bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Biopesticides with Emamectin Benzoate against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.)
Authors: Chandrika Mavuri Pavana , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2024

A field trial was conducted during rabi season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a variety Green Soccer (546). The treatments viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP, Spinosad 02.50 % SC, Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC, Neem seed kernel extract 5%, Beauveria basssiana 1x 108CFU/ml, Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP and along with an untreated control against plutella xylostella in cabbage.The data on larval population of Diamond back moth over control on first and second spray overall mean revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control.Amomg all the treatments minimum larval population was recorded in in T3 Spinosad 02.50 %SC (1.045) followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate5%SG (1.212), T2Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (1.345),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108 CFU/ml (1.512),T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0 % SC (1.667),T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5 % (1.934),T7 Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP (2.133).While, the highest yield (298q/ha) was obtained from the treatment T3 spinosad 02.50%SC as well as B:C ratio (1:5.76) was obtained high from this treatment. It followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (276q/ha) (1:5.53),T2 Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (269q/ha)(1:5.42),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108CFU/ml (259q/ha) (1:5.24), T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC(249q/ha)(1:5.04), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (233q/ha) (1:4.65), T7 Azadirechtin 00.03% WSP(215q/ha)(1:4.42) and the lowest yield and B:C ratio is recorded in T0 Control (186q/ha) (1:4.05).
Evaluation of Bio-Stimulants for Active Growth, Yield and Shelf Life of Papaya cv. Red Lady
Authors: Lakshmi Akasam Chaitanya , Bakshi Manish , Shaifali  , Anmol  , U K Showmiyan , Vani Sirigi Reddy Divya , K P Logesh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Bio-stimulants, which are natural substances aiding plant growth and resilience, are comprised of various organic and mineral compounds, serving as eco-friendly tools for sustainable farming. The research study was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, during the years 2023-24. The study employed a randomized block design with seven treatments replicated three times. Bio-stimulants were sprayed at 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after planting (DAP) on papaya plants cv. Red Lady to evaluate its effect on various growth, quality and shelf-life parameters. Various growth parameters including plant height, stem girth, canopy spread, petiole length of leaves, as well as floral characteristics such as days taken for flowering, height at initial flowering, number of flowers per node, fruit set percentage and yield-related parameters were evaluated. The study found significant effects of different bio-stimulant applications on papaya growth, flower and fruit production, fruit quality and shelf-life. Treatment T4 (RDF + Diatomaceous earth) showed notable improvements in growth parameters, while treatment T5 (RDF + Panchgavya) resulted in enhanced productivity, fruit quality and shelf-life. Overall, the study suggests that the application of Diatomaceous earth alongside fertilizers promotes vegetative growth, while Panchgavya application enhances flowering, fruiting and quality attributes, offering insights for optimizing papaya cultivation practices for improved yield and quality.
Graded Cellular Ceramics from Continuous Foam Extrusion
Authors: Ceron‐Nicolat Bruno , Wolff Friedrich , Dakkouri‐Baldauf Andrea , Fey Tobias , Münstedt Helmut , Greil Peter
Published: September 2012

Cylindrical SiOC foam filaments with a radial gradient in pore cell size were processed by continuous extrusion foaming of a methyl polysilsesquioxane. Upon leaving the extrusion nozzle foaming was initiated by pressure release which caused precipitation of supersaturated carbon dioxide from the polymer filament. Rapid cooling of the thin filaments generates a radial gradient of melt viscosity which gives rise for formation of closed cell morphology of isotropic pore cells in the core (diameter < 200 µm) and non‐isotropic pore cells near the sur‐face (shell; <20 µm). After pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1400 °C the stabilized polymer gradient foams were converted into closed cell SiOC ceramic gradient foams. XRD reveals the SiOC residue to be amorphous up to 1200 °C whereas crystallization of ß‐SiC was observed at 1400 °C. A superior compressive strength of 9 MPa and a Young´s modulus of 7 GPa at a relative density of 0.18 were measured at an optimum pyrolysis temperature of 1000 °C.
Magnesiothermic Reduction Process Applied to the Powder Production of U(Mo) Fissile Particles
Authors: Champion Guillaume , Allenou Jérôme , Pasturel Mathieu , Noël Henri , Charollais François , Anselmet Marie‐Christine , Iltis Xavière , Tougait Olivier
Published: September 2012

Uranium‐molybdenum alloy powders are obtained by a new synthetic route deriving from the Kroll process which avoids a “melting‐solidification” step. This alternative process consists in the reduction of uranium dioxide by magnesium in presence of Mo in a sealed Mo crucible heated at temperatures ranging from 750 to 1100 °C for dwell periods ranging from 12 to 48 h. An appropriate quenching allows the retention of the high temperature bcc‐form γ–U(Mo). The side products are easily removed by a soaking into a diluted hydrochloric acid solution under sonication. The agglomerates have a typical size in the range 10–200 µm, with an irregular shape. They display even at the periphery equiaxed grains with homogeneous distribution of Mo. Small closed porosity, which seems to be preferentially located at the grain boundaries corresponds to roughly 2% of the volume fraction.
The Role of Androgenic Steroids in Shaping Social Phenotypes Across the Lifespan in Male Marmosets (Callithrix spp.)
Authors: FRENCH JEFFREY A.
Published: September 2012

