bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusulinid biostratigraphy of the Lower Permian Zweikofel Formation (Rattendorf Group; Carnic Alps, Austria) and Lower Permian Tethyan chronostratigraphy
Authors: Davydov Vladimir , Krainer Karl , Chernykh Valery
Published: October 2012

The Zweikofel Formation of the Rattendorf Group in the Carnic Alps (Austria) is 95–102 m thick and consists of a cyclic succession of thin‐ to thick‐bedded fossiliferous limestone and intercalated thin intervals of siliciclastic sediment. The siliciclastic intervals were deposited in a shallow marine nearshore environment. The variety of carbonate facies indicates deposition in a shallow neritic, normal‐saline, low‐ to high‐energy environment. The Zweikofel Formation is characterized by a paracyclic vertical arrangement of facies and represents sedimentary sequences that are not well understood elsewhere in the Tethys. Fusulinids and conodonts from the upper Grenzland and Zweikofel formations in the Carnic Alps clearly suggest that what has been called ‘Sakmarian’ in the Tethys includes both the Sakmarian and Artinskian stages of the Global Time scale. Fusulinids from the lower part of the Zweikofel Formation at Zweikofel closely resemble those of the Grenzland Formation and approximately correlate with the upper part of the Sakmarian and lower part of the Artinskian of the Global Time scale. The upper part of the Zweikofel Formation correlates approximately with the lower‐middle (?) parts of the Artinskian Stage of the Global Time scale. A new regional Hermagorian Stage of the Tethyan scale is proposed between the Asselian and Yakhtashian. The lower boundary of the Hermagorian Stage is proposed to be located at the base of bed 81 in the 1015 section of Darvaz (Tadzhikistan). The boundary between the Hermagorian and Yakhtashian stages is placed at the base of bed 73 in the Zweikofel section at Zweikofel, Carnic Alps. In the Darvaz region, Tadzhikistan, the type area for the Yakhtashian Stage, this boundary has never been precisely defined. The entire fusulinid assemblage of the upper part of the Grenzland and Zweikofel formations reported herein includes 62 species of 18 genera, of which one subgenus and 12 species and subspecies are new. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation of tetracyclines in different water matrices by advanced oxidation/reduction processes based on gamma radiation
Authors: López Peñalver Jesús J. , Gómez Pacheco Carla V. , Sánchez Polo Manuel , Rivera Utrilla José
Published: October 2012

Background

This study analyzes the efficacy of a gamma radiation advanced oxidation/reduction process (AORP) to treat waters contaminated with the antibiotics tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), and oxytetracycline (OTC).

Results

Study results indicate that: (1) radiolysis of the three TCs fits a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model in which the radiation‐chemical yield decreases with higher absorbed dose; (2) the value of the dose constant depended on the dose rate, which ranged from 3.83 to 1.66 Gy min–1, and depended to a small extent on the medium pH between pH values of 2.0 and 10.0, since aqueous electrons and hydroxyl radicals both act in TC degradation; (3) the effectiveness of the process was slightly increased at low concentrations of H2O2; (4) the presence of Cl−, , , and humic acid influenced TCs degradation, which was higher at low concentrations of Cl−, and HA and markedly decreased at low concentrations of of and ; (5) the dose constant is lower in natural waters; (6) TOC values for ultrapure water, surface water, groundwater and wastewater showed that it is not possible to obtain complete TC mineralization at the absorbed doses; (7) the toxicity of byproducts formed during the radiolytic process was lower.

Conclusions

Gamma radiation, an oxidation/reduction procedure, is an effective treatment for removing TC, CTC and OTC from aqueous solutions. TC degradation takes place by both oxidation and reduction pathways, with a predominance of the latter, as demonstrated by the markedly reduced dose constant in the presence of aqueous electron scavengers.
Microfiltration applied to dairy streams: removal of bacteria
Authors: Fernández García Leticia , Álvarez Blanco Silvia , Riera Rodríguez Francisco A
Published: October 2012

Microfiltration applied in the dairy industry for bacteria removal is an important technology for extending the shelf life of milk while maintaining or even improving its organoleptic and nutritional properties. This article reviews the evolution of this technique over recent years and the advances currently being made in the field. The cited literature indicates the strategies used to overcome the main drawbacks of this type of operation, the most common operating conditions employed and the reduction degree of bacteria obtained. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A review of chemical composition and nutritional value of wild‐growing and cultivated mushrooms
Authors: Kalač Pavel
Published: October 2012

