bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of yield quality and weed infestation of common valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) in dependence on weed control method and forecrop.
Authors: Kwiatkowski Cezary
Published: April 2013

A field experiment involving the cultivation of common valerian was conducted on loess soil in Abramów (Lublin region) in the period 2007-2009. Qualitative parameters of herbal raw material obtained from this plant as well as in-crop weed infestation were evaluated depending on the protection method and forecrop. Hand-weeded plots, in which a hand hoe was used, were the control. In the other treatments, weeds were controlled using various herbicides and a mechanical implement (brush weeder). Potato and winter wheat + field pea cover crop were the forecrops for common valerian crops. A hypothesis was made that the use of a brush weeder and herbicides not registered for application in valerian crops would have a positive effect on this plant's productivity and weed infestation in its crops. It was also assumed that the introduction of a cover crop would allow the elimination of differences in the forecrop value of the crop stands in question. The best quantitative and qualitative parameters of common valerian raw material as well as the largest reduction of incrop weed infestation were recorded after the application of the herbicides which were not type approved. The use of the brush weeder in the interrows also had a beneficial effect on productivity of the plant in question, but secondary weed infestation at the end of the growing season of common valerian turned out to be its disadvantage. Traditional crop protection methods used in common valerian crops were less effective in weed infestation reduction and they resulted in lower plant productivity and raw material quality. Potato proved to be a better forecrop for common valerian than winter wheat + field pea; however, this positive effect was not confirmed statistically. The following annual weeds: Chenopodium album, Galinsoga parviflora, Stellaria media, were predominant in the common valerian crop. Traditional weed control methods resulted in the dominance of some dicotyledonous weeds, such as Viola arvensis, Galium aparine, Capsella bursa-pastoris.
The effect of different agrotechnical levels on weed infestation in crops of naked and husked varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Andruszczak Sylwia , Kwiecińska-Poppe Ewa , Kraska Piotr , Pałys Edward
Published: April 2013

The present study was carried out in the period 2007- 2009 in the Experimental Farm in Bezek near the city of Chełm. The aim of the investigation was to compare weed infestation of the husked (Krezus) and naked (Cacko) oat cultivars cultivated under conditions of different weed control treatments. The following weed control levels were compared: A - control object; B - harrowing twice; C - application of the herbicide Mustang 306 SE; D - herbicide Mustang 306 SE + foliar fertilizer Insol 3; E - herbicide Mustang 306 SE + two foliar fertilizers: Insol 3 and FoliCare 18:18:18. The husked oat cv. Krezus was more competitive against weeds. Number of dicotyledonous weeds and of monocotyledonous weeds, total weeds, and air-dry weight of above-ground parts of weeds in the crop of this cultivar were all significantly lower compared to the naked cv. Cacko. From the group of dicotyledonous species, Chenopodium album, Galinsoga parviflora, Matricaria maritima ssp. inodora, Polygonum aviculare, and Stellaria media were the dominant species in the crops of the oat varieties under investigation, whereas among the monocotyledonous species Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria pumila, Apera spica-venti, and Elymus repens occurred in greatest numbers. The application of the herbicide Mustang 306 SE decreased the number of dicotyledonous weeds and air-dry weight of weeds, compared to the treatment in which mechanical weed control had been used.
Territoires-ressources, migrations et minorités linguistiques : le cas de deux régions périphériques canadiennes
Authors: Beaudin Maurice , Forgues Éric , Guignard Noël Josée
Published: April 2013

Le présent texte traite des migrations dans deux régions canadiennes qui comptent une importante minorité francophone. Leur situation géographique quelque peu excentrée par rapport aux grands centres du pays ainsi que leur dépendance envers l’exploitation des ressources naturelles en font depuis longue date des régions d’émigration au profit surtout des centres urbains provinciaux du Sud. Quelle est l’ampleur de ces flux ? Peut-on y déceler des tendances lourdes ? Dans quelle mesure les jeunes sont-ils touchés par les flux migratoires ? Où vont les migrants ? Autant de questions qui nous permettront de voir en quoi les migrations influent sur la vitalité économique ainsi que la vitalité démolinguistique des régions à l’étude.
Effect of Processing Additives on the Solidification of Blade‐Coated Polymer/Fullerene Blend Films via In‐Situ Structure Measurements
Authors: Shin Nayool , Richter Lee J. , Herzing Andrew A. , Kline R. Joseph , DeLongchamp Dean M.
Published: April 2013

The use of processing additives has emerged as a powerful approach for the optimization of active layer performance in organic photovoltaic devices. However, definitive physical mechanisms explaining the impact of additives have not yet been determined. To elucidate the role of additives, we have studied the time evolution of structure in polymer‐fullerene films blade‐coated from additive containing solutions using in‐situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and UV–vis transmission. Additives that are poor solvents for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), such as 1,8‐octanedithiol, and additives that are good solvents for P3HT, such as 1‐chloronapthalene, both promote improved polymer order, phase segregation, and device performance. Regardless of the presence or type of additive, the polymer order develops under conditions of extreme supersaturation. Additives, regardless of whether they are solvents for P3HT, promote earlier polymer aggregation compared to additive ‐ free solutions presumably by degrading the solvent quality. We find evidence that the details of the final film morphology may be linked to the influence of the substrate and long‐time film plasticization in the cases of the non‐solvent and solvent respectively.
Membrane rejection of nonspherical particles: Modeling and experiment
Authors: Agasanapura Basavaraju , Baltus Ruth E. , Tanneru Charan , Chellam Shankararaman
Published: April 2013

