bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicidal Behavior on Axis VI
Authors: Van Orden Kimberly A. , Witte Tracy K. , Holm-Denoma Jill , Gordon Kathryn H. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: January 2011

Background. Oquendo and colleagues ( Oquendo, Baca-García, Mann, & Giner, 2008 ; Oquendo & Currier, 2009 ) recommend that DSM-V emphasize suicide risk assessment on a sixth axis, thereby increasing regularity of suicide risk assessments. Aims. We propose that evidence of nonredundancy with Axis V – Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) is one piece of data that can serve as a starting point for a line of research establishing incremental predictive utility for a separate suicide risk assessment in the DSM framework. Methods. A standardized suicide risk assessment protocol, measures of depressive, anxious, and eating disordered symptomatology, as well as an index of comorbidity were administered to a sample of 412 adult outpatients. Results. Our data indicate that data from standardized suicide risk assessments are associated with indices of symptomatology severity as well as comorbidity, controlling for GAF. Conclusions. These results support the nonredundancy of the assessments and suggest the utility of longitudinal investigations of the predictive utility of a sixth DSM axis in the assessment of suicide risk.
Validity Issues in Cognitive-Behavioral Case Formulation
Authors: Mumma Gregory H.
Published: January 2011

Despite considerable interest and growth in methods to develop or generate cognitive behavioral case formulations (CBCFs), relatively little conceptual and empirical work has focused on the validation or testing of these formulations. A case formulation can be regarded as an idiographic theory of the person and his or her life situation. This complex set of clinical judgments consists of a measurement model including the behavior problems or distress constructs and how they are measured; and a causal model involving variables such as thoughts or beliefs hypothesized to trigger and maintain this person’s distress or dysfunction. This article describes four types of validity issues in CBCF and how these validity issues can be evaluated using person-specific, intraindividual data collected daily or multiple times a day. Specific topics include the evaluation of content and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity for the measurement model, and the evaluation of predictive and treatment-related validity for the causal model. One goal of the person-specific evaluation of CBCF validity is to develop an intraindividual statistical prediction model that has the advantages of actuarial prediction yet is fine-grained and tailored to the specific issues and life circumstances of greatest relevance for a particular individual. Greater attention to evaluation of validity issues in CBCF is important for future research comparing formulation-based to manualized treatment. Implications and applications to clinical practice and training are discussed.
Effective transport rates and transport-induced melting and solidification in mushy layers
Authors: Butler S. L.
Published: January 2011

Mushy layers are known to occur in magma chambers, sea-ice, and metal castings. They are often modeled as a porous layer in which a fluid and solid matrix exist in thermal and compositional equilibria. In nonreactive porous media, both advective and diffusive transport rates for heat and solute differ. In mushy layers, however, the temperature and composition of the fluid phase are constrained by the liquidus relationship giving rise to effective transport rates that are intermediate between those for heat and solute in passive porous layers. The transport of heat and solute, even if the invading fluid is itself in equilibrium, is also accompanied by a degree of solidification or melting due to the difference in the transport rates for these two quantities. In this paper, analytical expressions for the effective velocity and diffusivity in a mushy layer and for the degree of melting or solidification accompanying the passage of a front with a different temperature and composition are derived and compared with the predictions of a numerical model and found to be in very good agreement. Characteristic parameters for a few mushy systems are calculated and appropriate transport and melting/freezing regimes are indicated.
Trinitrophenyl derivatives bind differently from parent adenine nucleotides to Ca2+-ATPase in the absence of Ca2+
Authors: Toyoshima Chikashi , Yonekura Shin-Ichiro , Tsueda Junko , Iwasawa Shiho
Published: January 2011

Trinitrophenyl derivatives of adenine nucleotides are widely used for probing ATP-binding sites. Here we describe crystal structures of Ca2+-ATPase, a representative P-type ATPase, in the absence of Ca2+with bound ATP, trinitrophenyl-ATP, -ADP, and -AMP at better than 2.4-Å resolution, stabilized with thapsigargin, a potent inhibitor. These crystal structures show that the binding mode of the trinitrophenyl derivatives is distinctly different from the parent adenine nucleotides. The adenine binding pocket in the nucleotide binding domain of Ca2+-ATPase is now occupied by the trinitrophenyl group, and the side chains of two arginines sandwich the adenine ring, accounting for the much higher affinities of the trinitrophenyl derivatives. Trinitrophenyl nucleotides exhibit a pronounced fluorescence in the E2P ground state but not in the other E2 states. Crystal structures of the E2P and E2 ∼ P analogues of Ca2+-ATPase with bound trinitrophenyl-AMP show that different arrangements of the three cytoplasmic domains alter the orientation and water accessibility of the trinitrophenyl group, explaining the origin of “superfluorescence.” Thus, the crystal structures demonstrate that ATP and its derivatives are highly adaptable to a wide range of site topologies stabilized by a variety of interactions.
Characterization of leucine-leucine transport in leaf tissues
Authors: Jamaï Aziz , Laloi Maryse , Bourbouloux Andrée , Valantin Muriel , Delrot Serge
Published: January 2011

