX-treated diabetic animals (P < 0.05). Diabetes-induced VEGF-A and nephrin expression were not affected in DOX-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS—Podocyte-specific sFlt-1 overexpression ameliorates diabetic glomerular injury, implicating VEGF-A in the pathogenesis of this complication.
Cultural Discontinuity: Toward a Quantitative Investigation of a Major Hypothesis in Education
Authors: Tyler Kenneth M. , Uqdah Aesha L. , Dillihunt Monica L. , Beatty-Hazelbaker ReShanta , Conner Timothy , Gadson Nadia , Henchy Alexandra , Hughes Travonia , Mulder Shambra , Owens Elizabeth , Roan-Belle Clarissa , Smith LaToya , Stevens Ruby
Published: July 2008

Education researchers have suggested that the academic challenges faced by many ethnic minority students are linked to perceived cultural discontinuity between students’ home- and school-based experiences. However, there has been very little empirical inquiry into the existence and effects of cultural discontinuity for these students. The purpose of this article is to offer a definition and methodology to be used in the quantitative investigation of cultural discontinuity. A description of the cultural values and corresponding behaviors of African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American students, along with those values and behaviors salient in most public schools, is offered. Next, a method for investigating cultural discontinuity is proposed. Finally, future research directions to further examine cultural discontinuity are offered.
Fourth Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research—Lessons Learned and Opportunities Ignored Since Brown v. Board of Education: Youth Development and the Myth of a Color-Blind Society
Authors: Spencer Margaret Beale
Published: July 2008

The scholarship of Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark, referenced in the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, emphasized the nation’s color line, not only in the Jim Crow South but in American cities overall. The Clarks pointed out the critical role of context; however, they applied it narrowly to the issue of “harm” as an inevitable consequence of segregation. The author of this article argues that the Clarks and their social science colleagues missed an opportunity to view Black youth as diverse human beings engaged in normal developmental tasks under difficult conditions. She denotes the role of context as key, especially when linked with human growth and psychological processes. Her findings from a sample of impoverished multiethnic youth reaffirm that America is not colorblind and suggest that these youths’ political beliefs and concerns about government vary by ethnicity, gender, family structure, and skin color preferences.
Wayfinding in Natural and Urban Environments: A Comparative Study
Authors: Brosset David , Claramunt Christophe , Saux Eric
Published: July 2008

Wayfinding in a natural setting is one of the many complex processes human beings face when acting in the environment. Despite recent developments and applications of wayfinding in urban environments, little research has been oriented and applied to natural environments. The research presented in this article introduces an ontological and language-based modelling of human navigation in a natural setting. The experimental approach was applied to a foot orienteering race that has the advantage of being semantically rich and combined with cartographic support, enabling the study of the importance of landmarks, actions, and the role of the underlying nature of the land and topography. Experimental results are compared to those of studies conducted in urban environments and permit the identification of similarities and differences between wayfinding descriptions made in urban contexts and those made in natural contexts.
Complexities in Sustainable Provision of GIS for Urban Grassroots Organizations
Authors: Lin Wen , Ghose Rina
Published: July 2008

Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) technologies by a plethora of social groups in various fields. Public participation GIS (PPGIS) has emerged to advance more equitable access to and more inclusive use of GIS among resource-poor and traditionally marginalized community-based organizations. The issue of sustainable provision of GIS for these community groups remains critical; thus, it is worth continuing investigation, particularly with respect to unravelling the dynamic process of GIS provision. This article presents such an attempt through a critical examination of the Data Center program in Milwaukee, which has been suggested as a valuable model of GIS provision in local PPGIS practice. This study proposes that a synthesized approach of scaled network analysis helps to better explain the dynamic process of social struggle for power and control within which the GIS provision is situated. The article illustrates how multiple scaled networks have been constructed by the Data Center to facilitate its GIS provision and examines the implications of this network construction to the dynamic production of its GIS provision.
Colonial Cartography of Canadian Margins: Cultural Encounters and the Idea ofMétissage
Authors: Rivard Étienne
Published: July 2008

Essential to the fur trade and to colonial expansion into Canada, métissage considerably marked Canadian history by creating new cultural spaces – Métis geographies – between Aboriginal and European societies. My objective here is to investigate the role of colonial maps – from the French regime up to the late nineteenth century – in the mental representation of these specific Métis geographies and in the development and evolution of the idea of métissage. The idea of métissage reveals colonial ambivalence. The idea is, in fact, built upon the dialectic between recognition and denial, the latter mostly fed by discourses of anti-métissage. Although colonial officials were often forced to acknowledge Euro-Indian métissage at colonial margins, they never completely accepted the idea that “primitive” and European cultures could be mixed. Métissage was acceptable insofar as it was marginal (socially and spatially speaking) and did not endanger the spread of “civilization.” Maps represent colonial ambiguity toward métissage. On the one hand, given their intent to be objective accounts of geographic reality and their dependence on the geographic information provided by Aboriginal peoples, maps record, at the margins of colonial reach, the nascent manifestation of Métis geographies. On the other hand, because they are sociocultural constructions, maps are components of the discourse of anti-métissage; while Métis geographies were sometimes visually silenced, at other times they were cartographically erased.
Exact Equations for Fuller's Map Projection and Inverse
Authors: Crider John E.
Published: July 2008

