bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of rhizobia from legumes of agronomic interest grown in semi‐arid areas of Central Spain relates genetic differences to soil properties
Authors: Ruiz‐Díez Beatriz , Fajardo Susana , del Rosario de Felipe María , Fernández‐Pascual Mercedes
Published: September 2011

A study of symbiotic bacteria from traditional agricultural legumes from Central Spain was performed to create a collection of rhizobia from soils differing in physicochemical, analytical and/or agroecological properties which could be well‐adapted to the environmental conditions of this region, and be used for sustainable agricultural practices. Thirty‐six isolates were obtained from root‐nodules of fifteen legume species (including Cicer arietinum, Lathyrus sativus, Lens culinaris, Lupinus spp., Medicago sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, and Vicia spp.) from three agriculture areas with soils of different pHs and from a forest area with undisturbed soils. Phenotypical characterization revealed uniformity across the thirty‐six isolates, with important exceptions in terms of environmental tolerance (three isolates survived at high temperatures, three at high salinity and three at acid pH). The molecular analysis of 16S rRNA gene showed a close relationship of twenty‐nine isolates to Rhizobium leguminosarum, one to Rhizobium gallicum, one to Mesorhizobium ciceri, two to Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti and three to Bradyrhizobium canariense. The sequence analysis of a symbiosis‐specific gene, nod C, showed a correlation with the plant host and grouped twenty‐six isolates with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, establishing the diversity in relation to legume‐host. The 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region allowed for intraspecific differentiation, so that strains with equal 16S rRNA were grouped by means of their soil origin. These results indicated that phenotypical and genetically related strains may be widely distributed in this region and that soil abiotic characteristics could have a substantial bearing on the selection of the strains living in each environment. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamics and diversity of phosphate mineralizing bacteria in the coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar
Authors: Kannapiran E. , Ravindran J.
Published: September 2011

Phosphatase Producing Bacteria (PPB) and Inorganic Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (IPSB) are important to reef nutrition. These microbes and phosphate concentration play a significant role in the productivity of coral reef ecosystems. A study was conducted in Gulf of Mannar coral reef ecosystem to understand the diversity of these groups of bacteria and their competence in mineralizing the phosphate. The PPB isolates were identified under six genera i.e. Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Vibrio, Arthrobacter and Brevibacterium. Likewise, the IPSB isolates were also identified that belong to six genera i.e. Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Flavomonas and Micrococcus. Among the PPB and IPSB strains, Bacillus represented more number of species than others. PPB exhibited maximum activity between pH 8 and 9 and the lowest was at pH 6. Among the phosphatase producers Bacillus cereus (546) showed maximum activity (0.333 mmol/l P) at pH 8. In general, the phosphatase activity in most of the Bacillus species varied with reference to different pH. The species Bacillus megaterium (573) showed highest phosphate solubilizing activity (0.906 mmol/l P) by producing 2‐ketogluconic acid. The production of organic acids and phosphatase enzymes by these bacterial groups are responsible for the conversion of insoluble inorganic and organic phosphates into soluble forms which are available for the reef organisms. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a potential environmental vector for the transmission of food‐borne and opportunistic pathogens
Authors: Anacarso Immacolata , de Niederhäusern Simona , Messi Patrizia , Guerrieri Elisa , Iseppi Ramona , Sabia Carla , Bondi Moreno
Published: September 2011

The endosymbiotic relationship could represent for many bacteria an important condition favouring their spread in the environment and in foods. For this purpose we studied the behaviour of some food‐borne and opportunistic pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia enterocolitica) when internalized in Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Our results confirm the capability of the bacteria tested to grow within amoebal hosts. We can observe two types of interactions of the bacteria internalized in A. polyphaga. The first type, showed by Y. enterocolitica and A. hydrophila, was characterized by an early replication, probably followed by the killing and digestion of the bacteria. The second type, showed by E. faecalis and S. aureus was characterized by the persistence and grow inside the host without lysis. Lastly, when amoebae were co‐cultured with L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis, an eclipse phase followed by an active intracellular growth was observed, suggesting a third type of predator‐prey trend. The extracellular count in presence of A. polyphaga, as a result of an intracellular multiplication and subsequent release, was characterized by an increase of E. faecalis, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis, and by a low or absent cell count for Y. enterocolitica and A. hydrophila. Our study suggests that the investigated food‐borne and opportunistic pathogens are, in most cases, able to interact with A. polyphaga, to intracellularly replicate and, lastly, to be potentially spread in the environment, underlining the possible role of this protozoan in food contamination. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Culture‐independent analysis of the soil bacterial assemblage at the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma
Authors: Caton Ingrid R. , Schneegurt Mark A.
Published: September 2011

