bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial RNA is recognized by different sets of immunoreceptors
Authors: Eberle Florian , Sirin Mehtap , Binder Marco , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: August 2009

Innate immunity recognizes microbial nucleic acids by endosomal TLR and cytosolic recognition systems. Despite increasing knowledge on the properties of nucleic acid recognition for viral RNA and bacterial DNA, little is known about the immunogenicity of prokaryotic RNA. Here we show that bacterial RNA is a potent trigger for type‐I IFN secretion in human PBMC. Activation of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells was dependent on endosomal maturation and could be blocked by a TLR7‐specific inhibitor. Murine plasmacytoid dendritic cells from TLR7‐deficient mice were unresponsive to bacterial RNA. Surprisingly, in myeloid DC, TLR were dispensable for TNF‐α and IL‐12 induction by bacterial RNA. Even non‐immune stroma cells were able to mount a NF‐κB response upon triggering with bacterial RNA. Retinoic‐acid inducible gene I and melanoma‐differentiation‐associated gene 5 could be ruled out to be responsible for this reactivity. Although the inflammasome adaptor protein, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein, and a functional type‐I IFN receptor were necessary for IL‐1β secretion in myeloid DC, these proteins were dispensable for TNF‐α and IL‐12 induction by cytosolic bacterial RNA. Our results show that besides of activation of TLR7 and inflammasomes, bacterial RNA activates additional cytosolic receptors similarly as has been reported for recognition of bacterial DNA.
Efficient help for autoreactive B‐cell activation requires CD4+ T‐cell recognition of an agonist peptide at the effector stage
Authors: Hondowicz Brian D. , Batheja Amrita O. , Metzgar Michele H. , Pagán Antonio J. , Perng Olivia A. , Willms Simone , Caton Andrew J. , Erikson Jan
Published: August 2009

T‐cell recognition of peptide/MHC complexes is flexible and can lead to differential activation, but how interactions with agonist (full activation) or partial agonist (suboptimal activation) peptides can shape immune responses in vivo is not well characterized. We investigated the effect of stimulation by agonist or partial agonist ligands during initial CD4+ T‐cell priming, and subsequent T‐B‐cell cognate interactions, on antibody production by anti‐chromatin B cells. We found that autoantibody production required TCR recognition of an agonist peptide at the effector stage of B‐cell activation. However, interaction with a weak agonist ligand at this effector stage failed to promote efficient autoantibody production, even if the CD4+ T cells were fully primed by an agonist peptide. These studies suggest that the reactivity of the TCR for a target self‐peptide during CD4+ T‐B‐cell interaction can be a critical determinant in restraining anti‐chromatin autoantibody production.
Absence of thymus crosstalk in the fetus does not preclude hematopoietic induction of a functional thymus in the adult
Authors: Roberts Natalie A. , Desanti Guillaume E. , Withers David R. , Scott Hamish R. , Jenkinson William E. , Lane Peter J. L. , Jenkinson Eric J. , Anderson Graham
Published: August 2009

Cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells provide essential signals for a normal programme of T‐cell development. Current models of thymus development suggest that thymocyte‐derived signals play an important role in establishing thymic microenvironments, a process termed thymus crosstalk. Studies on CD3εtg26 mice lacking intrathymic T‐cell progenitors provided evidence that normal development of the thymic cortex depends upon thymocyte‐derived signals. Importantly, the reported failure to effectively reconstitute adult CD3εtg26 mice raised the possibility that such crosstalk must occur within a developmental window, and that closure of this window during the postnatal period renders thymic epithelium refractory to crosstalk signals and unable to effectively impose T‐cell selection. We have re‐investigated the timing of provision of crosstalk in relation to development of functional thymic microenvironments. We show that transfer of either fetal precursors or adult T‐committed precursors into adult CD3εtg26 mice initiates key parameters of successful thymic reconstitution including thymocyte development and emigration, restoration of cortical and medullary epithelial architecture, and establishment of thymic tolerance mechanisms including maturation of Foxp3+ Treg and autoimmune regulator‐expressing medullary epithelium. Collectively, our data argue against a temporal window of thymocyte crosstalk, and instead demonstrates continued receptiveness of thymic epithelium for the formation of functionally competent thymic microenvironments.
Thioether Bonded Nickel(II)‐Azoimidazole Complexes: Structures, Spectra and Electrochemical Oxidation to the Nickel(III) State
Authors: Nandi Soumendranath , Bannerjee Debashis , Wu Jian‐Sung , Lu Tian‐Huey , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins John Derek , Ribas Joan , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: August 2009

