bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of musk lime (Citrusmicrocarpa) seed oil
Authors: Manaf Yanty NA , Osman Azizah , Lai Oi M , Long Kamariah , Ghazali Hasanah M
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: The seeds of musk lime (Citrus microcarpa) represent a substantial waste product of small‐scale citrus‐processing factories, as they constitute about 100.0 ± 3.2 g kg−1 of the whole fruit and contain a considerable amount of crude fat (338.0 ± 11.3 g kg−1). Thus the aim of the present study was to determine the physicochemical properties of this fat with a view to potential applications.

RESULTS: The iodine and saponification values and unsaponifiable matter and free fatty acid contents of the freshly extracted oil were 118.0 g I2 per 100 g oil, 192.6 mg KOH g−1 oil, 22 mg g−1 oil and 18 mg oleic acid g−1 oil respectively. The oil had a Lovibond colour index of 33.1 Y + 1.1 B. Its fatty acid profile indicated that 73.6% of the fatty acids present were unsaturated. Linoleic (L, 31.8%), oleic (O, 29.6%) and palmitic (P, 21.4%) acids were the predominant fatty acids, existing mainly as the triacylglycerols POL (18.9%), PLL (13.7%) and OLL (11.9%). The melting and cooling points of the oil were 10.7 and − 45.2 °C respectively. Electronic nose qualitative analysis of the oil showed the presence of volatile (aroma) compounds, although the concentrations of the more volatile compounds were lower than those present in the seeds.

CONCLUSION: Musk lime seeds are a rich source of oil, which is unusual in having linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids dominating the fatty acid composition. This property should make the oil both relatively stable to thermal oxidation owing to the combined presence of oleic and palmitic acids (61.0%) and highly nutritive owing to its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (73.6%). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding consumer preferences for rice wines using sensory data
Authors: Lee Seung‐Joo , Lee Kwang‐Geun
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: To understand which sensory attributes drive consumers' preference for certain products, sensory attributes and consumer's preference scoring were related using preference mapping techniques. The objectives of this study were to understand the sensory attributes that drive consumer preference for rice wine products and to investigate the presence of the sub‐groups with different preference patterns according to sensory properties of rice wines.

RESULTS: Descriptive analysis and consumer preference testing were conducted with ten commercial rice wines. The rice wines were primarily separated between the ones with high intensities of ‘ripe‐fruit’, ‘sweet‐grain’, and ‘fruit taste’, and those high in ‘yeasty’, ‘bitter’, and ‘astringent’ from the principal component analysis (PCA) of the descriptive data. Based on consumer preferences, three consumer groups were identified by cluster analysis. The rice wines with higher sweetness, and medicinal herb or fruit aromas were preferred by 43% of consumers (cluster 1). Cluster 2 (28%) preferred rice wine with intense fruit‐related attributes such as ‘ripe‐fruit’, ‘sweet‐grain’, and ‘fruit‐taste’, whereas cluster 3 (29%) favoured wine with an intense medicinal herb aroma, but lower astringency and bitter taste.

CONCLUSION: Differing needs of consumers based on sensory properties can be applied in the production of rice wine by adjusting their ingredients and brewing practices. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of nitrogen fertilisation levels on melon fruit quality at the harvest time and during storage
Authors: Ferrante Antonio , Spinardi Anna , Maggiore Tommaso , Testoni Armando , Gallina Pietro M
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: The quality of melon fruit depends upon many factors that can be affected by growing conditions and post‐harvest management. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilisation levels on the fruit quality at harvest time and during storage. Experiments were performed in an open field using melon plants (Cucumis melo L. Var. Reticulatus cv. Prodigio). The nitrogen (N) was applied through fertigation using four fertilisation levels: 0, 55, 110 and 165 kg ha−1. After harvest the fruits were stored at 10 °C for 8 days. At harvest time the yield, flesh firmness, skin and pulp colours, content of carotenoids, total phenols, ascorbic acid (AsA) and ethylene production were measured on fruits differently fertilised.

RESULTS: The total marketable fruit yield and fruit nitrogen content linearly increased with N levels. Antioxidant compounds decreased after storage but were not affected by N fertilisation levels. However, total carotenoids, total phenols, and AsA declined during storage.

CONCLUSION: All the quality parameters did not appear to be affected by N level at either harvest time or after storage. Therefore it is advisable to reduce nitrogen input for cultivation without compromising quality and yields. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Antibiotic use and the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria on turkey farms
Authors: Chander Yogesh , Gupta Satish C , Kumar Kuldip , Goyal Sagar M , Murray Helene
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: A preliminary study was undertaken to compare the prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) on turkey farms using either antibiotics sub‐therapeutically (AU) or no antibiotics (NAU). Samples of manure, soil, and dog feces were collected from seven AU and six NAU farms.

