bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetic supercharging preconcentration prior to CGE analysis of DNA: Sensitivity depends on buffer viscosity and electrode configuration
Authors: Ye Xiaoxue , Mori Satomi , Yamada Mihoro , Inoue Junji , Xu Zhongqi , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: November 2012

Aiming to high sensitivity DNA analysis by CGE, electrokinetic supercharging (EKS) approach was adopted in this article. EKS is known as an online preconcentration technique that combines electrokinetic sample injection (EKI) with transient ITP (tITP). Herein, two factors of buffer viscosity and electrode configuration were studied to further improve EKS performance. An ultralow‐viscosity Tris‐Boric acid‐EDTA (TBE) buffer solution, consisted of 2% low‐molecular‐weight hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and 6% mannitol and with pH 8.0 adjusted by boric acid, was applied. The boric acid would make a complex with mannitol and generates borate polyanion, which acts as the leading ion for tITP process. The new electrode configuration, a Pt ring around capillary, was modified on Agilent CE system to lead large amount sample introduction during EKS. The standard DNA sample of φX174/HaeIII digest was used to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative abilities of the proposed strategy. The 170 000‐fold highly diluted sample at concentration of 3.0 ng/mL was enriched by EKS and detected by normal UV detection method. The obtained LOD of the weakest peak of 72 bp fragment was around 7.7 pg/mL, apparently improved more than 10 000‐fold in comparison with conventional CGE with UV detection.
Operant self‐administration of a sigma ligand improves nociceptive and emotional manifestations of neuropathic pain
Authors: Bura A.S. , Guegan T. , Zamanillo D. , Vela J.M. , Maldonado R.
Published: November 2012

Background

The treatment of neuropathic pain is unsatisfactory at the present moment and the sigma 1 receptor has been identified as a new potential target for neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to use an operant self‐administration model to reveal the potential interest of a new sigma 1 receptor antagonist, S1RA, in chronic pain that was developed in mice by a partial ligation of the sciatic nerve.

Methods

Once that chronic pain had reached a steady state, mice were trained to maintain an operant behaviour to self‐administer S1RA. The possible abuse liability of the analgesic compound was determined by evaluating operant self‐administration in sham‐operated mice. The influence of S1RA on the anhedonic state related to chronic pain was also evaluated by measuring the preference for palatable drink (2% sucrose solution) using a recently validated and highly sensitive behavioural device.

Results

Nerve‐injured mice, but not sham‐operated animals, acquired the operant responding to obtain S1RA (6 mg/kg/infusion). After 10 days of S1RA self‐administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced in nerve‐injured mice. In addition, an anhedonic state was revealed in nerve‐injured mice by a decreased consumption of palatable drink, which was significantly attenuated by S1RA (25 mg/kg).

Conclusions

These results reveal the analgesic efficacy of the sigma antagonist, S1RA, in neuropathic pain associated with an improvement of the emotional negative state and that was devoided of reinforcing effects. The operant responses evaluated in this new mouse model can have a high predictive value to estimate the clinical benefit/risk ratio of new analgesic compounds to treat chronic pain, such as S1RA.
Improving alginate‐poly‐L‐ornithine‐alginate capsule biocompatibility through genipin crosslinking
Authors: Hillberg Anna L. , Kathirgamanathan Kalyani , Lam Janice B. B. , Law Lee Yong , Garkavenko Olga , Elliott Robert B.
Published: November 2012

DIABECELL® capsules comprise an inner core of alginate (Alg) coated with a polycationic polymer, poly‐L‐ornithine (PLO), designed as a stabilizing agent for strengthening the capsule wall, which is masked by an outer layer of biocompatible Alg. These polymeric microcapsules have demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and a reduction in hypoglycemia after tranplantation in human clinical trials; however, degradation of the outer Alg layer leaves the underlying layers of PLO exposed, which ultimately leads to reduced biocompatibility in vivo. Here we aim to improve capsule biocompatibility and to increase the hydrophilic properties of the capsule surface through chemical crosslinking/modification of the PLO layer using genipin. Fluorescence microscopy established crosslinking was limited to the layers of PLO. In vitro experiments confirmed islet viability and insulin release within chemically modified capsules over the course of a month and in vivo investigations demonstrated improved biocompatibility when comparing standard Alg/PLO/Alg capsules with genipin modified capsules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Surface treatment, corrosion behavior, and apatite‐forming ability of Ti‐45Nb implant alloy
Authors: Gostin Petre F. , Helth Arne , Voss Andrea , Sueptitz Ralph , Calin Mariana , Eckert Jürgen , Gebert Annett
Published: November 2012