The rejection coefficient of nonspherical particles from ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes has been examined from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. Modeling efforts focused on incorporating the convective hindrance factor for a capsule shaped particle in a cylindrical pore into predictions of the rejection coefficient. First, the convective hindrance factor was approximated using previously reported results for the hydrodynamic resistances experienced by a sphere in a pore. Second, computational fluid dynamics calculations predicted the convective hindrance factor for a capsule in a cylindrical pore. Results from both approaches indicate that including hydrodynamic interactions in predictions of the rejection coefficient has a greater effect for smaller particles and particles with smaller aspect ratio (i.e., close to spherical shape). Rejections of several rod‐shaped Gram negative bacteria with aspect ratio from 2 to 5 by clean track‐etched membranes were in general agreement with theoretical predictions. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3863–3873, 2013
Regeneration and reusability of anion exchange resin used in perfluorooctane sulfonate removal by batch experiments
Authors: Chularueangaksorn Pattarawan , Tanaka Shuhei , Fujii Shigeo , Kunacheva Chinagarn
Published: April 2013

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been increasingly considered an environmental micropollutant in recent years. The adsorption of PFOS by anion exchange resins and granular activated carbon was studied in this work. Additionally, the regeneration and reusability of the selected resin were further studied. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted well by the Freundlich isotherm for all adsorbents. PFA300 had the highest adsorption capacity (455 mg/g) and the fastest adsorption rate. Regeneration studies of PFA300 were conducted using different types of regeneration solutions. The regeneration efficiency of PFA300 exceeded 99%. Regenerated PFA300 was reused as an adsorbent and showed high PFOS removal efficiency for six cycles. In this study, PFA300 had the highest adsorption capacity as well as good regeneration and reusability. Therefore, PFA300 is a promising adsorbent that can be used to remove PFOS in aqueous solution. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 884‐890, 2013
Improvement in Knee Loading After Use of Specialized Footwear for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a Six‐Month Pilot Investigation
Authors: Shakoor Najia , Lidtke Roy H. , Wimmer Markus A. , Mikolaitis Rachel A. , Foucher Kharma C. , Thorp Laura E. , Fogg Louis F. , Block Joel A.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Biomechanical interventions for knee osteoarthritis (OA) aim to improve pain and retard disease progression by decreasing knee loading. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of 6 months of use of flat, flexible footwear (the mobility shoe) on knee loading in OA.

Methods

Subjects with knee OA underwent baseline gait analyses under conditions of walking in their own shoes, walking in mobility shoes, and walking barefoot. Thereafter, subjects wore the mobility shoes at least 6 hours per day for 6 days per week. Gait evaluations were repeated at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. An intent‐to‐treat analysis was performed to assess the longitudinal effects on knee loading with the shoe intervention.

Results

Compared to knee loading at baseline with the participants' own shoes, there was an 18% reduction in the knee adduction moment (KAM) by 24 weeks with the mobility shoes (P < 0.001) and no significant differences in the KAM by 24 weeks between mobility shoe and barefoot walking (P = 0.192). Over the 6 months of followup, participants also experienced an 11% reduction in the KAM when walking in their own shoes (P = 0.002) and a 10% reduction in the KAM when walking barefoot (P = 0.002 for the whole followup), as compared to these values at baseline under the same conditions.

Conclusion

This study suggests that use of flat, flexible footwear results in significant reductions in knee loading in subjects with OA. By 24 weeks, there is evidence of a gait adaptation with sustained load reduction even when the mobility shoes are removed, suggesting that footwear may serve as a biomechanical training device to achieve beneficial alterations in gait mechanics for knee OA.
Glucocorticoids Suppress T Cell Function by Up‐Regulating MicroRNA‐98
Authors: Davis Trevor E. , Kis‐Toth Katalin , Szanto Attila , Tsokos George C.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) in human T cells that can explain known antiinflammatory properties of steroids.

Methods

Activated human CD4+ T cells from healthy donors were exposed to 1 μM methylprednisolone (MP) in vitro and then subjected to miRNA and messenger RNA microarray analyses. Changes in expression profiles were recorded. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we confirmed the suppression of predicted targets, and through miRNA transfection experiments, we could suggest mechanistic links.

