bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review. Promises, pitfalls and challenges of genomic selection in breeding programs
Authors: Ibañez-Escriche N. , Gonzalez-Recio O.
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work was to review the main challenges and pitfalls of the implementation of genomic selection in the breeding programs of different livestock species. Genomic selection is now one of the main challenges in animal breeding and genetics. Its application could considerably increase the genetic gain in traits of interest. However, the success of its practical implementation depends on the selection scheme characteristics, and these must be studied for each particular case. In dairy cattle, especially in Holsteins, genomic selection is a reality. However, in other livestock species (beef cattle, small ruminants, monogastrics and fish) genomic selection has mainly been used experimentally.The main limitation for its implementation in the mentioned livestock species is the high genotyping costs compared to the low selection value of the candidate. Nevertheless, nowadays the possibility of using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips of low density to make genomic selection applications economically feasible is under study. Economic studies may optimize the benefits of genomic selection (GS) to include new traits in the breeding goals. It is evident that genomic selection offers great potential; however, a suitable genotyping strategy and recording system for each case is needed in order to properly exploit it.
Evaluating spectral vegetation indices for a practical estimation of nitrogen concentration in dual-purpose (forage and grain) triticale
Authors: Rodriguez-Moreno F. , Llera-Cid F.
Published: December 2011

There is an ample literature on spectral indices as estimators of the crop’s chlorophyll concentration, and, by extension, of the nitrogen concentration. In this line, the suitability of 21 of these indices was evaluated as nitrogen concentration indicators for the dual-purpose (fodder and grain) triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack). The interval of interest was the one in that it would be possible to intervene to correct the deficiency of nitrogen (defined according to practical criteria); one peculiarity of this study is that it only develops a model for that period; more developments complicate the profitability, because the annual stability is not guaranteed and calibration studies are expensive. The results showed that, although there are significant correlations between the greenness indices and the crop’s nitrogen concentration, for none of the spectral indices the relationship can reach acceptable values that encourage their use in the new techniques of precision agriculture of low cost. One solution for improving the effectiveness and reduce costs could be to use the information contained in the spectral signature beyond what is easily explicable by biochemistry and biophysics, in other words, using data mining in the search for new spectral indices directly related to the concentration of nitrogen in plant and stable throughout crop development. At present, the squared correlation coefficient (R2) of the best fits reach 0.5 for the later phenological stages, this mark is reduced to 0.3 with an approach of low cost
Adopting vigorous olive cultivars to high density hedgerow cultivation by soil applications of uniconazol, a gibberellin synthesis inhibitor
Authors: Avidan B. , Birger R. , Abed-El-Hadi F. , Salmon O. , Hekster O. , Friedman Y. , Lavee S.
Published: December 2011

The high-density planting system recently adopted for olive, facilitates the use of efficient over-head mechanical harvesters. To accommodate the harvester only cultivars with restrained vegetative vigor can be used and managed to limit tree size while maintaining high productivity. Spray application of the 0.05% “Magic” (a commercial product containing 50 g L–1 uniconazol), or soil application of 2 and 4 g tree–1 “Magic”, were tested to control the canopy size of fruitful vigorous cultivars to suit the high density hedgerow system and over-head harvesting. Two year old plants were chosen for the initial application. Soil application of 2 g “Magic” (0.1 g tree–1 uniconazol) caused a satisfactory balanced growth inhibition of the vigorous cvs. Barnea, Leccino and Picholine to suit the high density hedgerow system. Thus, a significant increase of the choice of cultivars to be used for over-head harvesting could be significantly increased. The use of vigorous cultivars treated with uniconazol for over-head harvesting started in commercial plantations in 2006. In some cases an increase of the annual dosage was required with aging of the trees. This required increase of the annual soil application of uniconazol with aging of the trees needs further observations. An increase in fruit production due to the optimal uniconazol treatment was apparent, though results were rather erratic. Still, production in treated orchards was at least within the country’s average for each of the tested cultivars during the experimental years.
An approach to zoning in the wine growing regions of “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry” and “Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda” (Cádiz, Spain)
Authors: Pardo-Calle C. , Segovia-Gonzalez M. M. , Paneque-Macias P. , Espino-Gonzalo C.
Published: December 2011