The Great Salt Plains (GSP) of Oklahoma is a natural inland terrestrial hypersaline environment that forms evaporite crusts of mainly NaCl. Previous work described GSP bacterial assemblages through the phylogenetic and phenetic characterization of 105 isolates from 46 phylotypes. The current report describes the same bacterial assemblages through culture‐independent 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Although from similar hypersaline mud flats, the bacterial libraries from two sites, WP3 and WP6, were quite different. The WP3 library was dominated by cyanobacteria, mainly Cyanothece and Euhalothece. The WP6 library was rich in anaerobic sulfur‐cycle organisms, including abundant Desulfuromonas. This pattern likely reflects differences in abiotic factors, such as frequency of flooding and hydrologic push. While more than 100 OTUs were identified, the assemblages were not as diverse, based on Shannon indexes, as bacterial communities from oligohaline soils. Since natural inland hypersaline soils are relatively unstudied, it was not clear what kind of bacteria would be present. The bacterial assemblage is predominantly genera typically found in hypersaline systems, although some were relatives of microbes common in oligohaline and marine environments. The bacterial clones did not reflect wide functional diversity, beyond phototrophs, sulfur metabolizers, and numerous heterotrophs. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Encapsulation of thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) aqueous extract in calcium alginate beads
Authors: Stojanovic Radoslava , Belscak‐Cvitanovic Ana , Manojlovic Verica , Komes Drazenka , Nedovic Viktor , Bugarski Branko
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Encapsulation of Thymus serpyllum L. aqueous extract within calcium alginate beads was studied in order to produce dosage formulations containing polyphenolic compounds. Electrostatic extrusion was applied for encapsulation of thyme aqueous extract in alginate gel beads. In addition to hydrogel beads, heat‐dried and freeze‐dried forms of beads were examined.

METHODS: Encapsulation systems were examined and compared in order to choose the optimal one with respect to entrapment efficiency, preservation of antioxidant activity and thermal behaviour under heating conditions simulating the usual food processing.

RESULTS: The beads obtained with approximately 2 mg g−1 of gallic acid equivalents encapsulated in 0.015 g mL−1 of alginate were spheres of a uniform size of about 730 µm. Encapsulation efficiency varied in the range 50‐80% depending on the encapsulation method. Besides, the analysis reveals that the encapsulation process and the material used did not degrade the bioactive compounds, as the total antioxidant content remained unchanged. This was verified by Fourier transform infrared analysis, which proved the absence of chemical interactions between extracted compounds and alginate. Addition of a filler substance, such as sucrose and inulin, in the dried product reduced its collapse and roundness distortion during drying process.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of using hydrogel material for encapsulation of plant poplyphenols to improve their functionality and stability in food products. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutritional composition of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds
Authors: Chouaibi Moncef , Mahfoudhi Nesrine , Rezig Leila , Donsì Francesco , Ferrari Giovanna , Hamdi Salem
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Zizyphus lotus seeds are an unutilized source of vegetable oil and protein and nothing has been reported on their physicochemical characteristics which would indicate the potential uses of these seeds.

RESULTS: The percentage composition of the Zizyphus lotus seeds is (on a dry‐weight basis): ash 1.05%, oil 32.92%, protein 19.11%, total carbohydrate 40.87% and moisture 6.05%. Calcium, potassium and magnesium constitute the major minerals of Zizyphus lotus seeds. The seed proteins are rich in threonine, glutamic acid, leucine, arginine and aspartic acid (26.73%, 17.28%, 13.11%, 9.47% and 7.76%, respectively). The main fatty acids of the oil are oleic (61.93%), linoleic (18.31%) and palmitic (9.14%) acids. Glycerol trioleate (OOO; O: oleic acid) was the most abundant triacylglycerol, representing 26.48% of the total triacyglycerols. β‐Tocopherol was the major tocopherol (130.47 mg 100 g−1). This oil was rich in Δ7‐campestrol and β‐sitosterol (147.82 and 82.10 mg 100 g−1 oil), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Zizyphus lotus seeds are rich in fat and protein which are of potential industrial significance. In addition, Zizyphus lotus L. seed oil contained many bioactive compounds. This fact is of great economic interest owing to several applications of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds in the food, cosmetics and medicinal industries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Meta‐analysis of laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer
Authors: Ding Jie , Liao Guo‐Qing , Liu He‐Li , Liu Sheng , Tang Jing
Published: September 2011

Background

To assess the value of laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 dissection for treatment of gastric cancer.

Methods

We collected studies that have compared laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG) with D2 dissection for treatment of gastric cancer in the past 15 years. Data of interest for LADG and ODG were subjected to meta‐analysis using a fixed‐effect and random‐effect model.

Results

We analyzed 8 studies that included 1,065 patients. There were significant differences in operating time, blood loss, time to first flatus and first eating, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications between the LADG and ODG groups. Compared with the ODG group, blood loss and complications in the LADG group decreased, time to recovery of gastrointestinal function and hospitalization period were shorter, but operating time was longer. There were no significant differences in the number of harvested lymph nodes, mortality, and rate of recurrence between the groups.