The low modulus β‐type Ti‐45Nb alloy is a promising new implant alloy due to its excellent mechanical biocompatibility and composition of non‐toxic elements. The effect of surface treatments on the evolution of controlled topography and roughness was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Severe mechanical treatments, for example sand‐blasting, or etching treatments in strongly oxidizing acidic solutions, like HF:HNO3 (4:1) or H2SO4:H2O2 (1:1) piranha solution were found to be very effective. In particular, the latter generates a nanopatterned surface topography which is expected to be promising for the stimulation of bone tissue growth. Compared to Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V, the β‐type Ti‐45Nb alloy requires significantly longer etching durations due to the high chemical stability of Nb. Severe surface treatments alter the passive film properties, but do not deteriorate the outstanding corrosion resistance of the Ti‐45Nb alloy in synthetic body fluid environments. The Ti‐45Nb appears to have a lower apatite‐formation ability compared to Ti. Etching with H2SO4:H2O2 (1:1) piranha solution inhibits apatite formation on Ti, but not on Ti‐45Nb. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Development of sustained‐release antibacterial urinary biomaterials through using an antimicrobial as an organic modifier in polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Fong N. , Poole‐Warren L. A. , Simmons A.
Published: November 2012

Urinary catheters are among the most frequently used medical devices in clinical practice. However, their use is associated with high rates of nosocomial infection. This study investigates the use of polyurethane nanocomposites (PUNCs) incorporating an antimicrobial agent, chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX), behaving as nanoparticle dispersant and model drug/active agent, as sustained‐release antibacterial biomaterials in urinary devices. A range of PUNCs incorporating organically modified silicate (OMS) nanoparticles with CHX was fabricated using a solution‐cast method. PUNCs with free CHX added into the bulk polymer were also made. Materials were assessed for antibacterial activity in an in vitro urinary tract (UT) model and release kinetics of CHX was studied. PUNCs demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis in the UT model, reaching ∼50 days infection‐free in materials with 2 wt % free CHX loading. Drug‐release profiles demonstrated that, compared with microcomposite and unfilled polyurethane, the initial burst effect was significantly reduced in PUNCs. Prolonged drug release was achieved through incorporation of OMS, hypothesized to be due to a combination of barrier properties created by the nanoinclusions and strong interactions between CHX and MMT within the PUNCs. Use of PUNCs for sustained drug release in long‐term urinary applications shows promise in addressing catheter‐related nosocomial infections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Biodegradable internal fixation plates enabled with X‐ray visibility by a radiopaque layer of β‐tricalcium phosphate and poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)
Authors: Shasteen Catherine , Kwon Seok Min , Park Keun Yung , Jung Sun Young , Lee Seung Ho , Park Chun Gwon , Kim Myung Hun , Kim Sukwha , Son Woo‐Chan , Choi Tae Hyun , Choy Young Bin
Published: November 2012

Biodegradable polymer plates can be clinically used as an alternative to metal plates (e.g., titanium) for internal fixation, which, however, are not visible with X‐ray imaging, often used for post‐operative diagnostics. In this study, therefore, we prepared a biodegradable plate enabled with X‐ray visibility by attaching a radiopaque layer on a biodegradable fixation plate in clinical use (Inion, Finland). A radiopaque layer was made of a fine powder of a radiopaque agent, β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and a biodegradable binder material, poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), which were physically mixed without change in their chemical structure. The radiopacity increased as we increased the layer thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 1.3 mm. Regardless of layer thickness, however, the radiopacity decreased with time both in vitro and in vivo due to decreasing density of TCP in the layer by swelling and degradation of a binder material, PLGA. The in vivo study with rabbits revealed that a discernible image of the radiopaque plate could be obtained by X‐ray for up to 21 days, also showing the overall biocompatibility 6 months after implantation. Therefore, we conclude that the radiopaque plate prepared in this work is a promising fixation device enabled with both X‐ray visibility and biodegradability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Influence of surface topography and surface physicochemistry on wettability of zirconia (tetragonal zirconia polycrystal)
Authors: Noro Akio , Kaneko Morio , Murata Isao , Yoshinari Masao
Published: November 2012

Surface modification technologies are available for tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) to enhance its bioactivity and osseointegration capability. The surface wettability of an implant material is one of the important factors in the process of osseointegration, possibly regulating protein adsorption, and subsequent cell behavior. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of topographical or physicochemical modification of TZP ceramics on wettability to determine the potential of such treatment in application to implants. Several types of surface topography were produced by alumina blasting and acid etching with hydrofluoric acid; surface physicochemistry was modified with oxygen (O2) plasma, ultraviolet (UV) light, or hydrogen peroxide treatment. The obtained specimens were also subjected to storage under various conditions to evaluate their potential to maintain superhydrophilicity. The results showed that surface modification of surface topography or physicochemistry, especially of blast/acid etching as well as O2plasma and UV treatment, greatly increased the surface wettability, resulting in superhydrophilicity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that a remarkable decrease in carbon content and the introduction of hydroxyl groups were responsible for the observed superhydrophilicity. Furthermore, superhydrophilicity was maintained, even after immersion in an aqueous solution, an important consideration in the clinical application of this technology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Comparison of R2* correction methods for accurate fat quantification in fatty liver
Authors: Horng Debra E. , Hernando Diego , Hines Catherine D.G. , Reeder Scott B.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To compare the performance of fat fraction quantification using single‐R2* and dual‐R2* correction methods in patients with fatty liver, using MR spectroscopy (MRS) as the reference standard.