The Appellations of Origin “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry” and “Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda” occupy one of the oldest and most world renowned viticultural areas in the peninsula, but it is not exempt from the serious problems that are to be found throughout the sector. In order to try to adapt to the present situation, zoning plans are being promoted whereby priority is given to the quality of the product, sustainable development and the economic interests. This work undertakes an approach to the viticultural zoning. The nutritional state of the grapevines is studied by means of foliage analysis at veraison. The quality of production was measured by means of the berry weight and the analysis of the most usual variables of the must at the time of harvest (°Baumé, pH and titratable acidity) over five seasons, in the 21 plots where the soil profiles were opened for analysis. As a result of applying statistical analysis, the plots are grouped into five classes, two of which are subdivided. The most significant differences were established between the plots of class CL1, on Miocene limestone, and those of class CL5, on Pliocene-Quaternary sands and clays. Class CL1 presented the highest content of ash (mean ± sd CL1; CL5) (15.36 ± 1.73; 12.36 ± 1.77) and calcium (3.42 ± 0.90; 2.65 ± 0.72), the lowest berry weight (2.10 ± 0.30; 2.47 ± 0.50) and a greater Baumé degree (10.55 ± 0.86; 9.63 ± 0.98) than the CL5. This new approach takes other essential factors for the quality of the production into account such as the climate and the geomorphology (altitude, slope, and physiography).
Effect of number of oocytes and embryos on in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development in bovine
Authors: Salvador I. , Cebrian-Serrano A. , Salamone D. , Silvestre M. A.
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to identify the in vitro development stage at which the culture of a single or low number (n = 5 or 10) of oocytes/embryos could impair development in comparison with culture in group (n = 50). In the Experiment 1, it was confirmed that single in vitro embryo production yielded lower cleavage and blastocyst rates than in group (49.4 vs. 83.0%; 0% vs. 37.8%, respectively; p < 0.05). In Experiment 2 and 3, it was observed no effect on embryo development of culturing single or low number of oocytes during maturation and fertilization, respectively. In Experiment 4, it was observed a detrimental effect on blastocyst rate when cultured single or low number of embryos during post-fertilization in vitro culture (2.9; 10.2-10.8; 33.2% in single, low number of embryos (5-10), and controlgrouped, respectively; p < 0.05). In Experiment 5, it was observed that the last part of the culture period (day 3 onwards) seemed to be more affected by the low number of embryos placed in culture. In conclusion, post-fertilization culture, especially on days 3 to 7 after fertilization, seems to be the most important stage for embryo development on single and/or low number (5-10) of embryos culture.
Short communication. Management of Macrophomina root rot of mungbean using dry leaves manure of Datura metel as soil amendment
Authors: Javaid A. , Saddique A.
Published: December 2011

The antifungal activity of leaves of Datura metel for in vitro and in vivo management of Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], was studied. In a laboratory bioassay, methanolic extracts of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/100 mL significantly reduced the fungal biomass by 36-47%. In a pot trial, dried powdered leaves of D. metel were mixed in soil at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% (w/w) with soil already inoculated with the target fungal pathogen. A negative control without fungal inoculation and leaf amendment, and a positive control with M. phaseolina inoculation only, were used for reference. Plant mortality due to M. phaseolina inoculation was significantly reduced by 42% and 80% due to 1.0 and 1.5% dry leaves amendments, respectively, as compared to positive control. There was a gradual increase in root and shoot growth of the plants with increase in dose of soil amendment. Generally, 1.5% dose significantly enhanced root and shoot growth as compared to positive control. M. phaseolina root rot in mungbean can effectively be managed by amending the soil with 1.5% dry leaf manure of D. metel.
Competition between Avena sterilis ssp. sterilis and wheat in South Western Spain
Authors: Barroso J. , Alcantara C. , Saavedra M.
Published: December 2011

Avena sterilis spp. sterilis has different growth and demographic characteristics than other weedy taxa of Avena. Preliminary studies have shown that wheat yield losses caused by this species were larger than those produced by the spp. ludoviciana. These losses were estimated experimentally in 19 wheat fields distributed throughout western Andalusia. The relationship between A. sterilis spp. sterilis density per square meter and the wheat grain weight was estimated using several simple models. The results obtained confirm that this weed species was tremendously competitive even at low densities, obtaining wheat yield losses up to 70 kg ha–1 panicle–1 m–2. The potential crop yield of the field was considered as an important factor to estimate the yield losses. A relationship between the expected weed-free yield of wheat and the yield loss per panicle of A. sterilis spp. sterilis was used to determine the economic threshold. This threshold ranged from 4 to 81 panicles m–2 depending on the potential yield of each field. Farmers with high potential yields (> 6,000 kg ha–1) should treat their fields if A. sterilis density is above 10 panicles m–2. Farmers with low potential yields (< 3,000 kg ha–1) should not applied any herbicide control to their fields whatever the infestation density. And if the potential yields are between 3,000 and 6,000 kg ha–1 they should estimate the economic threshold value from the exponential equation described in this work.
The effectiveness of electrified fencing using copper electrodes for slug (Airon spp.) control with direct electric current and voltage
Authors: Laznik Z. , Krizaj D. , Trdan S.
Published: December 2011