Results

We identified numerous steroid‐responsive genes and miRNAs—many known and some novel—including multiple previously unknown proinflammatory genes suppressed by MP. Further studies using qPCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA demonstrated that methylprednisolone increased the expression of miRNA‐98 (miR‐98) and suppressed the levels of predicted targets, including interleukin‐13 and 3 tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs): Fas, FasL, and TNFR superfamily member 1B. Forced expression of miR‐98 in T cells resulted in suppression of the same targets.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate a link between miR‐98 expression and the effects of MP and provide evidence suggesting that MP acts through miR‐98 to inhibit specific proinflammatory targets. Identification of this antiinflammatory mechanism of glucocorticoids is important, since it may pave the way toward the elusive goal of dissociating adverse effects from therapeutic effects.
Diet Influences Expression of Autoimmune‐Associated Genes and Disease Severity by Epigenetic Mechanisms in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Lupus
Authors: Strickland Faith M. , Hewagama Anura , Wu Ailing , Sawalha Amr H. , Delaney Colin , Hoeltzel Mark F. , Yung Raymond , Johnson Kent , Mickelson Barbara , Richardson Bruce C.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Lupus flares occur when genetically predisposed individuals encounter appropriate environmental agents. Current evidence indicates that the environment contributes by inhibiting T cell DNA methylation, causing overexpression of normally silenced genes. DNA methylation depends on both dietary transmethylation micronutrients and ERK‐regulated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT‐1) levels. We used transgenic mice to study the effect of interactions between diet, DNMT‐1 levels, and genetic predisposition on the development and severity of lupus.

Methods

A doxycycline‐inducible ERK defect was bred into lupus‐resistant (C57BL/6) and lupus‐susceptible (C57BL/6 × SJL) mouse strains. Doxycycline‐treated mice were fed a standard commercial diet for 18 weeks and then switched to a transmethylation micronutrient–supplemented (MS) or –restricted (MR) diet. Disease severity was assessed by examining anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody levels, the presence of proteinuria and hematuria, and by histopathologic analysis of kidney tissues. Pyrosequencing was used to determine micronutrient effects on DNA methylation.

Results

Doxycycline induced modest levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies in C57BL/6 mice and higher levels in C57BL/6 × SJL mice. Doxycycline‐treated C57BL/6 × SJL mice developed hematuria and glomerulonephritis on the MR and standard diets but not the MS diet. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice developed kidney disease only on the MR diet. Decreasing ERK signaling and methyl donors also caused demethylation and overexpression of the CD40lg gene in female mice, consistent with demethylation of the second X chromosome. Both the dietary methyl donor content and the duration of treatment influenced methylation and expression of the CD40lg gene.

Conclusion

Dietary micronutrients that affect DNA methylation can exacerbate or ameliorate disease in this transgenic murine lupus model, and contribute to lupus susceptibility and severity through genetic–epigenetic interactions.
Subchondral Bone Trabecular Integrity Predicts and Changes Concurrently With Radiographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Determined Knee Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Kraus Virginia Byers , Feng Sheng , Wang ShengChu , White Scott , Ainslie Maureen , Graverand Marie‐Pierre Hellio Le , Brett Alan , Eckstein Felix , Hunter David J. , Lane Nancy E. , Taljanovic Mihra S. , Schnitzer Thomas , Charles H. Cecil
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate subchondral bone trabecular integrity (BTI) on radiographs as a predictor of knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Methods

Longitudinal (baseline, 12‐month, and 24‐month) knee radiographs were available for 60 female subjects with knee OA. OA progression was defined by 12‐ and 24‐month changes in radiographic medial compartment minimal joint space width (JSW) and medial joint space area (JSA), and by medial tibial and femoral cartilage volume on magnetic resonance imaging. BTI of the medial tibial plateau was analyzed by fractal signature analysis using commercially available software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for BTI were used to predict a 5% change in OA progression parameters.

Results

Individual terms (linear and quadratic) of baseline BTI of vertical trabeculae predicted knee OA progression based on 12‐ and 24‐month changes in JSA (P < 0.01 for 24 months), 24‐month change in tibial (P < 0.05), but not femoral, cartilage volume, and 24‐month change in JSW (P = 0.05). ROC curves using both terms of baseline BTI predicted a 5% change in the following OA progression parameters over 24 months with high accuracy, as reflected by the area under the curve measures: JSW 81%, JSA 85%, tibial cartilage volume 75%, and femoral cartilage volume 85%. Change in BTI was also significantly associated (P < 0.05) with concurrent change in JSA over 12 and 24 months and with change in tibial cartilage volume over 24 months.

Conclusion

BTI predicts structural OA progression as determined by radiographic and MRI outcomes. BTI may therefore be worthy of study as an outcome measure for OA studies and clinical trials.
Creativity for Feist
Authors: Warner Julian
Published: April 2013

This paper develops an understanding of creativity to meet the requirements of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Feist v. Rural (1991). The inclusion of creativity in originality, in a minimal degree of creativity, and in a creative spark below the level required for originality, is first established. Conditions for creativity are simultaneously derived. Clauses negatively implying creativity are then identified and considered. The clauses that imply creativity can be extensively correlated with conceptions of computability. The negative of creativity is then understood as an automatic mechanical or computational procedure or a so routine process that results in a highly routine product. Conversely, creativity invariantly involves a not mechanical procedure. The not mechanical is then populated by meaning, in accord with accepted distinctions, drawing on a range of discourses. Meaning is understood as a different level of analysis to the syntactic or mechanical and also as involving direct human engagement with meaning. As direct engagement with meaning, it can be connected to classic concepts of creativity, through the association of dissimilars. Creativity is finally understood as not mechanical human activity above a certain level of routinicity. Creativity is then integrated with a minimal degree of creativity and with originality. The level of creativity required for a minimal degree is identified as intellectual. The combination of an intellectual level with a sufficient amount of creativity can be read from the exchange values connected with the product of creative activity. Humanly created bibliographic records and indexes are then possible correlates to, or constituents of, a minimal degree of creativity. A four‐stage discriminatory process for determining originality is then specified. Finally, the strength and value of the argument are considered.
History on Wikipedia: In need of a NWICO (New World Information and Communication Order)? the case of Cambodia
Authors: Luyt Brendan
Published: April 2013