Nickel(II) complexes of 1‐alkyl‐2‐[(o‐thioalkyl)phenylazo]imidazole (SRaaiNR′) are described in this article. SRaaiNR′ has imidazole‐N, azo‐N and thioether‐S donor centres. Counter ions ClO4–, pseudohalides [azide (N3–), thiocyanate (CNS–)] are used in the syntheses of complexes. One of the structures of [Ni(SRaaiNR′)2](ClO4)2 has suggested meridional binding of tridendate chelator with cis‐trans‐cis configuration in the sequence of cis‐N(imidazole), trans‐N(azo) and cis‐S(thioether). Structural study of NiII‐azido‐SRaaiNR′ defines μ1,1‐N3 bridged NiII dimer, [Ni(NNS)(N3)2]2 and thus show interesting intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling. The best fit gave the results: J = 38.13 ± 0.6 cm–1, g = 2.24 ± 0.002, D = 8.1 ± 0.4 cm–1 and R = 2.1 × 10–4. DFT computation has attempted to explain spectral, redox and magnetic properties of the complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Alkali Metal Complexes of Silyl‐Substituted ansa‐(Tris)allyl Ligands: Metal‐, Co‐Ligand‐ and Substituent‐Dependent Stereochemistry
Authors: Sulway Scott A. , Girshfeld Roman , Solomon Sophia A. , Muryn Christopher A. , Poater Jordi , Solà Miquel , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Layfield Richard A.
Published: August 2009

The structures of alkali metal complexes of silyl‐substituted ansa‐tris(allyl) ligands [RSi(C3H3SiMe3)3]3– (R = Me, L1; or Ph, L2) are discussed. Triple deprotonation of L1H3 by nBuNa/tmeda affords [L1{Na(tmeda)}3] (4) in which the sodium cations are complexed by ηn‐allyl ligands and the silyl substituents adopt [exo,exo][endo,exo]2 stereochemistries in one crystallographically disordered form and [endo,exo]3 in another. Triple deprotonation of L2H3 with nBuLi/tmeda results in the formation of [L2{Li(tmeda)}3] (5), the structure of which features silyl substituents with [exo,exo]2[endo,exo] stereochemistries. The trisodium complex [L2Na{Na(tmeda)}2]2 (6) consists of a hexa(allylsodium) macrocycle that aggregates as a result of cation–π interactions between the phenyl substituents and the sodium cations. An attempt to prepare the tripotassium complex of L1 resulted in the formation of the bimetallic potassium/lithium complex [L2{K(OEt2)2}2KLi(μ4‐OtBu)]2 (7), in which the lithium tert‐butoxide by‐product is incorporated into a hexa(allylpotassium) macrocycle. Triple deprotonation of L1H3 with nBuLi and the terdentate Lewis base pmdeta results in [L1Li(pmdeta)}3] (8), in which the three allyl groups do not μ‐bridge between lithium cations, resulting in an [exo,exo]3 stereochemistry of the silyl substituents. NMR spectroscopic studies reveal complicated solution‐phase behaviour for 4, 6 and 7, whereas the solid‐state structures of 5 and 8 are preserved in solution. Further insight into the structures andstereochemical preference of the ansa‐tris(allyl) ligands in 4 and 5 is provided by detailed density functional theory calculations.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Reaction of 3,3,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane with Pt0(bisphosphane)(η2‐nbe) Complexes Bearing Bridged Bisphosphane Ligands with Various Bite Angles (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 24/2009)
Authors: Weisheit Thomas , Petzold Holm , Görls Helmar , Mloston Grzegorz , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: August 2009

The cover picture shows the mechanism of the treatment of (bisphosphane)platinum(0) complex fragments bearing various bridged bisphosphane ligands with the 3,3,5,5‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane. As a result of these reactions dithiolato complexes and the appropriate η2‐thioketone complexes could be isolated. This, as well as the determined first‐order reaction kinetics in the trithiolane, approves the depicted mechanism starting with its decomposition into thioketone and thiosulfine, which is in equilibrium with the corresponding tautomeric dithiirane. The background shows sublimed sulfur (photo by Thomas Weisheit) referring to the investigated sulfur‐rich heterocycle. Details are discussed in the article by W. Weigand et al. on p. 3545 ff.
Accommodating a new identity: Possible selves, identity change and well‐being across two life‐transitions
Authors: Manzi Claudia , Vignoles Vivian L. , Regalia Camillo
Published: August 2009

We examined the role of desired, feared, and expected possible future identity structures in the restructuring of identity after two life transitions. A longitudinal study was conducted on 86 young adults during the transition from school to university and 143 adults during the transition to parenthood. In both samples, pre‐transition desires and expectations about the restructuring of identity predicted post‐transition actual identity structures. Post‐transition emotional well‐being was higher among those whose post‐transition identity structures more closely matched their initial desires and less closely matched their initial fears, and among those who reported a greater magnitude of identity change. We propose that possible future identity structures play an important role in the identity accommodation process during life‐transitions, and that they have significant implications for well‐being. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends, challenges and opportunities in power quality research
Authors: Bollen Math H. J. , Ribeiro Paulo , Gu Irene Y. H. , Duque Carlos A.
Published: August 2009

This paper outlines a number of possible research directions in power quality. The introduction of new sources of generation will introduce the need for new research on voltage–magnitude variations, harmonic emission and harmonic resonance. Statistical performance indicators are expected to play an important role in addressing the hosting capacity of the power system for these new sources. The quickly growing amounts of power‐quality data call for automatic analysis methods. Advanced signal‐processing tools need to be developed and applied to address this challenge. Equipment with an active power‐electronic interface generates waveform distortion at higher frequencies than existing equipment. The emission, spread, consequences and mitigation of this distortion require more research emphasis. The growing complexity of the power system calls for remote identification of system events and load transitions. Future DC networks, at different voltage levels, require the research on DC power quality next to AC power quality. Research on methods to describe and analyse time‐varying harmonics has applications in a number of the above‐mentioned issues. So does the use of hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) and real‐time‐digital simulation.