Terrestrial slugs of the genus Arion are native to Europe, where they represent an important agricultural pest. This study determined the effectiveness of electrified fencing on barrier crossing by slugs. The fences were placed in glass insectariums. DC (direct current) voltages (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 V) applied across the fence were tested together with limiting electric current values (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mA). Four categories of behavior were identified for slugs in the presence of an electrified fence: the animals (1) were stationary, (2) were moving but avoided the electrodes, (3) touched the electrodes and/or attempted unsuccessfully to cross the electrified fence and (4) succeeded in crossing the electrified fence. The effect of the applied voltages and the limiting current values on slug movement was highly significant. Forty-one percent of slugs crossed the fence at the lowest applied voltage, whereas only 1% of slugs succeeded in crossing at the highest voltage. The lowest limiting current values resulted in the most frequent fence crossings. For larger voltages and limiting currents, the frequency of slug crossings was effectively zero at fence regions positioned on the glass walls of the insectariums. In conclusion, this method of slug prevention may be highly effective, environmentally friendly and may result in deterrence, not death, of terrestrial slugs, a ubiquitous pest responsible for significant economic damage in agriculture.
The effect of grafting on the antioxidant properties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Vinkovic Vrcek I. , Samobor V. , Bojic M. , Medic-Saric M. , Vukobratovic M. , Erhatic R. , Horvat D. , Matotan Z.
Published: December 2011

The use of grafted plants in vegetable crop production is now being expanded greatly. However, few data are available on the nutritional composition of grafted vegetables with emphasis on antioxidant properties. Therefore, the major objective of this study was to evaluate antioxidant components of tomatoes influenced by grafting technique. The tomato plants were grown in a greenhouse located at Kriz˘evci, Croatia. The cultivars ‘Efialto’, ‘Heman’, and ‘Maxifort’ were used as rootstocks, while ‘Tamaris’ was used as scion. Grafting resulted in increase of number of marketable fruits per plant by 30%. Content of total vitamin C and total phenolics significantly decreased after grafting. The concentration of total extractable phenolics in tomatoes ranged from 287.1 to 977.4 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) kg–1 fresh weight, whereas lycopene content ranged from 11.44 to 60.99 mg kg–1 fresh weight. Antioxidant activities determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method of grafts were significantly different compared to their respective rootstocks. The overall results showed that tomato grafting on suitable rootstocks has positive effects on the cultivation performance, but decreases nutritional quality of tomatoes.
Short communication. Evaluation of the efficiency of imidacloprid and Encarsia inaron Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) integration to control the whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Hoseini S.A. , Pourmirza A. A.
Published: December 2011

The integrated whitefly control systems are based on the contribution of chemical and biological control fostered by conservation of natural enemies. This study attempts to establish the integrated impact of the parasitoid Encarsia inaron Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in junction with the biorational imidacloprid against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorumWestwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), feeding on bean plants cv. Contender under greenhouse condition. Experiments were carried out to establish the individual and combined effects of the parasitoid and insecticide to control the greenhouse whitefly. A synergy effect was observed in the simultaneous use of E. inaron and imidacloprid causing 97.2% mortality in the population of immature whiteflies. There was no significant difference between the application of imidacloprid and the introduction of E. inaron alone which caused 90.1% and 78.7% whitefly mortality, respectively. The application of imidacloprid significantly reduced the percentage of the adult emergence and parasitism of E. inaron to 18% and 25% respectively, compared to control with 47% adult emergence and 57.9% parasitism. The current results suggest that despite some negative impacts of imidacloprid on E. inaron, the combination of these two factors works more efficiently than the use of them separately against the greenhouse whitefly.
Comparative study of two analytical procedures for the determination of acid insoluble ash for evaluation of nutrient retention in broilers
Authors: De Coca-Sinova A. , Mateos G. G. , Gonzalez-Alvarado J. M. , Centeno C. , Lazaro R. , Jimenez-Moreno E.
Published: December 2011

Inert markers are routinely used in research to estimate nutrient retention and apparent metabolisable energy nitrogen-corrected (AMEn) content of poultry diets. Acid insoluble ash (AIA) is used as a marker to substitute metal compounds because of environmental concerns. In the current research, two methodologies recommended for determining AIA content in feeds and excretas for the evaluation of total tract apparent retention (TTAR) of nutrients, were compared in 12 broiler diets. The experimental design was completely randomised with 2 AIA analytical techniques and 12 dietary treatments that resulted from a combination of two cereals (corn and rice), two heat processing of the cereal (raw and cooked) and three fiber sources (control with no added fibre, 3% oat hulls and 3% soybean hulls). All diets included 1% celite (diatomaceous earth) as additional source of AIA. The techniques used for AIA determination were coded as VO and GA, respectively. The TTAR of dry matter and organic matter and the AMEn of the feeds differed (p ≤ 0.001) among diets and were lower when using GA than when using VO (p ≤ 0.05). However, no interaction between diet and methodology was observed. Moreover, the TTAR of nutrients as determined by both techniques, were highly correlated (r > 0.98). We concluded that the GA methodology results in lower retention values than the VO methodology but that both methodologies can be used indistinctly to estimate TTAR of nutrients in broiler feeds.
Effect of leaf position on the distribution of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity among green and red lettuce cultivars
Authors: Ozgen S. , Sekerci S.
Published: December 2011