Materials and Methods:

From a group of 97 patients, 32 patients with hepatic fat fraction greater than 5%, as measured by MRS, were identified. In these patients, chemical shift encoded fat‐water imaging was performed, covering the entire liver in a single breathhold. Fat fraction was measured from the imaging data by postprocessing using 6 different models: single‐ and dual‐R2* correction, each performed with complex fitting, magnitude fitting, and mixed magnitude/complex fitting to compare the effects of phase error correction. Fat fraction measurements were compared with co‐registered spectroscopy measurements using linear regression.

Results:

Linear regression demonstrated higher agreement with MRS using single‐R2* correction compared with dual‐R2* correction. Among single‐R2* models, all 3 fittings methods performed similarly well (slope = 1.0 ± 0.06, r2 = 0.89–0.91).

Conclusion:

Single‐R2* modeling is more accurate than dual‐R2* modeling for hepatic fat quantification in patients, even in those with high hepatic fat concentrations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:414–422. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neurodegeneration in a mouse model of niemann‐pick type C1 disease
Authors: Totenhagen John W. , Yoshimaru Eriko S. , Erickson Robert P. , Trouard Theodore P.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate brain metabolite levels as in vivo indicators of disease progression in a widely studied mouse model of Niemann‐Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease with quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Materials and Methods:

Single voxel MRS experiments were carried out in vivo in a mouse model of NPC1 disease and in control mice in two brain regions (central and posterior) at two timepoints (presymptomatic and endstage) to examine changes in metabolite levels in NPC1 disease. Concentrations of nine metabolites were quantified by fitting a simulated basis set of metabolite signals to the acquired spectra.

Results:

The only differences found in brain metabolite levels between NPC1 disease model and control mice were increased myo‐inositol and decreased taurine in the posterior region of the brain at the endstage of the disease. Metabolite changes reported in past clinical MRS studies of NPC disease were not found in the current study of the mouse model.

Conclusions:

The 1H spectra obtained from NPC1 mice and control mice were very similar, even at endstages of the disease. Although differences in two metabolites associated with neurodegenerative diseases were found and could inform future studies of the disease model, it appears that MRS in this mouse model of NPC1 disease does not have the sensitivity desired for a biomarker. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1195–1201. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between iron content and gray matter missegmentation with voxel‐based morphometry in basal ganglia
Authors: Goto Masami , Abe Osamu , Miyati Tosiaki , Aoki Shigeki , Takao Hidemasa , Hayashi Naoto , Mori Harushi , Kunimatsu Akira , Ino Kenji , Yano Keiichi , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To show an association between T2‐weighted signal intensity (T2‐SI) variation and missegmentation in the putamen of healthy adults, using 3.0‐tesla magnetic resonance scanner and voxel‐based morphomery (VBM).

Materials and Methods

Contiguous sagittal T1‐weighted images and axial T2‐weighted images of the brain were obtained from 1380 healthy participants using a 3.0 Tesla (T) MR scanner. After image preprocessing with Statistical Parametric Mapping 5, the association between T2‐SI ratio (= A/B, where A is the mean of the T2‐SI in the putamen, and B is that in the thalamus) variation and gray matter missegmentation was assessed using VBM.

Results

A significant positive correlation was revealed between T2‐SI ratio and bilateral putamen volume on the gray matter images. In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between T2‐SI ratio and bilateral putamen volume on the white matter images. We consider that these results show the influence of missegmentation.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first VBM study to demonstrate an association between T2‐SI variation and gray matter missegmentation. These results indicate the possibility that VBM may be more affected by individual differences in iron content levels than by individual differences in tissue volumes if detected‐regions with VBM contained substantial iron deposition. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:958–962. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI of carotid atherosclerosis to identify TIA and stroke patients who are at risk of a recurrence
Authors: Kwee Robert M. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Mess Werner H. , Prins Martin H. , van der Geest Rob J. , ter Berg Johannes W.M. , Franke Cees L. , Korten Arthur G.G.C. , Meems Bé J. , van Engelshoven Jos M.A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Kooi M. Eline
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the potential of carotid plaque MRI to predict transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke recurrence in previously symptomatic patients.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred twenty‐six TIA/stroke patients with ipsilateral 30–69% carotid stenosis underwent multisequence carotid plaque MRI. The presence of a lipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap (FC) status, and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) were assessed. Patients were followed to determine the recurrence of ipsilateral TIA and/or stroke within 1 year after inclusion.