Existing power quality standards should not form a barrier against future research; instead research should result in improved standards as well as completely new concepts. Examples are: voltage dips in three‐phase systems, flicker due to non‐incandescent lamps, and voltage variations on the timescale between 1 second and 10 minutes.

All together, it is concluded in this paper that sufficient important and interesting research challenges and opportunities remain in the power quality area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction for pulse height variability reduces physiological noise in functional MRI when studying spontaneous brain activity
Authors: van Houdt Petra J. , Ossenblok Pauly P.W. , Boon Paul A.J.M. , Leijten Frans S.S. , Velis Demetrios N. , Stam Cornelis J. , de Munck Jan C.
Published: August 2009

EEG correlated functional MRI (EEG‐fMRI) allows the delineation of the areas corresponding to spontaneous brain activity, such as epileptiform spikes or alpha rhythm. A major problem of fMRI analysis in general is that spurious correlations may occur because fMRI signals are not only correlated with the phenomena of interest, but also with physiological processes, like cardiac and respiratory functions. The aim of this study was to reduce the number of falsely detected activated areas by taking the variation in physiological functioning into account in the general linear model (GLM). We used the photoplethysmogram (PPG), since this signal is based on a linear combination of oxy‐ and deoxyhemoglobin in the arterial blood, which is also the basis of fMRI. We derived a regressor from the variation in pulse height (VIPH) of PPG and added this regressor to the GLM. When this regressor was used as predictor it appeared that VIPH explained a large part of the variance of fMRI signals acquired from five epilepsy patients and thirteen healthy volunteers. As a confounder VIPH reduced the number of activated voxels by 30% for the healthy volunteers, when studying the generators of the alpha rhythm. Although for the patients the number of activated voxels either decreased or increased, the identification of the epileptogenic zone was substantially enhanced in one out of five patients, whereas for the other patients the effects were smaller. In conclusion, applying VIPH as a confounder diminishes physiological noise and allows a more reliable interpretation of fMRI results. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain structure and obesity
Authors: Raji Cyrus A. , Ho April J. , Parikshak Neelroop N. , Becker James T. , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis H. , Hua Xue , Leow Alex D. , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: August 2009

Obesity is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular health problems including diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. These cardiovascular afflictions increase risk for cognitive decline and dementia, but it is unknown whether these factors, specifically obesity and Type II diabetes, are associated with specific patterns of brain atrophy. We used tensor‐based morphometry (TBM) to examine gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume differences in 94 elderly subjects who remained cognitively normal for at least 5 years after their scan. Bivariate analyses with corrections for multiple comparisons strongly linked body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma insulin (FPI) levels, and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) with atrophy in frontal, temporal, and subcortical brain regions. A multiple regression model, also correcting for multiple comparisons, revealed that BMI was still negatively correlated with brain atrophy (FDR <5%), while DM2 and FPI were no longer associated with any volume differences. In an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) model controlling for age, gender, and race, obese subjects with a high BMI (BMI > 30) showed atrophy in the frontal lobes, anterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and thalamus compared with individuals with a normal BMI (18.5–25). Overweight subjects (BMI: 25–30) had atrophy in the basal ganglia and corona radiata of the WM. Overall brain volume did not differ between overweight and obese persons. Higher BMI was associated with lower brain volumes in overweight and obese elderly subjects. Obesity is therefore associated with detectable brain volume deficits in cognitively normal elderly subjects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The helix‐loop‐helix Id‐1 inhibits PSA expression in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zielinski Anne J. , Fong Sylvia , Allison Juanita , Kawahara Misako , Coppe Jean‐Philippe , Feiler Heidi , Lee Nancy M. , Desprez Pierre‐Yves
Published: August 2009

The inhibitor of basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors, Id‐1, is an important gene whose expression increases during prostate cancer progression and that upregulates proliferation, migration and invasion. We used microarray analysis to identify the downstream genes whose transcriptional expression is modulated by Id‐1 protein. We compared gene expression in control LNCaP cells and Id‐1‐transduced LNCaP cells, which become significantly more aggressive after Id‐1 overexpression, thus mimicking the high levels of Id‐1 detected in metastatic cell lines. We used the Affy HTA U133A Expression Arrays with 45,000 probe sets representing more than 39,000 transcripts. We found that one of the most significantly downregulated genes on Id‐1 expression was kallikrein 3 [also called prostate specific antigen (PSA)], the most commonly used biomarker of prostate cancer. Here, we show that the reduction in PSA mRNA and protein expression associated with high‐grade prostate cancers, which generally express high levels of Id‐1, could be the consequence of Id‐1 overexpression.
Identifying the Relative Importance of Leaf versus Shredder Species Loss on Litter Decomposition in Streams
Authors: Swan Christopher M. , Brown Bryan L. , DePalma Carrie A.
Published: August 2009