Steroid hormones, particularly androgens and their metabolic derivatives, play a prominent role in shaping morphological, behavioral, and social phenotypes in many organisms, including primates. This paper reviews the endocrine correlates of development in male marmoset monkeys of the genusCallithrix(C. kuhliiandC. geoffroyi). A lifespan developmental perspective is adopted, in which our knowledge of hormone effects and profiles from prenatal periods through old age is described. Prenatal steroid hormones appear to play a prominent role in shaping behavioral and morphological phenotypes both the prepartum and in the early postpartum periods of life, with exposure to high gestational androgen associated with reduced fetal growth and lower levels of juvenile play. Early postnatal elevations in androgen levels in males are ubiquitous inCallithrix, and play a role in the further differentiation of male genital morphology and behavior. Changes in androgens as males approach puberty are similar to the conventional primate pattern, and unlike in female marmosets, gonadal steroidogenesis appears to be independent of social context. In adults, androgens appear to be an important modulator of paternal responsiveness to infants, since androgens are low at times when males typically engage in maximal levels of care, and fathers that care for offspring extensively appear to have lower androgen levels than fathers that are less involved in offspring care. Finally, aging in male marmosets is associated with reduced androgen levels. This reduction appears to be attributable to deficits in central mechanisms, since experimental induction and inhibition of gonadal steroid synthesis and release appears to be normal in older males. Together, these results suggest a complex picture of lifetime involvement of androgens in shaping marmoset phenotypes. Am. J. Primatol. 75:212‐221, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early life stress and telomere length: Investigating the connection and possible mechanisms
Authors: Shalev Idan
Published: September 2012

How can adverse experiences in early life, such as maltreatment, exert such powerful negative effects on health decades later? The answer may lie in changes to DNA. New research suggests that exposure to stress can accelerate the erosion of DNA segments called telomeres. Shorter telomere length correlates with chronological age and also disease morbidity and mortality. Thus, telomere erosion is a potential mechanism linking childhood stress to health problems later in life. However, an array of mechanistic, methodological, and basic biological questions must be addressed in order to translate telomere discoveries into clinical applications for monitoring health and predicting disease risk. This paper covers the current state of the science and lays out new research directions.
High‐Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Swenson Erik R. , Bärtsch Peter
Published: September 2012

High‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a not uncommon form of acute altitude illness, can occur within days of ascent above 2500 to 3000 m. Although life‐threatening, it is avoidable by slow ascent to permit acclimatization or with drug prophylaxis. The critical pathophysiology is an excessive rise in pulmonary vascular resistance or hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) leading to increased microvascular pressures. The resultant hydrostatic stress causes dynamic changes in the permeability of the alveolar capillary barrier and mechanical injurious damage leading to leakage of large proteins and erythrocytes into the alveolar space in the absence of inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage and hemodynamic pressure measurements in humans confirm that elevated capillary pressure induces a high‐permeability noninflammatory lung edema. Reduced nitric oxide availability and increased endothelin in hypoxia are the major determinants of excessive HPV in HAPE‐susceptible individuals. Other hypoxia‐dependent differences in ventilatory control, sympathetic nervous system activation, endothelial function, and alveolar epithelial active fluid reabsorption likely contribute additionally to HAPE susceptibility. Recent studies strongly suggest nonuniform regional hypoxic arteriolar vasoconstriction as an explanation for how HPV occurring predominantly at the arteriolar level causes leakage. In areas of high blood flow due to lesser HPV, edema develops due to pressures that exceed the dynamic and structural capacity of the alveolar capillary barrier to maintain normal fluid balance. This article will review the pathophysiology of the vasculature, alveolar epithelium, innervation, immune response, and genetics of the lung at high altitude, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality of HAPE. Published 2012.Compr Physiol2:2753‐2773, 2012.
Cancer, Physical Activity, and Exercise
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Winters‐Stone Kerri , Lee Augustine , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: September 2012

This review examines the relationship between physical activity and cancer along the cancer continuum, and serves as a synthesis of systematic and meta‐analytic reviews conducted to date. There exists a large body of epidemiologic evidence that conclude those who participate in higher levels of physical activity have a reduced likelihood of developing a variety of cancers compared to those who engage in lower levels of physical activity. Despite this observational evidence, the causal pathway underlying the association between participation in physical activity and cancer risk reduction remains unclear. Physical activity is also a useful adjunct to improve the deleterious sequelae experienced during cancer treatment. These deleterious sequelae may include fatigue, muscular weakness, deteriorated functional capacity, and many others. The benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment are similar to those experienced after treatment. Despite the growing volume of literature examining physical activity and cancer across the cancer continuum, a number of research gaps exist. There is little evidence on the safety of physical activity among all cancer survivors, as most trials have selectively recruited participants. The specific dose of exercise needed to optimize primary cancer prevention or symptom control during and after cancer treatment remains to be elucidated. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2775‐2809, 2012.
Bioinformatics aggregation predictors in the study of protein conformational diseases of the human nervous system
Authors: Guidolin Diego , Agnati Luigi F. , Albertin Giovanna , Tortorella Cinzia , Fuxe Kjell
Published: September 2012

