bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on growth and biochemical characteristics of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) seedlings under low phosphorus environment
Authors: Tian Yunlong , Xu Jingjing , Li Linxin , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Ma Xiangqing , Wu Pengfei
Published: March 2024

Background

The continuous establishment of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations across multiple generations has led to the limited impact of soil phosphorus (P) on tree growth. This challenge poses a significant obstacle in maintaining the sustainable management of Chinese fir.

Methods

To investigate the effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and physiological characteristics of Chinese fir under different P supply treatments. We conducted an indoor pot simulation experiment in the greenhouse of the Forestry College of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University with one-and-half-year-old seedlings of Chinese fir from March 2019 to June 2019, with the two P level treatment groups included a normal P supply treatment (1.0 mmol L−1 KH2PO4, P1) and a no P supply treatment (0 mmol L−1 KH2PO4, P0). P0 and P1 were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae (F.m) or Rhizophagus intraradices (R.i) or not inoculated with AMF treatment. The AMF colonization rate in the root system, seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD) growth, chlorophyll (Chl) photosynthetic characteristics, enzyme activities, and endogenous hormone contents of Chinese fir were estimated.

Results

The results showed that the colonization rate of F.m in the roots of Chinese fir seedlings was the highest at P0, up to 85.14%, which was 1.66 times that of P1. Under P0 and P1 treatment, root inoculation with either F.m or R.i promoted SH growth, the SH of R.i treatment was 1.38 times and 1.05 times that of F.m treatment, respectively. In the P1 treatment, root inoculation with either F.m or R.i inhibited RCD growth. R.i inhibited RCD growth more aggressively than F.m. In the P0 treatment, root inoculation with F.m and R.i reduced the inhibitory effect of phosphorus deficiency on RCD. At this time, there was no significant difference in RCD between F.m, R.i and CK treatments (p < 0.05). AMF inoculation increased Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, and Fv/Fo during the chlorophyll fluorescence response in the tested Chinese fir seedlings. Under the two phosphorus supply levels, the trend of Fv and Fm of Chinese fir seedlings in different treatment groups was F.m > R.i > CK. Under P0 treatment, The values of Fv were 235.86, 221.86 and 147.71, respectively. The values of Fm were 287.57, 275.71 and 201.57, respectively. It increased the antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced the leaf’s malondialdehyde (MDA) content to a certain extent.

Conclusion

It is concluded that AMF can enhance the photosynthetic capacity of the host, regulate the distribution of endogenous hormones in plants, and promote plant growth by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. When the P supply is insufficient, AMF is more helpful to plants, and R.i is more effective than F.m in alleviating P starvation stress in Chinese fir.
Functionality of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Blends – Effects of Spice Concentration on Composition, Antioxidant Profile, Microbiological and Cup Quality
Authors: Yahaya, L. E.  , Igbinadolor, R. O.  , Okunade, F. A.  , Ajewole, A. O.  , Atanda J. F.  , Jayeola, C. O.  , Olorundare B. O.  , Mustapha K.
Published: March 2024

Due to its functional advantages in addition to its flavor, tea's product diversification has grown in popularity and customer acceptability. In this study, different green tea blends with different amounts of cinnamon, lemon, and ginger (0–30%) were developed. The tea blends' compositional analysis, antioxidant, microbiological, and sensory profiles were assessed.  The tea with cinnamon mix had a catechin mean value of 9.7%; the tea with ginger blend had a catechin mean value of 7.4%; and the tea with lemon blend had a catechin mean value of 8.0%.  For lemon/tea at 15% and 98.9g AAE/100g for cinnamon/tea at 20%, the best DPPH values were attained. For ginger/tea, cinnamon/tea, the total polyphenol value peaked at 19.02 g GAE/100g (20%), 18.62 g GAE/100g (20%), and 18.37 g GAE/100g (15%), respectively. According to microbiological analysis, no microbial growth was found in any of the tests run. The cup quality results showed that the panelists generally approved of the lemon/tea, which had a mean of 7.3 at a 15% inclusion level.
African Breadfruit Seed Oil as Lipid Phase of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improved Gastrointestinal Fluid Solubility of Ibuprofen: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Omeh Romanus C. , Momoh Audu M. , Asogwa Felix K. , Ugwu Celestine O. , Ugodi Gerald W. , Ujam Treasure N. , Oluigbo Kennedy E. , Ani Njideka , Okorie Ndidiamaka H. , Ugwu Paul E.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Rain forest vegetations all over the world produce large quantity of economically important seed oils which, in most developing countries are utilized only as food condiments but hardly employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to formulate ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system for the enhancement of the gastrointestinal fluid solubility of this poorly water soluble drug.

Methods: The breadfruit seed oil was extracted by the soxhlet extraction technique and characterized for various physicochemical properties including acid, iodine, peroxide, saponification values and organoleptic properties.  The super saturation solubility process, water titration studies and pseudo ternary phase diagrams were used to select and quantify the components of the emulsion systems. The liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems were converted to solid forms by adsorption onto a blend of miceocrystalline cellulose and Aerosil-200 powders. The resulting wet mass was dried and processed for encapsulation.