Wikipedia is a repository of information freely available to those with Internet access. Given its radical departure from previous encyclopedias, it is not surprising that it is controversial. Wikipedia is freely editable, leading to debates over accuracy and writing style. It has also included topics, especially in the area of popular culture, which some believe are not appropriate for a serious, comprehensive encyclopedia. In this article, I do not examine these arguments, but, rather, a different problem confronting Wikipedia. Through a case study of Cambodian history articles, I demonstrate how Wikipedia limits itself through a largely unconscious appropriation of the dominant discourse of representation surrounding its objects of inquiry. When article quality is examined, a distinct pattern emerges that can readily be matched to the dominant historiographical tradition of Cambodian history. As well as presenting this case study as a demonstration of the influence of dominant discursive narratives, I wish to contextualize this privileging of particular discourses within debates about the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) that emerged in the 1970s. I argue that the NWICO can be useful in our thinking about the relationship of information professionals to Wikipedia today.
Robust Output Feedback Stabilization of Switched Nonlinear Systems with Average Dwell Time
Authors: Chiang Ming‐Li , Fu Li‐Chen
Published: April 2013

For some switched nonlinear systems, stabilization can be achieved under arbitrary switching with state feedback control. Due to switching zero dynamics, output feedback stabilization for some switched nonlinear systems needs dwell time between switching to guarantee system stability. In this paper, we consider a class of switched nonlinear systems with unknown parameters and unknown switching signals. We design a robust output feedback controller that stabilizes the system under a class of switching signals with average dwell time (ADT) where the value of ADT can be reduced by adjusting the control gain. For some special cases, common quadratic Lyapunov functions of the closed‐loop systems can be found and the value of ADT is further relaxed. Some examples and simulations are provided to validate the results.
Life cycle assessment of bioethanol‐based PVC
Authors: Alvarenga Rodrigo AF , Dewulf Jo , De Meester Steven , Wathelet Alain , Villers Joseph , Thommeret Richard , Hruska Zdenek
Published: April 2013

From the results of the attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) of the bioethanol‐based polyvinyl chloride (PVC), shown in the first part of this work, changing the feedstock from fossil‐ to bioethanol‐based ethylene appears to be a way to decrease the environmental impacts of that product on climate change and non‐renewable resources. Although, other environmental concerns may rise related to the effects of indirect land‐use change (iLUC) caused by sugarcane expansion. Therefore, the objective of the second part of this work was to make a consequential LCA of the bioethanol‐based PVC, assessing the effects of iLUC as the key side‐effect of the implementation of that product in the market on 2018, at different degrees of iLUC (three scenarios were created). The life cycle inventory was collected from literature, databases, and primary data from Solvay S.A. We used midpoint and endpoint indicators for life cycle impact assessment. At the midpoint indicators, the environmental impact categories responded differently for the different degrees of iLUC, and some of them generated gains to the environment in the three scenarios, including non‐renewable resource use. At endpoint level, the results showed overall environmental gains if iLUC was kept below 5.7% of the sugarcane cultivation area. The effects of iLUC are based on assumptions, and therefore subject to uncertainties, but the assessment performed in this paper was important to provide quantitative information for the stakeholders on how the environmental gains of the bioethanol‐based PVC should not be nullified by iLUC impacts. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate: Targeted production and signaling
Authors: Sun Yue , Thapa Narendra , Hedman Andrew C. , Anderson Richard A.
Published: April 2013

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI4,5P2) is a key lipid signaling molecule that regulates a vast array of biological activities. PI4,5P2 can act directly as a messenger or can be utilized as a precursor to generate other messengers: inositol trisphosphate, diacylglycerol, or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate. PI4,5P2 interacts with hundreds of different effector proteins. The enormous diversity of PI4,5P2 effector proteins and the spatio‐temporal control of PI4,5P2 generation allow PI4,5P2 signaling to control a broad spectrum of cellular functions. PI4,5P2 is synthesized by phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs). The array of PIPKs in cells enables their targeting to specific subcellular compartments through interactions with targeting factors that are often PI4,5P2 effectors. These interactions are a mechanism to define spatial and temporal PI4,5P2 synthesis and the specificity of PI4,5P2 signaling. In turn, the regulation of PI4,5P2 effectors at specific cellular compartments has implications for understanding how PI4,5P2 controls cellular processes and its role in diseases.
Ersatzgewebe aus Bioreaktoren
Authors: Müller Werner
Published: April 2013