Conformational protein diseases of the human central nervous system represent a subject that has crucial theoretical and medical implications. They include several important neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Creutzfeldt‐Jacob's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the tauopathies. They occur when soluble proteins undergo conformational rearrangements becoming capable of aggregate into β‐sheets conformations leading to the production of insoluble complexes known as amyloid deposits, that accumulate and lead to neurons and glial cells death. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicates that a key role in the conformational changes leading to amyloid formation is played by short sequence stretches within a given protein. Thus, the identification of protein regions potentially involved in aggregate formation and the characterization of their properties are relevant questions in the study of conformational proteins diseases. To address these questions, bioinformatics methods might provide an important contribution, suggesting possible mechanisms of protein aggregation, and focusing and orienting the experimental work. Thus, in the first part of the present review bioinformatics methods specifically attempting to predict aggregation‐prone regions in proteins will be briefly described. Furthermore, the results provided by the combined use of some of them to analyze a set of particularly important proteins involved in human degenerative diseases will be discussed.
Extracting Actionable Information From Genome Scans
Authors: Bacanu Silviu‐Alin , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: September 2012

Genome‐wide association studies discovered numerous genetic variants significantly associated with various phenotypes. However, significant signals explain only a small portion of the variation in many traits. One explanation is that missing variation is found in “suggestive signals,” i.e., variants with reasonably smallP‐values. However, it is not clear how to capture this information and use it optimally to design and analyze future studies. We propose to extract the available information from a genome scan by accurately estimating the means of univariate statistics. The means are estimated by: (i) computing the sum of squares (SS) of a genome scan's univariate statistics, (ii) using SS to estimate the expected SS for the means (SSM) of univariate statistics, and (iii) constructing accurate soft threshold (ST) estimators for means of univariate statistics by requiring that the SS of these estimators equals the SSM. When compared to competitors, ST estimators explain a substantially higher fraction of the variability in true means. The accuracy of proposed estimators can be used to design two‐tier follow‐up studies in which regions close to variants having ST‐estimated means above a certain threshold are sequenced at high coverage and the rest of the genome is sequenced at low coverage. This follow‐up approach reduces the sequencing burden by at least an order of magnitude when compared to a high coverage sequencing of the whole genome. Finally, we suggest ways in which ST methodology can be used to improve signal detection in future sequencing studies and to perform general statistical model selection.
THE BALANCE SHEET CHANNEL IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY IN A MONETARY UNION
Authors: Sousa João , Gameiro Isabel Marques
Published: September 2012

This paper uses a two‐country VAR approach to study the transmission of monetary policy shocks in Portugal, focusing in particular on the financial decisions of households, corporations (financial/non‐financial), the government and the rest of the world. We find that a monetary policy shock has a contractionary effect on economic activity and increases the financing needs of households and non‐financial corporations. The financial sector plays an important role, supplying the necessary funds to these sectors and thus facilitating their adjustment to the shock. We do not find much evidence of a significant systematic behaviour of the government or the rest of the world in response to monetary policy shocks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of benefit of 3‐month intensification with enfuvirtide plus optimized background regimen (OBR) versus OBR alone in patients with multiple therapeutic failures: The INNOVE study
Authors: Morand‐Joubert Laurence , Ghosn Jade , Delaugerre Constance , Giffo Boniface , Solas Caroline , Samri Assia , Pinta Alexandrina , Triglia Aurore , Raffi François ,   on behalf of Innove Study Group
Published: September 2012

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the virological efficacy of a 3‐month short‐course intensification with enfuvirtide (ENF) associated with an optimized background regimen (OBR) in treatment‐experienced patients infected with HIV‐1 with multiple therapeutic failures. This was a prospective, randomized, open‐label multicenter trial including patients infected with HIV‐1 and harboring a multi‐resistant virus that was still susceptible to at least 2 active compounds. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive OBR + ENF or OBR alone. ENF was discontinued at Week 12. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with plasma viral load <50 copies/ml at Week 24. Fifteen patients were randomized into the OBR group and 14 into the OBR + ENF group with a median viral load of 4.1 log10 copies/ml and a median CD4+ cell count of 346 cells/mm3. The primary endpoint was achieved in 93% (14/15) and 79% (11/14) of patients, respectively. Eighty‐seven percent (13/15) of patients had a viral load <50 copies/ml as soon as Week 12 in the OBR group and 79% (11/14) in the OBR + ENF group. At Week 12, the median CD4+ cell count was 327 in the OBR and 437 in the OBR + ENF groups and at Week 24 they were comparable. Intensification with ENF had no significant impact on PBMCs HIV‐DNA levels. A 3‐month short‐course intensified treatment with ENF did not improve Week‐24 virological response in treatment‐experienced patients infected with HIV‐1 harboring resistant viruses that were still susceptible to two antiretroviral drugs. J. Med. Virol. 84:1710–1718, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frequency and clinical significance of core promoter and precore region mutations in Tunisian patients infected chronically with hepatitis B
Authors: Ouneissa Rim , Bahri Olfa , Alaya‐Bouafif Nissaf Ben , Chouaieb Sofiene , Yahia Ahlem Ben , Sadraoui Amel , Hammami Walid , Filali Noureddine , Azzouz Mohamed Msaddak , Mami Nabyl Ben , Triki Henda
Published: September 2012