Results: The percentage yield of the oil from the extraction process was 20.68 % while the acid, iodine, and saponification values were, 4.12 ± 1.24, 21.91 ± 0.88, and 302.45 ± 1.22 respectively. The ibuprofen exhibited higher solubility in the hydrolysed oil than in the crude form. Fourier transform infrared analysis did not reveal existence of component incompatibility. The optimized liquid and solid emulsions exhibited standard characteristics that were compatible to previous literature reports. The formulations also exhibited superior drug release properties over two control samples.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Breadfruit seed oil has the potential to function as the lipid component of ibuprofen-loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system formulated to enhance the aqueous solubility of the drug.
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Verma Sudhanshu , Singh Abhishek , Pradhan Swati Swayamprabha , Kushuwaha Manish
Published: March 2024

Climate change presents unprecedented challenges to global agriculture, affecting crop yields, livestock productivity, water availability, soil health, and ecosystem stability. This review examines the multifaceted impacts of climate change on agriculture, encompassing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, pest and disease dynamics, and soil degradation. Through synthesizing existing literature, the review elucidates the complex interactions between climate change and agricultural systems, highlighting the implications for food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the review discusses adaptive strategies, policy interventions, and technological innovations aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.
An Efficient Method for Computing the Inverse and Eigenvalues of Circulant Matrices with Lucas Numbers
Authors: Guritman Sugi , Jaharuddin  , Wulandari Teduh , Siswandi
Published: March 2024

In this article, the inverse including the determinant, and the eigenvalues of circulant matrices with entry Lucas numbers are formulated explicitly in a simple way so that their computations can be constructed efficiently. The formulation method of the determinant and inverse is simply applying the theory of elementary row or column operations and can be unified in one theorem. Meanwhile, for the eigenvalues formulation, the recently known formulation in the case of general circulant matrices is simplified by observing the specialty of the Lucas sequence and applying cyclic group properties of unit circles in the complex plane. Then, an algorithm of those formulations is constructed efficiently. From some  implementation facts also showed that the algorithms performed very fast and was able to calculate large size of circulant matrices.
Evaluation of Marketing Pattern of Major Pulses in Bemetara District of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Krishna  , Verma Tripti , Rupsinh Damor Joyal
Published: March 2024

The current study intends to investigate the major pulses' marketing patterns in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara area. The Bemetara and Saja blocks in the Bemetara district of the state of Chhattisgarh were the study's locations. For the study, farmers who grew pulses in the villages of Garra (30), Khati (30), Lalpur (30), and Nawrangpur (30) were questioned, as well as two villages from each block. The main conclusions of this study showed that big pulses' marketing strategies. For marginal, small, medium, large, and overall, respectively, the marketable surplus in chickpea was 6.70, 8.72, 10.11, 11.61, and 8.61 q ha-1 and 1.12, 2.17, 4.77, 12.41, and 3.60 q farm-1 of their total production (Table no. 1). In pigeon pea, it was 5.62, 8.08, 8.52, 9.97 and 7.49 q ha-1 and 0.61, 2.45, 2.89, 6.53, and 2.36 q farm-1 for their total production (Table no. 2) for marginal, small, medium, large and overall, respectively. The following three widely used marketing channels for the marketing of major pulses were identified. Channel-I: Farmer \(\Diamond\) Consumer, Channel-II: Farmer \(\Diamond\) Retailer \(\Diamond\) Consumer and Channel-III: Farmer \(\Diamond\) Wholesaler\(\Diamond\) Retailer \(\Diamond\) Consumer. Channel wise total marketing cost of major pulses at sample farms, evaluated and demonstrated in the Table 3 For the channel-I total marketing cost was Rs.16.63, for channel-II total marketing cost was in Rs. 34.93 and for channel-III total cost estimated as Rs. 57.96 per quintal. [1] Price spread was maximum in channel-III as Rs 268.68 followed by channel-II as Rs 136.93 and channel-I as Rs 16.63. This is due to fact that as the market chain increases price spread also increases. The price paid by consumer was maximum in channel-III as Rs 5250, followed by channel-II as Rs 5120.08 and channel-I as Rs 5000. Channel-I had the largest producer share in terms of consumer rupees (100%), followed by Channel-II (97.65%) and Channel-I (95.23%). Table No. 5 displays the marketing efficiency findings. According to the table, Channel I (300.66) had a higher efficiency than Channel II (37.39) and Channel III (19.53), in that order. According to the study, channel I was the most successful platform for marketing pulses since it was one of the more efficient marketing channels.
Older women with operable breast cancer are less likely to have surgery
Authors: Lavelle K , Moran A , Howell A , Bundred N , Campbell M , Todd C
Published: June 2007

Background

Older women are less likely to receive standard management for breast cancer than younger postmenopausal women. Whether differences in general health explain variations in the rates of surgery is not known.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 76 women aged 65 years or more attending breast units in Greater Manchester completed a survey measuring functional status (Elderly Population Health Status Survey's Activity of Daily Living), generic health status (Short Form 12) and health-related quality of life (European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30). Case-note review assessed co-morbidity (Charlson Index) and management. Primary surgery for operable breast cancer was investigated using logistic regression.