Understanding how species loss influences ecosystem function is a contemporary issue in ecology. However, most research has focused on species loss at one trophic‐level. We explored the relationship between functional diversity (FD) and species richness separately for trees and aquatic leaf‐shredding detritivores. For trees, we collected information on species‐specific leaf tissue chemistry and species co‐occurrences in the mid‐Atlantic region (USA). For shredders, we used a published trait database with information on communities from 38 streams in the same region. We used a clustering algorithm to estimate FD for each community and for randomly assembled communities. If FD was high, we concluded that species loss was important to change in function; if low, species were functionally redundant and insensitive to species loss. We found tree FD to be significantly different than expected, but shredders exhibited FD levels similar to patterns based on random assembly. Furthermore, there were more leaf species exclusively associated with very high or very low levels of functional diversity compared to shredders. This approach revealed greater implications for leaf than shredder species loss for litter breakdown. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nutrient Uptake and Mineralization during Leaf Decay in Streams – a Model Simulation
Authors: Webster J. R. , Newbold J. D. , Thomas S. A. , Valett H. M. , Mulholland P. J.
Published: August 2009

We developed a stoichiometrically explicit computer model to examine how heterotrophic uptake of nutrients and microbial mineralization occurring during the decay of leaves in streams may be important in modifying nutrient concentrations. The simulations showed that microbial uptake can substantially decrease stream nutrient concentrations during the initial phases of decomposition, while mineralization may produce increases in concentrations during later stages of decomposition. The simulations also showed that initial nutrient content of the leaves can affect the stream nutrient concentration dynamics and determine whether nitrogen or phosphorus is the limiting nutrient. Finally, the simulations suggest a net retention (uptake > mineralization) of nutrients in headwater streams, which is balanced by export of particulate organic nutrients to downstream reaches. Published studies support the conclusion that uptake can substantially change stream nutrient concentrations. On the other hand, there is little published evidence that mineralization also affects nutrient concentrations. Also, there is little information on direct microbial utilization of nutrients contained in the decaying leaves themselves. Our results suggest several directions for research that will improve our understanding of the complex relationship between leaf decay and nutrient dynamics in streams. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Leaf‐Litter Mixtures Affect Breakdown and Macroinvertebrate Colonization Rates in a Stream Ecosystem
Authors: Abelho Manuela
Published: August 2009

Previous work in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has suggested that the relationship between breakdown rates of leaf litter and plant species richness may change unpredictability due to non‐additive effects mediated by the presence of key‐species. By using single‐ and mixed‐species leaf bags (7 possible combinations of three litter species differing in toughness; common alder [Alnus glutinosa ], sweet chestnut [Castanea sativa ], and Spanish oak [Quercus ilex ilex ]), I tested whether leaf species diversity, measured as richness and composition, affects breakdown dynamics and macroinvertebrate colonization (abundance, richness and composition) during 90 days incubation in a stream. Decomposition rates were additive, i.e., observed decomposition rates were not different from expected ones. However, decomposition rates of individual leaf species were affected by the mixture, i.e., there were species‐specific responses to mixing litter. The invertebrate communities colonizing the mixtures were not richer and more diverse in mixtures than in single‐species leaf bags. On the opposite, mixing leaf species had a negative, non‐additive effect on rates of shredder and taxa colonization and on macroinvertebrate diversity. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Leaf Litter Dynamics and Its Use by Invertebrates in a High‐Altitude Tropical Andean Stream
Authors: Touma Blanca Rios , Encalada Andrea C. , Fornells Narcís Prat
Published: August 2009

This study evaluates litter dynamics and its relation to macroinvertebrate communities (assemblages and feeding habits) at Piburja stream (3300 m, Ecuador). Annual litterfall (216 g AFDM/m2) was not related to rainfall, but differed significantly between months. Transport of Coarse Particulate Organic Matter (CPOM) did not differ between seasons, but retention was higher during the dry season. Thus, CPOM standing stock was higher in the dry (125.28 g AFDM/m2) compared to the wet season (12.27 g AFDM/m2). Macroinvertebrate richness and diversity were positively related to Coarse Benthic Organic Matter (CBOM) especially during the wet season. Gut content analysis revealed that, regardless of season, CPOM and Fine Particulate Organic Matter (FPOM) were the most important food items in the diet of most invertebrate taxa, including those that are not considered shredders or gathering collectors in the literature. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Responses of Aquatic Fungal Communities on Leaf Litter to Temperature‐Change Events
Authors: Fernandes Isabel , Uzun Begüm , Pascoal Cláudia , Cássio Fernanda
Published: August 2009

Increases of extreme weather events are predicted to occur with ongoing climate change, but impacts to freshwaters have rarely been examined. We assessed the effects of temperature on leaf‐litter associated fungi by exposing leaves colonized in a stream to 18 °C (control), 25 °C, or 18 °C after freezing. Treatments altered fungal dominance on leaves; Lunulospora curvula sporulation was stimulated by increased temperature and stopped by the freeze‐thaw treatment. Fungal biomass and diversity decreased at 18 °C after freezing, but not at 25 °C. Leaf decomposition was retarded by the freeze‐thaw treatment (k = –0.024 day–1) and stimulated at 25 °C (k = –0.069 day–1). Results suggest that occasional freezing may constrain fungal diversity and their ecological functions, while warming appears to accelerate plant‐litter decomposition in streams. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Potential Contribution of Microfungi to the Decomposition of Reed Leaf Detritus in a Coastal Lagoon: A Laboratory and Field Experiment
Authors: Mancinelli Giorgio , Vignes Fabio , Sangiorgio Franca , Mastrolia Annunziata , Basset Alberto
Published: August 2009

The potential contribution of microfungi to reed decomposition in a coastal habitat (Le Cesine Lagoon, Italy) was investigated under laboratory and field conditions. Leaf pack mass and surface loss, ergosterol content and O2 uptake were used to construct carbon budgets and an empirical ergosterol‐to‐O2 uptake relationship based on literature data was used to estimate the contribution of microfungi. Under laboratory conditions, reed carbon loss was entirely due to leaching and microbial respiration. In contrast, C losses observed in the field were accounted for by microbial respiration and macroinvertebrate shredding almost equally. Microfungi were estimated to account for 98% and 69% of microbially‐respired carbon under laboratory and field conditions, respectively. Our results provide a preliminary, quantitative assessment of microfungal contribution to reed decomposition in brackish habitats. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure‐kinetic relationship analysis of the therapeutic complement inhibitor compstatin
Authors: Magotti Paola , Ricklin Daniel , Qu Hongchang , Wu You‐Qiang , Kaznessis Yiannis N. , Lambris John D.
Published: August 2009

Compstatin is a 13‐residue peptide that inhibits activation of the complement system by binding to the central component C3 and its fragments C3b and C3c. A combination of theoretical and experimental approaches has previously allowed us to develop analogs of the original compstatin peptide with up to 264‐fold higher activity; one of these analogs is now in clinical trials for the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we used functional assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to assess the effect of modifications at three key residues (Trp‐4, Asp‐6, Ala‐9) on the affinity and activity of compstatin and its analogs, and we correlated our findings to the recently reported co‐crystal structure of compstatin and C3c. The KD values for the panel of tested analogs ranged from 10−6 to 10−8 M. These differences in binding affinity could be attributed mainly to differences in dissociation rather than association rates, with a >4‐fold range in kon values (2–10 × 105 M−1 s−1) and a koff variation of >35‐fold (1–37 × 10−2 s−1) being observed. The stability of the C3b‐compstatin complex seemed to be highly dependent on hydrophobic effects at position 4, and even small changes at position 6 resulted in a loss of complex formation. Induction of a β‐turn shift by an A9P modification resulted in a more favorable entropy but a loss of binding specificity and stability. The results obtained by the three methods utilized here were highly correlated with regard to the activity/affinity of the analogs. Thus, our analyses have identified essential structural features of compstatin and provided important information to support the development of analogs with improved efficacy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface application of calcium‐containing gels to improve quality of late maturing peach cultivars
Authors: Fernández Victoria , Díaz Azahara , Blanco Álvaro , Val Jesús
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: A strategy to supply Ca directly to fruits as a tool for improving peach quality has been devised and tested under field conditions. Since peaches in the area of study (Calanda, Spain) are routinely bagged shortly after thinning, a method based on the application of Ca gels to the fruit surface was introduced. The effect of surface treatments was assessed in terms of quality, nutrient balance and surface deposition.

RESULTS: Application of Ca‐containing formulations increased mesocarp and exocarp Ca concentrations, providing evidence for the penetration of Ca through the peach skin. Surface Ca treatments had a particular mode of deposition and in some instances improved the shelf life of fruits without affecting their quality.

CONCLUSION: Surface treatment with Ca‐containing gels appears to be a viable approach to increase fruit Ca, quality and storability of bagged peach cultivars and should be optimised in future studies. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiation and dating of red ink entries of seals on documents by HPLC and GC/MS
Authors: Yao Ya‐Tong , Song Jia , Yu Jing , Wang Xiang‐Feng , Hou Feier , Zhang Ai‐Lan , Liu Yuan , Han Jie , Xie Meng‐Xia
Published: August 2009

A novel approach for differentiation and dating of red ink entries of seals on documents was developed based on ion‐pairing HPLC (IP‐HPLC) and GC/MS. Sixty‐nine red ink pastes of seals were collected and the chromatographic conditions for separation of the dye components by IP‐HPLC and the volatile additives by GC/MS in the ink entries were optimized. According to the dye components and additives, the ink entries were classified by HPLC with a multi‐wavelength UV detector. The volatile components of the inks were identified by GC/MS and the classification of the ink entries was also investigated based on these volatile additives. The results showed that most of the ink entries of the seals can be differentiated by combining HPLC with a multi‐wavelength detector and GC/MS methods. The degradation of the standard dye mixtures and the compositional changes of the ink entries of seals were investigated in light or natural aging conditions. The results indicated that the dye components decomposed in light or natural storage conditions, while the rates of the degradation depended on the structures of the dye components, the aging conditions, even the additives of the ink pastes. The results also showed that there existed good relationships between the compositional changes of the ink entries and the aging time, which can provide scientific evidences and valuable clues for dating of the ink entries.
Ultrasound assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase extraction of lovastatin and simvastatin: A new pretreatment procedure
Authors: Mao Tao , Hao Bo , He Jin , Li Weilin , Li Shengqing , Yu Ziniu
Published: August 2009

A fast and novel sample preparation procedure: ultrasound assisted ionic liquid (IL) dispersive liquid extraction for the concentration of lovastatin and simvastatin in aqueous samples was developed. An IL ([C6MIM][PF6]) was used as the extraction solvent, and the factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as initial temperature, the volume of IL, pH of water samples, cooling time, and salt concentration were optimized. In combination with HPLC‐UV, both lovastatin and simvastatin exhibited a good linear range of 1–100 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LODs) of lovastatin and simvastatin were 0.17 and 0.29 ng/mL, respectively. Precisions of the proposed method (RSDs, n = 9) were 4.12 and 4.52%, respectively. This method has been successfully applied for the analysis of target compounds in three real water samples and good spiking recoveries were obtained in the range of 90.0–102.2% for lovastatin and 80.5–112.0% for simvastatin. These results indicated that ultrasound assisted IL dispersive liquid phase extraction would have good application prospect in the pretreatment of environmental samples.
Managing the wildlife tourism experience: The importance of tour leaders
Authors: Curtin Susanna
Published: August 2009

This paper is based on a small ethnographic study of serious wildlife tourists. It focuses on three important aspects of this type of travel. First, the tangible benefits of the tourist experience; second, the importance of the tour leader as the interface between the product and the tourist; and finally, tourist perceptions of their potential environmental and social impacts. The findings reveal participants' environmental sensibilities and the desire to avoid disturbance, the social benefits of organised tours and how the tour leader is critical to both the success of the holiday and the responsible behaviour of the group. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The geomorphic impact of afforestations on soil erosion in Southeast Spain
Authors: Romero‐Diaz A. , Belmonte‐Serrato F. , Ruiz‐Sinoga J. D.
Published: August 2009

Semiarid lands have been affected by intense afforestations since the end of the 20th century. Plantations were developed to control soil and water losses, prevent flooding, reduce check dams silting and, since the 1970s, to fight against desertification. The afforestations in semiarid environments were and are developed by means of aggressive techniques, employing heavy machinery and landform changes. In the Region of Murcia, South eastern Spain, studies have been carried out for the last three decades in afforested areas mainly on marls, conglomerates and schists. Sub‐soiling has been used in order to transform the straight slopes into a terraced man‐made landscape. Geomorphological transects, topographic profiles and erosion plots have been used to quantify the erosion rates on afforested and non‐afforested areas. The results show an increase in water erosion as a consequence of afforestation. Soil erosion rates were 105 Mg ha−1 y−1in marls, 63 Mg ha−1 y−1in conglomerates and 29 Mg ha−1 y−1in schists, where rills and gullies were widespread. Soil erosion rates were lower than 2 Mg ha−1 y−1on the control plots (in all parent materials) due to the scrubland cover. Afforestations contributed in increasing soil losses between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude. However, the regional, national and European governments are planning to invest in new afforestation programmes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photochemical Generation of Ferrocene‐Based Redox‐Polymer Networks
Authors: Bunte Christine , Rühe Jürgen
Published: August 2009

A photochemical approach toward the generation of enzyme‐containing redox polymer networks, which are the key material in enzymatic sensors and biofuel cells, is described. The approach is based on the incorporation of photo‐reactive benzophenone groups into the redox polymers. The obtained polymers are then deposited on the surface of glassy carbon electrodes and cross‐linked by illumination with UV light at 365 nm. If this step is done in the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase, functional electrodes are obtained that yield electrical power upon addition of glucose. This work specifically addresses the question of electrode stability in buffer and demonstrates how slight variations in the chemistry of the redox polymer have a dramatic effect on the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Different ferrocene‐containing redox polymer networks are synthesized and their properties in physiological buffer are studied.

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EGCG inhibits protein synthesis, lipogenesis, and cell cycle progression through activation of AMPK in p53 positive and negative human hepatoma cells
Authors: Huang Chi‐Hung , Tsai Shang‐Jie , Wang Ying‐Jan , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Kao Jung‐Yie , Way Tzong‐Der
Published: August 2009

In the previous studies, (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been shown to have anticarcinogenic effects via modulation in protein expression of p53. Using p53 positive Hep G2 and p53 negative Hep 3B cells, we found that treatment of EGCG resulted in dose‐dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation, which suggests that the interaction of EGCG with p53 may not fully explain its inhibitory effect on proliferation. Caloric restriction (CR) reduces the incidence and progression of spontaneous and induced tumors in laboratory rodents. EGCG has multiple beneficial activities similar to those associated with CR. One key enzyme thought to be activated during CR is AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK), a sensor of cellular energy levels. Here, we showed that EGCG activated AMPK in both p53 positive and negative human hepatoma cells. The activation of AMPK suppressed downstream substrates, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E‐binding protein‐1 (4E‐BP1) and a general decrease in mRNA translation. Moreover, EGCG activated AMPK decreases the activity and/or expression of lipogenic enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). Interestingly, the decision between apoptosis and growth arrest following AMPK activation is greatly influenced by p53 status. In p53 positive Hep G2 cells, EGCG blocked the progression of cell cycle at G1 phase by inducing p53 expression and further up‐regulating p21 expression. However, EGCG inducted apoptosis in p53 negative Hep 3B cells. Based on these results, we have demonstrated that EGCG has a potential to be a chemoprevention and anti‐lipogenesis agent for human hepatoma cells.
Ankle torque steadiness is related to muscle activation variability and coactivation in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bandholm Thomas , Rose Martin H. , SlØk Rikke , Sonne‐Holm Stig , Jensen Bente R.
Published: August 2009