Conclusions

Compared with ODG, LADG with D2 dissection has the advantages of minimal invasion, faster recovery, and fewer complications, and it can achieve the same degree of radicality and short‐term prognosis as ODG. The drawbacks are that the operating time is slightly longer and long‐term prognosis is not clear. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:297–303. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary liver cancer presenting as pyogenic liver abscess: Characteristics, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Li Cong , Li Guangbing , Miao Ruoyu , Lu Xin , Zhong Shouxian , Sang Xinting , Mao Yilei , Zhao Haitao
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives

Primary liver cancer (PLC) presenting as pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is potentially life‐threatening, but has been occasionally reported, especially for cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Medical records of nine patients who presented as PLA, but were eventually confirmed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 5) or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC; n = 4), from September 1997 through April 2011, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Presenting symptoms included fever, chills, right‐upper‐quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. Physical signs included tenderness in the right‐upper‐quadrant abdomen, jaundice, and ascites. With the exception of elevated alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC patients and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) in IHCC patients, lab results were not significantly different between these nine patients and PLA patients. All the nine patients underwent invasive treatment in addition to antibiotics.

Conclusions

Elevated AFP and CA19‐9 could suggest HCC and IHCC in patients with symptoms/signs typical of PLA. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography could be helpful in patients with normal AFP and CA19‐9. Making an accurate and early diagnosis and seizing the opportunity of surgery are essential to improve the management strategies of patients with PLC mimicking PLA. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:687–691. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of perineal pseudocontinent colostomy on perineal wound healing after abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Dumont Frédéric , Souadka Amine , Goéré Diane , Lasser Philippe , Elias Dominique
Published: September 2011

Background

Abdominoperineal resections (APR) for anorectal tumors are associated with a high rate of perineal wound complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pseudocontinent perineal colostomy (PPC) following APR on perineal wound healing.

Methods

All patients undergoing APR between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Perineal wound healing was compared between patients with PPC and those with perineal closure alone.

Results

APR was performed in 132 patients, including 31 with PPC and 101 with no PPC. Risk factors such as radiotherapy, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were not different between the two groups. The PPC group had significantly fewer cases of omentoplasty and adenocarcinoma histology. The overall perineal complication rate, perineal infection, or wound dehiscence was similar in the two groups, but the perineal healing rate at 6 and 12 weeks was significantly increased in the PPC group than in the non‐PPC group (70.9% vs. 50%, P = 0.04, at 6 weeks; 90.3% vs. 73%, P = 0.04, at 12 weeks).

Conclusions

PPC accelerates perineal wound healing after APR without decreasing the overall perineal complication rate. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:628–631. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of melamine in milk powder using gas chromatography–high‐resolution isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Koh Guiwan , Chia Rosalind S. C. , Lin Qi , Cheow Pui‐Sze , Teo Tang‐Lin , Lee Tong‐Kooi
Published: September 2011

A GC–high‐resolution isotope dilution MS (IDMS) method for the quantification of melamine in milk powder is described. The developed technique is compared to the LC‐IDMS/MS technique, typically used for the determination of melamine in various matrices. The accuracy of the GC–high‐resolution IDMS method was demonstrated when a small degree of equivalence was obtained in a regional comparative study involving the determination of melamine in milk powder.
RNA separation by in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis with 1,2,5‐thiadiazole as an additive
Authors: Sumitomo Keiko , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Tatsuta Kuniaki
Published: September 2011

1,2,5‐Thiadiazole improved RNA separation with in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis. 1,2,5‐Thiadiazole was synthesized as an extraction solvent substituted for a halogenated solvent. While 1,2,5‐thiadiazole was an excellent extraction solvent and an environmentally friendly solvent, we found that 1,2,5‐thiadiazole was a strong hydrophobic compound for RNA and the RNA separation performance by in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis was dramatically improved. We suggest “in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis” as an RNA separation that realizes the denaturing and separation simultaneously. RNA separation by the method required a strong denaturant, acetic acid, to cleave the intramolecular hydrogen. The running buffer containing acetic acid was of high conductivity and low pH, in which the condition introduced Joule heating and low sensitivity. While conventional denaturants, formaldehyde and urea, maintained small electric conductivity and neutral pH, these denaturants were too weak to achieve the RNA separation by in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis. 1,2,5‐Thiadiazole being a neutral molecule, both conductivity and buffer pH were able to be adjusted to a desirable strength for RNA separation. In this paper, we report that RNA separation by in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis in neutral pH was achieved and the sensitivity for RNA separation was higher than that for RNA separation by in‐capillary denaturing polymer electrophoresis with acetic acid.
Estimating ungulate recruitment and growth rates using age ratios
Authors: DeCesare Nicholas J. , Hebblewhite Mark , Bradley Mark , Smith Kirby G. , Hervieux David , Neufeld Lalenia
Published: September 2011