Results:

Thirteen patients suffered from recurrent ipsilateral clinical ischemic events (10 TIAs and 3 strokes). Carotid stenosis grade was not associated with recurrent events (hazard ratio [HR] for 50–69% versus 30–49% stenosis = 1.198; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.383 to 3.749; P = 0.756). The presence of an LRNC (HR = 3.2001; 95% CI, 1.078 to 9.504; P = 0.036), a thin and/or ruptured FC (HR = 5.756; 95% CI, 1.913 to 17.324; P = 0.002), and IPH (HR = 3.542; 95% CI, 1.058 to 11.856; P = 0.040) were associated with recurrence.

Conclusion:

The presence of MRI‐depicted LRNC, a thin and/or ruptured FC, and IPH are associated with the recurrence of clinical cerebrovascular ischemic events in TIA and stroke patients with carotid atherosclerosis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1189–1194. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A climatology of vessel icing for the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Moore G. W. K.
Published: November 2012

Vessel icing resulting from sea spray is a significant risk to maritime operations in the high latitudes. Despite the acknowledged risk that it imposes, there is limited climatological information that can be used for assessment and mitigation purposes. Here we use a parameterization of the icing rate that has been validated against observed cases of vessel icing and the Interim Reanalysis from the ECMWF (ERA‐I) to develop the first climatology of the vessel icing for the wintertime subpolar North Atlantic. Three regions, the Labrador Sea, the Iceland Sea and the Greenland Sea, are examined in further detail. In all three regions, the icing rate and the frequency of occurrence of vessel icing increases towards the ice edge. The Labrador Sea is shown to have the highest risk of icing followed by the Greenland Sea and then the Iceland Sea. In particular, icing rates in excess of 4 cm h−1 are predicted to occur approximately 35%, 20% and 10% of the time during the winter in the Labrador, Greenland and Iceland Seas, respectively. On the monthly mean time scale, the severity of icing in all three regions is determined, to lowest order, by the location and depth of the Icelandic Low and its subsidiary feature, the Lofoten Low. In addition, heavy icing events in all three regions are shown to be associated with the passage of synoptic scale low‐pressure systems that trigger cold air outbreaks.
A climatology of strong wind events at McMurdo station, Antarctica
Authors: Chenoli Sheeba Nettukandy , Turner John , Samah Azizan Abu
Published: November 2012

The first climatology of strong wind events (SWEs) at McMurdo station, Antarctica based on the in situ observations and reanalysis fields is presented. SWEs occur throughout the year, but with a minimum during the summer. They are associated with negative mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and upper height anomalies across the Ross Sea/Ice Shelf, as well as positive temperature anomalies at the station. Wind directions during SWEs exhibit a bimodal distribution of 135–180° and 45–90°. This distribution occurs because of the interaction of the predominantly southerly flow with the orography of Black and White Island and Minna Bluff. The east‐northeast flow is associated with winds that are deflected around the orography, while the more southerly events have sufficient energy to override the barriers. The bimodal wind distribution is most common during the winter season since the southerly flow is stronger as a result of deeper cyclonic systems. SWEs also occur when there are large, positive MSLP anomalies at McMurdo station as ridges of high pressure build from the interior and enhance the pressure gradient between the continental high and offshore lows. The interannual variability in the number of winter SWEs is large. Years with many SWEs are associated with a deep climatological low centred over the north eastern Ross Ice Shelf. Years with few winter SWEs have a weakened mid‐tropospheric vortex over the Ross Ice Shelf. There are periods when the index of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) correlates with the number of SWEs. However, the links are not statistically significant in the longer term. A similar link was also observed between the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and the interannual variability in the number of SWEs. The relationship was found to be stronger when the phase of ENSO and the SAM were the same.
Trends in European precipitation extremes over 1951–2010
Authors: van den Besselaar E. J. M. , Klein Tank A. M. G. , Buishand T. A.
Published: November 2012

Significant trends in precipitation extremes over Europe since the middle of the 20th century have been found in earlier studies. Most of these studies are based on descriptive indices of moderate extremes that occur on average a few times per year. Here we have analyzed rarer precipitation events which occur on average once in 5, 10 and 20 years in the 1950s and 1960s using extreme value theory. We have focused on the 1‐d and 5‐d precipitation amounts in Northern and Southern Europe in all four seasons. Changes over the time period 1951–2010 are studied by considering five consecutive 20‐year time intervals with 10‐year overlap. Despite considerable decadal variability, our results indicate that 5‐, 10‐ and 20‐year events of 1‐d and 5‐d precipitation for the first 20‐year period generally became more common during this 60‐year period. For all regions, seasons and return periods, the median reduction in return period between the first and last 20‐year periods is ∼21% with variations between a decrease of ∼2% and ∼58%.
Identifying promising accessions of cherry tomato: a sensory strategy using consumers and chefs
Authors: Rocha Mariella C , Deliza Rosires , Ares Gastón , Freitas Daniela De GC , Silva Aline LS , Carmo Margarida GF , Abboud Antonio CS
Published: November 2012

Background

An increased production of cherry and gourmet tomato cultivars that are harvested at advanced colour stages and sold at a higher price has been observed in the last 10 years. In this context, producers need information on the sensory characteristics of new cultivars and their perception by potential consumers. The aim of the present work was to obtain a sensory characterisation of nine cherry tomato cultivars produced under Brazilian organic cultivation conditions from a chef and consumer perspective. Nine organic cherry tomato genotypes were evaluated by ten chefs using an open‐ended question and by 110 consumers using a check‐all‐that‐apply question.