RESULTS: The prevalence of tetracycline resistant (TCr) bacteria was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in manure samples from AU farms while the prevalence of monensin resistant bacteria (MONr) was higher on the NAU farms. There was no difference in the prevalence of tylosin resistant bacteria (TYLr) between the two types of farm. The prevalence of TCr, TYLr and Monr bacteria in soil or the prevalence of TYLr and Monr bacteria in dog fecal samples from either type of farm was not significantly different. However, the prevalence of TCr in dog fecal samples was significantly higher (P≤0.05) from NAU farms than AU farms. Escherichia coli and Pasteurella isolated from manure samples on AU farms showed higher resistance to multiple antibiotics than those isolated from NAU farms. However, there was no difference in the antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas isolates in soil samples or E. coli isolates in dog fecal samples from the two types of farms.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that although the prevalence of ARB is higher in turkey manure from AU farms, its application on land does not appear to be spreading ARB to the terrestrial environment or to pets on the farm. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation and characterization of process related impurities of olanzapine using HPLC and ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Rao Ramisetti Nageswara , Raju Ale Narasa , Narsimha Ramaram , Babu Ganduri Raveendra
Published: December 2007

An RP‐HPLC method for the simultaneous separation and determination of olanzapine (OLZ) and its process impurities in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations was developed. The separation was accomplished on Inertsil ODS 3V (4.6 mm×250 mm; particle size 5 μm) column using 0.2 M ammonium acetate (pH = 4.50) and ACN as mobile phase in gradient elution mode. The analytes were monitored by a photo diode array (PDA) detector set at 254 nm and the flow rate was kept at 1.0 mL/min. The chromatographic behavior of all the compounds was examined under variable compositions of different solvents, buffer concentrations, and pH. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, and linearity. Four unknown process impurities observed consistently during the analysis of different batches of OLZ were isolated and characterized by ESI‐MS/MS, 1H NMR, and FT‐IR. The proposed RP‐HPLC method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial formulations. The method could be of use not only for rapid and routine evaluation of the quality of OLZ in bulk drug manufacturing units but also for the detection of its impurities in pharmaceutical formulations.
Temperature sensitivity and fluorescence detection
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv
Published: December 2007

Fluorescence detectors are about three orders of magnitude more sensitive and specific making them ideal for trace analysis and complex sample matrices. However, temperature dependence of the signal is a disadvantage to fluorescence detectors. We have previously reported degradation of malondialdehyde (MDA)–thiobarbituric acid (TBA) adduct at room temperature. The present experiments tested the notion that the detector response may be blunted due to increase in temperature over time. Repeated injections of the same standard curve over 4 h found a significant effect of time on the slopes of peak area–concentration curves. When the samples were iced and injected alternating with ambient temperature standard curve samples, no differences in slopes were seen between iced and ambient temperature samples. Cooling the housing of the fluorescence lamp significantly increased the fluorescence in the samples. Fluorescence increased 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.5–3.6%) for each 1°C fall in temperature. MDA–TBA adduct remained stable at room temperature. Since the fluorescence signal is temperature sensitive, letting the detector warm up for 2 h to obtain a steady temperature is more likely to give reproducible results compared to a detector that has not warmed up. These results have implications for other applications utilizing fluorescence detectors.
Benzo[f]‐ and Benzo[h]Coumarin‐Containing Poly(methyl methacrylate)s and Poly(methyl methacrylate)s with Pendant Coumarin‐Containing Azo Dyes
Authors: Abd‐El‐Aziz Alaa S. , Shipman Patrick O. , Neeland Edward G. , Corkery T. Christopher , Mohammed Shawkat , Harvey Pierre D. , Mohamed Hany M. , Bedair Ahmed H. , El‐Agrody Ahmed M. , Aguiar Pedro M. , Kroeker Scott
Published: December 2007

A series of coumarins were reacted with methacrylate or styrene derivatives to form new olefinic coumarin monomers that were polymerized using 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN). These polymers were highly insoluble in organic solvents and displayed good thermal stability with glass‐transition temperatures between 70 °C and 130 °C. Luminescence studies on some of the coumarin‐containing polymers (CCPs) showed some fluorescence (ΦF around 0.1). Some of the newly‐prepared coumarins and benzocoumarins were reacted with azo dyes to form mixed coumarin‐azo dye complexes. These mixed complexes were further reacted to prepare acrylic monomers and polymerized using AIBN. These polymers were thermally stable and poorly soluble in organic solvents.

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Metallopolyyne Polymers as New Functional Materials for Photovoltaic and Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: December 2007

The need to develop inexpensive renewable energy sources has stimulated intensive scientific research for efficient, low‐cost, lightweight, photovoltaic devices. Organic polymer‐based photovoltaic elements have offered the potential to obtain cheap and fabrication‐easy methods to harvest energy from sunlight as compared to inorganic semiconductors. Encouraging progress has been made over the past few years in the field of photovoltaic solar cells using organic polymers. One attractive alternative discussed in this Talent Article is the development of photovoltaic and solar cells that are based on the exploitation of strongly absorbing metallopolyynes of platinum as the electron donors in bulk heterojunction devices. Power conversion efficiencies of over 4% have been achieved by blending polyplatinynes with electron‐accepting methanofullerene. We predict that these conjugated organometallic congeners will make important contributions to identify environmentally friendly hi‐tech solutions to the energy problem. This review includes a short summary of the recent achievements of the author in this field and relevant work by others. The ongoing challenges and future prospects of this research area are also discussed.