Uptake of the dipeptide [3H]Leu-Leu into leaf discs from mature broad bean (Vicia faba L.) was characterized. Uptake was maximal at pH 6.0 and appeared to be mediated by three systems with apparent Km values of 20 µM, 350 µM and 43 mM, respectively. Leu-Leu uptake was sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide, p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonic acid, diethylpyrocarbonate, and carbonyl-cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Nitrate did not compete with peptide uptake, although the peptide transporter and the nitrate transporter have been reported to be homologous. The ability of leaf tissues to take up peptides strongly decreased with leaf age, and the phloem export of peptides as measured by exudation experiments was very low. It is concluded that the leaf tissues contain a peptide transporter that may take up some peptides with a high affinity, but that this transporter is not involved in the long-distance transport of nitrogen under the form of di- or tri-peptides.
State-specific Effects of Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Sleep Homeostasis
Authors: Pal Dinesh , Lipinski William J. , Walker Amanda J. , Turner Ashley M. , Mashour George A.
Published: January 2011

Background

Prolonged propofol administration does not result in signs of sleep deprivation, and propofol anesthesia appears to satisfy the homeostatic need for both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep. In the current study, the effects of sevoflurane on recovery from total sleep deprivation were investigated.

Methods

Ten male rats were instrumented for electrophysiologic recordings under three conditions: (1) 36-h ad libitum sleep; (2) 12-h sleep deprivation followed by 24-h ad libitum sleep; and (3) 12-h sleep deprivation, followed by 6-h sevoflurane exposure, followed by 18-h ad libitum sleep. The percentage of waking, NREM sleep, and REM sleep, as well as NREM sleep δ power, were calculated and compared for all three conditions.

Results

Total sleep deprivation resulted in significantly increased NREM and REM sleep for 12-h postdeprivation. Sevoflurane exposure after deprivation eliminated the homeostatic increase in NREM sleep and produced a significant decrease in the NREM sleep δ power during the postanesthetic period, indicating a complete recovery from the effects of deprivation. However, sevoflurane did not affect the time course of REM sleep recovery, which required 12 h after deprivation and anesthetic exposure.

Conclusion

Unlike propofol, sevoflurane anesthesia has differential effects on NREM and REM sleep homeostasis. These data confirm the previous hypothesis that inhalational agents do not satisfy the homeostatic need for REM sleep, and that the relationship between sleep and anesthesia is likely to be agent and state specific.
Lipid Emulsion Reverses Levobupivacaine-induced Responses in Isolated Rat Aortic Vessels
Authors: Ok Seong-Ho , Sohn Ju-Tae , Baik Ji-Seok , Kim Jae-Gak , Park Sang-Seung , Sung Hui-Jin , Shin Mi-Kyung , Kwon Yong-Hyun , Park Chang-Shin , Shin Il-Woo , Lee Heon-Keun , Chung Young-Kyun
Published: January 2011

Background

The goal of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of lipid emulsion (LE) on local anesthetic levobupivacaine-induced responses in isolated rat aorta and to determine whether the effect of LE is related to the lipid solubility of local anesthetics.

Methods

Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended for isometric tension recording. The effects of LE were determined during levobupivacaine-, ropivacaine-, and mepivacaine-induced responses. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and caveolin-1 phosphorylation was measured in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with levobupivacaine alone and with the addition of LE.

Results

Levobupivacaine produced vasoconstriction at lower, and vasodilation at higher, concentrations, and both were significantly reversed by treatment with LE. Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine inhibited the high potassium chloride-mediated contraction, which was restored by LE. The magnitude of LE-mediated reversal was greater with levobupivacaine treatment than with ropivacaine, whereas this reversal was not observed in mepivacaine-induced responses. In LE-pretreated rings, low-dose levobupivacaine- and ropivacaine-induced contraction was attenuated, whereas low-dose mepivacaine-induced contraction was not significantly altered. Treatment with LE also inhibited the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase induced by levobupivacaine in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that reversal of levobupivacaine-induced vasodilation by LE is mediated mainly through the attenuation of levobupivacaine-mediated inhibition of L-type calcium channel-dependent contraction and, in part, by inhibition of levobupivacaine-induced nitric oxide release. LE-mediated reversal of responses induced by local anesthetics may be related to their lipid solubility.
Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Sugammadex for the Reversal of Rocuronium-induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Elderly Patients
Authors: McDonagh David L. , Benedict Patrick E. , Kovac Anthony L. , Drover David R. , Brister Neil W. , Morte Jovino B. , Monk Terri G.
Published: January 2011

Background

The management of elderly patients can be challenging for anesthesiologists for many reasons, including altered pharmacokinetics and dynamics. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of sugammadex for moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade reversal in adult (aged 18-64 yr) versus elderly adult (aged 65 yr or older) patients.

Methods

This phase 3a, multicenter, parallel-group, comparative, open-label study enrolled 162 patients aged 18 yr and older, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1-3, scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia and requiring neuromuscular blockade. After anesthesia induction, patients received rocuronium, 0.6 mg/kg, before tracheal intubation, with maintenance doses of 0.15 mg/kg as required. At the end of surgery, patients received sugammadex, 2.0 mg/kg, at reappearance of the second twitch of the train-of-four (TOF) for reversal. The primary efficacy variable was time from sugammadex administration to recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 or greater. Pharmacokinetics and safety were also evaluated.

Results

Overall, 150 patients were treated and had at least one postbaseline efficacy assessment; 48 were aged 18-64 yr (adult), 62 were aged 65-74 yr (elderly), and 40 were aged 75 yr or older (old-elderly). The geometric mean time (95% confidence interval) from sugammadex administration to recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 increased with age, from 2.3 (2.0-2.6) min (adults) to 2.9 (2.7-3.2) min (elderly/old-elderly groups combined). Recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 was estimated to be 0.7 min faster in adults compared with patients aged 65 yr or older (P = 0.022). Sugammadex was well tolerated by all patients.

Conclusion

Sugammadex facilitates rapid reversal from moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in adults of all ages.
Constipation and Colonic Transit Times in Children With Morbid Obesity
Authors: vd Baan‐Slootweg Olga H , Liem Olivia , Bekkali Noor , van Aalderen Wim MC , Rijcken Tammo H Pels , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Benninga Marc A
Published: January 2011

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria in children with morbid obesity and to evaluate by measuring colonic transit times (CTTs) whether decreased colonic motility is present in these children.

Patients and Methods:

Ninety‐one children with morbid obesity ages 8 to 18 years, entering a prospective, randomized controlled study evaluating the effect of an outpatient versus inpatient treatment program of obesity, participated. All of the children filled out a standardized questionnaire regarding their bowel habits, and CTTs were measured using radioopaque markers. Food diaries were also recorded to evaluate their diet.

Results:

A total of 19 children (21%) had functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria, whereas 1 child had functional nonretentive fecal incontinence. Total CTT exceeded 62 hours in only 10.5% of the children with constipation, and among them, 2 had a total CTT of >100 hours. In the nonconstipated group 8.3% had a delayed CTT. Furthermore, no difference was found between the diet of children with or without constipation, specifically not with respect to fiber and fat intake.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms a high frequency of functional constipation in children with obesity, using the Rome III criteria. However, abnormal colonic motility, as measured by CTT, was delayed in only a minority of patients. No relation was found between constipation in these children and fiber or fat intake.
Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Antibiotic Treatment Study of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Children With Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Collins Brynie Slome , Lin Henry C
Published: January 2011

Background and Objectives:

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in children may be a precursor to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults. The prevalence of abnormal lactulose breath tests (LBT) suggesting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported as 91% in children with CAP and 35% in healthy controls. In addition, patients with IBS with SIBO who responded to nonabsorbable antibiotic treatment with normalization of LBT reported 75% global improvement in symptoms. The aim of the study was to test whether treatment with a nonabsorbable antibiotic may reduce symptoms in children with CAP.

Methods:

Seventy‐five children ages 8 to 18 years with CAP based on Rome II criteria were enrolled. Subjects underwent baseline LBT and completed symptom‐based questionnaires. They were then randomized in a 2:1, double‐blind fashion to receive a 10‐day course of 550 mg of rifaximin or placebo 3 times per day (t.i.d.). LBT and questionnaires were repeated 2 weeks after treatment.

Results:

Forty‐nine children received rifaximin and 26 received placebo. There were no differences in demographics between groups. Ninety‐four percent who received rifaximin and 92% who received placebo had abnormal baseline LBT, suggesting SIBO (not significant [NS]). There was no significant difference in symptom improvement between groups; however, only 20% of children treated with rifaximin achieved a normalized repeat LBT, demonstrating successful treatment of SIBO.

Conclusions:

Similar to adults with IBS, the prevalence of abnormal LBT suggesting SIBO in children with CAP is high; however, treatment with 10 days of rifaximin has low efficacy in normalizing LBT in this group. Additional studies are needed to determine whether a treatment approach with higher efficacy would lead to improvement in children with CAP.
Inlet Patch: Clinical Presentation and Outcome in Children
Authors: Georges Amandine , Coopman Stéphanie , Rebeuh Julie , Molitor Guy , Rebouissoux Laurent , Dabadie Alain , Kalach Nicolas , Lachaux Alain , Michaud Laurent
Published: January 2011

Objectives:

An inlet patch (IP) is defined as heterotopic gastric mucosa located in the proximal esophagus. Little information is available in children. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess clinical significance, endoscopic and histological characteristics, and natural history of IP in children.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective multicenter study included all of the cases of IP recorded in 7 tertiary French pediatric gastrointestinal centers. Information about demographics, clinical symptoms, endoscopic characteristics, histology, treatment, and evolution was collected.

Results:

Fifteen children were included (8 boys, 7 girls). The median age at diagnosis was 9.5 years (range 3.3–15 years). Five children had esophageal atresia and 9 had gastroesophageal reflux. Only 1 child was asymptomatic. Digestive symptoms (dysphagia, food impaction) were noted in 14 patients and respiratory or ear, nose, and throat symptoms in 6. At endoscopy, IP was characterized by a small, round salmon‐pink lesion of the proximal esophagus. Helicobacter pylori was found in 2 patients. Proton pump inhibitor treatment was initiated in 14 children for a mean duration of 4.7 months (range 1–12 months). Two patients were lost to follow‐up. Clinical symptoms disappeared in 5 patients and decreased in 3 others. One case of hematemesis was noted after a mean follow‐up of 9 months. Recurrent symptoms were noted in 2 patients after treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions:

IP is an uncommon but almost certainly underrecognized lesion in children, and may be the cause of digestive and respiratory symptoms in some children.
Infliximab‐induced Psoriasis in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hiremath Girish , Duffy Lynn , Leibowitz Ian
Published: January 2011

Infliximab is frequently used to treat both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis. We reviewed the medical records of 73 children with IBD receiving infliximab therapy and identified 6 (8%) cases of infliximab‐induced psoriasis. Five (83%) had Crohn disease and 4 (67%) were girls. The psoriatic lesions appeared on the face (n = 5; 83%) and perineum (n = 1; 17%). A median of 13 doses were administered during a median duration of 21 months. All of the patients were continued on infliximab to maintain clinical remission of IBD. Educating children with IBD and their caregivers about this paradoxical phenomenon and periodic dermatology evaluation may promote patient care.
Pyrococcus yayanosii sp. nov., an obligate piezophilic hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent
Authors: Birrien Jean-Louis , Zeng Xiang , Jebbar Mohamed , Cambon-Bonavita Marie-Anne , Quérellou Joël , Oger Philippe , Bienvenu Nadège , Xiao Xiang , Prieur Daniel
Published: January 2011

An obligate piezophilic anaerobic hyperthermophilic archaeon, designated strain CH1T, was isolated from a hydrothermal vent site named ‘Ashadze’, which is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at a depth of 4100 m. Enrichment and isolation of the strain were carried out at 95 °C under a hydrostatic pressure of 42 MPa. Cells of strain CH1T were highly motile irregular cocci with a diameter of ~1–1.5 µm. Growth was recorded at 80–108 °C (optimum 98 °C) and at pressures of 20–120 MPa (optimum 52 MPa). No growth was observed under atmospheric pressures at 60–110 °C. Growth was observed at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum 7.5–8.0) and in 2.5–5.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3.5 %). Strain CH1T was strictly anaerobic and grew on complex proteinaceous substrates, such as yeast extract, Peptone, and casein, as well as on sucrose, starch, chitin, pyruvate, acetate and glycerol without electron acceptors. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 49.0±0.5 mol%. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CH1T belongs to the genus Pyrococcus. Based on its physiological properties and similarity levels between ribosomal proteins, strain CH1T represents a novel species, for which the name Pyrococcus yayanosii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CH1T ( = JCM 16557). This strain is also available by request from the Souchothèque de Bretagne (catalogue LMBE) culture collection (collection no. 3310).
Aquisphaera giovannonii gen. nov., sp. nov., a planctomycete isolated from a freshwater aquarium
Authors: Bondoso Joana , Albuquerque Luciana , Nobre M. Fernanda , Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , da Costa Milton S. , Lage Olga Maria
Published: January 2011

As part of a study of the diversity of planctomycetes, two novel strains, designated OJF2T and OJF8, were isolated from the sediments of a freshwater aquarium. The organisms were chemoheterotrophic, spherical and pink-pigmented, had an optimum growth temperature of about 30–35 °C and an optimum pH for growth of around 7.5–8.5. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. The two strains were able to assimilate several sugars and organic acids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed the affiliation of these organisms to the phylum ‘Planctomycetes’; they showed highest similarity to the type strains of Singulisphaera acidiphila (92.4 %) and Isosphaera pallida (91.9 %). On the basis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strains OJF2T and OJF8 are considered to represent a novel species of a new genus of the order Planctomycetales, for which the name Aquisphaera giovannonii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Aquisphaera giovannonii is OJF2T ( = CECT 7510T  = DSM 22561T).
Micrococcus lactis sp. nov., isolated from dairy industry waste
Authors: Chittpurna  , Singh Pradip K. , Verma Dipti , Pinnaka Anil Kumar , Mayilraj Shanmugam , Korpole Suresh
Published: January 2011

A Gram-positive, yellow-pigmented, actinobacterial strain, DW152T, was isolated from a dairy industry effluent treatment plant. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain DW152T exhibited low similarity with many species with validly published names belonging to the genera Micrococcus and Arthrobacter. However, phenotypic properties including chemotaxonomic markers affiliated strain DW152T to the genus Micrococcus. Strain DW152T had ai-C15 : 0 and i-C15 : 0 as major cellular fatty acids, and MK-8(H2) as the major menaquinone. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain DW152T had l-lysine as the diagnostic amino acid and the type was A4α. The DNA G+C content of strain DW152T was 68.0 mol%. In 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain DW152T exhibited significant similarity with Micrococcus terreus NBRC 104258T, but the mean value of DNA–DNA relatedness between these strains was only 42.3 %. Moreover, strain DW152T differed in biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics from M. terreus and other species of the genus Micrococcus. Based on the above differences, we conclude that strain DW152T should be treated as a novel species of the genus Micrococcus, for which the name Micrococcus lactis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Micrococcus lactis sp. nov. is DW152T ( = MTCC10523T  = DSM 23694T).
Genome-scale RNAi on living-cell microarrays identifies novel regulators ofDrosophila melanogasterTORC1–S6K pathway signaling
Authors: Lindquist Robert A. , Ottina Kathleen A. , Wheeler Douglas B. , Hsu Peggy P. , Thoreen Carson C. , Guertin David A. , Ali Siraj M. , Sengupta Shomit , Shaul Yoav D. , Lamprecht Michael R. , Madden Katherine L. , Papallo Adam R. , Jones Thouis R. , Sabatini David M. , Carpenter Anne E.
Published: January 2011

The evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) controls cell growth in response to nutrient availability and growth factors. TORC1 signaling is hyperactive in cancer, and regulators of TORC1 signaling may represent therapeutic targets for human diseases. To identify novel regulators of TORC1 signaling, we performed a genome-scale RNA interference screen on microarrays ofDrosophila melanogastercells expressing human RPS6, a TORC1 effector whose phosphorylated form we detected by immunofluorescence. Our screen revealed that the TORC1–S6K–RPS6 signaling axis is regulated by many subcellular components, including the Class I vesicle coat (COPI), the spliceosome, the proteasome, the nuclear pore, and the translation initiation machinery. Using additional RNAi reagents, we confirmed 70 novel genes as significant on-target regulators of RPS6 phosphorylation, and we characterized them with extensive secondary assays probing various arms of the TORC1 pathways, identifying functional relationships among those genes. We conclude that cell-based microarrays are a useful platform for genome-scale and secondary screening inDrosophila, revealing regulators that may represent drug targets for cancers and other diseases of deregulated TORC1 signaling.
Malate Plays a Crucial Role in Starch Metabolism, Ripening, and Soluble Solid Content of Tomato Fruit and Affects Postharvest Softening
Authors: Centeno Danilo C. , Osorio Sonia , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Bertolo Ana L.F. , Carneiro Raphael T. , Araújo Wagner L. , Steinhauser Marie-Caroline , Michalska Justyna , Rohrmann Johannes , Geigenberger Peter , Oliver Sandra N. , Stitt Mark , Carrari Fernando , Rose Jocelyn K.C. , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: January 2011

Despite the fact that the organic acid content of a fruit is regarded as one of its most commercially important quality traits when assessed by the consumer, relatively little is known concerning the physiological importance of organic acid metabolism for the fruit itself. Here, we evaluate the effect of modifying malate metabolism in a fruit-specific manner, by reduction of the activities of either mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase or fumarase, via targeted antisense approaches in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). While these genetic perturbations had relatively little effect on the total fruit yield, they had dramatic consequences for fruit metabolism, as well as unanticipated changes in postharvest shelf life and susceptibility to bacterial infection. Detailed characterization suggested that the rate of ripening was essentially unaltered but that lines containing higher malate were characterized by lower levels of transitory starch and a lower soluble sugars content at harvest, whereas those with lower malate contained higher levels of these carbohydrates. Analysis of the activation state of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase revealed that it correlated with the accumulation of transitory starch. Taken together with the altered activation state of the plastidial malate dehydrogenase and the modified pigment biosynthesis of the transgenic lines, these results suggest that the phenotypes are due to an altered cellular redox status. The combined data reveal the importance of malate metabolism in tomato fruit metabolism and development and confirm the importance of transitory starch in the determination of agronomic yield in this species.
Pollen Tubes Lacking a Pair of K+ Transporters Fail to Target Ovules inArabidopsis
Authors: Lu Yongxian , Chanroj Salil , Zulkifli Lalu , Johnson Mark A. , Uozumi Nobuyuki , Cheung Alice , Sze Heven
Published: January 2011

Flowering plant reproduction requires precise delivery of the sperm cells to the ovule by a pollen tube. Guidance signals from female cells are being identified; however, how pollen responds to those cues is largely unknown. Here, we show that two predicted cation/proton exchangers (CHX) in Arabidopsis thaliana, CHX21 and CHX23, are essential for pollen tube guidance. Male fertility was unchanged in single chx21 or chx23 mutants. However, fertility was impaired in chx21 chx23 double mutant pollen. Wild-type pistils pollinated with a limited number of single and double mutant pollen producing 62% fewer seeds than those pollinated with chx23 single mutant pollen, indicating that chx21 chx23 pollen is severely compromised. Double mutant pollen grains germinated and grew tubes down the transmitting tract, but the tubes failed to turn toward ovules. Furthermore, chx21 chx23 pollen tubes failed to enter the micropyle of excised ovules. Green fluorescent protein–tagged CHX23 driven by its native promoter was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum of pollen tubes. CHX23 mediated K+ transport, as CHX23 expression in Escherichia coli increased K+ uptake and growth in a pH-dependent manner. We propose that by modifying localized cation balance and pH, these transporters could affect steps in signal reception and/or transduction that are critical to shifting the axis of polarity and directing pollen growth toward the ovule.
Web as a customer communication channel in the confectionery industry in South Eastern European countries
Authors: Knezevic Blazenka , Renko Sanda , Pejic Bach Mirjana
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of the paper is to investigate and to document the current level of web usage within the confectionery industry in the South Eastern European (SEE) region. Also, the paper aims to examine the web content structure of confectioners in the given region and to explain the impact of the location and the size of the company on the quality of contents published on web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental research was conducted on the sample of 333 companies in the confectionery industry from 5 SEE countries. The research questionnaire included 56 web sites' characteristics divided into five categories.

Findings

The confectionery industry uses web sites as “presentation space” only, and the “show‐case” is the main purpose. The implementation of the web in the confectionery industry in SEE countries is correlated with a company's characteristics. Companies within EU member countries more often implement the web as a customer communication channel. However, confectioners in non‐EU countries have more information published on their web sites and their web sites are more interactive.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding of web usage within the confectionery industry because it classifies information published on web sites into several categories and describes common web contents in the confectionery industry. Moreover, it discusses the correlation between a company's characteristics (size and location) and web implementation. Finally, it gives an overview of relevant findings of web usage as a customer communication channel within transitional economies.
What are the concerns of Croatian traditional food consumers regarding GM food?
Authors: Cerjak Marija , Kovačić Damir , Grgić Ivo
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge of Croatian traditional food consumers, their attitudes as well as their concerns regarding GM food.

Design/methodology/approach

A face‐to‐face survey was conducted with 360 consumers in order to collect data on importance of food production technology, respondents' knowledge about GM food, consumers' beliefs about GM food, fear of genetic modifications, willingness to consume and pay for GM food and respondents' demographics. Data were analysed with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Findings

The knowledge of Croatian traditional food consumers about GM food is relatively low, which affects their negative attitudes about consumption of GM food. Rejection of GM food is mostly associated with fear of possible negative impact of such food on human health and the environment. A high percentage of respondents (70 per cent) consider GM foods harmful to human health, resulting in a low acceptability of GM food even if it would be cheaper than food without GMOs. Respondents believe that GM components improve freshness and shelf life of food, but significantly reduce its taste and nutritional value.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is the choice of the sample. Further research would be needed in order to explore attitudes and buying intentions of a representative sample of the entire Croatian population.

Practical implications

Research results show that the introduction of GM food in the market would find potential consumers if it would provide some health benefits.

Originality/value

This paper gives the first insight into Croatian traditional food consumers' knowledge and concerns regarding GM food.
Theoretical and experimental investigations about flank breakage in bevel gears
Authors: Klein Markus , Höhn Bernd‐Robert , Michaelis Klaus , Annast Rainer
Published: January 2011

Purpose

A failure mode called “flank breakage” is increasingly observed in cylindrical and bevel gears. Up to now, there was no calculation method available to determine the load‐carrying capacity related to flank breakage in bevel gears. Therefore, a research project was initiated to investigate the described failure mode in bevel gears and to develop a calculation method to predict the risk of flank breakage of such gears. The purpose of this paper is to describe this project.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented research project contained: determination of the decisive influence parameters in experimental investigations with bevel gears; development of a model to explain flank breakage in bevel gears; and development of a calculation method and design rules to avoid flank breakage.

Findings

In systematic tests, the influenced parameters of flank breakage were investigated. Besides the load torque, especially the case depth and the core hardness turned out as decisive parameters. A higher sulfur concentration in the material does not seem to be critical. The analysis of damage patterns of test and practical gears showed that the initiating crack always started below the surface in the region of the transition from case to core. For unidirectional loading, the crack propagates to the active flank on the one side and to the tooth root on the other side. On the basis of these findings, a local and a simplified calculation method were developed to estimate the risk of flank breakage.

Originality/value

With the described calculation method, it is now possible to evaluate running gears according to their risk of flank breakage and design new gears with a sufficient safety factor to avoid this failure.
Rolling‐sliding, scuffing and tribocorrosion behaviour of PVD multilayer coatings for gears application
Authors: Bayón Raquel , Zubizarreta Cristina , Nevshupa Roman , Carlos Rodriguez Juan , Fernández Xana , Ruiz de Gopegui Unai , Igartua Amaya
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this work is the study the tribological behaviour and tribocorrosion resistance of newly developed multilayer PVD coatings Cr/CrN and CrN/ZrCN applied on nitrided F1272 steel for gear applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Tribological characterization has been completed by several tribological tests performed under ball‐on‐disc configuration, extreme pressure tests to determine the maximum load before the films failure and rolling‐sliding tests under line‐contact conditions (35‐40 per cent of sliding). The response of the different coatings to sodium chloride aggressive environment has been simulated by accelerated tribocorrosion tests, combining simultaneously chemical and mechanical factors. The synergistic effect of wear on corrosion behaviour and vice versa, has been studied in order to compare the protective properties of the different PVD coatings developed.

Findings

Cr/CrN PVD coating improves wear in almost a 90 per cent compared to the nitrided substrate, presenting a similar behaviour to this one under extreme pressure conditions. CrN/ZrCN coating also improved substrate wear and especially good behaviour for this coating was observed under extreme pressure conditions. Cr/CrN coating strongly decreases micropitting and scuffing effect when it is tested under rolling‐sliding configuration. Under micro‐pitting conditions, coating protects the substrate and reduces the fatigue of uncoated discs. When adhesive wear (scuffing) is studied also Cr/CrN improves notable the nitrided steel performance. Under simultaneously corrosion‐wear conditions, Cr/CrN coating registered the lowest material loss because in this case only corrosion effect contributed to the coated surface degradation being the mechanical contribution inappreciable.

Originality/value

New multilayer coatings with improved wear performance and tribocorrosion resistance have been developed and comprehensively characterized. These coatings can be used in advanced gears for corrosive environmental conditions as well as with biodegradable lubricants.
Recovering of micro credit in Nigeria
Authors: Nkamnebe Anayo D. , Idemobi Ellis I.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that are responsible for the poor credit recovery among micro‐finance institutions (MFIs) that disbursed a United Nations Development Programme's micro credit in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 97 MFIs were surveyed out of a total of 129 MFIs in Anambra State in 2007. A ten‐item researcher developed questionnaire on a four‐point Likert scale was used to measure MFIs' staff assessment of factors that were responsible for poor credit recovery. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, and conclusions and implications of the findings are presented.

Findings

From the findings of this study, it is evident that multidimensional factors contribute to low credit recovering by the MFIs. These factors can be summarised under borrowers' wrong attitude to credit repayment, MFIs' staff weak skill and corrupt tendency, and poor infrastructural provision by the government. Arguably, these factors have direct effect in encumbering genuine effort at alleviating poverty in Nigeria through the instrumentality of micro credit. This calls for a change in strategy especially on the part of the MFIs in reducing the incidence of low credit recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers fresh insight that would offer better understanding of the informal sector of the financial system in Nigeria that has hitherto received limited research attention.

Practical implications

This paper is informative in terms of the imperativeness for public policy adjustment and firm‐level competencies required for better operation of the MFIs in Nigeria. This would translate into creating viable micro‐credit sector to support current plans to eradicate poverty and foster the development of the “bottom‐of‐the‐pyramid”.

Originality/value

Addresses issues related to micro credit in a highly challenged and isolated context.
Do drivers matter for the benefits of ISO 14001?
Authors: Heras‐Saizarbitoria Iñaki , Arana Landín German , Molina‐Azorín José Francisco
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The ISO 14001 is already a global meta‐standard for implementing Environmental Management Systems. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of the sources of motivation that lead companies to adopt this global standard for its perceived benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of the academic literature published on ISO 14001, motivations, and benefits has been carried out in order to establish the working hypotheses that are analyzed based on the information obtained from 214 Spanish companies that participated in a survey.

Findings

The internal drivers to implement and certify the ISO 14001 standard have a degree of influence on the benefits that is significantly higher than external ones, irrespective of the size of the company and the sector of activity.

Practical implications

The findings help to characterize ISO 14001 certified firms and anticipate benefits of the implementation and certification of the standard.

Originality/value

The article sheds light on the relationship among the motivational factors and the benefits of the process of implementing and certifying ISO 14001 in the country in the world that has experienced the greatest intensity of certification. A typology of integration level from Boiral and Boiral and Roy is empirically analyzed for ISO 14001 for the first time in the literature.
Optimization of TiO2 concentration effect for a chemical humidity sensing mechanism
Authors: Kouda Souhil , Dibi Zohir , Meddour Fayçal , Barra Samir , Dendouga Abdelghani
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to optimize the TiO2 concentration on a resistive‐type humidity sensing mechanism (RHSM) based on artificial neural network.

Design/methodology/approach

First is the modeling of the sensing mechanism. Using neuronal networks and Matlab environment to accurately express the output of the sensing mechanism, this model thus takes into account the parameter, non‐linearity, hysteresis, temperature and frequency; furthermore, the TiO2 concentration effect on the humidity sensing properties in the model is investigated. In a second step, the Matlab environment is used to create a database for an ideal model for the sensing mechanism, where the response of this ideal model is linear for any above parameters value.

Findings

An analytical model for the sensing mechanism “SM” and the ideal model “IM” has been created. The bias matrix and the weights matrix were used to establish the SM model and the IM on performance simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis simulator, where the output of the first is identical to the RHSM output and the output of the last is the ideal response.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an electrical circuit used to optimize the TiO2 concentration of a resistive humidity sensing mechanism.
Embedded wireless strain sensors based on printed RFID tag
Authors: Merilampi Sari , Björninen Toni , Ukkonen Leena , Ruuskanen Pekka , Sydänheimo Lauri
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a wireless strain sensor for measuring large strains. The sensor is based on passive ultra high‐frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and it can be embedded into a variety of structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Silver ink conductors and RFID tags were printed by the screen printing method on stretchable polyvinyl chloride and fabric substrates. The development of the strain‐sensitive RFID tag was based on the behavior of the selected antenna and substrate materials. Performance of the tags and the effect of mechanical strain on tag functioning were examined.

Findings

The results showed that large displacements can be successfully measured wirelessly using a stretchable RFID tag as a strain‐sensitive structure. The behavior of the tag can be modified by selection of the material.

Research limitations/implications

New tag designs, which are more sensitive to small levels of strain and which have a linear response will be the subject for future work. Tag performance under cyclic loading and in a real environment will also be investigated. Future work relating the investigation of practical applications and the system designing for the strain sensor will also be required.

Practical implications

Printing is fast and simple manufacturing process which does not produce much waste or material loss. The sensor is a new application of printed electronics. It also provides new opportunities for system designers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new kind of wireless strain sensor which can be integrated into many structures (i.e. clothes). The sensor is a new application of printed electronics and it is made from novel materials.
Initial studies into the use of ultrasound to reduce process temperatures and chemical usage in the PCB desmear process
Authors: Cobley Andrew J. , Edgar Lindsay , Goosey Martin , Kellner Rod , Mason Timothy J.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Previous studies have proven that, under optimised ultrasonic conditions, a range of materials used in electronic manufacturing can be sonochemically surface modified using benign solutions at low temperature. The purpose of this paper is to focus on a specific process, namely, the desmearing of through holes in printed circuit boards (PCB). The objective was to determine whether the introduction of low frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) to the “etch” stage of a standard “swell and etch” desmear system could enable reduced temperature processing and the use of less chemistry in the permanganate solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was divided into three main stages. In the first “screening” phase, the effect of ultrasound in the etch solution was studied by measuring the weight loss after desmear on a PCB laminate material (Isola 370HR). Factors such as etch temperature and concentration of permanganate (including permanganate‐free) were varied. In stage 2, confirmatory runs were carried out on the most promising conditions from the screening work and through holes in a four‐layer multi‐layer board (MLB) were assessed for smear removal using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, a four‐layer MLB was desmeared through the most promising ultrasonic process and then metallized at a PCB manufacturer. Thermal shock testing was subsequently carried out and sections from the board assessed for inter‐connection defects (ICDs).

Findings

The initial screening study indicated that, whenever ultrasound was used in the etch stage of the desmear process, significantly higher weight loss was achieved compared to a standard “silent” process. This effect was most pronounced when permanganate was removed from the etch solution and, in this situation, weight loss could be an order of magnitude higher than the silent equivalent. Further testing on through holes suggested that smear‐free inner‐layers could only be guaranteed if permanganate was present in the etch solution but that ultrasound again improved smear removal. Final testing under semi‐production conditions confirmed that, if ultrasound was employed in the etch part of the desmear process, then a reduction in processing temperature from 85°C to 60°C could be achieved and the permanganate concentration halved (65 to 33 g/L) whilst still achieving ICD‐free boards.

Originality/value

The paper indicates the feasibility of using ultrasound to reduce temperatures and chemical concentrations used in the permanganate etch solution, whilst still producing through holes with no ICDs.