Trends in population growth can be monitored with data for key vital rates without knowledge of abundance. Although adult female survival has the highest elasticity for ungulate population dynamics, the more variable recruitment rates are commonly monitored to track local variation in growth rates. Specifically, recruitment is often measured using late winter young:adult age ratios, though these age ratios are difficult to reliably interpret given the contribution of multiple vital rates to annual ratios. We show that the supplementation of age ratio data with concurrent radio‐telemetry monitoring of adult female survival allows both retrospective estimation of empirical population growth rates and the decomposition of recruitment‐specific vital rates. We demonstrate the estimation of recruitment and population growth rates for 1 woodland caribou population using these methods, including elasticity and life‐stage simulation analysis of the relative contribution of adult female survival and recruitment rates to variation in population growth. We show, for this woodland caribou population, that adult female survival and recruitment rates were nearly equivalent drivers of population growth. We recommend the concurrent monitoring of adult female survival to reliably interpret age ratios when managing caribou and other ungulates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Nucleophilic substitution reactions of diethyl 4‐nitrophenyl phosphate triester: Kinetics and mechanism
Authors: Castro Enrique A. , Ugarte Daniela , Rojas M. Fernanda , Pavez Paulina , Santos José G.
Published: September 2011

The reactions of diethyl 4‐nitrophenyl phosphate (1) with a series of nucleophiles: phenoxides, secondary alicyclic (SA) amines, and pyridines are subjected to a kinetic study. Under excess of nucleophile, all the reactions obey pseudo‐first‐order kinetics and are first order in the nucleophile. The nucleophilic rate constants (kN) obtained are pH independent for all the reactions studied. The Brønsted‐type plot (log kN vs. pKa nucleophile) obtained for the phenolysis is linear with slope β=0.21; no break was found at pKa 7.5, consistent with a concerted mechanism. The Brønsted‐type plots for the SA aminolysis and pyridinolysis are linear with slopes β=0.39 and 0.43, respectively, also suggesting concerted processes. The concerted mechanisms for the latter reactions are proposed on the basis of the lack of break in the Brønsted‐type plots and the instability of the hypothetical pentacoordinate intermediates formed in these reactions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 708–714, 2011
Diffusion Coefficients in Thermosensitive Poly(NIPAAm) Hydrogels
Authors: Naddaf Aisha A. , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: September 2011

Diffusion coefficients for the moving boundary thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels, which were swelled to equilibrium in aqueous solutions of either BSA or phenol, have been determined. Using a uniaxial compression apparatus the collective (Dcol) and with confocal Raman spectroscopy the mutual (Dmut) diffusion coefficients were estimated. The solute distribution in the hydrogel in addition to the effect of the swelling ratio, the cross‐linking ratio and the hydrogel cylinder thickness on the Young's modulus were investigated.
Explaining ADAGIO: A critical review of the biological basis for the clinical effects of rasagiline
Authors: Jenner Peter , Langston J. William
Published: September 2011

The ADAGIO study demonstrated a symptomatic benefit for rasagiline in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and suggested a disease‐modifying effect. Evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD and that this may be the site of effect for rasagiline. In this systematic review, evidence for the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of PD are reviewed in light of other proposed mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and the actions of rasagiline and its component parts, namely propargylamine and the metabolite, aminoindan. Evidence for the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis and treatment of PD are reviewed in light of other proposed mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and clinical actions of rasagiline. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) located in the outer mitochondrial membrane controls dopamine metabolism in early PD, and this is the likely location for the symptomatic action of rasagiline. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to dopaminergic neuronal loss in PD, either directly or through other mechanisms such as oxidative stress or protein misfolding. Further rasagiline affects numerous mitochondrial mechanisms that prevent apoptotic cell death including prevention of opening of the mitochondrial transition pore, decreased release of cytochrome C, alterations in pro‐antiapoptotic genes and proteins, and the nuclear translocation of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Thus, the functional neuroprotective actions of rasagiline may not be dependent on MAO‐B inhibition, but rather may involve actions of the propargylamine moiety and the aminoindan metabolite. An accumulating body of literature indicates a mitochondrial site of action for rasagiline and highlights the neuroprotective action of the drug, providing strong biological plausibility for disease‐modifying effects of the drug such as those observed in ADAGIO. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Selecting Relevant Descriptors for Classification by Bayesian Estimates: A Comparison with Decision Trees and Support Vector Machines Approaches for Disparate Data Sets
Authors: Carbon‐Mangels Miriam , Hutter Michael C.
Published: September 2011