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Optimum route of the south transcontinental gas pipeline in SE Europe using AHP
Authors: Thomaidis Fotios , Mavrakis Dimitrios
Published: December 2007

The development of a south energy corridor connecting Europe with the natural gas reserves of the broader Caspian Region and Middle East aims at increasing the EU security and diversification of energy supply.

In this paper, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method with geopolitical, economic and technical criteria is applied to define the most preferred route of the transcontinental gas pipeline that branches in SE Europe to transport Caspian gas further into the targeted markets of Europe.

The paper is divided into five sections. The first introduces the purpose of the paper. The second describes the used AHP method in detail (criteria, sub‐criteria, weights, consistency indexes). The third briefly addresses the need of EU to diversify its supply sources and the planned gas projects in SE Europe. In the fourth section, the method is applied to the four alternative pipeline routes and the robustness of the results is examined with sensitivity analysis. The fifth section comments on the results of the method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NAD+‐Dependent DNA Ligase: A novel target waiting for the right inhibitor
Authors: Dwivedi Namrata , Dube Divya , Pandey Jyoti , Singh Biswajit , Kukshal Vandna , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Tripathi Rama Pati
Published: December 2007

DNA ligases (EC.6.5.1.1) are key enzymes that catalyze the formation of phosphodiester bonds at single stranded or double stranded breaks between adjacent 5′ phosphoryl and 3′ hydroxyl groups of DNA. These enzymes are important for survival because they are involved in major cellular processes like DNA replication/repair and recombination. DNA ligases can be classified into two groups on the basis of their cofactor specificities. NAD+‐dependent DNA ligases are present in bacteria, some entomopox viruses and mimi virus while ATP‐dependent DNA ligases are ubiquitous. The former have recently been drawing a lot of attention as novel targets for antibiotics to overcome current drug resistance issues. Currently a diverse range of inhibitors have been identified. There are several issues to be addressed in the quest for optimized inhibitors of the enzyme. In the first part of the review we summarize current structural work on these enzymes. Subsequently we describe the currently available classes of inhibitors. We also address modalities to improve the specificity and potencies of new inhibitors identified using protein structure based rational approaches. In conclusion, NAD+‐dependent ligases show great promise and represent a novel drug target whose time has come. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 4, 545–568, 2008
Nutrition and hemostasis: A focus on urbanization in South Africa
Authors: Pieters Marlien , Vorster Hester H.
Published: December 2007

South Africa is experiencing a rapid urbanization of its African population characterized by a demographic, nutrition, lifestyle, and health transition. The resultant high prevalence of high cardiovascular disease, in particular of stroke, is of concern. In this narrative review it is suggested that, together with hypertension, changes in the hemostatic system may be one of the major contributors to stroke in this population. It is further suggested that these changes are related to increased fat and animal protein intakes, decreased intakes of total carbohydrate and dietary fiber, as well as persistent suboptimal micronutrient intakes of Africans in transition. The effects of this nutrition transition on plasma fibrinogen, fibrin network structures, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity levels and some other clotting and fibrinolytic factors are discussed. It is concluded that despite indications of present protective mechanisms against the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in this population the observed changes in diet and hemostatic profiles may eventually lead to a high prevalence of both stroke and CHD in urban black South Africans. It is further suggested that timely nutritional interventions and research of effects thereof on the hemostatic system are urgently needed.
Food bioactives, apoptosis, and cancer
Authors: Pan Min‐Hsiung , Ghai Geetha , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: December 2007

Apoptosis interchangeably referred to as programed cell death is a key pathway for regulating homeostasis and morphogenesis of mammalian cells and is connected with several diseases, in particular, cancer. It is widely believed that misregulation of this pathway leads to the development of cancer. Reflecting this knowledge, the mechanism of action for many currently used anticancer agents were specifically targeted to regulate the apoptotic pathway further stressing the role of programed cell death in maintaining normal homeostasis. Another widely accepted concept is the consumption of a variety of colorful foods with strong antioxidant properties. These dietary components also referred to as bioactives would help maintain a healthy body. Although for many of these bioactives exact nutritional benefits are not yet well defined, there is demonstrated scientific evidence suggesting a role for them in cancer prevention. This review summarizes the current knowledge of food bioactives that act through the signaling pathway inducing programed cell death, thus providing the evidence for these substances in cancer prevention.
Application of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry in nutraceutical and food research
Authors: Yu Liangli (Lucy) , Cheng Zhihong
Published: December 2007