Results

A Charlson Index of 1 or more did not predict the use of surgery (P = 0·363). However, for each point increase on the 1–4 scale indicating worsening functional status, the odds of having surgery decreased by 16 times (odds ratio 0·063). The odds of a woman of 80 years or more having surgery decreased by a factor of 44 (odds ratio 0·023) compared with women aged 65–79 years, accounting for co-morbidity, functional status, pretreatment stage, social deprivation and type of hospital.

Conclusion

Older women were less likely to have surgery for operable breast cancer than younger women, even after accounting for differences in general health and co-morbidity.
Peptaibol Production by Sepedonium Strains Parasitizing Boletales
Authors: Neuhof Torsten , Berg Albrecht , Besl Helmut , Schwecke Torsten , Dieckmann Ralf , von Döhren Hans
Published: June 2007

Fungi of the genus Sepedonium (anamorphic ascomycetes) are known to infect fruiting bodies of Basidiomycetes of the order Boletales. We have characterized twelve Sepedonium isolates by intact‐cell mass spectrometry (IC‐MS) with the help of respective biomarkers and their metabolite spectra focusing on peptaibol production. A strain of mycoparasitic S. chalcipori was grown in solid‐state fermentation, and tylopeptin production was found, suggesting an ascomycete origin of these peptaibols, which were first described in the basidiomycete Tylopilus neofelleus. In addition, the structures of two new peptaibols, chalciporin A (=Ac‐Trp‐Val‐Aib‐Val‐Ala‐Gln‐Ala‐Aib‐Ser‐Leu‐Ala‐Leu‐Aib‐Gln‐Leuol) and chalciporin B (=Ac‐Trp‐Val‐Aib‐Val‐Ala‐Gln‐Ala‐Aib‐Gln‐Aib‐Ala‐Leu‐Aib‐Gln‐Leuol) are presented. The IC‐MS technique was applied for in situ peptaibol analysis of Sepedonium strains growing on Boletales, in particular S. chrysospermum infecting Xerocomus cf. badius. We found chrysospermins at the surface and within basidiomycete tissue, as well as in the cultivated parasite.
Conformational Analysis of TOAC‐Labelled Alamethicin F50/5 Analogues
Authors: Peggion Cristina , Jost Micha , De Borggraeve Wim M. , Crisma Marco , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio
Published: June 2007

In the preceding paper in this issue, we reported the total syntheses in solution of a set of four TOAC‐containing analogues of the [L‐Glu(OMe)7,18,19] F50/5 component of alamethicin, the prototype of peptaibol antibiotics forming channels in the biological membranes. In this article, we have expanded this work to the examination of their preferred conformation in solution by use of a combination of CD, FT‐IR absorption, and NMR spectroscopies. The results are strongly in favor of the view that replacement of the Aib residues at positions 1, 8, and 16 with TOAC (both are members of the helicogenic sub‐class of Cα‐tetrasubstituted α‐amino acids) does not significantly affect the overwhelmingly populated α‐helical 3D structure of alamethicin. The X‐ray diffraction crystal structure of the Nα‐protected, C‐terminal, hexapeptide amide segment Z‐L‐Pro‐L‐Val‐(Aib)2‐[L‐Glu(OMe)]2‐Fol lends further support to our conformational conclusions.
Spirodionic Acid, a Novel Metabolite from Streptomyces sp., Part 1: Structure Elucidation and Diels–Alder‐Type Biosynthesis
Authors: Textor Adriana , Papastavrou Ina , Siewert Jürgen , Magull Jörg , Kulik Andreas , Fiedler Hans‐Peter , von Zezschwitz Paultheo , Grond Stephanie
Published: June 2007

Spirodionic acid (1), a novel microbial metabolite with a spiro[4.5]decene skeleton, the 6‐ethyl‐2H‐pyrone 5, dihydrosarkomycin (6), and other metabolites were isolated from the strain Streptomyces sp. Tü 6077. Structural elucidation was accomplished by NMR spectroscopic and mass‐spectrometric studies, and the biosyntheses of compounds 1, 5, and 6 were investigated by feeding experiments with 13C‐labeled precursors. All results indicate a biogenetic sequence with metabolite 5 and sarkomycin (7) as precursors in the formation of spirocyclus 1 through an intermolecular Diels–Alder‐type reaction.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Metabolically Stabilized Cyclopentyl Trisphosphate Analogues of D‐myo‐Ins(1,4,5)P3
Authors: Zhang Liuyin , Huang Wei , Tanimura Akihiko , Morita Takao , Harihar Sitaram , DeWald Daryll B. , Prestwich Glenn D.
Published: June 2007

We describe the synthesis of four novel metabolically stabilized analogues of Ins(1,4,5)P3 based on the known cyclopentane pentaol tris(phosphate) 2: tris(phosphorothioate) 3, tris(methylenephosphate) 4, tris(sulfonamide) 5, and tris(sulfate) 6. Of these analogues, only the tris(phosphorothioate) 3 and parent tris(phosphate) 2 bound to the type I InsP3R construct. In addition, both the tris(phosphorothioate) 3 and parent tris(phosphate) 2 elicited calcium release in MDA MB‐435 breast cancer cells. The Ins(1,4,5)P3 agonist activities of these two compounds can be rationalized on the basis of computational docking of the ligands to the binding domain of the type I InsP3R.
Low locoregional failure rates in selected breast cancer patients with tumor‐positive sentinel lymph nodes who do not undergo completion axillary dissection
Authors: Hwang Rosa F. , Gonzalez‐Angulo Ana M. , Yi Min , Buchholz Thomas A. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Kuerer Henry M. , Babiera Gildy V. , Tereffe Welela , Liu Diane D. , Hunt Kelly K.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND.

The role for completion axillary dissection (CLND) in patients with breast cancer who have tumor‐positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) has been questioned. The objective of this study was to examine the long‐term safety of avoiding CLND in selected patients with positive SLNs.

METHODS.

Patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy at the authors' institution between 1993 and July 2005 were reviewed. Of 3366 total patients, 750 patients had a positive SLN. There were 196 patients with a positive SLN who did not undergo CLND based on clinician and patient preference. Clinicopathologic variables and treatment patterns were analyzed along with locoregional, distant recurrence, and survival.

RESULTS.

Most tumors were infiltrating ductal carcinomas (74%), estrogen receptor‐positive tumors (82%), progesterone receptor‐positive tumors (70%), HER‐2/neu‐negative tumors (78.6%), and tumors were classified predominantly as either T1 or T2 (95.4%). The median number of SLNs removed was 3, and the median number of positive SLNs was 1. The median size of the tumor deposit in the SLN was 1.0 mm (range, 0.1–12.9 mm). Most SLNs were positive by on hematoxylin and eosin staining (64.3%), whereas 35.7% of SLNs were positive only by immunohistochemistry. Most patients underwent breast conservation (68.9%), radiation (58.2%), and chemotherapy (neoadjuvant in 14.3%, adjuvant in 55.6%). With a median follow‐up of 29.5 months, no patients had an axillary recurrence, 1 patient had a supraclavicular lymph node recurrence, and 3 patients developed distant metastases. The median time to recurrence was 32 months.

CONCLUSIONS.

In selected patients who had positive SLNs, the locoregional failure rate was low without CLND. Prospective studies will be valuable to corroborate these results and to refine further the optimal selection criteria for this approach. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Will Kleber (1906‐1970) ‐ forerunner of modern crystallography at Humboldt University of Berlin
Authors: Meyer K. , Rechenberg I. , Däweritz L.
Published: June 2007

The 100th anniversary of the birthday of Will Kleber (1906‐1970) is reason to recall his role for establishing modern crystallography at the Humboldt University of Berlin. As professor for mineralogy between 1953 and his death he reorganized research and education emphasizing the interdisciplinary character of crystallography. This is outlined in the light of the international situation of crystallography at that time. In W. Kleber’s program for the academic education of crystallographers methodical knowledge and skills played an important role. This was closely connected with his extensive scientific work, in particular in the fields of crystal growth, epitaxy and topotaxy, and the real structure of crystals. An overview of the numerous diploma, doctoral and postdoctoral theses supervised by him is given. Often their subjects were agreed on together with industrial companies. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Harmonic Balance, Melnikov method and nonlinear oscillators under resonant perturbation
Authors: Bonnin Michele
Published: June 2007

The subharmonic Melnikov's method is a classical tool for the analysis of subharmonic orbits in weakly perturbed nonlinear oscillators, but its application requires the availability of an analytical expression for the periodic trajectories of the unperturbed system. On the other hand, spectral techniques, like the Harmonic Balance, have been widely applied to the analysis and design of nonlinear oscillators. In this manuscript, we show that bifurcations of subharmonic orbits in perturbed systems can be easily detected computing the Melnikov's integral over the Harmonic Balance approximation of the unperturbed orbits. The proposed method significantly extends the applicability of the Melnikov's method since the orbits of any nonlinear oscillator can be easily detected by the Harmonic Balance technique, and the integrability of the unperturbed equations is not required anymore. As examples, several case studies are presented, the results obtained are confirmed by extensive numerical experiments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of the Formation of [Ln(DOTAM)]3+ Complexes
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Bányai István , Brücher Ernő , Király Róbert , Terreno Enzo
Published: June 2007

The kinetics of the formation of lanthanide(III) complexes of the neutral ligand DOTAM differ considerably from those of DOTA and its derivatives, which contain negatively charged pendant groups. Formation of the complexes [Ln(DOTAM)]3+ occurs upon direct encounter of the Ln3+ ions and the fully deprotonated ligand in the pH range 4.7–5.8. The formation of a protonated intermediate, which is characteristic of the complexation of DOTA and its derivatives, was not detected. General base catalysis is not valid in the formation reactions of [Ln(DOTAM)]3+, which also indicates the absence of protonated intermediates. The rates of the proton‐exchange reactions for the ligand species H2DOTAM2+ and HDOTAM+ have been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Proton exchange was found to be a general base‐catalysed process, therefore it cannot play an important role in the formation of these complexes. The second‐order rate constants, kL, which characterize the formation of the complexes [Ln(DOTAM)]3+, are lower than the analogous rate constants reported for the Ln3+ complexes of open‐chain multidentate ligands by three to four orders of magnitude. These low kL values can be interpreted by assuming an early rate‐determining step (probably the second or third Ln3+–amide bond formation) in the reaction sequence that leads to the [Ln(DOTAM)]3+ complex.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A portable rainfall simulator for field assessment of splash and slopewash in remote locations
Authors: Clarke Michelle A. , Walsh Rory P. D.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the design, operation and performance of a field‐portable ‘drip‐type’ simulator and erosion measurement system. The system was constructed specifically for soil erosion research in the humid tropics and has been used extensively in Malaysian Borneo. The simulator is capable of producing replicable storms of up to 200 mm h−1 intensity and 20–30 minutes duration with a drop‐size distribution close to that of natural storms of such intensity (D50 of simulated rainfall is 4·15 mm at 200 mm h−1 and 3·65 mm at 160 mm h−1, D50 measured during natural rainfall = 3·25 mm). The simulator is portable and simply constructed and operates without a motor or electronics, thus making it particularly useful in remote, mountainous areas. The erosion measurement system allows assessment of: (1) rainsplash detachment and net downslope transport from the erosion plot; (2) slopewash (erosion transported by overland flow); and (3) infiltration capacity and overland flow. The performance of the simulator–erosion system compared with previous systems is assessed with reference to experiments carried out in primary and regenerating tropical rainforest at Danum Valley (Malaysian Borneo). The system was found to compare favourably with previous field simulators, producing a total storm kinetic energy of 727 J m−2 (over a 20‐minute storm event) and a kinetic energy rate of 0·61 J m−2 s−1, approximately half that experienced on the ground during a natural rainfall event of similar intensity, despite the shorter distance to the ground. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basal and metal‐induced expression of metallothionein isoform 1 and 2 genes in the RWPE‐1 human prostate epithelial cell line
Authors: Albrecht Amy L. , Singh Rajendra K. , Somji Seema , Sens Mary Ann , Sens Donald A. , Garrett Scott H.
Published: June 2007

The human prostate gland has low basal expression of the metallothionein‐1 and ‐2 proteins. In prostate cancer, MT‐1/2 protein expression is variable and correlates directly with the increasing Gleason score of the tumor. The goal of the present study was to determine if the RWPE‐1 cell line is a good model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the alterations in MT‐1/2 expression that occur during the development of prostate cancer. It was shown that the RWPE‐1 cell line and in situ prostate tissue have identical expression profiles of MT‐1 and MT‐2 isoform‐specific mRNAs (MT‐1E, MT‐1X and MT‐2A) and similar levels of MT‐1/2 protein. It was also shown that the RWPE‐1 cells respond to Zn+2 and Cd+2 exposure by induction of the basally expressed MT mRNAs and the accumulation of high levels MT‐1/2 protein (in excess of 10% of total protein). It was also shown that additional MT‐1 mRNAs were expressed when the cells were exposed to either metal; MT‐1A, MT‐1F, MT‐G and MT‐1H for Cd+2‐exposed cells; and, MT‐1F, MT‐G and MT‐1H for Zn+2‐exposed cells. The results suggest that RWPE‐1 cells may be a valuable system to define the interplay between Zn+2 concentration, Cd+2 exposure and MT in normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative acrylic bone cement formulations for cemented arthroplasties: Present status, key issues, and future prospects
Authors: Lewis Gladius
Published: June 2007

All the commercially available plain acrylic bone cement brands that are used in cemented arthroplasties are based on poly (methyl methacrylate) and, with a few exceptions, have the same constituents. It is well known that these brands are beset with many drawbacks, such as high maximum exotherm temperature, lack of bioactivity, and volumetric shrinkage upon curing. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about a number of the constituents, such as toxicity of the activator (N,N,dimethyl‐p‐toluidine) and possible involvement of the radiopacifier (BaSO4 or ZrO2 particles) in third‐body wear. Thus, over the years, many research efforts have been expended to address these drawbacks, culminating in a large number of alternative formulations, which may be grouped into 16 categories. Although there are a number of reviews of the large literature that now exists on these formulations, each covers only some of the categories and none contains a detailed discussion of the germane issues. The objective of the present work, therefore, was to present a comprehensive and critical review of the whole field. In addition to succinct descriptions of the cements in each category, there are explicative summaries of literature reports, a detailed discussion of several key issues surrounding the potential for use of these cements in cemented arthroplasties, and a presentation of numerous ideas for future studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008
Non‐linearity in statistical downscaling: does it bring an improvement for daily temperature in Europe?
Authors: Huth R. , Kliegrová S. , Metelka L.
Published: June 2007

Several linear and non‐linear statistical downscaling methods are compared for winter daily temperature at eight European stations. The linear methods include linear regression of gridpoint values (pointwise regression) and of predictors' principal components (PC regression). The non‐linear methods are represented by artificial neural networks. The non‐linearity is also achieved by a stratification of data by classification of circulation patterns and a linear regression conducted separately within each class. As predictors, gridded 500 hPa heights and 850 hPa temperature are used. The verification is conducted in the cross‐validation framework. The downscaling methods are evaluated according to four criteria: (1) fit to observations (quantified by the correlation coefficient), (2) shape of the statistical distribution, namely its skewness and kurtosis, (3) temporal autocorrelations with 1 day lag, and (4) interstation correlations. Considering all the criteria together, the pointwise linear regression appears to be the best method. It achieves the best fit with the observations and possesses the best temporal structure. The deviations of statistical distributions from normality are only captured by the neural networks, while the classification methods yield the best spatial correlations. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Corporate investments and growth options
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Tong Tony W.
Published: June 2007

Real options theory models certain corporate investments as investments in growth options, yet there is little direct evidence on whether firms actually capture growth option value from these investments. In the current paper, we attempt to bridge this empirical gap, and we also examine the conditions under which the growth option value embedded in such investments is enhanced. Results from a sample of manufacturing firms during 1989–2000 reveal that investments in research and development and joint venture (JV) investments contribute to firms' growth option values. We also show that, among JVs of different ownership structures, only minority JVs increase growth option value. Our findings affirm options theory's assertion that real options can help firms capture valuable upside opportunities, they highlight the value of examining contingencies that drive option value, and they also point to the challenges firms face in realizing the unique benefits the theory emphasizes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myostatin DNA vaccine increases skeletal muscle mass and endurance in mice
Authors: Tang Liang , Yan Zhen , Wan Yi , Han Wei , Zhang Yingqi
Published: June 2007

Myostatin is a transforming growth factor‐β family member that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. In mice, genetic disruption of the myostatin gene leads to a marked increase in body weight and muscle mass. Similarly, pharmacological interference with myostatin in vivo in mdx knockout mice results in a functional improvement of the dystrophic phenotype. Consequently, myostatin is an important therapeutic target for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. To construct a therapeutic DNA vaccine against myostatin, we coupled the foreign, immunodominant T‐helper epitope of tetanus toxin to the N terminus of myostatin, and BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant vector. Sera from vaccinated mice showed the presence of specific antibodies against the recombinant protein. In addition, body weight, muscle mass, and grip endurance of vaccinated mice were significantly increased. Our study provides a novel, pharmacological strategy for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Computerized hand grip myometry reliably measures myotonia and muscle strength in myotonic dystrophy (DM1)
Authors: Moxley Richard T. , Logigian Eric L. , Martens William B. , Annis Chris L. , Pandya Shree , Moxley Richard T. , Barbieri Cheryl A. , Dilek Nuran , Wiegner Allen W. , Thornton Charles A.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to develop a reliable, sensitive, quantitative measure of grip myotonia and strength and to determine whether CTG repeat length is correlated with grip myotonia and with muscle strength in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Three maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the finger flexors (i.e., handgrip) were recorded on 2 successive days using a computerized handgrip myometer in 29 genetically confirmed DM1 patients and 17 normals. An automated computer program calculated MVIC peak force (PF) and relaxation times (RTs) along the declining (relaxation) phase of the force recordings at 90%, 75%, 50%, 10%, and 5% of PF. Patients also underwent quantitative strength testing (QST) manual muscle testing (MMT). The patients had longer grip RTs and lower PFs than normals. RT (90% to 5%) was above the normal mean +2.5 SD in 25 (86%) patients. In DM1, prolongation of RT was mainly in the terminal (50% to 5%), rather than the initial (90% to 50%) phase of relaxation. PFs and RTs for each patient were reproducible on consecutive days. RTs were positively correlated with leukocyte CTG repeat length, whereas measures of muscle strength, such as PF, QST, and MMT, were negatively correlated with repeat length. We conclude that computerized handgrip myometry provides a sensitive, reliable measure of myotonia and strength in DM1 and offers a method to assess natural history and response to treatment. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Numerical modelling of regional faults in land subsidence prediction above gas/oil reservoirs
Authors: Ferronato Massimiliano , Gambolati Giuseppe , Janna Carlo , Teatini Pietro
Published: June 2007

The stress variation induced by gas/oil production may activate pre‐existing regional faults. This may enhance the expected land subsidence due to the generation of mechanically weak points close to the producing field. A class of elasto‐plastic interface elements (IE), specifically designed to address the mechanical behaviour of faults over a regional scale, is integrated into a finite element (FE) geomechanical model and used to investigate the role exerted by active faults in anthropogenic land subsidence. The importance of regional faults depends on a variety of factors including depth of the depleted reservoir, fault number, orientation and size, geomechanical properties of porous medium, pore pressure drawdown induced by fluid production, etc. With the aid of some representative examples, a useful indication is provided as to where and how fault activation may influence both magnitude and extent of the land subsidence bowl above producing gas/oil reservoirs, pointing to a generally limited impact on the ground surface. The simulation of a real faulted gas reservoir in a complex 3‐D setting shows that the proposed IE can be simply and efficiently incorporated into a FE geomechanical model, thus improving the quality of the stress and displacement prediction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial meningitis from Rothia mucilaginosa in patients with malignancy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Lee Alisa B. , Harker‐Murray Paul , Ferrieri Patricia , Schleiss Mark R. , Tolar Jakub
Published: June 2007

Opportunistic infections contribute to morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and treatment for malignancies. Rothia mucilaginosa, a gram‐positive bacterium, is responsible for rare, but often fatal meningitis in severely immunocompromised patients. We describe two cases of meningitis from discrete strains of R. mucilaginosa on our pediatric bone marrow transplant unit, summarize the published cases of R. mucilaginosa meningitis in oncology and stem cell transplant patients, and provide updated recommendations regarding the use of antibiotic therapy in this patient population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:673–676. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of swelling process of protein by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Akiyama Yoko , Shibahara Yuji , Takeda Shin‐ichi , Izumi Yoshinobu , Honda Yoshihide , Tagawa Seiichi , Nishijima Shigehiro
Published: June 2007

The change in the nanoscopic structure and bound state of water in the protein gel were investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gelatin was used as a protein. To examine the bound state of water in gelatin gel, the amount of freezing and nonfreezing water in gelatin gels were evaluated by fusion enthalpy of DSC curves. Below water content of 40% (w/w), the whole amount of water was nonfreezing water, whereas above water content of 40% (w/w), the amount of freezing water increased according to increase in water content. To investigate the nanoscopic spatial structure under coexistence of polymer and water, positron annihilation lifetime measurement was performed. The lifetime of o‐Ps or the pore size increased according to increase in water content, particularly below the water content of 40% (w/w). When the water penetrates into the gelatin network, the water molecules form hydrogen bonds with hydrophilic groups inside the helical structure in gelatin gel. The water molecules inside the helical structure expand the structure outward, leading to increase in pore size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2031–2037, 2007.
Pyriproxyfen activates reproduction in prediapause northern strain plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst)
Authors: Hoffmann Eric J , VanderJagt Joshua , Whalon Mark E
Published: June 2007

Field‐collected, prediapause northern strain plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), adults were treated with the juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen to assess effects on reproductive development. Adults of this pest have an obligate winter reproductive diapause and do not reach reproductive maturity until after spring emergence. Topical (1.0 µL) doses of 10, 1.0 and 0.1 µg µL−1 pyriproxyfen induced oocyte development and reproductive maturation in all treated females as assessed by dissection. There was no increased mortality in treated beetles, and control insects showed no reproductive maturation. Treatment of prediapause males and females with 1.0 µg µL−1 of topical pyriproxyfen or exposure to residues on fruit induced successful egg laying and F1 emergence; F1 pupation success in topical treatments and residue exposure was 47 and 59% respectively. Filial adults require re‐exposure to initiate reproductive development. Treatment protocols with pyriproxyfen will allow researchers to culture the northern strain, instead of relying exclusively on the non‐diapausing southern strain. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Model for magnetic–nonmagnetic binary alloys
Authors: Razafimandimby H. , Randrianasoloharisoa D. , Rakotomahevitra A. , Parlebas J. C.
Published: June 2007

An extension of a mean‐field approximation (MFA) developed within standard basis operators (SBO) is used to study magnetism in magnetic–nonmagnetic binary alloys. The Curie temperature is calculated from the free energy within the framework of the present approach. The calculated results are in fair agreement with the theoretical results of other research groups for the same problem but utilizing other methods. Finally, the case of NiPt alloys is briefly examined as an example test for the comparison with experiment. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of the effects of Chinese medicine on fibroblast viability: implications in wound healing
Authors: Lau T. W. , Chan Y. W. , Lau C. P. , Chan C. M. , Lau C. B. S. , Fung K. P. , Leung P. C. , Ho Y. Y.
Published: June 2007

Diabetes mellitus has been a clinical problem for hundreds of years. Over 194 million people suffer from this disease worldwide. Improper control of diabetes may result in diabetic foot ulcer or even amputation. Granulation formation is an important issue essential for ulcer healing. The CRL‐7522 fibroblast cell line and primary fibroblasts from a diabetic foot ulcer patient were used to model the wound healing enhancing activities of two clinically efficacious Chinese herbal formulae, Formula 1 (F1) and Formula 2 (F2) and their component herbs. Results showed that the two formulae and four of their component herbs, Radix Astragali, Radix Rehmanniae, Rhizoma Alismatis and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae significantly enhanced CRL‐7522 cell viability. However, these component herbs showed compromised effects on the viability of primary fibroblasts cultured from the ulcerous tissue of a diabetic patient. Interestingly, F1 and F2 enhanced the viability of primary cultured fibroblasts from the diabetic patient even in the face of insulin resistance. These results further support the previously reported clinical efficacies of the two formulae on healing diabetic foot ulcers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naturally occurring glucosinolates in plant extracts of rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.) identified by liquid chromatography coupled with negative ion electrospray ionization and quadrupole ion‐trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Rubino Alessandra , Lelario Filomena , Bufo Sabino A.
Published: June 2007

A method for the comprehensive profiling of intact glucosinolates (GLSs), major and minor, occurring in leaves and seeds of rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.) is presented using optimized reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RP‐LC) with electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). ESI‐ITMS in the negative mode was confirmed to be very suitable to analyze these compounds in crude extracts. After extraction from the plant material with methanol/water (70:30 v/v) at 70°C, the analytes of interest were separated on a C18 column using an eluent acidified with formic acid (0.1%) and modified with acetonitrile. All the GLSs found in leaves of rocket salad gave good signals corresponding to the deprotonated precursor ion, [M−H]−. Although the mass spectra also exhibited an analytically important non‐covalent adduct ion at [2M−H]−, the structures of glucosinolates were confirmed by extensive sequential MS analysis, thereby substantially improving the identification of unknown compounds. The results obtained not only revealed in leaves of E. sativa at least twelve species of GLSs including seven aliphatic compounds (glucoraphanin with [M−H]− at m/z ratio of 436, glucoerucin at m/z 420, 4‐mercaptobutyl‐GLS at m/z 406, progoitrin/epiprogoitrin at m/z 388, sinigrin at m/z 358, 4‐methylpentyl‐ and n‐hexyl‐GLS at m/z 402) and three indole glucosinolates (i.e., three N‐heterocyclic compounds: 4‐hydroxyglucobrassicin and 5‐hydroxyglucobrassicin at m/z 463, and 4‐methoxy‐glucobrassicin at m/z 477), but also two structurally related compounds containing one intermolecular disulfide linkage (4‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyldisulfanyl)butyl‐GLS at m/z 600 and a dimeric 4‐mercaptobutyl‐GLS at m/z 811). This latter symmetric disulfide was previously considered as an artefact formed during extraction of GLSs from vegetative tissues. Glucosinolates were detected in the leaves with a wide range of contents (10–200 µmol/g) and a great variation in the composition. Only three GLSs were identified in seeds of rocket salad, namely glucoraphanin, glucoerucin and 4‐methoxyglucobrassicin. As expected, the most abundant GLS in seeds is glucoerucin. The feasibility of the strategy was also demonstrated using a rapeseed extract of certified reference material (BCR367R). The results indicated the usefulness of this method for a rapid, sensitive and comprehensive profiling of the GLS family naturally occurring in extracts of crude plant matter. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of the effect of temperature on soy lecithin‐stabilized emulsions
Authors: Whittinghill J. M. , Norton J. , Proctor A.
Published: June 2007

The effect of temperature on soy lecithin‐stabilized emulsions was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Oil‐in‐water (o/w) 4% (wt/vol) soy lecithin emulsions were prepared in 6% (vol/vol) medium‐chain triglycerides and 94% (vol/vol) water using a two‐stage homogenizer set at a pressure of 3000 psig. Three types of emulsions were used in this study: emulsions containing Lecigran and Lecimulthin as emulsifiers and a control emulsion, with no emulsifier added. After preparation, the emulsions were cooled to 4°C, held at this temperature, and spectra were collected after 1 h. The emulsions and reference water were raised to room temperature (22°C) and held at that temperature for 1 h and the spectra collected. The temperature was raised 15°C over the temperature range of 22 to 82°C, and spectral data were collected similarly. The four regions used for this determination in the subtracted spectra of the emulsion were those contributing to ‐OH vibration, ‐CH2 stretching, H‐O‐H bending vibrations, and P=O, C‐O‐C, and P‐O‐C vibrations. The control emulsion was greatly affected at temperatures other than room temperature. This was due to the lack of lecithin as an emulsifier, resulting in a destabilization of the emulsion with temperature increases. The vibrational peaks for the emulsion containing Lecimulthin were found to be lower than those for the emulsion made with Lecigran due to greater water bonding. The control had the highest peaks at the ‐OH regions because of reduced interaction at the oil‐water interface. Both of the emulsions with phospholipids remained stable throughout the temperature range. FTIR is a potentially powerful tool that could be used in the rapid determination of emulsion stability in food systems by measuring emulsifier‐water interactions.
Peptide characteristics of sunflower protein hydrolysates
Authors: Villanueva Alvaro , Vioque Javier , Sánchez‐Vioque Raúl , Clemente Alfonso , Pedroche Justo , Bautista Juan , Millán Francisco
Published: June 2007

Protein isolate from sunflower seeds was used as the starting material for preparation of an extensively hydrolyzed peptide product. Protein was hydrolyzed using an endopeptidase (Alcalase), an exopeptidase (Flavourzyme), or both enzymes sequentially. Combined use of these proteases generated the highest degree of hydrolysis, 54.2%, and highest solubility, around 90%, between pH 2.5 and 7. Molecular weight profiles of the hydrolysates were characterized by gel filtration chromatography and denaturing electrophoresis. Amino acid compositions and solubilities of the different hydrolysates also were studied.
Effect of extraction system, stage of ripeness, and kneading temperature on the sterol composition of virgin olive oils
Authors: Koutsaftakis A. , Kotsifaki F. , Stefanoudaki E.
Published: June 2007

Comparative extraction trials were carried out among a classical pressing, a dual‐, and a three‐phase centrifugation system using olive crops of Koroneiki variety. Two different kneading temperatures, 30 and 45°C, were tested at three stages of ripeness for two consecutive years of harvest, 1995–1996 and 1996–1997. Composition of the sterol fraction was determined in the resulting olive oil samples (n=72). Stigmasterol was found to be affected by the extraction system; it was obtained in the highest amount in the pressing system. The ratio campesterol/stigmasterol was significantly higher in oils extracted by dual‐ and three‐phase centrifugation. Sterols were significantly affected by the ripening stage of the fruit. During December, the ratio campesterol/stigmasterol reached the maximal and β‐sitosterol the minimal values; this appears to be the optimal period for harvesting the olives. Comparison of the different kneading temperatures showed that at 30°C, Δ5‐avenasterol and campesterol/stigmasterol ratio reached higher values than at 45°C.