Nicht nur ethische Bedenken und restriktive Gesetze, sondern auch praktische Erwägungen lenken die gegenwärtige Stammzellenforschung auf adulte Stammzellen, umso mehr, als es zunehmend gelingt, differenzierte Zellen in den Zustand teilungsfähiger Vorläuferzellen zurückzuversetzen. Dies ermöglicht Therapien mit autologen, immunologisch toleranten Zellen und Geweben. In Bioreaktoren werden bereits erfolgreich autologe Ersatzgewebe für verbrannte Haut, verschlissene Knorpelelemente und Herzklappen gezüchtet. Im Reagenzglas entstehen auch schon weitgehend entwickelte Augen durch Selbstorganisation, freilich im frühembryonalen Zustand. Abschließend wird die erstaunlicherweise wenig bekannte Gesetzeslage in Deutschland referiert.
Eduard Strasburger
Authors: Volkmann Dieter
Published: April 2013

Eduard Strasburger (1844–1912), für mehr als 30 Jahre Direktor des Botanischen Instituts und Botanischen Gartens sowie Rektor der Rheinischen Friedrich‐Wilhelms Universität Bonn, gilt auf Grund seiner Beiträge zur Zellenlehre, Fortpflanzung, Vererbung und Evolution der Pflanzen als Begründer der modernen Zellbiologie sowie neben Julius Sachs als Inspirator der Sensorik der Pflanzen. Auch im Zeitalter der molekularen Genetik sind Strasburgers Forschungsansätze und ‐ideen hochaktuell. Mit seinem für die damalige Zeit erstaunlichen Maß an Anwendungspotenzial, seiner Industriekooperation, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Internationalität sowie seinem integrierenden Forschungsansatz erfüllt Strasburger ein Anforderungsprofil heutiger Zeit; sein Motto “Wissenschaft ist in ständigem Fluß” wird immer Gültigkeit haben. Das von ihm 1894 mit drei weiteren Kollegen gegründete Lehrbuch der Botanik für Hochschulen, übersetzt in zahlreiche Sprachen, liegt derzeit in der 36. Auflage vor.
Variation of Epimedins A – C and Icariin in Ten Representative Populations of Epimedium brevicornuMaxim., and Implications for Utilization
Authors: Xu Yanqin , Li Zuozhou , Yuan Ling , Zhang Xuejun , Lu Dayan , Huang Hongwen , Wang Ying
Published: April 2013

The concentration variations of main flavonoids, epimedins A–C and icariin, among ten representative populations of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. were assessed by HPLC. The populations were collected during the flowering stage and included 419 individual samples. Remarkable variations within and among populations were detected. SXXA Population (see Fig. 1) was an outlier due to its significant low concentrations (<1.00–4.46 mg/g). But even without SXXA, significant concentration differences among populations were still observed in epimedin A (2.31–8.42 mg/g), epimedin B (6.67–55.7 mg/g), epimedin C (5.39–23.0 mg/g), icariin (8.50–39.9 mg/g), and their total (29.1–123 mg/g). All populations except SXXA showed much higher concentrations than the recommended standards (i.e. 5 mg/g for icariin and 13 mg/g for the total). A high‐concentration‐population structure, estimated both by principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair group method with averaging (UPGMA) cluster analysis, based on Euclidean distances, was observed. Both methods allowed separation of the populations in four groups defined by the concentrations of four main flavonoids. The populations (SXLC and SXQS) located in north of Yellow River were clustered together and characterized by highest concentrations of epimedin B, icariin, and their total. Considering of the high concentrations of main flavonoids and abundant resources, E. brevicornu could be exploited as a good medical resource for Herba Epimedii and would offer a tremendous potential for commercial development, but SXXA population should be paid special attention, and further study is needed.
Phytochemical Diversity of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. from Western Himalaya
Authors: Verma Ram S. , Chauhan Amit , Padalia Rajendra C. , Jat Sanjeev K. , Thul Sanjog , Sundaresan Velusamy
Published: April 2013

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae), commonly known as ‘curry leaf tree’, is a popular spice and condiment of India. To explore the diversity of the essential‐oil yield and aroma profile of curry leaf, growing wild in foot and mid hills of north India, 58 populations were collected during spring season. M. koenigii populations were found to grow up to an altitude of 1487 m in north India. Comparative results showed considerable variations in the essential‐oil yield and composition. The essential‐oil yield varied from 0.14 to 0.80% in shade‐dried leaves of different populations of M. koenigii. Analysis of the essential oils by GC and GC/MS, and the subsequent classification by statistical analysis resulted in four clusters with significant variations in their terpenoid composition. Major components of the essential oils of investigated populations were α‐pinene (2; 4.5–71.5%), sabinene (3; <0.05–66.1%), (E)‐caryophyllene (11; 1.6–18.0%), β‐pinene (4; <0.05–13.6%), terpinen‐4‐ol (9; 0.0–8.4%), γ‐terpinene (8; 0.2–7.4%), limonene (7; 1.1–5.5%), α‐terpinene (6; 0.0–4.5%), (E)‐nerolidol (14; 0.0–4.1%), α‐humulene (12; 0.6–3.5%), α‐thujene (1; 0.0–2.5%), β‐elemene (10; 0.2–2.4%), β‐selinene (13; 0.2–2.3%), and myrcene (5; 0.5–2.1%). Comparison of the present results with those in earlier reports revealed new chemotypes of M. koenigii in investigated populations from Western Himalaya. The present study documents M. koenigii populations having higher amounts of sabinene (3; up to 66.1%) for the first time.
Total Synthesis of the Postulated Structure of Fulicineroside
Authors: Bartholomäus Ruben , Dommershausen Fabian , Thiele Markus , Karanjule Narayan S. , Harms Klaus , Koert Ulrich
Published: April 2013