Robert Gray has derived exact transformation equations for Buckminster Fuller's icosahedron-based world map projection. This paper presents three alternative sets of transformation equations for the same map projection: one based on spherical linear interpolation, another using intersections of geodesics, and the third using spherical triangles. Further, the exact solution is given here for the inverse transformation equation stated, but not solved, by Gray. This solution leads to various inverse procedures for Fuller's map projection.
Government, State, and Cartography: Mapping, Power, and Politics in Europe, 1650–1800
Authors: Black Jeremy
Published: July 2008

Mapping in Enlightenment Europe is located in the quest for information designed to maximize state resources. This is linked to a transition in mapping from a Baroque mode of the image of power and the symbolization of knowledge to cartography understood as a crucial element in the accumulation and display of information. Mapping is linked to activities of government within Europe but also in the colonies, as well as to the changing nature of frontiers.
Planning for End-of-Life Care: Findings from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging
Authors: Garrett Douglas D. , Tuokko Holly , Stajduhar Kelli I. , Lindsay Joan , Buehler Sharon
Published: July 2008

Les étapes utilisées pour l'officialisation des préférences en matière de soins en fin de vie et les facteurs en rapport avec ces étapes sont flous dans la documentation. À l'aide des données de la troisième phase de l'Étude sur la santé et le vieillissement au Canada (ESVC-3), nous avons examiné les relations entre les prédicteurs démographiques et en matière de santé, et les trois résultats (à savoir si les participants avaient réfléchi à leurs préférences de fin de vie, s'ils en avaient discuté, ou s'ils les avaient officialisées), et s'il y avait des relations entre les trois résultats. La région de résidence au Canada, le sexe féminin, et davantage d'années de scolarité étaient des facteurs associés à des personnes ayant réfléchi à leurs préférences. La région de résidence, le sexe féminin, et le manque de déficience cognitive étaient associés aux discussions en matière de préférences, et la région de résidence et le fait de ne pas avoir de conjoint étaient associés au dépôt de documents officiels. Les résidents de l'Ontario étaient les plus enclins à avoir réfléchi à leurs préférences, à en avoir discuté, et à les avoir officialisées, tandis que les résidents des Maritimes étaient les moins enclins à y avoir pensé et à avoir agi en conséquence. Enfin, avoir réfléchi à leurs préférences était associé au fait d'en discuter, et y avoir réfléchi et en avoir discuté étaient chacun associés à l'officialisation des préférences. Ces résultats correspondent au postulat que l'exécution du mandat (directive par procuration) est un processus comportant plusieurs étapes. Avoir une meilleure idée de ce processus peut se révéler utile lors de l'élaboration d'interventions visant à promouvoir la planification des soins en fin de vie.
The Key to Me: Seniors' Perceptions of Relationship-Building with In-Home Service Providers
Authors: Gantert Thomas W. , McWilliam Carol L. , Ward-Griffin Catherine , Allen Natalie J.
Published: July 2008

Les données démographiques changeantes et les compressions imposées aux hôpitaux ont exercé de plus en plus de pressions sur le secteur des soins à domicile. Bon nombre des personnes recevant des soins à domicile sont des aînés dont l'état chronique exige une méthode concertée. Les orientations paternalistes des deux fournisseurs envers les clients âgés et la passivité des aînés lors des interactions fournisseur-client pourraient nuire à l'établissement de relations productives. Bien que ces orientations aient été documentées, la façon dont les aînés perçoivent l'établissement de bonnes relations à domicile a reçu peu d'attention. Le but de la présente étude était d'évaluer la façon dont les aînés voient l'établissement des relations avec les fournisseurs de soins à domicile, en mettant l'accent sur les facilitateurs de cette expérience et les obstacles afférents. En ayant recours à la phénoménologie interprétative, nous avons effectué des entrevues approfondies auprès d'un échantillon ciblé de clients âgés, et utilisé une stratégie d'analyse par immersion et cristallisation pour obtenir des résultats. Les résultats ont révélé que les aînés percevaient l'établissement de relations comme un processus dynamique qui englobait les facilitateurs et les obstacles au niveau tant individuel que contextuel. Les résultats interprétatifs donnent une meilleure idée de la façon de procéder pour établir des liens fournisseur-client dans le contexte des personnes à domicile.
Mall Walking as a Physical Activity Option: Results of a Pilot Project
Authors: Culos-Reed S. Nicole , Stephenson Lynette , Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Dickinson James A.
Published: July 2008