Results

Both methodologies provided similar information on the sensory characteristics of the cherry tomato accessions. The superimposed representation of the samples in a multiple factor analysis was similar for consumers' and chefs' descriptions (RV coefficient 0.728), although they used different methodologies. According to both panels, cherry tomatoes were sorted into five groups of samples with similar sensory characteristics.

Conclusion

Results from the present work may provide information to help organic producers in the selection of the most promising cultivars for cultivation, taking into account consumers' and chefs' perceptions, as well as in the design of communication and marketing strategies. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
6‐Benzylaminopurine alleviates chilling injury of postharvest cucumber fruit through modulating antioxidant system and energy status
Authors: Chen Bingxia , Yang Huqing
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

6‐Benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) has a close relationship with the stress resistance of plants. Little research has been carried out on the effects of 6‐BA on the cold resistance of postharvest fruits and vegetables. Therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 6‐BA on chilling injury (CI), antioxidant system and energy status in cucumber during storage.

RESULTS

The results showed that 6‐BA at 50 mmol L−1 was most effective to restrain CI in cucumber fruit. Fruits treated with 50 mmol L−1 6‐BA maintained higher levels of chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, this treatment reduced the increases in membrane permeability and lipid peroxidation, delayed the increases in both rate of production and H2O2 content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) under chilling stress. The treatment also increased the content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and resulted in a higher level of energy charge.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that 6‐BA alleviated CI in cucumber fruit through improving antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity and maintaining higher levels of ATP content and energy charge.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of inert gas and prefermentative treatment with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone on the phenolic composition of Chilean Sauvignon blanc wines
Authors: Cáceres‐Mella Alejandro , Peña‐Neira Álvaro , Parraguez Jenny , López‐Solís Remigio , Laurie V Felipe , Canals Joan Miquel
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Sauvignon blanc wines are produced under a wide variety of winemaking conditions, some of which include different fruit‐ripening levels, cold soaks and the use of fining agents and inert gases. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sensory variations among these wines may have to do with their phenolic composition and concentration. Therefore the aim of this work was to study the effects of different winemaking conditions typically used in Chile on the phenolic composition and concentration of Sauvignon blanc wines.

RESULTS

The use of an inert gas (CO2) in winemaking produced differences in the proportion of proanthocyanidin fractions. A higher concentration of flavan‐3‐ol monomers resulted from winemaking in the presence of inert gas. This condition also produced a higher content of total phenols and low‐molecular‐weight phenolic compounds. Low doses of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) in the prefermentative treatments produced wines with a higher content of phenolic compounds. Under these conditions a higher content of polymeric proanthocyanidins was observed.

CONCLUSION

Different winemaking conditions modified the concentration and proportion of proanthocyanidin fractions and the global phenolic composition of the resulting white wines. This should be taken into account by the wineries producing these wines. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiological responses of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) fruit to storage temperature under modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Jat Laxman , Pareek Sunil , Shukla Kunj B
Published: November 2012

Background

The effect of storage temperature on physiological responses in Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. cv. Gola) fruit was investigated. Freshly harvested fruits at physiological maturity characterised by colour‐turning stage were stored at ambient temperature, 12 and 6 °C for 21, 35 and 35 days respectively. Headspace O2, CO2 and C2H4, moisture content, respiration, ethylene production, firmness, tristimulus colour, chroma, hue angle and chilling injury index were monitored during fruit storage.

RESULTS

Rates of respiration and ethylene production increased after 1 week of storage at ambient temperature, while peaks were observed after 2 weeks at 12 and 6 °C. Headspace O2 decreased continuously during storage, while CO2 and C2H4 increased at all storage temperatures. Moisture content and firmness also decreased during storage. Hunter L* values increased during storage, which correlated with the darkening of fruit colour. Fruit stored at ambient temperature did not show any chilling injury symptoms, while chilling injury appeared on day 28 under 12 °C storage and on day 21 under 6 °C storage.