Classification algorithms suffer from the curse of dimensionality, which leads to overfitting, particularly if the problem is over‐determined. Therefore it is of particular interest to identify the most relevant descriptors to reduce the complexity. We applied Bayesian estimates to model the probability distribution of descriptors values used for binary classification using n‐fold cross‐validation. As a measure for the discriminative power of the classifiers, the symmetric form of the Kullback–Leibler divergence of their probability distributions was computed. We found that the most relevant descriptors possess a Gaussian‐like distribution of their values, show the largest divergences, and therefore appear most often in the cross‐validation scenario. The results were compared to those of the LASSO feature selection method applied to multiple decision trees and support vector machine approaches for data sets of substrates and nonsubstrates of three Cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, which comprise strongly unbalanced compound distributions. In contrast to decision trees and support vector machines, the performance of Bayesian estimates is less affected by unbalanced data sets. This strategy reveals those descriptors that allow a simple linear separation of the classes, whereas the superior accuracy of decision trees and support vector machines can be attributed to nonlinear separation, which are in turn more prone to overfitting.
Photoprotection by dietary carotenoids: Concept, mechanisms, evidence and future development
Authors: Stahl Wilhelm , Sies Helmut
Published: September 2011

Carotenoids are micronutrients present mainly in fruits and vegetables, and they are ingested from these sources with the diet. They exhibit specific antioxidant activity but also influence signaling and gene expression at the cellular level. β‐Carotene and lycopene, the colorants of carrots and tomatoes, respectively, are among the most prominent members of this group of lipids, and they are usually the dominating carotenoids in human blood and tissues. Both compounds modulate skin properties when ingested as supplements or as dietary products. There is evidence that they protect the skin against sunburn (solar erythema) by increasing the basal defense against UV light‐mediated damage. Their photoprotective efficacy, however, is not comparable to the use of a sunscreen. In vitro data show that also other carotenoids are efficient photoprotectors. Among them are lutein and structurally unusual phenolic polyenes like 3,3′‐dihydroxyisorenieratene.
STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGEMENT: GOVERNMENT AND NATIONAL NON‐GOVERNMENT EDUCATION PROVIDERS IN SOUTH ASIA
Authors: Rose Pauline
Published: September 2011

It is often assumed that non‐government education providers prefer to operate without ‘interference’ from government. However, in practice, they inevitably need to form relationships. There is also a common view that non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) have to choose between service delivery and advocacy. As this article shows, these objectives are often not independent of each other. Drawing on evidence from established national non‐government education providers in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, the article identifies different strategies adopted in balancing their service delivery and advocacy objectives. In all cases, the NGOs find ways to ensure a cooperative rather than conflictual relationship with government to pursue their goals. Strategies vary according to the strength of the national policy context, the formality of the relationship and the degree of dependence on funding sources, with the latter being most influential. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comorbidities in an asthma population 8–29 years old: a study from the Norwegian Prescription Database
Authors: Karlstad Øystein , Nafstad Per , Tverdal Aage , Skurtveit Svetlana , Furu Kari
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To examine the occurrence of chronic diseases and antimicrobial treatment in an asthma population 8–29 years old, compared with the general population.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the asthma population was identified from the general population (retrieved from a census covering the entire Norwegian population) using filled prescriptions on asthma drugs as a proxy measure of current asthma. The outcome was excess occurrence of specific diseases (comorbidity) among people with asthma, compared with the age‐specific general population. Diseases were defined by filled prescriptions with specific diagnostic codes (International Classification of Primary Care 2nd edition [ICPC‐2] or International Classification of Diseases 10th revision [ICD‐10]) during a 1‐year period in the Norwegian Prescription Database. Nine chronic diseases were examined: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, migraine, mental illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and allergy. Additionally, antibacterials recommended for respiratory tract infections and antivirals were examined (defined by Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes). Standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) for each disease were calculated.

Results

Fifty‐nine percent of the population with asthma had at least one of nine chronic diseases examined, compared with 18% in the general population. Few individuals with asthma had more than one additional chronic disease (6% of male subjects and 8% of female subjects). SMRs were increased for all diseases except diabetes, implying higher than expected occurrence of the specific diseases in people with asthma. This pattern was observed in both age groups (8–19 and 20–29 years) and genders. Allergy and GORD had highest SMR (range 3.2–4.8), whereas the other diseases were in the range 1.2–2.5.

Conclusions

An excess occurrence of comorbidities was found in the population with asthma. A majority of people with asthma had one additional chronic disease, and few had more than one. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of polymer‐to‐polymer contact friction in thermoforming
Authors: Martin P.J. , McCool R. , Härter C. , Choo H.L.
Published: September 2011