Le but de la présente étude était d'évaluer la faisabilité et les avantages (forme physique et qualité de vie) d'un programme de marche de 8 semaines dans un centre commercial. Quelque 52 participants (n = 39au post-test) ont pris part au projet pilote (de 46 à 83 ans, âge moyen = 66,4 ans), et ont été présents globalement à 62,4 pour cent. Les participants sélectionnaient eux-mêmes la vitesse de marche, le temps, et la fréquence. Les mesures de la forme physique, le comportement lors de l'activité physique, et la qualité de vie ont fait l'objet d'une évaluation et d'un programme subséquent. Les résultats indiquent une amélioration importante du comportement face à l'activité physique et à la plupart des indices de forme physique. Aucune modification de la qualité de vie n'a été constatée, probablement en raison des valeurs de référence au-dessus de la norme. Globalement, ce projet pilote soutient la faisabilité et les améliorations positives de la santé associées au programme de marche dans un centre commercial. Ces programmes devraient faire partie des programmes de promotion de la santé, et plus particulièrement pour la population vieillissante.
Phylogeny, biogeography, and rates of diversification of New World Astragalus (Leguminosae) with an emphasis on South American radiations
Authors: Scherson Rosa A. , Vidal Rodrigo , Sanderson Michael J.
Published: July 2008

This study uses phylogenetic relationships of New World representatives of the species‐rich genus Astragalus (Leguminosae; Papilionoideae) to follow up on recent evidence pointing to rapid and recent plant diversification patterns in the Andes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were done using nuclear rDNA ITS and chloroplast spacers trnD‐trnT and trnfM‐trnS1, either separately or in combination. The effect of using partitioned vs. nonpartitioned analyses in a Bayesian approach was evaluated. Highest resolution was obtained when the data were combined in partitioned or nonpartitioned Bayesian analyses. All phylogenies support two clades of South American species nested within the North American species, implying two separate invasions from North to South America. These two clades correspond to the original morphological classification of Johnston (1947 Journal of the Arnold Arboretum 28: 336–409). The mean ages of the South American clades were very recent but still significantly different (1.89 and 0.98 Ma). Upper and lower bounds on rates of diversification varied between 2.01 and 0.65 species/Ma for the older clade and 2.06 and 1.24 species/Ma for the younger clade. Even the lower bounds are still very high, reasserting Neo‐Astragalus in the growing list of recent rapid radiations of plants, especially in areas with a high physiographic diversity, such as the Andes.
Neotropical roots of a Polynesian spice: the hybrid origin of Tahitian vanilla, Vanilla tahitensis (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Lubinsky Pesach , Cameron Kenneth M. , Molina María Carmen , Wong Maurice , Lepers‐Andrzejewski Sandra , Gómez‐Pompa Arturo , Kim Seung‐Chul
Published: July 2008

Absent in the wild, Tahitian vanilla (V. tahitensis) is a gourmet spice restricted in distribution to cultivated and feral stands in French Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. Its origins have been elusive. Our objective was to test the purported hybrid derivation and parentage of V. tahitensis from aromatic, neotropical progenitors. Nucleotide sequences from V. tahitensis and neotropical Vanilla were assayed for phylogenetic relatedness in two independently inherited genomic regions, the nuclear ITS region, and the trnH‐psbA noncoding region of chloroplast DNA. As predicted to occur for early generation hybrids, placement of V. tahitensis was nonconcordant. All V. tahitensis clustered with V. planifolia from analysis of cpDNA sequences, suggesting V. planifolia as the maternal genome contributor. Phylogenetic reconstruction of ITS sequences showed that most V. tahitensis nested incongruently with V. odorata, but others remained sister to V. planifolia. Recovery of ITS clones in V. tahitensis related to both V. planifolia and V. odorata also supports its biphyletic origin from these two taxa. We interpret the high percentage (95%) of additive polymorphic sites in V. tahitensis relative to its parents as indication of a recent, and probably human‐mediated, evolutionary origin.
Evolutionary relationships in the showy mistletoe family (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Vidal‐Russell Romina , Nickrent Daniel L.
Published: July 2008