A total synthesis of the proposed structures of fulicineroside and its aglycone fulicinerine is reported. The tetrasubstituted dibenzofuran substructure was accessible either through a Pd‐mediated ortho‐metalation or by an Ir‐catalyzed meta‐borylation. The synthesis of the β,β,α‐linked trisaccharide consisting of D‐olivose, L‐rhodinose, and L‐rhamnose was challenged by the unprecedented β‐linked rhodinose. A Pd‐catalyzed β‐selective glycosylation of a 4‐epi‐rhodinose and a subsequent Mitsunobu inversion provided selectively the β‐linked L‐rhodinose‐L‐rhamnose disaccharide. Comparison with the reported data for the natural product and the aglycone suggests a misassignment of the structure of the natural product.
Squamous cell carcinoma antigen
Authors: Williams Matt , Swampillai Angela , Osborne Melanie , Mawdsley Suzannah , Hughes Rob , Harrison Mark , Harvey Richard , Glynne‐Jones Rob ,   Mount Vernon Colorectal Cancer Network
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the predictive value of pretreatment serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg) levels in 174 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus who received concurrent chemoradiation between 1997 and 2010.

METHODS

Pretreatment serum SCCAg measurements in patients with histologically diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and margin who received chemoradiation were compared with clinical tumor classification and lymph node status for prognostic/predictive ability, including 1) tumor response after the completion of chemoradiation treatment, 2) disease recurrence, and 3) overall survival. Clinical measurements and scores were compared using Spearman rank tests, and survival was assessed in both univariate and multivariate survival analyses.

RESULTS

The median pretreatment levels of SCCAg according to clinical tumor classification and clinical lymph node status were 0.8 μg/L in T1 tumors, 1.90 μg/L in T2 tumors, 2.5 μg/L in T3 tumors, 3.8 μg/L in T4 tumors, 1.35 μg/L in patients with N0 status, and 3.05 μg/L in patients with N0+ status (correlation coefficient: T‐classification, 0.43; lymph node status, 0.38; both P < .00001). Of the patients who had normal SCCAg levels, 95% achieved a complete response after initial treatment; and, of those who had elevated SCCAg levels, 86% achieved a complete response (P = .05). Overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.5; P = .007) and disease‐free survival (hazard ratio, 2.2; P = .058) were worse for those who had elevated pretreatment serum SCCAg concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment SCCAg levels in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and margin were correlated with clinical tumor classification and clinical lymph node status. Elevated levels of SCCAg were associated with a reduced chance of achieving a complete response and an increased chance of recurrence and death. The authors recommend further studies to determine the prognostic value of SCCAg in anal squamous cell carcinoma and suggest the potential use of SCCAg as a stratification factor in future trials. Cancer 2013;119:2391‐2398. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Analysis in early stage triple‐negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy: Patterns of failure and prognostic factors
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Yu Xiaoli , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Zhen , Tuan Jeffrey , Shao Zhimin , Guo Xiaomao , Feng Yan
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate and identify patterns of failure and prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) that could justify postmastectomy radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy in patients with early stage triple‐negative breast cancer.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and July 2007, the authors retrospectively analyzed 390 patients who had triple‐negative breast cancer with T1/T2 tumors and from zero to 3 positive lymph nodes (pathologic T1‐T2N0‐N1) who underwent modified radical mastectomy without postmastectomy radiotherapy at the author's institution. The 5‐year cumulative incidence for events was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and subgroups were compared using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Overall, 86.4% of patients received chemotherapy. At a median follow‐up of 60.5 months, the 5‐year cumulative rates of local recurrence, regional recurrence, LRR, and distant metastasis were 5.4%, 4.7%, 8%, and 13.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age <50 years, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, grade 3 tumor, and 3 involved lymph nodes were associated significantly with an increased risk of LRR. The 5‐year LRR rate for patients who had 0 or 1 risk factor, 2 risk factors, and 3 or 4 risk factors was 4.2%, 25.2%, and 81% (P < .0001), respectively. The presence of lymphovascular invasion and having 3 involved lymph nodes were statistically significant predictors of regional recurrence, and the patients who had regional recurrence had a significantly greater risk of distant metastases compared with patients who had local recurrence (59.1% vs 20.9%; P  <  .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Several risk factors were identified in this study that correlated independently with a greater incidence of LRR in patients who had early stage triple‐negative breast cancer. The current results indicated that postmastectomy radiotherapy should be considered for those patients who have 2 or more of these factors. Cancer 2013;119:2366‐2374. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Acupuncture in the treatment of upper‐limb lymphedema
Authors: Cassileth Barrie R. , Van Zee Kimberly J. , Yeung K. Simon , Coleton Marci I. , Cohen Sara , Chan Yi H. , Vickers Andrew J. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Hudis Clifford A.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for lymphedema after breast cancer treatment are expensive and require ongoing intervention. Clinical experience and our preliminary published results suggest that acupuncture is safe and potentially useful. This study evaluates the safety and potential efficacy of acupuncture on upper‐limb circumference in women with lymphedema.