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in consumption of red fruits and vegetables due to its rich dietary sources of antioxidant, phenolics and anthocyanins. In this study, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of green and red lettuce cultivars were studied. Particularly, the effect of leaf position on these properties was compared. Eight conventionally grown cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), with four green (Fonseca, Freckles, Krizet and Filipus) and four red (Versai, Nation, Paradai and Cherokee) cultivars were studied. Their leaves were divided into three groups; outer, middle and inner part. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of each group of leaves was assessed by both trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Leaf color, total soluble solids, total phenolics (TP), total anthocyanin (TACY), chlorophyll a and b were determined. The results demonstrated that outer leaves have the highest phytonutrient content and antioxidant properties. Outer leaves exhibited significantly higher TP and TAC than middle and inner leaves in both red and green color lettuce. The average TP content of red lettuce were 845, 297 and 195 μg gallic acid equivalent per gram fresh weight in the outer, middle and inner leaves, respectively. Also TAC of outer leaves was significantly higher than middle and inner leaves in both red and green color lettuce. The magnitude of difference between red and green cultivars was significant as determined by both TEAC and FRAP methods.
The paradox of irrigation scheme modernization: more efficient water use linked to higher energy demand
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz J. A. , Pérez-Urrestarazu L. , Camacho-Poyato E. , Montesinos P.
Published: December 2011

In recent years, many modernization processes have been undertaken in irrigation districts with the main objective to improve water use efficiency. In southern Spain, many irrigation districts have either been modernized or are currently being improved. However, as part of the modernization process some unexpected side effects have been observed. This paper analyzes the relative advantages and limitations of modernization based on field data collected in a typical Andalusian irrigation district. Although the amount of water diverted for irrigation to farms has been considerably reduced, consumptive use has increased, mainly due to a change in crop rotations. The costs for operation and system maintenance have dramatically risen (400%) as the energy for pumping pressurized systems is much higher now compared to gravity fed systems used previously. Then a regional analysis in ten Southern Spain irrigation districts of the relationship between energy requirements and irrigation water applied has been carried out. Results show that to apply an average depth of 2590 m3 ha, the energy required was estimated to be 1000 kWh ha–1. A new approach is needed that involves efficient management of both water and energy resources in these modernized systems. Finally, some energy saving options are identified and discussed.
Influence of the Common Agricultural Policy on the farmer’s intended decision on water use
Authors: Giannoccaro G. , Berbel J.
Published: December 2011

This work is the result of the research under CAP-IRE (Common Agricultural Policies on Rural Economies) project where the effects of post 2013 CAP scenarios are investigated. The broad objective is the understanding of farmer’s reactions under CAP scenarios taking into account a long-term perspective by 2020. The analysis is based on 1,328 observations of household farmers across 11 case study regions in nine EU countries. The stated responses are analyzed in order to stress the influence of the next CAP reform on the farmer’s decision process of using more or less water resources on-farm. For this purpose the farmer’s responses to the CAP reforms are analyzed by a logistic model regression. According to the results, farmer’s behaviour would be slightly influenced by the CAP reform. However, significant regional differences are found according to the model regressions. Indeed, in the case of new member states, farmers would have a greater intention to decrease water use if the current CAP support was abolished. Yet factors such as the amount of CAP supports, farmland size, crop specialization, farmer’s age and altitude, are significant determinants of reaction to the CAP reforms. Taking into account the depicted influence on water use opportunities for re-addressing next policy design emerge.
Metal–Organic Hybrid Interface States of A Ferromagnet/Organic Semiconductor Hybrid Junction as Basis For Engineering Spin Injection in Organic Spintronics
Authors: Lach Stefan , Altenhof Anna , Tarafder Kartick , Schmitt Felix , Ali Md. Ehesan , Vogel Michael , Sauther Jens , Oppeneer Peter M. , Ziegler Christiane
Published: December 2011

Electrons in organic semiconductors (OSC) possess remarkably long spin relaxation times. Hybrid spintronic devices that combine OSC with ferromagnetic (FM) substrates are therefore expected to provide a route to devices with improved and new functionalities. A crucial role is played by the FM‐OSC interface which governs the spin injection into the OSC. Using spin‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations we study here such possible injection channels in metal phthalocyanines (MPc). We report the first direct observation of the successful engineering of different spin‐selective hybrid interface states at the Fermi level of a FM‐OSC hybrid junction only by changing the central metal atom of a MPc. Our results demonstrate that tailoring the chemical interaction at the FM‐OSC interface is a promising way to modify the spin injection channels and thus the spin injection capability.
Anticancer Potential of Euphorbia helioscopia L Extracts Against Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Zhe Yuan , Liu Hai Peng , Zhang You Cheng , Guo Liu Qing , Li Zhong Xin , Shi Xiao Feng
Published: December 2011

Euphorbia helioscopia L is considered a traditional Chinese herb which is widely distributed in China. The active anticancer fractions and anticancer mechanism of the herb are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the growth inhibitory effects of Euphorbia helioscopia L extracts on five different human cancer cell lines for screening the main active fraction with antitumor effect. In this regard, the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was found to markedly inhibit the proliferation of SMMC‐7721 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. EAE treatment arrested cell cycle in G‐1 phase and EAE used at the concentration range of 100–200 μg/mL induced a marked increase of subdiploid peak. After EAE treatment at the concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/mL, the percentage of apoptotic cells was increased. At the EAE concentration of 200 μg/mL, the typical morphology of early apoptotic change was observed in SMMC‐7721 cells. Since tumorigenesis is often defined by an uncontrolled proliferation and transplantability, we also determined the anti‐invasive effects of EAE. The EAE treatment displayed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on tumor cell invasion and MMP‐9 expression. Also, the major active fraction was assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The data showed that the flavonoids could be the main constituents of EAE. Based on the evidence from these data, we inferred that the EAE of Euphorbia helioscopia L could have chemopreventive potential against the human cancer. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass casualty incident training in a resource-limited environment
Authors: Leow J J , Brundage S I , Kushner A L , Kamara T B , Hanciles E , Muana A , Kamara M M , Daoh K S , Kingham T P
Published: December 2011

Background

A mass casualty incident (MCI) occurs when a disaster involves a large number of injured people, overwhelming the capacity of local emergency medical services. This article describes the planning and execution of a MCI workshop created for use in Sierra Leone, a low-income country.

Methods

Surgeons OverSeas (SOS), an international non-governmental organization, partnered with the Sierra Leone Office of National Security and Connaught Hospital to develop a 2-day MCI workshop designed to meet needs specific to their resource-limited environment. Pre- and post-course questionnaires were completed. Day 1 consisted of didactic teaching focused on triage principles, resource deployment, communication/operations and tabletop drills. On day 2 a mock MCI with performance assessments by independent observers was staged, followed by post-event debriefing.

Results

Pre-course questionnaires identified the following deficits: lack of triage training (29 per cent), and transportation (19 per cent) and communication (17 per cent) shortfalls. Only 11 per cent could define MCI. During the drill, on-scene and hospital triage was accurate in 28 (93 per cent) and 23 (77 per cent) of 30 casualties respectively. Systematic deficiencies identified included: transport issues, no accurate system for tracking victims, and undersized triage areas. Participants identified interagency coordination (63 of 136 responses; 46·3 per cent) and triage (32 of 136; 23·5 per cent) as the most valuable lessons learned.

Conclusion

Pre-existing MCI programmes based on first-world logistics do not account for challenges encountered when caring for casualties in resource-constrained settings. Logistical training, rather than medical skills or knowledge, was identified as the educational priority.
Current practice of carotid endarterectomy in the UK
Authors: Rudarakanchana N , Halliday A W , Kamugasha D , Grant R , Waton S , Horrocks M , Naylor A R , Rudd A G , Cloud G C , Mitchell D
Published: December 2011

Background

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk of stroke in patients with internal carotid stenosis of 50–99 per cent. This study assessed national surgical practice through audit of CEA procedures and outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of UK surgeons performing CEA, using clinical audit data collected continuously and reported in two rounds, covering operations from December 2005 to December 2007, and January 2008 to September 2009.

Results

Some 352 (92·6 per cent) of 380 eligible surgeons contributed data. Of 19 935 CEAs recorded by Hospital Episode Statistics, 12 496 (62·7 per cent) were submitted to the audit. A total of 10 452 operations (83·6 per cent) were performed for symptomatic carotid stenosis; among these patients, the presenting symptoms were transient ischaemic attack in 4507 (43·1 per cent), stroke in 3572 (34·2 per cent) and amaurosis fugax in 1965 (18·8 per cent). The 30-day mortality rate was 1·0 per cent (48 of 4944) in round 1 and 0·8 per cent (50 of 6151) in round 2; the most common cause of death was stroke, followed by myocardial infarction. The rate of death or stroke within 30 days of surgery was 2·5 per cent (124 of 4918) in round 1 and 1·8 per cent (112 of 6135) in round 2.

Conclusion

CEA is performed less commonly in the UK than in other European countries and probably remains underutilized in the prevention of stroke. Increasing the number of CEAs done in the UK, together with reducing surgical waiting times, could prevent more strokes.
Adapting to Substrate Challenges: Peptides as Catalysts for Conjugate Addition Reactions of Aldehydes to α,β‐Disubstituted Nitroolefins
Authors: Duschmalé Jörg , Wennemers Helma
Published: December 2011

Conjugate addition reactions of aldehydes to α,β‐disubstituted nitroolefins are important because they provide synthetically useful γ‐nitroaldehydes bearing three consecutive stereogenic centers. Such reactions are challenging due to the drastically lower reactivity of α,β‐disubstituted nitroolefins compared to, for example, β‐monosubstituted nitroolefins. The testing of a small collection of peptides of the type Pro‐Pro‐Xaa (Xaa=acidic amino acid) led to the identification of H‐Pro‐Pro‐D‐Gln‐OH and H‐Pro‐Pro‐Asn‐OH as excellent stereoselective catalysts for this transformation. In the presence of 5 mol % of these peptides different combinations of aldehydes and α,β‐disubstituted nitroolefins react readily with each other providing γ‐nitroaldehydes in good yields and diastereoselectivities as well as excellent enantioselectivities. Chiral pyrrolidines as well as fully substituted γ‐butyrolactams and γ‐amino acids are easily accessible from the γ‐nitroaldehydes. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the configuration at all three stereogenic centers is induced by the peptidic catalysts. Only a minimal amount of products from homo‐aldol reactions is observed demonstrating the high chemoselectivity of the peptidic catalysts.
Practical Azidation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Harschneck Tobias , Hummel Sara , Kirsch Stefan F. , Klahn Philipp
Published: December 2011

An operationally simple, direct azidation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds has been developed. The reaction proceeds readily under ambient conditions using sodium azide and an iodine‐based oxidant such as I2 or 2‐iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX)‐SO3K/NaI. In particular, the latter method, as a new and well‐balanced oxidizing agent, shows excellent functional group tolerance and substrate scope and thus allows access to a variety of tertiary 2‐azido and 2,2‐bisazido 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds that would be more difficult to access by using traditional methods. Because the azide‐containing products easily undergo 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with alkynes, our report represents a novel route to analogues of sensitive complex molecules.
Analysis and implementation of a high‐efficiency zero‐voltage‐zero‐current‐switching DC–DC converter
Authors: Do Hyun‐Lark
Published: December 2011

A high‐efficiency zero‐voltage‐zero‐current‐switching DC–DC converter with ripple‐free input current is presented. In the presented converter, the ripple‐free boost cell provides ripple‐free input current and zero‐voltage switching of power switches. The resonant flyback cell provides zero‐voltage switching of power switches and zero‐current switching of the output diode. Also, it has a simple output stage. The proposed converter achieves high efficiency because of the reduction of the switching losses of the power switches and the output diode. Detailed analysis and design of the proposed converter are carried out. A prototype of the proposed converter is developed and its experimental results are presented for validation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The POU‐domain protein Pdm3 regulates axonal targeting of R neurons in the Drosophila ellipsoid body
Authors: Chen Chien‐Kuo , Chen Wei‐Yu , Chien Cheng‐Ting
Published: December 2011

The ability of axons to project correctly to the target is essential for the formation of complex neural networks. The intrinsic regulation of this process is still unclear. Here, we show that POU domain motif 3 (Pdm3) is required in ring (R) neurons to control precise axon targeting to the Drosophila ellipsoid body (EB). Pdm3 is expressed in neurons of the central nervous system in larvae and adults and required for the normal development of the EB of the central complex in the adult brain. The normal EB structure is abolished in pdm3 mutants, and this phenotype is rescued by pdm3 expression in R neurons, suggesting that the defect in axonal targeting of R neurons is the major cause in EB malformation in pdm3 mutants. We show that cell fate determination, dendritic arborization, and initial axon projection of R neurons are normal while the axonal targeting to the EB is defective in pdm3 mutants. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Proton Sponge Phosphanes: Reversibly Chargeable Ligands for ESI‐MS Analysis
Authors: Farrer Nicola J. , Vikse Krista L. , McDonald Robert , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: December 2011

Proton sponge phosphanes are unusual ligands in that they possess two basic sites with very different functions: the phosphorus binds to a metal center, while the 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene binds protons strongly. Both groups are selective for their target, and the binding of the proton iseasily reversible by controlling the pH of the solution. Proton sponge phosphanes therefore make useful chargeable ligands for the purposes of electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of the complexes in which they are bound. However, where the 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene is functionalized with the phosphane is critical, and the 1‐dimethylamino group can become involved in binding to the metal when diphenylphosphane is in the 2‐position. This behavior is undesirable from the point of view of keeping proton and metal binding segregated, and we introduce an efficient synthesis of the 4‐substituted proton sponge phosphane in which the two functional groups are on opposite sides of the naphthalene ring. This precaution solves the problem of the molecule acting as a bidentate ligand, but caution is still needed when using the ligand, because ionization pathways such as halide dissociation to form [M – X]+ ions and oxidation of electron‐rich metal complexes to form [M]·+ can be competitive with protonation.
A Novel MALDI‐MS Approach for the Analysis of Neutral Metallosupramolecular Architectures
Authors: Même Aurélie , Stefankiewicz Artur R. , Harrowfield Jack , Cao Xiao‐Yu , Huuskonen Juhani , Rissanen Kari , Lehn Jean‐Marie , Nierengarten Hélène , Leize Emmanuelle
Published: December 2011

Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) methods have been developed for the characterisation of neutral [2×2] metallogrids derived fromdiimine, dihydrazone and diacylhydrazone ligands. Such grids may be protonated in solution to give cationic species but in most cases these are labile, so that rather delicate conditions are required for observation of the intact metallogrids as monoprotonated derivatives in the gas phase. As a MALDI matrix, 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) is sufficiently acidic to enable monoprotonation of the grids unaccompanied by dissociation, and if the grid sample is initially deposited by a layering technique to avoid any preliminary dissociation in solution the mass spectrum of the intact monoprotonated grid is readily obtainable. The stoichiometry of 24 grids obtained from several different ligands and metals was confirmed with this optimized protocol. The deposition technique used means that the best signal‐to‐noise ratio in the spectra is obtained with only a small number of laser shots (ca. 5) to volatilise the sample. This MALDI‐MS protocol can be applied to the study of grid dissociation in solution and in the case of CuII grids, in particular, has revealed the formation of various unusual clusters. The crystal structure is reported of one such cluster that was isolated and contains a nonionisable ligand that is related to that incorporated within the grids analysed by the MALDI‐MS protocol.
Acute and chronic toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyl 126 to Tigriopus japonicus: Effects on survival, growth, reproduction, and intrinsic rate of population growth
Authors: Guo Feng , Wang Lei , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: December 2011

The harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus japonicus has a wide geographical distribution and is considered as a suitable model species for the assessment of toxicity of marine pollutants. The aim of the present study was to test the impacts of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 126 (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl) on the growth, development, and reproduction of T. japonicus in two successive generations. We first quantified the 96-h 50% lethal concentration (2.83 mg/L; all reported concentrations are nominal values), the no-observed-effect concentration (0.6 mg/L), and the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC; 1.2 mg/L) of PCB126 in the nauplii. Nauplii were more sensitive than the adults, which still survived at the highest tested PCB126 concentration (8 mg/L). In the chronic toxicity testing, 10 life history traits were quantified for T. japonicus. No obvious effect on any of these traits was observed in the first generation (F0) at tested concentrations (<100 µg/L) lower than the LOEC. During the second generational life-cycle exposure (F1), however, PCB126 had an obvious toxic effect on the reproduction (>1 µg/L) and growth (>0.1 µg/L). Thus, copepods became more sensitive to PCB126 exposure as generations developed. Among the different traits tested, body size was the most sensitive parameter. Reproduction (fecundity, number of clutches, nauplii/clutch) and intrinsic population growth were also significantly impacted by PCB exposure. The survivorship, sex ratio, hatching time, and development were not affected. Environmental risk assessment of contaminants must therefore be based on a long-term multigenerational exposure to provide a realistic measurement of the influences of pollutants on aquatic life. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:639–645. © 2011 SETAC
Environmental risk assessment for ancillary substances in biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Straub Jürg Oliver , Gysel Daniel , Kastl Ursula , Klemmer Jürgen , Sonderegger Marco , Studer Martin
Published: December 2011

An increasing number of pharmaceutical active substances are produced through biotechnological processes. For sustained and safe growth of the host organisms as well as optimal expression, purification, and formulation of the product, biotechnological manufacturing processes need optimal and robust environmental conditions, which are attained through the use of buffers, chelators, and antibiotics, beside nutrients. These ancillary substances are drained with the wastewater to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and are released after treatment with the effluent to receiving waters. The potential risks of such substances to WWTPs and surface waters were investigated. Three common buffers (morpholinoethane sulfonic acid [MES], morpholinopropanesulfonic acid [MOPS], 1,4-piperazine (diethanesulfonic acid) [PIPES]), one chelator (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]), and one antibiotic (gentamycin) were searched in the literature for environmental data or tested for biodegradability and inhibition of activated sludge as well as acute toxicity to algae, daphnids, and fish. Amounts of the ancillary substances used in the European biotechnological production plants of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd in Basle (Switzerland) and Penzberg (Germany), and actual wastewater fluxes through the respective WWTP, as well as realistic dilution factors for the local receiving water, were documented. Based on this information, site-specific predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) for the WWTPs and surface waters in Basle and Penzberg were extrapolated. These PECs were compared with predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) for the WWTP and surface waters, derived from sludge inhibition and ecotoxicity results, respectively. For all five ancillary substances investigated, all PEC/PNEC risk characterization ratios are <1, indicating no significant risk to the WWTPs or the receiving waters at both sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:681–687. © 2011 SETAC
Postrelapse survival rate correlates with first‐line treatment strategy with thalidomide in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Lida , Cui Jingying , liu Liping , Sheng Zhixin
Published: December 2011

To define whether or not thalidomide exposure upfront to newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma would adversely impact postrelapse survival (PRS), we performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medline, Embase, the Cochrane controlled trials register and the Science Citation Index were searched. Thirteen trials were identified, covering a total of 6097 subjects, and PRS data were available from eight trials. The summary hazard ratio (thalidomide vs control) of all those trials for PRS was 1.23 [95% CI, 1.05–1.45]. The HRs of thalidomide maintenance subgroups were 0.90 [0.57–1.41] for PRS, 0.61 [0.44–0.83] for progression‐free survival ( PFS) and 0.54 [0.36–0.80] for overall survival, respectively. The corresponding ratios of thalidomide induction and maintenance subgroups were 1.41 [1.13–1.76] for PRS, 0.68 [0.59–0.79] for PFS and 0.87 [0.73–1.04] for overall survival, respectively. In conclusion, thalidomide exposed upfront correlated with shorter PRS that partially compensated for prolonged initially PFS and resulted in no survival benefit when it is given as both induction pre‐autologous and maintenance post‐autologous stem cell transplantation; shorter PRS was not observed, and survival was improved when it is given only during maintenance phase following autologous stem cell transplantation in the patients with myeloma and who are eligible for transplant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the factors affecting degree completion of doctoral women in the science and engineering fields
Authors: Ampaw Frim D. , Jaeger Audrey J.
Published: December 2011

This chapter examines the retention and degree completion of doctoral women in the science fields. The research shows that the lower degree completion rate for women may be a result of fewer opportunities for research assistantships.
M&A failures: Receivables and inventory may be key
Authors: Sagner James S.
Published: December 2011

Researchers estimate that at least 75 percent of all merger‐and‐acquisition (M&A) deals fail to meet the expectations of the acquirer, of the acquiree, or of investment bankers. The reasons cited include incompatible management cultures, marketing strategies that do not mesh, overly optimistic financial projections, and more. But one critical factor in M&A—too often overlooked—is the accuracy of important current asset accounts, particularly accounts receivable and inventory. These concerns are often forgotten as investment bankers, accountants, and attorneys focus their attention on the “big picture” of the deal. This article examines these two current asset accounts, provides examples of problems that occurred in publicly held and private companies, and suggests specific metrics you can use to monitor receivables and inventory in takeover candidates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
trans–cisandtrans–cis–transMicrostructure Evolution of Azobenzene Liquid‐Crystal Polymer Networks
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Lee Kyung Min , White Timothy J. , Oates William S.
Published: December 2011

The photomechanics of azobenzene LCNs is modeled using a nonlinear continuum mechanics approach that couples photoisomerization of liquid crystal domain structures with light absorption and deformation of a glassy polymer network. The effects during UV‐stimulatedtrans–cisphotomechanical deformation versus blue‐green light (trans–cis–trans) photomechanical deformation are simulated. Different bending deformation is predicted by assuming liquid‐crystal order/disorder behavior duringtrans–cisphotoisomerization in comparison to light‐polarization‐driven reorientation of thetransphase during potentialtrans‐cis‐transphotoisomerization. Light‐controlled deformation mechanisms offer support for improved control of photo‐responsive morphing structures with a single blue‐green polarized light source.

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Three‐dimensional water/fat separation and T estimation based on whole‐image optimization—Application in breathhold liver imaging at 1.5 T
Authors: Berglund Johan , Kullberg Joel
Published: December 2011

The chemical shift of water and fat resonances in proton MRI allows separation of water and fat signal from chemical shift encoded data. This work describes an automatic method that produces separate water and fat images as well as quantitative maps of fat signal fraction and T from complex multiecho gradient‐recalled datasets. Accurate water and fat separation is challenging due to signal ambiguity at the voxel level. Whole‐image optimization can resolve this ambiguity, but might be computationally demanding, especially for three‐dimensional data. In this work, periodicity of the model fit residual as a function of the off‐resonance was used to modify a previously proposed formulation of the problem. This gives a smaller solution space and allows rapid optimization. Feasibility and accurate separation of water and fat signal were demonstrated in breathhold three‐dimensional liver imaging of 10 volunteer subjects, with both acquisition and reconstruction times below 20 s. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple method for MR gradient system characterization and k‐space trajectory estimation
Authors: Addy Nii Okai , Wu Holden H. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: December 2011

Fast imaging trajectories are used in MRI to speed up the acquisition process, but imperfections in the gradient system create artifacts in the reconstructed images. Artifacts result from the deviation between k‐space trajectories achieved on the scanner and their original prescription. Measuring or approximating actual k‐space trajectories with predetermined gradient timing delays reduces the artifacts, but are generally based on a specific trajectory and scan orientation. A single linear time‐invariant characterization of the gradient system provides a method to predict k‐space trajectories scanned in arbitrary orientations through convolution. This is done efficiently, by comparing the Fourier transforms of the input and measured waveforms of a single high‐bandwidth test gradient waveform. This new method is tested for spiral, interleaved echo‐planar, and three‐dimensional cones imaging, demonstrating its ability to reduce reconstructed image artifacts for various k‐space trajectories. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localized in vivo hyperpolarization transfer sequences
Authors: Mishkovsky Mor , Cheng Tian , Comment Arnaud , Gruetter Rolf
Published: December 2011

In vivo localized and fully adiabatic homonuclear and heteronuclear polarization transfer experiments were designed and performed in the rat brain at 9.4 T after infusion of hyperpolarized sodium [1,2‐13C2] and sodium [1‐13C] acetate. The method presented herein leads to highly enhanced in vivo detection of short‐T1
13C as well as attached protons. This indirect detection scheme allows for probing additional molecular sites in hyperpolarized substrates and their metabolites and can thus lead to improved spectral resolution such as in the case of 13C‐acetate metabolism. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.