CONCLUSION

Indian jujube fruit showed high rates of respiration and ethylene production that were significantly affected by different storage temperatures. Lower temperatures increased the shelf life of the fruit, but chilling injury was a problem under 6 °C storage. Indian jujube fruit could be stored at 6 °C for up to 35 days if chilling injury could be alleviated. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma carotenoid concentrations of infants are increased by feeding a milk‐based infant formula supplemented with carotenoids
Authors: Mackey Amy D , Albrecht Daniel , Oliver Jeffery , Williams Timberly , Long Amy C , Price Pamela T
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Human milk is the gold standard of infant nutrition and is a source of important substances, including carotenoids. Infant formulas are designed to mimic the composition and/or performance of human milk, although currently carotenoids are not routinely added to US infant formulas. The aim of this study was to assess plasma concentrations of β‐carotene, lutein and lycopene 56 days after feeding infants milk‐based infant formula without (CTRL) or with different concentrations of added carotenoids (L1 and L2).

RESULTS

Plasma carotenoid concentrations increased in infants fed carotenoid‐supplemented formulas as compared with the control formula with no added carotenoids. At study day 56, infants fed the supplemented formulas (L1 and L2) had mean plasma lutein, β‐carotene and lycopene concentrations that were within the range of a concurrent group of human milk‐fed infants (HM). Anthropometric measurements were comparable among all study groups.

CONCLUSION

Plasma carotenoid concentrations of infants fed the supplemented formulas were within the range of the HM group and are consistent with reported plasma carotenoid ranges in human milk‐fed infants. The experimental formulas were well tolerated and anthropometric measurements were comparable among all study groups. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Immobilisation of a hydroperoxide lyase and comparative enzymological studies of the immobilised enzyme with membrane‐bound enzyme
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng , Chen Yeming , Hua Yufei
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Hydroperoxide lyase is the key enzyme in lipoxygenase pathway producing green‐note flavours and has potential value for the flavour additive industry. So far, only a low yield of green‐note flavours produced by hydroperoxide lyase has been achieved, primarily because of its instability. The aim of this study was to stabilise hydroperoxide lyase from Amaranthus tricolor leaves by immobilisation and investigate the characteristics of immobilised enzyme in comparison with free and native membrane‐bound enzyme.

RESULTS

A maximum activity of 2.85 ± 0.1 U g−1 (wet) ceramic hydroxyapatite and a yield of 80% were obtained under optimised coupling conditions. The optimal reaction pH was 6.0, 6.0 and 7.5 for free, membrane‐bound and immobilised enzyme respectively, while the optimal reaction temperature was 30, 35 and 35 °C respectively. Thermal and operational stability of immobilised enzyme were substantially enhanced. However, a higher substrate diffusion resistance was imposed after immobilisation, as evidenced by the Km value of immobilised enzyme being higher than that of free and membrane‐bound enzyme.

CONCLUSION

Ceramic hydroxyapatite was a candidate for the immobilisation of hydroperoxide lyase from A. tricolor leaves. The stability of hydroperoxide lyase was substantially improved after immobilisation on this substrate. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Characterization of Squaraine‐Based Conjugated Polymers With Phenylene Linkers for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Maeda Takeshi , Tsukamoto Tatsuya , Seto Ayaka , Yagi Shigeyuki , Nakazumi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2012

π‐Conjugated copolymers consisting of squaraine dyes as light‐harvesting components and phenylene linkers (PSQ) are presented. They show intense absorption in visible (Vis) and near‐infrared (NIR) region, originating with the intramolecular charge transfer of the dye. Although their optical and electrochemical properties are dominantly derived from dye components, phenylene linkers affect aggregation in the solid state and phase segregation of the PSQ/PCBM composites. Bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of PSQ/PCBM exhibit spectral response in Vis–NIR region, and they show power conversion efficiencies up to 0.64%. The copolymer approach to develop squaraine‐based polymers enables the auxiliary tuning of the physical properties that determine photovoltaic performance through the choice of linkers.
Hybrid Self‐Assembly, Crystal, and Fractal Behavior of a Carboxy‐Ended Hyperbranched Polyester/Copper Complex
Authors: Zhang Daohong , Li Junna , Chen Sufang , Li Tingcheng , Zhou Jiliang , Cheng Xinjian , Zhang Aiqing
Published: November 2012

The novel hybrid self‐assembly of a carboxy‐ended hyperbranched polyester/copper complex on glass substrates is presented. Ordered, tree‐like self‐assemblies with sizes of about 400–900 μm and branch widths of about 1 μm are obtained, which demonstrate an intriguing crystalline and fractal structure by XRD, DSC, and SEM techniques. The fractal dimension (Df) of 1.67 suggests a perfect supramolecular structure. Factors affecting the morphology of self‐assembly, including self‐assembly time, relative humidity, and concentration of the complex, are investigated and the hybrid self‐assembly is attributed to the synergistic action of cupric ion coordination induction, micelle formation, and diffusion‐limited aggregation of micelles.
Glyphosate resistance in Sorghum halepense and Lolium rigidum is reduced at suboptimal growing temperatures
Authors: Vila‐Aiub Martin M , Gundel Pedro E , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B
Published: November 2012