Contact friction plays a critical role in all the major thermoforming processes for polymers. However, these effects are very difficult to measure in practice and, as a result, have received little scientific investigation. In this work, two independently developed test methods for the measurement of elevated temperature polymer‐to‐polymer contact friction are presented, and their results are compared in detail for the first time. One is based on a modified moving sled friction test, whereas the other uses a rotational rheometer. In each case, friction tests were conducted between two plug and two sheet materials. The results show that broadly similar coefficients of friction were obtained from the two test methods. The measured values were quite low (<0.3) at lower temperatures and typically were higher for polypropylene (PP) sheet than for polystyrene (PS). On approaching the glass transition temperature for PS (95°C) and the crystalline melting point for PP (165°C), the friction coefficients rose very sharply, and both test techniques became increasingly unreliable. It was concluded that despite their physical differences, both test techniques were able to capture the highly temperature sensitive nature of friction between polymer materials used in thermoforming. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of electrospun electroactive POMA fiber mats
Authors: Dai Chung‐Feng , Weng Chang‐Jian , Yeh Tzu‐Chun , Lai Bo‐Cheng , Sung Chang‐Yu , Wei Yen , Chang Kuan‐Chin , Yeh Jui‐Ming
Published: September 2011

A neat electroactive freestanding non‐woven mat was first prepared from poly(o‐methoxyaniline) (POMA) using an electrospinning technique without blending or grafting. Results showed that a continuous fibre structure was obtained for high weight‐average molecular weight M̄w of POMA, i.e. POMA forced to become more soluble when synthesized in the presence of CaCl2 and an alkoxyl‐ring‐substituted structure. By performing gel permeation chromatography and viscosity tests, we found that M̄w ≈ 69 000 g mol−1 and concentrations were critical to the formation of beads or fibres. The electrospinning parameters that cause morphological changes were found by scanning electron microscopy. By comparing these with governing parameters such as viscosity, feeding rate, collector distance and applied voltage, uniform POMA fibres were produced from 5 wt% POMA solution at 20 kV with a feeding rate of 0.02 mL min−1 and nozzle‐to‐collector distance of 12 cm. In addition, the electroactivity and mechanical strength of the neat electrospun non‐woven mats were studied by electrochemical cyclic voltammogram and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of localized regions with very high series resistances on cell performance
Authors: Sugianto Adeline , Breitenstein Otwin , Tjahjono Budi S. , Lennon Alison , Mai Ly , Wenham Stuart R.
Published: September 2011

The J–V curves recorded under illumination for solar cells having a high series resistance can appear shunted when a fraction of the cell area is affected by very high series resistance values. This “apparent shunting” behaviour was observed in n‐type rear‐junction, laser‐doped cells with light‐induced plated front contacts. Localized series resistance measurements of the affected cells by photoluminescence imaging revealed that over 20% of the cell area had a series resistance above 10 Ω cm2 and extending up to a maximum value of 168 Ω cm2. It was found that cells with localized series resistances have a detrimental impact on the FF and Jsc of the device. Furthermore, an unusual FF recovery was also observed with decreasing level of illumination. A solar cell model with localized high series resistances was developed to further study this “apparent shunting” behaviour with respect to its impact on cell performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature dynamics of multijunction concentrator solar cells up to ultra‐high irradiance
Authors: Braun Avi , Hirsch Baruch , Vossier Alexis , Katz Eugene A. , Gordon Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2011

We report experimental results for the effect of irradiance (from 12 up to 8600 suns) on the temperature coefficients of the key performance parameters of multijunction concentrator solar cells, with a flash‐like, real‐sun optical system. Particular attention is paid to the time scales and magnitudes of junction heating, hence the degree to which the cell can be deemed isothermal. The implications for corresponding measurements from solar simulators with pulsed artificial light and for the performance evaluation of concentrator photovoltaics are also addressed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral spectrum splitting concentrator photovoltaics: direct measurement of component and submodule efficiency
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Waite Nick , Murcia Paola , Emery Keith , Steiner Myles , Kiamilev Fouad , Goossen Keith , Honsberg Christiana , Barnett Allen
Published: September 2011

To achieve high energy conversion efficiency, a solar module architecture called lateral spectrum splitting concentrator photovoltaics (LSSCPV) is being developed. LSSCPV can concentrate available sunlight and laterally split a single beam into bands with different spectra for absorption by different solar cells with band gaps matched to the split spectrum. Test assemblies of a sample LSSCPV architecture were constructed, each of which contains four p–n junctions and two optical pieces. Independent experiments or simulations had been implemented on the components but by using optimal assumptions. In order to examine the actual performances of all the components, which are dependent on each other and the light source, direct outdoor measurements were made. A set of self‐consistent efficiency definitions was articulated and a test bed was developed to measure the parameters required by the efficiency calculation. By comparing the component efficiency items derived from the outdoor measurement and the expected values based on independent simulations, the potential opportunities for efficiency improvement are determined. In the outdoor measurement at the University of Delaware, the optical component demonstrated 89·1% efficiency. Additional assemblies were tested at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. One assembly demonstrated 36·7% submodule efficiency, which compares favorably with the 32·6% previously reported verified submodule efficiency. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the Configuration of the Plasma Chamber on the Surface Modification of Synthetic Vulcanized Rubber Treated with Low‐pressure Oxygen RF Plasma
Authors: Torregrosa‐Coque Rafael , Martín‐Martínez José Miguel
Published: September 2011