Fruit bodies of about 200 mushroom species are consumed throughout the world, preferably as a delicacy. Knowledge of their chemical composition, nutritional value and health‐promoting effects has expanded dynamically during the last few years. Dry matter (DM) is low: commonly about 100 g kg−1. The usual contents of protein, lipids and ash are 200–250, 20–30 and 80–120 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Various carbohydrates form the remaining DM. Nevertheless, great variations occur both among and within species. Energy is low, usually 350–400 kcal kg−1 of fresh fruit bodies. The nutritional contribution of mushroom protein derived from earlier data seems to be overestimated. Fat content is low with markedly prevailing in linoleic acid and oleic acid, while the proportion of n‐3 fatty acids is nutritionally marginal. The main carbohydrates are chitin, glycogen, trehalose and mannitol. Information on fibre content and composition is limited. Health‐promoting β‐glucans are an auspicious group of polysaccharides. High potassium content is characteristic of mushrooms. Several species can accumulate very high levels of both detrimental trace elements, particularly cadmium and mercury, and radiocaesium isotopes if growing on heavily polluted substrates. Mushrooms seem to be a considerable source of ergosterol, provitamin D2, and phenolids with antioxidative properties. Hundreds of flavour constituents have been identified, particularly with eight‐carbon aliphatic chains. Data on changes of mushroom components under various preservation conditions and culinary treatments have been fragmentary. Even more limited is knowledge of nutrient bioavailability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular cloning and functional expression of allergenic sarcoplasmic calcium‐binding proteins from Penaeus shrimps
Authors: Mita Hajime , Koketsu Aiko , Ishizaki Shoichiro , Shiomi Kazuo
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Sarcoplasmic calcium‐binding proteins (SCPs) have recently been identified as crustacean allergens. However, information on their primary structures is very limited and no recombinant SCP (rSCP) as an alternative of natural SCP (nSCP) is available. This study was aimed to elucidate primary structures of SCPs from two species of Penaeus shrimp (black tiger shrimp and kuruma shrimp) by cDNA cloning and to produce a black tiger shrimp rSCP preparation that is comparable in IgE reactivity to nSCP.

RESULTS

The full‐length cDNAs encoding black tiger shrimp and kuruma shrimp SCPs were successfully cloned. Both SCPs are composed of 193 amino acid residues and share more than 80% sequence identity with the known crustacean SCPs. The black tiger shrimp SCP was then expressed in Escherichia coli using the pFN6A (HQ) Flexi vector system. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inhibition ELISA experiments demonstrated that rSCP has the same IgE reactivity as nSCP.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide further evidence for the high sequence identity among crustacean SCPs. In addition, rSCP will be a useful tool in studying crustacean allergens and also in the diagnosis of crustacean allergy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective effects of resveratrol on salivary gland damage induced by total body irradiation in rats
Authors: Şimşek Gökçe , Gürocak Şimay , Karadaǧ Neşe , Karabulut Aysun Bay , Demirtaş Erol , Karataş Erkan , Pepele Eda
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

One of the most common acute side effects of irradiation is xerostomia, which results from damage to the salivary gland cells by direct ionization. Resveratrol is a natural compound with profound anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of resveratrol on injury to the salivary glands of rats that were exposed to total body irradiation.

Study Design:

An experimental study at the Inonu University School of Medicine.

Methods:

Twenty‐nine female rats were randomized into four groups: group 1, high‐dose (100 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 7); group 2, low‐dose (10 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 7); group 3, control (vehicle) rats (n = 7); and group 4, sham‐irradiation group (n = 8). The medications were administered as single doses, and the rats were exposed to total body irradiation 24 hours after the treatment. The animals were sacrificed the following day, and the parotid and submandibular glands were excised. Salivary gland histology and the tissue levels of glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated.

Results:

The rats in group 1 showed significantly decreased acinar loss and less ductal damage and cell necrosis than those of the control group (P < .05). Antioxidant GSH levels were significantly increased by high doses of resveratrol treatment. The tissue activities of MDA in both the parotid and submandibular glands were significantly reduced in group 1. Low‐dose resveratrol treatment did not significantly alter the tissue levels of MDA.

Conclusions:

Resveratrol at relatively high doses can reduce the irradiation‐dependent salivary gland damage, suggesting that this natural antioxidant may be effectively used to lessen the side effects related to salivary gland dysfunction that is induced by irradiation. Laryngoscope, 2012
Opportunities for wavelength conversion with on‐chip diamond ring resonators
Authors: Vermeulen Nathalie , Sipe J.E. , Helt Lukas G. , Thienpont Hugo
Published: October 2012

Recent progress in the fabrication of high‐quality synthetic diamond and of diamond waveguide structures has enabled photonics researchers to start exploiting the unique optical properties of diamond for various applications. In this article the promise of on‐chip diamond ring resonators for wavelength conversion based on Kerr and Raman‐resonant four‐wave mixing is numerically demonstrated. After examining to what extent both dispersion‐engineered phase‐matching and “automatic” quasi‐phase‐matching can be established in diamond ring converters, it is shown that such a “double‐matching” approach can yield high conversion efficiencies for a wide range of wavelengths in the near‐infrared/mid‐infrared domain, as well as in the ultraviolet/visible domain.
Parkinson's disease: Evidence for environmental risk factors
Authors: Kieburtz Karl , Wunderle Kathryn B.
Published: October 2012