Background

Glyphosate resistance in populations of the C4 perennial Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass) and C3 annual Lolium rigidum (rigid ryegrass) has evolved and been documented in many cropping areas around the globe. In S. halepense and in the majority of reported cases in L. rigidum the glyphosate resistance trait has been associated with a mechanism that reduces glyphosate translocation within plants. Here, the significant decrease in the glyphosate resistance level when resistant plants of S. halepense and L. rigidum are grown at suboptimal cool temperature conditions is reported. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Results

Lowering temperature from 30 to 19 °C in S. halepense and from 19 to 8 °C in L. rigidum significantly reduced both plant survival and above‐ground biomass produced by glyphosate‐resistant plants. Thus, glyphosate resistance parameters significantly decreased when glyphosate‐treated resistant plants of both species were grown under non‐optimal temperature conditions. The results suggest that the resistance mechanism against glyphosate damage is less efficient at optimal growing temperatures.

Conclusion

It is possible to increase the control of glyphosate‐resistant S. halepense and L. rigidum populations by treatment with glyphosate during growing conditions at suboptimal low temperatures. Conversely, glyphosate failure will continue to occur on glyphosate‐resistant populations treated during periods of higher temperatures.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of solvent on the toxicity of dimethoate in a honey bee in vitro larval study
Authors: Wilkins Selwyn , Jarratt Nicholas , Harkin Sarah , Thompson Helen , Coulson Mike
Published: November 2012

Background

There is increasing interest in the toxicity of pesticides to honey bee larvae. The solubility of pesticides in the artificial diet used to dose larvae is a key issue. There has been no full evaluation of the use of solvents to dissolve pesticides in the larval toxicity test system.

Results

Data generated for the toxicity of dimethoate to larvae using 5 and 10% acetone solvent in the diet were similar and close to the toxicity data for adults (LD50 0.1–0.3 µg bee−1). With only 1.5% acetone as a vehicle, the toxicity (LD50 0.6–1.14 µg larva−1) was lower and closer to published validation data of 1.5–3.1 µg larva−1 (with some reported data as high as 8.8 µg larva−1) generated using dimethoate dissolved in water. This suggests that the solubility of the pesticide in the diet is a key factor in determining its toxicity.

Conclusions

Consideration of the solubility of the toxic reference and test items when designing studies is important. The use of higher rates of acetone in the present study more closely represents the true exposure of larvae to pesticides that are not highly soluble in diet. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Radial n–i–p structure silicon nanowire‐based solar cells on flexible stainless steel substrates
Authors: Xie Xiaobing , Zeng Xiangbo , Yang Ping , Li Hao , Li Jingyan , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Qiming
Published: November 2012

Radial n–i–p structure silicon nanowires‐(SiNWs) based solar cells on flexible stainless steel substrates have been fabricated by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The highest open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current density (Jsc) for AM 1.5 illumination were 0.62 V and 13.36 mA cm−2, respectively, at a maximum power conversion efficiency of 3.56%. The optical reflectance of the SiNWs solar cells over a broad rang of wavelengths (300–1000 nm) is reduced by ∼80% in average compared to planar silicon thin film cells. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements show that the EQE response of SiNWs solar cells is improved greatly in the wavelength range of 550–750 nm compared to corresponding planar silicon thin film solar cells.
Fast subset scan for multivariate event detection
Authors: Neill Daniel B. , McFowland Edward , Zheng Huanian
Published: November 2012

We present new subset scan methods for multivariate event detection in massive space–time datasets. We extend the recently proposed ‘fast subset scan’ framework from univariate to multivariate data, enabling computationally efficient detection of irregular space–time clusters even when the numbers of spatial locations and data streams are large. For two variants of the multivariate subset scan, we demonstrate that the scan statistic can be efficiently optimized over proximity‐constrained subsets of locations and over all subsets of the monitored data streams, enabling timely detection of emerging events and accurate characterization of the affected locations and streams. Using our new fast search algorithms, we perform an empirical comparison of the Subset Aggregation and Kulldorff multivariate subset scans on synthetic data and real‐world disease surveillance tasks, demonstrating tradeoffs between the detection and characterization performance of the two methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating a time‐dependent concordance index for survival prediction models with covariate dependent censoring
Authors: Gerds Thomas A. , Kattan Michael W. , Schumacher Martin , Yu Changhong
Published: November 2012

Given a predictive marker and a time‐to‐event response variable, the proportion of concordant pairs in a data set is called concordance index. A specifically useful marker is the risk predicted by a survival regression model. This article extends the existing methodology for applications where the length of the follow‐up period depends on the predictor variables. A class of inverse probability of censoring weighted estimators is discussed in which the estimates rely on a working model for the conditional censoring distribution. The estimators are consistent for a truncated concordance index if the working model is correctly specified and if the probability of being uncensored at the truncation time is positive. In this framework, all kinds of prediction models can be assessed, and time trends in the discrimination ability of a model can be captured by varying the truncation time point. For illustration, we re‐analyze a study on risk prediction for prostate cancer patients. The effects of misspecification of the censoring model are studied in simulated data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of Integrin α2 Receptor in Human Cord Blood CD34+CD38−CD90+ Stem Cells Engrafting Long-Term in NOD/SCID-IL2Rγcnull Mice
Authors: Wong Wan Man , Sigvardsson Mikael , ÅStrand-Grundström Ingbritt , Hogge Donna , Larsson Jonas , Qian Hong , Ekblom Marja
Published: November 2012