Three different configurations of RF low‐pressure oxygen plasmas were used to modify the surface of vulcanized styrene–butadiene rubber. Direct, etching and downstream oxygen plasma treatments of the rubber were carried out for length of treatment between 1 and 10 min. The oxygen plasma treated rubber surfaces were characterized by ethylene glycol contact angle measurements, ATR‐IR and XPS spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adhesion of the oxygen plasma treated rubber to polyurethane adhesive was carried out by means of T‐peel test and the loci of failure of the joints were characterized by means of ATR‐IR spectroscopy. Three different oxygen plasma configurations obtained by changing the position of the rubber sample in the plasma chamber and by changing the shelves (power, ground, floating) were used to modify the extent of surface modification and the temperature reached on rubber surface. The direct oxygen plasma was the most aggressive treatment and the secondary downstream plasma the less one. The increase in the length of the oxygen plasma treatment allowed the most efficient removal of antiozonant paraffin wax from the as‐received rubber. Furthermore, the oxygen plasma treatments created CO moieties on the rubber surface. On the other hand, only 1 min treatment time was sufficient to decrease noticeably the contact angle value on the rubber surface, irrespective of the oxygen plasma chamber configuration and the length of treatment. Oxygen plasma treatment caused surface oxidation and ablation on the rubber surface, as well as an increase of the temperature that also determined the extent of paraffin wax migration, the migration was favoured for temperature higher than 45 °C. Finally, the migration of paraffin wax was produced for at least 24 h after oxygen plasma treatment and poor adhesion to polyurethane adhesive was obtained, due to the creation of a weak boundary layer of paraffin wax at the rubber–polyurethane interface. The migration of paraffin wax caused during plasma treatment was the dominant factor in decreasing the adhesion of rubber to polyurethane adhesive.

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Explosive Mixtures for Explosive Welding of Thin Foils: Part 2. RDX–Baking Soda Mixtures
Authors: Andreevskikh Leonid A. , Dendenkov Yury P. , Drennov Oleg B. , Mikhailov Anatoly L. , Titova Nadezhda N. , Deribas Andrey A.
Published: September 2011

Explosive mixtures of RDX powder and baking soda have been investigated. It was found that the size of the RDX particles had crucial influence on the detonation properties of such explosives. The suggested mix of explosives can be recommended for use in explosive welding and some other applications.
Development of a Functional Assessment Scale for Ambulatory Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Scott Elaine , Eagle Michelle , Mayhew Anna , Freeman Jenny , Main Marion , Sheehan Jennie , Manzur Adnan , Muntoni Francesco ,   The North Star Clinical Network for Paediatric Neuromuscular Disease
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose

The aims of this study were to develop a clinical assessment scale to measure functional ability in ambulant boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to determine the reliability of the scale in multiple centres in the UK.

Methods

Focus groups and workshops were held with experienced paediatric neuromuscular physiotherapists to determine scale content. A manual was prepared with accompanying videos, and training sessions were conducted. A total of 17 physiotherapists from participating centres used the videos to determine inter‐rater reliability. Five determined the intra‐rater reliability.

Results

Strength of agreement for these groups based on total subject scores was very good (0.95 and ≥0.93 for consistency and absolute agreement, respectively). Test–retest ability was high, with perfect agreement between occasions for all but two items of the scale.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the North Star Ambulatory Assessment is practical and reliable. It takes only 10 minutes to perform and incorporates both universally used timed tests as well as levels of activities, which allow assessment of high‐functioning boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for the presence of proteolytically active secreted aspartic proteinase 1 of Candida parapsilosis in the cell wall
Authors: Vinterová Zuzana , Šanda Miloslav , Dostál Jiří , Hrušková‐Heidingsfeldová Olga , Pichová Iva
Published: September 2011

Pathogenic yeasts of the genus Candida produce secreted aspartic proteinases, which are known to enhance virulence. We focused on Sapp1p proteinase secreted by Candida parapsilosis and studied the final stage of its passage through the cell wall and release into the extracellular environment. We found that Sapp1p displays enzyme activity prior to secretion, and therefore, it is probably fully folded within the upper layer of the cell wall. The positioning of cell surface‐associated Sapp1p was detected by cell wall protein labeling using biotinylation agents, extraction of cell wall proteins by β‐mercaptoethanol, immunochemical detection, and mass spectrometry analysis. All lysine residues present in the structure of soluble, purified Sapp1p were labeled with biotin. In contrast, the accessibility of individual lysines in cell wall‐associated Sapp1p varied with the exception of four lysine residues that were biotinylated in all experiments performed, suggesting that Sapp1p has a preferred orientation in the cell wall. As the molecular weight of this partially labeled Sapp1p did not differ among the experiments, we can assume that the retaining of Sapp1p in the cell wall is not a totally random process and that pathogenic yeasts might use this cell‐associated proteinase activity to enhance degradation of appropriate substrates.
STITCHER: Dynamic assembly of likely amyloid and prion β‐structures from secondary structure predictions
Authors: Bryan Allen W. , O'Donnell Charles W. , Menke Matthew , Cowen Lenore J. , Lindquist Susan , Berger Bonnie
Published: September 2011