Parkinson's disease (PD) has no known cause. Although recent research has focused particularly on genetic causes of PD, environmental causes also play a role in developing the disease. This article reviews environmental factors that may increase the risk of PD, as well as the evidence behind those factors. Enough evidence exists to suggest that age has a causal relationship to PD. Significant evidence exists that gender, tobacco use, and caffeine consumption are also associated with the development of PD. Other environmental factors (pesticide exposure, occupation, blood urate levels, NSAID use, brain injury, and exercise) have limited or conflicting evidence of a relationship to PD. Future research must not neglect the impact of these environmental factors on the development of PD, especially with respect to potential gene‐environment interactions. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Maternal supplementation with an excess of different fat sources during pregnancy and lactation differentially affects feeding behavior in offspring: Putative role of the leptin system
Authors: Sánchez Juana , Priego Teresa , García Ana Paula , Llopis Marina , Palou Mariona , Picó Catalina , Palou Andreu
Published: October 2012

Scope

This study investigates the lasting effects of maternal supplementation with different fat sources during pregnancy and lactation on feeding behavior and energy homeostasis of their offspring, and its relation to hypothetical effects in the development of main central structures involved in leptin signaling.

Methods and results

Offspring of dams supplemented with olive oil, butter, or margarine during late pregnancy and lactation were fed with normal fat (NF) diet until 4‐month‐old, and then with NF or high fat (HF) diet until 6‐month‐old. Results showed that 21‐day‐old margarine group pups presented a higher cell number in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) (females) and higher hypothalamic ObRb/SOCS3 mRNA ratio (males). In adulthood, and under HF diet, they displayed a lower body weight (both genders) and body fat (males) than the butter group, a lower preference for fat food (both genders), and lower leptin levels than the olive oil (both genders) and butter (males) groups.

Conclusions

Maternal supplementation with different fat sources during the perinatal period may affect the development of hypothalamic structures and hence predisposition to obesity. Margarine, compared with other fats, may program the offspring for increased leptin sensitivity and a lower preference for fat food, thus providing relative protection against body weight gain in adulthood, particularly under an obesogenic environment.
Both selenium deficiency and modest selenium supplementation lead to myocardial fibrosis in mice via effects on redox‐methylation balance
Authors: Metes‐Kosik Nicole , Luptak Ivan , DiBello Patricia M. , Handy Diane E. , Tang Shiow‐Shih , Zhi Hui , Qin Fuzhong , Jacobsen Donald W. , Loscalzo Joseph , Joseph Jacob
Published: October 2012

Scope

Selenium has complex effects in vivo on multiple homeostatic mechanisms such as redox balance, methylation balance, and epigenesis, via its interaction with the methionine‐homocysteine cycle. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that selenium status would modulate both redox and methylation balance and thereby modulate myocardial structure and function.

Methods and results

We examined the effects of selenium‐deficient (<0.025 mg/kg), control (0.15 mg/kg), and selenium‐supplemented (0.5 mg/kg) diets on myocardial histology, biochemistry and function in adult C57/BL6 mice. Selenium deficiency led to reactive myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction accompanied by increased myocardial oxidant stress. Selenium supplementation significantly reduced methylation potential, DNA methyltransferase activity and DNA methylation. In mice fed the supplemented diet, inspite of lower oxidant stress, myocardial matrix gene expression was significantly altered resulting in reactive myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in the absence of myocardial hypertrophy.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that both selenium deficiency and modest selenium supplementation leads to a similar phenotype of abnormal myocardial matrix remodeling and dysfunction in the normal heart. The crucial role selenium plays in maintaining the balance between redox and methylation pathways needs to be taken into account while optimizing selenium status for prevention and treatment of heart failure.
Dietary fat manipulation has a greater impact on postprandial lipid metabolism than the apolipoprotein E (epsilon) genotype–insights from the SATgenε study
Authors: Jackson Kim G. , Lockyer Stacey , Carvalho‐Wells Andrew L. , Williams Christine M. , Minihane Anne M. , Lovegrove Julie A.
Published: October 2012

Scope

Our aim was to determine the effects of chronic dietary fat manipulation on postprandial lipaemia according to apolipoprotein (APO)E genotype.

Methods and results

Men (mean age 53 (SD 9) years), prospectively recruited for the APOE genotype (n = 12 E3/E3, n = 11 E3/E4), were assigned to a low fat (LF), high fat, high‐saturated fat (HSF), and HSF diet with 3.45 g/day docosahexaenoic acid (HSF‐DHA), each for an 8‐week period in the same order. At the end of each dietary period, a postprandial assessment was performed using a test meal with a macronutrient profile representative of that dietary intervention. A variable postprandial plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) response according to APOE genotype was evident, with a greater sensitivity to the TAG‐lowering effects of DHA in APOE4 carriers (p ≤ 0.005). There was a lack of an independent genotype effect on any of the lipid measures. In the groups combined, dietary fat manipulation had a significant impact on lipids in plasma and Svedberg flotation rate (Sf) 60–400 TAG‐rich lipoprotein fraction, with lower responses following the HSF‐DHA than HSF intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although a modest impact of APOE genotype was observed on the plasma TAG profile, dietary fat manipulation emerged as a greater modulator of the postprandial lipid response in normolipidaemic men.
Generalized iNverse imaging (GIN): Ultrafast fMRI with physiological noise correction
Authors: Boyacioğlu Rasim , Barth Markus
Published: October 2012

An ultrafast functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, called generalized inverse imaging (GIN), is proposed, which combines inverse imaging with a phase constraint—leading to a less underdetermined reconstruction—and physiological noise correction. A single 3D echo planar imaging (EPI) prescan is sufficient to obtain the necessary coil sensitivity information and reference images that are used to reconstruct standard images, so that standard analysis methods are applicable. A moving dots stimulus paradigm was chosen to assess the performance of GIN. We find that the spatial localization of activation for GIN is comparable to an EPI protocol and that maximum z‐scores increase significantly. The high temporal resolution of GIN (50 ms) and the acquisition of the phase information enable unaliased sampling and regression of physiological signals. Using the phase time courses obtained from the 32 channels of the receiver coils as nuisance regressors in a general linear model results in significant improvement of the functional activation, rendering the acquisition of external physiological signals unnecessary. The proposed physiological noise correction can in principle be used for other fMRI protocols, such as simultaneous multislice acquisitions, which acquire the phase information sufficiently fast and sample physiological signals unaliased. Magn Reson Med, 70:962–971, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dominant grains network and behavior of sand–silt mixtures: stress–strain modeling
Authors: Chang Ching S. , Meidani Mehrashk
Published: October 2012

Stress–strain modeling of sand–silt mixtures is important in the analysis and design of earth structures. In this paper, we develop a stress–strain model that can predict the behavior of sand–silt mixtures with any amount of fines content. This model is based on a micromechanics approach, which involves mean‐field assumptions. For the mixtures with low amount of fines, the mechanical behavior is dominated by sand grains network. On the other hand, for the mixtures with high amount of fines, the mechanical behavior is dominated by silt grains network. Using this concept of dominant grains network, the behavior of mixtures with any amount of fines can be predicted from knowing the behavior of sand and silt, alone. We also modeled the critical state friction angle, critical state void ratio, and elastic stiffness for the mixtures as a function of fines content. The applicability of this developed stress–strain model is shown by comparing the simulated and measured results for two different types of sand–silt mixtures with full range of fines content. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of being genuinely sorry when organizations apologize: how the Australian Wheat Board (AWB Limited) was damaged even further by its response to a corporate scandal
Authors: Grebe Sasha Karl
Published: October 2012

This paper draws on the unique insights offered by the documents tendered to the Royal Commission into the Australian Wheat Board (AWB Limited) to examine the process for drafting an apology within a scandalized organization suffering reputational damage. The Royal Commission received an almost complete set of documents specifying the process by which AWB prepared a public apology, as well as details of the efforts of the company to suppress those documents and the testimony of key personnel not only on the scandal itself but also on how the company responded to the crisis it had caused. The documents tendered to the Australian Government's Royal Commission included the working notes, drafting edits and expert advice from an international crisis communication consultant. AWB initially sought to try and manage the impact of the United Nations Oil‐for‐Food scandal, rather than address the causes of the transgression that would then allow the company to begin the process of restoring trust and rebuilding the damaged reputation. This disingenuous response exacerbated the problems for the company and caused additional damage to its corporate reputation. The insights from the AWB case study provide invaluable guidance for organizations on how to respond effectively to a corporate scandal. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes and perspectives of frontline workers in environmental policy: a case study of Ohio's Environmental Protection Agency and Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources
Authors: Rinfret Sara R. , Pautz Michelle C.
Published: October 2012

This research is an effort to focus on frontline regulators with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. An online survey was conducted of frontline regulators in these agencies to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives on policy implementation. More specifically, we endeavor to answer how frontline workers implement environmental policy. To analyze these data, we use two categorizations of factors (knowledge and attitudes, and contextual factors) offered by May and Winter (2009) to examine what influences the decision making of frontline regulators in their regulatory interactions. We find that despite common presumptions of adversarialism in the environmental regulatory arena, the frontline environmental inspectors in these states generally have positive attitudes of their regulatory colleagues and cope well with external contextual factors. While our findings are exploratory and descriptive, we argue that they are important for the next generation of environmental policy in the USA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of promoter hypermethylation in fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis
Authors: Zeisberg Elisabeth M , Zeisberg Michael
Published: October 2012

The aberrant methylation of CpG island promoters of selected genes is the prominent epigenetic mechanism by which gene transcription can be effectively silenced. Aberrant hypermethylation of a few selected genes plays an important role in facilitating fibrotic fibroblast activation and in driving fibrogenesis. Here we review mechanisms of DNA methylation and demethylation and their implications for fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis.Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Danger‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in acute lung injury
Authors: Tolle Leslie B , Standiford Theodore J
Published: October 2012

Danger‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are host‐derived molecules that can function to regulate the activation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). These molecules play a critical role in modulating the lung injury response. DAMPs originate from multiple sources, including injured and dying cells, the extracellular matrix, or exist as immunomodulatory proteins within the airspace and interstitium. DAMPs can function as either toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists or antagonists, and can modulate both TLR and nod‐like receptor (NLR) signalling cascades. Collectively, this diverse group of molecules may represent important therapeutic targets in the prevention and/or treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The stem cell E3‐ligase Lin‐41 promotes liver cancer progression through inhibition of microRNA‐mediated gene silencing
Authors: Chen Yu‐Ling , Yuan Ray‐Hwang , Yang Wan‐Ching , Hsu Hey‐Chi , Jeng Yung‐Ming
Published: October 2012

Lin‐41 is a stem cell‐specific E3 ligase and a known target of the tumour suppressor microRNA (miRNA) let‐7. Lin‐41 was recently reported to mediate ubiquitylation and degradation of the miRNA pathway protein Ago2. We demonstrate that Lin‐41 is over‐expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lin‐41 over‐expression correlates with high α‐fetoprotein level, high tumour grade and high tumour stage and predicts early tumour recurrence. Lin‐41 is a strong predictor of poor long‐term survival for patients with HCC. Lin‐41 knock‐down by RNA interference in HCC cell lines Huh7 and Hep3B suppressed proliferation in vitro and reduced in vivo tumour growth in NOD/SCID mice. On the other hand, over‐expression of Lin‐41 in the HCC cell line SK‐Hep1 enhanced tumourigenicity. Over‐expression and knock‐down of Lin‐41 led to inverse changes in the levels of Ago1 and Ago2 proteins. Over‐expression of Ago1 and Ago2 reduced in vivo tumour growth. Lin‐41 over‐expression suppressed let‐7 activity in HCC cell lines and expression of Lin‐41 enhanced the expression of let‐7‐regulated oncogenes c‐Myc, Lin‐28B, HMGA2 and type 1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF1R). Expression of Lin‐28B and c‐Myc enhanced the expression of Lin‐41. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays revealed direct association of c‐Myc with the Lin‐41 promoter, resulting in transcriptional transactivation. Our results indicate that Lin‐41 plays an important role in the growth of HCC by regulating RISC complex proteins Ago1 and Ago2 to inhibit miRNA‐mediated gene silencing and promote the expression of oncogenic proteins. Lin‐41 is also a strong prognostic factor for patients with HCC. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in methodological rigor in intervention research published in school psychology journals
Authors: Burns Matthew K. , Klingbeil David A. , Ysseldyke James E. , Petersen‐Brown Shawna
Published: October 2012

Methodological rigor in intervention research is important for documenting evidence‐based practices and has been a recent focus in legislation, including the No Child Left Behind Act. The current study examined the methodological rigor of intervention research in four school psychology journals since the 1960s. Intervention research has increased in prevalence, but it does not seem to have become more rigorous since the establishment of the What Works Clearinghouse. Small methodological factors often determined whether a study met or did not meet standards in the current investigation. Implications include the necessity of reviewing research quality guidelines prior to conducting intervention research and ensuring they are met whenever possible.
A new dibenzoylhydrazine with insecticidal activity against Anopheles mosquito larvae
Authors: Morou Evangelia , Lirakis Manolis , Pavlidi Nena , Zotti Moises , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Smagghe Guy , Vontas John , Swevers Luc
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Dibenzoylhydrazine (DBH) compounds have been applied successfully as environmentally safe insecticides against lepidopteran larvae and ground‐dwelling coleopterans, but their potential to combat mosquito larvae is largely unknown. Here, toxicity tests of three commercial DBHs (tebufenozide, methoxyfenozide and halofenozide) and one experimental DBH (KU‐106) against larvae of Anopheles gambiae, the major vector for human malaria, are reported.

RESULTS

Based on calculated median larvicidal concentration (LC50) values at 5 days of treatment, KU‐106 (760 nM) showed an activity against Anopheles larvae similar to that of commercial halofenozide. Induction of the early‐late gene hr3 and docking studies of DBHs in the ligand‐binding pocket of the modelled Anopheles ecdysone receptor indicated that toxicity is caused by the activation of the ecdysone regulatory cascade causing a premature lethal moult.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the similar toxicity exhibited by the experimental compound KU‐106 to that shown by commercial products, the present study demonstrated that the use of DBH compounds to combat harmful dipteran insects, such as mosquitoes, remains unexplored and invites further systematic toxicity tests using other derivatives of the DBH class of compounds.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Consequences of co‐applying insecticides and fungicides for managing Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on onion
Authors: Nault Brian A , Hsu Cynthia L , Hoepting Christine A
Published: October 2012

Background

Insecticides and fungicides are commonly co‐applied in a tank mix to protect onions from onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and foliar pathogens. Co‐applications reduce production costs, but past research shows that an insecticide's performance can be reduced when co‐applied with a fungicide. An evaluation was made of the effects of co‐applying spinetoram, abamectin and spirotetramat with commonly used fungicides, with and without the addition of a penetrating surfactant, on onion thrips control in onion fields.

Results

Co‐applications of insecticides with chlorothalonil fungicides reduced thrips control by 25–48% compared with control levels provided by the insecticides alone in three of five trials. Inclusion of a penetrating surfactant at recommended rates with the insecticide and chlorothalonil fungicide did not consistently overcome this problem. Co‐applications of insecticides with other fungicides did not interfere with thrips control.

Conclusion

Co‐applications of pesticides targeting multiple organisms should be examined closely to ensure that control of each organism is not compromised. To manage onion thrips in onion most effectively, insecticides should be applied with a penetrating surfactant, and should be applied separately from chlorothalonil fungicides.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary Phosphilipids and Sterols Protective against Peptic Ulceration
Authors: Tovey F. I. , Bardhan K. D. , Hobsley M.
Published: October 2012

The prevalence of duodenal ulceration in regions of developing countries with a stable diet is related to the staple food(s) in that diet. A higher prevalence occurs in areas where the diet is principally milled rice, refined wheat or maize, yams, cassava, sweet potato or green bananas, and a lower prevalence in areas where the staple diet is based on unrefined wheat or maize, soya, certain millets or certain pulses. Experiments using animal peptic ulcer models showed that the lipid fraction in foods from the staple diets of low prevalence areas gave protection against both gastric and duodenal ulceration, including ulceration due to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and also promoted healing of ulceration. The protective activity was found to lie in the phospholipid, sterol and sterol ester fractions of the lipid. Amongst individual phospholipids present in the phospholipid fraction, phosphatidyl ethanolamine (cephalin) and phosphatidyl choline (Lecithin) predominated. The sterol fraction showing activity contained β‐sitosterol, stigmasterol and an unidentified isomer of β‐sitosterol. The evidence shows that dietary phytosterols and phospholipids, both individually and in combination, have a protective effect on gastroduodenal mucosa. These findings may prove to be important in the prevention and management of duodenal and gastric ulceration including ulceration due to NSAIDs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
L‐theanine Administration Results in Neuroprotection and Prevents Glutamate Receptor Agonist‐Mediated Injury in the Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion
Authors: Zukhurova Mavdzhuda , Prosvirnina Maria , Daineko Anastasia , Simanenkova Anna , Petrishchev Nikolay , Sonin Dmitry , Galagudza Michael , Shamtsyan Mark , Juneja Lekh R. , Vlasov Timur
Published: October 2012

While the neuroprotective effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) might be explained by the presence of amino acid L‐theanine in the tea leaves, it is not known whether postischemic administration of L‐theanine could also provide neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of L‐theanine (1 and 4 mg/kg) administered at 3, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion in the rat model of stroke. We also studied the effect of L‐theanine on brain injury caused by exogenous administration of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionate/kainate receptor agonists during reperfusion. Rats were subjected to 30‐min middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 48‐h reperfusion. Neurological deficit and infarct size were determined at the end of reperfusion. At 3 and 12 h, but not at 24 h of reperfusion, L‐theanine substantially reduced the size of brain infarct. Neurological status was improved when L‐theanine was administered 3, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. Repeated intrastriatal injections of L‐theanine at a total dose of 800 µg/kg during reperfusion prevented brain injury caused by glutamate receptor agonists. In conclusion, L‐theanine at reperfusion exerts neuroprotective effect in the in vivo rat model of stroke. Local treatment with L‐theanine at reperfusion prevents glutamate receptor agonist‐mediated brain injury. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiulcerogenic Activities of the Extracts and Isolated Flavonoids of Euphorbia cuneata Vahl
Authors: Awaad Amani S. , Al‐Jaber Nabilah A. , Moses John E. , El‐Meligy Reham M. , Zain Mohamed E
Published: October 2012

The total alcohol extracts of Euphorbia cuneata Vahl.(Euphorbiaceae) were screened for antiulcerogenic activity using an ethanol‐induced ulcer model at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. The extracts possessed antiulcerogenic activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Four flavonoidal compounds were isolated and identified as naringenin, aromadendrin, apigenin and 4'‐O‐methoxy‐luteolin‐7‐O‐rhamnoglucoside, each demonstrating antiulcerogenic activity with curative ratios ranging from 75.78% to 88.23%. In addition, the alcohol extracts and isolated compounds were shown to scavenge the 1,1‐diphenyl,2‐picrylhydrazyl radical by different ratio, with the most effective being 4'‐O‐methoxy‐luteolin‐7‐O‐rhamnoglucoside (91.14%). The antioxidant activity of the alcohol extracts and the isolated compounds may explain the antiulcerogenic properties. No side effects were observed on either liver or kidney functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intramolecular and Intermolecular Magnetic Coupling Mechanism of a Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Li Qing , Liu Qing‐Hua , Wei Wei , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Liu Shu‐Lian , Shi Jing‐Min
Published: October 2012

Abstract. A new dinuclear complex, [Cu2(μ1, 3‐NCS)2(Ophen)2(OH2)2], (HOphen = 1, 10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐ol) was synthesized and its crystal structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography. In the complex, the CuII ion assumes a distorted square pyramidal arrangement and the thiocyanate anion functions as bridged ligand and Ophen as capped ligand. The analysis of the crystal structure shows that there exists a π–π stacking interaction between the adjacent complexes. The theoretical calculations reveal that the magnetic coupling pathways from the thiocyanate anions bridge ligand and the π–π stacking magnetic coupling pathway resulted in the weak ferromagnetic interactions with 2J = 18.46 cm–1 and 2J = 10.46 cm–1, respectively. The calculations also display that the spin delocalization and the spin polarization occur in the bridge magnetic coupling system and the π–π stacking magnetic coupling system, and the magnetic coupling mechanism of the π–π stacking can be explained with McConnell I spin‐polarization mechanism. The fitting for the data of the variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility with dinuclear CuII formula gave the magnetic coupling constant 2J = 2.84 cm–1 and zJ′ = 0.03 cm–1, in which the 2J = 2.84 cm–1 is attributed to the magnetic coupling from the bridge dinuclear CuII unit and the zJ′ = 0.03 cm–1 is ascribed to the π–π stacking magnetic coupling system. The study may benefit to understand the magnetic coupling mechanism of π–π stacking system.
High‐Pressure Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Ce4B14O27
Authors: Hinteregger Ernst , Perfler Lukas , Huppertz Hubert
Published: October 2012

Ce4B14O27 was synthesized under conditions of 2.6 GPa and 750 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The crystal structure was determined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, collected at room temperature, revealing that Ce4B14O27 is isotypic to La4B14O27. Ce4B14O27 crystallizes monoclinically with four formula units in the space group C2/c (No. 15) and the lattice parameters a = 1117.8(2), b = 640.9(2), c = 2531.7(5) pm, and β = 100.2(1)°. The three‐dimensional boron‐oxygen framework consists of [BO4]5– tetrahedra and trigonal‐planar [BO3]3– groups. The structure contains two crystallographically different cerium ions. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was performed on single crystals of Ce4B14O27.
Counseling Customers: Emerging Roles for Genetic Counselors in the Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing Market
Authors: Harris Anna , Kelly Susan E. , Wyatt Sally
Published: October 2012

Individuals now have access to an increasing number of internet resources offering personal genomics services. As the direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTC GT) industry expands, critics have called for pre‐ and post‐test genetic counseling to be included with the product. Several genetic testing companies offer genetic counseling. There has been no examination to date of this service provision, whether it meets critics’ concerns and implications it may have for the genetic counseling profession. Considering the increasing relevance of genetics in healthcare, the complexity of genetic information provided by DTC GT, the mediating role of the internet in counseling, and potential conflicts of interest, this is a topic which deserves further attention. In this paper we offer a discourse analysis of ways in which genetic counseling is represented on DTC GT websites, blogs and other online material. This analysis identified four types of genetic counseling represented on the websites: the integrated counseling product; discretionary counseling; independent counseling; and product advice. Genetic counselors are represented as having the following roles: genetics educator; mediator; lifestyle advisor; risk interpreter; and entrepreneur. We conclude that genetic counseling as represented on DTC GT websites demonstrates shifting professional roles and forms of expertise in genetic counseling. Genetic counselors are also playing an important part in how the genetic testing market is taking shape. Our analysis offers important and timely insights into recent developments in the genetic counseling profession, which have relevance for practitioners, researchers and policy makers concerned with the evolving field of personal genomics.
High Serum Apolipoprotein E Determines Hypertriglyceridemic Dyslipidemias, Coronary Disease and ApoA‐I Dysfunctionality
Authors: Onat Altan , Can Günay , Örnek Ender , Ayhan Erkan , Erginel‐Ünaltuna Nihan , Murat Sani N.
Published: October 2012

The relevance of serum apolipoprotein E (apoE) levels to two hypertriglyceridemic dyslipidemias has not been clarified. We explored, in a cross‐sectional (and short‐term prospective) evaluation, the independent relationship of serum apoE to the atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia with elevated apoB (HtgB) and to apoA‐I dysfunctionality, previously shown in Turkish adults to be independent of apoE genotype. Serum apoE concentrations were measured by immunonephelometry in 1,127 middle‐aged adults. In multivariable regression analysis, apoE concentrations showed log‐linear associations with apoB and apoA‐I levels, waist circumference, independent of C‐reactive protein (CRP), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index and other confounders. The likelihood of atherogenic dyslipidemia and of HtgB roughly tripled per 1‐SD increment in apoE concentrations, additively to apoE genotype, HOMA, apoA‐I, CRP concentrations and waist circumference; yet apoA‐I, protective against atherogenic dyslipidemia, appeared to promote HtgB, a finding consistent with apoA‐I dysfunctionality in this setting. Each 1‐SD increment in the apoE level was moreover, associated in both genders with MetS (at OR 1.5), after adjustment for sex, age, apoB, apoA‐I and CRP, or for apoE genotypes. Circulating apoE predicted in both genders age‐adjusted prevalent and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), independent of apoE genotype and CRP (OR 1.32 [95 % CI 1.11; 1.58]). To conclude, in a general population prone to MetS, elevated apoE concentrations are strongly linked to HtgB and atherogenic dyslipidemia, irrespective of apoE genotype, are associated with MetS and CHD. Excess apoE reflects pro‐inflammatory state and likely autoimmune activation.
Large-scale volunteer computing over the Internet
Authors: Costa Fernando , Silva João Nuno , Veiga Luís , Ferreira Paulo
Published: October 2012

Cycle sharing over the Internet has increased in popularity during the last decade, with increasingly powerful machines being made available to existing projects. In this paper, we present GiGi-MR, a framework that allows non-expert users to run CPU-intensive jobs on top of volunteer resources over the Internet. GiGi-MR has several distinctive features: it allows non-expert users to easily partition their jobs in several parallel tasks; such Bag-of-Tasks (BoT) are executed in parallel as a set of MapReduce applications; the volunteer resources that provide the best match for the tasks being executed are chosen (using attenuated bloom filters); it provides a portable checkpointing fault-tolerance mechanism based on virtualization; it does not rely exclusively on a central server (or servers) at all times (thus minimizing the bottleneck effect); it deals with malicious participants (possibly byzantine) using an efficient partial replication mechanism to validate the results obtained; and it is compatible with BOINC (one of the most popular open-source software platforms for computing using volunteered resources). We describe GiGi-MR’s architecture and evaluate its performance by executing several MapReduce applications on a wide area testbed. Furthermore, we use micro-benchmarks to assess each one of GiGi-MR’s components independently. The system’s overhead is minimal. When compared to an unmodified volunteer computing system, GiGi-MR obtains a performance increase of over 60 % in application turnaround time, while reducing the bandwidth used by an order of magnitude.
Cancer cachexia: impact, mechanisms and emerging treatments
Authors: Vaughan Vanessa C. , Martin Peter , Lewandowski Paul A.
Published: October 2012

Many forms of cancer present with a complex metabolic profile characterised by loss of lean body mass known as cancer cachexia. The physical impact of cachexia contributes to decreased patient quality of life, treatment success and survival due to gross alterations in protein metabolism, increased oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. The psychological impact also contributes to decreased quality of life for both patients and their families. Combination therapies that target multiple pathways, such as eicosapentaenoic acid administered in combination with exercise, appetite stimulants, antioxidants or anti‐inflammatories, have potential in the treatment of this complex syndrome and require further development.
A comparative analysis of the aggregation behavior of amyloid‐β peptide variants
Authors: Vandersteen Annelies , Hubin Ellen , Sarroukh Rabia , De Baets Greet , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic , Subramaniam Vinod , Raussens Vincent , Wenschuh Holger , Wildemann Dirk , Broersen Kerensa
Published: October 2012

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Steamplicity: An Innovative Meal System That Delivers
Authors: Dillon Helen Ann , McDonald Sharon , Jonus Ilona
Published: October 2012

In 2009, Morrison, the healthcare “food service” division of Compass Group Canada, introduced Steamplicity, an innovative meal and meal delivery system. Morrison claims enhanced patient satisfaction with meals, reporting scores of greater than 90% satisfaction and tray waste reductions of 39%. Patients are eating what they order. Reports of the waste typically generated by a hospital's food service operations are indicating Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) footprint reductions in the range of 60% versus the environmental impact of previous meal delivery systems.
A Framework for Assessing the Value of Laboratory Diagnostics
Authors: Anonychuk Andrea , Beastall Graham , Shorter Simon , Kloss-Wolf Regina , Neumann Peter
Published: October 2012

Ministries of Health as well as hospital chief executive officers, department heads, and medical directors from a wide range of hospital types consistently rate quality care and value-for-money as key priorities. The role of the laboratory is changing across the healthcare continuum and new laboratory diagnostics are coming to market at an ever-increasing rate. There is a need to better define, measure, and evaluate the value of laboratory diagnostics. This paper provides perspectives on the current challenges associated with the evaluation of laboratory diagnostics, and provides a framework of key dimensions that should be included when assessing their value to hospitals and healthcare systems.
The Power of Collaboration: Incorporating Voices in Canadian Healthcare into Integrated, Responsive Purchasing Networks
Authors: Valaitis Cynthia
Published: October 2012

As Canada's healthcare group purchasing organization, Health PRO Procurement Services Inc. is continually exploring opportunities to build more integrated, collaborative, and responsive purchasing networks within Canadian healthcare. To this end, what follows is (1) an examination of key challenges to and opportunities for collaboration in the healthcare sector based on interviews with senior healthcare executives, and (2) a case study on Health PRO's Advisory Committees, with a focus on outcomes and opportunities for collaborative procurement in the future. Creating more deeply integrated purchasing networks could help to support a Canadian procurement strategy that is more innovative, value creating, and responsive to patients and the market. Consistently achieving these outcomes requires a culture of knowledge sharing and cooperation in Canada, which Health PRO is committed to fostering.
Identifying Trends and Transitions in the Hospital Outpatient Management of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Koczerginski David , Thompson Lorna
Published: October 2012

Schizophrenia is associated with multiple relapses and substantial acute and non-acute hospital costs. We are studying schizophrenia management patterns of six outpatient mental health programs to identify best practices in hospital outpatient services for this patient population. This report discusses the preliminary themes and trends contributing to adherence to treatment, and positive clinical outcomes. Themes include continuity of care and managing transitions, managing medical comorbidities, treating to wellness, the importance of communication within the multidisciplinary teams, and medication management. Ideas that support the promotion of these themes are also presented.