Genetic variability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the C gene and its association with the different stages of chronic liver disease has been studied inadequately with controversial results. The objectives of the current study were to determine the frequency of core promoter and precore mutations in chronic hepatitis B in Tunisia and to evaluate their impact on viral replication and disease progression. Sequencing was performed in upstream regulatory sequence (URS), pre‐core (PreC) and basal core promoter (BCP) regions for 123 chronic infected patients by HBV genotype D at different status of disease. Mutations were detected in 98.4% of cases, affecting URS, BCP and Pre‐C in 95.1%, 95.9% and 87.8% respectively. Multi‐mutations increased significantly from asymptomatic carrier to advanced liver disease status. G1896A (74.8%), G1764A/T/C (71.5%), G1899A (54.4%) and T1678C (52%) were the most common. Special attention should be paid to A1703T, T1678C/G‐A1703T, and A1652G‐A1679G mutations probably specific of Tunisians sequences; they were observed in 40.6%, 41.5% and 30.1% respectively. A1679G/C, T1753C/G/A, A1762T/G and A1762T‐G1764A were more prevalent in older patients. High DNA levels were associated with G1899A or G1764T/C‐C1766G‐C1799G and advanced liver disease with mutations at positions 1762, 1764 and/or 1899 alone or in double or triple mutations. It was also shown that substitutions at nucleotides 1762, 1764 and 1899 have an impact on the disease progression. It is the first report for specific mutations in the URS region for genotype D. It should be completed by studying eventual correlation with clinical progression and the response to treatment. J. Med. Virol. 84:1719–1726, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐Raman study of Medieval Cistercian 12–13th century manuscripts: Santa Maria de Alcobaça, Portugal
Authors: Muralha Vânia S. F. , Miguel Catarina , Melo Maria João
Published: September 2012

Santa Maria de Alcobaça Monastery, a Cistercian monastery, was established in 1153, in the year of St. Bernard of Clairvaux's death. From the approximately 160 illuminated manuscripts produced during the late 12th to early 13th centuries, a set of 15 manuscripts was selected to characterize the medieval colour palette of thisscriptorium, following an interdisciplinary study on Portuguese medieval illumination. Colour paints were fully characterized by Raman microscopy (RM), alongside μ‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and μ‐Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence.

TheAlcobaçacollection shows consistently the use of pink and grey paints, mostly achieved by mixing vermilion and/or an organic red, or a carbon‐based black pigment with lead white, respectively. Lazurite was the chosen pigment for blue, being ubiquitous in the studied collection. Azurite was found in the lettering of only one manuscript (Alc. 433). Green is defined as bottle green, commonly seen in Portuguese medieval manuscripts, evidencing the loss of cohesion and adhesion to the support. RM and μ‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identify a copper complex with a protein, possibly verdigris based. The remaining colour palette comprises orpiment, red lead and two organic dyes (with yellow and dark red) not yet characterised. Darkening is observed for lead white in two manuscripts (Alc. 249 and Alc. 446). RM shows galena, a lead sulfide, as the degradation product of lead white, and a band at approximately 810 cm−1, indicating the presence of an arsenate‐based species. On Alc. 446, an intense broad band at approximately 339 cm−1was also identified, most likely due to an orpiment‐based solid phase in agreement with the reduction of orpiment or the arsenate‐based species. A set of experiments was designed to assess the influence of orpiment on lead white degradation, corroborating the previous results and indicating the appearance of a new lead carbonate phase. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomolecular component analysis of cultured cell nucleoli by Raman microspectrometry
Authors: Kuzmin Andrey N. , Pliss Artem , Kachynski Aliaksandr V.
Published: September 2012

Distinct cellular domains, such as structure–function compartments of the cell nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles, are responsible for numerous macromolecular processes essential for cell functions. Spectroscopic analysis of specific cellular domains opens a way for noninvasive characterization of their molecular content and monitoring of their function.