Human hematopoietic stem cells reside in the CD34+CD38−CD90+ population in cord blood and bone marrow. However, this cell fraction is heterogeneous, and the phenotype of the rare primitive stem cells remains poorly defined. We here report that primitive cord blood CD34+CD38−CD90+ stem cells, with the ability to reconstitute NOD/SCID-IL2Rγcnull (NSG) mice long-term, at 24 weeks after transplantation, can be prospectively isolated at an increased purity by using integrin α2 receptor as an additional stem cell marker. Using a limiting dilution transplantation assay, we found a highly significant enrichment of multilineage reconstituting stem cells in the CD34+CD38−CD90+ cell fraction expressing the integrin α2 receptor, with a frequency of 1/29 cells, as compared to a frequency of 1/157 in the corresponding integrin α2− cells. In line with this, long-term reconstituting stem cells within the cord blood CD34+CD38− cell population were significantly enriched in the integrin α2+ fraction, while stem cells and progenitors reconstituting short-term, at 8–12 weeks, were heterogeneous in integrin α2 expression. Global gene expression profiling revealed that the lineage-marker negative (Lin−) CD34+CD38−CD90+CD45RA− integrin α2+ cell population was molecularly distinct from the integrin α2− cell population and the more mature Lin−CD34+CD38−CD90−CD45RA− cell population. Our findings identify integrin α2 as a novel stem cell marker, which improves prospective isolation of the primitive human hematopoietic stem cells within the CD34+CD38−CD90+ cell population for experimental and therapeutic stem cell applications.
Human Pericytes for Ischemic Heart Repair
Authors: Chen Chien-Wen , Okada Masaho , Proto Jonathan D. , Gao Xueqin , Sekiya Naosumi , Beckman Sarah A. , Corselli Mirko , Crisan Mihaela , Saparov Arman , Tobita Kimimasa , Péault Bruno , Huard Johnny
Published: November 2012

Human microvascular pericytes (CD146+/34−/45−/56−) contain multipotent precursors and repair/regenerate defective tissues, notably skeletal muscle. However, their ability to repair the ischemic heart remains unknown. We investigated the therapeutic potential of human pericytes, purified from skeletal muscle, for treating ischemic heart disease and mediating associated repair mechanisms in mice. Echocardiography revealed that pericyte transplantation attenuated left ventricular dilatation and significantly improved cardiac contractility, superior to CD56+ myogenic progenitor transplantation, in acutely infarcted mouse hearts. Pericyte treatment substantially reduced myocardial fibrosis and significantly diminished infiltration of host inflammatory cells at the infarct site. Hypoxic pericyte-conditioned medium suppressed murine fibroblast proliferation and inhibited macrophage proliferation in vitro. High expression by pericytes of immunoregulatory molecules, including interleukin-6, leukemia inhibitory factor, cyclooxygenase-2, and heme oxygenase-1, was sustained under hypoxia, except for monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Host angiogenesis was significantly increased. Pericytes supported microvascular structures in vivo and formed capillary-like networks with/without endothelial cells in three-dimensional cocultures. Under hypoxia, pericytes dramatically increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, platelet-derived growth factor-β, transforming growth factor-β1 and corresponding receptors while expression of basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and angiopoietin-1 was repressed. The capacity of pericytes to differentiate into and/or fuse with cardiac cells was revealed by green fluorescence protein labeling, although to a minor extent. In conclusion, intramyocardial transplantation of purified human pericytes promotes functional and structural recovery, attributable to multiple mechanisms involving paracrine effects and cellular interactions.
Chlorpyrifos induced testicular damage in rats: Ameliorative effect of glutathione antioxidant
Authors: Elsharkawy Eman E. , Yahia Doha , El‐Nisr Neveen A.
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the induction of oxidative stress in the testes of adult rats exposed to chlorpyrifos (CPF). CPF was administered orally, in a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight to male rats for 90 days, twice weekly. Coadministration of water‐soluble nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) was performed in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, orally, for the same period. Another two groups of male rats were administered GSH and corn oil, respectively. The activities of superoxide dismutase and GSH reductase were decreased while the levels of lipid peroxidation were increased in the testicular tissues of the exposed animals. Testosterone level in the serum was significantly decreased. A decrease in the histochemical determination of testicular alkaline phosphatase was observed in CPF‐treated rats. A significant decrease in all stages of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules was recorded in the exposed animals. Coadministration of GSH restored these parameters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1011–1019, 2014.