The supersecondary structure of amyloids and prions, proteins of intense clinical and biological interest, are difficult to determine by standard experimental or computational means. In addition, significant conformational heterogeneity is known or suspected to exist in many amyloid fibrils. Previous work has demonstrated that probability‐based prediction of discrete β‐strand pairs can offer insight into these structures. Here, we devise a system of energetic rules that can be used to dynamically assemble these discrete β‐strand pairs into complete amyloid β‐structures. The STITCHER algorithm progressively ‘stitches’ strand‐pairs into full β‐sheets based on a novel free‐energy model, incorporating experimentally observed amino‐acid side‐chain stacking contributions, entropic estimates, and steric restrictions for amyloidal parallel β‐sheet construction. A dynamic program computes the top 50 structures and returns both the highest scoring structure and a consensus structure taken by polling this list for common discrete elements. Putative structural heterogeneity can be inferred from sequence regions that compose poorly. Predictions show agreement with experimental models of Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide and the Podospora anserina Het‐s prion. Predictions of the HET‐s homolog HET‐S also reflect experimental observations of poor amyloid formation. We put forward predicted structures for the yeast prion Sup35, suggesting N‐terminal structural stability enabled by tyrosine ladders, and C‐terminal heterogeneity. Predictions for the Rnq1 prion and alpha‐synuclein are also given, identifying a similar mix of homogenous and heterogeneous secondary structure elements. STITCHER provides novel insight into the energetic basis of amyloid structure, provides accurate structure predictions, and can help guide future experimental studies. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioactivity of compounds from Acmella oleracea against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and selectivity to two non‐target species
Authors: Moreno Shaiene C , Carvalho Geraldo A , Picanço Marcelo C , Morais Elisangela GF , Pereira Rogério M
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Tropical plants are recognised sources of bioactive compounds that can be used for pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of compounds present in Acmella oleracea (Asteracea) against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), which is the main pest of tomato crops in Latin America. The selectivity of these compounds to the predator Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and to the pollinator Tetragonisca angustula (Latr.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) was also of interest.

RESULTS: A bioassay screening with hexane and ethanol extracts from 23 plants was performed. The hexane extract of A. oleraceae was the most active of the extracts and was selected for further study. The following three alkamides were isolated from a hexane extract of the aerial parts of A. oleracea: spilanthol, (E)‐N‐isobutylundeca‐2‐en‐8,10‐diynamide and (R, E)‐N‐(2‐methylbutyl)undeca‐2‐en‐8,10‐diynamide. All of the isolated compounds showed insecticidal activity, with spilanthol being the most active (LD50 = 0.13 µg mg−1) against T. absoluta. The alkamides were selective to both beneficial species studied.

CONCLUSION: The crude hexane extract of A. oleraceae showed high insecticidal activity and can be used to control T. absoluta in organic or conventional crops. Quantification of LD50 values of isolated compounds against T. absoluta showed that alkamides could serve as potent insecticides for T. absoluta control programmes. Spilanthol was the main alkamide active isolated. This alkamide is the most promising as it has the highest insecticidal activity and is selective to non‐target organisms. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Glyphosate resistance in perennial Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass), endowed by reduced glyphosate translocation and leaf uptake
Authors: Vila‐Aiub Martin M , Balbi María C , Distéfano Ana J , Fernández Luis , Hopp Esteban , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: In a large cropping area of northern Argentina, Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass) has evolved towards glyphosate resistance. This study aimed to determine the molecular and biochemical basis conferring glyphosate resistance in this species. Experiments were conducted to assess target EPSPS gene sequences and 14C‐glyphosate leaf absorption and translocation to meristematic tissues.

RESULTS: Individuals of all resistant (R) accessions exhibited significantly less glyphosate translocation to root (11% versus 29%) and stem (9% versus 26%) meristems when compared with susceptible (S) plants. A notably higher proportion of the applied glyphosate remained in the treated leaves of R plants (63%) than in the treated leaves of S plants (27%). In addition, individuals of S. halepense accession R2 consistently showed lower glyphosate absorption rates in both adaxial (10–20%) and abaxial (20–25%) leaf surfaces compared with S plants. No glyphosate resistance endowing mutations in the EPSPS gene at Pro‐101–106 residues were found in any of the evaluated R accessions.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation indicate that reduced glyphosate translocation to meristems is the primary mechanism endowing glyphosate resistance in S. halepense from cropping fields in Argentina. To a lesser extent, reduced glyphosate leaf uptake has also been shown to be involved in glyphosate‐resistant S. halepense. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry