bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐enhanced surface passivation of TiO2‐coated silicon
Authors: Thomson Andrew F. , McIntosh Keith R.
Published: July 2011

Titanium dioxide is shown to afford good passivation to non‐diffused silicon surfaces and boron‐diffused surfaces after a low‐temperature anneal. The passivation most likely owes to the significant levels of negative charge instilled in the films, and passivation is enhanced by illumination—advantageous for solar cells—indicating that a titanium dioxide photoreaction is at least partly responsible for the low surface recombination. We demonstrate a surface recombination velocity of less than 30 cm/s, on a 5‐Ω cm n‐type silicon, and an emitter saturation current density of 90 fA/cm2 on a 200‐Ω/sq boron diffusion. If these titanium dioxide passivated boron‐diffused surfaces were employed in a crystalline silicon solar cell, an open‐circuit voltage as high as 685 mV could be achieved. Given that TiO2 has a high refractive index and was deposited with atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition, an inexpensive technique, it has the potential as a passivating antireflection coating for industrial boron‐diffused silicon solar cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A validated SPICE network simulation study on improving tunnel diodes by introducing lateral conduction layers
Authors: Steiner Marc , Guter Wolfgang , Peharz Gerhard , Philipps Simon P. , Dimroth Frank , Bett Andreas W.
Published: July 2011

In this work, network simulations using LTSpice (Linear Technology, Milpitas, CA, USA) for monolithic triple‐junction solar cells have been performed. In order to simulate the internal structure correctly, the integration of the tunnel diode into the network simulation was mandatory. The tunnel‐diode characteristics are modeled by LTSpice's arbitrary behavioral current sources. The integration of tunnel‐diode characteristics into the network model was validated by comparison of simulated and experimental data. Lattice‐matched triple‐junction solar cells were examined under homogenous illumination between 1 and 1900 suns as well as under non‐uniform digital irradiance. The verified model was then used to study the influence of lateral current spreading in layers surrounding the tunnel diodes. It is shown that a lateral current spreading from high to low illumination intensity regions cannot prevent the tunnel diode from switching to thermal diffusion under the used Gaussian illumination profile as it appears in concentrator photovoltaic applications. Furthermore, resistance regimes of the lateral conducting layers were identified, which would enable a current spreading that is high enough to transport all current exclusively by tunneling. It is shown that the presence of at least one additional layer above and one below the tunnel diode is mandatory. Finally, the necessary layer thicknesses using Alx−1GaxAs as lateral conducting layers are calculated for different doping concentrations and mole fractions x. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serving the gifted: A national survey of school psychologists
Authors: Robertson Stephanie G. , Pfeiffer Steven I. , Taylor Nicki
Published: July 2011

Gifted students are among the most underserved population in American schools and are some of the most underperforming in the world, ranking last in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra, and Geometry among 13 other developed countries. To improve services for the gifted, possible gaps in training and service delivery must be identified. There is a lack of research addressing many of the practical aspects of the delivery of services to the gifted. There is also a lack of research examining how well school psychologists are prepared to provide services to gifted and talented students. We conducted a national survey of school psychologists to evaluate the amount of time school psychologists allocate for gifted assessment and consultation. We also collected information about graduate school and professional development on gifted topics, familiarity with prominent figures in the gifted field, and gifted assessment methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altering instructional delivery options to improve intervention outcomes: Does increased instructional intensity also increase instructional effectiveness?
Authors: Begeny John C. , Hawkins Amy Lynn , Krouse Hailey E. , Laugle Kelly M.
Published: July 2011

With limited educational resources and numerous other variables that complicate effective teaching, educators need to think prudently about how to allocate resources. In essence, teachers must allocate resources in ways that will best maximize student learning. However, minimal research has systematically evaluated whether increased instructional intensity and resources meaningfully increase instructional effectiveness. As a preliminary attempt to address this research question, this study systematically evaluated the differential effectiveness of three intervention options that integrated the same instructional components but required varying levels of resources (i.e., teacher time for instructional delivery). To better isolate the research question, this study specifically evaluated interventions designed to improve students' reading fluency. Overall findings suggested that increased instructional intensity does not necessarily equate with increased instructional effectiveness. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protonation of captodative trifluoromethylated aminoalkenes and isomerization of their salts. An ab initio study
Authors: Kondrashov E. V. , Chipanina N. N. , Aksamentova T. N. , Rulev A. Yu.
Published: July 2011

A study of the regioselectivity of protonation of captodative trifluoromethylated enamines was carried out using MP2/6‐311 + G(d,p) calculations and the natural bond orbital analysis. The central issue of this research concerns the influence of the electron‐withdrawing group, which is not capable of the π,π‐conjugation, on the properties of captodative enamines and their salts. The presence of CF3 group in such type of enamines levels the energy of their N‐protonated and C‐protonated forms. The transition states were found for both intramolecular and intermolecular processes of the proton transfer. The more possible mechanism of the isomerization of enammonium and iminium cations includes the proton transfer from N‐protonated form to olefinic carbon atom of the starting enamine. The transition state energies, which correspond to intermolecular process, are relatively low (11–13 kcal mol–1) in contrast to the intramolecular pathway (64–69 kcal mol–1). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring strain release as a strategy to enable the singlet state photodecarbonylation of crystalline 1,4‐cyclobutanediones
Authors: Kuzmanich Gregory , Garcia‐Garibay Miguel A.
Published: July 2011

Challenging most chemists' intuition, highly reactive dialkyl biradicals can be reliably generated in the solid state by taking advantage of the photodecarbonylation of cyclic ketones. However, it has been shown that radical stabilizing groups with resonance‐delocalizing abilities at the α‐carbons of the precursor are required to facilitate the α‐cleavage reaction, and that triplet state reactivity is essential to slow down the combination of the intermediate acyl–alkyl biradical back to the starting ketone. Relatively long triplet acyl–alkyl biradical lifetimes give a chance for the loss of CO to occur. Looking for additional strategies to generate transient biradicals in solids, we studied the solid state photochemistry of four aliphatic, dispiro‐substituted 1,4‐cyclobutandiones (1a–d) that were expected to react from the singlet state. We hypothesized that the release of ring strain from the small ring carbonyl would make the reverse acyl–alkyl combination disfavored, allowing for the loss of CO to occur efficiently and irreversibly. We report here the results of studies carried out in solution, bulk (powder) crystals, and nanocrystalline photochemistry. We have recently shown that excitation of dispirocyclohexyl‐1,3‐cyclobutanedione 1c led to the trapping of the intermediate oxyallyl with a half life of about 42 min. Our studies with the three other crystalline derivatives revealed that, while all react efficiently, the remarkably long lifetime of oxyallyl is unique to crystals of 1c. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of QUICATOUCH: a computerised touch screen evaluation for pain and distress in ambulatory oncology patients in Newcastle, Australia
Authors: Carter Gregory , Britton Ben , Clover Kerrie , Rogers Kerry , Adams Catherine , McElduff Patrick
Published: July 2011

Objective

To describe the change in pain and distress over time to demonstrate the effectiveness of the QUICATOUCH program in an outpatient oncology population.

Methods

Descriptive study of the first 29 months of the QUICATOUCH program (13 736 assessments for 5775 patients). A longitudinal cohort design was used to examine the patients with three or more assessments (8129 assessments for 1778 patients). Effectiveness of this complex intervention (repeated assessment, clinician report and referral to speciality psycho‐oncology service) was examined using: reduction in proportion over threshold for pain and distress, predictors of mean pain and distress scores and comparison of the number of new patients treated by the psycho‐oncology service during the study and in the preceding 29 months.

Results

Pain and distress declined during the study. The risk of being over threshold at endpoint was reduced for pain (odds ratio (OR) 0.70, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.60–0.81) and for distress (OR 0.58 CI 95% 0.49–0.68) with baseline as referent level. Three variables predicted the mean pain: clinic type, current radiotherapy treatment and distress score; and five predicted mean distress: time, gender, clinic type, age and pain score. There was an increase of 40% (533v747) in new patients treated by the psycho‐oncology service.

Conclusions

The QUICATOUCH assessment for pain and distress was implemented into usual clinical practice with reasonable coverage of patients for modest cost. It was effective in monitoring the patients over time, contributed to a reduction in pain and distress, whilst appropriately increasing the number of new patients reaching psychological treatment as part of the clinical service. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistance mechanism to carboxylic acid amide fungicides in the cucurbit downy mildew pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: Blum Mathias , Waldner Maya , Olaya Gilberto , Cohen Yigal , Gisi Ulrich , Sierotzki Helge
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal oomycete agent of cucurbit downy mildew, is responsible for enormous crop losses in many species of Cucurbitaceae, particularly in cucumber and melon. Disease control is mainly achieved by combinations of host resistance and fungicide applications. However, since 2004, resistance to downy mildew in cucumber has been overcome by the pathogen, thus driving farmers to rely only on fungicide spray applications, including carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides. Recently, CAA‐resistant isolates of P. cubensis were recovered, but the underlying mechanism of resistance was not revealed. The purpose of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanism controlling resistance to CAAs in P. cubensis.

RESULTS: The four CesA (cellulose synthase) genes responsible for cellulose biosynthesis in P. cubensis were characterised. Resistant strains showed a mutation in the CesA3 gene, at position 1105, leading to an amino acid exchange from glycine to valine or tryptophan. Cross‐resistance tests with different CAAs indicated that these mutations lead to resistance against all tested CAAs.

CONCLUSION: Point mutations in the CesA3 gene of P. cubensis lead to CAA resistance. Accurate monitoring of these mutations among P. cubensis populations may improve/facilitate adequate recommendation/deployment of fungicides in the field. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Ethyl formate plus methyl isothiocyanate—a potential liquid fumigant for stored grains
Authors: Ren YongLin , Lee Byungho , Padovan Benjamin , Cai Lijun
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Methyl bromide is being phased out for use on stored commodities, as it is listed as an ozone‐depleting substance, and phosphine is the fumigant widely used on grains. However, phosphine resistance occurs worldwide, and phosphine fumigation requires a long exposure period and temperatures of > 15 °C. There is an urgent requirement for the development of a fumigant that kills insects quickly and for phosphine resistance management. This paper reports on a new fumigant formulation of 95% ethyl formate plus 5% methyl isothiocyanate as an alternative fumigant for stored grains.

RESULTS: The formulation is stable for at least 4 months of storage at 45 °C. A laboratory bioassay with the formulation showed that it controlled all stages of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Trogoderma variabile Ballion and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) in infested wheat, barley, oats and peas at 80 mg L−1 for 5 days, and in canola at both 40 mg L−1 for 5 days and 80 mg L−1 for 2 days at 25 ± 2 °C. After an 8–14 day holding period, residues of ethyl formate and methyl isothiocyanate in wheat, barley, peas and canola were below the experimental permit levels of 1.0 and 0.1 mg kg−1. However, fumigated oats needed an 18 day holding period.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the ethyl formate plus methyl isothiocyanate formulation has potential as a fumigant for the control of stored‐grain insect pests in various commodities. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Supplementation with a Flavanol‐rich Lychee Fruit Extract Influences the Inflammatory Status of Young Athletes
Authors: Nishizawa Mikio , Hara Takafumi , Miura Takehito , Fujita Satoshi , Yoshigai Emi , Ue Hidetoshi , Hayashi Yukako , Kwon A‐Hon , Okumura Tadayoshi , Isaka Tadao
Published: July 2011

Flavanol‐rich lychee fruit extract (FRLFE) is a processed lychee fruit extract that is higher in flavanols (monomers, dimers and trimers) than its unprocessed counterpart. FRLFE exerts antioxidant activities in vitro and is expected to protect against inflammation and tissue damage. However, the physiological effects of FRLFE intake have not been explored in vivo. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of FRLFE supplementation on inflammation and tissue damage in young athletes during intense physical training. Twenty healthy male long‐distance runners at a university were randomly assigned to receive FRLFE or placebo in a double‐blind manner. Blood and serum parameters associated with inflammation, tissue damage and oxidative stress were evaluated before (pre‐training), during (mid‐training) and after (post‐training) a 2‐month training period. Some parameters, including the white blood cell count, were significantly modified by FRLFE supplementation. Compared with the placebo group, the change in the serum interleukin‐6 level between pre‐ and mid‐training were significantly lower in the FRLFE group, while the change in the transforming growth factor‐β level between pre‐ and post‐training was significantly greater in the FRLFE group. These findings suggest that FRLFE supplementation may suppress inflammation or tissue damage caused by high‐intensity exercise training. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Habitual Intake of Guaraná and Metabolic Morbidities: An Epidemiological Study of an Elderly Amazonian Population
Authors: da Costa Krewer Cristina , Ribeiro Euler Esteves , Ribeiro Ednéa Aguiar Maia , Moresco Rafael Noal , de Ugalde Marques da Rocha Maria Izabel , dos Santos Montagner Greice Franciele Feyl , Machado Michel Mansur , Viegas Karin , Brito Elorídes , da Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica
Published: July 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of metabolic disorders and anthropometric and biochemical biomarkers of lipid, glucose and oxidative metabolism and the habitual ingestion of guaraná (Paullinia cupana, Mart. Var. sorbilis) by an elderly population residing in the Amazon Riverine region of the Maués municipality (Brazil). A case‐controlled study was performed that included 637 elderly (≥60 years of age) patients classified as either those who habitually drank guaraná (GI, n = 421) or those who never drank guaraná (NG, n = 239) based upon their self‐reported intake of guaraná. Indeed, the prevalence of various metabolic disorders was associated with guaraná ingestion. The prevalence of hypertension, obesity and metabolic syndrome in the GI group was lower than the prevalence found in the NG group. The NG group exhibited lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The males in the GI group exhibited a lower waist circumference, on average, than the circumference found in the NG group, whereas the females in the GI group had lower cholesterol (total and LDL‐c) levels than the control cohort. Additionally, a significant association was found between lower levels of advanced oxidative protein product (AOPP) and habitual guaraná consumption. The results constitute the first epidemiological study to suggest a potentially protective effect of habitual guaraná ingestion against metabolic disorders in elderly subjects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digallic acid from Pistascia lentiscus fruits induces apoptosis and enhances antioxidant activities
Authors: Bhouri Wissem , Skandrani Ines , Sghair Mohamed ben , Franca Marie‐Geneviève Djoux , Ghedira Kamel , Ghedira Leila Chekir
Published: July 2011

The antioxidant and apoptotic activities of digallic acid, isolated from the fruits of Pistascia lentiscus, were investigated. The study demonstrated that digallic acid possessed pro‐apoptotic effects, as shown by provoking DNA fragmentation of K562 cells. It also revealed a significant antioxidant potential and effective scavenging activity against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhdrazyl (DPPH·) and O2·− radicals, and reduced cupric ions. We conclude that this integrated approach to apoptotic and antioxidant assessment may be useful to maximize the beneficial effects associated with using P. lentiscus derivatives as medicinal and dietary compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Inhibitory Effect of Duchesnea chrysantha Extract on the Development of Atopic Dermatitis‐like Lesions by Regulating IgE and Cytokine Production in Nc/Nga Mice
Authors: Lee Ji‐Sook , Kim In Sik , Ryu Ji‐Sun , Kim Joo‐Hwan , Kim Jin Sook , Kim Dong‐Hee , Yun Chi‐Young
Published: July 2011

Duchesnea chrysantha belongs to the Rosaceae family and has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases in Korea and other parts of East Asia. This study examined the antiinflammatory effect of Duchesnea chrysantha extract (DcE) on atopic dermatitis in vitro and in vivo. DcE inhibited the production of IL‐6, IL‐8 and MCP‐1 in THP‐1 cells and the release of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 in EoL‐1 cells after treatment with house dust mite extract. In the in vivo experiment, Nc/Nga mice were sensitized to DNCB and then orally and dorsally administered DcE (50 mg/kg in PBS) for 3 weeks. The DcE administration significantly reduced the skin severity score when compared with the control group and inhibited the thickening of the epidermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the dermis. In addition, the serum IgE levels decreased markedly in the DcE‐treated mice when compared with the control group. The synthesis of IL‐5, IL‐13, MCP‐1 and eotaxin was also decreased in splenocytes of the DcE‐treated group, while IFN‐γ was increased in the Dc‐administered group. These results may indicate that DcE attenuates the development of atopic dermatitis‐like lesions by lowering the IgE and inflammatory cytokine levels, and that it is useful in drug development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acetyl‐ and Butyryl‐cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Mansorins and Mansonones
Authors: Changwong Nisa , Sabphon Chalisa , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Sawasdee Pattara
Published: July 2011

Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activities of three coumarins (mansorins A–C) and five naphthoquinones (mansonone C, E, G and H) were evaluated to determine the relationships between the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory effects and the core structures of these compounds. Among the tested compounds, mansonone E exhibited the highest ChE inhibitory activities, with IC50 values in the low micromolar levels. In addition to revealing the ChE inhibitory activities of naphthoquinones for the first time, the results also revealed structure–activity relationship information that could be useful for further modification. Furthermore, the study also supports the hypothesis that mansonones are the active component in Thespesia populnea, a plant that previously has been shown to enhance memory activity in an in vivo study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of a synchronous generator with a controllable series capacitor via immersion and invariance
Authors: Manjarekar N. S. , Banavar R. N. , Ortega R.
Published: July 2011

The immersion and invariance (I&I) technique (it IEEE Trans. Automat. Control 2003; 48(4):590–606) is a recently proposed control methodology for stabilizing nonlinear systems. Here we apply this philosophy to stabilize a single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system using a controllable series capacitor (CSC). The synchronous generator is modeled using the second‐order swing equation and a first‐order model is used for the CSC. The control objective here is to immerse a desired second‐order dynamic model into the higher order system manifold and design an asymptotically stabilizing control law. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Metal Additions to the Reduction of Iron Oxide Composite Pellets with Hydrogen at Moderate Temperatures
Authors: Sohn I. , Jung S. M.
Published: July 2011

The hydrogen reduction behavior of iron oxide composite pellets containing Ni, Fe, and Mn from 973 K to 1173 K was compared with iron oxide and Al2O3 containing reference composite pellets to determine the effect of metallic species on the kinetics of iron oxide reduction. The Mn and Ni containing pellets showed slightly faster initial reduction rates compared to the Fe and Al2O3 containing pellets. The effect of the metal phases was found to be more significant at lower temperatures when chemical reaction at the interface is a slower and more controlling factor. From the SEM of partially reduced pellets, a wide intermediate region between an O rich unreacted core and an Fe rich outer shell was observed. Although an initially short topochemical receding interface controlled region exists, the mixed control between the topochemical receding interface and pore diffusion was prevalent. For Fe2O3/Mn composite pellets, the thermodynamic stability of the MnO is higher and Mn can act as a reductant for iron oxide. Thus, the overall metallization of the Fe2O3/Mn composite pellets decreased compared to the other Fe2O3/metal composite pellets. From the temperature dependence of the iron‐oxide/metal composite pellets, the apparent activation energy was calculated to be approximately between 15 to 20 kJ/mol, which is typical of a mixed control reduction mechanism of gas diffusion and interface reaction.
First word: turning back the rising tide of litigation
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2011

It is clear that all of us practising medicine now have to do so looking over our shoulder. The amount spent by the NHS Litigation Authority on clinical negligence claims has recently leapt by around a third in 2010–11 to £1.04 billion, up from £770 million in 2009–10. What can be done to turn back this rising tide of litigation? Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Darunavir once‐daily
Authors: Ramogi Malaki , Aboud Michael
Published: July 2011

A letter and response about the use of darunavir once‐daily. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
The Stroke Association
Authors: Helm Laura
Published: July 2011

Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long‐term disability as a result of stroke in the UK. The Stroke Association is the only UK‐wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Transcriptome analysis of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Zhang during fermentation in soymilk
Authors: Wang Ji-Cheng , Zhang Wen-Yi , Zhong Zhi , Wei Ai-Bin , Bao Qiu-Hua , Zhang Yong , Sun Tian-Song , Postnikoff Andrew , Meng He , Zhang He-Ping
Published: July 2011

Lactobacillus casei Zhang is a widely recognized probiotic bacterium, which is being commercially used in China. To study the gene expression dynamics of L. casei Zhang during fermentation in soymilk, a whole genome microarray was used to screen for differentially expressed genes when grown to the lag phase, the late logarithmic phase, and the stationary phase. Comparisons of different transcripts next to each other revealed 162 and 63 significantly induced genes in the late logarithmic phase and stationary phase, of which the expression was at least threefold up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Approximately 38.4% of the up-regulated genes were associated with amino acid transport and metabolism notably for histidine and lysine biosynthesis, followed by genes/gene clusters involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, lipid transport and metabolism, and inorganic ion transport and metabolism. The analysis results suggest a complex stimulatory effect of soymilk-based ecosystem on the L. casei Zhang growth. On the other hand, it provides the very first insight into the molecular mechanism of L. casei strain for how it will adapt to the protein-rich environment.
Changes in cervical neutrophil elastase levels during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Tawara Fumiko , Tamura Naoaki , Suganuma Nobuhiko , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Cervical mucus plays an important role in host defense mechanisms and is involved in the ascendance of sperm. To determine the change of neutrophil mediators contained in cervical mucus, we measured total neutrophil elastase (NE) levels throughout the menstrual cycle.

Methods

Cervical NE concentrations in 31 healthy women having regular ovulatory cycles were measured during the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases.

Results

The cervical NE levels during the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases were 0.73 ± 0.57 (mean ± SD), 0.29 ± 0.33 and 1.32 ± 1.24 μg/ml, respectively. The NE concentrations during the ovulatory phase were significantly lower than the other phases.

Conclusions

The decrease in total cervical NE level during the ovulatory phase suggests that neutrophil activity in cervical mucus is depressed around ovulation. The decreased cervical NE levels and the depressed neutrophil activity in cervical mucus at ovulation may be suitable for sperm passage through the cervical canal.
Gating mechanisms for biological electron transfer: Integrating structure with biophysics reveals the nature of redox control in cytochrome P450 reductase and copper‐dependent nitrite reductase
Authors: Leferink Nicole G.H. , Pudney Christopher R. , Brenner Sibylle , Heyes Derren J. , Eady Robert R. , Samar Hasnain S. , Hay Sam , Rigby Stephen E.J. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: July 2011

Biological electron transfer is a fundamentally important reaction. Despite the apparent simplicity of these reactions (in that no bonds are made or broken), their experimental interrogation is often complicated because of adiabatic control exerted through associated chemical and conformational change. We have studied the nature of this control in several enzyme systems, cytochrome P450 reductase, methionine synthase reductase and copper‐dependent nitrite reductase. Specifically, we review the evidence for conformational control in cytochrome P450 reductase and methionine synthase reductase and chemical control i.e. proton coupled electron transfer in nitrite reductase. This evidence has accrued through the use and integration of structural, spectroscopic and advanced kinetic methods. This integrated approach is shown to be powerful in dissecting control mechanisms for biological electron transfer and will likely find widespread application in the study of related biological redox systems.
Bacillus subtilis MazF‐bs (EndoA) is a UACAU‐specific mRNA interferase
Authors: Park Jung-Ho , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Inouye Masayori
Published: July 2011

MazF is an mRNA interferase which cleaves mRNAs at a specific sequence. Here, we show that in contrast to MazF‐ec from Escherichia coli, which specifically cleaves ACA sequences, MazF‐bs from Bacillus subtilis is an mRNA interferase that specifically cleaves a five‐base sequence, UACAU. MazF homologues widely prevailing in Gram‐positive bacteria were found to be highly homologous to MazF‐bs, suggesting that they may also have similar cleavage specificity. This cleavage site is over‐represented in the B. subtilis genes associated with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, suggesting that MazF‐bs may be involved in the regulation of the production of secondary metabolites.
Neuroglobin is up‐regulated in the cerebellum of pups exposed to maternal epileptic seizures
Authors: Lima Daiana Correia , Cossa Ana Carolina , Perosa Sandra Regina , de Oliveira Elaine Menezes , da Silva José Antonio , da Silva Fernandes Maria José , da Silva Iara Ribeiro , Higa Elisa Mieko Suemitsu , da Graça Naffah‐Mazzacoratti Maria , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão , Amado Débora
Published: July 2011

To evaluate a potential insult in the cerebellum of pups exposed to maternal epileptic seizures during intrauterine life, female rats were subjected to pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy. Pups from different litters were sacrificed at 1, 3, 7 and 14 post‐natal days (PN) and neuroglobin (Ngb) and gliosis were analyzed in the cerebellum by Western blotting (WB) and RT‐PCR. 14C‐l‐leucine‐[14C‐Leu] incorporation was used to analyze protein synthesis at PN1. Nitric Oxide (NO) and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) levels were also measured. Pups from naive mothers were used as controls. The mRNA level of Ngb was increased in experimental animals at PN1 (**p ≤ 0.001) and PN3 (**p ≤ 0.001), at PN7 (***p ≤ 0.0001) and at PN14 (**p ≤ 0.001) compared to the respective controls. The protein level of Ngb increased significantly in the experimental pups at PN1 (*p ≤ 0.05) and at PN3 (**p ≤ 0.001), when compared to the control pups at PN1 and PN3. At PN7 and PN14 no difference was found. The mRNA level of GFAP increased significantly about two times at PN3 (*p ≤ 0.05) and PN7 (*p ≤ 0.05) in the experimental pups when compared to the respective controls, but was unchanged in the other studied ages. Data showed that experimental pups at PN1 exhibited reduced (about 2 times, *p ≤ 0.05) total protein synthesis in the cerebellum when compared to control. No differences were found in the NO and TBARS levels. Our data support the hypothesis that an up‐regulation of Ngb could be a compensatory mechanism in response to the hypoxic–ischemic insults caused by seizures in pups during intrauterine life.
WEAKLY UNIFORM RANK TWO VECTOR BUNDLES ON MULTIPROJECTIVE SPACES
Authors: BALLICO EDOARDO , MALASPINA FRANCESCO
Published: July 2011

Here we classify the weakly uniform rank two vector bundles on multiprojective spaces. Moreover, we show that every rank r>2 weakly uniform vector bundle with splitting type a1,1=⋯=ar,s=0 is trivial and every rank r>2 uniform vector bundle with splitting type a1>⋯>ar splits.
COHOMOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATIONS OF CHARACTER PSEUDO-AMENABLE BANACH ALGEBRAS
Authors: NASR-ISFAHANI RASOUL , NEMATI MEHDI
Published: July 2011

For a Banach algebra 𝒜 and a character ϕ on 𝒜, we have recently introduced and studied the notion of ϕ-pseudo-amenability of 𝒜. Here, we give some characterizations of this notion in terms of derivations from 𝒜 into various Banach 𝒜-bimodules.
A PSEUDOCOMPACT TYCHONOFF SPACE THAT IS NOT STAR LINDELÖF
Authors: SONG YANKUI
Published: July 2011

Let P be a topological property. A space X is said to be star P if whenever 𝒰 is an open cover of X, there exists a subspace A⊆X with property P such that X=St(A,𝒰), where St(A,𝒰)=⋃ {U∈𝒰:U∩A≠0̸}. In this paper we construct an example of a pseudocompact Tychonoff space that is not star Lindelöf, which gives a negative answer to Alas et al. [‘Countability and star covering properties’, Topology Appl.158 (2011), 620–626, Question 3].
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF JORDAN DERIVATIONS ON STRONGLY DOUBLE TRIANGLE SUBSPACE LATTICE ALGEBRAS
Authors: CHEN YUN-HE , LI JIAN-KUI
Published: July 2011

Let 𝒟 be a strongly double triangle subspace lattice on a nonzero complex reflexive Banach space X and let δ:Alg 𝒟→Alg 𝒟 be a linear mapping. We show that δ is Jordan derivable at zero, that is, δ(AB+BA)=δ(A)B+Aδ(B)+δ(B)A+Bδ(A) whenever AB+BA=0 if and only if δ has the form δ(A)=τ(A)+λA for some derivation τ and some scalar λ. We also show that if the dimension of X is greater than 2, then δ satisfies δ(AB+BA)=δ(A)B+Aδ(B)+δ(B)A+Bδ(A) whenever AB=0 if and only if δ is a derivation.
A NOTE ON DERIVATIONS OF LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: SHAHRYARI M.
Published: July 2011

In this note, we will prove that a finite-dimensional Lie algebra L over a field of characteristic zero, admitting an abelian algebra of derivations D≤Der(L), with the property for some n>1, is necessarily solvable. As a result, we show that if L has a derivation d:L→L such that Ln⊆d(L), for some n>1, then L is solvable.
The Road to Democracy: The Political Legacy of “1968”
Authors: Maeckelbergh Marianne
Published: July 2011

Over the past forty years, the social struggles of the “long 1960s” have been continuously reinterpreted, each interpretation allocating a new mix of relevance and irrelevance to the brief global uprising. This article is a contribution to one such interpretation: the small but growing body of literature on the central importance of experiments with democracy within movements of the 1960s. Rather than examining the transformative effect of 1960s movements on institutional politics or popular culture, this article examines the lasting transformation 1960s movements had on social-movement praxis. Based on seven years of ethnography within contemporary global movement networks, I argue that when viewed from within social-movement networks, we see that thepoliticallegacy of the 1960s lies in the lasting significance of movement experiments with democracy as part of a prefigurative strategy for social change that is still relevant today because it is still in practice today.
Effects of different storage conditions, the farm and the stage of lactation on renneting parameters of goat milk investigated using the Formagraph method
Authors: Pazzola Michele , Balia Filippo , Dettori Maria Luisa , Mura Maria Consuelo , Carcangiu Vincenzo , Vacca Giuseppe Massimo
Published: July 2011

This study evaluated the effect of storage on renneting properties of goat milk investigated using the Formagraph method. Milk samples from 169 goats in three farms (F1, F2 and F3) were analysed during an entire lactation (45, 75, 105, 135 and 165 days in milking DIM), to obtain renneting parameters, both from fresh milk and after storage with Bronopol and freezing at −20°C and −80°C. As regards fresh milk, mean values of clotting time were between 12·51 (45 DIM) and 13·29 min (105 DIM and F2), the curd firming time between 1·77 (45 DIM) and 2·15 min (F1) and curd firmness between 42·09 (165 DIM) and 49·55 mm (45 DIM). No statistical difference was recorded after storage. After regression analysis, all prediction models showed significance value at P<0·001 with the highest R2 value for clotting time, 0·710 (fresh vs. frozen milk at −20°C), and the lowest for clot firmness, 0·281 (fresh vs. frozen milk at −80°C). Results demonstrated that assessment of goat milk coagulation properties using the Formagraph method is also achievable after freezing or Bronopol addition.
Technological characterization and survival of the exopolysaccharide-producing strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis 193 and its bile-resistant derivative 193+ in simulated gastric and intestinal juices
Authors: Burns Patricia , Vinderola Gabriel , Reinheimer Jorge , Cuesta Isabel , de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara G , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia
Published: July 2011

The capacity of lactic acid bacteria to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) conferring microorganisms a ropy phenotype could be an interesting feature from a technological point of view. Progressive adaptation to bile salts might render some lactobacilli able to overcome physiological gut barriers but could also modify functional properties of the strain, including the production of EPS. In this work some technological properties and the survival ability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis 193, and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. lactis 193+, a strain with stable bile-resistant phenotype derived thereof, were characterized in milk in order to know whether the acquisition of resistance to bile could modify some characteristics of the microorganism. Both strains were able to grow and acidify milk similarly; however the production of ethanol increased at the expense of the aroma compound acetaldehyde in milk fermented by the strain 193+, with respect to milk fermented by the strain 193. Both microorganisms produced a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, and were able to increase the viscosity of fermented milks. In spite of the higher production yield of EPS by the bile-resistant strain 193+, it displayed a lower ability to increase viscosity than Lb. delbrueckii subsp. lactis 193. Milk increased survival in simulated gastric juice; the presence of bile improved adhesion to the intestinal cell line HT29-MTX in both strains. However, the acquisition of a stable resistance phenotype did not improve survival in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions or the adhesion to the intestinal cell line HT29-MTX. Thus, Lb. delbrueckii subsp. lactis 193 presents suitable technological properties for the manufacture of fermented dairy products; the acquisition of a stable bile-resistant phenotype modified some properties of the microorganism. This suggests that the possible use of bile-resistant derivative strains should be carefully evaluated in each specific application considering the influence that the acquisition of a stable bile-resistant phenotype could have in survival ability in gastric and intestinal conditions and in technological properties.
Somatotropin-mediated gene expression profiling of differentially displayed ESTs during lactation in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Ramani Umed V , Tripathi Ajai K , Vaze Makrand N , Nandasana Kamlesh N , Koringa Prakash G , Rank Dharamsi N , Joshi Chaitanya G
Published: July 2011

The study of bovine mammary gland functional genomics requires appropriate cDNA library collections to access gene expression patterns from different developmental and physiological stages. The present study was undertaken with the objective to identify candidate genes involved in the process of increased milk synthesis following 0, 48 and 96 h of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) treatment to Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) through differential display reverse transcriptase PCR (DDRT-PCR). Of a total 50 sequenced DD bands, 64% of ESTs were differentially expressed (appeared only in post-treatment samples, i.e. 48 h and 96 h) and 36% were up-regulated after rbST treatment. Of the ESTs 32%were found to be located onBos tauruschromosome 24 (equivalent to buffalo chromosome 22), whereas 16% of ESTs could not be mapped, indicating that they are specific to buffalo. Quantitative real time PCR assay of 15 ESTs revealed transcript level surge in 13 ESTs, and decline in one EST, while one showed up-regulation in expression level at 48 h while down-regulation at 96 h. This study indicates more than 30 novel transcripts, with unknown function, involved in increased milk synthesis and also the involvement of many more genes in the physiology of milk production than once thought.
Changes in the calcium cluster distribution of ultrafiltered and diafiltered fresh skim milk as observed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Alexander Marcela , Nieh Mu-Ping , Ferrer Mary Ann , Corredig Milena
Published: July 2011

The effect of ultrafiltration and diafiltration on the distribution of the calcium phosphate clusters of the casein micelle was investigated using Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). In the case of ultrafiltration, fresh skim milk was subjected to concentration using membrane filtration up to 5× its original volume, the retentate was rediluted with its corresponding serum and subsequently dialyzed against reconstituted milk powder dispersed in D2O/H2O (UF 5×(D)). In the case of diafiltered samples, the samples were concentrated adding water (diafiltration) at two different levels (DF 2·5× or DF 5×) and then redispersed with D2O/H2O. In the DF 5× case, the serum components were diluted to less than 1% of their original concentration. For analysis, all samples had the same volume fraction of dispersed casein micelles (φ=0·1), which is that of the control, unprocessed skim milk. A peak in the SANS data was observed in fresh skim milk at a scattering vector, qo, of 0·034 Å−1 (directly proportional to the reciprocal characteristic length), in agreement with previous literature results. Neutron data on the ultrafiltered, UF 5×(D) and diafiltered, DF 2·5× and DF 5× milk samples showed a progressive decrease in the intensity of the peak but invariance in qo. These results, combined with the determination of soluble and insoluble calcium in the samples, suggest a progressive and irreversible removal of calcium from within the micelle during membrane filtration of milk. Using SANS it was possible to clearly show changes in the micellar calcium clusters that may not otherwise be fully determined by only measuring the amount of total and insoluble calcium in milk.
Effects of increased milking frequency for the first 21 days post partum on selected measures of mammary gland health, milk yield and milk composition
Authors: Shields Shannon L , Rezamand Pedram , Sevier Dallace L , Seo Keun S , Price William , McGuire Mark A
Published: July 2011

Somatic cell count (SCC) is a widely used marker of udder health and a predictor of inflammation caused by an immune response. The objective of this study was to determine whether selected measures of mammary gland health as well as milk fatty acid profile were altered by an increase in milking frequency using a unilateral frequent milking (UFM) model. Holstein cows at parturition were assigned to UFM, in which the left udder half of each cow was milked four-times daily (4X) and the right udder half was milked twice daily (2X) for the first 21 days in milk (DIM). Milk yields from each udder half were measured from 1–21 DIM and samples were collected on days 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 for determination of SCC and milk composition. Flow cytometric analysis with bovine monoclonal antibodies was used to identify milk immune cell populations and milk fatty acid (FA) composition was determined using gas chromatography. Gene expression analysis was used to determine whether there was an alteration in mRNA expression of genes involved in milk fat production including lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and FA-binding protein 3 (FABP3) with ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9) as a house-keeping gene. No difference was detected for milk SCC or cell populations between the udder halves milked 4X as compared with the udder halves milked 2X. In addition, no difference was detected for any FA in milk from the udder half milked 4X as compared with the udder half milked 2X. Overall, using a UFM model, increased milking frequency for the first 21 DIM did not affect selected measures of mammary gland health or milk FA, but was associated with greater milk yield, milk fat percent and yield, and milk protein and lactose yields.
Effects of lipid-encapsulated conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on milk production, bioenergetic status and indicators of reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Hutchinson Ian , de Veth Michael J , Stanton Catherine , Dewhurst Richard J , Lonergan Pat , Evans Alex C O , Butler Stephen T
Published: July 2011

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces mammary milk fat synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Our objective was to determine the effects of lipid-encapsulated CLA (LE-CLA) supplementation on milk production, reproductive performance and metabolic responses in lactating dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet. Seventy-two Holstein-Friesian cows (32 primiparous and 40 multiparous) were used in a completely randomized block design. Cows received either 80 g of LE-CLA daily or 60 g of calcium salts of palm fatty acids daily (control) from parturition until 60 days in milk. LE-CLA contained a 50:50 mix of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, resulting in a daily intake of 6 g of each isomer. Milk production and dry matter intake were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected 3-times a week. Blood samples were analysed for circulating concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Progesterone was measured in blood samples collected after the first post-partum insemination. Ovarian ultrasound examinations commenced at 8–10 d post partum and were carried out 3-times a week until first ovulation. LE-CLA treatment resulted in decreased milk fat concentration, with consequent improvements in energy balance and body condition score (BCS). The peak concentration of NEFA in blood was reduced by LE-CLA, but circulating concentrations of insulin, glucose, IGF-I, BHBA and progesterone were not affected. There was no effect of LE-CLA supplementation on the post-partum interval to first ovulation. Services per conception tended to be reduced. The reduction in milk energy output and improvement in energy status and BCS in LE-CLA-supplemented cows provides a strong rationale for further studies with greater cow numbers to test effects on reproductive performance.