The aims of this study were to: (1) investigate the significance of muscle activation variability and coactivation for the ability to perform steady submaximal ankle torque (torque steadiness) in healthy children and those with cerebral palsy (CP), and (2) assess ankle function during isometric contractions in those children. Fourteen children with CP who walked with equinus foot deformity and 14 healthy (control) children performed maximal and steady submaximal ankle dorsi‐ and plantarflexions. Dorsiflexion torque steadiness was related to agonist and antagonist muscle activation variability as well as the plantarflexor coactivation level in children with CP (r > 0.624, P < 0.03). Moreover, children with CP displayed reduced maximal torque and submaximal torque steadiness of both dorsi‐ and plantarflexion compared with controls (P < 0.05). Both muscle groups may benefit from strength training, as they exhibit poor submaximal control and weakness in children with CP. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Personality traits and health‐risk behaviours in university students
Authors: Hong Ryan Y. , Paunonen Sampo V.
Published: August 2009

Relations between personality and health‐risk behaviours in university undergraduates were examined using multiple measures of personality across multiple samples (N = 1151). Big Five personality variables, at both factor and facet levels, were used to predict three specific health‐risk behaviours: (a) tobacco consumption, (b) alcohol consumption and (c) speeding in an automobile. Our findings showed that low Conscientiousness and low Agreeableness were uniformly associated with this cluster of potentially health damaging behaviours. Extraversion was additionally associated with alcohol use. Interaction effects were found between Conscientiousness and Agreeableness on smoking and (for men only) on drinking. Other personality variables not centrally related to the Big Five, such as Risk‐Taking (high) and Integrity (low), were also implicated in the present health‐risk behaviours. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatially resolved quantification of agrochemicals on plant surfaces using energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis
Authors: Hunsche Mauricio , Noga Georg
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: In the present study the principle of energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX), i.e. the detection of elements based on their characteristic X‐rays, was used to localise and quantify organic and inorganic pesticides on enzymatically isolated fruit cuticles. Pesticides could be discriminated from the plant surface because of their distinctive elemental composition.

RESULTS: Findings confirm the close relation between net intensity (NI) and area covered by the active ingredient (AI area). Using wide and narrow concentration ranges of glyphosate and glufosinate, respectively, results showed that quantification of AI requires the selection of appropriate regression equations while considering NI, peak‐to‐background (P/B) ratio, and AI area. The use of selected internal standards (ISs) such as Ca(NO3)2 improved the accuracy of the quantification slightly but led to the formation of particular, non‐typical microstructured deposits. The suitability of SEM‐EDX as a general technique to quantify pesticides was evaluated additionally on 14 agrochemicals applied at diluted or regular concentration.

CONCLUSION: Among the pesticides tested, spatial localisation and quantification of AI amount could be done for inorganic copper and sulfur as well for the organic agrochemicals glyphosate, glufosinate, bromoxynil and mancozeb. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Conversion of Methyl Oleate to Branched‐Chain Hydroxy Fatty Acid Derivatives
Authors: Dailey Oliver D. , Prevost Nicolette T. , Strahan Gary D.
Published: August 2009

As part of a project to develop new and expanded uses of oilseed products and by‐products (such as biodiesel, fuel additives, and lubricants), studies were conducted on the synthetic conversion of oleic acid (in the ester form) to branched‐chain fatty acid ester derivatives. In these studies, methyl oleate was epoxidized and subsequently treated with four different organocuprate reagents in the presence of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate to produce novel branched‐chain hydroxy acid derivatives. For each reaction, the two distinct isomeric products (methyl 9‐alkyl‐10‐hydroxyoctadecanoate and methyl 9‐hydroxy‐10‐alkyloctadecanoate) were isolated in the pure forms. Details of the synthesis and characterization (GC–MS, NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry) of these compounds will be discussed.
Changes in Quality Indices, Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Flavored Olive Oils during Storage
Authors: Baiano Antonietta , Terracone Carmela , Gambacorta Giuseppe , Notte Ennio La
Published: August 2009

The chemical characteristics, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive oils flavored with garlic, lemon, oregano, hot pepper, and rosemary were evaluated during 9 months of storage. At the end of the storage period, the unflavored and the garlic‐flavored oils maintained their chemical parameters within the limits fixed for extra‐virgin olive oils. After 9 months of storage, a noticeable decrease in phenolic content was observed in all the oils. The highest (35.0 ± 3.9 mg/kg oil) and the lowest (6.3 ± 0.4 mg/kg) phenolic contents were detected in the unflavored and garlic‐flavored oils, respectively. Compounds such as 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethyl 4‐formyl‐3‐formylmethyl‐4‐hexenoate, the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol) andp‐HPEA‐EDA (dialdehydic form of the decarboxymethyl elenolic acid linked to tyrosol) were the most abundant in both unflavored and lemon‐flavored oils up till 6 months of storage. At the end of the storage period, increases in 3,4‐DHPEA (hydroxytyrosol) andp‐HPEA (tyrosol) were measured in almost all the oils. During storage, the antioxidant activity coefficients of the phenolic extracts, calculated according to the β‐carotene bleaching assay, significantly decreased and, after 9 months, were in a decreasing order: rosemary (51.3 ± 4.2), hot pepper, lemon, oregano, unflavored, and garlic (8.5 ± 0.7).
Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Butanol from Dilute Aqueous Solutions Using Soybean‐Derived Biodiesel
Authors: Adhami Lalleh , Griggs Bennie , Himebrook Patrick , Taconi Katherine
Published: August 2009

Liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) of mixtures of butanol, 1,3‐propanediol (PDO), and ethanol was performed using soybean‐derived biodiesel as the extractant. The composition of the mixtures simulated the product of the anaerobic fermentation of biodiesel‐derived crude glycerol, which has recently been reported for the first time by the authors. Using a biodiesel: with an aqueous phase volume ratio of 1:1, butanol recovery ranged from 45 to 51% at initial butanol concentrations of 150 and 225 mM, respectively. Less than 10% of the ethanol was extracted, and essentially no PDO was extracted. The partition coefficient for butanol in biodiesel was determined to be 0.91 ± 0.097. This partition coefficient is less than that of oleyl alcohol, which is considered the standard for LLE. However, butanol is suitable for blending with biodiesel, which would eliminate the need for separating the butanol after extraction. Additionally, biodiesel is much less costly than oleyl alcohol. If biodiesel‐derived glycerol is used as the feedstock for butanol production, and biodiesel is used as the extractant to recover butanol from the fermentation broth, production of a biodiesel/butanol fuel blend could be a fully integrated process within a biodiesel facility. This process could ultimately help reduce the cost of butanol separation and ultimately help improve the overall economics of butanol fermentation using renewable feedstocks.
A refined Brunn–Minkowski inequality for convex sets
Authors: Figalli A. , Maggi F. , Pratelli A.
Published: August 2009

Starting from a mass transportation proof of the Brunn–Minkowski inequality on convex sets, we improve the inequality showing a sharp estimate about the stability property of optimal sets. This is based on a Poincaré-type trace inequality on convex sets that is also proved in sharp form.
Vanishing viscosity limit for an expanding domain in space
Authors: Lopes Helena J. Nussenzveig , Kelliher James P. , Filho Milton C. Lopes
Published: August 2009

We study the limiting behavior of viscous incompressible flows when the fluid domain is allowed to expand as the viscosity vanishes. We describe precise conditions under which the limiting flow satisfies the full space Euler equations. The argument is based on truncation and on energy estimates, following the structure of the proof of Kato's criterion for the vanishing viscosity limit. This work complements previous work by the authors, see Iftimie et al. (2009) [5], Kelliher (2008) [8].

Nous étudions le comportement à la limite des écoulements incompressibles visqueux en admettant que l'évanouissement de la viscosité est accompagné d'une expansion du domaine fluide. Nous décrivons des conditions précises sous lesquelles l'écoulement limite satisfait les équations d'Euler spatiales complètes. L'argument est fondé sur la troncature et sur des estimations d'énergie, suivant une stratégie pareille à la preuve du critère de Kato pour la limite de viscosité tendant à zéro. Ce résultat complémente les travaux précédents des auteurs (Iftimie et al., 2009 [5] ; Kelliher, 2008 [8]).
Maintaining Magnet Status: Establishing an Evidence‐Based Practice Committee
Authors: Wise Nancy J.
Published: August 2009

Magnet™ status for a facility indicates excellent nursing practice, positive and improved patient outcomes, and professional working environments. To maintain Magnet status, hospitals must show improved outcomes and clinical practice based on current evidence. Evidence‐based practice (EBP) committees provide a streamlined approach for improving clinical/bedside practice decisions based on current research.

The Magnet program is designed to guide nurses in clinical practice and making recommendations, and the EBP committee is a mechanism by which to do this. Participating in an EBP committee encourages professional growth and improved patient outcomes. AORN J 90 (August 2009) 205–213. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Older Adult Surgical Patients: Presentation and Challenges
Authors: Doerflinger Deirdre M. Carolan
Published: August 2009

The age of the population is increasing dramatically, and the age of the surgical population parallels that of the general population. This is occurring at a time when there are fewer health care providers with geriatric expertise in all disciplines.

All health care providers must be knowledgeable about the normal changes of aging and must understand communication challenges with older adult patients. Health care providers must understand the specific risks and benefits of surgery and perform a complete individualized preoperative assessment to improve older adult patients' outcomes. AORN J 90 (August 2009) 223–240. © AORN, Inc, 2009.