Confocal Raman spectroscopy was employed here for characterization of the complex molecular organization of major structure–function compartment of the cell nucleus, the nucleolus. The Raman spectra obtained in the nucleoli were processed by biomolecular component analysis (BCA). BCA was used to determine the contribution of each major type of macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA and lipids) to the complex molecular composition of nucleoli. A notable cell‐to‐cell variability in the macromolecular composition of nucleolus was found. At the same time, we observed a correlation between the concentrations of major types of biomolecules in this nuclear compartment. In particular, the averaged concentration of RNA increases along with increase in protein concentration, while an inverse dependence between the concentrations of RNA and DNA was found. Variations in the nucleolar concentrations of lipids were also noticed. Manifestations in spectral variations of proteins for individual nucleoli, shown by BCA, are discussed and interpreted.

We also compared utility of BCA and principal component analysis for biomolecular studies and conclude that BCA is a more powerful and informative technique for studies of macromolecular composition and its variations in specific subcellular domains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A membrane microcontactor as a tool for integrated sample preparation
Authors: Hereijgers Jonas , Callewaert Manly , Breugelmans Tom , Ottevaere Heidi , Cabooter Deirdre , De Malsche Wim
Published: September 2012

A membrane microcontactor suitable to perform liquid–liquid extraction as well as evaporation in order to conduct enrichment steps in sample preparation of organ samples has been designed, fabricated, and characterized. Spacers of 100‐ or 200‐μm high were constructed in a metal substrate with a channel width of 13 mm and the extraction kinetics in these channels was evaluated. The spacers were designed such that at the entrance and exit region a uniform flow distribution could take place and that a uniform flow profile could be guaranteed along the channel, hence allowing a large freedom in sample volume to be processed. The extraction and evaporation kinetic behavior of the device was first evaluated by extraction of a drug candidate (4‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐pyrrol‐1‐y1)‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid). To evaluate the device under more challenging working conditions, a homogenized mice kidney sample containing the drug candidate that was administered in life condition was cleaned and enriched with the extraction and evaporation modules and characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography, yielding an overall analysis time of 15–20 min per sample only. The system has the potential to be operated in a continuous fashion, making it appealing to be implemented in screening or high‐throughput applications.
Characterization of Thiol‐Ene Crosslinked PEG Hydrogels
Authors: Toepke Michael W. , Impellitteri Nicholas A. , Theisen Jeffrey M. , Murphy William L.
Published: September 2012

The properties of synthetic hydrogels can be tuned to address the needs of many tissue‐culture applications. This work characterizes the swelling and mechanical properties of thiol‐ene crosslinked PEG hydrogels made with varying prepolymer formulations, demonstrating that hydrogels with a compressive modulus exceeding 600 kPa can be formed. The amount of peptide incorporated into the hydrogel is shown to be proportional to the amount of peptide in the prepolymer solution. Cell attachment and spreading on the surface of the peptide‐functionalized hydrogels is demonstrated. Additionally, a method for bonding distinct layers of cured hydrogels is used to create a microfluidic channel.

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Fractional Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ethylene oxide) in Its Blends with Poly(butylene succinate): Molecular Weight Effects
Authors: Pan Pengju , Zhao Li , Inoue Yoshio
Published: September 2012

The fractional crystallization kinetics and phase behavior of PEO with different molecular weights (MWs) in its miscible crystalline/crystalline blends with PBS are studied. Both fractional crystallization kinetics and phase segregation of PEO in PBS/PEO blends are dramatically influenced by its MW. PEO with a medium MW (20 kDa) shows a significant fractional crystallization in the blends with PBS crystallized at a high TIC,PBS, which, however, is dramatically depressed in the blends with a very low or high MW of PEO. This indicates that the PEO component with a medium MW is more ready to segregate into the interlamellar region of PBS crystals than those with a very low or high MW. The MW‐dependent fractional crystallization kinetics and phase segregation of PEO component in the PBS/PEO blends are discussed.

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Proteomic features of potential tumor suppressor NESG1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhen , Chen Chao , Yang Huiling , Zhang Yajie , Long Jie , Long Xiaobin , Fang Weiyi
Published: September 2012

We previously defined the recently revised NESG1 gene as a potential tumor suppressor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we further used proteomics technology to globally examine NESG1‐controlled proteins in NPC cells. Twenty‐six proteins were found to be deregulated by NESG1 using proteomics analysis while enolase 1 (alpha) (ENO1), heat shock protein 90 kDa beta (Grp94), member 1 (HSP90B1), and cathepsin D (CTSD) proteins were differentially expressed by Western blot. Interestingly, a‐enolase (ENO1), an overexpressed gene in NPC, was confirmed as a NESG1‐regulated protein in NPC cells. Overexpressed ENO1 not only restored cell proliferation and cell‐cycle progression, but also antagonized the regulation of NESG1 to cell‐cycle regulators p21 and CCNA1 expression as well as induced the expression of C‐Myc, pRB, and E2F1 in NESG1‐ovexpressed NPC cells. Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that NESG1 expression is negatively correlated with ENO1 expression in NPC tissues. Our observations suggest that ENO1 downregulation plays an important role in NESG1‐induced growth inhibition of NPC cancer cells.
Identification of soybean proteins from a single cell type: The root hair
Authors: Brechenmacher Laurent , Nguyen Tran Hong Nha , Hixson Kim , Libault Marc , Aldrich Joshua , Pasa‐Tolic Ljiljana , Stacey Gary
Published: September 2012