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy is able to directly measure the chemical species with unpaired electrons and has been widely used in a number of research fields. This review focused on its application in nutraceutical and food research. Current status of ESR in free radical scavenging capacity estimation, food oxidative stability evaluation, Cu2+ chelating capacity determination were summarized. Also discussed was the potential of ESR spin‐label oximetry technique in examination of lipid peroxidation and oxygen diffusion–concentration products in liposomes, oxygen transport and depletion, and membrane structure and dynamic properties. In addition, ESR application in identifying and estimating irradiated foods including meat, fruits, vegetables, spices, cereal grains, and oil seeds was reviewed. Finally, the potential use of ESR technique in investigating microstructure change, phase transition and viscosity related properties during food formulation, processing, and storage was briefly mentioned, along with its potential in determination of radio‐stability of food components. This review may provide some fundamental knowledge of ESR and its application in nutraceutical and food research.
Hospital discharge among frail elderly people: a pilot study in Sweden
Authors: Söderback Ingrid
Published: December 2007

A conceptual framework for the hospital discharge process was designed. It was intended to measure frail elderly people's experience of their quality of care in terms of satisfaction and trustworthiness during their hospital discharge and their experience at home. The present pilot study aimed at evaluating the viability of an occupational therapy clinical tool. Nine frail elderly Swedish individuals reported the quality of their care as mostly satisfactory and trustworthy, according to their responses to the Discharged Patients' Enquiry Questionnaire (DPEQ). However, the participants were not satisfied with the non‐continuity among the home‐helpers, the lack of rehabilitation services and the non‐availability of professional help, for example occupational therapy for increasing social contacts. The participant's responses indicated that occupational therapy interventions, that is, assessment of home environment (n = 6), improvement of housing accessibility (n = 3) and prescription of assistive devices (n = 4), contributed to their ability to live at home. The results are limited owing to the small number of participants. Future investigations of the care that patients discharged from hospitals receive are recommended to explore supplementary assessments of spouses' care burden and participants' quality of life, and the psychometric functions of the conceptual framework. In summary, the conceptual framework described may be a viable tool for evaluating the discharge process among frail elderly people discharged from hospitals to their homes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New developments in flame retardancy of styrene thermoplastics and foams
Authors: Levchik Sergei V , Weil Edward D
Published: December 2007

This review provides an insight into new developments in flame retardancy of the broad class of styrenic polymers but mostly focuses on commercially important styrene thermoplastics, on some blends based on polystyrene as well as on polystyrene foams. Although halogen‐based systems continue to dominate in flame retardancy of styrenic polymers, various alternative systems are being developed. Especially, activity is observed with phosphorus‐based flame retardants, where some systems are already commercially available. There is also significant activity with nanocomposites, where good results in retarding flame spread have been achieved, but the problem of ignition resistance has not been solved yet. Critical discussion of various flame‐retardant systems developed for styrenics is given. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Design of holographic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals based on solubility parameters
Authors: Kim Eun Hee , Woo Ju Yeon , Cho Yeong Hee , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: A slight change of polymer structure leads to a significantly different solubility parameter (SP), which is related to incompatibility and interface anchoring energy between a polymer and a liquid crystal (LC).

RESULTS: Holographic gratings in polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals have been fabricated based on various urethane acrylate oligomer sizes and type of reactive diluent at two LC loadings. A large SP gap, using N‐vinylpyrrolidone as reactive diluent, gave much faster saturation of diffraction efficiency at higher level, but the grating failed to operate. On the contrary, films having a small SP gap, using 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate, operated under 20 V with a response time of about 10 ms, although their saturation of diffraction efficiency was relatively low. The results were interpreted in terms of morphology (determined using scanning electron microscopy), anchoring energy and resin elasticity.

CONCLUSION: Low driving voltage and high diffraction efficiency are obtained by controlling the SP gap between LC and polymer. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Spectroscopic and thermal studies of poly[(N‐vinylimidazole)‐co‐(maleic acid)] hydrogel and its quaternized form
Authors: Pekel Nursel , Güven Olgun
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: In this study, poly[(N‐vinylimidazole)‐co‐(maleic acid)] (poly(VIm/MA)) hydrogels were prepared by γ‐irradiation of ternary mixtures of N‐vinylimidazole–maleic acid–water using a 60Co γ‐source. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses of these hydrogels as a function of protonation showed that the results are consistent with the existence of an H‐bridged complex when the imidazole rings are partially protonated. Finally, the efficiency and binding trends of Cu2+, Co2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions with both protonated and unprotonated poly(VIm/MA) hydrogels were determined.

RESULTS: Gelation of 90% was reached at around 180 kGy dose at the end of irradiation. The poly(VIm/MA) hydrogels synthesized were further protonated in HCl solutions with different concentrations. Hydrogels originally showed 450% volumetric swelling; this ratio reached 1900% after protonation at pH = 5.0. Fourier transform infrared spectral changes in the +NH stretching region (3200–3600 and 1173 cm−1) and the ring mode deformation at 915 cm−1 are consistent with the formation of an H‐bridged complex between the protonated and unprotonated imidazole rings upon partial protonation. Similar changes were obtained from NMR spectra of both the protonated and unprotonated forms of the hydrogels.

CONCLUSION: Protonated and unprotonated hydrogels have been used in heavy metal ion adsorption studies for environmental purposes. Adsorption decreased with decreasing pH value due to the protonation of the VIm ring. The adsorption of Me2+ ions decreased in the order Cu2+ > Co2+ > Cd2+ > Pb2+, which is related to the complexation stability as well as the ionic radius of the metal ions. These results show that P(VIm/MA) hydrogels can be used efficiently to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. However, the protonated form is a bad choice for heavy metal ion adsorption due to electrostatic repulsion forces; it can nevertheless be assumed to be a good choice for anion adsorption from environmental waste water systems. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Gold electrodes modified with poly(4‐aminophenol): incorporation of nitrogenated bases and an oligonucleotide
Authors: Ferreira Lucas F , Boodts Julien FC , Brito‐Madurro Ana G , Madurro João M
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Investigations of chemical modification of electrode surfaces and immobilization of nitrogenated bases and oligonucleotides are considered essential for the construction of DNA electrochemical nanodevices. Modification of gold electrode surfaces with poly(4‐aminophenol) was carried out in order to produce polymers capable of immobilizing purine bases and oligonucleotides.

RESULTS: Gold electrodes coated with poly(4‐aminophenol) showed improved analytical characteristics and considerably enhanced the electrochemical signals associated with the detection of adenine and guanine by factors of ca 3 and ca 6, respectively, when compared with non‐coated gold surfaces. Impedance studies indicated higher charge transfer impedance to modified electrodes containing adenosine monophosphate. Atomic force microscopy images showed that nitrogenated bases have a strong influence over the morphology of the modified electrode surface. It was observed that the modified electrode containing guanine presents globular morphology.

CONCLUSION: The modified electrodes increased the amplitude of the current signal of nitrogenated bases when compared to non‐coated gold surfaces and produced good response and peaks to the detection of an oligonucleotide. This work presents, for the first time, the electropolymerization of 4‐aminophenol on gold electrodes, as well as the detection of nitrogenated bases and an oligonucleotide incorporated on these modified electrodes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
New approaches for designing ‘programmable’ microfluidic devices
Authors: Balazs Anna C
Published: December 2007

By exploiting the inherent interactions between soft particles and patterned substrates, researchers are developing new methods for controlling the motion of microcarriers and cells in microchannels. Anna Balazs reveals how these could be used to control precisely reactions on the microscale. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 31)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm
Published: December 2007

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since July, 2008 are reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effects on chemical processes: new solvents designed on the basis of the molecular–microscopic properties of (molecular solvent + 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium) binary mixtures
Authors: Mancini P. M. , Fortunato G. G. , Adam C. G. , Vottero L. R.
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this work was to analyze the microscopic feature of binary solvent systems formed by a molecular solvent (acetonitrile or dimethylformamide or methanol) and an ionic liquid (IL) cosolvent [1‐(1‐butyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate or 1‐(1‐butyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate]. The empirical solvatochromic solvent parameters ET(30), π*, α, and β were determined from the solvatochromic shifts of adequate indicators. The behavior of the solvent systems was analyzed according to their deviation from ideality. The study focused on the identification of solvent mixtures with relevant solvating properties in order to select mixed solvents with particular characteristics. The comparison of the molecular–microscopic solvent parameters corresponding to the selected binary mixtures with both ILs considered at similar mixed‐solvent composition revealed that the difference is centered on the basic character of them. A kinetic study of a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 1‐fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (FDNB) and 1‐butylamine (BU) developed in (acetonitrile or dimethylformamide + IL) solvent mixtures is presented in order to investigate and compare the solvent effects on a chemical process. For the explored reactive systems the solvation behavior is dominated by both the dipolarity/polarizability and the basicity of the media, contributing these solvent properties to accelerating the chemical process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The control of Asian rust by glyphosate in glyphosate‐resistant soybeans
Authors: Feng Paul CC , Clark Celeste , Andrade Gabriella C , Balbi Maria C , Caldwell Pat
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Glyphosate is a widely used broad‐spectrum herbicide. Recent studies in glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crops have shown that, in addition to its herbicidal activity, glyphosate exhibits activity against fungi, thereby providing disease control benefits. In GR wheat, glyphosate has shown both preventive and curative activities against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Erikss) CO Johnston and Puccinia triticina Erikss, which cause stripe and leaf rusts respectively.

RESULTS: Laboratory studies confirmed earlier observations that glyphosate has activity against Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd & P Syd which causes Asian soybean rust (ASR) in GR soybeans. The results showed that glyphosate at rates between 0.84 and 1.68 kg ha−1 delayed the onset of ASR in GR soybeans. However, field trials conducted in Argentina and Brazil under natural infestations showed variable ASR control from application of glyphosate in GR soybeans. Further field studies are ongoing to define the activity of glyphosate against ASR.

CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the disease control activities of glyphosate against rust diseases in GR wheat and GR soybeans. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Dose–response effects of clove oil from Syzygium aromaticum on the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Meyer Susan LF , Lakshman Dilip K , Zasada Inga A , Vinyard Bryan T , Chitwood David J
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Clove oil, derived from the plant Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry, is active against various organisms, and was prepared in a soy lecithin/detergent formulation to determine concentrations active against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood.

RESULTS: In microwell assays, the mean effective clove oil concentration that reduced egg hatch by 50% (EC50) was 0.097% (v/v) clove oil; the EC50 for second‐stage juvenile (J2) viability was 0.145% clove oil (compared with carrier control treatments). Volatiles from 5.0% clove oil reduced nematode egg hatch in water by 30%, and decreased viability of hatched J2 by as much as 100%. Reductions were not as large with nematodes in carrier. In soil trials with J2 recovered from Baermann funnels, the EC50 = 0.192% clove oil (compared with water controls).

CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the tested formulation is active against M. incognita eggs and J2, that the EC50 values for J2 in the microwell studies and the soil recovery tests were similar to each other and that direct contact with the clove oil is needed for optimal management results with this natural product. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of cytochrome P450 genes between bromadiolone‐resistant and anticoagulant‐susceptible Norway rats: a possible role for pharmacokinetics in bromadiolone resistance
Authors: Markussen Mette DK , Heiberg Ann‐Charlotte , Fredholm Merete , Kristensen Michael
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant resistance in Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus (Berk.), has been suggested to be conferred by mutations in the VKORC1 gene, encoding the target protein of anticoagulant rodenticides. Other factors, e.g. pharmacokinetics, may also contribute to resistance, however. To examine the involvement of pharmacokinetics in bromadiolone resistance in male and female rats, liver expression profiles of seven cytochrome P450 genes from a Danish bromadiolone‐resistant rat strain (with an Y139C‐VKORC1 mutation) were compared with profiles from an anticoagulant‐susceptible strain.

RESULTS: In the presence of bromadiolone, the Cyp2e1, Cyp2c13, Cyp3a2 and Cyp3a3 genes were significantly overexpressed, while Cyp2c12 expression was suppressed in resistant female rats compared with susceptible females. Relative to susceptible males, resistant males showed significant overexpression of the Cyp2a1, Cyp2e1, Cyp3a2 and Cyp3a3 genes. On exposure to bromadiolone, females had higher Cyp2e1 expression than males, which possibly explains why female rats are generally more tolerant to anticoagulants than male rats.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that bromadiolone resistance in a Danish strain of Norway rats involves enhanced anticoagulant metabolism catalysed by cytochrome P450‐2e1, ‐3a2 and ‐3a3. This pharmacokinetically based bromadiolone resistance is to some extent sex differentiated, as female resistance furthermore seems to involve overexpression of cytochrome P450‐2c13 and suppression of P450‐2c12, whereas male resistance appears to involve P450‐2a1 overexpression. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional and structural characterization of apidaecin and its N‐terminal and C‐terminal fragments
Authors: ZHOU XU‐XIA , LI WEI‐FEN , PAN YUAN‐JIANG
Published: December 2007

Two aspects were studied to elucidate the functional and structural characterization of apidaecin and its N‐terminal and C‐terminal fragments: (i) Functions of the N‐terminal and C‐terminal fragments of apidaecin were first studied by measuring their antibacterial activity, their ability to enter Escherichia coli cells and their effects on the activities of β‐galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase. The results indicate that neither the N‐terminal nor the C‐terminal of apidaecin contains intracellular delivery unit or active segment. (ii) The effect of apidaecin on the ATPase activity of DnaK, and the interactions of apidaecin with E.coli lidless DnaK and DnaK D‐E helix were studied. Results showed that apidaecin could interact with the E.coli lidless DnaK protein and stimulate its ATPase activity, but not with E.coli DnaK D‐E helix. This indicated that the antimicrobial activity of apidaecin may be shown by stimulating the ATPase activity of DnaK by binding to its conventional substrate‐binding site, to decrease its cellular concentration of DnaK by competing with natural substrates and inhibit the enzymes' activities of E. coli cells. It is the first study to suggest that the apidaecin‐binding site of DnaK is the conventional substrate binging site. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The in‐plane magnetic anisotropy of RF‐sputtered FeNiN thin films
Authors: Wang X. F. , Wu P. , Liu X. J. , Chen X. S. , Li Z. Q. , Bai H. L. , Jiang E. Y.
Published: December 2007

FeNiN thin films were synthesized on Si(100) substrates at room temperature by RF magnetron sputtering. The nitrogen concentration dependence of their phase structure and magnetic properties was systematically investigated. With increasing nitrogen partial pressure (P), the FeNiN thin films successively showed a α‐Fe phase at P ≤ 5.0%, then a pure ε‐Fe3N phase at P = 25.0%, and then a ζ‐(Fe,Ni)2N phase at P = 25.0%, but there was no γ′‐(Fe,Ni)4N phase in the whole P range. These films with various phases presented different magnetic properties, which can be ascribed to the strong effects of nitrogen content. The optimum soft magnetic properties with Ms of ∼1721 emu/cm3 and HC of <4 Oe were obtained at P = 3.0% at room temperature. In particular, we experimentally found that the nitrogen atoms play a key role in controlling the in‐plane magnetic anisotropy, and the evolution of the in‐plane anisotropy derives from the combined effects of internal stress, shape anisotropy, and induced anisotropy. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Silver‐assisted electroless etching mechanism of silicon
Authors: Douani R. , Si‐Larbi K. , Hadjersi T. , Megouda N. , Manseri A.
Published: December 2007

The morphology of metal‐assisted electroless etched n‐type silicon in HF–oxidizing agent–H2O etching system as a function of oxidizing type and etching time was studied. Three types of oxidizing agent were investigated: Na2S2O8, K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4. The layers formed on silicon were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. It is shown that the morphology of the etched layers depends strongly on the type of oxidizing agent. The secondary ion mass spectra of the etched layers reveal that the deposited silver diffuses into the etched layers during etching. Finally, a discussion on the dissolution mechanism of silicon by silver‐assisted electroless etching is presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scintillation properties of pure and Ca‐doped ZnWO4 crystals
Authors: Danevich F. A. , Henry S. , Kraus H. , McGowan R. , Mikhailik V. B. , Shkulkova O. G. , Telfer J.
Published: December 2007

Following the investigations of the structure and scintillation properties of Ca‐doped zinc tungstate powder [phys. stat. sol. (a) 204, 730 (2007)] a single‐crystal of ZnWO4–Ca (0.5 mol%) was grown and characterised. The relative light output, energy resolution and decay characteristics were measured for pure and Ca‐doped ZnWO4 scintillators. An increase in the light yield of ∼40% compared with the undoped crystal, and an energy resolution 9.6% (137Cs) were obtained for Ca‐doped ZnWO4. The observed improvement is attributed to the reduction of self‐absorption (bleaching) of the crystal. The cause of bleaching as well as the possible contribution of scattering is discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and magnetic characterization of permalloy antidot arrays
Authors: Prieto P. , Pirota K. R. , Vazquez M. , Sanz J. M.
Published: December 2007

Ordered nanoscale permalloy antidot arrays with different sizes and lattice geometries have been prepared on top of nanoporous alumina membranes (NAMs) used as templates and have been magnetically characterized. Two different NAMs with high order hexagonal symmetry have been used, i.e. NAMs with pore diameters ranging between 35 nm and 95 nm, but with a constant lattice parameter of 105 nm and NAMs with pore diameter of 180 nm and a lattice parameter of 500 nm. In addition we have also prepared antidot arrays where the antidot size has been changed by varying the thickness of the permalloy thin film grown on top of the NAM template. The results show a significative increase of the coercivity as well as a reduction of the remanence of the antidot arrays, as compared with their parent continuous film, that depends on the size and on the density of holes introduced in the permalloy thin film. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonparametric inference on the E/O ratio in model validation
Authors: Qu Yongming , Wang Yanping
Published: December 2007

In preventing diseases such as cancers and osteoporosis, statistical models are often used to identify subjects with high risks. The ratio of the expected (or predicted) number of cases in the target population and the observed numbers of cases (the E/O ratio) is a useful quantity to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model. The model is usually evaluated on a sample taken from the target population and, in the literature, statistical inferences on the E/O ratio often assume that the expected number is a constant and the observed number follows a Poisson distribution. In this paper, we introduce a nonparametric method that takes into account the variability of the predicted number due to sampling and its correlation with the observed number. By estimating the variance of the estimated E/O ratio more accurately, this nonparametric approach offers better inferences. In addition, we propose to use an F‐statistic to test the goodness of a model across subgroups defined by certain risk factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use Cases for Systems Engineering—An Approach and Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Eriksson Magnus , Borg Kjell , Börstler Jürgen
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a use case driven approach for functional analysis/allocation and requirements flowdown. The approach utilizes use cases and use case realizations for functional architecture modeling, which in turn form the basis for design synthesis and requirements flowdown. We refer to this approach as the FAR (Functional Architecture by use case Realizations) approach. The FAR approach is currently applied in several large‐scale defense projects within BAE Systems Hägglunds AB. This paper also presents an empirical study where FAR is applied and evaluated in two large‐scale defense projects. Our results indicate that the FAR approach performs better than the previously used document based approach in the organization. © 2007, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
The use of a computer simulation to promote scientific conceptions of moon phases
Authors: Bell Randy L. , Trundle Kathy Cabe
Published: December 2007

This study described the conceptual understandings of 50 early childhood (Pre‐K‐3) preservice teachers about standards‐based lunar concepts before and after inquiry‐based instruction utilizing educational technology. The instructional intervention integrated the planetarium software Starry Night Backyard™ with instruction on moon phases from Physics by Inquiry by McDermott (1996). Data sources included drawings, interviews, and a lunar shapes card sort. Videotapes of participants' interviews were used along with the drawings and card sorting responses during data analysis. The various data were analyzed via a constant comparative method in order to produce profiles of each participant's pre‐ and postinstruction conceptual understandings of moon phases. Results indicated that before instruction none of the participants understood the cause of moon phases, and none were able to draw both scientific moon shapes and sequences. After the instruction with technology integration, most participants (82%) held a scientific understanding of the cause of moon phases and were able to draw scientific shapes and sequences (80%). The results of this study demonstrate that a well‐designed computer simulation used within a conceptual change model of instruction can be very effective in promoting scientific understandings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 346–372, 2008
The development of seventh graders' views of nature of science
Authors: Khishfe Rola
Published: December 2007

This study investigated the development in students' nature of science (NOS) views in the context of an explicit inquiry‐oriented instructional approach. Participants were 18 seventh‐grade students who were taught by a teacher with “appropriate” knowledge about NOS. The intervention spanned about 3 months. During this time, students were engaged in three inquiry‐oriented activities that were followed by reflective discussions of NOS. The study emphasized the tentative, empirical, inferential, and creative aspects of NOS. An open‐ended questionnaire, in conjunction with semi‐structured interviews, was used to assess students' views before, during, and after the intervention. Before instruction, the majority of students held naïve views of the four NOS aspects. During instruction, the students acquired more informed and “intermediary” views of the NOS aspects. By the end of the intervention, the students' views of the NOS aspects had developed further still into informed and “intermediary.” These findings suggest a developmental model in which students' views develop along a continuum during which they pass through intermediary views to reach more informed views. Implications for teaching and learning of NOS are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 470–496, 2008
The writing on the wall: Classroom context, curriculum implementation, and student learning in integrated, community‐based science projects
Authors: Venville Grady , Sheffield Rachel , Rennie Léonie J. , Wallace John
Published: December 2007

In this study we examined curriculum integration in new ways by exploring the link between classroom context, the implementation of community‐based, integrated science projects, and the subsequent student learning. The literature is inconsistent regarding the benefits of an integrated approach to curriculum. The research design was a multiple case study conducted in two classrooms in different schools. We employed a “worldly interpretive framework” that recognizes and embraces the importance of context in framing curriculum practices and outcomes. We found that similar projects in the two classrooms produced distinctly different (and equally valid) outcomes—focused either on bounded discipline‐specific knowledge or, alternatively, on issues and problems that transcended disciplinary boundaries. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 857–880, 2008
Comparison of Two Analytical Methods for Assessing Antioxidant Capacity of Rapeseed and Olive Oils
Authors: Szydłowska‐Czerniak Aleksandra , Karlovits György , Dianoczki Csilla , Recseg Katalin , Szłyk Edward
Published: December 2007

The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were used for the determination of antioxidant capacities (AC) of rapeseed oils at different steps of technological process and olive oils. The mean ORAC and FRAP results obtained for rapeseed oils (1,106–160 and 552–95.6 μmol TE/100 g) were higher than for olive oils (949–123 and 167–32.1 μmol TE/100 g). Although, FRAP values were lower than ORAC values for all studied oils, there is a linear and significant correlation between these two analytical methods (r = 0.9665 and 0.9298, P < 0.0005) for rapeseed and olive oils, respectively). Also, total phenolic compounds in rapeseed oils and olives correlated with antioxidant capacities (correlation coefficient ranged between 0.9470 and 0.8049). The refining process of rapeseed oils decreased the total phenolics content and antioxidant capacities by about 80%.
Isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis in a cat
Authors: Adamama-Moraitou Katerina K. , Prassinos Nikitas N. , Galatos Apostolos D. , Tontis Dimitris K. , Rallis Tim S.
Published: December 2007

This report describes a rare clinical case of a 4.5-month-old, female domestic shorthair, cat with isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis, resembling human omental panniculitis. Its possible relationship with pancreatitis or bile induced chemical peritonitis is also discussed. The overall clinical course was considered benign. Initial clinical signs were vomiting and anorexia, presumably due to inflammation, followed by mass development. It was speculated that, eventually, the kitten was vomiting because of mechanical pressure from the mass, and that this pressure subsided as the kitten grew. The mass was surgically resected and no relapse was evident during the next 4 years.