Loranthaceae (73 genera and ca. 900 species) comprise mostly aerial hemiparasitic plants. Three monotypic genera considered relicts are root parasites. The family is diverse in tropical areas, but representatives are also found in temperate habitats. Previous classifications were based on floral and inflorescence morphology, karyological information, and biogeography. The family has been divided into three tribes: Nuytsiae, Elytrantheae (subtribes Elytranthinae and Gaiadendrinae), and Lorantheae (subtribes Loranthinae and Psittacanthinae). Nuytsiae and Elytrantheae are characterized by a base chromosome number of x = 12, whereas subtribes Loranthinae (x = 9) and Psittacanthinae (x = 8) numbers are derived via aneuploid reduction. To elucidate the phylogeny of the family, we analyzed sequences from five genes (nuclear small and large subunit rDNA and the chloroplast genes rbcL, matK, and trnL‐F) representing most genera using parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian inference. The three root parasites, Nuytsia, Atkinsonia, and Gaiadendron, are supported as successive sister taxa to the remaining genera, resulting in a monophyletic group of aerial parasites. Three major clades are resolved each corresponding to a subtribe. However, two South American genera (Tristerix and Notanthera) and the New Zealand genus Tupeia, which were previously classified in subtribe Elytranthinae, are weakly supported as part of a clade representing the South American subtribe Psittacanthinae.
Biogeographic and phylogenetic patterns in diversity of liverwort‐associated endophytes
Authors: Davis E. Christine , Shaw A. Jonathan
Published: July 2008

Liverworts harbor diverse fungi, including endophytes, in their healthy tissues. To address whether patterns of endophyte diversity are correlated with host phylogeny or geography, we designed a broad geographic survey with controlled phylogenetic host sampling. We collected liverworts in North Carolina, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, Germany, and New Zealand and identified endophytes using culture‐based and molecular methods. Of the major lineages of filamentous ascomycetes recovered, 53–88% belonged to the Xylariales. Endophyte accumulation curves did not saturate, and singleton sequences were dominant in each region, suggesting that liverwort endophyte communities are diverse. There was no significant difference in species richness between regional endophyte communities; however, total richness estimators indicated that North Carolina and New Zealand have richer communities than do Germany and the Pacific Northwest. This pattern reflects lower per‐host endophyte density and prevalence of a common, shared sequence group in Germany and the Pacific Northwest. Although species richness was relatively low in the Pacific Northwest, the greatest phylogenetic diversity of endophytes was recovered there. Tests for regional and host specificity revealed that endophyte floras of hosts within a geographic area are more similar to one another than to those of closely related hosts. Geographic distance, not host phylogeny, best explains differences among communities.
Trans‐Atlantic dispersal and large‐scale lack of genetic structure in the circumpolar, arctic‐alpine sedge Carex bigelowii s. l. (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Schönswetter Peter , Elven Reidar , Brochmann Christian
Published: July 2008

Paradoxically, several of the ecologically most important plant groups in the Arctic are little understood in terms of taxonomy and biogeographic history. The circumpolar Carex bigelowii s. l. (Cyperaceae) is abundant in the Arctic and is one of the most complicated arctic plant groups. While its ecology and population genetics have been extensively studied, its taxonomy is largely unexplored. We analyzed the large‐scale geographical structuring of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) covering most of the distribution range. We detected high levels of genetic variation, most (66%) within populations, and a fairly weak genetic structure. Only the Central Asian populations, referred to as C. orbicularis, were strongly divergent. For the remaining populations, Bayesian clustering separated three distinct clusters (one European, one amphi‐Atlantic, and one broadly amphi‐Beringian), probably reflecting different major glacial refugia and recent transoceanic dispersal. The isolated central European populations were most closely related to those from a larger distribution area in northern Europe. Differences in genetic diversity suggest that the Alpine and Tatra populations have experienced strong bottlenecks, whereas the Krkonoše population may have been part of a continuous distribution area during the cold stages of the Pleistocene. Finally, we discuss the relevance of our results for a uniform, range‐wide taxonomic concept.
Plasticity in salt tolerance traits allows for invasion of novel habitat by Japanese knotweed s. l. (Fallopia japonicaandF.×bohemica, Polygonaceae)
Authors: Richards Christina L. , Walls Ramona L. , Bailey John P. , Parameswaran Radha , George Tara , Pigliucci Massimo
Published: July 2008

Japanese knotweeds are among the most invasive organisms in the world. Their recent expansion into salt marsh habitat provides a unique opportunity to investigate how invasives establish in new environments. We used morphology, cytology, and AFLP genotyping to identify taxa and clonal diversity in roadside and salt marsh populations. We conducted a greenhouse study to determine the ability to tolerate salt and whether salt marsh populations are more salt tolerant than roadside populations as measured by the efficiency of PSII, leaf area, succulence, height, root‐to‐shoot ratio, and total biomass. Clonal diversity was extremely low with oneF. japonicaclone and fiveF. ×bohemicagenotypes. The two taxa were significantly different in several traits, but did not vary in biomass or plasticity of any trait. All traits were highly plastic in response to salinity, but differed significantly among genets. Despite this variation, plants from the salt marsh habitats did not perform better in the salt treatment, suggesting that they are not better adapted to tolerate salt. Instead, our data support the hypothesis that plasticity in salt tolerance traits may allow these taxa to live in saline habitats without specific adaptation to tolerate salt.
Plasma Processing of Polymers
Authors: Milella A.
Published: July 2008