METHODS

Women with a clinical diagnosis of breast cancer−related lymphedema (BCRL) for 0.5‐5 years and with affected arm circumference ≥2 cm larger than unaffected arm received acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks. Affected and unaffected arm circumferences were measured before and after each acupuncture treatment. Response, defined as ≥30% reduction in circumference difference between affected/unaffected arms, was assessed. Monthly follow‐up calls for 6 months thereafter were made to document any complications and self‐reported lymphedema status.

RESULTS

Among 37 enrolled patients, 33 were evaluated; 4 discontinued due to time constraints. Mean reduction in arm circumference difference was 0.90 cm (95% CI, 0.72‐1.07; P < .0005). Eleven patients (33%) exhibited a reduction of ≥30% after acupuncture treatment. Seventy‐six percent of patients received all treatments; 21% missed 1 treatment, and another patient missed 2 treatments. During the treatment period, 14 of the 33 patients reported minor complaints, including mild local bruising or pain/tingling. There were no serious adverse events and no infections or severe exacerbations after 255 treatment sessions and 6 months of follow‐up interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture for BCRL appears safe and may reduce arm circumference. Although these results await confirmation in a randomized trial, acupuncture can be considered for women with no other options for sustained arm circumference reduction. Cancer 2013;119:2455‐2461. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
STFT or CWT for the detection of Doppler ultrasound embolic signals
Authors: Gonçalves Ivo B. , Leiria Ana , Moura M. M. M.
Published: April 2013

Aiming reliable detection and localization of cerebral blood flow and emboli, embolic signals were added to simulated middle cerebral artery Doppler signals and analysed. Short‐time Fourier transform (STFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) were used in the evaluation. The following parameters were used in this study: the powers of the embolic signals added were 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 and 9 dB; the mother wavelets for CWT analysis were Morlet, Mexican hat, Meyer, Gaussian (order 4) and Daubechies (orders 4 and 8); and the thresholds for detection (equated in terms of false positive, false negative and sensitivity) were 2 and 3.5 dB for the CWT and STFT, respectively. The results indicate that although the STFT allows accurately detecting emboli, better time localization can be achieved with the CWT. Among the CWT, the current best overall results were obtained with Mexican Hat mother wavelet, with optimal results for sensitivity (100% detection rate) for nearly all emboli power values studied. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a bead‐based multiplex assay for the simultaneous detection of porcine inflammation markers using xMAP technology
Authors: Bongoni Anjan K. , Lanz Jonas , Rieben Robert , Banz Yara
Published: April 2013

Commercially available assays for the simultaneous detection of multiple inflammatory and cardiac markers in porcine blood samples are currently lacking. Therefore, this study was aimed at developing a bead‐based, multiplexed flow cytometric assay to simultaneously detect porcine cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha], chemokines (IL‐8 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1), growth factors [basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet‐derived growth factor‐bb], and injury markers (cardiac troponin‐I) as well as complement activation markers (C5a and sC5b‐9). The method was based on the Luminex xMAP technology, resulting in the assembly of a 6‐ and 11‐plex from the respective individual singleplex situation. The assay was evaluated for dynamic range, sensitivity, cross‐reactivity, intra‐assay and interassay variance, spike recovery, and correlation between multiplex and commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay as well as the respective singleplex. The limit of detection ranged from 2.5 to 30,000 pg/ml for all analytes (6‐ and 11‐plex assays), except for soluble C5b‐9 with a detection range of 2–10,000 ng/ml (11‐plex). Typically, very low cross‐reactivity (<3% and <1.4% by 11‐ and 6‐plex, respectively) between analytes was found. Intra‐assay variances ranged from 4.9 to 7.4% (6‐plex) and 5.3 to 12.9% (11‐plex). Interassay variances for cytokines were between 8.1 and 28.8% (6‐plex) and 10.1 and 26.4% (11‐plex). Correlation coefficients with singleplex assays for 6‐plex as well as for 11‐plex were high, ranging from 0.988 to 0.997 and 0.913 to 0.999, respectively. In this study, a bead‐based porcine 11‐plex and 6‐plex assay with a good assay sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and low intra‐assay variance and cross‐reactivity was established. These assays therefore represent a new, useful tool for the analysis of samples generated from experiments with pigs. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Development of a CZE‐ESI‐MS assay with a sulfonated capillary for profiling picolinic acid and quinolinic acid formation in multienzyme system
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Davis Ian , Liu Aimin , Shamsi Shahab A.
Published: April 2013