Root hairs (RH) are a terminally differentiated single cell type, mainly involved in water and nutrient uptake from the soil. The soybean RH cell represents an excellent model for the study of single cell systems biology. In this study, we identified 5702 proteins, with at least two peptides, from soybean RH using an accurate mass and time tag approach, establishing a comprehensive proteome reference map of this single cell type. We also showed that trypsin is the most appropriate enzyme for soybean proteomic studies by performing an in silico digestion of the soybean proteome using different proteases. Although the majority of proteins identified in this study are involved in basal metabolism, the function of others are more related to RH formation/function and include proteins involved in nutrient uptake (transporters) or vesicular trafficking (cytoskeleton and ras‐associated binding proteins). Interestingly, some of these proteins appear to be specifically detected in RH and constitute promising candidates for further studies to elucidate unique features of this single‐cell model.
Carbon source‐induced reprogramming of the cell wall proteome and secretome modulates the adherence and drug resistance of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Ene Iuliana V. , Heilmann Clemens J. , Sorgo Alice G. , Walker Louise A. , de Koster Chris G. , Munro Carol A. , Klis Frans M. , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: September 2012

The major fungal pathogen Candida albicans can occupy diverse microenvironments in its human host. During colonization of the gastrointestinal or urogenital tracts, mucosal surfaces, bloodstream, and internal organs, C. albicans thrives in niches that differ with respect to available nutrients and local environmental stresses. Although most studies are performed on glucose‐grown cells, changes in carbon source dramatically affect cell wall architecture, stress responses, and drug resistance. We show that growth on the physiologically relevant carboxylic acid, lactate, has a significant impact on the C. albicans cell wall proteome and secretome. The regulation of cell wall structural proteins (e.g. Cht1, Phr1, Phr2, Pir1) correlated with extensive cell wall remodeling in lactate‐grown cells and with their increased resistance to stresses and antifungal drugs, compared with glucose‐grown cells. Moreover, changes in other proteins (e.g. Als2, Gca1, Phr1, Sap9) correlated with the increased adherence and biofilm formation of lactate‐grown cells. We identified mating and pheromone‐regulated proteins that were exclusive to lactate‐grown cells (e.g. Op4, Pga31, Pry1, Scw4, Yps7) as well as mucosa‐specific and other niche‐specific factors such as Lip4, Pga4, Plb5, and Sap7. The analysis of the corresponding null mutants confirmed that many of these proteins contribute to C. albicans adherence, stress, and antifungal drug resistance. Therefore, the cell wall proteome and secretome display considerable plasticity in response to carbon source. This plasticity influences important fitness and virulence attributes known to modulate the behavior of C. albicans in different host microenvironments during infection.
Exercise intensity self‐regulation using the OMNI scale in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Higgins Linda W. , Robertson Robert J. , Kelsey Sheryl F. , Olson Marian B. , Hoffman Leslie A. , Rebovich Paul J. , Haile Luke , Orenstein David M.
Published: September 2012

Prescribing exercise at intensities that improve fitness is difficult in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) due to ventilatory limitations and fluctuating health status. Our aim was to determine if children with CF could regulate the intensity of cycle ergometer and treadmill exercise using target ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) derived from the Children's OMNI Scale. We examined prescription congruence (similar oxygen consumption [VO2] and heart rate [HR] for target RPE) and intensity discrimination (different VO2 and HR for different RPEs), from cycle to cycle and cycle to treadmill. Subjects were 24 children (12 male, 12 female), aged 10–17 years with varying disease severity. Each child participated in one orientation, one estimation trial (graded maximal exercise test), and two production trials (cycle and treadmill, alternating between RPE 4 and 7). At RPE 4, congruence was evident for both VO2 and HR on the treadmill. On the cycle at RPE 4, VO2 was significantly higher only in the first production trial, although HRs tended to be higher in the production trials than the estimation trial. Prescription congruence was also supported at RPE 7, with no significant differences in VO2 or HR between estimation and production trials on cycle or treadmill. Results fully supported intensity discrimination, with significant differences between VO2 and HR at RPE 4 and 7 (P < 0.0001). Children with CF appear capable of using the OMNI Scale to regulate cycle and treadmill exercise intensity. Training using this methodology has the potential to promote fitness in children with CF of varying severity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:497–505. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of action of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition in metabolic syndrome‐associated prostate alterations: An experimental study in the rabbit
Authors: Morelli Annamaria , Comeglio Paolo , Filippi Sandra , Sarchielli Erica , Vignozzi Linda , Maneschi Elena , Cellai Ilaria , Gacci Mauro , Lenzi Andrea , Vannelli Gabriella B. , Maggi Mario
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)‐related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), often associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigated the effects of PDE5 inhibition in the prostate of rabbits fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. HFD‐rabbits develop the most important features of human MetS (glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, increased abdominal adiposity, and hypertension), along with hypogonadism and LUT abnormalities (prostate and bladder inflammation/tissue remodeling).

METHODS

Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR. Prostate morphological changes and oxygenation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HFD prostates showed increased PDE5 expression, suggesting a peculiar sensitivity of prostate to the action of PDE5 inhibitors during MetS. Accordingly, prostate PDE5 mRNA was negatively associated to plasma testosterone/estradiol ratio, whose reduction characterizes MetS, and positively with the expression in prostate of several genes exploring pathogenetic processes for BPH/LUTS, such as inflammation, leukocyte infiltration, and fibrosis/myofibroblast activation. Most of these genes was up‐regulated by HFD, and significantly reduced by PDE5 inhibition, through either chronic (12 weeks) or, at a lower extent, acute (1‐week) tadalafil dosing. Tadalafil was also able to reduce blood pressure and visceral fat in HFD rabbits, without changing any other MetS parameter. Interestingly, 1‐week tadalafil administration to HFD rabbits, significantly blunted prostate inflammation (increased CD45 immunopositivity), fibrosis (reduced muscle/fiber ratio) and hypo‐oxygenation, thus suggesting a potential curative effect of PDE5 inhibition on MetS‐related prostate alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide the experimental evidences to support the multiple potentiality of PDE5 inhibitors as a useful therapeutic tool in LUTS. Prostate 73: 428–441, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixed exciton–plasmon collective elementary excitations of the Bose–Einstein condensed two‐dimensional magnetoexcitons with motional dipole moments
Authors: Dumanov E. V. , Liberman M. A. , Moskalenko S. A. , Novikov B. V. , Rusu S. S.
Published: September 2012

The collective elementary excitations of the two‐dimensional (2D) magnetoexcitons in the state of their Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) with nonzero wave vector k and inplane parallel oriented motional dipole moments are investigated in the Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov approximation (HFBA). The breaking of the gauge symmetry is achieved using the Bogoliubov theory of quasiaverages and the Keldysh–Kozlov–Kopaev (KKK) method. The starting Hamiltonian and the Green's functions are determined using the integral two‐particle operators instead of the single‐particle Fermi operators. The infinite chains of equations of motion for the multioperator four‐ and six‐particle Green‐s functions are truncated following the Zubarev method and introducing a small parameter of the perturbation theory related with the lowest Landau levels (LLLs) filling factor and with the phase‐space filling factor. The energy spectrum of the collective elementary excitations consists of the mixed exciton–plasmon energy braches, mixed exciton–plasmon quasienergy branches as well as the optical and acoustical plasmon energy branches. The exciton branches of the spectrum have gaps related with the negative values of the chemical potential and attractive interaction between the 2D megnetoexcitons with inplane, parallel oriented motional dipole moments. The slopes of the mixed exciton–plasmon branches are determined by the group velocities of the moving condensed excitons in the laboratory reference frame. The acoustical and optical plasmon energy branches are gapless. Their dependence on the small wave vectors accounted from the condensate wave vector k is linear and quadratic, respectively, with saturation in the range of high values of the wave vectors.
Preliminary study of a novel method for conveying corrected image volumes in surgical navigation
Authors: Simpson Amber L. , Dumpuri Prashanth , Ondrake Janet E. , Weis Jared A. , Jarnagin William R. , Miga Michael I.
Published: September 2012

Background

Commercial image‐guided surgery systems rely on the fundamental assumption that preoperative medical images represent the physical state of the patient in the operating room. The guidance display typically consists of a three‐dimensional (3D) model derived from medical images and three orthogonal views of the imaging data. A challenging question in image‐guided surgery is: what happens when the images used in the guidance display no longer correspond to the current geometric state of the anatomy and guidance information is still desirable?

Methods

We modify the conventional display with two techniques for incorporating a displacement field from a finite‐element model into the guidance display and present a preliminary study of the effect of our method on performance with a simple surgical task. The topic of this paper is methods for conveying the computational model solution, not the model itself. To address the integration of the computational model solution into the display, a novel method of applying the deformation to the tool tip was developed, which quickly corrects for deformation but also maintains the pristine nature of the preoperative images. We compare the proposed technique to an existing method that applies the deformation field to the image volume.

Results

A pilot study compared mean performance with our method of applying the deformation to the tool tip and the conventional technique. These methods were statistically similar with respect to accuracy of localization (p < 0.05) and amount of time (p < 0.05) required for localization of the target.

Conclusions

These results suggest that our new technique can be used in place of the computationally expensive task of deforming the image volume, without affecting the time or accuracy of the surgical task. Most notably, our work addresses the problem of incorporating deformation correction into the guidance display and offers a first step toward understanding its effect on surgical performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ToF‐SIMS and SEM‐EDS studies of palladium and ruthenium catalysts used in the reduction of selected fatty acids
Authors: Szynkowska M. I. , Leśniewska E. , Jakubowska A. , Rogowski J. , Góralski J. , Paryjczak T.
Published: September 2012

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer were applied for investigation of surface studies of catalysts. The studied systems were palladium and ruthenium catalysts supported on Al2O3 and SiO2. They were subjected to different thermal treatment. The studied catalysts are used in the reduction reaction of selected fatty acids. The electron microscopy allowed to analyze the composition of the surface layers of catalysts and observation of active metal crystallites on the surface. ToF‐SIMS studies gave information about chemical composition of catalyst surface, especially about interactions between metal phase and support (Pd–Al) as well as the presence of the residues coming from incomplete decomposition of precursor such as palladium chloride. The results revealed that these techniques can be successfully used in the analysis of surface physicochemical properties of prepared catalyst systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three-dimensional oblique water-entry problems at small deadrise angles
Authors: Moore M. R. , Howison S. D. , Ockendon J. R. , Oliver J. M.
Published: September 2012

This paper extends Wagner theory for the ideal, incompressible normal impact of rigid bodies that are nearly parallel to the surface of a liquid half-space. The impactors considered are three-dimensional and have an oblique impact velocity. A formulation in terms of the displacement potential is used to reveal the relationship between the oblique and corresponding normal impact solutions. In the case of axisymmetric impactors, several geometries are considered in which singularities develop in the boundary of the effective wetted region. We present the corresponding pressure profiles and models for the splash sheets.
On the Demos and Its Kin: Nationalism, Democracy, and the Boundary Problem
Authors: ABIZADEH ARASH
Published: September 2012

Cultural–nationalist and democratic theory both seek to legitimize political power via collective self-rule: Their principle of legitimacy refers right back to the very persons over whom political power is exercised. But such self-referential theories are incapable of jointly solving the distinct problems of legitimacy and boundaries, which they necessarily combine, once it is assumed that the self-ruling collectivity must be a prepolitical, in principle bounded, ground of legitimacy. Cultural nationalism claims that political power is legitimate insofar as it expresses the nation's prepolitical culture, but it cannot fix cultural–national boundaries prepolitically. Hence the collapse into ethnic nationalism. Traditional democratic theory claims that political power is ultimately legitimized prepolitically, but cannot itself legitimize the boundaries of the people. Hence the collapse into cultural nationalism. Only once we recognize that the demos is in principle unbounded, and abandon the quest for a prepolitical ground of legitimacy, can democratic theory fully avoid this collapse of demos into nation into ethnos. But such a theory departs radically from traditional theory.
Practical utility and reliability of whole-room calorimetry in young children
Authors: Janssen Xanne , Cliff Dylan , Okely Anthony D. , Jones Rachel A. , Batterham Marijka , Ekelund Ulf , Brage Søren , Reilly John J.
Published: September 2012

The use of whole-room calorimetry (WRC) in young children can increase our understanding of children's energy balance. However, studies using WRC in young children are rare due to concerns about its feasibility. To assess the feasibility of WRC in young children, forty children, aged 4–6 years, were asked to follow a graded activity protocol while in a WRC. In addition, six children participated in two additional resting protocols to examine the effect of diet-induced thermogenesis on resting energy expenditure (REE) measures and the reliability of REE measurement. Refusals to participate and data loss were quantified as measures of practical utility, and REE measured after an overnight fast and after a 90-min fast were compared. In addition, both were compared to predicted BMR values using the Schofield equation. Our results showed that thirty (78·9 %) participants had acceptable data for all intensities of the activity protocol. The REE values measured after a 90-min fast (5·07 (sd 1·04) MJ/d) and an overnight fast (4·73 (sd 0·61) MJ/d) were not significantly different from each other (P= 0·472). However, both REE after an overnight fast and a 90-min fast were significantly higher than predicted BMR (3·96 (sd 0·18) MJ/d) using the Schofield equation (P= 0·024 and 0·042, respectively). We conclude that, with a developmentally sensitive approach, WRC is feasible and can be standardised adequately even in 4- to 6-year-old children. In addition, the effect of a small standardised breakfast, approximately 90 min before REE measurements, is likely to be small.
Persistent neck disease after chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sanders J G , Smith K G , Jameson M B , de Groot C , White J
Published: September 2012

Objective:

This study aimed to identify the incidence of residual viable neck disease in patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract, following primary chemoradiation at a tertiary centre.

Study design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patients treated with primary chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the aero-digestive tract between August 2001 and August 2008. Neck status pre- and post-treatment was the primary focus.

Results:

Forty-two patients with node-positive disease prior to chemoradiation were included. Thirty-seven (88.1 per cent) achieved complete response to treatment: no patient in this group underwent neck dissection, five died due to recurrence at the primary site or distant metastasis, and none suffered neck recurrence. Five (11.9 per cent) patients achieved partial response to chemoradiation and underwent neck dissection; viable tumour was found in one patient.

Conclusion:

Our data support conservative management of the neck in patients with complete response to chemoradiation, and consolidation neck dissection in patients with partial response.