Since the late 1960s when low‐pressure plasmas started to be widely investigated for the etching of silicon in microelectronics, an enormous interest has grown in the plasma processing of polymers. Plasmas allow to modify the surface of materials without altering their bulk. The uniqueness is related to the fact that they permit a continuous variation of the chemical composition of the treated surfaces and, in turn, of their structure and properties in a very broad range. This review provides a survey of the range of applications for plasmas to the processing of polymers, along with some fundamental aspects of nonequilibrium plasmas.
Control of the Surface Composition of a Conducting‐Polymer Complex Film to Tune the Work Function
Authors: Lee Tae‐Woo , Chung Youngsu
Published: July 2008

Control of surface composition of a hole‐injecting conducting polymer complex, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxy thiophene) (PEDOT) doped with a polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) has been conducted in the spin‐cast films. We found that the work function of the polymeric complex films formed via single spin‐coating can be greatly increased up to 5.44 eV by increasing the surface concentration of the PSS dopant. As a result, we improved the device efficiency and the lifetime of green emitting polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). This implies that the PSS surface layer of the films spin‐cast from the conducting polymer complexes plays a key role in making high performance PLEDs.
A Birefringent and Transparent Electrical Conductor
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. , van Popta Andy C. , Sit Jeremy C. , Broer Dirk J. , Brett Michael J.
Published: July 2008

We have developed a range of thin film coatings that are transparent in the visible, electrically conducting, adjustably birefringent and capable of aligning calamitic liquid crystals. The coatings were fabricated from indium tin oxide by oblique or glancing angle deposition, and a wide range of microstructures such as helices, chevrons, uniaxial posts and biaxial slabs were produced. Under many deposition conditions, these structures showed optical transmittance and electrical conductivity comparable to standard indium tin oxide, yet a strong form birefringence (Δn > 0.07 at 589 nm) was also measured. In addition, many coatings were found to be capable of aligning liquid crystals along a common director, leading us to conclude that the technology may be useful in liquid crystal displays and other lightwave applications.
Exploiting Ionic Coupling in Electronic Devices: Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Panzer Matthew J. , Frisbie C. Daniel
Published: July 2008

Currently there is great interest in using organic semiconductors to develop novel flexible electronic applications. An emerging strategy in organic semiconductor materials research involves development of composite or layered materials in which electronic and ionic conductivity is combined to create enhanced functionality in devices. For example, we and other groups have employed ionic motion to modulate electronic transport in organic field‐effect transistors using solid electrolytes. Not only do these transistors operate at low voltages as a result of greatly enhanced capacitive coupling, but they also display intriguing transport phenomena such as negative differential transconductance. Here, we discuss differences in operation between traditional (e.g., SiO2) and electrolyte‐based dielectrics, suggest further improvements to currently used electrolyte materials, and propose several possibilities for exploiting electrolytes in future applications with both organic and inorganic semiconductors.
Risk of leukemia and multiple myeloma associated with exposure to benzene and other organic solvents: Evidence from the Italian Multicenter Case–control study
Authors: Costantini Adele Seniori , Benvenuti Alessandra , Vineis Paolo , Kriebel David , Tumino Rosario , Ramazzotti Valerio , Rodella Stefania , Stagnaro Emanuele , Crosignani Paolo , Amadori Dino , Mirabelli Dario , Sommani Letizia , Belletti Isabella , Troschel Loredana , Romeo Luciano , Miceli Giuseppe , Tozzi Giulio Andrea , Mendico Igino , Maltoni Simona Alberghini , Miligi Lucia
Published: July 2008

Background

While there is a general consensus about the ability of benzene to induce acute myeloid leukemia (AML), its effects on chronic lymphoid leukemia and multiple myeloma (MM) are still under debate. We conducted a population‐based case–control study to evaluate the association between exposure to organic solvents and risk of myeloid and lymphoid leukemia and MM.

Methods

Five hundred eighty‐six cases of leukemia (and 1,278 population controls), 263 cases of MM (and 1,100 population controls) were collected. Experts assessed exposure at individual level to a range of chemicals.

Results

We found no association between exposure to any solvent and AML. There were elevated point estimates for the associations between medium/high benzene exposure and chronic lymphatic leukemia (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.9–3.9) and MM (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 0.9–3.9). Risks of chronic lymphatic leukemia were somewhat elevated, albeit with wide confidence intervals, from medium/high exposure to xylene and toluene as well.