This article describes the development of a reliable CZE‐ESI‐MS method to simultaneously separate and quantitate three specific metabolites (3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid (3‐HAA), quinolinic acid (QA), and picolinic acid (PA)) of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan catabolism. Using a covalently bonded sulfonated capillary, the parameters such as pH, type of background electrolyte, type of organic solvent, nebulizer pressure as well as both negative and positive ESI‐MS modes were optimized to achieve the best Rs and S/N of three KP metabolites. The developed CZE‐ESI‐MS assay provided high resolution of PA/QA, high specificity, a total analysis time of 10 min with satisfactory intraday and interday repeatability of migration time and peak areas. Under optimized CZE‐ESI‐MS conditions, the calibration curves over a concentration range of 19–300 μM for 3‐HAA and QA, and 75–300 μM for PA were simultaneously generated. The method was successfully applied for the first time to profile the concentrations of initial substrate, 3‐HAA, and its eventual products, PA and QA, formed in the complex multienzyme system. As the ratio of two enzymes, 3‐hydroxyanthranilate 3,4‐dioxygenase (HAO) and α‐amino‐β‐carboxymuconate‐ε‐semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) decreases, the concentration of QA approaches essentially zero indicating that all ACMS formed by the action of HAO is consumed by ACMSD rather than its spontaneous decay to QA.
Phosphoproteomics—More than meets the eye
Authors: Loroch Stefan , Dickhut Clarissa , Zahedi René P. , Sickmann Albert
Published: April 2013

PTMs enable cells to adapt to internal and external stimuli in the milliseconds to seconds time regime. Protein phosphorylation is probably the most important of these modifications as it affects protein structure and interactions, critically influencing the life cycle of a cell. In the last 15 years, new insights into phosphorylation have been provided by highly sensitive MS‐based approaches combined with specific phosphopeptide enrichment strategies. Although so far research has mainly focused on the discovery and characterization of O‐phosphorylation, this review also briefly outlines the current knowledge about N‐phosphorylation depicting its ubiquitous relevance. Further, common pitfalls in sample preparation, LC‐MS analysis, and subsequent data analysis are discussed as well as issues regarding quality and comparability of studies on protein phosphorylation.
Hydration characteristics of waste catalysts used as pozzolanic materials
Authors: Lin Kae‐Long , Hwang Chao‐Lung , Shie Je‐Lueng , Chang Yu‐Min , Cheng An
Published: April 2013

This investigation examines the chemical and physical behaviors of waste catalyst (WC), a byproduct of the petroleum refining industry, used as a component of cement‐based materials. WC was recycled as a pozzolanic material partially to replace cement to enhance the pozzolanic activity of pastes contained WC. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA) and 29Si magnetic angle spinning/nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS/NMR) approaches were adopted to relate both the hydration products of pastes contained WC and the structural features to its cementitious activity. The cementitious activity of WC was evaluated by testing the compressive strength of blended cement pastes. The results demonstrate that the blended cements that contained 10% WC exhibited favorable cementitious activity owing to the formation of C‐S‐H C‐A‐H and C‐A‐S‐H materials in the hydration products, and an increase in densification. The substitution of cement by WC would have an additional positive environmental impact because it would permit the recycling of a byproduct of the refinery industry in Taiwan that otherwise would remain in the environment as a waste product. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 353–358, 2014
PRIORITY SETTING IN GLOBAL HEALTH: TOWARDS A MINIMUM DALY VALUE
Authors: Drake Tom
Published: April 2013

Rational and analytic healthcare decision making employed by many national healthcare‐funding bodies could also be expected from global health donors. Cost effectiveness analysis of healthcare investment options presents the effectiveness of a particular action in proportion to the resources required, and cost effectiveness thresholds, while somewhat arbitrary, define the level at which the investment can be considered value for money. Currently, cost effectiveness thresholds reflect the national budget context or willingness‐to‐pay, which is problematic when making cross‐country comparisons. Defining a global minimum monetary value for the disability adjusted life year (DALY) would in effect set a global baseline cost effectiveness threshold. A global minimum DALY value would reflect a universal minimum value on human health, irrespective of a national provider's willingness or ability to pay. A minimum DALY value and associated threshold has both limitations and flaws but is justified on similar grounds to the Millennium Development Goals or the absolute poverty threshold and has the potential to radically improve transparency and efficiency of priority setting in global health. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences with primary healthcare in Fuzhou, urban China, in the context of health sector reform: a mixed methods study
Authors: McCollum Rosalind , Chen Lieping , ChenXiang Tang , Liu Xiaoyun , Starfield Barbara , Jinhuan Zheng , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: April 2013

China has recently placed increased emphasis on the provision of primary healthcare services through health sector reform, in response to inequitably distributed health services. With increasing funding for community level facilities, now is an opportune time to assess the quality of primary care delivery and identify areas in need of further improvement. A mixed methodology approach was adopted for this study. Quantitative data were collected using the Primary Care Assessment Tool‐Chinese version (C‐PCAT), a questionnaire previously adapted for use in China to assess the quality of care at each health facility, based on clients' experiences. In addition, qualitative data were gathered through eight semi‐structured interviews exploring perceptions of primary care with health directors and a policy maker to place this issue in the context of health sector reform. The study found that patients attending community health and sub‐community health centres are more likely to report better experiences with primary care attributes than patients attending hospital facilities. Generally low scores for community orientation, family centredness and coordination in all types of health facility indicate an urgent need for improvement in these areas. Healthcare directors and policy makers perceived the need for greater coordination between levels of health providers, better financial reimbursement, more formal government contracts and recognition/higher status for staff at the community level and more appropriate undergraduate and postgraduate training. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.