Conclusions

We did not confirm the known association between benzene and AML, though this is likely explained by the strict regulation of benzene in Italy nearly three decades prior to study initiation. Our results support the association between benzene, xylene, and toluene and chronic lymphatic leukemia and between benzene and MM with longer latencies than have been observed for AML in other studies. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:803‐811, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deaths Due to Bloodborne Infections and Their Sequelae Among Health‐Care Workers
Authors: Luckhaupt Sara E. , Calvert Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2008

Background

The odds of dying from bloodborne infections among health‐care workers has not been well studied.

Methods

Using data from the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) system, a matched case‐control design was employed to examine the relationship between health‐care employment and death from HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV; non‐A/non‐B viral hepatitis), liver cancer, and cirrhosis from 1984 to 2004. We examined the whole health‐care industry and specific health‐care occupations.

Results

From 1984 to 2004, NOMS captured 248,550 deaths from bloodborne pathogens and their sequelae. Employment in the health‐care industry was associated with increased risk of death from HIV (MOR = 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.11–2.44), HBV (MOR = 1.98; CI = 1.58–2.48), and cirrhosis (MOR = 1.09; CI = 1.04–1.15) among males, and death from HCV among both males (MOR = 1.46; CI = 1.22–1.75) and females (MOR = 1.22; CI = 1.05–1.40). Nursing was the occupation with the highest MORs among males for HIV and HBV, but female nurses were at decreased risk of dying from HIV (MOR = 0.69; CI = 0.57–0.83).

Conclusions

Employment in the health‐care industry was found to be associated with deaths from several bloodborne pathogens and their sequelae among males, but only with HCV among females from 1984 to 2004 in this exploratory study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:812‐824, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis of plywood wastes under N2, CO2 and O2 atmospheres
Authors: Harris A. T. , Zhong Z.
Published: July 2008

The rates of (1) devolatilisation, (2) char combustion and (3) char gasification with CO2 of plywood sawdust (Australian Standard 2207 ‘Interior Grade’) was measured using non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influence of heating rate (β = 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 °C/min) and reaction atmosphere (N2, Air, CO2) was investigated. Irrespective of the reaction atmosphere, devolatilisation typically occurred at the same rate. Weight loss attributed to char oxidation was observed at temperatures > 400 °C, while weight loss due to CO2 gasification of char was observed at temperatures > 800 °C. There was uncertainty about the fate of some of the constituents of the plywood sawdust, i.e. urea‐formaldehyde binders, which could not be fully evaluated using a TGA system without evolved‐gas analysis. These components appeared to volatilise around 380 °C on the differential mass loss profiles in the presence of N2 and CO2 and around 490 °C in the presence of air. A simple first‐order reaction model was used to interpret the experimental observations. The kinetic parameters for the main components of plywood sawdust were consistent with those reported previously for other biomass materials. This information is potentially useful for the design of large‐scale equipment to recover energy from discarded wood wastes. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of polymer processing on sorption of benzaldehyde vapor in amorphous and semicrystalline polypropylene
Authors: Qin Ying , Rubino Maria , Auras Rafael , Lim Loong‐Tak
Published: July 2008

In this study, organic vapor sorption properties of different polypropylene (PP) forms (resin, sheet, thermoformed sheet, and atactic PP) at 25°C were investigated. The sorption of benzaldehyde at five vapor activities was studied by using a continuous gravimetric method. The sorption of benzaldehyde vapor in PP exhibited different behaviors among resin, sheet, and polyhedron thermoformed sheet. The experimental results demonstrated that the extrusion and thermoforming processes used for forming these parts had a great impact on the sorption behavior because of the changes in surface and bulk morphologies, especially at high vapor activities. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008.
In silico genome‐scale reconstruction and validation of the Corynebacterium glutamicum metabolic network
Authors: Kjeldsen Kjeld Raunkjær , Nielsen Jens
Published: July 2008

A genome‐scale metabolic model of the Gram‐positive bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 was constructed comprising 446 reactions and 411 metabolites, based on the annotated genome and available biochemical information. The network was analyzed using constraint based methods. The model was extensively validated against published flux data, and flux distribution values were found to correlate well between simulations and experiments. The split pathway of the lysine synthesis pathway of C. glutamicum was investigated, and it was found that the direct dehydrogenase variant gave a higher lysine yield than the alternative succinyl pathway at high lysine production rates. The NADPH demand of the network was not found to be critical for lysine production until lysine yields exceeded 55% (mmol lysine (mmol glucose)−1). The model was validated during growth on the organic acids acetate and lactate. Comparable flux values between in silico model and experimental values were seen, although some differences in the phenotypic behavior between the model and the experimental data were observed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 583–597. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of leucine‐enkephalin radical oxidation products by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fonseca Conceição , Domingues Pedro , Reis Ana , Domingues M. Rosário M.
Published: July 2008

The oxidation of the peptide leucine‐enkephalin (YGGFL) induced by the hydroxyl radical (HO•), formed under Fenton‐like conditions [Cu (II)/H2O2], was studied and monitored by LC‐MS. The oxidation products identified included products resultant from (a) the insertion of oxygen atoms (1–5), (b) peptide backbone cleavage (short‐chain products formed by diamide pathway) and (c) radical–radical crosslinking reactions. In order to identify the modified residues, LC‐MS/MS spectra were obtained. The insertion of oxygen atoms into the peptide originated hydroxide, di‐hydroxide and/or hydroperoxide derivatives. In addition it was found that the aromatic amino acids are most susceptible to being hydroxylated, while the aliphatic amino acids are more prone to forming hydroperoxides. Oxidation products with double bonds were also identified. The short chain products resulted from the α‐carbon radical of terminal amino acids (Tyr and Leu). Products resulting from cross‐linking reactions between intact carbon‐centered peptide radical (with and without one HO group) and a side chain radical (•C7H7O) were identified. It was found that, although all amino acids residues of the peptide undergo modifications, the N‐terminal seems to be prone to oxidative modifications under these conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of matrix effects and determination of niacin in human plasma using liquid–liquid extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Peoples Michael C. , Halquist Matthew S. , Ismaiel Omnia , El‐Mammli Magda Y. , Shalaby Abdalla , Karnes H. Thomas
Published: July 2008

A simple, sensitive and rapid liquid–liquid extraction method for the analysis of nicotinic acid (niacin) and its labeled internal standard nicotinic acid‐d4 (niacin‐d4) in human plasma was developed and validated. The analyte and its internal standard were isolated from acidified plasma using a single liquid–liquid extraction procedure with methyl‐t‐butyl ether. The extracted samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. The calibration curves were linear in the measured range between 5 and 1000 ng/mL and the limit of detection was calculated as 122 pg/mL. The method required 250 µL of human plasma and the total run time between injections was 3.5 min. Matrix effects were assessed by post‐column infusion experiments, phospholipids monitoring and post‐extraction addition experiments. The extraction of phospholipids and niacin from plasma was studied under acidic, neutral and basic conditions. Acidic conditions were optimal for both the recovery of niacin and the removal of phospholipids; the degree of matrix effects for niacin was determined to be 2.5%. It was concluded that effective removal of matrix components can overcome low recovery issues associated with liquid–liquid extractions of polar analytes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Enantiomer of Octreotate Binds to All Five Somatostatin Receptors with Almost Equal Micromolar Affinity – A Comparison with SANDOSTATIN®
Authors: Gardiner James , Langenegger Daniel , Hoyer Daniel , Beck Albert K. , Mathad Raveendra I. , Seebach Dieter
Published: July 2008

Octreotate (1b) is the octreotide (SANDOSTATIN®; 1a) analogue, carrying a C‐terminal CO2H (Thr) instead of the CH2OH (threoninol) group. In pursuit of our interest in unnatural peptides, we have now synthesized (by the solid‐phase Fmoc method) the enantiomeric form 2 of octreotate and determined its affinity for the five human somatostatin (SRIF) receptors (hsst1–5). The binding was found to be 9.1, 4.1, 1.0, 1.4, and 4.2 μM, respectively. This almost equal one‐digit micromolar affinity of ent‐octreotate (2) to all five receptors contrasts with the behavior of most other somatostatin mimics including SANDOSTATIN® (octreotide; 1a) and [Tyr3]‐octreotate (1c), which have affinities for the various receptors differing up to and above 104‐fold. Thus, the structure of the new compound does not prevent binding, albeit more weakly than its pseudo‐enantiomer octreotide, and there is hardly any selectivity of the peptide–protein interaction (PPI) for any one of the five SRIF G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Since the detailed structure(s) of these membrane‐embedded receptors is unknown (no X‐ray structure!), the result described here may be useful for modeling structures by comparing the affinities of the numerous known somatostatin mimics.
α,α′‐Disubstituted Amino Acids with Silylated Side Chains as Lipophilic Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Peptaibol Analogues
Authors: Cavelier Florine , Marchand Damien , Martinez Jean
Published: July 2008

New α,α′‐disubstituted amino acids with silylated side chains have been synthesized in racemic form. Starting from a Schiff base of glycine tert‐butyl ester, a large variety of α,α′‐dialkylated amino acids has been obtained, depending on the alkylating reagents. The application of a hydrosilylation methodology enabled the synthesis of the same unnatural amino acids in an enantiomerically pure form. The ability of these bulky amino acids to be incorporated into peptides by solution‐phase methodology has also been demonstrated, since constrained silylated dipeptides have been synthesized. These new lipophilic building blocks could be useful and innovative in the design of peptaibol analogues.
New Tyrosinase Inhibitory Sesquiterpenes from Chloranthus henryi
Authors: Wu Bin , He Shan , Wu Xiao‐Dan , Pan Yuan‐Jiang
Published: July 2008

Chemical investigation of the leaves and stems of Chloranthus henryi resulted in the isolation and characterization of two new eudesmane‐type sesquiterpenes, 1 and 2, and two new germacrane‐type sesquiterpenes, 3 and 4, together with two known compounds. The inhibitory activities against tyrosinase of all isolates were also evaluated.
Microcalorimetric Study of the Effect of CeIII on Metabolic Activity of Mitochondria Isolated from Indice Rice 9311
Authors: Dai Jie , Zhang Ye‐Zhong , Liu Yi , Li Qiang‐Guo
Published: July 2008

Rare earth elements (REEs) have beneficial influence on plant growth and are widely used in agriculture practice, but little is known about behavior of the REEs on mitochondria in plant cells. Thermogenic metabolic curves were determined by the ampoule method at 303 K using a TAM air isothermal microcalorimeter in mitochondria isolated from indice rice 9311 (Oryza sativa L.), and the effect of CeIII on mitochondrial metabolism was investigated. By analyzing the obtained heat flux curves, the crucial parameters such as activity recovery rate constant (k) and maximum heat power (Pm) were investigated. Application of Ce3+ in concentrations ranging from 0 to 120 μg/ml significantly increased k and Pm values, with the maximum reaching 261 and 180% of the control, respectively. Concentrations from 140 to 150 μg/ml had the opposite effect. These results were consistent with previous reports on the effects of REEs on plant growth. It was concluded that the CeIII‐induced change of mitochondrial metabolic activity is a possible mechanism by which CeIII influenced indice rice 9311 growth.
DNA Topoisomerase I Inhibitory Alkaloids from Corydalis saxicola
Authors: Cheng Xuanxuan , Wang Dongmei , Jiang Lin , Yang Depo
Published: July 2008

Chemical studies of the Chinese herb Corydalis saxicola Bunting led to the isolation and identification of 14 alkaloids, 1–14. Seven of these compounds, 4–9 and 11, were obtained from this plant for the first time. Feruloylagmatine (7) is the first guanidine‐type alkaloid to be identified in the family Papaveraceae and in dicotyledonous plants. All of the isolated compounds were assayed for inhibitory activity against human DNA topoisomerase I. A DNA cleavage assay demonstrated that these alkaloids specifically inhibit topoisomerase through stabilization of the enzyme–DNA complex. Among the isolated alkaloids, (−)‐pallidine (8) and (−)‐scoulerine (11) showed strong inhibitory activities toward topoisomerase I that were comparable to camptothecin, a typical topoisomerase I inhibitor. A preliminary structure–activity relationship study suggested that the quaternary ammonium ion might play an important role in topoisomerase I inhibition by the isoquinoline alkaloids. These data indicated that DNA topoisomerase I inhibition represents probably one of the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of C. saxicola.
Variability of the Needle Essential Oils of Pinus peuce from Different Populations in Montenegro and Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Biljana , Ristić Mihailo , Bojović Srdjan , Marin Petar D.
Published: July 2008

The essential‐oil composition of Pinus peuce Griseb. is reported at the population level. Macedonian pine is endemic high‐mountain Balkan pine relict of an anthropogenically reduced area, with large morphological diversity and insufficiently clear taxonomic position. In the pine‐needle terpene profile of two populations from Montenegro and one from Serbia, 78 compounds were detected, 56 of which are identified (Table 3). The dominant constituents were α‐pinene (36.5%) and germacrene D (11.4%). The following 20 additional components were found to be present in medium‐to‐high amounts (0.5–10%): camphene (8.5%), bornyl acetate (6.8%), β‐pinene (6.8%), β‐caryophyllene (5.2%), β‐phellandrene (4.7%), terpinen‐4‐ol acetate (1.6%), (E)‐hex‐2‐enal (1.5%), α‐muurolene (1.2%), β‐gurjunene (1.1%), β‐myrcene (1.0%), α‐terpinyl acetate (0.9%), α‐phellandrene (0.8%), δ‐cadinene (0.8%), α‐humulene (0.8%), sabinene (0.7%), aromadendrene (0.6%), α‐thujene (0.6%), γ‐muurolene (0.6%), γ‐cadinene (0.6%), α‐terpinolene (0.5%), and one unknown component (0.5%). The similarity of the populations and the within‐population variability were visualized by principle‐component analysis (PCA) and genetic analysis of selected terpenes in 90 tree samples. Our study suggests a closer connection between populations II and III compared to population I. Based on the profile of the main terpene components, the studied populations are more similar to populations from Kosovo and Greece than to the population from Mt. Mokra (Montenegro) and the population in France.